Liposuction currently ranks as the second most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the US after breast augmentation. Over the years, liposuction techniques have become safer and less invasive. Reduced discomfort and downtime and minimal scarring have made liposuction the procedure of choice for patients who want to eliminate excess fat tissue from the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, flanks, and other areas.

Dr. Kristi Hustak is a board certified female plastic surgeon providing a wide range of surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures. Dr. Hustak will customize liposuction to match with the patient’s unique anatomical and cosmetic needs. She provides liposuction surgery to patients in Houston, Texas and surrounding locations.

 

Who is a Candidate?

Adults who are unhappy with the appearance of unsightly fat deposits in specific areas of the body that are resistant to exercise and diet will usually make good candidates for liposuction plastic surgery. The candidate should have a solid overall health and stable weight, which should be preferably within 25 pounds of their ideal body weight.

The surgeon will also evaluate the skin elasticity condition to determine whether liposuction can achieve the desired goals as a standalone procedure. Pregnant or nursing women, and people with pre-existing medical conditions that could interfere with the surgery or healing may have to avoid liposuction surgery.

 

Liposuction Techniques

Liposuction can be performed using various surgical techniques. The surgeon will determine the right technique after evaluating different factors, including the patient’s personal goals.

 

Traditional Liposuction

The surgeon may apply traditional liposuction technique when a significant amount of fat reduction is involved. The procedure may be performed using general or local anesthesia with IV sedation. Through discreetly placed incisions in the targeted area, the surgeon will insert a cannula into the deeper fat layers. The cannula will be gently manipulated back and forth to dislodge stubborn fat cells and suctioned out with a pump attached to the other end of the cannula.

 

Tumescent Liposuction

This is the common technique to perform liposuction in a less invasive manner. It involves the use of only local anesthesia. The surgeon will inject lidocaine, epinephrine and saline solution into the affected fat layers. The solution will swell the fat cells, enabling their easier isolation and removal. Following the fat removal, the incisions will be closed with sutures.

 

Ultrasound Liposuction

This innovative technique involves the use of a cannula that delivers ultrasonic waves into the targeted area. The energy generates gentle heat in the fat layers to liquefy the targeted fat cells. This allows for easier removal of larger and denser fat tissue in a less invasive way. Female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas and nearby areas for liposuction.

 

Laser Liposuction

Several laser based devices are available today to perform laser assisted liposuction. The laser energy can be targeted in a precise and controlled manner to liquefy the fat cells, and facilitate their removal in a less invasive way.

 

Recovery

Most patients will be able to return to their normal routine in about a week to 10 days. Full results will establish over several weeks or months as the swelling is completely eliminated.

 

For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.

In case of tummy tuck cosmetic surgery, one of the three primary surgical approaches may be adopted: mini, standard, and extensive. Depending on the extent of surgery, the recovery process and downtime will vary.

Dr. Kristi Hustak is a board certified female plastic surgeon providing tummy tuck and various other procedures to patients in Houston, Texas and surrounding locations. Dr. Hustak will discuss the recovery aspect in detail during the initial consultation.

 

First Two Weeks after Surgery

In case of standard as well as extended tummy tuck plastic surgery, drainage tubes will usually be placed below the skin to help prevent fluid buildup at the incision site. The tubes may be removed along with sutures in about seven to 10 days after the surgery. The patient will be required to wear a special support garment in the treated area to further prevent the fluid buildup.

The patient will not remain immobilized during the early recovery phase, and they will be encouraged to perform mild walks within the home and carry out simple daily activities. This will minimize the risk of harmful blood clotting. Lifting of heavy weights, vigorous exercises or bending should be avoided for a few weeks so that undue strain is not placed on the incisions.

Incisions will usually get sufficiently healed in about two weeks, and the patient can resume daily routine or return to work. Those who have sedentary jobs can return to work earlier. Experienced female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas and nearby areas for tummy tuck surgery.

 

Follow-up Appointments

In many cases, the surgeon may want the patient to visit the day after tummy tuck surgery to fully evaluate their condition. The support garment may be fitted during this appointment. After the first appointment, further follow-ups may be scheduled on a weekly basis. Depending on the patient’s healing and their individual risk factors, the follow-ups may be determined.

 

Avoiding Smoking during Recovery

Nicotine, which is a key ingredient in tobacco, has the potential to significantly compromise the body’s healing ability. Tummy tuck is a major procedure involving incisions, excess skin removal, tightening of the underlying muscles and liposuction.

