Wells Plastic Surgery & Skin Care

Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation is one of the most frequently performed procedures in our practice, as it is worldwide. A breast augmentation is primarily for patients looking to increase the size of their breasts. Patients also undergo this surgery to improve the appearance of their breasts. Restoring balance in the sizes or shapes of their breasts can be accomplished with a Breast Augmentation. Dr. Wells is known for surgery of the breast and has extensive experience and knowledge in this area. He is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. We provide patients with high quality results and a proven track record of success. Look at our gallery of before and after photographs to see the improvement Dr. Wells can make in your figure. Choosing to have this outpatient surgery done by Wells Plastic Surgery will feel safe and secure. We can also perform breast augmentation in our in-house surgical suite which will save you hospital fees. Our patients consistently tell us that this procedure has made a significant change in their self-esteem and confidence. Why Undergo Breast Augmentation in Lexington, KY The choice to undergo breast augmentation is a personal one, and can be made for a variety of different reasons, all with terrific results. Breast Enlargement: This can be simply a desire for larger breasts, which can enhance self-esteem. This can also bring a more pleasing proportion to the body and reduce the need for products like padded bras and shape wear. Post Pregnancy Contouring: Some patients wish to improve the contour of their breasts due to the shape and firmness that has been lost following pregnancy & breastfeeding. post-Pregnancy weight loss will also affect breast contour. Breast Reshaping: Patients may want to even out the size and shape of their breasts when they are not symmetrical due to a genetic imbalance. The important thing to know is that when done by an experienced and properly educated, board certified plastic surgery professional the procedure is an effective and very safe method of reaching your cosmetic goals. You may also want to read about Breast Lift surgery which may be recommended with a post-pregnancy augmentation. The Procedure and Options Breast augmentations, as performed by Dr. Wells: Surgery: Breast augmentations are outpatient procedures – performed in a hospital setting – that typically take about an hour and a half, under general anesthetic. Implants and Incisions: Wells uses both saline and gel implants, which are usually placed under the chest muscles using an areolar incision at the bottom of the areola (which leaves less visible scarring). It may be infra-mammary incision which is in the fold under the breast. This is the most requested incision by our patients. By far more women choose gel implants which are very safe and typically the best option. Size Matters: The majority of patients prefer a full or large C cup when getting a breast augmentation. However cup size is trending smaller due to more active and athletic lifestyles. We are seeing more women choosing a full B cup instead. Follow-up: Most of our patients are seen for a follow-up the next day, with another follow-up the following week. Additional follow-ups are scheduled at 3 and 6 months. Resuming Activity: Most patients can return to work in about a week. They can begin participating in sports and intense exercise in about four weeks Benefits of Breast Augmentation Improvement in Aesthetics: Breast augmentation can make drastic improvements to the overall appearance of a woman’s figure and bearing, entirely unrelated to the appearance of the breasts themselves. While all cosmetic judgments are a matter of personal taste and a reflection of what society thinks is ‘beautiful’, some women simply feel that with smaller breasts, their bodies are disproportionate and lack contour. Breast implants can provide a solution.* Increased Self-Esteem: Many women have considered breast implants for more than half of their lives as a result of low self esteem or feeling insecure around other women or men. Breast augmentation can change all of this and give that feeling of confidence and an ability to tackle new and exciting challenges.* More Clothing Options: Breast augmentation can reduce the feeling that it is necessary to only buy clothing that you can hide behind. You will look better in your clothes and a wider variety of flattering clothing options will open up to you. Swimwear, instead of being a dreaded topic, becomes something to look forward to.*

Price: 5500.00 for Saline $6500 for Gel

Breast Lift

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that aims to raise and firm the breasts. This will provide a restored youthful contour to their appearance and help you regain your confidence. Experiences such as pregnancy, weight loss and breast-feeding can affect the overall shape of your breasts. The natural evolution of breasts over time is to droop due to loss of volume, skin elasticity and the effects of gravity. Good Candidates for a Breast Lift Most women with sagging breasts are good candidates for a breast lift. Generally speaking, you should be: A non-smoker In good health At a relatively normal and healthy weight Why Undergo a Breast Lift Pendulous Breasts: These are breasts with a flat and longer shape, even if they are an acceptable size for the patient. Lack of Firmness: These are breasts that feel too ‘soft’ and lack substance. Downward Pointing Nipples: Some breasts nipples point downwards, and some are even below the breast crease when unsupported by a bra. Stretched Skin: This is especially common after weight loss and childbirth. Asymmetrical Positioning of the Breast: One breast may be higher or lower than the other. Tubular Breasts: Long narrow breasts with large or herniated areola can be repaired with a combined Breast Lift and Augmentation, plus making the areola smaller and more attractive. The Breast Lift Procedure General Anesthesia: In most cases you will be asleep under general anesthesia and in an outpatient hospital setting, the safest option for the patient. Surgery: With a breast lift, Dr. Wells will make incisions to remove excess skin in order to reposition the nipples on the breast, done according to your pre-op consultation and mutually agreed upon between the patient and Dr. Wells. He will then reshape the breasts and reposition the tissue. During the surgery the nipple will be moved to the mutually agreed upon natural height. The nipples can be made smaller according to the patient’s preference. Closing: Once all skin removal, repositioning and reshaping has been completed, Dr. Wells closes the incision. A supportive dressing will be applied and the following day this will be replaced with a bra. Follow up: Breast lift patients will be seen for a follow-up the next day, with another follow-up in the office the following week. Additional follow-ups are scheduled at 3 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. Resuming Activity: Most patients will be able to return to work in about a week. They can begin exercising and participating in sports within about four weeks.

