It's Not Too Late!

It's not too late to have that cosmetic surgical procedure in time for the holidays.   If you get going right now you can have the surgery and be healed and ready to celebrate the holidays with a new confidence.  Patients report that something like a breast lift or a tummy tuck is not only physical, but also mental and emotional.  If you lack confidence in social situations and want to feel better about yourself and have contemplated changing something for years, now might be the right time.  At least ask the questions so you know what can and cannot be done.  Get the process started.   We even have some financing options available.

Get Ready For The Holidays!

Almost all cosmetic surgeries (as well as any surgery, I guess) take some time for the final result.   Tissues need to soften and swelling needs to go down.  The skin needs to relax and find it's final shape.  Often after surgery, there is considerable extra fluid in the tissues that just takes time to leach out.   This process sometimes can take a few weeks and in some cases even a few months for the final result to be reached.   But, the good news is that there is still time to have your surgery and be in great, new shape in time for the holidays!    A breast augmentation or a tummy tuck can make a great Christmas gift.   Especially if it's given early enough so that you can be recovered and feeling great in time for that slinky dress at that New Years' Party!   Don't wait much longer though.  Get moving.   (word of caution:   before you give your loved one a gift certificate for a tummy tuck, you better make sure that your relationship is secure and that she would love to have one, so she doesn't get offended.  I had a neighbor once that gave his wife a Thigh Buster 500 for Christmas.   He thought it was a great gift as she was a little heavier on the lower half or her body than the top.   He spent a very cold Christmas...and it wasn't the weather.     If  your wife has  never mentioned her tummy, perhaps a  gift certificate for a generic  procedure of her choice at Dr. Sellers' office might be a better option.   Then the two of you together can come see Dr. Sellers and decide what would be best.  

Breast Reduction Surgery

Many patients that come in to visit with the Doctor about breast reduction surgery have thought about it for a long time--sometimes several years--but have now come to the point that they just can't stand it anymore and want to do something.   Breast reduction surgery has a very high satisfaction rate.   I can't think of anyone who has ever had it done that hasn't been very happy with the surgery and it's results.   Almost immediately, the back, neck, and shoulder pain is reduced.   Most women find that the discomfort associated with their surgery is less that what they expected.   Most women are pleasantly surprised that within a few days they are up and about living their daily  lives.   Don't put it off if you've been thinking about it.   At least get your questions answered and find out if it's the right procedure for you.   Make sure that you find a surgeon that's board certified and has a lot of experience in breast surgery.   It makes a lot of difference in the final results.  

Full Face Laser Resurfacing

As we age, our skin starts to sag and wrinkle especially in our face.   Our skin gets lots and lots of little wrinkles that resemble crepe paper.  We get major sagging, too.,  Jowling and  deep creases from our noses and chin develop.  Our necks suffer, too.  We lose the fat pads in our cheeks and just start to look old.  A full face laser resurfacing is a marvelous treatment to actually change the texture of the skin.,   It erases the crepey little wrinkles around the mouth and eyes.  It makes the cheeks smooth again.  There is no question that there is some down time for recovery.   We recommend about 10 days to 2 weeks of staying home in a protective environment.  When it's mostly healed you can start applying some good makeup and sunscreen and get back into life.   There are lots of different lasers out in the world.   Many advertise little downtime or recovery.  The benefit that you get from a laser treatment is usually equivalent to the amount of recovery needed.  If your skin is only pink for the afternoon after treatment you get very little if any real result.   If you want dramatic results, a full face CO2 resurfacing laser is the answer.   So many of the other lasers require at least 2-3 treatment to achieve their maximum benefit.   But, even after 3 treatments,( which ends up being at least as expensive as the CO2 laser)  the benefit is minimal.  A full face resurfacing laser requires only 1 treatment for maximum-amazing- results.  Talk to someone who can give you accurate information on your choices.  Do not fall prey to advertising that would make you think that it's possible to get fabulous, incredible results from any laser with no down time. Understand the actual costs and results before you spend your money on something that  It's just not possible.

