Houston Plastic Surgery Blog - Dr. Leo Lapuerta Jr., M.D.

Silicone Implant Safety

2010-01-28T11:23:00.000-07:00

The FDA has approved the use of silicon breast implants for breast augmentation. Silicone implants are safe and natural looking. There are many advantages to having silicone breast implants. Houston Breast Surgeon Dr. Lapuerta will discuss silicone implants with you and answer all of your questions in a personal breast augmentation consultation.

Silicon breast implants are very sturdy and will not rupture with daily activities and other activities such as exercising. You can participate in all the activities you did before you had breast implants. This means that you can continue running, swimming, boxing, skiing, and all the other fun activities that you enjoy.

The FDA highly recommends that women with breast implants have checkups about every two years. This is to make sure that the breast implants have not developed any issues. It is very unlikely that your breast implants will develop issues, but it is still in your best interest to make sure with routine checkups.

These routine checkups will include an MRI that is non-invasive. The MRI will take a complete image of your breasts and breast implants. If there are any issues or if a rupture has occurred, the MRI will notice the problem.

Please contact our Houston breast surgery office to schedule a breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Leo Lapuerta.

Breast Augmentation and Breast Cancer Risk

2010-01-25T11:20:00.000-07:00

There are two choices of breast implants for breast augmentation. You can choose to either have a saline implant or a silicone implant. There are benefits and drawbacks to each type of breast implant.

If you are interested in having breast augmentation, you will want to schedule a confidential consultation with Houston Breast Surgeon Dr. Lapuerta to discuss your breast implant options. He will explain the benefits to both types of implants and your options for placement.

Breast Implant Safety

There have been many studies about the correlation between breast augmentation surgery and breast cancer risks. There has never been a study showing that breast augmentation increases breast cancer risk. Breast implants have come a long way since they were first widely popular in the 1960s. Both saline and silicone breast implants are safe and FDA approved.

Rupture of breast implants is extremely rare. If a saline implant ruptures, the body safely absorbs the saline solution. The silicone solution inside a silicone implant is more difficult for the body to absorb, but will not cause your body harm.

Please contact our breast surgery office for more information about breast augmentation and breast implants. Breast surgeon Dr. Lapuerta will answer all of your questions and address any concerns you may have about the procedure. We serve patients in and around the Houston area.

How does Breast augmentation Affect Mammograms?

2010-01-19T11:18:00.000-07:00

If you have breast augmentation surgery, one of your concerns may be about how the breast implants will affect your mammograms. Breast implants may interfere with your mammogram, but there are steps you can take to make sure that your breast augmentation surgery does not affect your mammograms.

Breast Implants and Mammograms

There are steps you can take to ensure that your mammogram is a success if you have breast implants. These steps include:

Ask your doctor for a referral to a clinic whose mammography staff has experience with breast implant patients. Experienced mammography technicians will be able to properly read your tests.
Let the mammography technician know that you have breast implants. The technician will adjust the imaging equipment for an optimal image of your breast tissue.
Have the breast implant placed below the muscle. You can choose to have your breast implants placed above or below the muscle. If the implants are placed above the muscle, they will most likely make reading your mammogram more difficult. Implants placed below the muscle are less likely to interfere with the mammogram.

To learn more about breast augmentation and how breast implants may interfere with mammograms, please contact our breast surgery office. We serve patients in the Houston, Texas area and are available to answer all of your questions.

What is the difference between a traditional facelift and a limited incision facelift?

2010-01-14T11:13:00.000-07:00

Facelift surgery is a fantastic facial plastic surgery option to correct sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and facial folds. You have three choices when it comes to deciding what will best meet your goals. These choices are:

Traditional Facelift
Limited Incision Facelift
Neck Lift

Houston Facial Plastic Surgery Dr. Lapuerta will explain all three choices and he will determine which one will best meet your needs. All three choices reduce the signs of aging in slightly different ways.

Traditional Facelift

Traditional facelift surgery uses an incision around the hairline beginning at the temples and continues to the ears and stops at the lower scalp. The incision is hidden under the hairline and will not be noticeable. A second incision might be needed near the chin to remove sagging skin around the skin and jowls.

