Patient Education

Plastic Surgical Associates would like to be your partner in health care. Feel free to ask your questions and share your concerns with us. We will work with you to develop a wellness program for the care and treatment you need.

We welcome you to our practice and look forward to caring for you.

Plastic Surgical Associates provides a full range of medical services including the following:

 

 

 

Abdominoplasty

 

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) helps flatten the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin, and tightening muscles. The best candidates for abdominoplasty are in good physical condition, with pockets of fat or loose skin that have not responded well to diet and exercise. Abdominoplasty can also be appropriate for slightly obese people whose skin has lost some of its elasticity, and for women with skin and muscles stretched from pregnancy. Anyone planning on losing a significant amount of weight, and women planning on having (more) children, should wait before undergoing abdominoplasty. ...


Read More...

 

 

 

 

Breast Augmentation

 

 

Breast Augmentation (breast enlargement) is performed to increase breast size and/or fix breast asymmetry. Candidates include women who want larger breasts, and those who want to restore the breast volume often lost as a result of pregnancy or significant weight loss. Breasts can be enlarged with implants or by fat transplantation. Breast augmentation is not a substitute for mastopexy, which is a procedure to "lift" breasts that sag significantly. ...


Read More...

 

 

 

 

Blepharoplasty

 

 

Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is a plastic surgery procedure for correcting sagging or drooping eyelids. The eyelid, because its skin is much thinner than that in other parts of the face, is often one of the first areas of the face to exhibit signs of aging. Eyelids that sag or droop can affect peripheral vision, making daily activities such as driving more difficult. Blepharoplasty may become necessary when various factors, which include aging, sun damage, smoking and obesity, cause the muscles and tissue that support the eyelids to weaken. ...


Read More...

 

 

 

 

BOTOX Cosmetic

 

 

BOTOX Cosmetic is a prescription drug that, when injected, temporarily paralyzes muscles. It contains a purified and safe form of botulinum toxin A, which is produced by the microbe that causes botulism. Manufactured by Allergan, Inc., it is used to treat permanent furrows and deep wrinkles in the skin that are formed by the continual contraction of facial muscles. In addition to its cosmetic applications, it is used to treat a number of medical problems, including excessive sweating, overactive bladder, neck spasms, crossed eyes, chronic back and jaw pain, and migraines. ...


Read More...

 

 

 

 

Chemical Peels

 

 

Chemical peels remove damaged outer layers of skin to make skin smoother, reduce scarring and remove blemishes. Ranging from mild to strong, there are three types of chemical peels: alphahydroxy acid (AHA), trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and phenol. The strength of each peel is tailored to the patient. Peels can be combined with other procedures, such as facelifts, for additional improvement to skin. ...


Read More...

 

 

 

 

Brachioplasty

 

 

Brachioplasty (arm lift) is a surgical procedure performed to remove the loose, hanging skin that often develops on the underside of the upper arm as a result of aging, weight loss. Brachioplasty is ideal for patients who have an excessive amount of hanging skin and/or fat that does not respond to diet and exercise. Patients should maintain a stable weight not smoke, and have realistic expectations for surgery. Patients must also be healthy overall, with no major medical conditions that can be affected by surgery. ...


Read More...

 

 

 

 

Breast Augmentation with Mastopexy

 

 

Mastopexy (breast lift) with breast augmentation is a combination procedure that lifts sagging breasts while increasing their size and enhancing their shape. Aging, pregnancy, weight loss and gravity can all cause breasts to sag. When sagging cannot be corrected by implants alone, augmentation mastopexy may be recommended. During mastopexy alone, excess skin is trimmed away, supporting tissue is tightened, the breasts are "lifted" to sit higher on the chest, and the nipple and areola are repositioned or resized. By adding augmentation with implants to the procedure, the breasts can also be made larger and firmer. ...


Read More...

 

 

 

 

Cheek Implants

 

 

Cheek augmentation using cheek implants is an option for those who want to replace facial fullness lost through aging, or for those who simply want more prominent cheekbones. The ideal candidate is old enough that the head and skull are no longer growing (maturation is usually reached by late adolescence), is in good overall health, does not smoke, and has realistic surgical goals. ...


Read More...

 

 

 

 

Oncoplastic Breast Surgery

 

 

Oncoplastic surgery of the breast is performed to provide a mastectomy patient with exceptional medical and cosmetic results from the mastectomy alone, without the need for additional procedures. New technology has allowed for the development of advanced skin-sparing mastectomies that remove cancerous tissue while leaving the overlying skin intact. Nipple sparing mastectomy is gaining popularity especially for prophylaxis in women with genetic predisposition to cancer. Reconstruction of the breast can involve tissue expanders and implants and/ or flaps from the abdomen (TRAM) or back (latissimus). ...


