Plastic Surgery Outcomes: “Doctor, is this normal?”

Published January 24, 2011
Share

Plastic Surgery Outcomes: “Doctor, is this normal?”

I hear this question all the time. A large part of my practice is performing secondary plastic surgery (when a patient has had a procedure before and is considering “touch ups,” improvements or corrections). I will often ask the patient, “What did your Doctor tell you about this?” and they simply answer, “They told me it is normal.”

Quite honestly, sometimes I see imperfect outcomes that I would consider “normal,” while other times I see outcomes that are clearly not “normal” or acceptable (at least by my standards).

No one can guarantee you perfect results, nor is every result perfect. So when is a result a normal and reasonable outcome? And when is it clearly not acceptable, even “botched?”

Sometimes the term “normal” is often used as an excuse for a poor outcome. Sometimes the outcome from a procedure should have been, and still could be, better than what you have experienced.

The best way to determine if your outcome is “normal” is to visit with a reputable Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and ask him/her for their opinion. You will find out if your result is “normal” and reasonable, and if not, what can be done (if anything) to make improvements.

Robert Caridi, MD

Posted in Abdominoplasty, Abdominoplasty, Blehparoplasty, Blehparoplasty, Blepharoplasty, Breast Augmentation, Breast Enhancement, Breast Implants, Breast Lift or Mastopexy, Breast Reduction, Breast Reduction, Breast Revision, Brow Lift, Eye Job, Face Lift, Facial Plastic Surgery, Gynecomastia or Male Breast Reduction, Liposuction, Mommy Makeover, Neck Lift, Nose Job, Plastic Surgeons, Plastic Surgery, Surgical Procedures, Surgical Procedures, TheBreastPlace | Leave a comment

8 Plastic Surgery Predictions for the New Year!

Published December 31, 2010
Share

8 Plastic Surgery Predictions for the New Year!

Happy New Year! How fast time flies. I have a few predictions regarding the plastic surgery world for 2011. There will be no dramatic changes in plastic surgery – the Holy Grail or Fountain of Youth has not been discovered. Nevertheless, here are my forecasts for the New Year:

1.      New power liposuction devices will hit the market with clever, wonderful sounding marketing campaigns. However, these devices will offer little to no benefit compared to standard suction techniques. Liposuction results are determined by your surgeon, not the machine or device.

2.      New “fillers” or “plumpers” will be coming to a syringe near you. Hopefully, these new products will last longer than their predecessors.

3.      We will be hearing more and more about Stem Cells. They will be used to treat diseases and will find a role in plastic surgery. For instance, fat cells removed at the time of liposuction can be processed and used for a breast augmentation! We are not there yet, but their role in the future is very promising.

4.      3D imaging systems will hit the market in full force. These camera and computer systems are used to demonstrate potential results from a plastic surgery procedure before it is performed. The most common application will be in breast surgery.  Although it may be fun for the patient, it’s just a toy and ultimately it’s only a computer generated result, not a guarantee of how a patient will actually appear after a procedure.

5.      New breast implants may appear on the scene.  These new “Gummy Bear” breast implants are awaiting FDA approval. They are currently being used in other parts of the world. They will be heavily marketed as an improvement over existing breast implants, but the majority of patients will still benefit most from implants currently in use. Just because it’s new, doesn’t mean it’s better.

6.      We will be hearing about Fat Grafting for sure. Many of us have excess fat, so we would love to believe that we can take it from one area and move it to another. The problem is, we aren’t there yet—fat transfer is very unpredictable and most of the fat is absorbed by the body.

7.      Smaller, natural looking breasts are in. Bigger is not always better and less can be more. The current trend heading into 2011 for breast enhancements is definitely a more natural look. “Downsizing” from larger implants will be popular. It’s all about silicone implants—they simply feel more natural.

8.      Facial plastic surgery is back! Looking youthful without looking like you had anything done is all the rage. Face and neck lifts will be most popular. Non surgical alternatives don’t work when you need more than just “a little bit” of improvement. In this case, more is more!

