What’s the Difference Between a Mini Tummy Tuck and a Tummy Tuck?

Posted on by Y. Anthony Nakamura

Patients often experience confusion over the differences between a mini tummy tuck and a standard tummy tuck. The names can be a bit misleading when it comes to explaining the real differences.

About Tummy Tucks

Tummy tucks are ideal for the patient who is looking to remove loose or sagging skin from the abdominal area that may not be responding to diet and exercise. The surgery can help women who have recently experienced pregnancy or weight loss that may have caused a weakening in the abdominal tissues. It’s important to already be at your desired weight prior to the surgery as a tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure.

The procedure itself will constitute of an incision from hip bone to hip bone, which allows Dr. Y. Anthony Nakamura to repair the abdominal muscles and extract any excess skin or fats from the body to create a flatter and more toned abdomen. The recovery for a standard tummy tuck is longer than its sister procedure (the mini tummy tuck).

  • Anesthesia: General
  • Length of surgery: Two to four hours
  • Scaring: Yes, from hip bone to hip bone
  • Recovery: Three to six months
  • Cost: Varies by patient

Mini Tummy Tuck

The two major differences between a mini tummy tuck and a standard tummy tuck are the smaller incision and the fact that the belly button does not need re-positioning. Whether or not this procedure is best for is decided during your consultation with input from you and the doctor.

You may be a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck if you experience loose skin under the naval and/or skin that has lost its elasticity and therefore cannot respond to exercise or diet. The excess skin will be tightened and toned during the procedure, so that it may, in the future, respond to exercise and diet in a way it never did before. A mini tummy tuck is less invasive than a standard tummy tuck, and, therefore, has a shorter recovery time.

  • Anesthesia: Local anesthetic and mild sedation
  • Length of surgery: One to two hours
  • Scaring: Minimal above the pubic area
  • Recovery: One month
  • Cost: Varies by patient

Learn More About Abdominoplasty

If you have any more questions about tummy tucks and/or mini tummy tucks, please contact our office, which serves the areas of Arlington, Dallas Fort Worth, and the surrounding communities. Dr. Nakamura is one of the only board certified plastic surgeons in Dallas Fort Worth. Schedule your free consultation today!

What to Expect Before and After Your Breast Augmentation

Posted on by Y. Anthony Nakamura

Breast augmentations are one of the most popular procedures at Accent On You. Naturally, we receive many questions about what to expect before and after the procedure.

What to Expect During the Consultation

The first consultation at our office is free. It is an opportunity to determine whether or not the procedure is right for you and get answers to all of your questions. At Accent On You there is no dumb question, and we encourage you to ask any and all questions so you are comfortable and confident in making your decision about breast augmentation surgery.

During your consultation Dr. Y. Anthony Nakamura will talk with you about your expectations. The procedure process will be explained to you in full detail along with possible risks and the details regarding recovery. We will also discuss financing options and the cost of your breast augmentation.. After your chat, we will show you around our office to ensure you are as comfortable with your surroundings and our staff as possible.

At the end of the consultation you will be presented with information regarding next steps and you can choose to make your surgery appointment or call back after you’ve had a change to properly review your calendar and pick the ideal time for you and your family.

What to Expect During Recovery

Your first post-op checkup will be scheduled before you leave the office. After surgery there is no paperwork to worry about so your main focus will be on recovery. The caregiver you have chosen (typically a spouse, family member, coworker or friend) must be present on surgery day to drive you home.

While you spend an hour in the recovery room, your caregiver will be receiving important instructions on how to provide care until your first follow-up appointment. You may go home after being released from the recovery room. Your first checkup will take place a week after the operation.

Throughout the recovery process you will have multiple post-operative checkups. These appointments are important and can help you understand when you can return to work as well as other activities that make up your daily routine, like exercising, lifting and walking the dog.

Step One: Schedule the Consultation

The first step is to schedule a consultation. It’s easy, and it’s free. We invite you to contact our us at Accent On You today. Dr. Nakamura is one of the only board certified plastic surgeons in Dallas Fort Worth and we proudly service the Arlington and Dallas Fort Worth areas as well as other surrounding communities.

Three Things I Wish I Knew Before My Tummy Tuck

Posted on by Y. Anthony Nakamura

The reason patients put in so much time and effort into finding a great plastic surgeon is because they have heard plastic surgery horror stories about patients who didn’t. It is important to choose the right surgeon, but it is also wise to do some research in advance of your surgery.

At Accent On You our patients are fully prepared for their surgery via consultations and preliminary paperwork. In our tummy tuck consultations, we always make it clear (1) you will have a scar (2) the recovery will take time and patience and (3) a tummy tuck is not the only option, you may instead qualify for a mini tummy tuck.

