Asian Beauty Methods Get Dangerous

"Travel Surgeries" or "Surgi-Vacations" are generally considered pretty dangerous. They are something that should certainly be carefully considered when deciding cosmetic plastic surgery options. Safety and optimal treatment outcomes can vary tremendously by location, doctors, and the travel experience itself can pose real health risks.

Another thing rarely talked about is how different global geographic areas differ in their perception of beauty and what the acceptable ways to obtain "beauty" is. Recently, several articles have surfaced on Asian beauty procedures that leave many surprised. Surgeries and cosmetic procedures are being performed in a societies where cosmetic surgery is not fully accepted. Here an excerpt from a cbsnews.com article that shows how many pursue dangerous procedures in pursuit of beauty:

BANGKOK — Her dream was to look less Thai and more like Jennifer Lopez, so the 25-year-old street food vendor went to the Internet and typed in “cheap Botox.”

That was the start of a five-year makeover for Ratphila Chairungkit that included two nose jobs, two eye-widening surgeries, chin augmentation, lip trimming, skin whitening and dozens of Botox-type injections.

The goal had been to redesign her entire face, but things went horribly wrong. “I started to look like a witch,” she recalled. Her upper eyelids sagged; her lower lids erupted in tapioca-like bumps. Her chin drooped and her nose swelled.

Her quest for beauty at bargain prices was a painful mistake. A pseudo-beautician injected commercial-grade silicone into her cheeks, chin and under her eyes; it all needed to be surgically scraped out. She spent 500,000 baht ($16,000) over five years, a huge sum by her humble standards, mostly to fix his handiwork.

“I’m lucky I didn’t die,” she said, trying to smile through her cosmetically corrected face.

The article went on to describe the problem in more detail.

Not all of Thailand’s beauty victims live to tell. The death this month of a 33-year-old aspiring model from a botched collagen injection has focused nationwide attention on the illegal beauty industry and intensified a government crackdown.

Nearly 40 illegal beauticians have been arrested in Bangkok, the capital, in the past two months, but authorities believe nearly 200 are still operating. Advertising in plain sight on the Internet, they’re commonly known as “bag doctors” because many make house calls or meet customers in vans to administer cheap injections straight from their bags.

Last week, the Health Ministry and police declared a small victory after arresting someone they called “the most dangerous” operator to date: a 37-year-old former beautician’s assistant with no medical training who had set up an all-purpose clinic in her home.

“This is terrifying,” said Phasit Sakdanarong, chief adviser to the Public Health Minister, who joined the raid and has since advised the government to expand the crackdown nationwide. “This woman was not a doctor. This clinic has no license, and the products she was using are not FDA-approved.”

“We are facing a very, very serious problem,” said Phasit. “When people go to illegal clinics like this, it is very easy to get an infection — and sometimes it is easy to die.”

Dangerous beauty treatments have become a worldwide problem as people seek cheaper alternatives to plastic surgeons. In Hong Kong, a woman died last week of septic shock after getting a blood transfusion that a clinic claimed would whiten her skin. An American woman died in March from an illegal buttocks implant in Georgia, caused by suspected counterfeit silicone.

In other areas of the world, such as South America and Europe, cosmetic plastic surgery is more commonplace and is well accepted. In recent articles, we've looked at some of these. In the United States, we have a wide range of cosmetic procedures that are performed on both men and women each year, and the numbers continue to grow as there is more acceptance. We have some of the best doctors in the world performing these procedures. Most recommend seeking services from Board Certified Plastic Surgeons, and most professionals advise you to cautiously consider the world of "medical tourism" and carefully weigh whether the risks are worth saving a bit of money.

RESOURCE/CREDITS:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505245_162-57540013/biases-on-beauty-draw-thais-to-illegal-surgery/
Associated Press writer Thanyarat Doksone and AP video journalist Papitchaya Boonngok contributed to the CBS News report.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea Algar is an author who writes on topics that interest her. Over the last 30 years she has written articles on a variety of topics including psychology, health, dentistry, fashion and beauty, music, cosmetic surgery, restoration, as well as performance racing and classic cars. Prior to the Internet, she published a national subscription newsletter, edited two books, and produced works in photography and video. She currently contributes to several blogs on a regular basis.

