The decision to have breast augmentation in Indianapolis is a very personal one, and it’s one only you can make.

However, you’re not the only one who will be affected by it. Your friends and family members will have their own feelings and opinions about your choice for cosmetic enhancement, and sometimes this can create conflict. In order to reduce tension and prepare your family for your decision, I recommend the following strategies:

• Don’t surprise your family with your new look. Discuss your surgery with family members and allow them to express their feelings, fears and hesitations. This is especially important for children who are old enough to be aware of the change, particularly impressionable teens.
• Allow your family to come with you to your initial consultation. This way, they can ask the surgeon questions and feel assured and informed about the procedure.
• Do your research. Know the risks and benefits associated with breast augmentation so your family knows you are making and educated choice.
• Listen to their concerns openly and patiently. Open communication between family members is essential to having a great recovery and enjoying your results. Remember that many people react to the idea of plastic surgery in Indianapolis with fear. If they are unaccepting of your decision, it may be due to a lack of understanding on their parts or misconceptions they have about the procedure.
• Choose a qualified surgeon. This will help reduce many of the fears or worries your family may have about your safety.

A recent Today Show report discussed a new trend: plastic surgery for couples. To some extent, this is a positive trend. When my patients’ partners support their decision to have plastic surgery in Rhode Island, they typically feel more confident about their decision and, consequently, are happier with the outcome. This same sense of self-confidence and satisfaction could occur if you and your significant other have plastic surgery together.

However, I’m always concerned if a patient tells me that she wants a procedure such as breast augmentation based on someone else’s opinion, such as, “My boyfriend wants me to have bigger breasts.” Plastic surgery is a potentially life-changing experience, so, whether you choose to have a procedure alone or with someone else, make sure your decision is based on how you feel, not on the other person’s views.

If both you and your loved one are equally self-motivated to transform your appearances through plastic surgery, however, it can be a beneficial bonding experience. To achieve the best results, I recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon. You may want to ask if you can attend each other’s consultations. That way, from the initial consultation through the procedure and recovery process, you can offer each other the invaluable benefit of support.

The new year is here, and soon the American Society of Plastic Surgeons will be releasing its 2011 plastic surgery statistics. Before it does, I thought it would be fun to make a few predictions based on trends I’m seeing at my Napa area plastic surgery practice. Here are my top 3 observations. Enjoy!

Plastic Surgery Trends for 2011

1. The number of breast augmentation procedures is increasing.

More and more women are undergoing breast augmentation. In fact, breast augmentation was the No. 1 cosmetic surgery procedure performed in 2010. I believe a greater number of women are choosing breast surgery for 2 reasons:

• Surgical techniques are more sophisticated, resulting in safer procedures, less downtime and fewer scars.
• Better breast implant options provide women with a variety of choices so they can achieve their ideal look.

Breast augmentation can now appear very natural and inconspicuous. Additionally, the safety of both silicone and saline breast implants remains confirmed by a number of studies. As women become more educated and informed about breast enhancement, I believe they will continue to choose this procedure to improve their body image and boost their confidence.

2. Less-invasive procedures such as BOTOX® Cosmetic are outnumbering plastic surgery procedures.

The number of people receiving nonsurgical rejuvenation procedures such as BOTOX, dermal fillers and cellulite reduction is rapidly increasing. My guess is that these treatments will continue to soar in popularity during the next few years. There are many reasons why minimally invasive and non-invasive procedures are appealing, they require little or no downtime, they are relatively affordable and they require less of a commitment than surgery since the results are usually more subtle and temporary.

3. More men are choosing plastic surgery.

Men are increasingly interested in plastic surgery near Marin. I believe this trend will increase during the next couple of years. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ 2010 statistics showed that men accounted for 9% of all cosmetic procedures performed – a 2% increase from 2009. I predict that this number will continue to rise for both surgical and nonsurgical treatments.

At my plastic surgery practice in Seattle, I’m often asked by both men and women about those frustrating, exercise-resistant areas of fat. They diet, they exercise, and yet they are still plagued by isolated problems such as love handles.

The solution for many of them is liposuction. It can be used to reduce localized areas of fat, and I offer a variety of liposuction methods so I can choose the best approach for each patient.