Breast Reduction

Having a breast reduction can save your back by eliminating back pain due to the excess weight of large breasts. It can also make you more confident after experiencing breast size that is too large. Even your clothes will fit better, and you will get into a smaller size. Breast reduction surgery is covered by many insurance carriers. However we no longer accept insurance for any surgical procedure. Why Undergo a Breast Reduction Pain Reduction: Most patients electing to have breast reduction surgery complain of upper back, neck and shoulder pain related to large heavy breasts. Body Consciousness: Many women are uncomfortable with a too large breast size which can result in difficulty wearing clothing or appearing heavier than they actually are which leads to self-consciousness. It is common for patients to report immediate relief of their back and neck symptoms. Many of our patients undergo a breast reduction as part of a Mommy Makeover following pregnancy and nursing, and are completely thrilled with the results. The first step is a consultation with Dr. Wells. The Procedure Surgery: Breast reduction is an outpatient procedure, and Dr. Wells performs surgeries in a hospital setting. Dr. Wells prefers a hospital setting for the safety and comfort of the patient. The surgery takes about 3 hours under general anesthetic. The Procedure: It is commonly performed by making an incision near the areola, which then extends downward and across the crease beneath the breast. Dr. Wells then removes excess tissue, fat, and skin, along with moving the areola and nipple into their new position. The skin is then stretched around the areola, forming the new contours of the patient’s breasts. Retaining Sensation: Ideally, but not always, the nipple will remain attached to all nerves and blood vessels, usually resulting in the preservation of sensation. The Results: With the breast lifted and the areola made smaller the end result is not only smaller breast size but also a significant improvement in the appearance of the breasts. Follow-Up Follow up: Most of our patients are seen for a follow-up the next day, with another follow-up the following week. Additional follow-ups are scheduled at 1 week, 3 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. Resuming Activity: As with other breast surgeries, most patients can return to work in about a week. They can begin participating in sports and intense exercise in about four weeks. Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery Elimination of Pain: Large breasts can cause muscle pain simply from carrying additional weight, so removing excess tissue with breast reduction surgery will lighten the load. Many patients report an immediate cessation of pain following surgery. Preventing Back and Neck Injury: Back, shoulder and neck pain can also lead to more severe problems down the line, including injury. This is why most insurance plans cover the procedure. Correcting Poor Posture: Many women with larger breasts find it difficult to stand up straight all the time. The weight forces their shoulders to droop, and lends to a poor overall appearance. Posture is one of the most critical elements in presenting a confident, beautiful appearance, and breast reduction surgery can lend a hand in achieving that difference.