New Mannequin Design Reflects Changes In Beauty

by Andrea Algar
Contributing Author

A recent story about South American mannequins that have been redesigned to reflect the new beauty standards as seen by Venezuelan women caused me to wonder if this is a trend that is occurring here in the United States.

Venezuelan Mannequin Manufacturer

According to the retailers blog, "A local mannequin manufacturer has taken advantage of the trend for Venezuelan women to resort to plastic surgery as a way to boost his sales significantly. Eliezer Álvarez noticed that even though women were happy to go under the knife to change how they looked, the mannequins in clothing stores did not reflect this new body type. He has since created the kind of woman he thought the public wanted — one with a huge and a firm behind, a tiny waist and long legs." (And I might add large breasts.)

This has apparently been extremely successful, as the new mannequins are now seen all over Venezuela in tiny shops and elaborate boutiques. It seems to emphasize the fact that cosmetic plastic surgery is becoming more common and more accepted not only in Venezuela, but all around the world.

Here in the United States, plastic surgery was once only for the rich and famous. In the 1950's and 60's, Hollywood actors and actresses who relied on good looks (and what society saw as beauty) were justified in getting cosmetic procedures, even though they fueled the gossip-mills in the process. Jump forward to the 1990's and plastic surgery was on the rise in middle America. Now in 2013, cosmetic surgery is no longer offensive or taboo, and people are pretty open about their surgeries. All ages of men and women are having cosmetic procedures at increasing rates.

In my opinion, vanity may have little to do with its acceptance as more and more people see the benefits. So far, I haven't noticed the drastic changes in mannequins here in the U.S. Maybe it's just a matter of time.

REFERENCE:
psfk.com - Mannequins Reflect Plastic Surgery's Impact on Beauty Standards

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea Algar is an author who writes on topics that interest her. Over the last 30 years she has written articles on a variety of topics including psychology, health, dentistry, fashion and beauty, music, cosmetic surgery, antiques and restoration, as well as performance racing and classic cars. Prior to the Internet, she published a national subscription newsletter, edited two books, and produced works in photography and video. She currently contributes to several blogs on a regular basis.

A Refreshing Story About Female Beauty And The Way We're Perceived By Others

by Andrea L. Algar
Contributing Author

A headline emerged today on AOL that caught my eye:

Sketches Prove an Upsetting Truth

The drawings above are of the same woman done by the same artist in the same time-frame -- there's just one (crucial) difference.   - Story/Photo Credit: HuffingtonPost.com

Intrigued by the headline and photos, I opened the story and read on. What was found was refreshing. The article began by asking the question, "Do women see themselves less accurately than strangers do? A new Dove campaign says yes - - and offers proof, in the form of forensic sketches."

What is revealed is that Dove was working on a new ad campaign. They recruited seven diversely different women and asked them to describe themselves in neutral terms that relayed just the facts of how they look. (I had to laugh at this, wondering how on earth they thought they'd get factual answers when how we usually describe ourselves involve comments like ..."my eyes are small and too close together," "my nose is big and my lips are too thin," or "my face is lop-sided and my left eye droops.") Gil Zamora, a forensic artist who was FBI-trained, created sketches based on their descriptions. The same artist then created sketches of the women based on descriptions from total strangers who had earlier spent a bit of time with the women in a rigged meeting.

The series of sketches revealed harsh differences when displayed side by side. What was consistent in the findings were that the women themselves portrayed themselves in far less flattering ways, while the more objective strangers saw the women as far more beautiful. It would seem to prove that women do tend to be overly critical of themselves, and that is the premise of Dove's new campaign, whose tagline is: "You are more beautiful than you think," which I like.

