Liposuction Misconceptions, Truths, Choices, Natural Results.

If you're considering liposuction, you're probably weighing many factors about the procedure itself, the recovery period, risks and long term benefits.  We'd like to share with you some of the common questions we are asked by patients considering liposuction.

First, liposuction is not solution for weight loss.  The procedure is specifically designed to treat fat pockets that are resistant to diet and exercise, often due to heredity and aging.  Ideal candidates for liposuction are:

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  Men or women with pockets, bulges or overhangs.
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  Who are within 30% of their ideal body weight.
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  Do not have health conditions that would impede healing such as diabetes, heart disease, lupus, etc.
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  Have skin with good elasticity in order to mold to your new contours.  For skin with poor elasticity, liposuction may need to be followed by a lift or abdominoplasty to remove loose droopy skin.

... and with any surgery, it is best for individuals to be generally healthy and physically active.

Some of the common questions and misconceptions patients have in regards to liposuction are:

Is liposuction considered surgery?  Yes, the procedure is best performed by a board certified plastic surgeon in an operating room under anesthesia.

Will liposuction eliminate my cellulite? No, cellulite is only associated with fat, however in reality cellulite is a web of fibrous bands that connects your skin to the underlying muscle.  There are other alternatives to reduce cellulite.

Will the fat return?  Yes and No. In the event a patient gains a large amount of weight, the treated areas will enlarge as well.  If patients remain in their ideal weight, they will enjoy the long term benefits of liposuction.

As each patient is unique, its best to meet with your plastic surgeon to understand the best options for you. Liposuction alone or in conjunction with procedures that are specifically designed to reduce cellulite and excess skin, can produce dramatic results and significantly boost one's confidence.  We have many patient testimonials and before/after photos to share with those who are considering liposuction. Please call us for your personal exploratory consultation with S. Darrell Lee, M.D. to learn the facts and options.

We have offices in Jupiter and Port St. Lucie.

772-878-8885  sandra@leeplasticsurgery.net

Paper or Plastic? Seeking the Proper Credentials for Plastic Surgery

Are you or someone you know considering surgery? It’s time to become a detective in order to be certain of finding that caring and compassionate plastic surgeon that has the proper credentials for your procedure.

Many are surprised to learn that any doctor can perform any type of surgical procedure. It’s up to you, the patient, to research your doctor’s training, certification and credentials to be certain they are qualified to perform the type of surgery you require.

This is often why patients are confused by the terms Cosmetic Surgeon vs. Plastic Surgeon. The title of cosmetic surgeon is appealing, yet in truth the title is open to any doctor who wishes to perform a cosmetic procedure, regardless of their training and certification. So yes, by law, a podiatrist, family physician, gynecologist or otherwise can perform “cosmetic surgery” anywhere on your body.

Only a board certified and specially-trained surgeon can be considered a Plastic Surgeon. As reported by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a Plastic Surgeon is a doctor with more than six years of surgical training and experience, and with at least three years specifically in plastic surgery. Their training and experience make them uniquely qualified to perform your cosmetic or reconstructive procedure.

For this reason, it is suggested that patients closely evaluate the credentials of doctors advertising in-office surgical procedures. Why? Hospitals and licensed surgical centers require proper credentialing for surgeries that are conducted in their facilities. Therefore, doctors from disciplines other than plastic surgery are restricted from conducting surgeries they are not specifically trained for within their facilities.

Desired Results. Patient Safety. Being properly trained and specialized has proven to reduce risk and greatly improve the outcome of all forms of surgery for patients. As a highly trained and skilled plastic surgeon, Dr. Lee also serves as Chairman of the Credentialing Committee at St. Lucie Medical Center where he served previously as Chief of Surgery. (Click for a full bio).

Beyond the practice of physicians expanding their “practices”, there is another trend emerging within the profession. This trend is the development of new “boards” of specialized medicine which are being created by the physicians themselves and have no national recognition whatsoever.

The highest authority for medical education in the United States is the American College of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This institution declares what boards are worthy of approval and are considered to be the most important line of protection for the public in medicine. Of all the groups that perform surgery, (properly trained or otherwise), only the American Board of Plastic Surgeons (ABPS) has ACGME approval to provide board certification in Plastic Surgery.

Plastic surgery can be an exciting milestone in your life. As with all forms of surgery, it is an important decision that requires investigation. Selecting the right doctor for you requires research online and in person.

