The study, conducted by researchers at Ruhr Universität and the University of Basel, compared 544 recent first-time plastic surgery patients with two separate groups: those who previously considered plastic surgery but decided against it, and those who have never considered plastic surgery. Patients were questioned four times: before surgery, and then at three, six, and twelve months after surgery.

Results showed that the plastic surgery patients felt healthier, experienced less anxiety, had increased self-esteem, and felt better about their entire bodies as well as the area that was operated on. No adverse side effects were reported. These results suggest that patients who find satisfaction with cosmetic surgery experience psychological benefits as well.

The study also shows that having realistic goals is an important component in ensuring that plastic surgery brings happiness. Researchers identified patient goals using a process called “Goal Attainment Scaling” that included two questions that revealed unrealistic expectations, such as “All my problems will be solved.” Only 12% of the plastic surgery patients expressed these unrealistic goals for plastic surgery, revealing the importance of identifying and discussing goals with a plastic surgeon before the procedure takes place. Read more about the report here.

For those considering plastic surgery, the data is in. Can plastic surgery make you happy? Research indicates that it may.

The post Does Plastic Surgery Make People Happy? appeared first on Kirby Plastic Surgery.

Fort Worth, Texas, April 22, 2013—The Natrelle 410, the highly cohesive shaped silicone gel implant approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in February 2013, provides many advantages for the appropriate patient, says plastic surgeon Dr. Emily J. Kirby.

Manufactured by Allergan, the Natrelle 410 is a new type of silicone gel implant; it is the second shaped highly cohesive silicone gel implant to receive FDA approval. The previous generation of silicone gel implants was round and featured a different type of silicone gel; the Natrelle 410 varies from those traditional implants in two significant ways.

• It has an anatomical teardrop shape. This shape resembles the natural shape of a woman’s breast more closely than round silicone gel implants. For certain patients, this shape can create a result that is closer to the patient’s goals for the procedure, and it offers patients more choice for augmentation.
• It is form stable. The nature of the highly cohesive silicone gel allows the implant to retain its shape over time, when the body is in any position. The gel in traditional round silicone implants is less viscous and can flow within the shell. The highly cohesive silicone gel in the Natrelle 410 remains soft to the touch through the years, and its composition renders it less likely to migrate into the body in case of an implant rupture.

Dr. Kirby is certified by Allergan to use the Natrelle 410 and notes the following advantages to the newly approved implant:

• It is less prone to rippling. Wrinkles or ripples in the shell of a saline or traditional round silicone breast implant can occasionally be seen or felt; clinical studies conducted for the Natrelle 410 reported that the incidence of rippling was less than 1% in primary augmentation patients. The highly cohesive silicone gel used in the 410 helps prevent this effect.
• It has a reduced incidence of capsular contracture. The textured shell of the Natrelle 410 discourages the formation of abnormal scar tissue (capsular contracture). Studies show that smooth round implants have a 14% rate of capsular contracture compared to 4% for the Natrelle 410.
• It requires fewer restrictions on post-operative activity. Because of the surgical technique used with the Natrelle 410, a person typically can return to a normal everyday level of activity more quickly.
• It offers women more choice. The anatomical shape of the Natrelle 410 offers women an alternative to the traditional round implant. The Natrelle 410 is manufactured in basic combinations of height and projection, with each style available in a wide variety of sizes.

While the new implant offers many benefits, Dr. Kirby stresses that the needs of each patient are different. A consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon will help identify which breast implant is most appropriate on a case-by-case basis.

About Kirby Plastic Surgery: Dr. Emily J. Kirby is a fully trained aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon. Her practice is located at 7250 Hawkins View Drive, Suite 412, Fort Worth, TX 76132. Contact her at 817.292.4200 or kirbyplasticsurgery.com.

Media Contact: Randol Kirby, 817.292.4200.

The post Fort Worth Plastic Surgeon Touts Advantages of New Anatomical Breast Implants appeared first on Kirby Plastic Surgery.

The range of mybody™ products allows me to craft a skin care program for the unique requirements of your skin. Although the line is categorized by skin type—Aging, Sensitive, or Acne—the products can be used in different combinations to address all skin issues. A suggested daily regimen consists of four products: a cleanser, a treatment, a hydrator, and a high-performance sunscreen. Here’s a bit more information I’d like to share about the mybody line.

