Showing posts with label Plastic Surgery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Plastic Surgery. Show all posts

Monday, November 22, 2010

The Reasons We Want Plastic Surgery

People have many different reasons why they desire the magic touch of plastic surgery.  Some hope for dramatic improvements, while others want a natural transformation to keep others guessing how they look so good! Whatever the reason may be, the rapid growth in plastic surgery procedures performed indicates you are not alone in your quest for a beautiful, more confident you! 

Here are some of the most common reasons to have plastic surgery...

To turn back the hands of time.
Many women have the same problem, they look in the mirror and what they see does not reflect how they feel on the inside.  As we age, we are blessed with wrinkles - gravity kicks in and our skin loosens up.  Though plastic surgery won’t make us look 20 years old again, it can help improve how we look for our age and help us to feel more comfortable in our own skin.

Physical changes  have left you unhappy.
Following major weight loss, many are left with a large amount of excess skin.  After all that hard work to lose the weight, the last thing you want is flabby skin in it’s place!  It is very common for people to seek the helping hands of a plastic surgeon to reach their goals for certain areas that diet and exercise cannot correct.

The post-pregnancy pooch.
Many women discover that it is difficult to find their pre-baby body after childbirth.  Exercise, dieting, and chasing after the kids just won’t do the trick.  Many turn to the “Mommy Makeover”, a surgery that is tailored to each mommy to address specific areas of concern and give them back the body they once knew before having little ones.

That pain in your neck.
Certain cosmetic surgeries are done in order to alleviate pain while improving how you feel about the way you look.   Women who have had larger breasts their whole life tend to have quite a bit of back pain.  Breast reduction surgery will not only enhance your appearance, but more importantly, it can reduce your aches and pains.

Looking for a boost in the confidence department.
Being more confident in how you look will increase your self esteem and improve how you carry yourself.  When you look good, you feel good-- and it shows! Many studies have shown that people who are more confident and attractive are able to more easily maximize their potential.

To change that one thing you don’t like about yourself.
We all have different characteristics we like and dislike when it comes to our looks.  Some of us decide early on that one day we’re going to fix the one thing we don’t like, whether it is the shape of our nose, the size of our breasts, or the extra jiggle that just won’t seem to go away!  To these patients, this one minimal change will drastically improve their overall appearance.

Whatever your reasons for wanting plastic surgery may be, remember this decision is an important one, and should be something you really want for yourself.  Be sure to find a board certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Armando Soto, who you trust will keep you safe while providing you with the results you’ve been looking for!


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Thursday, November 4, 2010

"Natural" Plastic Surgery Outcomes

It’s everywhere you turn - the latest gossip magazines, celebrity talk shows, the evening news and even in the most recent movies. What are we talking about? Poor plastic surgery outcomes - and according to a recent article in the New York Times, Hollywood has had enough of it!  
That’s right, the jury is in on this one - Hollywood’s most elite casting directors are rumored to have turned away some of today’s leading ladies and gentlemen in search for more “natural” looking actors and actresses. While an over chiseled image might have turned the heads of many in the past, a more genuine appearance is highly sought after in today’s show business.
Women, specifically, seem to feel the pressure to look more youthful these days, many resist the mere thought of plastic surgery in fear of looking “overdone” or “fake”.  However, most wives, moms and professional women aren’t looking to dramatically change their appearance but are looking for a subtle difference and to look slightly more youthful.
To achieve natural looking result in plastic surgery, there are two key factors 1.) Finding an experienced board certified plastic surgeon and 2.) Having realistic expectations. Plastic surgery should in no way, completely alter your appearance, but rather enhance your natural beauty.
While it is highly unlikely that Hollywood will put a screeching halt to all cosmetic procedures, they certainly seem to be catching the drift of what a great plastic surgery outcome should look like. 
Here at Aesthetic Enhancements Plastic Surgery, board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Armando Soto is fully committed to high quality surgical care and patient satisfaction.  After an initial consultation, Dr. Soto can better understand your goals and tell you what you can realistically expect. 
Having any surgical procedure is an important decision, and it’s even more important to choose your surgeon wisely! If you are thinking about having cosmetic surgery, be sure to have all of your questions answered by an expert.  Call today for your complimentary consultation with Dr. Soto. We look forward to helping you be on your way to a happier you!  



