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New beauty products seem to be hitting the market every day. With the global cosmetic market growing at a rate of four percent annually, it is no surprise that the beauty products market is projected to reach over $805 billion USD by 2023. With so many products available to consumers, it is important to separate those products that are proven to be effective from those that promise unsubstantiated results. Below are five tips to help you find beauty products that actually work. 1) Look for beauty products which are approved by the FDA FDA approval is not required for all types of beauty products. But there is sometimes a fine line separating cosmetics from drugs, which DO require FDA approval. For instance, beauty products that are intended to remove wrinkles or increase collagen are treated like drugs or medical devices by the FDA, and must be FDA approved before they are marketed to Americans: “Under the law, cosmetics must be safe when consumers use them according to product labeling, or the way in which the products are customarily used. But the law does not require cosmetics to be approved by FDA before they go on the market. Drugs, however, must have FDA approval for both […]

Liposuction, often referred to as “lipo”, is a surgical procedure performed by a licensed physician to slim, sculpt and reshape specific areas of the body by removing excess fat. Dr. Apesos will perform an evaluation to help you determine how liposuction will help you meet your goals for your body. Once the procedure is completed, here’s what to expect within the days, weeks and months during the healing process. What to Expect Immediately After the Procedure Within the first 24 hours, you can expect to feel very little pain and discomfort; you will still experience numbness from the procedure. The process of liposuction involves the injection of fluids into the body and those fluids will need to drain after the procedure. The longer that the fluid is retained by the body, the longer the body will remain swollen so expelling that fluid quickly will aid in a quicker recovery. As the fluid drains, you will need to ensure that you’re resting on towels to keep bed sheets clean. The fluid may be tinted red from blood so don’t be alarmed if you see that it isn’t clear. As the numbness wears off, some pain or discomfort may be felt. Dr. […]

Even though I’ve never been overweight, I have always struggled with a soft jawline. Several members of my family have double chins, so I know there is a genetic component; and my jaw is small to begin with. Over time, I developed the habit of reflexively sticking my tongue to the roof of my mouth every time a camera was pointed at me to avoid the unflattering bulge, and I even tried to do neck and chin exercises intended to make the chin area more taught. I practiced posture and poses, minimized sugar in my diet, and began to work out regularly, but the issue got even worse after the birth of my daughter. I gained 25 pounds during pregnancy, and lost them over the course of a year; but no amount of diet and exercises seemed to affect my double chin. The Resolution Finally I decided to schedule a plastic surgery consultation. The surgeon took pictures of me from the front and profile view, and recommended that I get chin liposuction. He also suggested that I get a small implant designed to smooth out my prejowl sulcus. These are grooves along the sides of the jaw that can exaggerate […]

Many men and women have stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to even the strictest diet and exercise regimen. They’re often in areas such as the jowls, saddlebags, lower stomach, upper arms, and thighs. According to CNN, liposuction remains one of the top 5 most requested procedures, offering an immediate reduction of trouble spots by removing excess fat. Though every surgery involves risk, and the recovery can be complicated or painful, many patients are thrilled with the long term results. Here is some helpful information about liposuction aftercare. About the Procedure During the procedure, typically done under local or general anesthesia, a plastic surgeon will insert a suction tube under the skin into the pockets of fat that will be removed. The surgeon suctions away the fat using a syringe or vacuum pump. It’s important to seek out a qualified, experienced surgeon, for the results will be dependent on his or her skill. Excess fat removal can leave a wrinkled or lumpy look. Failing to remove enough fat will not produce the optimal contour. There are several methods of liposuction that might be used: tumescent liposuction, where a mixture of lidocaine, epinephrine, and IV fluids are injected to help flush […]

Veins are a crucial part of our body. They are responsible for carrying blood throughout every inch of our tissue. However, while most of the time, our veins don’t bother us one bit, there are certain conditions where our veins that should be hidden on the inside begin to affect our outside appearance. However, you don’t just have to live with unsightly veins marring your skin, if you want to change painful or visually displeasing veins, a good plastic surgeon can help through a procedure known as sclerotherapy. How The Sclerotherapy Process Works? Varicose veins, spider veins, and even just overly large bulging veins can all look pretty terrible on what otherwise should be our smooth, pristine skin. However, through sclerotherapy, they can be completely treated making it so they disappear completely. In this procedure, the veins are injected with a chemical foam that closes them up. That vein tissue is then reabsorbed by the body and those unsightly veins are gone forever. Not only will soreness of varicose veins be gone and the discoloration of spider veins, but you won’t even have the pale blue shadow of a vein snaking under your skin once the re-absorption process is completed. […]

