The Dangers of Medical Tourism
Medical tourism, or the practice of traveling to another country for medical care or elective cosmetic surgery, has become a popular option in recent years. While the idea of going to a tropical destination — especially during the summer months — for discounted surgery may seem appealing, experienced plastic surgeons advise prospective patients to consider the potential risks. Here, Dr. David Rankin shares a few reasons why medical tourism can be a risky endeavor.
The Truth Behind Discounted or Cheap Plastic Surgery
Cheap surgery may seem like a great deal at first but consider the potential reasons why a surgeon is able to offer surgery at rock-bottom costs. Some plastic surgeons may do so because they use outdated practices. Other surgeons may perform surgery at non-accredited facilities that lack the proper medical equipment and staff needed to handle medical emergencies. Your risk of a complication increases when you work with a plastic surgeon who does not offer or invest in the latest and most advanced techniques and technologies available to keep you safe.
When your health and safety are on the line, saving money should not be your first concern. Your first priority should always be to find a qualified plastic surgeon who adheres to the highest standards of safety and care, like one who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).
Communication Barriers
Patient-doctor communication is critical for successful plastic surgery and a positive patient experience. Working with a plastic surgeon or medical staff who speak a foreign language that you’re not fluent in can pose serious challenges. Not only is there the potential that you may misunderstand important pre-op or post-op instructions, but your ideal aesthetic outcome may get lost in translation, leading to unsatisfactory results.
Recovering Abroad May Not Be As Comfortable As You Think
If you’re considering having plastic surgery abroad, you may imagine recovering at a tropical destination or exploring your surroundings. But the reality is that you will not be able to enjoy your vacation immediately after surgery as your energy and mobility will be limited. Even lounging poolside or at the beach will be prohibited as overexposure to the sun can impair scar healing. It is also important to note that flying immediately after surgery should be avoided as it increases the risk of blood clots or other serious complications.
Meet with Our Experienced Plastic Surgeons
If you are seeking world-class plastic surgery care, look no further than Aqua Plastic Surgery. Dr. Rankin and Dr. Allyson Deziel are experienced plastic surgeons. To schedule a one-on-one consultation, please call our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830 or use our easy contact form.
The Top Plastic Surgery Procedures According to ASPS
A report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reveals that Americans spent more than $16.5 billion on cosmetic surgery in 2018. The report also revealed the top surgical and non-surgical procedures of the year, as well as some interesting statistics. The team at Aqua Plastic Surgery breaks down the report’s findings.
Top Cosmetic Surgical Procedures
More than 1.8 million cosmetic procedures were performed in 2018. The top five procedures were:
- Breast augmentation (up 4% from 2017)
- Liposuction (up 5% from 2017)
- Rhinoplasty (down 2% from 2017)
- Eyelid surgery (down 1% from 2017)
- Tummy tuck (about the same as 2017)
Top Cosmetic Non-Surgical Procedures
There were a total of 15.9 million cosmetic non-surgical procedures in 2018. The top five were:
- Botox up 3% from 2017)
- Soft tissue fillers (up 2% from 2017)
- Chemical peels (up 1% since 2017)
- Laser hair removal (down 1% from 2017)
- Microdermabrasion (down 4% from 2017)
Body Contouring Procedures on the Rise
The ASPS found that there was a surge in body contouring procedures in 2018. For instance, Brazilian butt lift procedures increased by 19% from the previous year, while both liposuction and thigh lift increased by 5%.
Interest in non-surgical body sculpting and fat removal procedures also rose in 2018. Among the most popular non-surgical treatments is CoolSculpting, an in-office procedure that uses freezing technology to permanently destroy fat cells. Unlike liposuction and other surgical procedures, CoolSculpting does not use incisions or anesthesia. Treatment is virtually painless and there is no recovery or downtime needed.
Achieve Your Cosmetic Goals with Aqua Plastic Surgery
Whether you desire a subtle tweak or dramatic enhancement, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Rankin can help. After meeting with you to evaluate your cosmetic needs and goals, the surgeon will recommend a treatment plan that achieves the best outcome.
