CAN THE RECESSION HELP YOU AFFORD PLASTIC SURGERY?

With the economic challenges facing everybody today, the thought of pursuing elective plastic surgery may seem ridiculous.  However, now may be the best time to seek the breast augmentation or tummy tuck that you have been considering for a long time.  In our current economic climate, many plastic surgeons are offering assistance to patients looking to undergo elective surgery.  Options for assistance might include a discount on surgical fees, free or deeply discounted products/non-surgical procedures or even in-house financing.  Non-surgical procedures for facial rejuvenation (i.e. Botox, Juvederm, Perlane) are a wonderful way to achieve a refreshed appearance without the costly price tag of a significant surgical procedure.

With the holidays upon us, look to your plastic surgeon for some holiday cheer.  I strongly believe that giving back to my patients, in both good times and bad,  is essential to the genuine relationship and loyalty I maintain with them.  From our family to yours, a wonderfully joyful holiday!

SILICONE GEL BREAST IMPLANTS A POPULAR CHOICE

In November, 2006,  silicone gel breast implants were approved by the FDA for use in primary breast augmentation surgery following a 14 year ban initiated in 1992.  Since that time, my practice has experienced an exponential increase in the use of silicone gel implants for aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery.  I spend a great deal of time discussing with my patients the advantages and disadvantages of both silicone gel and saline breast implants.  What I have found is that, almost universally, patients are requesting silicone gel implants. Prior to the silicone gel implant ban, approximately 80% of the implants I used were saline, and 20%, silicone (used as part of the FDA approved adjunct study).  Currently, the percentages have reversed with silicone gel implants utilized in over 80% of my breast procedures.  The primary advantages of silicone gel implants including a more natural feel and shape with a much less chance for rippling represent tremendous appeal for patients seeking breast surgery.  The safety profile for silicone gel implants has been extensively studied with very positive results.  I continue to involve my patients in their surgical choices and hear their voices loud and clear.  Silicone gel breast implants are back!

NATURAL PLASTIC SURGERY

The public attitude towards plastic surgery continues to reflect a trend towards society’s acceptance of cosmetic surgery as a positive personal experience.  Fueled in part by the widespread media exposure of plastic surgery ‘reality shows,’ a recent report by the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) of 1000 Americans 18 years of age and older, showed that 79 percent of men and 82 percent of women would not be embarrassed if anyone other than immediate family and close friends knew about any plastic surgery they’d had done.  Despite widespread social acceptance of plastic surgery, many patients still wish to avoid the telltale signs of an obvious cosmetic procedure.  I often find patients will tell me they are thrilled when family and friends, who are unaware that they have had a cosmetic procedure, make comments such as ‘you look great, what have you done differently?’   Changes to one’s appearance don’t have to be subtle to be natural.  A patient of mine who recently underwent breast surgery and body contouring found that ‘Even when someone compliments me on my beautiful figure, I am not sure whether to gush or blush.’  While many patients seeking plastic surgery are not necessarily secretive in their pursuit, they do approach the idea with a certain level of discreetness.  A common goal is to seek a significant change that appears natural rather than artificial. My patients seem most happy with their results when they can look in the mirror and clearly experience a much improved body image while others recognize a renewed self-confidence and distinct improvement in appearance without the obvious stigmata of a surgical procedure.  Whatever procedure you choose, the goal is uniformly to look and feel better.  This is reflected in both physical and emotional rejuvenation.  Plastic surgery is not limited to cosmetic procedures.  Reconstructive surgery is a much less publicized aspect of the plastic surgeon’s armamentarium.  In contrast to aesthetic procedures, individuals seeking reconstruction are often looking for an obvious change that is quite dramatic to the patient and others.  Nonetheless, the goal of any plastic surgery procedure, be it cosmetic or reconstructive, is the desire to look ones best without bearing the signs of surgery.