What to Expect – Recovering From an Arm Lift
Do you remember the days when you felt comfortable showing off your arms? But now there’s sagging skin on your upper arms you keep under cover.
Or maybe you lost a lot of weight and were looking forward to finally showing off your arms. Yet, now there’s excess skin hanging there.
You DO have options with a brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery. And the good news is, recovering from an arm lift is fairly straightforward.
Recovering From an Arm Lift
The brachioplasty procedure typically lasts around two to three hours and is performed under general anesthesia. And the smoother contours of your upper arm will be apparent almost immediately.
As time progresses, results will eventually be somewhat obscured by swelling and bruising. And there will be some scarring.
Recovery from brachioplasty is one of the procedures with a shorter recovery time. Yet, it’s always going to be different from person to person. But here’s what you can generally expect:
Immediately After Brachioplasty Procedure
As with any surgery, experiencing discomfort after brachioplasty is common. Any swelling and redness may be addressed with oral pain medications.
In addition, you can expect to wear a compression garment to help circulation and minimize your discomfort.
First Week
It’s during the first few days when you’ll likely experience moderate pain. Your arms will be bandaged which will limit your range of motion. This is intentional, as you don’t want to make any major movements with the arms during this time. Your muscles may also feel sore and you’ll see bruising and swelling. Increased pain and pressure near the incision site are normal – especially when your arms are in motion.
You’ll want to have someone stay with you overnight the first night and enlist a little extra help with everyday activities in the days that follow. It is crucial in the first week that you don’t lift anything over five pounds. And since you need to avoid reaching over your head, be sure you have comfortable, loose button-up shirts on hand.
Pain, swelling, and bruising will subside by the end of the week. Expect them to persist to some degree for the first month, however. You may be able to transition to OTC pain management at this point – if you need any at all.
Two to Three Weeks
Bandages and any stitches are removed one to two weeks post-surgery. You’ll have an improved range of motion and arm mobility, but you’ll have weight restrictions of 10 pounds in the second week and 15 pounds in the third. Stretching the arms is still not recommended.
Most patients return to work at this point and can perform normal activities around the house. You’ll probably have to continue wearing your compression garment though and your doctor may recommend beginning a scar therapy treatment plan.
One to Two Months
At the four- to six-week point, you can expect any swelling or bruising to resolve. You may also be cleared to remove your compression garment and routine to your regular exercise routine. Treatment for scarring will continue throughout this time.
Acquire a More Contoured Look for Your Upper Arms
You don’t need to accept sagging upper arms as one of the inevitable results of aging or weight loss.
Brachioplasty is a great option. And as stated above, recovering from an art lift is not an arduous process.
So contact us today to set up a free consultation with our board-certified surgeons. And get started on your journey to slimmer and move lovely arms.
Making Sense Of Different Types Of Body Fat
While it may not seem like it, body fat is an organ that contains nerves, immune cells, and connective tissue. It’s also made up of different types of fat cells.
Depending on the body’s needs, the primary job of body fat is to store and release energy. The different types of fat cells also serve their own unique purposes.
Plastic surgeons are sometimes faced with the difficult task of telling patients that plastic surgery can’t always address issues with excess fat. That’s because not all body fat is created equal.
The Different Types of Body Fat
The main type of fat cells that comprise body fat are white fat cells. They produce hormones like leptin and adiponectin, as well as store energy. Brown fat cells are referred to as thermogenic because under certain conditions (such as colder temperatures) they burn energy to produce heat. People with more brown fat cells tend to be leaner and have a higher metabolism. Finally, beige fat cells are white cells that are in the process of transforming to brown cells.
Fat is not an F-word. (Well, it is, but you get what we mean.) In fact, fat is essential to the healthy operation of the body. It plays many important roles including regulation of body temperature, absorbing vitamins, and producing fertility hormones.
Yes, too much fat is unhealthy. But so too is not enough fat. What’s considered the right amount of essential fat for each person is not a universal equation and can vary quite a bit. For example, women generally have 6-11% more than men.
One thing is for certain though. Some types of fat are more dangerous than others. The two types of fat we’ll focus on here are subcutaneous and visceral.
What Is Subcutaneous Fat?
