Category Archives: Plastic Surgery

texas elective surgery re-open covid

Elective Surgery in Texas Starting to Re-Open, But What Are the Restrictions?

Non-Surgical, Plastic Surgery

As the COVID-19 virus continues to spread throughout the United States and the world, certain states are starting to relax some of their “stay at home” efforts in order to help prevent the economy from slipping even further.

Some states like Texas and Georgia have begun to relax the types of businesses that are deemed “essential” so that people can get back to work and begin the process of getting back to normal.

As of May 1st, businesses in Georgia such as gyms, churches, hair and nail salons, and tattoo parlors, in addition to restaurants and movie theaters that opened back up earlier last week, are now able to re-open their doors to the public as long as they continue to follow CDC guidelines regarding masks and protective equipment, as well as social distancing.

While some people argue that it is too soon to begin opening up businesses such as these, some state governments don’t see it at that way.

Whether you believe it is too early or not, here in Texas, our practice has been open to essential appointments for patients, but with restrictions placed on visits.

Let us take a look at what some doctor’s offices are doing in order allow patients to begin visiting for in-office consultations and procedures, while still ensuring that patients and doctors remain as safe as possible.

What Restrictions are Being Lifted in Texas?

We mentioned Georgia above as they have been very vocal about re-opening businesses to get the economy moving again, and getting people back to work, but Texas, which is the home to Dr. Adams Plastic Surgery, is also beginning to re-open businesses as of May 1st.

Let’s take a look at what businesses in Texas are now open.

Restaurants

Restaurants in Texas are now able to open their doors to dine-in customers as long as they do not exceed an occupancy of 25%.

Malls and Retail Stores

Just like restaurants, retail stores have opened their doors to walk-in customers, but with a limited occupancy of 25%. Malls are now open as well.

Museums and Libraries

Libraries and museums are now open to the public; however the city of Austin has opted not to allow their libraries to re-open at this time.

Outdoor Sports and Golf

Golf courses are now allowed to re-open with a few stipulations. You can not have more than four people in a group – which is pretty normal when it comes to golf – however there is a maximum of one person per golf cart and two golf carts per group. So if you are golfing as a foursome, two people will have to walk.

In addition to golf courses opening, sports that can be played with less than four people can also resume. Which means that team sports like basketball, soccer, and football are still not allowed.

Movie Theaters

While movie theaters in Texas have been given the green light to re-open, none of them are going to at this time.

While the above businesses have begun to re-open their doors, what does this mean for medical practices and plastic surgeons in Texas?

Texas Elective Surgeries Resume

Elective surgeries in Texas were put on hold when the “stay at home” order went into effect last month, and it has been tough on doctors as well as patients.

While virtual consultations and in-office visits for urgent care have been allowed under the order, non-life-threatening elective surgeries were not allowed.

The major stipulation that comes with re-opening the ability to perform elective surgeries is that these surgeries cannot take away PPE supplies that are needed to help fight COVID-19, and that the surgeries cannot deplete the capacity of a hospital.

This means that elective surgeries that take place at clinics and offices outside of the hospital can resume their current schedules, and it’s up to the office or clinic to continue to follow the CDC guidelines to ensure a safe working environment for both patients and staff.

In some cases offices are only allowing the patient into the building, which means that no family members or loved ones can step foot through the door. Also, anyone entering the building must be wearing a face mask and not show any symptoms of being sick, or have been around someone that is sick.

In addition to that, the offices themselves are being cleaned and sanitized on a more frequent basis. This includes patient exam rooms, lobbies, front entryways, chairs, door knobs, etc..

The priority of all doctors is to ensure that our patients remain safe and healthy as things slowly being to re-open in the state of Texas.

For more information about what we are doing here at Dr. Adams Plastic Surgery, please visit our COVID-19 Update page.

If you have any questions about visiting our office, or about scheduling an appointment or surgery, please contact us through our website, or call us at 214-965-9885.

plastic surgery covid-19

Plastic Surgery During COVID-19 Pandemic

Plastic Surgery

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way many of us live our lives. It’s led to a temporary total shutdown of our country, save for all but the most essential of businesses.

The world of plastic surgery has been affected as well. While the offices are still open for patients that require immediate follow-up care, they’re closed for non-necessary, non-emergency, and non-elective surgeries.

So let’s take a look at what the world of plastic surgery is doing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Virtual Consultations

If you’ve been thinking about getting plastic surgery and are ready to take the next step with a consultation, you can do so right now via virtual consultation. You’ll first need to visit the virtual consultation page and fill out your information along with the procedure that you’re interested in.