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Monday, October 18, 2010

A Little History on Plastic Surgery

Despite what some may think, plastic surgery wasn’t always just for the rich and famous! Interestingly enough, the history of plastic surgery began more than 4,000 years ago!  The first documented surgical procedures date way back to 800 B.C. in India where physicians used skin grafts for reconstructive work.  However, plastic surgery progressed at a very slow rate for hundreds of years.  It wasn’t until the 20th century that plastic surgery really established itself in the medical field in the U.S.

So, why is it called plastic surgery?  There is a common misconception surrounding the word “plastic” in plastic surgery.  Plastic is actually derived from the ancient Greek word “plastikos”, which means to mold or to give form.  In 1827, America's very first plastic surgeon, Dr. John Mettauer, practiced his talent of “plastikos” by performing the first cleft palate operation with instruments he designed himself!

In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, there was an increase in the demand for plastic surgeons due to World War I.  Physicians had to treat a large number of wounded soldiers for all types of injuries.  This gave physicians a chance to improve their reconstructive skills.  Aesthetic surgical procedures also developed during this time as people began to realize how someone’s talent and value might be over looked by society due to a deformity or imperfection.

By the 1950’s, the idea of enhancing beauty through plastic surgery starting spreading throughout the population, hitting Hollywood first!  One of the most iconic gals in show time, Marilyn Monroe, turned to plastic surgery for a chin augmentation to help her land a gig in the movies - next thing you know, she hit the big screen.  Other movie stars to partake in a little nip & tuck to maintain their youthful looks were the beautiful Rita Hayworth, Joan Crawford and Elizabeth Taylor.  

Nowadays, plastic surgery is more popular than ever!  Thanks to cutting-edge science and technology of the 2000’s the quality behind plastic surgery has made it a forefront in the medical profession.  With the internet providing a convenient way of sharing information on all procedures from Breast Augmentations to Brazilian Butt Lifts, aesthetic plastic surgery has become more accessible to the mainstream public. 

Not only are the rich and famous indulging in plastic surgery to look their best on screen, many everyday people are seeking out the best plastic surgeons to look and feel their best too! 

Call today to learn more about our expert and board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Armando Soto and the services we offer here at our Orlando, Florida Plastic Surgery, Skincare and Hair Restoration Center - let us help you look and feel your very best!



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Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Vitamedica: A Healing Wonder!


 “and it’s so Healthy too!”

Imagine a magical pill that can lend a hand to sustaining your youthful energy, slow down the aging process and even help you bounce back from surgery… Sound just a little to good to be true?

Here at Aesthetic Enhancements Plastic Surgery, Dr. Armando Soto promotes only the most safe & effective products to keep you looking and feeling your best -  VitaMedica just happens to be one of them!

VitaMedica is a quality product line of nutritional supplements and healing remedies to help speed up the recovery period after surgery. Multiple studies have shown that the key ingredients in our supplements will shorten the duration of swelling and bruising after plastic surgical procedures, and our patient’s have agreed.

The Healing and Support Kit is one of the most popular products, and is geared toward surgery patients to help them recover more quickly and maintain great post-op results. By combining two separate products, Arnica Montana and Bromelain, this supplement works magic to provide a smooth and speedy recovery.

Arnica Montana is a homeopathic medicine that helps patients obtain temporary relief from bruising, swelling and pain.  While prescription medications suppress symptoms like bruising, homeopathic medications encourage them. This way the body heals faster and still creates a resistance to infection.

Bromelain with Quercetin is a formula mixed with the two botanicals, also used to treat inflammation and pain that tends to follow a surgical procedure.  The Bromelain works by fending off the metabolites that accelerate the inflammatory process.  It also helps break up hemotomas - which is a collection of blood caused by soft tissue injuries.  Bye-bye bruises!

It’s a great idea to invest in the Healing Kit when preparing for surgery.  After the anesthesia wears off, you will be on your way to a fast recovery period with optimal results! 



