Aesthetic Surgery Blog.com

breast implant revisions

admin — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:11:18 +0000

Breast augmentation (breast implant) is one of the more popular cosmetic procedures performed on women and is usually a very satisfying operation with predictable results. However, their are documented studies of secondary procedures of up to 25%. What are secondary procedures or revisions? And why such a high precentage? Well, in some instances, the implants can be too small (rarely) or too large (more common). The implants can be placed too high or there can be significant asymmetry. An implant rupture can occur or the implants begin to feel hard and painful (capsular contracture). Capsular contracture rates are approximately 15% depending on the type of implant and placement. If these occur, then a secondary or revisonary surgery is usually necessary to satisfy the patient and plastic surgeon. Revision breast surgery can include implant exchange, implant reposition, release or removal of the capsule around the implant, or breast lifting. The outpatient surgical procedure is usually shorter in duration and less painful. Results are very dependant on the experience of the plastic surgeon, as well as the amount of deformity, and overall health of the patient. Certainly, multiple breast procedures can increase the risk of complications, all of which can be discussed in detail with the board certified plastic surgeon of your choice.

smoking affect on the healing process in cosmetic surgery

admin — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 16:29:47 +0000

Besides the adversarial effects of smoking on the skin, lung, heart, brain, and kidney which are well known and established, the carbon monoxide that is inhaled during cigarette smoking decreases the oxygen content within blood. Oxygen, as we well know, is necessary for survival and the healing process. Thus, smoking inhibits wound healing, increases the possibility of infection, and can result in a poor result in cosmetic surgery. Life expectancy is shorter (mortality) and quality of life is decreased (morbidity). For all of the above reasons, I do not operate on active smokers in my practice. If smoking is continued without my knowledge and complications occur, the patient should bare some of the responsibility. I usually advise patients to stop smoking at least 6 weeks prior to any elective procedure and refrain from smoking until the healing process and resolved.

Ultrasonic liposuction in Houston without anesthesia

admin — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 23:46:47 +0000

Liposuction is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed. Most patients that maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise (3-4 times/week) and a controlled diet (low fat and moderate proportions) but still have small amounts of fat in subborn areas are candidates. Certainly, realistic expectations and nonsmokers are mandatory in my practice. Traditional liposuction utilized larger diameter canulas with suction and general anesthesia. Bruising, swelling, several weeks of restricted movement, and the possiblity of irregularities were common. In addition, general anesthesia added to the total cost of the procedure. With the introduction of ultrasonic liposuction (as well as laser liposuction), the canulas have become smaller and the amount of suction has diminished. Tumescent anesthesia (combination of saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine infiltrated into the target areas) can be performed without general anesthesia in certain instances which reduces the cost and allows patients to literally walk into and out of surgery. Yes, you are awake during this minor procedure and able to communicate with the surgeon as he/she operates. I have found that ultrasonic liposuction reduces swelling and bruising as well as post-operative pain. Most importantly, the results are improved over traditional liposuction (in my practice). I recommend this technique to my patients that have only small target areas and BMI (body mass index) less than 30 and are otherwise healthy individuals. Certainly, these areas can include the abdomen, inner and outer thighs, hips, back, and arms. Males with large breasts (gynecomastia) can also be candidates. If considering this procedure, make sure that your plastic surgeon is board certified and has experience in liposuction and ultrasonic techniques. Each patient is different as is each doctor that advertises liposuction. DR L

cosmetic questions answered

admin — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 03:08:22 +0000

Each night I try and prepare a cosmetic surgery question to answer and discuss, however I find it more rewarding when a question is asked for which I have an answer. Although each patient is different, there are procedures that work well for every cosmetic surgery patient. In any event, if a someone would like to comment or a question answered, don’t hesitate!

cheap plastic surgery houston texas

admin — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 20:36:57 +0000

Please don’t be fooled by cheap quotes on cosmetic procedures. Usually these price reductions can come at surgical centers that are not accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facitilies, Inc. and by physicians who are not board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. In some instances, these physicians are not surgeons or have not received adequate training in cosmetic surgery. Patients can be put in danger and sometimes harmed unnecessarily if sound surgical principles are not followed. Always ask your doctor about his/her qualifications and board certification prior to any surgical procedure.

Liposuction houston “A reward for a healthy lifestyle”

admin — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:23:14 +0000

Too many times I see patients that wish liposuction but don’t understand that this procedure has its limitations. Traditional liposuction removes fat between skin and muscle that produces the bulge at the waistline, hips, thighs, arms, or back. Candidates for liposuction should be healthy with realistic expectations but most importanly, have minimal skin excess and good skin elasticity (no stretch marks). I demand my patients to adhere to a diet and exercise program for several weeks prior to surgery and obviously not smoke nor use illegal drugs. Liposuction should be a reward for a healthy lifestyle. Patients that have only small amounts of “subborn fat” are the best candidates and will have reliable, predictable, and excellent results. Patients that think liposuction will transform a body that has not seen exercise nor diet will only be disappointed. If excess skin and fat with stretch marks is the problem, a tummy tuck may be necessary to achieve success. Ultimately, each patient is different and choosing a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in body contouring is mandatory.

cosmetic surgical procedures in Mexico

admin — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:36:49 +0000

Being a board certifiedplastic surgeon in Houston, Texas, I see many patients that have had or are planning on cosmetic surgery in Mexico. The most common reason that patients give is the reduced cost. I caution any patient that is considering plastic surgery in any other locations besides the United States that they might not be receiving the care of a board certified plastic surgeon or even a surgeon that is trained in plastic surgery. Certainly U.S. law and governmental oversight is not respected in foreign countries as well. Thus, if complications occur or if the patient is dissatisfied with the results, they will not have any recourse. In addition, U.S. insurance will not pay for additional procedures or hospital admissions and/or charges. When patients become aware of these additional costs and potential disasters, they usually reconsider plastic surgery in foreign countries. I refer all my patients to the American Society of Plastic Surgery website for additional information on board certified plastic surgeons.

welcome to aesthetic surgery blog

admin — Sat, 31 May 2008 02:34:27 +0000

This blog is dedicated to discussing plastic surgical procedures by a board certified plastic surgeon. Questions can be asked by anyone and will be answered promptly and succiently. Indications, contraindications, risk and beneifts of plastic surgery procedures will also be highlighted. I hope this site will be informative to everyone involved. DR LIVINGSTON