Believe me, I know the toll that pregnancy takes on a body! I happen to have two children myself, and as a plastic surgeon, I spend much of my time helping patients with these exact issues. Seeing both sides of the story has given me some unique insights I like to share with my patients.

If you’ve thought about getting a mommy makeover to help you look and feel like you did before you became a mom, you’re in good company—there are thousands of other women going through this exciting process right now.

For those of you on the fence about having a procedure to restore your appearance post-pregnancy, I’ve answered some of the most common questions my own patients ask before their mommy makeovers.

• Is a mommy makeover worth it?
• What does a mommy makeover include?
• What is the hardest part of mommy makeover surgery?
• How much is a mommy makeover in Atlanta?
• How long is mommy makeover recovery time?
• Will having more kids ruin my mommy makeover results?

Is a mommy makeover worth it?

Truthfully, only you can answer this question, but I can share my experienced perspective and some feedback from my own patients that may help. A mommy makeover is first and foremost about restoring comfort and confidence in your appearance and loving your body. It’s not about “looking perfect” or even achieving some sort of externally imposed ideal image. My goal is to listen to a patient’s goals, and then work with her to achieve her desired changes. Those often include:

• Having breasts that are firm, no longer sag, and look great in clothing
• Reducing the size of the nipples or areolas
• Getting rid of excess skin in the midsection
• Regaining a discernible waistline!
• Smoothing stubborn fat pockets
• Tightening stretched vaginal tissues or sagging labia
• Alleviating stress incontinence
• Improving comfort and sensation during sex

Believe it or not, an experienced plastic surgeon can help you achieve all of these goals with a mommy makeover. What is more, these changes—and the boost in comfort and confidence they bring—can last for years or even decades, especially if you are finished having children (more on that below).

But you don’t have to take my word for it. Here’s what a few of our Atlanta mommy makeover patients at The Swan Center have said about their procedures:

“So much of my day-to-day centered around [how to] minimize my stomach, and just had me so preoccupied with myself—which I hated. I realized that with 4 kids at home I needed to be fully present. I couldn’t be distracted by issues of vanity and still be the mom they deserve. I needed to just have these areas taken care of, once and for all—and that’s exactly how it was. I feel like I am so much more free and I just don’t feel consumed by these insecurities anymore….The changes these procedures have brought to my everyday life have been so wonderful.”

“My sex life was affected, I could [only] wear certain clothing, and walking too long caused me to cry it hurt so bad. I no longer have any of that! I’m a little over a month post-op and I couldn’t be happier. I can FINALLY wear tight clothing again and do not have pain. This surgery has changed my life for the better!”

“My concerns were addressed, my preferences were followed, and I could not be more pleased with my results. I have zero regrets…”

What’s the hardest part of a mommy makeover?

This differs from person to person, but there are two top things I hear. First, many women say it’s the recovery. Second, costs. Thankfully, both are solvable.

Recovery

I’ll tackle the subject of recovery first. It takes some time and, depending on the procedures you have, you will be quite limited in terms of activity, especially during the three or four weeks after surgery. While pain is typically easily managed with medication, not being able to pick up your kids or help them as much as usual is hard for many moms. I have two tips.

First, get help. Some moms are lucky to have Grandma eagerly waiting to step in and help, but if you don’t, talk to friends and see if various people can help cover you, especially at key times such as when your kids need to get ready for school. You can also plan to trade childcare—if your friends can help take care of your kids, you’ll return the favor later, when they want a weekend away or plan to have their own mommy makeover. Second, if you and your kids are typically inseparable, get creative about bonding during recovery. Ask them to hop in bed with you (just not on you!) and tell you stories, or watch a cartoon marathon together. Have them be helpful, refilling your water and fetching stuff you need. Just be sure to let them know they need to be extremely gentle with you while you get better! Kisses are great, but bear hugs are off limits.

Affordability

Now let’s talk about costs, as that can actually be the most challenging aspect for some patients. There are plenty of patient financing options and our patient care coordinators will help make applying and securing financing easy for you.

To save ahead (or gather up a down payment), keep your eyes on the prize with reminders. Print out a few before and after photos of mommy makeover patients who looked like you in the before photos and stick them where you’ll see them daily, to help remember to skip any extra purchases. Also consider that clothes you buy now likely won’t fit your new, improved shape, so you might as well freeze all shopping and instead save for your new look.

