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.

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