Those who've had friends seeking cosmetic plastic surgery are sometimes surprised when the friend reveals that he/she wants a nose job, eyelid surgery, or perhaps a flatter stomach. Sometimes we cannot "see" what they find faulty or undesired in themselves, or don't think it's quite as bad as they're making it out to be. Other times, the desire to correct a feature or enhance one's body is more easily understood by friends and family. The ultimate answer usually is in what will make that person happy with themselves. But, there are extremes that plastic surgeons look for, such as Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), where people suffer from severely inaccurate perceptions of their own body.

Perhaps this is one small step in helping women deal with their self-perception and debilitating issues that can arise such as shyness and low self-esteem, depression, anorexia, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and other problems. Another helpful thing we can do for ourselves is to surround ourselves with people who see our true beauty and delight in the good this can do for us!


Take a close look at all of the sketches yourself and let me know what you think. Please comment below.


REFERENCE:
Huff Post Women - Dove's 'Real Beauty Sketches' Ad Campaign Tells Women 'You're More Beautiful Than You Think' (VIDEO)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea Algar is an author who writes on a topics that interest her. Over the last 30 years she has written articles on a variety of topics including psychology, health, dentisty, fashion and beauty, music, cosmetic surgery, antiques and restoration, as well as performance and classic cars. Prior to the Internet, she published a national subscription newsletter, edited two books, and produced works in photography and video. She currently contributes to several blogs on a regular basis.

How Tiny Is Too Tiny?

by Andrea L. Algar

You've probably seen photos of women who have body features that are just too large or too small for their body frame.

Guinness World Record for 15" Tiny Waist
Photo Credit: HuffPost.com

This one seems extreme and makes one wonder how in the world she can breathe! It's been a lot of years since women routinely wore corsets, which is how the then 61 year old Cathie Jung won the distinction of having the world's smallest waist at a mere 15"! Without the corset, her waist expands a whopping six inches, to a still very small size of 21". She claims that achieving the incredibly small waist "was the result of years of patience, dedication and the constant use of a corset," according to the Huffington Post.

Many women seek cosmetic plastic surgery to reduce the waist and abdomen. Liposuction to remove excess fat and even Abdominoplasty to reduce and flatten the stomach (hence the more common term "Tummy Tuck") are popular cosmetic surgeries performed by plastic surgeons around the world. The term "body contouring" has grown in popularity as it describes the desire by many men and women to perfect their body shape. And, the Brazilian Butt Lift is yet another procedure designed to effectively sculpt the body into a desired shape with small waist and ample buttocks.

The bottom line: The age of the corset may have come and gone, but the desire for a tiny tummy is still very much alive!

Cosmetic Procedures Grow Worldwide With Differing Favorites

Reports out of Paris by IMCAS show that the European market for cosmetic procedures is continuing to grow, and is expecting at least another 10% increase this year. Breast Augmentation and liposuction continue to be the top surgical procedures, while anti-wrinkle injections and laser treatments are strongest for non-invasive options.


Cosmetic Surgery Popularity Soars


Asia, too, reports strong growth, with demands highest in eyelid surgery and nose surgery. Growth estimates are upwards of 14% for these procedures, perhaps setting the pace for the region of strongest growth in cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures.

In the United States, growth continues despite the sluggish economic recovery. Some speculate that the continued interest in cosmetic procedures is lead by the need to remain competitive in today's tough job market. Whatever the reason, it certainly appears that cosmetic plastic surgery is no longer considered a taboo topic. We've noticed that more and more patients are openly discussing their surgeries with friends, family and acquaintances, and that it's being talked about as a positive, enhancing life experience.

If your're considering a cosmetic procedure, we encourage you to seek out services from a qualified professional who is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery. For more information on what Board Certification means, visit The American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Medical Specialties.

ABOUT DR. YOUNG

Robert N. Young, MD, FACS - View Dr. Young's Credentials
Dr. Young is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with an active practice and Surgical Center in San Antonio, Texas. He has over 30 years experience in plastic surgery, with a specialty in Breast Enhancement surgeries.

New Reality Makeover Show to Feature Celebrities Having Plastic Surgery

A controversial 2004 reality television show "The Swan" will be making a comeback on Fox later this year in the form of a reality show called "Celebrity Swan". This two hour special will feature plastic surgery procedures on former stars who are hoping to make career comebacks. A reinvention as it were. And there are many out there who want to see the transformations unfold.

