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5 Questions You Should Ask Your Plastic Surgeon
Wednesday, April 11th, 2012
The best questions to ask before going under the knife
So you’re thinking of getting a tummy tuck, or a facelift, or even just a little botox to smooth things out? Do you know what the realistic results will be? Or how long you’ll need to recover? It’s not just on the doctor to know what he or she’s doing – it’s your responsibility to know what you want, and what you’re likely to get.
If you’re considering undergoing any plastic surgery, be sure to ask your prospective plastic surgeon these five questions during your consultation.
“What results can I realistically expect from this procedure?”
You have the right to know what to expect from your procedure. Your doctor will be more than happy to explain the kind of results you can expect, and will be able to produce before-and-after photos for prospective patients to inspect.
“What factors will contribute to the outcome of my surgery?”
While the skill of the surgeon is a major factor in how well your surgery could go, you’re not removed from the equation. Often times, there are aspects of the patient’s lifestyle that can contribute to the success of the surgery. Ask your doctor what these factors could be for a given procedure.
“What can I do before my surgery to ensure a positive experience?”
Much like how sometimes you need to fast before having bloodwork taken, there are things you’ll probably need to do or avoid before your procedure. Your surgeon will be happy to instruct you when you should take these steps and why.
“What should I be aware of during recovery?”
Surgery is surgery, and you can expect some recovery time for most procedures. This is an excellent opportunity to make yourself aware of what to expect, so you will know what sort of pain or swelling is normal, and what are signs of complications.
“What can I do to prolong the effects of my surgery?”
Remember, the surgery itself is only a short fraction of your experience with the new you. You’re going to live with the results for a long time, so you should strive to maintain them as best you can! Your doctor will have plenty of tips to help maximize the results of your surgery.
Tags: plastic surgery research, safety in plastic surgery
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Summer Plastic Surgery Suggestions
Thursday, March 15th, 2012
Some procedures that could help you look your best in a swimsuit
Punxsutawney Phil may have foreseen another six weeks of winter, but Summer is closing in nonetheless. Summer plastic surgery will soon be here, as people across the country set upon clinics to get this lifted, or that tucked, all to feel confident strutting their stuff by the pool. If you’re thinking of getting some work done in order to impress this Summer, here are some popular seasonal procedures you might want to consider.
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck would be a good choice if you expect to be seen in a bikini quite frequently. Since your midsection will be exposed, excess flab or skin might seem unsightly or be a source of self-consciousness. A tummy tuck would help make your abdomen firmer and more toned.
Thigh Lift
Another part of your body that will have optimal exposure over the summer will be your legs. Whether wearing a bathing suit on the beach, or just going about your normal routine in a pair of shorts, your legs will be out in the open. A thigh lift can contour your legs to look more proportional to the rest of your body.
Breast Augmentation
If you plan on looking sexy by the beach (and you’re a woman), you may plan on wearing something that will flatter your bosom. Do you feel that your bosom could be a little more ample? Breast augmentation might be for you. The procedure can shape, mold, or enhance your bust to fill out that bikini top perfectly.
Don’t feel like you have to limit yourself to just these procedures to make the best of your summer look. While these are popular summer surgeries and a good jumping-off point, any work that will make you feel better about your body and yourself will help you radiate when the Sun comes out.
Tags: Beach, Plastic Surgery, Pool, Seasonal, Summer, Swimsuit, Thigh Lift, Tummy Tuck
Posted in Body Sculpting, Breast Augmentation, Plastic Surgery, Tummy Tuck | Comments Off
The Dangers of Non-Certified Plastic Surgeons
Saturday, March 3rd, 2012
Tips to keep you safe from unqualified practitioners
Stories about illegal cosmetic procedures perpetrated by the likes of Padge ‘Black Madame’ Windslowe and Oneal Ron Morris that cause permanent physical damage or even death can make cosmetic surgery seem unsafe to the uninformed. The truth is that certified practitioners pride themselves on professionalism and high safety standards, and these are aberrations.
That said, non-certified practitioners do exist, and they pose a risk to patients who choose to employ their services. The following is a short guide to what you should know in order to find the right physician for you.
- 48 states legally allow doctors to perform plastic surgery even if they are not credited by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. That means a dermatologist could legally perform breast augmentation or a tummy tuck.
- Plastic surgery requires specialized training, and complications can arise when surgeons don’t know how to anticipate emergencies or handle them when they arise.
- The ASPS and ASAPS require their doctors to be board certified, and espouse stringent standards and patient safety. Look for a doctor who is certified by one of these institutions to avoid unqualified practitioners.
- Try to find a doctor who specializes in the surgery you want performed. If you want a facelift, make sure your surgeon of choice is practiced in that procedure.
