Questions about Liposuction: What you should know

Facts and answers about Liposuction:

Liposuction was introduced to plastic surgery by the French surgeon Dr. Yves-Gerard Illouz in 1982, providing a new option for individuals who wanted to get rid of unsightly fatty areas. Its elegance in simplicity and efficacy immediately brought it into the mainstream of plastic surgery. After three decades of use, liposuction remains one of the most popula

r procedures performed by plastic surgeons, accounting for 325,332 cosmetic surgical procedures in 2011, more than any other cosmetic procedure.

The safety, efficacy and even longevity of liposuction depend on an educated patient. Here are frequently asked questions that, when answered, will best position you for a desirable outcome.

1. Who is a good candidate for Liposuction ?

As emphasized by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the best candidates for liposuction are patients with isolated areas of fat that are (1) out of proportion with adjacent areas and (2) don't go away with diet and exercise. "Love handles" and "saddle bags" are common areas of concern. Since liposuction removes only fat and not skin, other areas considered for liposuction (e.g. "belly") should have good skin tone and minimal excess skin.

2. What kind of Liposuction is best?

There have been many modifications in liposuction equipment over the years. All are variations on the theme of a metal tube being placed in the area of concern and a vacuum pump aspirating the unwanted fat. This is referred to as "suction assisted liposuction." Various adjuncts have been added to this basic construct to improve results. These include, for example, technology to break the fat away (ultrasound) or melt it (laser). These newer technologies introduce additional variables into the procedure and therefore can have the potential for more complications.

True of many technologies that are designed in the hope of expanding market share, aggressive marketing by the manufacturer generates a patient-driven demand for specific approaches. Patients should discuss the choice of technique in detail with their surgeon. Newer is not necessarily better. A board certified plastic surgeon can help you determine which approach is right for your specific body type and needs.

3. Is Liposuction safe?

Yes -- if performed by a well-trained physician competent in evaluation, judgment and surgical technique. Liposuction, similar to any cosmetic surgery, involves a real and significant impact on violating the body to improve appearance. There are many potential risks involved including bleeding, infection, nerve damage and delayed healing. Plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery go through prolonged specific training, examinations, and requirements for recertification to avoid these complications and make cosmetic surgery safe. All members of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery must be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery to be considered for membership. A fundamental theme of the educational efforts of both of these societies remains patient safety.

Many physicians who are performing invasive cosmetic plastic surgical procedures are board certified in other practices, but not by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Among those who will say they are qualified to perform cosmetic surgery are those certified in family practice, gynecology, the list goes on: training and certification have far different emphases than that of plastic surgery.

4. Are the effects of Liposuction permanent?

It all depends on the patient and their actions after surgery.

For the sake of discussion, we can assume that we are each born with a certain number of fat cells. Liposuction removes fat cells in the area of the procedure and they are gone forever. However, if the patient takes in more calories than they burn, those extra calories are stored as fat. The remaining fat cells enlarge both the cells remaining in the area and cells in other parts of the body.

The only way to maintain the effects of liposuction is to burn the same amount of calories as you take in. In any patient, with or without liposuction, extra calories get stored as fat.

In counseling patients on how to maintain or lose weight, I emphasize two points. One is that restricting calories alone has a much bigger impact on weight loss than exercise alone. Most people overestimate the number of calories they burn with exercise and are unaware of the calories in everyday food -- particularly 'fast food.'

Interested in fat removal, Liposuction surgery? Contact us to schedule an appointment.

Mommy Makeovers are on the Rise

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports a rise in plastic surgery among women of childbearing age, showing that more than 325,000 mommy makeover procedures were performed nationally on women ages 20 to 39 and 62% of moms say they would consider undergoing a procedure if cost was not an issue.  More and more surgeons say they are seeing more women complain about the loss of their pre-pregnancy figure and unhappy with the fact that they have been unable to return to their pre-pregnancy weight.

At TruYou Plastics surgery, we specialize in the mommy makeover, tummy tuck, and other post-pregnancy body contouring procedures. While the cost of surgery is a definite factor to consider, we have financing products available to help.