Blepharoplasty

Drooping or hooded eyelids can make a person look tired or even unhappy. Puffy bags under the eyes can make you look significantly older. This can be treated surgically with a Blepharoplasty, also referred to as Eyelid Lift or an Eyelift. A blepharoplasty can be performed as an upper Blepharoplasty on just the eyelids. A lower blepharoplasty will address the bags under the eyes, or Dr. Wells will recommend a combination of both if you need. The Wells EyeDeal Makes it Easy to ‘Say Yes to a Bleph’ at $2900 If you are considering an upper blepharoplasty, the Wells EyeDeal is performed in our in-office surgical suite. The EyeDeal is offered at the great price of just $2900 for a limited time because it is done in our in-house surgical suite. You save hospital costs by having your procedure done in our facility. This simple procedure can take years off your appearance by making you look younger and fresher*. Types of Blepharoplasty While some patients require both upper and lower blepharoplasty surgery, others may need just one procedure. Upper Bleph – Reduces drooping eyelids by removing excess skin and possibly some fat from the upper eyelids to rejuvenate the upper eyelids. This will make your eyes appear more open and you will appear more rested and alert. Lower Bleph – Blepharoplasty can also reshape the lower lid to reduce puffiness. The bags of excess fat under the eyes are what can make you look older and more tired*. The Blepharoplasty Procedure The Surgery: The procedure is done in a hospital surgery center on an outpatient basis and typically lasts between one and three hours. There is usually no need for an overnight stay. Recovery: The stitches from the procedure are removed after about three days at your follow-up appointment.* Resuming Activities: It generally will take a week before makeup can be applied and you can return to work. If you have only an Upper Blepharoplasty you can put on meakeup after three days and return to work.* Who Isn’t a Candidate for Blepharoplasty? Complications? When performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, blepharoplasty complications are uncommon or very minor. Always check with your ophthalmologist or family doctor before undergoing this procedure. There are some medical conditions that may preclude someone from being a candidate for blepharoplasty including: Dry eyes High blood pressure Heart disease Neurotoxins used within three months of your procedure The Benefits of Blepharoplasty Removal of excess skin from upper eyelids: With extremely hooded upper eyelids, you may be able to see better when obstructing overhanging skin is removed. Reduced puffiness in lower eyelids: You will look more rested when bags under your eyes are gone. Younger, fresher appearance: A blepharoplasty physically removes signs of aging, so you can face the world looking like your old (or young!) self. Improved confidence: When you look better, you will feel better and the people around you will see it. Schedule a Blepharoplasty Consultation With Wells Plastic Surgery Dr. Wells is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the staff at Wells Plastic Surgery center serving the Lexington and Louisville areas, can help open the eyes to a new look, while not only enhancing a person’s appearance but by providing them with a new mental outlook as well. Everyone’s result will be different. It is important to meet with the surgeon and staff before having this procedure in order to understand what to expect and what outcome can be anticipated. Your surgical team can help you from preparing for the surgery to recovery and follow-up. Going into this type of operation knowing what to expect will help ease any anxiety during your recovery period. *individual results and experience may vary

Video: Blepharoplasty

Facelift

When the effects of aging become more than what topical creams or cosmetic injectables can resolve, a facelift may be the best option to ensure you age with grace. When a qualified surgeon performs the procedure properly, the results can rejuvenate your facial appearance with a subtle yet significant outcome. Dr. Henry Wells Jr. is a board-certified plastic surgeon who commits his expertise in providing patients with long-lasting facial beauty by correcting the changes which result from the natural aging process. For more information about Facelift Surgery, call Dr. Henry Wells Jr. at 859.255.6649 or schedule a consultation today. Facial Rejuvenation Facial rejuvenation is more than just a facelift – it’s where your journey begins. When people hear the term facelift, many envision walking into a surgeon’s office and walking out looking younger. Unfortunately, this is not how it works. A facelift involves many different aspects of a person’s appearance. Making a person’s face look younger than it presently appears is more of a process than a simple surgery, but it begins with the facelift. Fortunately, nature doesn’t always have the last word on a person’s appearance. Advances in plastic surgery can return a person’s look of youthfulness. One of the most important aspects of having a facelift is it gives patients the confidence they had when they were younger. Appearance is the first impression we give to others. When a person looks older and more tired than they are, this is what others will see. Additional Options In addition to a facelift, there are other procedures to consider which go hand in hand with surgery, depending on each particular case to achieve optimum results. Plus, there are great non-surgical treatment options which can enhance your facelift results and bring back a more youthful appearance. Surgical Brow Lift Eye Lift – upper &/or lower Lower Face & Neck Lift Neck Lift Lip Lift Fat Grafting Nonsurgical Sculptra to restore volume Botox and Dysport neurotoxins Chemical Peels and Laser treatments Micro-needling HydraFacial MD Radio Frequency and Cryotherapy Medical-grade skin care products These options can greatly enhance the quality of the skin by erasing wrinkles and fine lines, decreasing hyperpigmentation, adding lost volume and much more. The Facelift Procedure The Consultation: During a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Wells will help you determine your cosmetic goals and the best steps to reach them. He typically spends a full hour on a consult to ensure he answers all your questions and addresses your concerns. The Surgery: If multiple treatments are necessary, the procedure typically begins with the facelift, and depending on the extent of the work, may require four to eight hours to complete. Outpatient Surgery: Dr. Wells typically performs facelifts as an outpatient procedure, depending on the patients’ needs. Post-Operative Care: Our staff will keep the patient informed on each step of the recovery process, including monitoring post-operative swelling. Patients may shower and shampoo after 48 hours. Visible sutures will be removed on the seventh day following the operation. Also, the team will use ultrasound therapy to help the healing process. Resuming Activities: You can apply makeup seven days after surgery. The Wells Skin Care team will step in and help with camouflage makeup to use during recovery. Expect to resume normal activities within two to three weeks. Why Undergo a Facelift Age: Age plays the greatest role in the appearance and the need to have a facelift, but genetics and skin type play their part. Sagging Jowls & Sallow Cheeks: With aging, we lose fat and facial volume, resulting in sagging jowls and sallow or sunken cheeks. Over-exposure to the sun: Sun exposure damages the skin, causing it to become wrinkled and lose its elasticity, increasing the appearance of aging. Facelift Before & After Photos Click to see Lexington plastic surgeon Dr. Wells’ before and after photos for facelift surgery. For more information about Facelift Surgery, call Dr. Henry Wells Jr. at 859.255.6649 or schedule a consultation today.

