You can find hundreds of articles on the Internet on the top exercises to work the troubled areas that get in the way of a toned body ready for swimsuit season. For some women, no matter how much they workout they cannot slim down fat or increase the size of their breasts. The alternative to giving up or continued frustration is to consider having cosmetic surgery.

Arm Reduction

Arm reductions and arm tucks will remove excess skin and fat from the upper arm, between the armpit and elbow. Sagging skin and flab under the arms can come about from rapid weight loss or age – even genetics can play a role. The upper arm can be a stubborn part of the body to remedy. An arm lift or reduction is a relatively simple plastic surgery procedure, recovering can be quick but results impressive.

Breast Augmentation or Breast Lift

Even with a healthy, toned body some women still do not feel satisfied with their bodies because of small or sagging breasts. A breast lift can recreate the shape and perkiness of younger days through repositioning of the areola, lifting and shaping the breast tissue and removing extra skin on the breast if necessary. For larger or significant changes to the shape of the breasts, augmentation with breast implants may be required. Based on the current condition of the breasts and the desired look, your plastic surgeon can help you decide whether saline or silicone breast implants are the best option.

Liposuction and Tummy Tucks

A beautifully sculpted stomach is an integral part of the perfect bikini body. Even after years of sit ups and crunches, many cannot get rid of their love handles or pouch at the bottom of their stomachs. Age and pregnancy can also play a part in weakened tummy muscles, making a flat and firm stomach out of reach. Liposuction, the removal of fat from between the skin and muscle, or a tummy tuck, the tightening of the abdominal muscles and excising of the additional skin can be the solution to having a contoured tummy.

Buttock Enhancement with Brazilian Butt Lift

The shape and size of the backside is one of the most important features to a woman’s body. Each individual desires a different silhouette to her buttocks but few are able to control through exercise alone. An increasingly common and popular choice is a Brazil butt lift. Liposuction is used to remove excess fat from other areas of the body; the fat is purified and reinserted in the middle of the buttocks for a filled out more youthful buttocks.

Medial Thigh Lift

The thigh skin is thinner than other areas of the body. Weight loss and age can lead to loose skin, sagging muscles and cellulite. During a medial thigh lift the excess skin is removed and remaining skin tightened. The lift creates a smoother, more supple appearance of the skin itself as well as a lean contouring of the muscle.

If you are considering cosmetic surgery contact Murphy Plastic Surgery in Denver to schedule your consultation. We can answer all your questions and provide you the necessary information to make an informed decision.

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Sunscreen

We suggest wearing sunscreen every day of the year however, more skin is exposed to the sun’s rays during summer and sweat can wash away sunscreen throughout the day. From sun up to sun down, make sure that you stay protected with a sunscreen containing zinc oxide or aluminum dioxide. The sun rays in Denver are stronger than most of the places in the United States – a mile closer to the sun. You need to make sure to reapply your sunscreen multiple times daily if you are outside to maintain the protection from the Denver summer sun. It is also a good idea make sure that you use a lip balm that has an SPF.

Oil-free Products

Late spring and summer is an ideal time to switch your facial cosmetics and products to oil-free and water-based cleansers, toners, lotions and make-up. Sweating that can occur during the heat of summer add to the oils already produced by your skin naturally. Changing to oil free products will help promote healthy skin and decrease the likelihood of an acne breakout.

Hydrate

Water is the best natural skin care product available. Radiant skin will be supple and soft when you maintain the moisture by drinking enough water. Staying hydrated has multiple benefits to your skin as well as your whole body. It is easier than you think to get dehydrated in the dog days of summer and can prove quite serious. To stay hydrated, especially during and after exercise, you can also drink coconut water and beetroot juice to restore electrolytes, potassium and other elements lost through sweating. During the summer increase your intake of foods high in water like strawberries and peaches.

Moisturize

The heat and sunshine of spring and summer can dry out the skin on your entire body and face. Moisture with a water based or light oil based moisturizer twice a day, especially after bathing and swimming. Though you shouldn’t use oil or oil based products on your face during the warmer months, you can use Jojoba or Coconut oil on the rest of your body for a natural moisturizer. There are many high quality products on the market that will fit any budget.

