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Is Plastic Surgery the Ultimate Gift

Cameras, jewelry, iPods. These are things we expect to see on the wish lists of our friends and family. But, a face lift? Yep, it seems that cosmetic procedures have found their way into Santa’s sack.
With this trend, though, comes a warning. While giving someone a pricey surgery can be considered kind and loving, it can also come with problematic implications. Because the choice is such a personal one, gifting a plastic surgery procedure can be interpreted as meddling and insulting. If you’re thinking of bestowing a loved one with the gift of physical improvement this year, make sure it will be well-received.
Gift-Giver Beware
It wasn’t so long ago that plastic surgery was a hush-hush topic; something that people did but didn’t discuss. But with its rapid rise in popularity and the openness with which many celebrities discuss the work they’ve had, the stigma has been lifted. And with that lift, we’ve seen the fairly recent phenomenon of giving surgeries as gifts.
Presenting significant others and family members with cosmetic procedures has become increasingly common. And it’s not unusual for people to use the holiday season as an excuse to pay for a loved one’s surgery. This practice, however, can rub some people the wrong way.
Surprise Surgery
When it comes to buying someone else a surgery, the worst mistake is making it a surprise. For example, giving your girlfriend a gift certificate for a breast augmentation can cause offense if she didn’t ask for it. It would be like giving someone a membership for a weight loss program; it sends an obvious message that you’re unhappy with their appearance. What was meant to be a present is actually an insult.
There’s really no right way to offer someone a surgery unexpectedly. If you give a certificate for a specific procedure, it’s very clear that you’re critical of that particular part of their body. And if you give an open-ended certificate to a plastic surgeon’s office, it comes across as a general affront to their entire appearance. You might as well say, “I’d love you more if your body were different.”
The Right Way
Giving the gift of surgery is less problematic when it’s on the patient’s wish list. If someone expressly asks for a surgery, then the gift can be considered extremely generous and thoughtful. If the asker isn’t able to afford the procedure on their own, receiving it as a present can be a dream come true.
Before making a purchase, remember that the choice to have a plastic surgery is a very personal one that should be made without the influence of others’ desires for your appearance.
The best possible scenario goes as follows: You are absolutely certain that someone wants a specific procedure as a gift- and you give them a gift card. In a consultation, the surgeon will be able to fully inform the prospective patient about their options, the risks involved and the expected outcomes, as well as an accurate cost. Only after these preliminary steps, should the gift be considered.
There are certainly more conventional and less awkward gifts than that of a plastic surgery procedure. A present should never result in hurt feelings or compromise of one’s own desires. But, if you’re still thinking about wrapping up a surgery gift certificate, make sure it’s for the right reasons.

This note is brought to you courtesy of Dr. Mark Bishara and The Paragon Plastic Surgery & Med Spa


 

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New Evidence On What Women Can Expect After Breast Augmentation Surgery

Ninety-eight percent of women undergoing breast augmentation surgery say the results met or exceeded their expectations, according to a prospective outcome study published in the May issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
Women also report improvements in self-esteem and quality of life after breast augmentation, according to the study by ASPS Member Surgeon Dr. Eric Swanson, a plastic surgeon in private practice in Leawood, Kan. The study adds high-quality information regarding expected outcomes after breast augmentation – including recovery time and psychological benefits.
98 Percent of Women Satisfied with Breast Augmentation Results
The survey study evaluated 225 consecutive women who returned for interviews at least one month after breast augmentation over a five-year period. Interviews included questions about the recovery, results, complications and psychological effects.
The average patient was 34 years old, and the majority of women received saline-filled breast implants placed under the muscle. The average implant volume was 390 cc.
On a 10-point scale, the women reported an average pain score during recovery of 5.9. On average, they used prescription pain medication for five days and were off work seven days. Patients felt they were “back to normal” about 25 days after surgery.
Eighty-five percent of women rated their new breast size “just right.” Thirteen percent would have preferred a larger size and less than two percent a smaller size. Only one percent expressed dissatisfaction with their scars, which were usually located in the crease under the breast. Seventy-five percent of women rated their breast firmness “just right.” When asked to rate the result, over half of the patients gave it a perfect 10 on a scale of 1 to 10. Almost all patients (98 percent) reported that the results met or exceeded their expectations.
Increased Self-Esteem and Other Psychological Benefits
Nearly 40 percent of the women surveyed experienced at least temporary nipple numbness after surgery. Persistent numbness was reported by only two percent. The complication rate reported by patients was 10 percent. When asked about psychological effects, 92 percent of women reported improved self-esteem after breast augmentation and 64 percent reported an improved quality of life. Before surgery, the majority of women (86 percent) were self-conscious about their breasts. After surgery, only 13 percent were self-conscious about them.
Breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the United States – approximately 286,000 operations were performed in 2012, according to ASPS statistics. The study results provide new information for women considering breast augmentation, particularly in terms of their expectations of the recovery and results. “This study is valuable in providing information from the patient’s perspective, not the surgeon’s,” according to Dr. Swanson. “Patient satisfaction is the most important measure of surgical success.”
This news is brought to you courtest of Dr. Mark Bishara and The Paragone Plastic Surgery & Med Spa
Dr. Bishara, with offices in Mansfield and Southlake, TX- provides a wide range of cosmetic procedures to help patients look and feel their best. These procedures are designed to improve the appearance of the face and body through minimally invasive techniques that provide highly effective results. Many of these procedures can be combined in order to achieve your desired appearance. Please call our office for more information at (817) 473-2120.
 

