December 2011
We are now working with Carecredit (www.carecredit.com) for patient financing. It is the largest patient financing company and is a division of GE. The American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) has developed a partnership with them to make it easier for patients to obtain financing for both aesthetic and reconstructive surgeries. The application process is easy and can be done online.
As of right now, a topical Botox is in phase 2 trials with the FDA and looks promising. It is applied as a cream and then absorbed into the skin and underlying muscle. There are still issues that need to be addressed, but eliminating the injections would be great and make it even easier for patients to receive the benefits of Botox.
Most people have heard the story of a "physician" injecting anything from liquid adhesives to actual "fix-a-flat" into the buttocks of transgender patients in South Florida. It is amazing what people will stoop to for money, and what patients will do to save money. It also shows people how easy it is to fool the general public when it comes to credentialling. Anyone can market themselves as a "cosmetic surgeon," print up a few fake diplomas or certificates, and start doing all kinds of crazy things. Always research your physician's background thoroughly!
One of the trends that we have been seeing is the increase in couples having procedures done at the same time. They are taking the opportunity to heal and recover in the same setting, which can make it easier on both patients.
If you are looking for recent updates from the world of plastic surgery and are a twitter user, you can follow my account at #cpelletiere. New posts and re-tweets from the world of plastic surgery and healthcare in general.
We are carrying a new skincare product like called Revale ( www.revaleskin.com). They have a full skin care line, from moisturizers to cleansers, and both the staff and patients say it works really well. If you are interested, just call the office and the staff can go over the products with you.
Always remember that injecting silicone into the lips is against the FDA, and technically illegal. There is no such thing as medical grade silicone, and anyone who is doing this is not a board certified plastic surgeon. Silicone is firm and hard, and when it needs to be removed for whatever reason, it is very difficult. It must be cut out of the area, generally causing tissue disruption and trauma to the areas.
We have had a number of patients coming in telling us of an ER physician in the area who started her own little spa and is now injecting Artefill ( a microscopic bone matrix filler) into unsuspecting patients for thousands of dollars at a time. She calls herself a "cosmetic surgeon" and claims she is board certfied. One of the patients has 10 syringes of the material distributed throughout her face, to the tune of $9000. She was quoted a price of $1500 before the treatment, but the "doctor" told her she really needed more, without telling her the cost. She almost fainted when she was handed the bill. The important thing is to remember two things - always check that you are going to a board certified plastic surgeon. Anyone can say they are board certified, but there is only one organization, the American Board of Plastic Surgery, that is legitimate. Second, always have a price set before undergoing any treatments or surgery. That way, there are no surprises.
Don't forget - if you are a Botox/Juvaderm/Latisse user, then make sure you are registered on www.botoxcosmetic.com. You are eligible for rebates from Allergan with each treatment you get. You earn points with each treatment, and the more points you acquire, the better the savings and free gifts.
We are still waiting on the ultra-cohesive gel implant approval ( 4th generation silicone gel implants - 410 series by Allergan and CPG series by Mentor). They are being held hostage by the FDA for unknown reasons. They have had the data for over two years, and it is all very safe and positive, but the FDA wants to see the two companies there reporting on the 3rd generation cohesive silicone gel implants. These are the ones that are used currently. The 4th generation implants are really designed for breast reconstruction patients, and it is a shame that they are not on the market for those women.
Case of the Month
The patient is a 23 year old female who is 5'4 and weighs 140lbs. She had natural breast asymmetry, with the right breast being lower and larger than the left. The left side was also tuberous in nature, with the breast tissue pushing through the nipple areola slightly. She underwent a dual plane breast augmentation via the periareolar approach with 400cc moderate plus silicone on the right and 450cc moderate plus silicone on the left. Because of the tuberous nature of the left breast, the breast tissue was scored internally to allow for better expansion. She also underwent a circumareolar ( Benelli or donut) lift on the right breast as well. She went from a 36 A/B to a full 36C/D. She is one year out from surgery and extremely happy.