Video: Facelift

Lip Lift

A PERMANENT SOLUTION for FULLER LIPS! The Wells Lip Lift is just $3500, performed in our in-house surgical suite. Make a dramatic improvement in the youthful appearance of your face. A lip lift is a plastic surgery procedure that improves the appearance of the lips by reshaping them to increase the prominence of the vermilion border, or the edge around the upper lip, in this case. This is done by shortening the upper lip area, which gives the lips a more aesthetically pleasing shape and prominence. A lip lift procedure is distinguished from lip enhancement which is the non-surgical augmentation of the lips done with injectable dermal filler. An upper lip lift, also known as upper lip shortening, is for patients who are unhappy with the length of their upper lip area or want more prominent fuller looking lips. This in turn makes you appear younger, as the area above the lips becomes lax and lengthens with aging. The upper lip in this case refers to the area between the middle column of the nose and the beginning of the pink area of the lip. The ideal length of this area is approximately 12-15 millimeters, and varies with the individual patients features. The lip lift will adjust the upper lip to fall within this optimal range. The Lip Lift Procedure The approach Dr. Wells uses is the bullhorn upper lip lift. It involves making a gull wing shaped incision directly under the nose where it meets the upper lip. This is also known as a subnasal upper lip lift since the incision is placed below the nose. This diagram shows the shape of the incision, which looks like a bullhorn shape or gull wing shape. The incision follows the natural shape of the area just below the nose, which easily hides your scar. The area of skin within the bullhorn incision is removed, lifted and edges sutured together in the deep layers of the skin to reduce visibility of the suture line. Lip lift recovery is approximately 5-7 days before sutures are removed and swelling decreases. You will experience a moderate amount of swelling the first 72 hours, treated with cold compresses. Pain is minimal and controlled with oral pain reliever. The procedure is outpatient, performed in our in-house surgical suite, and takes about two hours.

Rhinoplasty

Improve Your Profile with a Rhinoplasty A Rhinoplasty is most often performed to remove a hump or a bump on the bridge of the nose or to reshape the tip of a patient’s nose. In some cases the nose will also be made smaller. Commonly know as a nose job, this is one of the most common procedures performed in the plastic surgery world. It is also one of the few procedures we can recommend for teenagers. A rhinoplasty can literally change a young persons’ life if their nose is causing them embarrassment or emotional trauma. Consider nose surgery for your child if they are getting bullied at school. Giving the proper proportion to the nose can give a young person the confidence to meet people and make decisions that can shape their path. The Rhinoplasty Procedure The Surgery: Rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure and takes between two to three hours. Incisions: The incisions for a rhinoplasty are typically made inside the rim of the patient’s nostrils so scarring will be minimal. Reshaping: The soft tissues of the nose are then separated, which is when the cartilage and bone can be reshaped depending on what the patient’s problem is, and as the best course of action determined by the patient and Dr. Wells. Size Reduction: If the patient wants to reduce the size of their nose, small fractures are made in the nasal bones near the end of the surgery. Recovery: Internal dressings are removed in two days, the sutures are removed in five days, and a splint is removed in ten days. Resuming Activities: If the patient does not mind the splint, he or she can return to work or school in one week. Benefits of Rhinoplasty Contouring the Nose: This surgery can bring the nose into proportion with the rest of the patient’s face. Beauty experts say that the nose is responsible for eighty percent of a person’s facial appearance, so its importance cannot be overstated. Rhinoplasty can dramatically alter your appearance and make you realize your facial beauty. Correct a Deviated or Crooked Nose: A rhinoplasty can straighten a deviated nose or one that is crooked, can make long noses shorter and wide noses thinner. These also provide a dramatic change in the patient’s face, and correct embarrassing problems. Improved breathing: Within the procedure, it is possible to remove irregularities in the nasal passage that may obstruct breathing. It is also possible to widen nostrils, creating better pathways for air to flow. With Rhinoplasty, A Little Goes a Long Way Keep in mind that minute changes to the structure of an individual’s nose can make a drastic difference in how it appears. An added benefit is that this can also make a surprising difference in the patient’s overall facial appearance. Make sure that you ask plenty of questions when you come in for your consultation with Dr. Wells, and read as much as you can about the procedure beforehand.

