NewportPlastic

Online Botox …Really?

admin — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 01:39:22 +0000

The Internet is a vast marketplace these days. Few would argue that you can’t find anything you’re looking for if you look hard enough on the Internet. However, who would’ve ever thought you could get Botox online? Much less, who would’ve ever thought there’d be do it yourself Botox with instructions? The truth is there are” medical” websites that offer what they call Botulinum toxin for sale over the Internet. While it of course is dangerous and potentially deadly there is a mass appeal for consumers who desperately want to look younger and have a perceived need to get the best deal to do so. Online marketers are cashing in on this desperation in what is an unregulated and illegal sale of Botox via the Internet. One of the supposedly medical sites allows consumers to purchase 100 IU vial of what they label is Botox complete with a set of instructions for $149. Of course Dr. Seify along with the rest of the legitimate medical community find this appalling and outrageous. This unscrupulous marketing of questionable at best grade of Botox to uneducated consumers is virtually unimaginable. One death has been reported so far as caused by the use of Botox purchased through the Internet. There are growing numbers of cases from people who through self injection of Botox ended up with muscles that were paralyzed or vocal cords that were paralyzed or even other serious results. Botox is approved by the US FDA to be used by cosmetic physicians for the removal of facial lines and wrinkles. Authentic medical grade Botox cannot be purchased without a prescription. Only a licensed medical physician is permitted to purchase authentic medical grade Botox and it is under the concept that the physician has the skill and knowledge and training for its proper use. Most doctors doubt that the Botox sold online is authentic or even that it has any Botox and it at all. What is most concerning is what it could contain as a substitute. Many wonder how this can even be allowed to happen. Due to the vast worldwide marketplace of the Internet the sale of illicit products is rampant. It is virtually impossible to regulate sense the FDA can only monitor and have jurisdiction over United States companies and businesses selling drugs. Dr. Seify warns patients about any products including Botox purchased through non-legitimate sources. Dr. Seify offers Botox and dermal fillers with occasional promotions throughout the year. Patients can save substantially and are encouraged to contact the office and make a reservation for our next Botox and filler special event for the best pricing.

Never Too Old

admin — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 01:35:45 +0000

As the aging population becomes a more influential part of the population is becoming obvious that getting older does not mean that patients cannot look their best. A facelift has long been the landmark of proof that a person is showing the signs of aging on their face. Many plastic surgeons perform facelift some patients who are well into their 70s and 80s. However, it is important to realize that there is a difference between a person’s real age and their biologically. In reality this can be a huge difference. Dr. Seify explains to his patients that the real distinction in whether or not a patient is too old for a facelift is primarily rooted in their health status. There are some patients who are 60 however there biological health is similar to that of a 90-year-old old because of lifestyle choices like smoking, excessive drinking, or less than admirable eating habits. This is when Dr. Seify’s medical judgment has to be considered when deciding whether or not to proceed with facelift surgery for this type of patient. When patients move forward with facelift surgery Dr. Seify is careful to inform them of potential risk that and possible complications that are related to the surgery and post surgery. For older patients Dr. Seify may work with the primary care physician to assure a safe plan of action for the patient. Also medical clearance performed by their primary care physician will be required prior to surgery. Patients who have cardiac concerns for example, may have a different plan of action because of the impact the surgical procedure can have on the patient especially with respect to the type of anesthesia that would be utilized. The results of a facelift on older patients are generally very good provided the patient is in good health. The patient must be realistic concerning their expected outcome. Patients must take their age and consideration when creating expectation for surgery. It is not likely that they will have a result allowing them to look 35 years younger than their real age. However secondary facelift procedures according to several different published studies can yield results for patients that allow them to look 7 to 10 years younger than their real age. With patients living longer, it is not uncommon for patients to have undergone two or three facelifts well into their 70s and 80s. Dr. Seify encourages patients to look and feel their best at every stage of their life. Patients were considering a facelift are encouraged to contact Dr. Seify and schedule a consultation.