A circle of debate continues around coffee table conversations when it comes to which type of breast implant is better: Saline or silicone. While there is no right or wrong answer, there might be a right or wrong option for you. Breast augmentation should be a procedure specifically tailored to each unique body structure, and that includes the material used to augment each type. A one-on-one consultation with a board-certified surgeon will help determine which is right for you. And in the meantime, we have outlined some of the pros and cons to help answer some questions you might have about silicone and saline implants. Silicone Silicone implants have made leaps and bounds since their inception in the 1960’s. In the past, it was not uncommon for a gel-filled silicone implant to rupture and spill into the body. This was because of the thin outer shell used in second generation implants. Today, cosmetic surgeons use third-generation prefilled silicone implants, typically referred to as cohesive gel implants. Patients who benefit the most from these types of implants typically have a smaller frame with little to moderate natural breast tissue, to begin with. This is primarily because of the rippling effect that […]

Are you asking yourself if plastic surgery is right for you? What actually causes people to feel the need for aesthetic, cosmetic surgery? Many people think about what it would be like to change something they don’t like about their appearance. While some people are satisfied with their looks, a growing number are taking control of their appearance, choosing plastic surgery to correct imperfections and improve their self-esteem and confidence. Whatever the reason, more people than ever are reporting that they are unhappy with the way they look. This is a trend for both women and men. Moreover, studies have shown that happiness is often linked to a person’s self-perception of physical attractiveness. Therefore, it should not be surprising that most patients are pleased with the results of their surgery and report feeling better about themselves. That said, patient satisfaction is closely linked to expectations. While plastic surgery can help improve feelings of self-esteem, self-worth, and confidence, those people who expect a complete and total transformation can become disappointed. Therefore, it is important to consult a qualified plastic surgeon about various procedures and options. A skilled and experienced surgeon will design procedures based on a patient’s needs. Very often, a combination of surgical and non-surgical procedures will produce the best […]

Are you searching for the best option to eliminate varicose veins and spider veins? Sclerotherapy is a generally simple medical procedure that can eradicate varicose veins and spider veins. By injecting a solution directly into your veins, the veins will then collapse and eventually fade away. Moreover, since the 1930s, sclerotherapy has proven itself as a safe and effective treatment. Nevertheless, many patients have questions. Today’s article proves answers to the most common. 1. How long are sclerotherapy sessions? – The initial treatment session can take several hours, but is usually less. The physician will want to observe how you react to the injections. Nevertheless, most people have multiple varicose veins and spider veins that will require several sessions. During each session, there is a limit of 10-20 injections. So, many patients will need 2 or 3 sessions over several weeks. 2. What occurs following a sclerotherapy session? – After a sclerotherapy treatment, the area is wrapped and bandaged. It is also important to keep your leg elevated for several hours. Also, to help control swelling and bruising, it is recommended that you wear a compression stocking. The reality is that your legs will look worse before they start to look better. Final results take about a month. 3. Will […]

Today’s article was inspired by an email received from a prospective patient. The young woman was speculating about a possible risk of “cell mutation” and cancer as a potential side effect of the CoolScupting procedure. What we can tell you with absolute certainty is that there has been no link made between CoolScupting and cancer. CoolScupting is a nonintrusive aesthetic procedure that targets only fat cells and leaves skin and muscle tissue unaffected. There is simply no connection between CoolScupting and cancer. During the procedure, a special tool is used to cool the targeted area of your body, reducing it to a freezing temperature. This freezes and kills only fat cells in that specific area of your body. Within a short period of time after the treatment, these lifeless fat cells will naturally break down and will be flushed out of your body as waste. Moreover, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved CoolSculpting as a safe. This is not to say there are no side effects. However, they all tend to be mild and short-lived. A patient can experience aching, pain, or stinging at the treatment site, which can last up to two weeks. The cold temperatures can also cause swelling, bruising, redness, and skin […]

