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No shortcuts to cosmetic plastic surgery safety: Plastic Surgeon and Award-Winning Safety Innovator Dr. Chris Patronella Speaks Out on Risks of Choosing Poorly Qualified Cosmetic Surgery Providers

Sherri Lopez — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:00:00 GMT

Dr. Patronella warns fast-track cosmetic surgery courses are inadequate substitute for extensive education and training needed to perform plastic surgery procedures safely

A two-part series in USA Today documents what has become a hot topic and a growing trend: the increasing number of doctors who are drifting away from their chosen specialties to perform more profitably lucrative cosmetic plastic surgery procedures such as liposuction, breast augmentation, and tummy tucks.

The rising popularity of cosmetic plastic surgery along with shrinking insurance reimbursements to physicians have fueled the trend, enticing both physicians and non-physicians to offer procedures which they may be poorly qualified to perform.

The lack of government regulation in this area—in most states a licensed doctor can perform any procedure and call himself a cosmetic surgeon, regardless of his training and background—has created a Wild West-like atmosphere in the industry, said Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Chris Patronella. Polished advertising, bargain prices, and seemingly trustworthy-sounding credentials can all attractively mask a provider who may lack the extensive education, training, and experience that are critical to performing these procedures safely and competently, making it "incumbent on patients to do their homework and understand these issues in order to make good choices," commented Dr. Patronella.

In the article, “Lack of Training Can Be Deadly in Cosmetic Surgery,” USA Today reporter Jane O’Donnell documents the stories of patients who experienced botched results and sometimes deadly consequences after receiving cosmetic surgery from doctors who lacked the training, proper equipment, or understanding of anesthesia principles to safely perform the procedures.

Due to lax requirements, training of those offering cosmetic surgery can vary widely. Some have received their training from one of the many weekend cosmetic surgery courses that have sprung up around the country to meet the growing demand from doctors trained in other specialties such as family medicine, pediatrics, and dentistry. Many plastic surgery experts decry this “quickie-style” approach to learning cosmetic surgery, believing it to be dangerously inadequate to equip participants with the exhaustive body of knowledge, training, and experience that is necessary to perform surgical procedures safely and effectively.

You cannot gain the critically important comprehensive understanding of anatomy that is necessary to perform these procedures safely unless you’ve seen it thousands of times—and you only get that from repetition and training—not a weekend course,” commented Dr. Patronella. “Without this knowledge and experience, it is exceedingly easy to get into a situation where you don’t understand the anatomy, and, consequently, an important structure in the body such as a vessel, nerve, or an organ is damaged,” the surgeon added.

For Dr. Patronella, the topic of patient safety is a passionate career focus that has led him to receive some of the industry's most prestigious awards and recognition for his work related to the subject. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery named his research paper, "Thromboembolism in High Risk Surgery," which focused on improving safety in high risk aesthetic surgery, the best Aesthetic Surgery Journal article of 2008. In addition, Ethicon, Inc—a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary—invited the surgeon to join a national board of advisors charged with the mission to develop safety and procedural recommendations regarding body contouring for weight loss patients.

Dr. Patronella commented that most plastic surgeons complete at least six to eight years of intensive surgical and plastic surgery training before they are in practice to perform the procedures on their own. While much of this training is related to learning the proper use of techniques, a heavy focus is also placed on recognizing and learning how to correct the potential complications of surgery in order to achieve a positive outcome.As part of the surgical training program, you learn the basics of surgery: surgical techniques, how to handle live tissue, recognize anatomy, avoid bleeding and injury to critical structures, and you gain a more intimate understanding of anatomy,” the Houston-based surgeon said.

But just as importantly, you receive a comprehensive education in managing the care of the patient before, during, and after surgery,” added Dr. Patronella. “The experience and education that comes from managing thousands of patients during the whole surgical process along with the various related surgical and medical issues related to each stage simply cannot be replaced in a weekend course.

Dr. Patronella noted that physicians in a surgical program are required to observe hundreds of cases before they are permitted to perform surgery, and even once they reach that milestone, they are supervised for years before they complete one on their own. This supervision and constructive criticism is a critical element of the learning process that is missing from a weekend course, said Dr. Patronella, who noted that, without this active critiquing, “You could be performing a procedure in an unskilled way, and you wouldn’t know it.

While some cosmetic plastic surgery procedures may seem straightforward and standard to the casual observer, they are not,” Dr. Patronella commented. “These procedures require careful evaluation, careful planning, knowledge of the unique considerations for each individual patient, and precise implementation of the plan.