 Also, patients in Jacksonville will be happy to learn that the cost of plastic surgery here in the first coast is far less expensive than anywhere else in Florida. Call us to schedule your complimentary consultation today. (904) 638-5555.

Couples choose to have plastic surgery

"He hadn't thought about getting anything done, but after hearing how I would look afterward, he decided he should probably go ahead and have a little something done too," -patient, who asked that her last name not be used for privacy reasons.

This couple represents a growing trend. Although neither the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery nor the American Society of Plastic Surgeons keeps statistics, representatives for both groups say there is anecdotal evidence that more couples are having cosmetic surgery together.

The trend is a corollary to the increase in recent years of cosmetic procedures performed on men, who now account for 9% of the total.

It's a male ego thing. When a wife comes in and has work done and is delighted with the outcome, the husband or partner feels more confident and secure and more likely to ask questions. Men are often initially introduced when they come in with their wives, who are looking at having this or that done. When the husband is in there, he sees some of the information, and then he sort of gets interested. Then, when the wife comes in for a post operative appointment they pull me to the side and we'll talk about his eyes, love handles or neck.

Liposuction is enormously popular for both men and women. In 2011, more than 300,000 lipoplastys were performed in the United States, surpassing breast augmentation as the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure for the first time since 2008, according to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

But although coupled men and women may have their procedures done around the same time, what they're having done may differ. The most common areas for male Liposuction are the abdomen, chest and chin. For women, it's tummy, thighs, neck, and knees.

Rounding out the list of top anti-aging cosmetic surgical procedures for women are tummy tucks and cosmetic eyelid surgeries. For men, it's eyelid surgery and gynecomastia, also known as male breast reduction, according to the ASAPS.

If cosmetic surgery is, to some extent, about keeping up with the Joneses, there's no more important Jones than a spouse. Psychologically, there's just something unsettling about a man and a wife who are aging out of sync!
Remove unwanted, stubborn belly and love handle fat pockets. Call us to schedule a free cosmetic consultation today. (904)638-5555

Reversing the Effects of Sun Damage

Most patients have spent far to many hours in the sun with their skin unprotected.  Left exposed to the sun's harmful rays, the skin eventually begins to darken, dry, and wrinkle. The face is left looking aged, pigmented, and undesireable. Once patients begin to notice these effects, they begin to apply sun screen and are much more careful outdoors. However, the damage has already been done as most of the harmful effects of solar radiation occur before the age of thirteen.

As plastic surgeons, we have so many weapons at our disposal now that we didn't have 5 years ago. Treating sun damage and aging can be much easier today with non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures and treatments. We start with assessing the patient's individual needs and goals. Then put together a plan to address the main issues. Sometimes, this could entail several months of treatments that build on each other to produce amazing results with little to no overall downtime.

For instance, facial skin products like hydroquinone, Retin-A, and moisturizers (like Obagi) are the basics of any skin restoration program.  To that we add peels, lasers, fillers, and skin tightening treatments. Aside from making a patient`s face look younger, chemical peels also improve acne scars, age and liver spots and irregular skin pigmentation. Any skin acne must be treated as well prior to or during the regimen.

"Plastic surgery shouldn`t shout, it should whisper. It should look elegant, and so a younger person who just wants to sort of maintain a good quality skin can start with these non-invasive procedures- Dr. Sternberg."

The surgeons at TruYou plastic surgery perform botox and injectible [link id='55'] such as Sculptra, Juvaderm, Restylane and silicone lip implants to help with achieving the treatment goals. They say these procedures are good for those who want to reverse the signs of aging and are looking for subtle, realistic results.

Do You Know Your Plastic Surgeon is Qualified??

Your read and hear about plastic surgery gone wrong at least monthly. Patients unassumingly undergo plastic surgery procedures with unqualified or untrained surgeons and when something goes wrong it costs the patient both financially and physically.

Why does this happen?

Although state medical boards regulate who can obtain a license to practice medicine, they don't restrict doctors from performing procedures outside of their training or specialty. Once they are licensed, there is no law against doctors performing any medical procedure they want to, as long as the patient consents to it.