Recently, a client mentioned reading a study about liposuction. The researchers concluded that fat is “redistributed” to other areas of the body after treatment. Her question was if CoolSculpting had the same risk. Could fat return, but simply be redistributed to another part of the body? So, today’s article addresses the question, “With CoolScupting, is there a risk of fat returning to the body, only in a different place?” Here is one thing that needs to be made very clear, fat cells cannot return, either with CoolSculpting or liposuction. When it comes to CoolSculpting, the fat experience cell death and are absorbed into the body, then expelled as waste. Additionally, during a liposuction procedure, the fat cells are physically removed. Once those fat cells are gone, they are gone forever, never to return. It is impossible for those fat cells to become “redistributed” to other parts of the body. Nevertheless, a person is still able to gain weight. If, after a CoolSculpting or liposuction procedure, a patient does not maintain their weight with a healthy diet and lifestyle, the fat cells in other parts of the body can and will grow larger. The result is that a person will gain weight. Moreover, because of having had CoolSculpting or liposuction […]

Are you worried that CoolSculpting has a risk of permanent nerve damage? During a patient’s initial consultation, they are informed about some side effects, which can include short-term pain, swelling, bruising, and maybe a pins and needles sensation. Despite this information, some are unprepared. Moreover, some people have a more extreme response than others. This can manifest concerns in some who worry about the pain and the inflammation. There are examples on online forums of people asking for help. Therefore, today’s article answers the question, “Does CoolSculpting cause nerve damage?” Some patients will suffer short-term discomfort, pain, or numbness. While different individuals will have different tolerance levels to these side-effects, CoolSculpting has been cleared by the FDA and is considered safe and effective. Moreover, there are no known instances of CoolSculpting causing permanent nerve damage. In fact, while some side-effects can last several weeks, none are known to be permanent. Regardless, there are some people who are not ideal candidates for CoolSculpting. It is important to disclose any health conditions prior to the procedure. This would include health problems such as any known sensitivity to cold, impaired circulation, post-herpetic neuralgia or diabetic neuropathy, impaired skin sensitivity, or bleeding disorders. Ultimately, […]

The skin industry offers no shortage of miracle products promising a firmer, younger-looking you. For women in particular, skin tightening and firming products offer a certain allure with their promises to eliminate cellulite, get rid of wrinkles around the eyes or mouth, cure sagging skin, and reduce the signs of aging. As we age, our bodies produce less elastin and collagen, proteins that help keep our skin firm. In addition, fat deposits store in pockets beneath our skin, leading to the cellulite, particularly in women. Wrinkles, cellulite, and sagging skin cause embarrassment for many. If you could find a product that reduced or eliminated these unwanted effects of aging, it only makes sense that you would want to use it. But do these skin tightening and firming products really produce the results they promise? Sadly, many products on the market today simply do not work. They do not include the ingredients necessary to produce even a temporary result to firm your sagging skin. Other products, however, can produce a noticeable, although temporary, improvement in your skin’s firmness and elasticity. These products include ingredients such as caffeine or retinol.  Caffeine can help the skin appear smoother and firmer, but its effects will not last. […]

Skin tightening and firming products are one of the largest aspects of the skin care and cosmetic industry.  With so many options on the market, it’s challenging knowing what to look for.  What works well for one person may not be the best option for another.  Before settling on a new skin product, keep these 3 basic questions in mind.  1.) What type of skin do I have Everyone’s skin is very different.  While some individuals have extremely dry and course skin, others may have very oily and rich skin texture.  Most people are a combination of these extremes with varying textures throughout their body.  Before deciding on a new skin product, always keep your specific skin type in mind.  Product success may vary widely based on your skin textures.  If you’re unsure about your skin type, consider visiting a skin specialist for answers.  2.) How much success have others had with this product Always check into product reviews and consumer reports when looking for a new skin care product.  Finding out how well it worked for someone else is key in deciding whether a product is a good match for yourself.  Look for impartial reviews and recommendations. If you […]