In evaluating and choosing a cosmetic surgery provider, there are certain guidelines individuals can follow to maximize their safety, minimize risks, and ensure the likelihood of obtaining high quality aesthetic results. One of the most important is to select a surgeon who has met the rigorous educational, training, and professional requirements that demonstrate competency in the specialty of plastic surgery. Two of the most trustworthy indicators of this expertise include the following:

Board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)

While numerous boards of widely varying standards exist, ABPS is the only board for this specific specialty that is accredited by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS)—an organization that is nationally recognized for its high standards.

Membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)

Membership to the prestigious American Society of Plastic Surgeons signifies a surgeon fulfills the following standards:

Has at least five years of surgical training with a minimum of two years in plastic surgery
Is trained and experienced in all plastic surgery procedures, including breast, body, face, and reconstruction
Operates only in accredited medical facilities

Beyond these essential qualifications, Dr. Patronella has written a detailed list of guidelines to help individuals make an informed decision in choosing a cosmetic plastic surgery provider.

Read the full USA Today articles by Jane O’Donnell:

Part One: “Lack of Training Can Be Deadly in Cosmetic Surgery”

Part Two: “Cosmetic Surgery Gets Cheaper, Faster, Scarier”

10-Feb-12 9:00 AM

Dr. Chris Patronella Partners with SkinMedica for Cosmetic Study Focused on Diminishing Scar Appearance

Sherri Lopez — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:00:00 GMT

By Sherri Roberts Lopez

Houston plastic surgeon, Dr. Chris Patronella, FACS, FICS, is honored to partner with SkinMedica, the fastest growing professional skin care company in the United States, in a study to test the company’s latest breakthrough in professional skin care -- SkinMedica Scar Recovery Gel. Set to launch this spring, Scar Recovery Gel has been clinically shown to help diminish the appearance of postsurgical scars in the critical formation phase.

“Dr. Patronella is a well-renowned and accomplished surgeon,” said Sujatha Sonti, PhD, Senior Director of R&D and Regulatory Affairs at SkinMedica. “We are excited to partner with him for this study in order to test the performance of Scar Recovery Gel in a surgical setting, specifically for larger scars resulting from tummy tuck, breast augmentation, and breast reduction surgeries,” added Dr. Sonti.

Dr. Patronella and Rahul Mehta, PhD, Executive director of Research and Development at SkinMedica, first discussed testing Scar Recovery Gel at the company’s 2011 V.I.P. summit. “We always work closely with our professional partners to help determine best regimens and judge product performance,” said Dr. Mehta. “Working with Dr. Patronella was a natural fit for a scar product and presented us with a great opportunity to receive an unbiased opinion on the product.”

“We can’t do these cosmetic operations without leaving a scar, so I work hard to develop a treatment plan for my patients that will minimize the appearance of scars as much as possible,” said Dr. Patronella. “Working with SkinMedica on a study like this excites me as I feel that postsurgical scars is an area that is often overlooked in cosmetic surgery, though it is a common concern for patients” added Dr. Patronella.

Dr. Mehta and Dr. Patronella plan to compare the performance of Scar Recovery Gel with other products the surgeon is already using. Approximately 40 of Dr. Patronella’s breast surgery patients, who have agreed to participate, will be divided into four separate treatment groups. Over a six month period, each group will follow a different topical product regimen, in order to compare the effectiveness and tolerability of the different regimens.

If you interested in cosmetic plastic surgery to help you achieve a new look, call our office at 713.799.9999 to schedule your consultation with Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Chris Patronella.

11-Jan-12 10:00 AM

Making Patients' Experience as Special As Possible - Dr. Patronella's Surgery Center Nurse Shares what Makes the ACPS SurgiCentre an Exceptional Place

Sherri Lopez — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:00:00 GMT

Becky Tittle, RN, ACPS SurgiCentre nurse manager

“One of my favorite aspects of working at the SurgiCentre is just watching the phenomenal results our surgeons are able to achieve. We meet a lot of patients not just from Texas, but from all around the country and all over the world. You’ve got to make it as comfortable as possible for them.

"Our goal at the SurgiCentre is to make our patients’ experience as special as possible. They’re making life-changing decisions, and they’re getting life-changing results; it’s an awesome thing to think you’re helping people make positive changes in their lives.

“Patients receive almost one-on-one care. They are given a nurse who stays with them the whole time. They have a nurse with them before surgery, in the operating room, and in recovery the whole time.

