Palmer Cosmetic Surgery

Arm Lifts

Palmer Cosmetic Surgery — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:41:43 +0000

The aging of the upper arm is a common cause of concern for many women. They are troubled by lax and excess skin, fatty deposits, and increased mobility of the soft tissue of the upper arm.

There are three basic methods to correct problems with the arms. The individual technique is determined by fully evaluating the patient’s skin quality, amount of excess fat, age, and muscle tone.

For younger patients, with excess fat being the principal complaint, liposuction is an excellent solution. By removing the fat of the upper arm, it will become thinner and more refined. Muscle definition will become more apparent, and both the triceps and deltoid musculature will be enhanced. When combined with post operative weight training, outstanding results can be achieved. The beauty of this procedure is that it can be done through an incision measuring about 1/4 inch that is placed in a crease behind the elbow, making it virtually invisible.

The standard excisional procedure to correct hanging arm skin is called a brachioplasty. A traditional brachioplasty involves a long incision from the armpit to below the elbow. Excess skin and fat is removed, and dramatic changes in the arm can be seen. The drawback from this operation is the scar. It is almost always visible, and limits clothing options. Many people are reluctant to have such a visible scar to improve their arms.

We offer a third option to our patients who need more than liposuction, but are unwilling to have a permanent scar along the length of their upper arm. It is called a modified brachioplasty. In this procedure, the scar is confined to the armpit fold, and is barely visible. Excess fat is removed by liposuction, and the excess arm skin is removed and advanced towards the axilla (armpit). The amount of skin removal is less than with a standard brachioplasty, since the skin resection must be balanced to allow the patient to lift their arms. We have achieved excellent results from this procedure, and it has been my experience that the scar almost completely disappears. Patient satisfaction is quite high.

All three of these procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, and general anesthesia is not required. Post operative pain is minimal, and return to work and regular activities can resume in a matter of days.

What is a “Mommy Makeover”?

Palmer Cosmetic Surgery — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 19:44:06 +0000

Having children is one of the most wonderful experiences of a lifetime. The effects on the body of the mother after one or more pregnancies may not be so wonderful. In the past, most women accepted the changes in their bodies as an acceptable tradeoff for motherhood. I have noticed in my practice that over the last fifteen years women are not as willing to accept these changes, and seek help in getting their bodies back to the appearance they had prior to pregnancies. In many cases they can get an even better look than they ever had.

The changes women experience after childbirth are usually in the breast, abdominal, and thigh regions. Their breasts may become smaller, sag more, and lose fullness and firmness. Their abdominal muscle tone may decrease. They may develop loose, hanging skin, and stretch marks, as well as fatty deposits on the hips and thighs.

The concept that diet and exercise can correct these conditions is false. Surgery is the best way to correct these post partum changes, hence the term “Mommy Makeover”.

A Mommy Makeover is not one single operation. It must be individualized to each specific patient. The concept of the Mommy Makeover is combining both breast and abdominal enhancement at a single operative setting.

To rejuvenate breasts, an implant is usually needed to provide volume and firmness. If there is minimal ptosis (sagging), an implant may also correct this. The implant can either be saline or silicone. For higher degrees of ptosis, it may be necessary to do a mastopexy (breast lift) at the same time as the breast augmentation. The mastopexy can be designed to minimize scarring, and often, the only incision for the mastopexy is one around the areola. The implant can easily be placed through this incision. The recovery time for the combined lift with implant surgery is usually the same as for a breast augmentation.

Abdominal changes can be corrected with either liposuction, a lower abdominoplasty, or an abdominoplasty, depending on the amount of excess fat, loose skin, and the condition of the abdominal muscles. Fatty deposits on the hips and thighs are usually easily correctable with liposuction.

The proper combination of procedures is best decided after a personal consultation. The results of a Mommy Makeover can be dramatic, restoring both an excellent appearance and confidence to the patient.

What you need to know about Hydrogel Butt Injections

Palmer Cosmetic Surgery — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 18:56:14 +0000

This is such a hot topic right now. Hydrogel injection for tissue augmentation is not illegal. Plastic surgeons frequently inject hydrogels in the face and lips to correct thin lips and signs of facial aging. Some of the most popular hydrogel ”fillers” are Juvederm© and Restylane©, which are a hyaluronic acid transparent omogeneous hydrogel. There are longer lasting fillers such as Radiesse©. They come in 1 cc syringes and generally cost well over $600 per syringe. Depending on the hydrogel used, the results can last up to a year.

