Gill Plastic Surgery Blog

Gill Plastic Surgery November Newsletter via #constantcontact

2010-11-05T09:20:00.000-05:00

Gill Plastic Surgery November Newsletter via #constantcontact

Gill Plastic Surgery October Newsletter via #constantcontact

2010-10-14T13:28:00.000-05:00

Gill Plastic Surgery October Newsletter via #constantcontact

Liposuction Performed by non Plastic Surgeons

2010-09-13T15:18:00.003-05:00

Novel techniques in liposuction are rampant amongst the cosmetic medicine community these days. I see several advertisements for office liposuction procedures under local anesthesia offering significant contour changes. As many family medicine doctors and gynecologists are transitioning into aesthetic surgery, these new liposuction techniques are being performed much more frequently. This draws concern to me as liposuction has a very specific and limited role in cosmetic surgery. By not seeing a trained plastic surgeon, you may not be given the correct options or alternatives to reach your expected goal. If all your physician has is a hammer, every patient is a nail. Many liposuction companies market that they can tighten skin significantly and improve contours with a tiny incision and local anesthesia in the office. This can be appealing to the non-plastic surgeon, since it comes across as a simple procedure that can be applied to all patients. In my experience, this is simply not true. Liposuction can remove fat and tighten mild skin laxity, but will not treat significant skin excess or muscle looseness. This is where a plastic surgeon can create a tailored procedure to meet your goals and deliver the ideal aesthetic outcome for your body type. It is important that your physician discuss procedures that offer consistent and reproducible results from patient to patient. This is what you as a patient deserve.

So the take home message is to take into consideration that training and expertise of your liposuction provider. I very rarely utilize liposuction alone to deliver my best aesthetic results. Please take time to inform yourself of all the options prior to proceeding with any procedure.

Wrinkle Reduction

2010-08-25T13:45:00.011-05:00

As we age, our faces begin to show the effects of gravity, sun exposure and years of facial muscle movement such as smiling, chewing and squinting. The underlying tissues that keep our skin looking youthful and plump begin to break down, often leaving laugh lines, smile lines, crow's feet or facial creases over the areas where the muscle movement occurs.

Soft tissue fillers can help fill these lines and creases temporarily restoring a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance. When injected beneath the skin, these fillers plump up creased and sunken areas of the face. They can also add fullness to the lips and cheeks. Injectable fillers may be used alone or in conjunction with cosmetic procedures, such as laser treatment, facelift or browlift. Injectables alone cannot change facial contour the way surgery can.

The most important fact to remember about injectables is that the results are not permanent. The injectable filler is eventually metabolized by the body. You should not expect the same long lasting results that may be gained by cosmetic surgery.

Facial rejuvenation is very individualized. That's why it is important to discuss your hopes and expectations with a board certified plastic surgeon that has experience with many different types of surgical and non-surgical procedures.

Learn more about injectable fillers below.

Mommy Makeover - Get your pre-baby body back!

2010-08-05T10:22:00.001-05:00

What does the mommy makeover include?

If you have experienced serious changes to your body since having children, there are options available. A “mommy makeover or mommy job” uses a variety of cosmetic procedures to help restore your pre-baby body.

Pregnancy takes its toll on your body, especially your breasts and abdominal areas. The mommy makeover consists of these procedures but varies per patient.

Breast Lift

Loss of elasticity, gravity, and other factors such as weight loss, pregnancy and breast feeding affect the shape and firmness of your breasts. Some women are happy with the size of their breasts but wish they were back where they used to be pre-baby. In this case, a breast lift would reposition and add firmness to your breasts.

Some women may have lost a significant amount of breast volume over time. In this instance, placing breast implants in conjunction with a breast lift will increase size while also repositioning the breasts.

Tummy Tuck

Pregnancy alters the abdominal skin and underlying musculature. A tummy tuck helps to remove excess skin, tighten the abdominal muscles and give the abdomen a flatter, more attractive contour. Although, an incision is necessary it is hidden in your bikini line to allow for a natural appearing result.

A mommy makeover has helped many moms gain a new lease on life, with more self confidence and a greater satisfaction with their personal appearances.

August Special of the Month

2010-08-01T11:43:00.001-05:00

Our August Special of the Month: $1000 off all Tummy Tuck Procedures!!! Call 281-853-5308 for a complementary consultation!!!