Blepharoplasty, Medicare and Insurance Coverage Is It Fair?

admin — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 01:32:28 +0000

Loss of vision as we age is probably one of the conditions everyone will face eventually. Vision is impaired as we age not only because of eyesight but for some patients also due to droopy eyelids. As the laxity of the skin on the eyelids becomes a greater issue with aging the eyelid skin can become so droopy that patients cannot see clearly. Unfortunately the body compensates for this and patients lift their brow eventually add habit without ever realizing that they cannot see well. Dr. Seify treats patients who have excessive loose skin on their upper eyelids. The procedure is called blepharoplasty. A small ellipse of skin is removed from the upper eyelid in the crease. The incision is sutured and well hidden in the crease. This lifts the eyelid and allows the patient to have better vision. A side benefit of the procedure is that the eyes have a much more youthful appearance once the loose skin is removed. If the vision is severely impaired for the patient there is a chance that the procedure could be covered financially by insurance or Medicare. Recently private advocacy groups have published some negative reports regarding the coverage of blepharoplasty by Medicare and or private insurance. In their published reports they have surmised that a majority of patients seeking blepharoplasty are really cosmetic cases just trying to take advantage of Medicare or private insurance. While it is understandable that an outside group may believe that plastic surgeons would falsify necessary information to have payment covered through Medicare or private insurance; the reality is that most plastic surgeons are committed to following necessary guidelines for submitting proper claims to either Medicare or private insurance. It is important for patients to understand that submitting their blepharoplasty claim to insurance is not something they should be ashamed of. If the claim falls within the guidelines of the insurer whether it is Medicare or private insurance then the patient has passed the necessary requirements and is entitled to have the procedure covered. Dr. Seify will submit claims for patients when he believes there blepharoplasty should be covered. Patient should be prepared to provide payment should be insurance or Medicare be unwilling to deem the blepharoplasty as necessary. Blepharoplasty is an excellent solution for patients who are living with compromised peripheral vision. The cosmetic aspect is a welcome to benefit. Patients who are considering blepharoplasty are encouraged to contact Dr. Seify and schedule a consultation.

Thigh Gap-Is It Really a Plastic Surgery Obsession?

admin — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 01:27:48 +0000

Who would’ve thought that being skinny could be taken up a notch? Well, according to a recent international website, plastic surgeons in Canada reported a 246% increase in patients seeking what they call a” thigh gap”. This is described as emulating thighs that are so thin that they do not touch above the knees. Victoria’s Secret models are blamed for perpetuating this alleged trend. Canadian plastic surgeons who are claiming the 246% increase failed to mention what the base number was prior to the increase so it is difficult at best to take this trend seriously. However, it does bear noting that the decision to have liposuction on the thighs should never be made lightly. Dr. Seify explains to patients who are considering liposuction of the thigh area that the sculpting of the thighs can be one of the most difficult areas. This is especially true for the inner thighs. The skin on the upper portion of the inner thigh is more likely to become loose and lax especially if too much fat is removed. The important thing to note is that if this is the case patients are unable to improve the laxity of the skin once too much fat has been removed. Also there could be a need for what is known as circumferential liposuction of the thigh. This would include liposuction performed on the entire thigh. This includes the front, the outer thighs, inner thighs, and the back of the thighs. This can be quite an undertaking and depending on the amount of fat removed, it is important for patients to realize that there is a limit to how much fat can be removed safely in one surgical procedure. Dr. Seify is careful to explain to each patient the benefits and limitations of thigh liposuction prior to patients choosing to proceed with surgery. Patients who are considering liposuction of the thigh are encouraged to contact Dr. Seify and schedule a consultation.

