I was recently asked who are the patients for plastic surgery. At first blush, that seems like a really easy question to answer, at least it would have been several decades ago. Back then, it was young people who wanted Rhinoplasty, older people who wanted facelifts, and a few other types of procedures in between. Then things began to change in a very big way. The procedures and populations for our services began to expand.
Example of expanding surgical populations
I want to use weight loss surgery as an example of how surgical populations are expanding. At first, only Bariatric surgery was available. That surgery was available to a limited population who met very specific criteria. Then gastric sleeve and gastric band came on the market and it opened up this type of surgery to more potential patients. Recently, there have been several approved less invasive procedures, making it available to even more people seeking weight loss options.
We see the same type of expansion/inclusiveness in the plastic surgery populations. Here are two of my practice areas as examples:
Breast Surgeries
Breast augmentation became less invasive, more desirable and accessible to more people. Plastic surgeons saw an influx of patients, in a wide range of age groups, wanting this procedure. Post mastectomy reconstruction gave women more options for natural looking breasts. Reduction procedures and lifts made women more comfortable. Gynecomastia let men reduce their breast tissue to more normal levels.
Nonsurgical Options
Over the years, we have added fillers and injectables to our practice, allowing targeted placement and natural looks. And, with CoolSculpting, we are freezing away unwanted fat without surgery or downtime. This fantastic FDA-cleared technique keeps expanding approved treatment area. Currently, we are treating back fat, bra bulge, banana roll, belly fat, love handles, inner and outer thighs, and double chin.
And, speaking of double chins, we also have the option of using Kybella injectable to improve the appearance and profile of moderate to severe fat below the chin.
What’s ahead
Neither Kybella nor CoolSculpting was available for treating double chins even two years ago. So, imagine what services we will be able to add to our growing anti-aging arsenal in the near future!
Interested?
Find out more! Contact my patient coordinators at info@driteld.com to schedule a confidential consultation or call 312.757.4505.
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Located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park, our offices are a warm, friendly and comfortable place to share your wants, needs and concerns.
Lawrence Iteld, MD