Dr. Lori Cherup, MD - Radiance Plastic Surgery

Products And Services

• Brow Lift & Blepharoplasty

  Often the most noticeable signs of aging in the face appear around the eyes. A tired appearance to the eye area, with drooping lids, and darkness combined with a frowning forehead, give you a tired and less energetic look. Luckily, there are surgical procedures available that can dramatically reverse this look. A brow lift and/or eyelid surgery, called blepharoplasty, erases many of the effects of periocular aging, leaving you with a smoother, more elevated, and youthful appearance. At our state-of-the-art plastic surgery facility in Bridgeville, PA, Dr. Lori L. Cherup evaluates patients for brow lift and blepharoplasty procedures. View our browlift gallery to see real patients ’ before and after photos! Or, schedule your brow lift consultation! Browlift Procedure A brow lift, or forehead lift, is a procedure that repositions the brow in an arch that is pleasing, and also in a woman, positions it at 1 cm above the brow ridge. It also potentially smoothes out the wrinkles and frown lines of the forehead. Once you have a browlift, it will never need to be redone again in your lifetime. Most of Dr. Cherup’s browlifts are done using the endoscope to visualize the dissection. Dr. Cherup uses the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques that she can for you. This endoscopic brow lift technique uses three one-inch incisions just inside the frontal hairline. The forehead skin is elevated from underneath and then rotated up and outward, sometimes anchoring it with absorbable screws, so that the brows are elevated and the forehead skin is smooth. The skin is closed with staples or sutures. The surgery is usually performed using local IV sedation anesthesia but can be done under general anesthesia. After the surgery is finished, fluffy bandages cover the forehead for about two days. Stitches and staples are removed at about two weeks postop. We usually recommend only one week off work and limited physical activity for two weeks. The risks of brow lift surgery include bleeding under the skin, temporary loss of sensation across the forehead skin and into the scalp, poor scarring along the incision line in the scalp, and temporary hair loss right along the incision. Often when an incision is made in the scalp, the hair bulbs are shocked and will fall out right along the incision about two weeks later. The hair, however, will regrow within four weeks. Dr. Cherup can discuss the risks in detail with you during your consultation. Eye Lid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) A blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, addresses the area of the face that first shows signs of aging — the skin and fat around the eyes. These are structures most affected by stress, UV damage, lack of sleep, alcohol, and smoking. If you need a brow lift at the time of the blepharoplasty and do not do it — the blepharoplasty result will only be partially successful in rejuvenating the upper face. An upper blepharoplasty is done by marking the skin to be removed preoperatively. The surgery is often carried out under IV sedation anesthesia. The skin is excised with the scalpel, scissors, and a laser. Pooching fat in the upper eye hollow is teased out and removed. The least amount is taken. The incision is closed with a subcuticular stitch that is removed at six days. Dr. Cherup’s lower blepharoplasty is almost always done through the conjunctiva of the lower lid. It is called a transconjunctival lower lid blepharoplasty. By gently retracting forward the lower eyelid, an incision is made inside the lid with the laser. The laser opens up the space where the extra fat lies, pooching forward in “the bag.” The fat is carefully teased out so that a flat gentle curve from the lid to the cheek remains. The incision heals without sutures. Dr. Cherup almost always resurfaces the outer eyelid skin with the UltraPulse laser, which smoothes the wrinkles and improves the color. Recovery from upper eyelid surgery lasts for about six days. White, stretchy tape called Flexzan is used on the lower lids for about one week to heal the lasered skin. Upper lid sutures are removed at one week. The laser-resurfaced skin will appear pink after the Flexzan is removed, but fades over about a month’s period. It can be covered with makeup for one to two weeks. The risks of eyelid surgery include a hematoma in the eyelid, imperfect incisional scarring, and prolonged swelling of the eyelid conjunctiva, which is quite rare. Dr. Cherup can discuss the risks in detail during your consultation.

