Our Blog

The purpose of breast augmentation is to make you feel better about yourself and your body. But you might be concerned that, as a result of scarring, it may make you feel worse than ever.

Let's be honest: all surgery leaves scars at the incision sites. Human beings do not have the regenerative power of flatworms and other lower lifeforms that can be cut up into a thousand pieces and regrow as a thousand new creatures with no scars whatsoever. When human skin is cut it retains the mark.

But there are many things that Dr. Leo Lapuerta can do to reduce the scarring to a minimum, and especially to minimize the visibility of scarring.

Before deciding on breast augmentation, it's important to consider how your body scars. Look at cuts or surgical incisions from the past, as well as those of your family members. If your family has a history of keloid scarring, the chances are greater that you will have them, too.

Where the incision is placed determines the location and size of the scar. Inframammary incisions conceal the scar below the breast at the breast fold. This means that for most women most of the time, the incision will be completely invisible. Periareolar incision, or incision at the areola, is also a good location for concealing the scar. Although it is front and center, the border between the raised, darker skin of the areola and the rest of the breast, conceals the scar very well. You also have the option of moving the scar completely off the breast using the transaxillary augmentation technique, where breast implants are inserted through the armpit using an endoscope.

If you are concerned about the size of your scar following breast augmentation surgery, selecting saline breast implants is a good idea. Because saline implants are filled after insertion, as opposed to silicone implants, which are filled before insertion, saline implant surgery leaves smaller scars.

Finally, Dr. Lapuerta will give you detailed postoperative instructions about how to minimize scarring following your surgery. If you follow these instructions to the letter, you will improve your chances of having a small, almost unnoticeable scar following your surgery.

Dr. Lapuerta can explain all aspects of your surgery, including what to expect in terms of results and scarring, in person. Please schedule a breast augmentation consultation with the Plastic Surgery Institute of Southeast Texas to learn more.

Many women with overly large breasts complain of back soreness. Recently, Reuter's News service reported that Dolly Parton had to cancel her tour due to back pain. The reason given in the article indicated that the pain was induced by having to perform on stage for extended periods of time. Dolly said "Hey, you try wagging these puppies around a while and see if you don't have back pain." Performing a concert tour is quite a feat for anybody, but at age 62, that extra weight is beginning to slow Dolly down.

Thousands of well-endowed women are in the same predicament. While not necessarily performing concert tours, day-to-day activities are a struggle and cause considerable discomfort. At this stage in Dolly's career, she probably would not benefit financially from breast reduction surgery, but that option is available to other women who suffer similarly.

Back pain occurs when leaning backwards is continuously compensating for the extra weight in front. This puts tremendous stress on the back muscles supporting the spine, which is always trying to maintain equilibrium. The constant minor adjustments of back muscles wear them out and weaken them, especially as we age. A qualified plastic surgeon can perform breast reduction surgery to reduce the weight of the breasts and offer relief to sore back muscles. A skilled doctor using today's technology will be able to reduce the weight of the breast but still ensure an attractive and proportional figure.

To find out more about breast reduction surgery in the Houston area, please contact Dr. Leo Lapuerta today for an initial consultation.

What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?

Cosmetic surgery reshapes specific areas of your body to improve your appearance and self-esteem. Most cosmetic surgeries are elective; in other words, you are having the surgery because you want to, not because of a medical necessity.

Common cosmetic surgeries include:

• Brow Lift
• Face Lift
• Eyelid Surgery
• Breast Augmentation or Reduction
• Tummy Tuck
• Liposuction

Reconstructive surgery improves the function of specific body structures damaged by illness, disease or injury to help you regain a more normal appearance.

Common reconstructive surgeries correct abnormalities due to:

• Congential defects
• Developmental problems
• Trauma
• Infection
• Tumors
• Disease

In some cases, a surgery might fall into both categories. For example, eyelid surgery can be considered a cosmetic procedure when you want to create a more youthful appearance. But eyelid surgery can also be reconstructive, as droopy eyelids can also obscure your eyesight. Similarly, if you are embarrassed by your appearance or want to fit into more fashionable clothing, you might desire breast reduction. But many women with unusually large breasts experience discomfort, back pain and other physical issues that can be relieved by breast reduction and, therefore, this surgery could be viewed as medically necessary.

Your best first step is to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon. In the Houston, Texas area, Dr. Leo Lapuerta can help you decide on the plastic surgery that is right for you.