Subcutaneous literally means, “under the skin.” Thus, subcutaneous fat is fat that lies beneath the skin. You’re able to pinch it with your fingers.
This kind of fat accounts for about 90% of overall body fat. Subcutaneous fat acts as a cushion between the skin and muscles for comfort and protection. It also produces estrogen – which accounts for women generally having more body fat than men.
Subcutaneous fat is essential fat. Yet, it’s possible to have too much. The body stores subcutaneous fat as an emergency backup source of calories in the event of starvation. When the amount of calories going in exceeds what’s being burnt, the body will continue to store this fat and it will accumulate.
Many people find that reducing their caloric intake and avoiding refined and processed foods along with high-intensity exercise can lessen subcutaneous fat. There are times, however, where no matter how much focus on diet or exercise, there are stubborn pockets that won’t disappear. In these cases, plastic surgeons may recommend adding liposuction body shaping treatments to reshape the area. Even in more complicated procedures such as a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), it’s also subcutaneous fat that’s removed.
Visceral fat, on the other hand, is a very different creature.
The Dangers of Visceral Fat
Visceral fat is located between the organs in the abdominal area of the body. It typically appears as a protruding waist and unlike subcutaneous fat, it’s hard and you can’t pinch it.
This is the type of fat that cannot be removed with plastic surgery or liposuction. Patients usually need to completely revamp their diet, ensure they’re getting enough sleep every night, and regularly perform targeted abdominal strength-training exercises.
While it may sound like a big commitment, it’s important to get rid of visceral fat. As it accumulates, it secretes a protein that’s known to cause insulin resistance that could lead to diabetes. Increased levels of visceral fat are also linked to a higher risk of stroke, dementia, colorectal and breast cancers, and Alzheimer’s disease. So while subcutaneous fat can be a nuisance, visceral fat can be deadly.
Are You Considering Fat Removal?
Hopefully, you now have more clarity on the different types of body fat and fat cells.
So if you think you’re a good candidate for a fat removal procedure and you’re ready to speak to a board-certified plastic surgeon about your options, contact us today!
During your free consultation, you’ll be able to discuss your specific needs and how they can be addressed to result in a thinner and healthier you.
Tips for Winter Skincare After Plastic Surgery
If you’re considering any sort of plastic surgery, winter can be a great time to get it done. Especially if you want to show off the results in the spring and summer months.
Plus, it’s much easier to hide the recovery process when the snow is flying and you’re bundled up in scarves, hats, and sweaters.
Yet, since plastic surgery can exacerbate skin sensitivity in the colder and drier months, you’ll want to pay extra attention to winter skincare after plastic surgery.
Focusing on Winter Skincare After Plastic Surgery
In a recent post, we talked about the importance of caring for your skin during the winter. But what about the best way to care for your skin after a plastic surgery procedure in the winter?
There are certainly some overlaps. For instance, drinking plenty of water and sticking with a healthy diet are crucial parts of holistic skincare.
Post-surgical skin, however, has additional needs in terms of maximizing recovery and minimizing the appearance of scars. The inherent chapping, dehydration, flaking, and tissue irregularity that comes with colder air and indoor heating can make this more challenging.
So what can you do to ensure you’ll get the best results?
1. Emphasize Hydration
When most people hear the word ‘hydration,’ they think only of internal hydration and drinking plenty of water. And yes, internal hydration is crucial. But during the cold and dry winter months, external hydration is also vital. Especially for sensitive post-surgical skin.
Maintaining necessary moisture levels in the skin is going to promote faster healing while reducing the risk of complications. Your surgeon may recommend you use ointment-type medications on suture lines to trap moisture. He/she may also advocate a layered hydration approach with specialized skincare that will provide an additional protective barrier.
2. Steer Clear of Certain Products
If you’re of a certain age, retinols may be a part of your regular skincare regimen. After surgery though, you’ll be advised to avoid retinols as they are very drying. Especially during the winter.
In addition, products that contain alcohol or fragrances can cause further dryness and irritation. Your surgeon will be able to point you to calming and nourishing products formulated for the special needs of post-surgical skin in the winter.
