Prepare Your Home

At home, you will need a place where you can rest easily without getting up for various things, most importantly your medication and liquids. The best position for you is in a reclining chair with you back elevated. It is much easier to get up from this position than from a bed or couch. On a table next to you, in a ddition to your medication being readily available, have a good suuply of what you would like to drink. On that table, also have what you plan to use to occupy your time during recovery, such as your laptop computor, books, television, remote, etc.

Check that everything is plugged in, the remote controls have batteries, the clock reads the right time, and everything in the area where you will spend time is in proper order.

Your physician may recommend that you use some medications, clothing, or gauze following your surgery. Stock up on all of these items and keep them in easy ready of your recovery area. Keep extra planets and pillows in easy reach of the recovery area, as well. If you have a lap desk, pull it out and pur it nearby.

Doing this is for your convenience. It does not mean that you need to confine yourself to one area. Your will want you up and moving around and moving your legs frequently after your surgery.

Arrange for Childcare

If you have a young child who needs to be lifted regularly (or a pet, for that matter), make arrangements for someone else to lift and care for your child during the early recovery period.

Your physician will be able to give you a rough estimate to help you gauge how long you will need this help, but ask your helper to be available on standby even beyond the period when your physician says you will definetely need it. This way you will be ready if your recovery takes slightly longer than expected. If you have a pet who needs to be taken out for walks, make arrangements for this to happen as well.

Make Arrangements for Personal Help

Even if you do not have any children at home that will need help throughout your recovery, you will still need help with personal care. If you live alone, ask someone to stay with you for the first few days to help with dishes, meals, and anything else you might need. Since you will also need a ride home after the surgery, this may be the person who picks you up from the surgery center.

Pay Bills in Advance

in the first week after your surgery, focus on your recovery. If bills are due around the time of your surgery, pay them in advance or set up an auto-pay function to ensure that the bills will be paid without any effort from you.

Take Time off Work

Many people who have relatively sedentary jobs are able to return to work within a week after breast augmetnation surgery, but recovery times do vary. Those with more strenuous jobs will need a longer breast before returning to work. Alert your employer well in advance of your surgery to ensure that you will be able to take off this time. Let your employer know that your return to work will depend on your surgery, so you may need some flexibility with your return.

If possible, schedule your procedure for a time when you are sure work will be slow. This will help ensure that you will feel comfortable being at home during this time.

Get Chores Out of the Way

In the days prior to your surgery, get hosehold chores our of the way with the knowledge that it may be several days before you are able to do any of these chores again. Do the laundry, clean the house, do all the dishes, and take out the trash.

As you are doing these chores, think ahead to what might become relevant during your surgery. Is the dishwasher working? Do you have enough dish soap? Will the trash need to be taken to the curb while you are in recovery, and if so, who will do it?

Check all of your cleaning supplies and buy any that you will need. While you are out, think ahead to the meals that you will be eating during your recovery. Microwave meals and soups in a can area n excellent and easy food selection for your surgical recovery.

Have a Consultation With Your Physician

In the weeks before your surgery, have a discussion with your physician about what to expect during surgery and recovery. You will probably have a variety of questions to ask about your recovery and the surgery itself.

Write down your questions so your conversation with the physician will be as productive as possible. Bring a notepad and a pen with you for the talk, so you ccan write down answers and a list of reminders or things to do as you think of them. Get contact information for your physician, so you can send your doctor any other questions that you might think of before the day of the surgery.

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For more information about what to expect during and after a breast augmentation surgery, contact a reputable physician. At Advanced Aesthetic & Laser Surgery, we are happy to answer your questions. Call us today for more information.

The post Breast Augmentation Implants Recovery Plastic Surgery appeared first on McMahan, James (jmcmahanmd.com).

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is making concerted effort to emphasize this to its member surgeons in recent months. Cosmetic surgery continues to grow in popularity, more and more patients are requesting surgeries that border on the edge of normalcy.

Unfortunately, patients making these requests often do not understand the potential future repercussions of their desires. Probably the most common example is a woman requesting unusually large breast implants. While they may achieve their desired look, it is unlikely that they will be happy with their decision long term. Unfortunately the future fix is not only expensive, it cna never make it as good as what it once was.