Contact Aqua Plastic Surgery through our contact form or by calling our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
Facial Implants vs. Fat Grafting vs. Dermal Fillers
As humans age, their faces lose subcutaneous fat. As a result, facial muscles become more apparent near the skin’s surface, and lines and wrinkles become more prominent. Aging also means your skin becomes less firm. Stretching occurs, so you have less volume. Fortunately, there are numerous options to turn back the hands of time and restore fullness and volume. These include facial implants, fat grafting or dermal fillers. Which is the best choice for you? Aqua Plastic Surgery's board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. David Rankin and Dr. Allyson Deziel, explain the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure.
Facial Implants
Facial implants, made from silicone and other synthetic materials, add volume and shape to flat, hollow or overly small facial areas. They are used most often in the cheeks, chin and jaw. Incisions are made in the treatment areas, and the surgeon then places the implant into a pocket created from facial tissue.
Facial implants are surgical procedures. Expect to take at least a week off work if undergoing a facial implant. It may take a few months for full healing to take place.
Fat Grafting
Do you have fat you’d like to move elsewhere? Fat grafting involves taking a small amount of fat from an unwanted area, such as the stomach or hips, and injecting it into the face to boost volume and eradicate wrinkles. Because the fat comes from your own body, there’s no chance of an allergic reaction and it lasts longer than other types of fillers.
There are a few disadvantages to fat grafting, including the possibility that a person’s face may absorb most of the transferred fat over time.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers plump up the area into which they are injected, making lines and wrinkles less noticeable. Common dermal fillers include natural substances such as collagen or hyaluronic acid, or synthetic fillers that work by stimulating collagen production. The latter are especially useful for treating deep lines and wrinkles.
Dermal fillers have few side effects. They are not permanent, however, and therefore regular touch-ups are needed. Depending on the type of dermal filler used, that could mean a visit every six months or an annual touch-up.
For More Information
If you would like more information on facial implants, fat grafting, dermal fillers, and which procedures are right for your needs, please contact Aqua Plastic Surgery or call our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
4 Ways Men Benefit from Plastic Surgery
Although the number of women undergoing plastic surgery still exceeds men by a considerable percentage, the gap is narrowing. More and more men are discovering the benefits of plastic surgery, whether it aids them in the career and romance department or just makes them feel better about themselves. At Aqua Plastic Surgery, our double board certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Rankin explains why plastic surgery offers male patients so many advantages.
The Age Factor
It’s no secret that many companies have an age bias when it comes to hiring. Some men may seek plastic surgery to look younger and stay more competitive in business, and that holds true for more than the face. Men with excess fat that isn’t responding to diet and exercise may consider liposuction to help their physique appear firmer.
Medical Reasons
Some men seek plastic surgery to correct medical conditions, such as a deviated septum. When the septum – the wall of cartilage separating the nostrils – is irregular, it can lead to issues such as sinusitis, congestion, nosebleeds and sleep disorders, as this European study explains. Surgery to correct a deviated septum may include septoplasty, a reconstructive procedure to straighten the septum, which can also make the nose more aesthetically attractive.
Other common medical conditions corrected by plastic surgery include gynecomastia, or excessive male breast tissue.
Wrinkle Reduction
Men want to look their best, and that includes wrinkle eradication. Many men find the ideal way to retain a youthful look is via regular Botox (often dubbed “Brotox”), hyaluronic acid or other dermal filler injections. By removing crow’s feet or smoothing forehead lines, these procedures make men appear younger, not to mention more relaxed.
A Confidence Booster
For either sex, there’s a link between confidence levels and success. Knowing you look your best is a great confidence booster, and that’s another reason for men to seek plastic surgery. If a man has always felt his nose is misshapen, ears too large, chin too weak, or whatever the perceived inadequacy, plastic surgery can change that. When you feel handsome and fit, the world is your oyster.
Get More Information
If you’re a man interested in finding out more about what plastic surgery can do for you, please send us an email or call our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
Tips for Making Your Breast Explant Recovery Easier
The recovery for breast explant surgery is similar to that of breast augmentation. Patients should anticipate taking one to two weeks off from normal activities to rest as much as possible. Should you have any questions or concerns, the team at Aqua Plastic Surgery will be available at all times to address them.