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'Globalization' of Cosmetic Surgery- by Dr. Mark Bishara, MD

Would you consider traveling to Mexico or India for a less-expensive rhinoplasty or breast augmentation procedure? Would you consider traveling to Texas for a Robotic Hair Transplant procedure?  Many Americans are doing just that-and the trend is having an impact on the market for cosmetic plastic surgery.
The paper, by ASPS Member Surgeon Dr. Kevin C. Chung and Lauren E. Franzblau of the University of Michigan, discusses “the rise and transformation of the medical tourism industry, foreign and domestic forces that influence cosmetic surgical tourism, and the pros and cons for all involved parties.” Chung and Franzblau write, “The rapid globalization of the industry also marks a fundamental shift in the world’s perception of elective procedures: patients are becoming consumers and these medical services are being viewed as commodities.”
At the office of Dr. Mark Bishara, with offices in Mansfield and Southlake, TX- we have patients traveling from all over the world for Robotic Hair Transplants.  We perform the surgery in both of our locations, making it even easier for patients to access the closest office for them.
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More ‘Medical Tourists’ Are Traveling for Cosmetic Surgery
Traveling for medical care is nothing new-but in the past, people were more likely to travel from poor countries to obtain higher-quality care in wealthier countries. Today, prompted by the ease and relatively low costs of travel, more patients from the United States and other western countries are traveling to the developing world to access less-costly medical and surgical procedures. Because cosmetic plastic surgery procedures aren’t covered by insurance, they make up a major part of the burgeoning medical tourism market.
Figures vary, but there’s a consensus that medical tourism is growing rapidly: India alone may have more than one million medical tourists per year. Other countries with growing medical tourism industries include Mexico, Dubai, South Africa, Thailand and Singapore.
In many countries, governments are working actively to foster their medical tourism industry. Some destinations even market procedures performed in resort-like settings, encouraging patients to combine a vacation with cosmetic surgery. Traveling abroad also lets patients recuperate privately, without anyone at home knowing that they’ve had plastic surgery.
Raising Potential Concerns Over Safety and Quality
The growth of medical tourism may have a significant impact on the cosmetic surgery market in the U.S., but also raises concerns over physical safety and legal protection. Although destination countries promote the quality and safety of their procedures and facilities, there is often little evidence to support these claims.
“Because the practice of medical travel does not appear to be going away in the foreseeable future, plastic surgeons must understand the international market and learn to compete in it,” Chung and Franzblau write. Since U.S. surgeons may find it hard to compete on price, effective strategies may include emphasizing superior quality and safety of care, or developing “niche markets” of procedures that can be profitably performed at home.
The authors emphasize that medical tourism “is not purely good or bad”-neither for patients nor the countries involved. Patients may be drawn by lower costs, but must consider the potential risks of undergoing surgery in a foreign country, as well as traveling after surgery. ASPS provides information for patients considering travel abroad for cosmetic surgery, including risks and follow-up care.
For the U.S. and other developed countries, medical tourism means fewer patients and less revenue-but may also bring increased opportunities for collaboration with rapidly modernizing countries in other parts of the world. Chung and Franzblau conclude, “To retain patients and be competitive in a global market, U.S. plastic surgery must be vigilant of the changes in medical tourism and must adapt accordingly.”
This news is brought to you courtesy of Dr. Mark Bishara and
The Paragon Surgery & Med Spa
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'Tis the Season for Plastic Surgery?- by Dr. Mark Bishara, MD

Shopping malls and airports aren’t the only places that see more action around the holidays. This is also the time of year that merry-makers crowd the offices of plastic surgeons everywhere. Whether it’s because people can take extra time off for recovery, or because they want to be in top form for parties, plastic surgeons struggle to keep up with demand in November and December. However, there’s a few things you should keep in mind before booking your pre-holiday procedure.  At the office of Dr. Mark Bishara- we want you to take time to think about any procedure, whether it is during the holiday season or any other time of year.