While there is a savings if you have multiple procedures in one day, if multiple procedures (i.e. breast lift and a tummy tuck) are simply impossible for you to afford all at once, consider splitting them up over a few years. Address your biggest concern first, and you’ll get a lot of satisfaction while you’re paying down that procedure. You may also need a bit less time off work after a single procedure, which can help with affordability in the short term.

How much is a mommy makeover in Atlanta?

Mommy makeovers are totally individualized to a patient’s needs, so prices vary significantly. For example, if you are having only a breast lift, your total costs will be much lower than a patient who’s having a tummy tuck and labiaplasty, as well as breast lift.

One advantage of having a mommy makeover with multiple procedures is that you pay operating room and anesthesiologist’s fees only once, potentially saving you thousands of dollars over having two or more separate surgeries (you’ll also save time by having only one recovery). To give you a ballpark idea, let’s look at a popular mommy makeover procedure combo: breast lift with augmentation and tummy tuck. Here at The Swan Center, a breast lift with augmentation starts at about $10,800 and a tummy tuck starts at about $7,000. The price of this combined mommy makeover surgery would likely land somewhere between $14,000 and $17,000.

How long is the mommy makeover recovery time?

The downtime you’ll need depends on the procedures you have. If the surgical aspect of your mommy makeover is limited to breast surgery, you may need only 5 to 10 days off work. A tummy tuck will require 2 to 3 weeks off. During this initial recovery period, you will need full-time assistance with child care, as you will not be allowed to lift anything over about 5 to 10 lbs. or do any strenuous play or household tasks. Driving is not allowed until you are off prescription pain medications and you can wear a seat belt comfortably.

The idea of taking time off for recovery probably seems daunting, even laughable (take time, you ask? I need to find it first!). I get it—and if you have questions, ask your plastic surgeon! They can tell you how long to have an adult caretaker for your kids after surgery or suggest reputable home health care or babysitting services, should you prefer to hire someone. They will also tell you which specific activities are okay and which ones are off-limits as your recovery progresses.

Will having more kids ruin my mommy makeover results?

“Ruin” is a strong word, but future pregnancies will likely undo some improvements made with a mommy makeover, which, after all, is intended to correct pregnancy-related effects. Just like before, your stomach and breasts will stretch out and may not contract all the way back to their previous state. Therefore, I typically recommend women postpone major lifting or skin removal procedures, such as breast lift or tummy tuck surgery, until they’re finished having children.

This does not mean that you have to live with unwanted changes between pregnancies. If your breasts have lost volume but you have minimal skin sagging, breast augmentation can provide a boost in shape with little risk of interfering with your ability to breastfeed. Non-surgical treatments, such as ThermiVa, or the O-Shot can help smooth down fat bulges and rejuvenate vaginal tissues, respectively, with no downtime.

Considering a mommy makeover in Atlanta? Get in touch!

As a female plastic surgeon in Atlanta, I’ve chosen to make mommy makeovers one of my specialties, because I simply love every aspect of working with real moms! It is so rewarding to help another women make positive changes and see her confidence soar as as a result.

I hope I’ve answered a few of your questions here, but I’m sure you have some more of your own. When you’re ready, I’d love to chat with you about your concerns and your various mommy makeover options at a personal consultation. There’s no charge for this visit at The Swan Center; it’s your chance to talk with an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon and learn. Call (770) 667-0904 or contact us online. I look forward to meeting you soon! —Dr. Cat

Unfortunately, many big lingerie brands have ignored women with either very small or very large busts, who often struggle to find inspiring undergarments that fit properly in their size. That’s why we were thrilled to see Self highlight brands that cater to smaller breasts with functional yet fashionable pieces sure to make you feel fabulous.

(Psst: bigger busted women, Self has you covered too!)

Get more options with indie brands

Independent brands are picking up the slack where well-known retailers have dropped the ball, and smaller busted women everywhere should rejoice. While we love a good bralette, sometimes you need a little something more—and it’s time to let go of the myths that smaller breasts are too perky to want support, or need a push-up bra.

Here are some of the standouts from Self’s round-up:

Elma Lingerie for perfectly petite pieces

Specially designed for petite frames, Etsy shop Elma Lingerie offers a variety of both daily and “special occasion” pieces that were lovingly made with the finest materials.

Why we ❤ them: Whether you’re rocking one of their strappy pieces under a t-shirt or pulling out all the stops for date night, you’ll feel glamorous from head to toe—and your skin will love the luxurious feeling of fine silks and laces.