- As a patient, you must do everything in your power to make sure your safety is in good hands. If you’re unsure of a surgeon, ask him or her to disclose his or her professional history; doctors are required by law to do so. Ask them to produce before and after photos from former clients, and if they have hospital access.
Remember, plastic surgery doesn’t have to be risky or dangerous, if you ask the right questions and know what to look for. Keep these tips in mind and you shouldn’t have any problem finding a qualified professional in the field.
Tags: ASAPS, ASPS, Certified, Safety, safety in plastic surgery
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Figures Looking Good for Plastic Surgery – 13.8 Million Procedures in 2011
Thursday, February 23rd, 2012
13.8 Million Procedures in 2011
The economy is on a slow-but-steady rise, and consumer confidence starting to return. As a result, cosmetic procedures have enjoyed their second year of growth in a row.
According to a report issued by the American Plastic Surgery Society, surgeons across the country performed 13.8 million procedures in 2011. This is a 5 percent increase from 2010, which itself was a year of growth.
“Consumer confidence was up, auto sales rose 10 percent, so it is not surprising that we would also see increased demand for plastic surgery procedures,” said ASPS President Malcolm Z. Roth.
The report by the ASPS breaks down the numbers further, providing insight into prevalent trends in the industry.
“We are seeing notable increases in surgical procedures, such as facelifts, that reflect the demands of an aging boomer population,” said Dr. Roth. Chin augmentation, a popular procedure among men, nearly doubled, and lip augmentations went up by nearly 50 percent. However, the real action is in minimally-invasive procedures, such as laser hair removals (up 15 percent) and microdermabrasion (up 9 percent), with the number of procedures in the millions.
While consumer confidence goes a long way, Dr. Roth credits a lot of hard work from the industry in part for the promising trend.
“While insurance coverage for breast reconstruction is mandated by law, continued strides to provide coverage for other reconstructive procedures has contributed, in part, to the sizable gain that we are seeing with these procedures.”
For more information, read this year’s study, as well as the 2010 and 2009 studies.
Tags: plastic surgery statistic 2011
Posted in In The News, Plastic Surgery | Comments Off
ASPS Picks a Partner for EMR Technology
Monday, January 2nd, 2012
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recently announced a partnership with an EMR company called eClinicalWorks. A 3-year initiative stemming from partnership will give ASPS members a chance to obtain customized electronic medical record systems.
The partnership brings together the world’s largest group of plastic surgeons with a leading provider of healthcare technology. Strengths of both organizations, they hope, will advance the specialty of plastic surgery practices around the nation.
The ASPS has been at the forefront when it comes to delivering practice management solutions, especially in the realm of information technology. For example, the society has a journal with a new iPad application, endorsed companies for website design, and now a collaboration with an EMR provider.
“ASPS has a long history of innovation in providing our members with practice management solutions,” said ASPS President Malcolm Roth MD, “including emerging information technology tools. Through collaborations like this, we can help transform the delivery of healthcare throughout the specialty of plastic surgery…”
About the Partnership
“eClinicalWorks and ASPS share the vision and the entrepreneurial spirit that evolution demands,” said Sameer Bhat, co-founder and vice-president of sales for eClinicalWorks. “This partnership further strengthens our leadership with specialties. We are excited to collaborate with this leading medical specialty society and are confident our proven track record of product innovation will meet the needs of plastic surgeons.”
Plastic surgeons will get access to a variety of eClinicalWorks systems, helping to facilitate tasks like:
- Management of patient flow
- Accessing patient records (in house or remotely)
- ePrescribing
- Secure communication with referring physicians
- Secure communication with patients
- Clinical and financial analysis
ASPS chose eClinicalWorks after an 18-month evaluation led by a taskforce of ASPS members. 111 plastic surgeons responded to an ASPS survey regarding Health Information Technology and Electronic Health Records (HIT/EHR). The survey found that plastic surgeon’s use of the technology was “lighter than expected.” The ASPS task force has encouraged more plastic surgeons to embrace EMR and its associated technology.
Surgeons who responded to the survey listed their 5 most valuable EMR functions.
- Computerized physician order entry (CPOE)
- Web-based system (cloud computing)
- Patient web portal
- Ability to check or advise on evaluation and management coding levels based on fields entered
- Ability to use a tablet in the office.
Through the survey, ASPS was able to understand practice profiles as well as different EMR/PM vendors to assess software features and functionality. By choosing eClinical Works, the society says it will help members find a cost effective entrance into an electronic medical record system.
Tags: plastic surgery emr
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Positive Results Demonstrated in Immediate Breast Reconstruction
Wednesday, July 6th, 2011
A new study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery shows a low rate of complications in breast reconstruction immediately after mastectomy.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the study results help to “alleviate concerns that immediate reconstruction leads to increased complications” and make a strong argument for immediate breast reconstruction.
