When it comes to any surgery, the top priority for any surgeon should be their patients’ safety. All surgeries have associated risks involved; however, choosing an experienced and qualified surgeon should help to minimize these risks.
The Importance of Compression after Plastic Surgery
Numerous plastic surgery procedures require patients to use some sort of compression garment after their surgery.
Is Combining Plastic Surgery Procedures Safe?
The short answer is yes, if you are healthy, combining plastic surgery procedures is considered to be safe.
How to Prepare for Your Plastic Surgery Consultation
It is easy to feel overwhelmed and confused when it comes to plastic surgery procedures. Medical terminology can be intimidating; however, plastic surgery consultations can help alleviate your concerns and answer any questions you might have.
Post Plastic Surgery: A guide on what to eat and drink
After undergoing such a drastic change to your body, it is important to fuel it with foods that help your body recover and heal
Top 7 Botox Myths
BOTOX® is one of Canada’s most popular cosmetic procedures. While BOTOX® has been around for decades, we have seen a steady increase in demand over the last few years. However, with its growing popularity people are often skeptical about BOTOX®, with many people speculating and making assumptions without conducting proper research. Here are seven common myths associated with BOTOX® and the truth behind them!1. Botox is extremely painfulWe often associate BOTOX® with pain because of our fear of needles, especially when they are inserted into our faces. However, this is not the case! Fact: BOTOX® is virtually painless when done by a licensed injector. All you feel is a little pinch, and your Nurse Injector can add a numbing agent to minimize any unpleasant sensations. The procedure is quick and the needles used are tiny compared to needles in vaccines.2. Botox freezes your face and you can’t show emotionWe see this joked about so often in media and in movies, many people believe it to be true. Although BOTOX® does limit the movement of muscles it doesn’t “freeze” your face. Fact: The main reason why people feel their face is frozen is because too much BOTOX® was injected into that particular area. While BOTOX® does relax (or “freeze”) your facial muscles, this effect is temporary and will wear off with time. That is why it is important to visit a certified BOTOX® specialist. They can accurately determine how many units you need for your anatomy and the area(s) that you want treated.3. Botox is addictiveBOTOX® is a temporary procedure, with the effects wearing off within 3-6 months. Clients often return after this time to maintain the benefits of BOTOX®. This has led people to think that BOTOX® is addictive. Fact: There is no addictive agent in BOTOX®, clients are simply are happy with the results and choose to return to up-keep the results achieved by BOTOX®.4. Botox is only used for wrinklesPeople often think BOTOX® is used for diminishing the appearance of wrinkles, however, it can be used for other cosmetic and medical reasons. Fact: BOTOX® can be used for brow lifts and lightening the appearance of dimples on the chin. BOTOX® has also been FDA approved for treating excessive sweating (AKA hyperhidrosis), and can be used to relax the TMG muscle in the jaw.5. Botox is not safeSome people believe BOTOX® is unsafe because it is derived from botulinum toxin which is commonly associated with food poisoning. However, it is actually derived from a protein found in botulinum toxin. Fact: Although there are always associated risks with any procedure, these will be covered prior to treatment with your certified Nurse Injector. The amount injected is within a safe amount and would not cause the associated risks from physically ingesting (or eating) botulinum toxin.6. Botox is only for womenWe typically see women in ads for BOTOX®, however, approximately 20% of clients that receive BOTOX® are men. Facts: We all age and face the same aging concerns. Advertising typically shows women because they are the main target demographic, but that does not mean men can’t reap the benefits of BOTOX®.7. Wrinkles will become more noticeable when you stop BotoxBOTOX® typically lasts for 3-6 months on average. When the effects wear off, our natural lines reappear. This has caused people to believe that BOTOX® has made their fine lines more noticeable. Fact: Every time your face moves, your muscles contract. Over time, this repetitive movement causes wrinkles. BOTOX®, on the other hand, relaxes your muscles preventing this movement. Therefore, it is impossible for BOTOX® to worsen your wrinkles. In fact, studies have shown that if you get regular BOTOX® injections in your late 20s, it can aid in the prevention of wrinkles in the future.It is important to understand that BOTOX® is incredibly safe when done correctly and with our certified and experienced Nurse Injector, Joelle. Macleod Trail Plastic Surgery can answer any questions and guide you in what will work best for you. We offer custom treatment plans and complimentary consultations to ensure that your aesthetic goals can be achieved. Contact Joelle directly at (403) 452-7986 or email her at injector@mtps.ca.