  Link: Brow Lift & Blepharoplasty

• Facelift

  The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that facelift surgery is the 5th most common cosmetic surgical procedure performed in the USA. This comes as no surprise to Dr. Cherup, who specializes in facial plastic surgery. She has successfully performed thousands of natural-looking facelifts, making her one of the most sought-after facelift plastic surgeons practicing in the greater Bridgeville area. She strives to deliver the best facelift Bridgeville has to offer. What is a Facelift? A facelift is a cosmetic procedure designed to improve the visible signs of aging in the face. Wrinkles from stress, sun exposure, and the effects of gravity often cause patients to seek facelift surgery. Using innovative surgical techniques, Dr. Cherup can smooth out the skin in the face and the neck area, as well as add plumpness to the cheeks, tear troughs, and lips during your facelift surgery. Erase The Signs Of Aging Surgical and non-surgical options available Facelift surgery restores a natural-looking and younger appearance Smooth away deep folds, lines, and wrinkles Visit our facelift gallery to see before and after photos of real facelift patients with real results. Or, schedule your consultation with Dr. Cherup! Is a Facelift Right For Me? Facelift surgery is performed to resolve the following signs of facial aging: Jowls Lack of jawline definition Facial wrinkles, lines, and creases Marionette lines (creases extending from the corner of the mouth onto chin) Etched-in smile and frown lines Sagging cheeks Double chin Excess fat on upper neck zone As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Cherup is known by her patients for the best Facelift Surgery in Bridgeville. During your initial consultation, she will evaluate if you are a good candidate for a facelift. Read below for more information about the procedure, recovery time, and what to expect before and after your facelift surgery. Facelift Bridgeville and Pennsylvania Patient Testimonial 5 Star Rating “Dr. Cherup is the most professional and outstanding plastic surgeon ever” by Verified Patient | RealSelf Dr. Cherup is the most professional and outstanding plastic surgeon ever. She will discuss your surgery with you, ask you what your expectations are, and then offer her expert opinion in order to insure a perfect surgical outcome which is what I had: a totally perfect result. She and her staff are very professional, knowledgeable in the field of plastic surgery and personable, making you feel comfortable throughout the entire process beginning with the consultation continuing through the post op visits. Featured Facelift Photo Gallery Facelift Before and After Photos Bridgeville and Pennsylvania Facelift Before and After Photos Bridgeville and Pennsylvania Facelift Before and After Photos Bridgeville and Pennsylvania Facelift Before and After Photos Bridgeville and Pennsylvania Facelift Before and After Photos Bridgeville and Pennsylvania Facelift Before and After Photos Bridgeville and Pennsylvania Facelift Before and After Photos Bridgeville and Pennsylvania Facelift Before and After Photos Bridgeville and Pennsylvania Facelift Before and After Photos Bridgeville and Pennsylvania View All Galleries Initial Facelift Consultation Your Bridgeville plastic surgeon, Dr. Lori L. Cherup, at Radiance Plastic Surgery in Bridgeville and Pennsylvania evaluates patients for facelift surgery with careful attention. During the 1/2 hour exam, Dr. Cherup will question you regarding your areas of concern, and then also evaluate the areas that she sees would benefit from improvement. This evaluation will analyze your forehead and brows, upper and lower eyelids, cheeks and jawline, and perioral area. It will also evaluate any problems with your neck musculature and neck skin. She will then put together a menu of procedures that could be employed at the time of the facelift surgery to give you a youthful and revitalized facial image. Are you considering having a facelift but are concerned about looking fake, plastic, or too “tight” after undergoing facelift surgery? A correctly-performed facelift shouldn’t give you a new face, it should enhance your look by restoring a natural, youthful appearance to your features. You should still look like you, just better. Dr. Cherup’s expertise is what makes her among the best to perform a facelift Bridgeville residents can rely on — resulting in a natural, youthful look.

  Link: Facelift

• Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)

  Considering a Rhinoplasty in Bridgeville? Rhinoplasty, which is more commonly known as a nose job, is a cosmetic operation that changes the external appearance of the nose by changing the contour and position of the cartilages and bones inside. It can be performed as a purely cosmetic procedure or it can be reconstructive and used to correct a problem. The techniques that accomplish these changes are both old and new — they have evolved as plastic surgeons have altered them over the years. For those hoping to alter the way their nose looks to make it more aesthetically pleasing, Dr. Cherup is a rhinoplasty specialist in Bridgeville, PA who can help. The Rhinoplasty Procedure During your rhinoplasty surgery. Dr. Cherup will employ local IV sedation or general anesthesia to help you feel comfortable during the entire process. Using the endonasal technique, Dr. Cherup will make all the incisions inside of the nose. For situations that require a higher degree of correction, she will use the external approach, which makes use of a small incision across the columella. The process will take about one and a half to two hours to perform. Once the necessary corrections are made, Dr. Cherup will close the incisions and bandage the treatment area. Recovering From Rhinoplasty Surgery After the rhinoplasty surgery is completed, patients will usually need to wear a splint for the first week after. You will experience some swelling and bruising, but it will begin to subside over the next few days. The swelling will fade completely over the next few months as the new structure of your nose begins to take shape. Patients should also avoid strenuous activities for three to six weeks after the surgery. However, you can return to your normal social activities within a few weeks without any problems. Who Should Consider a Rhinoplasty Surgery? Most patients seek a rhinoplasty consultation because they feel their nose is out of proportion with their facial features — for example, it is too wide, too long, has a large hump, or the tip is too boxy. The shape, size, width, curvature, and contour of the nose determine how the other features of the face are viewed as a congruent whole. Thus it is no surprise that surgery to change the features of the nose, called a Rhinoplasty, is the third most popular plastic surgery procedure and the most common facial plastic surgery procedure. Rhinoplasty is done for a number of reasons, including altering how the look of the nose bridge, reshaping the nose tip, and enlarging or reducing the size of the nose. It is sometimes performed to correct nasal breathing and to shorten or widen the base of the nose. Contact Our Office It is important for patients to find an experienced surgeon when considering rhinoplasty, and Dr. Cherup’s 30 years of experience will benefit any patient considering a nose job in Bridgeville. Visit our rhinoplasty gallery to see before and after photos of our patients! Or, schedule your consultation with Dr. Cherup.

