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“Uniboob” is extremely rare.

Posted on October 27, 2011 by Jennifer Patient Advocate

Today on Good Morning America, there was a story about a woman that had her breast implants removed and replaced with new implants.  After the second surgery, she had a symmastia, otherwise known as “uniboob”. 

Symmastia after breast augmentation is an undesirable result which occurs when implants come to close to the midline of the chest.  This results in a lifting of the skin from the chest wall and creates the dreaded “uniboob” appearance. This usually happens as a result of the overly-aggressive release of the chest muscle during breast augmentation surgery, extending the release to the mid-chest or can be from a patient’s muscles and tissue being too weak to support the implant.

Correction of this condition via breast revision surgery usually involves removing the implants and closing the space in the middle of the chest with internal sutures.

It is impossible to tell from the story on GMA if the symmastia resulted from a surgeon’s error or her own body’s tissue being weak, but the good news is that the symmastia was corrected by another surgeon and she has normal looking breasts now.

As the reporter recommended, it is important to research your surgeon prior to deciding to have surgery.  I always recommend utilizing the American Society of Plastic Surgeons as a resource for finding a qualified surgeon.

Dr. Joseph W. Aguiar is an excellent surgeon who has performed hundreds of breast augmentations and has never had a patient with a Uniboob.  :-)

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/plastic-surgery-disaster-leads-uniboob-14825080

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Aguiar Plastic Surgery “Gets Vertical”.

Posted on October 25, 2011 by Jennifer Patient Advocate

Vertical Tampa Bay recently celebrated their 2nd Anniversary with a fabulous, sweet, artistic event at the Florida Museum of Photographic Art.  The event was also the premier for Leslie Joy Original.

Take a look at the video and find out what “Vertical” means to me.

http://vimeo.com/30881650

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American Society of Plastic Surgeons Launches Educational Campaign

Posted on October 12, 2011 by admin

In response to recent reports of issues and even deaths resulting from plastic surgery, The American Society of Plastic Surgeon has launched a patient safety campaign to inform the public of the dangers of having cosmetic procedures performed by unqualified or under-qualified doctors.

What is a Plastic Surgeon?

Of particular concern to the organization is an issue they are calling “white coat deception,” which stems from the fact that just because a doctor has a medical license it does not mean he or she is trained and qualified to perform plastic surgery. Only four states (California, Florida, Louisiana and Texas) have laws requiring full disclosure of the specifics of a physician’s medical training and background. In states without this requirement any doctor—for instance a pediatrician or OB/GYN—can claim to be a qualified plastic surgeon.

In other states doctors can undergo a few hours or days of training in a procedure, then begin performing the procedure. However, this lack of training and experience leaves them unprepared to deal with complications that experienced plastic surgeons are well aware of and fully qualified to deal with. There have been a number of stories recently in the press about deaths associated with liposuction—a common and safe procedure when performed correctly—when the doctor performing the procedure was not experienced and couldn’t handle complications that arose. Other stories abound of disfigurement, and in many cases the ability to subsequently repair the damage is compromised by mistakes made during surgery.

What is “Board Certification?”

In order to become a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), a doctor must have a minimum of six years of surgical training in plastic surgery. They also must complete oral and written examinations, and continue to pursue 50 hours a year of continuing education with an important emphasis on patient safety. Additionally, ASPS members do not operate in a facility unless it is accredited, insuring the optimum in patient safety for the rare occasion when there is a problem. And finally, ASPS members adhere to a strict code of ethics.

So don’t trust your procedure to just any cosmetic surgeon. Make sure you do your homework and insure that your plastic surgeon is board-certified.

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Aguiar Plastic Surgery Appreciates It’s Clients

Posted on October 3, 2011 by Jennifer Patient Advocate

Too often in this busy, busy world we forget to take time and thank those that we appreciate.  A simple “Thank You” is often forgotten. 

Dr. Aguiar, myself, and staff decided to stop, take a moment and let our clients know how much we appreciate them.  On September 20, 2011, Aguiar Plastic Surgery hosted a Customer Appreciation Event at Napa Flair in Westchase.  Vertical Tampa Bay and it’s editor Leslie Joy Ickowitz co-hosted the event also.

Aguiar Plastic Surgery was also honored to have the event covered by two of Tampa Bay’s leading Bloggers.  First, Tracy Guida, creator of My Other City By the Bay and second by, Kristin with Bon Bon Rose Girls.  Both Tracy & Kristin are fabulous writers who always have something great to say!  Please check out what they had to say about our event.

My Other City by the Bay

Bon Bon Rose Girls

Now that I have expressed appreciation to Tracy & Kristen, Luann & Leslie, let me know express my appreciation to our clients!  This event was really all about our clients.  We just really wanted to do something nice for our clients that have stuck with us through the ups and downs of the economy.  Aguiar Plastic Surgery & Essentials Med Spa has been in business for  5 1/2 years and 2 1/2 of those years have been during the recession.

Aguiar Plastic Surgery is incredibly grateful to have clients that will refer their friends and family to us.  A referral of someone you care about is the best compliment we can receive!  At this first event, we invited our “Biggest Fans”.  Every person invited has referred other clients to our business.  THANK YOU!

On September 20th we greeted our clients with a gift and some incredible wines provided by Napa Flair.  Luann Shapiro is the owner of Napa Flair and has worked in Napa Valley.  Her incredible knowledge of the wine industry, gourmet foods, and home decor is evident at Napa Flair.

Our clients really appreciated being “appreciated”.  Everyone loved the experience.  If you weren’t invited to this Appreciation Event, please know we will be hosting more in the future. 