Among those celebrities being considered are Erin Moran of Happy Days fame, and former White House Intern Monica Lowinsky of President Clinton fame. Although there is no news of what types of roles they are hoping to land following their procedures, or in fact what cosmetic procedures they will be having, it is sure to draw interest.

Dr. Robert Young is a Board Certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years experience in San Antonio, Texas. He performs a variety of procedures and feels that cosmetic plastic surgery continues to gain in popularity among men and women of all ages. While breast augmentation continues to be a top choice for women, (along with liposuction and tummy tuck), eyelid lifts and facial surgeries are gaining popularity as more men and women feel they need to look their best to remain competitive in today's tight job market. Surgery procedures for men are growing at a very fast pace, with eyelid lift, liposuction and gynecomastia (male breast reduction) surgeries leading the way as the most popular.

In addition to surgical procedures, which are performed in his own Outpatient Surgery Center, Dr. Young states that non-invasive procedures such as Botox and facial fillers are requested more frequently, and he has seen a jump in requests by men in the last year.

Should My Plastic Surgeon Be Board Certified?

There's good reason to check whether your plastic surgeon is Board Certified. Too often, news emerges with stories of patients who elect to go to providers who may not have the qualifications to perform cosmetic procedures or surgeries. With the popularity of cosmetic plastic surgery, it can attract unqualified (and sometimes unscrupulous) people who are lured by what they see as quick profit.

In some cases, the service provider may not even be a legitimate doctor. There have been several stories this past year about people posing as doctors and performing non-surgical procedures as well as actual surgeries in hotel rooms or back offices. There have been cases of people being injected with non-medical ingredients such as cement or silicone directly into the breasts, buttocks and even the face. These are highly toxic and can be extremely caustic, causing burns, infection, serious wounds and even disfigurement. Botox® and facial fillers are being used by people who have no training in facial nerve structure or the underlying muscles of the face, and mis-use of these products can result in droopy eyes, temporary paralysis, and even nerve damage.

In other cases, it may be a doctor who does not have sufficient training in this specialized field. They may be a generalist, gynecologist or other physician who has no formal training or experience in plastic surgery. They may have simply taken a weekend course in breast augmentation or liposuction and may have little experience with surgery. Generally people undergoing any type of surgery want someone with specialized training and competence.

Some are turning to the trend in "awake" surgeries. Procedures performed while the patient is "awake" can be risky if they do not have the equipment necessary to monitor a patient, do not have emergency equipment necessary to resuscitate a patient should there be a complication or if a licensed anesthesiologist is not in attendance during the surgical procedure. Even though the patient may be "awake", it does not decrease the risk associated with the sedation medications that patients are given. It is still surgery!

Tourist or vacation plastic surgery is also seeing an increase as those who want cosmetic surgery but don't want to or cannot pay the going rate seek alternatives. We've seen women who have flown to a foreign country such as Mexico, Asia or South America to receive a $2,000 tummy tuck and now have complications such as severe infection or a poor outcome that could cost many more thousands to try to correct. It is rare to receive appropriate pre-operative and post-operative care at foreign facilities, with patients eager to get on with the vacation end of their trip, or in getting back home, putting themselves at even greater risk of complications. It is usually recommended that you do not fly for at least 2 weeks or more following any type of surgery, and cosmetic plastic surgery is no exception.

So what is the difference between an internist and a plastic surgeon?

Obtaining a medical license to diagnose and treat patients means a physician meets a minimum level of competency requirements to become a doctor, but it is not specific to any one specialty. Board Certification demonstrates a level of expertise in a specialty and is considered the "Gold Standard". Board Certification by the ABPS ensures that the surgeon has had at least six years of surgical training, years of surgical experience, has passed both oral and written exams and has had surgical cases reviewed by the Board in order to demonstrate proficiency within the field of plastic surgery. They certify that they only operate in accredited medical facilities such as hospitals and accredited outpatient surgery centers. They are licensed physicians who have made a choice to make plastic surgery their primary focus as a medical professional.