  Link: Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)

• CoolSculpting® Elite

  If you are tired of fighting a losing battle against stubborn fat deposits and want a non-invasive treatment that can help you get the slim, toned body contours you desire, CoolSculpting® Elite in Bridgeville may be the perfect solution. At Radiance Plastic Surgery, fat-freezing with CoolSculpting® Elite has helped many men and women permanently eliminate unwanted fat without the need for surgery. What Is CoolSculpting® Elite? The CoolSculpting® Elite procedure, performed by Dr. Cherup’s team, destroys stubborn fat safely and effectively without surgery or downtime. This fat reduction treatment is the only FDA-cleared procedure to use controlled cooling to target and eliminate diet- and exercise-resistant fat. You can reshape your body! This procedure’s results are proven, noticeable, and lasting. You’ll look and feel great from every angle. During your consultation, Dr. Cherup will develop a personalized CoolSculpting® Elite treatment plan that addresses your problem areas. Your individualized treatment plan will be tailored to your body, your goals, and your budget. Dr. Cherup offers one device with 2 applicators for faster treatment. Schedule your CoolSculpting Elite consultation! Radiance Plastic Surgery’s CoolSculpting® Elite Promise: ensures a fixed price for total fat reduction. Dr. Cherup will create a personalized treatment plan during your consultation, outlining the exact CoolSculpting® Elite cost for achieving your desired body contouring goals. This written agreement guarantees that the price you’re quoted for CoolSculpting® Elite will remain unchanged throughout your treatment journey. Schedule your evaluation today. CoolSculpting® Elite vs Liposuction Until recently, the only way to eliminate persistent body fat was through traditional liposuction. While effective, liposuction comes with recovery time and significant discomfort. CoolSculpting® Elite is a new, innovative treatment designed to reduce these areas of ugly fat deposits without the recovery time of a more invasive procedure. Can you freeze away fat? It comes down to science. Fat cells freeze at higher temperatures than surrounding tissues. This technology delivers precisely controlled cooling to gently and effectively target the fat cells underneath the skin. The treated fat cells are crystallized (frozen) and then die. Over time, your body naturally processes the fat and excretes these dead cells, leaving a more sculpted you. Once the treated fat cells are gone, they’re gone for good. The CoolSculpting® Elite fat-freezing procedure is completely non-surgical. You can typically return to work and normal activities immediately. Dr. Cherup has TWO CoolSculpting® Elite applicators, enabling you to complete your procedure 2x as fast! What Areas of the Body Can CoolSculpting® Elite Treat? CoolSculpting Elite can reduce fat in all of the common problem areas. This unique treatment, paired with Dr. Cherup’s expertise can target unwanted fat throughout the body, including the abdomen (Muffin Top), flanks (Love Handles), upper back (Bra Rolls), lower back, arms, double chin, and male breasts. Are you ready to love every view of yourself? The sooner you set up your consultation, the sooner you’ll see results in the mirror — long-term results in those areas that have resisted all efforts through diet and exercise. A diagram showing the different areas of the body that can be treated with CoolSculpting Elite. Are you a CoolSculpting® Elite Candidate? CoolSculpting® Elite can be a beneficial treatment for anyone frustrated with stubborn fat along the arms, legs, double chin, or trunk. CoolSculpting® Elite is safe for men and women of any skin type or ethnicity. The procedure is not a weight loss alternative for those that are obese. The ideal candidate will have isolated areas of bulging fat that are resistant to exercise and diet. Results and patient experience may vary. Before scheduling a CoolSculpting® Elite treatment, you’ll meet with Dr. Cherup. At this time, she will perform a quick physical evaluation, discuss your goals, and help create a treatment plan to achieve your desired results either through CoolSculpting® Elite or other cosmetic procedures.