Exfoliate

Removing dry and dead skin cells can leave your skin luminous but you should not exfoliate more than once a week during summer. Exfoliating too often can dry out skin as well as make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Once you exfoliate make sure to use a light moisturizers to retain smooth and silky look and feel to your face.

Murphy Plastic Surgery can help recommend the proper skin care products for your skin type. Schedule your consultation today at our Denver office. We also offer skin resurfacing, photo BBL and skin peels to further your skin care and health.

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Injectables

Injectables such as Botox, the cosmetic form of botulinum toxin, have become increasingly popular since its FDA approval in 2002. Injectables work by blocking nerve impulses to the muscles that cause frown lines and wrinkles. Botox is typically used around the eyes and on the forehead.  The results show improvement in about 10 days and can last up to four months.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers or hyaluronic acid are a great alternative to surgical procedures. They work by filling in areas under the skin that show wrinkles and fine lines. Some of the most well known dermal fillers are Juvederm, Perlane, Restylane, and the new Belotero.  The products work in a very similar manner, however; calcium hydroxylapatite like Radiesse are calcium based. Dermal fillers, just like injectables are temporary and need to be repeated, usually every nine to twelve months,to maintain the results.  The most popular areas for dermal injectables are the face and lips.

Microdermabrasion

The most popular facial is microdermabrasion. Exfoliating crystals are used on to the person’s face as the machine gently removes dead cells. Microdermabrasion is not meant for deeper scarring or skin irregularities but as a light skin rejuvenation therapy. There is no need for medication or numbing solution. The effects are renewed, softer, smoother skin.

Chemical Peel

For more intense treatment, a chemical peel can help with scarring and irregular pigmentation from age, sun damage, acne or genetics. Based on the severity of the facial damage, chemical peels range from light to deep. The type of chemicals used and the length of time the chemicals remain on your face determine the end results. A light chemical skin peel will remove the top layer of epidermis while a deep peel will penetrate the deeper layers of dermis. Once the damaged skin is removed, fresh, new skin will appear once the skin has healed.

No matter the cosmetic treatment you choose, Murphy Plastic Surgery can walk you through every step of the process. Doctor Murphy has over 20 years of experience and uses the latest proven technology and techniques in non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Make an appointment at our Denver clinic for a consultation. Our friendly, skilled staff can answer all your questions about injectables, dermal fillers, chemical peels and microdermabrasion.

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Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation has led in popularity for cosmetic surgery procedures for some time. Though the concerns in regard to silicone breast implants have been quashed, nationwide patients choose saline implants 81% of the time which is higher than the 40% we see at Murphy Plastic Surgery.  Although with the recent FDA approval of Allergan 410 silicone-gel breast implants the number of the people opting for silicone nationwide may very likely increase significantly for 2013.

Liposuction

Lipoplasty or liposuction continues to top plastic surgery procedures in the U.S. There have been many advances in techniques and medical equipment used during liposuction; recovery time is shorter and the side effects have been minimized. Many women are choosing the alternative to liposuction, CoolSculpting, as a non-evasive body sculpting option.

Tummy Tuck

Patients that have had an abdominoplasty are undoubtedly pleased with the results. Dr. Murphy has had extensive experience in performing tummy tuck operations combining the art and science of cosmetic surgery. Many of those choosing tummy tucks also decide to have a breast augmentation or lift and liposuction, commonly referred to as a Mommy Makeover.

Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery

Unfortunately eyelids bear the brunt of aging, sun damage or simply genetics. Cosmetic eyelid surgery either removes excess skin from around the eyes or resolves hollow or fat-displaced areas under the eyes. Eyelid lifts can make a substantial difference in the way your look and feel with a recovery time of usually less than one week. Your eyes will lose the tired look, appear brighter and your vision may even be improved.

Breast Lift

A breast lift can be the ideal option for women who would like to recapture the youthful, natural look of their breasts. Breast lifts can help women who like the size of their breasts but may want to change the shape or alleviate the sagging and drooping that may happen as women age. Breast lifts are out patient procedures that last approximately one hour.  It is not unusual for women to combine a breast lift surgery with breast augmentation.

