Archive for the ‘Board Certification’ Category
Second Opinions After Plastic Surgery
Monday, April 30th, 2012As a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with some fame in the Hispanic community, I often see patients who have had surgery in other offices and other countries. Sometimes, it is for reassurance. The patient thinks everything is ok, but an inability to fly to see their primary surgeon means they need a trained professional to answer their questions. Sometimes they do not trust their surgeon, and want another set of eyes to confirm that all is well.
The more difficult situations are when there is a problem, and something needs to be done. Complications can occur after surgery, even if the doctor did everything right. In these cases, I try to keep an open mind and offer any advice or assistance I can. I make sure to let the patient know that the first choice is to call and visit the operating surgeon if possible. I have even called the primary surgeon on their behalf in front of them to make sure nothing was lost in translation.
Some patients have lost faith in their doctor, or cannot travel to see them. I carefully explain the issues and detail risks and options, as well as estimating the cost of treatment with me at Yager Esthetics. If they choose to enter my care, photos are taken and consent is obtained.
Dealing with unhappy patients is difficult, even if you are not the reason for the unhappiness. They feel cheated, mistreated, and often abandoned. I try to be supportive and understanding, and let them know someone cares. Sometimes that is all they need.
Botox Gone Bad- Injectable Horror Stories
Tuesday, March 20th, 2012As a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in New York, I see many patients with facial lines who are looking for nonsurgical correction. Many of them have had it done before in other places, and I hear shocking stories . Let me tell you a little bit about how to avoid being ripped off or permanently damaged.
Only a doctor or a nurse under his direct supervision licensed in the state can inject you with a filler or botox. If it is a doctor from another country or a salon or spa employee, it is illegal for them to do this. Make sure you ask if they are licensed by the state to do this procedure.
Anyone with a license to practice medicine regardless of what field they trained in can offer you injectables. This means your Family Practitioner, Ob/Gyn, Radiologist, and even Dentists can do these treatments with no training required. Ask what field they received there Board Certification in, and how long they have been doing that particular treatment.
Make sure you know what you are getting. Many illegal practitioners inject silicone, but call it botox or biopolymer or whatever is hot. You can avoid this by asking to see the bottle or syringe and packaging first. All legal injectables have the brand and logo printed on them. A regular syringe of clear liquid is most likely silicone. This is permanent and can cause longterm problems.
Even if you get botox, it can be watered down. Botox is measured in units, and each area needs about 15 to 25 units. Ask how many units, as sometimes a cheap price isn’t so inexpensive if you are getting less.
My last advice is if you are unsure or feel that something is not right, do not do the procedure. It is not an emergency, do your homework. You can always go back if all checks out. Hope this helps.
Your Plastic Surgeon is not your Parent
Tuesday, March 13th, 2012Many patients visit me at Yager Esthetics looking for answers to their cosmetic concerns. They want to look better, have heard good things about my office from friends, family, other doctors, or on television, and they see me for a consultation. What surprises some is that I do not make any of the decisions, I leave them to the patient.
To clarify, this does not mean I do what the patient asks of me regardless of what it is. It is my job to educate you, give you the benefit of my experience, and review the risk and benefits of your options with you. I will let you know if I disagree with your choice, and explain why it may not be your best option as well. I am not your parent, I am your experienced guide and teacher, a partner in care who will help you decide what the best choice may be.
I hear stories of consultations in other offices where the doctor pops in, looks at the patient, and tells them what they need, and leaves it to his staff to answer questions and try to make you commit to surgery. I do not think this is adequate. Each patient is unique, and just because you plastic surgeon is partial to a c-cup, this might be either too big or small for your taste. One size does NOT fit all.
I encourage you to come to my office for an education on your safe options for improving your appearance. I will do my best to guide you through the process so that we may come to a mutually agreeable decision as to how to realize your esthetic dreams.
Educational Seminars in Plastic Surgery
Tuesday, March 6th, 2012Last week, we held an educational seminar on the latest information in injectable treatments in plastic surgery. It was on a Thursday evening in February at 6 pm. Over 50 people showed up and were eager to learn. Some even shared experiences of injections gone “bad” in other offices and countries, testifying as if in church. This was not scheduled or planned.
What it showed me was the need for, and desire for, education in the Hispanic community about cosmetic surgery and esthetic treatments. While it was a great event with a Powerpoint presentation and live patient injection demonstration, it was the amount of time that the patients stayed, asking questions and sharing stories, that impressed me the most.
When I stared Yager Esthetics (Yager Plastic Surgery originally) in 1997, it was my mission to bring safe and affordable cosmetic plastic surgery to the Latino community. In the past 15 years, we have grown tremendously in space, patients seen, and influence in the community. I and my 25 staff members are very grateful for the confidence of the community.
We will continue to have seminars, and participate in educational events and charitable works as we have been doing, but intend to build on this concept even more. Please stay tuned to this website and blog for more information, and friend us on facebook (Yager Esthetics) or follow us on twitter(Yager Esthetics ) so that we may serve you better.
The Best Facelift Compliment I Have Ever Received
Tuesday, February 28th, 2012As a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, I try very hard to make each patient happy with their result. I also try to make myself feel proud of the work I have done. In all cosmetic plastic surgery, but in facial surgery in particular, you must make sure to achieve a great result without it looking fake or overdone. I will share with you a favorite patient story.
I had the pleasure of taking care of a lovely Cuban woman in her early sixties. She was happy in life, always smiling and vibrant. She wanted to have a facelift in order to look her best for her son’s wedding. It was to be 3 months later in Miami, and she had not seen him for nearly 10 years due to Castro.
I performed the operation, and healing was uneventful. We were both happy with the results, and off she went to Florida with the promise of returning with photos of the event. I eagerly awaited her return (and the reviews from her family).
She came to see me at Yager Esthetics 2 weeks after the event with the pictures in hand and a smile across her face. After listening to the story about the trip and the service and the family, I had to ask what her son thought.
She grinned, and told me that her son was so thrilled to see her. He hugged her, cried, stepped back and stared at her in amazement. He then said “Mom, you look the same as you did ten years ago. You just never change.”
A better compliment than that, I can not receive.