Here, we share our top tips to make your breast explant recovery easier.
Ask a Loved One to Stay with You
Getting plenty of rest is a crucial component of a safe and speedy recovery. Many of our breast explant surgery patients find it helpful to have a loved one stay with them during the first days of recovery. Having someone to help with everyday chores and errands, childcare and pet care allows you to focus on resting. In addition, having a loved one as your support system during recovery can help keep your spirits up as your body heals.
Prepare Your Bed or Couch Ahead of Time
We recommend you prepare your recovery location (either your bed or couch) before surgery, as your energy and mobility will be limited once you return home from surgery. Have plenty of pillows, clean bedsheets and blankets ready. Make a list of must-have recovery items ahead of time and place them near your bed or couch. Items may include:
- Prescription medicine
- Water
- Easy-to-make foods (e.g., foods, frozen dinners)
- Extra pillows and clean blankets
- Ice packs or bags of frozen vegetables
- Wet wipes and makeup removal pads
- Magazines, books, TV remote, tablet
- Clean sets of clothes
Keep our Phone Numbers Handy
Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. We recommend you keep our office numbers handy just in case you need to contact us. If there is an issue, we can address it promptly or make modifications to your recovery so you can heal faster and more comfortably. Our patient concierges are also available.
To learn more about breast explant surgery or what to expect during recovery, please schedule a personal consultation with Dr. David Rankin or Dr. Allyson Deziel. Contact Aqua Plastic Surgery by calling our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
Brazilian Butt Lift Myths
If you want to improve the shape and proportion of your buttocks, a Brazilian butt lift will achieve your goals. Unfortunately, there are lots of misconceptions about this surgery, and perhaps some of these myths are making you think twice about undergoing a Brazilian butt lift. Once you have the facts, you can make an informed decision about having this procedure. At Aqua Plastic Surgery, our trusted plastic surgeon Dr. David Rankin busts some of the myths surrounding butt lifts.
Other People’s Fat is Used
No stranger’s fat is injected into your body during a Brazilian butt lift. The surgeon removes fat from one part of your body, usually the abdomen or hips, and injects it into the butt. Because the procedure is completely autologous, there is no chance that your body will reject the donor fat or that there will be an allergic reaction.
Thin People Can’t Have Brazilian Butt Lifts
This myth probably started because thinner individuals obviously don’t have as much body fat as those carrying some extra pounds, and the idea spread that skinny people don’t have enough fat for liposuction. While its true thin people have less body fat, they usually don’t need as much body fat transferred to get the results they want.
Butt Implants Look More Natural
Butt implants are the right choice for some people, but a more natural look isn’t a reason to choose them. Not only do implants look less natural, but there are also practical considerations. Butt implants may shift over time, causing discomfort and the need for removal.
Contact Aqua Plastic Surgery
To discuss what a Brazilian butt lift entails and have all of your questions answered, please contact Aqua Plastic Surgery. Call our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
Finding Credible Patient Reviews for an Explant Surgeon
In many ways, reviews from former patients serve as your first impression of a potential plastic surgeon. Patient reviews are candid and unfiltered, and can give you an idea of what you can expect from the doctor in many respects, including communication, expertise and patient care.
While patient reviews can be an invaluable tool, some can be misleading. At Aqua Plastic Surgery, our team recognizes how important it is to find a plastic surgeon whom you trust, especially when it comes to a delicate procedure such as explant surgery. Here, we share a few tips on finding credible patient reviews when selecting an explant surgeon.
Know Where To Look
Don’t know where to start your search? Try these three websites: Healthgrades, Vitals, and RealSelf. All three are reputable patient review websites and leaders in providing online transparency tools and data that help potential patients find top plastic surgeons in their area.
Know What To Look For
As you read through patient reviews, look for these small yet very important details:
Cosmetic results: Were the majority of patients satisfied with their cosmetic results? Do they mention side effects or complications?
Communication:Are the surgeon and staff known for answering questions thoroughly and listening to patient concerns?