Read More...

 

 

 

 

Mentoplasty

 

 

Mentoplasty (chin surgery) is a surgical procedure to reshape the chin by either augmenting or reducing it. Chin implants improve a person's profile by making a "weak" chin look stronger; chin reduction also improves the profile, but removes bone and/or tissue and muscle to do so. To create optimal facial proportion, mentoplasty is often performed in conjunction with rhinoplasty (nose surgery). ...


Read More...

 

 

 

 

CO 2 Laser Skin Resurfacing

 

 

Modern technology provides a variety of successful laser resurfacing treatments for improving the condition of the skin. Laser skin treatments employ focused beams of light energy to counteract the effects on the skin of acne, aging, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, scars, or poor nutrition. Resurfacing laser treatments are safe and efficient, requiring little downtime to provide effective results. ...


Read More...

 

 

 

 

Liposuction

 

 

Liposuction is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses a thin, hollow tube called a cannula to remove localized areas of body fat. The cannula is inserted through extremely small incisions, and then moved back and forth to loosen excess fat, which is suctioned out using a vacuum or a cannula-attached syringe. Treated areas look slimmer and more contoured, and in better overall proportion to the rest of the body. However, liposuction is not a method for losing weight, and is not effective in eliminating cellulite, or tightening loose and sagging skin. ...


Read More...

 

 

 

 

What are injectable fillers?

 

 

The natural again process combined with factors like sun exposure and the daily stress of life cause us to develop wrinkles and lose fullness in our faces. Injectable fillers offer a solution to fine lines and wrinkles by adding volume to the skin, and these have become one of the most desired cosmetic treatments for rejuvenating the face. Dr. Driscoll offers a variety of FDA approved fillers to help men and wome of all ages restore youth and volume in their faces. ...


Read More...

 

 

 

 

Dermabrasion

 

 

Dermabrasion is a skin-resurfacing procedure that removes the outer layers of skin; when skin grows back, it is smoother and younger looking. Dermabrasion removes, as much as is possible, facial scarring caused by acne, chicken pox, injury or other conditions. Uneven pigmentation, wrinkles, sun damage, tattoos, age spots and certain kinds of skin lesions are also treated with dermabrasion, which can be performed on targeted areas of skin or the entire face. It can also be performed in combination with other treatments, such as facelifts, chemical peels or scar revisions, for optimal results. ...


Read More...

 

 

 

 

Reduction Mammaplasty

 

 

Women who are unhappy about having large breasts and/or want to treat symptoms such as back pain, and poor posture, may benefit from reduction mammaplasty (breast reduction), during which fat, glandular tissue and skin are removed from the breasts. The resultant smaller breasts increase patient comfort, and look more in proportion to the rest of the body. Ideal candidates for reduction mammaplasty are women with oversized breasts that are causing medical problems, low self-esteem, and/or physical or social discomfort. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding cannot undergo reduction mammaplasty. ...


Read More...

 

 

 

 

Panniculectomy

 

 

A panniculectomy is performed to remove a panniculus, which is an "apron" of excess skin and fat hanging from the lower abdomen. Panniculectomy is different from abdominoplasty, which, in addition to removing excess skin and fat, tightens the abdominal muscles. Abdominoplasty is considered a cosmetic procedure; panniculectomy is not, because a panniculus can cause medical problems and interfere with everyday activities. Candidates for panniculectomy have typically lost a large amount of weight through gastric- or intestinal-bypass surgery, or changes in nutrition and fitness habits; or are normal-weight women who have excess skin post-pregnancy. ...


Read More...

 

 

 

 

Fraxel Laser Systems for Skin Resurfacing

 

 

Fraxel laser systems use fractional-resurfacing technology, in which only a fraction of an area of skin receives laser light, to significantly improve skin texture and remove pigmentation. The energy from Fraxel laser systems stimulates skin's collagen, and rejuvenates skin cells below the skin's surface, helping to smooth out the creases that cause wrinkling and scarring. According to their manufacturer, Solta Medical, Inc., Fraxel lasers, in addition to improving the tone and texture of the skin, treat: ...


Read More...

 

 

 

 

Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia)

 

 

Gynecomastia, which is the overdevelopment of male breasts, affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men. It can be the result of hormonal imbalance, obesity, certain drugs or heredity, and can affect one or both breasts.