  Link: CoolSculpting® Elite

• Mommy Makeover Surgery

  A mommy makeover in Bridgeville can help address the physical changes that often occur after childbirth. At Radiance Plastic Surgery, Dr. Lori Cherup offers personalized care to help you restore body contours that feel more balanced for you. This combination approach focuses on areas like the abdomen and breasts to support your goals with minimal downtime. What Is a Mommy Makeover? At our practice in Bridgeville, mommy makeover surgery is a frequently performed procedure. Pregnancy, especially more than once, can have dramatic effects on a woman’s body, especially the breasts and the abdomen, producing stretch marks, droopy and deflated breasts, loose abdominal skin, and perhaps an abdominal hernia. These problems can only be partially improved with diet and exercise. Therefore, plastic surgical procedures may be necessary to return a woman’s body to its state before pregnancy or, in some cases, to an even better state. Dr. Cherup is known by her patients for performing the best mommy makeover that Bridgeville has to offer. Lori L. Cherup, M.D., a mom of three herself, helps women look and feel rejuvenated after giving birth to multiple children. The mommy makeover can help you get back to feeling like you! Schedule your consultation and see the results Dr. Cherup has achieved for other mothers in our galleries! Who’s a Good Fit for a Mommy Makeover? You may be a strong candidate if: You’re done having children and breastfeeding You’re at a stable weight and in good health You have stretched abdominal muscles or sagging skin You’re experiencing breast volume loss or deflation You want to address multiple areas in one procedure Mommy Makeover Consultation Dr. Cherup will examine you and measure the dimensions of your breasts, abdomen, and thighs. She probably will employ our VECTRA 3D imaging system to visualize your breasts and simulate an augmentation if that is intended. Your Mommy Makeover Plan may include some of the following procedures: Breast augmentation: Adds volume to breasts that looked deflated after breastfeeding. Breast augmentation with mastopexy (breast lift): Adds volume and perkiness to breasts that sag by fitting the skin envelope to the new breast volume. Breast reduction: Reduces the size of overly large and heavy breasts to a more compact breast package that fits your body proportions. Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck): Removes excess skin and fat in the midsection, and tightens the underlying muscles. Mini tummy tuck: Slightly less invasive and extensive than a full abdominoplasty. It often does not give as good a result, but is indicated for patients with one pregnancy or fewer. Liposuction: Eliminates unusual fatty deposits that have settled around the midsection, thighs, or flanks; improves the contours of the body, so that it is smooth without bumps. Lower body lift: Eliminates excess skin from the abdomen, upper lateral thighs, and the buttocks; usually only needed in patients with extreme weight loss, or very poor skin elasticity. Breast and body procedures can also be complemented with a facial procedure. Dr. Cherup offers complete facial rejuvenation, ranging from facelift surgery to simple injectable treatments with Botox or dermal fillers. Photofacials and laser skin resurfacing often complete the rejuvenation. Dr. Cherup’s experience ensures she can offer the best mommy makeover Bridgeville has to offer. Dr. Cherup is exceptionally skilled and extensively trained to provide remarkable results with minimal risks and complications. Although no surgery is risk-free, Dr. Cherup is a board-certified plastic surgeon with 20 years of experience and a history of many satisfied patients.

  Link: Mommy Makeover Surgery

• After Weight Loss Surgery

  Significant weight loss is a tremendous accomplishment. Whether it is a result of bariatric surgery or lifestyle change, you are possibly looking for the next step in your body transformation. A massive weight loss can leave you with very loose hanging skin in your trunk and limbs. Dr. Cherup performs several different types of after weight loss surgery, including lower body lift, arm lift, thigh lift, breast lift and face lift. Visit our patient galleries for before and afters of real patients who have undergone post bariatric surgeries. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Cherup today! Lower Body Lift A lower body lift treats skin laxity in the following areas: Abdomen Buttocks Flanks Lower Back Pubic Area Upper Thighs This procedure must be done when your weight loss is stable and near its end. This procedure includes an abdominoplasty with a lateral thigh lift and buttock lift. It requires an incision around the circumference of the lower trunk. The incision can be hidden by most two-piece bathing suits. It requires general anesthesia and usually a two-day hospitalization. Four drains and a liposuction garment finish the procedure. We get you out of bed the next day, but you cannot sit for 10 days. Lying flat and standing or walking are good. Please refer to our Abdominoplasty section for a full description of this surgery. The main risks of this procedure are skin loss along the incision and infection due to dehiscence (opening) of the wounds. Medial Thigh Lift If your weight loss leaves you with sagging skin at the thighs, you will need this after weight loss surgery procedure. An incision is made high in the front of the groin. It goes around near the labia and ends in the gluteal crease. A large ellipse of skin is removed and the upper thigh skin anchored to the groin and lifted upwards. If your thigh skin is tremendously loose, Dr. Cherup may employ a long vertical incision from the medial groin crease near your labia down to your knee. Although, this scar is more noticeable when you can see the inside of your knee and thigh, and has more tightening ability. The postoperative course involves liposuction garments, lying flat and elevating the legs for at least one week. Sutures are removed in two weeks. The main risks of this surgery are infection and less-than-optimal scarring at the groin. Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) An arm lift or brachioplasty tightens the loose skin (or bat wings) on the upper arms left after weight loss. Dr. Cherup removes the skin from the underside of the arm all the way from the axilla to the elbow. The resulting scar is only visible when you raise your arms up in the air and rotate them outward. This surgery is best done when the arm skin is loose and thin. When the skin is fat, the scars and contour end up not being as good. Postop care involves wearing snug arm sleeves, like a Bolero. The main risk of the surgery is lumpy or widened scars.

