Aesthetic Cosmetic Surgery - Dr. Leo Lapuerta Jr., M.D.

More and More Men Seeking Plastic Surgery

2009-06-29T16:11:00.000-06:00

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more men are electing a wide variety of cosmetic procedures to enhance their appearance. As social stigmas related to plastic surgery continue to erode, this number will continue to increase. One reason for the increase is the nature of today's job market. Many men can expect to change careers about once every ten years or so. This places more mature men in direct competition with younger men just entering the job market. In order to continue to make good first impressions on potential employers, cosmetic procedures are often employed.

Technological advances also make deciding on cosmetic surgery easier. With minimally invasive procedures like Botox injections, injectable fillers, and facial peels, men can receive a rejuvenated appearance in a half hour session. Other, more invasive measures like the weekend facelift and liposuction can help men improve their looks in a fraction of the time of traditional surgeries.

As technology advances, and the job market becomes more fluid, more men will seek out cosmetic surgeons to give them that extra edge over their competition. To find out more about your cosmetic surgery options in the Houston area, please contact Dr. Lapuerta today to schedule an initial consultation.

How to Find a Good Cosmetic Surgeon

2009-05-25T10:57:00.000-06:00

Despite Hollywood's blithe portrayal of plastic surgery, deciding on cosmetic surgery should not be taken lightly. Many cosmetic procedures are performed under general anesthesia, requiring a skilled surgeon's hand. It is imperative that you find a qualified surgeon with many years of experience performing the type of procedure you desire.

The most important factor to discuss is the surgeon's level of experience. Find out how many similar procedures he or she has performed. Ask to see before and after photos with detailed explanations of particular cases. Most surgeons will be up front about the risks for any particular procedure. If the doctor only paints a rosy picture of results, he or she should probably be avoided.

All states require that physicians provide to the public, information on where and when they attended school, any certifications they have, and any malpractice suits that have been found against them. These credentials can be checked and verified to help patients determine whether or not the physician is qualified to do the work requested. Find out if the physician is board certified in the desired discipline.

Finally, it is important to discover the doctor's philosophy about cosmetic surgery and ensure that his or her views line up with your expected outcome. To find out more about cosmetic surgery options in the Houston area, please contact us today and set up an initial consultation with Dr. Leo Lapuerta.

Choosing Breast Implant Size

2009-04-15T09:38:00.001-06:00

If you are considering breast enlargement surgery, you think you want larger breasts, but you may not know how large. Choosing the size of breast implants is a very important decision, and will determine your satisfaction with your breast enlargement results. It is also a very personal decision, one that can only be made by you, in consultation with very close friends and family and a qualified cosmetic surgeon.

There are, however, some basic guidelines that can help you make this decision. First, two potentially conflicting facts:

• "Best breast" surveys generally identify breasts of B-C cup size as being the most attractive, which would advise caution not to go too large in selecting your breast implants.
• Surveys of women satisfied with the results of their breast implants indicate that more women wish they'd gone larger than wish they'd gone smaller.

With these ideas in mind, you can try the "rice test," the most popular folk method for determining the size of breast implants you want. The rice test involves filling stockings with a set amount of rice, dry couscous, or other dry material that can fill gaps and conform, then placing them in a bra under your breasts to see how you feel about the new size. Breast implants are sized in cubic centimeters (cc). The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) estimates that it takes about 185 cc of breast implant for the average woman to increase one bra cup size, the equivalent of slightly more than ¾ cup of rice.

In trying out your rice-augmented breasts, consider the following factors:

Desired effect: If you want breasts that look natural, think smaller implants, but if you want breasts that are dramatically fake, think larger.
Proportion: If you want breast implants that are in proportion with your body, consider your height, waist size, and other dimensions in considering your breast implants.
Activity level: Very active women can find large breast implants cumbersome when running or swimming. But even just sitting, standing, or walking can be affected by large implants. Rice is about the right weight for silicone implants, but saline implants are slightly heavier. Wear them around for a day or two and see how much a difference it makes.
Dress: Consider the types of clothes you want to wear following you breast enlargement surgery, and try them on with your rice (or couscous, etc)-filled bra. Try several different sizes until you're happy with results.
Profession: Do you work in a profession where large breast implants could attract unwanted attention or lead others to doubt your professionalism?