The facial muscles will be tightened and the skin repositioned over the face and muscles. In some facelift cases, patients may need facial liposuction to remove fatty deposits that stretch the skin causing sagging and wrinkles.

A traditional facelift enhances the overall look of a patient and does not target only one area of the face. A traditional facelift is a great choice for patients who whish to improve their overall facial appearance.

Limited Incision Facelift

A limited incision facelift is very similar to a traditional facelift. A limited incision facelift improves the overall appearance of the face, but uses shorter incisions. The incisions are placed around the temple and around the ears. More incisions may be placed near the lower eyelids and the chin.

The results and process of a limited incision facelift are the same as a traditional facelift. A limited incision facelift is a good option for patients who do not have much sagging skin. Longer incisions like the ones used in a traditional facelift are needed to correct larger amounts of sagging skin.

Neck Lift

A neck lift targets the lower portion of the face around the chin, jowls, and neck. The incision is placed at the hairline near the ears and lower scalp. A neck lift is perfect for anyone who only needs sagging skin corrected in the lower portion of the face.

For additional information about your facelift surgery options in Houston, Texas, please contact our facial plastic surgery office.

What Happens During a Facelift Procedure?

2010-01-11T11:11:00.000-07:00

Before you decide to have facelift surgery, you will want to schedule a consultation with Houston facial plastic surgeon Dr. Lapuerta. He will assess your face and what areas need to be targeted during your facelift surgery. Though every face is different and every patient has different and unique goals, all facelift surgeries have similarities.

A facelift will remove excess skin and tighten facial muscles to greatly reduce the signs of aging. The face will look older due to several factors that include:

Excess skin around the face, neck, and chin
Fine lines and facial folds due to less elasticity in the skin
Sagging skin on the face due to stretched facial muscles

The excess skin on the face, neck, and chin will be removed and the skin will be repositioned on the face. The removal of the excess skin corrects the appearance of the jowls and sagging neck that adds to the aged look.

The muscles on the face will also be tightened. Loose muscles stretch the skin and cause wrinkles. The appearance of wrinkles are reduced by tightening the facial muscles. The skin will appear smoother and younger.

Most patients require some removal of fatty tissue. This is accomplished with facial liposuction. Some of the more common places for fatty tissue removal are:

The cheeks
The neck
The chin

Removing fatty tissue will smooth out the skin, eliminate wrinkles, and reduce the risk of the skin stretching. You will look younger, slimmer, and rejuvenated.

Please contact our facial plastic surgery office if you are in the Houston area and wish to schedule a facelift consultation.

Labia Reduction

2010-01-08T10:57:00.001-07:00

Labia reduction is another name for labiaplasty and involves the reduction of the size of the labia minora (inner lip). Problems with large labia, asymmetric labia, or other female related labia issues are more accepted today as things to fix. Rather than going through life in discomfort, Dr. Lapuerta can reduce the size of your labia so that you are comfortable in whatever clothing you wear, during exercise and during sex. Developing overly large labia may develop as you age or may become a problem after childbirth.

Traditionally, labia reduction is done by excising excess tissue, which shortens and reduces it. A newer procedure, called "new labiaplasty" or the Alter method, is done by excising a wedge shaped piece of the labia and then suturing the remaining tissue together. This new method leaves a scar across the labia rather than running the length of the edge.

Labia reduction surgery can be completed under local or general anesthesia and can be performed in Dr. Lapuerta's office. You should rest for five days and avoid sexual intercourse for four to six weeks.

If you are interested in finding out more about labia reduction surgery, please contact triple board certified Houston, Texas plastic surgeon Dr. Lapuerta for an initial consultation.

What to Expect During Your Facelift Consultation

2010-01-02T11:02:00.000-07:00

Before deciding to have any cosmetic surgery procedure, you will want to schedule a consultation with Houston cosmetic surgeon Dr. Leo Lapuerta. Your consultation with Dr. Lapuerta is very important. This is a special time set aside so you can learn about the procedure, ask all of your facelift questions, and discuss your goals with Dr. Lapuerta.

