Report of the Most Popular Procedures of 2011

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) released a report detailing the most popular Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery procedures of last year.  You can see all the details of the ASPS’s report here.  Or you can read an easier summary that 24/7 Wall St. put out earlier this year.

Breast Augmentation tops the list with Rhinoplasty as a close second.

 

 

 

 

Exciting News

We were very excited when we were contacted a few weeks ago by Real Self about featuring our latest infographic.  We think its an interesting topic and we are happy to Real Self agrees.  We will update the blog once they post it.

Stay tuned.

Origins of Plastic Surgery

We just published an infographic showing the long history of plastic surgery.

Take a look.

 

 

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Celebrity Plastic Surgeries

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How A Facelift Can Help Save Your Career

Although most people get facelifts to satisfy their own inner needs of self-esteem, there are actually some quite practical reasons for getting the procedure done. Surprisingly, one of them is to help save your career. A facelift could be the difference between having and not having a job and that is an important consideration in the midst of the current world and national economic crisis.

Not only are struggling companies trimming their ranks, but the growing practice over the years has been to cut those who are middle aged first. Hiring “young blood” is seen as acquiring inexpensive, trainable personnel while older workers are viewed more and more as expensive liabilities. This trend has seen a sharp rise in both Europe and the US.

The Facelift Advantage

Even though a facelift can’t change who you are and what you know, it can give you an advantage by appearing younger. It is a known fact that looks are often a swaying factor in landing a job, acquiring a raise, or keeping a position when the ax is swinging.

Age discrimination is a blossoming issue in the workplace and, unfortunately, those discriminations are often based on an employee’s looks. This is especially well known by women who have had to deal with such issues practically their entire lives and for many years. Discrimination has been a big factor in the rise in popularity of cosmetic surgery (in particular facelifts) with older women leading the charge.

However, an increasing number of men are getting facelifts and other forms of cosmetic surgery. Most will admit that the main reason is to look younger and better, and many of those hold the heartfelt belief that it will help them to get or keep their job, or raise their position within a company.

Get More Info

If you live in the Houston area, or are planning an extended visit, and are interested in gaining more information on facelift procedures, contact The Plastic Surgery Institute of Southeast Texas for a consultation. Dr. Leo Lapuerta specializes in plastic and reconstructive surgery and is triple board certified. He and his dedicated, professional staff will provide you with all the information you need as well as walk you through pre and post surgical care.

So if you feel that looking younger will help you land that next job or position, or even keep you occupying your present one, set up an appointment with Dr. Lapuerta today and re-embrace the power of youth.

Should Teens Consider Plastic Surgery?

Plastic surgery has become a sought after way for adults to nip, tuck, add, remove and change aspects of their bodies to make them look and feel better about themselves. Today, cosmetic surgery is safer and much more affordable, allowing a wider audience to access its transforming ways by those from all walks of life.

However, plastic surgery isn’t just for adults anymore. It is becoming more popular with teenagers as well. They are talking about it, considering it and even going through with procedures on an increasing basis. But should teens pursue cosmetic surgery?

Reasons Teens Pursue Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery is appealing to the teenage crowd, and there are several main reasons why teens are contemplating going under the knife more frequently today, some more justified than others.

Teens are much more susceptible to following trends. With a large portion of teens having parents, or parents of friends, who have had procedures done, they are following in their proverbial footsteps. Cosmetic surgery has even become a trendy topic of discussion in teen circles, much the same as fashion or celebrity status.

The media has played a large role in spreading the word on the wonders of cosmetic surgery. Teens are also very much influenced by media so seeing the glitzy advertising ads and hearing testimonies on the glowing results via talk shows and reality TV, they are more curious and eager to try it for themselves.

Of course, one of the biggest underlying factors which drive teens to seek out plastic surgery procedures is their low self-esteem and high self-consciousness driven by peer pressure. A bump on the nose, low upper eyelids, a protruding or non-existent chin, asymmetric breasts, etc can have devastating effects on teens who are trying to “fit into the crowd.”

Professional Guidance

Therefore, if you have a teenager, or are a teenager, considering plastic surgery, it is advisable to sit down and have a good heart to heart talk with your parents and a cosmetic surgeon concerning the core reasons of why you want a procedure done.