“The level of skill and the level of service we provide our patients is exceptional. Most of the SurgiCentre’s employees have been in nursing or the health field for more than 20 years; you’ve got such a level of excellence. And we provide that level of care every single day. “We’re like a smooth-running machine. You have to be to do more than 1500 cases a year, most of which are multiple procedures.

“Our surgery center is a special place to work. We work very well as a group, and we’re held to a very high standard—and that’s a good thing. We are treated very well as employees. As well as our surgeons treat the patients, they treat us as employees, and that can only make us better at what we do. At the end of almost every day, our surgeons say, ‘Thank you.’”

6-Dec-11 9:00 AM

Avoiding the Windblown Look: Dr. Patronella's Approach to Creating Natural-Looking Facelift Results

Sherri Lopez — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:00:00 GMT

Facelift Before and After Photos

For this 61-year-old woman who desired a more refreshed facial appearance, Dr. Patronella performed an SMAS facelift, necklift, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), and a browlift. In facial rejuvenation procedures, Dr. Patronella often combines surgical and nonsurgical treatments. In this case, he used a hyaluronic acid cosmetic filler to add fullness to her lips and to soften the nasolabial folds that stretch from the bottom of the nose to the corners of the mouth.

By Sherri Roberts Lopez

When it comes to facial rejuvenation, Dr. Patronella has found that while most individuals desire to correct the characteristics of facial aging which cause them to appear tired and worn, they often are concerned that cosmetic plastic surgery will alter their unique facial characteristics.

“Most of my patients say, ‘I don’t mind my age. I just want to look good for my age,’” said Dr. Patronella. “Creating a naturally rejuvenated look that preserves the unique personal characteristics of an individual’s face is the most important thing I can do for a patient.”

To create natural-looking results, said Dr. Patronella, there must be an equal distribution of lift applied to each area of the face, as pulling one area excessively leads to an artificial look. In addition, because most people experience a loss of bone and deep tissue both in quality and quantity, restoration of this lost tissue through fat grafting is a key component of restoring a youthful look to the face. This factor, he said, is the likely reason for the much publicized examples of windblown-looking celebrity faces. “They get repeated pulls without restoring the volume.”

Creating natural-looking facelift results requires an attentive eye to a myriad of other details, as well, in order to avoid producing a look that reveals the tell-tale signs of surgery. These include making sure the earlobes are not pulled, ensuring that there is a small concave area in front of the ear, and avoiding pulling up the hairline.

Dr. Patronella is particularly attentive to placing the incisions in such a way that they're hard to detect, angling his incisions in the natural crease of the earlobe and behind the ear. "My goal is to make the incision in such a way that my patients can wear their hair up without feeling self-conscious," he said.

While the late 40s to the early 50s is the most common age range of Dr. Patronella’s facelift patients, the surgeon said he has seen patients in their 30s who need facelifts and those in their 50s who do not. “The aging process can affect people in different ways. We must be flexible in our thinking and not confine our approach based on age alone.”Factors such as genetics, lifestyle, major weight changes, and nutritional habits can all accelerate the aging process, he said.

Though patients often focus on one or two aged features such as jowls or loose neck skin, most will also have other aged facial features such as fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth, that, if unaddressed, will lead to an unbalanced look that appears partially rejuvenated and partially aged, said Dr. Patronella. To avoid this, he evaluates each aging facial feature in order to advise patients of the best approach to achieving rejuvenation that appears balanced, thorough, and natural.

If you would like to learn more about facial rejuvenation options to help you achieve a more youthful, refreshed look, call our office at 713.799.9999 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Patronella.

21-Nov-11 3:00 PM

Houston Plastic Surgeon Dr. Chris Patronella Participates in Study Evaluating New Pain Relief Medication's Effects Upon Breast Augmentation Patients

Sherri Lopez — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 22:00:00 GMT

DepoFoam Study of Breast Augmentation Patients (PDF Document)

By Sherri Roberts Lopez

While his surgical artistry and expertise have earned him numerous awards and speaking invitations to plastic surgeons across the globe, Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Chris Patronella considers his commitment to optimizing the care and recovery of his patients an equally significant component behind the growth and success of his practice. In addition to carefully selecting staff members who have the golden combination of both professional skill and a warm, compassionate manner of caring for patients, Dr. Patronella has participated in numerous research studies with the goal to enhance the safety, results, and postoperative healing of his patients.

Considered by many of his peers to be one of the nation’s foremost breast augmentation and revision specialists, Dr. Patronella was invited to participate in clinical trials to assess the safety and effectiveness of a newly-formulated pain relief medication following breast augmentation surgery. As a new formulation of bupivacaine−one of the most commonly used anesthetics for postsurgical pain management−DepoFoam® bupivacaine was designed to provide longer-lasting pain relief than that delivered by bupivacaine.