Dr. Lapuerta will listen to your goals and desires. He will ask you questions and help you decide which cosmetic surgery procedure is right for your needs. He will explain the facelift procedure and what results you can expect. If a facelift is not right for your needs, he will explain your other facial rejuvenation options. These options will include:

BOTOX®
Juvederm
Restylane
Radiesse
Sculptra
Skin Resurfacing
Skin Medica

After he explains the procedure and discusses your options with you, you will have a chance to ask all of your questions. You may want to write down some questions before your consultation to make sure you ask everything you want and to make sure you do not forget anything. You may want to ask about recovery time, post-op instructions, and possible results.

Dr. Lapuerta will assess your face and figure out what areas need tightening and possible facial liposuction. There may be some areas of your face that can benefit from liposuction to aid in smoothing out the skin to reduce wrinkles and facial folds.

You will also be asked several questions about your health and health history. You will need to inform Dr. Lapuerta of any medications you are taking because he may need to alter the pain medications he gives you. Your medical history is one of the most important parts of the consultation.

You can schedule a facelift consultation with Dr. Lapuerta by contacting our facial plastic surgery office. Dr. Lapuerta serves patients in and around the Houston, Texas area.

Tummy Tuck After Pregnancy

2009-12-28T15:40:00.000-07:00

Each woman's body responds differently to childbirth. Some new mothers can diet and exercise and reclaim their pre-pregnancy figure. For other women, it is not so easy. You will often find loose or flabby skin in your abdomen, where your skin stretched to make room for your child. After giving birth, this loose skin may be even more obvious as you begin losing weight.

Stubborn Belly Fat

Some women find that the pouch of excess fat and skin below your belly button will not flatten out after giving birth to several children, despite diet and exercise. This is because your muscles, fascia, and skin have been stretched to accommodate your newborn. Mothers who have undergone a Cesarean Section (C-Section), will have an especially difficult time achieving their pre-pregnancy figures.

Tummy Tucks for Mothers

If you are a new mother with excess skin and fat that has not disappeared after six months, there is hope. An abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is a procedure that removes this extra fat and skin from your stomach, and then smoothes and tightens your stomach muscles.

If you opt for a Mommy Makeover, liposuction can be performed on your stomach and thighs in the same procedure, for optimal results.

If you live in the Houston, Texas area and are interested in achieving your pre-pregnancy waistline, please contact highly trained Houston Tummy Tuck Surgeon Dr. Lapuerta to schedule your initial consultation.

Labiaplasty

2009-12-22T09:59:00.001-07:00

Labiaplasty, sometimes referred to as vaginal rejuvenation, is becoming a more popular procedure than it used to be. As with other aspects of the female body, some want to change the appearance of their labia for any number of reasons. Some of the most common reasons for labiaplasty include:
Stretched labia
Overly large labia
Sagging labia
Uneven or asymmetrical labia
Discomfort in tight fitting clothes, during exercise or during sex
Causes for these things include childbirth, change in weight, age, or congenital conditions.

Labiaplasty is usually performed by reducing or reshaping the labia minora. Reshaping is often performed to correct unevenness in the inner or outer labia. When this is done, discomfort is lessened and aesthetics enhanced. When the fullness of the labia majora is lost due to weight loss or age, lipoinjection can add volume.

Recovery of labiaplasty depends on the individual, but it is advised that you rest for up to a week. It is important to wear loose fitting clothing during this recovery period since you will be swollen and sore, and clothing rubs against the genitals.

Labiaplasty is often combined with other procedures, such as abdominoplasty, breast augmentation, or perineoplasty.

If you would like to learn more about labiaplasty, please contact Houston, Texas triple board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lapuerta for an initial consultation.

Liposuction Recovery Time

2009-12-20T15:37:00.000-07:00

After you have undergone a liposuction procedure, you may be anxious to see the results, as they are immediate. However, be sure to follow all the post-operative instructions so that you do not jeopardize the appearance of your newly contoured body.

Liposuction recovery can last from days to months depending on the size of the area you had treated. In most situations, you will recover to the point where you can resume your normal life within one or two weeks. Within several weeks, you should be able to remove your compression garment and return to work. After a month or two, you should be able to participate in all your normal activities.