As a board-certified plastic surgeon, I can legally perform a knee replacement or hysterectomy, procedures for which I am completely unqualified. This lack of regulation has allowed an increasing number of doctors of all types -- including gynecologists, general surgeons and even emergency medicine physicians -- to perform tummy tucks, liposuction, facelifts and breast enhancement.
These procedures are almost never performed in real hospitals. Hospitals typically vet their surgeons and allow them to practice only within their field of training and expertise. Doctors get around this by performing cosmetic procedures in their own in-office operating rooms or at ambulatory surgery centers, where the credentialing requirements may not be as strict.

So why do so many doctors reject their chosen specialty and remake themselves as plastic surgeons?
One word: money.

Declining physician reimbursement has resulted in more physicians looking for ways to enhance their income. And plastic surgery is one of the only fields of medicine that is shielded from insurance companies.

So an increasing number of doctors are closing their traditional medical practices and opening cosmetic surgery centers. These physicians learn the basics of plastic surgery through weekend courses, shadowing other doctors and even online webinars. This influx of poorly trained cosmetic surgeons has caused "bad plastic surgery" to become more common
.
If you are considering having plastic surgery, I implore you: Do your homework. Find a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only plastic surgery board that is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.

Both of our Surgeons are Board Certified by the ASPS and perform cosmetic surgery only at approved and certified surgery centers, like the atlantic-surgery-center. Call us today to schedule a complimentary cosmetic consultation.

Patients show improved "Quality of Life" after body-contouring surgery

Body contouring surgery after massive weight loss improves long-term quality of life, a new study shows.

Dramatic weight loss often results in an excess of overstretched skin that can cause both functional and aesthetic issues, including skin rashes and infections. Thirty three post-bariatric surgery patients completed the Obesity Psychosocial State Questionnaire about 7.2 years after undergoing body-contouring surgery. Participants reported a significant, mostly moderate to large, sustained improvement in their quality of life 7.2 years after body-contouring surgery, when compared to quality of life assessments conducted before body-contouring surgery.

"Results: Compared to appraisals of quality of life before body-contouring surgery, a significant, mostly moderate to large, sustained improvement of quality of life was observed in post-bariatric patients 7.2 years after body-contouring surgery at six of the seven psycho-social domains. A small deterioration occurred between 4.1 and 7.2 years follow-up on two of the seven domains except for the domain efficacy toward eating which showed a significant improvement. At 7 years follow-up 18 patients (55%) were satisfied with the result of body contouring surgery."

“This study indicates a sustained quality of life improvement in postbariatric patients after body contouring surgery, study authors conclude. “This suggests the importance of including reconstructive surgery as a component in the multidisciplinary approach in the surgical treatment of morbid obesity.”

To learn more about Body Contouring procedures call to schedule a free consultation or visit the website to learn more: TruYou Plastic Surgery

Pain associated with very large breasts affects teenage girls negatively

Many teen girls are so troubled by overly large breasts that they would consider breast reduction to feel better emotionally and physically, a new study suggests. The findings appear online in the July 16th issue of Pediatrics.

In the study, the attitudes and outlook of 96 girls between the ages of 12 and 21 with macromastia who had not had breast surgery were compared with those of 103 healthy girls in the same age range with no identified breast issues. All of the study participants answered questions about their physical functioning and pain, general health, body image, and eating. They also responded to a questionnaire on breast-specific issues.

Macromastia, large breasts, has a substantial negative impact on health-related quality of life, self-esteem, physical symptoms, and eating behaviors among adolescents, independent of a person's weight or body mass index (BMI), the study showed. About two-thirds of adolescents with macromastia are overweight.

In the study, girls with macromastia reported a cup size that was DD, on average, while the girls without the condition reported a B cup size. Girls with macromastia reported higher rates of breast pain, skin rashes, and back, neck and shoulder pain. As a result of their large breasts, girls with macromastia were more likely to say they had trouble playing sports and finding clothes that fit. About 18% of participants with macromastia had eating disorder problems, compared with 6.6% of those without the condition.

