Patient Interview: Successful Reconstruction after Bilateral Mastectomy

Having just concluded Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we thought it was only fitting that we interviewed a handful of our patients who have come to us recently for reconstructive surgery following breast cancer operations. Their experiences are powerful examples of the importance of getting checked regularly for breast cancer. They demonstrate how your body post-cancer can be just as beautiful as before. Here is the first interview with "Susan" (not her real name): "I found out I had breast cancer in January 2011. One month later, I underwent a bilateral mastectomy, and by March I had begun chemotherapy and radiation. My oncologist...

Winter Skin Tips

Even though the winter skies are often cloudy and overcast, this doesn't mean you can stop using sunscreen. The key in winter is to moisturize thoroughly and occasionally treat yourself to a hydrating facial mask. It is important to look for an ointment moisturizer that's oil-based, rather than water-based. The oil helps to create a protective layer to the skin. Not all oils are good to use on your face. Look for "non-clogging" oils such as avocado, mineral, primrose or almond oil. The clouds have very little effect on filtering out the harmful UVA rays responsible for causing wrinkles and skin cancers. Use...

Less is More!

No doubt you've heard the saying "Less is more!" The adage is no less true when it comes to plastic surgery. Recent trends in the industry emphasize less invasive surgery. Patients are especially eager for these kinds of options with their facial rejuvenation procedures because an "operated-on" look is frowned upon.  In the past, if you wanted an eyelid tuck (technically known as lower blepharoplasty), you had to undergo significant, aggressive removal of fat pockets to reduce your lower eyelid bags. But today, that same procedure can involve a less aggressive removal of these fat pockets. Because of this minimal...

FDA Approves Restylane for Lip Augmentation

 Restylane is the most studied dermal filler worldwide.  This filler was approved by the FDA in 2003 to smooth wrinkles and plump up the nasal labial folds or marionette lines.  Many practitioners would also use Restylane off-label to volumize the lips. Recently, the FDA has approved Restylane for the use in lip augmentation or lip plumping.  This will be the first hyaluronic acid dermal filler on the market today approved for this purpose in patients over 21 years of age. According to the ASAPS, Americans spend $1.9 billion in 2010 on injectable fillers.  They also reported that hyaluronic acid procedures were the second most popular non-surgical cosmetic...

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is breast cancer awareness month.  This annual event not only raises funds for research but also offer information and support to those affected by the disease and reminds women to be breast aware for early detection. click here for link

Herbal Supplements and Surgery

Researchers form the Journal of the American Medical Association warn that commonly used herbal medications may cause serious problems in patients undergoing surgery. It is estimated that approximately 60 million American use some type of herbal medicine, but few realize the harm these substances may cause during surgery. Many people are under the assumption that “natural” means harmless. To reduce risk factors, it is recommended that patients stop taking herbal supplements two weeks prior to surgery. Below is a list of herbal supplement that should be avoided before surgery. . Gingko Biloba . Garlic . Ginseng . Fish Oil . Dong Quai . Feverfew . Echinacea . Goldenseal . Licorice . St....

Buyer Beware When Purchasing Online Promotions

You may have noticed that more and more non-surgical medical procedures are being promoted by websites such as Groupon and Living Social. It is important that the public be aware that procedures such as Botox and Filler injections, laser treatments while non-surgical are still medical procedures. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has suggested the following questions be asked before purchasing any such coupons: . Is the med-spa located within a physician’s office? . What are the credentials of the physician supervising your treatment? . Who is performing the procedure? . How effective are facial injectables and what is the right product for me? . Is...

Helpful Recovery Tips When Considering Plastic Surgery

It is important to know that your recovery period following cosmetic surgery is just as important as the procedure itself. It is helpful when possible to stock-up on any necessary supplies and fill all prescriptions prior to surgery. Most physicians suggest their patients have assistance when returning home for the first 24-72 hours following surgery. This will allow you to recuperate, while someone else keeps you comfortable during the immediate post-operative period. Your doctor will provide you with complete post-operative care instructions. These instructions should be followed carefully. If you have any questions or concerns, call your physician immediately. Pain medication may...

Thanks USA Today

USA Today’s recent articles on plastic surgery stress the importance of doing careful research when considering cosmetic surgical procedures. These articles stress the importance of choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon and a fully-accredited surgical center when considering surgery. Linked below are these helpful educational articles as they appeared in USA Today: 9/14/11 Cosmetic surgery gets cheaper, faster, scarier 9/14/11 Lack of training can be deadly in cosmetic surgery 9/13/11 Some non-plastic surgeons disciplined for disastrous results

ASPS Issues Recommendation For Insurance Criteria for Breast Reductions

Breast reduction has been viewed as a procedure between a cosmetic and a reconstructive surgery. In some cases, insurance companies may cover this surgery, but there has been controversy regarding coverage. ASPS has now addressed insurance coverage for this procedure outlining possible criteria for coverage. The justification for a reduction mammoplasty should be based on the likelihood of relieving clinical signs and symptoms of breast hypertrophy. Because it is difficult to determine the size at which symptoms become a problem, the ASPS position has focused not on the amount of tissue removed or the initial size of the breast, but...