5 Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon

December 6th, 2011

At Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery, our renowned plastic surgeons are asked a lot of questions by our patients. We strive to provide the best possible client care by offering honest, direct answers to all questions we receive. During your search for the right plastic surgeon to perform your surgery, it’s important that you ask the right questions to ensure you are getting the care you deserve. We have compiled a list of five questions you should ask during every consultation.

Are you board certified?

There are a lot of plastic surgeons out there. Some of them work in massive, beautiful offices where everything is pristine and luxurious. But that doesn’t mean anything unless that doctor in the office is board certified. There are several different types of certifying boards for plastic surgeons, in addition to the various societies that surgeons can be apart of. However, the crème de la crème of them all is the American Board of Plastic Surgery. A certification by the organization means the surgeon has underwent extensive, specialized training while maintain a certain standard of excellence in the field.

How many times have you done this procedure?

Remember the golden rule of repetition: practice makes perfect. Look for a surgeon who has performed your type of surgery at least more than 100 times. Anything less than that and you may start to feel as though you’re a guinea pig. What’s better is if that surgeon can provide you with a list of testimonials.

Where will the procedure be performed?

The location of the procedure is often left to the discretion of the surgeon. It may be performed in a hospital, outpatient ambulatory center, or in office. The complexity of the procedure in conjunction with your medical history should determine the location of your surgery.

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

This is always a question for your plastic surgeon – not Google. Every surgery comes with their own set of risks that need to be explained to you by a surgeon. Do not use the Internet to help you research the necessary questions of the surgery, like this one. The horror stories are often rare. However, it’s important to note that the most serious risks tend to include excessive blood loss, infection, or adverse reaction to general anesthesia.

What is the exact breakdown of fees for this procedure?

There are a lot of fees that go into your procedure, including the surgeon’s fees, anesthesia fees, operating room fees, lab fees, and other factors that may affect the final total. Always request a complete breakdown of fees on paper so there are no jaw-dropping surprises post-recovery.

At Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery, our thorough and complete consultation covers all of these topics and more. Schedule a meeting with one of our plastic surgeons and enjoy the benefits of working with oen of the best teams in Jacksonville, Florida.

Are Breast Implants Right for You?

November 12th, 2011

Breast implants are continually increasing in popularity. In fact, a new study documented in the New York Times shows that 296,000 augmentations were performed in 2010, which is a 2% increase from 2009. Breast implants continue to be ideal for those patients looking to have a fuller bust, feel better about their body, and create more confidence in their body.

If you’re considering having a breast implant surgery, it’s time to learn the basics of the procedure to see if it is right for you.

Saline vs. Silicone Breast Implants

Currently, there are two main options for breast implants – silicone or saline breast implants. Both options have their own set of pros and cons that you will need to consider.

Read the rest of this entry »

Learn more about Nose Surgery

November 2nd, 2011

The nose is such a prominent feature of your face that the decision to undergo a nose surgery is an important one. Not only is it an important feature in defining our physical identity, it also plays a vital role in your five major senses. With so much vital importance on the nose, it’s hard to believe so many Americans are unhappy with theirs. In fact, a new study found that 63,585 Americans went under the knife last year to correct the physical appearance of their nose. If you’re considering nose surgery, it’s important to understand a few key factors of the surgery prior to scheduling your consultation with Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery.

What is nose surgery?

Nose surgery, or rhinoplasty, is a plastic surgery done to improve the appearance of the nose. During a nose surgery, the surgeon can decrease or increase the size of the nose by altering the bridge or tip of the nose. The surgeon may also narrow or alter the shape of the nostrils to improve the appearance as well.

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The Tragedy behind “Cheap” Plastic Surgery

October 9th, 2011

A Miami resident and mother of six died one day after receiving liposuction from a non-board certified doctor. Kellee Lee-Howard’s autopsy report stated she died of an overdose of the painkiller lidocaine. The doctor who performed the surgery was not only non-board certified but he performed the operation in a place not registered as a surgery center.

It’s tragic and it’s too common as the economy continues to plummet and Americans are seeking new ways to save money with “cheap” and “quick” fixes. [Video after the Break] Read the rest of this entry »

The Dangers of Choosing “Quick” and “Cheap” Plastic Surgery

October 7th, 2011

For many Americans looking to make the most of this tough economy, the right choice has ultimately become the most affordable choice. In most cases, it’s a solid line of thinking – generic bread over name brand, discount groups to save on dining, and other ways to get by with a smaller budget. However, there are some places where cutting cost should not be a factor, such as plastic surgery. If your low-cost plastic surgery goes awry, then the emotional and financial cost to repair it may exceed any amount of “expensive” plastic surgery you would have chosen. [Videos after the Break] Read the rest of this entry »

Welcome Claudette Walker to the PVPS Family!