At TruYou plastic surgery, we have done many breast reduction procedures to help girls with this common problem.  Contact us today or go to the website to see photos and learn more about Breast Reduction surgery.  Most patients are covered under insurance plans for this surgery.

"Before" and "After" Breast Reduction Surgery

How to choose a surgeon for your cosmetic procedure

Many more people than ever before are undergoing plastic surgery procedures every year. However, when it comes to surgery there is always a risk, and "cheaper" is usually never better.  So how do you pick the right surgeon for your procedure?  Well, here are some ways to search for the best surgeon for your procedure:

     Make sure your surgeon is board certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
What the general public does not often realize is all plastic surgeons are cosmetic surgeons. However, all cosmetic surgeons are not plastic surgeons!
Legally, any doctor can perform any procedure. So, technically, a dermatologist could give you a breast lift, but that doesn't mean they have the extensive training and expertise, just a lower price in many cases.
Check the doctor's credentials and their record with your state medical board.
Remember, just because it's called a ‘Mom Job' doesn't mean it's a packaged deal.
Don't agree to procedures you don't want or need. Doctors warn the more work done at once, usually means more risks.
A ‘Mommy Makeover' isn't about getting a picture perfect body. For many women, it's about getting back the body they had before giving birth to their baby.

Altogether, the procedures involve major surgery and cost major bucks.

During any pre-op consultation with your plastic surgeon, be sure to arrive at their office armed with a list of questions, and ask how often they have performed the procedure in which you're interested in.
Additional Information:

• Legally any doctor is permitted to do any procedure. For example, a psychiatrist could do a breast augmentation. If you use a board-certified plastic surgeon, you know he or she has completed three to five years of training in general surgery and a minimum of two to three years of training in plastic surgery, plus they have to take written and oral tests.
• Board-certified plastic surgeons also have to do continuing medical education and take a written test every 10 years.
• Check the surgeon's record.
• Malpractice judgments and disciplinary actions can be found through a state Medical Board.
• Ask if the surgeon has hospital privileges.
• Hospitals do background checks.
• Come armed with questions for the doctor.
• Find out how often he or she has done the procedure you're interested in.
• Be wary of multiple procedures. More procedures at once equal more risk.
• Call the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (toll-free at 1-888-4-PLASTIC, or 1-888-475-2784) to get a list of surgeons in your area who perform a certain procedure and are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
• Plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery have graduated from an accredited medical school, completed at least five additional years of residency (typically three years of general surgery and two years of plastic surgery), practiced plastic surgery for at least two more years, and passed comprehensive exams.
• Click here to find questions you should ask a plastic surgeon: plasticsurgery.org

www.truyoujax.com

At TruYou Plastic and Reconstructive surgery our mission is to address our patients' concerns in a professional, discreet manner while providing superior results to improve confidence, self-image, and overall well-being.

We specialize in breast augmentation and reconstruction after cancer, as well as body contouring procedures to lift, tighten and tone.

Breast augmentation costs only $3900 for saline implants performed under general anesthesia in a credentialed and state-of-the-art surgery center. Silicone breast augmentation costs only $4900.

We also perform Botox, Fillers, Sculptra, resurfacing lasers and other non-surgical options for facial enhancement and rejuvenation. Come find out why everyone is talking about TruYou!  Call us to reserve your complimentary consultation today. (904) 638-5555.

Not just for Women anymore

The public’s common image of a Botox patient is a middle-aged
woman hoping to look more youthful through
the minimally invasive procedure.














But plastic surgeons say that “brotox”
– the use of Botox by men — is gaining in popularity.

Between 2000 and 2010, there was a 258 percent increase
in the number of men undergoing treatment with
botulinum toxin type A, according to the
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

In fact, more men in 2010 chose Botox treatment than any other form of cosmetic surgery or enhancement, the society reported, with 336,834 males receiving shots of the toxin to relax muscles and improve their appearance.

I think the stigma of Botox to men has dropped, and now men are using it to smooth out a furrowed brow, forehead, or around the eyes that otherwise makes them look angry or tired.