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Party Perfect
Holiday parties and family gatherings, while fun, can be pretty stressful. You often see people you haven’t seen in a long time or those you’d like to impress. You splurge on new clothes, get your hair done and dissect your appearance in the mirror, your eye immediately drawn to what you don’t like. We’ve all been there. This added pressure leads many to take a proactive approach and seek cosmetic surgery.
It’s common for those considering cosmetic procedures to be motivated by the opinions of others. Though this is an understandable desire, we encourage patients to think about their own perceptions of themselves above all else. Showing up your snobby cousin over Christmas dinner or attracting a cute colleague at the holiday work party might not be the right reason to undergo major surgery. The decision should be about self-perception, with the understanding that a change to one’s appearance is not life-changing in itself.
Realistic Recovery
Another reason many choose this time of year for their surgery is the fact that it may be easier to take time off from work to recover. However, patients should be realistic about recovery times when considering having a procedure done during such a busy period. Though many surgeries only require a few days of rest, it’s important to err on the side of caution when it comes to recuperating in time for important events.
Though you can recover from a breast augmentation or liposuction over a long weekend, it’s normal for patients to experience some soreness for a few weeks after these procedures. On the other hand, recovering from more invasive procedures, like tummy tucks, can take up to a month.
What may normally seem like effortless tasks could become challenging or even painful when you’re recovering from surgery. Patients may be determined to have a procedure done in time for holiday fun, but they should be realistic about how the surgery will impact their everyday lives for a little while. The last thing you want is to be restricted by a surgery that was meant to increase your enjoyment of the season.
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Good options for those who want a beauty boost without the recovery are Botox and dermal fillers. At the office of Dr. Bishara & The Paragon Med Spa we offer, Botox, Xeomin, Juvederm Ultra Plus XC, Radiesse…..and soon the new Juvederm Voluma XC. These in-office, non-invasive procedures won’t put you out of commission for important holiday events. Dermal fillers are great for giving a bit of extra volume to lips, minimizing the appearance of wrinkles and enhancing contours. And Botox can be the perfect solution to wrinkles, crows feet and those pesky frown lines. Both procedures have immediate payoff and zero downtime, which may make them a better choice for those with packed calendars.
Other great options for short or no recovery time for the holidays are laser services, including laser hair removal, IPL fotofacials, VI Peel, skin resurfacing, skin tightening and skin remodeling.  You can also do a quick microdermabrasion or facial treatment during your lunch hour to look refereshed for your holiday events.
We all know that the holiday season ends in a new year, full of resolutions. This time causes many to seek change, both inside and out…which can result in packed plastic surgery waiting rooms. It can be tempting to try to squeeze in a procedure in time for that Caribbean cruise or the return to work, but make sure that whatever you decide allows you to enjoy the season to the fullest.
Please call our office at (817) 473-2120 if you would like to speak with someone about scheduling an appointment so you can look refreshed for the holidays.
 

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Fall/Winter Specials Make it a Good Season for Cosmetic Procedures- by Dr. Mark Bishara, MD

Start the Season Off as You…Only Better!

winter plastic surgery specialsIf you’re considering invasive or minimally invasive cosmetic surgery this fall or winter, getting it done during this time of year offers several benefits. There are often specials to take advantage of, and if you get your procedures done now you’ll be ready when summer comes.
Timing cosmetic surgery procedures towards the end of the year or earlier in the year allows for plenty of recovery time so that once it’s swimsuit season you’re ready to show off the results of your liposuction or breast augmentation.
This is also a great time of year for men to give the gift of a cosmetic procedure to their wives or girlfriends who want to start off the New Year with a new look for their face or body.
It’s the same reason health clubs are busy in January. They get up their resolve and they say this is the year they want to do it, and, of course, they want it done right away.
Dr. Mark Bishara offers cosmetic surgery for the breast, body and face, as well as a variety of non-surgical procedures, including robotic hair transplants, injectables and laser procedures.
Dr. Bishara and The Paragon Med Spa are currently running several specials through the end of December. Please call our office at (817) 473-2120 for more details.
December Holiday Specials:
* Buy 1 Laser 360 treatment and get 20 units of Botox for FREE
OR
* Buy 1 Laser Hair Removal session and get 2nd session FREE
OR
* Buy $100 or more of Botox, get a microdermabrasion treatment for free (Value of $85)
Specials Expire December 31, 2013


 

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