  Link: After Weight Loss Surgery

• Breast Augmentation Surgery

  At Radiance Plastic Surgery, we offer breast augmentation for people in Bridgeville, Pittsburgh, and Mt. Lebanon, PA. If you want to enhance volume, correct asymmetry, or restore breast shape after pregnancy or weight loss, you can get personalized solutions toward achieving your goals. Dr. Lori Cherup and our experienced team are here to help. What Is Breast Augmentation Surgery? Breast augmentation surgery, or breast enhancement surgery, involves placing implants to improve breast size, shape, and proportion. It is ideal for individuals seeking a more balanced figure or wanting to restore lost volume. At Radiance Plastic Surgery, we offer saline and silicone breast implants in Pittsburg and neighboring areas. You have the freedom to choose the best option for your body goals, and Dr. Cherup will be there to guide you every step of the way, ensuring a natural and balanced result. Breast Augmentation Consultation in Bridgeville For women with small or deflated breasts, a breast augmentation offers a chance to feel womanly, slightly voluptuous, and have a balanced figure again. For young women who have never developed much breast tissue, an augmentation changes their lives. For women who have lost breast tissue after nursing, it is a means to regain their pre-pregnancy figure. For the massive-weight-loss patient, a mastopexy may be necessary to re-mold their upper torso. In general, you’re likely a good candidate for breast augmentation if you Have asymmetrical breasts Want to achieve larger, more sensual-looking breasts Are bothered by sagging, deflated breasts> Want to restore breast volume after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or major weight loss Want breasts that are more proportionate to your body Dr. Cherup is considered by her patients the best breast augmentation surgeon in the Pittsburgh and Bridgeville areas. Schedule your consultation using our online form or by calling the office at (412) 220-8181. Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure, never reimbursed by insurance unless the patient has breast cancer. Breast augmentation can boost self-confidence, and you feel more balanced and beautiful. Dr. Cherup will do the breast surgery for you, but she must believe, and you must demonstrate to her that you are doing this for yourself and no one else. Breast Augmentation Consultation in Bridgeville Dr. Lori Cherup uses a unique evaluation system. It combines her Touch MD instructional video system, the breast evaluation and measurement system of Dr. John Tebbetts and Allergan, and her extensive experience. She will inform you of the surgery’s key events and go over the manageable risks of the implant options. She will measure your breasts and chest wall and determine your breast shape, existing volume, and asymmetries that must be dealt with. Dr. Cherup or Jennifer, her surgical technician, will then image your breasts in our VECTRA 3-D* imaging system. Your computer image will be “augmented” with implants of a few different sizes and shapes to help you and Dr. Cherup visualize the changes that are possible and that you prefer. See our VECTRA demonstration on our website. You will then look at photos of other patients similar to you that Dr. Cherup has treated and determine if there is a shape or size you prefer. You will leave the consultation with a full understanding of your anatomy, your best options, a VECTRA image of yourself augmented, and an Inform & Enhance booklet reviewing all risks and providing a price sheet for your specific surgery. At your second consultation, Dr. Cherup will reexamine you. Now is when you and Dr. Cherup finalize your breast implant choice and rationalize your decision. Any need for mastopexy will be discussed. Photos will be taken to use in this operating room. A history and physical will be done. You will meet with Kristy or Maureen, our coordinators, sign your consent, and make your deposit. Financing options with CareCredit (see our website information) or payment in full three weeks before the surgery will be planned. Any questions you will have will be answered by Dr. Cherup and our staff. Choosing An Implant Shape Your silicone-shelled implant by Allergan or Sientra is filled with saline or silicone. There are also two basic shapes – teardrop (anatomical), or round. Of these four variations, how do you choose? We will help you.

