Too often, liposuction is driven by technology and associated marketing rather than by the training and skill of the medical practitioner. You have seen or heard the frequently slick ads touting the amazing outcomes that can be yours when you have your liposuction using “their” miracle machine. Such may or may not include the following:
SmartLipo™ Slimlipo™ LipoLite™ Etc.™
The most important factor is not the machine. It is the doctor performing the liposuction. No machine can correct for poor technique, lack of experience, improper training and a lack of appreciation and understanding of aesthetics.
Unfortunately, many of those physicians (or clinics) that advertise and use these liposuction machines, can be characterized by one or more of these deficiencies. They may market themselves as cosmetic surgeons (possibly because they took courses, etc.) but, in fact, their primary medical training was in family care, internal medicine, emergency medicine, cardiology and so forth.
You don’t see the word “surgery” attached to any of these. That should also serve as a warning.
There are general surgeons who do use these liposuction machines. However, their training is in areas completely unrelated to liposuction and the aesthetic realm. Another hint: most plastic surgeons first train in general surgery and THEN undergo at minimum of an additional two to three years of specialized training in plastic surgery before opening their practices. It must just be that the additional training and experience is important.
So – who do you want to have performing liposuction on your body?
Thought so!
Make sure that your doctor a plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. I am and have been practicing in the Scottsdale and Phoenix area going on 25 years.
Now, for a little levity, check out this video touting an amazing suction machine.
Steven H. Turkeltaub, M.D. P.C.
Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona
For many reasons, I have always been a strong proponent of placing breast implants behind the muscle (submuscular) versus in front(submammary) in breast augmentation surgery. These include better support and soft tissue coverage of the implants, lower risk of capsular contracture developing, a softer and more natural overall appearance and feel. An even more important reason is that the breasts can be better assessed on mammography when the implants are situated behind the muscle rather than in front.
Rarely, will I ever place breast implants above the muscle and when I do, it is usually as an exchange for someone who has had reasonable results with their implants situated in this location. Body builders are another exception.
It is amazing to me that there are still many physicians who place a majority of their patients’ implants in a submammary pocket. Many of these happen to be non-plastic surgeons who find that performing the procedure is easier this way and therefore dismiss or ignore important aesthetic issues and outcomes.
Over the years I have seen countless poor results from saline implants placed above the muscle in women of all ages, a situation which is exacerbated by those with thin skin. Even more disheartening are those women in their 20’s who have sustained permanent damage by what I consider to be very poor “choices” by their surgeons.
The following video illustrates one such individual who is in her mid 20’s. Note the severe static and dynamic rippling, skin stretching and very poor cosmetic appearance.
If you would like additional information on breast implants, breast augmentation or any other plastic surgery procedure that I perform or to schedule a consultation, please call my office at 480-451-3000.
Steven H. Turkeltaub, M.D. P.C.
Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona
Though obesity has become an epidemic in this country, it is not a condition that most people aspire to become. The consequences of being massively overweight can exert a great toll emotionally, physically and physiologically. This can range from an increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, infections, and cancer to poor self esteem, sexual dysfunction and disabling depression. Engaging in even the mildest of physical activities can be extremely difficult, embarrassing and exhausting.
Obesity, therefore, has few positives associated with it unless one uses a little creativity…
In a bizarre story, two women recently deployed their prodigious layers of fat and large pendulous breasts for evil purposes – to steal clothing from a store. They attempted to hide several pairs of boots, gloves and other items under their breasts and in body fat folds in a failed shoplifting attempt. The purported total value of the items sequestered was around $2600 – an amazing amount particularly since this occurred in a (discount) T.J Maxx store and not a Neiman-Marcus or Nordstrom.
I do see many people who have lost a significant amount of weight, often 100 pounds or more. Some have achieved their success by diligent dieting and exercise. Others pursue weight loss procedures such as lap banding or gastric bypass surgery. Nevertheless, what they are left with are massive amounts of excess skin that is circumferential and often hangs down in layers. This less than attractive sight is often not what they had expected to be left with following their successful weight loss.
Fortunately, there are a variety of plastic surgery procedures that can effectively address this post massive weight loss appearance problem and which I offer to my patients. They can be performed in a variety of combinations depending on each person’s particular needs and desires. Some of the more common of these surgical procedures include a tummy tuck, belt lipectomy (circumferential removal of skin from the abdomen and back), inner and outer thigh lifts, breast reduction, and arm lifts (brachioplasty).
These plastic surgery procedures not only can help patients obtain a much more attractive appearance and body contour but can also allow them to be much more active with little or no physical restrictions (as had been related to their weight or excess skin previously). My patients have indicated that they have had a marked improvement in self-esteem following surgery and a much more positive attitude and outlook.
If you would like to obtain information on plastic surgery procedures that can help address the excess skin that you have been left with following massive weight loss such as for a tummy tuck, belt lipectomy, breast reduction, or an arm lift, please call my office at 480-451-3000. We would also be happy to schedule a complimentary consultation for you if you desire.
Steven H. Turkeltaub, M.D. P.C.
Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona
Breast Augmentation Surgery Is Not A Frivolous Procedure
For many years now, breast augmentation surgery has been one of the top two most common cosmetic procedures that women elect to undergo and the most common in my practice. The level of satisfaction associated with this surgery is around a phenomenal 94% and is only superseded by those undergoing a breast reduction. Why? Because its affects are so important both physically and emotionally. All you have to see are the unrestrained big smiles, excitement and raw enthusiasm that these women display right after surgery to understand the positive impact that breast enlargement surgery has.
A breast augmentation should definitely not be considered to be an unnecessary, frivolous procedure. Fortunately, this sentiment appears to be reflected in peoples’ attitudes now. Today it seems that far fewer family members, husbands, boyfriends, or friends voice their strong opposition to a woman pursuing a breast augmentation – and that is the way it should be. Just like any other plastic surgery procedure, the person considering it knows best how they feel and should base their decision with this in mind and not on the demands of others.
The following heart-felt testimonial of one of my patients perfectly attests to the important impact that a breast enlargement can have one a woman’s psyche and emotions including self-confidence and assuredness, attitude, happiness and self worth. These should never be underestimated.
Patient describing the importance and impact of her breast augmentation:
If you would like additional information on breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast revision surgery, or for any other cosmetic procedure that I perform or to schedule a complimentary consultation with me, you can call my office at 480-451-3000.
Steven H. Turkeltaub, M.D. P.C.
Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona
