February 12th, 2010
Choosing to have plastic surgery can be a very stressful situation. Patients often have anxiety over the fear of complications or untoward results. Dr. Robert Heck with Columbus Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery outlines simple ways to instruct potential patients on how to maximize their results and minimize the possible problems and pitfalls that can occur during plastic surgery.
Prior to surgery
The first step is to address the factors that patients can control prior to surgery. For instance, Dr. Heck encourages all of his patients to live a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating healthy, staying well hydrated, and exercising. Secondly, each patient should do a thorough review of their medications with their physician. Dr. Heck meets with every patient to review prescription drugs, herbal remedies, and over-the-counter medications taken on a daily basis because certain medications are contraindicated and need to be stopped prior to surgery. Some of these medications include Aspirin containing products, Plavix, Coumadin, diet pills, and herbal remedies such as St. John’s Wart and Ginko Biloba. Thirdly, it is important to stop smoking at least 3 weeks before and 3 weeks after surgery. Not only do patients recover from anesthesia quicker, but there is a lower risk of infection and incisions tend to heal better when patients are not smoking. For those patients who do smoke, your physician should have a lengthy discussion about the effects of smoking prior to surgery. Lastly, for those patients who are having surgery under general anesthesia, your physician should require a complete history and physical and appropriate lab work. Dr. Heck insists that all of his patients receive this pre-operative clearance because it will ensure that there are no hidden medical problems and will significantly reduce the chances of having complications during surgery.
During Surgery
At this point, you are already asleep so the only real factor is making certain that you have chosen the right plastic surgeon. Please see Dr. Robert Heck’s article How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon. It is important that your surgeon is Board Certified, well trained, and very experienced with a good safety record. Your physician should make sure that you are protected during surgery for example taking steps to prevent complications such as DVT’s (blood clots). Dr. Heck believes finding the right plastic surgeon will put you at ease from beginning to end.
Post Surgery
First and foremost, follow the post-operative instructions given to you by your physician. Dr. Heck provides all of his patients with restrictions on daily activities, exercising, and guidelines on when patients can expect to return to work. Second, remember to stay hydrated. This will improve your overall healing process and keep your kidneys functioning. Third, it is important that you continue to stay mobile after surgery and to increase your activity as instructed by your physician to prevent the formation of blood clots. Dr. Heck will typically place you on post-operative antibiotics to help decrease the risk of developing an infection. You should continue all antibiotics until they are finished as instructed by your physician. Thus by following your activity restrictions, staying hydrated, ambulating, and taking your antibiotics, you should have a healthy and safe post-operative recovery.
Finally, one of the most important factors regarding healthy healing and having a successful plastic surgery experience is communication with your physician and his/her staff. Dr. Heck spends a great deal of time with each patient during their consultation so they have the opportunity to address any questions or concerns and feel comfortable with their decision. It is important that your physician and his/her staff are available for both pre and post-operative questions and get back to you in a timely manner. Dr. Heck feels that it is this open communication and sense of security that decreases patient complications and allows for a safe recovery process.
Hopefully by following Dr. Robert Heck’s guidelines above you can ensure yourself a safe and healthy recovery and minimize your risk of complications associated with plastic surgery.
Tags: healthy plastic surgery recovery, plastic surgery, plastic surgery complications, plastic surgery guidelines
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February 8th, 2010
Choosing the right plastic surgeon is the most important decision you will make regarding your plastic surgery experience. It will ensure that you get the most qualified and well trained physician to give you the results that you desire. Dr. Robert Heck with Columbus Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery lays out several guidelines that you can follow in choosing your plastic surgeon.
As a patient you need to look at a physician’s:
- Training
- Board Certification
- Membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Membership in the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
- Whether or not the surgeon is Fellowship trained
- His/her years of experience
- His/her reputation including word of mouth referrals and personal/professional referrals
- Whether he/she is a specialist in the type of plastic surgery that you desire
1. First of all, it is important to make certain that your plastic surgeon is well trained and experienced. You need to make sure that he/she has attended an accredited medical school and has completed a plastic surgery residency that is fully accredited by the ACGME (Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education).
2. The next step is to make certain that your plastic surgeon is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Board Certification will ensure that your surgeon has undergone rigorous examinations of safety and competency and that he/she has fulfilled their strict educational requirements.
3. Once a surgeon is Board Certified and has met the appropriate requirements, he/she becomes eligible to become a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). The ASPS is the governing body of plastic surgery. They set strict ethical, moral, and educational standards and only accept surgeons who meet these stringent requirements.
4. The next goal of a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon is to become a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). The ASAPS membership is an exclusive privilege for those plastic surgeons who display exemplary results with years of experience and training in cosmetic plastic surgery of the face and entire body. Members are required to attend the latest and most up-to-date meetings and conventions to stay current with the cutting edge technology and changes surrounding the field of plastic surgery. There are strict requirements to become a member of this elite group of physicians, and each individual most be voted in by his/her peers. By choosing a plastic surgeon that is a member of the ASAPS, you can rest assured that he/she is a leader in their field, well educated, and has the experience to meet your aesthetic needs.
5. It is also a necessity to look into your surgeon’s level of experience. It is reassuring to know that your surgeon has years of experience in his/her field when they are performing your surgery.
6. Next it is good to check into your surgeon’s reputation. Word of mouth and personal experiences can provide great insight into a physician’s character and quality of work. Don’t be afraid to ask around and talk with your friends.
7. You should also make sure that your plastic surgeon is a specialist in the type of plastic surgery that you desire. For example, you would not choose to have a breast augmentation with a plastic surgeon that specializes in hand or facial surgery. Do not be afraid to look into a physicians training and specialties and make sure they are qualified to perform your surgery.
8. Lastly, check and see if your surgeon has specific Fellowship training. Fellowship training that is performed after the required residency program gives that surgeon an extra knowledge base, experience, and additional skills in performing your surgery.
Hopefully Dr. Robert Heck’s guidelines will help you pick the most qualified plastic surgeon to meet your cosmetic needs. Learn more information about Dr. Robert Heck with Columbus Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery.
Tags: Choosing a Plastic Surgeon, choosing your plastic surgeon, Dr. Robert Heck, physician, plastic surgeon, plastic surgery
Posted in Choosing a Plastic Surgeon | 1 Comment »
February 4th, 2010
A Mommy Makeover is designed to correct problems and changes created by pregnancy and the result of aging. During and after pregnancy, there are several changes that take place to a woman’s body. These changes are sometimes permanent or difficult to correct with diet and exercise.
During pregnancy, women tend to accumulate fatty tissue in the mid section including the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, hips, and even arms. After delivery as a result of the accumulation of fatty tissue, women can be left with excess skin and stretch marks. Women also report that their breasts become saggy and small after pregnancy and/or breastfeeding. The additional mid section weight, excess skin, stretch marks, and the loss of size and volume to the breasts can be very depressing and frustrating for women. Dr. Robert Heck with Columbus Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery takes an individual artistic approach to each woman and mother to correct either one or a combination of these issues. Dr. Heck will look at all aspects of your body and even pre-pregnancy pictures to develop a comprehensive plan to make you feel attractive and youthful again.
One of the most common ways to rejuvenate women’s breasts after pregnancy is either with a breast augmentation or a breast lift. For those women who have just lost volume to their breasts, a breast augmentation may be right for you. For those women who have lost volume but also have an excess of breast tissue and skin, you may be a better candidate for a breast lift. Dr. Heck has been fellowship trained and specializes in a technique call the Laser Bra which can be performed with a traditional breast lift to give woman a natural, longer lasting lift.
Pregnancy can sometimes result with stretch marks (stria), excess skin, and excess fat in the abdominal area. Dr. Heck assesses each patient and their goals to determine whether they are a candidate for liposuction, a mini tummy tuck, a full tummy tuck, or a combination of these procedures. Either option is very safe and effective and can give women their pre-pregnancy, flat, tight stomach back.
Dr. Heck will then address any concerns with your thighs, buttocks, hips, arms or other body areas. Typically with these areas, liposuction can be a quick and successful way to remove excess fat, tighten the skin, re-shape, and contour your body. Dr. Heck performs all types of liposuction such as Smartlipo™, VASER ® Liposelection , power-assisted, and traditional liposuction. Dr. Heck will carefully choose what type of liposuction would best suit your body for the best results.
A Mommy Makeover is simply a generic term used to describe the options that are available to improve the body following pregnancy. Trust in Dr. Heck, who is experienced and a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, to lead you in the right direction with all your cosmetic decisions. He has been performing Mommy Makeovers for over 10 years and takes an individualized approach to meet the needs of his patients. Learn more information about Dr. Robert Heck and Columbus Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery.
Tags: breast augmentation, breast lift, flat stomach, Laser Bra, liposuction, mini tummy tuck, Mommy Makeover, pregnancy, smartlipo, stretch marks, Vaser liposelection
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January 21st, 2010
Learn about the various types of liposuction including Smartlipo™ and VASER®. Dr. Robert Heck also explains the new technologies that are making for better results, the principals of liposuction, and if it’s the right procedure for you.
Tags: columbus cosmetic surgery, columbus ohio liposuction surgeon, liposuction, smartlipo, vaser
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