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Thursday, August 26, 2010

The Psychological Benefits of a Mommy Makeover

Mirror, mirror on the wall….Along with that brand new bundle of joy, comes a new found shape for even the fairest mommy of them all.
For most of us, our personal appearance is tied to our overall sense of self-happiness more so than we’d like to admit - especially after having a brand new baby! Could this be a result of society’s perception that attractive people have distinct advantages and lead happier, more fulfilling lives?
According to the Social Issues Research Center, studies show that:

·      Attractive children are more popular, both with classmates and teachers. Teachers give higher evaluations to the work of attractive children and have higher expectations of them (which has been shown to improve performance).
·      Attractive applicants have a better chance of getting jobs, and of receiving higher salaries.
·      In court, attractive people are found guilty less often. When found guilty, they receive less severe sentences.
·      The 'bias for beauty' operates in almost all social situations – all experiments show we react more favorably to physically attractive people.
The notion that attractiveness correlates with success, happiness and personal fulfillment still rings true.  Whether you are a stay at home mom or a career woman, the physical and emotional effects of childbearing can be life changing for many women - even despite a rigorous diet and exercise regime!
So, Mommies…don’t push the panic button just yet! The Mommy Makeover procedure has answered the prayers of many women.  Just because your body has endured the miracles of motherhood, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t look better than ever!
The Mommy Makeover is a tailored formula designed to restore a woman’s body to pre-pregnancy condition (if not better) and rejuvenate self-confidence. It can include any combination of the following procedures: breast lift, breast augmentation, breast reduction, or breast lift with augmentation, and a tummy tuck, liposuction or buttock lift.

Striving to maintain an attractive body image is not a vain endeavor, but a quest to achieve happiness and self-confidence.  The best way to understand what a Mommy Makeover could do for you, is to visit with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and discuss your goals. At Aesthetic Enhancements Plastic Surgery, we believe that the combination of our team's education, training, integrity, and the outcomes we provide our patients make us a great choice for your aesthetic care. 



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Thursday, August 19, 2010

Medical Research Shows Additional Benefits of Botox

Botox - Taking on more than just wrinkles!
You may have caught one of the recent episodes of the Today Show where Kathy Lee and Hoda are chatting it up with Dr. Roshini Raj and singing praises of the miracle worker itself, Botox! Not only can Botox take years off your appearance, new research shows that Botox can help reduce the pain of migraines and to help fight excessive sweating!

No more wrinkles, headaches... or deodorant sticks? Too many of us know about the excruciating pain associated with migraines - and pills don’t always do the trick.  Then there’s sweating and all that comes with it (stinky odor and the oh, so embarrassing “pit stains”) which, like a migraine, can be more than just a pain!  But of course Botox, the conqueror of all evil, comes to the rescue! 

Botox injections given in the scalp, forehead and neck are becoming more common for the immediate relief of migraine headaches for up to 6 months.  The FDA has not approved Botox for this use, but made a statement saying, “Health care professionals are free to choose medicines for uses not approved by the FDA (off-label) if they feel such use will benefit a patients health condition.  The FDA approved prescribing information (labeling) lists warnings and precautions so that prescribers can make informed decisions about treatment for their patients.” 

In other words… Botox injections should be used under the doctor’s discretion.  So choose your doctor wisely! 

For your safety, the provider administering the treatment must thoroughly understand the anatomy of the injection site.  Though Botox has very minimal side affects when injected correctly, if poor judgment is used, Botox can cause drooping or other serious side effects.

Botox may not be FDA approved just yet as a pain reliever, however, Botox is FDA approved for the treatment of perspiration.  Tiny injections under the arm can put an end to your search for the stick that actually works.  The Botox paralyzes the glands that produce sweat and more importantly gives you back your confidence! 

Hmm..I wonder what will Botox take on next?

Call Aesthetic Enhancements today to schedule your complimentary consultation with our Nurse Practitioner, Michelle, to learn more about the benefits of Botox! 



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Wednesday, August 18, 2010

NeoGraft - A Breakthrough in Hair Restoration Technology

Is progressive hair loss or a receding hairline becoming a preoccupation for you? Do you feel like you’re starting to look much older than you feel? 

Men and women suffering from hair loss  need not feel embarrassed or anxious about their options any longer  - hair restoration with the NeoGraft system can help grow hair while regaining your old charm and elegance!

Our Orlando, Florida premier plastic surgery and skin care center is proud to be the only facility in Central Florida to offer the latest method of hair transplantation using the NeoGraft system.  Without pain, scarring or downtime, you too can now achieve a luscious head of hair – permanently.