Is Your Man Avoiding the Pool?

admin — Wed, 29 May 2013 02:14:40 +0000

As summer rolls around many couples are making their way to summer vacations, days on the boat, day trips to the beach, and outdoor activities like jet skiing. As you observe men and women enjoying the sun it’s hard not to notice men who may wear their T-shirts without ever removing them even in the hottest sun and the most active activities. For some of these men the reason for keeping on their T-shirts could be embarrassment. There are two main reasons that men are embarrassed about their bodies. For some men there could be an excessive growth of male breast tissue which causes men to have an enlarged appearance to their breast. This can cause embarrassment since enlarged the breast are associated with women and not men. This condition is called gynecomastia. Dr. Seify effectively treats gynecomastia allowing his patients to regain their confidence and to go shirtless in public unashamed. To perform gynecomastia an incision is made around the nipple areola complex where the dark and light skin colors meet. This incision heals remarkably well and is virtually undetectable within a short period of time following surgery. Through this incision Dr. Seify removes not only the growth of breast tissue but also the fat that may lie underneath. The procedure has mild to moderate discomfort and pain. The patient wears a compression vest following the surgery based on the recommended time. This helps to re-drape the skin and allow the chest to have a smooth and aesthetically pleasing appearance. The other reason men are likely to feel embarrassed about their bodies would be if they have excess thickness on their abdomen. Liposuction of the abdomen for men is an excellent option for removing small amounts of fat and contouring the abdomen for a more toned and flat abdomen. Liposuction of the abdomen will reduce the inches for the waist size. Men who have intra-abdominal fat or excess loose skin will not be a candidate for liposuction. So, if your man is embarrassed to go shirtless the summer it is the perfect time to discover if gynecomastia surgery or liposuction are a viable option. Patients who are considering either of these plastic surgery procedures are encouraged to contact Dr. Seify and schedule a consultation.

Who Should Consider a “Mommy Makeover “?

admin — Mon, 27 May 2013 02:11:52 +0000

Having a baby is a life changing event for women. There is no way to be prepared for the many changes that women face as new mothers. Physically throughout the pregnancy a woman has watched her body change significantly. This is part of pregnancy; however, the changes can be dramatic. After giving birth for most women ”getting their pre-pregnancy body back” is at the top of the list. Getting into the gym, beginning and maintaining the proper diet all while taking care of the new baby is considered normal for many new mothers. After period of time while there has been improvement some women are still dissatisfied with the aesthetic appearance of their body. For some there could be significant sagging in the breast and loose and lax skin on the abdomen. These are the women who are likely to consider what is come to be known as the “mommy makeover”. The mommy makeover is a combination of some or all of the following procedures; breast augmentation, breast lift, abdominoplasty, and liposuction. Dr. Seify explains that it is important to choose the right procedures for the patient based on the patient’s expectations and desires. The mommy makeover allows patients to have one recovery and a dramatically different result in the overall shape and contour of their body. Patients who are concerned with loose and lax skin on their breast due to the stretching of the skin and loss of volume are likely to need a breast lift. This can be combined with breast augmentation and Dr. Seify will assess if the patient is a good candidate for both procedures to be performed together. Dr. Seify will recommend the proper breast lift for the patient based on the degree of laxity on the breast. The abdominoplasty or tummy tuck that is performed in conjunction with the breast surgery could be either a mini tummy tuck or a full of abdominoplasty. This too is based on the patient. It is important for patients to allow for ample time for recovery. This includes making sure that the new baby, household chores, and work schedules will allow a proper recovery. For most patients allowing two weeks is sufficient. The mommy makeover will allow most women to yield a more aesthetically pleasing body shape then they had prior to pregnancy. Patients who are considering the mommy makeover are encouraged to contact Dr. Seify and schedule a consultation.

