May 2, 2003

Dear Friend,

Welcome to the 9^th 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 – our Yahoo Store is has really taken off and we would simply want to thank everyone for their support! 

Our first question is from SA:

Email Question –    I was browsing through the net looking for a permanent solution to the mole
I have on my face.  I’ve tried getting it removed a few times by practical methods i.e. getting it shaved, yet no success.  On your website it says the IPL mole removal is almost always successful at removing the mole permanently.  Anyway the problem is I live in Virginia, I can't see flying all the way to Chicago, especially being that Im only 20, just for a simple procedure such as this.  My question is, I was wondering if you could refer me to any local
dermatologists who could perform the same procedure?  Any help or assistance
would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks

Email Answer – We have a lot of patients from out of town and try to accomodate as best as we can.  A procedure and consultation on the same day is possible.  We would also try to fit you in since our waiting list is 2-3 months.

Most moles can benefit from Fotofacial.   But do not think it will get rid of 100% of everything!  With enough treatments, yes, it usually does.  I would need to examine you to be sure, but it sounds like your mole was deeper than a shave excision or IPL laser can remove.  I would probably recommend excising it. 

As a general rule, something raised usually needs to be shaved, cut out or lasered (destructive laser).  Flat things can usually be lasered (non-ablatively ie. IPL).  The problem with the non ablative laser is you can require several treatments (1-8) and need to be good about maintenenance (sun block, skin care etc.).  This does provide the best option with regards to scarring as usually there is none.

That's the best I can do by email unfortunately.  I hope this made sense and I would be happy to help you if you decide to go that route.  If you do not like the distance, I would refer you to the Lumenins website at  www.lumenis.com where you can look up all doctors in your area who use IPL and have the machine.   I would also refer you to the ASPS website at www.plasticsurgery.org where you can look up all board certified plastic surgeons in your area if you decide to have your mole surgically removed.  Thanks for your question.

Our next question is from RD:

Email Question –     I am interested in having breast augmentation however I have an autoimmune disease called vitiligo.  Can you comment on any contraindications?

Email Answer - There is no contraindication to breast implants with any autimmune disease -
even if you opted for silicone implants (which is where the controversy was
in the 80s).  With saline implants, there are absolutely no active issues.  There is now plenty of data that says there is no higher risk of autoimmune disease, breast cancer or anything like that in patients who have breast implants – whether they get saline or silicone implants.  Remember, silicone is in a lot of things you come in contact with very commonly – ice cream, syringe needles etc. 

Please check out our site at www.prplastic for more breast augmentation information and pictures. 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  http://www.prplastic.com/7_critical_questions_to_ask_any_plastic_surgeon.htm.  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, Happy Mother’s Day.  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??

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