Our Procedures

Breast

Highly skilled in breast surgery, board certified plastic surgeon, Joseph T Cruise, MD offers the most up-to-date technologies to ensure optimal breast surgery results. Whether you would like to increase, decrease, or change the overall contour of your breasts, there is a surgery option right for you. Breast procedures include breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, and gynecomastia.

BREAST AUGMENTATION

Procedure:

 Enhance the size of breasts using breast implants filled with saline or cohesive silicone gel.

Length:

 1 to 2 hours.

Anesthesia:

 General or local with sedation

In/Out Patient:

  Out patient.

Side Effects:

 Temporary soreness, swelling, change in nipple sensation, bruising. Breast sensitive to stimulation for a few weeks

Risks:

 Lack of implant permanence -- surgical removal or replacement of the implants may be required to treat problems, including: deflation; the formation of scar tissue around the implant (capsular contracture), which may cause the breast to feel tight or hard; bleeding or infection. Increase or decrease in sensitivity of nipples or breast skin, occasionally permanent.

Recovery:

 Back to work: 3 to 5 days. Fading of scars: several months to a year or more

Result:

 Variable. Implants are not lifetime devices. Implants will require removal or replacement in the future.
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BREAST LIFT (mastopexy)

Procedure:

 Lift and reshape sagging breasts by removing excess skin and repositioning remaining tissue and nipples.

Length:

 2 to 4 hours

Anesthesia:

 Local with sedation, or general

In/Out Patient:

 Usually out patient. Sometimes inpatient.

Side Effects:

 Temporary bruising, swelling, discomfort, numbness, dry breast skin. Permanent scars

Risks:

 Thick, wide scars; skin loss; infection. Unevenly positioned nipples. Permanent loss of feeling in nipples or breast

Recovery:

 Back to work: 1 week or more. Strenuous activities: 1 month. Fading of scars: several months to a year

Result:

 Variable; gravity, pregnancy, aging, and weight changes may cause new sagging. Results may last longer or be enhanced when breast implants are inserted as part of the procedure
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Breast Reduction (female)

Procedure:

 Removal of excess volume and heaviness in the breasts.

Length:

 2 - 3 hours

Anesthesia:

 General anesthesia

In/Out Patient:

  Out patient.

Side Effects:

 Swelling, bruising, discomfort, stitch abscess

Risks:

 Thick, wide scars; skin loss; infection. Unevenly positioned nipples. Permanent loss of feeling in nipples or breast

Recovery:

 1-2 weeks with full results in 6 months

Result:

 Permanent
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Body

At Cruise Plastic Surgery, we offer an array of body procedures to help sculpt your silhouette. Procedures include arm lift, Brazilian butt lift, gynecomastia, liposuction, mommy makeover, and tummy tuck.

BRAZILIAN BUTT LIFT

Procedure:

 Use your body's own fat to create a fuller more shapely backside

Length of surgery:

 Between 2-3 hours

Anesthesia:

 General

In/Out Patient:

 Outpatient unless combined with a mommy makeover an overnight stay may be required

Side Effects:

 Bruising, Tenderness, Numbness, Swelling

Risks:

 Contour Irregularities

Recovery:

 1 week

Result:

 Fat that survives is permanent.
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LIPOSUCTION

Procedure:
Improves body shape by removing exercise-resistant fat deposits with a tube and vacuum device. Can be performed using the tumescent technique, in which targeted fat cells are infused with saline containing solution with a local anesthetic before liposuction to reduce post-operative bruising and swelling. Common locations for liposuction include: abdomen, flanks, lateral and medial thighs, medial knees, under the chin area, axilla, breast roll.

Length:
1-3 hours

Anesthesia:
Local with sedation, or general

In/Out Patient:
Usually out patient. Extensive procedures may require short inpatient stay

Side Effects:
Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, soreness, burning sensation. Tumescent: Temporary fluid drainage from incision sites. UAL: Larger incisions for cannula

Risks:
Asymmetry. Rippling or bagginess of skin. Pigmentation changes. Skin injury. Fluid retention. Excessive fluid loss leading to shock. Infection. UAL: thermal burn injury caused by the heat from the ultrasound device

Recovery:
Back to work: 1 to 2 weeks. More strenuous activity: 2 to 4 weeks. Full recovery from swelling and bruising: 1 to 6 months or more. Use of tumescent technique or UAL may decrease post-operative bruising and swelling

Result:

 Permanent, with sensible diet and exercise
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MOMMY MAKEOVER

Procedure:
Combination of a breast procedure and tummy tuck. Breasts are reshaped and raised by removing excess skin and repositioning remaining breast tissue and nipples. Breast implants may be used as well. Abdomen is flattened by removing excess fat and tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. Belly button is recreated and repositioned. Often times additional liposuction is performed to remove excess fat in the flanks/hips.

