Thanksgiving

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Thanksgiving

Every year at this time, I find it helpful to reflect upon the last twelve months and give thanks for the blessings that I have received.

I am thankful first and foremost for the good health of myself and my family.  As a physician, I know all too well how precious and rare good health is.

I am thankful for the magnificent new Yager Esthetics/Estética office and ySpa we opened in 2010, the realization of a dream started 14 years ago.  To offer the Hispanic community the level of service, sophistication, and safety that equals or surpasses any Manhattan practice makes me immensely proud and only drives me to continue the mission of educating the Latin public about skin care, plastic surgery, and beauty.

I am thankful for the best staff anywhere.  Each manager, nurse, medical assistant, receptionist, skin care specialist and esthetician is here because of their tremendous dedication to their community.  To be able to hire additional staff members during a downturn in the economy is a testament to the success of our mission.

I am thankful to my patients, who each day entrust me with their health and cosmetic dreams.  To each of you, I want you to know that I treat you as a family member, and realize how hard you work for your money and how much it means to you to achieve the best possible results safely.  I have never betrayed that trust, and never will.  I consider it the ultimate compliment when you recommend friends and family.

Thank you for reading my blog, and I look forward to sharing more great news as we reach new heights in 2011.

Getting Ready For Surgery

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Picking the right board certified plastic surgeon is very important, but there are other things that you can do to enhance your chances of maximizing your results.  We will talk about things to do and things to avoid before, during, and after your procedure.

AVOID:

Smoking as well as nicotine containing products.  While all doctors would like you to stop smoking for your health, it is especially important around surgery.  Nicotine decreases blood flow in your skin, and can lead to poor scarring and even loss of skin after surgery.  Even the gums and patches are potentially dangerous.  Stop at least 3 weeks before and after your surgery.

Aspirin containing products (motrin, aleve, naprosyn, etc) as well as excessive garlic and vitamin E.  These can make you bleed and bruise more after surgery.  Stop at least 8 days before.

People who upset you.  Not only is it bad to be in a negative environment, but getting upset can raise your blood pressure causing bleeding, not to mention lowering your immune system and making you more prone to infections.

DO:

Take extra vitamin C to boost healing.  Do not overdo it, as it can cause diarrhea at high doses.

Arnica Montana and bromelain are natural herbs that can reduce swelling and bleeding if taken before and after procedures, and are available over the counter as well as in our office.

Read all the instructions your doctor gives you, as well as the consent forms.  They are to help you understand the surgery and to heal well.

Come to your visits after surgery.  I see my patients quite often, and do not charge for these visits.  Even if the patient is happy, there are sometimes things we can do to optimize healing before you even notice it yourself.

Good luck with your surgery!

What is my bra size?

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I am constantly amazed that so few women understand how bra size is determined.  In fact, over 85% of women actually wear the wrong size bra.  This is why I never ask what bra size a woman is seeking with cosmetic surgery.  The most accurate test for me is to look at photos of my patients with similar body types and determine which ones the patient likes.  This way, if I think it is a C and the patient thinks it is a B or D it does not matter.  She gets the look she wants.

 Another complicating factor is that all bra manufacturers have a different fit and size, so a 36C can be different from maker to maker.  So how do you measure bra size?

 Step one-  With a tape measure, measure the distance around your chest just below the breast.  If it is an even number, add 4,  iif it is odd, add 5.  This is the back size of your body.

Step two- now measure the distance around the breasts while wearing a bra.

Step three- subtract the back size from the breast size.  Every inch equals a cup- 1” A, 2”B, etc.  After D, the measurement is less accurate.

Hope this helps.