Candidates for breast reduction are men who have large or sagging breasts that make them feel physically and/or emotionally uncomfortable. Breast reduction can be performed on men whose breast development is complete; are in good health, both physically and emotionally; do not smoke; and are not overweight. Ideally, candidates have firm, elastic skin that will reshape itself to fit the contours of their breasts postsurgery. ...


Read More...

 

 

 

 

Rhytidectomy

 

 

Over time, gravity and sun exposure take their toll on the face and neck. Deep creases that run from each side of the nose to the corners of the mouth appear; the jawline slackens; and the neck develops loose folds and fat deposits. Rhytidectomy (facelift) counteracts these signs of aging by tightening muscle, removing fat, and trimming excess skin. ...


Read More...

 

 

 

 

Fat Transplantation for the Face

 

 

Also called "fat grafting" and "autologous fat transfer," fat transplantation involves removing a portion of a person's excess body fat and placing it into another area of his or her body that needs more volume. When used for the face, it can restore lost volume in the lips, temples, cheeks and chin. Fat transplantation is effective in treating sunken areas, lines, wrinkles, creases, acne scars and other issues caused by the decrease in volume that results from aging, sun damage and other conditions. ...


Read More...

 

 

 

 

Thighplasty

 

 

Thighplasty (thigh lift) is performed to tighten the skin of the thighs, with the goal being to produce slim, contoured thighs that look proportionate to the rest of the body. Thighplasty may be performed alone, or in combination with other cosmetic procedures, such as liposuction, that slim the lower body. Candidates for thighplasty are in good general health, but have excess skin and/or tissue on their thighs as a result of aging, pregnancy or significant weight loss. ...


Read More...

 

 

 

 

Neck Lift

 

 

A neck lift is a surgical procedure that smooths and tightens the neck's skin, which can sag from aging or weight loss. There are usually two components to a neck lift: cervicoplasty, which removes excess skin, and platysmaplasty, which removes or tightens muscles in the neck. A neck lift can be performed alone or as part of a facelift. A neck lift candidate is in good physical and emotional health, and has realistic expectations about the outcome of surgery. The results of a neck lift can last up to 10 years. ...


Read More...

 

 

 

 

Otoplasty

 

 

Otoplasty (ear surgery) is a cosmetic procedure to improve the appearance of the ears. Otoplasty does not affect hearing, and provides significant psychological benefits to anyone who is teased about ear size and/or shape, has had a serious ear injury, or simply wants to improve his or her appearance. Otoplasty is most often performed to set unusually protruding ears closer to the head (ear pinning) or to reduce the size of abnormally large ears. Otoplasty may also be helpful in repairing the following: ...


Read More...

 

 

 

 

Rhinoplasty

 

 

Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) is one of the most frequently performed plastic surgery procedures. During rhinoplasty, the nose is reshaped, reduced or augmented to improve its appearance. Rhinoplasty may be performed to correct a birth defect, or repair an injury such as a broken nose. It is also often performed strictly for cosmetic reasons. ...


Read More...


Back to top


Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) helps flatten the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin, and tightening muscles. The best candidates for abdominoplasty are in good physical condition, with pockets of fat or loose skin that have not responded well to diet and exercise. Abdominoplasty can also be appropriate for slightly obese people whose skin has lost some of its elasticity, and for women with skin and muscles stretched from pregnancy. Anyone planning on losing a significant amount of weight, and women planning on having (more) children, should wait before undergoing abdominoplasty. ...


Read More...

Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation (breast enlargement) is performed to increase breast size and/or fix breast asymmetry. Candidates include women who want larger breasts, and those who want to restore the breast volume often lost as a result of pregnancy or significant weight loss. Breasts can be enlarged with implants or by fat transplantation. Breast augmentation is not a substitute for mastopexy, which is a procedure to "lift" breasts that sag significantly. ...


Read More...

Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is a plastic surgery procedure for correcting sagging or drooping eyelids. The eyelid, because its skin is much thinner than that in other parts of the face, is often one of the first areas of the face to exhibit signs of aging. Eyelids that sag or droop can affect peripheral vision, making daily activities such as driving more difficult. Blepharoplasty may become necessary when various factors, which include aging, sun damage, smoking and obesity, cause the muscles and tissue that support the eyelids to weaken. ...


Read More...

BOTOX® Cosmetic

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a prescription drug that, when injected, temporarily paralyzes muscles. It contains a purified and safe form of botulinum toxin A, which is produced by the microbe that causes botulism. Manufactured by Allergan, Inc., it is used to treat permanent furrows and deep wrinkles in the skin that are formed by the continual contraction of facial muscles. In addition to its cosmetic applications, it is used to treat a number of medical problems, including excessive sweating, overactive bladder, neck spasms, crossed eyes, chronic back and jaw pain, and migraines. ...