Using a hydrogel for buttock augmentation is impractical at best, and has been illegally used on unsuspecting patients (who in some cases have had serious side-effects or even died). Hydrogels are NOT approved by the FDA for this purpose. When I perform the Brazilian micro-fat transfer for buttock augmentation here at Palmer Cosmetic Surgery, I generally will inject 1600 to 2000 cc of fat. Even if I were to inject this amount of hydrogel, it would cost upwards of $1,000,000 for the product alone and the results would only last up to 1 year. Because fat is found naturally in the body, it is the perfect substance to use to bulk up the buttocks and create a natural contour. Hydrogels are bulky and it takes experience and expertise to create a smooth contour – even when used in the small amounts injected into the face.

Besides injections, there are two other methods of gluteal augmentation-buttocks lifting, in which excess skin and fat is surgically excised, and the gluteal region is elevated, and buttocks implants.

From looking on the internet and the news, I am aware that there is a black market at play. Non-licensed people are injecting a “hydrogel” into people’s buttocks for $2000-$3000. This is a crime. Non-licensed personnel are not allowed to perform medical procedures. Next, you have to ask yourself “how are they able to do it for such a low price?” I would be seriously concerned about the impurities and possible contamination of this hydrogel.

If you are set on having hydrogel injections, you need to ask the practitioner several questions: (1) Are you currently licensed to practice medicine (MD or DO) in the United States? (2) Are you a board certified plastic surgeon? (3) Is this hydrogel currently approved by the FDA for buttock augmentation? (4) How long does this product last? (5) What happens if I have a complication? (6) At which local hospital do you have admitting privileges?

Also, ask yourself the following questions: (1) Does the person performing the procedure appear to be legitimate? (Are they a part of the community? Are they easily accessible? Do they have a website and published phone number? What medical school and residency program did they graduate from?) (2) Do I feel safe? (Is the procedure performed in a medical office under sterile conditions? If something were to go wrong, do they have lifesaving equipment in their office?)

Remember, you only have one body so choose wisely. I recommend you call our office to schedule a free consultation for a safe, FDA approved procedure to address your concerns.

For more information on this topic, I suggest you read the following links:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34792947/ns/health-skin_and_beauty/t/black-market-silicone-shots-can-kill-disfigure/#.Tq7bDHFqs7A

http://sandrarose.com/2011/02/she-wanted-butt-shots-like-nicki-minaj-now-shes-dead

Http://mediatakeout.com/22132/report_illegal_butt_injections_on_the_rise_in_nyc.html

Meet Our Staff

Palmer Cosmetic Surgery — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 15:05:15 +0000

Meet the staff of Palmer Cosmetic Surgery by clicking here and find out more about our AMAZING TEAM!

Is Permanent Makeup right for you?

Palmer Cosmetic Surgery — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 17:20:07 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

This is a safe, professional procedure which has been approved by plastic surgeons and dermatologists for years. Anesthetics are administered for all procedures resulting in a virtually pain-free experience. As each patient is unique, so are the procedures which are carefully and artfully designed to best enhance each individual’s specific features. The colors are all CUSTOM MIXED to suit the needs and desires of the client.

If you would like to learn more about Permanent Makeup visit us online or give us a call at 954-989-5001 today!

Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

Palmer Cosmetic Surgery — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:14:24 +0000

Facelift (Rhytidectomy).

Want to know the secrets behind a natural looking facelift? Call Palmer Cosmetic Surgery at 954-989-5001 or visit us online at www.palmercosmeticsurgery.com to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Russel Seth Palmer today!

Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

Palmer Cosmetic Surgery — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:13:02 +0000

Facelift (Rhytidectomy).

Fall Obagi Referral Contest

Palmer Cosmetic Surgery — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 18:22:01 +0000

Image by Jack Fussell via Flickr

Interested in trying the Obagi Nu-Derm Skin Care System?

For a limited time, Palmer Cosmetic Surgery is offering existing patients the chance to earn points by referring new patients for a complimentary Obagi Skin Care Consultation.

Referral Contest Rules:

All referrals must be NEW patients
They must supply YOUR name at the time of making their appointment in order for you to receive points
Referrals are for Obagi Skin Care Consultations ONLY!
All appointments must be made by November 1st 2011, which marks the ending date of the contest

Winners of the Fall Obagi Referral Contest receive:

1 Obagi Nu-Derm Starter Kit
1 Obagi Professional-C Serum 15%

Over $500 worth in prizes JUST for referring your friends!

