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News from Westlake Plastic SurgeryVolume 2: Plastic Surgery in Our Society Today
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Truth and Marketing: Buyer Beware When Choosing a Surgeon
Marketing can be very effective, so it’s important that you see through efforts designed to entice you into believing something that is not true. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Most over-the-top marketing comes from those who are not board-certified plastic surgeons. The “newest, latest and greatest” isn’t always the most effective or safest. It is absolutely critical that you know who your doctor is—everything from where they trained to their area of expertise to – and perhaps most importantly – what their reputation is in the community. I recommend that you choose your surgeon or medical professional based on reputation and word of mouth. Your doctor should be a medical professional – not a salesperson. Plastic Surgery Trends: The Truth About “SmartLipo”
I am an expert in liposuction and have performed all types of liposuction extensively in my practice for more than seventeen years, with an unparalleled reputation for superb and safe results. I have used most of the “powered” liposuction devices and have never found them to improve my results, reduce bruising or accelerate recovery time. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that SmartLipo is better than traditional cannula-performed liposuction – or any other type of liposuction. The fact is that it is the surgeon – not the machine – that determines the safety and quality of your results. An exceptional result means that you are artistically contoured, with skin that is free of dimples or waves after the swelling has disappeared. Cannula-based liposuction is extremely precise because it allows the surgeon to know exactly how much fat has been removed, and allows for additional contouring until we achieve the desired result – a lot like shaping a sculpture. Also, those who market SmartLipo may not be board-certified plastic surgeons – and sometimes not surgeons at all! Do not succumb to the lure of exaggerated marketing. SmartLipo is certainly one tool in the toolbox of qualified surgeons that can help with fat contouring, but it is not the “holy grail” of liposuction. There are many paramedical individuals offering this service, so be VERY careful about having liposuction performed by non-professionals. We’re happy to answer any and all questions you may have about this very popular and common procedure. Priscilla Presley: Avoid Silicone Injections!
Years ago, doctors used to inject silicone directly into the face. Initially, this newfound use for silicone sounded wonderful, as the results are permanent and supposedly there were no reactions to the material. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out that way. Many patients were permanently deformed, and even disfigured, since there is no easy way to remove the material. NEVER have silicone injected in your body or in your face. Never get any medical treatment from someone you don’t know, or who is not highly regarded in the community or board-certified. And always remember that cosmetic procedures are associated with risk, some more than others. A party is not a safe environment for any facial treatment. For questions about available treatments designed to enhance your facial appearance, contact us – we’ll be happy to answer your questions! Keep Austin Weird? NOT…according to Dr. Caridi
I have to say that I agree! Reports like these only underscore why it is so important to find a surgeon who has an artistic eye and the ability to appropriately enhance his or her patients’ appearance without creating an “artificial look.” I have always believed that the objective of these surgeries is to mask the first signs of aging (such as jowls, deep lines that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth, and loosening neck skin), so that the person looks refined and rejuvenated. Quality results should look natural and smooth—not “wind swept” or with eyebrows that end up in the middle of the forehead. You should still have some imperfections that make you appear natural and age appropriate. The perfect result is when you appear so natural that the only thing people notice is that you look younger and refreshed – and who doesn’t want that? Plastic Surgery in the News: Florida High School Senior Dies after Breast Surgery
It’s important that you are aware that, if recognized and treated rapidly, most patients recover from this condition. My partner is a board-certified anesthesiologist who is an expert in her field. I believe that it’s important to have the most educated, professional and competent staff – especially in those rare cases when you need their expertise the most. Also, every procedure we do is performed in my fully accredited office operating facility and is staffed by two nurses and two doctors. My personal philosophy is to surround you with the very best in the industry; after all, it’s what I would want during any procedure. It’s all about who you entrust your care to, and I am a trusted partner to each and every one of my patients. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns – we’ll be happy to address them anytime. Volume 1:
Breast Enhancement Issue
Myth vs. Fact: The Truth about Silicone Implants