Therefore, a patient who smokes will have to make a commitment to refrain from smoking before and after the surgery for several weeks. This will reduce the risk of delayed recovery and help to ensure that the oxygen in the blood flow is not compromised.

 

Pain Management and Other Medications

Some degree of pain and soreness in the incision areas is expected after tummy tuck surgery. The surgeon will usually prescribe pain medications to keep the patient comfortable during this period. Some surgeons may administer an injectable painkiller that offers three to four days of relief and avoids the need for oral drugs.

Bowel movement should be well-maintained after a tummy tuck surgery. Therefore, the surgeon may recommend that the patient take laxatives during the initial recovery phase. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to further reduce the infection risk. Medications should be followed precisely as advised by the surgeon.

For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.

Excessive accumulation of fat tissue and sagging skin in the abdominal area is a common occurrence among both women and men. Tummy tuck is an established cosmetic surgery procedure to improve abdominal contours and restore a flatter and firmer tummy. During the initial consultation, the surgeon will explain all aspects of the procedure to the patient.

The surgeon may also present tummy tuck before and after photographs at the first appointment to enable the patient to learn about the procedure’s potential effectiveness. Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides tummy tuck to patients in Houston, Texas and surrounding locations.

 

What are Tummy Tuck Before and After Photographs?

Before and after photographs in case tummy tuck plastic surgery procedure refer to images belonging to a previous patient who has received the same surgery with successful results. The photographs are taken before the procedure and after the procedure at a time when the bruising and swelling has subsided and full effects of tummy tuck have appeared.

The surgeon will take care to ensure that the photographs are obtained with the patient’s proper consent and presented before new patients in a discreet manner. The identity of the patient can be kept undisclosed on their request. The surgeon’s only purpose behind this endeavor is to use tummy tuck before and after images as a visual tool to help new patients make an informed decision.

 

Benefits

Tummy tuck is a major procedure involving significant risks, costs, discomfort and downtime. Therefore, it is natural for a new patient to feel concerned or unsure about going ahead with this elective surgery. The surgeon can address all the concerns of the patient more effectively with the help of tummy tuck before and after photos.

Decisions such as the type of surgical technique, and whether tummy tuck should be performed alone or in conjunction with another procedure, can be taken more accurately when the patient has a clear understanding of all aspects. Therefore, experienced surgeons prefer that their patients should review as many before and after photos as possible.

 

Keeping Reasonable Expectations

Highest patient satisfaction levels in any cosmetic procedure such as tummy tuck are usually achieved when the patient has an affirmative mindset, clear aesthetic priorities, and reasonable expectations. When the surgeon presents tummy tuck plastic surgery before and after photos at the very outset, the patient will know exactly what the procedure can or cannot do for them.

This will mitigate the risk of any disappointments or misunderstandings occurring at a later stage. Patients are likely to be more satisfied with the outcomes. Experienced female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas and nearby areas for tummy tuck surgery.

 

Website Images

If the surgeon has their own practice website, they can easily present tummy tuck before and after images in a dedicated Photo Gallery section. These photos can also be presented via social image sharing platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Google+. New patients can review the photos online and then choose whether to seek a personal tummy tuck consultation.

The power of digital technology is immense. Now you can find out exactly what to expect before you even speak with the Dr. Hustak. You can formulate exactly what to expect before you sign any paperwork. There is not one industry in the world that has not benefitted from the power of digital technology and the plastic surgery community is certainly an industry that has utilized this game changing advancement. Much to the happiness of the patients and the surgeon, anxieties have been mitigated since now patients can look at the website pictures and have a fantastic grasp on how a Tummy tuck will look like on them.

 

For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.

Tummy tuck, clinically called abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure involving removal of excess abdominal skin and fat, and tightening of weak abdominal muscles. The patient should have a strong understanding of all aspects of this procedure, including its estimated costs, before making a decision.

During the pre-operative consultation, the patient should feel free to ask any questions related to the costs, payment, insurance and financing of tummy tuck surgery. Dr. Kristi Hustak is a board certified female plastic surgeon providing abdominoplasty and other procedures to patients in Houston, Texas and surrounding locations.

 

Factors Affecting the Price

The price of abdominoplasty can vary between two practices, and sometimes, may even vary between two patients at the same practice. Several factors will go into determining the actual cost.

