Author Archives: Meagan Henderson

Important Questions for your Plastic Surgeon

plastic surgery las vegas

Questions for your plastic surgeon

When you start getting older, you do not have to start looking older too! If you have any problems that may have surfaced over the years, you can actually reduce them or even eliminate them before the come about. You can even do this with very little pain or significant downtime.

Aesthetic treatments range from lasers to injections. These treatments can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, lines, acne scars, unwanted hair, broken blood vessels, and cellulite.

Do your research

The idea of looking younger sounds great, but you can’t decide alone if a treatment is right for you. How do you decide? Our office offers consultations. Just call and make an appointment! Just remember, the questions you ask your provider are just as important as the treatments themselves. Even the simplest of procedures can carry potential risks.

Ask questions

It’s important to ask your doctor questions before undergoing a procedure. Understanding what you should expect when you go into the surgery is vital. Prepare yourself with the following questions:

1.     What does this procedure entail, what type of equipment will be used, and can you tell me why will it be selected?

2.     What is the number of patients have you treated with this procedure?

3.     How many times have you treated this, or at least how many years?

4.    Can you tell me what type of results can I expect from this procedure?

5.     How many treatment sessions are required to achieve my desired results?

6.     How much does the treatment cost?

7.     How long is the recovery time for this treatment?

8.     Are there any risks for my body or physical condition with this procedure?

9.     What are the potential complications from this procedure, and what can be done if they do occur?

10. Do you have any positive testimonials, before/after photos, or patients I can talk to who have had this procedure done?

11. Will the procedure be done by your or another specialist? What training does this person have?

12. What type of anesthesia will be used?

This last question especially is often overlooked. It is wise to ask your doctor all of these things before going under the knife – just to be sure you know what you’re in for! Coming prepared with these questions will help you feel more confident as you go into your procedure.

It’s also very important to make sure your surgeon is board certified. At our practice, we have the most highly qualified professionals available for all procedures. We are confident we can answer all of your questions, without you even having to ask! Call for a consultation today at 702.410.9800.

Top Skin Issues

Top skin issues

Top Skin Issues

It’s not a secret that no one likes to look old, so in order to combat this problem, there are a lot of “solutions” out there such as botox, cosmetic fillers, and other types of help. Most cosmetic procedures are based on addressing the top skin issues or skin concerns people have. Read on to find out more about the top skin issues that plague people today.

Allergic rashes

These are known as changes of the skin, which change the skin’s color, appearance, and/or texture. Rashes may be localized in one lace or affect larger areas of the skin. In a lot of cases, patients complain of itchiness, although not all rashes itch. Obviously, not all rashes are the same, and it is best to go to a dermatologist to identify the cause so that the best treatment can be secured. Learning the cause of the rash is the best way to prevent future breakouts.

Suspicious moles or skin cancer

Moles are another common issue of the skin. With increasing rates of skin cancer happening today, patients should seek guidance from a medical professional when a suspicious mole appears anywhere on the skin. For starters, moles are perfectly natural and can be influenced by genes or sunlight. While moles are naturally occurring, it’s the appearance of the mole and its characteristics that distinguish benign from cancerous moles. The four key criteria for moles relate to asymmetry, border, color and diameter. Sometimes evolving is added as a fifth criterion. If a mole starts changing in size, color, shape or if the border becomes ragged or you notice bleeding, then it’s important to consult a dermatologist.

If you have any of these problems or have any questions or concerns, talk to your doctor today. A good plastic surgeon will help you understand what you need in order to get the best possible care and you will be glad you did. Being careful with your skin and creating a good environment for yourself will help you to have the best possible skin. If you need more help, talk to doctor today.

If you have any questions about this type of treatment or what you should do to combat any problems that may come from significant problems that are regarding your skin and its many issues, talk with our professionals today. We can help you understand how best to do this and to help you get on your way to having the best possible imagination with your skin and how beautiful it can look! You will love the results that come from being healthy and having great looking skin and body that will last for many years to come. Please contact our professional team today at 702.410.9800 and we will help you understand how best to do this!

The Rise of Breast Reconstruction Surgery

breast reconstruction in Las Vegas

Breast Reconstruction Surgery

A new study shows that the majority of women who have a mastectomy for breast cancer go on to get full breast reconstruction.

This is a practice that has dramatically increased over time.  Researches have recently found that 45 percent of patients received reconstruction in 1998, but it has risen to 62 percent by the year 2007.

Breast reconstruction has a big impact on survivors’ quality of life,” say Dr. Reshma Jagsi, M.D. “As more and more people are surviving breast cancer, we need to focus on what that long-term survivorship means for those women. They need to have access to this important pat of their treatment.”

The researchers looked at insurance claims data from a nationwide employment-based database of medical claims. They found that a total of 20,506 women who had been treated for breast cancer with a mastectomy between 1998 and 2007.

While overall rates of reconstruction surgery increased, women who received radiation therapy were much less likely to get reconstructive surgery.

This is concerning, because radiation therapy is increasingly being used after mastectomy as a way to continue to reduce the risk of the cancer returning.

“A growing number of women are eligible for radiation after mastectomy,” says Jagsi. “We have to be aware that this may change patients’ reconstruction options. Patients and physicians have concerns about how best to integrate radiation and reconstruction, and that may be influencing patient decisions.”

In carefully selected patients, radiation saves lives. It is also very well tolerated. However, it is known to cause damage to normal tissue, which may reduce the ability to receive reconstructive surgery.