At Advanced Aesthetic & Laser Surgery in Columbus, Ohio, I recently turned down a patient who had 800cc breast implants and wanted them replaced with implants filled to the range of 1800-2000cc's. The largest implants available in the U.S. are around 800cc's, which can be inflated to around 980cc's per manufacturer specifications. Over-inflation is standard procedure with saline implants but only to a certain degree. Going substantially beyond that limit can only make the implants harder and would likely void the warranty again deflation provided by Mentor or Allergan; the two saline implant manufacturers available in the U.S.

Another example is the patient who has already had numerous cosmetic procedures but always comes back in requesting more. Sometimes it is hard to say "No" to a patient, but when it is in their best interest, you just have to do it. Unfortunately, they will likely then 'Doctor-shop' until they find someone who will try to fulfill their request. If numerous reputable plastic surgeons tell you not to have a procedure, do not keep looking for osmoene who will say "Yes." You will likely soon regret it.

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To schedule an appointment to discuss your options with Dr. McMahan, give us a call at 614-459-0060 or send us an inquiry here.

The post ASPS: “Save patients from themselves” appeared first on McMahan, James (jmcmahanmd.com).

We have all heard the adage that "Fact is stranger than fiction.' That may be truer with plastic surgery in Columbus, Ohio than anywhere else.

Here is one of the cray stories I just heard from a patient who recently came into my office.

A very pleasant, middle-aged female recently came in to see me for a consultation after signing up for surgery at a facility that uses a nationally branded scheme to lure in patients. She had spent the vast majority of her time during her consultation there with a sales person, who is the one who decided what procedures she needed….Not a physician or person with ANY medical training! She say the Doctor (who lives almost an hour away) for only FIVE minutes. It was a very high-pressure sales job that she succumed to but smartly came in for a second opinion. She was given a cost quote for liposuction of multiple areas (some where she literally has no fat!) all of which were the same cost per area (almost $2000 each!) with an additional charge for 'skin excision' but not a real tummy tuck which is the precedure that she really needs.

She was told that she will be awake during the surgery and may have some pain, as she will feel some of it. General surgery was not given as an anesthesia option. She was also considering a breast procedure but they do not do breast surgery so she had to go elsewhere for that. What kind of real plastic surgeon does not perform breast surgery?!?!

If you feel pressured during a consultation (such as being offered an 'emplyee discount' of a big discount if you pay before the end of the month – both of which she was given), go somewhere else.

Make sure that your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons as well as the American Society of Anesthetic Plastic Surgeons. Do your homework before your procedure.

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Contact us today to set up your consultation or second opinion with James D. McMahan, M.D., F.A.C.S., a Board Certified Plastic Surgeron!

The post Do Research on Your Plastic Surgeon BEFORE Surgery! appeared first on McMahan, James (jmcmahanmd.com).

It is amazing how much this can reduce pain after surgery and speed up your recovery. Particularly since a combination of short and long acting local anesthetics are often used to provide as much pain relief as possible. I have had patients take nothing but aceaminophen (Tylenol®) after procedures such as breast augmentation and tummy tucks with the use of tumescent fluid infiltration at the time of surgery. It is amazing that more surgeons do not do this as it only takes a few minutes and costs nothing.

To obtain even longer lasting pain relief, Pacira Pharmaceuticals has developed liposomal bupivacaine for use in larger cases. Bupivacaine is a long acting local anesthetic, which Pacira has essentially encapsulated in liposomes, which slowly dissolve; releasing bupivacaine gradually over three days. This produce, known as Exparel®, can provide substantial pain releif for up to three days after surgery. At this time, there is an additional charge for Exparel® as it must be ordered separately for each procedure. However, virtually all patients have found it very beneficial and definetely worth the additional cost.

Last week, as I was walking through the recovery room at the surgery center, our medical director and head of anesthesia asked me if I would please teach other plastic surgeons how to infiltrate local anesthesia into their patients at the time of surgery. He says that my patients do so much better than those of my colleagues both in the recovery room and at home. I'm not sure why I seem to be the only one concerned about how well my patients do after surgery.