3. Avoid the Sun
This one might seem silly. Especially if you live in a northern climate without much in the way of winter sun. Yet, even if the sun doesn’t feel especially warm, or it’s trapped behind clouds, the harmful UV rays are still getting through to your skin. Particularly on your face.
Post-surgical skin is more prone to hyperpigmentation or other sun-related damage. So you’ll be advised to use a mineral-based broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of least 30 rather than a chemical sunscreen that could further irritate your skin.
4. Stay Vigilant
Finally, one of the most important things you can do is regularly monitor your post-surgical skin for increased redness or swelling. This is another disadvantage of winter because it’s easy to ignore skin when it’s covered with clothing.
Early intervention is key to a smoother recovery though. So you don’t want to wait until you’re feeling pain or discomfort. Keep an eye out for any adverse reactions or changes in your skin and let your surgeon know immediately if you see anything so s/he can promptly address the issue.
Get the Most Out of Your Plastic Surgery This Winter
Sure, winter is as good a time to get plastic surgery as any. Sometimes, it’s the best time! Especially if you’re willing to attend to winter skincare after plastic surgery.
So if you’re ready to get that procedure you’ve been dreaming of, contact us today. During your free consultation, you’ll be counseled on what to expect and the best ways to ensure you’ll be ready to step into the spring/summer season with confidence.
Technological Advances in Plastic Surgery
Although there is some question about whether technology benefits every industry, technological advances in plastic surgery continue to take procedures to new heights.
While tech has gone the distance in advancing every aspect of plastic surgery, it’s been especially beneficial for patients seeking to enhance their appearance in new and exciting ways.
Plus, with these advancements, plastic surgery is safer and more effective now than ever before.
Latest Technological Advances in Plastic Surgery
If you’re frustrated with some aspect of your appearance or part of your body, now is a great time to take advantage of these advancements. The following five advancements are contributing to the field taking big strides.
- Laser Treatments
Laser treatments are straightforward procedures that can be performed in a clinic or office setting. They don’t require general anesthesia and there is little to no downtime.
While laser treatments are nothing new, they do continue to evolve. And for those seeking to reduce the appearance of scars or remove unwanted hair, they’ve been a game changer.
- MRIs and CT Scans
Plastic surgeons use MRIs, CT scans, and other advanced imaging techniques to get a clearer view of a patient’s anatomy. This helps them find potential pre-surgical issues, as well as enabling them to monitor patients post-op to ensure they’re healing.
- Virtual Reality
Wouldn’t it be great if you could “try on” different plastic surgery procedures? With virtual reality technology (VR), you can do just that – without ever going under the knife.
VR technology enables patients to get a glimpse of how they’ll look after a particular procedure. It also assists in educating patients about the process of the procedure as well as its potential outcomes.
- 3D Imaging and Printing
For procedures where precise measurements are particularly crucial, 3D imaging and printing have been revolutionary. For example, a surgeon counseling a patient seeking facial reconstruction can show the patient a digital model of their face so they can visualize the outcome of the surgery.
Meanwhile, 3D printing enables surgeons to create highly customized prosthetics and implants. For patients who require breast reconstruction, these personalized versions look and feel more natural than traditional implants.
- Stem Cell Therapy and Platelet-Rich Plasma
Technological advances in regenerative medicine have also had a positive impact on plastic surgery. Through stem cell therapy, tissues can be regenerated to create more natural-looking results.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is also utilized in combination with other procedures to not only enhance results but to boost recovery times. It’s an amazing outcome from such a simple therapy.
Take Advantage of the New Technology!
The above technological advances in plastic surgery have rendered procedures the safest and most precise they’ve ever been. And with the most natural-looking results.
So if you’re considering plastic surgery for any reason, there’s no time like the present!
Contact us today to set up your free consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeons. You can be assured that you’ll get the best results in the field today.
Do Teens Get Plastic Surgery?
The quick answer is yes. But the number of teens who opt for plastic surgery is not huge.
This leads to the bigger question – should teens get plastic surgery? Many surgeons won’t perform procedures on patients under the age of 21. And there are many reasons for this.
Then there are procedures that some surgeons will perform but only if they’re absolutely certain that it’s the best option for the teen.