In the study, Dr. Patronella and his physician colleagues evaluated a total of 94 women who received DepoFoam® bupivacaine following breast augmentation surgery with breast implants. Patients completed a questionnaire to evaluate issues such as breast pain, tenderness, tingling, numbness, and changes in sensation. In addition, the women’s postoperative healing and the integrity of the implants were assessed.

Results showed that most patients reported none of these symptoms and experienced no changes to the nipples or size and shape of the breasts. Researchers concluded DepoFoam® bupivacaine was well-tolerated and not associated with any long-term complications that would compromise the integrity of the breast implants. The study is thought to provide the first published report of results from a long-term evaluation of the effects of local analgesics on the integrity of breast implants.

"We're always looking for ways to make the postoperative recovery of our patients as comfortable as possible," said Dr. Patronella. In addition to this study, Dr. Patronella has participated in numerous studies to enhance patient safety and results through the ACPS Center for Clinical Research and Education. He and his colleagues received the prestigious "Best Aesthetic Surgery Journal Article" of 2008 award for their article which documented their research and recommendations to improve the safety of patients based upon their review of 3871 cases ("Thromboembolism in High-Risk Aesthetic Surgery: Experience with 17 Patients in a Review of 3871 Cases"). In addition, Dr. Patronella has presented his research and expertise to optimize patient care and satisfaction and improve body contouring and breast surgery results to his colleagues at plastic surgery meetings.

4-Nov-11 5:00 PM

An Interview With Dr. Patronella’s Aesthetic Nurse Specialist, Abby Loner, RN

Sherri Lopez — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 02:00:00 GMT

By Sherri Roberts Lopez

As Dr. Patronella’s aesthetic nurse specialist, Abby Loner, RN, specializes in providing nonsurgical cosmetic injectable treatments to restore a more youthful look to the face. While cosmetic injectables are a fast and easy way to smooth away lines and wrinkles and plump the lips, with all the great options available, it can be perplexing to know which one to choose. ACPS Communications Director Sherri Lopez sat down with Abby to discuss this and some of the other most commonly asked questions about cosmetic injectables.

Sherri: Abby, how do you develop an individualized cosmetic injectable treatment plan that will provide the most effective rejuvenation benefits for a patient?

Abby: I like to look at the anatomical structure of the face. I don’t use a cookie cutter approach because each person’s facial structure is unique. I listen to their concerns—what they see that bothers them—and what they would like to achieve. I consider both their goals along with the anatomical characteristics that I see in order to determine which injectable will provide them with the most benefit.

I explain the limitations and expected results. And we set up a plan that is based upon their goals, budgets, and plans. For example, if a patient has an upcoming event for which she wants to look her best, we plan the injectable treatment within a time frame that will allow any bruising that may result to be diminished.

Sherri: What is the difference between BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport™, and hyaluronic acid-based fillers such as Restylane®, Perlane®, and Juvederm™?

Abby: BOTOX®Cosmetic and Dysport™ are used for lines that are formed as a result of muscle movement, generally in the upper third of the face. They are quite effective to soften lines around the outer corners of eyes, the vertical lines sometimes called “elevens” that form between the brows, and the horizontal forehead lines that can give the face a tired, worn look.

Fillers are used for deeper lines and folds, for the most part, in the bottom third of the face. But they can also be used to add volume to the face and lips. I choose the filler that will provide the most effective results based upon the location of the area being treated and/or the depth of the wrinkles.

Sherri: With BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport™, how do you achieve the balance between softening lines without giving someone a frozen look that appears artificial?

Abby: The anatomy of the face is very complex. You have to inject BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport™ into very specific muscles in order to gently diminish lines without taking away all the expressive features of the face.

In the same way, with fillers, it is important to have an understanding of the various depths of the skin because different fillers are put in at different depth levels. The goal with both kinds of treatments is to create a look that is naturally youthful, rather than overdone.

Sherri: How long does it take to see the results of cosmetic injectables, and how long do they typically last?

Abby: With hyaluronic-acid based fillers, the results are immediate, but you may not see the final result until up to a week after treatment. For most people, they last about 6 months to one year.

For BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport ™ treatments, it typically takes about one week for the lines created by muscle movement to be smoothed out. Their benefits typically last about three to five months.

Sherri: What are some of the most common potential side effects of these treatments?

