Are you one of the many people who are considering a tummy tuck in Las Vegas? You, like most others, are probably wondering where you can get some real, useful insights about the procedure – information that will actually be helpful to you. While there are a variety of resources available, I’m going to focus on just one here: patient forums. There are many review sites and forums where people considering abdominoplasty can get first-hand accounts from patients.

RealSelf

If you are considering abdominoplasty, there are many review sites that you can visit to get that first-hand description. One that I personally like is RealSelf. Their rating on tummy tuck procedures is a whopping 86%. That means that 86% of patients who have undergone tummy tuck surgery who are participating on its forum (RealSelf has over 600 tummy tuck patient reviews) deemed the procedure “worth it.”

With reviews, though, you must take the good with the bad. Not everyone will agree about a certain procedure. That being said, by comparing the pros and cons, you will be able to get a clearer perspective on your potential surgery.

Why Forums and Reviews?

While it is important to understand the technicalities of a procedure, it is just as important to get a real, personal perspective on what the procedure is like for the patient. The only way to gain this perspective prior to surgery is to hear from people who have actually had the procedure you’re considering. Online forums are an opportunity to share information with a broad community of patients and get the perspective and advice you need.

There are many reasons to consider cosmetic surgery – and many reasons to decide against it. One of the most important reasons why people who consider plastic surgery do not ultimately pursue a procedure is finances. According to a recent online survey conducted by Harris Interactive (on behalf of cosmetic treatment web community RealSelf.com), interest in cosmetic surgery is rising, and more of these surgeries would take place if finances were not an issue.

Considering the state of the economy, the fact that money is an inhibiting factor will not come as a shock; however, there are a few things that might come as a surprise:

• Of the 2,148 adults polled, the percentage interested in cosmetic surgery (but unable to pursue it due to finances) was 69% – that’s up 15 points from a November 2009 poll.
• Additionally, the survey shows that prospective patients (those in the 69%) are as interested in major changes (with procedures such as tummy tucks, facelifts, and liposuction) as they are in less invasive procedures such as BOTOX® Cosmetic or injectable fillers.

I know that finances are a concern for my plastic surgery patients in Las Vegas. What are your thoughts? Are you considering cosmetic surgery? Is money the biggest issue standing in the way of your procedure?

This past April, attendees at the annual meeting of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in Washington D.C., discussed the hot topic of laser liposuction. The debate: is laser-assisted liposuction safe and effective? Some surgeons believe that this procedure does not improve results and only adds to the cost of traditional liposuction (as well as increasing side effects). Others think that it can tighten skin, encourage collagen production, and lead to less bruising and faster recovery time than the traditional approach. Unfortunately, there is no definitive “yes, it is effective” or “no, it is not,” so surgeons must decide for themselves.

Although there is no “correct” answer, I choose not to offer laser liposuction to my Las Vegas liposuction patients. Instead, I offer 3 great alternatives: the super-wet technique, the tumescent technique, and ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL). What is my rationale for avoiding laser-assisted liposuction? I need proof that a procedure is safe and effective before I’ll perform it. It’s that simple. And this procedure just hasn’t met that basic requirement. However, I will continue my research and stay up-to-date on the latest liposuction studies.

If your plastic surgeon prescribes an antibiotic for you to take following your breast augmentation in Las Vegas, don’t let it frighten you. The truth is, the use of an antibiotic after breast surgery is merely a precaution – part of your surgeon’s plan to ensure your safety and health.

As my colleague Dr. Mark Freeman explains in his recent blog post, there is some evidence to suggest that capsular contracture (a complication of breast augmentation that causes excessive scar tissue around the implant) could be caused in part by the presence of certain bacteria. If this is true, antibiotics could help minimize the risk of capsular contracture.

So, like I said, don’t be scared by your prescription for antibiotics. There’s no unusual trend in infection after breast surgery (in fact, every single surgical procedure carries some risk of infection); your surgeon simply has a responsibility to show the utmost caution.

I want to share some information about an organization I’m proud to be a member of: the NOVO Council for Leaders in Breast Aesthetics. The purpose of this group is to investigate methods and technology, for breast enhancement to ultimately improve the quality of care and results. The advice and guidance of the Council has proved valuable for manufacturers and other professionals as they work on these new developments.

As a Las Vegas cosmetic surgeon, I have always emphasized the importance of creating new and better ways to perform breast enhancement. For example, I offer endoscopic breast augmentation, a technique that allows for smaller incisions, less disruption to surrounding tissues, and greater precision. It is advances of this very nature that the NOVO Council encourages.

