Getting rid of cellulite: What works and what doesn't

Effective ways to eliminate cellulite

Cellulite can prove to be a less than appealing addition to one's physique, especially as time wears on and skin continues to lose its firmness. Unfortunately, this condition plagues a number of individuals, both male and female. The Washingtonian recently compiled a list of cellulite-fighting methods and their effectiveness. Currently, there exists an array of procedures aimed at eliminating this pesky problem, or improving skin elasticity to make it smoother. While there is no definitive cure for combating this condition, doctors weighed in to determine which methods are most likely to create the best results.

Skin rejuvenation
One method of skin rejuvenation that continues to yield favorable results is laser therapy, or skin resurfacing. During this procedure, doctors make a small incision then place a probe underneath the skin, which melts fat bulges and cuts the connective tissue that causes dimples. Skin rejuvenation and resurfacing has been proven to help alleviate the loss of skin tone and hinder the development of cellulite. The Washingtonian states that this path is minimally invasive, shows immediate results and only requires one session, though some patients may want to schedule yearly follow-ups.

Liposuction
Liposuction remains one of the most common plastic surgery procedures available, with almost 315,000 people undergoing this method in 2012 alone, according to statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. While its popularity cannot be denied, doctors have warned that it may not be the most effective means by which cellulite can be reduced. The procedure can help decrease pockets of fat found on the body and make the body appear slimmer, but it should not be considered for patients who merely want to reduce the appearance of cellulite. 

Creams and lotions
Over-the-counter creams and lotions that claim to treat dimpling may be successful in making the skin appear healthier, but their long-term effectiveness on eradicating cellulite is unknown. The ASAPS explains that while creams may hydrate the affected area and mask a dimpled appearance, they have not been scientifically proven as a viable option for cellulite elimination. 

Endermologie
Roller mechanical massage therapy has been proven as a treatment for bumps and is sometimes used in conjunction with liposuction, but it produces no long-term effect on the appearance of the skin. The process works by increasing blood flow to the area and loosening connective tissue, producing temporarily healthy and smooth skin. But patients must undergo several treatments as its effectiveness is only short-term.

Reference: www.smartbeautyguide.com

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Gifting Plastic Surgery? Yay! or Nay?

Clothing, iPad's, Smart Phones. These are things we expect to see on the wish lists of our friends and family. But, a face lift? Yep, it seems that cosmetic procedures have found their way into Santa's sack.

With this trend, though, comes a warning. While giving someone a pricey surgery can be considered kind and loving, it can also come with problematic implications. Because the choice is such a personal one, gifting a plastic surgery procedure can be interpreted as meddling and insulting. If you're thinking of bestowing a loved one with the gift of physical improvement this year, make sure it will be well-received.

Gift-Giver Beware

It wasn't so long ago that plastic surgery was a hush-hush topic; something that people did but didn't discuss. But with its rapid rise in popularity and the openness with which many celebrities discuss the work they've had, the stigma has been lifted. And with that lift, we've seen the fairly recent phenomenon of giving surgeries as gifts.

Presenting significant others and family members with cosmetic procedures has become increasingly common. And it's not unusual for people to use the holiday season as an excuse to pay for a loved one's surgery. This practice, however, can rub some people the wrong way.

Surprise Surgery

When it comes to buying someone else a surgery, the worst mistake is making it a surprise. For example, giving your girlfriend a gift certificate for a breast augmentation can cause offense if she didn't ask for it. It would be like giving someone a membership for a weight loss program; it sends an obvious message that you're unhappy with their appearance. What was meant to be a present is actually an insult.

There's really no right way to offer someone a surgery unexpectedly. If you give a certificate for a specific procedure, it's very clear that you're critical of that particular part of their body. And if you give an open-ended certificate to a plastic surgeon's office, it comes across as a general affront to their entire appearance. You might as well say, "I'd love you more if your body were different."

The Right Way

Giving the gift of surgery is less problematic when it's on the patient's wish list. If someone expressly asks for a surgery, then the gift can be considered extremely generous and thoughtful. If the asker isn't able to afford the procedure on their own, receiving it as a present can be a dream come true.

Before making a purchase, remember that the choice to have a plastic surgery is a very personal one that should be made without the influence of others' desires for your appearance. In fact, I make it a point to consult patients one-on-one so that I can hear what they want for themselves, rather than what a husband or friend might want for them.

Even in this case, though, there can be pitfalls. When someone other than the patient pays, that person may feel that they have a role in the decision. So, if you decide to leave a  rhinoplasty under the tree, make sure the recipient knows that the particulars are up to them.

The best possible scenario goes as follows: You are absolutely certain that someone wants a specific procedure as a gift. Instead of you choosing a surgeon and pre-paying, tell the recipient that the choice of Take Shape Plastic Surgery, PA is theirs. In a consultation, the surgeon will be able to fully inform the prospective patient about their options, the risks involved and the expected outcomes, as well as an accurate cost. Only after these preliminary steps, should the gift be considered.

There are certainly more conventional and less awkward gifts than that of a plastic surgery procedure. A present should never result in hurt feelings or compromise of one's own desires. But, if you're still thinking about wrapping up a surgery gift certificate, make sure it's for the right reasons.

Source: www.asps.com 

Hidden Dangers of Injectables

THE dangers of getting injectables from the wrong doctor

Choosing your doctor is the most important decision you will make about injectable beauty treatments of any kind. While, there are many doctor's offices and Medispa's that offer this service a board certified plastic surgeon or a plastic surgeon trained Physicians Assistant is a patients best bet. Take Shape Plastic Surgery is your best bet when it comes to injectables. At Take Shape Dr. Christopher Low, Dr. George Dreszer, and Dr. Russell Sassani can help any patient get the results they want. 