The research done also revealed a dramatic variation in reconstruction, simply based on geographic region. With numbers ranging from 18% in North Dakota to 80% in Washington DC, studies found this was largely due to the number of plastic surgeons currently practicing in the state.

When there are variations in practice patterns based on geography, there is a concern that care is not being appropriately individualized to each patient.

Researchers have also found that there are more women choosing to have implants rather than recreating breast tissue by using tissue from other parts of their body. While this type of procedure tends to deliver better results, it’s much more time consuming and demanding, and requires a longer hospital stay. Understandably, many women who have undergone such rigorous cancer treatments don’t want to extend their hospital stays longer than necessary.

Breast reconstruction surgery has been shown to improve the self-image and mental well being of thousands of women who have had the unfortunate trial of cancer. Because of the ever-increasing numbers of women having this procedure done, it is widely believed that doctors are offering this as an option to help these women feel like themselves again.

As with any medical procedure, this is one that should be discussed with a Board-Certified plastic surgeon before surgery is scheduled. Talk to your doctor today if you wish to have this procedure done.

New Liposuction Studies

New Las Vegas liposuction studiesNew liposuction studies show that having liposuction procedures may increase the accumulation of fat in the body. This may be due to the body compensating for the sudden lack of fat. This new accumulation may also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Luckily, this effect can be counteracted by physical activity.

Liposuction is one of the most popular aesthetic procedures performed worldwide, but its long-term effects still remain unclear. Some studies have shown that the sudden decrease in body fat may affect body composition by triggering mechanisms that create body fat regain. However, current studies suggest that physical activity following surgery can prevent the fat regain.

“We’ve found that removing fat tissue from the body may result in a total energy expenditure and compensatory growth of visceral fat which is associated with heart disease,” said Dr. Fabiana Benatti of the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil. “The good news is, physical exercise training is effective in counteracting this compensatory growth. If someone chooses to have liposuction procedures done, it is essential that they exercise after surgery.”

In this study, 35 healthy women underwent a small-volume liposuction of their abdomen. Two months following the surgery, the women were randomly placed into two groups.

One group was placed on a 4-month exercise program, and the other was not. Liposuction was effective in reducing extraneous amounts of fat in the body, but after six months without exercise, that group showed a significant increase in visceral fat.

Compared to those who did exercise, this was a significant difference.

“We believe patients should be informed of the possibilities of this fat growth following their procedures. As with any surgical procedure, they should also be informed of the potential health risks,” said Benatti. “Additionally, health professionals are encouraged to recommend exercise programs as an intervention following liposuction surgery.”

Liposuction has been proven to reduce the presence of harmful fats in the body, and get those who have difficulty losing weight back to a healthy place. Having liposuction done along with a tummy tuck is a great way to start your journey back to health. However, it is important to be aware of the possible risks that come along with this procedure. Don’t expect that once you have the procedure done, you will simply be able to return to a sedentary life. It is essential that exercise is implemented into your routine after you have completely healed from the procedure.

If you feel you are a candidate for a tummy tuck or liposuction, contact our office today to set up a consultation. Our surgeons are board-certified, and will be able to help you with any questions or concerns you may have prior to undergoing a cosmetic procedure.

Liposuction is a great way to get rid of that pesky fat that you want to have out of your life. If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask us! We have all the tools you need to help you understand what you need. Call us today at 702.410.9800.

What to Know Before Undergoing Plastic Surgery

breast reconstruction in Las VegasUndergoing Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery is a great option for those who are wishing to improve their appearance, or rid themselves of problems that may have arisen throughout their lives. While this may seem like the easiest way to shave years off your appearance or improve your physique, there are important things you need to know before undergoing a procedure.

Factors to consider

  • Expectations: you should definitely anticipate improvement, but not perfection. If you expect cosmetic surgery to turn you into a movie star overnight, you are bound to be disappointed. Don’t count on surgery to save a rocky relationship, help you with a promotion, or improve your social life. The surgery alone will not do this. However, the confidence you will feel after the completion may make you more likely to approach life with a new zest and excitement.
  • Expense: Cosmetic surgery isn’t covered by most health insurance plans, unless it is for something other than purely cosmetic reasons, such as breast reconstruction surgery following a mastectomy. The cost of cosmetic surgery will vary depending on the procedure, and can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Consider as well the cost of any follow-up care or additional corrective procedures.
  • Risks: As with any medical procedure, there are many risks involved with undergoing plastic surgery. Dissatisfaction is also possible after any type of cosmetic surgery. Surgical complications are possible, too, including infection at the surgical site. A good, board-certified plastic surgeon will understand and inform you of these risks before you have the surgery, and have the proper tools to keep the risks of these problems at a very low level.
  • Recovery: After you have completed cosmetic surgery, you might need days weeks or even months to recover fully. If you fully understand the physical effects that might be part of your recovery, as well as how the surgery might affect aspects of your personal and professional life. If you have a dramatic procedure done, people will likely notice.
  • Psychological changes: It has been shown that cosmetic surgery will improve your self esteem. However, this type of surgery isn’t likely to relieve depression or other mental health conditions. Keep this in mind when going into a surgery.

If you do each of these things, and keep them in mind before undergoing plastic surgery, you will be much happier with your results because you will have your expectations in the right place. Getting plastic surgery doesn’t have to be a scary decision, it just needs to be an informed one. If you would like to discuss this further with a Board Certified surgeon, please schedule a consultation today at 702.410.9800.