We invite you to visit our office to meet S. Darrell Lee, M.D., (a board certified plastic surgeon trained at the renowned Mayo Clinic). Please visit our website to read our patients testimonials. You may also research www.plasticsurgery.org for a complete list of ABPS certified plastic surgeons.

Twittersteria. Lee Plastic Surgery is on Twitter. Are You?

With over 4 billion tweets reported per quarter on Twitter world wide, we decided to dive into the Twitter social media revolution too.  If you are an avid Twitterholic, suffer from Twitterea, (these are real terms, we didn't make them up!), or perhaps you are the more typical Twitter-user, click to follow us at www.Twitter.com/LeePlastSurgery today. 

On Twitter and Facebook, we share new insights on plastic surgery, beauty tips and trends, promotions and statistics, celebrity news and more.  We invite you to visit us at our Jupiter or Port St. Lucie offices and online on Facebook, Twitter and the Web. 

Tired of Looking Tired? Your Options to Minimize Bags, Sagging Skin & Dark Circles

Aging is often most noticeable in the eyes, made evident by sagging lids, excess drooping skin, dark circles or puffiness. They can be a sign of exhaustion or most often, a result of genetics. Many suffer from this unappealing condition, which can dark circles over time. Proper skin care, hydration and use of sun screen are essential practices to replenish and preserve your skin tone and texture, however they can only minimally reduce the appearance of bags and dark circles.

Regardless the reason, the result is premature aging and can be corrected with surgery or in some instances without surgery using advanced dermal fillers.

There are two basic options to correct under eye bags and circles, both provide immense satisfaction amongst our patients.

The first is a surgical procedure known as a blepharoplasty, the third most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in America. This surgical procedure addresses sagging lids, excess drooping skin, dark circles and puffiness to create a more youthful appearance and restore the best features of your eyes.

For some individuals, blepharoplasty surgery might be the only solution. For others, advanced dermal fillers present a non-surgical alternative.

Dermal fillers, (also known as injectibles), are FDA-approved and used by thousands of medical practitioners to enhance facial features, non-surgically. It is recommended that only specially-trained, board certified healthcare professionals apply dermal fillers. At Lee Plastic Surgery & Laser Center, Dr. Lee has successfully reduced the signs of aging, both surgically and non-surgically, for our many devoted patients.

By applying dermal fillers under the eyes we are able to fill in depressions and smooth areas between the cheek and brow to dramatically reduce dark circles and mask puffiness from bags. The result is more natural coloration and contour.

Our practice has chosen the industry’s most respected injectibles -- Juvederm®, Prevelle Silk®, Restylane® and Perlane®. To learn more about your best options, we invite you to contact us for a complimentary consultation with S. Darrell Lee, M.D., board certified plastic surgeon and founder of Lee Plastic Surgery & Laser Center.

No one wants to age prematurely. Know your best options. Restore your best features.

Please contact Sandra at 772-878-8885 or Sandra@leeplasticsurgery.net for your consultation with Dr. Lee.

For weekly insights, beauty tips, special offers and health news, connect with us on Facebook & Twitter!

Young At Heart? Fight The Signs of Aging With a Healthy Lifestyle (& Great Plastic Surgeon)

As reported in health journals, magazines and by experts of nutrition & beauty, the signs of aging are unavoidable, but there are options. Education and technology have revealed major advancements for plastic surgery and aesthetics but we must also understand the importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle.

OUR DNA.

We all fall victim to our unique human genetics and physiology, however, understanding how our lifestyle and the environment effect the aging process is essential in reducing the signs of aging. It’s important for people to be informed of the effects of sun damage, smoking, neglect and pollution in order to maintain healthy skin tone and texture.

NUTRITION & SKIN CARE.

In the fight to slow the aging process, it’s important to develop a balance of nutrition and a proper skin care regime.

Your body and skin performs best when it’s well nourished, therefore a balanced diet will provide skin cells with essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids to ensure optimal cellular and body function.  Deficiencies in certain nutrients can cause skin conditions and limit the skins ability to heal and renew itself.  Look for super foods such as blueberries which are bursting with antioxidants and flavor.

Nutrition is only part of the anti-aging equation, however, for it does little to protect skin from the outside elements. Quality skin care products help restore moisture, elasticity and PH balance and can provide protection from the sun’s damaging UVA & UVB rays. At Lee Plastic Surgery & Laser Center we recommend Vi Derm products and our patients report exceptional results!

GENETICS & LIFESTYLE.