The Mommy Makeover

We get calls all the time with questions about "mommy makeovers".  What is it?   How much does it cost?   Who is a good candidate?  All good questions.  When individual Plastic Surgeons talk about Mommy Makeovers, they're not all talking about the same thing.  Each surgeon may have a different idea about what his mommy makeover consists of.  
        The whole premise of the mommy makeover is to bring a woman's body back to the shape she was in (or as close as possible)   before she had kids.   Kids--we love them, but there is no denying that they take a toll on a mom's body.   Stretch marks, pockets of fat, cellulite, loose, flabby abdominal skin, hangey, shriveled up breasts are common problems post pregnancy.  Not good news.   But, there are procedures to address each of these problems.  Sometimes a simple tummy tuck and breast lift are not enough to do the job.   They will make  a wonderful improvement. But often there are additional procedures that could be done that would make an even nicer result.   A body lift is a procedure that carries the traditional tummy tuck incision all the way around the body.   It enables the surgeon to take sometimes 8-12 inches of loose skin out of the torso.,  It lifts and shapes the buttocks, and makes a much smoother look to the outer thigh area as well.  Sometimes some liposuction is desirable to give that hourglass shape to the torso.  Sometimes lifting the breasts is needed, but the breasts also need some more fullness to balance a woman's hips.  If that is the case an implant may be necessary to achieve the desired results.  You can see, that all Mommy Makeovers are different depending on the needs of the individual.   The best person to help you decide what's best for you is your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon--preferable one who is very knowledgeable about all the varied options and has a lot of experience in combining more than one procedure. . Sometimes a surgery of this type can take up to 9 hours in the Operating Room.  Do your homework.  Ask questions.   But there's nothing like it!

"Time for Yourself"

The end is in sight!  It won't be long until all those little people will be back in school and you will be all alone during the day to do just as you would like.   Well, not really, but it's a good time to focus on yourself for a minute.  September is a great month to have that cosmetic surgery you've been thinking about.   Life does seem to settle into a little more predictable routine and it's a little cooler.  You can actually take a little time for yourself.   So, if you have been thinking through swimsuit season, how nice it would be to fill the suit out better, or streamline those thighs a little with some liposuction,  now's the perfect time!  If you do it now, you'll be in great shape for the upcoming holiday season which will be upon us before you know it. ( I can't even bear the thought--but Walmart had their Halloween things out the other day!)

Pairs Special

We're having a "Celebrating Pairs" special here at Dr. Sellers' office.   From now until September 15th when you and a friend have breast augmentation surgery, you will both receive 30% off the surgeon fee!   That's a screaming deal.   Some limitations apply (which you can read about on our website--sellersplasticsurgery.com)  If you don't have a friend that wants surgery right now, you can get 15% off your own surgical fee.   Visit the website or call for further information.   Don't wait too long!

A Pair of Your Own

A padded bra can do wonderful things for you in your clothes, but when you put on a swimsuit --then you have a problem.   Wouldn't it be nice to fill out that suit?  And putting in rubber implants in the suit are a nightmare.   They rarely stay in the right position when you move resulting in breasts that are no where near their proper position.   What a bother!  Right now you can have a breast augmentation with either silicone implants or saline implants and forever after have your own beautifully shaped and positioned breasts.   Wouldn't that be neat?   Visit our website (sellersplasticsurgery.com) for this months special on breast augmentation.   Get it done now while there's plenty of summer and swimsuit weather left!

Everyone Loves a Deal!

Don't forget to check our web site sellersplasticsurgry.com weekly for special offers.   There are always special offers available from our office or from the spa.  Sometimes a special will make the surgery you've been wanting a real possibility.

Little Pads of Fat

Do you look great in that new bikini except for those small saddle bags on the outside of your upper thighs?  You know, we're programmed to put fat on our bodies in a specific pattern.   It is impossible to do an exercise to eliminate fat from a certain area that you are programmed to retain fat in.  You can tighten and strengthen the muscles underneath, but the fat pad will remain.   Often the only way to once and for all eliminate that little bit of extra fat there is to remove it.   Many patients who are otherwise at their ideal weight are thrilled with a little liposuction to rid themselves of those unwanted-though small and localized-fat pads.    You don't have to be significantly overweight to enjoy the results of a little liposuction.   Come see Dr. Sellers and see if it's the procedure for you.