At TruYou Plastic Surgery, all injections are performed by the surgeons and Botox® and Dysport® is offered at only $10/unit. Call today to schedule your appointment.

Breast-cancer patients are missing out on reconstruction options

Letitia, a 39-year-old single mom, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. Although Letitia consulted with two doctors in the course of planning her treatment, neither mentioned [link id='94']. Both breasts were removed. Years later, Letitia learned that her insurance covered reconstruction. When asked why she didn't undergo reconstruction at the time of her mastectomy, Letitia replied, "No one had mentioned it was an option."
Many women like Letitia do not have breast-reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy because either they are unaware that most insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare, covers it, or because the option is never mentioned to them by their doctors.
A 2009 poll published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons says that 70 percent of women with breast cancer who are eligible for breast reconstruction after a mastectomy are not informed by their doctors that the option exists.
Please tell everyone you know that there are many options for women facing breast cancer, and breast reconstruction is one of our specialties at TruYou Plastic surgery.  Consults are covered by insurance and the surgery to repair and reconstruct the breast is covered as well. What most people don't know is that usually, the other (non-affected) breast can also be "fixed" to match the reconstructed one. Meaning that we can do anything we need to in order to make the breasts match and look the best. Call today to schedule your appointment or ask us any questions: (904)638-5555.

Hi :

I would like to get your feedback and suggestions to help me improve my business. If you could help me answer quick 2 question survey would be much appreciated. Please click on the following link to take the survey:

Thank you

Question: My husband is embarrassed to take his shirt off on our boat. He feels like he has breasts like a woman. Can this be corrected?

Answer: Yes. This condition, called gynecomastia, can be a combination of excess fat and/or glandular tissue development in one or both breasts. It can happen on young men as they go through their adolescence or even develop as men get older and put on weight.

In some cases, it is a heredity condition. In other males, it may be hormonal changes, weight loss or gain, or the use of certain medications.

The good news is that breast-reduction procedures for men are relatively simple with little downtime. In cases where the chest/breast area is primarily excess fatty tissue, then liposuction may be the solution. If the breast tissue is glandular, or there is also excess skin drooping, then the surgical approach would be slightly more involved.

Either way, we have found most males of any age are completely thrilled with the surgical results. Following surgery, our male patients tells us they feel less self-conscious in their fitted shirts and are not embarrassed to go shirtless on the beach, gym or boat.

For more information about male breast reduction, call our office for a complimentary cosmetic consultation.TruYou Plastic Surgery: 904-638-5555

"Gummy Bear" implants

An article recently published in the Plastic Surgery literature:  Keep reading....

There has been much ado about gummy bears lately – even blogger Perez Hilton is talking about them.

Obviously, we are not really talking about the sweet and colorful candy loved by kids and adults alike. We are talking about very cohesive silicone gel-filled breast implants and an endearing, clever and catchy nickname coined by Los Angeles plastic surgeon Grant Stevens, MD, back in 2004.

So why are they making headlines in 2012?

In early March, the FDA announced that it had given its formal and much-coveted nod to a new breast implant. The approval of Sientra’s Silimed line meant many things to many people. For starters, allowing  a third company to market breast implants, of any type, in the US ostensibly broke up the duopoly held by Allergen and Mentor for so long. Doctors now have more choices, and as a result so do patients.

That’s the back story. Soon after the approval, a flurry of media reports suggested that these newly approved Sientra implants were in fact gummies.

Were they? Are they?

A huge debate erupted over what was and was not a “gummy bear” implant.

Plastic Surgery Practice sets the record straight. Gummy bear implants is a nickname. It is not a brand name, and it does not refer to one specific product. It’s a term coined by Stevens to refer to a new generation of breast implants that were are more viscous and “form-stable” than their predecessors.

Bottom line, if Stevens says it is a gummy bear, it is in fact a gummy bear.

“There is no implant made of candy,” he tells Plastic Surgery Practice. “A gummy bear is  a breast implant which is composed of highly cohesive silicone gel or silicone that has higher cohesively than existing silicone implants.”

The true test? If you cut it will it bleed? Just like the fruity gummy candy, highly cohesive silicone gel implants can be cut in half without any oozing.