Then, you’ll need to take and upload photos of the area of your body that you would like to get work done. For example, if you’re interested in breast augmentation, it’s suggested that you take the following photos:

  • Breast width measurement (with a clear picture of a ruler being held in front of your breasts so that the doctor can easily read the numbers).
  • Front view
  • ¾ view
  • Left side view
  • Right Side view

Once you’ve filled out your info and uploaded the photos, our office coordinator will reach out to coordinate a time and date for the virtual consultation.

When it comes time for your virtual online appointment, the doctor will call you to discuss your needs in regard to plastic surgery, as well as ask you a variety of questions to ensure that plastic surgery is right for you.

During this call, please make sure you disclose any medications or health conditions that you may have and ask as many questions as you can. This will help the doctor when it comes time to visit the office for the follow-up appointment.

Office Visits

For those patients who are currently undergoing immediate follow-up care, you will need to physically enter into the plastic surgery office for an in-person consultation with the surgeon.

To ensure the health and safety of the office staff, doctors, and yourself, our office is following CDC guidelines. This includes cleaning and sanitizing the offices more regularly and vigorously.

When you walk into the office for follow-up care, a social distancing policy will be maintained. If you don’t feel well, have a cough, or have someone who lives under your roof who isn’t feeling well, you will be asked not to come in and instead stay home.

The coronavirus has a long incubation period, and can be asymptomatic as well, so people could be carrying it without realizing it. While these measures may seem a bit extreme, the health and safety of both the office staff and patients come first.

Official Guidance

The American Board of Plastic Surgery is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and has provided guidelines that plastic surgery offices should follow. These include:

Breast reconstruction

Non-emergent, elective medical services, and treatment

The COVID-19 situation is requiring plastic surgeons to closely monitor the CDC and various medical board guidelines. What this means for the world of plastic surgery is that surgeons and their offices will have to react to any new changes and institute new policies to help ensure the health and safety of both staff and patients.

Plastic Surgeons

Many states in the U.S. are experiencing a severe shortage of doctors who can help out with the extreme number of patients that hospitals are seeing during this pandemic. Some states are now asking retired doctors to volunteer to help out. Others are asking plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and even dentists to work on the front lines providing care and helping reduce the burden on hospital doctors.

Many states are now loosening their licensing rules, which will allow any type of licensed doctor to help out. However, doctors cannot just show up at a hospital and request they be put to work. Before they’re allowed in, the hospitals and health systems will first verify their credentials, including medical license and education.

This can take up to several weeks. To speed up the process, the Federation of State Medical Boards has given healthcare providers free access to their physician database. This way, hospitals, and medical clinics can quickly verify where the doctor went to medical school, what licenses they hold, and whether or not they have been disciplined. This helps ensure that only top-quality licensed doctors are allowed to help out.

Virtual Plastic Surgeon Consultations

Plastic surgery is intended to help you look and feel your very best. However, plastic surgeons have taken an oath to “do no harm,” and this means that they will have to make any adjustments as they see necessary to help ensure the health and safety of both office staff and patients.

With swimsuit season right around the corner, many people are now considering plastic or non-invasive surgery. While your looks are important, your health is even more critical. Once the COVID-19 situation is resolved, and the CDC gives the “all clear,” you’ll have the opportunity to schedule an in-person consultation with your plastic surgeon to move forward with your plans.

At the offices of Dr. Adams, you can now schedule a virtual consultation and a tentative date to come in for a second in-person consultation. At this point in time, there’s no telling when this situation will resolve, so we ask that all patients and prospective patients check the COVID-19 Office Updates page on our website. Dr. Adams and his staff will update this page accordingly with news and information.

If you have any questions about this process, or what we as an office are doing to ensure the safety of our staff and our patients, feel free to contact us or call our office.

doctor virtual consultation

Can I get a Virtual Consultation for a Breast Augmentation?

Non-Surgical, Plastic Surgery

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused us to temporarily change the way we live our daily lives. Things that we used to take for granted, such as going out in public, now require special precautions to help keep us safe. The same holds true for doctors and plastic surgeons.

Dr. Adams and his team members are dedicated to helping prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. They have implemented several safety protocols that will help ensure the health and well-being of everyone who comes to our office.

In addition to rigorously sanitizing our offices multiple times per hour, we are now offering patients and prospective patients the ability to schedule a virtual consultation.