ASPS Reports Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Down in 2009, Up 69% in First Decade of New Millennium

2010-06-18T16:47:00.000-05:00

ASPS Reports Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Down in 2009, Up 69% in First Decade of New Millennium

Consumer Interest Continues to Rise According to RealSelf.com Study

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. - Although it's been a sluggish year for plastic surgery due to the economy, the long-term outlook is more encouraging. According to statistics released today by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 12.5 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures were performed in the United States in 2009, down 1 percent from 2008; up 69 percent since 2000. Nearly 5.2 million reconstructive plastic surgery procedures were performed last year.
"The industry has experienced some economic downturn during the later part of the decade due to the recession, but, overall, plastic surgery has seen growth in the first decade of the new millennium," said ASPS President Michael McGuire, MD. "The current economic climate will likely not have an impact on long-term growth. The largest contributor to the increase in procedures over the past decade has been the advent of injectable wrinkle fighters and other minimally-invasive procedures."
Cosmetic minimally-invasive procedures increased 1 percent, to nearly 11 million procedures in 2009. Minimally-invasive procedures are up 99 percent since 2000. The top five minimally-invasive procedures in 2009 were:
Botulinum toxin type A (4.8 million)
Soft tissue fillers (1.7 million)
Chemical peel (1.1 million)
Microdermabrasion (910,000)
Laser hair removal (893,000)
"Skin is in," said Dr. McGuire. "Chemical peels and soft tissue fillers like hyaluronic acid are up 9 percent, microdermabrasion is up 8 percent - these are the procedures that patients are opting for despite the economy."
Cosmetic surgical procedures decreased 9 percent, with more than 1.5 million procedures in 2009. Surgical procedures are down 20 percent since 2000. The top five surgical procedures in 2009 were:
Breast augmentation (289,000)
Nose reshaping (256,000)
Eyelid surgery (203,000)
Liposuction (198,000)
Tummy tuck (115,000)
"It would seem, as innovations in cosmetic minimally-invasive procedures increase, surgery will continue to decrease," added Dr. McGuire. "However, as the economy rebounds, more patients and Boomers will continue to seek surgical body contouring procedures (liposuction, tummy tuck), eyelid surgery and breast augmentations. In fact, breast augmentations are up 36 percent since 2000. Silicone implants are now used in 50 percent of all breast augmentations."Echoing Dr. McGuire's words, new consumer data from an online survey conducted in March by Harris Interactive® on behalf of RealSelf.com found America's interest in cosmetic procedures to be on the rise. According to the survey, more adults would choose to have "work done" if money was not an issue in the 1st quarter of 2010 (69%), as compared to 4th quarter 2009 (54%) - an increase of 15 percent. There is also high interest for "Mommy Makeover" type procedures: more than one in four (29%) of those who would get cosmetic work done if money were not an issue would have a tummy tuck, 23% liposuction, and 15% a breast lift. Eyelid surgery was the top procedure for those planning to have a cosmetic surgical procedure within the next 12 months (27%). Laser hair removal was the top procedure for those planning a minimally-invasive procedure within the next 12 months (23%).
Reconstructive plastic surgery, which improves function and appearance to abnormal structures, increased 5 percent in 2009. The top five reconstructive procedures in 2009 were:
Tumor removal (3.9 million)
Laceration repair (332,000)
Scar revision (171,000)
Hand surgery (110,000)
Maxillofacial surgery (90,000)
"Reconstructive plastic surgery is an important part of what we do," said Dr. McGuire. "We know that 70 percent of women eligible for breast reconstruction after cancer are not aware of their reconstructive options. We would like to see this change to the point that we can report this procedure is now among the top five reconstructive procedures."
ASPS procedural statistics are collected through the first online national database for plastic surgery procedures, Tracking Operations and Outcome for Plastic Surgeons (TOPS). This data, combined with the annual survey sent to American Board of Medical Specialties certified physicians most likely to perform these procedures, results in the most comprehensive census on plastic surgery.
To view the entire 2009 National Clearinghouse of Plastic Surgery Statistics report, visit plasticsurgery.org. Visitors can also find information about procedures and referrals to ASPS Member Surgeons.

Plastic Surgeons, Breast Surgeons Urge Team Approach

2010-06-13T16:17:00.000-05:00

Plastic Surgeons, Breast Surgeons Urge Team Approach

Breast Cancer Survivors, Physicians, Advocacy Groups, Medical Societies, Manufacturers, Press Cite Vastly Improved Quality of Life for Patients

For Immediate Release: May 20, 2010

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. - Advocating the need for a medical Team Approach in the treatment and recovery from breast cancer, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), in partnership with the American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBS), urges breast cancer patients and their physicians to insist that their treatment be handled by a team of healthcare physicians with the appropriate expertise for each procedure and level of care.