Timpa Lingerie for modern brights

The standard nude, white, or black bras are fine, but we could all use a little hot pink or yellow from time to time. Enter Timpa Lingerie, who has been creating bras and lingerie for smaller frames and busts for over 20 years. With a nod to their original European styles, Timpa brings stunning colors and flattering cuts to sizes A – C.

Why we ❤ them: They offer the basics, though the use of mesh, colors, and cute embellishments make these bras stand out.

Evgenia Lingerie for a bit of whimsy

If you’re looking for a statement piece for a special occasion, Evgenia Lingerie is worth checking out. From flirty bralettes to gorgeous high-waisted knickers and ribbon corsets, their products stand out with fun patterns and coquettish styles.

Why we ❤ them: Who doesn’t want a few playful yet sexy items in their unmentionables drawer? Evgenia’s sets are truly drop dead gorgeous, and their pieces in classic colors also mix and match well with other lingerie.

Be sure to check out the full article to see what other brands have to offer.

Need a bit of a confidence boost to rock these styles? We’ve got you covered.

Whether you’re hoping for a modest breast size increase, or want to improve curves anywhere else on your bod, our board certified plastic surgeons in Atlanta have years of experience helping women refine their shape. We want you to feel fabulous every day, whatever you’re wearing!

If you’re happy with your shape (we think you look great, too!), why not complement your new lingerie with smooth, glowing skin? Our all-star skincare pros offer a variety of professional treatments and products for taking your skin to the next level.

Contact us today to explore your options!

Need a little “me time?” Life can be exhausting, between work, housework, kid wrangling, soccer games, and trying to ensure everything goes smoothly. And while it’s great to want to make those around you happy, stretching yourself too thin can take a big toll on both your emotional and physical wellbeing.

Sometimes you simply need to put everything else on hold for a minute to take care of number one: you. Not only will you feel better, you’ll also likely find yourself approaching your daily tasks with a renewed sense of purpose. Purewow recently highlighted some easy ways to practice self-care this year, and we couldn’t help but add a few of our own.

Woo yourself

Think about it: no matter what, you are the love of your life! Send yourself flowers, indulge in some rich chocolates, write love notes or affirmations to yourself, make a delicious dinner and watch your favorite movie. Single or taken, we all deserve a little extra love.

Act like time doesn’t exist

Ignore the errands, turn off your phone, and try living for the moment for at least a few minutes every day. Long day at work? Take a break outside in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. And at the end of the day, draw a bubble bath and read your favorite book—we promise the dishes can wait for once!

Splurge a little here and there

Life is short; pick some favorite little indulgences every month. If you’ve been eyeballing those cute red pumps, buy them! If you’re on a diet, cheat every now and then. As long as you truly relish those moments and resume your good habits, rebelling a bit won’t hurt—and it’ll make you feel great.

Make it a spa day

Slot some time in your schedule for a bit of pampering at least once a month. Do a whole body exfoliation, try out a hair mask, slather yourself in creams and serums, and don’t leave the bathroom until you’re well and truly relaxed. You could also take your pampering to the next level by booking a massage or getting a top-notch Atlanta skincare treatment to help you glow; a HALO laser treatment, chemical peel, or specialty facial are great places to start.

Remember: you’re awesome, and you deserve all the wonderful things that life has to offer!

Ready PureWow’s full list of 20 self-care tips here.

September 27th was a night to remember: we had the wonderful opportunity to honor the “50 Most Powerful and Influential Women in Atlanta” alongside Modern Luxury’s Atlantan magazine. The event was held at The Swan Center for Plastic Surgery, where two of our own female staff members made the list!

Congratulations Spa Director Rachel Lauziere!

Our Spa Director, Rachel Lauziere, was honored by The Atlantan for her esteem in the aesthetic community. Rachel is head of our non-surgical division, The Swan Center Medical Spa. She has helped pioneer effective, non-invasive procedures with lasting results, including making ThermiVa® vaginal rejuvenation available to the Atlanta community. She is inspired by the elegance and sophistication that are emblematic of The Swan Center, and prides herself on providing great patient experiences—Rachel makes sure each and every one of her patients feel safe, comfortable, and beautiful inside and out.

A magical night at The Swan Center

Socializing with celebrated women from around Atlanta in a luxurious setting made for a magical night! In addition to meeting Atlanta’s elite, guests enjoyed an interactive Maserati test drive course and tours of The Swan Center’s facilities. Attendees were also impressed with all the newest technology available at The Swan Center and loved having a chance to get to know our surgeons better in a relaxed setting.

Stay tuned for a December feature on ThermiVa, featuring our Spa Director Rachel, in Modern Luxury’s Jezebel Holiday Edition!