#1: You will have a scar.

Although Dr. Y. Anthony Nakamura is an expert at reducing the appearance of a tummy tuck scar, it is important to know that you will have one. We tell our patients that scars are the glue of the body and when the glue hardens you will still be able to see a little bit of the crack (your scar).

#2: It will take time (and patience) to fully recover.

It’s easy to underestimate the amount of recovery time that takes place post-operatively, but post-surgery care is just as much of a commitment as the procedure itself, especially for active patients.

After your surgery there will be some swelling and pain in the abdominal area, but this can be managed with pain medication. The first few days after the surgery may include you requiring assistance to walk, but we do encourage that you are up and moving around the day after to prevent blood clots. Our office will be with you every step of the way to ensure your best possible recovery. We will expect you back in the office for your first checkup after about one week.

#3: A full tummy tuck may not be necessary.

There is an alternative to the full tummy tuck … the mini tummy tuck. In your initial consultation with Dr. Nakamura we will discuss whether a tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck is the ideal procedure for you.

A mini tummy tuck is a procedure that focuses on the lower part of the abdomen rather than the entire abdomen. Less surgery and reduced recovery time are two of the biggest benefits of this alternative.

Learn More about Tummy Tuck Surgery

If you are interested in learning more about a tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck, schedule your consultation with our office today. Dr. Y. Anthony Nakamura is one of the only board certified plastic surgeons in Dallas Fort Worth. Our office serves the Arlington and Dallas Fort Worth communities.

Three Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon Before Surgery

Posted on by Y. Anthony Nakamura

There is no shortage of plastic surgeons. In your search to find a doctor to achieve your cosmetic goals, it is critical to understand that not every doctor is equally qualified. Before you choose a plastic surgeon ask them these questions to help better understand their philosophy, approach and credentials.

#1: What are your certifications?

“What are your certifications” should be the first question you ask any surgeon or doctor. Here at Accent On You, we can proudly say that Dr. Y. Anthony Nakamura is considered an expert in his field. Dr. Nakamura is one of the only board-certified plastic surgeons in the Dallas Fort Worth area, which means he has completed extensive education and training beyond medical school.

#2: How Long Have You Been Practicing?

A new plastic surgeon may not have the same broad experience of a veteran plastic surgeon. In addition, a plastic surgeon right out of medical school may be distracted by the business components of starting a new practice, causing patient satisfaction to suffer.

Accent On You is an established plastic surgery and medical spa facility and Dr. Nakamura has more than 25 years of plastic surgery experience. He has perfected his craft, allowing patients to be confident in his capabilities and expertise.

#3: May I see examples of your past work?

Before and after pictures play an important role in choosing a surgeon. The images are the only opportunity you have to evaluate the results of the surgeon. One of our main goals at Accent On You is making sure our patients are happy and confident with the way they look. We are proud of our past work and feature a detailed and before and after gallery that shows patients the transformative work we do here at Accent On You.

Schedule a Consultation with Plastic Surgery Expert, Dr. Nakamura

We invite you to come experience the difference at Accent On You by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Nakamura. Our office is conveniently located in Arlington, Texas and we serve residents throughout the Dallas Fort Worth area.

Four Easy Steps to Better Skin

Posted on by Y. Anthony Nakamura

Our skin is often the first thing people notice about us, so keeping it healthy and revitalized is often one of the most important steps to making a good first impression. While most people believe that this might be a difficult endeavor, there are actually quite a few easy steps to take to improve the quality of your skin, in addition to regular cosmetic treatments.

#1: Drink More Water

Staying hydrated is absolutely imperative to maintaining healthy skin. We at Accent On You stress the importance of hydration. Our skin cells are partially made up of water and keeping them hydrated prevents them from drying out and causing wrinkles. In addition, when we are properly hydrated our body works more effectively to flush out any toxins the cells might be storing.

If you struggle with the boring taste of water, consider adding some lemon to the mix. In addition to creating a tastier beverage, lemon helps the body shed toxins and maintain stable pH levels.

#2: Exercise Daily

Of course, exercise is good for the muscles and body toning, but it can actually be good for the skin too. The increase in activity allows the body to sweat out any toxins that may have been building up in the skin.

Muscular movement also increases the body’s blood flow. Our skin cells rely on healthy circulation to keep them nourished and vitalized by providing them with oxygen and nutrients that are necessary to function properly.

Exercise also helps us reduce our stress levels, which we all know can contribute to random breakouts. Whether you’re going to a yoga class, taking a walk around the neighborhood or lifting weights at the gym, be mindful of being active at least once a day.

