The Science Behind Botox

Botox is classified as a neurotoxin and is made from botulinum toxin type A, which comes from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In large doses, this toxin can cause paralysis. Because of this, only very small and precise doses are used for cosmetic purposes, making it safe for use.

You may be wondering exactly what this has to do with wrinkle reduction. The wrinkles that Botox is able to reduce come from repeated muscle movements. Our facial muscles contract whenever we form expressions or make other facial movements. Chewing, laughing, frowning, and talking all require facial muscle movements.

With the repeated contraction of these facial muscles over time, it becomes harder for them to relax into their flat positions, making the skin above those muscles form wrinkles. In essence, Botox functions by temporarily weakening the muscles into which it is injected.

The chemical in Botox blocks the nerve signals to the muscles; although our brain may signal for our body to move a particular muscle, Botox adeptly stops this and prevents the muscle from moving, allowing it to relax and lie flat again.

This results in the overlying skin being able to relax. Through this process, wrinkles soften, giving the patient a more youthful appearance. This treatment also helps in stopping new lines from developing.

The Botox Treatment Process

You will need to take some precautions before your Botox treatment, such as avoiding alcohol at least one week prior to treatment and halting anti-inflammatory medications two weeks in advance.

Botox is safe to administer, as long as it is done so by a licensed professional. The treatment procedure is a short one. During it, the skin is numbed as needed and the areas of treatment are marked.

Botox is then inserted with a fine needle into the targeted facial muscles. The effect remains localized, meaning Botox stays only where it is injected and does not spread.

After the Treatment

The Botox injection sites may be slightly swollen, red, or bruised after treatment. This is natural, but within several hours, these issues should gradually disappear.

No downtime is needed after a Botox treatment. This is because no surgery has been performed and no tissue has been removed. Patients will be free to go right back to work and their everyday lives without any sort of healing or recovery process.

Within a week, fine wrinkles will disappear, resulting in noticeably smoother skin. After about four months, the treatment is required again in order to maintain Botox’s results.

Are You Ready to Try Botox for Yourself?

Botox is an excellent way to smooth away fine lines, giving your skin a smooth and youthful appearance. Learn more from Dr. James McMahan, double-board-certified plastic surgeon – contact us and set up your consultation.

The post How Does Botox Cosmetic Work? appeared first on McMahan, James (jmcmahanmd.com).

What Is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift, which is also referred to as mastopexy, is a procedure in which excess sagging skin tissue is trimmed away from the breasts. The breasts are reshaped during this procedure, which leaves the patient with perkier, firmer breasts.

This procedure can be done on its own or with other procedures like a breast augmentation with implants.

Before the Breast Lift

You should stop smoking at least two weeks prior to the surgery. You should also stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or other NSAIDs before your procedure, since these can increase the risk of bleeding. During your consultation, tell Dr. McMahan about your medical history and any medications you take.

Immediately After the Surgery

After your breast-lift surgery, Dr. McMahan will place bandages over the incisions. You will most likely experience mild to moderate pain following surgery; however, Dr. McMahan will prescribe the appropriate medication to help you deal with the pain.

You will also be given a medical bra to help reduce swelling. You will need to wear the bra for a time after the surgery; talk to Dr. McMahan about how long you should wear it for.

The knowledgeable and experienced staff at the office of Dr. McMahan will tend to you for a few hours after surgery. After a few hours, you should be able to head home with a family member or caregiver to start your healing process.

Days Following the Surgery

During the first few days following surgery, you will probably experience bruising, swelling, and tightness in the chest area. This is very common and nothing to worry about. Take your medications as prescribed by Dr. McMahan, as they will help reduce discomfort and pain.

Wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothing that can be buttoned and is easy to get on and off, so you don’t have to raise your arms.

It is important to rest as much as possible during the first few days of recovery. You should consume ample amounts of water after your procedure and avoid any strenuous activities, bending, and/or heavy lifting.

You should be able to shower two to three days after having a breast lift; be sure to keep your incisions covered so they do not get wet.

The Following Weeks

Avoid upper-body exercises for two to three weeks after surgery. You should be able to return to work about two weeks after your surgery; however, you should talk to Dr. McMahan before you resume your normal routine.

It is important to attend your follow-up appointments with Dr. McMahan to ensure that the healing process is going smoothly. By now, bruising and swelling around your breasts should have subsided, and you can stop using compression garments/surgical bra and resume wearing your regular bra.

After five to six weeks, you should start to feel completely normal again. Most patients who undergo a breast lift will recover completely within six weeks.