After you think you've figured out the right size of breast implants, bring that knowledge, and any indications of your desired results to a consultation with Dr. Leo Lapuerta. You might bring any clothes (including bras) you want to "fill out" after your surgery or pictures of women whose breasts you believe are attractive. Share this information with Dr. Lapuerta, but be prepared to change your mind. Dr. Lapuerta has experience with breast implants and the results of breast enlargement surgery and can give you better, more customized advice than you can get on your own.

Please schedule a breast enlargement consultation at the Plastic Surgery Institute of Southeast Texas today to learn more.

Candidacy for Injectable Procedures

2009-03-16T16:27:00.000-06:00

Non-invasive skin treatments like injectable fillers and treatments have the great advantage of having very few side effects or possibilities of negative outcomes. This means that virtually anyone with wrinkles or facial depressions is a candidate for treatment with injectable fillers and treatments. There are a few exceptions:

Botox Cosmetic should not be used by people who are allergic to any of the ingredients in it or who have diseases of the nervous system or heart that may increase your risk of side effects.

Restylane and Juvéderm should not be used by people with allergies to certain microorganisms known as gram positive bacteria or by people with bleeding disorders.

Sculptra is not for use by patients with allergies to its components.

Radiesse is not for use by patients who desire only short-term results or patients who are allergic to its components.

In addition, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and people with serious drug allergies should not undergo injectable treatment. Also, injections should not be performed in areas with hives, sores, pimples, cysts, or active infections.

Otherwise, everyone who desires correction of wrinkles or facial depressions is a good candidate for treatment with injectable fillers and treatments. To learn more, schedule a non-invasive cosmetic treatment consultation with Dr. Lapuerta at the Plastic Surgery Institute of Southeast Texas today.

What Problem Can Be Treated by Which Injectable?

2009-02-10T08:02:00.001-07:00

Injectable skin care treatments have exploded onto the scene in recent years. Following the appearance of Botox and collagen injections, everyone saw the potential of this type of procedure, and soon the market became crowded with new injectable compounds designed to achieve better, longer-lasting results with fewer side effects. The good news is that you can now get better and longer-lasting results from injectable treatments than ever before. The bad news is that it can be hard to figure out which treatment is right for you.

Here's a brief guide to help you decide which treatment is the best for your situation.

Botox Cosmetic is the original injectable treatment and still the best for its particular application. Botox works on wrinkles caused by habitual muscle contractions, such as crow's feet, glabellar lines (lines between the eyebrows), and deep forehead wrinkles.

Restylane is a hyaluronic acid-based filler that can fill in facial wrinkles due to skin folding or loss or displacement of facial fat. Its nodular texture is ideal for applications where greater lifting power is necessary or the filler will be put under stress from constant motion, such as the smile lines around the mouth and nose.

Juvéderm is another hyaluronic acid-based filler that can fill in wrinkles and facial voids. Because of its smooth texture Juvéderm is ideal for use in people with thin skin and for lip augmentation. It also has less incidence of swelling at the injection site.

Radiesse is a composite injectable filler composed of calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres in a carrier gel. It allows for long-lasting (up to three years) correction of facial wrinkles or depressions, such as acne scars.

Sculptra is a unique product because although it gives results like a filler, it is not a filler. Instead, it is a chemical that stimulates your body to produce its own filler. It is ideal to correct wrinkles and to fill in facial depressions, especially cheeks that have become sunken as a side effect of general weight loss.

If you would like to learn more about your options for wrinkle correction and facial fillers, schedule an injectable treatment consultation with Dr. Lapuerta at the Plastic Surgery Institute of Southeast Texas.

Is Botox Safe for the Body?

2009-01-05T10:08:00.001-07:00

The trade name Botox comes from a contraction of its active ingredient: botulinum toxin. That's right, the main ingredient in Botox is a toxin that is produced by a food-poisoning bacterium, one of the most dangerous ones that can lead to paralysis or even death. In the past year, too, there have been news stories reporting that as many as 16 people have died as a result of injection with Botox and a similar competing product.

But the truth is that Botox is the most popular cosmetic treatment in use today, and its safety record is excellent. You know that news outlets make their living by creating stories even where none exists, and this is one of those cases. There is no reason to be concerned about Botox injections because:

Only one of the deaths might actually have been connected with a cosmetic use of Botox. The majority of deaths were in treatments for spasms and palsies in children, where a much higher dose is used in a smaller body.

In all these deaths, the connection with botulinum toxin is only alleged, not proven, and children with serious palsies undergoing botulinum toxin therapy have many other elevated health risks.

