Second Opinions After Plastic Surgery

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As 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.

What about my hands, doctor?

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Patients come to Yager Esthetics because it is an all inclusive center for Hispanic beauty.  We changed the name from Yager Plastic Surgery when we expanded our offices to include advanced laser and skin care services, and added an injectable filler specialist.  We do plastic surgery of the face, breast and body, treat dark spots, offer botox and fillers, as well as laser hair removal, skin tightening, peels and spider vein therapy.  So what about the hands?

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.

The Cost of “Free” Consults in Plastic Surgery

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When I opened Yager Plastic Surgery in 1997, I did not charge a consult fee.  I wanted to grow my practice, and was sure that when a patient consulted with me, they would see the difference and value of proceeding with surgery.  As a community plastic surgeon in New York City serving the Hispanic community, I also wanted to make access to care affordable.

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.

Birthdays and Plastic Surgery

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Birthdays and Plastic SurgeryAs I write this, it is a few days before my birthday.  I got to thinking about how my patients are often motivated by age to do something to fight the aging process.  Each milestone birthday seems to bring in a characteristic patient type that reflects the aging process.

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.

Plastic Surgery and Weddings

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When a woman is getting married, she wants to look her best.  It is a magical day filled with fairytale dresses and many, many photographs.  Diets almost always are begun, and the bride begins to obsess over how she will look.  Sometimes, a plastic surgeon is consulted.

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!