Skin Types

mybody™ professional skin care products focus on three primary skin types, with a variety of products available within each type.

• Aging. mybody™ products offer the ultimate in anti-aging skin care. The treatments and hydrators feature retinol, Vitamin C, and growth factors that firm, tighten, minimize lines, and promote the production of collagen. The result? Healthy, younger looking skin.
• Sensitive. If you have sensitive skin, you’re naturally concerned about what you put on your face. mybody’s products for sensitive skin are specially formulated to be extra-gentle; in fact, the Protect and Serve sunscreen is so kind to your skin that you can even apply it to your lips! This line of products is also great for use after a cosmetic procedure.
• Acne. Unfortunately, acne isn’t just an adolescent woe—adults of all ages can be affected by this common skin condition, and mybody’s acne line helps you get clear, radiant skin. Ingredients from oat derivatives to salicylic acid to retinol treat and soothe acne-prone skin.

Daily Products

The mybody™ skin care line offers an array of products to bring your skin into balance. I believe in being kind to your skin, and mybody™ helps you do just that.

• Cleansers. mybody’s products help cleanse your skin of everyday dirts, oils, and other impurities. It’s the first step in making sure your skin looks bright and new, every day. Like all of the mybody™ products, the cleansers are available in different formulas to address the unique needs of your particular skin type. They are free of harsh chemical ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate or parabens.
• Treatments. Skin irregularities can be improved with mybody treatments, which are specially designed to gently and effectively treat a variety of common conditions. mybody’s high-performance treatments tackle everything from redness and rosacea to acne and photodamage.
• Hydrators. Proper hydration is essential for healthy skin, and mybody’s line infuses your skin with pure moisture without ever feeling sticky or greasy. Their unique bioemulsion delivery formulas repair and moisturize, drenching your skin for a more vibrant complexion.
• Sun protection. No matter your skin type, you should be protecting it from sun damage every day. mybody™ offers two versions of their Protect and Serve sunscreen—one is a tinted make-up primer—and both carry the added benefit of vitamins and antioxidants to help your skin look as youthful as you feel.

Specialty Products

mybody™ also offers a number of other exceptional products, including those specifically designed for the delicate neck and the eye areas. Their Probiotic Youthboost is the most popular product we sell; it uses topical probiotics to rejuvenate your skin from the inside out; this innovative alternative to a traditional peel is safe for all skin types. Another popular product is mybody Sledgehammer, an intensive skin lightener that helps fade darkened skin spots.

The mybody™ line has something for everyone! Come in for a consultation and let’s talk about how to make your natural beauty shine more brightly.

The post Getting to Know mybody™ Products appeared first on Kirby Plastic Surgery.

A breast lift, or mastopexy, removes excess skin and tightens the tissues to reshape the breasts. Even though many women long to have a more youthful silhouette, some are reluctant to undergo the surgery because of the scars left from the breast lift. There are many techniques used to lift the breast, a few of which we will discuss here. Areolar scars can be placed around the areola only for a minimal lift, without any other breast incisions. Careful selection of patients for this technique is important in order to avoid lift failure and scar widening. The “anchor” or “inverted T” technique is one approach to a complete lift of the breast. It involves three incisions: one around the areola, one vertical incision from the areola to the fold under the breast, and one horizontal incision along the crease under the breast.

A more modern technique provides an alternative to the anchor technique, and in the hands of a skilled plastic surgeon it can create a lasting result with fewer scars. The pattern is often referred to as the “lollipop” or “short scar” technique, and involves only the areolar and vertical incisions. It is a full breast lift like the anchor technique, but with shorter scars.  I was trained in both methods, but I am a firm believer in the lollipop method and believe that it can offer a better long-term result.

Why is the lollipop mastopexy better? There are fewer skin incisions, which is clearly appealing. The final shape of the breast is also superior to the anchor technique. The result is a more feminine, rounded, youthful breast with shorter scars. Internally, the breast is restructured, which gives superior support of the breast. In other lift techniques, the shape of the breast is based on skin support, which can result in stretching of the scar after surgery and repeated drooping of the breasts.

A surgeon who is well trained in both techniques can help patients understand which procedure is right for them. Every breast is different, so a full consultation will help identify which technique is appropriate. I prefer the lollipop technique for optimal results when a breast lift is combined with a breast augmentation for total rejuvenation of the breast.