Our lifestyle can influence the anti-aging process as much as our genetics. The effects of sun damage, chronic dehydration and smoking cause skin discoloration, wrinkles and a lack of elasticity.

As far as genetics are concerned, each person’s physiology is as unique as they are. Skin care, lifestyle and nutrition can certainly slow down the clock, but ultimately genetics win in the end. Today, plastic surgery and non-surgical fillers have reached an all-time high in popularity with 69% of Americans who report an interest in exploring their options for a more youthful appearance or for cosmetic and corrective purposes.

PRESERVE & RESTORE YOUR APPEARANCE.

The popularity of plastic surgery is in part due to the advancements in surgical and laser treatments. In order to fight genetics and restore a more youthful appearance, plastic surgeons are able to transform targeted areas with a natural result. In addition, more targeted procedures are available to zero in on brows, arms, the abdomen, thighs, forehead, eyelids, etc. A highly trained, board certified plastic surgeon can help restore your youth, enhance your appearance and restore confidence.

There are alternatives to surgery known as peels, laser treatments and dermal fillers. In fact, they are incredibly popular and use is widespread beyond Hollywood. Patients often may elect to postpone surgery to explore these non-surgical alternatives.

Always remember, as each patient is unique, it is best to meet with a board certified plastic surgeon who can explain the latest procedures and treatments that are available to you and will accomplish your desired goals. Best of all, with so many advancements, as well exceptional financial programs, patients can truly explore their best options.

Dr. Lee, board certified plastic surgeon, invites you to come in for a free consultation and discover your best options. As our patients will say in their own words, he always has our patients' best interests in mind.

Please visit our website to testimonials and call Sandra for an appointment at 772-878-8885

We Are On Facebook. Let's Get Connected...

This past month, we proudly debuted our practice on Facebook, (a second home to nearly 500,000,000 users worldwide).  Our mission is to stay connected with our family of patients and our community to share the latest trends in the plastic surgery profession as well as exciting new aesthetic treatments, technology and advancements in anti-aging and weight management.

We invite you to become a friend of Lee Plastic Surgery & Laser Center to gain valuable insights, health & beauty tips, learn first of special offers on select procedures, (such as laser hair removal for just $99 per zone), and so much more.

If you have questions you'd like to pose to Dr. Lee, please contact us on Facebook or email sandra@leeplasticsurgery.net. Better yet, we invite you to come in for a free consultation with Dr. Lee himself to explore your options for cosmetic, restorative or corrective plastic surgery as well as our new programs for anti-aging and weight management.

Visit http://www.facebook.com/leeplasticsurgery to become a friend of our practice today!

Be Summer-Ready Beautiful

The heat is rising and summer is here! It's time to put on your bathing suit and have fun in the sun yet so many lack confidence in their appearance. Why? Perhaps its the images in magazines, the red carpet and big screen. Today's media has elevated society's expectations on appearance which has adversely affected the confidence in bothmen and women.

Today's article outlines some of your options, both surgical and non-surgical, that will enhance your appearance and restore your confidence!


Anti-Aging, Non-Surgical Options:

Our office is committed to providing the best care and most advanced treatments available. Below are just a few of the options available to you:

• Lumenis UltraPulse - be radiant! Experience the latest, state-of-the-art CO2 laser available. Dramatically reduces fine lines, wrinkles and damaged skin while promoting collagen production. Acheive remarkable results with minimal downtime.
  
• Vi Peel - one of the top-rated peels of the profession. The Vi Peel takes years off your appearance reducing fine lines, wrinkles, scarring and discoloration leaving behind youthful, healthy skin.
  
• Botox Cosmetic, Juvederm and the leading injectibles are featured at our practice, administered by Dr. Lee to ensure the very best results.

Be sure to ask about our anti-aging procedures including Hormone Replacement and Weight Loss Management.

Always Beach Ready:

• Laser Hair Removal - reduce unwanted hair, avoid shaving. We feature the latest technology to ensure your complete comfort and the best results.
  

Surgical Sculpting Options:

With the caring precision of S. Darrell Lee, M.D., board certified plastic surgeon, you can be body beautiful. Learn more about plastic surgery and today's best options for you. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about our procedures and services.

Whether you seek to enhance, restore or correct your appearance, we hope you will consider Lee Plastic Surgery & Laser Center. Please contact Sandra to schedule a complimentary consultation at 772-878-8885 or sandra@leeplasticsurgery.net.