Robert N. Young, founder of Aesthetic Enhancement Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center, is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years experience. He has been trained and has extensive experience both as a reconstructive plastic surgeon and a cosmetic plastic surgeon. As a leading breast augmentation specialist in San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Young is a member of the following professional organizations:

• ABPS Diplomate - Board Certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)

• Member, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)

• Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)

• Fellow, American College of Surgeons

• Member, Texas Medical Society (TMS)

• Member, San Antonio International Society of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (SAISPRS)

• Bexar County Medical Society (BCMS)

• Accreditation by the American Association for Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF)

Dr. Robert N. Young encourages patients to take the time to check the credentials of anyone you're considering for cosmetic surgery procedures. The two major societies, the ASAPS and ASPS are good resources for more information about plastic surgery and Board Certified Plastic Surgeons around the country.

REFERENCES / RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Herald Tribune - Plastic Surgeons Warn of Trade's Dark Side
Locate A Doc - Cosmetic Surgeon Imposter Jailed for Practicing Without a License
The Baltimore Sun - Health Officials Alarmed Over Silicone Injections For Fuller Buttocks
The Smoking Gun - Silicone Sister Busted For Butt, Hip Injections
USA Today - Lack Of Training Can Be Deadly In Cosmetic Surgery

Patient's Touching Surgical Story

It's rare when someone reveals themselves openly and honestly. Even more so when it's done publicly. Yet, this is exactly what one of Dr. Young's patients decided to do when she shared her story on an Internet site designed to give helpful information to those interested in breast implants.

"Anonymous" has been making news with her detailed account of why she decided to get breast implants at 49 years of age, and what her experiences were in selecting a surgeon, having the surgery, and her recovery experience. 

We're asked all the time, "What should I expect?", and it's a great question. Women wanting breast augmentation, whether they're 25 or 55 need answers that will help them make an informed decision that they will be happy with. It's something we strive to deliver to patients when they come to see Dr. Young for a consultation visit. Decisions go beyond selecting the right size, what recovery is like or when you can return to work, and some, in fact, wrestle with whether the procedure is "okay" to have at all.

I think "Anonymous" explains it well, and can serve as a good resource to anyone considering a breast augmentation or other cosmetic plastic surgery procedure. "Anonymous" gave an incredibly candid and frank account of her very personal and moving story of her decision to pursue Breast Augmentation following a battle with lymphoma. Her message is inspiring, and we thank her for sharing her heart-felt story with others.

Read the entire story of Dr. Young's patient at ImplantInfo.com.

ABOUT DR. YOUNG:
Dr. Robert N. Young is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon whose specialty is Breast Augmentation surgery. Dr. Young has been performing breast surgeries for over 30 years, and was a pioneer in utilizing minimally invasive techniques for his breast implant patients. He offers saline implants, adjustable implants, and silicone gel implants, in a variety of shapes and sizes designed to give options for women of all ages, body types, and personal preferences. Dr. Young performs surgeries in his own AAAASF certified outpatient surgery center located in San Antonio, Texas. He can be reached at his practice, Aesthetic Enhancement Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center, which he founded in 1990.

Best Breast Augmentation Prices of the Year!

We wish you, your family, and friends the very best for the holidays, and extend our thanks for your support and continued interest in our Cosmetic Plastic Surgery and Medical Day Spa services.  In appreciation, we're closing 2011 with great prices on Breast Augmentation!

Breast Augmentation, usually $4700 for saline implants, $3950 now thru 12-30-11
Silicone implants usually $6000 are just $4950 thru 12-30-11

We've also got great specials on other surgery procedures performed by Dr. Robert N. Young, such as Tummy Tuck, Liposuction, Face Lift, Rhinoplasty and others.  Contact us at 210-496-BODY  to schedule a consultation with Dr. Young to see if you are a good candidate for these surgical procedures.  Special pricing is available only while openings are available.  Be sure to mention you read about Dr. Young's holiday specials so we can check availability.