If you are considering plastic surgery, schedule a consultation at Denver-based Murphy Plastic Surgery. Dr. Murphy and his staff are knowledgeable and sensitive to the needs of their patients. They are committed to providing exemplary care and an exceptional experience.

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No strings attached and easy to get started, this is truly a great deal for clients. From June through August we will be having a special price of $5280 special for saline implants and silicone implants will cost $6280. Thats an incredible $920 savings off our most recent pricing.

Call us or contact us to day to get started and schedule your one on one consultation with Dr. Murphy. We look forward to helping you achieve the look you always dreamed of.

Dr. Murphy is highly skilled, experienced and widely recognized in Denver. Serving the area since 1994, Dr. Murphy has performed over 2,500 breast augmentations, reductions, and lifts with outstanding results and high customer satisfaction. His offices are conveniently located in the Swedish Medical Center where he offers the latest in care and treatment to his patients. Contact us today to take advantage of this great limited time offer.

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Soulstice is a Denver-based clinic that has revolutionized massage therapy by developing Peri-operative Therapy, a gentle manual technique that is applied around the time of surgery. Murphy Plastic Surgery has been recommending clients to Soulstice for more than eight years. The way that perioperative therapy works is to use light touch and massage to stimulate oxygen and blood flow to areas affected by plastic surgery, promoting recovery and healing.

Perioperative Therapy Benefits:

• Lessens recovery time
• Eases pain
• Alleviates Depression and Anxiety After Surgery
• Reduces swelling and bruising
• Softens scar tissue
• Increases Circulation
• Improves Ability to Sleep

The therapists at Soulstice create a custom set of treatments based on your needs and the surgical procedure that you will be undergoing. The length and number of treatments will vary based on the extensiveness of the surgery and recovery. Some of the cosmetic surgeries that peri-operative therapy can aid healing with are breast reduction, breast augmentation, breast lift, liposuction, tummy tuck, neck lift, face lift, arm lift, thigh lift, full-body lift and Mommy Makeovers.

The initial therapy begins within a week prior to your cosmetic surgery procedure. The treatment continues a week or two following your surgery, a few times each week, decreasing each week for 4-5 weeks. The special therapists will also guide you on other recovery tips like moderate exercise, diet and hydration, self massage, scar care and rest.

When you schedule a cosmetic procedure at Murphy Plastic Surgery, we ensure that you have all the information that you need about pre and post-operative care, benefits and possible complications. A successful plastic surgery experience is our goal with each and every patient. This is the reason that we have partnered with Soulstice for peri-operative therapy following cosmetic surgery for our Denver clients.

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The State of Plastic Surgery

Last year more than 10 million plastic surgery procedures were performed in the United States, an increase of 3.1% from 2011. Ninety percent of all cosmetic procedures, both surgical and non-surgical were performed on women, more than 9.1 million; men had over 1 million plastic surgical procedures. The number of cosmetic procedures for women increased over 252% from 1997 and 106% for men. Surgical procedures increased by almost 80%, upper arm, breast and thighs lifts rose substantially and non-surgical procedures increased by 461%, namely injectables such as Botox.

Most Popular Procedures for Women

The leading female cosmetic surgeries in 2012 were Breast Augmentation, Liposuction, Tummy Tucks, Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery and Breast Lift. Most of the surgeries favored by females were centered on the body with the exception of the eyelid lift. Breast augmentations and liposuction have been the most popular plastic surgery procedures for the last 10 years.

Most Popular Procedures for Men

Men chose the following plastic surgery procedures most often in 2012: Liposuction, Rhinoplasty, surgery of the nose, cosmetic eyelid surgery, Gynecomastia or male breast reduction and Otoplasty or ear surgery. Males opted for more facial surgery than other bodily procedures. Men having liposuction or breast reductions have continued to increase in the past couple of years. The trend looks as though the number of non-surgical procedures men choose will also grow in the near future.