Otoplasty

When a person has protruding or larger ears this can be corrected with an otoplasty. This procedure sets prominent ears farther back on the head. Often referred to as ear pinning, it is possible to also reshape, reduce size, and make ears more symmetrical. This procedure is a much appreciated correction for patients of all ages. Adults may choose this surgery in conjunction with other facial plastic surgical procedures, but patients of all ages are thrilled with their results. This surgery, along with rhinoplasty, is one of the few plastic surgeries that can be recommended for children. We will even perform this surgery on a patient as young as five years of age. It can reduce teasing and bring about much increased self-esteem and confidence in their very important early school years. When done early children can avoid the trauma of bullying over their protruding ears. Read Ryland’s story on the “Our Patients. Their Stories.” page on this site to see what a difference this can make in a young person’s life. The Otoplasty Procedure The Consultation: Your first step is to have a consultation with Dr. Wells to discuss otoplasty and to answer all your questions about the surgery and recovery. The Surgery: An incision is made on the back of each ear. Small portions of tissue and fat are removed. Cartilage is reshaped moved into is new position and sutured into place. No Overnight Stay: This is an outpatient procedure, but as with all Dr. Wells’ surgeries is performed in a hospital setting. Post Operative Care: You will experience temporary swelling and bandages should remain on for the prescribed time period. Resuming Activities: Recovery is very minor. Ears will appear normal within two weeks. You can resume daily activities within a week, but contact sports and vigorous activity should be avoided for 6-8 weeks. Benefits of an Otoplasty Self Confidence: Ear surgery creates a natural shape, while bringing balance and proportion to the ears and face. Correction of even minor deformities can have profound benefits to appearance and self-esteem.* Better Students: Children actually do better in school when they don’t feel that unwanted attention is on them and when they aren’t self-conscious.* Not Having to Hide Your Ears: Patients who have said they would never wear a ponytail or hat because of their protruding ears have no reason to be self-conscious anymore. Plus, a lifetime of great photographs without worrying about your ears is something to look forward to.*

Brachioplasty

LOOK SLIMMER OVERALL AFTER A BRACHIOPLASTY OR ARMLIFT Underarm loose skin can be a source of embarrassment and can greatly affect your self-esteem. When you are prevented from wearing sleeveless clothing you can be reminded of it everyday. A Brachioplasty removes excess fat and skin from the underside of the upper arms. This surgery reshapes the underside of the arm for a firmer appearance from the underarm to the elbow. When this excess skin is removed you will look and feel slimmer. Who is a Good Candidate for Brachioplasty? Brachioplasty surgery is for those who carry extra underarm fat or skin. It is most important for patients who have experienced extreme weight loss. Weight loss patients are often left with excessive amounts of loose underarm skin that has lost its elasticity. These patients can see life changing results from this procedure. Aging can also lead to the development of saggy skin under the arms. Skin simply loses firmness over time. The best candidates for a Brachioplasty are patients who are not overweight and are in good overall health. Before Scheduling the Operation You will have an initial consultation with Dr. Wells to determine the extent of Brachioplasty you need. He will determine if supplemental liposuction is recommended. Consultations typically last about an hour and address all questions you may have about the procedure and determine your expectations. Questions about incisions and scarring are often asked by patients. Incision length and pattern varies from patient to patient depending on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed. Incisions may extend from the underarm (axilla) to just above the elbow depending on the extent of removal. The appearance of incisions decrease significantly with time. He will review your past medical history and determine what results you are looking for. He will do a physical exam and determine what it will take to clear you for surgery. Brachioplasty is typically considered an outpatient procedure. This allows you to go home the same day as your surgery so you can recover at home. Dr. Wells sometimes feels it is necessary for a patient to stay overnight. You will have several follow up appointments to check on healing and ensure the success of the procedure. The Brachioplasty Procedure Brachioplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that requires general anesthesia. It typically takes about two to three hours to perform. It is often done in conjunction with other surgeries including breast augmentation and abdominoplasty. Combination procedures can transform the body and create beautiful results. Incisions are generally placed on the inside of the arm or on the back of the arm to minimize their appearance. The underlying supportive tissue is then tightened and reshaped with internal sutures. The skin is then smoothed over the new contour of your arm. The tighter contours resulting from a Brachioplasty are apparent immediately following your procedure. Keep in mind that there will be some swelling and bruising. Excess fat in the underarm area may also be removed during Brachioplasty with liposuction. This is a procedure that directly removes fat from the body and provides a more tight and toned appearance. Areas targeted by supplemental Liposuction can be in the underarm area or in the upper sides of the chest. Some people think that just having liposuction will eliminate saggy underarms. However this often leads to loose skin left behind. Dr. Wells sees Liposuction as a supplementary procedure to Brachioplasty to improve the aesthetic results of your Arm Lift. After the Procedure After completing an arm lift procedure your incisions will be covered in bandages and your arms will be loosely wrapped in elastic dressings to minimize swelling. A follow-up visit will be scheduled within a day or two to check how well you are healing. Small drain tubes may be placed in your arms to assist with the draining of any excess fluid. It is recommended to avoid lifting your arms above your shoulders for about three to four weeks after the surgery. Heavy lifting may lead to injury of your incision sites. Avoid strenuous activity for up to eight weeks. Dr. Wells may prescribe pain medication to ease your recovery. Making a Change If you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your arms due to underarm loose skin schedule a consultation with Dr. Wells. He is passionate about achieving the aesthetic goals of all his patients. He will address any questions and concerns to help you realize your potential and give you your confidence back. Your loose underarms can be a thing of the past with Brachioplasty with the aid of a talented plastic surgeon like Dr. Henry Wells Jr.