Since its introduction as a cosmetic procedure, over 20 million Botox treatments have been performed. This means that even if the one death alleged to be connected with cosmetic Botox injection turns out to actually be connected, the chances of dying from Botox injections are less than 1 in 20 million. This makes the risk of dying from Botox injection less than 20 thousand times the LIFETIME risk of dying by complications of other medical and surgical care.

Botox is and remains one of the safest cosmetic procedures available. Botox has a proven track record of good results and low incidence of side effects that is the hallmark of its popularity.

If you would like to learn more about the safety of this or any other procedure, schedule a cosmetic procedure consultation with Dr. Lapuerta at the Plastic Surgery Institute of Southeast Texas today.

Risks of Breast Augmentation Surgery

2008-12-15T13:53:00.000-07:00

Breast augmentation is surgery, and all surgery carries risk. Dr. Leo Lapuerta makes safety a central concern and uses his skill and that of his cosmetic surgery staff to ensure that his patients receive the best results with a minimum of risk.

Still, understanding risks is an important part of making your decision to have breast augmentation surgery. The most common risks associated with breast augmentation are:

Poor cosmetic result--Dr. Lapuerta's breast augmentation patients generally receive good results from their surgery, as you can see in the before and after gallery, but it is impossible to guarantee results
Breast pain--although most patients recover from the initial operation within a week and feel completely back to normal within a month, a small number of patients experience lasting pain the breast
Changes in nipple/breast sensation--many women report that their breasts feel slightly different after the implant procedure, but in rare instances the change can be significant, including a complete loss in nipple sensation
Capsular contracture--following breast implant placement, the body forms a scar capsule around it. This is normal, but in some instances the capsule can contract, making the breast hard and tender.

Dr. Lapuerta can discuss all these risks with you and talk about how to minimize them. A number of factors that can influence your risk of these complications include: implant selection, including fill (saline or silicone) and size; implant placement choice, and incision location. Also important is following all of Dr. Lapuerta's postoperative instructions.

If you would like to learn more in order to make an informed risk/benefit-based decision, schedule a breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Lapuerta at the Plastic Surgery Institute of Southeast Texas today.

Scarring after Breast Augmentation

2008-11-18T11:31:00.005-07:00

The purpose of breast augmentation is to make you feel better about yourself and your body. But you might be concerned that, as a result of scarring, it may make you feel worse than ever.

Let's be honest: all surgery leaves scars at the incision sites. Human beings do not have the regenerative power of flatworms and other lower lifeforms that can be cut up into a thousand pieces and regrow as a thousand new creatures with no scars whatsoever. When human skin is cut it retains the mark.

But there are many things that Dr. Leo Lapuerta can do to reduce the scarring to a minimum, and especially to minimize the visibility of scarring.

Before deciding on breast augmentation, it's important to consider how your body scars. Look at cuts or surgical incisions from the past, as well as those of your family members. If your family has a history of keloid scarring, the chances are greater that you will have them, too.

Where the incision is placed determines the location and size of the scar. Inframammary incisions conceal the scar below the breast at the breast fold. This means that for most women most of the time, the incision will be completely invisible. Periareolar incision, or incision at the areola, is also a good location for concealing the scar. Although it is front and center, the border between the raised, darker skin of the areola and the rest of the breast, conceals the scar very well. You also have the option of moving the scar completely off the breast using the transaxillary augmentation technique, where breast implants are inserted through the armpit using an endoscope.

If you are concerned about the size of your scar following breast augmentation surgery, selecting saline breast implants is a good idea. Because saline implants are filled after insertion, as opposed to silicone implants, which are filled before insertion, saline implant surgery leaves smaller scars.

Finally, Dr. Lapuerta will give you detailed postoperative instructions about how to minimize scarring following your surgery. If you follow these instructions to the letter, you will improve your chances of having a small, almost unnoticeable scar following your surgery.

Dr. Lapuerta can explain all aspects of your surgery, including what to expect in terms of results and scarring, in person. Please schedule a breast augmentation consultation with the Plastic Surgery Institute of Southeast Texas to learn more.

Large Breasts and Back Pain

2008-10-08T11:30:00.002-06:00

Many women with overly large breasts complain of back soreness. Recently, Reuter's News service reported that Dolly Parton had to cancel her tour due to back pain. The reason given in the article indicated that the pain was induced by having to perform on stage for extended periods of time. Dolly said "Hey, you try wagging these puppies around a while and see if you don't have back pain." Performing a concert tour is quite a feat for anybody, but at age 62, that extra weight is beginning to slow Dolly down.