Most Popular Non-Surgical

More people are choosing non-surgical cosmetic treatments as an alternative to surgery and as a preventative measure. The top cosmetic treatments last year were injectables such as Botox, Dermal Fillers including Juvederm, Restylane and Belotero, Laser Hair Removal, Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels. These procedures have become more accessible, affordable and possible with advances in the medical components, techniques and recovery time.

Plastic Surgery Demographics

The Mid Atlantic states led the country with those choosing plastic surgery with 18.2%.

The Pacific Coast including Hawaii and Alaska at 17.5% and South Atlantic states from Delaware to Florida at 15.7% came in second and third respectively. Maybe not surprisingly, the Midwest and Deep South had the lowest occurrence of plastic surgery.

43% of last year’s cosmetic surgery procedures were performed on patients between the ages of 35 and 50; 78% Caucasian, 90% women. Men and minorities still make up a small percentage of plastic surgery participants. The least expensive procedure was Fat Grafting, with an average price around $2000; the Lower body lift, a combination of liposuction and buttock and thigh lifts, was the most expensive at over $14,000.

As stated by the ASAPS, “Americans spent almost $11 billion on cosmetic procedures in 2012. Of that total $6.7 billion was spent on surgical procedures; $2 billion was spent on injectables procedures; $1.8 billion was spent on skin rejuvenation procedures; and $483 million was spent on other non-surgical procedures, including laser hair removal and laser treatment of leg veins.”

*The survey used data compiled from 1997 to 2012 as well questionnaires filled out by plastic surgeons, dermatologists and otolaryngologists across the Unites States.

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Thread Lifts

A thread lift uses barbed sutures to lift sagging skin, specifically skin around your eyes, nose and neck. Thread Lifts supposedly lift sagging skin by anchoring it to the facial tissues. Thread lifts promise a face eye or face lifts without incisions, but the results are inconsistent.

The most common complaint about thread lifts is that they don’t work or that it didn’t last. In fact, many patients who have had a thread lift complain that the results, if visible at all, only last for up to a year or so after the procedure. Concerns about facial distortion and pain and tingling have also been mentioned.

Thermage

Thermage is a skin tightening procedure performed with a radio frequency machine. This procedure is sometimes offered in other doctor’s offices rather than by a plastic surgeon. The Thermage machine is supposed to deliver an electrical current to your skin tissue, which then heats soft tissue in the body to decrease wrinkling & sagging, usually of the face or abdomen, and to improve the overall look of skin. Like thread lifts, the results of Thermage procedures are inconsistent at best. More than half of former Thermage patients report that their procedure never worked at all.

Effective and Successful Facelift Procedures

With all of the non-surgical treatments that come onto the market, we evaluate and scrutinize each one. As a patient, you must evaluate what you need and the offerings of both a surgical and non-surgical treatments. At Murphy Plastic Surgery, we prefer to offer patients time proven procedures, many involving minimal recovery time, at reasonable prices.

Facelifts

The facelift continues to be the key facial rejuvenation procedure by successfully counteracting the signs of aging and combating the effects of gravity. Facelifts are great solutions for improving the cheek, jowls and neck. The facelift is designed to give you a smooth, more youthful appearance, while giving you the most natural look.

At Murphy Plastic Surgery, Dr. Murphy performs a two layer facelift. The first layer suspends and tightens the deep structures of the face, while the second layer tightens the skin to give you a youthful appearance and a result that naturally follows the contours of your face.

Cheek Lift or Mini Face Lift

For patients who have experienced mild facial aging, a cheek lift, or mini facelift, might be an option. A cheek lift is a simpler procedure than a full facelift, with a shorter recovery. The cheek lift is a great option for patients who want to counteract the early signs of facial aging.

As a patient, it’s important to understand all of your options when considering a surgical or non-surgical facelift procedure. At Murphy Plastic Surgery, we prefer to offer time tested procedures to achieve the results our patient’s desire.

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The Findings – A Summary:
The study examines the potential application of stem cells in rejuvenation procedures and highlights the fact that currently there is a lack of clinical evidence to support the use at this time. More importantly, the article addresses the misrepresentation of the term and meaning of “stem cell facelift”, which in reality, as it is advertised today, is standard fat grafting. Dr Murphy wants to note that he utilizes the latest techniques in fat grafting for the majority of his patients undergoing facial procedures.