Here’s the skinny:

• Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) involves injecting an anesthetic liquid into the targeted area, such as the love handles. I then use a slender, vibrating tube called a cannula to remove the excess fat cells. PAL has two advantages over traditional liposuction: The back-and-forth movement breaks up fat more easily and gently, allowing me to target very specific areas with no damage to the surrounding tissue, and the healing time is shorter.
• I often combine PAL with tumescent liposuction to provide my patients with the optimal benefits.
• Worried about pain? Relax! I typically use general anesthesia, which means you can sleep through the procedure. When you wake up, you’re on your way to achieving that sculpted body you want.

When you’re looking for a doctor in Atlanta for breast enhancement or other cosmetic procedures, we always recommend that you seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon for your safety and protection. But what is board certification, and why is it so important?

Board certification is a voluntary undertaking that exceeds basic licensing requirements. Doctors who qualify for certification must commit to an area of specialization, such as plastic surgery, dermatology or another medical field. They spend years working in hospitals under the guidance of senior physicians – a process known as residency – and they must prove their competency by passing a series of written and oral exams.

Not all certifying agencies are the same. For example, a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery has not necessarily met the same requirements as a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. That’s why, when choosing a professional to perform your procedure, it’s important to know each board’s certification requirements.

The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), which evaluates the training and certification of plastic and reconstructive surgeons, is the only plastic surgery board approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties. ABMS is considered the “gold standard” in physician certification, and the 24 member-boards approved by ABMS enforce rigorous training and educational requirements, including professional peer evaluation and examination.

You can find more information about the boards and their specific requirements online. The boards’ websites are also good resources for helping you locate a qualified plastic surgeon in your area. Don’t take chances; trust your body only to a well-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon.

There’s no doubt that thousands of people undergo plastic surgery in NYC every year. More than 1 million people had plastic surgery in 2010, according to The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. If you are thinking about cosmetic enhancement, consider the top 5 procedures I perform at my office:

#1. Breast Augmentation: Breast enlargement is by far one of the most popular surgeries I offer. This procedure enhances feminine curves and allows many women to feel more comfortable and confident in their bodies.

#2. Rhinoplasty: For facial enhancement, nose surgery (rhinoplasty) is a common choice. Rhinoplasty can slim, shorten and refine the nose for better facial symmetry and balance. An added benefit of this procedure is that it can also be used to improve breathing for some people.

#3. Abdominoplasty: Loose, hanging skin and fat around the abdomen is a big problem for many people. Tummy tuck surgery removes extra skin and creates a flat, firm torso. I often perform this procedure for men and women who have recently lost a lot of weight and for women who have had children.

#4. Fillers: Facial fillers are a great way to temporarily perk up your appearance without the downtime required for surgery. Dermal filler injectables such as Restylane® add volume and help fill in wrinkles and creases. They can also be used to plump up lips.

#5. BOTOX® Cosmetic: The FDA has approved BOTOX for the treatment of facial creases, and this popular procedure is commonly chosen to soften stubborn frown lines and crow’s feet. Results usually last 3 to 4 months, and patients can return to work immediately after the procedure.

At my plastic surgery practice in Orlando, I often have patients ask me whether or not they are a good candidate for a particular procedure based on their age. As I explain, it’s not physical age but a variety of factors that determine whether plastic surgery is advisable. Some things I consider when evaluating my patients include:

• Current Health: Being healthy both mentally and physically is extremely important before undergoing any plastic surgery procedure. Typically, I perform a thorough physical examination and discuss any psychological issues that may prevent my patients from undergoing surgery.
• Motivation for Surgery: During a consultation, I listen to my patient’s goals and discuss whether their desire for surgery is internally or externally motivated. Good candidates for plastic surgery are those who are internally motivated and want to have plastic surgery to achieve their own cosmetic goals. In contrast, those who opt for surgery based on the influence of friends or family members may make a decision that’s not right for them at this time.
• Goals and Expectations: The most satisfied patients are those who have realistic expectations about their results. Educating my patients about the benefits and risks of each procedure is a crucial element of my practice. Although many of my patients are much happier and confident after surgery, it’s important for them to realize that plastic surgery is not a “cure all” and will not solve all their problems. By understanding the true benefits and limitations of surgery, patients are much more satisfied with the results.