I would be happy to discuss whether the lollipop mastopexy is right for you. I also perform the standard procedure, in case your needs are better suited by that technique. A breast lift can make a real difference in your appearance and your self-confidence. Contact me today for a complimentary consultation.

The post A Better Breast Lift appeared first on Kirby Plastic Surgery.

Because it has such a solid track record of success, lipo is extremely popular with both women and men. It’s a versatile procedure that can treat practically any area of the body; 2011 statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery show that it was the most popular cosmetic surgery performed in the U.S. While it is routinely used to treat areas such as the thighs, hips, abdomen, arms, neck, and knees, it is also effective on the chest, back, cheeks, chin, and ankles. It’s often used to complement the results of other cosmetic surgeries, such as a tummy tuck, breast reduction, facelift, or neck lift.

Types of Liposuction
Liposuction sculpts the body while permanently removing fat cells. While there are now a few variations of liposuction surgery, I think that two methods are clearly the best and I consider them the “gold standard” treatments. One is traditional suction-assisted liposuction (SAL) and the other is called power-assisted liposuction (PAL). The two methods are similar in that medicated saline solution is introduced into the area being treated and small incisions are made into the layer of fat. A hollow tube called a cannula is inserted through the incisions and manipulated, which breaks up fat so it can be suctioned out of the body. The surgeon operates the cannula manually in SAL. My method of choice is PAL, because a motorized, vibrating cannula is used. I think PAL is the most efficient way to remove fat, reducing operating times (and costs) for my patients.

There are also ultrasound- and laser-assisted methods of liposuction. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) is a reliable technique for addressing fat deposits in areas like the male breast or the back, fibrous areas that can be difficult to treat. Compared to the other methods of lipo, UAL needs slightly larger skin incisions, has a higher potential for complications, and may be more costly because of longer time in the operating room. Laser-assisted techniques have been somewhat disappointing, as studies haven’t shown that they provide any significant benefit over the safer, more established methods such as SAL and PAL.

New Technologies for Fat Reduction
Some of the noninvasive technologies promise they can reduce spot fat deposits with no surgery. The majority of these treatments offer less dramatic body contouring than lipo and require repeated applications, so they often end up costing the same as traditional liposuction when all is said and done. Although popular, these new treatments haven’t produced years of lasting results as liposuction has.

Choose a Provider With Skill and Experience
No matter which type of liposuction you have, it’s extremely important to have the procedure performed by an experienced plastic surgeon. A skilled plastic surgeon is specifically trained in cosmetic procedures and will be focused on ensuring your safety. Come in for a consultation so we can discuss your aesthetic goals and decide if traditional liposuction is right for you.

The post Traditional Liposuction is Still the Best! appeared first on Kirby Plastic Surgery.

Fort Worth, Texas, January 16, 2013—Despite a number of recent innovations in focused fat reduction, liposuction surgery is still the most effective procedure to treat stubborn areas of fat deposits, says Ft. Worth plastic surgeon Emily J. Kirby, MD. Traditional liposuction surgery, also known as lipoplasty or lipectomy, sculpts the body by removing localized fat deposits that do not respond to diet or exercise.

“Liposuction is a classic case where ‘new’ is not necessarily ‘better’ in terms of technology and surgical techniques. The more we learn about fat removal, the more we believe that good old-fashioned liposuction surgery is the way to go,” says Dr. Kirby.

Liposuction Offers Proven Results

Liposuction is popular partly because of its versatility is treating different areas of the body; it was the top surgical cosmetic procedure performed in the U. S. in 2011, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). While it is commonly used to treat typical problem areas for men and women such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, arms, knees, and neck, it can also be utilized on the back, chest, chin, cheeks, and ankles. Liposuction can enhance the results of other surgical procedures, such as a facelift, neck lift, tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), or breast reduction.

There are now several variations of liposuction surgery. Two techniques produce proven results for a wide range of applications: power-assisted liposuction (PAL) and traditional suction-assisted liposuction (SAL). With either method, an infusion of medicated saline solution is infiltrated into the treatment area and small incisions (roughly the size of a pea) are made into the fat layer. A cannula, or small hollow tube, is inserted through the incisions and manipulated to break up fat, which is suctioned out. A motorized, vibrating cannula is used in PAL, which distinguishes it from SAL, wherein the surgeon manually operates the cannula. PAL is more efficient in fat removal, leading to reduced operative times and ultimately reduced cost. It is Dr. Kirby’s technique of choice.

