November 30th, 2009 admin
When you go for your plastic surgery consultation, here are the first five of 42 questions you might consider asking:
6. How many (insert Procedure here) have you performed?
7. How many revisions of your own work do you perform?
All surgeons perform revisions of their work. It just goes with the territory. Also ask if you will be charged for such work and how much.
8. Would you be willing to perform cosmetic surgery on a loved one?
In all honesty, some people would and some would never. I don’t think there is a correct answer for this question, but the reasons for or against may give you some insight in to your surgeon’s personality.
9. Why are you or are you not a good candidate for this procedure?
10. What are the complications of this procedure?
Very important question. There are complications for hang nail surgery. Your surgeon must absolutely must inform you of this as a matter of protocol. If he/she does not, find another surgeon.
Posted in Home, Plastic Surgery | Comments Off
November 29th, 2009 admin
When you go for your plastic surgery consultation, here are the first five of 42 questions you might consider asking:
1. How long have you been practicing plastic surgery?
Not always a good indicator of competence, bu, in general,t it the more experience, usually the better results.
2. Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
This the official Board for plastic surgeons. The American Board Cosmetic Surgery is not. To be Board certified requires approved training and then an extremely rigorous written and then even more rigorous oral exam. It is a very difficult exam i can assure you. The pass rate is extremely low compared to other medical sub specialties. It does not guarantee that your surgeon will give you great results, only that he/she is competent and ethical.
3.When will you re certify?
Surgeons certified after the mid 1990’s, will need to recertify every ten years. Older surgeons are exempt from the exam.
4. Gave you ever been disciplined by the board, the state or any hospital?
With more surgeons practicing in all fields, professional misconduct is on the rise. Hopefully you will get an honest response.
5. What is your favorite procedure to perform and why?
Every surgeon has one. The answer might give you some insight into his/her personality and competence.
Posted in Plastic Surgery | Comments Off
November 29th, 2009 admin
Traditional “tumescent” liposuction uses a large volume of fluid (usually natural salt solution and local anesthetic) and it is infiltrated in the tissues making fat cells easier to suction out.
The Truth:
Tumescent Liposuction is still the “gold standard” for this procedure. It has a low complication rate and an overall high level of satisfaction. It is still the preferred method of liposuction performed bythe vast majority of plastic surgeons the world over.
The Verdict:
Still the best method (not just because I prefer it), all others are marketing gimmickry and experimentation. This is the one you want.
Posted in Liposuction | Comments Off
November 28th, 2009 admin
“Smart, laser assisted, Lipo”, is the newest form of liposuction. A laser tip is mounted at the end of a cannula and is used to break up and dissolve fatty tissue beneath the skin. Bascially it claims to address “add” liposuction needs.
The Truth:
The technique is only effective in removing small amounts of fat and is the most useful for minor touch ups. The claims that it also “tightens skin” is unproven.
The Verdict:
Wait and see. The learning curve and long term results are not available yet for Smart Lipo. It can be a great addition to plastic surgery or be a disaster like Ultrasonic Lipo has become. We need a few years to know which way the results will go. At this point, use it at you’re own risk.
Posted in Liposuction | Comments Off
November 26th, 2009 admin
Ultrasonic liposuction (UAL) is a technique that uses sound waves to break fat cells then they are removed via a normal liposuction cannula. It is supposedly better becasue it can remove more difficult fat and thus is better for many problem areas.
The Truth:
Ultrasonic liposuction was all the rage when I started practice about fifteen years ago. Almost every week you could count on a call or visit from the UAL salesman. These days you probably can’t give the machine away. They have become fraught with problems; burning of the dermis (the tip of the cannula gets very hot) and a much higher incidence of seroma or fluid formation after the procedure.
The Verdict:
Stay away
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off
November 24th, 2009 admin
Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL) is a technique that uses a special cannula to remove fat rapidly using small vibrations. It claims that the surgeon can remove more fat, more easily and efficently.
The Truth:
Power Assisted Liposuction is really a technique that benefits the surgeon and no one else. Liposuction can be a very tiring for the doctor and PAL was designed to allow the surgeon to do more with less effort. Because the cannula vibrates rapidly, it is a less accurate technique. Therefore it can leave uneven results on the skin.
The Verdict:
Pass on this sales pitch
Next: Ultrasonic Liposuction (Part 2)
Posted in Liposuction | Comments Off
November 7th, 2009 admin
Just a note for all prospective plastic surgery patients.
You should always inform your surgeon of all medications that you are taking. However, you should also be aware that herbs and herbal medications, including common ones like garlic, ginseng and echinacea, can cause severe bleeding and greatly compromise the results of the procedure. Not only is bleeding an issue, but also some herbs can interfere with heart function and anesthesia.
Therefore, before you go under the knife, make sure you tell your surgeon everything you’re taking in addition to your usual meds. It can make a huge difference.
Posted in Home | Comments Off