At our plastic surgery practice in Louisville, we believe that you are the most important person in your decision for cosmetic enhancement. Plastic surgery is a personal choice that is selected for many different reasons. Several of my patients are hoping to look as youthful and vibrant as they feel, while others want to change something that has bothered them for years. No matter the motivation, cosmetic surgery should be a personal decision made in your best interests.

Inevitably, friends and family members will have their own opinions regarding your decision for plastic surgery. Although dealing with unsupportive loved ones can be challenging and frustrating, it’s nevertheless important to listen to their concerns. Oftentimes, friends and family respond out of fear because they have outdated or false conceptions about plastic surgery procedures. You can help ease their worries by thoroughly researching your treatment and choosing a qualified plastic surgeon. By carefully planning for your procedure, you are likely to have a successful surgical outcome.

Another equally important opinion that you should take into consideration is that of your surgeon. You will need to schedule a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon who can evaluate your physical and emotional readiness for surgery. Through in-depth discussion, your surgeon will determine your motivation for surgery, set realistic expectations, and assess whether or not cosmetic surgery is the right choice.

When you’re considering different plastic surgeons in Dallas, you may wonder what criteria you should use to help guide your decision. Here are a few of the specific areas I think are most helpful to consider when choosing a plastic surgeon.

1. Board-certification. Legally, any doctor can offer cosmetic surgery – even if they are not a trained plastic surgeon. A plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, however, has undergone extensive training (between 5 – 7 years) and passed a series of examinations in the field of plastic surgery. It is also important to note that there is a difference between a “plastic surgeon” and a “cosmetic surgeon.” Although many cosmetic surgeons are very well-qualified, they are not subjected to the same rigorous standards of certification as board-certified plastic surgeons.

2. Area(s) of specialization. Some plastic surgeons may choose to take on additional training in a specific area of interest, or they may be well-known for their skill in a certain procedure. For example, at my practice, I perform a higher than average number of rhinoplasty and facelift procedures, which is why I frequently work with patients who are interested in facial cosmetic surgery. If you are interested in a specific procedure, be sure to choose a surgeon with experience in that area.

3. Personality: Credentials and training are important, but it’s also important to feel comfortable about your surgeon. By choosing someone whose personality matches well with yours, you are more likely to have a positive experience. Some people may prefer a doctor who takes a very clinical approach, while others may prefer a more personable tone.

4. Trust: Never choose a plastic surgeon that you do not completely trust. Your surgeon should answer all of your questions honestly (without sugar-coating the surgical experience), explain the benefits and risks of surgery, and provide you with the information you need to make an educated, informed choice. It may be helpful to write down your initial feelings about a surgeon, the office, and the staff immediately after your consultation in order to reflect on your impression about the practice.

5. Personal Referrals: Friends or family members who have had plastic surgery can be great resources for narrowing down your list of options. Find out what they liked and didn’t like about the surgeon and schedule a consultation to form your own opinion.

At my plastic surgery practice in Columbus, Ohio, I use advanced surgical techniques to minimize incisions, often to the point that scars are undetectable. But what about those patients who come to me with pre-existing scars that they would like to minimize?

I perform a special type of reconstructive surgery that is used to improve the appearance of scars for those patients with scars from an accident or injury. I am able improve the scar’s appearance when other treatments such as topical ointments, cortisone drugs, or steroids prove ineffective. Although it is not possible to completely remove a scar, this procedure can improve the cosmetic result by making the scar less noticeable.

Two common types of scars that may require scar revision surgery include hypertrophic scars and keloid scars.

• Hypertrophic scars: this type of scar is usually large, thick, and raised. Many are either red or dark in color and may itch or feel uncomfortable. Hypertrophic scars are limited to the site of injury and typically do not grow outside the wound location.
• Keloid scars: keloid scars are an overgrowth of tissue that develop on the surface of the skin. This type of scar may extend beyond the wound site and is usually larger than hypertrophic scars. Although they are harmless, keloid scars can also be painful or itchy.

Scar Removal Treatment

I may use several surgical techniques for scar removal, depending on factors such as the size, depth, and location of the wound, as well as the individual’s age and skin characteristics. Usually, it is best to allow the scar to fully mature (typically about 2 years) before undergoing surgery, since most scars fade and shrink as they age.