The Team Approach to breast cancer care bringstogether an interdisciplinary group of key medical professionals - gynecologist, radiologist, breast surgeon, medical oncologist, and a plastic surgeon - who work together at the onset of a woman's breast cancer diagnosis to develop and implement a treatment plan tailored for each patient. When the Team Approach is implemented at the time of diagnosis through treatment and recovery, it can result in significantly improved patient outcomes and quality of life.

"Each step of the cancer care journey requires specific medical expertise. When a team of experts works together, the outcome for patients is vastly improved," said ASPS President Michael McGuire, MD. "However, when these specialists do not work in conjunction, opportunities are missed, and patient outcomes suffer. The problem is the Team Approach is underutilized. The ASPS is very pleased to be part of this extremely important venture along with the ASBS which represents physicians who play a critical role in the Team Approach."

The ASPS, ASBS, physicians, breast cancer survivors, advocacy groups, manufacturers, and the media recently met in New York to discuss the critical role the Team Approach plays during an event entitled, "Connecting the Docs: The Team Approach to Breast Cancer Care." Leading manufacturers of breast reconstruction products - Allergan Medical, LifeCell, and Mentor - were in attendance lending their support for the Team Approach.

During the event, a team of New York-based physicians who practice the Team Approach including an obstetrician/gynecologist, radiologist, breast surgeon, oncologist, and plastic surgeon emphasized the importance of their individual role in the team. One of their patients, a breast cancer survivor, joined the panel, discussing how this unified approach positively affected her outcome as she went through one of the most difficult times in her life.

"We're very excited about ‘Connecting the Docs: The Team Approach to Breast Cancer Care' because this helps to start the conversation - to get the word out to all women," said Patrick Whitworth, MD, ASBS Past Chairman of the Board. "Sometimes the medical community changes when patients start saying ‘Hey doc, I heard you're supposed to be working with a plastic surgeon here.' Women diagnosed with breast cancer have the power, authority, and right to ask for the Team Approach and, with their voices, perhaps the ‘team' can become standard practice."

An alarming statistic discussed at length at the New York event underscores the importance of the Team Approach: nearly 70 percent of women who are eligible for breast reconstruction are not informed of their reconstructive options by a referring physician. The number is even higher for minority women.

"Like a sporting event, theatrical performance or an orchestra, each team member is an expert in their respective roles," said panelist and ASPS Vice President Scot Glasberg, MD. "A plastic surgeon's role on the team is to ensure that the patient knows all of her reconstructive options before her cancer is treated and removed, and that the best reconstructive procedure is performed. If the patient isn't given the chance to consider her reconstructive options before mastectomy, or the procedure is performed by someone who is not board-certified in that field of expertise, it can have a significantly negative effect on their quality of life beyond the disease."

Those in attendance also expressed how essential it is that the team be implemented when a woman is first diagnosed so that she, and her physicians can understand all of her options and make informed decisions.

"The vast majority of breast cancer patients are missing out on a critical conversation that should take place at the time of diagnosis," said Dr. McGuire. "Involving key specialists early in the process and having them work as a team allows for more coordinated care and fosters the most beneficial outcome for the patient, as the election for breast reconstruction affects the techniques surgeons use to remove the cancer."

FEBRUARY PROCEDURE OF THE MONTH: TUMMY TUCK

2010-02-01T16:29:00.001-06:00

I am often asked about downtime of cosmetic surgery procedures. Last week, I was asked about the recovery time for a tummy tuck. After 3 children, this patient wanted a flat tummy for her wedding anniversary vacation this June.
My answer was to achieve a flat tummy for summer with little to no evidence of scarring, surgery in February and March will provide you with the optimal recovery period. I typically tell patients that tummy tuck surgery involves 2 weeks of true downtime and 6 weeks of an abdominal binder to protect the muscle repair. The scars will continue to improve over 6 months, but are often very acceptable by 2 months. Therefore, most my patients are comfortable in their bikini's and mid drift tops at this time. To learn more about tummy tuck surgery and schedule a consultation, call 281-943-2755

Post Weight Loss Skin Excess

2008-08-30T17:30:00.000-05:00

Many people have dreamed of losing large amounts of weight, and then found, once that dream has come true, that they are still unhappy with how they look. At Gill Plastic Surgery in the Woodlands and Conroe, Dr. Paul S. Gill can help you finish the journey that you began with bariatric surgery, and give you the beautiful body contour that you have been seeking, and help you get back the healthy lifestyle you desire.
People who undergo gastric bypass or lap band (bariatric) surgery are often surprised to find that they have large amounts of sagging skin after weight loss. Bariatric body contouring surgery can tighten loose skin to better fit your newer, slimmer body, allowing you to return to the lifestyle that you desire and maximize the health benefits of your bariatric program.
Dr. Gill offers complementary body contouring consultations and will take the time to educate you on a multitude of options and tailor an individual plan to meet and surpass your expectations. Visit http://www.drpaulgill.com/ to learn more or call one of our offices for a complimentary consultation.