Robert Caridi, MD

Posted in Blepharoplasty, Breast Implants, Brow Lift, Face Lift, Facial Plastic Surgery, Liposuction, Plastic Surgery | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Are you a mom?

Published December 7, 2010
Share

If so, you may benefit from a “Mommy Makeover.” Being a mom is wonderful, but losing your figure isn’t much fun. Not only does pregnancy alter one’s figure, it also can negatively affect a woman’s self-esteem and body image.

A “Mommy Makeover” is all about addressing the areas that have been worn by childbirth—deflated breasts, a loose abdomen, and fatty deposits around your waist and hips. That former hour glass figure starts to appear a bit boxy.

Motherhood Makeover - Austin Plastic Surgeon - Dr. Robert CaridiWomen looking to restore their figures to their pre-pregnancy state should consider ABLE. This refers to Abdominoplasty, Breast enhancement, Liposuction and Exercise! Consider an abdominoplasty to tighten the loose skin and fascia that has been stretched by kids, a breast enhancement to fill out deflated breasts, liposuction to contour fatty deposits, and exercise to tone and shape your figure.

The result of a “Mommy Makeover” in excellent surgical hands is quite rewarding, if not life changing. Getting that figure back goes a long way to helping a mother’s confidence—it’s nice to stand in the mirror and enjoy your reflection. It’s nice to feel sexy again. Invest in yourself with a “Mommy Makeover”.

Robert Caridi, MD

Posted in Abdominoplasty, Breast Augmentation, Liposuction, Mommy Makeover | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

World’s Fastest Wrinkle Remover! Ugly Lines Gone in 90 Seconds?

Published November 30, 2010
Share

The marketing of beauty products and plastic surgery never ceases to amaze me. Marketers can and will make any claim regardless of the truth. Marketing is very powerful and appeals to human vulnerabilities. The entire beauty industry is driven by marketing. The name of the game is to sell. The goal is to make the masses perceive that a particular product or service is the answer to their needs—perception is reality.

Westlake Plastic Surgery - Board Certified Plastic Surgeon - Robert Caridi, MDLasers treatments that make you look 10 years younger, really smart liposuction that produces results far better than traditional, “dumb” liposuction, face lifts with gold, pills that enhance your breasts two cup sizes, and magic potions for weight loss are all examples of less than truthful marketing.

Where is the truth? Wouldn’t you prefer the truth? What if the truth is not what you want to hear? Can you handle the truth? Why are people so vulnerable to sensationalized, exaggerated claims made by marketers? Don’t you find yourself frustrated and embarrassed when you “fall” for the marketing scams?

There are few consumer protection regulations that marketers need to follow to ensure that their claims are accurate and truthful. As for Board Certified Plastic Surgeons, we are held accountable for the manner in which we market our services. So when you think you are hearing something that sounds too good to be true, check the source and you will likely find that you are not dealing with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Buyer beware!

Robert Caridi, MD

Posted in Plastic Surgery | Leave a comment

Botox is like Heroin.

Published November 17, 2010
Share

Botox - Nonsurgical Alternatives - Westlake Plastic Surgery - Austin, TXNot exactly. It’s like Heroin in that’s it is addictive—not medically speaking, but certainly from a psychological standpoint. It’s easy to become addicted to the benefits of Botox. Botox is safe, reliable and very predictable when provided by medical practitioners who know what they are doing.

Botox is simply not a big deal. It is not a “poison” in the dosages that are used for treatment of wrinkles. It will not make you look “expressionless”. There is NOTHING that achieves what Botox accomplishes on the market today.  Although it doesn’t last forever (we all wish it would), there aren’t any alternatives. So you need to love it or leave it! Love it for what it does for the aging face or convince yourself that it’s not for you. Keep up with your Botox and you will always look ten years younger than your non-Botox using friends.

