Plastic Surgery Archives - Doctor Beam, MD

May 8, 2021November 8, 2023

What a Tummy Tuck Can and Can’t Do

Tummy Tuck in Glastonbury, CT If you want to achieve a firm, toned abdomen, it’s no secret that the tummy tuck can help you do just that. By trimming excess skin and fat, and tightening the abdominal muscles, the tummy tuck provides a comprehensive solution for enhancing the abdominal region. Despite its substantial benefits, however, there are some things that the tummy tuck can’t do. To help provide patients with a full understanding of this procedure, we’re going to explain what a tummy tuck can and can’t do.

CAN: Remove Skin & Fat

The primary function of the tummy tuck procedure is to remove skin and fat from the abdominal region. In this way, it is a highly effective procedure for addressing stubborn fat and sagging skin in and around the stomach. Whether you are struggling with these issues from pregnancy, aging or other causes, a tummy tuck can help.

CAN: Create a Flatter Stomach

By removing skin and fat, patients can achieve a flatter stomach with the tummy tuck procedure. This is made possible with liposuction and the other surgical techniques involved. Additionally, the tummy tuck procedure tightens the abdominal muscles, which can further enhance the appearance of the abdominal region.

CAN’T: Prevent Weight Gain

While the tummy tuck procedure can help patients achieve a firmer, flatter stomach, it can’t prevent future weight gain. This is important to consider, because if patients are unable to maintain healthy diet and exercise habits following their surgery, it’s possible for fat to reaccumulate in and around the abdominal region. Patients need to be prepared to make lifestyle changes after a tummy tuck to maintain their results as long as possible.

CAN’T Remove Most Stretch Marks

Stretch marks commonly develop during pregnancy, although they can also develop from any form of weight gain. A tummy tuck can remove some stretch marks, but only if they are located in areas where excess skin is being trimmed. For this reason, patients can enjoy an improvement in the appearance of stretch marks, but it is not possible for a tummy tuck to completely remove all stretch marks in the stomach. You can expect the tummy tuck treatment to treat most of the stretch marks below the belly button, but stretch marks above the belly button may not be addressed.

What Can A Tummy Tuck Do For You?

If you are considering a tummy tuck, contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Beam. During your consultation, you can discuss your treatment goals and determine if a tummy tuck is the right choice for you.

April 8, 2021November 8, 2023

What to Expect After Liposuction – And Can I Speed Up the Recovery Process?

Whatever your motivation is for considering liposuction, there’s no doubt that it is one of the single most effective procedures for eliminating stubborn fat. In fact, most patients are incredibly eager to get started with their treatment and start showing off their new figure. However, there’s an important step that patients often overlook: recovery. Below, we’ll tell you what to expect after liposuction. Plus, we’ll even tell you how to speed up the recovery process!

After Your Liposuction Procedure

Immediately after your liposuction procedure, you can expect some bruising, swelling and discomfort. These symptoms will vary in severity depending on the extent of your treatment and the areas that were addressed. You can expect these symptoms to be at their worst within the first two or three days of treatment, but they’ll begin to resolve more rapidly after the first week, at which point you will begin to notice the final results of your treatment. We’ll provide you with pain medication, clear instructions, and occasionally a compression garment to help you manage your symptoms during this time.

Life During Your Recovery Period

In most cases, you’ll need some help around the house for the first few days while you regain your strength and take things easy. We recommend that patients take time away from work and other obligations so that they can rest as much as possible in the days following their treatment. You can begin easing back into work and other activities within about a week. However, you should still be avoiding exercise and other strenuous activities for several weeks longer. Instead, patients are encouraged to engage in light walking until they are fully healed.

How to Speed Up Liposuction Recovery

Following your post-operative instructions and using your medications as prescribed are a great foundation for a successful liposuction recovery. Additionally, we recommend paying special attention to your nutrition during your recovery period. By drinking plenty of water and eating healthy foods, you’ll provide your body with everything it needs to repair itself and return to normal. As mentioned above, it can also be beneficial to perform light walking when you have recovered enough. Walking will help encourage circulation, reduce swelling and improve your overall health. If you combine all of these habits, you can expect a smooth and swift recovery.

Are You Considering Liposuction?

If you’re considering liposuction, contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Beam. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the liposuction procedure, the recovery process and life after liposuction. Then, all that’s left to do is enjoy your results!

March 8, 2021November 8, 2023

When is Fat Transfer to the Breasts an Alternate Option to a Traditional Breast Augmentation?