Dr. Lapuerta understands both the desire to be pleased with your physical appearance and the reasons why you may want cosmetic surgery. He and his office personnel in the Houston area provide professional consultations, pre-surgical meetings and follow-up care so that 1) your questions are answered, 2) you make the right decision, and 3) once you decide on a procedure, you have caring, friendly faces to accompany you through your journey.

Houston Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation Consultation – What to Expect

When you make the decision to have breast augmentation it’s one that’s not taken lightly.  You’ve likely performed a great deal of research about the procedure itself, types of breast implants, and breast surgeons in your area.  In Houston, plastic surgeon Dr. Leo Lapuerta, spends a great deal of time with his patients before scheduling a breast augmentation procedure so that the patient is comfortable with the decision to move forward.  During your consultation, Dr. Lapuerta and his staff will discuss your personal expectations regarding breast augmentation surgery and whether those are realistic and beneficial for your body type.  A thorough personal medical history will also be taken, along with your vitals and measurements.  Be prepared to answer questions about whether you have nipple discharge, fibrocystic breast masses, or changes in the texture and tone of the skin on your breasts.   Photos will be discreetly taken so that there is a visual comparison of before and after the surgery.  You can count on Dr. Lapuerta’s professional staff to make this consult comfortable and informative for you.  To schedule a consultation for breast augmentation surgery, contact Dr. Lapuerta’s office today.

Recovery from Breast Lift Surgery

Before deciding to undergo breast lift surgery, there are considerations beyond cost and which surgeon to select, such as how involved your recovery will be.  The length of recovery depends on several factors, such as how healthy you are before surgery, whether the breast lift is a stand-alone procedure or combined with another procedure like breast reduction, and your personal tolerance for pain.  Houston board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Leo Lapuerta, will discuss your recovery with you at length during pre-operative consultation(s) so that you have a better idea of what to expect in planning your post-operative care.  Topics that Dr. Lapuerta and his nurses will discuss with you include incision care and personal hygiene, bruising and swelling around the breasts, compression garments, pain management, restricted physical activities, when you can return to work, and minimizing scarring.  Dr. Lapuerta’s individualized care does not stop at the completion of your surgery.  He and his medical staff take pride in providing the best care possible to all their patients, and want each to have the best outcomes possible after surgery.  If you are considering a breast lift to improve the appearance of your bustline, contact Dr. Leo Lapuerta’s office today to schedule an appointment.

The Four P’s of Preparing for Plastic Surgery

Before any undertaking worth doing, such as giving a presentation at work, or undergoing plastic surgery, the 4 P’s are critical:  Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.  Whether you’ve decided to have plastic surgery to enhance your breasts, redefine your body’s contours, or lift anything that’s sagging, you want to prepare to ensure the best results.  Houston Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Leo Lapuerta and his professional staff, employ the Four P’s, and they will help you to do so as well.  If you’re making an investment in plastic surgery, you want the best outcome possible.  While much of that is attributed to Dr. Lapuerta and his medical staff, some of it can only be assigned to you.  These assignments are:  (1) Follow the doctor’s orders both pre- and post-op; (2) maximize your personal health; (3) disclose ALL medications and supplements to your doctor before surgery; and, (4) stop smoking.  Dr. Lapuerta may tell you to discontinue certain medication before surgery and/or tell you that you cannot eat or drink for a certain number of hours before surgery.  It is very important that you follow those directions, but if you forget, or if there’s a problem, talk to the doctor ASAP.  Next, you need to be as healthy as possible before surgery by taking care of any chronic medical conditions and maintaining a healthy diet.  If a medical condition develops before surgery that you’ve not told Dr. Lapuerta about, you need to advise him immediately; even if you must reset plastic surgery, nothing is more important than your safety.  Next, when the nurse or doctor take your medical history, advise them of ALL medications that you take (whether prescribed or not), along with any dietary supplements.  If necessary, go to your medicine cabinet and make a written list before the initial consultation.  Finally, and perhaps most important – STOP SMOKING!  If you smoke, you should quit at least 30 days before your procedure, and hopefully forever after surgery.  One of the many side effects of smoking includes constricture of the blood vessels that deprive your cells of oxygen they need to heal.  This can not only cause enormous complications, but it can also make healing of any scars from incisions harder than necessary.  Leo Lapuerta, M.D. is a top plastic surgeon in Houston for numerous reasons, not the least of which is commitment to helping patients prepare for surgery so they have great outcomes.  Contact Dr. Lapuerta’s office today to schedule an appointment.