  Link: Breast Augmentation Surgery

• Breast Lift Surgery

  At our practice in Bridgeville, a breast lift is a common breast procedure. Weight loss, pregnancy, breast-feeding, and gravity can cause small and large breasts to descend and lose their initial shape. Some young women’s breasts never develop a round shape and just grow down. Some women are born to have droopy breasts. Patients choose to have a mastopexy or breast lift procedure to restore optimal round or conical breast shape. Sometimes for a small breast, an breast augmentation is also performed. Dr. Cherup is considered by her patients to offer the best breast lift in Bridgeville. View our before and after galleries of real breast lift patients. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Cherup today! Breast Lift Consultation During the breast lift consultation, Dr. Cherup will examine your breasts, and measure you to determine if your breast volume is symmetrical and optimal for your body size and shape. She will then describe either a breast lift/mastopexy, breast lift with implants, or breast reduction with a lift depending on the specific needs of each patient. The quality of the skin on your breast, the appearance of stretch marks, and the density of the tissue factor into the analysis. VECTRA 3D imaging system may be used by Dr. Cherup, so that you can visualize the transformation of your breast volume into a lifted, compact package. Breast Lift Surgery Your breast lift surgery will be performed under general anesthesia and will last about two hours. Dr. Cherup uses the short scar technique for mastopexies and breast reduction. Your incisions will include a circle around your areola, which might be made smaller, a vertical scar from the six o’clock position of the areola down to the fold, and a short horizontal scar in the inframammary fold. All the sutures are under the skin. Two drains exit your axillae, and dressings and a supportive bra finalize the surgery. Post Operative Care and Potential Complications Dressings — Gauze pads or fluffs will cover the incision lines. Because the incision lines are usually short, some oozing of blood may occur. This is normal. We will change the dressings two days after the breast lift surgery. Thereafter you have to change dressings at home. We will give you specific instructions. Wearing your bra — A bra may be placed at the time of surgery, or at the latest, a day or two after. The bra acts as a dressing, holding the breast in an appropriate position, and also helping the gauze pads to stay in position. If the bra feels too tight or hurts, switch immediately to any bra that feels comfortable. A bra that is too tight can cause sores on the skin, and you must not let this happen. We want you to wear a supportive bra for at least three weeks following the mastopexy surgery. If you are healing extremely well, Dr. Cherup will recommend that you do not need to wear a bra at night in bed. You should not go braless during the day for at least six weeks after the breast surgery. Showering and bathing — Water does not hurt your incisions, especially after two days after the surgery. You may shower or bath once the gauze dressings have been removed and inspected by Dr. Cherup. You may leave the Steri-Strips in place during showers, and remove them after they fall off. Driving — You may drive when driving does not cause discomfort. This usually occurs four to five days after mastopexy surgery. Exercise — You may take gentle walks within a few days after having mastopexy surgery. Do not return to aerobic exercise for three weeks. Problems During the Healing Process Usually, sutures are removed in two weeks. Swelling resolves by one month. Your final breast size will be apparent then. The problems that can occur include the following: Asymmetry — Dr. Cherup carefully measures and plans the surgery. Sometimes due to the laxity in the skin, or the way the areola responds to suturing, perfect symmetry is not apparent. Dr. Cherup may suggest a minor revision if the asymmetry is a true problem. Tissue loss — During the breast lift operation, skin flaps are undermined, and the skin envelope around the breast is tightened. A possibility exists that a small or large area of the skin or breast tissue, or even the nipple, might suffer from decreased circulation, and could be partly or completely injured. Should this unlikely event occur, you may require extra time for healing or further surgery to make the scars optimal. Talk to Dr. Cherup for more information about any revisional surgery necessary at her practice. Loss of sensation — Although uncommon, partial or complete loss of sensation to small areas of the skin or the nipple can occur. This usually improves with time.

  Link: Breast Lift Surgery

• Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction Surgery)