Your prescribing doctor should hold one of these qualifications:

Plastic Surgeon

Your plastic surgeon would be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and/or the Canadian Society of Aesthetic (Cosmetic) Plastic Surgery.

Facial Plastic Surgeon

Your facial plastic surgeon would be certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and be a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons and may also be a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeon

Your ophthalmic plastic surgeon would be certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and a member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Dermatologist

Your dermatologist would be certified by the American Board of Dermatology or the American Osteopathic Board of dermatology and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and may also be a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

All Physicians

Nurse Injectors and Physician's Assistants
A licensed Registered Nurse (RN) or a licensed Physician's Assistant (PA) can be an appropriate provider of injectables depending on your state's regulations. The following conditions should be met:

• The nurse or PA is under the supervision of a qualified doctor who has prescribed the injectable treatment appropriate for you.
• The nurse or PA can demonstrate appropriate medical education and training specific to the delivery of injectable beauty treatments.
• The nurse or PA follows all of the appropriate steps in performing your injections, including informed consent about the risks and benefits of the injection process.
• You have the option to request the doctor perform your injections.

A RN or PA injector should also have recent continuing medical education (CME) to be abreast of the latest injectable techniques, and should inject patients just like you on a regular basis (several patients weekly).

Your doctor should also have recent continuing medical education (CME) to be abreast of the latest injectable techniques, and should inject patients just like you on a regular basis (several patients weekly).

The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) holds that only physicians should administer injectable dermal fillers and neurotoxins.

Visit www.takeshape.info for more information! 

954.585.3800 to book a FREE CONSULTATION. 

Fat Grafting with Concentrated Stem Cells Vs. The Traditional Facelift

Before

After

Dr. Sassani states that he has been achieving significant and natural looking results with the addition of fat grafting with concentrated stem-cells to the list of services that he provides. The ideal candidate for this new innovative procedure has suffered a loss of volume of the face, which compromises skin texture. The skin may appear thinner lacking its once youthful volume.

Though injectables have their place in anti-aging, there is a significant difference between fat grafting with concentrated stem cells and all other injectible procedures. All injectables such as, Botox, Juvederm and Radiesse are composed of synthetic materials. In contrast, fat grafting with concentrated stem cell is completely natural because it is composed 100% of the individual’s own fat cells. Fat grafting with concentrated stem cells offers something no other injectable can; use of the patient’s own tissue.

The fat is harvested from the lower abdomen and/or inner thighs to provide the volume necessary to correct the deficiency in the face. As an added bonus, the stem-cells that are transported along with the fat grafts are believed to improve overall skin color, texture and pore size. Stem cells are the repair cells of the body as they morph to become whatever cells they come in contact with. The harvested fat is spun in a centrifuge to concentrate these stem-cells for injection.

When should one have a facelift and when should you consider fat grafting with concentrated stem cells?

This procedure can be done either alone or in conjunction with facial aesthetic procedures. For patients exhibiting a loss of facial volume only, fat grafting with concentrated stem-cells done alone can be the ideal solution.

As the name suggests, facelifts lift sagging skin, tone the face and neck muscles, and remove the wrinkles. The ideal candidate for a facelift has suffered a loss of skin elasticity and muscle tone of the face and neck. Often the candidate will appear tired.

For candidates desiring a lift and tone of the face and neck with volume restoration, a facelift in combination with fat grafting may be the best solution. This candidate will have suffered a loss of skin elasticity, muscle tone and noticeable depletion of volume to the face.

The recovery time for all the procedures is approximately two weeks. After this time, the patient may comfortably return to normal social activities and interaction. A patient’s skin quality, texture, and tone will continue to improve as the stem-cells integrate. The end result is a tailored and youthful appearance with volume restoration and the skin noticeably improved overall. Patients will appreciate that the rejuvenative effects are enduring.

Take Shape Plastic Surgery, PA offers free consultations. They welcome you to visit their Medicare-certified, state-licensed, nationally-accredited, ambulatory surgical center in Fort Lauderdale, FL. You can check out their website at http://www.takeshape.info or call (954)585-3800 to schedule an appointment

If Something Seems Too Good to be True....

The truth is that if something is too good to be true then it usually is. Don't be fooled by cheap plastic surgery " Centers." Here are 5 reasons to stay away from these bargain basement cneters.

1. In a private practive, like Take Shape Plastic Surgery all decisions are made by Dr. Russell Sassani, Dr. Christopher Low, or Dr. George Dreszer. At the typical center decisions are made by business professionals who only care for the bottom line. Who would you trust with you health?

2. Centers often employ inexperienced surgeons who want the opportunity to 'practice' on patients in order to build up their required quota of surgical cases that they need to become board certified. These surgeons will perform surgery at barely any cost just to get the experience. Do you really want to be someone's guinea pig with your body?

3. Centers are infamous for retail-like hours of operation. Unfortunately  emergencies don't only occur between 9 am to 5 pm. That is why  Dr. Russell Sassani, Dr. Christopher Low, and Dr. George Dreszer are always available to their patients.

4. Many centers sell you their cheap surgery only for you find out on the day of srugery that you will have to undergo the procedure AWAKE! This REALLY happens. There are horror stories of patients screaming so loudly in pain that everyone in the building can hear including their loved ones. Isn't anesthesia worth the cost?

5. Centers usually pump out anywhere from 6-10 surgical cases a day, somewhat like a factory. Quality over quantity is the rule at Take Shape Plastic Surgery, PA!

Call us and we will make sure you are taken care of from beginning to end. As always we over a FREE CONSULTATION.   954.585.3800