Plastic surgery might have been hurt by the recession, but it still draws a sizable following of people hoping to improve their appearance.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that some major cosmetic surgery procedures, such as breast augmentation and liposuction, declined between 2007 and 2008 - the most recent figures available. But minimally invasive procedures grew in popularity during the same period. That includes treatments with Botox, laser skin resurfacing, and laser treatment of veins in the legs.
Dr. Michael D. Cohen of Towson's Cosmetic Surgery Center of Maryland recently answered questions about choosing the right cosmetic surgeon. Above all, he says, do your research before agreeing to a procedure.
Question: What's the first thing one should do when choosing a plastic surgeon?
Answer: Make sure your plastic surgeon is ... certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. You would want to ask your plastic surgeon what do they specialize in and "Have you done these procedures often?" You would want to ask for before-and-after photos. You would want to ask for some patient references and testimonials, to get a sense of how comfortable your plastic surgeon is with his or her results.
Q: Who are some of the best candidates for plastic surgery?
A: You want people to have reasonable expectations. You want to agree and confirm that the problem or the concern of theirs is real and something that is fixable. You want to look out for people whose expectations are unreal or [who are] seeking out plastic surgery to correct other social or emotional issues. Of course everybody knows of celebrities that have had extreme plastic surgery. As a responsible plastic surgeon, you really want to resist the temptation to get involved with treating patients who have had multiple procedures performed on the same area and are never satisfied.
Q: How many procedures is too many?
A: There is no fixed number. It varies by patient. Some people will take the opportunity to combine a few procedures together. What it does is that it actually allows the recovery to be lumped into one. It's cost effective because they're only undergoing one anesthetic. And they're sort of creating more improvement in more areas to make them happier. But most people usually ask about one or two procedures, and then occasionally people ask for a little bit more; but if they're good candidates, it's not unreasonable.
SOURCE
Showing posts with label choosing a plastic surgeon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label choosing a plastic surgeon. Show all posts
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Know your surgeon
THE recent death of former Miss Argentina Solange Magnano after elective buttocks surgery brings to surface the question of safety in cosmetic surgery again.
There have been many such misadventures worldwide but they have failed to deter thousands of Malaysians from doing what it takes for beauty.
One such person is Christina Chan.
Chan, a 38-year-old consultant, recently went for thigh liposuction. She was willing to go through with it even though her sister almost died from the same procedure a few years ago.
"Based on friends' recommendations, my younger sister chose to undergo liposuction at a private clinic in Klang. It turned out to be a scary experience for our family.
"Hours after the procedure, my sister started vomiting. The next morning, we found her lying unconscious in the bathroom. When she regained her consciousness, she could hardly walk as her legs were badly bruised.
"She has since recovered, but the procedure could have killed her."
Although Chan watched her sister go through the ordeal, it did not deter her.
"Some people may think it's crazy to take the risk but I needed the surgery for practical reasons.
"I live in the United States and it's difficult to shop for clothes, especially jeans."
Chan did some background check on the surgeon first.
"I turned to the Internet for information. I believe if proper research and consultation is done prior to cosmetic procedures, there is not much to worry about."
Although an increasing number of Malaysians go for cosmetic procedures, there remains a low level of awareness about safe practices. Laws and regulations are also in place to ensure safety, but there is not enough enforcement.
"I've seen people as young as 18 and as old as 60 seeking double eyelids, eye bag removal, nose enhancement, facelift, breast augmentation, liposuction and tummy tucks," says Dr Tan Geok Puan, a consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon at a private hospital in Sunway.
"More people are aware of procedures available these days. Many are doing it to improve their self-esteem and to project a better image for work and promotions.
"There are also many non-surgical treatments that are popular, like Botox, fillers and laser skin rejuvenation procedures."
Dr Tan says cosmetic surgery is safe as long as it is carried out by a qualified surgeon in a credible hospital.
"There are associated risks and complications in any surgery. What is important is to make sure the patient is fit for surgery."
But patients, Dr Tan says, should not expect miracles.
"We have the patient's features and tissues to deal with and can enhance what is presented to us.
"But patients with unrealistic expectations should not undergo surgery because they will never be happy.