Why Should You Refer a Friend?

admin — Fri, 24 May 2013 02:09:32 +0000

It can be a challenge when patients consider their reasons for considering plastic surgery. First, patients have to decide if they want to have plastic surgery and then they have to decide who will perform the plastic surgery. Once these two decisions are made and the plastic surgery is performed most patients move on with their lives are happy with their results and their plastic surgery journey is over. But, what should a patient do when a friend or relative tells them that they look fabulous and ask them what they have changed? Should they tell their friend or relative about their facelift, breast augmentation and breast lift, liposuction? Dr. Seify understands that plastic surgery is a private and personal decision; however, there are some benefits patient should consider when deciding whether to tell a friend about their plastic surgery and their plastic surgeon. First, patient should consider how difficult their initial decision was. They should remember the research that was necessary, the questions and doubts that they had, and the anxiety this caused. If they were referred by a friend they should remember how appreciative they were for the referral and how much easier the decision was because of the referral. Also, if the patient is uncomfortable discussing the specifics of their procedure there is no need to do that. A general response to an inquiry from a friend or relative when questioned about what they have done is perfectly acceptable. General responses can be as simple as; thank you, I had a procedure performed, with a plastic surgeon and had a great experience. It is a good idea to offer the plastic surgeon’s name as a referral adding… If you’re interested. Referring friends and relatives to your plastic surgeon when you have had a good experience is part of contributing to the greater good. Not so long ago plastic surgery was a secret and few people felt comfortable telling others. Now that this is not the case it has allowed more women to have plastic surgery with confidence and to make better choices by having referrals from friends and relatives. It is about the greater good and each plastic surgery patient doing their part to make plastic surgery a more acceptable choice and for more patients to be able to experience similar great results. Dr. Seify and his staff are deeply grateful for referrals provided to them. Patients who are considering plastic surgery are encouraged to contact Dr. Seify and schedule a consultation.

Tummy Tuck after Weight Loss

admin — Wed, 22 May 2013 02:07:00 +0000

As obesity continues to be one of the most discussed health concerns facing Americans more patients are seeking body contouring procedures following massive weight loss. Post massive weight loss plastic surgery continues to be one of the areas with double-digit increases over the past few years. Patients who have lost a significant amount of weight are likely to have loose and lax skin on several areas of the body. For most patients the most troublesome is the abdominal area. For a lot of reasons this can be not only unattractive but also uncomfortable. For some patients the excess skin can become susceptible to heat rash is an even infection due to the skin folds and sweat that is trapped within the folds. The excess skin on the abdomen can cause patients to require a larger waist size implants or skirts. After the victory of losing weight the inability to see attractive results due to loose and lax skin on the abdomen can lead to depression and cause some patients to begin to gain their weight back. For these reasons it is a good idea to consider post massive weight loss plastic surgery for the abdomen. For many patients and abdominoplasty may be Dr. Seify’s recommendation. The common name, a tummy tuck is more familiar to most patients. It is important for patients who have lost in extreme amount of weight to realize that their tummy tuck is not a straightforward procedure. In most cases they will require an extended abdominoplasty. This means that the incision is likely to stand beyond the hip. Depending on the amount of loose and lax skin patient should be prepared for the incision to extend the length of the loose and lax skin that is present. When the incision is not link the unknown for the plastic surgeon to capture the loose skin that is present, there is a great likelihood that there will be extreme puckering and mounds of skin left behind. These are commonly referred to as dog ears. While these can be removed later, avoiding them initially is the best choice. Also, patients need to inform Dr. Seify of their source of weight loss. If they have had weight loss surgery and are on any special vitamins or medications following the surgery it is important that they share that information prior to surgery. This will allow Dr. Seify to recommend the best plan for recovery. It is also important that patients are nutritionally healthy and that there are not deficiencies in their iron, potassium, and other important nutrients that affect the patient’s health and prognosis for healing and recovery. Post massive weight loss plastic surgery is a great decision for patients who have worked so hard to lose weight and keep it off. Patients who are considering post massive weight loss plastic surgery are encouraged to contact Dr. Seify and schedule a consultation.