How do we choose the implant for my breast augmentation?

2008-07-12T21:18:00.000-05:00

Once our patients have decided to pursue breast augmentation, they often ask how the breast implant is chosen for their augmentation. The answer to this is multifactorial, but it is carefully chosen based on your aesthetic goals and breast measurements. The size of the implant is chosen by the base diameter (width of the chest wall), skin pinch (amount of current breast tissue), and the patient's desired size. The shape of the implant can be round or anatomic. They also come in different projections or heights. Depending on your anatomy and desired look, the desired projection is chosen. Implants can also be placed above or below the pectoralis (chest wall) muscle. Depending on the amount of soft tissue in your breast, it may be safer to place your implant under the muscle to offer added protection. In addition with the FDA approval of silicone implants last November, we offer patients the choice of saline (salt water) or elastic silicone gel implants. There are advantages and disadvantages of each, which should be discussed in the initial consultation. Lastly, depending on the degree of drooping, or ptosis, a breast lift may be performed in combination with your breast augmentation to optimize the overall shape. Each patients aesthetic goals and breast anatomy require a detailed and individualized plan. Please go to http://www.drpaulgill.com/ to learn more about breast augmentation or call one of our offices for a complimentary consultation.

Important Considerations in Facelift Surgery

2008-07-07T23:16:00.000-05:00

Many women may consider the late summer appropriate time to consider facial rejuvenation procedures. It is a time to allow adequate healing prior to the start of the holiday season. Facelift surgery is an area of cosmetic surgery that requires a thorough preoperative evaluation by your plastic surgeon with a detailed stepwise approach to your facial aging. The key to this procedure is creating a natural harmonious result. You want to look refreshed and more youthful, and also maintain a natural and elegant look. It is essential that your surgeon take the time fully understand your aging concerns and then provide you with a detailed analysis. Typically the face is divided into an upper, middle, and lower aesthetic unit. Each unit has unique aging characteristics and must be addressed individually. Next, these units must be assessed as a whole to ensure they blend into a natural look. It does not matter how good your surgeon is, but if your neck looks 40 and your eyes look 60, you will have a very unnnatural look. Depending on the analysis of your forehead, eyebrows, eyelids, central face, outer face, and neck; a detailed plan can be devised. A key understanding of facial anatomy and how to appropriately redistribute or enhance the facial volume to create a natural look is the essence of facelift surgery. Dr. Gill utilizes various facelift techniques tailored to your degree and type of facial aging; with the goal of providing the most natural, longest lasting results. Please learn more at http://www.drpaulgill.com or we look forward to providing more information during a consultation at one of our offices.

What should I ask my doctor about rhinoplasty?

2008-07-03T17:23:00.000-05:00

80 percent of breathing is performed through the nose. Therefore, the key in primary rhinoplasty is preservation or correction of function, along with achievement of the aesthetic goals. Focus on aesthetic rhinoplasty has shifted over the last decade.

Leaders in the field have focused on "structural rhinoplasty", which involves augmentation of existing structures. This preserves function, in contrast to many of the reduction procedures of the previous decade, which would often cause functional loss in patients.

In addition to the importance of the functional result, it is also important that your surgeon evaluate your overall facial harmony. No two patients require the same aesthetic result, it is essential that your surgeon study your facial aesthetics and blend the nose into the overall aesthetics and ethnicity of the patient. Many of my patients have undergone simultaneous rejuvenation of the upper or lower third of the face to provide a natural harmonious goal. Chin augmentation with neck liposuction can be necessary to achieve harmony of the lower and middle third of the face.

In addition, we focus strongly on long term results. The nose as a unit undergoes aesthetic changes up until one year postoperatively. This is why most surgeons will not perform revisional rhinoplasty until one year. Many of the newer techniques focus on ways to camouflauge and provide structural strength that last a lifetime. By remodeling existing cartilage, and reserving grafts for lack of structural support, results are often more durable and longer lasting. Depending on the amount of deviation, or amount of dorsal hump resection, support grafts may be necessary. In addition, depending on the amount of tip support and stability, grafts may also be necessary.