The fat transfer breast augmentation technique offers patients a unique opportunity to avoid the traditional breast augmentation surgery, and the use of breast implants, but still enhance the size of the breasts. With the relative lack of surgery on the breasts, many patients assume that the fat transfer would be a preferred technique for breast augmentation. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. Below, we’ll tell you when a fat transfer is a good alternative to a traditional breast augmentation – and when it isn’t!

When to Consider a Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

Fat transfer breast augmentation is a more “natural” breast augmentation technique, using fat from your own body to augment the breasts. This approach has some distinct advantages, which often get the attention of patients who would like to avoid extensive surgery.

Primarily, a fat transfer offers the benefit of reduced surgery and scarring in the breasts. This is because fat is injected into the breasts during a fat transfer – it’s not placed surgically like a breast implant. As a result, patients experience little to no scarring in the breasts and a reduced recovery period. An additional benefit is the fact the treatment requires patients to harvest fat from another area of the body, which can further enhance the figure.

In short, a fat transfer breast augmentation is best suited for patients who want the minimal recovery period.

When to Consider a Traditional Breast Augmentation

Despite the substantial benefits of a fat transfer breast augmentation, a traditional breast augmentation is typically the better choice for most patients. This is because a traditional breast augmentation delivers much more predictable results. When a fat transfer is performed, not all of the fat survives the treatment. Even if your results look great the day after treatment, they may partially dissolve in the weeks and months that follow. Similarly, your body fat will naturally break down over time. This means that if the fat survives the initial transfer, it may still dissolve in the years that follow.

By using breast implants, these issues can be avoided. Patients can select the exact shape, size and material of their breast implants prior to their surgery. This gives them complete control in the outcome of their procedure, whereas a fat transfer may not produce the exact results you are hoping for. Additionally, breast implants are designed to be life-long devices. You don’t have to worry about the implants dissolving or fading over time. There are risks involved with implants, of course, but they can be easily managed by a responsible individual. Plus, if you’re discouraged by scarring, you needn’t be. With modern surgical techniques, incisions made for the breast augmentation procedure can be discreetly placed so that you are the only one who knows they’re there.

Which Breast Augmentation Technique is Right for Me?

Both the fat transfer breast augmentation and the traditional breast augmentation have their advantages, so it’s important to consider the decision carefully when planning your breast augmentation. If you need help determining which of these options is best for you, contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Beam.

February 8, 2021January 7, 2021

Augmented Look Vs. Natural Look in Breast Augmentation

We all know there are two different types of looks that come with a breast augmentation. While some patients wish to enhance their natural features and keep their augmentation subtle, others still wish to achieve the popular augmented look from the 1990s and early 2000s. Today, we wanted to share with you how to achieve your desired look, whether it’s more a subtle change or a more vintage look.

The Natural Look

Natural-looking breast augmentations have flooded the market in recent years. This type of breast augmentation aims to maintain as much of the natural look and feel of the breast as possible while adding enough volume to enhance the patient’s natural features. The biggest appeal to a natural-looking breast augmentation is that no one will know you have implants unless you want them to know.

How to Get the Natural Look

When considering a natural-looking breast augmentation, we encourage you to consider the following:

Sub-muscular placement of the breast implants
Choosing a moderate-sized breast implant for a subtle, yet noticeable enhancement
Limiting the width of the breast implant to heighten a natural appearance
Choosing a silicone implant versus a saline implant
Nipples sitting on the point on the breast with the most projection

The Augmented Look

When we talk about the augmented look, what we refer to is the type of breast augmentation that was most popular in the days of Baywatch and Showgirls. This type of breast augmentation is often characterized by proportionately large breasts with prominent cleavage and a dramatic contoured effect. People we most often think of when we think of the augmented look include Pamela Anderson and Anna Nicole Smith.

How to Get the Augmented Look

To get a more traditional augmented look form your breast augmentation, we encourage you to consider the following:

Sub-glandular placement of the breast implants
Choosing large implants that are slightly disproportionate to your body
Creating prominent cleavage without the use of a bra
Choosing high-profile implants for a more lifted position on the chest

Remember, It’s Up to You

No matter which look you choose, it’s important to remember why you’re getting a breast augmentation in the first place. Dr. Harold Beam and his expert staff are proud to offer patients the results they desire and the self-confidence they deserve.

To learn more about what you can expect during your breast augmentation, contact us to schedule your private consultation with Dr. Beam. In light of recent events, we are now offering virtual consultations that allow you to get all of your questions answered from the comfort and safety of your very own home.