Why Do Teens Get Plastic Surgery?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), most teenagers seek out plastic surgery because they are desperate to fit in but feel their appearance is not acceptable to their friends and peers.
For example, young men who have embarrassing excess breast tissue (gynecomastia) that won’t resolve with proper diet and exercise may seek out a breast reduction. Or teenagers who are ashamed of birthmarks in obvious places may inquire about laser treatments to lessen their appearance.
Some teens struggle with severe acne that results in pocks and scars that leave them self-conscious and prone to isolation. A cosmetic procedure known as dermabrasion can help to smooth out or camouflage those scars. And for teenagers with birth anomalies such as ears that stick out, some surgeons will perform surgery to pin back ears known as otoplasty.
Important Considerations
As with any surgery, the option to perform plastic surgery on teens should be heavily weighed. In many cases, it’s simply not appropriate. There are many things to consider:
- Teenagers Are Still Growing
It’s normal for teenagers to criticize their appearance. But it’s important to remember that they are still changing and growing. So even if a teenager feels his nose is too big or her breasts are too small, there’s a good chance that they will become more proportionate as they grow into their adult bodies.
- Changes in Exercise and Diet Could Help
It’s often not easy to get teenagers on board with regular exercise and dietary restrictions. We get it. For teenagers struggling with weight issues, they may think that liposuction or even a gastric bypass is a better option and a nice, quick fix. They’re sure much easier than sticking with a diet and exercise regimen.
Any parent considering this needs to understand though that ethical doctors know the risks involved with these procedures and reserve them for extreme cases when other options have failed.
- Self-Consciousness Is Part of Teenage Years
Feeling dissatisfied with one’s appearance while having it feel like a monumentally big deal is part and parcel of the teenage years. And teens don’t realize that a lot of this will go away with time. Of course, even as adults most of us have some part that we’d like to change. But by the time we’re adults, we’re doing it for ourselves and not for someone else. This is an important distinction.
- There Could Be Mental Issues
This is a big one.
Teenagers see a distorted version of themselves. If this already inaccurate view is further exacerbated by depression or other emotional issues, teenagers are quick to believe that ‘looking better’ will solve their problems.
There is no plastic surgery procedure that can fix underlying mental issues. Plastic surgeons are well aware of this and many won’t perform plastic surgery on any patient – teenage or otherwise – until such mental issues are addressed first with a therapist or other mental health expert.
It’s Up to the Surgeon
Ultimately, once a parent has conceded, the choice as to whether teens get plastic surgery comes down to the surgeon. Many feel that it’s best to wait until the body is fully formed.
But again, it depends on the person and the procedure.
So if you’re considering plastic surgery – whether for you or someone else – contact us today to speak with our ethical surgeons who will lead you in the right direction.
How Plastic Surgery Improves Quality of Life
When patients consider plastic surgery, it can be for any number of reasons – from physical to mental and emotional. They often overlap.
After all, some patients who want to improve physical features that cause embarrassment find increased self-confidence and enhanced body image post-op. So yes, plastic surgery improves quality of life.
And with surgeons worldwide using the latest technology, many of these transformations can happen in a matter of hours.
Physical Improvements
It’s fair to say that the majority of people seeking plastic surgery are looking for physical improvements. Perhaps they want to emphasize a certain part of their body – as they may with a Brazilian butt lift. For others, they want to draw the focus away from a body part such as a large nose or drooping eyebrows.
Yet, there’s another group of patients that may be looking to address an acute or chronic medical condition. Rhinoplasty or fixing a deviated septum, for instance, can greatly improve breathing for many patients. And patients who have survived breast cancer and had to have a mastectomy can benefit from reconstructive surgery.
In addition, other procedures can even address alignment issues in the body. In the cases of a tummy tuck or breast reduction, for example, patients report decreased back pain as a result of the front of the body no longer being pulled forward or the core muscles being out of balance.
Emotional/Psychological Benefits
In the vast majority of the above “physical” cases, the natural by-product of looking or feeling better is going to be higher self-esteem and a general sense of well-being that may have been missing previously.
The emotional outcomes will certainly vary from person to person. And much of this is based on their expectations. So a handful of patients may come in to have scarring or blemishes they want addressed. These procedures are usually straightforward and patients report a high rate of satisfaction.