  Gynecomastia treatment, or male breast reduction, seeks to address a condition that exists, in varying degrees, in almost half of all men. Gynecomastia surgery removes excess fat and breast tissue from the chest wall to produce a flatter, more masculine chest. Dr. Lori Cherup is an experienced cosmetic surgeon who offers gynecomastia surgery in Bridgeville. To view before and after photos of Dr. Cherup’s real patients, visit our online gallery. Gynecomastia Consultation In your initial consultation, Dr. Cherup will perform a physical exam. She will also ask you about your lifestyle and general health in order to determine your candidacy for this procedure. She will determine by the looseness of the skin, the amount of breast and fat tissue behind the nipple areolar complex, and your overall body shape and size whether the breast tissue that exists there is significant or not. The reduction surgery can be performed if there is a likely possibility that after removing the tissue, it will not re-accumulate. While the surgery may be performed on men of any age, it is discouraged for those who suffer from obesity. It is also not recommended for men who drink alcohol excessively and/or smoke marijuana. Persistent weight gain and/or use of too much alcohol or marijuana can cause the breast tissue to recur after the surgery. It also may be necessary to obtain an endocrinology consult prior to surgery. If there is a likelihood that a pituitary tumor, an adrenal gland tumor, or testicular tumor is causing abnormalities in your hormone levels and increasing the likelihood of gynecomastia, this condition needs to be addressed before gynecomastia surgery can be performed. Male Breast Reduction Surgical Procedure Your male breast reduction surgery will be performed while you are under general anesthesia. Dr. Cherup will utilize liposuction and direct excision as needed to create more masculine chest contours. Surgery is initiated by making a small incision in the armpit. Through that incision, the excess fat that is on the chest wall and the surrounding areas can be removed. Dr. Cherup will then make an incision one-third of the way around the areola. Through that incision, she will remove a significant mass of fatty tissue, which will probably also include some breast tissue. Once she is confident that all the tissue that is necessary to be removed is done so in a smooth, even way, Dr. Cherup will close the incision with stitches underneath the skin. In general, this procedure usually lasts between one to two hours and is always done on an outpatient basis. Two small drain tubes will be introduced through the incisions in your armpit and will drain the excess fluid that might accumulate under the skin during your recovery. Steri-Strips, gauze dressings, and a compression garment will finalize the procedure. You will go home with only a pressure type of discomfort and instructions on how to manage the drains. Post Operative Care and Potential Complications Dr. Cherup will see you back two days after the surgery. At that visit, your incisions will be inspected and the drain tubes likely removed. Remember to bring your drainage record with you to that visit. You will be returned to your compression vest, and be ready for a shower that afternoon. As with any cosmetic surgical procedure, complications that need to be addressed are rare. Patients frequently experience some bruising and swelling, although this subsides fairly quickly over two weeks. In certain cases, decreased sensation to the nipple and the chest wall skin may occur. An indentation on the chest wall where most of the breast tissue was removed can occur in some cases. Dr. Cherup tries very hard to remove the tissue evenly, but thoroughly. Extra scarring internally can cause tethering of the skin to the muscle. Usually massage and time will resolve this problem. Rarely, Dr. Cherup may need to inject your own fat into that indentation to elevate it and make it look smooth. A hematoma (collection of blood) can occur under the skin if you were too active after the surgery, or if the garment is not snug enough. Small hematomas will resolve on their own. A large one will necessitate a return to the operating room to remove it. This is why it is extremely important for you to stop all medications that could cause bleeding (i.e., fish oil, vitamin E, glucosamine, aspirin, and Advil) two weeks before surgery. How Much Does Male Breast Reduction Surgery Cost? The price of your gynecomastia surgery will depend on the techniques required to best achieve your aesthetic goals. Dr. Cherup will review the cost of your procedure with you once she has created your personalized treatment plan.

  Link: Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction Surgery)

• Botox Injection

  Botox Works! Say Good-Bye to Wrinkles. No matter how well the skin is preserved and pampered, everyone eventually develops facial wrinkles. Fortunately, there are a number of options available to remove the lines that accompany aging. Botox is perhaps the easiest of all these options. Radiance Plastic Surgery proudly administers Botox to help patients in Bridgeville, PA reclaims their youthful appearance. What is Botox? Botox is an injectable neurotoxin designed to relax the muscles responsible for the formation of wrinkles and rejuvenate the youthful appearance of your skin. It’s an extremely quick approach to softening or removing the natural wrinkles between the eyes (frown lines), on the forehead, at the sides of the eyes (crow’s feet), or at the base of the nose (glabellar frown lines). BOTOX® Cosmetic is the only approved treatment to temporarily improve the appearance of both moderate to severe frown lines between the brows and crow’s feet lines in adults. You may begin to notice results within 24 to 48 hours for moderate to severe frown lines, with results lasting up to 4 months. Are You a Good Candidate For Botox Injection? It is an excellent treatment for anyone struggling to deal with the early signs of aging. It’s a safe and effective cosmetic treatment for many skin types. During a consultation at Radiance Plastic Surgery, you will be asked about your medical history and have your skin examined to determine if you would make a good candidate for Botox. How Much Does Botox Cost? Cost: $300-$650 The price for cosmetic treatments like Botox varies from person to person. After we develop your customized treatment plan, we’ll discuss the cost of your treatment. Contact Our Office Botox is a fast, safe, and effective way to rejuvenate the youthful look of your skin. If you’re interested in learning more about it, contact our Radiance Plastic Surgery to schedule your consultation today.