In the hands of our highly educated and skilled professionals, this modern technique allows for follicular unit extraction (FUE), in which one follicular unit at a time is strategically placed into the scalp at the perfect angle - resulting in a more natural looking hair growth pattern- without the unsightly or thick scars that often result from traditional hair transplantation techniques.

As the aging process takes hold, further hair loss may occur in areas that were not previously treated. Unlike traditional methods of hair transplantation, this less invasive method can be used multiple times -without concern about additional scars- to achieve the full head of hair you are looking for.

When researching hair restoration, it is important to choose your hair transplant surgeon with care.  Only a qualified expert will be able to diagnose the scalp properly and provide positive, permanent results.  Factors such as angle, placement, direction and color of the surrounding hair must be taken into account to ensure that the fresh hair grows into a lush outcrop and blends with the hair that is growing naturally.

If your goal is to have an abundant head of hair that can grow for years on your once shiny top, the NeoGraft may be just the solution you are looking for.

It is important to explore your hair loss options and have your questions answered by an expert. Call us today to see if you may be a candidate and schedule your complimentary consultation with our elite medically trained staff.  We look forward to helping you achieve the youthful head of hair you deserve!


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Wednesday, July 28, 2010

A Positive Experience...

Working here at Aesthetic Enhancements and having the opportunity to witness Dr. Soto and our staff change women’s lives on a daily basis is a gift I appreciate greatly!

Take a peek at the letter we received from a patient just yesterday, who raves about her surgical experience here with us!

“I am absolutely thrilled with the beautiful breast enhancement that Dr. Soto did for me! What stands out most to me is how completely natural my breasts look, with a tapering, downward contour just like natural breasts. Not at all like those round, ball-shaped breasts that you can immediately spot on so many women who have had breast enhancement surgery. My breasts feel soft and quite natural as well.

Dr. Soto is as warm and genuine as he is a highly skillful surgeon.  I was not only impressed with him, but I was also impressed with his entire staff. From his friendly and accommodating Receptionists, to his personable and helpful Account Manager and professional and informative Nurses. Even his Anesthesiologist telephoned me the day before my surgery to ensure that I prep correctly for my surgery. 

In addition, Dr. Soto’s office is clean and inviting.  I would recommend Dr. Soto in a heartbeat to anyone considering plastic surgery. Many thanks to you Dr. Soto ~ I will enjoy my revived bust line for many years to come!”

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Details on CoolSculpting By Zeltiq!


The 2nd patient in Central Florida shares her first hand experience and tells us what to expect when having the CoolSculpting by Zeltiq procedure performed by Dr. Armando Soto - Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.   Do you want to learn how CoolSculpting can help you reduce unwanted fat pockets?  For more information, visit us at:  www.drarmandosoto.com.





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Thursday, June 17, 2010

Mommy Makeover Magic!










Long before that precious bundle arrives in your arms, your body is going through tremendous changes that will have a lasting effect on your body long after your little joy arrives.  Many women struggle with the fact that their body doesn’t bounce back into shape after childbirth, even despite a rigorous diet and exercise plan. The answer to this is a Mommy Makeover!

A Mommy Makeover is a unique combination of procedures designed to return a woman’s body to the pre-pregnancy condition, if not better!  The procedure is tailored to each individual woman’s goals for her appearance and can include any of the following procedures: breast lift, breast augmentation, breast reduction, or breast lift with augmentation, and a tummy tuck, liposuction or buttock lift.

Whether you have a few toddlers at home, or your babies are all grown, this popular procedure not only restores a woman’s post pregnancy body, but also helps mothers achieve that overall sense of happiness and confidence that comes from feeling good about their appearance.
 
The best way to understand what a Mommy Makeover could do for you, is to visit with a surgeon certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery and discuss your goals with them. At our Orlando, Florida Plastic Surgery and Skin Care Center, consultations are complimentary, and we believe that the combination of our team's education, training, integrity, and the outcomes we provide our patients make us a great choice for your aesthetic care. Come visit us- we'll look forward to meeting you!