Because it’s possible to obtain Botox from almost anywhere and anybody, it’s important that you get it from a reliable source. Always buy Botox by the unit, this way you know how much you are getting and what you are paying for it. Those who price it by the “area” can inject whatever amount they want, but not necessarily what you need (it’s called profit motive). A typical treatment for crow’s feet and frown lines requires 30 to 50 units. In my office, this would be priced at 10 dollars a unit. Keep in mind that everyone’s needs are different and that the range for units varies depending on those needs.

At Westlake Plastic Surgery, our Botox is priced very fairly, by the unit, and is provided to you by our own Diane Keeler-Boysen, MD. Not only is Dr. Boysen my trusted Anesthesiologist, partner and good friend, she has been providing reliable, artistic Botox for over ten years. What you see is what you get. We like that, and so do our patients.

Robert Caridi, MD

Posted in Liposuction | Tagged | Leave a comment

Sex Sells

Published November 11, 2010
Share

Breast Massage Video Educational Resource - Post Breast Enhancement - Robert Caridi, MDAnyone familiar with Westlake Plastic Surgery knows that I invest a lot into my website. I am always adding new features and case studies for the benefit of those who live not only in Austin, but all over the world!

My project manager and I recently worked on a breast massage feature video as an educational resource for breast enhancement patients. In my practice, I believe that breast massage is important in shaping the breasts and keeping them soft and natural looking. We videotaped a patient of mine whose right breast was sitting slightly higher than her left in order to show how downward massage performed twice daily can lower the implant and improve symmetry.

I have many other videos on the Internet, so I actually thought nothing of this one. Low and behold, after about two week’s time, we had over twenty thousand “hits” on YouTube! It then occurred to me that the video includes “Breast Massage” in its title, and that most of the comments that we were receiving on the video were from men who apparently weren’t really considering the benefits of breast massage the way it was intended!

I joked with my project manager that she is now in the porn business! Never underestimate the power of the female breast.

Robert Caridi, MD

Posted in Breast Enhancement | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

What is my Specialty?

Published November 3, 2010
Share

Dr. Robert Caridi - Austin Plastic Surgeon - Westlake Plastic SurgeryI sometimes get this question from patients who want to know if there is a certain procedure that I am really good at. Most people know that I limit my practice to elective cosmetic surgery, but is it breast, liposuction, facelifts or noses?

Within the category of “elective cosmetic surgery” one might judge from my website that I concentrate on breast, but this is somewhat misleading. Demand for breast enhancement is high in my geographic area (young population), so naturally I do a lot of breast work. However, I would say that about 40 percent of my practice is facial plastic surgery. I perform a great deal of face and neck lifts, brow lifts, nose jobs and the like.

I also spend a lot of my time performing body contouring procedures and revision surgery. Body contouring procedures include liposuction and abdominoplasty or tummy tuck surgeries. Revision surgery refers to procedures performed on those who have had previous work. Revisionary procedures are challenging and fun, as they demand the highest level of experience and expertise.

So, to answer the question, I specialize in cosmetic plastic surgery. If there is a procedure that you request, and I feel you would be better served by another surgeon, I won’t hesitate to make that recommendation. When it comes to cosmetic plastic surgery, you’re in good hands at Westlake Plastic Surgery.

Robert Caridi, MD

Posted in Abdominoplasty, Breast Enhancement, Brow Lift, Face Lift, Liposuction, Neck Lift, Plastic Surgery | Tagged | Leave a comment

Considering Plastic Surgery? How do you search the internet?

Published October 29, 2010
Share

Plastic Surgery Search - Westlake Plastic Surgery - Austin Plastic Surgeon - Robert Caridi, MDDo you simply believe something and then only search for confirmation of that belief? For instance, if you think all breast augmentations lead to funny looking breasts, then you will search for this first and find that the Internet is full of information that will lead you to believe that all breast augmentations lead to funny looking breasts. This is actually quite common. However, this method of searching is likely to lead you to information that is biased, inaccurate or flat out wrong.