We’re big fans of dermal fillers as a way to combat the effects of aging, like volume loss and wrinkles. Restylane® Lyft is a favorite for giving the face a smoother, more youthful appearance—and a new study has shown that you can enjoy your results for a year or longer!

Subjects agree: Lyft offers long-lasting improvement

Researchers from Galderma Laboratories conducted a study of 188 patients with mild-to-substantial loss of youthful “fullness” in the mid-face. Each test subject was randomly selected to either receive injections of Restylane Lyft or partake in the control group with no treatment at all.

85% of the study group reported continued high levels of aesthetic improvement at the 12 month mark

Using the Medicis Midface Volume Scale (MMVS) to define the success of the procedure, researchers found that those who received injectable treatment experienced significant improvement compared to those who had no treatment. While that was not surprising, the length of time results lasted for patients is newsworthy: 85% of the study group reported continued high levels of aesthetic improvement at the 12 month mark.

See results for yourself

When you’re considering any cosmetic treatment, it’s normal to wonder if your money will be well spent and worth the results. Will you still look great two months down the line? What about 6 months after treatment? Now we know most patients can expect a full year of benefits from one filler treatment, making it a great value. Another great option: pair Restylane Lyft with Sculptra and enjoy even longer lasting results with instant gratification

If you’d like to learn more about our Atlanta dermal filler options, contact us today. We would be glad to help you discover the right products for restoring volume to your face.

We’re pretty sure most Atlantans agree that we live in a great city: Atlanta’s got great food, diverse entertainment options, and beautiful weather. It’s the best of all worlds, but with so many options, it’s nice to have a little help picking where to go and what to do.

The good news is apps created to help streamline life in the city are popping up right and left. Thrillist recently highlighted some of the best apps for Atlanta, and we’ve added a few of our favorites below.

Must-have apps for those on the go:

The MARTA On the Go app for both Android and iPhone will help you keep tabs on MARTA trains. While there are other train app options, this Atlanta train app is your best bet because the info is straight from the source.

The Uber app shouldn’t be news to anyone, but if you haven’t tried it yet, you should absolutely add it to your device. Uber is perfect for a city like ours, with millions of people and only a handful of taxis. Bonus: as more and more drivers sign on with Uber, rates remain competitive and pick-ups quick.

As a community-based app, Waze provides real-time traffic and navigation data from your fellow Atlantans—helping you get to from point A to point B without losing your mind! It gives you a heads up for roadblocks between where you are and where you want to go.

Keep your finger on the pulse of your city:

The Atlanta Planit app is perfect for those who love getting out and enjoying all Atlanta has to offer. You can check out special events, exclusive shows, and new venues—and it’s optimized for social sharing, so you can get your friends on board easily.

Love live music? Bandsintown is an app that keeps you in the know when it comes to your favorite artists. Atlanta is a major music destination, and this app will help make sure you don’t miss an opportunity to see that up-and-coming new band.

Curb your cravings:

Atlanta boasts so many wonderful restaurants that picking a spot can be difficult. That’s where Zomato (previously Urbanspoon) comes in. Browse menus, read critiques and praises, and even find the closest venue to you.

If you have a special night planned or simply want to treat yourself to a great meal at a popular spot, OpenTable is a must. This app makes booking reservations as simple as tapping a button.

Loving where you live is a real pleasure—and these apps make enjoying Atlanta easier than ever. Have a favorite app that makes life in Atlanta fun, simple, and convenient? Share in the comments below!

Buzzfeed recently highlighted some professional beauty tips to try in the new year, and we’ve added a few of our own simple habits that will help you feel and look absolutely beautiful!

Experiment with your signature look

They say that life begins right outside of your comfort zone, and we think you should make 2016 the year of trying something new. One way to express yourself is with your beauty and fashion routine, and trying out new things is a fun, simple way to change things up.

Here’s one fun idea: try out the winged eyeliner look. From Adele’s retro-inspired cat eyes to Cara Delevingne’s modern, bold wings, this became a must-have look in 2015—and it’s so classically alluring, we don’t think it’s going anywhere soon. Even if you aren’t sure if it will work for you, why not grab your favorite liner and give it a try? You may end up loving the technique and making it your own.

Revamp your beauty habits

Change is one of the most important human experiences, as it allows for growth and movement from stagnant behavior. A great way to implement change into your life is with simple habits. Here are some rituals that can make a big impact on both the health of your skin and your state of mind!