Abby: After treatment with BOTOX®Cosmetic or Dysport™, some people may have a little bit of redness at the injection sites for about 20 minutes. With fillers, bruising and swelling may occur, though this varies between individuals. The best way to decrease the chances of bruising and swelling is to avoid alcohol for 24 hours before and after treatment. In addition for 24 hours before and after treatment, avoid taking Alleve, aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, flax seed oil, and Vitamin E.

Sherri: While lines and wrinkles start to become more noticeable to most individuals when they are in their 30s and 40s, you do have patients in their 20s who choose to have treatments. How can this be beneficial?

Abby: BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport™ actually provide a dual benefit. By gently relaxing the muscle movement, they correct lines that have formed. But, they also work as a preventive measure, keeping the lines from deepening.

Sherri: What are some of the less commonly known benefits that injectables can provide?

Abby: Some people don’t realize that BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport™ can be used to give you a little bit of a browlift. They can be injected in a way to relax the muscles that depress the brows and cause them to sag. This gives the eyes a more lifted, awake look.

They can also be used to decrease underarm sweating. This is an especially popular treatment around the warm and humid months of the wedding season. The treatment takes about 20 minutes and typically lasts about six months.

Sherri: I’d like to ask you about one of the newer treatments that is becoming increasingly popular and receiving a lot of attention in the media: Sculptra®Aesthetic. How is it different from other injectables?

Abby: Sculptra®Aesthetic stimulates collagen to replace volume that has been lost in the face. As part of the aging process, the face experiences a loss of fat, bone, and collagen. This is why the cheek pads often develop a more flattened appearance, and the lower lids become more sunken. There are a lot of subtle contour changes in other areas, as well, such as the temple region, which often become more hollow in appearance, and along the jowls. Sculptra helps to restore youthful-looking volume to these areas of the face.

Unlike hyaluronic acid-based fillers, Sculptra®Aesthetic’s results are not instantaneous. They appear gradually through a series of three treatments spaced about four to six weeks apart. The full results are usually evident in six months and can last for up to two or two and a half years, on average.

Sherri: It’s a cruel tradeoff, but often people who are fit and regularly exercise can develop an older, more gaunt facial appearance because they have less facial fat, while their bodies appear more youthful because they are in great shape.

Abby: Yes, that’s the great thing about Sculptra®Aesthetic and other cosmetic injectables. They restore volume to the face so you can have a youthful-looking face and body!

Sherri: What do you find to be the most satisfying aspect of your role as an aesthetic nurse specialist?

Abby: I love seeing the instant results and the happiness these treatments bring patients. A lot of them tell me it gives them more confidence because they have a more refreshed and youthful look.

Sherri: Dr. Patronella and many of your patients have told me that what they appreciate about you is that you have a very gentle touch, but you provide very effective results.

Abby: Thank you. I love what I do, and working with Dr. Patronella is wonderful. It’s a true privilege to help people achieve their aesthetic goals, and we have the best patients!

To schedule your consultation and cosmetic injectable treatment with Abby Loner, RN, call our office at 713.799.9999.

22-Oct-11 9:00 PM

A Beautiful Curve Duo - Liposuction & the Brazilian Butt Lift

Sherri Lopez — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

By Sherri Roberts Lopez

While the fairy-tale wedding of British royal Prince William and Kate Middleton captured the attention of television viewers across the world, Kate’s lovely maid-of-honor, Pippa Middleton, and her shapely rear view nearly stole the show. Pippa’s derriere has quickly gained a celebrity status of its own, inspiring its very own Facebook page and a growing number of women seeking cosmetic plastic surgery to achieve a similar look.

Though voluptuous celebrities Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian may have helped launch the Brazilian Butt Lift trend, Pippa’s slightly more demure curves are the new trend, say many plastic surgeons. Especially among those with more petite proportions, a Pippa-style butt lift fits the bill for women who desire a profile that’s shapely, yet a little less high-volume.

Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Chris Patronella says the Brazilian Butt Lift procedure provides the perfect curve-enhancing combination for many women, allowing them to have fat removed from areas where is is undesired through liposuction and grafted into the buttocks to give them a rounder, more lifted contour.

Dr. Patronella also often performs the procedure for patients who have experienced moderate to large weight loss, which commonly leaves the buttocks with an unattractive flattened appearance. Through fat grafting, he is able to resculpt the buttocks to give them a fuller, more lifted shape.

Similarly to breast augmentation, a procedure for which he is considered one of the nation’s foremost experts, Dr. Patronella customizes buttocks enhancement surgery to fit the preferences and unique proportions of each patient.