Monthly Discounts!

Each month at Sellers Plastic Surgery we have special discounts on various procedures.   If you have been considering having something done, be sure to go on our web site sellersplasticsurgery.com and check out if there's a discount this month that might apply.   The money you save might just buy you that new wardrobe that you'll need to go along with that new physique!

Reduce Those Assets

Many of our patients that come to see us for issues related to very large breasts report that one of the major drawbacks is that exercising is important to losing weight, and yet exercising with huge breasts is next to impossible and downright uncomfortable.  So, they want to lose weight, and know that they want to start a regular exercise plan but, because of the limitations of their breasts, they're stuck.   A very frustrating place to be.  Most patients that come to see us for breast reduction surgery suffer from back, neck and shoulder pain, shoulder grooving from bra straps trying to hold the breasts up in a reasonable position, a chronic rash under the breasts and who knows what else.  Simply reducing the breasts to a normal reasonable size brings almost instant relief.  And many are surprised to learn that insurance companies are starting to recognize the benefits of paying for reductions.  Come see what your options are.  Yes, there will be some scars, but breast scars usually fade away and are almost unnoticeable in a year or so.  You will be thrilled with the new contour and the freedom that you have to do what you want physically.  Don't wait.   Look in to it now!

Breast Balance

One of the most rewarding cosmetic surgeries is breast augmentation.  It's amazing how balancing out your hips and trunk with breasts makes all the difference in a woman's overall shape.   The one comment that we hear all the time from patients  post augmentation is that people keep asking her if she's lost weight! There aren't many women who wouldn't love to hear that.  Balancing one's hips actually makes you look slimmer. And it takes only a few days for the new implants to become you.  You don't think about them, they're just part of your body.     Adding a couple of pounds of implants, actually makes your waist look smaller.  Come see what your options are.

Melanoma and Sunscreen

A common question that we get asked by patients after they've had cosmetic surgery is "When can I start tanning again?"  That is a question that makes all of around here almost panicky!  The answer to the question is "Never!".  Skin cancer of one type or another is the number one type of cancer in the World.  And the number one most important factor in the development of a skin cancer is exposure to the sun.  Some people erroneously believe that tanning beds are safer than sunshine itself.   Absolutely wrong!   Do not believe the advertisements that you read or hear from certain tanning salons about how they are safer than tanning in the sunshine.  Do not be fooled.  Do not risk your health and yes, even your life for a little color on your legs!  Melanoma is life threatening. People die from melanomas.  Not only should you  not tan, but you should be vigilant about using a sun block product with at least 35 SPF..   And do not forget to reapply during the day.
Fortunately, as a society we seem to be getting smarter about this tanning thing,  We are learning that lighter, healthier, skin is beautiful.   Think about it. Your skin will thank you.

Breast Augmentation Discount

It's that time again.   Time for our annual breast augmentation discount.   From now until the end of May you can get a 10% discount on the Doctor's fee for a breast augmentation.  That will give you some extra cash to get some new clothes to go with your new contour.   Come see us soon.   Your surgery needs to be scheduled and paid for by the End of May to qualify.   If you've been toying with the idea of that augmentation you might as well get a discount.  Right?   Right!