The First Weeks after Surgery

After your surgery, someone must drive you home, but you will be able to walk on your own. You may experience swelling, bruising and possibly numbness, but this will fade. Be sure to get plenty of rest and wear your compression garment, which helps expedite your recovery.

Any pain or discomfort can be alleviated by walking around and taking pain medication as needed. In the first several days after tumescent liposuction, expect the anesthetic solution from your surgery to drain from your incisions. Be sure to take showers instead of baths for at least one week after your liposuction procedure.

The First Several Months

The skin around your treated area may seem initially loose. This is normal and will tighten over several months, depending on your skin's elasticity. Monitor your incisions for signs of infection and schedule a follow-up appointment to check the status of your healing.

If you can benefit from liposuction and you live in the Houston, Texas area please contact the office of Houston Liposuction Surgeon Dr. Lapuerta for more information.

History of Facelifts

2009-12-14T15:34:00.000-07:00

The first "modern day" facelift was performed a century ago. The procedure involved removing a small piece of skin from the patient’s scalp and stretching and pulling it up. The result mimicked the patient's hair being pulled into a tight ponytail. It was later discovered that detaching and re-positioning the facial skin would restore aged skin to its original position and keep the skin in place more effectively.

The Wind Tunnel Look

From 1920 to 1950, facelift techniques evolved and incisions were created longer and more dramatic. Eventually, the incision became one that surgeons use today: around or behind the ear, across the scalp. As this technique was developing, a common result was the "wind tunnel look" where the skin was pulled so tightly, patients appeared as though they were standing in a wind tunnel.

This outcome led to a deeper examination of the facial structures, and surgeons ultimately discovered that the underlying facial muscles could be lifted. In doing this, smaller amounts of skin could be lifted to create a smoother, younger appearance that did not appear "windblown."

The SMAS Technique

By the 1970s, the SMAS (superficial musculo-aponeurotic system) facelift procedure was introduced; a technique that remains one of the most commonly used today. With this innovative technique, a flap elevates the platysma muscle of a patient’s neck and lower face without detaching the skin. By the 1990s, facelift techniques became less invasive, with smaller incisions and shorter recovery times.

If you are considering facelift surgery and you live in the Houston, Texas area, please contact highly trained Houston Facelift Surgeon Dr. Lapuerta to arrange your appointment and discuss your cosmetic options.

Tummy Tuck Surgery for Men

2009-12-08T15:31:00.001-07:00

A male "tummy tuck" or abdominoplasty is a common procedure to reduce the size of your stomach. This procedure decreases the appearance of a protruding belly by removing excess skin and tightening the underlying stomach muscles.

Dramatic or frequent fluctuations in weight can weaken your abdominal muscles. The result is skin that begins to sag and stretch. A flabby stomach can be frustrating and embarassing for many men.

Benefits of a Male Tummy Tuck

As men age, fat begins to redistribute itself into the abdomen. For a majority of men, diet and exercise alone can not produce optimal results. By removing excess skin and tightening your abonminal muscles, you can enjoy a slim, attractive midsection.

Male tummy tuck surgery can produce a midsection that is:

Flatter
Tighter
Better contoured
More aesthetically pleaseing

For best results, be sure to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.

Ideal Candidates

The best candidates are men who are close to or have reached their ideal weight, but whose stomach has not responded to diet and exercise. Those who have excess skin due to significant weight loss can also benefit from this procedure.

If you live in Houston, Texas area, and believe you can benefit from a male tummy tuck, please contact board-certified Houston Tummy Tuck Surgeon Dr. Lapuerta to learn more or to schedule your initial appointment.

What To Do Before Liposuction Surgery

2009-12-05T15:26:00.001-07:00

The decision to undergo liposuction is an important one. By removing stubborn pockets of fat, liposuction will help improve the contour of your body and help enhance your self confidence.