Most patients desire an elegant, refined, and balanced nose that blends into their facial aesthetics. Studies of the ideal nasal shape are not surprising, most patients desire a flat to slightly concave nasal bridge, a subtle break or transition between tip and bridge, and a tip angled slightly above the horizontal.

However depending on ethnicity, facial shape, and nasal function, Dr.Gill can offer you a detailed and individualized plan to optimize your facial harmony and maintain or enhance your functional results. Visit http://www.drpaulgill.com to learn more about Dr. Gill, his practice, and rhinoplasty. He proudly serves the Greater Houston Area, the Woodlands, and Conroe Areas. Call for a consultation.

How does Botox work?

2008-07-03T16:44:00.000-05:00

This is a question frequently asked by patients. Botulinum Toxin Type A (Botox) is a purified protein from the bacteria Clostridium Botulinum. Type A is one of 7 toxins produced by different subtypes of the bacteria. Its mechanism of action involves blockage of the overactive nerve endings that cause excessive muscle contractions or glandular activities. These overactive muscles contract at rest causing static wrinkles, or with volunteer muscle contraction causing dynamic wrinkles. Botox functions to block the nerve endings that cause these muscles to contract. Therefore, Botox can assist dynamic wrinkles of the frontalis (forehead), peri-ocular wrinkles (orbicularis oculi/crow's feet), and central brow wrinkles (corrugator and procerus muscles). Botox can be used in multiple other areas depending on experience of your physician. Botox also has FDA approval for axillary hyperhidrosis, or excess underarm sweating. It has proven efficacy in other areas to reduce excess sweating. Consult with your physician for further information. The therapeutic effect of Botox takes 7 to 10 days to become fully effective. The effect of Botox can last one to six months depending on the patient, indication, and number of uses. Please feel free to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gill to learn more about Botox, or learn more at http://www.drpaulgill.com/non-surgical_solutions.cfm

Plastic Surgery Aftercare

2008-07-01T17:55:00.000-05:00

A great amount of importance should be placed on surgery aftercare. Meticulous attention to detail and a close doctor-patient communication are essential in the early post-operative period. Therefore, it is essential to ask your plastic surgeon, their postoperative regimen. The patient should feel completely informed with each of their concerns adequately addressed. In addition, it is important to have easy access to your physician in the event that a complication does arise. No plastic surgeon likes to have complications, but it is a defining quality on how they respond to one. Careful and frequent followup is essential to preventing and helping quickly resolving one. It is important that your plastic surgeon share with you the possible complications in regard to your desired procedure during the preoperative visit. Visit http://www.drpaulgill.com/ for more information in regards to plastic surgery aftercare.

Mommy Makeover

2008-07-01T10:52:00.001-05:00

"Having a child is a rewarding experience for a woman, but the physical toll that pregnancy can have on the body is enormous. Juggling responsibilities of children, family and career often affords little time to address unwanted physical changes of pregnancy. At Sadler Clinic, we offer a solution to post-pregnancy problems. The “Mommy Makeover” combines breast and abdominal rejuvenation into one simple, customized procedure. Breast rejuvenation reshapes the breast with minimal incisions and occasionally implants. Abdominal rejuvenation can include liposuction, “mini” tummy tucks, or full abdominoplasty, depending on desired results. Call Dr. Gill today for a consultation on your customized “Mommy Makeover”." or visit www.drpaulgill.com to learn more.

Welcome

2008-07-01T10:40:00.000-05:00

Today I begin The Woodlands and Conroe Plastic Surgery Blog. My name is Dr. Paul S. Gill, M.D., I am a plastic surgeon new to the Woodlands and Conroe communities. The idea of a plastic surgery blog was brought to my attention, while building my new website. I thought a blog would be an excellent opportunity to address questions I am commonly asked in regards to cosmetic procedures. I am very excited to bring this additional resource to The Woodlands and Conroe communities. It will be an up to date information source in regards to multiple plastic surgery topics. We hope that with the combination of these blog posts and the information found on my website at http://www.drpaulgill.com/, my patients can find answers to their important questions. I truly believe that my patients deserve the best information, such that I can ensure their understanding, comfort, and safety in every procedure upon consultation. For any questions, suggestions for further posts, or to schedule a consultation, please contact our office.