How do I know if it’s right for Me?

A Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is a procedure that removes excess fat and skin, and in most cases restores weakened or separated muscles, creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer. The most common causes of this are pregnancy, aging, fluctuations in weight, heredity and prior abdominal surgery.

A flat, and toned abdomen is something that many people strive for through diet and exercise, but sometimes even with these methods people can’t achieve their goals. Even individuals who are height and weight proportionate can develop an abdomen that is loose, sagging or protruding.

Whether it’s pregnancy, weight loss, medical conditions or genetics, there are many reasons why your abdomen has become stretched and loose, but regardless of the reasons why there is one thing you need to know.

There is nothing you can do at home or the gym that will tighten the stretched or loose skin on the abdomen!

Once the skin is stretched, it has lost its elasticity similar to a rubber band that has been stretched out and it will remain that way. A Tummy Tuck can eliminate the stretched, loose and extra skin to create a flatter, tighter abdomen, give definition, and remove some stretchmarks.

Typically, any stretchmarks above the belly button remain, and are moved down and the ones below the belly button are removed with the skin.

The trade off for a tighter, flatter abdomen is a scar that is low in the bikini area and averages hip to hip on most people. If you heal normally you can expect the scar to fade to a thin while line 12-18 months after surgery.

Are you a woman who is still planning to have children? Then you may want to postpone a tummy tuck until you are done. Future pregnancies undo the results of the procedure and can separate the muscles that are typically tightened.

Are you still planning to lose a lot of weight? Then you don’t want to consider a tummy tuck until you are at a stable weight. An important fact to remember is that a that a tummy tuck will leave you with a permanent scar. If this is something you don’t want, you may want to reconsider.

As with any elective surgery it is important to be in good general health, with realistic expectations (cosmetic surgery can’t make you perfect or fix everything), have a good support system and be financially prepared.

The Facts About Silicone Implants

When you are choosing to have a breast enlargement you want the peace of mind of knowing that you are choosing an implant with long proven results, and a history of high quality. Knowing all the facts will lead you to the most successful outcome for what is right for you.

Silicone implants have received a large amount of negative media attention through the years, but before you make a decision you owe it to yourself to know the history and the facts about silicone-gel breast implants.

The Moratorium or “The Ban”

Both saline and silicone implants have been used since the 1960s. From that point until “the ban” on silicone-gel implants in 1992, they were the most popular type of implant due to their natural look and feel in most women. In 1992, the FDA issued a moratorium (or a ban, as many people called it) on silicone-gel implants based on accusations and concerns that they might cause auto-immune diseases such as lupus, arthritis and breast cancer.

From 1992 to 2006, saline filled implants (with silicone shells) also known as saline implants, were the only option available to women in the United States seeking breast augmentation unless they met the moratorium criteria to participate in the study.

Throughout that time, silicone gel remained the implant of choice for women in Europe, South America, and Canada.

In 2006, after almost 2 decades of research and testing, Memory Gel Breast Implants were FDA approved in 2006 for women in the United States. This approval was an important advancement in the field of breast augmentation.

The FDA lifted the restriction on silicone breast implants after substantial evidence was presented that silicone implants did not cause such diseases. It was determined that a woman’s risk of developing auto-immune diseases was the same whether she had silicone gel implants or no implants.

Did you know silicone has been used in hundreds of thousands of medical devices for over 50 years?

Devices such as pacemakers, artificial joints, tissue expanders, catheters are some of the items that most people are familiar with that are made with silicone. Doctors have trusted silicone for years because it is reliable, easy to sterilize, bio compatible and flexible.

Whats soo great about silicone implants?

The advantage of silicone-gel implants is primarily cosmetic because they look and feel so soft, and natural, that it is often difficult to feel the difference between breasts with silicone implants and those without. For women who are thin, or have very little of their own breast tissue this implant is often a better match for their anatomy. Also, because silicone is lighter than saline, the risk of “bottoming out” is less.

These implants feel more like natural breast tissue, and  they do so  without compromising safety or reliability.  The Memory-Gel holds together while still retaining the natural give of breast tissue. This is because of a cohesive, gel-like substance that acts as a solid rather than a liquid, maintaining its shape.

Saline vs. Silicone, what are the differences?

The main differences are cost and feel. Saline implants come empty and are filled at the time of surgery. This means a smaller incision, they cost less, and in the event that they rupture (or deflate) there is a noticeable change. Your breast will get softer, smaller and start to look similar to how it did prior to surgery.

Note: these implants are less likely to feel like natural breast tissue.

Silicone-gel implants come pre-filled from the manufacturer. This means a little longer of an incision, they cost  more (typically $1000.00-$2000.00), and in the event that a silicone implant ruptures (or deflates) they still retain their shape, so there is no noticeable change in the breast. This is why the FDA recommends that a woman with silicone-gel implants gets an MRI every other year, starting the third year after surgery. Also, you must be 22 years of age to have silicone-gel implants.

Note: This is only a recommendation, it is not a requirement and it will not affect the warranty.

When deciding which type of implant is best for you, it is very important to discuss your options with our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Dehghan.

If you have been thinking about changing from Saline to Silicone breast implants.
Then NOW is the time to act!

You can have beautiful, more natural feeling breasts,
And
Receive a $250 American Express gift card at the same time!
Valid for surgeries completed by August 31, 2011

Once your surgery is complete, we will notify Mentor to process your gift card. The “feel the difference” gift card can be used anywhere!

If you are considering having a cosmetic surgery, then this article is for you. Choosing to have an elective surgery is big decision that requires thought, planning and realistic expectations.