"Patients may refer to the Malaysian Association of Plastic, Aesthetic and Craniomaxillofacial Surgeons for consultation."
Consultant plastic surgeon Dr Yap Lok Huei says it is important for patients considering cosmetic surgery to research their options carefully.
"Regulatory enforcement tends to lag behind development of techniques in cosmetic surgeries and non-surgical treatments."
Dr Yap is keen to remind his patients that in any trade, there are always some less ethical individuals who are out to make a quick profit. This, sadly, is also true of cosmetic treatments and cosmetic surgery, he says.
"There are cases where the patients do not even ask to see their surgeon before their surgery.
"There have also been reports of some patients finding out just before the surgery that their surgeon is not registered to practise in Malaysia.
"However, at that stage, many patients feel they might as well go through with it due to embarrassment. Thus, they inadvertently take part in an illegal enterprise."
Dr Yap says some patients find out that their surgeon is not qualified only after complications have occurred.
"I suggest that the surgeon assess his patient to decide on the correct treatment and that the patient be given treatment options and time to ponder on the surgery.
"The fact that these patients meet their surgeon only on the day of the operation is unacceptable."
In situations like these, Dr Yap says, it is likely that a "sales consultant" would have seen the patient.
"Such consultants may not have the necessary medical expertise to deal with subtle yet important details that may require attention."
He feels that managing the risks of cosmetic surgery should be a shared responsibility between patient and surgeon.
"The patient should ensure that the doctor is a qualified specialist. Information on doctors and their expertise and training is much more easily available online these days.
"The consultation process should tell you whether the procedure is suitable and whether it would produce the results you want.
"The surgeon should also give you an honest appraisal of the likelihood of success and the cost, not just in terms of fees but also the healing and down time."
Dr Yap is concerned that non-specialist doctors are increasingly carrying out invasive cosmetic procedures, such as liposuction.
"Patients do not seem to be aware that they are exposing themselves to unnecessary risks by opting to go with such doctors.
"Botched jobs that are fatal happen due to technical errors and some due to the lack of safety equipment. These deaths could have been prevented."
So, how does one go about making sure safety can be guaranteed?
"There are no guarantees with any cosmetic surgery as mistakes can occur even in the best of hands. The secret is in minimising the risks of surgery.
"We can do this by selecting experienced surgeons who have a good reputation and accredited medical centres that are equipped with trained medical staff and equipment to deal with medical emergencies," says Dr Yap.
But how do you tell if you are dealing with a competent surgeon?
"I think recommendations from one of your surgeon's patients can be a positive factor. Ask your surgeon about his or her experience in the field you are interested in.
"Does your surgeon have before and after pictures of patients who underwent similar surgery?
"Are they recognised by other surgeons for their skills and experience?"
Dr Yap says it is important for patients to establish trust and rapport with their surgeons.
"Your surgeon should be someone who cares for you. If you feel you can't trust them, chances are you have the wrong person."
Dr Yap stresses, however, that patients should not be afraid of cosmetic surgery or treatments.
"The fact that there are many happy patients is testament that cosmetic surgery and treatments can be carried out successfully. However, it needs to be well-researched and well-planned.
"If the risks are managed properly, cosmetic surgery can be satisfying for both patient and surgeon, and ultimately produce the desired changes in a patient's life."
SOURCE
There have been many such misadventures worldwide but they have failed to deter thousands of Malaysians from doing what it takes for beauty.
One such person is Christina Chan.
Chan, a 38-year-old consultant, recently went for thigh liposuction. She was willing to go through with it even though her sister almost died from the same procedure a few years ago.
"Based on friends' recommendations, my younger sister chose to undergo liposuction at a private clinic in Klang. It turned out to be a scary experience for our family.
"Hours after the procedure, my sister started vomiting. The next morning, we found her lying unconscious in the bathroom. When she regained her consciousness, she could hardly walk as her legs were badly bruised.
"She has since recovered, but the procedure could have killed her."
Although Chan watched her sister go through the ordeal, it did not deter her.
"Some people may think it's crazy to take the risk but I needed the surgery for practical reasons.
"I live in the United States and it's difficult to shop for clothes, especially jeans."
Chan did some background check on the surgeon first.
"I turned to the Internet for information. I believe if proper research and consultation is done prior to cosmetic procedures, there is not much to worry about."