Alternative methods of liposuction surgery include ultrasound- and laser-assisted techniques. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) has proven to be a reliable method of addressing fat deposits in fibrous areas, such as the back or the male breast. It requires precise plastic surgery training and has a higher potential for complications. Compared to PAL and SAL, UAL requires slightly larger skin incisions and may ultimately cost more due to longer operating times. Laser-assisted techniques have not proven as favorable as once imagined. Studies have shown no convincing benefit to using laser-assisted liposuction techniques over other, safer techniques such as PAL and SAL.

Can New Technologies Rival the Success of Traditional Liposuction?

Liposuction permanently removes fat cells as it re-shapes the body. Some new, noninvasive technologies vow spot fat reduction without surgery. Most of these treatments require repeated applications and offer significantly less dramatic changes in contour than liposuction surgery, often for a similar total price. Some of these new technologies admit there is a chance that a person’s body may be unresponsive to treatment and suggest pairing it with diet and exercise for optimal results. Recent studies suggest no benefit to noninvasive fat reduction over traditional liposuction surgery. Some of the new noninvasive treatments include: Coolsculpting, Liposonix, Zerona, i-Lipo, and Exilis. While popular, these newer technologies have yet to establish the decades of success that liposuction has demonstrated.

No Matter the Technology, Choose an Experienced Provider

While there are many types of liposuction surgery available, choosing an experienced plastic surgeon to perform the procedure is still vitally important. A plastic surgeon has many years of training and experience that provide a safe environment for surgery. A consultation with a plastic surgeon can help identify the appropriate procedure to address each patient’s individual aesthetic goals.

About Kirby Plastic Surgery: Dr. Emily J. Kirby is a fully trained aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon. Her practice is located at 7250 Hawkins View Drive, Suite 412, Fort Worth, TX 76132. Contact her at 817.292.4200 or kirbyplasticsurgery.com.

Media Contact: Randol Kirby, 817.292.4200.

The post Dr. Emily J. Kirby Touts Traditional Liposuction for Lasting Spot Fat Reduction appeared first on Kirby Plastic Surgery.

Don’t miss our discussion on healthy living and reshaping your body!

Our friends at Medi Weight Loss Clinics, Fit for Life, and Women’s Health Medical Group will join Kirby Plastic Surgery for a discussion about optimizing your metabolism, healthy living, bioidentical hormones and body sculpting.

• Complimentary registration
• Mira Vista Country Club reception
• Light hors d’oeuvres
• Raffle prizes & door prizes valued over $2000*

Limited seating – RSVP today! – Call 817-292-4200

*Must be present to win

The post New Year, New You! appeared first on Kirby Plastic Surgery.

To achieve natural-looking results from your augmentation, you want your enhanced breasts to be proportional with your frame. Your current breast size and your rib cage have to be considered. Your plastic surgeon should measure the diameter of your breasts and the thickness of the tissue to determine if you have enough volume to accommodate the implant size you want; if they are too large, the implants may show through your skin or your breasts may begin to droop prematurely from lack of support.

The overall size of your frame is also an important piece of the puzzle. If you’re thin with a small frame, getting implants that are too large can make you look top-heavy and unnatural. In this case, a moderately-sized implant might create a more balanced look. On the other hand, if you’re more curvaceous to begin with, having well-defined hips and waist, you may want to choose a little larger implant size to maintain a pleasing “hourglass” figure. In this case, the larger implants will make you look more proportionate, as if this had been your natural shape all along.

Your body type isn’t the only thing you need to consider if you want to get the best results from breast augmentation in Fort Worth. Your lifestyle plays a vital role as well. If you’re very active and athletic, large breasts might not be right for you. They can get in the way—literally—during certain sports, and the added weight could cause pain in your back and shoulders when you exercise, perhaps even affect your balance. A more modest implant size can still enhance your figure beautifully while still allowing you to enjoy your active lifestyle in comfort.

Your plastic surgeon can help you sort through all the variables involved in planning your breast augmentation; I’m here to make sure that your new figure fits your body and complements your lifestyle. Make an appointment today, and let’s talk about your breast enhancement choices.

The post Breast Enhancement Should Match Your Body AND Your Lifestyle appeared first on Kirby Plastic Surgery.