Virtual consultations are a great way for us to continue to see our non-emergency patients so that less time needs to be spent in the office when things return to normal.

What is a Virtual Consultation?

The CDC is strongly recommending “social distancing” to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. As such, we have implemented a virtual consultation system to help our prospective patients obtain advice.

After filling out the form on our website, and including photos if possible, our Patient Consultant will reach out via phone to help plan your visit and provide information regarding the procedure, cost, recovery, scheduling, and answer any questions that you may have.

No matter if you are local or live out of town, this virtual consultation will allow a qualified candidate to schedule their in-person visit, surgery, and post-operative appointments in all one trip. If you’re not from around here, we’re located within a 30-minute drive from DFW airport and 15 minutes from Love Field airport.

We want to make sure that our patients are protected as well as make the entire process as convenient as possible.

What Happens During the Virtual Consultation?

The consultation itself is consistent with how we would see a prospective patient during a face-to-face visit. We will ask for accurate medical history and if you have or have had health issues in the past.

We will also ask if you have had prior surgeries along with any medications that you might be taking. Our goal is to establish an accurate medical history to help us determine if the procedure that you’re looking to get is right for you.

Once the medical evaluation is completed, we will then talk about your aesthetics and goals that you’re looking to accomplish with the procedure.

After evaluating your medical history, your expectations with regards to the surgery, and the photos we view during the virtual consultation, we’ll be able to advise you if you would be the right candidate for the procedure that you’re looking to get.

The photos that you provide us will help ensure we have the information that we need to perform the consultation.

How to Take Good Photos

Most modern-day smartphones have an internal camera that can take clear and sharp pictures. If you are using your cell phone, be sure to use the camera on the back of your phone, as most of them have a much higher resolution than the “selfie” camera on the front.

While you can send photos of someone else to show the results you’re looking for, we will require multiple images of the area of your body that you’d like to get work done.

It’s ideal to have someone take the photos for you. In this case, make sure that the background is plain, such as a sheet or white wall. This helps keep the focus on your body. If you can’t get someone to take the photos, you can go in front of the mirror in your bathroom and use the reflection.

Rhinoplasty – If you’re looking to get rhinoplasty or other facial procedure performed, your photo should show your entire face down to your collar bone. Don’t smile—try to be as relaxed as possible and have a neutral look on your face. Take multiple photos from different angles, including several from a straight-on perspective. Review each photo to ensure that it’s clear and not blurry.

Breast Augmentation – If you’re considering breast augmentation, the photo should clearly show the area from right below your neck to above the belly button. Try to keep your arms to the side and relaxed. Do not raise your arms as this will cause your breasts to lift.

Try to take as many photos as you can, from multiple angles. Do not wear a bra or undergarment as we will need to see the shape of your breasts so that we can make an accurate diagnostic.

Other Plastic Surgeries – If you’re considering other forms of plastic surgery, such as liposuction or abdominoplasty, your photos should clearly show the area of treatment. Do not wear any clothes or undergarments that can obstruct the view. When taking pictures, be sure to relax your body and hold as natural of a pose as you can.

Do not try to “suck in” your stomach or tense up your muscles. We need to see your body in its natural state to help ensure a successful consultation. Keep in mind that it will be beneficial to us if you can provide as many photos from as many different angles as you can.

Virtual Consultation vs. Office Visit

The most significant difference between a virtual and in-person office visit is that it’s much easier for the plastic surgeon to make an accurate assessment when seeing a patient in real life.

The benefit of going the virtual route is to avoid any possible waiting times for an in-person consultation once the COVID-19 pandemic is over and the plastic surgery offices experience a rush in business.

It should be noted that all virtual consultations are conditional and preliminary—the surgeon might modify his recommendation based on a traditional in-person consultation. This is for the benefit and safety of the patient.

Virtual Plastic Surgery Consultations in Dallas

It’s impossible to tell how long it will be before the Coronavirus pandemic eases up, and life returns back to normal. If you’re considering plastic surgery, we encourage you to take advantage of our virtual consultations, which will provide you with a wealth of information. We want to give you the utmost in care, comfort, and confidence so that you can make an informed decision.

If you’re ready to schedule a consultation, give us a call at (214) 965-9885 or set up an appointment online. Dr. Adams is one of the leading Board-certified plastic surgeons in America and is here to help you look your very best!

plastic surgery trends 2020

Top Plastic Surgery Trends for 2020

Non-Surgical, Plastic Surgery

Spring is just around the corner, and now is the perfect time to get your body ready for the summer. However, if dieting and exercise alone aren’t helping you reach your beauty goals, it’s also an excellent time to consider plastic surgery.