  Link: Botox Injection

• Cosmetic Dermal Fillers

  When we are young, our skin is soft and elastic, free from the facial lines and tissue damage caused by time, injury, and disease. This youthful looking skin is due, in a large part, to collagen, the fibrous protein that forms the underlying support layer beneath the skin. Over time the skin’s network of collagen begins to weaken, causing the skin to lose its elasticity. Cosmetic Dermal Fillers have been used for decades to replenish the skin’s suppleness and help maintain its youthful appearance. Cosmetic Dermal Fillers are a safe, nonsurgical treatment that can smooth out facial lines and scars, as well as improving the look of specific parts of the body. Visit our galleries for before and after photos! Or, schedule your consultation. Dermal Filler Procedure The procedure itself is nothing more than an injection of Cosmetic Dermal Fillers into a specific area. Some patients find the injections slightly uncomfortable, especially those performed on the lips or around the nose. The injection is typically no more painful than a normal shot. Some types of Cosmetic Dermal Fillers contain a small amount of lidocaine, which helps to numb the injection area. Most treatments take 30 minutes and can be accomplished during a lunch hour. Immediately after the treatment there may be some temporary bruising, puffiness, or tenderness. This is normal and gradually subsides in a few days. Patients can resume their day-to-day activities almost immediately following the injection. The longevity of Cosmetic Dermal Fillers varies, lasting anywhere from six months to a year. Just like naturally occurring collagen, fillers gradually wear away and patients can choose to have “touch up” treatments. Avoid using aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, St. John’s Wort, or high does of Vitamin E supplements prior to treatment, because these may increase bruising or bleeding at the injection site. You may also experienced increased bruising and bleeding if you have previously suffered from facial cold sores. In very rare cases, a shallow scar can form at the injection site. If you experience prolonged redness, swelling, itching, and firmness at the injection site, contact your physician immediately. Some individuals who have an allergy to lidocaine will have a Cosmetic Dermal Fillers chosen for them. AHA Dermal Fillers (Juvederm and Restylane Products) AHA’s (hyaluronic acid) are a safe and natural cosmetic dermal filler that restores volume and fullness to the skin & lips to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds. AHA is the first and only cosmetic dermal filler made of non-animal-based hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is natural substances that already exist in the human body and is used to provide volume and fullness to the skin. Hyaluronic acid is a crystal-clear gel called Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid. NASHA is biodegradable and completely biocompatible with human hyaluronic acid. Results may vary lasting from 6 months to a year. Juvederm Voluma Voluma helps to enhance and contour the cheek area while creating more youthful look that lasts up to 1 year. It contains a modified hyaluronic acid (HA) derived from a naturally occurring complex sugar that will restore contour and create a more youthful profile. Volume loss in the cheeks is a major reason we lose that youthful look over the years. Voluma is injected under the skin with a small needle. It works instantly to add volume and subtly lift the cheek area, temporarily reversing the signs of aging. Radiesse The biocompatible nature of BioForm implant products means that the physicians can concentrate on delivering care without concerns about reaction, inflammation or rejection. The primary compound used in BioForm implants is pure, synthetic calcium hydroxlapatite particles composed of calcium and phosphate ions. Because these occur naturally in the body, the compound is said to be tissue friendly. Identical in composition to the mineral portion of human bone, these particles are metabolized through normal homeostatic mechanisms, because no derivative of human or animal tissue is used in any of BioForm’s implant products, there is assurance that no human or animal disease can be contracted from the implant material. In addition, all of the ingredients in the product’s aqueous gel carrier are biocompatible and classified as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and drug Administration (FDA). Unlike the above Dermal Fillers, Radiesse® will lasts from one to two years.

  Link: Cosmetic Dermal Fillers

• Fractional Laser Resurfacing

  Fractional laser skin resurfacing is a procedure that can dramatically improve the tone and texture of the skin on your face, neck, chest, arms, hands and most other areas of the body. Many common skin problems, such as acne scars, sun spots, lines and wrinkles, stretch marks, and pigmented spots, can be treated with this procedure. Fractional laser skin resurfacing is available at Dr. Lori Cherup’s Bridgeville, Pennsylvania area plastic surgery and aesthetic treatment center, and is performed by Susan Mowry, RN, our skin clinic nurse-aesthetician and laser skin care specialist. Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure The laser emits microbeams of light onto the skin, which create columns of coagulated tissue beneath the skin’s surface that stimulate collagen production. Patients may experience minor discomfort as the laser passes over the treatment area, but the laser’s cooling tip prevents the skin from becoming overheated. Topical Anesthetic Cream is used to manage any discomfort so that the laser skin resurfacing treatment will be as comfortable as possible. The entire procedure lasts approximately 30 minutes. Post Treatment Care and Potential Side Effects The laser offers an alternative to the Fraxel® laser, achieving similar results while delivering treatment into deeper layers of skin. After the laser skin resurfacing treatment, patients may experience some warmth, redness, swelling, or tightness in the treated area. This may last 1-2 days. People who undergo this procedure can return to work immediately afterwards, if they wish. Most patients achieve the best results possible by undergoing 4-6 treatments in a series of 4 week intervals between each procedure. Contact our practice, near Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, to speak with Susan Mowry, RN, our laser skin resurfacing specialist, to determine how many treatments will be necessary for you to reach your desired results. Health Concerns The laser is non-ablative, meaning the skin’s surface remains intact during the procedure. Therefore, there are relatively few side effects associated with laser skin resurfacing. Most patients do experience mild reddening and swelling of the skin immediately following treatment, but this typically disappears in 1-2 days. Some patients may also become slightly bruised or experience skin dryness as a result of the laser treatment. Overall, the laser is a much safer option than other laser skin resurfacing procedures and produces similar results. Schedule a Consultation For more information or to schedule your appointment, call Dr. Cherup at (412) 220-8181 or use our online form below.

  Link: Fractional Laser Resurfacing