In preparation for your liposuction procedure, here are some things you should do:

Two weeks prior: Stop taking any form of aspirin, vitamins and any other medication that may hinder your body's ability to clot. If you are a smoker, you should stop smoking at least two weeks before undergoing this procedure.
The day before: Arrange for someone to drive you home after your procedure. Be sure to get ample sleep the night before and pack loose and comfortable clothing to wear after surgery.
The day of: If you are undergoing general anesthesia, you will not be allowed to eat or drink for at least six hours prior to surgery. This will prevent you from getting an upset stomach during the procedure.
Upon arrival: Once you arrive, you will be required to sign a consent form that you understand the risks and potential outcomes of the procedure. Houston Liposuction Surgeon Dr. Lapuerta will mark your skin on the areas that will be treated, and a photo will be taken to compare your results. The liposuction procedure will then begin.

If you have stubborn fat deposits, you may benefit from liposuction. Serving patients in the Houston, Texas area, Dr. Lapuerta can help you determine if this procedure is right for you. Please contact our Houston liposuction office today to set up a consultation.

Board Certification for Facelift Surgeons

2009-12-01T13:50:00.000-07:00

Facelift surgery has become a very popular cosmetic procedure. However, it is performed under general or local anesthesia, so it is imperative to find a board-certified and experienced facelift surgeon to reduce the risk of complications. Dr. Leo Lapuerta is a triple board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and performs surgeries at multiple locations in the Houston area.

The Importance of Board Certification

Board certification helps ensure that the facelift surgeon of your choice has the proper medical training and is someone who can perform quality work. Board certification also demonstrates that your cosmetic surgeon has:

Successfully completed an approved educational program
Met specific board certification requirements
Has successfully passed an examination to determine their ability to provide quality medical care

Board Certifications Organizations

Cosmetic surgeons with the highest level of training are those certified by the following organizations:

American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)
American Board of Otolaryngology (ABO)
American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS)

Other Factors to Consider

Keep in mind, however, that board certification does not necessarily guarantee successful results. Other factors to consider are your cosmetic surgeon's:

Skill
Experience
Training
Frequency and complexity of surgeries
Use of latest technologies

If you are looking for a skilled, reputable and experienced cosmetic surgeon for your facelift procedure, please contact board-certified Houston facelift surgeon Dr. Leo Lapuerta to schedule your appointment today.

How Long Do Breast Lifts Last?

2009-11-26T14:10:00.000-07:00

A breast lift can do wonders for the appearance of sagging breasts. While the results will last for a long time, they are not permanent. Age and gravity will prevail and your breasts will inevitably begin to droop. With time, your breasts will also lose tone and elasticity, so the procedure may need to be repeated in the future. But many patients undergo a breast lift only once in their lifetime.

The longevity of your breast lift depends on various factors, such as:

The quality and thickness of your skin
Your skin’s laxity
The weight of your breast
The breast lift technique used
Your age (younger patients get longer-lasting results)
Whether breast implants were used
Pregnancy following the breast lift

In general, you can expect your mastopexy to last between 10 and 20 years. You can help increase the longevity of your procedure by:

Wearing a supportive bra
Not smoking or working in a smoky environment
Staying out of the sun and tanning booths
Eating healthy
Controlling your weight

If you live in the Houston, Texas area and are interested in a breast lift procedure, board-certified Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Lapuerta can help you decide if this surgery is right for you. Please contact our office for details.

How Long Does BOTOX® Cosmetic Last?

2009-11-20T14:07:00.000-07:00

The effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic typically last between four and six months. The nerves controlling the movement of affected muscles work around the BOTOX® Cosmetic chemical. This means that your wrinkles will reappear.

However, once you have begun BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment, your wrinkles will be less prominent than they were before you underwent this procedure. This is because your muscles become “trained” to remain in a relaxed state where they had earlier been "trained" to remain in a contracted state.

Frequent Treatment Advantages

Once your wrinkles reappear, you will need to undergo another BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment to get them to fade again. However, many long-term BOTOX® Cosmetic users find that the more they use this injectable treatment, the longer it lasts. For example, if your first treatment at the Plastic Surgery Institute of Southeast Texas lasted four months the first time, chances are it might last weeks longer the second time, and even longer the third time.

