Breast augmentation, Botox, and Brazilian butt-lift surgeries may seem commonplace among the rich and famous, but plastic surgery and aesthetic procedures aren't just for those living in Hollywood. Many people across the Midwest are also choosing these procedures, including right here in Kansas.
Dual-board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jack Peterson, with an office in Topeka, meets hundreds of patients a year seeking out ways to reshape their bodies, enhance their faces and/or refresh their appearances. “We spend a lot of time discussing things we can do for people in a positive way, and we don’t focus on beauty, but on confidence,” says Mary, the patient coordinator, who helps guide clients through the entire process. “We don’t say, ‘We’re going to make you look more beautiful,’ but instead, ‘We’re going to make you feel more confident in life,’ whether that’s through surgery, skin care or
everything in between. We want to help clients be the best they can be in their day- to-day life.”
Mary will also listen to clients’ goals and work within their budgets. If they decide to move forward, she’ll handle the scheduling and work with insurance companies if a procedure is medically necessary. She also can put their worries to rest about the procedures themselves. “Dr. Peterson has been practicing for 27 years, so he has a lot of experience,” says Mary. “He hasn’t done hundreds of procedures; he’s done thousands, and I think when people are contemplating plastic surgery or other medical procedures, they feel more comfortable knowing that.”
Dr. Peterson performs body and facial surgeries, restoration procedures, minimally-invasive treatments, and non-invasive aesthetic services. "There are many people in the Midwest and greater Topeka area who seek out plastic surgery procedures or cosmetic services to fix something they don't like about their appearance or their body shape," he says. One of the most popular procedures is liposuction, which helps remove areas of stubborn fat that will not budge even with the healthiest of diets or most rigorous gym routine. Abdominoplasty (also known as a "tummy tuck") and breast surgeries - including breast implants and breast lift procedures - are also popular.
"While breast implant surgery is an often-requested surgery, many women also seek out breast lifts to improve the appearance of their breasts after the effects of pregnancy and breastfeeding," says Dr. Peterson. In the last few years, he’s also seen patients combine body surgical procedures into packages, such as the “Mommy Makeover.” "This is a popular approach, as it can give clients the desired results without having to undergo anesthesia multiple times.” he says. And, these combination treatments are not just for women. Men can also feel self- conscious about their bodies and are choosing to combine body surgery procedures as well – what some are calling the “Daddy Do-over.” They are choosing stand- alone surgeries like liposuction, tummy tucks, and breast reduction as well.
Often requested facial surgeries for both men and women include rhinoplasty (nose job), facelift, and a blepharoplasty eyelid lift procedure, which can treat sagging skin on the eyelids. "Eyelid lift surgery is a very popular procedure, and its benefits are twofold," says Dr. Peterson. "First, sagging skin can impede vision, making driving dangerous and other day-to-day activities difficult. Second, sagging skin can also make the eyes look older, making your overall appearance appear older as well."
Dr. Peterson has seen changes in the demand for plastic surgery and aesthetic procedures in the last 25 years - some of which means no surgery is necessary at all. "Advances in technology have changed how these procedures are performed,” he says. “For example, where before the face lift procedure was a very invasive surgery, we now have options that have made it minimally invasive. Fillers can replace areas of lost volume in place of an implant, as well.” These procedures are subtle and also mean little to no recovery times. Although these procedures are non-surgical, Mary stresses that care needs to be taken to avoid complications. “People should have a review of their medications that, for example, may make you bruise more easily or medications that may not mix well with some injectables,” she says. “When clients go to a Med Spa, they should find out who the medical director is and make sure the establishment keeps medical records, such as lot numbers. So, if a year down the road, they need to know what the lot number of their Juvéderm ® injection was, they can find out.” Having a doctor in-house when doing some of these procedures is not only a legal requirement in Kansas, but also a necessary one. “In our office, Dr. Peterson handles all the injections,” says Mary. “Not only is he a board-certified plastic surgeon, he’s also an ENT [Ear, Nose & Throat] doctor, so he knows facial anatomy really well and clients don’t need to worry that when an injectable is being done under their eyes, for example, that there will be any issues or complications.” Dr. Peterson’s experienced and highly-trained aestheticians provide many of the other non-surgical treatments, such as laser hair removal, microneedling and chemical peels.
To find out more, or to make an appointment to look your best, go to https://drjackpeterson.com/ or call 785-329-4148.