Plastic surgery appointment Macleod Trail Plastic Surgery Calgary

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 Surgery The 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.

BMI Matters-for Cosmetic Surgery

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 Surgery When 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 Help At 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

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

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 Pain Patients 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 Activity Patients 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 Appearance Large 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 Men Breast 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.

All About Eyelid Surgery: What to Expect Before, During & After

As you explore eyelid surgery in the Edmonton area, it can help to know what to expect every step of the way. At our plastic surgery practice in Calgary, we provide as much information as we can to make sure our eyelid surgery patients are informed and actively involved in their experience from the first consultation to the final follow-up. In this blog post, we’ll share a bit more about what it’s like to prepare for, undergo, and recover from eyelid surgery—and to enjoy the rejuvenating results that follow.Before Eyelid Surgery Before your procedure, you and your surgeon will set the stage for a positive experience.Research The first step is selecting a surgeon to perform your eyelid surgery. Look through before-and-after photos, check for credentials, and read real patient reviews for surgeons in your area. Consider scheduling consultations with your top 2 or 3. Meeting in person will help you decide on the best surgeon for you.Consultation Your consultation is a great opportunity to ask your surgeon questions about the procedure, his or her experience performing it, and any recommendations your surgeon may have for helping you achieve your aesthetic goals. Together you will discuss your concerns to determine whether you are a candidate. You may also discuss enhancing your results with nonsurgical treatments, which you can learn more about in this related blog post.Prep Once you’ve scheduled your procedure, it’s time to prep for surgery. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions to follow for the day of your procedure. You can also prep in the weeks ahead by arranging a ride home from your appointment, avoiding alcohol, and eating nutritious foods.During Eyelid Surgery What actually takes place during an eyelid surgery procedure?Anesthesia For upper eyelid surgery, local anesthesia is used in combination with sedation. This means you’ll be awake but relaxed. For lower eyelid surgery, we use general anesthesia because the procedure is more complex.Procedure Steps During upper eyelid surgery, your surgeon makes an incision along the natural crease of the eyelid to make sure any scarring is well disguised. Through that incision, your surgeon removes excess skin and tightens the muscle tissue to correct any drooping. During lower eyelid surgery, your surgeon uses an incision either below the lower lash line or inside the lower eyelid to remove or reposition fat deposits that cause a puffy appearance.Time Upper eyelid surgery often takes less than an hour, but lower eyelid surgery or a combined procedure may take longer.After Eyelid Surgery What actually takes place during an eyelid surgery procedure?Recovery Swelling and bruising are common during the first couple of weeks after eyelid surgery. Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions to follow to make sure your incisions heal well and you’re able to safely return to your routine as soon as possible.Returning to Work Most people return to work after 1 to 2 weeks, when most swelling and bruising has subsided. You may wear contact lenses after 2 weeks and put makeup on after 1 to 2 weeks.Results Long-term scarring is very minimal and hidden along the natural creases of the eye. With the help of a qualified surgeon, you’ll enjoy younger-looking, more refreshed eyes without any obvious signs you’ve had a procedure. To see examples of the results you can expect after eyelid surgery, please visit our before-and-after photo gallery. If you would like to learn more about eyelid surgery in Calgary, please contact us online or call (403) 452-7953.As you explore eyelid surgery in the Edmonton area, it can help to know what to expect every step of the way. At our plastic surgery practice in Calgary, we provide as much information as we can to make sure our eyelid surgery patients are informed and actively involved in their experience from the first consultation to the final follow-up. In this blog post, we’ll share a bit more about what it’s like to prepare for, undergo, and recover from eyelid surgery—and to enjoy the rejuvenating results that follow. Before Eyelid Surgery Before your procedure, you and your surgeon will set the stage for a positive experience. Research The first step is selecting a surgeon to perform your eyelid surgery. Look through before-and-after photos, check for credentials, and read real patient reviews for surgeons in your area. Consider scheduling consultations with your top 2 or 3. Meeting in person will help you decide on the best surgeon for you. Consultation Your consultation is a great opportunity to ask your surgeon questions about the procedure, his or her experience performing it, and any recommendations your surgeon may have for helping you achieve your aesthetic goals. Together you will discuss your concerns to determine whether you are a candidate. You may also discuss enhancing your results with nonsurgical treatments, which you can learn more about in this related blog post. Prep Once you’ve scheduled your procedure, it’s time to prep for surgery. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions to follow for the day of your procedure. You can also prep in the weeks ahead by arranging a ride home from your appointment, avoiding alcohol, and eating nutritious foods. During Eyelid Surgery What actually takes place during an eyelid surgery procedure? Anesthesia For upper eyelid surgery, local anesthesia is used in combination with sedation. This means you’ll be awake but relaxed. For lower eyelid surgery, we use general anesthesia because the procedure is more complex. Procedure Steps During upper eyelid surgery, your surgeon makes an incision along the natural crease of the eyelid to make sure any scarring is well disguised. Through that incision, your surgeon removes excess skin and tightens the muscle tissue to correct any drooping. During lower eyelid surgery, your surgeon uses an incision either below the lower lash line or inside the lower eyelid to remove or reposition fat deposits that cause a puffy appearance. Time Upper eyelid surgery often takes less than an hour, but lower eyelid surgery or a combined procedure may take longer. After Eyelid Surgery What actually takes place during an eyelid surgery procedure? Recovery Swelling and bruising are common during the first couple of weeks after eyelid surgery. Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions to follow to make sure your incisions heal well and you’re able to safely return to your routine as soon as possible. Returning to Work Most people return to work after 1 to 2 weeks, when most swelling and bruising has subsided. You may wear contact lenses after 2 weeks and put makeup on after 1 to 2 weeks. Results Long-term scarring is very minimal and hidden along the natural creases of the eye. With the help of a qualified surgeon, you’ll enjoy younger-looking, more refreshed eyes without any obvious signs you’ve had a procedure. To see examples of the results you can expect after eyelid surgery, please visit our before-and-after photo gallery. If you would like to learn more about eyelid surgery in Calgary, please contact us online or call (403) 452-7953.

Bikinis & Breast Implants: Shopping for Bathing Suits

Once you’ve decided to get a breast augmentation at our Calgary plastic surgery practice, the excitement often builds as you think about getting new clothes tailored to highlight your shape. One of the perks of getting breast implants is buying bathing suits that flatter your new figure.

How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

If you’re considering breast augmentation and researching breast implants, you’ve likely read or heard about a “rule of thumb” that implants need to be replaced after 10 years. That’s a myth.

Can BOTOX® Prevent Wrinkles?

BOTOX is known worldwide as one of the most effective anti-wrinkle treatments available. The vast majority of people who get BOTOX injections, though, want to minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles already etched into their skin.

Post-Breast Augmentation Bra Shopping Tips

One of the exciting perks of breast augmentation surgery is being able to shop for bras that might not have been suitable for patients with smaller breasts. But breast augmentation patients in Calgary should understand the need to postpone splurging on new bras until swelling completely resolves.