If you are interested in Brazilian Butt Lift surgery, contact our office at 713.799.9999 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Patronella. He will be happy to answer your questions and recommend a plan to help you achieve the contours you desire.

8-Oct-11 7:00 PM

More Brides Choosing Cosmetic Plastic Surgery to Enhance Beauty

Sherri Lopez — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:30:00 GMT

By Sherri Roberts Lopez

Like most reality shows, E! network’s Bridalplasty features a fascinating mix of unscripted dialogue, unharmonious personalities, and concocted contests that inspire no shortage of weeping, scheming, and cat fights as contestants vie for the coveted prize: the wedding and plastic surgery procedures of their dreams.

Though the show takes it to sensational extremes, it puts the spotlight on what is becoming an increasingly popular choice for brides-to-be and members of the wedding party: surgical and non-surgical cosmetic plastic surgery procedures to help them look their best.

Every bride wants to look radiant and beautiful on her wedding day. And while a manicure, pedicure, and perfectly coiffed hair are on the beauty checklist for most of them, many are also electing to have procedures to enhance their physical features and give their complexions’ a smooth and even glow.

Liposuction and Breast Augmentation

Since she'll be wearing a form-fitting gown that reveals her every contour, it’s no surprise that liposuction and breast augmentation top the list of most-requested surgical procedures for many a bride-to-be who visits Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Chris Patronella. Though dieting and trips to the gym are part of the routine for most brides in the months leading up to the big day, it’s not uncommon for certain areas of the body to retain stubborn areas of fat. To eliminate these unwanted lumps and bumps, many choose to have liposuction to enhance their shape and proportions. The procedure can be used to improve the contours on almost any area of the body, including the arms, tummy, waist, and thighs.

In conjunction with liposuction, many women opt to have the fat that is removed injected into their buttocksto give them a rounder, lifted contour—better known as a Brazilian Butt Lift. This procedure has become increasingly popular thanks to celebrities Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian, who made shapely buttocks a trend-setting feature.

CoolSculpting® Nonsurgical Fat Reduction

For those who would like to reduce fatty bulges without the need for downtime or anesthesia, CoolSculpting® is a safe and simple fat reduction alternative that uses cooling technology to freeze away fat cells from the targeted areas. Patients can read or work on their laptops while the one-to-two hour treatment takes place at Dr. Patronella’s Added Touch Medical Spa and, immediately afterwards, return to their normal activities. A single treatment reduces fat by an average of 20 percent, with the full results visible about 8 to 12 weeks after the treatment session.

Breast Augmentation: Saline or Silicone Implants

Many of the future brides who consult with Dr. Patronella desire to improve the shape and size of their breasts through breast augmentation with saline or silicone implants. The majority of women, said Dr. Patronella, want natural-looking results that give their breasts a shapelier appearance which fits well with their bodies’ proportions. To help them choose an implant size and visualize results, patients have the opportunity to try on breast implants of various sizes during their consultation.

Nonsurgical Procedures to Smooth and Brighten the Skin

Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peels, and Laser Treatment

To give their skin a fresh and even-looking glow, many brides and members of the bridal party have a series of skin resurfacing treatmentss such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser treatments. These treatments slough away the dead skin cells and debris on the skin's surface which can dull the complexion and clog the pores. The result is brighter skin which has a smoother, more evenly-toned appearance.

An additional laser treatment that is very popular with women is laser hair reduction. A series of these treatments allows you to enjoy silky smooth, stubble-free skin without the daily maintenance and time that a shaving routine requires.

Cosmetic Injectables

In 2010, cosmetic injectables such as BOTOX®Cosmetic, Dysport™,and Juvederm™ topped the list of most requested nonsurgical procedures. Their popularity can be attributed to their effectiveness at diminishing fine lines almost instantly in a quick office visit that typically takes less than an hour. And, for women who desire to have a fuller, shapelier pout, injectables can also be used to give the lips a kissably soft, plump look.

While breast augmentation, liposuction, skin resurfacing, and cosmetic injectables are some of the most popular procedures for brides-to-be, many other aesthetic concerns can be addressed, as well, including rhinoplasty (nose job) to improve the appearance of the nose and bring it into harmony with other facial features, tummy tuck surgery to give the tummy a smooth flat look, and facial rejuvenation procedures. If you are interested in cosmetic plastic surgery, it is important to plan the procedure to allow sufficient time for any bruising and swelling to diminish.

If you are interested in cosmetic plastic surgery to enhance your appearance, call our office at 713.799.9999 to schedule your consultation with Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Chris Patronella. His goal is to help you achieve your appearance goals through an experience that is smooth and rewarding from start to finish.