Once a day:

• Clean your phone with alcohol wipes
• Use SPF products
• Tell yourself “I am beautiful!”

Once a week:

• Clean your makeup brushes
• Deep condition your hair

Once a month:

• Try a professional rejuvenating treatment, such as a light chemical peel or moisturizing facial
• Empty your hair brush
• Throw out old or expired cosmetics and products

Read the full article here to check out even more beauty resolutions for 2016.

Master 2016 Beauty Trends with a Professional

One of the best things you can do for your skin is to talk with a professional. Knowledgeable and experienced skincare experts can help you learn about your skin and make personalized recommendations as to the best treatments and products for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation where you can explore your options and get started on finding a new level of confidence for the new year.

Cosmetic surgery is constantly evolving. As new technologies emerge and beauty preferences shift, men and women seek out new and exciting ways to improve their appearance.

The Houston Chronicle recently explored some of the most popular plastic surgery trends over the years through a series of photos. The slideshow details a study performed by the cosmetic surgery experts at RealSelf.com, a popular online community devoted entirely to cosmetic surgery.

The article tracks how cosmetic trends have changed and predicts the hottest treatments for 2016—and we’ve picked out a few to share with you!

Bigger isn’t always better

Shapely, supple breasts will always be in style, but the number of women opting for dramatic breast augmentation surgery is slowing down. There was a 35% increase in breast augmentation between 2000 – 2014, thanks in part to the re-approval of silicone gel breast implants in the United States. But in just 2015 alone, more and more women began opting for a more modest enhancement with a focus on natural-looking results—and 39% of plastic surgeons say their female patients opted for smaller implants compared to 2014.

Luscious lips top lists

Celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Angelina Jolie get the nod as inspiration for women who want a plumper, more shapely pucker, and the popularity of lip enhancement has risen substantially over the last year. In fact, RealSelf found that 30% of dermatologists and 43% of facial plastic surgeons report receiving a higher number of lip-related requests from women in 2015—and we’ve seen the same increase in interest in safe lip enhancement here at The Swan Center.

Men and women seek out chiseled jaws

A strong jawline is attractive for either gender, and improving the chin and jaw area can bring other facial features into balance. More patients than ever are interested in achieving a tighter, more youthful chin and neck—both through surgical procedures, like necklift surgery or submental liposuction, and also new nonsurgical options. Remarkably, around 68% of doctors say they expect to have more patients requesting work done on the chin or neck in 2016.

The most important fact stays the same

There’s one truth about cosmetic surgery that never changes: the importance of choosing a skilled, board certified plastic surgeon. A qualified surgeon has the necessary skills and experience to ensure safe results that effectively improve or enhance the areas of your body that concern you the most—and a great surgeon will make personalized recommendations based on current cosmetic trends and advances in technology.

Putting your trust in an experienced surgeon is always in style—and consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon who can help you decide on a treatment plan that’s right for you is a crucial first step. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and let our Atlanta plastic surgery experts keep you on trend for years to come!

Without further ado, here’s our whirlwind tour of the most romantic things to do in Atlanta!

1. Enjoy a Sweet Caffeine Burst at Cafe Intermezzo

Good conversation fuels any romantic outing, so get the morning buzzing with a latte from Café Intermezzo in Midtown. This Vienna-style coffeehouse boasts a dizzying array of coffee drinks and more than 70 pastries for nibbling. If you’re hungry for something more substantial, the café offers omelets, crepes, and sandwiches to keep you going all afternoon.

2. Root for the Home Team at Turner Field (While You Still Can!)

You and your date have probably heard about the Atlanta Braves’ upcoming move away from Turner Field. Not to worry, the team will be just 10 miles away from downtown, but you’ll still want to catch them on their beloved home turf before it’s too late. Bring your sweetie and your team spirit to a Braves game for an afternoon date homerun.

3. Stroll Through Downtown Roswell

If small town charm is up your date’s alley, be sure to head to Roswell. This cute little town just outside of Atlanta is home to restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions. Share a pie at Real Fix Pizzeria, where the dough goes through a 96-hour long leavening process. Surely your love will last much longer, but it’s nice to know so much care went into your meal. We also recommend stopping by the Riverside Sounds Concert Series for a free outdoor concert the first Saturday of the month in Riverside Park.

4. Classic Dinner and a Movie Date

Cuddling up at the movies with your arm around your sweetie’s shoulder is a classic way to share some love. Take it to the next level at AMC Phipps Plaza 14 — a movie theater, bar, and restaurant combo. Say cheers with one of the movie theater’s upscale cocktails in its Hitchcock-themed bar and then pick out your favorite movie theater snack before catching a flick.