January 8, 2021November 8, 2023

The Secret To Getting The Most Natural-Looking Breast Implants

When it comes to breast augmentation, our patients are always concerned about how their chest is going to look post-op. In an age where natural looks best, we want to ensure our patients that their breasts will look exactly how they desire when they take the right precautions. Today, we wanted to share with you our tips to getting the most natural-looking results from your breast augmentation, so you can live your best life with breasts you love.

Bigger Isn’t Always Better

When we think of most things, we typically think “bigger is always better.” This phrase does not necessarily work with breast implants. Choosing the right breast implants for you involves choosing the right breast implants for your natural frame and lifestyle. This means that a more active and petite woman who wishes to have natural-looking augmented breasts should gravitate towards smaller, more modest breast implants that will enhance her natural features rather than bombard them.

Consider Where Your Implant is Placed

Believe it or not, the area in which your breast implant is placed in your body can make all the difference in their appearance. While an over-the-muscle approach was most common back in the ‘90s and early 2000s, modern techniques allow doctors to place the breast implant under-the-muscle for a more natural-looking appearance. Not only does this enhance the natural look and feel of the breast, but it also prevents visible scarring, drooping and stretching from occurring following surgery.

The Type of Implant Makes a Difference

Unfortunately, not all breast implants are created equal. While saline breast implants are more budget friendly and can be used for younger patients, we always recommend those who seek a more natural look to consider silicone breast implants. These implants have a more natural-feeling texture to them and don’t ripple under the skin the way saline implants tend to.

Choose Your Surgeon Wisely

The most important piece of advice we can give you to get a more natural-looking breast augmentation is to do your research when choosing your plastic surgeon. We highly recommend choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic breast augmentation and breast enhancement, like Dr. Harold Beam. With more than 20 years of extensive training and experience, Dr. Beam can guarantee natural-looking results that enhance your body’s natural features.

To learn more about breast augmentation and how you can get the most natural-looking enhanced breasts, we encourage you to contact us at your convenience. In light of recent events, we are now offering virtual consultations that allow you to get all of your questions answered from the comfort and safety of your very own home.

October 13, 2020November 8, 2023

The Top 10 Most Common Plastic Surgeries and What Glastonbury Residents Should Know

Plastic surgery is more common than you might think. Furthermore, there are some treatments within the realm of plastic surgery that have become incredibly popularized and highly requested. Below, we’ll take a look at 10 of the most common plastic surgeries and what you need to know about them.

1. Breast Augmentation

Breast enhancement via breast augmentation is the single most popular plastic surgery procedure. It involves the use of implants to enhance the size and shape of the breasts, as well as the proportions of the entire figure. Patients typically have the choice between saline and silicone implants, with silicone implants becoming a more popular option for their natural look and feel. Recovery is typically about two to four weeks before you can resume normal activities.

2. Liposuction

Liposuction is another highly popular treatment that uses vacuum technology to remove fat cells from the body. Lipo can be performed nearly anywhere on the body, giving patients great flexibility when enhancing their figure. Most patients are able to resume normal activities within days of treatment, with some minor side effects persisting for a few weeks.

3. Abdominoplasty

Another name for the tummy tuck procedure, abdominoplasty surgery removes excess skin and fat from the stomach to produce a flatter, toned appearance. The abdominal muscles are also tightened to enhance results. This procedure requires some notable downtime, typically about three to four weeks.

4. Facelift

Facelifts are one of the most touted plastic surgery procedures, offering patients a simple solution to restoring a youthful appearance to the face. It can be combined with many other facial surgery techniques for more comprehensive results. While full recovery can take a few weeks, patients are typically back to normal activities within four to six weeks.

5. Rhinoplasty

A nose job, or rhinoplasty, can be incredibly powerful in enhancing the overall balance and appearance of the face. If you experience conditions like a deviated septum or breathing difficulties, part of this procedure may even be covered by insurance. Rhinoplasty can take up to a year to heal completely, but most patients are back to normal within one to two weeks.

6. Breast Lift

A breast lift restores the breasts to a youthful, perky position, and is a great option for women who have just completed pregnancy or breastfeeding. It can also be combined with the breast augmentation procedure to add volume and shape to the breasts in the process. Patients can expect a few weeks off usual activities, with a full recovery in about a month.

7. Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a procedure that targets the eyelids to produce a more youthful, relaxed appearance. This procedure is ideal for addressing sagging eyelids that impair your vision, as well as the appearance of bags under the eyes. Patients can expect two weeks of initial recovery, with a near-full recovery in about a month.