It can be hard for patients to determine if they need a brow lift or eyelid lift—also known as blepharoplasty. The confusion exists because the position of the brow can affect the appearance of the eyelids, making you think you need one procedure when you actually need the other—or perhaps both surgeries are called for. If you’re having trouble making the distinction between the two procedures, come in for a consultation and let’s have a chat. I’ll look at the areas of your face that concern you and help you make the right choice for a more youthful and fresh-faced reflection in the mirror. Let’s briefly look at each procedure:

• Brow lift. If your main concern is that your forehead has become creased with wrinkles, you may need a brow lift. Brow lifts improve the position of the brow, smoothing out the wrinkles and giving you a more youthful-looking forehead. If you think your eyelids appear heavy, a brow lift may also correct that issue, because it may be your sagging brows creating that tired appearance. Determining which procedure—brow lift or eyelid lift—best addresses this particular concern is what often confuses patients. A browlift can be performed endoscopically, depending on the severity of the issue.
• Eyelid lift (blepharoplasty). While a brow lift can lift your eyebrows, giving you a wider-eyed appearance, an eyelid lift focuses just on your eyelids. An eyelid lift can be performed on your upper lids, lower lids, or both. During an eyelid lift, excess skin and fat are removed from the lids, making them less droopy and puffy. In the case of a lower eyelid lift, the procedure also smooths out bags or wrinkles just below the eye, but it won’t completely eliminate dark circles. An eyelid lift won’t treat “crow’s feet” either, but it is a great way to open up and show off your beautiful eyes.

In some cases, eliminating a sad or tired look may involve both procedures, as both the forehead and the eyelids may be adversely affected by the aging process. The two surgeries complement one another very nicely, creating a balanced rejuvenation and a more youthful face.

Surgical procedures aren’t the only solutions for aesthetic renewal. For example, Botox® might satisfactorily address some facial wrinkles. Contact me so we talk about the right procedure for you. I’m here to help!

The post Which Procedure Do I Need – A Brow Lift or an Eyelid Lift? appeared first on Kirby Plastic Surgery.

• Flat Chest. Breasts come in all shapes and sizes, but sometimes breasts fail to develop to any noticeable degree. Some women don’t just have small breasts—they are truly flat-chested. It’s my experience that flat-chested women don’t usually want to become voluptuous, rather they simply want to be able to feel more feminine in their own bodies.
• Breast Asymmetry. No one has breasts that are exactly alike, but for some women, the difference between their breasts is significant. Breast asymmetry can mean that one breast is visibly larger than the other, or there may be a difference in the shape of the each breast; it can have a genetic basis or it can be related to a difference in the growth rate of each breast. An increase in breast volume can create balance and make it easier to shop for bras and swimwear, and allow you to wear fitted clothing with increased confidence.
• Reduced Volume After Pregnancy. For some women, one of the perks of being pregnant is the increase in breast size they experience. But after the baby is born, the breasts often return to their previous size or sometimes become smaller than they were before the pregnancy. Becoming a mother shouldn’t mean saying goodbye to feeling good about your appearance, and breast augmentation can help make sure that you don’t have to. A post-baby breast augmentation can also be part of a mommy makeover, a personalized combination of procedures that addresses changes resulting from pregnancy.
• Reduced Volume After Weight Loss. Weight loss will make you smaller all over, including your breasts. If this isn’t quite the result you had in mind, breast augmentation can create a more shapely silhouette. I can increase breast volume to give you a more balanced, proportionate figure that complements your new slimmer frame. In this case, an augmentation might be combined with a breast lift to address excess, sagging skin that is often present after significant weight loss.
• Congenital Abnormalities. Some women are born with issues that affect the size and shape of their breasts. One such issue is tubular breasts; as the name suggests, these breasts are more narrow than round and often hang, rather than project, from the chest wall. If necessary, I can combine breast augmentation with a breast lift, allowing me to increase breast volume and improve breast appearance by elevating them and giving the breasts a more natural shape.

If you’re concerned about any of these issues and are considering breast augmentation, I’d love to meet with you and discuss the ways that this procedure (or a combination of breast procedures) can improve your appearance and your state of mind. Please contact my office to schedule a consultation to learn about your options.

The post 5 Issues Corrected by Breast Augmentation appeared first on Kirby Plastic Surgery.