For more complicated procedures, however, it’s crucial that patients understand what they can realistically expect. This is why each patient must spend time consulting with his or her board-certified surgeon.
Communication Is Key
Obviously, patients are made aware of the potential risks of their procedure. But if a patient is banking on plastic surgery to completely change his or her life for the better, their end result may end up being one of frustration, embarrassment, shame, or even anger.
That’s why there must be clear and concise preoperative communication between the patient and surgeon so that realistic outcome goals are established.
Plastic Surgery Improves Quality of Life
It’s pretty clear that, if done correctly and working from realistic expectations, plastic surgery improves quality of life. It can allow patients to feel empowered and confident.
What’s more, it may even allow patients to reclaim their body that was taken from them due to injury, illness, or pregnancy.
So if you’re considering plastic surgery, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll take the necessary time to discuss your personal goals and expectations to ensure the best experience possible.
The Lowdown on Scar Revision
If you’re an adult and you’ve lived life at all, chances are you have a scar. It’s the body’s way of healing after an injury, infection, inflammation, or surgery.
A scar consists of fibrous tissue that can be anywhere on the body. It might be flat, sunken, colored, or lumpy.
Someone with a flat and colorless scar in an obscure place may not think much about it. But for others with more obvious scars that cause them embarrassment, there is scar revision.
What Is Scar Revision?
Just as the name implies, scar revision is a procedure performed to alter the appearance of an unsightly scar, return function to a restrictive scar, or improve an itch or painful scar.
Depending on the type of scar, there are numerous approaches to scar revision:
Topical
Topical treatments are the least invasive approach. They’re usually the first go-to because of their simplicity.
Physicians may recommend OTC topical anesthetic ointments, antihistamine creams, or corticosteroids to encourage healing reduce any itchiness and discomfort. Sometimes the doctor may prescribe a stronger corticosteroid cream for newer scars that are still pink and in the process of healing. This can combat excessive scar formation.
Another option that’s been used for decades is silicone. Used in sheet form, silicone is effective for treating scars from burns, surgery, or other more severe injuries that require hospital treatment. There are now silicone gels that can be applied to create a thin sheet within 4-5 minutes.
Injections
When a scar is raised, thick, and red, stronger interventions are usually required. Multiple small corticosteroid injections are made into the scar to reduce pain, itching, and redness from inflammation. Injections are typically given over several months at 4-6 week intervals.
Meanwhile, depressed scars are usually treated with filler injections. These may contain collagen and synthetic agents that are injected into or under the scar tissue. Filler injections are not permanent, however, So they need to be repeated every few years.
Surface Treatments
There are a wide variety of skin resurfacing treatments. They involve removing the top layer of damaged skin so new skin layers can form.
With dermabrasion, the skin layer is manually removed using a rapidly rotating device. This technique is ideal for minimizing skin lines, age spots, acne scars, and sun damage.
Acne scars and sun damage can also be treated with chemical peels. They’re also effective in treating wrinkles and melasma.
To flatten and soften scars, laser therapy involves pulsating concentrated beams of light at irregular skin in a targeted area. It also helps improve discoloration and tightens the skin to give it a younger-looking appearance.
Other surface treatments include skin bleaching (topical creams that lighten skin) and vascular laser treatment reduces the redness of scars with blood vessels.
Surgery
When it comes to changing the position and shape of scars, surgery can do the trick. It can also release a tight scar to improve movement. In the cases of scar excision and revision, scar tissue is removed, and a flap of adjacent skin reforms the area.
If there is no flap available, or if the scar being removed is very large, a skin graft is taken from a cosmetically less important area of the body to reform the area.
The Z-plasty method moves a scar into a natural crease or fold to minimize its visibility. In addition, tissue expanders can create healthy stretched skin by placing expandable silicone implants under the skin. The skin is then used to replace the excised scar tissue.
You Don’t Have to Live With Scars
There is a wealth of scar revision options.
So if you’re interested in lessening the appearance of (or getting rid of altogether) your scar, contact us today to set up a free consultation.
You’ll have the chance to talk with a board-certified plastic surgeon who will guide you through the best treatment options for your situation.