 

Where the Practice is Located

Geographical location of the practice will impact the overall cost of tummy tuck plastic surgery. The living cost index generally varies from one place to another, which will influence the average cost of most types of goods and services, including aesthetic services. Major cities and busy urban centers typically have a higher cost of living than smaller towns in interior areas.

 

Fee Charged by the Surgeon

The surgeon will usually charge a fee according to their qualifications, certifications and recognition in the area of abdominoplasty. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends that a patient should select the best surgeon for their needs, and treat factors such as surgeon’s fee as only secondary considerations.

 

Surgical Venue and Anesthesia Costs

A traditional abdominoplasty will usually be performed with the patient under general anesthesia. This will entail additional costs because the services of an anesthesiologist or a registered anesthetist nurse will be involved. Tummy tuck will be performed either at a hospital or an ambulatory surgical center or private surgical suite. The costs and benefits in each of these options will vary.

The patient should also consider post-operative costs such as prescription medications, medical tests, compression garments, and visits to the surgeon’s office. Experienced female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas and nearby areas for tummy tuck surgery.

 

Extent of Surgery

The complexity and length of abdominoplasty procedure can vary from one patient to another depending on their anatomical and cosmetic goals. Patients who choose substantive procedures such as traditional, extended or circumferential abdominoplasty will usually have to bear a higher cost than a patient who only wants a partial abdominoplasty.

In some cases, liposuction, breast lift or another surgical or non-surgical procedure may be combined with abdominoplasty. This will push up the overall sticker price of this surgery.

 

Insurance and Financing

Although tummy tuck surgery is an elective procedure, and does not usually get covered under health insurance, but in exceptional cases, it may be a medical necessity to perform this procedure. Insurance coverage may be possible in such cases.

All other patients can have the option to get the procedure financed through third party medical care financing companies or other sources such as credit cards, personal borrowings, or traditional bank loans.

 

For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.

Female Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak was recently featured in Bay Area Health & Wellness Magazine to discuss labiaplasty vaginal rejuvenation in her article “Does My Vagina Look Normal? Is My Labia Ok?”

The article describes how labiaplasty vaginal rejuvenation has become one of the fastest growing plastic surgery procedures, addressing both cosmetic and functionality concerns for women.

For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.

Abdominoplasty, popularly known as tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgery procedure aimed at creating a firmer and flatter abdominal contour. The surgery involves removal of loose skin and excess fat deposits from the abdominal area. Sometimes the underlying abdominal muscles may also be tightened as a part of the procedure.

The patient should choose a qualified and fully trained plastic surgeon for a major surgery such as tummy tuck. The final outcome will depend to a significant extent on this decision made by the patient. Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides tummy tuck to patients in Houston, Texas and surrounding locations.

 

Candidacy

A solid candidate for tummy tuck will typically be an adult in good general health, and having unsightly abdominal contour due to excessive loose skin, fat or sagging abdominal muscles. The patient’s body weight should ideally be moderate and stable. A decent candidate will be a non-smoker or prepared to quit smoking as directed by the surgeon, and will have realistic expectations from the results.

 

Surgical Techniques

 

Traditional Abdominoplasty

Traditional tummy tuck is the most common plastic surgery procedure, involving a hip to hip incision, apart from small incisions around the navel. The procedure is designed to improve the entire abdominal region, and also reposition the navel to a more youthful level. Patients seeking substantive enhancement of abdominal contours can choose this procedure.

 

Partial Abdominoplasty

Mini tummy tuck or partial abdominoplasty will involve only a single small incision. The procedure will focus on improving only the lower abdominal area. It is more of a maintenance procedure providing subtle enhancement of the lower abdominal contour. Experienced female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas and nearby areas for this procedure.

 

Endoscopic Abdominoplasty

This is a less invasive technique enabling the surgeon to perform more targeted and precise tummy tuck surgery. Through a small incision, the surgeon will insert a tiny camera into the deeper fat layers, with the other end attached to an endoscope. The surgeon can see the underlying muscular structure on a screen to perform the procedure.

 

Extended Abdominoplasty

This form of tummy tuck surgery involves reduction of skin and fat from the abdominal area, and additionally reduces skin and fat from the flanks or love handles from either side of the waist. A larger surface area can be treated with this technique than traditional tummy tuck.