5. A Unique Dining Experience at 4th & Swift

If you’re hoping for something a little more upscale than dinner and a movie, be sure to head to Atlanta’s historic Old Fourth Ward to check out 4th & Swift. Your date will love the farm-to-table fine dining and award-winning wine list, which can be enjoyed at the lovely bar, inside at an elegant table, or under the twinkling lights of the patio. Bonus: impress your date with the Chef’s Tasting Menu for a delectable culinary experience.

6. Toast the Town at Polaris

Sipping cocktails while taking in a breathtaking view is one of the most romantic ways to end a day with your loved one. Polaris is a rotating restaurant and bar on the top floor of the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. You can gaze out of the large windows to see an expansive view of the city, then sit back with an upscale drink as you make eyes with your sweetheart.

Now that you know where to take your date in Atlanta, get ready for a fun-filled day of romance in one of our favorite romantic cities!

Here at the Swan Center, we’ve helped thousands of Atlanta plastic surgery patients navigate the wide range of available treatments and procedures.

We put together the following guide to help you understand the level of invasiveness for various treatment types, and what effect they may have on your busy lifestyle.

What’s an invasive procedure?

The term invasive is typically used to describe surgical procedures that require incisions and appreciably alter skin or underlying tissues at the time of the procedure. As such, this class of procedures requires bed rest for a few days up to a few weeks. Surgical procedures usually include the option for general anesthesia or local anesthesia with IV sedation.

Examples of common invasive plastic surgery procedures:

• Rhinoplasty (nose enhancement or repair)
• Breast augmentation (placement of breast implants)
• Facelift surgery (improvement of sagging skin on lower face and neck)
• Liposuction (fat reduction)

Total healing time: Two to six months, depending on the procedure, with patient rest averaging one to two weeks.

Results: Varies between one to six months.

The risks involved with invasive plastic surgery procedures are usually greater than non-invasive options. However, these procedures are particularly effective at delivering results and are considered safe when performed by a board certified plastic surgeon.

So, what does minimally invasive mean?

Minimally invasive treatments require significantly less or no downtime and very little discomfort, but often involve a puncture or even a small incision. Minimally invasive procedures are considered less risky than other methods and do not require general anesthesia.

Examples of common minimally invasive options:

• Dysport®, Restylane®, and dermal fillers (injectable treatments)
• Skin procedures such as scar revision or dermaplaning
• Deep skin peels

Healing time: Zero to ten days, with patient returning to work immediately or within a few days.

Results: Varies between a few days to two weeks.

These cosmetic treatments are growing in popularity because patients can return to normal activities quickly, the risk of infection or complication is low, and the results can be impressive.

What about non-surgical options?

Non-surgical cosmetic treatments involve no needles, no punctures, and no anesthesia. Foreign objects do not enter your body at any time and the entire cosmetic treatment is done externally.

These types of treatments typically involve very little downtime, with patients being able to resume unrestricted normal activity very quickly after treatment. Non-surgical treatments may occasionally be considered invasive on some level, depending on how they affect both the treatment area and underlying tissues.

Examples of common non-surgical treatments:

• Laser treatments (such as fractional skin resurfacing or hair removal)
• Light chemical peels

Healing time: Anywhere between one day to two weeks, with patient typically feeling and looking back to normal within a few days.

Results: Varies between one week to three months.

Non-invasive treatments

Many skincare treatments are considered non-invasive because they do not puncture the skin or otherwise impact the underlying tissues. These treatments are quite comfortable and often relaxing. There is no downtime whatsoever.

Examples of common non-invasive treatments:

• Facials (to improve quality of skin through cleansing, exfoliation, & hydration)
• Medical-grade skincare (products used at home or applied professionally to improve skin)

Healing time: Usually minimal, with patient resuming normal activity immediately

Results: Typically, results can be seen immediately or within a few days

Non-invasive treatments are especially effective when used in conjunction with other procedures. Be sure to ask which treatment combinations are most appropriate for your skin type and goals.

How do I know what’s right for me?

We hope we’ve cleared up some of your questions here, but the best way to learn about effective cosmetic treatments is to talk to a trusted professional. Our board certified surgeons and skincare experts can guide you through the process and help you determine which treatments are a good fit for you.

The Swan Center offers private consultations for potential patients. We can answer all of your questions and develop a safe and effective treatment plan that suits your needs.