Recently, we had a person reach out to our office who had a CoolSculpting procedure at another office. They were worried because of abdominal swelling and pain, describing the feeling of having done a million crunches. The person was really upset. She was young and fit, but had a small tummy bulge. She does have a good diet and exercise routine, and now worries that CoolSculpting was a mistake. Her ultimate question was, “Is abdominal swelling and pain normal after CoolSculpting?” Ultimately, this is an issue of a patient not being properly educated before the procedure. It is not uncommon for a person to experience some pain and swelling after a CoolSculpting procedure. This is usually short-lived but can last up to 2 weeks. Other issues that you can experience is an itching, numbness, muscle spasms, cramping, and even diarrhea. Nonetheless, this is all something that should also be explained in the post-care instructions. Here are some quick things to keep in mind. 1. Pain Killers – Extra Strength Tylenol is enough to relieve pain. However, avoid aspirin. Also, a compression garment may help reduce discomfort. 2. Activities – Any discomfort is similar to doing a lot of sit-ups or […]

One important aspect of being happy with CoolSculpting results is having reasonable expectations, which is true for all aesthetic procedures. Therefore, it is important to understand who is a good candidate. CoolSculpting is a cosmetic treatment that will destroy fat cells. In very simple terms, the procedure makes use of controlled cooling for a non-invasive reduction of stubborn fat deposits, effectively reshaping body contours. It works because of the cold causing cell death of the fat tissue, but it does not create injury to the skin or muscle. For many, CoolSculpting is a safe and effective non-surgical alternative to liposuction. In determining if you are a good candidate for CoolSculpting, there is some good news and bad news. At first glance, the good news is that if you are without any serious health issues or pregnant, then you are likely able to receive treatment. The bad news is that further evaluating yourself will make you acutely aware of your physical condition and the fatty spots on your body. However, if you are already aware of your pudgy chunks, then there is nothing to lose. Firstly, you are not a good candidate if you have a BMI of 34 or more. Essentially, those who are “severely obese” will need to start a weight loss […]

One of the most important things to have, when considering liposuction, are realistic expectations. Patients are often prepared that, after the procedure, there will be some pain, swelling, and bruising. However, the whole reason for having liposuction is the cosmetic effect. While the majority of patients report satisfaction with the outcome, it is possible that the things will not turn out the way you wanted or expected. This is why Dr. James Apesos takes the time to counsel his patients about the importance of reasonable expectations. Granted, it is sometimes challenging to have reasonable expectations with some of the advertisements you have seen or after looking at pictures of those before and after liposuction. Regardless, one must understand that advertising is created with the intent of persuading you to purchase a product or service. Advertisements rarely provide useful and informative information. That is the prime reason Dr. Apesos keeps and maintains this blog, believing an informed client makes the best patient. Wouldn’t you agree? In most instances, the results from liposuction are long-lasting if you maintain a healthy weight. Although, if you gain weight, this can change your fat distribution. So, while your new body shape is generally permanent, your figure can grow to a larger version. Nevertheless, […]

Take a moment to think about today’s fashions: form-fitting dresses, jeans, t-shirts. These garments make it almost impossible to camouflage bulges. Moreover, no matter how much you work at maintaining a healthy weight, many find that lumpy fat deposits never completely going away. It is no wonder that so many people are looking to CoolSculpting and liposuction for a solution. But which one is best?  The quick answer is both are an effective solution, if you are a qualified candidate. Regardless, depending on your situation and needs, one choice is better than another. CoolSculpting and liposuction do both eliminate unwanted fat cells from your body. However, there are some significant differences in the procedures. Understanding the difference between CoolSculpting and liposuction will help you make a better choice. The most significant distinction is surgical versus non-surgical. CoolSculpting is a non-surgical treatment. It uses a scientifically proven cooling process to kill and dissolve fat cells, without negatively impacting your other tissues. In comparison, liposuction is a surgical process, where an incision is made and then the fat cells (and other tissue) is extracted from the body. Furthermore, CoolSculpting’s controlled cooling targets only fat cells. While liposuction will affect fat cells, but may impact other adjacent tissue. Moreover, CoolSculpting is not as […]