All studies indicate that no significant safety concerns exist with the use of these implants. Silicone implants have not been associated with breast cancer or connective tissue diseases. There certainly can be patients that do “react” in some way to silicone material, but this is very, very uncommon and difficult to prove. So much misinformation circulates the Internet that scares patients about the safety of silicone implants. This occurs because individuals can write anything about the material when, in fact, no science backs their claims. Since the FDA approval, the amount of women seeking silicone implants has increased drastically. Probably close to 90% of the implants used in my practice are silicone. In general, silicone implants tend to be softer and more natural looking than saline implants. This does not mean that saline implants are not as nice. They are, particularly in patients who already have moderate sized breasts and who are looking for additional fullness. The best type of material for this procedure differs from patient to patient. Probably the most significant difference between silicone and saline implants is that the incision for silicone is longer. This is the case for silicone because the implant is pre-filled. A saline implant, on the other hand, is inserted empty (like a taco), and is then filled with fluid once under the breast. I would suggest that you consider both implants, speak with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon about his or her experience with each type of implant and his or her recommendation about the best implants for you. Please review my article on breast enhancement on my website to learn more about breast implants and the breast augmentation process in general. Plastic Surgery in the News: Kanye West’s Mother Dies after Plastic Surgery ComplicationsThe recent loss of Kanye West’s mother during a plastic surgery procedure has created quite a stir among prospective plastic surgery patients. This unfortunate event is a reminder to us all that surgery does not come without its risks and that you need to make sure that you only put your trust in health care professionals who have the greatest experience, thorough training, and time tested judgment. Although all surgical procedures involve risk, it is critical that your doctor evaluate your general state of health, the type of procedure(s) that you are requesting, and his or her ability to properly and to safely perform the procedure(s). If you have pre-existing medical problems, your doctor needs to be aware of any, and all, of these. The surgeon will need to make a determination on how this will influence your procedure(s). Your surgeon has to be a risk manager—someone with the skill sets to determine what procedure(s) are appropriate for you, and how your outcome and safety can be maximized. To put yourself in the best hands, I would consider the following:
Never assume. Plastic surgery is not the time to seek out the least expensive, least qualified caregiver. There can be no compromises when it comes to your safety. Ask the Doctor: Is Botox Safe?
Recently in the news, an article surfaced that made references to deaths associated with Botox. This simply is a huge distortion of reality. Rare incidences of deaths in patients who’ve received Botox have occurred; however, these patients received large dosages of Botox for neurological conditions or spastic muscle disorders. These individuals probably didn’t have problems with the actual Botox, but more likely with their underlying severe medical condition. Botox, given for cosmetic indications like wrinkles, is very safe. Botox offers an unparalleled safety record when given for cosmetic wrinkles. Continue to benefit from your Botox treatments without worry, and feel assured that you will not experience side effects from Botox. I just wish it lasted longer—it’s hard to get a Botox treatment, not immediately see huge benefits, and always want more! |
It’s amazing how much the practice of medicine has changed. In the old days, a plastic surgeon hung out his or her shingle, and went to work building a practice one patient at a time. Today, our society has seen an explosion of medical and para-medical professionals marketing themselves as “cosmetic” doctors, and often, even as plastic surgeons!
SmartLipo is the trademark name of a laser-based liposuction device. It’s marketed as a way to achieve contour improvements with improved results over “traditional” liposuction - with less bruising and downtime - that can be performed using local anesthesia.
Recent news has surfaced about Priscilla Presley having a substance injected into her face at a party in California by an unlicensed doctor. You may have seen the results during her appearance on “Dancing with the Stars.” Apparently she had a silicone material injected into her face. This is not good news for Priscilla.
Msnbc.com recently featured an article entitled “Looking younger or just weirder?” The story was about celebrity patients who had undergone cosmetic plastic surgery and who now looked “weird” or “operated on.”
You may be aware of the case of a Florida high school senior, Stephanie Kuleba, who died after having elective breast surgery. Although an official statement has not been issued, the exact cause of this tragedy is thought to be the result of malignant hyperthermia, a very rare and potentially fatal reaction to anesthesia.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) removed breast implants from the American market about 14 years ago. The FDA wanted to be positive that silicone implants had a high degree of safety and was not convinced that enough studies had been conducted in order to prove the safety of these implants. However, in 2006, the FDA approved the use of silicone implants. Despite the reintroduction of silicone into the market, many women remain confused and concerned about breast implant safety.
I have extensive experience with Botox, and in the ten years I have worked with it, have never encountered a problem. In fact, I have had Botox treatments around my frown lines for the same period and have never experienced any problems.