Abdominoplasty

You can get rid of a stomach that has been stretched from pregnancy or weight loss with an abdominoplasty, commonly called a tummy tuck. The tummy tuck has become increasingly popular with women who no longer plan to have children and want to correct aesthetic problems created by childbirth. For women who wish to get rid of excess skin and bulges after pregnancy an abdominoplasty is the surgical solution for them. The procedure is not for someone extremely overweight. It is better is a woman has gotten back close to her pre-pregnancy weight. Some may go on to choose a mommy makeover that includes a tummy tuck as well as breast surgery. Types of Abdominoplasty Depending on the amount of correction that needs to be done, abdominoplasty can take a couple of forms: Standard or Complete Abdominoplasty: Addresses correction of the entire abdominal area to tighten the abdominal muscles, fix contour irregularities and create a narrower waistline. Liposuction can be used to provide optimum results. Mini Abdominoplasty: Addresses small contour problems in the lower abdomen, such as C-section scar revision, and removes skin in the lower portion of the tummy but leaves the belly button in place. The operation doesn’t go above the belly button. The Standard Abdominoplasty Procedure The Consultation: You will have an initial consultation with Dr. Henry Wells – a board certified plastic surgeon and the two of you will together determine the goals for your surgery and what you need to have done to reach your desired results. He typically spends a full hour on every consult to answer all of your questions. The Surgery: The procedure can take up to 3 hours to perform. In most cases a long incision is made from hipbone to hipbone, directly above the pubic area, and a second incision is made to free the naval from surrounding tissue. The skin is lifted from the abdominal muscles and the muscles are tightened. This works to firm up the stomach muscles and create a narrower waistline. If appropriate, we do liposuction at this point to complete the correction. The skin is then pulled taut, with the excess removed. Overnight Stay: Dr. Wells recommends an overnight hospital stay following an abdominoplasty. Post Operative Care: You will see Dr. Wells the following day before release, with two or three follow-ups during your recovery and beyond. Resuming Activities: You can return to work in two or three weeks. Vigorous physical activity may resume after four to six weeks. By following a good diet and exercising regularly your results can be remarkable and long lasting. Benefits of Abdominoplasty Include: An Improved Abdominal Contour: A tummy tuck is generally performed for cosmetic reasons, and used to correct problems caused by having children or weight loss, which can leave the stomach area stretched with unflattering loose skin.* Smaller Waistline: By pulling the abdominal muscles and tightening them, you realize a smaller waistline.* Improved C Section Scarring: An abdominoplasty can minimize the appearance of a significant C-section scar.* Benefits Men and Women: Women most commonly choose this procedure, but men elect to undergo the procedure as well. A flat, firm stomach can be the result. Abdominoplasty will firm up the abdominal muscles, and can remove stretch marks caused by rapid weight gain or belly expansion.* A Firmer and Flatter Tummy: With the tightening and pulling together of the abdominal muscles, your stomach will feel firmer, flatter and ready for the beach.* The Results Are Yours for the Keeping: The great thing about tummy tuck surgery is that the length of time the patient can appreciate the results is almost entirely up to them. By following a balanced diet, watching weight gain, and incorporating a mixture of cardiovascular exercise and resistance training, you can retain the benefits of your abdominoplasty.* Call 859.255.6649 to book a consultation with your Lexington, KY Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Liposuction