Other Factors Influence the Longevity of Your BOTOX® Cosmetic Results

Aside from frequency of use, the longevity of your BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment will depend on:

The injection technique
Dilution of the injectable solution
The size, thickness and activity of the muscles causing your wrinkling
Frequency and duration of exercise (patients who work out vigorously five to six times a week often notice the longevity of their BOTOX® Cosmetic is lower)

If you live in the Houston, Texas area and want to hide your wrinkles without surgery, please contact highly-trained Houston Facial Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Lapuerta for more information on BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments.

History of Breast Augmentation

2009-11-15T14:05:00.000-07:00

Although there were many attempts at breast augmentation using everything from wax to fat to sponges to direct injections of silicone, modern breast augmentation really begins in 1961 with the invention of the silicone breast implant. Two plastic surgeons from right here in Houston, Texas developed it while working with Dow Corning Corporation. The breast implant is a silicone envelope filled with silicone gel. The first woman received an implant in 1962. Saline implants were invented a couple of years later in France. Breast implant sales, however, remained slow until the 1980s. There was a boom in popularity and nearly 1 million implants were sold between 1980 and 1990, a majority of them being silicone implants.

FDA and Safety Standards

At this time, no safety standards were in place. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did not require that silicone breast implant manufacturers demonstrate their implants were safe until 1991. Saline implant companies did not have to prove their implants were safe until 2000.

As a result of reports (and lawsuits) claiming women were getting sick after receiving silicone breast implants, the FDA issued a temporary moratorium on their sale for breast augmentation. Between 1992 and 2006, silicone implants were restricted to clinical trials. The goal was to allow the FDA to study the implants and determine whether there was a connection between them and breast cancer, connective tissue disorders, or autoimmune disorders.

Approval at Last

Silicone breast implants were approved by the FDA for the first time in November of 2006. The FDA found no evidence to suggest that silicone breast implants were connected to cancer or any systematic disorders. They found no evidence suggesting silicone breast implants posed any risk to breastfeeding infants.

In short, they found no reason to suggest that silicone breast implants posed any serious health risks, so they lifted the moratorium and allowed the general sale of silicone breast implants. However, they are continuing to register breast implant recipients for participation in a large study.

If you are considering a breast augmentation, please contact board-certified Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Lapuerta for more information or to schedule a consultation. We serve patients in the Houston, Texas area.

Choosing a Breast Lift Surgeon

2009-11-11T14:01:00.000-07:00

Selecting the right cosmetic surgeon is one of the most important choices you will make in your breast lift procedure. Your surgeon of choice will be responsible for ensuring your safety and your happiness with your breast lift. You will need to find an experienced, skilled surgeon that you can trust and whose work you are pleased with.

Board Certification

The first step in choosing a breast lift surgeon is make sure he is a certified member of an accredited board. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the primary certifying board for breast procedures, including breast lifts. This board requires surgeons to have:

Extensive surgical training and experience
A proven record of exceptional patient care
A history of successful surgical results (with a low rate of complications)

These surgeons must also seek recertification periodically, so they are up-to-date on the latest techniques and are trained to provide the highest quality of work.

Other Traits to Look For

Besides board certification, here are some other factors to look for in a breast lift surgeon:

Someone who puts you at ease
Proper qualifications
Sufficient breast lift training and experience
Continued education
Someone who gives you the option of speaking with past breast lift patients
Someone who will show you before and after photos

If you are looking for a breast lift surgeon in the Houston, Texas area, please consider board-certified Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Lapuerta. For more information or to schedule a meeting, please contact our cosmetic surgery practice.

Does BOTOX® Cosmetic Hurt?

2009-11-05T13:58:00.000-07:00

BOTOX® Cosmetic is an FDA-approved injection that reduces the appearance of facial wrinkles by temporarily relaxing your muscles to create smoother, younger-looking skin.

A Common Procedure

Thousands of women and men undergo BOTOX® Cosmetic injections to regain a more youthful appearance. The treatment can treat wrinkles in your:

Forehead
Neck
Between your brows
Below your eyes
Around the mouth

At the Plastic Surgery Institute of Southeast Texas, only board-certified Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Leo Lapuerta administers BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments. He uses a very tiny needle to inject the desired area. A skilled injector, Dr. Lapuerta’s expert technique ensures that you will most likely feel no pain during this procedure.