 

Circumferential Abdominoplasty

If the patient suffers from large amount of loose skin around the abdomen following a massive weight loss, a circumferential tummy tuck may be performed. The main goal of this procedure is to remove excess skin and enhance abdominal contours. Fat removal is not a primary concern in this procedure.

 

Recovery

Most patients will be able to return to their regular routine or go to their workplace in about 10 to 14 days. However, heavy lifting of weights, excessive bending, and strenuous activities should be avoided for at least one month. The surgeon may require the patient to wear a compression garment for several weeks to support healing.

 

For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.

While the actual surgical procedure in rhinoplasty cosmetic surgery may only take about two hours, the total journey from preparation to recovery will require a significant time commitment. The patient should particularly follow the surgeon’s care instructions during the recovery period carefully to ensure a speed return to normalcy.

At the time of initial consultation, the surgeon will discuss the estimated recovery period so that the patient can plan for that period appropriately and apply for leave from work in advance. With clear information about the expected downtime, the patient is in a position to make a well-considered decision. Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides rhinoplasty to patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding locations.

 

Recommendations for Recovery

The patient should have someone to drive them back home following rhinoplasty plastic surgery procedure. For the first 24 hours after the surgery, the patient should ideally have someone at home to assist with the basic chores. Working patients should apply for a leave of about one week to ensure adequate rest and recovery during the initial post-operative phase.

The surgeon will provide detailed post-surgical care instructions, which should be followed carefully. A proactive commitment from the patient will help to ensure speedy recovery with minimal pain and discomfort and reduced risk of complications. The patient may use cold compresses or ice therapy as instructed by the surgeon during the early part of recovery.

This will help to cut down the overall recovery period and alleviate swelling faster. Similarly, following a protein-rich diet, keeping the head elevated and performing mild activities will help to expedite recovery. Leading female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.

 

Post-Operative 48 Hours

The patient is likely to feel soreness, irritation and pain in the incision areas during the first 24 to 48 hours. General anesthesia effects will also take some time to wear off completely. The surgeon may provide pain meds for the first few days to keep the patient comfortable.

The patient should be prepared for temporary effects such as swelling, bruising, nosebleeds and headaches in the initial period of recovery. The head should be rested in an elevated position as far as possible during the first few days. Bleeding may occur in the first 48 hours, but the patient should refrain from blowing the nose during this period. Mild walks may be started from the second day of the surgery.

 

Recovery over Two Weeks

At the end of the first week, most patients will have their sutures removed. During this appointment with the surgeon, the splint or nasal packing, if any, will also be removed. Bruising would be largely eliminated by the second week, but swelling will dissipate gradually.

Most patients will be able to go back to work or resume a normal routine at home within a week to 10 days. However, strenuous activities, exercises, and heavy weight lifting should be avoided for about one month. Results will establish clearly as swelling subsides over the next few weeks.

 

For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.

Rhinoplasty or nose reshaping surgery ranks among the top five most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in the US today. During the initial consultation process, the nose surgeon will discuss all aspects of rhinoplasty to help the patient make an informed decision.

Many surgeons will prefer to show rhinoplasty before and after photographs during the first consultation. This will help the patient to understand the potential effectiveness of the procedure. Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides this procedure to patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding locations.

 

What are Rhinoplasty Before and After Photographs?

Before and after photographs in case of rhinoplasty plastic surgery procedure refer to a pair or group of pictures pertaining to an earlier patient who has received the same procedure with satisfactory results. The photographs include images taken prior to the surgery and after the surgery at a stage when the swelling and bruising has been resolved and full effects of rhinoplasty are visible.

The surgeon will ensure that the pictures are obtained with the express consent of the patient and presented before new patients in a discreet way. The patient’s identity is usually kept confidential. The sole purpose of the surgeon behind this exercise is to apprise new patients about different aspects of rhinoplasty and explain what the procedure can or cannot do for them.

Industry after industry has been affected in a positive way because of digital technology. Digital technology has enable the medical community to become closer to their patients. Now plastic surgeons can have short and clear conversations with their patients since their patients have already seen fantastic and vivid pictures on the surgery they are considering to sign up for.

The ambiguity has been undermined. Patients are fully informed now and know exactly what they are signing up for. This mitigates the anxiety of the doctor and certainly the patient. From the comfort of their own home, patients can apply the pictures on the website to their own body.