Easily Correct Your Problem Areas With Liposuction Liposuction is a procedure we perform to correct problem areas in patients that simply won’t go away with diet and exercise. The procedure, contrary to some beliefs, is not an operation for the obese patient. It is also typically not the best option for the post pregnancy tummy. Typically the best procedure for the post baby tummy is the Abdominoplasty or “Tummy Tuck” combined with liposuction. Liposuction Is Not the Easy Way Out A common misconception is that liposuction is “an easy way out” or a lazy person’s route to weight loss. Nothing could be further from the truth. The procedure is not designed or acceptable for those patients who are obese and it is not a magical route to weight loss. Many times people dedicated time and effort to achieving the body they desire, only to find that genetics aren’t playing fair and that they need additional help. Patients should educate themselves so they have realistic expectations for the results of Liposuction. Liposuction is Ideal for: Saddlebags: Upper outer thighs Flanks: Also known a muffin tops Upper Inner Thigh: Medial thigh area Arms: Under upper arm area Back: Problem spots not remedied by exercise Knees: When excess fat ‘falls’ over the knee area Submental Neck: Removing the fat in the ‘wattle’ for a dramatic effect Candidates for Liposuction: Normal Weight Category: No extreme weight fluctuations or where weight loss goals have been achieved. Firm Elastic Skin: Age is not a primary factor, although it is important to understand that older patients may not have the elasticity in their skin to achieve an ideal result. Remaining Persistent Areas of Fat: Areas unable to remove through a regimen of proper diet and exercise. In Good Physical Health: Always important before undergoing surgery. The Standard Liposuction Procedure The Consultation: An initial consultation with Dr. Wells is always a first step to manage expectations and answer questions. The Procedure: It is performed as an outpatient procedure unless it is part of another more extensive procedure. Post Operative Care: To achieve the best result, patients will need to wear a girdle or compression garment for several weeks following the surgery. Resuming Activities: Requires seven to 10 days of recovery before returning to work. You should wait three to four weeks before returning to vigorous work or exercise. Benefits of Liposuction Include: Spot Reduction: There are areas on the body that will store fat no matter how much weight you lose, so spot reduction is not always possible through diet and site-specific exercise alone. Resistance training can only strengthen the muscle underneath the fat – on some people the fat simply cannot be removed this way. Liposuction can provide reduction in specific, site-targeted areas that can’t be reduced any other way.* Reshaping of the Patient’s Body: Due to genetics, some are destined to carry excess fat in unique areas. This is usually on the undersides of the arms, the sides of the thighs (saddlebags), in the neck (wattle), or on the sides of the waist (muffin top). Though an individual may do all they can to lose weight, these areas may remain hostile to change. Liposuction can reduce this fat, leading to a dramatic change in the patient’s overall appearance.* Increased Self Esteem and Confidence: With places on the body an individual is ashamed of, there is a tendency to hide these areas from view. Liposuction can take those areas and make them into areas they can be proud to show. This can lead to more confidence and a willingness to wear better fitting clothing and even provide incentive to exercise and diet.* *individual results and experience may vary

Lower Body Lift

Those who have realized massive weight loss may find they are unhappy with the appearance of their lower body. This procedure is frequently referred to as lower body lift or belt lipectomy. Dr. Henry Wells of Wells Plastic Surgery was one of the first plastic surgeons in the Lexington, Louisville and Eastern Kentucky area to perform the lower body lift. He is one of the few in the area that regularly perform it. A lower body lift can provide dramatic results for patients who have lost significant weight and are left with multiple folds of excess skin. Excess skin forms because the skin lost elasticity from being stretched. This loose skin can be a significant problem for the weight loss patient. It can be especially dissheartening after they have worked so hard to get to their goal weight. The results of a lower body lift can be more than an improvement to a person’s physical experience and has often been described as a life-changing experience. The dramatic results can add confidence as well as an improved appearance. Candidates for a Lower Body Lift: Weight Loss: A lower body lift is for patients who have experienced massive weight loss. Bariatric Patients: Patients who have had bariatric surgery for weight loss. In addition to removing excess skin on the torso, the Second Phase (a separate surgery) may include: Breast Lift, Reduction or Augmentation, combined with Arm Lift (second surgery) Medial Thigh Lift (third surgery) Other Surgeries (Fourth Surgery) That Can Be Added to Improve Aesthetics: Face Lift Liposuction The Lower Body Lift Procedure: The Consultation: During a consultation with Dr. Wells – a board certified plastic surgeon – you will discuss the lower body lift as well as other procedures you may need to achieve your goals due to your specific amount of weight loss. You will be guided through the protocols of a lower body lift as well as what to expect during the surgery and their need for follow up care. The Surgery: The procedure(s) can be lengthy with the first phase taking between four and five hours, and the second phase can also last two to five hours, depending on the performed surgeries and the amount of work to be done. The first step of a lower body lift at Wells Plastic Surgery is to remove the excess skin from the circumference of the lower torso while lifting the thighs and buttocks and tightening the abdominal muscles to help return the body to a more natural contour. Overnight Stay: An overnight hospital stay is necessary due to the longer surgery. Recovery: Typically, recovery from the operations can take two to four weeks per surgery depending on the individual’s health and ability to recover. Since the surgery involves an incision that typically extends completely around the lower torso, there will be visible scarring that will fade over time but the results are well worth the trade off. These can be covered under swim trunks or something as small as bikini bottoms. Resuming Activities: It is important to know that you will be off work with each surgery. With the lower body lift, you will be off for three weeks, with breast surgery 2-3 weeks and with a medial thigh lift an additional three weeks. Those who are continuing to lose weight or are planning another pregnancy are usually advised to delay having a lower body lift, as additional pregnancies may cause the abdominal muscles to stretch again.