Although an increasing number of Malaysians go for cosmetic procedures, there remains a low level of awareness about safe practices. Laws and regulations are also in place to ensure safety, but there is not enough enforcement.
"I've seen people as young as 18 and as old as 60 seeking double eyelids, eye bag removal, nose enhancement, facelift, breast augmentation, liposuction and tummy tucks," says Dr Tan Geok Puan, a consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon at a private hospital in Sunway.
"More people are aware of procedures available these days. Many are doing it to improve their self-esteem and to project a better image for work and promotions.
"There are also many non-surgical treatments that are popular, like Botox, fillers and laser skin rejuvenation procedures."
Dr Tan says cosmetic surgery is safe as long as it is carried out by a qualified surgeon in a credible hospital.
"There are associated risks and complications in any surgery. What is important is to make sure the patient is fit for surgery."
But patients, Dr Tan says, should not expect miracles.
"We have the patient's features and tissues to deal with and can enhance what is presented to us.
"But patients with unrealistic expectations should not undergo surgery because they will never be happy.
"Patients may refer to the Malaysian Association of Plastic, Aesthetic and Craniomaxillofacial Surgeons for consultation."
Consultant plastic surgeon Dr Yap Lok Huei says it is important for patients considering cosmetic surgery to research their options carefully.
"Regulatory enforcement tends to lag behind development of techniques in cosmetic surgeries and non-surgical treatments."
Dr Yap is keen to remind his patients that in any trade, there are always some less ethical individuals who are out to make a quick profit. This, sadly, is also true of cosmetic treatments and cosmetic surgery, he says.
"There are cases where the patients do not even ask to see their surgeon before their surgery.
"There have also been reports of some patients finding out just before the surgery that their surgeon is not registered to practise in Malaysia.
"However, at that stage, many patients feel they might as well go through with it due to embarrassment. Thus, they inadvertently take part in an illegal enterprise."
Dr Yap says some patients find out that their surgeon is not qualified only after complications have occurred.
"I suggest that the surgeon assess his patient to decide on the correct treatment and that the patient be given treatment options and time to ponder on the surgery.
"The fact that these patients meet their surgeon only on the day of the operation is unacceptable."
In situations like these, Dr Yap says, it is likely that a "sales consultant" would have seen the patient.
"Such consultants may not have the necessary medical expertise to deal with subtle yet important details that may require attention."
He feels that managing the risks of cosmetic surgery should be a shared responsibility between patient and surgeon.
"The patient should ensure that the doctor is a qualified specialist. Information on doctors and their expertise and training is much more easily available online these days.
"The consultation process should tell you whether the procedure is suitable and whether it would produce the results you want.
"The surgeon should also give you an honest appraisal of the likelihood of success and the cost, not just in terms of fees but also the healing and down time."
Dr Yap is concerned that non-specialist doctors are increasingly carrying out invasive cosmetic procedures, such as liposuction.
"Patients do not seem to be aware that they are exposing themselves to unnecessary risks by opting to go with such doctors.
"Botched jobs that are fatal happen due to technical errors and some due to the lack of safety equipment. These deaths could have been prevented."
So, how does one go about making sure safety can be guaranteed?
"There are no guarantees with any cosmetic surgery as mistakes can occur even in the best of hands. The secret is in minimising the risks of surgery.
"We can do this by selecting experienced surgeons who have a good reputation and accredited medical centres that are equipped with trained medical staff and equipment to deal with medical emergencies," says Dr Yap.
But how do you tell if you are dealing with a competent surgeon?
"I think recommendations from one of your surgeon's patients can be a positive factor. Ask your surgeon about his or her experience in the field you are interested in.
"Does your surgeon have before and after pictures of patients who underwent similar surgery?
"Are they recognised by other surgeons for their skills and experience?"
Dr Yap says it is important for patients to establish trust and rapport with their surgeons.
"Your surgeon should be someone who cares for you. If you feel you can't trust them, chances are you have the wrong person."
Dr Yap stresses, however, that patients should not be afraid of cosmetic surgery or treatments.
"The fact that there are many happy patients is testament that cosmetic surgery and treatments can be carried out successfully. However, it needs to be well-researched and well-planned.