Breast Cancer - Know Your Options

Hopefully it won't be too far in the future that we'll finally find the cure for breast cancer.   Even better than that would be finding a way to prevent breast cancer from happening in the first place.   I don't think there's a person alive who has not been touched by this terrible disease in one way or another.  We all know someone who has been affected--a mom, sister, relative, friend, associate, or ourselves.  Research is daily making strides in improving the options  available to give better treatment modalities in chemotherapy, radiation and reconstruction.   Twenty years ago the treatment for breast cancer was pretty much universally the same:   total mastectomy of the affected breast followed by either chemo therapy, radiation therapy or a combination of both.   Treatment today is becoming more individualized.   Depending on the kind of tumor often  a lumpectomy followed by radiation might be the best treatment.  There are many options in chemotherapy as well.  Sometimes radiation or chemotherapy is given first to shrink the tumor and then the surgery is done.
When a breast cancer diagnosis is given, the first reaction seems to be "immediate mastectomy".  It is really imperative to step back just a minute, gather yourself, and explore all your options.  Often, having a plastic surgeon involved before  the tumor removal can result in a nicer final reconstruction.  It is marvelous to have the general surgeon, reconstructive surgeon, and oncologist all working together before the surgery to coordinate treatment for your best health and physical result. The best advise is "Don't Panic!".  which is easier said than done, I realize.  Don't be afraid to call a plastic surgeon such as Dr. Sellers and ask about the options available to you.  Coordinate your care so that in 6 months you'll not only be cancer free, but you'll have nice reconstructed breasts as well.   Also, be aware that Congress passed a law in 1998 that mandated that insurance companies cannot deny coverage for breast reconstruction for breast cancer and that includes coverage for the unaffected breast as well to make it symmetrical with the affected one.  Make sure that you know all your options before you do anything.   You'll be glad that you did.

Spring into Action !

It's a wonderful thing about spring--it makes most of us fee a desire to shed our thick, heavy winter wear and get outside in the air.   It's great to feel that warm breeze again and see the leaves starting back on the trees.   What a great time to commit to start ( or re-start) that exercise program!  One of the easiest, most economical spirit boosting forms of exercise is simple walking.   It can be suited to each person individually.   All you really need is a good pair of supportive walking shoes and you're off.   And not only do you feel better physically, but being out in the newly warm spring weather can give you an incredible mental boost as well.  If you haven't been a walker, start out small and build up.   Walk as briskly as you can for a good 30 minutes--enough to get your heart rate up.   Do it at least 4-5 times a day.   You'll be pleasantly surprized at how good you'll feel physically and mentally.

Ah Spring!

There's something about the resurgence of Spring that makes us feel the urge to improve ourselves.   Shedding the heavy sweaters , coats , sweats and long sleeved tops of the winter make us very aware of the shape we're in.  What a relief it is in spring to put on a cute, lightweight spring top and some cute capris!  The  other side of that is that we are now more aware of that extra 5 pounds that we put on over the winter.  It's a great time to get back in to a regular exercise routine and tighten things up a bit.   But, people sometimes get discouraged with their exercise routine when they are not able to achieve the results that they are working so hard for.   Know now, that there is no exercise, cream, or magic pill that will get rid of extra skin.   You cannot do enough sit ups or crunches to tighten abdominal skin that is riddled with stretch marks.   Skin stretched out from child bearing cannot be exercised back in to shape.   You can tighten the underlying musculature ,which is of course very important, but that loose, hangy skin is another thing.  Tummy tucks are wonderful procedures for giving you back that tight, flat tummy you remember from the past.   Liposuction is an amazing procedure to eliminate stubborn pockets of fat that seem completely resistant to change.  We are genetically programmed to put our fat in certain areas.   Your friend may put her excess around her waist, while you are the "pear" friend.  If you are programmed to have those pesky saddlebags even while you are at your ideal weight, consider liposuction to reprogram your shape.   If you remove the fat cells from an area, you can't have the same shape--there aren't the storage units there to accomodate it.    Come see Dr. Sellers and get your questions answered.    It's amazing how many people come in that have all kinds of misinformation about liposuction or other procedures that they have gotten from a friend or the news.   Remember everything that you read or hear on the TV  or on the internet is not necessarily true.   Some of it's downright untrue and even dangerous.  Get your information from a board certified surgeon with years of experience and training.  Knowledge is power!

Hands and Bodies

Did you know that the study of hands comes under Plastic Surgery?   Most people think that hand surgery must surely come under orthopedics.  In fact, there are as many plastic surgery trained surgeons in Hand Fellowships as there are orthopedic trained surgeons. When you have an accident with a table saw, it is often a plastic surgeon who is on call for hands at the hospital.   Don't let that make you nervous.   Plastic Surgeons are excellent Hand Surgeons and have as much training as does that Orthopedic surgeon.  They are used to dealing with all the tiny elements of the hands and fingers such as digital nerves, extensor tendons, ligaments, dupuytren's contractures, trigger fingers, and the full array of problems with arthritis of the joints.  Dr. Sellers does many surgeries each week dealing with carpal tunnel, arthritis, nerve compression problems, stenosing tenosinovitis, and the rest.   Come let Dr. Sellers examine your hands and tell you what can be done.   There is something that can be done with every joint of the hand an fingers to help you improve the quality of your life by eliminating the pain and helping with function.   If your knee hurt you'd get a knee implant.  Right?   Did you know that there are implants for several of the joints of the hand.  And with a plastic surgeon, you get a really nice scar, too.