Breast augmentation, while normally used to enhance the size of the breasts, can also be used to improve breast shape and symmetry. Like any surgical procedure, breast augmentation does require a certain amount of recovery time. The following tips will help you remain as comfortable as possible while you recuperate. Immediately After the Surgery: It is normal to experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort for the first couple of weeks following breast augmentation. Dr. Apesos will prescribe pain medication to help alleviate the discomfort. We recommend that you create a comfortable spot with plenty of pillows where you can relax. It also helps to have ice packs available to reduce swelling and discomfort. You should avoid sleeping on your stomach for at least two weeks following the procedure. For your safety, you should also arrange for someone to be with you for the first 24 hours following your surgery. Returning to Work: Most patients are able to return to work about a week following surgery; however, you may want to schedule a little extra time off to allow yourself more time to heal. You should avoid strenuous activity or exercise and heavy lifting for about a month following your surgery. The Results: […]

Micro-needling. The name sounds a little scary — maybe painful too. So what exactly is it and how can it help my skin? Micro-needling is done with a small, hand-held tool called a derma roller, a device covered with numerous closely spaced tiny sterile needles. As the technician rolls it across the skin, the derma roller makes tiny holes in the skin’s top layer. Although it sounds like it could be painful, the light pressure used usually ensures that any discomfort is minor, and a topical anesthetic is often used to minimize it further. The technical name for the procedure is Collagen Induction Therapy or CIT. What Does It Do? Micro-needling creates what are known as “controlled injuries” beneath the surface of the skin. In response, the body produces collagen to repair the damage, resulting in a plumper, smoother surface layer. It minimizes the appearance of fine lines, scars from acne or injuries, and stretch marks. Is It Effective? Studies have shown that CIT is especially effective in treating scars (even fairly deep ones) when combined with 15% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel. Its skin-smoothing and firming abilities have also been shown to be effective, especially when combined with Vitamin C. […]

We’ve all heard the term and maybe even snickered about it a little. But it’s not so funny when it’s your arms that have morphed into the flabby, unflattering upper arm condition commonly referred to as “lunch lady” arms.  Losing muscle tone as we age is common and natural, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept it as irreversible. The Cure Your plastic surgeon has an answer: A procedure known as an arm lift will get rid of lunch lady arms (along with the self-conscious feeling that often accompanies them). Whether your “lunch lady” arms are the result of age, heredity, losing weight or any other reason, an arm lift can restore tone and shape to the appearance of your arms. The Procedure An arm lift or brachioplasty, is a surgery where the surgeon removes excess fat and skin from your upper arms and tightens the underlying tissue to restore a more toned-looking appearance to your upper arm area. Since an arm lift is a surgical procedure, your surgeon will want to know you’re in generally good health, and may require certain test results before proceeding. The Amazing Results But the results of arm lift surgery are immediately noticeable […]

     In 2014, 1.26 million men had some type of cosmetic procedure done. Four hundred thousand of those men had Botox injections. The numbers show that this is an increase of 300 percent in the male use of Botox. Why are men suddenly using Botox?      One reason men are using Botox all of a sudden is the increase in competition over jobs. Between December 2007 and June 2009, the U.S. was going through a depression and millions of jobs were lost. After the recession in July of 2009, the unemployment rate of men aged 16 and over was 9.8%. In August 2016, the rate in the same age group had been reduced to 4.5%. As the country emerged from this recession, men started using whatever means they deemed necessary to give themselves an advantage in the workplace.     According to Dr. Scot Glasberg, President of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, men are “wanting to look a little younger to get a job more easily. First impressions are everything in an interview.” Looking younger gives them more confidence going into an interview situation and means that they may be chosen over someone who appears older. A youthful appearance implies a fresh […]

The prospect of finally getting rid of unwanted fat deposits can be exciting. Yet, some patients approach liposuction with a little apprehension if they’re not quite sure what to expect as they recover. Here are the answers to a few common questions patients have about the days, weeks, and months after their liposuction procedure. How bad is the pain? Most patients rate their discomfort as mild to moderate. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate the discomfort if needed. Wearing the compression garments your doctor recommends after surgery will help keep swelling down, and as long as swelling is minimized, you should not be too uncomfortable. You can expect the bruising and tenderness to subside greatly during the first week after the procedure, though you might have a little swelling for another month or so. When can you go back to work? Unless your job requires hard physical labor, you can likely resume work within one to two weeks of your procedure. Your doctor will schedule several checkups and let you know for sure when it’s safe to return. Typically, patients can resume light exercise, like walking, within a few days of surgery. It’s actually good to get out […]