#3: Keep Your Clothing and Sheets Clean

The benefits of this step may not seem so obvious at first, but rest assured they are real. A gross amount of dirt, microscopic bugs and oil gather on our sheets when we sleep. Your pillowcase can get especially dirty, which is why regularly washing sheets, blankets, pillowcases and clothing like jackets, hats and sweaters are so important. If you’ve been experiencing unruly skin try increasing the frequency of your bedsheet washes. We bet you’ll see a difference.

#4: Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!

This final step is just as important as the rest. Moisture is to skin as water is to cells. Keeping your skin moisturized can prevent wrinkles that are often caused by skin that has been dried out, but it can also prevent the body’s need to produce acne inducing oils.

Get Your Skin on Track

Dr. Y. Anthony Nakamura is one of the only board certified plastic surgeons in Dallas Fort Worth. Accent On You offers a variety of cosmetic procedures that can help get your skin achieve a blemish-free appearance. Learn more by contacting our expert team today.

The Benefits of a Chemical Peel

Posted on by Y. Anthony Nakamura

The beginning of the year is the perfect time to renew several goals in your life, and we believe your skin should be one of them. A chemical peel is an ideal treatment for patients looking to revitalize their skin by reducing pesky blemishes and the appearance of sun damage.

There are different kinds of chemical peels, and each offers different benefits. A standard chemical peel can include the use of glycolic acid, lactic acid, TCA (trichloroacetic acid), or salicylic acid. These specific chemicals treat the skin on the face and neck for blemishes and sun damage. The goal of a chemical peel is to stimulate collagen and brighten dull skin.

TCA Peel Benefits

TCA peels target sun damage and is the ideal treatment for the patient interested in reducing age spots, or fine lines. The TCA peel is a deeper peel that has a recovery period of approximately seven to 10 days.

  • Reduction in brown spots / age spots
  • Revitalizes sun damaged skin
  • Leaves skin refreshed and healthy looking

SkinCeuticals® MicroPeel Benefits

The MicroPeel reduces common signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles. We use the MicroPeel to restore “glow” to the skin.

  • Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
  • Restores “glowing” skin
  • Minimizes skin imprefections

SkinCeuticals® MicroPeel Plus Benefits

The MicroPeel Plus is a go-to peel for acne-prone patients. The popular formula of chemical exfoliation with salicylic acid helps reduce and prevent breakouts that could leave the skin otherwise scarred.

  • Prevents breakouts
  • Reduces current signs of acne
  • Prevents acne scars

MicroPeel with Cryogenic Therapy Benefits

MicroPeels can also be paired with cryogenic therapy, which involves the medical use of low temperatures. You may have also heard of this as cold therapy. We recommend the MicroPeel with cryogenic therapy before a big event as it leaves the skin looking refreshed and revitalized.

  • Leaves skin refreshed and overall healthier looking
  • Prevents blemishes

Schedule a Chemical Peel Appointment Today

To learn more about what chemical peel is right for you, contact our office to schedule a complimentary consultation. Dr. Y. Anthony Nakamura is one of the only board certified plastic surgeons in Dallas Fort Worth. Accent On You serves residents of Arlington, Dallas Fort Worth, and those in surrounding communities.

Your consultation: It’s our job to make you feel right at home

Posted on by Y. Anthony Nakamura

There is nothing worse than leaving an appointment feeling like your thoughts and concerns were not heard.  Pursuing cosmetic surgery is a big decision, and at Accent on You we take the questions and opinions of our patients very seriously.

An informed decision is the best decision, and therefore we take our time to give each and every patient the most comprehensive information on the procedures that they are considering.  We also personalize our care to the individual, to make sure they are comfortable and happy.

We are very honest with our patients as to what they can expect the outcome to be for procedures they are considering, and suggest alternative procedures when we see necessary. We will also do a thorough review of their health history and current state of health to make sure they will not be at risk during any chosen procedure.

In order to relieve any anxiety, patients are welcome to tour our Surgery Center so that they will be familiar with the areas in which their surgery and recovery will be taking place.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Nakamura, call the Accent on You Cosmetic Surgery Center and Medi-Spa at 817-417-7200.  Due to its location, the office is best suited for residents in the Dallas Fort Worth, Arlington, and surrounding communities of Texas.

 

A few great ways to splurge with your tax refund

Posted on by Y. Anthony Nakamura

Although most people dread the paperwork of filing taxes, we can all agree that getting that refund in the mail makes up for the hassle! Have you thought about how you’ll be spending your tax refund this year? Why not treat yourself to some spa products or body enhancing procedures? Accent on You’s Cosmetic Surgery Center and Medi-Spa can provide you with a variety of options depending on how much you’d like to spend!