The new Sientra implants are more cohesive than the currently approved Allergan and Mentor implants. Both Allergan and Mentor do have "gummy bear breast implants" pending FDA review and approval. Allergan's 410, Mentor's CPG, respectively.

At TruYou Plastic surgery we currently have access to the new Sientra implants and will begin using them for the appropriate patient.  We always stay on top of the latest news and safety studies in plastic surgery, because our patient's results depend on our knowledge of the most recent developments. Stay tuned on this subject as we learn more about these newest implants.

Popular medical sun screens get national exposure in Advertising

Sunscreen is so important during the summer
months and all year long! We carry several
very effective brands of medical grade sun
protection that will make your skin feel smooth
and keep you safe from the sun.  Come for a skin
analysis and discussion about skin care and health with our aesthetician, Heather Fallon. Call to schedule your appointment.

How long will Breast Implants last?

While breast implants do not come with an expiration date, they will also not last forever.

The lifespan of breast implants varies based on a number of individual factors, although many reports indicate that breast implants can last longer than 15 years without requiring replacement. Following your breast augmentation with Jacksonville, Florida, plastic surgeons, Dr. Erez Sternberg or Dr. Hollie Hickman, we will stay in touch with you over the years and usually schedule yearly follow up consultations just to see how you are loving your implants.

Although many women have reported maintaining healthy breast implants for upward of 20 years without complications or the need for revision, regular check-ups are recommended after you have undergone breast augmentation to monitor the position of the breast implants and ensure they remain intact.

At a certain point, the potential need for breast implant replacement increases. Revision procedures commonly focus on:

• Changes related to aging that affect your breast implants, such as sagging breasts
• Eventual rippling, wrinkling or folding of your breast implants, which occurs more frequently with saline breast implants
• Breast implant rupture, which is more common with saline breast implants
• Hardening of the breast or capsular contracture

If you live in the Jacksonville, Florida, area and would like to learn more about breast augmentation and breast implant options, please contact TruYou Plastic Surgery to schedule your consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeons.

Check out the specials this month

Follow the link to the TruYou specials page to check out this months special deals.
http://www.truyoujax.com/specials

Melanoma Rates on the Rise Among Young Adults

The incidence of melanoma has increased dramatically among people younger than 40, and young women in their 20s and 30s are the hardest hit, Mayo Clinic researchers report in the April issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
Dermatologist Jerry Brewer, MD, and colleagues culled data from the Rochester Epidemiology Project for first-time diagnoses of melanoma in patients who were aged 18 to 39 from 1970 to 2009. They found that melanoma rates increased eightfold among young women and fourfold among young men.
Exactly why rates are on the rise is not 100% clear, but the researchers speculate that the use of indoor tanning beds is likely a key culprit. "A recent study reported that people who use indoor tanning beds frequently are 74% more likely to develop melanoma, and we know young women are more likely to use them than young men," Brewer says in a press release. "The results of this study emphasize the importance of active interventions to decrease risk factors for skin cancer and, in particular, to continue to alert young women that indoor tanning has carcinogenic effects that increase the risk of melanoma."

May is Skin Cancer awareness month and our surgeons are ready to remove and biopsy skin lesions that you may be worried about.  What should you look for? Any new colored (black, brown) lesion or mole that is growing, scarring, changing color, or scaly should raise your concern. Biopsies are covered under insurance and are performed at our office. Always see a dermatologist yearly for a full body exam in addition to being seen at our office. Many of our patients come from referring dermatologist in the local area.  These are two practices near our office that would be happy to see you:

First Coast Dermatology

Jaxdermatology

Chins are In!

"Chinplants," i.e., surgical procedures that enhance and define the chin line, increased 71 percent between 2010 and 2011, outdoing breast augmentation, liposuction and even Botox, which increased a mere five percent between 2010 and 2011, according to new statistics released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
"Having a strong chin is not something you can gain via diet or exercise," says Dr. Darrick Antell, a Manhattan plastic surgeon and clinical professor of surgery at Columbia University. "You're either born with it or you see a surgeon to improve it."
The procedure is now popular with both men and women, with nearly 21,000 Americans opting for the operation last year alone, the ASPS reports.
Experts point to a handful of reasons for the rise in chinplants.