Solange Magnano, a former Miss Argentina, recently passed away due to complications from plastic surgery. The procedure she had performed was gluteoplasty, or buttock enhancement. There are several ways that butt enhancement can be accomplished, such as the Brazilian Butt Lift (a procedure that transfers fat liposuctioned from another area to the backside). However, it appears that Magnano received injections of a foreign liquid substance, not her own fat. This kind of procedure is exceedingly rare in the U.S. and I certainly don’t offer it at my cosmetic surgery practice in the Las Vegas area.

Magnano died from a pulmonary embolus (PE). Most often, a PE is caused by deep vein thrombosis – a blood clot that forms in a large vein in the lower body that travels to the lungs. However, in Magnano’s case, the PE was caused by particles of the liquid substance that traveled from the injection site into her heart and lungs. The chances of this occurring with injections of patient’s own fat are much lower.

What I think my Henderson and Las Vegas plastic surgery patients can take away from this story is the importance of choosing a plastic surgeon who has the strong ethics and sound judgment to perform only safe and proven procedures (this can be accomplished by carefully examining a surgeon’s credentials, such as board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery). Also, I think it should encourage patients to take the time to research and understand a prospective procedure so that they know about any exceptional risks.

The Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery® recently revealed their predictions for plastic surgery in 2010. I’m going to share some of their predictions here and weigh-in on some of the hotter topics. I’ll also give you some resources if you want to learn more.

1) More BOTOX® Cosmetic alternatives will become available.

As most of you know, BOTOX has been used for a long time in a variety of uses, including the cosmetic enhancement of dynamic wrinkles. In 2009, an alternative called DYSPORT® emerged on the scene. The Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery predicts that both a topical form of the treatment and a few cousins (such as PurTox) will gain FDA approval.

Learn more about DYSPORT from my Las Vegas plastic surgery Web site.

2) Fat injections will be used for breast augmentation.

Although I try to stay on the leading edge of breast augmentation methods, I’m skeptical of this development. The Consumer Guide admits that there are “some kinks” to work out, but I believe that’s putting it too mildly. There may be some use for fat transfer if only small amounts are necessary, but it is not currently suitable for larger-scale augmentation. As it stands now, injected fat can die, change position, or get reabsorbed by your body. It’s definitely not something I recommend for my patients at the moment.

Learn more about fat injection for breast augmentation from Dr. John Sampson on his blog post.

3) Surgeons will “invent” and “perfect” body contouring procedures for post weight loss patients.

Wait a minute – we’ve already developed highly effective methods of slimming and tightening the post bariatric shape. Apparently the Consumer Guide is referring to “corset trunkplasty,” a new procedure to target fat above the belly button, an area that the Consumer Guide claims has been ignored. However, an incision around the belly button can be and often is added during a tummy tuck to address the upper abdomen. A body lift might do the trick as well.

4) Fat freezing will prove an effective method for reducing unwanted fat.

Now this is exciting. Keep in mind, liposuction can be an excellent way to remove unwanted fat. However, this new method could provide yet another good option for some patients. Currently in clinical trials for fat removal, Zeltiq™ Cryolipolysis™ is FDA-approved only for skin cooling during dermatologic treatments. However, early indications are that the Zeltiq technology just might be the next big thing in fat removal.

Learn more about Zeltiq at www.zeltiq.com.

5) “Gummy Bear” breast implants will gain FDA-approval.

“Gummy Bear” breast implants are leak resistant and made with cohesive silicone. If the implants should rupture, the silicone inside won’t leak into surrounding tissue. They’re currently being studied in the United States. Approval of and the use of gummy bear breast implants could improve the safety and results of breast augmentation.

What types of cosmetic treatments would you want to see become available in 2010 and beyond? Post your “wish list” here and let’s see what’s on most people’s minds.

By: Arthur Cambeiro, MD

Most people associate Las Vegas with excess and glamour. The city is known for catering to all kinds of vices and has a reputation as a place where “anything goes.” However, even in one of the most glamorous cities in the world, the majority of people having cosmetic surgery are just regular folks looking for natural results. Often when I tell an acquaintance or colleague that I’m a plastic surgeon in Las Vegas, they immediately presume that all my patients look a certain way. But nothing could be further from the truth. I see men and women from all walks of life who have a wide range of cosmetic goals.

Bigger Isn’t Always Better

The majority of women seeking breast augmentation want their new breasts to look proportional to their body type and appear as natural as possible. The very large, plastic look most commonly associated with Playboy playmates is not the norm in Las Vegas, or at least not at my practice. A natural look is increasingly popular.