21-Sep-11 11:30 AM

Your Rx for Beautiful Skin

Sherri Lopez — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 03:00:00 GMT

A Key Component of Facial Rejuvenation

By Sherri Roberts Lopez

Smooth, supple, evenly-toned skin radiates youthful, fresh-faced beauty. But about the time most of us hit our mid-20s, the natural aging process causes the skin’s collagen production to slow—the process which helps the skin to remain smooth and firm—and the skin’s elastin begins to weaken, meaning skin’s ability to snap back into place becomes compromised, which is why expression lines become more visible around the eyes, forehead, and mouth. In addition, skin cell turnover rate begins to slow, so that older, damaged cells which lie on the skin’s surface are less quickly sloughed off and replaced by fresh, new cells. Along with this intrinsic aging process, external factors such as sun exposure, environmental pollutants, and smoking prematurely age the skin, leading to fine lines, brown spots, a blotchy complexion, and a rougher, more leathery skin texture.

While we can’t stop the aging process, the good news is Dr. Patronella’s Added Touch Medical Spa has many non-surgical skin-resurfacing treatments that can remove years from your appearance by restoring a soft, smooth, and even tone to your complexion. Many of these can be performed in less than an hour and require little to no down time. In addition to restoring your skin’s smoothness and youthful glow, these treatments can effectively target and diminish a wide array of concerns including:

Fine lines
Brown Spots/sun damage
Acne/acne scars
Rosacea
Stretch marks
Surgical scars
Spider veins
Unwanted hair

Laser treatments, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion all work to resurface the skin, removing the damaged outer layers to reveal fresher, younger-looking skin. The resurfacing action of these treatments is accomplished through differing methods: microdermabrasion uses the gentle mechanical action of crystals to massage away dead skin cells, while chemical peels rely on agents such as salicylic acid and lactic acid—a natural alpha hydroxy acid that is found in milk—to slough away dead skin cells.

Fraxel laser treatments work from the inside out to renew the skin’s surface through microscopic laser columns that penetrate into the dermis to stimulate the remodeling of the skin’s collagen and elastin, resulting in firmer, fresher-looking skin. If skin color irregularities are your primary concern, pulsed light treatments (IPL) are an effective option to restore a more even tone to the skin. They use wavelengths of pulsed light to target and destroy vascular and pigmented lesions such as spider veins, rosacea, and sunspots/sun damage. In addition, pulsed light treatments can be used to eliminate acne-causing bacteria and inhibit future breakouts.

So with such a great assortment of skin resurfacing options from which to choose, how do you know which is best for your needs? While all will help to restore a fresher, smoother, evenly-toned appearance to your skin, the treatment that works best for you will depend upon factors such as the level of exfoliation you desire, the skin characteristics you seek to improve, and your skin tone. The skin care specialists at the Added Touch Medical Spa will evaluate your skin appearance goals and concerns in order to recommend the treatments and products that will most effectively help you achieve the results you desire. Optimal results are generally achieved through a series of four skin-resurfacing treatments spaced about four weeks apart.

To further enhance the appearance of your skin and maintain the results of treatments, we recommend a daily skin care routine that includes products containing active, pharmaceutical-grade ingredients that work beneath the surface of the skin to regenerate it and protect it from the sun damage and free radicals that wreak havoc on its health and appearance. One of the most beneficial products you can use is a retinoid—a powerhouse ingredient that increases skin cell turnover rate and stimulates collagen production to improve the skin’s tone, texture, elasticity, and firmness. By combining skin resurfacing treatments with a daily skin care routine that is customized to meet your skin’s needs, you have an effective formula to rejuvenate the look of your skin—the foundation of natural beauty and a youthful appearance.

If you are interested in learning more about skin resurfacing treatments and our full line of SkinMedica and Obagi skin care products to rejuvenate the appearance of your skin, Dr. Patronella's skin care specialists will be happy to answer all of your questions and explain the options that will best meet your needs. Call us today at 713.799.9999 to schedule your consultation with a skin care specialist at the Added Touch Medical Spa.

5-Sep-11 10:00 PM

Even More Reasons to Use a Retinoid

Christopher Patronella — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 14:00:00 GMT

By Dr. Christopher Patronella

for BEAUTYtalk by SkinMedica

Few skin care ingredients have been as extensively studied—and proven—as retinoids, and these vitamin A derivatives have skin benefits that range from improvement in visible signs of aging to reduction in acne.