Thousands of well-endowed women are in the same predicament. While not necessarily performing concert tours, day-to-day activities are a struggle and cause considerable discomfort. At this stage in Dolly's career, she probably would not benefit financially from breast reduction surgery, but that option is available to other women who suffer similarly.

Back pain occurs when leaning backwards is continuously compensating for the extra weight in front. This puts tremendous stress on the back muscles supporting the spine, which is always trying to maintain equilibrium. The constant minor adjustments of back muscles wear them out and weaken them, especially as we age. A qualified plastic surgeon can perform breast reduction surgery to reduce the weight of the breasts and offer relief to sore back muscles. A skilled doctor using today's technology will be able to reduce the weight of the breast but still ensure an attractive and proportional figure.

To find out more about breast reduction surgery in the Houston area, please contact Dr. Leo Lapuerta today for an initial consultation.

Cosmetic vs Reconstructive Surgery

2008-09-03T14:51:00.002-06:00

What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?

Cosmetic surgery reshapes specific areas of your body to improve your appearance and self-esteem. Most cosmetic surgeries are elective; in other words, you are having the surgery because you want to, not because of a medical necessity.

Common cosmetic surgeries include:

Brow Lift
Face Lift
Eyelid Surgery
Breast Augmentation or Reduction
Tummy Tuck
Liposuction

Reconstructive surgery improves the function of specific body structures damaged by illness, disease or injury to help you regain a more normal appearance.

Common reconstructive surgeries correct abnormalities due to:

Congential defects
Developmental problems
Trauma
Infection
Tumors
Disease

In some cases, a surgery might fall into both categories. For example, eyelid surgery can be considered a cosmetic procedure when you want to create a more youthful appearance. But eyelid surgery can also be reconstructive, as droopy eyelids can also obscure your eyesight. Similarly, if you are embarrassed by your appearance or want to fit into more fashionable clothing, you might desire breast reduction. But many women with unusually large breasts experience discomfort, back pain and other physical issues that can be relieved by breast reduction and, therefore, this surgery could be viewed as medically necessary.

Your best first step is to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon. In the Houston, Texas area, Dr. Leo Lapuerta can help you decide on the plastic surgery that is right for you.

Saline vs Silicone Breast Implants

2008-08-12T10:26:00.001-06:00

Silicone breast implants were removed from the market in 1992 because of the suspicion of increased health risks. After much debate and research by the Food and Drug Administration, silicone implants were deemed safe in 2006 and were once again made available for use in women 22 years of age or older. This is good news for women desiring breast augmentation who want a choice between silicone (gel) and saline (salt solution) implants.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Saline

If a saline implant ruptures, the body easily dissolves the salt solution.
Saline implants may create ripples that can be seen on the surface of breast.
Saline implants can look less natural in women with small breasts or women seeking reconstruction.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Silicone

Silicone implants provide an additional choice.
Silicone gel-filled implants feel more natural to many women.
Silicone gel is not easily absorbed by the body if the implant accidentally ruptures.

Implants may be surgically placed in one of three positions:

subglandular
partial submuscular
complete submuscular

Dr. Leo Lapuerta in Pearland, Texas will discuss all of your options with you during your initial consultation. Keep in mind that some plastic surgeons have less experience with silicone implants since silicone implants were taken off the market until 2006. That’s why it is so important to choose a surgeon with extensive experience with silicone implants. If you are in the Houston, Texas area, Dr. Leo Lapuerta would be happy to consult with you.

Blepharoplasty to Improve Your Look and Your Vision

2008-07-15T10:43:00.001-06:00

Blepharoplasty, commonly called eyelid surgery, offers a rejuvenated appearance to upper eyelids, lower eyelids, and the surrounding area of your eyes, for a more rested and alert appearance and an overall improved look.

Blepharoplasty treats:

Loose, sagging skin that impairs vision
Excess fatty deposits that create upper eyelid puffiness
‘Bags’ under the eyes
Lower eyelid droopiness
Lower eyelid wrinkles and excess skin

You are a good candidate for blepharoplasty if:

You are physically healthy and heal well
You do not smoke
You are positive and realistic about the outcome of your surgery
You have no pre-existing eye conditions

As with all surgeries, eyelid surgery carries some risks, including:

Scarring
Dry eyes
Bleeding
Poor wound healing
Infection
Accumulation of fluid
Blood clots
Numbness or changes in skin sensation

The final results of your eyelid surgery will be evident within a few weeks, but your results will continue to improve for up to one year.