Objectivity means that you consider the arguments both for and against your belief, that you weigh both arguments, and that you draw a conclusion based on all of the information. I suggest using objectivity when doing your plastic surgery homework, or evaluating any other information for that matter!

It is also very important to examine the source of your information. Is it from somebody that has no relevant training or expertise, or is it a reliable source? Would you believe medical related information from the Mayo Clinic, or from your local hairdresser?

The well informed patient should start plastic surgery research by visiting www.plasticsurgery.org. This is the website of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The information presented on this Society’s website is not designed to promote surgery; it’s simply there to educate you about the nature of the cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, as well as the risks and the benefits.

Remember, the Internet is a wonderful source of information, but also a source of misinformation and sometimes downright lies. If you are researching a plastic surgery procedure, keep an open mind and seek input from reliable, reputable websites. When you are done researching the plastic surgery procedure, remember to concentrate your research on your physician, because he or she is the one who will ultimately determine your destiny.

Robert Caridi, MD

Posted in Plastic Surgery | Tagged | Leave a comment

What to do when your breasts become “not fun” anymore.

Published October 19, 2010
Share

TheBreastPlace - Secondary Breast Procedures - Breast Revision Specialist Robert Caridi, MD

 Subscribe in a reader

The typical story goes a bit like this: you were young and you went to a plastic surgeon for breast implants because you felt yours were too small. You got them. They were exciting and fun for sure, then after a few years you think that you probably went to big.

Years have gone by and you are older, and maybe you have several kids. Your breasts look larger than they have ever been (a few extra pounds didn’t help), and they no longer look perky. They even make you look somewhat overweight and matronly. They are so big that you are having some back pain, they sort of get in your way, and they are actually becoming somewhat of a burden on you—they simply aren’t as “fun” as they used to be. They require too much maintenance.

If this is your story, you are not alone. I hear this complaint almost every day in my practice. Remember, fifty percent of my breast work is secondary in nature—I am offering my expertise and experience to patients who already had previous breast work.

This is the ideal time to think smaller and perkier, more proportional and more “sustainable”. Smaller implants weigh less and look more fitting. High profile implants are narrower and project more, providing you with a more youthful appearance. A lift may even be needed to get them back to where they used to be (higher, tighter and perkier).

What may have worked back then, may not be working for you now. No worry though – there are an abundance of options available for those looking to put some “fun” back into their breasts! Visit TheBreastPlace to learn more.

Robert Caridi, MD

Posted in Breast Enhancement, Breast Implants, Breast Revision, TheBreastPlace | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Does drinking a lot of water speed your recovery?

Published October 12, 2010
Share

Despite what your friends have told you or what you have learned from the Internet, excessive drinking of fluids after cosmetic surgery will not speed your recovery. In fact, it often leads to delayed recovery and lots of swelling (edema).

Recovery after Cosmetic Plastic Surgery - Austin Plastic Surgeon - Robert Caridi, MDOne real world example I noted recently was with a young mom of two who I saw about five days after an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). I used some rubber drains after her surgery to collect fluid that tends to gather beneath the skin after this type of surgery. My nurses called her every day and asked her how much fluid had collected. We were surprised by the daily amount even after seven days.

Finally, I told her to come in to remove the drain and I noted a large amount of swelling around her abdomen. Her swelling was unusual. I asked her if she was drinking a lot of water and sure enough, she told me she was drinking several quarts a day because she read on the Internet that she would heal better and recover faster!

In fact, all the excess water that she was drinking was simply causing swelling and ending up in her drain tube! There was no place for the excess water to go except into the area that I operated on.

What is a normal amount? Listen to your body—if you are thirsty, your body is telling you that you need water. Five or six glasses of water a day under normal circumstances is sufficient. Dark yellow urine usually means you are dehydrated, while clear urine means you are drinking in excess.

Hydration is good in general. Drinking in excess is usually not a good idea after cosmetic surgery. It will not make you heal faster—it will only make you swell more and increase your visits to the bathroom.

Robert Caridi MD

Posted in Abdominoplasty | Tagged , , | Leave a comment