417lmt

02/05/2026

Ever wonder why some facelifts look "done" while others leave people guessing your secret? 🤫

The answer lies in technique, and one approach is changing everything.

Not all facelifts are created equal. If you've been researching facial rejuvenation, you've probably heard about the Deep Plane Facelift, and for good reason. This advanced technique is revolutionizing how we approach facial aging.

Unlike traditional facelifts that work on superficial layers, the Deep Plane technique repositions the deeper structural layers of your face; specifically the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) and the overlying skin as one unified layer.

Think of it this way: instead of just pulling skin tighter (which can create that "overdone" look), we're actually restoring your facial structures to their more youthful position.

This technique isn't just about turning back the clock; it's about revealing a more rested, rejuvenated version of yourself that still looks authentically YOU in every photo, every mirror, every moment.

WE offer multiple facelift techniques, each with unique benefits tailored to different patient needs and goals. During your consultation, Dr. Shah will determine which approach aligns best with your specific anatomy and desired outcomes.

📞 Call (417)742-7424 to schedule your consultation and learn if this advanced technique is the right choice for your facial rejuvenation journey.

02/03/2026

02/03/2026

Movement is the key 🔑 Muscle movement is the pump for our lymphatic system ⭐️ Remember you can always modify any routine. 🩷

02/02/2026

Hi everyone. It's nice to meet you. Come follow my journey. Shah Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa

01/29/2026

01/28/2026

"Just drink more water and it'll go away." 😅

If only it were that simple.

Lymphatic stagnation—that stubborn puffiness, swelling, or feeling of heaviness—doesn't respond to the usual wellness advice. And here's why:

Your lymphatic system is a network of vessels and nodes responsible for draining excess fluid, waste, and toxins from your tissues. When it's functioning properly, you don't notice it. When it's not, no amount of hydration will move that fluid where it needs to go.

What actually causes lymphatic stagnation?
✨ Surgical trauma (even minor procedures)
✨ Prolonged immobility or lack of movement
✨ Inflammation or injury to lymphatic vessels
✨ Compromised lymph node function

Why drinking water alone won't fix it:
The lymphatic system doesn't have a pump like your cardiovascular system does. It relies on muscle movement, manual stimulation, and proper drainage pathways to move fluid.

After procedures like liposuction, tummy tucks, or mommy makeovers, your lymphatic channels are temporarily disrupted and need specialized support to reconnect and function properly.

Have you been told to "just hydrate more" when dealing with post-surgical swelling? Drop a 💧 below.

01/08/2026

It is an honor to be featured as 417 Magazine's Face of Facial Plastic Surgery ✨

At Shah Plastic Surgery, we take great pride in serving the Springfield community by providing both surgical and non-surgical treatments that deliver exceptional results.

Read our full feature at:
417mag.com/people/faces-of-417-land/shah-plastic-surgery/

01/02/2026

Spoiler alert: We're not fans of the new year, new you cliche. ❌

We do however believe there's something powerful about a new year.

But not because you need to change who you are, but because it reminds us that investing in ourselves isn't selfish, it's essential.

Maybe it's finally addressing something that's bothered you for years. Maybe it's reclaiming confidence that shifted after pregnancy, aging, or life's unexpected turns. Maybe it's simply choosing yourself.

Dr. Shah has spent over 25 years helping patients in Springfield and beyond feel like themselves again, not different, just more aligned with how they see themselves inside.

If you've been quietly researching, saving screenshots, or wondering if this could be your year... consider this your permission slip that it's okay to take the next step. 😉

What would feeling confident in your own skin mean to you? 💭

12/25/2025

Why Surgery Changes the Lymphatic System (And Why Your Body Feels Different After)

This is an article many people didn’t know they needed —
until they read it and quietly say, “This explains everything.”

Surgery can be life-saving.
It can be necessary.
It can be the reason you are still here.

But what is rarely explained is how surgery changes the lymphatic system — sometimes permanently — and why the body may never feel the same afterward unless it’s supported correctly.

🌿 Surgery doesn’t only cut skin — it interrupts flow

The lymphatic system is made up of delicate vessels, valves, and nodes that run just beneath the skin and through connective tissue.

During surgery:
• Lymph vessels are cut or cauterised
• Nodes may be disturbed or removed
• Fascia is incised and heals with restriction
• Nerve communication is altered

Unlike blood vessels, lymph vessels are not always repaired or reconnected.

The body adapts — but adaptation is not the same as optimal flow.

🌿 Scar tissue changes drainage pathways

Scar tissue is not just a surface issue.

Internally, scars can:
• Pull on fascia
• Compress lymph vessels
• Create directional blockages
• Force lymph to reroute inefficiently

This is why swelling often appears above, below, or far away from the scar, not only at the surgical site.

The body isn’t confused — it’s compensating.

🌿 Common surgeries that impact lymph flow

Many people are surprised by how common this is:
• C-sections
• Appendectomy
• Gallbladder surgery
• Abdominal or pelvic surgery
• Breast surgery
• Orthopaedic surgery
• Brain or spinal surgery

Even surgeries done years or decades ago can influence today’s lymphatic patterns.

Time does not automatically restore flow.

🌿 “I healed… but I was never the same”

This is one of the most common phrases we hear.

After surgery, people may notice:
• A swollen or heavy abdomen
• An apron belly that won’t shift
• One-sided swelling
• Chronic inflammation
• Fluid retention
• Increased sensitivity to stress

This does not mean the surgery failed.

It means the lymphatic system was never fully supported afterward.

🌿 The nervous system remembers surgery

Surgery is a physical and neurological event.

The nervous system may remain in a protective state long after healing appears complete. When this happens:
• Lymph vessels remain constricted
• Drainage slows
• Inflammation lingers

The body must feel safe again before it will release.

This is why gentle, calming, rhythmical therapies are often far more effective than aggressive approaches post-surgery.

🌿 The good news — flow can be improved

While scars cannot be erased, function can be restored.

Supportive approaches may include:
• Manual lymphatic drainage
• Scar mobilisation
• Fascia-focused work
• Breath-based techniques
• Nervous system regulation
• Gentle, consistent movement

Healing after surgery is not about pushing harder —
it’s about restoring communication and flow.

💚 A message your body wants you to hear

Your body didn’t betray you.
Your body adapted to survive.

And with the right support, it can learn to flow again.

If you’ve ever felt:
“I healed… but something changed”
This article is for you.

Written with care by Bianca Botha, CLT, RLD, MLDT, CDS
Founder of Lymphatica – Lymphatic Therapy & Body Detox Facility

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.