Plastic Surgery Seattle Blog

Before you move ahead on that long-awaited breast augmentation, tummy tuck or liposuction procedure, take some time to get all the facts. Knowing all the necessary information will ensure your decision is the right one. Here’s why:

1. You’ll know which plastic surgery procedures get consistently good results and which procedures do not.

2. By weighing the risks and benefits in light of your individual values and goals, you’ll know if plastic surgery is truly a good fit for you.

Where can I get objective information?

People often look in the wrong places for legitimate answers to their plastic surgery questions. We recommend getting scientific and objective information from reputable sources.

(more…)

Thanks to anyone who participated in our online poll!  Here’s a little graph of the results.

Almost half of you agreed that the proposed tax on cosmetic surgery would be discriminatory, which isn’t terribly surprising.  Terry O’Neill, President of the National Organization for Women recently voiced her opposition to the tax, as did feminist icon Gloria Steinem.

Written responses in the “other” category said the following:

• “Will negatively impact the industry.”
• “Largely a tax on the middle class.  Nixes Obama’s pledge not to raise our taxes.”
• “A fair tax to pay for an elective “luxury” procedure.”

If you haven’t voted yet, please do so.  Otherwise feel free to share your opinion in the comments section.

Body Jet uses water to displace persistent deposits of fat and remove them with suction.  It’s superior to other water-assisted liposuction platforms and gentler than traditional liposuction.  Read on to learn more about this advanced body contouring method:

Q: How is body jet different than other liposuction methods?

A: Laser liposuction is great for ultra precise body fat removal in relatively small amounts, while body jet can handle a significantly larger volume of fat.  Also, compared to traditional techniques,  Body jet lipo doesn’t require a manual manipulation of tissue to remove fat, so the procedure is gentler and the results are smoother.

Q: What body areas can we treat with Body Jet?

A: The abdomen is probably most common, but the chest, hips, flanks, thighs, and arms are also treatable.

Q: What happens after Body Jet liposuction?

A: Patients wear a compression garment that may be worn for 2 weeks, which is crucial for getting the results they want. Antibiotics and pain medications may be prescribed.  Many patients are back to normal activities in 3 days or less.

Q: How much fat can be removed with water assisted liposuction?

A: The standard in the industry is 5 liters of aspirated fat.

Although plastic and cosmetic surgeons seem to be unanimous in their opposition to the proposed tax on elective cosmetic procedures, others have expressed opinions that support the bill.

One blogger suggested that pharmaceuticals Allergan and Medicis (makers of Botox and Dysport) should embrace the tax as a PR opportunity (both companies are opposing it).  During a discussion I heard on NPR, one caller favored the tax because he thought it would “nudge” surgeons in the direction of general medicine, where they may be needed.

The patients could end up paying this tax, so what we really want to know is, what do they think?