Length:
4-6 hours

Anesthesia:
General anesthesia

In/Out Patient:
Usually requires 1-2 night stay with a nurse or at a recovery center

Side Effects:
Stitch abscess, swelling, bruising, discomfort, bloating, constipation, back pain

Risks:
Tummy Tuck: Blood clots, infection, bleeding under the skin flap, poor wound healing resulting in skin loss or excessive scarring. Need for a second surgery. Breast Lift: thick, wide scars; skin loss, infection, unevenly positioned nipples, permanent loss of feeling in nipples or breasts

Recovery:
2-4 weeks with full recovery in 6 months. Fading and flattening of the scars: 3 months to 2 years

Results:

 Permanent.
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TUMMY TUCK

Procedure:

 Flatten abdomen by removing excess fat and skin and tightening muscles of abdominal wall.

Length:
2 to 5 hours

Anesthesia:
General, or local with sedation

In/Out Patient:
Either depending on individual circumstances and extent of surgery

Side Effects:
Temporary pain. Swelling, soreness, numbness of abdominal skin, bruising, tiredness for several weeks or months

Risks:
Blood clots. Infection. Bleeding under the skin flap. Poor healing resulting in conspicuous scarring or skin loss. Need for a second operation.

Recovery:

 Back to work: 2 to 4 weeks. More strenuous activity: 4 to 6 weeks or more. Fading and flattening of scars: 3 months to 2 years

Result:

 Permanent.
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Gynecomastia

Most men experience unwanted breast growth at some point in their life. It can happen because of hormones, weight gain, genetics, or the use of certain medications, and it’s most common during puberty, although some men don’t grow out of it. Sometimes, lifestyle changes don’t work when it comes to treatment, and surgical correction is the best option. Sometimes called male breast reduction, this procedure can effectively reshape the male chest.

Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction)

Procedure:

 Reduce enlarged, female-like breast in men using liposuction and/or removing excess glandular tissue and skin.

Length:

 1-3 hours

Anesthesia:

 General or local with sedation

In/Out Patient:

  Out patient.

Side Effects:

 Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, soreness, burning sensation

Risks:

 Infection. Fluid accumulation. Injury to the skin. Rippling or bagginess of skin. Asymmetry. Pigmentation changes (may become permanent if exposed to sun). Excessive scarring if tissue was cut away. Need for second procedure to remove additional tissue.

Recovery:

 Back to work: 3 to 7 days. More strenuous activity: 2 to 4 weeks. Swelling and bruising: 3 to 6 months.

Result:

 Permanent
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Face

Joseph T Cruise, MD offers a number of facial surgery options, including facelift, mini lift, neck lift, temple/brow lift, chin implant, upper and lower eyelid surgery, full facial rejuvenation, fat transfer, lip augmentation, and nose surgery. With this array of treatment options, there is sure to be a procedure that is right for you and your individual goals.

BROW LIFT (Temple Lift)

Procedure:

 Minimize drooping eyebrows, hooding over eyes, frown lines by removing excess tissue, altering muscles and tightening the skin. Most often done on people over 40.

Length:

 1 to 2 hours.

Anesthesia:

 Local with sedation, or general.

In/Out Patient:

  Usually out patient.

Side Effects:

 Temporary swelling, numbness, headaches, bruising. Possible itching and hair loss.

Risks:

 Injury to facial nerve, causing loss of motion, muscle weakness, or asymmetrical look. Infection. Broad or excessive scarring.

Recovery:

 Back to work: 7 to 10 days. More strenuous activity: several weeks. Full recovery from bruising: 2 to 3 weeks. Limit sun exposure for several months.

Result:

 Usually 5 to 10 years.
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CHIN IMPLANT

Procedure:

 Change the basic shape and balance of the face using carefully shaped implants to build up a receding chin or to add prominence or balance to facial features.

Length:

 1 to 3 hours.

Anesthesia:

 Usually locally with sedation or general anesthesia if combined with other procedures.

In/Out Patient:

  Usually out patient.