Given the fact that claims have been made that the stem cell facelift is even more effective and requires less down time than a traditional facelift, we thought it important for patients to know what the current findings really indicate and to take the time to highlight that there is potential for misrepresentation.

The following information summarizes the findings of the “Stem Cell Facelift: Between Reality and Fiction” case. The entire article is available as a PDF here.

The Case Study:
A case study printed by the Aesthetic Surgery Journal titled “Stem Cell Facelift: Between Reality and Fiction” examines use of stem cells and medical technology for cosmetic procedures. Among these cosmetic procedures is a “stem cell facelift”. According to the case study, all currently available scientific literature indicates that, “the use of stem cell therapy for facial rejuvenation is limited to the theoretical induction of skin tightening and can in no way be equated to a facelift”. 1 The “stem cell facelift” is better compared to lipofilling facial rejuvenation procedures, and does not provide the same skin removal and lifting benefits of a traditional facelift.

The study examines claims that a stem cell facelift produces the same results of a traditional facelift, including reduced wrinkles and facial fullness, and also looks into claims that the stem cell facelift is even more effective and requires less down time than a traditional facelift. First, the study looks at adipose tissue stem cells (ADSC) and their potential for regenerative medical applications. While the use of ADSC is attractive for anti-aging treatments, clinical evidence isn’t yet available to support its use.

Moreover, the study details skin rejuvenation processes by collagen remodeling with stem cells, it differentiates between the isolation of determines that the use of stem cell therapy in facial rejuvenation procedures is actually limited to an already established and well-known procedure called volumetric rejuvenation of the face. This is called soft tissue augmentation, and while it can mitigate volume loss and add fullness to the face, it cannot replace a facelift. The study concludes that stem cell facelifting as it is currently advertised is a “gimmick” and is not a replacement for surgical facelifting.

The Response:
Dr. J. Peter Rubin responded to Ibrahim et al in a commentary on “Stem Cell Facelift: Between Reality and Fiction.” Dr. Rubin, a director of an adipose stem cell research laboratory and chair of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery/American Society of Plastic Surgeons Task Force on Stem Cells and Fat Grafting, reiterates his position that stem cells may bring great value to the field of plastic surgery. Despite his championing of the opportunities in this field, he agrees with Dr. Ibrahim and his coauthors that these procedures do not have the clinical evidence at this time to back up their claims. He also indicates that as doctors, plastic surgeons have a responsibility to deliver the best care based on solid clinical evidence, which stem cell facelifts currently lack. Rubin states that marketing new and unsubstantiated techniques violates an important trust between doctors and their patients. 2

Dr. Rubin goes on to explain that the ASAPS/ASPS Task Force on Stem Cells and Fat Grafting maintains the position that the term stem cell procedure should be reserved for cases in which the isolation or administration of stem cells is the major focus of the procedure, and that it should not be used at all for cases as Ibrahim et all describe as standard fat grafting. Rubin reiterates Dr. Ibrahim and et al’s position that good clinical evidence to support the use of stem cells is necessary to adequately inform patients about the outcomes they can expect and the risks they should be aware of with any stem cell cosmetic procedure.

1 Atiyeh B, Ibrahim A, Saad D. Stem Cell Facelift: Between Rality and Fiction. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2012 ;33, 334-338.
2 Scheflan M. Commentary on: Stem Cell Facelift: Between Reality and Fiction.. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2012 ;33:339-340.

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I think a key example of infection rate is with breast implants. If you review the literature looking at infections reported with breast implants frequently you will see between 2 and 3% infection rate. Over the last 16 years of performing breast augmentation in my office I have had one patient who got an infected breast implant which had to be removed. This gives me an infection rate with breast implants of approximately 1 in 6000 implants. Infection rates with all the other procedures I perform in the office are also well below 1%.  Of course this low infection rate relates to the fact that I only perform what would be described as clean surgical procedures in my office suite. My office staff also meticulously cleaned the operating room between procedures. We adhere closely to all recommendations of OSHA as well. During your consultation in our office should you wish to have a look at the operating room please ask my staff.

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