At Accent on You, spa products run at around $100 and are a great way to use your refund to treat yourself. Some options include Pigment Balancing Masques to improve uneven skin tone, or MicroPeels to reduce signs of aging or acne.

If you’re interested in something else, consider Botox, Filler, or Micropen treatments, which run at about $500. Each of these options will give you a noticeably younger and radiant appearance, while maintaining little to no downtime for recovery.

Lastly, for those who really want to splurge and see drastic results, surgery is an option and some common procedures include Breast Augmentations or Reductions, Liposuction, and Tummy Tucks.

A discussion with Dr. Nakamura can help you decide exactly which procedure is the best fit for what you are hoping to accomplish. Give his Dallas Fort Worth, TX office a call at 817-417-7200 to set up your consultation!

Body Contouring 101

Posted on by Y. Anthony Nakamura

If you’ve tried dieting and exercising, but you’re still not getting the results you want in terms of fat reduction, cellulite reduction, and skin tightening, you may want to consider body contouring.

Body contouring is an umbrella term for a variety of cosmetic procedures designed to help you achieve the sculpted and toned body you desire.

Body contouring can include procedures such as a tummy tuck, liposuction, or an arm or thigh lift. It can be a simple, single procedure to tighten weak abdominal muscles and fix a stomach pooch, or it can be several procedures that completely reshape the body by lifting saggy skin and removing fat from several locations.

If you’re considering body contouring, keep in mind that it should not be considered a first step in improving health or the look of one’s body. Body contouring should begin after you alter your lifestyle to eat a healthy diet and exercise on a regular basis.

The following is a summary of some typical body contouring procedures that you can undergo singularly, or in combination, at Dr. Nakamura’s plastic surgery office:

Liposuction

Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that can remove fat from several areas around the body. During a liposuction procedure, Dr. Nakamura makes a small incision in the area where the liposuction is to be performed, and then he inserts a small hollow tube that suctions out excess fat. Recovery time for liposuction is minimal.

Vaser Liposuction

Vaser Liposuction uses ultrasound energy to target and break apart fat cells in almost any part of the body. This procedure is available on larger areas of the body such as the thighs and buttocks, and it’s safe and effective for smaller areas such as the neck and arms. Vaser Liposuction only targets fat cells, so it leaves surrounding healthy tissue untouched. Recovery time is quicker with Vaser Liposuction than with regular liposuction.

Tummy Tuck

Dr. Nakamura can perform a tummy tuck as part of body contouring to remove unwanted excess tissue in the abdominal area and to tighten the abdominal muscles. A tummy tuck gives patients a smoother and flatter stomach.

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck is a medical procedure similar to a tummy tuck, but it differs in a couple of ways. Typically, the surgery and recovery time are shorter for patients who undergo a mini tummy tuck. Also, a mini tummy tuck does not require that the patient’s belly button be repositioned. When diet and exercise have not worked to remove stubborn fat and give you a flatter stomach, you may want to consider a mini tummy tuck.

Dr. Nakamura’s Accent on You cosmetic surgery office is available to consult with you about body contouring and other cosmetic surgery procedures. Dr. Nakamura offers a professional approach to cosmetic surgery and he is ready to answer any and all of your questions.

What is Microneedling with the Eclipse MicroPen?

Posted on by Y. Anthony Nakamura

Have you ever looked in the mirror only to feel like you need a little work done?

“If only I could minimize these acne scars,” you say to yourself; or you think “I wish I could dial down this hyper pigmentation, so I don’t feel like I have to cover it up with makeup all the time!”

If this is you or if you’ve ever wanted to make your skin more beautiful than it already is, then we have just the thing for you.

Today we are going to talk about the micro pen. The micro pen has 12 micro needles at the end of the patient’s skin, and you can change the depth of the pen, creating micro injuries to the face. I know, I know, it may sound a little crazy, but it’s amazing!

The micro pen is perfect for hyper pigmentation, acne scarring, enlarged pores and on uneven texture. It is also the best way to build collagen with minimal skin discomfort.

We recommend 4-6 treatments placed 4-6 weeks apart, and one of the best things about our micro pen treatment is that there is minimal (up to 5 days) downtime. The post treatment care is gentle skincare and sunscreen as your skin will be sensitive to sun exposure while healing.

Within days you’ll see years fall away.

So, what are you waiting for? Give us a call and let our superior estheticians give you the treatment that you deserve.