TODAY

Chinspiration? More people are turning to plastic surgery to achieve a strong-jawed look like Jennifer Aniston (whose shapely chin is all natural).

"The biggest jump was in people over 40 which is the point where people are bridging the gap between youthfulness and middle age," says Antell. "They're getting loose skin under the jaw line and a chin implant can make an immediate improvement."
At TruYou plastic surgery, our surgeons can discuss chin implants with you during your complimentary consultation. [link id='53'] are made of solid silicone and can be placed through small incisions on the face or under your jaw.

Plastic Surgery for Couples

The Los Angeles Times reports, "Men are often initially introduced (to plastic surgery) when they come in with their wives, who are looking at having this or that done. When the husband is in there, he sees some of the information, and then he sort of gets interested. Then, when the wife comes in for a postoperation appointment, we'll talk about his eyes or neck."
Lipoplasty is enormously popular for both men and women. In 2011, more than 300,000 lipoplastys were performed in the United States, surpassing [link id='86'] as the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure for the first time since 2008, according to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
But although coupled men and women may have their procedures done around the same time, what they're having done may differ. The most common areas of men's lipoplasty are the abdomen, chest and chin. For women, it's all over.
Rounding out the list of top anti-aging cosmetic surgical procedures for women are [link id='112'] and cosmetic [link id='45']. For men, it's [link id='45'] and [link id='127'], or male breast reduction, according to the ASAPS.
If cosmetic surgery is, to some extent, about keeping up with the Joneses, there's no more important Jones than a spouse. Psychologically, there's just something unsettling about a man and a wife who are aging out of sync.

Relax, Smooth your skin, treat acne breakouts

WANT YOUR FIRST MICROPEEL FREE? ($125 value)

SkinCeutical MicroPeels are affordable and effective, targeting hyperpigmentation, photo aging and acne.  These in-office epidermal peels are a non-invasive way to immediately resurface and improve the health of your skin with no downtime.  You can receive your first MicroPeel for FREE with the purchase of a customized product regimen.  Each customized regimen includes:  1 Cleanser, 1 Sunscreen and 1 Anti-aging or Corrective product.  (Cannot be combined with any other discount or coupon.  Limit one time use.  Regimen purchase requirements must be met.)

Facials, MicroPeels, and Dermaplaning 

The Forgotten Temples - a great place for fillers

Sculptra is injected into areas of volume loss

The role of volume augmentation for facial rejuvenation will continue to progress as our knowledge and insight into facial anatomy, aging, beauty, and aesthetic harmony continue to mature. Soft-tissue augmentation has been used with positive results for some time, but the focus within the facial aesthetic community, as a whole, of where to place volume has certainly changed and expanded. With experience, we continue to recognize that filling just a wrinkle or nasolabial fold, for example, can help or, better yet, appease a patient's concern, but true facial rejuvenation, with harmony, requires a more thoughtful scope of evaluation and an expanded treatment philosophy.

TREATING THE HOLLOW TEMPLES

The hollow temple is an area often overlooked by patients and practitioners alike. Once pointed out, the expression is one of surprise for not recognizing this obvious "problem" before. Or if previously known, hairstyles have commonly been changed or altered to conceal the area. The lack of fullness within the temple area can be due to a relatively deep temporal fossa, a hypoplastic temporalis muscle, or an atrophied adipose tissue layer.

Most temples do have a slight concavity, but too much concavity (or convexity) disrupts the frame or silhouette of the face. The hollowness also exposes the superior-lateral orbital ridge and zygomatic arch, which are features deemed less attractive and associated with aging and/or poor health. Consequently, the aim in treating the hollow temple is to provide a better overall shape to the face and a smooth transition from the peri-orbital area to the temporal hairline.

At TruYou Plastic Surgery, Dr. Sternberg uses the specialized filler, Sculptra, to treat this area and other areas of significant volume loss in the face.  The most common being around the cheeks, temples and along the jawline. Come in for a free consultation and exam to see if this would work for you.