Are the veins in your hands too prominent or visible? Dark or overly puffy veins can make otherwise toned, attractive hands look aged. Luckily, you can get rid of your prominent veins and restore a more youthful look with sclerotherapy, a popular vein removal method. What is sclerotherapy? During sclerotherapy, your dermatologist injects a special chemical into the unwanted veins. The chemical causes the vein to close, and over the coming weeks, your body absorbs the dead vein tissue. Before long, those veins you once hated will no longer be visible. The procedure usually only takes about 20 minutes. Does sclerotherapy hurt? The pain and discomfort are quite mild. Your doctor may use a local anesthetic or numbing gel to keep you comfortable during the procedure. You might feel a slight pinching when the needle is inserted into your veins and a bit of a burning sensation as the chemical begins working to close your veins. What is the recovery process like? After sclerotherapy, your hands might be slightly swollen and bruised. These side effects should go away within a few days, and they aren’t likely to keep you from partaking in activities you love. Most patients don’t need to […]

Discover how Skin tightening and Firming Products work on your aging skin. There are ways to get younger and tighter looking skin without opting for cosmetic surgery. Use of skin tightening treatments is a good option to choose. However, many people ask whether they truly work and how do they work? The effects of skin tightening and firming products are as a result of the ingredients that make skin get tighter and firm. Use of film forming agents on the skin gets you closer to the results that you want. Below are ways of how skin strengthening and firming products work on sagging skin I. The doctor focuses on skin collagen which makes the sagging skin bounce back. Building collagen is very essential because it supports your skin so it is less sagging. We advise people with sagging skin to help their skin generate lots of collagen through use of skin-repairing ingredients and potent antioxidants. ii. Vitamin A is also essential in skin tightening and improves the elastin’s shape of your skin. Vitamin A builds elastin as well as collagen. Applying skin products containing vitamin A at night helps a lot to strengthen the skin such as Renova. iii. Use of exfoliates contain […]

What should a person do when they dieted and worked out, to maintain a healthy weight, but there are still areas of fat that just won’t go away? Liposuction is a cosmetic produce for the purpose of body shaping and can help you achieve your aesthetic goals. It removes surplus fat from under the skin using suction. While the results are physical, some of the benefits can also be mental and emotional. Thanks to advancements in technology and the procedure, liposuction is safer than it has ever been. Nonetheless, only a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon can inform you if it is right in your situation. Regardless, liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures because it is an effective way to remove excessive fat, and a compliment to a breast augmentation or other plastic surgery. The benefits of liposuction include: A safe way to eliminate fat, Body shaping that even exercise cannot achieve, Reduction and improvement of cellulite, Improved health associate with fat loss, Improvement to the way you look, and Increased self-esteem. If you are trying to eliminate unsightly pockets of fat around the midsection, thighs, or other difficult and frustrating areas, diet and exercise are sometimes not enough. Many times, […]

Did you know, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation is the most common cosmetic procedure? Nonetheless, the surgery is not insignificant. Many patients have questions about caring for their breast implants. As with anything, proper care increases longevity. Immediately after surgery, you can expect some tenderness and discomfort. Additionally, there is bruising and swelling. It will slowly subside, but can last a month or more. Depending on the patient, you may receive a prescription for pain or nausea. Nonetheless, if you notice any signs of infection, such as a fever, report this immediately to your doctor. Immediately after surgery, you must wear a postoperative bra until healed. However, after it is also important to wear a bra that provides excellent support. Breast implants add weight, and this weight can affect breast shape. Moreover, a sports bar is essential for physical or strenuous activity such as jogging, biking, or other exercises. Additionally, daily massage of your breasts should become part of your routine. The purpose is to help move implants into position, but also aids in keeping them soft and may reduce scarring. Nonetheless, if you have surface implants, or had a breast lift with augmentation, massaging is not recommended. Some surgeons will recommend a massaging routine for […]