October 3rd, 2011

bio-walkerClaudette is a proud new member of Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery. Her expertise, quality patient care, and drive to make a difference in the lives of her patients makes her a viable asset to our Jacksonville, Florida medical center.

Claudette N. Walker is an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP), Board Certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC).  Through the University of North Florida (UNF), she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing as well as her Master of Science in Nursing for Primary Care Nurse Practitioner.  She is a member of the American Nurses Association (ANA), Florida Nurses Association (FNA), Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association (PCNA), Helping Hands for Lung Cancer, and Northeast Florida Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (NEFLARNP). Read the rest of this entry »

What to Ask a Plastic Surgeon

October 1st, 2011

In a world where image is everything, more patients are going under the knife to realize thier perfect looks. You see it everywhere from television and the news to everyday life, plastic surgery is the answer to your most daunting self esteem issues. Couple this effect to be perfect with a less-than-promising economy and you have a recipe for horror plastic surgery stories that are noted as “cheap,” “fast” and the most inaccurate of descriptors, “safe.”

According to new statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the overall number of cosmetic procedures has increased by 162 percent since the collection of the statistic first began. Over 10.2 million surgical and non-surgical procedures were performed in the United States in 2008, according to the ASAPS statistic.

No doubt that a woman or a man has every right to do what it takes to feel good about their body and their looks, it is important to understand the dangers of plastic surgery when provided by someone who offers a quick and cheap solution when there should not be one.

When looking for a plastic surgeon, avoid the pitfalls that will result in you looking more like a Picasso than a da Vinci. Read the rest of this entry »

TouchMD at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery

October 1st, 2011

myTouchMDPonte Vedra Plastic Surgery is the first practice in Northeast Florida to utilize TouchMD in their Jacksonville, Florida practice.

Innovation brings better patient-doctor relationships

TouchMD was created out of a need for better doctor-patient relationships to enhance the patient experience through education. The product seamlessly combines hardware and easy-to-navigate patient software to bring more insight to patients. A touch screen is placed in the exam room easily accessible to the patient. An easy-to-navigate software interface allows the patient to view topic driven educational information about a particular process or procedure. This turns wait time into productive time where patients are educated about their potential diagnosis.

TouchMD is stationed in patient rooms. As a patient waits for the doctor’s consultation, he/she will be able to utilize TouchMD to learn more about procedures, the doctors, and any essential information. The patient then understands and can communicate efficiently when the doctor arrives.

The professional team at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery sought to place TouchMD in each patient room to reassure patients who were having first-time consultations. The software allows said patient to feel more comfortable with the process by engaging in activities with the software that allow he or she to get answers to questions they may be uncomfortable to ask in a first-time visit with a doctor.

 

Information on Tummy Tucks

September 11th, 2011

Who doesn’t want a firm, flat stomach? Actors and actresses, movies and magazines all give us an image of a perfect body but unfortunately for us, life can get in the way. Pregnancy, losing and gaining weight, genes, or a prior surgery can all be reasons why we do not have the perfect stomach. Sometime you just need a little help obtaining that.

Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, removes excess fat and skin from the stomach area. This type of surgery is personal and if you are considering having it then you should always do it for yourself and not anyone else. You also have to make sure that you are not having a tummy tuck to look like Jennifer Lopez or Cindy Crawford. You must have realistic expectations about the end result of this surgery.

A lot of people think that because they are having a tummy tuck, they do not have to watch their weight or exercise anymore. Read the rest of this entry »

Benefits of Having a Breast Reduction

September 10th, 2011

Ladies, admit it. Having large breasts isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Back pain, shoulder grooves, rashes, and just being uncomfortable are all common symptoms that women with large breasts share. I suppose I cannot speak for all women but I know a lot of women can relate. It can be difficult to exercise and find clothes that fit properly. A woman’s self esteem can be seriously affected by her chest.

If you are thinking about having breast reduction surgery, here are some benefits to think about. In terms of healthy benefits, after the surgery your back pain will lessen if not go away completely. Large breasts also cause breathing problems and after having the surgery, those problems may be reduced. Read the rest of this entry »