Side Effects:

 Temporary discomfort, tightness of lids, swelling, bruising. Temporary dryness, burning, itching of eyes. Excessive tearing, sensitivity to light for the first few weeks.Temporary blurred or double vision. Infection, bleeding. Swelling at the corners of the eyelids. Dry eyes.

Risks:

 Slight asymmetry in healing or scarring. Difficulty in closing eyes completely (rarely permanent). Pulling down of the lower lids (may require further surgery). Blindness (extremely rare).

Recovery:

 Reading: 2 or 3 days. Back to work: 7 to 10 days. Contact lenses: two weeks or more. Strenuous activities: about 3 weeks. Bruising and swelling: several weeks.

Result:

 Permanent.
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EYELID SURGERY LOWER (Lower Blepharoplasty)

Procedure:
Correct drooping upper eyelids and puffy bags below the eyes by removing excess fat, skin, and muscle.

Length:
1 to 3 hours.

Anesthesia:
Usually locally with sedation or general anesthesia if combined with other procedures.

In/Out Patient:

  Usually out patient.

Side Effects:
Temporary discomfort, tightness of lids, swelling, bruising. Temporary dryness, burning, itching of eyes. Excessive tearing, sensitivity to light for the first few weeks.

Risks:
Temporary blurred or double vision. Infection, bleeding. Swelling at the corners of the eyelids. Dry eyes. Slight asymmetry in healing or scarring. Difficulty in closing eyes completely (rarely permanent). Pulling down of the lower lids (may require further surgery). Blindness (extremely rare).

Recovery:
Reading: 2 or 3 days. Back to work: 7 to 10 days. Contact lenses: two weeks or more. Strenuous activities: about 3 weeks. Bruising and swelling: several weeks.

Result:

 Several years. Sometimes permanent.
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EYELID SURGERY UPPER (Upper Blepharoplasty)

Procedure:
Correct drooping upper eyelids and puffy bags below the eyes by removing excess fat, skin, and muscle.

Length:
1 hour

Anesthesia:
Local anesthesia or general anesthesia if combined with other procedures.

In/Out Patient:

  Usually out patient.

Side Effects:
Temporary discomfort, tightness of lids, swelling, bruising. Temporary dryness, burning, itching of eyes. Excessive tearing, sensitivity to light for the first few weeks.

Risks:
Temporary blurred or double vision. Infection, bleeding. Swelling at the corners of the eyelids. Dry eyes. Slight asymmetry in healing or scarring. Difficulty in closing eyes completely (rarely permanent). Pulling down of the lower lids (may require further surgery). Blindness (extremely rare).

Recovery:
Reading: 2 or 3 days. Back to work: 7 to 10 days. Contact lenses: two weeks or more. Strenuous activities: about 3 weeks. Bruising and swelling: several weeks.

Result:

 Several years. Sometimes permanent.
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FACELIFT

Procedure:
Improving sagging facial skin, jowls, and loose neck skin by removing excess fat, tightening muscles, redraping skin. Most often done on men and women over 40.

Length:
2-4 hours

Anesthesia:
Local with sedation, or general.

In/Out Patient:
For younger patients with great health mostly outpatient, for others may require 1-2 nights nursing care or overnight stay.

Side Effect:
Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness and tenderness of skin; tight feeling, dry skin.

Risk:
Injury to the nerves that control facial muscles or feeling (usually temporary but may be permanent). Infection, bleeding. Poor healing; excessive scarring. Asymmetry or change in hairline.

Recovery:
Back to work: 2 to 3 weeks. More strenuous activity: 4 weeks or more. Bruising: 2 to 4 weeks. Must limit exposure to sun for several months.

Result:

 Varies depending on the type of facelift performed. May last 5 to 10 years or more.
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FACIAL REJUVENATION

Procedure:

 Improving sagging facial skin, jowls, and loose neck skin by removing excess fat, tightening muscles, redraping skin. Can also be the addition of volume in the face where volume has been lost.  May include a TCA peel for improvement of skin texture, tone, clarity.

Length:
2-3 hours

Anesthesia:
General anesthesia.

In/Out Patient:
May require overnight nurse.

Side Effects:
Asymetric swelling, compromised mouth motion, compromised brow motion, stitch abscess, blood in the eye, numbness.

Risks:
 Injury to the nerves that control facial muscles or feeling (usually temporary). Infection, bleeding, excessive scarring. Asymmetry or change in the hairline.