You still have several months before swimsuit season, and that will allow you to heal up from one of several procedures such as breast augmentation or a tummy tuck. Or, if time is of the essence, you can always opt for a non-invasive procedure that requires little to no downtime.

We want to share with you the top five plastic surgery trends for 2020 and why they’re becoming popular.

The Light and Fresh Look

Many women are now opting for what some plastic surgeons call a “subtle transformation.” Instead of a complete “overhaul,” which usually requires multiple invasive surgeries, they’re now getting smaller procedures done, such as fillers, face, and neck lifts. This provides them with a subtle, more natural look and feel, as the overdone or overfilled look isn’t as popular as it was a few years ago.

Skin resurfacing is the perfect example. This non-invasive procedure can help reduce age spots, wrinkles, acne scarring, along with several other aesthetic imperfections. These treatments can help promote healthier, tighter, and more youthful-looking skin.

Skin tightening procedures are also becoming more popular as they allow women to achieve noticeable results without having to undergo surgery. They use high-tech lasers that send out rapid, gentle pulses of light to tighten the skin and heat collagen. This safe and non-painful method can help rebuild new collagen and improve the overall firmness of the skin.

Botox & Fillers

Botox and filler procedures were at an all-time high in 2019, and that trend is expected to continue into 2020. The continued rise in popularity is often attributed to selfies and social media. Everyone nowadays is hyper-aware of every little imperfection on their face, and that has led to younger people in their 20s looking to injectables such as Botox and fillers.

Kybella fat reduction is an FDA-approved non-invasive procedure that can significantly help reduce the amount of fat that causes the dreaded double chin that many people have. Kybella can destroy localized fat cells such that they are no longer able to accumulate fat. It provides results that are very similar to liposuction and provided that you exercise and eat healthily, the fat cells are expected not to return.

Treatments for Men

There used to be a stigma that plastic surgery was only for women. Surgeons are now seeing an exponential rise in men turning to non-invasive procedures to achieve their desired looks. They can help reduce excess fat and visible signs of aging.

Facial fillers and Botox are just two of the many procedures that provide men with facial rejuvenation results. Kybella and CoolSculpting are two non-surgical fat reduction procedures that can help get rid of stubborn fat that refuses to go away with regular exercise and a proper diet.

CoolSculpting can reduce up to 20% fat in treated areas, and it takes roughly three weeks to see the results. Full results are usually seen within four to six months. The best thing about this non-invasive procedure is that it’s simple, almost entirely pain-free, and men (and women) can return to their daily lifestyle immediately after treatment.

Customized Facials

Customized facials are rapidly becoming a popular treatment for 2020. Licensed estheticians will sit down with you and analyze your skin, discuss its condition, and come up with a customized treatment plan just for you. First comes a thorough cleaning, which removes impurities and allows for maximum facial rejuvenation results.

Once cleansed, the dead skin cells will be exfoliated, and steam will be applied to open the pores and remove pore debris. Your esthetician will then apply one of several corrective serums based on your personalized treatment plan. Finally, a soothing mask and a protective coat of moisturizer and sunscreen will be applied. The end result is a more youthful, rejuvenated look and feel.

Liposuction

The Kardashian clan and other social media celebrities have made liposuction one of the most popular procedures over the past few years. This trend will undoubtedly continue in 2020 as it’s a highly versatile and effective way of getting rid of fat. The surgeon can reshape one or several problem areas during the procedure.

Liposuction offers a longer-lasting and more dramatic result than non-injectables—and it’s gone high-tech. Ultrasonic assisted lipoplasty uses ultrasonic energy that liquifies the fat. This allows for it to be removed via a low-vacuum suction. This gentle technique allows for a much larger volume of fat to be removed, and that helps reduce swelling, blood loss, and bruising.

Ultrasonic assisted lipoplasty is not a weight-reduction procedure, unlike traditional liposuction. Instead, it can help contour the body and remove localized fat deposits much better than diet, exercise, and non-invasive procedures.

Look Your Best for the Summertime

Now is the best time to get an invasive or non-invasive surgical procedure done. You’ll have ample time to heal up before swimsuit season, and you’ll look your very best. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, give us a call at (214) 965-9885 or contact us via our website. Dr. Adams can help you get your face and body ready for summer so that you look and feel great!

unlicensed surgeons

Unlicensed Surgeons – What to Look Out For?