Read More...

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels remove damaged outer layers of skin to make skin smoother, reduce scarring and remove blemishes. Ranging from mild to strong, there are three types of chemical peels: alphahydroxy acid (AHA), trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and phenol. The strength of each peel is tailored to the patient. Peels can be combined with other procedures, such as facelifts, for additional improvement to skin.  ...


Read More...

Brachioplasty

Brachioplasty (arm lift) is a surgical procedure performed to remove the loose, hanging skin that often develops on the underside of the upper arm as a result of aging, weight loss. Brachioplasty is ideal for patients who have an excessive amount of hanging skin and/or fat that does not respond to diet and exercise. Patients should maintain a stable weight not smoke, and have realistic expectations for surgery. Patients must also be healthy overall, with no major medical conditions that can be affected by surgery. ...


Read More...

Breast Augmentation with Mastopexy

Mastopexy (breast lift) with breast augmentation is a combination procedure that lifts sagging breasts while increasing their size and enhancing their shape. Aging, pregnancy, weight loss and gravity can all cause breasts to sag. When sagging cannot be corrected by implants alone, augmentation mastopexy may be recommended. During mastopexy alone, excess skin is trimmed away, supporting tissue is tightened, the breasts are "lifted" to sit higher on the chest, and the nipple and areola are repositioned or resized. By adding augmentation with implants to the procedure, the breasts can also be made larger and firmer. ...


Read More...

Cheek Implants

Cheek augmentation using cheek implants is an option for those who want to replace facial fullness lost through aging, or for those who simply want more prominent cheekbones. The ideal candidate is old enough that the head and skull are no longer growing (maturation is usually reached by late adolescence), is in good overall health, does not smoke, and has realistic surgical goals. ...


Read More...

Oncoplastic Breast Surgery

Oncoplastic surgery of the breast is performed to provide a mastectomy patient with exceptional medical and cosmetic results from the mastectomy alone, without the need for additional procedures. New technology has allowed for the development of advanced skin-sparing mastectomies that remove cancerous tissue while leaving the overlying skin intact.  Nipple sparing mastectomy is gaining popularity especially for prophylaxis in women with genetic predisposition to cancer.  Reconstruction of the breast can involve tissue expanders and implants and/ or flaps from the abdomen (TRAM) or back (latissimus). ...


Read More...

Mentoplasty

Mentoplasty (chin surgery) is a surgical procedure to reshape the chin by either augmenting or reducing it. Chin implants improve a person's profile by making a "weak" chin look stronger; chin reduction also improves the profile, but removes bone and/or tissue and muscle to do so. To create optimal facial proportion, mentoplasty is often performed in conjunction with rhinoplasty (nose surgery). ...


Read More...

CO 2 Laser Skin Resurfacing

Modern technology provides a variety of successful laser resurfacing treatments for improving the condition of the skin. Laser skin treatments employ focused beams of light energy to counteract the effects on the skin of acne, aging, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, scars, or poor nutrition. Resurfacing laser treatments are safe and efficient, requiring little downtime to provide effective results. ...


Read More...

Liposuction

Liposuction is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses a thin, hollow tube called a cannula to remove localized areas of body fat. The cannula is inserted through extremely small incisions, and then moved back and forth to loosen excess fat, which is suctioned out using a vacuum or a cannula-attached syringe. Treated areas look slimmer and more contoured, and in better overall proportion to the rest of the body. However, liposuction is not a method for losing weight, and is not effective in eliminating cellulite, or tightening loose and sagging skin. ...


Read More...

What are injectable fillers?

The natural again process combined with factors like sun exposure and the daily stress of life cause us to develop wrinkles and lose fullness in our faces.  Injectable fillers offer a solution to fine lines and wrinkles by adding volume to the skin, and these have become one of the most desired cosmetic treatments for rejuvenating the face.  Dr. Driscoll offers a variety of FDA approved fillers to help men and wome of all ages restore youth and volume in their faces. ...


Read More...

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a skin-resurfacing procedure that removes the outer layers of skin; when skin grows back, it is smoother and younger looking. Dermabrasion removes, as much as is possible, facial scarring caused by acne, chicken pox, injury or other conditions. Uneven pigmentation, wrinkles, sun damage, tattoos, age spots and certain kinds of skin lesions are also treated with dermabrasion, which can be performed on targeted areas of skin or the entire face. It can also be performed in combination with other treatments, such as facelifts, chemical peels or scar revisions, for optimal results. ...


Read More...