Breast Augmentation--Balance Those Hips!

Breast augmentation patients tell us that the one surprizing comment they receive after their surgery is "you look like you've lost weight!"   This is because with the breast size now balancing their hips, their waist actually looks smaller.  They are now balanced.   Most women don't want to be "known" for their breasts.   They just want to balance out their torso and have an hourglass shape instead of a pear.  The most common comment we get from patients at their final follow-up appointment is "I absolutely love my new shape.  This is the nicest thing I've ever done for me.   I'd do it again in a heartbeat and I recommend it to all my friends!"

Fat Cells Be Gone

I love liposuction.   Losing weight for many people is a discouraging, frustrating. maddening process--one that seems to go on forever.   Statistically speaking ( and we all know that there are exceptions to every statistic) about 95% of people who actually lose weight keep that weight off.   A very significant majority of people that lose weight find that one year later they have not only regained the weight they lost but have added a few pounds to their pre-diet weight.    Eating healthily in our society is a very challenging proposition.   It requires not just an iron will during the process, but requires an almost religious commitment to a new liftestyle.  Can it be done?   Sure.  We see examples around us all the time of people who finally were able to change their total lifestyle and embrace healthy living and they look it.  It's a wonderful thing,   And I would say that most of us want to live a more healthy lifestyle.  But, alas, the majority of us view losing weight as a limited sentence--that when finished we will return to our old way of life.  If that's your  mindset, you might as well save yourself the heartache and just learn to be happy the way you are.  Losing weight is   hard, hard work.   But,  keeping it off is an even more  monumental challenge.  And losing the weight does not guarantee that you will lose if from the areas that you desire.   We are programmed to put our fat in a certain genetically programmed pattern.  Some women find that if they lose any weight it affects their breasts first.  Others can lose 20 pounds and find that their breasts remain relatively unchanged.  But, we mustn't give up.   Obesity is an epidemic and the resulting health risks are costing this nation and the world billions, upon billions of dollars in health care costs.  Heart disease, joint pain, liver and kidney disease, diabetes, (and the list goes on and on) are very real results from obesity.   Even a little bit overweight affects every organ of your body.  Anyway, that's the long reason why I love liposuction.  We do not grow more fat cells as we age.   We usually have all our fat cells by the time we're a year old.  So as we go through life, we simply fill up and empty the cells we have.  So, if you remove the little trouble makers they can no longer fill up with fat.  What a wonderful concept.  So, the long term solution for a trouble spot that retains fat is to have liposuction to remove those fat cells for a permanent contour change. We have trillions of fat cells so you cannot remove all of them, but if you reduce the total number by 25% imagine the difference.   Call for more information or it you have questions.  

Can't get the pickle jar opened?

Do you have big nobs at the joints of your fingers?   Do your fingers feel like they've "frozen up" during the night and it takes several minutes of gentle motion and some ibuprofen to get them loosened up enough to get breakfast?  Many people think nothing about having a knee or hip replaced if they have arthritis in those joints, but have never even considered a surgical approach for relief of arthritic pain in the hands. Many family practice Doctors erroneously tell their patients "well, that's  arthritis and you're just getting old.   You just have to get used to that". Did you know that every joint in the hand can be addressed to bring you relief of the constant pain  in your hand  and finger joints.  There are little implants (that look a lot like knee implants) for some joints, while fusion of some joints is the answer.   If a joint doesn't move it doesn't hurt.   Don't live in  constant pain and misery.   Come see what can be done to bring you relief.   Knowledge is vital.   When you know what can be done, then you can decide what's the best thing for you.   But, do not sit around any longer in misery, not being able to get your car started or that jar of pickles opened,  assuming that nothing can be done. You will be surprised.