Recovery:
Back to work: 2 to 3 weeks. More strenuous activity 4 weeks or more. Bruising 2-4 weeks. Limit sun exposure for several months.

Result:

  5-10 years, can be more or less depending on specific procedure performed and lifestyle.
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FAT TRANSFER

Procedure:
Adds volume to face where volume has been lost. Creates a more youthful appearance and improves skin quality and texture.

Length:
45 minutes to 1 hour

Anesthesia:
Local anesthesia

In/Out Patient:
Usually out patient surgery.

Side Effects:
Prolonged swelling and bruising

Risks:

 Asymmetry, temporary lumpiness, minimal fat survival (secondary procedure can be performed)

Recovery:
2 - 5 days

Result:
Permanent
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LIP AUGMENTATION

Procedure:
Fat grafting to add volume

Length:
15 minutes

Anesthesia:
Local anesthesia

In/Out Patient:
Usually out patient surgery.

Side Effects:
Lumps on injection site, prolonged swelling, numbness.

Risks:
Asymmetry

Recovery:
1 day

Result:
Varies
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NECK LIFT

Procedure:
Improves loose neck skin and/or excess heaviness by removing fat, tightening the muscles, and redraping the skin.

Length:
1.5 - 2 hours

Anesthesia:
Local or general anesthesia

In/Out Patient:
Usually out patient if not combined with other procedures

Side Effects:
Numbness, discomfort, bruising

Risks:
Infection, bleeding, poor wound healing, excessive scarring

Recovery:
5 - 7 days

Result:
 Usually 5 to 10 years
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Ear

Ears might not seem like an important part of your look, but for patients who are self-conscious about theirs, it can be very important. Ears that are large and protruding can be a source of embarrassment for some patients, and ear surgeries are quick and effective at restoring the profile, shape, and position of the ears and earlobes.

Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

Procedure:

 Set prominent ears back closer to the head, or reduce the size of large ears. Performed on adults or children between the ages of 4 and 14 years

Length:

 2 to 3 hours

Anesthesia:

 Young children: usually general. Older children or adults: general or local with sedation

In/Out Patient:

 Out patient

Side Effect:

 Temporary throbbing, aching, swelling, redness, numbness

Risk:

 Infection of cartilage. Excessive scarring. Blood clot that may need to be drained. Mismatched or artificial- looking ears. Recurrence of the protrusion, requiring repeat surgery

Recovery:

 Back to work or school: 5 to 7 days
Strenuous activity, contact sports: 1 to 2 months

Result:

 Usually permanent
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Nose

The nose is the center of the face, and can greatly affect the overall proportion and profile. For this reason, rhinoplasty is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries available, and it can reshape and enhance the appearance of the nose, as well as repair and restore its function.

NOSE SURGERY (Rhinoplasty)

Procedure:
Reshape the nose by reducing or increasing size, removing hump, changing shape of tip or bridge, narrowing span of nostrils, or changing angle between nose and upper lip. May also relieve some breathing problems. (May be covered by insurance)

Length:
1 to 2 hours or more

Anesthesia:
General anesthesia

In/Out Patient:

  Usually out patient.

Side Effects:

 Temporary swelling, bruising around eyes, nose and headaches. Some bleeding and stiffness

Risks:

 Infection. Small burst blood vessels resulting in tiny, permanent red spots. Incomplete improvement, requiring additional surgery

Recovery:
Back to work: 1 to 2 weeks. More strenuous activities: 2 to 3 weeks. Avoid hitting the nose or sun exposure: 8 weeks. Final appearance: 1 year or more

Result:

 Permanent
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Other

Along with face, body, and breast, Joseph T Cruise, MD also performs other procedures, including fat transfer and ear surgery. These procedures are meant to address various areas of the body for a boost in confidence.

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Plastic Surgery Procedures at a Glance

FACE

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BODY

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BREAST

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OTHER

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More About These Procedures

This page offers a general overview of cosmetic surgery procedures. For more in-depth information, please click the name of each procedure.

While this section explores cosmetic surgical offerings, many of these procedures may also fulfill true medical needs. You should understand that the circumstances and experience of every individual will be unique.

In addition, please note that all surgery carries some uncertainty and risk, including the possibility of infection, bleeding, blood clots, and adverse reactions to the anesthesia. You can reduce your risks by choosing a qualified board certified plastic surgeon and closely following his or her advice, both before and after surgery.