Selecting a Plastic Surgeon

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: There are many key elements to consider in selecting your plastic surgeon. Dr. J. Timothy Katzen, discusses several crucial points to contemplate when choosing a plastic surgeon.

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Common Questions About Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss

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How important is it for your plastic surgeon to provide pictures of their procedures?

Asking your plastic surgeon for “Before and After” pictures is essential. Your potential plastic surgeon should be readily available to show you exactly the procedure you are seeking. Be sure these pictures are similar to your body. Ask your plastic surgeon if the pictures are of weight loss patients and, if so, how much weight did these patients lose. Since every patient loses weight differently, examine “Before” pictures and look for patients who are similar to you in terms of body shape, weight lost, and amount of excess skin. Do you like the “After” pictures? If not, or if your potential plastic surgeon cannot produce pictures of the exact procedure in weight loss patients, go elsewhere for a plastic surgeon.

How do I minimize plastic surgery scars?

Unsightly scars are caused by four key components: poor surgical technique, excess tension in the wound, improper scar management, and poor patient healing. The first two components for scar optimization are best managed from the onset. This means choosing a board certified plastic surgeon that specializes in plastic surgery after weight loss to optimize your eventual scar result. Hopefully, this plastic surgeon will have enough experience to choose the right suture and determine the proper tension under which it should be placed in the wound. I use a multi-layer suture closure and seal the incisions with glue. The multi-layer suture closure minimizes tension and the glue reduces bacterial infection. I never use staples.

For scar management, I employ silicone, compression, and massage. Extensive research has shown that silicone significantly reduces scar height and redness. Two weeks after surgery when the glue wears off, I use silicone cream and silicone strips. The silicone cream is applied twice a day, whereas the silicone strips are changed every two weeks. Patients are also given compression garments to further reduce scar height. In addition, I have patients massage their scars twice a day. My patients massage their scars in a circular fashion for approximately ten minutes twice a day for six weeks. To maximize patient healing abilities, I encourage a high protein diet, and supplementation with iron, calcium, and vitamins. Employing just these modalities, I have successfully avoided the need for steroid scar injections and laser applications.

After plastic surgery, how do I care for myself at home?

Typically, I have my patients prepare their homes before plastic surgery. About a week before plastic surgery, I have my patients fill all their prescriptions, and obtain extra iron pills, multi-vitamins, and calcium supplements. For almost all my plastic surgery procedures, I have my patients avoid stairs for two weeks after surgery. To achieve this, my patients create a “cocoon” in a room close to the bathroom, typically, in a recliner with legs elevated. If a recliner is not available, a bed is good with three pillows behind the head, and one pillow behind the knees. Place your cellular phone and charger close. I would also suggest purchasing a small refrigerator and filling it with healthy foods and protein drinks. I would suggest creating an entertainment area with a television, DVD player, and a computer with internet access. In addition, I recommend purchasing your dressing supplies in advance. These efforts are done to minimize leaving your house during your healing phase.

Once you arrive home from the hospital or surgery center, you should go straight into your “cocoon.” For the first 48 hours after plastic surgery, I ask that a significant other be present; thereafter, the significant other needs to be physically present for eight hours a day, but always available by cellular phone. I have my patients empty their drains every eight hours and record the output. In addition, patients clean the drain sites twice a day with hydrogen peroxide and a Q-tip. Typically, patients are instructed to change their bandages daily. This consists of removing all the bandages and replacing them with absorbent pads. Since I use surgical glue, my patients only need adsorbent pads. To keep the pads in place, I completely avoid tape and use either a compression bandage or garment. Patients are encouraged to walk two or three times a day, just to the bathroom and back to the “cocoon.” The day after surgery, I have my patients sponge bathe. Approximately five days after surgery, I allow my patients to shower. This is my routine and is only a guideline. Always, check with your local plastic surgeon. Their routine may be different.

Dr. Katzen is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and his entire practice focuses on plastic surgery after weight loss. Dr. Katzen and his multidisciplinary team have offices in Beverly Hills and Hawaiian Gardens, CA. He is the Chief of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery at Century City Doctor’s Hospital and is a regularly featured plastic surgery expert on ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and the Discovery Channel. Please call (888) KATZEN-0 or visit his new web site, www.BodyByKatzen.com, to see if he is lecturing in a city close to you.

WLS Lifestyles - www.wlslifestyles.com - Copyright 2007

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Circumferential Body Lift

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Not quite feeling comfortable in the skin you’re in? A body lift is an ideal surgery for post weight loss surgery patients seeking to lose extra skin. Plastic surgeon, Dr. J. Timothy Katzen, explains this life altering surgery. Choosing the right surgeon can make or break this procedure and effect overall surgery results.

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Optimizing Plastic Surgery Results

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Plastic surgeon selection is one of the single most important steps you can do to optimize your post-operative plastic surgery wound healing results. Analyze four more essential elements that contribute to better wound healing.

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Don’t Be Afraid of Scars

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Plastic surgeons want to keep scars as well hidden and small as possible. That is the optimal goal. Sometimes the two go hand in hand and sometimes they don’t. Plastic surgeons take into consideration all types of surgical procedures they have performed. Discover it’s not how you get there but the final results. Find out how longer scars means less complications and better results.

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Conquering the Plastic Surgery Consultation

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: After losing considerable amounts of weight, many bariatric patients will decide to have their new bodies contoured. Choosing the right surgeon and preparing for the initial consultation will seem less overwhelming when you know what to expect. Understanding the procedure well enough will facilitate a more informed and comfortable decision.

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Plastic Surgery - Conturing Your Arms After Weight Loss

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Gaining in popularity over last four years, brachioplasties are among the most requested cosmetic surgeries. The removal of hanging or excess skin improves the upper arm appearance. This procedure lasts 2-3 hours and can be done as either an in-patient or an out-patient. Recovery is straightforward with patients resuming full level of activities by six weeks. Checking the surgeon’s credentials and experience yields a more rewarding result.

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Plastic Surgery - the Pull Technique

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: One of the most overlooked areas of the body after weight loss surgery is the pubic area. In most cases this area is covered up by excess skin or pannus that hangs down from the abdomen. The PULL technique is a combination of skin and fat excision in the upper pubic area, combined with liposuction of the lower pubic and surrounding areas. It is a safe, quick procedure and an effective way to rejuvenate this area without having genital surgery.

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The Bariatric Patient’s Guide to Plastic Surgery

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Bariatric surgery is a life changing event. Excess hanging skin causes patients concern. Key plastic surgery questions are answered, making the weight loss surgery recovery smoother.

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Getting the Most Out of Plastic Surgery

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Weight loss surgery redefines life for the Morbidly Obese. Plastic surgery offers yet another option in the recovery process typically considered one to two years post-op. A patient can further optimize results, ensuring the best possible outcome by carefully choosing a well-informed surgeon, making a few lifestyle changes and adaptations.

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Plastic Surgery After Massive Weight Loss

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: The onset and popularity of weight loss surgery presents plastic surgeons with a new group of patients. Performing a three dimensional body lift, removing sagging and unsightly skin folds, gives new shape to, abdomen, hip and buttock areas.

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