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Contact Us to schedule a Consultation with Dr. McMahan at our Columbus, Ohio location.

The post Enhance your recovery from surgery with Exparel® appeared first on McMahan, James (jmcmahanmd.com).

Most women who have had a number of children resulting in loose abdominal muscles and excess skin are candidates for a standard tummy tuck where excess skin is removed from just above the belly button and the rectus muscle is tightened in the midline from the breast bone to the pubic bone to help flatten the abdomen.

A mini-abdominoplasty generally involves some liposuction of the abdomen, removing excess skin from the lower abdomen and rightening jus tthe lower abdominal muscles from the umbilicus to the pubic bone. The scar is tupically shorter and lower than with a full tuck and less skin is removed. This procedure mostly improves just the lower abdominal contour.

As the name implies, a circumferential abdominoplasty, also known as a lower body lift, removes skin from the lower abdomen, flanks and lower back. The abdominal muscles are generally tightened as is done with a full lift, however considerable more skin is removed. This procedure is typically in patients who have lost a considerable amount of weight.

The fleur-de-lis tuck is also performed in patients who have had massive weight loss. This procedure combines a standard tuck with removing an inverted "V" of skin from the abdomen to tighten the trunk both vertically as well as horizontally. The downside to this procedure is the long midline abdominal scar.

A reverse tummy tuck removes skin from the upper abdomen; pulling the skin upwards instead of down. Muscle repair is not normally done with a reverse tuck and most of the incision is hidden in the breast inframmary creases. The procedure is often done in patients who have already had a standard tuck or mini-tuck but have residual excess upper abdominal skin. A modified version removes less skin and leaves two separated scars under the breasts without combining them.

Almost all of the above procedures can be combined with one abother in the right patients.

The post Tummy Tucks: An Option for Every Patient appeared first on McMahan, James (jmcmahanmd.com).

A recent local social media post prompted this blog because of some of the ridiculous suggestions given when someone wanted to know who to go to for Botox injections. One person recommended a dentist that they go to. Another suggested an aesthetician at a local spa. I’m sure there were more, but I just couldn’t read on. REALLY!?!?!?

How about going to a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist who is trained to perform the procedure, has options available if the procedure you are asking for is not the best for you and who performs the injection himself or herself rather than dishing you off to a less qualified individual? Isn’t your face important enough for you to see a real trained professional for your cosmetic procedures? Is saving a few bucks (maybe) really that important when it comes to your appearance? Wouldn’t you rather see someone who performs these procedures all the time as opposed to seeing some untrained dude who does something completely unrelated for a living and wants to make some extra cash by doing Botox injections?

Got a tooth problem? Go to a dentist. Got pipe problems? Call a plumber. Knee issues? Find a good orthopedic surgeon. The questions are simple. The answers are easy.

If the physician is not doing the injections; why not? Aren’t you an important enough of a client to get the best for your procedure? Using a ‘trained injector’ is their way of saying, “I just don’t want to be bothered by you or have time to treat you.”

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Contact Us to schedule your injection appointment with Dr. McMahan!

The post Who is doing your procedure and why? appeared first on McMahan, James (jmcmahanmd.com).

One of the newest skin care lines to hit the market also uses the benefit of naturally occuring compounds for facial rejuvenation and skin protection. Cyantific® Skin Care utilizes a unique proprietary process to extract a compound produced by blue green algae in an environmentally safe manner. This compound is the most effective product found in nature at absorbing harmful UVA light rays, which have damaging effects on the skin causing premature aging, wrinkles, sun damage and predispose to the development of skin cancer.

Meet Stephanie Smith – New 2017 from Cyantific Skin Care on Vimeo.

Protection from ultraviolet light is critical to all skin care regimens to prevent further damage from sun exposure. The Cyantific® Skin Care line contains this highly effective UVA light absorbed absorber in the form of PhycoBoost™ in all three of its products to protect against skin cell damage caused by oxygen free radicals. The formula is also rich in critical amino acids to nourish the skin as well as protect it.

Hydration and prevention of dehydration of hte skin are likewaise critical to an effective skin program. Cyantific® Skin products also contain crambe abyssinica seed oil, a natural product found in the Mediterranean, to prevent moisture loss in the skin.