Learn More About Breast-Lift Recovery

If you have any questions about the recovery process for a breast-lift procedure, contact the office of Dr. James McMahan today. Dr. McMahan, a double-board-certified plastic surgeon, will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

The post After a Breast Lift, What Will Recovery Be Like? appeared first on McMahan, James (jmcmahanmd.com).

If you are a woman looking for a solution to lift or reshape your breasts, a breast lift may be the right procedure for you.

What Is a Breast Lift?

Also called a mastopexy, a breast lift can be performed on women with breasts of any shape and size by a board-certified plastic surgeon. A breast lift is a procedure in which Dr. McMahan removes excess skin from your breasts and reshapes them to make them look youthful and perky.

Breast-Lift Preparation

Before the procedure, you will be required to:
• Undergo a mammogram so your doctor can examine your breast tissue
• Stop smoking, since it reduces blood flow and delays the healing process
• Avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, and herbal supplements that can escalate bleeding
• Reach your ideal weight

In addition, have a discussion with Dr. McMahan before your breast lift to inform him of any medical conditions or allergies. Be sure to discuss any doubts, fears, or concerns about the procedure and let him know what your expectations are in terms of results.

The Procedure

Prior to your breast-lift surgery, you will be administered either general anesthesia or a sedative and local anesthesia. Dr. McMahan will make one incision or a series of small incisions around each areola and down to the breast folds, depending on the size, shape, and sagginess of your breasts.

Dr. McMahan will then reposition your nipples and may place stitches within your breasts in order to help reshape the breast tissue. Excess skin will be removed. The incisions are then closed with skin adhesives, surgical tape, or stitches once the skin of the breasts is brought together.

Breast-Lift Aftercare

You may experience mild swelling, bruising, and/or numbness for a couple of weeks after the surgery; however, these side effects are normal and will usually resolve by themselves. Small tubes may be placed near the incision sites to drain excess fluid or blood and will be removed within a few days.

After your breast-lift surgery, it is important that you:
• Do not strain yourself; avoid lifting and bending
• Take pain medication as advised by Dr. McMahan
• Refrain from sexual activity for a couple weeks after your procedure; talk to your doctor about when you can resume your normal daily activities
• Wear a surgical support bra for a few days
• Avoid going out in the sun
• Follow up with your plastic surgeon as recommended

You will notice changes in your breasts right after the procedure, and over the next few months, their shape will change a bit as they begin to settle. Once the healing process is complete, your breasts will appear firm, perky, and youthful.

Scheduling Your Breast-Lift Procedure

If you have saggy breasts and want them to appear younger and perkier, a breast lift may be the right procedure for you. Contact the office of double-board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. James McMahan for a consultation today.

The post Making Your Breasts Look Perky and Youthful with a Breast Lift appeared first on McMahan, James (jmcmahanmd.com).

Having long, dark lashes can make you look more expressive and give you a bolder, more confident look. Unfortunately, there are many factors that can work against you to cause your lashes to lose their luster.

What Causes Eyelashes to Become Pale and Brittle?

● Aging – The first reason, as mentioned above, is the natural aging process. As you get older, you experience hormonal changes in your body. These can result in an imbalance that affects hair growth on your eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair.

● Allergic reactions – Some people may experience an allergic reaction to mascara, which causes their eyelashes to become dull. Also, using mascara causes the eyelashes to harden, and if you don’t remove it before going to bed at night, it can cause them to become brittle.

● Rough treatment – If you rub your eyes too much or you’re too rough when removing makeup, your eyes can become irritated and damage the hair follicles. Your eyes are a sensitive area, and you should be gentle when you interact with them.

● Eyelash extensions – Eyelash extensions can definitely give your lashes a longer and bolder look, but they can also cause a host of side-effects. These extensions are attached to your eyelid on your natural lashes with the help of medical-grade glue, so when you pull off these false lashes, they can harm your natural lashes by tugging on them. Thus, it is advisable to use an oil-based cleanser first.

● Medical conditions – Certain conditions like blepharitis, psoriasis, thyroid problems, and eczema can affect the growth of your eyelashes. You may not notice it at first, but over the course of time, the problem will become more noticeable.

● Stress – Experiencing a high amount of stress can adversely affect different aspects of your body, especially hair growth. While the change isn’t immediate, you may notice that your lashes become much thinner with time. There is also an anxiety disorder called trichotillomania, in which people develop a habit of pulling out their eyelashes when under too much stress.