Plastic Surgery in a Pandemic – The Ideal Time to Book that Appointment
As the pandemic draws to a close, many people are facing a new reality when it comes to work and their own goals. With vacations still being postponed or cancelled and many people still working from home, we are finding that this time is the ideal time for many people to tick off their dreams of cosmetic surgery from their bucket list!A Rise in Plastic SurgeryThe 2020/2021 pandemic has seen a boom in plastic surgery procedures. July 2020 saw a 20% increase in appointments and consultations when compared to July 2019. Three popular procedures include liposuction, body contouring and breast reductions. Lockdowns were a blessing for some and a curse for others, with some enjoying the ability to spend more time at home, and others going stir crazy with the closure of their favorite services (restaurants, gyms, and even movie theatres). For many people, they have always had concerns about particular areas of their body and with the current ability to work from home and additional money on hand due to the closure of the majority of activities, it has become an ideal time to move ahead with their dream procedure(s).The “Zoom Boom”As the pandemic progressed, we started moving into remote work. Working from home not only made the option of surgical downtime more manageable and productive, but also allowed for people to evaluate what really made them happy. For some, it produced the opportunity for them to move ahead with things they had been holding off on, such as cosmetic surgery. Even minor procedures with no downtime, such as botox injections and fillers saw a 90% increase.Why Make an Appointment Now?With some borders remaining closed and vacations being cancelled instead of simply postponed, now could be the time for you to invest in yourself! Cosmetic procedures are a big decision and for some it takes years of consideration before moving forward. But we are seeing that for most, now is the ideal time to take the jump and recover while having the ability to work from home. As the world begins to open back up, so will your desire to travel and regain your caged sense of adventure. So why not embrace the new world as a new you? Well, the same you but with a new lease on life with the body that you always dreamt of! Our expert team can assist you in tailoring procedures that are right for you. Your dreams don’t have to stay dreams, make that appointment today. Contact us for a consultation or call us at (403) 452-7953.
Why Your BMI Matters for Cosmetic Surgery
What is a Body Mass Index (BMI)?A person’s Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on their height and weight and applies to both men and women. It evaluates the relationship between an individual’s height and weight and is the recommended method for diagnosing obesity. It is not, however, a direct measure of excess body fat. Your BMI is classed into four separate categories: Underweight = <18.5 Normal weight = 18.5 – 24.9 Overweight = 25 – 29.9 Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater Keep in mind that fat and muscle also weigh different amounts. If you have an excess of muscle (ie. Bodybuilders), this may also affect your BMI.Why BMI Matters for SurgeryWhen you are being considered for surgery, your BMI is something that is considered. An optimal BMI range is between 18.5 and 24.9 as surgical procedures have less risks within this range. When you have a higher BMI, you are a higher risk of: Blood clots (specifically in your legs) Infection due to delayed healing Complications under general anesthesia Many clinics and surgeons will not perform elective surgery on patients with a BMI that is over 30, as the risks increase the higher your BMI goes. Any surgery that is done on a patient with a BMI of 30 or higher is typically done in the hospital due to the increased risks. Being at an optimal BMI prior to surgery also impacts your overall results. People who are already at their ideal weight and healthy BMI tend to have more optimal results.How We Can HelpAt Macleod Trail Plastic Surgery, our patient’s health and safety is always our primary concern. While we are able to work with our clients to help them achieve their goals, we will not move ahead with surgeries that are unsafe for our patients and that is why your BMI is always considered when we discuss surgical options. Our private, state-of-the-art surgical facility is located in the Macleod Trail Plastic Surgery building in Calgary. We use this facility solely for our cosmetic patients and are able to provide superior safety and specialized care. That being said, if our surgeons do choose to move ahead with a surgical procedure on a patient that is deemed a higher risk due to their BMI or other health concerns, there is the potential to move their surgery to a designated hospital to ensure that patient receives the highest level of safety and care.
BOTOX® vs. JUVEDERM®? Which is right for me?