Is Dissatisfaction With Your Body a Problem?

I came across an interesting article published recently in a professional journal discussing the possibility that people who are very unhappy about the size or shape of their nose could mean that they suffer from a psychiatric disorder called Body Dysmorphic Disorder.  A trained and Board Certified Plastic Surgeon is trained to look for patients who may suffer from Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) for a variety of reasons.  Those with severe BDD can have an inaccurate perception of the way their body actual appears, and this can disrupt their everyday quality of life.  The most common conditions associated with severe BDD is eating disorders such as Bulemia or Anorexia, where the patient may actually see themselves as "fat", when in reality they are extremely thin or emaciated. BDD could conceivably make one obsess about their nose, their legs, breasts, stomach, or other body area to the point where no amount of "correction" would prove satisfying.

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery can provide an increase in one's self esteem, help clothes fit better, and give one confidence. For those with BDD, cosmetic surgery usually does not "solve" the issues they have with their body, and they may be more apt to seek out revisional surgeries to the same area. Making sure that a patient has reasonable and obtainable expectations is key to successful outcomes in cosmetic plastic surgery, and most cosmetic surgeons want to know so they can deliver the results you want. Be sure to discuss your expectations clearly with the Board Certified Plastic Surgeons you consult with, and listen carefully if they advise that the surgery may not provide quite what you expect. No one wants to find themselves caught in an endless cycle of revisional surgery, whether you have had rhinoplasty, liposuction or breast augmentation.

On a good note, we find that patients who have taken time to research their procedure and their surgeon are often the most satisfied.  While the internet can be a great tool for information, not all information is accurate, so ask questions from your surgeon if something doesn't sound right, or if there is something of particular importance to you.  Take time to think over your reasons for wanting the surgery, and what you feel it will do for you.  If you feel your expectations are reasonable, then plastic surgery can quite possibly be a good choice for you.

Choose Credentialled, Qualified and Experienced Specialists

Stories pop up over and over again about patients who willingly select doctors without appropriate credentials, or those who practice out of uncertified facilities. The outcomes of these are often tragic for the patients involved.  What sometimes saves a bit of money ends up putting their health or life in jeopardy.

The most recent story appeared this week about a woman who received cheek injections which turned out to be a mixture of ingredients including concrete!  Another patient who went to the same "doctor" sealed her incisions with superglue!  Unqualified doctors have performed procedures from Breast Augmentation to Brazilian Butt Lifts using products which are not medical grade, nor approved for use in cosmetic surgery.  Others perform "awake" procedures under local anesthesia in their office.  These can be very dangerous.

See the full story at:  http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2011/11/30/cement-cheek-implants-fake-doctor-oneal-ron-morris_n_1120041.html?view=screen

The woman "doctor" in question was not Board Certified, was not a plastic surgeon, nor a licensed physician of any kind.  She did not perform the surgeries at a hospital or in a certified or licensed outpatient surgery center.

We hope that this serves as a warning to patients wanting to have cosmetic surgery procedures.  Prices which seem to good to be true usually always are.  Make sure that the plastic surgeon you choose is properly credentialed and practices in a licensed or AAAASF certified facility (and not a back room office) where essential safety equipment and procedures are in place for your well-being.  Remember, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon has received extra training beyond his or her designation as a physician.  They have proven expertise in cosmetic and plastic surgery.  For more information about Licensure & Certification, visit http://www.dr-youngforever.com/DrYoung.php. 

How do I get started?

We receive many e-mails.  As you might imagine, some are routine inquiries about cost of Cosmetic Plastic Surgery procedures or how long one would need to take off of work.  At other times, however, we receive really great questions.  We'd like to share these, and we will publish ones we feel that our patients and friends will benefit from. To get things started, we'll share a very common one.

This was an e-mail received from Andrea in September 2009:

"Hello. I am very interested in getting my breasts done.  I've heard good things about Dr. Young and have seen many women who've had their procedure done by him.  How do I begin the process?"

