Indiana Plastic Surgery Blog

Members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons sent out a special bulletin today, urging other members to voice opposition to the 5 percent cosmetic procedures tax that was added to the healthcare reform bill Wednesday.

Due to the often-unclear distinction between cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries, and the fact that nearly 90 percent of cosmetic procedures are done on women, The ASPS has labeled the tax plan “discriminatory, arbitrary, and a potential auditing nightmare.”

According to the New York Times, “the tax would be paid by patients, but collected by doctors and clinics and forwarded to the government.”  Those patients – who are often middle class working females – would generate (a projected) $5 billion towards the $849 billion healthcare reform bill over the next ten years.

ASPS members are being asked to contact their representatives in congress or login at capitolconnect.com to take action.

We want patients to have a productive surgery consultation with Dr. Robinson, so here are two easy ways to ensure that happens.

1. Preparation: Ask questions and know what you want.

If you’re seeking information and can’t find it on our website, contact us and we’ll respond in a timely manner.  Then if there are more specific facts that need to be clarified, the consultation offers the perfect opportunity for us to do that for you.  Before you come, just jot down a list of important questions.

Part of being prepared is simply knowing what you want to achieve with plastic surgery.  Many patients research a procedure off and on for years before they schedule an appointment, so it is common to see patients that know what they want.  However, that’s not a requirement; if you are just curious about plastic surgery and want honest information from a professional go ahead and schedule your consultation.

2. Communication: Be open and use visual aids

Openness and effective communication are important from the first consult all the way through the surgery.  If it’s difficult for you to communicate your goals, use pictures!  You can view our before and after photos or bring examples that you think are appealing.  Better communication about your desires and specific needs will help Dr. Robinson ensure that they are fulfilled, so use whatever tools you think will aid in that process.

Don’t hide your medical history, past procedures, goals or motivations for surgery.  There’s no need to be defensive during the consultation. Just remember that there’s no commitment during a consultation and you can take as much time as you need to consider your options afterward.

We don’t make it a habit to comment on celebrity plastic surgery; there are many others out there who can do that.  However, when misinformation prevails over solid research it might be a good idea to set the record straight.

Jeremy Piven commented briefly in an interview with STV that he quit drinking so much soy milk because he thought it might cause him to grow breasts.  People in the media seem to think that this is funny, but probably don’t know that 1) it is possible that he’s right about soy milk and 2) this is a major source of anxiety for many men out there.

The purpose of this post isn’t to laugh at Piven, but point readers to one article in an academic journal that may just validate his concern about soy milk.

This article in the May-June 2008 issue of Endocrine Practice documented an “unusual case of gynecomastia related to the consumption of soy products.”  According to the authors, a 60 year old male came in with 6 months duration of bilateral gynecomastia (male breasts) and no underlying conditions.  Because physical evaluations didn’t reveal a cause, they interviewed the man more thoroughly.

The patient “described a daily intake of 3 quarts of soy milk. After he discontinued drinking soy milk, his breast tenderness resolved.”

Gynecomastia is a hormonal and physical problem that may be caused by several different lifestyle factors.  Men who experience the condition should see a doctor to help resolve the underlying causes when possible.  If breast tissue persists after the cause is resolved, male breast reduction surgery is an option to consider.

Several different practices are offering breast augmentation in Northern Indiana, but not every one is equal. To get great aesthetic results and an experience that is positive overall, you need to do some investigative work beforehand.

If you are interested in breast augmentation, use this list as a general outline of things to investigate.

1. Does your surgeon have specific training in breast augmentation and the versatility required to offer you multiple options?

Because skills often overlap, you might find different types of surgeons offering the same procedure. Just remember that only plastic and cosmetic surgeons receive training for breast augmentation as a primary part of their residency. Being focused on surgery of the breast gives your plastic surgeon a better understanding of the various techniques and options available.

2. Who is providing anesthesia for your breast augmentation?

This is a really important part of surgery, because anesthesia can pose a significant risk in the wrong hands. The task of administering anesthesia requires an individual who is well trained, prepared for unexpected problems, and focused on safety.

3. Who will be with you before, during, and after your surgery?

It’s common for the surgeon’s staff to oversee much of the operation and guide the patient through the process. Doing so is vital to both the success of the surgery and to the overall experience. Read about the talented supporting staff we have at Indiana Plastic Surgery.

4. Does your surgeon have hospital privileges?

To obtain hospital privileges, your plastic surgeon must be able to prove and/or demonstrate a record of training for the procedures he or she intends to perform there.

5. Is the surgical facility certified and safe?

Breast augmentation can be performed in a hospital or outpatient surgery center. To receive proper certification, specific standards must be met. Ask us about our surgical facilities in Northwest Indiana.