I’m a mother of three. At 36, after birthing those children one after the other, my baby belly refused to go away. People often asked if I was pregnant again even though I wasn’t. I knew something had to change when my sister’s son asked if I had a baby in my tummy like his mother did at the time. I soon became uncomfortable in my own skin. It reached a point where it affected how I related to people, even my husband and my kids. One of my friends suggested plastic surgery, but the idea made me nervous. I spent a lot of time researching tummy tucks – what to expect and how they were done. I lost count of the number of blogs I read, how many videos I watched, and how many photos I looked at. When I finally decided to look up surgeons in the area, I found Dr. James Apesos’ website. It caught my attention that he was board-certified with many years of experience, and I liked that he shared before and after examples of his work. So I scheduled a consultation with him to discuss my questions and concerns. Dr. Apesos took the time […]

Silicone breast implants were pulled off the market in the early 1990s because of fears they caused autoimmune disease, increased the risk of cancer and contributed to all sorts of health issues. However, after years, scientific studies found no link between silicone implants and an increased risk of any systemic disease or long-term health problems. If you are thinking about breast augmentation, you can safely choose between silicone and saline breast implants. With that said, women seek breast augmentation to make their breasts larger and/or fuller. At times this is a reconstruction, like after a mastectomy, but often it is for cosmetic reasons. Regardless, if you are seeking breast augmentation, there are multiple decisions. Many start thinking about size, but even more important is choosing between silicone and saline breast implants. All breast implants have a silicone outer shell. However, they differ in the material filling the implant. Saline is sterile salt water and silicone is a thick, sticky silicone gel that more closely imitates human fat. This means that silicone breast implants more closely look and feel like natural breasts. Nonetheless, both have similar risks such as capsular contracture, infections, and implant leakage. Still, there are some additional differences. Saline implants are often inserted empty, and then filled, while silicone implants are pre-filled. This means a […]

You’ve probably heard the term, but what is sclerotherapy, exactly? Simply put, it’s a medical treatment that’s used to permanently remove spider and varicose veins. It’s a relatively straightforward procedure – a saline solution is injected directly into the vein. This irritates the blood vessel lining to make it swell together and clot the blood. Eventually, the vessel becomes scar tissue and fades away.

I always felt inferior about my breasts. In a family where everyone was large busted, I was the anomaly. I bought all the expensive water bras and did everything I could to compensate for my obvious lacking.

In celebration of Fall and preparation for the holiday season, The Plastic Surgery Pavillion has announced a Fall Open House on October 28th from 6pm until 8pm. For those who have been clients of Dr. Apesos in the past, he would like to welcome you back to learn what is going on in the world of plastic surgery that is new and cutting-edge, as well as introduce you to some new restorative beauty products he has in stock. During the Fall Open House, there will be: Botox and Juvederm raffles receive 20% OFF discounts on skincare products time for Q&A with Dr. Apesos and Kathy Jones Extra Special Discount If you have a friend that is new to our office, bring them along with the printed flyer below and you BOTH will receive a free Micropeel! Print and Bring Along FREE Micropeel Flyer

**Dr. Jim’s blog posts focus on many of the often asked questions that are made during plastic surgery consultation and follow-up visits by his patients. These posts may be representative of a particular patient, and individual diagnosis may vary. Dr. Jim, My friend was gasping when she heard I was getting saline breast implants! What is the difference between Saline and Silicone Breast Implants? Betty   Dear Betty, Yes, there are differences between saline and silicone for cosmetic breast augmentation. Silicone implants were removed from the market about 15 years ago for any new cosmetic usage because of a fear of causing systemic lupus or arthritis. Since that fear has yet to be actually proven so the implants are now available only to 21 year olds and older. Personally I never felt silicone caused illnesses but that fight is still on in some sectors. The FDA recommends MRI exams every 3 to 4 years to evaluate silicone implant stability, but we doubt that is complied with by most patients. Companies also want continues data retrieval from the silicone implanted patients about any possible problems with silicone implants. But the silicone is definitely available; about 10 %o of my practice uses […]