Rejuvenate Your Eyelashes with Latisse

The best way to rejuvenate your eyelashes is with the help of Latisse. This cosmetic treatment is FDA-approved and completely safe. Latisse is a prescription treatment that can help give you darker and fuller eyelashes. It’s designed to be used once a day, typically in the evening, to help give your lashes the boost you desire.

Now, you must be wondering how this works. Well, Latisse is composed of an active ingredient called bimatoprost. This chemical component lengthens the growth phase of your eyelashes and helps to increase the number of lashes produced during the growth phase.

The solution must be applied topically, and you will have to dispose of the applicator you use each time. This is to help keep your eyes safe from infection. Your doctor can provide more details on proper use during a consultation. In as little as a month, you will see a noticeable improvement in the growth of your lashes.

Contact Our Office

If your lashes have lost their luster and you want to make a change, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Advanced Aesthetic & Laser Surgery today. As one of the top plastic surgeons in Columbus, Ohio, Dr. James McMahan can help you achieve your aesthetic goals with safe and effective cosmetic procedures.

The post Why Are My Eyelashes So Pale and Brittle? appeared first on McMahan, James (jmcmahanmd.com).

This process is for those who have excess skin and sagging fat in their upper arms. It involves an incision from your underarm all the way to your elbow, along getting rid of excess fat and cutting away excess skin.

The recovery process is a vital part of the arm-lift procedure. If you are considering this procedure, it is best to have a good understanding of the recovery process in order to experience optimal healing.

Immediately After the Brachioplasty

The incision will be bandaged, and a tube will be placed in order to drain out any excess fluid. Your arms may be further wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment in order to control post-surgical swelling.

The First Days

In the days following the surgery, patients will be facing light to moderate pain in their arms. Painkillers are usually prescribed in order to keep discomfort at bay. If your recovery is going well, then any swelling or bruising will immediately start to dissipate and should disappear within a month.

The First Ten Days

Bandages and drainage tubes are all removed by this time. However, since the area is still very tender, you will be advised to refrain against pulling or exerting your arms. You will be able to go back to your normal activities, but you still must wear the compression bandage.

The First Two Weeks

All compression bandages are removed, as the arms are deemed to be fully healed by this point. You will be able to see the final results of the surgery. Patients will be allowed to start utilizing their arms more after three weeks.

Helpful Tips to Follow

There are a few more tips that you should keep in mind when it comes to recovery from an arm lift, including the following:
• Follow all post-operative procedures prescribed by Dr. McMahan.
• Stay away from all physical activity for at least 10 days after the surgery. If required, employ a caregiver to help you around the house.
• Sleep with your arms elevated on pillows to minimize swelling.
• Do not touch the site of the surgery.
• Drink plenty of water to flush out all toxins.
• Listen to your body regarding your limits and do not push yourself too hard while recovering.

Contact Advanced Aesthetic & Laser Surgery

For more information about what to expect during and after a brachioplasty, contact our office and set up a consultation. Dr. James McMahan, a double-board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience, will be available to discuss the procedure in greater detail.

Dr. McMahan has helped numerous patients restore the appearance of their upper arms and gain a more sculpted look. At Advanced Aesthetic & Laser Surgery, we are happy to answer your questions regarding arm-lift surgery. Call us today to set up your brachioplasty consultation.

The post What Is Recovery Like After an Arm Lift? appeared first on McMahan, James (jmcmahanmd.com).

Prepare Your Home

At home, you will need a place where you can rest easily without getting up for various things, most importantly your medication and liquids. The best position for you is in a reclining chair with you back elevated. It is much easier to get up from this position than from a bed or couch. On a table next to you, in a ddition to your medication being readily available, have a good suuply of what you would like to drink. On that table, also have what you plan to use to occupy your time during recovery, such as your laptop computor, books, television, remote, etc.

Check that everything is plugged in, the remote controls have batteries, the clock reads the right time, and everything in the area where you will spend time is in proper order.

Your physician may recommend that you use some medications, clothing, or gauze following your surgery. Stock up on all of these items and keep them in easy ready of your recovery area. Keep extra planets and pillows in easy reach of the recovery area, as well. If you have a lap desk, pull it out and pur it nearby.

Doing this is for your convenience. It does not mean that you need to confine yourself to one area. Your will want you up and moving around and moving your legs frequently after your surgery.

Arrange for Childcare

If you have a young child who needs to be lifted regularly (or a pet, for that matter), make arrangements for someone else to lift and care for your child during the early recovery period.