Silicone breast implants were removed from the market in 1992 because of the suspicion of increased health risks. After much debate and research by the Food and Drug Administration, silicone implants were deemed safe in 2006 and were once again made available for use in women 22 years of age or older. This is good news for women desiring breast augmentation who want a choice between silicone (gel) and saline (salt solution) implants.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Saline

• If a saline implant ruptures, the body easily dissolves the salt solution.
• Saline implants may create ripples that can be seen on the surface of breast.
• Saline implants can look less natural in women with small breasts or women seeking reconstruction.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Silicone

• Silicone implants provide an additional choice.
• Silicone gel-filled implants feel more natural to many women.
• Silicone gel is not easily absorbed by the body if the implant accidentally ruptures.

Implants may be surgically placed in one of three positions:

• subglandular
• partial submuscular
• complete submuscular

Dr. Leo Lapuerta in Pearland, Texas will discuss all of your options with you during your initial consultation. Keep in mind that some plastic surgeons have less experience with silicone implants since silicone implants were taken off the market until 2006. That’s why it is so important to choose a surgeon with extensive experience with silicone implants. If you are in the Houston, Texas area, Dr. Leo Lapuerta would be happy to consult with you.

Blepharoplasty, commonly called eyelid surgery, offers a rejuvenated appearance to upper eyelids, lower eyelids, and the surrounding area of your eyes, for a more rested and alert appearance and an overall improved look.

Blepharoplasty treats:

• Loose, sagging skin that impairs vision
• Excess fatty deposits that create upper eyelid puffiness
• ‘Bags’ under the eyes
• Lower eyelid droopiness
• Lower eyelid wrinkles and excess skin

You are a good candidate for blepharoplasty if:

• You are physically healthy and heal well
• You do not smoke
• You are positive and realistic about the outcome of your surgery
• You have no pre-existing eye conditions

As with all surgeries, eyelid surgery carries some risks, including:

• Scarring
• Dry eyes
• Bleeding
• Poor wound healing
• Infection
• Accumulation of fluid
• Blood clots
• Numbness or changes in skin sensation

The final results of your eyelid surgery will be evident within a few weeks, but your results will continue to improve for up to one year.

While many people focus solely on the cost of surgery, remember that your surgeon’s experience and your comfort level with your surgeon are important factors when choosing the right doctor to perform your eyelid surgery. If you live in the Houston, Texas area, schedule your consultation with Dr. Leo Lapuerta. We serve patients in Pearland, Sugarland and the Friendswood areas of Texas, also.

As we age, our faces lose youthful fullness and develop wrinkles. Many individuals turn to soft tissue augmentation, also known as injectable fillers, to soften facial lines and to non-surgically restore volume and fullness in the face.

Injectable fillers can achieve:

• Plumper lips
• Enhanced contours
• Softening of facial creases and wrinkles
• Improved appearance of scars

Tissue fillers may be right for you if:

• You are healthy
• You do not smoke
• You are positive and realistic about what injectable fillers can accomplish

There are numerous different types of fillers, including:

• Collagen
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Hydroxylapatite
• Human Fat

Side effects of injectable fillers are uncommon but can include allergic reactions, redness, sensitivity, bruising and swelling.

The results of your treatment may last as long as one year. Dr. Leo Lapuerta in Pearland, Texas can help you determine which one is right for you during your initial consultation.

For a non-surgical approach to a more youthful appearance, soft tissue augmentation is a quick, in-office procedure that offers excellent improvements. Although the procedure itself is effective and safe, be sure to choose a plastic surgeon with specialized training like Dr. Lapuerta for the best results possible.

Otoplasty, commonly called “pinning back the ears,” is an effective surgery available to children and adults to reduce the size of overly large ears or ears that do not lie flat against the head. Since our ears are fully developed by about age 4, many children have this surgery between the ages of four and fourteen, reducing the amount of teasing a child may go through because of prominent ears.

The risks and possible complications of otoplasty are generally minor when the surgery is performed by a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Leo Lapuerta. However, all surgery carries some risk.

With otoplasty, there is a low risk of:

• Blood clots
• Infection
• Formation of scar tissue

Other ear problems that can be corrected with otoplasty include:

• Lop Ear: The tip of the ear is bent or folded down
• Cupped Ear: A very small ear
• Shell Ear: The natural folds, creases and curve are missing
• Missing ears: A new ear can be created for those born without an ear or who lost an ear due to injury
• Large or stretched earlobes
• Lobes with large wrinkles or creases

The overall goal of otoplasty is an improvement in appearance, not perfection. Even after surgery, your ears may not be perfectly symmetrical. But most patients are thrilled with their new look and happy they chose otoplasty to correct the problem.

Considering otoplasty? Consult with a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Leo Lapuerta in Houston, Texas.