Independence Day

As July 4^th approaches, we all think of Independence Day, when America decided it wanted to be free from England and establish its own government. By that same spirit, let this year be your time to be who you want to be.

After 18 years plus here at Yager Esthetics, I have seen tens of thousands of patients. Not all of them follow through with surgery or treatments, which is appropriate. The ones that stick out are the ones that have used the benefit of plastic surgery to better their lives.

One patient in particular comes to mind. She came with her husband who spoke for her and belittled her intelligence. Her head was down, and she did not say a word during the consult. I confirmed with her that she really did want the procedure, and was aware of all the risks.

After her surgery, when the dressings came off, she looked fantastic. She started to make eye contact, came without her spouse, smiled, and started wearing makeup. It was a different person in my office.

I received a frantic visit from the husband 2 months later, asking me for a copy of her record and her bill. She was divorcing him, and he wanted to show how much he paid. I told him that it was her record, and only she could authorize its release.

She still comes in, has had more done, and is one of the happiest people you will meet.

Ladies- do not let anyone make you feel helpless, stupid, or ashamed.

Gentlemen- treat your women well, or somebody else will!

Most people take care in selecting the right Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Some even check out the operating facility. Fewer still ask about the Anesthesiologist. One of the most overlooked areas is the patients’ own home.

Outpatient, or ambulatory surgery are the norm today with regards to most cosmetic plastic surgeries. That means you go home a few hours after the procedure. How is your home set up for you?

Physically, it is important to consider if there are stairs, if you live in a building with an elevator, and where in the house you will recover. Talk about this with your surgeon before the day of surgery, as sometimes you need to stay with a friend or relative, or even in a hotel if your space is unfit.

How far do you live, and is it wiser to stay close the first night, or week, or 2 weeks for optimal recovery? Long drives can sometimes increase the risks of complications such as DVT, and if you have an emergency, it might not be safe to drive for hours to return to the clinic.

Who is in the house to help you? You often are limited in what you can do physically, and things like cooking, cleaning, and child care need to be taken care of by someone. Is there food prepared, are you alone or is someone there for emergencies?

Also, if you are around negative people, who for jealous reasons or other bad intentions, will whisper bad things in your ear, make sure to remove them from your life, at least during the healing process. You need the positivity when you are the most vulnerable.

I will make sure we do everything needed to prepare Yager Esthetics for your procedure, you need to get your own house in order!

A few years ago, I received a book entitled “1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.” I have since acquired them all, and have listened to most. Since I spend 20 hrs a week in the OR, I thought it would be fun to listen to them alphabetically, all the way through. This will take nearly an entire year, as some are double and triple discs.

We started the week of Memorial Day, with ABBA, ABC, David Ackles, Adam and the Ants and Barry Adamson. I got mixed reviews from my OR staff, but they were interested in the project. Most of the music came out before they were born, which is unsettling to me.

My process in the OR is to be efficient and orderly, reducing extra movements and maximizing safety. I thrive on challenging cases, but prefer that there is no excitement in the operating room. If well planned, surgery should be smooth and relaxed. Music helps me to that end- it keeps me locked in and focused.

My life has been a series of goals set and achieved. This is a pleasant task I am happy to undertake. The musical journey of 1001 cd’s begins with just one album!