Spa or Medi-Spa?

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There are many nonsurgical treatments for beauty, and spas and salons can offer high quality facials, massage, masks and wraps to help you look and feel better. They are often beautiful spots which cater to customers. Why should you go to a Medi-Spa?

A little over 10 years ago, doctors who do mainly cosmetic surgery, especially plastic surgeons, began thinking it would be a good idea to offer spa services to patients. It was a nice compliment to surgery and laser treatments. The results were mixed, depending on the doctor.
If a physician wants to make a little extra money doing peels, massage and facials, and has poorly trained staff handle patients in unoccupied rooms that do not offer a luxury experience, they often do poorly.

At the ySpa, the Medi-Spa of Yager Esthetics, we built specific suites for each spa treatment to maximize the patient experience. Only Registered Nurses and Licensed Estheticians provide treatments under the my supervision. Each treatment is tested for effectiveness and safety before it is offered, because we will never invest in technology that we are not sure will be of benefit to our patients.

At ySpa, as in any good Medi-Spa, your advantage is that we can offer prescription strength products, peels, and treatments, as well as laser and IPL treatments which require a doctor’s supervision. This means more effective options, and the chance to correct bigger cosmetic problems.
If you have a great facialist, or love your spa’s pampering and results, I encourage you to remain loyal. If you are searching for a more effective treatment that your salon does not provide, visit us at ySpa, or whichever Medi-Spa you trust.

The Dos and Dont’s – Let’s Make Sure Your Surgery Happens!

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Having decided to undergo cosmetic plastic surgery, the excitement and anxiety only build as the big day approaches. When it is finally surgery day, the moment of truth, it is a magical moment. Unfortunately, sometimes the surgery is cancelled. This happened to 2 of my patients in one day, each for a different reason. The reactions of each were different as well.

A same day cancellation sometimes occurs because of medical reasons. A patient may have a fever, or stomach bug. We have had patients who were found to have uncontrolled high blood pressure or wheezes on lung exam. Our anesthesia team will cancel, and this is for your safety. If you do not feel well in the weeks leading up to your procedure, let your doctor know so that he may treat you or reschedule you to avoid the last minute disappointment. There are many things you can do, including generally looking after yourself and taking it easy where possible. You may also want to try using CBD oil, which has been found to lower blood pressure in some people. Visit the Discover Magazine website to find the best CBD oil UK natives can use. Make sure you take your medications, and if you have blood pressure control issues, you can come for a blood pressure check 4 or 5 days before surgery to make sure it is acceptable.

Some cancellations are totally the fault of the patient. Eating, drinking, smoking and chewing gum the morning of surgery are a strict no. This is a preventable problem. We will cancel you for eating one gummy bear. It is not worth it. This causes your stomach acid to build, and increases the risk of having your stomach contents rise and spill into your lungs. You need to understand the seriousness of the issue, even though a sip of water seems safe.
If you do not show up on time, you will likely lose your spot. I do multiple patient procedures each day, and your lateness makes me late for every patient after you, which is unfair to us all. Be on time, and if an emergency occurs, call us so that we know and can have a later patient come early and do your case later.

At Yager Esthetics, I have the good fortune to be busy with surgery. If you lose your spot, it could be months before we can reschedule. I also lose the opportunity to fill your space. Let’s make an effort to make your surgery safe and on time.

Anesthesia 101

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More patients have realized the importance of finding a board certified plastic surgeon with the right experience to enhance their chances of good results. While this is a step in the right direction, it is not only checking you need to do.

The physical act of the operation is rarely dangerous in cosmetic plastic surgery, assuming you have found a board certified plastic surgeon. The anesthesia you receive, where the operation takes place, and who is giving the anesthesia are critical.

Make sure you know where your surgery will take place before agreeing to schedule. It should be an Accredited Ambulatory Surgery Center or Hospital. You can check with AAAASF, JCAHO, and AAAHC to insure the site is inspected every year, and is currently certified. The center should be able to show you a certificate good during the date you are having your procedure.

Simply having surgery in an office means there is no oversight or control over the operating room or emergency protocols, and if it is anything more than a mole, it should make you nervous.

Some doctors save money by giving anesthesia themselves, or using a Nurse Anesthetist instead of a board certified anesthesiologist (a doctor with specialty training in anesthesia). I do not feel I can give you anesthesia and concentrate on your surgery at the same time. While some Nurse Anesthetists are fantastic, I feel more comfortable with a doctor giving anesthesia. I am not trained in anesthesia, and shouldn’t be supervising a nurse in that capacity if I am not an expert in that field.

So, do your homework- board certified plastic surgeon, board certified anesthesiologist, accredited surgical center. Good luck!

The Gummy Bear Implant

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In March of 2013, The FDA approved a new type of silicone gel implant. This highly cohesive gel implant, called the gummy bear implant because it is squishy like a gummy bear, is a very interesting product. I have used about a dozen already, and wanted to share my early experience.

The advantages of this new implant are maintenance of upper pole fullness, meaning the implant keeps the top part of the breast filled over time, less feeling of rippling, and less hardening over time. All great benefits.

They also come in 4 different height and projection combinations to create more choices in shaping and sizing a breast with a specific measurement or volume. This is a little bit of a slippery slope, as the learning curve of figuring out what you will get with each takes time. Despite requiring a training program before ordering, you need to be careful about the experience of your plastic surgeon with these devices.

My patients have all been very pleased so far with the results. I personally find them a little too firm, but will reserve judgment until at least 6 months to a year have passed. The upper pole fullness and lack of rippling have been great.

Are they worth the extra money? I feel I can achieve beautiful results with saline and traditional silicone as well. I think that if a patient feels it is worth it, and understands all the limitations, it is a very personal decision. My patients vote yes, and that is what matters. If that changes, I will be sure to update you.