"If the risks are managed properly, cosmetic surgery can be satisfying for both patient and surgeon, and ultimately produce the desired changes in a patient's life."
SOURCE
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Kris Shewmake: Plastic Surgeon
Kris Shewmake was named the best plastic surgeon in Arkansas by his colleagues in 1999. Ten years later, he's been named again as the top doctor in his field, an honor he shares with James Yuen of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
Shewmake, 54, a Pine Bluff native, is a cosmetic surgeon most of the year. But for around 20 days a year, he's both surgeon and teacher, correcting severe craniofacial malformations and doing other reconstructive surgeries in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, with the medical mission Operation New Life.
Shewmake has made medical mission trips for years, but his first trips left something to be desired. “I'd go to [somewhere in the Third World] and fix as much as I could and never go back.”
Seven years ago, after the orthopedic team that was to have accompanied him had to cancel at the last minute, Shewmake and another doctor decided to visit the Hospital Escuala in Tegucigalpa and meet the surgeons there. The hospital has 1,600 beds and is the only hospital to serve the indigent population of that very poor country, one where poor diet has created a higher-than-normal incidence of malformed skulls and faces. “We hit it off with those guys,” Shewmake said, and Operation New Life was born. Teams of orthopedic, general and plastic surgeons since then have trained dozens of Honduran surgeons at the hospital, using a camera donated by Baptist Health that broadcasts live from the operating theater to a large-screen television set up outside. Doctors fluent in both Spanish and English translate questions from the watching surgeons for the operating team and the team's responses.
It's a tough place to work. Sometimes the lights go off. Sometimes the water goes off. There's only one autoclave to sterilize instruments, and it is 50 years old. But Shewmake sees God's hand in the circumstances that brought Operation New Life into being.
Back home, Shewmake, who says his colleagues sometimes place cosmetic surgery in the 90210 zip code of specialties, finds his work fulfilling. Cosmetic surgery is “incredibly satisfying,” he said, “and life-changing” for his patients. The 10 years since the Times last interviewed Shewmake has seen a number of innovations in cosmetic care. The biggest thing in the past five years is the use of fillers to restore youthful plumpness to older faces. Injections of hyaluronic acid, a natural product of the body — “the slippery stuff in joints,” he explained — can smooth out wrinkled areas, fill in sunken places under the eyes. The effect of the fillers, which cost around $1,000 for a couple of syringes, can last from six to 18 months and “delay the need for a [face] lift,” which costs 10 times as much (though it lasts for eight to 10 years).
Disport, an alternative to Botox, is now on the market; its advantage is that it works to smooth the face (by temporarily hindering muscle contraction) within 24 to 48 hours rather than the 10 days to two weeks that Botox takes. It's cheaper as well — $200 an injection (an introductory price) — and may last longer than the four months that Botox makes that forehead flat.
Shewmake tested the new Fraxal laser treatment on himself. It's a “kinder, gentler” technique that removes pigmentation, acne scars or lines with a grid of tiny pinpricks rather than burning off whole areas of skin. With traditional laser surgery, the patient may want to stay out of the public eye for three weeks; Shewmake said he went out to the movies after his Fraxal treatment.
He also does breast implants, both with silicone (back on the market since our 1999 interview, now that it comes in a form he likens to “gummy bears” to prevent leakage into the body) and saline. The latter can be adjusted post-op with a tiny tube and port that are later removed. That's an advantage, Shewmake said, since as much as 85 percent of women who get implants wish they had gotten a bigger size.
Shewmake was trained in craniomaxillofacial surgery at the University of California at Los Angeles and in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Texas-Southwestern Surgery Medical Center in Dallas. At one time, he worked at UAMS and Arkansas Children's Hospital to create a plastic surgery residency program, but UAMS eventually decided it could not support the program. Shewmake hopes that will change, since UAMS is one of the few medical universities, he said, that don't offer a plastic surgery residency. “I'm hoping and praying some light will come on at the med center,” he said, “and they'll support plastic surgery.”
This article is from www.arktimes.com
Shewmake, 54, a Pine Bluff native, is a cosmetic surgeon most of the year. But for around 20 days a year, he's both surgeon and teacher, correcting severe craniofacial malformations and doing other reconstructive surgeries in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, with the medical mission Operation New Life.
