Dr. Peña Plastic Surgery Blog

Naples, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, & Estero, Florida

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Trans Umbilical Breast Augmentation

Recently, I was out with some friends and our usual waitress told us she would not be there the next couple of weeks because she was having breast surgery. When my friends volunteered that I was a plastic surgeon and had over 2000 happy breast augmentation patients in Naples, she quickly explained that she was going to a surgeon in the East coast of Florida who performed the surgery through the belly button also nown as the TUBA.

Unfortunately I have more experience fixing the results of these than I care to have. There was a surgeon here who specialized in TUBAs. He is no longer practicing and I have seen the usual lists of complications associated with this procedure. The main problem with it is the lack of precise control. Kind of like painting a corner of a room with a pole and a brush while standing outside the room! The other problem is that the natural position that the implant goes is the
subglandular (above the muscle) position. That is a whole other story. Even when the surgeons claim that they are getting it behind the muscle I have found one behind and one in front on the same patient. the third problem is the need to use saline implants even on thin patients with thin breast tissue. These cases would be better served by silicone gel implants.

The most common problem I see is that the implants drop like bombs in 2-3 years and then often require a lift!. The excuses used by TUBA advocates is that you don't have a scar in the breast and you don't alter nipple sensation. If I had bad scars from the periareolar (around the nipple) scar.. I would not have done 2000+ breast augmentations. The same goes for losing sensation of the nipple....Bull#%&@!

Let's face it, it's a gimmick.. and not a good one. In defense of the surgeon.. the young lady said he had recommended Silicone gel through a periareolar approach. He had the right idea, but he did not emphasize the importance of the right approach and implant because he did not want to lose a patient.

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posted by Manuel M. Pena, M.D. at 3:28 PM

Friday, January 8, 2010

Questions to Ask Your Cosmetic Surgeon

When you are ready to ask the critical questions about cosmetic surgery, I, Fort Myers cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Manuel Peña am prepared to answer any that you have, and many that you might not think of.

Expectations

A well-informed, well-prepared patient has realistic expectations of what results are possible for them. My growing list of satisfied patients is founded on making sure each one knows what is possible, what is not possible and what risks are involved for them, personally.

More Questions

To get that kind of information I recommend asking at least 18 specific questions of any cosmetic surgeon before you choose one to do your surgery. In the course of your conversation, you will think of more questions. Answers to your questions should tell you about that surgeon’s qualifications and not just generalized statistics. Comparing the two is helpful, but if you do not know how his outcomes line up, you really do not know anything helpful to making this all-important decision.

It is important to ask to see before and after photos of treatments done by the cosmetic surgeon you might choose. Look for the artistic details as well as you consider your impression of what you see. You will want to see photos of all types of his work along with a large number of photos of procedures you are considering. One day you may return for another type of treatment. What you want to know is that his talent is consistent in all areas of his work.

If I can answer any questions you have for a Fort Myers cosmetic surgeon, please contact Florida cosmetic surgeon, Manuel Peña, M.D., and we will schedule a personalized consultation for you.

posted by Tiffany at 7:31 AM

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Advances in Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric or weight loss surgery is becoming a more mainstream answer to long term weight loss. As procedures become less and less invasive the use of surgery as earlier option will become a reality. Less morbidity, less recovery, and less cost is bringing a new development in the field of Weight Loss Surgery into the lime light. The so called TOGA (trans oral gastroplasty) literally sews or staples the stomach from the inside thus restricting the size and giving a person a feeling of being full quickly.

Average weight loss of 25 lbs over 3 months have been achieved. Will the stomach 'stretch out'? So far only the Gastric Bypass has withstood the test of time.

For now I will recommend old fashion behavior modification within a physician supervised program for my patients requiring significant weight loss.

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posted by Manuel M. Pena, M.D. at 5:37 PM

Disclaimer: Naples dentist Dr. Manuel Peña website provides information on cosmetic surgery in the Naples, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, & Estero, areas in Florida. This information is not to be taken as medical advice.
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