Get the Glow!

About this time we notice that we get "winter" skin.   The air is dry indoors and the air outside is full of pollution and is cold and very dry.  This leads to dull, flaky  skin.   There's nothing better to revive your visage than a Mint Facial.   Come in and let our aestheticians pamper you for an hour or so.   The facial will help remove those dead, dull skin cells that are clinging  to the surface of your skin.    The mint  is so refreshing and revitalizing.   You could even add a light chemical peel to the process.   Follow up with a lustrous moisturizer and some full protection sun screen.   You'll be amazed  at your  new glow.  Call now and get scheduled.   If you'd like to have something a little different than the traditional flowers and chocolates  for Valentine's Day, this is it.   You can also get a gift certificate for any of our Spa services if a facial isn't quite what you want.   There are a lot of other great services you can try!

Tax Refund Special

Just a reminder that we're now having (until April 15th) our tax refund special.   This special  includes a 15% discount on the Doctor's fee for your surgery.   (If you're combining more than one surgery then the discount is off of the most expensive procedure).   Patients wait all year for this special.   Don't put it off any longer. Come in and see about getting your surgery done before summer.

Get Your Breast Surgery Now!

This is the time of year that people generally spend a lot less time outdoors.   And when we are outdoors, we're dressed in multiple layers of down filled fluffiness to ward off the bone chilling cold.  (at least we're not in Minnesota)  Since we're all shaped the same in this winter garb it's a great time to have that breast augmentation.   By the time the spring sun comes out you will be healed and ready to show off your new shape. Most women don't want to be famous for big breasts, they just want to balance out their hips and replace the fullness that they've either lost with child bearing or never had.   Women tell us that the comment they hear most after the "unveiling" in the spring is not "Did you have breast surgery?" but rather "Wow, you look great.   Have you lost weight?"  So if you're concerned that people will be shocked by your new contour, ease in to it by getting that augmentation now so that  come spring you're used to your new shape and new balance in your physique.  Remember, you can emphasize or de-emphasize your breasts by the clothes you wear.  If you want everyone's eyes to go straight to your chest you wear low cut, tight tops.  If you dress a little more conservatively you will find that most people will think you look much like you've looked all along while wearing your industrial strength padded bra.   You'll have a new confidence in yourself.

Tax Refund Special!

It's time for our annual Tax Refund Specials.   Go to our web site at Sellersplasticsurgery.com and get the details.   We have many patients that wait for this discount each year to have a procedure done.    If you've been waiting for a "sale" and hadn't thought of using your tax return for the surgery that you really, really want...now's the time.  You can also call us if you have more questions.

New Years Resolutions

I think for most of us (at least those that make New Years' Resolutions)  at least one of our goals has to do with improving our health and fitness.  After the weeks of treats, fatty foods, and parties, it feels good to get back to a regimen of eating more fruits and vegetables, lean meat and fish, and getting more exercise.   Of curse, there are a million different plans and ways to implement these changes in to our daily lives.   Some people join a gym and even sign up with a personal trainer.  Others, create their own self driven plan.   Whatever you do, remember, that small changes can reap huge dividends.   Often when we change everything all at once, our diet, no sugar, no pop, exercising an hour a day, fish three times a week, little red meat, 6-8 servings daily of fruits and vegetables, etc., etc., etc. we quickly get discouraged and abandon the whole plan.   Do not despair.   Start with a couple of changes and then add to them to your life after 3-4 weeks.    Example:   Decide that you're going to give up carbonated beverages for January and add a 30 minute walk to your daily schedule.  That's doable, don't you think?   Do it for a month and feel how good that feels!  Then add 3-4 fruits and vegetables to your daily diet for a few weeks.   When that becomes second nature, you might decide to up your walk to 60 minutes a day or whatever.  Adding changes to your lifestyle gradually, often is much easier to stick to that an all out revamp of your whole life!  You may be one of those that really needs a complete turn-around to be successful,  but if that plan has failed for you before, try the" little at a time plan"  and see what you can do with that.  You'll be amazed at how good you'll feel by Easter.