Reduced psychological trauma is one of the commonly cited benefits of immediate breast reconstruction, as the patient can go in for mastectomy and come out of surgery with the breast intact. Other benefits include decreased cost and shorter recovery time.
The 10-year study was based on the results of 170 women who had undergone breast reconstruction immediately after mastectomy. 13 of the patients had even undergone bilateral reconstruction to reconstruct both breasts. Surgeons primarily used a TRAM flap technique to compelte the surgery.
To determine if immediate reconstruction was justified, researchers analyzed the following outcomes:
- complication rates
- timing of other cancer treatments
- aesthetic appearance
They found a complication rate of 8.8 percent, which led to delays in further cancer treatments (chemotherapy/radiation) in eight patients. While fifteen patients experienced recurrence of the breast cancer, immediate reconstruction did not delay recognition of these recurrences.
Authors of the study say they hope these results will reassure breast cancer patients and plastic surgeons of the safety and efficacy of immediate breast reconstruction. They argue that it offers a safe and beneficial alternative to delayed breast reconstruction, which can involve waiting weeks or months for surgery.
Read more on plasticsurgery.org
Tags: breast reconstruction immediately after mastectomy
Posted in Plastic Surgery | No Comments »
8 Great Sites to Start Researching Your Procedure
Friday, June 24th, 2011
New Jersey plastic surgery offers current and accurate information for patients, but it’s still wise to do your own independent research. You will feel more confident in your decision, and you’ll know the right questions to ask Dr. DiBernardo if you decide to schedule a consultation.
Here are 8 great websites to start your research about cosmetic plastic surgery.
First, here’s a tip: If you enjoy an objective and comprehensive resource, then start with reference sites or the society sites. If you want patient stories and informal discussion, try a forum.
1. Realself.com
Realself is one of the most popular plastic surgery forums on the web. You can browse a seemingly endless number of questions (answered by real surgeons), patient reviews and plastic surgery photos. What really sets realself apart is the transparency of the doctors who answer user questions.
2. Medscape by Web MD
Medscape has compiled hundreds of clinical articles pertaining to cosmetic surgery, reconstructive surgery and dermatology. While most resources of this caliber require payment or subscription, Medscape is open access. The writing can be difficult to digest at times, but in return you get more detailed information.
3. Cosmetic Surgery Times
Although written for physicians and industry types, Cosmetic Surgery Times offers cutting-edge content on the latest procedures. If you like to stay on top of trends and new technology, they’re worth a read.
4. New Beauty Magazine
Not all magazine publishers excel at moving their content from print to web, but New Beauty seems to pull it off. The Daily Beauty blog and the daily product giveaways are nice features to browse, while the glossary provides a useful rundown of information regarding most popular cosmetic procedures.
5. Make Me Heal Forums
Make Me Heal has very active forums where patients discuss the pros and cons of their cosmetic procedure, helping others plan their own. Beware: forums can be addicting, so don’t be too surprised if you end up browsing the site for several hours.
6. Just Breast Implants Forum
If you’re looking for personal stories about breast augmentation, this is the site to browse. Women share the finer details of their breast augmentation, so women planning their own procedure know what to expect.
7. Medline Plus
A directory of trustworthy resources about cosmetic plastic surgery. Produced by the National Library of Medicine, “MedlinePlus is the National Institutes of Health’s Web site for patients and their families and friends.” While the design isn’t flashy, the resources listed on Medline are well curated and always educational.
8. Plasticsurgery.org
On the newly redesigned site of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, you can read about all of the proven surgical procedures that ASPS members have been performing for many years. The website now has updated content and easier navigation.
Tags: best plastic surgery websites
Posted in Plastic Surgery | 37 Comments »
Surgery Societies Release Statement on Stem Cells in Plastic Surgery
Monday, May 16th, 2011
ASAPS and ASPS say that stem cells have promising potential, but marketing should reflect real data, which still shows limited efficacy.
A decision has been reached about stem cells in cosmetic surgery, from a special task force assigned by members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. At the annual Aesthetic Meeting in Boston, they presented a systematic review of the medical literature, which concludes that stem cells do have “tremendous potential” in aesthetic surgery, but the data (on safety and efficacy) is limited. Therefore, marketing claims about cosmetic stem cell therapies should be reigned in.
“There are encouraging data from laboratory and clinical studies to suggest that the use of adult stem cells is a very promising field,” said J. Peter Rubin M.D., “but as our comprehensive review of the current scientific literature shows, the data available today do not substantiate the marketing claims being made to patients seeking aesthetic surgery and aesthetic medical treatments.”
Findings and recommendations from the task force include the following:
- Terms like “stem cell therapy” should only describe treatments that use stem cells for a specific purpose, not for treatments (like fat grafting) that happen to incorporate stem cells in their technique.
- Marketing for stem cell therapies in cosmetic surgery is not currently supported by adequate clinical evidence.