Next Wave of Breast Implants May Be Able to Fight Cancer or Infections

Forget gummy bear implants (the newest breast implants that could hit the market by the end of this year).  "Gummy bear" implants also known as "form stable" breast implants are a more solid state of silicone and hold the tear-drop shape of the breast better.  This could further improve breast aesthetics and form especially in the breast reconstruction patient's.

However, researchers are currently working on even the next wave of breast implants which may do more than boost breast size; they may actually be able to detect and destroy breast cancer cells.

Sound far-fetched? It may not be all that far off:

Researchers at Brown University in Providence, RI, have created an implant that may deter breast cancer cell regrowth. The new implant is composed of a common polymer. It is modified at the nanoscale to cause a reduction in the blood-vessel architecture that breast cancer tumors depend upon while recruiting healthy blood vessel cells for breast tissue. Their findings appear in the journal Nanotechnology.

In a related discovery, a team of researchers out of the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio, received $100,000 in seed in seed money via “GE healthymagination Cancer Challenge.” They are creating implants and tissue expanders for breast reconstruction after cancer that are embedded with pharmaceutical agents. The new devices could be expected to help fight infection, reduce inflammation, and possibly even target and destroy stray cancer cells.

At TruYou Plastic Surgery, we are constantly reading the literature and staying on top of emerging technologies such as these.  We are committed to our patient's safety and well being.

Dr. Sternberg & Dr. Hickman

Selecting the best implants is extremely important

Happy holidays

We want to wish everyone a very happy Easter and a happy Passover from all of us at TruYou Plastic surgery.

Success of our spring Extravaganza!

We had a wonderful turn out for our second Spring Extravaganza, where we educated the attendees on facial rejuvenation, breast augmentation and breast reduction. We answered questions on the topics and had a very engaged audience. We all had a great time and people really took advantage of the specials and discounts. We hope to see you at our next event at TruYou Plastic surgery.

Did you know that sometimes excess abdominal skin removal is covered by insurance? If you have lost a great deal of weight than this may apply to you. Call 904-638-5555 to find out.

Will tummy tuck worsen lower extremity swelling? : I have recently lost 100 lbs and have hanging skin that really bothers me. This is more medical than cosmetic. Could I get a tummy tuck or would this worsen my lower extremity swelling?


This is a great question and an important one to consider before you have any surgery. With your impressive amount of weight loss, you may be a candidate for a panniculectomy. This removes the excessive low hanging abdominal skin and fat and improves the way you look, feel, and will help you heal the rashes associated with the excess skin. You can then better work off the additional weight. It is important to realize that this procedure is different than a tummy tuck and will not tighten you muscles.


Removing such a large amount of skin will interrupt the flow of lymphatic channels and will likely worsen your LE edema at first but this should improve once you heal. The important thing is to know why you have edema and if the deep veins in the legs are open. You would need to see a vascular specialist for this evaluation. If the benefits of panniculectomy are better than the risks in your situation, then you could decide to undergo the procedure. Just make sure you are on a blood thinner and stay in the hospital a few nights after surgery. Good luck. 

Revising a prior tummy tuck is possible. Call to schedule a consultation.

Will revision tummy tuck help my loose skin?



You present a difficult problem because it is obvious that you didn't stretch very well after your first full tummy tuck procedure. In order to best try and maximize your results, I would suggest revising the entire procedure with a combination of a longer horizontal scar and a verticle scar as well. A small, well placed belly button which pulls the skin in tighter around it would also help as well. I would recommend that you wait until after one year from your first procedure to allow the scar tissue to soften and the skin to maximally tighten. Hope this helps, good luck. 

Guests on the Radio!

I hope some of you tuned in to WOKV 106.5FM this saturday when Dr. Hollie Hickman and I were guests on the "Ask the Doctors" radio show with host Jeremy Ratliff. We answered questions on the air from callers such as "how safe is plastic surgery", "what procedures are most common for men", "what are fillers", and "why do I feel ripples in my breast implants?" We had a great time and really appreciate St. Vincent's Healthcare for having us on.