Your physician will be able to give you a rough estimate to help you gauge how long you will need this help, but ask your helper to be available on standby even beyond the period when your physician says you will definetely need it. This way you will be ready if your recovery takes slightly longer than expected. If you have a pet who needs to be taken out for walks, make arrangements for this to happen as well.

Make Arrangements for Personal Help

Even if you do not have any children at home that will need help throughout your recovery, you will still need help with personal care. If you live alone, ask someone to stay with you for the first few days to help with dishes, meals, and anything else you might need. Since you will also need a ride home after the surgery, this may be the person who picks you up from the surgery center.

Pay Bills in Advance

in the first week after your surgery, focus on your recovery. If bills are due around the time of your surgery, pay them in advance or set up an auto-pay function to ensure that the bills will be paid without any effort from you.

Take Time off Work

Many people who have relatively sedentary jobs are able to return to work within a week after breast augmetnation surgery, but recovery times do vary. Those with more strenuous jobs will need a longer breast before returning to work. Alert your employer well in advance of your surgery to ensure that you will be able to take off this time. Let your employer know that your return to work will depend on your surgery, so you may need some flexibility with your return.

If possible, schedule your procedure for a time when you are sure work will be slow. This will help ensure that you will feel comfortable being at home during this time.

Get Chores Out of the Way

In the days prior to your surgery, get hosehold chores our of the way with the knowledge that it may be several days before you are able to do any of these chores again. Do the laundry, clean the house, do all the dishes, and take out the trash.

As you are doing these chores, think ahead to what might become relevant during your surgery. Is the dishwasher working? Do you have enough dish soap? Will the trash need to be taken to the curb while you are in recovery, and if so, who will do it?

Check all of your cleaning supplies and buy any that you will need. While you are out, think ahead to the meals that you will be eating during your recovery. Microwave meals and soups in a can area n excellent and easy food selection for your surgical recovery.

Have a Consultation With Your Physician

In the weeks before your surgery, have a discussion with your physician about what to expect during surgery and recovery. You will probably have a variety of questions to ask about your recovery and the surgery itself.

Write down your questions so your conversation with the physician will be as productive as possible. Bring a notepad and a pen with you for the talk, so you ccan write down answers and a list of reminders or things to do as you think of them. Get contact information for your physician, so you can send your doctor any other questions that you might think of before the day of the surgery.

Contact Us

For more information about what to expect during and after a breast augmentation surgery, contact a reputable physician. At Advanced Aesthetic & Laser Surgery, we are happy to answer your questions. Call us today for more information.

The post Breast Augmentation Implants Recovery Plastic Surgery appeared first on McMahan, James (jmcmahanmd.com).

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is making concerted effort to emphasize this to its member surgeons in recent months. Cosmetic surgery continues to grow in popularity, more and more patients are requesting surgeries that border on the edge of normalcy.

Unfortunately, patients making these requests often do not understand the potential future repercussions of their desires. Probably the most common example is a woman requesting unusually large breast implants. While they may achieve their desired look, it is unlikely that they will be happy with their decision long term. Unfortunately the future fix is not only expensive, it cna never make it as good as what it once was.

At Advanced Aesthetic & Laser Surgery in Columbus, Ohio, I recently turned down a patient who had 800cc breast implants and wanted them replaced with implants filled to the range of 1800-2000cc's. The largest implants available in the U.S. are around 800cc's, which can be inflated to around 980cc's per manufacturer specifications. Over-inflation is standard procedure with saline implants but only to a certain degree. Going substantially beyond that limit can only make the implants harder and would likely void the warranty again deflation provided by Mentor or Allergan; the two saline implant manufacturers available in the U.S.

Another example is the patient who has already had numerous cosmetic procedures but always comes back in requesting more. Sometimes it is hard to say "No" to a patient, but when it is in their best interest, you just have to do it. Unfortunately, they will likely then 'Doctor-shop' until they find someone who will try to fulfill their request. If numerous reputable plastic surgeons tell you not to have a procedure, do not keep looking for osmoene who will say "Yes." You will likely soon regret it.

Contact Us

To schedule an appointment to discuss your options with Dr. McMahan, give us a call at 614-459-0060 or send us an inquiry here.

The post ASPS: “Save patients from themselves” appeared first on McMahan, James (jmcmahanmd.com).

We have all heard the adage that "Fact is stranger than fiction.' That may be truer with plastic surgery in Columbus, Ohio than anywhere else.

Here is one of the cray stories I just heard from a patient who recently came into my office.

