Patient Portal

Ezine 12 September 2003

Dear Friend,

Welcome to the 12th issue of my ezine. This is intended to be a free and a fun way to learn about plastic surgery. I am still overwhelmed by the tremendous number of questions I keep receiving. Once again, I picked out a few that I think are interesting and let you see how I answered them. I again thank everyone for their interest and ideas. Keep emailing your questions…
THANKS AGAIN– our Yahoo Store has far exceeded our expectations and we want to thank everyone for their support!
Our first question is from IT:
Email Question – I was wondering if you could recommend anyone in northern New Jersey who uses lasers to remove moles. Everyone I visit refuses to use a laser on them for some reason.
Any help will be appreciated.
Email Answer – I would refer you to the ASPS website at www.plasticsurgery.org where you can look up all board certified plastic surgeons in your area.
Remember, laser breaks up the pigmentation. We only do this if we do not think it is cancer!! Any mole or lesion can become cancer at a later time if sun damage, genetics etc. are predisposing factors. You should do skin screening every month for the rest of your life! Skin cancer is very common. It is one of the biggest epidemics of our time. If you live long enough, practically everyone gets it!
Don't forget, not every mole can be treated with laser so I would caution you since the doctors you have seen tell you laser is not an option! Check out our site for more information on moles as well as the patient pictures (removal by laser or surgery). Thanks for your question.
Our next question is from SA:
Email Question – BEFORE PREGNANCY I WEIGHED 108 POUNDS BUT DELIVERED AT 161 POUNDS. NOW, 2 MONTHS LATER, I STILL WEIGH 130 POUNDS AND HAVE MANY STRETCH MARKS. COULD I POSSIBLY HAVE LIPOSUCTION DONE ON MY STOMACH, INNER AND OUTER THIGHS WITHOUT HAVING A SCAR? OR WOULD I HAVE TO HAVE A TUMMY TUCK WITH THE HUGE CUT ACROSS MY ABDOMEN?
THANK YOU
Email Answer - The choice is yours. Liposuction does nothing for the stretch marks (regardless of what others might tell you,)though The skin tone (usually weakened with age and pregnancies) cannot be tightened with liposuction either. Some people opt for liposuction and wait until they are done having kids to get a tummy tuck. If you want a nice dramatic difference, think about getting a tummy tuck. If you want some shape improvement, liposuction can work well for you. Check out the scars because the ones you are willing to tolerate and what difference you are looking for will help you decide which procedure is right for you.
I am very concerned when you ask about liposuction with no scar. There is a lot of unethical marketing out there today. Liposuction involves scars. They are usually very small – about 1 cm but very real. They are usually placed in creases, in the belly button and other areas where they are not very noticeable but they are permanent!
Thanks for your question.
AGAIN, thank you all for your questions!
Thinking of visiting a plastic surgeon??
I think a great place for you to start is the 7 critical questions on our site at https://www.prplastic.com/ These are the things you should look for in your selection process. I think they will be helpful.
The ASPS site at www.plasticsurgery.org will also give you a list of board certified plastic surgeons in your area.
I am always available if you decide you would ever want a consultation with me. I frequently see patients from out of town and we try to make special provisions.
Remember, no other plastic surgeon I know has ever had an ezine. They don't know how to tell others about what they do, what they should ask other surgeons etc. Some have a boring stuffy newsletter that is preprinted and they just add their name or something. This is not like that! You will not find useless stuff intended to get you to come in and see me and spend money in my office. Just help. And meaningful information.
Remember, knowledge is power.
By the way, I hope you had a great summer because I think it’s over judging by the weather change in Chicago. I hope you all have fun but stay healthy…
Email me – ask whatever you want. You are the ones that will help make this ezine fun and exciting. What do you want to know?? Ask anything! Ask away…
Best regards,
Dr. Sam Speron
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
P.S. I want everyone to remember I’m doing this for you. I want everyone to become a well-informed consumer. But, I also want it to be easy and fun to read. I want you to look forward to getting it. Email me. What’s boring? What’s exciting to you? Let me know. You are the heart and soul of this newsletter. Are we still having fun??