While many people focus solely on the cost of surgery, remember that your surgeon’s experience and your comfort level with your surgeon are important factors when choosing the right doctor to perform your eyelid surgery. If you live in the Houston, Texas area, schedule your consultation with Dr. Leo Lapuerta. We serve patients in Pearland, Sugarland and the Friendswood areas of Texas, also.

What Are Injectable Fillers?

2008-06-03T14:14:00.002-06:00

As we age, our faces lose youthful fullness and develop wrinkles. Many individuals turn to soft tissue augmentation, also known as injectable fillers, to soften facial lines and to non-surgically restore volume and fullness in the face.

Injectable fillers can achieve:

Plumper lips
Enhanced contours
Softening of facial creases and wrinkles
Improved appearance of scars

Tissue fillers may be right for you if:

You are healthy
You do not smoke
You are positive and realistic about what injectable fillers can accomplish

There are numerous different types of fillers, including:

Collagen
Hyaluronic Acid
Hydroxylapatite
Human Fat

Side effects of injectable fillers are uncommon but can include allergic reactions, redness, sensitivity, bruising and swelling.

The results of your treatment may last as long as one year. Dr. Leo Lapuerta in Pearland, Texas can help you determine which one is right for you during your initial consultation.

For a non-surgical approach to a more youthful appearance, soft tissue augmentation is a quick, in-office procedure that offers excellent improvements. Although the procedure itself is effective and safe, be sure to choose a plastic surgeon with specialized training like Dr. Lapuerta for the best results possible.

Self-conscious About Your Protruding Ears? There’s a Solution!

2008-05-19T08:29:00.001-06:00

Otoplasty, commonly called “pinning back the ears,” is an effective surgery available to children and adults to reduce the size of overly large ears or ears that do not lie flat against the head. Since our ears are fully developed by about age 4, many children have this surgery between the ages of four and fourteen, reducing the amount of teasing a child may go through because of prominent ears.

The risks and possible complications of otoplasty are generally minor when the surgery is performed by a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Leo Lapuerta. However, all surgery carries some risk.

With otoplasty, there is a low risk of:

Blood clots
Infection
Formation of scar tissue

Other ear problems that can be corrected with otoplasty include:

Lop Ear: The tip of the ear is bent or folded down
Cupped Ear: A very small ear
Shell Ear: The natural folds, creases and curve are missing
Missing ears: A new ear can be created for those born without an ear or who lost an ear due to injury
Large or stretched earlobes
Lobes with large wrinkles or creases

The overall goal of otoplasty is an improvement in appearance, not perfection. Even after surgery, your ears may not be perfectly symmetrical. But most patients are thrilled with their new look and happy they chose otoplasty to correct the problem.

Considering otoplasty? Consult with a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Leo Lapuerta in Houston, Texas.

What Does “Board Certified” Mean?

2008-05-01T13:51:00.001-06:00

When it comes to plastic surgery, the term ‘Board Certified’ means a physician has achieved Board Certification obtained only through the American Board of Plastic Surgery, awarded only after the physician has:

Completed a formal residency in Plastic Surgery
Passed a rigorous written examination
Passed a difficult oral examination

In the United States, certification is voluntary. Board certification, however, indicates a physician’s exceptional expertise in his or her specialty as well as providing consumers with a method for measuring a physician’s knowledge, experience and skills.

Before a physician can apply for board certification, he or she must have completed at minimum:

College
Medical School
A one year Internship in General Surgery
3-5 years of Residency in a general specialty
Additional Residency in Plastic Surgery

Why is Board Certification important? The American Board of Plastic Surgery says it best when they explain, ”Finding the right doctor is essential to your good health. ABMS Member Board Certified Specialists are leaders in their field because they voluntarily participate in lifelong learning to keep their skills and knowledge current. They demonstrate their commitment to quality clinical outcomes, patient safety and a responsive, patient-centered practice through participation in a continuous Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program.”

Dr. Leo Lapuerta is a plastic surgeon in Houston, Texas offering all aspects of plastic surgery. Schedule a private consultation with Dr. Lapuerta to discuss your plastic surgery needs.

Welcome

2008-01-14T17:44:00.001-07:00

Welcome to our blog.