- Further research is encouraged, so more data can be collected on the benefits of stem cell applications in plastic surgery.
- Any stem cell based procedure should be performed in compliance with FDA regulation.
- Patients should exercise “extreme caution” when they encounter any physician who is promising results that sound “too good to be true.”
Felmont F. Eaves III, MD, ASAPS President, explains: “While we remain enthusiastic about the future potential of stem cell therapies in aesthetic surgical procedures, unsubstantiated claims for such therapies will harm patients and tarnish the reputation of the industry,” but “this joint position statement will provide guidance for our members, the public and the media.”
Read more from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Tags: fat grafting stem cells
Posted in New Technology, Plastic Surgery | No Comments »
Hugo Chavez Criticizes Venezuela’s Latest Enemy: Breast Implants
Thursday, March 17th, 2011
Venezuela’s recent breast enhancement boom has not escaped the notice of the country’s leader Hugo Chavez, who now adds to his long list of complaints the work of plastic surgeons performing cosmetic breast surgery, which Chavez calls a “monstrous thing.”
According to a New York Times article, Chavez appeared on state television last weekend to denounce Venezuela’s burgeoning breast enhancement market, criticizing the amount of money spent on cosmetic procedures and shaming plastic surgeons who Chavez says “convince some women that if they don’t have some big bosoms, they should feel bad.”
Leading Venezuelan plastic surgeon Dr. Ramon Zapata disagreed with Chavez’s take on cosmetic breast surgery, saying, “I don’t think there should be any type of discrimination against these aesthetic procedures.”
El Nacional, an opposition newspaper, unsurprisingly also contested Chavez’s comments, comparing the Venezuelan leader to Libyan leader Muammar el-Qaddafi and saying, “Now comes this antiquated, militaristic, coarse, repressive attitude on the freedom of women to do what they want with their bodies.”
Regardless of whether one agrees with Chavez’s comments, they are well-timed in their delivery. Billboards in the country’s capital advertise loans for plastic surgery, gossip blogs teem with talk about cosmetic enhancement and the Venezuelan Society of Plastic Surgeons estimates that between 30,000 and 40,000 Venezuelan women seek breast implants each year.
Although Chavez has questioned the motives of breast augmentation patients, asking, “What is this, friend?!” he has not yet taken any action to prevent the thousands of Venezuelan women who desire bigger breasts from seeking plastic surgery, nor Venezuelan plastic surgeons from offering the procedure.
Tags: breast implants, plastic surgeons
Posted in Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, In The News, Plastic Surgery | 153 Comments »
Medical Organizations Unite to Promote Patient Safety in Aesthetic Medicine
Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011
According to a press release by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, this nationally-recognized medical specialty organization has joined three others in forming the Physicians Aesthetic Coalition, new, multi-specialty group focused on promoting patient safety and education in aesthetic medicine.
Each of the organizations involved in the Coalition, including the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), has a long history of championing patient education and safety initiatives, however this is the first time these groups have worked cooperatively toward the goal of helping the public get better informed about cosmetic plastic and dermatologic surgery.
Dr. Felmont Eaves, III, president of the ASAPS, cites the increasing popularity of aesthetic surgery and non-surgical cosmetic treatments, as well as the rising number of unqualified practitioners and unproven technologies in the industry, as the motivating force behind the formation of the Physicians Aesthetic Coalition.
“This is a significant patient safety issue,” said Dr. Eaves. “Through the Coalition, we can address these issues on a stronger platform than we could individually, using credible medical evidence to help patients make informed decisions.”
ASDS President Dr. Jeffery Dover also added that one of the primary objectives of the Physicians Aesthetic Coalition will be to provide patients undergoing popular surgical procedures such as blepharoplasty, liposuction and breast augmentation or new, non-surgical cosmetic treatments with reliable, unbiased educational resources.
“One of the Coalition’s founding principles is to develop educational forums for the public and media, transparent and free of commercial bias,” said Dr. Dover. “Over the next several months we will be announcing new resources to help [patients] differentiate fact from fiction.”
According to Dr. Jonathan Sykes, president of the AAFPRS, the Coalition represents the unified voices of more than 8,000 board certified physicians specializing in plastic and reconstructive surgery of the face, body, eyes and skin. And at a time when the news seems dominated by awful plastic surgery stories and gimmicks galore, prospective patients can certainly rest easier knowing that there are physicians out there who really care about their well-being, not just making a buck.
“Nothing is more important to us, both as a medical society and as individual physicians, than keeping our patients safe,” says ASOPRS President Dr. Jeffrey A. Nerad. “We are hopeful that this new Coalition will help us in achieving this end.”
Tags: blepharoplasty, breast implants, liposuction, safety in plastic surgery
Posted in Facial Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery | 21 Comments »