Reduction Mammaplasty

Women who are unhappy about having large breasts and/or want to treat symptoms such as back pain, and poor posture, may benefit from reduction mammaplasty (breast reduction), during which fat, glandular tissue and skin are removed from the breasts. The resultant smaller breasts increase patient comfort, and look more in proportion to the rest of the body. Ideal candidates for reduction mammaplasty are women with oversized breasts that are causing medical problems, low self-esteem, and/or physical or social discomfort. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding cannot undergo reduction mammaplasty. ...


Read More...

Panniculectomy

A panniculectomy is performed to remove a panniculus, which is an "apron" of excess skin and fat hanging from the lower abdomen. Panniculectomy is different from abdominoplasty, which, in addition to removing excess skin and fat, tightens the abdominal muscles. Abdominoplasty is considered a cosmetic procedure; panniculectomy is not, because a panniculus can cause medical problems and interfere with everyday activities. Candidates for panniculectomy have typically lost a large amount of weight through gastric- or intestinal-bypass surgery, or changes in nutrition and fitness habits; or are normal-weight women who have excess skin post-pregnancy. ...


Read More...

Fraxel® Laser Systems for Skin Resurfacing

Fraxel® laser systems use fractional-resurfacing technology, in which only a fraction of an area of skin receives laser light, to significantly improve skin texture and remove pigmentation. The energy from Fraxel laser systems stimulates skin's collagen, and rejuvenates skin cells below the skin's surface, helping to smooth out the creases that cause wrinkling and scarring. According to their manufacturer, Solta Medical, Inc., Fraxel lasers, in addition to improving the tone and texture of the skin, treat: ...


Read More...

Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia)

Gynecomastia, which is the overdevelopment of male breasts, affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men. It can be the result of hormonal imbalance, obesity, certain drugs or heredity, and can affect one or both breasts.

Candidates for breast reduction are men who have large or sagging breasts that make them feel physically and/or emotionally uncomfortable. Breast reduction can be performed on men whose breast development is complete; are in good health, both physically and emotionally; do not smoke; and are not overweight. Ideally, candidates have firm, elastic skin that will reshape itself to fit the contours of their breasts postsurgery. ...


Read More...

Rhytidectomy

Over time, gravity and sun exposure take their toll on the face and neck. Deep creases that run from each side of the nose to the corners of the mouth appear; the jawline slackens; and the neck develops loose folds and fat deposits. Rhytidectomy (facelift) counteracts these signs of aging by tightening muscle, removing fat, and trimming excess skin. ...


Read More...

Fat Transplantation for the Face

Also called "fat grafting" and "autologous fat transfer," fat transplantation involves removing a portion of a person's excess body fat and placing it into another area of his or her body that needs more volume. When used for the face, it can restore lost volume in the lips, temples, cheeks and chin. Fat transplantation is effective in treating sunken areas, lines, wrinkles, creases, acne scars and other issues caused by the decrease in volume that results from aging, sun damage and other conditions. ...


Read More...

Thighplasty

Thighplasty (thigh lift) is performed to tighten the skin of the thighs, with the goal being to produce slim, contoured thighs that look proportionate to the rest of the body. Thighplasty may be performed alone, or in combination with other cosmetic procedures, such as liposuction, that slim the lower body. Candidates for thighplasty are in good general health, but have excess skin and/or tissue on their thighs as a result of aging, pregnancy or significant weight loss. ...


Read More...

Neck Lift

A neck lift is a surgical procedure that smooths and tightens the neck's skin, which can sag from aging or weight loss. There are usually two components to a neck lift: cervicoplasty, which removes excess skin, and platysmaplasty, which removes or tightens muscles in the neck. A neck lift can be performed alone or as part of a facelift. A neck lift candidate is in good physical and emotional health, and has realistic expectations about the outcome of surgery. The results of a neck lift can last up to 10 years. ...


Read More...

Otoplasty

Otoplasty (ear surgery) is a cosmetic procedure to improve the appearance of the ears. Otoplasty does not affect hearing, and provides significant psychological benefits to anyone who is teased about ear size and/or shape, has had a serious ear injury, or simply wants to improve his or her appearance. Otoplasty is most often performed to set unusually protruding ears closer to the head (ear pinning) or to reduce the size of abnormally large ears. Otoplasty may also be helpful in repairing the following: ...


Read More...

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) is one of the most frequently performed plastic surgery procedures. During rhinoplasty, the nose is reshaped, reduced or augmented to improve its appearance. Rhinoplasty may be performed to correct a birth defect, or repair an injury such as a broken nose. It is also often performed strictly for cosmetic reasons. ...


Read More...