8. Breast Reduction

A breast reduction, in addition to enhancing a woman’s figure, can also be performed to alleviate the pain or discomfort of having large breasts. As this goes beyond cosmetic benefits, breast reductions are frequently covered by health insurance providers. The recovery is similar to that of a breast lift.

9. Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia surgery removes tissue in the chest to help men achieve a more sculpted, masculine appearance. Gynecomastia is a condition that cannot be improved with diet and exercise, leaving surgery to be the most effective treatment option. Patients can expect about a week of downtime with full recovery in less than a month.

10. Forehead Lift

The forehead lift targets wrinkles and lines on the forehead, tightening the skin to rejuvenate the appearance. It can be combined with a facelift or eyelid surgery for greater results. Performed alone, however, you can expect about ten days to two weeks of recovery, with full recovery a few weeks later.

Want to Learn More About These Surgeries?

To learn more about the plastic surgery procedures mentioned above, or to determine if these treatments are right for you, contact us today at Harold E. Beam, MD Plastic Surgery.

September 22, 2020November 8, 2023

Residents Ask: Is Eyelids Surgery Right for Me?

The eyes play a surprising role in the overall youthfulness and appearance of the face. As we age, the eyelids begin to droop and sag. As a result, many people notice that they look unusually tired or angry. It can be a frustrating part of aging, but like other signs of aging, it can be treated! Eyelid surgery can rejuvenate the eyes and restore youthfulness to the face. But, this treatment might not be right for everybody – so let’s take a closer look and find it if eyelid surgery is right for you.

Upper vs. Lower Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, can be performed on either the upper or lower eyelids. Some patients find that their upper eyelids begin to sag, interfering with their field of vision. The lower eyelids, however, are more responsible for cosmetic changes. Their sagging is responsible for the tired or aged facial appearance. Not every patient experiences both of these symptoms at once. Don’t worry, though, if you do, techniques can be combined to provide a full eyelid surgery. This is just one factor you need to consider before pursuing treatment.

Eyelid Surgery Recovery

Nowadays, surgery is a very safe and comfortable experience for patients, even when it involves the eyelids. The part you need to be prepared for is the recovery period. Eyelid surgery will cause some swelling and discomfort around the eyes for several days following surgery. Some patients also experience blurred vision, which is why we recommend that patients take about a week off of all activities to rest. It is important that patients have realistic expectations about their recovery, as you have to take many precautions before surgery so that you can recuperate safely and successfully.

Talk To Your Surgeon

The changes in your eyelids may be a result of factors outside of aging. In these cases, there may be other treatment options besides eyelid surgery. The best way to determine if eyelid surgery is right for you is to talk to a plastic surgeon like Harold E. Beam, MD. Dr. Beam can help you determine the best path forward and outline a specific plan so that you can enjoy a safe and successful eyelid surgery. To learn more or to schedule your consultation at our practice, contact us today.

September 10, 2020November 8, 2023

Residents Ask: What is the Best Age for a Facelift?

A facelift is one of the most powerful plastic surgery procedures, capable of eliminating years of aging in a single treatment. Men and women across the country are using this technique to reverse aging, improve their appearance and boost their self-esteem. As a fairly extensive surgical procedure, however, a facelift should not be taken lightly. We want to help you determine when is the best time for a facelift. While it might vary slightly by patient, here are the age factors you want to consider.

When Do Most Patients Get a Facelift?

The decision to get a facelift is typically less about age, and more about the signs of aging that patients have begun developing. Everyone ages differently, so there’s no hard and fast rule for scheduling your facelift. Typically, the patients who are the best candidates for a facelift are between the ages of 40 and 60. That’s a pretty wide range – so let’s take a look at some of the signs that might suggest it’s time to consider your facelift.

Wrinkles & Lines

Wrinkles and lines are probably the most noticeable, and the most dreaded, effects of aging. They develop gradually, so you might notice that they’ve crept up on you without you even noticing! In the early stages, most wrinkles and lines can be addressed with non-invasive treatments. But when these creases set into the skin and your skin continues to lose elasticity, your wrinkles become more pronounced and more difficult to treat. It is at this point you may want to begin considering a facelift.

When Other Treatments Don’t Work

As we touched on above, at a certain point, non-invasive treatments will not be able to produce your desired results. Although chemical peels, laser treatments and injectables can significantly rejuvenate your skin, they’re not a permanent solution. Eventually, a facelift may be the only way to eliminate deeper signs of aging and restore a truly youthful appearance. So no need to rush into a facelift – try some less invasive alternatives first, then consider surgery if your results aren’t satisfactory!