Plastic Surgery

There’s been a rash of news stories lately about people who have suffered life-threatening medical complications as a result of visiting an unlicensed surgeon. While this is nothing new, it serves as a reminder of just how dangerous plastic surgery and non-invasive treatments are when they aren’t performed in the office of a licensed plastic surgeon.

The trouble with finding a reputable surgeon is that the non-licensed ones will often use aggressive marketing tactics and take advantage of the unsuspecting public. We’re going to take a look at the various things that you should consider to avoid an unlicensed surgeon:

Research the Credentials of the Surgeon

One of the biggest giveaways of an unlicensed surgeon is their lack of credentials. Research the doctor by asking them what their credentials are and which organizations they belong to. Look for surgeons who are Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

This means that they have undergone the rigorous training, education, and residency required by this prestigious institution. Another clue are the various medical organizations they are—or aren’t—a member of.

For example, in addition to being a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Adams also a member of the: American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), member and Past President of ASERF (Aesthetic Society Education and Research Foundation).

The Consultation 

Before you undergo a non-invasive procedure or other surgical treatment, a qualified  surgeon should require a face-to-face consultation. Now is the best time to ask them about their qualifications and such other questions as:

  • “How many of these procedures or surgeries a year do you do?”
  • “Are you board-certified?
  • “What is the overall success rate?”
  • “What will my recovery be like?”

When it comes time to make a decision, trust your gut instinct. If the surgeon starts getting a bit squirrely, defensive, or quickly changes the subject when you ask them if they’re board-certified, this is probably an indicator that you need to keep researching.

A board-certified plastic surgeon will be open with his credentials, organizational memberships, and have zero trouble answering any of your questions. They’re there to help you look your very best and have your personal safety in mind.

Cheap Cost

So-called surgeons or medical spas that offer Groupon discounts or other procedures at a severe discount are another huge red flag. No self-respecting surgeon is going to run a Facebook special to attract new clients. Their stellar reputation and referrals from satisfied patients are all that they need to attract new business.

The rise of injectables, or non-invasive surgery, has opened the door for many unqualified surgeons to try and take advantage of the unsuspecting public. They will sometimes operate out of a decrepit strip mall office, or in other cases in the garage or living room of their apartment!

There’s a reason why plastic surgery costs what it does—you’re getting the services of a highly trained and skilled professional who has dedicated a good portion of their adult life towards their medical education and training. In short, cheap procedures yield cheap results. You want to look your very best—why take the risk to save a few dollars?

Examine Their Website

Look at the biography section of the website and try to confirm the information that they’re telling you. Often, fly-by-night surgeons will leave this section blank. A good plastic surgeon will want to share his credentials and experience with the public.

Look at the blog on the website as well. While this isn’t a reliable indicator of whether or not they’re an excellent surgeon, a well-maintained and recently updated blog is a sign that they’re putting effort into their site—and care about their medical practice. 

Keep in mind that anyone can build a website—you don’t need a medical degree to create one. However, a good-looking website with lots of updated content and relevant information that promotes their practice can tell you a lot about the surgeon you’re considering.

Ask for Clarification 

An unlicensed surgeon might start to get jittery or defensive when you ask about such things as benefits, risks, and potential complications. A board-certified surgeon will gladly take the time to explain the procedure and the various risks or complications.

If the person you’re talking to tells you, “everything is going to be fine, there’s nothing to worry about,” this should be a massive red flag that something isn’t right. While plastic surgery procedures performed by a board-certified surgeon have an excellent track record, medical complications can and sometimes do occur—owing to each person’s own personal medical history. 

A qualified surgeon will also ask you about your medical history, any allergies, and other issues that could potentially increase the risk of complications. If the surgeon feels that you’re at risk of complications due to your medical history, they will have no problem informing you of their concerns.

Board-Certified Surgeon in Dallas

By diligently performing research and considering the above five examples, you can help avoid the risk of getting the surgery done by an unlicensed surgeon. If you’re ready to schedule a consultation, give the offices of Dr. Adams a call at (214) 965-9885 or contact us via our website.

Dr. Adams is a Board-Certified surgeon who is also a member of several prestigious medical organizations. He’s also an Associate Professor in the Department of Plastic Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center. He will be more than happy to sit down with you, discuss your concerns, and offer his expert advice.