Dr. Aguiar, myself and staff APPRECIATE all of you and will see you at another Appreciation Event in the very near future!

Cheers!

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Plastic Surgery: Never Too Old

Posted on September 21, 2011 by admin

While most people elect to have plastic surgery In their 50s there is a rising number of people opting to improve their appearance in their 60s, 70s and even 80s. Americans are living longer and are more active. Additionally, medical breakthroughs mean that people enjoying an unprecedented quality of life as they age. It stands to reason that we want to look good well into our later years.

The most common procedures facial, including facelifts, eyelid lifts and forehead lifts. But a recent trend is for more older patients to opt for liposuction, a tummy tuck, breast lift or breast augmentation. Often times patients have wanted to have the procedure performed for years, other times the decision is made to help combat the aging process. Whatever the reason, as long as the patient is healthy, the outcomes are typically very good. And while most cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance, one patient observed, “I’d rather have this done than take a cruise.”

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Plastic Surgery and Surgical Tourism

Posted on August 26, 2011 by admin

The concept of “Surgical Tourism” evokes thoughts of beautiful people in beautiful settings, basking and relaxing on a destination vacation that also includes plastic surgery. And, it’s tempting…go away on vacation for a week or two and come home more toned, more sleek…more beautiful. And, these trips are often marketed as “lower cost” than having the surgery performed in the U.S.

But there is a dark side to this ideal. A study by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), recently published in the August issue of Aesthetic Surgery Journal, found that complication rates for surgeries performed in other countries are alarming. The article, titled “Complications from International Surgery Tourism,” showed an increase in post-surgical problems in patients returning from international surgery.

“We see travel agencies brokering surgery for their clients with surgeons they have never met. The patients have no assurance that their surgeon is properly trained or qualified to perform the procedure they will undergo, and all too often little attention is paid to post-surgical care,” says Catherine Foss, Executive Director of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS).

The US study supports the findings of a previous study conducted in the UK and presented three years ago during the Medical Tourism Association meeting in San Francisco. The study, conducted by ISAPS member Professor Frame, reported a 20% complication rate in patients returning to the UK after surgery abroad. Many of the complications were serious enough to require hospital care.

There is a misconception that anyone with an MD can safely perform any surgery, but this is far from the case. Surgeons are board certified, highly trained and experienced with specific procedures. Make sure you perform due diligence to verify the qualifications of any surgeon you are considering. Members of medical boards typically have a profile at the Board’s website. For example, below is Dr. Aguiar’s profile at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website.

http://www1.plasticsurgery.org/find_a_surgeon/default.aspx?zip=33625&rd=10&member=aguiar

Clearly this study indicates a need to educate patients about surgical safety. Some complications have very poor or no resolution, with results that can never be corrected. No surgery should be taken lightly, and traveling abroad for surgery can lead to poor outcomes, often with little or no recourse for additional treatment.

For more information, see “Patients Have a Right to Safe Surgery”

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/patients-have-a-right-to-safe-surgery-127823768.html

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Fun Quizzes to Test Your Knowledge

Posted on August 11, 2011 by admin

How’s your knowledge of anti-aging? How about plastic surgery? These quizzes, compliments of WebMD are a fun way to test what you know, and to learn a little more about various health and beauty topics. We hope you enjoy them.

Click the links below to test your knowledge of:

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Anti-Aging – Part Four

Posted on July 28, 2011 by admin

In this final segment of our four-part blog, we discuss face lifts, as surgical procedure designed to eliminate wrinkles, jowls and sagging skin.

Facelifts and Mini Lifts

A facelift is surgery that removes excess skin and tightens the tissue around the facial muscles. Sometimes liposuction is also employed to remove excess fat. The operation takes 3-5 hours, and face lift incisions are typically hidden around the ear. There may be a small incision beneath the chin if contouring of the chin is required. While there can be some bruising and swelling from the procedure, most patients have minimal pain or discomfort and are well healed after about two weeks. While facelifts have become fairly common it is still major surgery. Only have a facelift performed by a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in this area.

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Anti-Aging–Part Three

Posted on July 18, 2011 by admin

In this third of our four-part blog, we discuss facial treatments, another effective product in the arsenal against the aging of skin. Facials not only reinvigorate the skin and help to replace lost collagen, they can also help people with chronic skin conditions like acne, oily or dry skin.

Anti-Aging Products: Facials, Peels and Masks

These products are very effective for de-stressing and deep cleaning the skin. A good peel or facial also reduces the signs of aging by stimulating collagen production, detoxing the skin and softening lines and wrinkles. Many times facials, peels and masks are done in conjunction with one another during a single visit for maximum effect and healing. Your Aesthetician can help you determine which procedure, or combination of procedures will give you the best results.

Next: Face Lift and Mini Lifts

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Anti-Aging – Part Two

Posted on July 12, 2011 by admin

In this second of our four-part blog, we discuss dermal fillers as an option for fighting the effects of aging on skin.

Anti-Aging Products: Dermal Fillers (a.k.a. Injectables and Liquid Facelifts)

One way to minimize fine lines and wrinkles is to inject dermal fillers into the areas of the face where wrinkles are prevalent. These typically are the forehead and around the mouth. Dermal fillers replace lost volume and smooth away moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. Unlike a face-lift, which pulls the skin taut, volumizing plumps up the skin, restoring youthful contours to the face, resulting in a more natural look. Some injectables also replace lost collagen, providing longer-term results. Fillers and injectables include SculptraAesthetic®, Restylane® and Perlane®, among many others. Much like creams and serums, there are different solutions for differing types of skin, so discuss your options with your Aesthetician.

Next: Anti-Aging Part Three: Facials, Peels and Masks

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