Don’t miss your chance to win, have your friends call 954-989-5001 or visit us online at www.palmercosmeticsurgery.com to schedule their Obagi Skin Consultation today.

Breast Reduction FAQ’s

Palmer Cosmetic Surgery — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:21:59 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

1. Q: Will my breasts be lifted at the same time they are reduced?

A: Yes. One of the main components of a breast reduction is to lift and improve the appearance of the breasts. After breast reduction surgery, your breasts will be less saggy, and have a much better shape and feel.

2. Q: Is the nipple and areola removed and reattached as part of a breast reduction?

A: NO! This is one of the most common concerns of my patients. Almost half of my patients who I see in consultation believe this to be true. The nipple areola complex remains attached during the entire procedure. In fact, the operation is designed to protect the viability and sensation of the nipple and areola.

3. Q: If I have back, neck, and shoulder pain, will a breast reduction improve my symptoms?

A: Assuming the symptoms are related to the weight and position of the breasts, my patients report a dramatic improvement in these symptoms. They also find that they have an easier time finding clothes and exercising. Also, if they have rashes underneath their breasts, these almost always disappear after a breast reduction. The operation gives them a double benefit they look better and they feel better.

4. Q: Will I need the anchor scar?

A: This depends upon your choice of surgeon. Many surgeons still use the anchor scar for all of their reductions, as well as their mastopexies (breast lifts). Unfortunately, women who choose these surgeons are left with excess scarring that is permanent and difficult to conceal. I have not needed to use the anchor scar in my practice in over 10 years, and can do almost any reduction through just an incision around the areola and sometimes an additional vertical incision.

5. Q: Will I be able to breast feed after a brest reduction?

A: Almost 90% of women are able to breast feed after breast reduction surgery.

6. Q: Will I permanently lose feeling in my nipple?

A: This also depends on the surgeon and the technique he uses. In my practice, 97% of my patients regain normal feeling within one year of their surgery.

Palmer Cosmetic Surgery’s Breast Augmentation FAQ’s

Palmer Cosmetic Surgery — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 20:24:09 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

1. Q: Will the operation be very painful?

A: I do a pain control technique for every one of my breast augmentation patients, which significantly reduces, and in approximately 20% of cases, eliminates post operative pain. What this involves is placing a long acting anesthetic in precise locations, so that when you awaken from surgery you do not feel significant pain. Therefore, if you do experience pain, your pain medicine will be much more effective, because it is treating the early onset of the pain, rather than trying to treat it at its maximal level. My patients usually report a pressure like feeling or a soreness after surgery, rather than a true feeling of pain. Typically, when breast augmentation surgery is done elsewhere, it is a painful procedure.

2. Q: What size breasts are best for me?

A: This is a personal decision, and my staff and I have over 20 years of experience in guiding women to choose an implant that is best for them. It is very important to be honest with your surgeon about your desired results. I recommend bringing pictures of your desired size and shape. Both my patient care coordinator and I will spend as much time as you need going over our photo collection to help make sure you will achieve your desired result.

3. Q: Which is a better implant, silicone or saline?

A: Both silicone and saline implants are extremely high quality products, have been extensively studied, and are considered very safe. The choice of which implant is better depends on the individual patient. The advantage of silicone are that it has a lower incidence of rippling, and can give the breasts a better feel. In thin patients with little natural breast tissue silicone may be a better choice. Saline implants are inserted in the body when they are empty, then filled with sterile saline, as opposed to silicone, which are prefilled. Therefore, the surgeon can customize your appearance more precisely with a saline implant than with a silicone implant. The incisions for saline are usually smaller. and for someone with good muscle coverage and a some natural breast tissue, saline can be the better choice. Saline implants are also better for correcting pre-operative asymmetries.

4. Q: Is it safe to have breast implants in your body?

A: YES. This subject has been exhaustively studied around the world and the consistent conclusion is that there is no significant health risk.

5. Q: Is it necessary to change implants every ten years?

A: No, it is not. This false idea came about because it is hard to determine when a silicone implant has an early leak, so the notion was circulated that it might be a good idea to change implants every ten years to avoid problems with leakage. This idea does not apply to saline implants. Most reputable plastic surgeons would agree that there is no need to change implants if you are not having a problem with them.