A Pain-Free Procedure

Some patients may experience temporary discomfort from the injection. If you are uncomfortable, the injection site can be numbed with an anesthetic cream. Dr. Lapuerta’s years of experience dealing with the complex anatomy of the face allows him to safely and effectively provide optimum and nearly pain-free results.

At our cosmetic surgery practice, we let our patients know exactly what to expect. We will talk you through the process so there are no surprises and you are relaxed before your BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment begins.

If you have wrinkles but do not want to undergo surgery, BOTOX® Cosmetic may be right for you. Serving patients in the Houston, Texas area, Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Lapuerta can explain the procedure and help you decide if it is a good fit. Please contact our office today.

Breast Implant Options

2009-11-05T10:15:00.001-07:00

As breast enhancement surgery gains popularity across the country, the more women need to know about their options when it comes to the kinds of implants they can receive. Knowing the differences between the kinds of implants, including material in the actual implant itself and the different sizes and shapes of the implants can make a significant difference in the results of your surgery. Perhaps one of, if not the most important decisions in the breast augmentation process is figuring out what kind of implant to use.

The two choices for implant fill are silicone gel and saline. Silicone gel was restricted by the FDA from 1992-2006, but now is available to all women over the age of 22 and is making a resurgence. The positives to a saline implant are that if the implant were to rupture, the liquid would just be absorbed back into your body. The incision scar has a tendency to be smaller with saline implants. The disadvantages to saline are that the implant tends to look more round and less natural, and shows ripples more clearly. On the other hand, silicone gel’s benefits include better self-support to reduce sag, a softer, more natural feel and texture, and less rippling. Silicone suffers from a risk of “silent rupture,” slightly longer scars from the insertion process, and usually a higher cost.

The two main shapes are round and teardrop. The round shape suffers from a less natural look, but there is no danger of the implant shifting and creating an odd shape. Teardrop shaped implants look more natural, but also can shift or rotate.

Choosing the right implant for you can help ensure a positive enhancement process. Leo Lapuerta, Jr. and his staff at The Plastic Surgery Institute of Southeast Texas can help you make the right decision about which kind of breast implant is best for you. Please schedule a breast implant consultation today to go over your breast implant options.

Is it safe to massage your breasts following breast augmentation surgery?

2009-11-03T11:47:00.003-07:00

Since medicine allowed women to enhance their breasts back in the 1960's, it was recommended to massage their breasts following surgery. Within the past couple years, it is now advised to not touch the breasts at all.

The body will form a capsule around the implant once it's inserted. It takes several weeks for the capsule to form completely. Before it was thought that massaging the breast will help to keep this capsule soft and prevent capsular contracture: scar tissue building around the implant which can make the breast hard. Well research has shown that the two have no correlation what-so-ever.

With this being said, massaging the breast can actually be more harmful than helpful. When touching the breasts after surgery, you are taking a higher risk at getting an infection. We have bacteria all over our bodies and the more contact you have near the incision, the higher you are at risk for an infection. You are also taking a chance on opening the wound, not to mention that it can be painful to massage the breasts.

The breast will heal and take their shape all on their own over time. In all, after breast augmentation surgery, it is not recommended to massage the breasts.

Breast Augmentation: Health before and after Surgery

2009-11-01T13:55:00.000-07:00

As with any other surgery, breast augmentation requires you to be in good health prior to the operation. If you have any health problems or concerns, be sure to tell Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Lapuerta before your procedure.

Pre-Operative Instructions

You will be given specific instructions the day before your breast augmentation surgery, such as refraining from taking medications and vigorously working out. Be sure to follow these directions to ensure a healthy and successful breast augmentation.

Afterward

Following your procedure, you should expect some discomfort for the first day or two. If you experience pain or fatigue, this is normal and can be managed with medication.

Health Risks You Should Consider

There is no scientific literature that directly links breast implants to diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disease, and connective tissue disease.