Most people seek cosmetic surgery to feel better about themselves. Studies suggest that patients are generally pleased with the outcome and report improvement in self-esteem, social confidence, quality of life and freedom to do things that they were embarrassed or afraid to do before.

However, while cosmetic surgery has become mainstream and much more accessible to people than ever before, it may not be appropriate for every person or every problem. If you are considering cosmetic surgery, take some time to think about and ask yourself these questions:

Why am I considering cosmetic surgery?

The healthiest reason to have cosmetic surgery is to improve a part of your anatomy that isn’t responding to diet or exercise, never developed, has been significantly altered by pregnancy, weight gain/loss, genetics or to just improve your self-image.

The purpose of cosmetic surgery is to enhance your feeling of well-being and to encourage a positive feeling about yourself.

Am I having cosmetic surgery to please myself or someone else?

Cosmetic surgery cannot stop your significant other from leaving you, or bring them back. It can’t bring you new friends, or get you a better job. You’ll likely be disappointed if you are having cosmetic surgery for any of those reasons, or to please someone else.

Are my expectations realistic?

Cosmetic surgery can dramatically improve your appearance, but it does have its limitations. Surgery can’t give you someone else’s nose, stomach, or breasts. It is unwise to expect that cosmetic surgery can create the face of a celebrity or take 20 years off your anatomy.

Cosmetic surgery can help you have the best version of YOU!

Am I emotionally prepared for cosmetic surgery?

There are certain circumstances under which cosmetic surgery may be inappropriate. These include a crisis or a significant emotional change, such as divorce, death of a spouse or loss of a job. Also, surgeons are reluctant to consider cosmetic surgery on patients who are depressed or have significant mental illness.

Is now the best time for me to have cosmetic surgery?

Do not try to rush your recovery!

Plan your surgery when you are relaxed and can afford the time off to recover and heal afterwards. It is extremely important to plan for, and allow yourself the time you need.

Am I prepared to handle unexpected results?

Unexpected results occur rarely, but when they do occur, they can create emotional distress for both the patient and the surgeon. You must be prepared for the worst-case scenario and realize that it will require time, patience and a mutual trust between you and your surgeon to work toward improvement. Some surgeries have a higher rate of revisions than others, or take longer to see the final results than other surgeries.

Do I have a supportive caregiver?

It’s important to have someone to support you physically and emotionally during your recovery. You will not only need someone to take care of you, but if you have children, you will need someone to help with them as well. For some people, they find that they might more than 1 caregiver for their recovery.

Beware of negative comments from friends or family members who may have issues with your decision to change your appearance, or who might want to persuade you against moving forward with your decision. There might be people who are not happy for you, and will let you know. This is why it is important to be confident in your choice and reasons to have cosmetic surgery.

Have I considered and accepted the risks?

There is risk involved with any surgery, even if you are in good health. In addition to the general risks related to anesthesia, blood loss and infection, specific risks for cosmetic surgery include skin loss, asymmetry, slow healing, numbness and minor dimples and puckers that may require a touch up at a later date.

Can I afford to have cosmetic surgery?

Cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by health insurance. If you can’t afford the cost, the added financial stress could actually make you feel worse about yourself. There are many companies who now offer financing for cosmetic surgeries. It is important to make sure you know the terms of the financing loan, the expected payment plan, and the total cost after interest and processing fee’s.

It is normal to want surgery for years before it becomes a reality. Take your time, do your research, find out what bothers you and why, and then when the time is right… move forward. It is best to be at a stable, and prepared place so that you can have a positive experience, and get the results that you are dreaming about!

Choosing to have a cosmetic surgery is an exciting, life changing decision!

You owe it to yourself to have a consultation with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon.

Many prospective patients do their research by looking on the internet, and talking to family and friends who have had cosmetic surgeries. While this is helpful to your decision making process, one of the most important parts of your research will be having a professional consultation.

The consultation should be a learning experience, and an educational opportunity for you. This is YOUR time to express what bothers you about your appearance, your concerns and expectations for what you want surgery to accomplish for you. This is also when you will find out what options are available to get you the body that you dream about.

Be honest with yourself and your surgeon!

This is not the time to be embarrassed, or ashamed of anything! We are here to help you and guide you in your decision making process. Ask your questions, even if you think they are “stupid” we want you to know there are no stupid questions, chances are, if you are wondering about it, someone else has to!

What to expect at your consultation:

• It will last approximately 1 hour.
• You will meet with me (Marilyn), your patient care coordinator. We will go over some educational information, talk more in depth about your concerns and goals, and then I will get you ready to meet Dr. Dehghan.
• We will take confidential photos and measurements for your medical file.
• For Breast Augmentation consultations, you will get to try on the implants and see what they will look like on you!
• Dr. Dehghan will come in and talk with you, do a physical exam and give you his expert opinion.
• You can look at his before and after pictures.
• Based on his recommendations, you will get a quote sheet that is valid for 90 days.
• This quote is all-inclusive, it covers everything but the prescriptions.

In some situations, a patient might not be a candidate for any surgery. Whether it’s due to their anatomy, medical conditions (or health concerns), or unrealistic expectations. We do not operate on everyone who comes to a consultation.

Why do we charge a consultation fee?

The amount of your initial consultation should not be a basis for picking your surgeon. Some surgeons may use this as a sales tool to attract you. You might save money in the beginning by choosing a surgeon who does not charge a consultation fee, but it might cost you thousands of more dollars in 2nd opinions and revisions in the long run if you are not careful in the first place.

We charge $100.00 for a consultation (which is applied to the cost of your surgery). This is an hour that you get with a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 12 years of experience that will provide with you professional, accurate and reliable information.

Many surgeons do charge a consultation fee for the initial visit.