What to Expect: Healing After Breast Implant Removal
If you had a breast implant in the past, there are many reasons you may be opting for breast implant removal. That’s nobody’s business but your own.
When an implant is removed, it’s known as explant surgery. And yes, it is surgery. So just as with any surgery, that means you can expect recovery time.
Obviously, every patient is different and there’s no one story that applies to all. There are some basics you can expect though.
The Basics for Recovering from Breast Implant Removal
You had implant surgery so you could use that as a baseline for your explant surgery. However, if your surgery was a long time ago, you may not feel comfortable relying on that.
Plan to spend the first several days recovering at home. It is essential during this period to avoid any excessive pulling or stretching of the area. Your incisions cannot be exposed to abrasion of any kind, so ditch the loofah. And don’t plan to hit the nudist beach for tanning. The incisions cannot be in direct sunlight either.
Compression garments will also be vital. These may seem like an inconvenience, but in the long run, they accelerate the healing process by managing swelling and bruising and promoting blood circulation. These garments are surprisingly comfortable. They do a stellar job at reducing postoperative discomfort. So regard them as supportive friends.
On average, you can expect to return to work in one week, unless you have a job that requires strenuous movement or lifting anything over ten pounds. (This includes children.) It’s important to give yourself extra time if that’s the case.
Further Explant Surgery Recovery Tips
Eating well and staying hydrated is always the rule of thumb. Abiding by your board-certified surgeon’s directions and attending follow-up appointments is also key. But there are a few other things you may not have considered.
Any time you’re healing from breast surgery (of any kind), you need to avoid using your upper body and chest muscles. You’ll need to wait at least four weeks to return to any exercise that uses these. Consider consulting a physical therapist who can design a post-op program that allows you to safely adapt to your new chest contour.
And speaking of adapting, any change to your appearance is going to require some adjusting. Having breast explant surgery can be particularly emotional. This may not be the case at all for you. Just in case you find yourself mentally struggling though, it’s a good idea to reach out to compassionate friends and family members ahead of the procedure to let them know you may need their support. Furthermore, you could also speak with a therapist.
At the end of the day, listening to your body is always the best practice so if you’re feeling that you need more time to rest and recover, honor that. You don’t want to end up with complications because you jumped the gun.
Wrestling With the Idea of Explant Surgery?
The decision to do breast implant removal is an important one and not to be taken lightly.
If you’re debating about whether this procedure might be right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to our compassionate and board-certified plastic surgeons.
We will always have your back. (And front.)
Pioneers In Plastic Surgery – Thomas Pomfret Kilner
In the overarching field of medicine, plastic surgery is certainly among the youngest. At least in its current incarnation.
Yes, there were rudimentary plastic surgery procedures performed as far back as ancient Egypt times. But you can bet they didn’t look anything like today’s modern procedures.
It took a group of trail-blazing physicians practicing in the early 1900s to create the foundation for plastic surgery as we know it today. Thomas Pomfret Kilner was among this esteemed group.
Who Was Thomas Pomfret Kilner?
Kilner was born on September 17th in 1890 and was the son of a grammar school master. Always a good student, Kilner would go on to study at Manchester University where he was awarded medals in anatomy and physiology.
By 1912, at the ripe age of 22, he had won distinctions in pathology and surgery. He served as a demonstrator of anatomy from 1912 to 1914 and was a senior house surgeon at Manchester Royal Infirmary.
As he continued his studies and teaching, he had his sights set on joining a doctor in general practice. But World War I changed his trajectory.
Practicing Medicine During WWI
Kilner’s plans shifted when he was enlisted in the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) where he eventually became a captain. He served four years helping injured men and women and by the end of the war in 1918, he was in charge of an orthopedic unit that specialized in fractured femurs.
Wondering what his next step would be, he was serendipitously advised to meet with Major Harold Gillies about a new hospital unit in Sidcup, England. Gillies was already gaining steam as one of the premier practitioners in a burgeoning specialty known as plastic surgery.
Kilner hadn’t heard of this new modality, but he was interested. And it wasn’t long before he was appointed plastic surgeon to Queen Mary’s Hospital for Face and Jaw Injuries. And while he would later become a consulting plastic surgeon for many hospitals, it took determination and commitment to get there.