Mommy Makeover

Having children is a wonderful experience for many women – but looking great in a bikini after childbirth may be a challenge. Many mothers look to plastic surgery to address the aesthetic consequences of bearing children. They seek procedures like breast augmentation or a tummy tuck to help return to the figure they enjoyed before motherhood. They want to feel more comfortable with their body contour and restore the confidence they enjoyed with their figure. A combination of surgeries or cosmetic treatments which helps restore a mother’s body to its pre-pregnancy form is known as a mommy makeover. These surgeries may include: Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Breast Surgery Liposuction The Mommy Makeover Procedure The Consultation: The first phase of a Mommy Makeover begins with a consultation to determine the results a patient can expect from the procedure. Dr. Wells will offer suggestions as to what surgeries to include in a mommy makeover, work with you to design a surgical plan, and give specific instructions for recovery. The Surgery: Once the surgical plan is complete, You may schedule a date for surgery. General anesthesia will be given to ensure a comfortable procedure for the patient. Because multiple surgeries will address multiple aesthetic issues, the patient will enjoy less cost and downtime than if the surgeries were performed as standalone surgeries Overnight Stay: The patient may stay overnight following the body contouring procedure, or often the patient may go home after the procedures and have a follow-up visit with Dr. Wells the next day. Post-Operative Care: Our staff will keep you informed of each step of your recovery, and schedule multiple follow up visits with Dr. Wells during that period. Resuming Activities: You can return to work in two or three weeks. There are no restrictions after four weeks and you can return to vigorous activities in 6-8 weeks. Tummy Tuck Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) is a body contouring procedure which strengthens the abdominal wall, removes excess fat deposits, and tightens loose abdominal skin. With the patient asleep, Dr. Wells may start with liposuction if needed. He will then perform an incision following the bikini line spanning from one side of the hip to the other. A small incision is made around the belly button, in order to separate the skin from the abdominal muscle. Next, he will tighten the muscle with sutures to support the abdominal wall. The excess skin is then removed and the remaining skin is stretched toward the bikini-line incision and closed with absorbable sutures. Patients who only have excess skin in the lower abdominal area may not require the incision around the navel. Breast Surgery Breast shape, size, and elevation may suffer during pregnancy, weight fluctuations or breastfeeding. Few things are more important to a woman feeling feminine than her breast appearance. If her breasts sag, shrink, or are too large for her body type, breast surgery is a practical procedure to include in a mommy makeover. These surgeries include: Breast Lift When the breasts sag, a breast lift can restore breast perkiness and a more youthful appearance. The procedure requires general anesthesia followed by strategic incisions designed to reshape the breasts, remove excess skin, and elevate the nipples. Sometimes breast implants are used, as well, to restore or enhance breast size. Breast Augmentation When breast volume and contour are severely affected by weight fluctuations or pregnancy, many women look to breast implants to regain their pre-pregnancy breast appearance. A breast augmentation will enhance breast size, improve breast shape, and make your breasts firmer. There is a wide selection of implants available to ensure you attain the best results possible. Breast Reduction When your breasts are too large for your body type, a breast reduction will help make your breasts more comfortable and more aesthetic. Some women have breast too large because of genetics or pregnancy. Breast reduction will improve body contour by correcting the size of your breasts in relation to your body type. Liposuction Liposuction is a popular body contouring surgery which is practical for multiple body areas. Dr. Wells uses liposuction with other body contouring procedures like a tummy tuck or it can be a standalone procedure to help with aesthetic issues like “muffin tops” or excessive fat in the thighs. This body contouring procedure offers proven results to ensure you enjoy your pre-pregnancy body once again.

Medial Thigh Lift

This surgery is designed to remove fat and excess skin from the insides of your thighs. This surgery is many times included as part of the long-term plan of a lower body lift patient who may need multiple surgeries to reach their goal. Keep in mind that typically procedures on the legs are not combined with procedures onto the abdomen for safety and circulatory reasons to aid healing. This would be performed as a separate surgery. Types of Medial Thigh Lift Transverse Lift: Removes excess skin and fat from upper thigh. This is less extensive following moderate weight loss or those with extra skin and fat on the upper inside of the thighs. Full Vertical Thigh Lift: Excess skin and fat is removed from the entire length of the thigh. This is a more extensive procedure usually performed on weight loss patients. Both procedures involve liposuction, and sometimes liposuction alone can suffice. The Medial Thigh Lift Procedure The Consultation: You will have an initial consultation with Dr. Wells – a board certified plastic surgeon, who will determine the extent of thigh lift you need. He typically spends a full hour on every consult to answer all your questions. The Surgery: This can be performed as an outpatient procedure, but if your case is more involved it requires an overnight hospital stay. Post Operative Care: You will see Dr. Wells the following day before release, with two or three follow-ups during your recovery and beyond. Resuming Activities: You can return to work in two or three weeks. More strenuous physical activity may resume after four weeks.