I try not to use my blogs as a simple commercial to sell my goods and services to people.  It is not an ad, it is an educational tool.  Sometimes it is a release for my creative energy, or a chance to share some light humor.  Sometimes, even I do not know where the thoughts come from, it just happens. But why should you, or anyone, read my plastic surgery blog?

I feel that at Yager Esthetics, we are more than a plastic surgery practice.  We are a center for education regarding not just plastic surgery, but nonsurgical treatments and skin care as well.  We have a strong commitment to the Hispanic community, and concentrate and specialize our techniques for our patients.  The blog is a free and informative tool to learn about plastic surgery, music, and life.  It also gives you a little taste of my personality, which can help you decide if it is worth your time to visit me in Washington Heights.

So, why read a plastic surgery blog?  It is fun, educational, and might just help you in ways you never expected.

Thinking about this brought up a new concept-maybe it means to always be prepared to make a good impression.  You never know when you might meet that special someone or impress that new business opportunity.  Make sure you look your best and behave professionally at all times.

At Yager Esthetics, that is basically our philosophy.  Our office is always spotless and ready for a television interview, as we are often called upon to do when a plastic surgery story breaks in the Hispanic community.  My staff is always professional and well prepared to handle any phone call or person who may stop in to inquire.  My AAAASF certified outpatient Surgery Center is always fully stocked and inspected to insure safety.

I always keep an extra suit, shirt and tie in the office as a backup, and have second and third machines to replace my surgical equipment in case of malfunction, and even have a generator in case electricity fails and I need to complete my surgery.

These are all good reasons to feel safe with Yager Esthetics, but it is also a good philosophy for any successful business or approach to life.  Clean underwear.  Mom was right.

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.

Modern plastic surgery is great for the face breast and body.  After spending time and money looking younger, it is often the hands that betray your true age.  Dark spots, prominent veins, and loss of fat on the backs of the hands can lead to an aged and bony appearance.

Skin care and Silkpeels can help with spots and texture issues, and we have been using them for years.  The newest innovation is using fillers in the backs of the hands.  In just 5 minutes, the hands look filled and more youthful.

We were recently featured on Telemundo demonstrating the technique, so click here to see the link http://youtu.be/sTFh9cLsaz8.   This might be the quick boost you need to turn back the clock.

This strategy has worked well for me, as I have established Yager Esthetics as the premier location for Hispanic plastic surgery serving the northeast.  The only thing I do not like is the “no-show” patient.  This is the patient who makes an appointment, confirms, and does not show up or call to cancel.  It is incredibly rude and unfair to my practice.

Some of these patients feel that since it is a free consult, there is no loss if they fail to show up.  What they do not understand is that my rent, employee salaries, insurance, office expenses, and my time are all lost and cannot be replaced.  It is impossible for me to fill that time slot after the time has passed.  Furthermore, I have a waiting list for appointments, and those patients will miss the opportunity to be seen.

I urge you to take advantage of a free consult to see our center and meet me.  It is an incredible free gift that gives you the benefit of my 15 years of private practice plastic surgery experience at no cost.  All I ask is that you respect my time and show up.  If you cannot come, just call 24 hours in advance and we will be happy to reschedule.

When girls turn 18, they no longer need parental consent, and often are looking to improve body image.  At Yager Esthetics, I see consults for the nose, breasts (both implants and reductions), and liposuction most frequently.  It is my challenge to make sure that they understand the risk and process, and that they are mature and secure enough to handle it.

At age 30, the first fears of aging set in.  Many women have had children, and it is time to get the body back. Mommy Makeovers, breast lifts and implants, tummy tucks and lipo are all very popular in this age group, as is the Brazilian Buttlift.  They are still young, and want to enjoy physical beauty for a little longer.

At age 40, facial changes start.  There are still the body after baby procedures, but we start to talk about the eyelids, the neck, and occasionally the face.  Fillers and Botox are very often demanded as well. Skin care starts.

At the dreaded 50, full on facelifts, brow lifts and eyelid procedures dominate the conversation.  Fillers and wrinkle remedies are a maintenance must.  Body procedures are still in demand, especially with the now single ladies.

After 60, it is essentially all facial aging changes that we deal with both surgically and nonsurgically, depending on the health and desires of the patient.

My advice is to fix what bothers you when it bothers you, not just because it is a certain birthday.  Take control of your life and seek out honest, professional advice, and make the decision that works for you, when it works for you.

When someone is getting married, it is important to consider how much time we have before the big day to plan for recovery to the point of being photo ready.  Things like liposuction require little time off from work, but take a while for swelling to disappear.  If it is arms or a back or neck, you want to make sure you can have massage after, and 3 months ahead is a good time frame.

For breast surgery, you will look fine for photos in a month, but if the honeymoon requires lifting or force with the upper body, 3 months is safer.  For a tummy tuck, at least 2 months is a good guideline.  Face or eyelid or nasal surgeries are trickier.  This is a very photoed site.  I recommend 3 months at least.

Things like Botox or fillers or peels are usually good to do about 6 weeks prior in case of any bruising or if touchups are needed.  You do not want to have any additional stress on your wedding day.

So if plastic surgery needs to come before your wedding, or someone close to you is getting married and you want to look your best, plan early to see your plastic surgeon as scheduling often takes a while as well.  Good luck!

If your child has ears that stick out from the sides of his/her head, they may be teased or bullied at school.  Otoplasty, or ear surgery, is a simple one hour procedure that can reshape the ear and make your child less self conscious.  More severe defects, such as cleft lip and palate, are routinely corrected before school begins to avoid these situations.

Likewise, as teenagers, kids can be bullied about their noses, and in some cases a rhinoplasty is indicated to reshape the nose even in teenagers.  They must be mature, physically developed, and the procedure should be their idea.

No patient, especially a child, should have plastic surgery unless they are self motivated, understand the risks and benefits, and have the full support and consent of their parents.  Bullying is a terrible and serious problem, but plastic surgery is surgery.  All surgeries carry risks, and your child needs to be aware of all of them to make an informed decision.

We all want the best for our children, including myself.  If my child were being teased for a physical trait that could be corrected and I felt they were realistic and understood the risks, I would support their decision

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.

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.