We always encourage you to schedule a consultation visit with Dr. Young so that he has an opportunity to examine you answer questions you have, and make recommendations.  There are things you can do ahead of time to ensure that your consultation visit is as helpful to you as possible.

I always recommend that you make a list of all your questions.  And, add to the list as you think of other concerns or questions...no matter how silly they may seem.  Some information you'll be able to obtain from quality internet sites.  I prefer to lean towards information sites rather than "locate-a-doctor" referral sites. Information sites include plastic surgery association sites, implant manufacturer sites, and encyclopedia style sites such as:

American Society of Plastic Surgeons
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

http://www.surgery.org/

Good encyclopedia style sites include:  howstuffworks.com, webmd.com, wikipedia.org, medicinenet.com, ezinearticles.com, and ehow.com.  You can look up your specific interests and learn about the procedures. Here are some sample links that would be helpful for Breast Augmentation research:

http://health.howstuffworks.com/breast-implant.htm/printable

http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Patients_and_Consumers/Procedures/Cosmetic_Procedures/Breast_Augmentation.html

http://www.implantinfo.com/

http://www.loveyourlook.com/

http://www.webmd.com/skin-beauty/cosmetic-procedures-breast-augmentation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breast_implant

http://www.medicinenet.com/breast_augmentation/article.htm

http://ezinearticles.com/?Various-Views-on-Breast-Augmentation&id=3212987

http://www.ehow.com/about_5402302_breast-augmentation-information.html

Once you've had a chance to read through the information you'll undoubtedly have questions in how this information relates to YOU!  This is what is especially helpful in a consultation visit with Dr. Young.  There are many choices then it comes to surgical procedures.  An experienced, qualified surgeon like Dr. Young can help you make choices that are most appropriate for YOU, and not just what is popular at the moment.  (It is widely recommended that you seek out an experienced surgeon who is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, as they are physicians who have undergone years of additional training in this specialty.  They must pass strict criteria once completing this training, as well as show documented experience to demonstrate their abilities. I've been told that only 30% of those applying for this designation pass.) Great results and your satisfaction are what we want most.  We can help sort through the sometimes confusion array of surgical methods, incision locations, type of anesthesia etc.

You will have an opportunity to meet with Dr. Young, as well as his nurse(s) in your consultation.  Dr. Young's nurses are very familiar with the procedures he performs and not only assist Dr. Young in clinic for new patient consultations and follow up visits, but have regular duties in the Operating Suite as well.  Most of our nurses have been with Dr. Young for five years or more, and several over ten.  They can be instrumental in helping you understand the surgical procedure, coordinate after-surgery care, etc.

Your Consultation Visit is an exciting time because the possibilities are quickly seen as a reality. It is easy to overlook an important question or even feel too embarrassed to ask a question that seems silly or awkward. Making a list of your questions or concerns helps keep you focused, and ensures you'll be more ready to make a decision on whether the procedure is right for you. 

In Andrea's case of wanting to prepare for a Breast Augmentation, she would begin by scheduling her consultation appointment.  At her consultation, she will meet with Dr. Young, and one or more of his nurses for an examination, discussion of the procedure, recommendations, and a "sizing" prior to speaking with her surgery coordinator. 

The sizing is her opportunity to "try on" many different size implants in a special bra.  Andrea can then get a sense of what style and size implant is most appropriate for her.  Every woman's body type is different, and one's taste in size is different.  We encourage you to select your size based on what feels best to YOU.  You might hear from a friend that she had 450cc implants, and you think that you'd like to be that size, or maybe even a bit bigger.  Keep in mind that 500cc implants in someone who is 5'7" tall and weighs 135 pounds will look quite different on someone who is 5'2" tall and weighs 110!  Are you broad shouldered, narrow chested, pear shaped, tall or petite?  Your body type will play a big part if you're trying to achieve a more balanced, proportional look.