A very pleasant, middle-aged female recently came in to see me for a consultation after signing up for surgery at a facility that uses a nationally branded scheme to lure in patients. She had spent the vast majority of her time during her consultation there with a sales person, who is the one who decided what procedures she needed….Not a physician or person with ANY medical training! She say the Doctor (who lives almost an hour away) for only FIVE minutes. It was a very high-pressure sales job that she succumed to but smartly came in for a second opinion. She was given a cost quote for liposuction of multiple areas (some where she literally has no fat!) all of which were the same cost per area (almost $2000 each!) with an additional charge for 'skin excision' but not a real tummy tuck which is the precedure that she really needs.

She was told that she will be awake during the surgery and may have some pain, as she will feel some of it. General surgery was not given as an anesthesia option. She was also considering a breast procedure but they do not do breast surgery so she had to go elsewhere for that. What kind of real plastic surgeon does not perform breast surgery?!?!

If you feel pressured during a consultation (such as being offered an 'emplyee discount' of a big discount if you pay before the end of the month – both of which she was given), go somewhere else.

Make sure that your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons as well as the American Society of Anesthetic Plastic Surgeons. Do your homework before your procedure.

Contact Us

Contact us today to set up your consultation or second opinion with James D. McMahan, M.D., F.A.C.S., a Board Certified Plastic Surgeron!

The post Do Research on Your Plastic Surgeon BEFORE Surgery! appeared first on McMahan, James (jmcmahanmd.com).

It is amazing how much this can reduce pain after surgery and speed up your recovery. Particularly since a combination of short and long acting local anesthetics are often used to provide as much pain relief as possible. I have had patients take nothing but aceaminophen (Tylenol®) after procedures such as breast augmentation and tummy tucks with the use of tumescent fluid infiltration at the time of surgery. It is amazing that more surgeons do not do this as it only takes a few minutes and costs nothing.

To obtain even longer lasting pain relief, Pacira Pharmaceuticals has developed liposomal bupivacaine for use in larger cases. Bupivacaine is a long acting local anesthetic, which Pacira has essentially encapsulated in liposomes, which slowly dissolve; releasing bupivacaine gradually over three days. This produce, known as Exparel®, can provide substantial pain releif for up to three days after surgery. At this time, there is an additional charge for Exparel® as it must be ordered separately for each procedure. However, virtually all patients have found it very beneficial and definetely worth the additional cost.

Last week, as I was walking through the recovery room at the surgery center, our medical director and head of anesthesia asked me if I would please teach other plastic surgeons how to infiltrate local anesthesia into their patients at the time of surgery. He says that my patients do so much better than those of my colleagues both in the recovery room and at home. I'm not sure why I seem to be the only one concerned about how well my patients do after surgery.

Contact Us

Contact Us to schedule a Consultation with Dr. McMahan at our Columbus, Ohio location.

The post Enhance your recovery from surgery with Exparel® appeared first on McMahan, James (jmcmahanmd.com).

Most women who have had a number of children resulting in loose abdominal muscles and excess skin are candidates for a standard tummy tuck where excess skin is removed from just above the belly button and the rectus muscle is tightened in the midline from the breast bone to the pubic bone to help flatten the abdomen.

A mini-abdominoplasty generally involves some liposuction of the abdomen, removing excess skin from the lower abdomen and rightening jus tthe lower abdominal muscles from the umbilicus to the pubic bone. The scar is tupically shorter and lower than with a full tuck and less skin is removed. This procedure mostly improves just the lower abdominal contour.

As the name implies, a circumferential abdominoplasty, also known as a lower body lift, removes skin from the lower abdomen, flanks and lower back. The abdominal muscles are generally tightened as is done with a full lift, however considerable more skin is removed. This procedure is typically in patients who have lost a considerable amount of weight.

The fleur-de-lis tuck is also performed in patients who have had massive weight loss. This procedure combines a standard tuck with removing an inverted "V" of skin from the abdomen to tighten the trunk both vertically as well as horizontally. The downside to this procedure is the long midline abdominal scar.

A reverse tummy tuck removes skin from the upper abdomen; pulling the skin upwards instead of down. Muscle repair is not normally done with a reverse tuck and most of the incision is hidden in the breast inframmary creases. The procedure is often done in patients who have already had a standard tuck or mini-tuck but have residual excess upper abdominal skin. A modified version removes less skin and leaves two separated scars under the breasts without combining them.

Almost all of the above procedures can be combined with one abother in the right patients.

The post Tummy Tucks: An Option for Every Patient appeared first on McMahan, James (jmcmahanmd.com).