Denver Plastic Surgery Blog - Dr. Millard » From Our Staff…

Plastic Surgery and Scarring

Dr. John Millard — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:08:34 +0000

When thinking about cosmetic surgery, one must consider a scar in order to complete the procedure. You can have the procedure, but will have a scar to show for it. In most cases, scars are placed in less noticeable places such as the belly button, under the breasts, hidden beneath underwear and/or in the arm pits. The scars will appear red and raised after surgery, but with time, they should lighten in color and flatten out. Some skin types, particularly Asian, have more difficulty in post-operative healing of the scars. They may keloid (be raised above the skin) and appear darker. It is important not to expose your scars to the sun for a minimum of 6-12 months to keep the scars from hyper pigmenting. Sunscreen is always a good scar protector. The most important thing to remember when considering cosmetic surgery, is scars will typically fade but they will not disappear completely.

Dr. John Millard is a very skilled Plastic Surgeon and does amazing work to minimize scarring. If you would like more information on any body procedures or breast procedures that Dr. Millard offers, please contact us at (303) 792-5665 or send us an e-mail at info@millardplasticsurgery.com

Tummy Tuck

Dr. John Millard — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:04:07 +0000

Tummy tucks are one of the most profound surgeries. It flattens the stomach in such a way that people feel dramatically different about their bodies, immediately! Although it is a long recovery, each patient seems to be thrilled they did it. The full recovery is approximately 6 weeks. Patients tend walk slightly bent over for a couple of weeks, experience a little soreness in their backs and abdomen. Dr. Millard pulls the abdominal muscle together in order to get rid of the diastasis (separation of the abdominal muscles likely due to pregnancies). He also removes all excess skin from below the breast line down to the pubic area. If a patient has stretch marks, it is not unusual for Dr. Millard to be able to move most of the stretch marks to the lower abdomen, if not completely remove them. A post-operative tummy tuck patient is pleased when they can fit into smaller jeans, not have an overhang of excess, loose skin. It’s quite impressive!

To view some of Dr. Millard’s results, please visit our photo gallery. If you are interested in more information on tummy tucks, please send us an e-mail at info@millardplasticsurgery.com or call us at 303-792-5665.

By: Kori

Millard Plastic Surgery at bod:evolve

Patient Coordinator/Clinical Assistant

VASER Liposelection vs MPX SmartLipo

Dr. John Millard — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:02:33 +0000

There are several differences and several similarities between the two technologies. Both technologies require three steps. The first step is the infusion which consist of the injection of the tumescent solution. The second step is the “melting” of the fat either by ultrasound with VASER or laser with MPX. The third step is the actual suction of the emulsified fat. The VASER has been around longer and tends to be used in the main surgery center while a patient is under anesthesia. The MPX is typically used in the minor procedure room where the patient does not have to be under anesthesia. The MPX is used for smaller areas in which we could complete in less that 3 hours. If we do much more than this, the patient tends to get uncomfortable, even though they are given oral medications to help them relax. The VASER is quite speedy and can pull fat off a bit faster than the MPX but tends to be more uncomfortable for a patient if they are awake. Hence the reason we use anesthesia while using the VASER. Finally, the MPX is known to have a bit more skin tightening effects. The VASER does show some, but the SmartLipo tends to tighten more and is good for arms, necks and inner thighs.

Dr. John Millard is a world renowned trainor for both technologies and is considered an expert in liposuction and body sculpting. If you would like more information on this procedure or any other procedures offered at Millard Plastic Surgery Center, please send us an e-mail at info@millardplasticsurgerycenter or you can reach us via phone at (303) 792-5665. To view a photo gallery of Dr. Millard’s before and after photos, please click here.

By: Kori

Patient Coordinator/Clinical Assistant

Liposuction side effects

Dr. John Millard — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 23:44:21 +0000

When considering liposuction, there are several post-operative things to be prepared for. One of the most commonly reported side effects is loss of sensation in the areas treated. This numb, tingly feeling can last for awhile, each patient being different. One could expect numbness to last anywhere from 3-12 months. This might sound excessive, but keep in mind the trauma to your body and the nerves being disrupted. It takes time for the nerves to “re-connect” and for you to feel sensation again. Touching the skin can help speed up the process, stimulating the nerves. If you can enter into your surgery being aware of this, you will more likely tolerate the numbness better knowing that it is considered normal and part of the healing process.

Dr. Millard is a world renowned liposculpture surgeon. Please visit his photo gallery for before and after pictures. If you would like more information about Dr. Millard and the procedure he does, please contact us at 303-792-5665 or send us an e-mail at info@millardplasticsurgery.com

By: Kori

Millard Plastic Surgery at bod:evolve

Patient Coordinator/Clinical Assistant

Medications to avoid before Plastic Surgery

Dr. John Millard — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:29:06 +0000

It is important to avoid several types of medications prior to and following surgery. One specific type of medicine is anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, Motrin and Aspirin. These medications are blood thinners and could cause potential problems if taken 2 weeks before and after surgery. Celebrex is the only anti-inflammatory that you can take without being at risk of bleeding. It is an expensive drug that many insurance companies will not cover. However, Dr. Millard highly recommends it after large liposuction cases because of the amount of swelling. If Celebrex is taken, not only does it help reduce swelling but also helps relieve pain and speeds up the recovery. It allows patients to wean off their pain meds faster and return to their normal activities.

If you think you might be a good candidate for liposuction, or if you are interested in other plastic surgery, please contact our office at 303-792-5665 or send us an e-mail at info@millardplasticsurgery.com.

Kori

Millard Plastic Surgery at bod:evolve

Patient Coordinator/Clinical Assistant