The Cyantific® Skin Care line includes a Protecting Daily Lotion with broad spectrum SPF 30, a Nourishing Daily Serum and a Hydrating Night Cream; all of which contain PhycoBoost™ for 24 hour protection.

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Contact Jenna for more information and pricing on Cyantific® Skin Care Products

The post Cyantific® Skin Care Products: Nourish, Protect & Hydrate appeared first on McMahan, James (jmcmahanmd.com).

Patients who have lost a lot of weight either through diet and exercise or after bariatric surgery often have numerous procedures to remove excess skin. The most common combination is a tummy tuck and a breast lift together, but arm lifts and thigh lifts are often thrown into the mix.

It is also possible to combine a cosmetic procedure at the time of a medically necessary one, which can save additional time and money. It is common practice to perform a septoplasty to correct a deviated septum and a cosmetic rhinoplasty at the same time. The septal surgery is generally done first so that the time to enter the OR, initiate anesthesia and perform the prep is pushed onto the insurance saving some of the cost of anesthesia and the facility.

It is not uncommon for a patient who has been approved for breast reduction surgery to consider having a tummy tuck or liposuction at the same time. Those undergoing breast reconstruction may also have cosmetic procedures done in the same setting. Liposuction is one of the most common procedures performed by plastic surgeons and is often combined with other surgeries, both cosmetic and medically necessary.

Going through one surgery rather than two also saves time off of work.

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Contact us to speak to Dr. McMahan today!

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Breast reduction is commonly covered by insurance companies as a medically necessary procedure for relief of neck, shoulder and back pain related to large, heavy breasts. Each company has its own criteria for coverage and is often determined by the height and weight of the patient as well as the weight of tissue that is to be removed. A breast lift is similar to a breast reduction except that little, if any, actual breast tissue is removed and is considered a cosmetic procedure. Patients who are denied by their insurance for a breast reduction can proceed for the procedure out of pocket as a cosmetic surgery.

Breast reconstruction is also typically covered by insurance when a breast is lost or becomes deformed due to breast cancer surgery. Some companies set a limit on how many procedures or revisions are allowed.

Patients who have lost a considerable amount of weight are often seen to have a tummy tuck to get rid of the hanging fold of skin on the lower abdomen. In these cases where the patient is suffering from a rash under the skin fold, insurance may cover a panniculectomy but not a tummy tuck. With the former, the apron of skin is removed without additional liposuction, muscle tightening or transposition of the belly button that is commonly performed at the time of an abdominoplasty.

An upper blepharoplasty can be covered by insurance to remove excess upper eyelid skin if it is severe enough to actually cause an obstruction to the vision. Prior authorization is necessary, as is required with all of the above procedures, and requires that a visual field test is done first to determine how much of the visual field is obstructed and how much it will improve with the procedure.

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Contact Us to find out if Insurance Coverage is an option for you!

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Friday: Had to make the most of our last day on the island. Took another Red Sail trip; this time just Carrie and I on one Sea-do and our guide, Leon on the other. Went to shallow Stingray City that is about a mile into the ocean in the North Bay but is only about 3 feet deep. Got to hold, pet and kiss the stingrays. This is a must do and is a very popular attraction for the cruise ship passengers. We then rode our vessels to Coral Reef, only about a quarter of a mile away for an excellent snorkeling adventure. While viewing a nice assortment of fish in about 10 feet of water, I heard hysterical laughing coming from Carrie and Leon about 15 feet away from me. They were laughing so hard that they couldn’t speak until they simultaneously pointed below me and said: “Shark”.  Apparently, about a 6 foot shark swam right underneath me, turned abruptly and swam away. I never saw it. I guess I was not on the menu.

After lunch, we went on another Dive Tech tour to deep Stingray City where I went scuba diving with the rays while Carrie snorkeled above.  We went for our final snorkel adventure off of an unnamed public beach before heading back to Heritage Kitchen for a dinner of more conch soup and snapper.

Keys to Grand Cayman: Rent a car, have your own snorkel equipment, research tours and snorkeling online as we found it very reliable, go to shallow Stingray City, Smith’s cove and Gamma shipwreck and be adventurous.

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