After the consultation visit, if a surgery date is selected, Andrea will also schedule a "pre-op" (pre-operative) visit which is usually two weeks prior to the surgery, but may be closer to the date of surgery if you schedule for a more immediate surgery (surgeries can be scheduled as soon as the following day in some cases).  At this visit she will go over her medical history with one of Dr. Young's nurses, have a physical exam with vitals and labwork performed, discuss risks, how to prepare for surgery and recovery, among other things. It is Andrea's chance to ask any other questions she's thought of as well, and to finalize the size of her implants.  The next time we see Andrea will be the day of her surgery, which is performed in Dr. Young's fully accredited in-office Surgery Center.  Our OR staff will be there for each stage of her procedure, including instructions for Andrea's friend or family member who will drive her home following her recovery.

I hope this information gives you an idea of how things can proceed once you've decided you'd like to look into cosmetic plastic surgery.  I'd like to thank Andrea, and everyone who sends us great e-mail questions.  Please continue to do so.  You can e-mail me directly at:  busmgr@dr-youngforever.com.

All In-Office Surgeries Are Not The Same

Dr. Young is pleased to bring you the best that San Antonio has to offer in state-of-the-art outpatient surgical care for our specialty of Cosmetic Plastic Surgery. Aesthetic Enhancement's own surgical facility, including two Operating Rooms, Pre-Op Rooms, Recovery Room, and the entire facility meets standards that rival the best of hospitals.

For many people, the "operating room" is a mystery. Many people don't have much recollection of the room because of the sedative effect of anesthesia. Years ago, some doctors set up surgical rooms in one of their back offices and performed surgeries in conditions that are largely seen as unsafe. Regulations became more strict, and facilities were encouraged to get approved in order to try to elicit safer outcomes. Dr. Young was one of the first in-office surgical facilities to become accredited by the AAAASF (American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities). In doing so our facility had to demonstrate the highest levels of competence.

The AAAASF was established "to provide a means of measuring both medical and surgical competence, and ethical conduct, by providing an external source for the evaluation of professional credentialing, patient safety and quality of care." To ensure verifiable quality care with specific requirements, the AAAASF standards that every facility must meet include:

1. General Environment
2. Operating Room Environment, Policy & Procedures
3. Recovery Room Environment, Policy & Procedures
4. General Safety in the Facility
5. Blood and Medications
6. Medical Records
7. Quality Assessment/Quality Improvement
8. Personnel
9. Governance
10. Anesthesia

Compliance with these standards is both self-monitored and by physical inspection by AAAASF. We're pleased that our facility meets standards that rival the best of hospitals.

Dr. Young's surgery center is designed to satisfy all your cosmetic surgery needs. It provides cost effectiveness for his patients, and allows total discretion, comfort and safety. Our entire staff, all outstanding in their respective fields, work together to ensure you have a safe, comfortable experience and an outstanding surgical outcome. Both our Surgery Center and our Medical Day Spa are connected to the North Central Baptist Hospital at Stone Oak.

Don't settle for substandard care. Make sure the facility which you entrust your care is accredited. For more information visit the AAAASF website at http://www.aaaasf.org/mission.php.

New Sciton Laser - Non-Surgical Procedures With Amazing Results

For many years, Dr. Young and Aesthetic Enhancement Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center have been in the forefront with the latest technologies in skin care. With the addition of our new Sciton ProFractional Laser, we're able to offer a wider range of treatments and options in terms of down-time.

Traditional Laser Resurfacing, for instance, while affording great results, has long down-times that many busy men and women simply cannot take. With the Sciton ProFractional Laser and the Sciton MicroLaserPeel, resurfacing has been brought into the future by reducting downtimes to as little as a few days. The Sciton also offers advances in BBL/IPL treatments to treat age spots, redness, broken capillaries and remove unwanted hair. The SkinTyte is designed to tighten skin and stimulate production of your body's own collagen. Combined with the BBL, we see improvement in tightened skin and reduction of sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles.

We'll bring more detailed news on how this new technology works, and what it can do for you, in future articles and invite you to join our newsletter by signing up (you can register by following the link to the right). Get the latest news in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery and Professional Skin Care. If you would like more immediate information on how you may benefit from these technologies, please call our office at 210-496-BODY (2639) and ask for a complimentary Sciton consultation.