Patient care: This includes bedside manner, as well as having a friendly and helpful office staff. Qualities such as compassion and trust are key to a positive plastic surgery experience, especially for women who seek a deeply intimate procedure like explant surgery.
It’s important to note that some patients write reviews without ever having had surgery. Some reviews are based solely on patients’ interactions with the surgeon and their staff during initial and pre-op consultations. While good rapport with a doctor and their staff is certainly important, so is the surgeon’s experience and technical skill. Be sure to read reviews from patients who actually underwent explant surgery and can provide insight on the doctor’s surgical skill and results.
View Before-and-After Photos
Prior to selecting a surgeon, take the time to browse before-and-after photos. Pay close attention to scarring and the resulting breast shape, including how it affects the overall figure. The breast shape after explant surgery should accentuate a woman’s overall physique. Be sure to review photos of women whose breasts and figure are similar to yours.
The Choice Is Yours
Choosing a plastic surgeon for your explant surgery is a personal decision. Patient reviews and testimonials are a great way to narrow down your selection to a few surgeons. But keep in mind that reviews, regardless of whether they are positive or negative, tend to be biased and polarized, and therefore should not be your only criteria when selecting a surgeon. In fact, you should wait to make your final decision until after you have met with the surgeon in person.
Contact Aqua Plastic Surgery
Dr. David Rankin and Dr. Allyson Deziel have helped many women restore a beautiful breast appearance and peace of mind with explant surgery. We invite you to read through testimonials written by former and current patients who recount their experiences with our explant surgeons, our staff and our practice. You may also view before-and-after photos of our former explant patients.
To learn more about explant surgery, please contact Aqua Plastic Surgery by calling our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
Breast Implant Removal & What to Expect
The team at Aqua Plastic Surgery is committed to providing exceptional treatment and care to all patients. Breast explant (removal) surgeon Dr. David Rankin and his team educate patients as they prepare for surgery and help them make the necessary arrangements.
Here, we break down what you can expect before, during and after explant surgery.
Before Explant Surgery
The first step of the breast explant surgery process is an initial consultation, either through the phone, video chat or in person. During your consultation, you and our doctors will discuss your reasons for seeking breast explant surgery, as well as what you hope to achieve with the procedure. If you are experiencing symptoms of breast implant illness (BII), we will document these symptoms as well as any other health conditions that may affect your candidacy. Once we determine you are a candidate, we will schedule your surgery (or schedule an additional in-person appointment) with the doctor of your choice. A small refundable deposit is required at the time of booking your surgery.
In the weeks leading up to your surgery, you will remain in constant contact with our patient concierge, who will answer all of your questions and concerns. If you are traveling from out of town, we can help make your hotel and transportation arrangements.
We will also provide you with a detailed list of pre-op instructions to follow, including what medications to avoid, foods to fuel your body before surgery, and which, if any, pre-op tests you will need to have. If you suffer from BII, our team can also provide recommendations on how to alleviate symptoms as you await surgery.
What to Expect the Day of Your Explant Surgery
The morning of your surgery, you will come to our facility and meet with your surgeon (if you are traveling from out of town, we suggest you arrive to your hotel the night before surgery). You will also meet with our anesthesiologist who will evaluate your medical history to determine whether you have any health conditions that can cause a rare adverse reaction to the IV sedation.
Your surgery will take place in our state-of-the-art and fully accredited operating room. It will take approximately two hours to complete. Immediately after, you will be taken to our recovery suite so you can rest as the effects of IV sedation wear off. Since no anesthesia is used, you will not experience nausea or any other side effects associated with anesthesia. About an hour after surgery, you will be cleared to go home or your hotel room to rest in a comfortable position for the remainder of the day.
After Explant Surgery
The following day, you will need a loved one to drive you back to our office. We will monitor your healing progress, and ensure that the drains in place are functioning. A surgical bra will be placed to support your breasts as they heal. We will also explain how to empty out your drains, which you will need to do twice a day until they are removed approximately four to seven days after surgery. Typically we require that the fluid drainage level is under 20 cubic centimeters for 24 hours before removing them.
Follow-up visits will be scheduled for the three-month and six-month marks. Our patient concierges will be available via their direct cell phone lines to answer all of your questions and concerns.
