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October 21st, 2015 is the fourth annual Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day. The aim of this important day is to remind everyone of the availability of breast reconstruction after cancer surgery. The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) of 1998 mandated that patients would have a breast reconstructive option available through their own insurance plan. Unfortunately, studies have shown that less than 25% of women in the US are offered a breast reconstruction consultation with a plastic surgeon prior to their breast cancer surgery or treatment. This pre-operative consultation is important because a patient must be well informed and fully educated about all options before decisions can be appropriately made. The timing of breast reconstruction with breast cancer surgery can have a major impact on outcomes of shape, size, safety, […]

Rhinoplasty involves surgical restructuring of the nose. With the sensitive location of this procedure, it’s common for patients to experience some degree of bruising on the face. Although typical, it is possible to minimize this discoloration to hasten recovery. Realistic Expectations Everyone is unique with different physiological responses to surgery. Some people experience very light bruising, while others have dark and widespread bruises around the incision and under the eyes. Because it’s impossible to predict how each patient will respond, it’s beneficial for people to expect to have significant discoloration after surgery. If individual results are less pronounced, a patient may feel relieved and fortunate. If results are significant, at least the patient might not feel surprised. Patients should always discuss post-operative recovery thoroughly with a physician prior to the […]

Whether it’s a simple procedure, like a Botox injection, or something more complex and involved, such as a reconstructive surgery, your operation will be best handled by a board-certified plastic surgeon. You may be wondering exactly what the term “board-certified” means, so here are a few criteria that a surgeon must meet in order to become board-certified. The candidate must have undergone 5 years of special surgical training. The candidate must have completed a residency program in plastic surgery. The candidate must have passed both written and oral plastic surgery examinations. Only once a surgeon completes these 3 steps will the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) recognize him or her as a board-certified surgeon. The FDA recommends that you do plenty of research before choosing a doctor to perform […]

Botox injections are one of the most requested cosmetic treatments on the market. They are sought after as a treatment to smooth the horizontal lines and wrinkles of the forehead, the “crow’s feet” at the corner of the eyes, necklines, and to smooth out creases in the chin area. Botox is also sometimes prescribed to treat medical conditions, such as migraine headaches, excessive sweating, muscle spasms, urinary incontinence, and others. How Is It Created? Botox is created from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, which produces seven types of neurotoxins. Type A is the most powerful of the toxins and is marketed by Allergen Pharmaceuticals under the brand name Botox. Type B is branded as MyBloc and is marketed by Elan Pharmaceuticals. Type A was approved by the FDA to treat other […]

Botox, or botulinum toxin type A, is one of the most used non-surgical treatments in the United States. In 2006, sales surpassed $1 billion. It has been used to treat both cosmetic and medical ailments, including muscle spasms, excessive sweating, and forehead and eye wrinkles. But this versatile treatment has humble roots; it was discovered by studying moldy foods. Here is a short history of Botox, from its initial discovery to its modern-day applications: 1820s German scientists Dr. Kerner was studying spoiled meats in an effort to understand food poisoning. Dr. Kerner came across the first strains of what became known as the botulinum toxin. 1895 More than seventy years later, another scientist, Émile van Ermengem, building off Dr. Kerner’s work, discovered seven distinct strains of the botulinum toxin, including […]

Liposuction is a popular plastic surgery procedure. Liposuction slims and reshapes specific areas of your body. Here are answers to common questions about liposuction surgery. 1. What Is It? Using a tool called a cannula, doctors can remove unwanted fatty deposits between the muscle and the skin. Because it targets specific areas of the body to make them more aesthetically pleasing, liposuction is considered a form of body contouring. 2. Will It Help With Weight Loss? Although patients often experience a slight drop in weight because fat is removed, liposuction is not a treatment for weight loss/ obesity. It is recommended that you are at your ideal weight before considering surgery. Liposuction does reduce fat deposits in stubborn areas, such as the belly, love handles, and buttocks, which do not […]

Before proceeding with plastic surgery, it is important to understand the scope and long-term expectations of the procedure you are considering. People with different issues and goals need to consider these details when making a final decision about whether to have a mommy makeover. Mommy MakeoverThis general term refers to a combination of procedures that address both the abdomen and the breasts. It’s named this because women often elect to undergo these combined surgeries after pregnancy. It is common for women to notice a combination of deflation and sagging in the breasts and a bulging abdomen after pregnancy. A Mommy Makeover targets specific areas of concern that require multiple procedures during surgery. Liposuction is recommended for fat deposits that are collected during pregnancy. The most common areas are the thighs, […]

More than 200,000 Americans had liposuction in 2014, making it one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures. While most are satisfied with the results, there are some simple ways to improve results. Here are some tips every patient should follow. Follow Doctor’s Orders When patients do not observe aftercare instructions to the letter, there’s a much greater risk of unwanted side effects. According to plastic surgeons, all patients should get as much rest as possible on the first day. Because being upright and ambulatory helps with fluid removal, they should begin walking the next day. Wearing compression garments for several weeks after surgery helps reduce pain and swelling, as does gently massaging the area. Patients should avoid any substances that may thin the blood such as NSAIDs and alcohol. […]

Chemical peels are a great option for those who want to improve wrinkles, fine lines, and other skin imperfections. They’re used for both medical and cosmetic purposes and can be performed by plastic surgeons, estheticians, and dermatologists. This is what our patients should know about chemical peels. There are several different types of medical peels that offer results. Each type of peel offers different benefits, and certain peels are best suited for certain skin types. For example, salicylic acid peels are ideal for those with acne-prone skin, and lactic acid peels are great for anyone with dry or sensitive skin. A great advantage of chemical peels is that, unlike most treatments, there are few risks unless a patient is allergic to an ingredient. Deeper peels are, however, sometimes associated with […]

In the past, access to life-changing plastic surgery procedures was limited to those who could pay out of pocket. Not anymore. Cosmetic surgery is becoming increasingly affordable because of the availability of flexible financing plans. Cosmetic surgery financing is available for patients that are seeking a change that isn’t categorized as medically necessary. Tallahassee Plastic Surgery Clinic provides upfront pricing and an affordable cosmetic surgery financing option. CareCredit is a special financing credit card. Payments are made monthly with short-term plans. With CareCredit, when a patient meets minimum monthly payments, no interest is charged on purchases of over $200 if paid in full within the 6 month promotional period. CareCredit also offers a 24 or 36 month extended payment plan. The interest rate is 14.90% APR and fixed monthly payments […]