Darnit!

Apparently, I am doomed to a lifetime of wrinkles and sun damage because I am not giving up my chips and chocolate or potatoes! Geez! Why don't they just take away all my reasons for living!

Questions before Surgery

I think this post is actually going to be quite hard to write. I simply can't list all the questions I hear throughout the surgical process. I urge patients, as a patient advocate, to obtain information that will help ensure your safety. For our patients, there are definitely a few questions that repeat at the consultation, preop appointment, and then in the time frame before surgery. Most of these are completely understandable and reasonable. But, some raise red flags as concerns that the patient doesn't have realistic expectations for cosmetic surgery, or that trust is lacking in the surgical team. In these instances, it seems very important to listen to your gut feeling.
It is really interesting to see how different patients deal with preparing for surgery. Of course, because we are solely elective surgery, it is different from the normal population who need to undergo surgery for a diagnosis or whatnot, and it is usually medically necessary. We have VERY few "medically necessary" surgeries.
Cosmetic patients are generally very selective, want all the information they can wrap their brain around, and are ready to "shop" around. Medical patients seems to be a little more under the attitude of "just get it over with and tell me what I need to know to heal good and fast."
Lately, we've had a few questions about specifics regarding how the surgeon actually performs the procedure. Is it really appropriate to ask surgical technique? At what point do you begin to undermine the surgeons expertise and education? Is what you're asking a trust issue? Can it also undermine the doctor/patient relationship? I completely advocate for open communication in the relationship, but remember to maintain respect toward each other. Also, in today's day and age of quick information regarding enumerable subjects via the Internet...how much information do you really feel comfortable with??

No big deal

I often run into people who think that breast implants are only for blonde bimbos who just want to be cute and/or porn stars.  Having worked in this field for years, I just want to get it out there that it isn't true.  At least not in my geographic area.  (I can't speak for you Cali.  He he)

Let it also be said that the economy is bad.  I think we all realize that now.

Okay, if you are a girl blessed with asymmetry, I can assure you that breast implants are not a luxury.   Asymmetry is a big deal.   Tuberous breasts are a big deal.  What's wrong with just wanting to be normal?  Nothing, in my opinion.  I'm not saying that anyone has to justify why they should or should not want breast implants, but there are definitely cases out there that are worse than others.  

Oh, and just to put a little bug in your ear...last time I checked testicular implants following removal for cancer or just not having one...is usually covered by insurance.  Hmmmm.  In a male dominated world, I'm really not surprised here.  But, you should be.  Every woman who has health insurance, anyway.  I think we might have to start lobbying for our insurance dollars to be treated like every body's insurance dollars.  Oh, that's right, the flip side of telling your insurance that you have breast implants could result in not having future coverage for breast related illness or problems.  Hmmmm.   Something to think about.  Right?

In a time of "change" for equal rights for everyone, maybe it's time to say something.

Sometimes....

patients come in from time to time and you just want to help them.  The patient who needs a labiaplasty because she's never had pain-free sex and is so elated when she finds out it can be done, literally, tomorrow....the adolescent male patient who has gynecomastia and has been hiding it from family and friends by literally duct taping himself down, and is just so unbelievably sweet and shy you can't stand it and just have to do something......

I just feel inspired today to record a few of these so I don't forget why this isn't JUST plastic surgery.

New Gadget

I have an iPhone, so I just had to share an app a coworker turned me onto today. Its called Lose It! and it is (ta-da) FREE!!!!!!!!!
I just started tinkering around with it, and love it. You sign in and start a profile with age, height, and weight, and then set a weight goal. You pick a time frame, and it tells you what your calorie allotment is for the day. I was pretty impressed with the selection of foods, including popular restaurant meals. It is pretty specific for a free app. You can also put in your exercise for the day, and then track your weight.
For those of you with the iPod touch, it may be available as well. Check it out.

Friday Fill-in

1. It's January; and I am looking forward to vacation next month.
2. A trim tummy is what I crave most right now.
3. Cork and wine go together like bees and honey.
4. Sleep is so nourishing.
5. Let us dare to try to show each other some love and compassion.
6. I wish I was at my home.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going out for dinner, tomorrow my plans include wii with the family and Sunday, I want to get a pedi (unless I have time tomorrow)!

New Year

Happy New Years Everyone! I know it has definitely been a while. To tell you the truth, I've gone and gotten quite addicted to Twilight. It has taken over my life. Sorta. I've read all the books and Midnight Sun twice and seen the movie 3 times. If you haven't seen it, or read the books, you should. Who doesn't want some fantasy escapism once in a while? I truly think there's a little something for everyone in there. And of course, all the Vampires are inhumanly beautiful...soooo it may drum up some business around here. Laugh.
Speaking of which, I'm a little excited about things. There was a rumor that our office was going to be expanding, but things are going to be staying as-is for the time being. You know, because the economy sucks. Fortunately for us, business is still going fairly strong. The same if not better than our brethren here in town. We can't wait to see what March will be like this year. Historically, it is our busy breast month. Loads of females want perfect bosoms for the swimsuit season, and come flocking. Being one of our least expensive procedures, we're hoping that remains true. Really though, we are all just keeping our fingers crossed and trying to be as prepared as possible.
I am actually excited. I have a few things planned vacation-wise this year, and then I think it may be time to settle down a bit. No rash decisions here though. While things are going well for the time being, you just never know.
I suppose going into this year many people are becoming a little more cautious. No more wanton spending. No rash decisions. Does an economy downturn actually cause people to think more? I guess we'll see. Surely some.