How Do I Get Started with a Facelift?

If you’ve been thinking that a facelift might be right for you, you’re in good hands. At Harold E. Beam, MD Plastic Surgery, we can help you plan out your facelift procedure and ensure that you achieve the best results possible. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your initial consultation!

July 21, 2020September 3, 2024

Natural Breast Augmentation Options: Which One is Right for You?

The fear of unsatisfactory results is the number one reason patients choose not to receive a breast augmentation. It’s a perfectly reasonable concern, as some breast augmentation procedures can produce unnatural-looking results in the breasts. This was certainly a problem in the past, when breast surgery was still new and techniques were still being developed. Today, however, with a quality surgeon, your breast augmentation can look and feel perfectly natural. Below, we’ll take a look at some of your options when it comes to achieving a natural breast augmentation.

Breast Implants

Breast implants are the more common breast augmentation method. When it comes to breast implants, there are two main types: saline and silicone. Saline implants have a gel-like shell, and are filled with a sterile saltwater solution. Silicone implants are made entirely of gel, offering a more consistent texture and shape. Many patients agree that silicone implants offer a more natural look and feel. Saline implants offer the benefit of requiring smaller incisions, often resulting in less scarring and shorter recovery time. However, many patients agree that silicone implants offer a more natural look and feel.

Depending on your goals, implants can be placed either below or above the pectoral muscles. At the time of your consultation, Harold E. Beam M.D. and our APRN’s will determine which is best for you. Placement beneath the muscle offers a more natural look and feel, while extending recovery time. Conversely, placement above the muscle makes a more comfortable recovery, but may compromise on the look and feel of your results.

Which One is Right for Me?

If you are still having trouble deciding on the type of breast augmentation technique that is best for you, contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Harold E. Beam. We can help you find the breast augmentation option that will satisfy all of your needs.

July 9, 2020November 8, 2023

Liposuction vs. Fat Freezing (CoolSculpting®)

Liposuction is one of the oldest and simplest procedures for removing stubborn, unwanted fat. And for many years, it was the best way to enhance the contours of the body when diet and exercise just couldn’t do the trick. Today, however, there are many other fat reduction techniques available. Treatments like CoolSculpting® are changing the cosmetic industry by offering fat reduction treatments that don’t require surgery. If you are considering a fat reduction procedure, lets take a closer look at these options so you can determine the treatment that is right for you.

The Treatment

The first difference between liposuction and CoolSculpting® is the treatment approach. Liposuction is a surgical technique done as an outpatient procedure under anesthesia which involves making small incisions in the skin. Through these incisions, a metal tube, called a cannula, is inserted. Targeted body fat will then be vacuumed out through this tube, creating the desired results. CoolSculpting®, on the other hand, is a fat freezing treatment done in the office. The CoolSculpting® device freezes fat cells from the skin’s surface, killing them instantly. After treatment, the body will gradually flush these destroyed fat cells from the system, producing a slimming effect in the treatment area. While liposuction is surgical and CoolSculpting® is non-surgical, both treatments are equally safe when performed by a medical professional.

The Results

With liposuction, the results are visible almost immediately. This is because the fat is removed from the body during the treatment process. You will have some bruising and swelling which will greatly improve over 4 – 6 weeks after surgery. With CoolSculpting®, the results may not be visible right away. It can take several weeks for the body to fully eliminate the treated fat cells from the system. Furthermore, with CoolSculpting®, it may take multiple treatment sessions to deliver optimal results. With liposuction, you can effectively target and remove all desired fat in a single procedure.

The Recovery

As a surgical procedure, liposuction does require significantly more downtime than CoolSculpting®. Liposuction can cause swelling, bruising, discomfort and related side effects in the treatment area. These symptoms typically only last a few weeks, but they will require you to take time away from work and other activities. With CoolSculpting®, patients are able to return to their usual activities immediately following treatment. While there are some minor side effects such as redness or numbness in the skin, you won’t need to take time off of work or even exercise.

The Cost

Since CoolSculpting® is a non-surgical technique, it typically has a lower treatment cost than liposuction procedures. However, you need to keep in mind that the cost will vary depending on how many treatments it takes to deliver your desired results. To discuss the cost of your treatment or further discuss either of these effective treatment options, contact us today at Harold E. Beam Plastic Surgery. We’ll help you narrow down your treatment options and achieve the figure you’ve been dreaming of.

Starting to see Lines & wrinkles ?