Aging Gracefully

Facial rejuvenation treatments are increasing in popularity, especially those that deliver subtle results with minimal recovery time. For example, people interested in facelifts prefer the natural, “did she or didn’t she?” look of Demi Moore to Joan Rivers’ extreme, pulled-back features. A face that appears to have aged gracefully is desired over one that does not show emotion or appears even waxy.

If you are considering plastic surgery in Las Vegas or another in-style metro area, I’m sure there are plenty of highly-qualified plastic surgeons who can refresh and enhance your appearance with a natural result.

By: Arthur Cambeiro, MD

Unlike a lot of other doctors, I provide two consultations prior to performing surgery. Why? My goal is to create a positive experience for patients considering cosmetic surgery in Las Vegas and help them feel completely comfortable with the decision to have cosmetic surgery. Here’s why two is better than one:

1. More Questions, More Answers

I’ve found that many questions come up after the initial consultation, so the second pre-surgery meeting provides the opportunity to address these concerns. Many people are understandably so excited or anxious about surgery that they may forget to ask crucial questions about pre-surgical and aftercare procedures. The success of a cosmetic procedure often depends on following pre- and post-surgical instructions carefully, and the second consultation provides an opportunity for my patients to get clarification.

2. In-Depth Explanations

Scheduling two consultations before surgery enables me to fully explain the details of the procedure, including what will happen during surgery, the level of discomfort typical of the procedure, and any complications that may occur. I can also adequately address the pre- and post-surgical periods, including how to prepare for surgery, how long recovery will take, and what follow-up, if any, will be necessary.

3. A Second Health Checkup

It is essential to monitor health issues and check for changes in your medical status prior to undergoing cosmetic surgery. As with all surgery, there are risks involved, and I feel I can appropriately identify potential complications only if I have a thorough understanding of your medical background. Existing conditions can affect the results of surgery and could even increase the chance of complications.

I think more cosmetic surgeons will be spending more time evaluating patient health prior to surgery, and I suspect this will make sense for a lot of practices in the context of a second consultation. In fact, California legislators recently introduced a bill that would require cosmetic surgery patients to have a physical exam before elective surgery to ensure they are fit and healthy. This seems like a no-brainer to me, and I imagine many other states will follow suit.

Putting It All Together

Las Vegas and Henderson plastic surgery patients should discuss all pre-existing medical conditions with their surgeon to identify potential risks. It is essential that you feel safe and in competent hands, and that the surgery is a positive, personalized experience. Every person is different, so an experienced plastic surgeon will take the time in consultation to understand your specific medical history, desired surgical results, and concerns or anxieties regarding the procedure and recovery process.

By: Arthur Cambeiro, MD

Nipples are an important component of the breast, and many women can greatly benefit from increased self-esteem and a healthier body image after corrective nipple surgery. This surgery has been performed for many decades, but is only recently getting increased attention.

No Two Are Alike

Just as the size and shape of breasts vary, even on the same person, nipples are all unique. Many women want to change the size or shape of their nipples for cosmetic reasons; however, some do so because nipple sensation and the ability to breastfeed can be affected by conditions such as inverted nipples. Other women undergo nipple correction surgery because of asymmetrical nipples, or because the areola is too large.

Two common nipple corrective surgeries are:

1. Resizing: Nipple resizing during breast lift or reduction surgery is very common. A typical concern especially for women with large breasts is wide or stretched-out areolas that are disproportionate to the size of the breast. These can be reduced during breast reduction surgery to create a more attractive appearance. Most women are also focused on nipple placement and preservation of sensation. Nipple sensation and the ability to breastfeed is preserved because the nipple/areola remains attached to the underlying tissue.

 

2. Correcting: Approximately 2% of the population has at least one inverted nipple. This is when the nipples are turned in and do not become erect when stimulated, which can be uncomfortable or embarrassing. For some people, this is a congenital condition; it can also occur after breastfeeding or physical trauma. Correcting inverted nipples can be performed as a standalone procedure or with other breast surgeries. The goal of this surgery is to return the nipples to a “normal” appearance.

Choose the Right Surgeon

As always, when considering breast cosmetic surgery in Las Vegas, consult with a board-certified surgeon to determine which procedure is right for you. At my Henderson plastic surgery practice, my staff and I take the time to understand patients’ needs and we are dedicated to creating a positive experience for all women considering breast enhancement.