- Medical Weight LossWith saline implants, statistics indicate you could expect to spring a leak at around 12 to 15 years — less for some. Saline-filled implants are like water balloons basically, so the tiniest of holes could mean a flat tire overnight. There is also a chance that the saline fluid could escape from the fill valve that is used to fill the implants during surgery. With the new pre-filled silicone gel implants, there is much less likelihood of implant failure. The gel inside is like overcooked jelly–too stiff to spread on your toast. Therefore, even if a tiny hole should arise in the wall of the implant, the gel inside would not be able to flow out. This means that the new gels are likely to last in the neighborhood of 20 years or more. Issues like weight loss or gain and skin sagging are more likely to lead you to want a re-do than an actual implant failure. If you are not having any problems, there is no need for a routine change out. If everything looks and feels fine, then it probably IS fine!
- Nutritional CounselingStock up ahead of time on easy foods such as popsicles, broth, soups and juice, ice cream, gelatin, pudding, crackers. Your caregiver may need to hand feed you to make sure you are getting enough nutrients and liquids. Protein shakes are another good and nutritious option. Fluid intake is very important. Oral medications can be nauseating, so make sure you always try to eat something light when taking them.
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes Care
- MRIA down side is that any type of implants can decrease mammography accuracy by a tiny amount–3%-ish. But the good news is that implants increase the accuracy of your own self-exams by something like 15%. Years of study have shown that having implants does not delay your cancer diagnosis any more than without implants. Implant manufacturers suggest MRI testing for greater accuracy if results appear questionable.
- RadiologyAfter you and Dr. Howard have finalized your surgical plan, we will provide you with an estimate for your surgery. The estimate includes the procedure fee, implants, supplies or other devices, facility fees and anesthesia fees as applicable. Additional charges for required lab work or radiology testing, or additional operative time will be billed separately to the patient by the lab or facility.
- MammographyOf course you must still obey the rules regarding mammography, and do them regularly as would any woman. You may feel like your implants are being squished into pancakes, but there is no indication that it does any long-term damage to your implants. If you have saline implants that already happen to have a weakness in the outer wall, a mammogram could cause a rupture or force out any remaining fluid if a leak was already in progress.
- General SurgeryDr. Barbara Howard began practicing plastic and reconstructive surgery in Jefferson City in July of 2000. She obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville, MO, and an M.D. from the University of Missouri, Columbia. She did her residency and received training in plastic and general surgery at Ohio State University, Columbus, from 1994-2000, where she trained with several renowned plastic surgeons.
- Wound Care4. WOUND CARE/HYGIENE: Two days after surgery, you may remove your outer dressings and take a shower. Leave the steri-strips in place until your first postop visit; they are designed to stay in place while bathing. You may raise your arms to wash hair. Do not use alcohol, peroxide, Neosporin or other topical ointments unless otherwise directed by Dr. Howard. Wearing soft gauze pads or panti-liners in your bra helps to contain fluid drainage and bleeding, which are normal parts of healing. Keep the area clean and change pads frequently. You should wear the surgical bra at all times for the first week; however, you may take it off after the first 48 hours long enough to launder it as necessary and shower. If it is too uncomfortable, you can wear a wireless sports bra that provides equal compression. It is not recommended that you try to purchase any other bras for several weeks after surgery as your final size may not be evident until after the swelling completely subsides.
- Hysterectomy11. Unless you’ve had a tubal or hysterectomy, we will likely be required to perform a urine stick pregnancy test prior to your surgery. You should not use the restroom once you get here until that has been determined.
- Reconstructive Surgery
- BotoxI just had my first Botox session yesterday...already I’m shocked and amazed. I didn’t realize how such a subtle change could be so drastic at the same time. Already I can see where lines have vanished in the middle of my fore head and my eyes have this wonderful ‘awake’ look. I was having trouble figuring out why I looked so tired all the time. Hearing people tell me “Wow, you look really tired!†was getting really annoying. I finally have those movie star eye brow arches that I have been trying to pluck to get. Little did I know it’s not just in the plucking! I can’t wait to see the rest of the results. I just couldn’t wait another day without thanking you.