When considering refreshing your look, a key factor is understanding your own aesthetic goals and which products would work best for you. Both BOTOX® and JUVEDERM® are minimally-invasive procedures that can directly impact your appearance in very different ways. BOTOX®, or botulinum toxin (its scientific name), acts at a neuromuscular level and essentially temporarily “freezes” muscle and nerve function in the selected area(s). The BOTOX procedure is fairly straightforward. During a consultation, your provider will explain what to expect and discuss your expectations for the treatment. You’ll also learn about the potential side effects and complications of BOTOX injections. That said, BOTOX is regarded as one of the safest cosmetic treatments available. It is vital you choose a highly trained and experienced injector because the treatment requires precision. The procedure itself only lasts a few minutes and doesn’t involve any downtime. The results from BOTOX injections aren’t permanent, and they typically need to be repeated every 4 months or so to maintain the effects. Because the use of BOTOX to stave off wrinkles is a fairly new concept, it’s not yet known if patients will need less BOTOX in the future after wrinkles do begin emerging. At Macleod Trail Plastic Surgery, we have a Certified Nurse Injector in addition to 3 Royal College-certified plastic surgeons to provide safe and effective treatments. If you’ve been curious about getting preventive BOTOX, you can contact us using the online form to schedule a consultation or call us at (587) 317-9872 to schedule an appointment.JUVEDERM® is a synthetic version of hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance that is found naturally in the body.Pre-mixed with lidocaine (a local anesthetic) to increase your comfort during treatment, JUVEDERM® is used to restore volume in specific areas, which also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. There are multiple different variations of JUVEDERM® fillers to use based on the area that you would like to be treated, with the most popular areas being lips and cheeks. Choosing the appropriate treatment is the key to achieving excellent results. For this reason, our experienced Nurse Injector, Joelle, offers complimentary consults where she completes a thorough assessment of your skin and facial structure. She will then create a custom treatment plan designed to achieve your desired results. The appointment duration varies based on each person’s individual needs, but you can resume most regular activities shortly after each appointment. If you are interested in learning more about these procedures, or to book a complimentary consult, Joelle can be reached directly at (403) 452-7986, or by email at injector@mtps.ca.
Common Reason for Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction surgery is a common procedure done to help improve an individual’s quality of life. A breast reduction surgery will change the size, weight, firmness, and shape of the breast to help individuals achieve their goals and desires. Many reasons that an individual may be looking for a breast reduction can be due to their self-esteem and physical appearance, but breast reduction surgery can also help relieve medical problems an individual may be experiencing. Below, we will cover some of the most common reasons a person may be considering a breast reduction.Back PainPatients may reach out to a doctor to discuss a breast reduction to help reduce any chronic back, neck and shoulder pain. Heavy breasts can affect the curvature of the spine, leading specifically to the neck and upper back pain. This can also negatively impact your posture when sitting and walking. Excess weight is placed on the chest, and without enough support, women find it hard to maintain good posture. Due to this, they will slouch forward, resulting in pain and poor posture. Breast reduction surgery can eliminate these problems in most cases.Limitations in Physical ActivityPatients with large, heavy breasts may find it more difficult, awkward or painful to participate in certain physical activities. Reducing the breast size for these individuals can help them enjoy activities with their friends where they may have been sitting out previously and can help them to achieve their fitness goals. Self- Esteem and AppearanceLarge breasts, especially when not in proportion to your height and weight, can be embarrassing or make individuals feel insecure about their bodies. Women with large breasts may especially feel self-conscious wearing swimsuits and clothing that shows more cleavage due to unwelcome attention associated with large breasts. It also may be hard to find clothing that is comfortable and provides adequate coverage.Breast Reduction for MenBreast reduction isn’t a procedure only for women. Due to genetics, use of certain medications, or other unspecified reasons, some men develop the appearance of enlarged breasts due to an excess of breast tissue. A male breast reduction is the most effective known treatment for gynecomastia or enlarged male breasts. This cosmetic surgery procedure removes excess fat and glandular tissue to restore a flatter, firmer and more masculine contour to the chest. The ideal patient for this procedure would be at their goal weight with a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI).If you’re interested in learning more about a breast reduction surgery and planning your own procedure, please contact us online or call (403) 452-7953 to request your initial consultation. We look forward to meeting with you.