Happy 2017

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As we begin a new year, it is a helpful starting point to think about what we can do better in 2017. After 20 years at Yager Esthetics, I am constantly listening to my patients in an attempt to deliver what they need. That has lead me to create an expert team of nurses and estheticians to find solutions specific for Hispanic skin, dark spots, laser hair removal and skin tightening with radiofrequency. We continue to treat cellulite and stretch marks with the latest technology, and have found the best scar prevention and treatment procedures and products.

My surgeries continue to become more refined, even after over 2000 abdominoplasties and 5000 plus liposculptures, and thousands and thousands of breast procedures. I always want to think there is more that I can do, and it drives me to be inspired by each case as if it was my first. My BRA procedure, Breast Reduction with Augmentation, has been a revelation. Lift and reduce the breast, and add an implant for fullness.

Our office is well on the way to a paperless operation, utilizing tablets and computers to streamline your experience, and our website redesign will provide a refreshed and more interactive experience. Look for more video and enhanced social media to come.

We have purchased very exciting new technology that will debut this month. You have been asking for these services for a long time, and finally I am excited that the technology exists to do it for our Latin patients. I will not spoil the surprise yet, but I am sure the majority of you will want it.

My pledge for this year is to stop and appreciate each patient and procedure. I am honored to be able to do what I do, and to have made a difference in the care of my community. I am humbled by your support and love. May you all have a healthy and blessed 2017.

Is Laser Surgery Better for Hispanic Patients?

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Many patients come to Yager Esthetics after seeing an ad or hearing a television report about some type of laser that can magically eliminate stretch marks or scars, or tighten loose skin so you do not need surgery.  It sounds almost too good to be true.  Unfortunately, it IS too good to be true.

Lasers can do many things in medicine, even cosmetically.  Every year, advances really do occur that make them safer and more effective for patients.  They are not, however, magic.  I hope to demystify lasers for you a bit in this column.

You can cut with a laser as you can cut with a scalpel.  Both incisions leave a scar.  There is no evidence that laser incisions heal better.  In Hispanic skin, I feel the laser is more dangerous, as the heat it generates can cause hyperpigmentation (darkness) in the surrounding skin.  Advantage, scalpel.

Lasers do not remove stretch marks.  There is as of today no treatment, be it cream or laser or magic wand, that can erase a stretch mark from skin.  While early pink ones are easier to fade than old white ones, they do not disappear.  Again, in Hispanic skin, the risk is creating stretch marks with dark spots (manchas) around them.  The only current way to get rid of stretch marks 100% is to remove the skin that contains them.  For example, if your stretch marks are all below the belly button and you have enough skin, you can do an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck to remove that skin.

Lasers are effective in permanently reducing unwanted hair.  Hispanic patients must seek out doctors with a lot of experience treating latin skin to avoid burns, darkness and other complications. The darker your skin, the greater the danger.

Please do not think I am anti laser – they fascinate me, and I have incorporated them in my practice.  I will continue to follow the advances, and add them when they are safe and effective for my Hispanic patients.