To learn more about breast explant surgery, please schedule a personal consultation with Dr. David Rankin. Contact Aqua Plastic Surgery by calling our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
How Will My Breasts Look After Explant Surgery?
The goal of breast explant surgery is to safely remove breast implants while maintaining or restoring an attractive breast contour and appearance. Patients who do not want to replace their implants with a new pair (including women who experience symptoms of breast implant illness) have many questions about what their breasts will look like following explant surgery. Here, Aqua Plastic Surgery discusses the topic in detail, as well as the cosmetic treatment options we offer for a beautiful breast shape after breast implant removal.
What to Expect After Breast Explant
Most patients should not expect the breasts to return to their pre-augmentation state once the implants have been removed. This is because the placement of implants stretches the skin and the weight of implants does cause a degree of sag. Other factors can also cause variations in shape, size and position of the breasts following explant surgery. For instance, if the patient has gained significant weight since the initial breast augmentation surgery, breast volume may be slightly higher than it was before implants were placed. Aging, pregnancies and genetic factors can affect both the quality of the remaining breast tissue and skin elasticity, in turn compromising the appearance of the breasts.
Fortunately, working with an experienced breast explant surgeon can ensure a beautiful and natural breast appearance. When planning your explant surgery, your doctor will take your unique specifications into consideration, including the quality of your breast tissue, skin elasticity and personal preferences.
Your Cosmetic Options After Having Your Breast Implants Removed
Breast explant can be performed alone or in conjunction with another breast procedure to produce superior aesthetic results. Breast lift can be incorporated to remove skin that has become stretched out as a result of the implants, aging or weight gain. The procedure also raises the breast higher on the chest wall for a perkier appearance and resizes stretched out areolas.
What if after having your implants removed you still desire larger, fuller breasts? Breast augmentation with fat transfer is a great and natural approach to enhance the size and fullness of the breasts. Fat transfer involves removing unwanted fat from one body area (e.g., abdomen or back), via liposuction, and transferring it to the breasts. The fat and tissue will be sculpted to create a flattering and attractive shape and size that the patient can feel happy and confident with.
To find out more information about breast explant surgery, please schedule a consultation with Dr. David Rankin or Dr. Allyson Deziel. Contact Aqua Plastic Surgery in Jupiter, FL, by calling our office at (561) 776-2830.
What Is a Nerve Block, and Why Is It Used During Breast Explant?
At Aqua Plastic Surgery, Dr. David Rankin and Dr. Allyson Deziel are committed to making your breast explant experience as successful and comfortable as possible. This includes offering the option of performing a nerve block during surgery. Nerve blocks are a useful and increasingly common post-op pain management treatment option that can greatly enhance the post-recovery phase.
Our trusted South Florida plastic surgeons explain everything you need to know about nerve blocks.
How Nerve Blocks Work
A nerve block is an injection of numbing or anti-inflammatory medication that blocks or “turns off” pain signals traveling along a nerve or group of nerves before they reach the brain, stopping or minimizing pain in the treatment area. The first step in performing a nerve block is to locate the targeted nerve or nerves. Our team uses advanced imaging technology to determine the location that will allow the patient to receive the maximum benefits from the injection. The anesthetic medication is then administered via a thin, sterile needle in small, controlled doses. The number of injections varies from patient to patient. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes for the medication to take effect.
No special preparation is needed prior to having a nerve block. Before your surgery, you will meet with our anesthesiologist who will review your medical history to ensure you are a candidate for a nerve block.
What Are the Benefits of a Nerve Block?
Since nerve blocks minimize pain and discomfort, they may also reduce or even eliminate the need for prescription pain medication after surgery. In addition, nerve block patients typically have better mobility and less post-op restrictions than those who did not have a nerve block performed during their surgery. Overall, nerve blocks offer a faster and more comfortable recovery for our breast explant patients.
Side effects with nerve blocks are very minimal. Soreness in the injection site is minor and temporary.
Learn More
To find out more about breast explant surgery or what to expect during recovery, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Rankin or Dr. Deziel. You can reach Aqua Plastic Surgery by calling our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830 or using our contact form.