The brainchild of dermatologist Albert Kligman, MD, tretinoin (the active ingredient in Retin-A) was first introduced as an acne treatment in the early 1970s. But when researchers noticed improved skin firmness and a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles in acne study participants, the anti-aging chapter in the retinoid story began.

The primary effect of retinoids is increased skin cell turnover. Our skin cells are constantly multiplying and sloughing off, but when retinoids are introduced to the skin, damaged cells are eliminated and replaced with healthy cells more quickly. (In acne patients, this helps prevent pores from getting clogged, which is the first step of the acne cycle.) Secondarily, retinoids prompt the formation of new collagen in the upper levels of the skin that result in increased firmness and smoothness, and also reduce the activity of melanocytes, the cells that produce unwanted pigment in our skin.

Retinoids also play a role in preparing the skin for more aggressive treatments and procedures, including laser resurfacing, deeper chemical peels, and even plastic surgery. Not only do they help get the skin in its healthiest state, they also increase the rate at which skin heals and reduce the risk of pigment changes after such procedures.

Post-surgical scar treatment can also be helped with retinoids. In a similar vein, retinoids are also useful for treating stretch marks, especially when they are in the early stages. (However, retinoids are known teratogen, that have the ability to disturb development, so it’s best to avoid the ingredient until pregnancy and nursing are complete.)

These benefits are occasionally accompanied by side effects like irritation, redness or skin flaking, but they can be managed. To acclimate the skin, start with a low-concentration retinol or retinoid, and gradually build up the concentration over a few months. If side effects persist, stop using the retinoid for a few days, use hydrocortisone to calm the skin, and then resume retinoid use. The good news is, the irritation is never permanent, but the benefits of retinoids are long lasting.

As with any method of skin exfoliation, retinoid use can make skin more sun sensitive, so diligent use of sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater is essential. If you’re going on vacation and you know you’re going to be in the sun, stop using retinoids about two weeks prior. When applying retinoids to the face, it’s also important to take care around the eye area, as this skin is thinner and more prone to irritation. When using other exfoliating skin care ingredients such as glycolic acid or hydroquinone (which is extremely effective for hyperpigmentation when used in conjunction with retinoids), I advise adding one product to your regimen at a time to assess how the skin reacts.

In my opinion, just about anyone is a good candidate for a retinoid. Beyond the visible skin improvement retinoids provide for both wrinkles and acne, they play a valuable role both before and after surgery, chemical peels and laser resurfacing treatments.

Authored by Christopher K. Patronella, M.D. in On Call on August 18th, 2011

Dr. Patronella received his medical doctor degree from the University of Texas Medical School in Galveston, Texas. Following his internship and surgical residency at the Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans, he completed his plastic surgery fellowship at St. Joseph Hospital in Houston, Texas. He is board certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery, and holds the prestigious honor of being a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Fellow of the International College of Surgeons.

22-Aug-11 9:00 AM

Founding Partner of Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery Selected to Join National Council of Leaders in Breast Aesthetics

noemail@patronellamd.com — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 17:00:00 GMT

HOUSTON, Jan. 23, 2008 – The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (www.mybeautifulbody.com), one of the largest private plastic surgery practices in Texas, is pleased to announce the selection of Christopher Patronella, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.I.C.S., to the NOVO National Council of Leaders in Breast Aesthetics. Dr. Patronella is currently the only surgeon from Houston selected to this prestigious appointment.

Dr. Patronella and his colleagues on the council will be responsible for advising NOVO on various aspects of product research and development of new products for plastic surgeons.

In addition to being a recognized leader in plastic surgery innovations, Dr. Patronella is founding partner of The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery. His Web site is www.patronellamd.com.

Dr. Patronella is board certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and was elected as a Fellow of the International College of Surgeons (FICS).

A graduate of the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Dr. Patronella also is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, recognizing his expertise and experience in the field of cosmetic surgery. Membership for this society is awarded only to board certified plastic surgeons who demonstrate the additional interest and experience in cosmetic surgery, and can pass the scrutiny of well-respected peers in this area of plastic surgery.

About the Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery
The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery was founded in 1996 by Dr. Christopher K. Patronella, Dr. Henry A. Mentz, III, and Dr. German Newall. Today, ACPS has seven surgeons and a highly trained and professional staff that works with thousands of patients each year to achieve their appearance goals. ACPS also features the Center for Clinical Research and Plastic Surgery Education to educate, evaluate and offer the latest and safest techniques in aesthetic plastic surgery. For more information, visit www.mybeautifulbody.com or call (713) 799-9999.

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