Shewmake has made medical mission trips for years, but his first trips left something to be desired. “I'd go to [somewhere in the Third World] and fix as much as I could and never go back.”
Seven years ago, after the orthopedic team that was to have accompanied him had to cancel at the last minute, Shewmake and another doctor decided to visit the Hospital Escuala in Tegucigalpa and meet the surgeons there. The hospital has 1,600 beds and is the only hospital to serve the indigent population of that very poor country, one where poor diet has created a higher-than-normal incidence of malformed skulls and faces. “We hit it off with those guys,” Shewmake said, and Operation New Life was born. Teams of orthopedic, general and plastic surgeons since then have trained dozens of Honduran surgeons at the hospital, using a camera donated by Baptist Health that broadcasts live from the operating theater to a large-screen television set up outside. Doctors fluent in both Spanish and English translate questions from the watching surgeons for the operating team and the team's responses.
It's a tough place to work. Sometimes the lights go off. Sometimes the water goes off. There's only one autoclave to sterilize instruments, and it is 50 years old. But Shewmake sees God's hand in the circumstances that brought Operation New Life into being.
Back home, Shewmake, who says his colleagues sometimes place cosmetic surgery in the 90210 zip code of specialties, finds his work fulfilling. Cosmetic surgery is “incredibly satisfying,” he said, “and life-changing” for his patients. The 10 years since the Times last interviewed Shewmake has seen a number of innovations in cosmetic care. The biggest thing in the past five years is the use of fillers to restore youthful plumpness to older faces. Injections of hyaluronic acid, a natural product of the body — “the slippery stuff in joints,” he explained — can smooth out wrinkled areas, fill in sunken places under the eyes. The effect of the fillers, which cost around $1,000 for a couple of syringes, can last from six to 18 months and “delay the need for a [face] lift,” which costs 10 times as much (though it lasts for eight to 10 years).
Disport, an alternative to Botox, is now on the market; its advantage is that it works to smooth the face (by temporarily hindering muscle contraction) within 24 to 48 hours rather than the 10 days to two weeks that Botox takes. It's cheaper as well — $200 an injection (an introductory price) — and may last longer than the four months that Botox makes that forehead flat.
Shewmake tested the new Fraxal laser treatment on himself. It's a “kinder, gentler” technique that removes pigmentation, acne scars or lines with a grid of tiny pinpricks rather than burning off whole areas of skin. With traditional laser surgery, the patient may want to stay out of the public eye for three weeks; Shewmake said he went out to the movies after his Fraxal treatment.
He also does breast implants, both with silicone (back on the market since our 1999 interview, now that it comes in a form he likens to “gummy bears” to prevent leakage into the body) and saline. The latter can be adjusted post-op with a tiny tube and port that are later removed. That's an advantage, Shewmake said, since as much as 85 percent of women who get implants wish they had gotten a bigger size.
Shewmake was trained in craniomaxillofacial surgery at the University of California at Los Angeles and in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Texas-Southwestern Surgery Medical Center in Dallas. At one time, he worked at UAMS and Arkansas Children's Hospital to create a plastic surgery residency program, but UAMS eventually decided it could not support the program. Shewmake hopes that will change, since UAMS is one of the few medical universities, he said, that don't offer a plastic surgery residency. “I'm hoping and praying some light will come on at the med center,” he said, “and they'll support plastic surgery.”
This article is from www.arktimes.com
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Choosing a Plastic Surgeon
Use this checklist as a guide during your consultation
- Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
- Are you a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons?
- Were you trained specifically in the field of plastic surgery?
- How many years of plastic surgery training have you had?
- Do you have hospital privileges to perform this procedure?
- If so, at which hospitals?
- Is the office-based surgical facility accredited by a nationally- or state-recognized accrediting agency, or is it state-licensed or Medicare-certified?
- Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
- What will be expected of me to get the best results?
- Where and how will you perform my procedure?
- What surgical technique is recommended for me?
- How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?
- What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?
- How are complications handled?
- How can I expect to look over time?
- What are my options if I am dissatisfied with the cosmetic outcome of my surgery?
- Do you have before-and-after photos I can look at for this procedure and what results are reasonable for me?
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