How Can I Get the Most Youthful Looking Arms?

admin — Mon, 20 May 2013 02:04:28 +0000

Interestingly enough, as summer approaches some fashion magazines are including in their articles that arms have become the new cleavage. What they mean by that is that a woman’s arms are now viewed as sexy and appealing. Many celebrities have been recognized for their “great arms”. These include celebrities like Michelle Obama and Madonna. Sleeveless fashions have indeed become the choice regardless of the season. So, what is a woman to do if she has the dreaded “batwings”. This is the term given for excess skin that hangs from the underside of the arm when the arm is lifted. In some cases this is due to the aging of the skin. In other situations the patient could have had weight fluctuation that stretched the skin on the arms and then caused sagging. Patients, who consult with Dr. Seify because of a complaint of loose skin on the arms, are likely to be given the recommendation of brachioplasty. Brachioplasty removes the excess skin from the underside of the arm. An incision is made in the armpit that runs either to the middle of the bicep on the underside of the arm or to the elbow. The shorter incision is acceptable for a patient who has minimal loose skin provided most of the excess skin is in the upper portion of the arm. The longer incision is for patients with more loose and lax skin. While a shorter scar may seem attractive to the patient, it is important patients realize that if a shorter scar is used on a patient who has excessive loose and lax skin in the arm area there is likely to be an unacceptable puckering of the skin following surgery. Patient should never compromise the long-term results of surgery in order to avoid a scar. All scars heal over time and in most cases become less noticeable over time. Brachioplasty patients will have a scar however the scar is well hidden on the underside of the arm. Most go on to wear sleeveless dresses and shirts and find the scar to be well worth the trade-off. Patients who are dissatisfied with the thickness on their arms may be candidates for liposuction of the arms. Dr. Seify cautions patients that this is a tricky procedure. As an experienced ASPS board-certified he has performed many arm liposuction procedures. The talent and skill of the surgeon is important with arm liposuction because it is possible to take too much fat and the surgeon must be conscious of the appearance of the arms and the muscles that exist and help to aesthetically shape the arms. Patients who are considering arm contouring procedures are encouraged to contact Dr. Seify and schedule a consultation.

Breast Reconstruction, Do I Have a Choice?

admin — Thu, 16 May 2013 02:02:05 +0000

Breast cancer undoubtedly has one of the best awareness programs of all the cancers. The branding of the pink ribbon has allowed the majority of adults globally to associate the pink ribbon with breast cancer awareness. Less has been done to help women to become knowledgeable concerning breast reconstruction and the options available to them once they have been diagnosed with breast cancer. In New York, a law has been enacted that requires breast cancer patients to be provided a consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss breast reconstruction options prior to their breast cancer surgery and treatment. Unfortunately, this law does not exist in California… Yet. Dr. Seify is passionate concerning research and development of new techniques and methods for creating better options for breast reconstruction. Dr. Seify is involved in multiple clinical trials that are designed to improve patient satisfaction and results following breast reconstruction. The clinical trials include everything from stem cell and fat transfer to different options and methods for reducing the negative effects of radiation following breast reconstruction. Dr. Seify encourages patients to seek breast reconstruction options early in their cancer diagnosis. In the best situations Dr. Seify is involved at the beginning when the breast cancer diagnosis is made. Dr. Seify works closely with other participating physicians including the oncologist, radiologist, and general surgeon. Patients at this point are given multiple options to consider including whether or not to proceed with breast reconstruction at all. In general, the earlier patients seek breast reconstruction options the more choices they will have. Patients can also choose their breast reconstructive surgeon, provided their insurance allows them to choose outside of their network. For some patients, this may seem awkward; however, it is important that patients remember that it is ultimately their decision and their body. Dr. Seify is sensitive to the overwhelming nature of a breast cancer diagnosis and deciding which direction to take as it relates to breast reconstruction. His staff is experienced and trained in working with not only a wide range of insurance companies, but also helping patients to navigate the process. Breast cancer is not a choice for any woman; however, it is important to remember that there are choices that can be made once she is given the diagnosis. Patients who are considering breast reconstruction are encouraged to contact Dr. Seify and schedule a consultation.