Turning Plastic Surgery Into a Thriving Specialty
In 1921, Kilner and Gillies were the only plastic surgeons in the United Kingdom. They were taken by all the promise this new field offered to so many people.
They would visit provincial surgeons who shared this same interest in order to educate them. Over time, their technical know-how and teamwork inspired many other surgeons to shift to this new specialty. And within a decade, he and Gillies had established plastic surgery in the U.K.
In 1931, Kilner was part of the staff of St Andrews’ Hospital where there were two wards and an operating theater devoted wholly to plastic surgery. He worked there up through WWII collaborating with another doctor to perfect the operation for palate repair that was originally designed by Victor Veau. His interest in congenital deformities led him to study speech therapy and he would eventually be elected a Governor of the Central School of Speech Therapy and of Moor House Residential School.
Throughout the second world war, Kilner remained active in fostering plastic surgery. During this time, he developed the Bunyan-Stannard envelope for the treatment of burns. And in 1935, he was a college professor lecturing on the transplantation of skin.
It’s safe to say he made a real difference.
In 1939, only three London teaching hospitals had plastic surgeons on staff. But by the time of Kilner’s death in 1964, there was hardly a teaching hospital in all of the British Isles that didn’t have consultant surgeons in plastic surgery.
See What Plastic Surgery Can Do for You
Today’s plastic surgeons are indebted to pioneers like Thomas Pomfret Kilner who helped to make the field what it is today.
If he could see what a difference a century has made, he’d be thrilled.
So if you’re interested in the myriad ways modern plastic surgery can improve your life, contact us today! You may be pleasantly surprised.
Insist On AAAHC Accreditation for Your Plastic Surgery
When you opt to have an in-office surgical procedure, you want to be sure you’re getting the best care from your board-certified surgeon. That’s a given.
You may not give much thought to the office-based anesthesia accreditation organization of the clinic or facility where you’re having the procedure though. You may just assume your location is accredited. And if so, there’s just one organization.
Unfortunately, that’s not the case. That’s why it’s important you look for AAAHC Accreditation for your plastic surgery.
Office-Based Anesthesia Accreditation Varies
According to the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation (APSF), there are three different accreditation organizations. JCAHO (the Joint Commission for Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations), AAAHC (the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care), and AAAASF (the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities).
All three organizations have received “deemed” status from Medicare. For the purposes of this blog, we’ll be looking at AAAHC and AAAASF specifically.
Why You Want AAAHC Accreditation for Your Plastic Surgery
First of all, you’ll want to ensure that your in-office clinic or facility actually has accreditation. It turns out that many do not.
Once you establish that your site does, it’s important to consider that not all accreditation organizations are created equal. AAAHC holds higher standards and offers more meticulous oversight than AAAASF.
Standards Addressed Through AAAHC
For example, the issues of State Licensure, Distinct Entity, Review of Patient Satisfaction, Cost of Care Reviews, Report Carding, Professional continuing education, and Immediate pre-procedure assessment by MD are all addressed in the standards for AAAHC, but not for AAAASF.
The standard of Pre-discharge evaluation by physician is also addressed clearly with AAAHC, but with AAAASF, it is more vague.
In terms of Documentation, Physical plant, Assessment of Patients, Continuity of Care, Safety, Medical Records, Confidentiality, Peer Review, Quality Improvement, and Risk Management, AAAASF receives a “good” rating for Safety, “fair” for Medical Records and Peer Review, and a “weak” rating for all of the others. Risk Management is not even addressed.
By comparison, AAAHC receives a “good” rating for Medical Records, and “strong” to “very strong” ratings for everything else, including Risk Management.
In addition, AAAHC requires a board-certified doctor to perform anesthesia, while AAAASF requires only a nurse anesthetist.
Finally, a reappraisal of medical staff is performed annually through AAAASF, but biannually with AAAHC. So it seems that the choice is pretty clear.
You Deserve the Best!
The decision to have plastic surgery is not one most patients make without careful consideration. So if you’re ready to take the leap, then contact us today.
We insist on only board-certified surgeons and AAAHC accreditation for your plastic surgery. We will not settle for less.
And neither should you.