- Brow LiftA brow lift can address sagging brows and make you look younger. It can also address drooping skin on the forehead, along with wrinkles like vertical lines between the brows and horizontal forehead lines.
- Eyelid SurgeryDr. Howard is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Her specialty interests include a variety of general and plastic surgery procedures, including: Cosmetic Breast Enhancement, Abdominoplasty and Liposuction, Facial and Eyelid Surgery, Cosmetic Tissue Filler procedures and Botox® Cosmetic Injections.
- LiposuctionLiposuction may not be ideal for people with medical problems involving the heart, lungs, or circulatory system. It is not recommended for candidates who are overweight or have poor skin elasticity. Liposuction treats only subcutaneous fat and cannot address the visceral fat of the abdomen that is below the abdominal wall.
- Breast AugmentationMy breast augmentation was the best thing that I have ever done. Dr. Howard is a very gifted surgeon. I knew I chose the best surgeon from the moment I called for information. Doctor Howard and her staff are very kind, honest, and helpful. Everything went exactly as I expected and I love love LOVE my results. I would highly recommend Dr.Howard to anyone looking to get a breast augmentation.
- Breast ReductionBreast reduction surgery is an ideal way to make your breasts smaller. Excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin are eliminated to decrease the size of your breasts and reshape them.
- Breast LiftAlso known as a mastopexy, a breast lift is intended to produce an elevated, more youthful breast contour, as well as nipple-areolar complexes of the desired size and at the correct height.
- Plastic SurgeryJefferson City Before and After Photos - Missouri Plastic Surgery Photo Gallery - Dr. Barbara Howard - Patients Archive - Howard, Barbara (howardplasticsurgery.com.com)
- Thigh LiftThigh lift incisions usually are placed in the groin, extending down the leg and wrapping around the thigh. The tissue matrix beneath the skin is reshaped and tightened, while the skin is reduced creating smoother body contours.
- Face LiftA facelift can lessen the sagging on the cheeks and jawline and the deepening fold lines between the mouth’s corners and the nose. A neck lift can remove jowls, a double chin, and excess fat and loose skin on the neck.
- Neck LiftA facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that can help to reduce the visible signs of facial aging. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Barbra Howard performs facelift and neck lift surgery for patients in Jefferson City.
- BlepharoplastyAn eyelid lift, also known as blepharoplasty, is a popular surgical procedure designed to address sagging and wrinkled eyelid skin and rejuvenate the youthful appearance of the eyes.
- AbdominoplastyYou may be a candidate for a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) by Dr. Howard if you have loose or sagging abdominal wall skin that is frequently associated with abnormal relaxation of the anterior abdominal wall muscles (often secondary to multiple pregnancies or prior surgery). You may also desire a tummy tuck if you are unable to tighten your abdominal wall skin with exercise. An abdominoplasty is intended to give the patient a smoother flatter abdomen. The specific risks and the suitability of abdominoplasty for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.
- Breast SurgeryAdditional procedures that may enhance the result of liposuction are Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) or Breast Surgery. Liposuction in Jefferson City is considered cosmetic and therefore is not covered by insurance. The patient is responsible for payment. The specific risks and the suitability of liposuction for a given individual can be determined at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are rare. Call Barbara Howard, M.D. in Jefferson City, at (573) 635-9668 to schedule your personal consultation.
- GynecomastiaGynecomastia is a condition that occurs in men that causes the breasts to become enlarged, creating the appearance of “man†boobs. Gynecomastia cannot be addressed through dieting or exercise. Fortunately, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Barbara Howard offers gynecomastia surgery, or male breast reduction, in Jefferson City to help men reshape their chest contours.
- Cosmetic SurgeryOur staff is deeply committed to your comfort and safety, and are expertly trained in patient care. We give priority to helping you achieve your goals privately, comfortably and safely, in a tranquil and soothing environment. We understand that making the decision to change or enhance an aspect of your appearance is one of the most important medical decisions you will ever make. With this in mind, we offer a unique and completely personalized experience in cosmetic surgery using the most scientifically advanced methods of face and body rejuvenation.
- Facial Implants
- Forehead LiftAdditional procedures that may enhance the results or provide more comprehensive results when combined with a forehead lift are a
- Neck Pain