But breast augmentation has some of the same risks as other plastic surgery procedures. Here are some of the short-term and long-term health risks that you should consider before deciding on a breast implant procedure, such as:

Infection and other surgical risks
Chronic breast pain
Breast or nipple numbness
Capsular contracture (when the scar tissue around your implant becomes hard or tight)
Leakage and necrosis (skin death)
The need for additional surgery

If you live in the Houston, Texas area and are interested in a breast augmentation procedure, please contact board-certified Houston Breast Augmentation Surgeon Dr. Lapuerta for more information or to schedule a consultation.

What size implants are best for me?

2009-10-29T09:05:00.002-06:00

With breast augmentation being the most commonly performed procedure in the United States, women find it diffucult to choose an implant size that will give them the look that they desire. Breast augmentation is highly individualized and it is important to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to disuss the goals and options of the patient.

Implants come in all different shapes and sizes. Breast implants are measured in cubic centimeters (cc). The most common breast implant size utilized in America is between a 300-400 cc implant. A 100 cc difference is the equivence of about a full cup size. A certain size implant on one person can look totally different on another person. You have to take into account how much breast tissue you already have. For instance; a woman who has never had children and measures out to be an A cup pre-operatively will look completely different from a woman who has had children and is a B cup. It will also depend on where the implant is placed: above or below the muscle.

When considering breast augmentation, it is very important to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. During the consultation, your goals can be disussed along with trying on actual implant sizers. This will give the doctor a better visual idea of what you are looking for. With the doctor's experience and expertise, the goals and desires of the patient can be acheived!

Are You a Candidate for a Breast Reduction?

2009-10-20T11:14:00.001-06:00

A number of factors might prompt a woman, or even a man for that matter, into undergoing breast reduction surgery. Oversized and disproportionately large breasts not only can lead to social embarrassment, lower self-esteem, and a lack of confidence, but can also lead to a number of serious and debilitating health problems. Decreased mobility, skeletal deformities, extreme neck, back, and shoulder pain, disrupted sleep patterns, difficulty breathing, and severe headaches are just some of the health issues associated with overly large breasts. A number of factors may have contributed to oversized breasts, including breast hypertrophy, persistent enlargement caused by pregnancy, and even gynecomastia, a medical disorder experience by 40-60% of men in which their breasts grow larger than normal. These factors, combined with the effects listed above, make for ideal breast reduction surgery candidate. Breast reduction surgery candidates must also have fully matured breasts, so as to prevent further growth and possible repeat surgeries.

Oversized or disproportionately large breasts can be devastating for both men and women, physically and mentally. If you or a loved one is suffering from this condition, please contact Leo Lapuerta Jr. and his expert staff at The Plastic Surgery Institute of Southeast Texas to learn about breast reduction surgery and if you are a candidate. It’s never too early to reclaim your body and your life.

What to do before Tummy Tuck Surgery

2009-09-29T12:00:00.000-06:00

Before tummy tuck surgery there are some steps you can take to make the recovery process easier and quicker. It is important to be prepared before tummy tuck surgery because you will not be able to move around freely for several days following the procedure. Most patients are able to return to their normal activity within two to three weeks after tummy tuck surgery, but preparing ahead of time can make the downtime much easier.

Some practical things to do before your tummy tuck surgery include:

Prepare a comfortable place to rest, including pillows, television, phone, and food or drink nearby
Prepare freezer ice packs in advance of the surgery to help with swelling
Schedule someone to drive you to and from the surgery, and someone to stay with you for a few days after your tummy tuck
Have comfortable, loose clothing laundered and ready to wear
Stock your pantry and freezer with easy to heat meals for at least two weeks
Just prior to your tummy tuck surgery, patients should also follow these guidelines:
If you smoke, stop two to three week before the surgery.
Do not take any aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs for at least twenty four hours before the surgery
Keep stool softeners on hand in case your medications cause constipation
Make sure all your prescriptions are filled immediately following the surgery

If you have more questions on how to prepare for tummy tuck surgery, please contact Houston, Texas plastic surgeon Dr. Leo Lapuerta to schedule a consultation.