 

Benefits

Nose is a strategic part of the face, and any changes to the shape or size of the nose will have a significant impact on the facial balance and appearance. Therefore, it is natural for a new patient to be concerned about how rhinoplasty may alter their facial look and whether it will meet their personal cosmetic goals. Some patients may need only a limited improvement, while others may require a major rhinoplasty procedure.

Sometimes the surgeon may recommend rhinoplasty to be performed in combination with chin surgery or another invasive or non-invasive procedure. In every case, the patient will be in a better position to make the right decisions when they have access to rhinoplasty before and after photos. Experienced female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.

 

Reasonable Expectations

Best satisfaction levels in a procedure such as rhinoplasty are typically achieved by patients who have reasonable expectations and a clear understanding of the procedure. Therefore, experienced plastic surgeons prefer to present rhinoplasty before and after photos at the very first appointment.

This simple effort ensures complete transparency and minimizes the risk of any misunderstanding or disappointment occurring at a later stage for the patient. The final goal of a cosmetic procedure is to achieve self-assurance and happiness, and patients with reasonable expectations usually achieve this goal.

 

Online Images

If the surgeon has their own practice website, they can upload rhinoplasty before and after photos on the site. New patients can easily review the photos online and then decide whether to visit the surgeon for a personal rhinoplasty consultation. Online photos may also be provided via social media channels such as Pinterest or Instagram.

 

For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.

Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to enhance the shape and size of the nose. For many patients, cost is an important starting point while considering an elective procedure such as rhinoplasty. At the time of initial consultation, the surgeon will explain various aspects of nose surgery, including its estimated costs.

The first concern of a responsible surgeon will be to educate the patient about rhinoplasty and help them make an informed choice. Dr. Kristi Hustak is a board certified female plastic surgeon providing rhinoplasty and several other procedures of the breast, body and face. Dr. Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas, and surrounding locations.

 

Cost Factors

The monetary amount of nose reshaping plastic surgery will differ from one practice to another, and in some case, may even differ between two patients at the same practice. A number of factors will influence the actual cost of the procedure.

 

Geographical Factor

Where a practice is located can make a significant difference to the average cost of rhinoplasty procedure. The cost of living index varies from one place to another, depending on the median household incomes, real estate costs, employment opportunities and local taxation in a region. Therefore, the price tag for most types of products and services will be impacted by the average living costs in an area. For instance, the average monetary figure of rhinoplasty in Houston, Texas, and nearby areas may not be the same as the sticker price in, say, Boston, MA.

 

Surgeon’s Fee

The fee of the surgeon will form a considerable part of the overall costs of procedure. It usually varies according to the skills, experience and recognition of a surgeon in the field of nose surgery. As per the ASPS recommendations, a patient should select the most appropriate surgeon for their needs, and factors such as surgeon’s fee should only be secondary to such a decision. Dedicated female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hustak provides rhinoplasty at her state of the art surgical practice.

 

Anesthesia and Surgical Venue Costs

If general anesthesia is used for rhinoplasty, it may be performed by an anesthesiologist or a registered anesthetist nurse. They will charge a fee according to their qualifications and experience. The surgery may be performed at a hospital, an accredited surgical center or a private surgical suite. The dollar figure and risks associated with each option will vary.

 

Extent of Surgery

Some patients require only limited nose surgery to improve minor conditions such as narrowing of the nasal tip or removal of nasal bumps. But some other patients may need to undergo a substantive surgery such as nose reduction or augmentation or reconstructive surgery.

Bone and cartilage changes, insertion of synthetic implants or correction of breathing problems may be involved in such a procedure. The financial factors will vary in each case according to the length and complexity of the surgery.

 

Insurance and Financing

Insurance coverage may only be available in exceptional cases where functional correction is performed with rhinoplasty. In other cases, patients can explore various financing options to pay for the procedure in convenient monthly installments.

For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.

Dr. Kristi Hustak is the first board certified female plastic surgeon at The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS), one of the largest private plastic surgery practices in Texas and the United States.

Recently, ACPS has joined the nomination for the MyFaceMyBody awards for “Best Aesthetic Practice” in South Central.

MyFaceMyBody is an online beauty guide for the latest in Cosmetic Surgery, Health and Beauty, which recognizes the best in Aesthetic Surgery with the “MyFaceMyBody awards.”

To support Dr. Kristi Hustak and the surgeons of The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery, please click here to share your experience!

For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.