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Tuesday, May 11, 2010

The One Question That Could Save Your Life Before Cosmetic Surgery

While the title of this post may seem a bit dramatic, the fact is that more than a few American women have died (this year alone) during or after cosmetic surgery procedures, and that in every case that I know of, the procedure was being performed by a poorly trained doctor who's training was in something other than plastic surgery. 

Further, in every case I know of, the cause of death was something that was completely preventable had the patient been under the care of a surgeon Certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery.

For every woman who's life was taken by her poor decisions, there are many more who are alive but deformed because they allowed a poorly trained person to do a cosmetic procedure on them.

In my Orlando Plastic Surgery and Skin Care Center, I see at least a few women a month who had Smart Lipo or "Aqua" Lipo performed by a local eye doctor (!) who advertises himself as a liposuction expert, and now have permanent disfigurement... (make no mistake- liposuction of any kind IS surgery)

In some cases, I am able to reconstruct a pleasing appearance (but only after more surgery that the patient wasn't planning)... in others, we are only able to camouflage the deformity that resulted from their poor decision to allow him to do surgery on them.

I am frequently asked-  how is a patient to know that a doctor's claims of expertise are marketing hoopla and not based on legitimate training and certification?

The simplest way is to ask if the doctor has privileges to do the operation they are proposing for you in a hospital.

In order to obtain hospital privileges for a procedure, a doctor must prove legitimate and specific training in the field in which he or she wishes to practice.

In other words, a hospital would not allow a person who's training was in ophthalmology to perform liposuction within its walls, because the people who run the hospital know that eye doctors don't get training in liposuction.

By doing these procedures in their offices, untrained or inadequately trained doctors are able to side-step the credentialing process- the proximate cause of the death and deformity to which I refer above.

Don't take chances with your life or your happiness- ask your doctor if they have privileges to do the procedure they are offering you in a hospital- then call the hospital and verify. It takes a few minutes, and could make all the difference in the world.


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Monday, May 10, 2010

On Unscrupulous and Untrained "Providers" of Aesthetic Services

Isn't it amazing how many people are now claiming to know some secret or another for maximizing your body or maintaining an everlasting appearance of youthful beauty?

How did this happen? Has there been some Renaissance-like enlightenment? Some quantum leap in technology? "Lasers"???

Absolutely not.

The only thing that has happened, and what is at the heart of the explosion in "providers" offering aesthetic services with little to no training, is that insurance reimbursement for medical services within the areas of medicine that these "providers" are legitimately trained in has declined precipitously over the last 15 years, and there is no relief in sight.

So if you are a gynecologist or general surgeon having a hard time making ends meet, and the insurance companies want to pay you less and less for your services, why NOT take a weekend course, buy a liposuction machine, and start advertising your new skill?

I would argue that in the long run, these doctors are only damaging their own reputations and credibility... They have little hope of ever being viewed as true experts in plastic surgery (lacking the legitimate training and board certification), and with their sudden and unexplainable change in practice either sending the message that they are not able to succeed within their primary specialty or that they would do anything for more money.

Why do I care? While on the surface it may appear that I am interested in protecting my own bottom line, what really upsets me about this mess is what the work product coming out of these "providers'" offices is doing to the reputation of ALL providers of plastic surgery services (including those of us with legitimate training and certification) and to the reputation of the services we provide.

Every time the Orlando area eye doctor who markets himself aggressively as a liposuction expert (he says he "invented" aqua lipo- the latest in a line of world changing technologies available only in his office) delivers another terrible outcome (I see many patients with severe dents and deformities after he did Smart Lipo on them), the unfortunate patient involved inevitably wonders whether the outcome could have been better had she made better choices, or whether her terrible outcome is the best that can be achieved with the procedure (many women have told me he tells them they have "good" outcomes, despite their mirrors and eyes telling them they look terrible).

I have written before on how best to choose a plastic surgeon (http://orlandoplasticsurgery.blogspot.com/2009/11/choosing-plastic-surgeon-part-2.html#699)- but the key is to be sure you are, in fact, dealing with a plastic surgeon.

If the doctor you are seeing is not a member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, you should probably look elsewhere, and be glad you escaped without injury.

The good news is that there are many legitimately educated, trained, and skilled Board Certified Plastic Surgeons available who can offer you a safe and effective body contouring procedure. Even if you cannot or would not come to see me for these services, I urge that you see one of these reputable colleagues.


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