eye lift | Tri-Cities | Hermiston | Yakima

Eyelift surgery, when you’re tired of your tired eyes.

Are you tired of your tired eyes? You might be a candidate for eyelift surgery, also known as a blepharoplasty.

As we age many people develop drooping upper eyelids and puffy bags under their eyes. This can make them look older than they are. It can also make them look tired. Sometimes drooping eyelids can affect their vision.

The Eyelift Procedure

During eyelift surgery, fat is removed along with excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. Incisions are made along the natural lines of the eyelid. For upper lids an incision is made in the creases of the upper lids. For a lower eyelift an incision is made just below the lashes. The skin is then separated from the underlying fatty tissue and muscle. The excess fat is removed and the sagging skin and muscle are trimmed. The incisions are then closed with very fine sutures.

After surgery your eyes will be lubricated with ointment and bandages will be applied. Your eyelids may feel tight and sore as the anesthesia wears off. Any pain or discomfort you might have can be managed by pain medication which will be proscribed for you.

After Eyelift Surgery

You will be instructed to keep your head elevated for several days.  You can use cold compresses to control swelling and bruising. While swelling and bruising varies from patient to patient, generally it peaks during the first week and may linger anywhere from two to three weeks. Some bruising may extend into the cheeks. Most patients feel comfortable going out in public or returning to work withing a week or 10 days. Patients should avoid strenuous activities for at least 2 weeks.

The first few weeks after surgery patients may experience increased tearing and light sensitivity.

Healing from an eyelift is a gradual process. Scars may remain slightly pink for at least 6 months post surgery. Eventually the pink scars will fade to a thin nearly invisible white line.

The Best Candidates for Eyelift Surgery

The best candidates for an eyelift have a significant amount of loose skin, and have realistic expectations.

For more information go to the following link:

https://frankflemingmd.com/procedures/cosmetic-facial-procedures/blepharoplasty-tri-cities/

Plastic Surgeon

Plastic Surgery-On becoming a Plastic Surgeon

It started with my Grandfather

People often ask me when I realized I wanted to become a doctor, specifically a plastic surgeon. Coming from a medical family, and having a father who was a noted plastic surgeon, I was always drawn to the medical field. It started with my grandfather, Dr. Harry Fleming. He was a small town country doctor in Humboldt, Saskatchewan. He worked long hours, made house calls and often got paid with a baskets of vegetables or a cake or a pie. My father Dr. Joseph Fleming, followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a plastic surgeon and heading up the Texas Institute of Plastic Surgery. My mother worked at his side for many years as his nurse. As you can imagine, plastic surgery was a common topic of conversation in our house as I grew up. It seemed inevitable that my brother and I would also choose to go to medical school and then go on to become surgeons like our father.

It’s funny how things go full circle. My first year working as a plastic surgeon I had an older gentleman as a patient. He told me that as a young boy he had had his tonsils removed by a Dr. Fleming in Humboldt, Saskatchewan. Yes, my grandfather.

 

Dr. Frank Fleming performing surgery with his father and brother.

Performing surgery with my father, Dr. Joseph Fleming and my brother, Dr. James Fleming.

I had another patient my first year in practice who sustained a critical injury but had no insurance or money to pay me for my services.  Of course, I performed his surgery and never billed him. Every year, on the anniversary of his accident, this patient from long ago, brings me a cake or a pie as a gesture of thanks. Somehow it always makes me think of my grandfather all those years ago, working as a country doctor and getting paid with a basket of vegetables, or a cake, or a pie, and the family legacy that he began.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Raymond_Fleming

 

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/

Tummy Tuck-Are you a good candidate?

Everyone seems to have something they would change about their bodies. It seems like achieving a flatter tummy is high on the list. Despite sticking to a diet plan and exercise routine, sometimes a little extra help is needed. Say hello to the Tummy Tuck.  It is one of the most popular elective surgeries that I do. In the past 25 years I  have performed many Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty) surgeries in the Tri Cities. My patients include both men and woman. These patients include those who have lost weight and are left with loose skin on their abdomen, mothers who after childbirth have loose skin and stretched or separated abdominal muscles, or patients who are at their optimal weight, exercise regularly, but still have a belly.

 

Who is a good candidate for a Tummy Tuck? 

A Tummy Tuck is not a weight loss procedure but instead addresses stubborn areas that diet and exercise have not been able to get to. The ideal Tummy Tuck candidate will be in relatively good shape but want to refine their abdomen. This is not to say that someone who is not in optimal physical shape is excluded from being eligible for this surgery, but it is important for these patients to have realistic expectations and understand that they will not end up with optimal results. I tell my patients that if  they are planning on losing weight or becoming pregnant, I recommend that they wait until your body size and weight stabilize before undergoing the surgery.

Are you in good health?:

It is also important for patients to disclose their medical history during the consultation. It is imperative for potential patients to be honest when about their medical history for their safety. Be prepared to disclose what surgeries your have had in the past, what medications you are on and what medical conditions you have or have had. Additionally you will be asked if you are or have been a smoker or are taking any herbal remedies.

Common myth about Tummy Tucks:

One common myth I hear during consultations is that a Tummy Tuck and liposuction are the same thing and are interchangeable. This is untrue. The two procedures address different things. While liposuction of the abdomen removes excess fat deposits it does not address the skin or ‘pooch’ that is left behind. Liposuction also does not address the muscle separation that often results from pregnancy. A Tummy Tuck contours the physique. It tightens the skin and muscles of the abdomen. It is designed to remove excess sagging skin and correct abdominal muscle separation.

The Tummy Tuck surgery:

A Tummy Tuck is a major surgical procedure. It is therefore important that my patients have an understanding of the process and what to expect. The Tummy Tuck procedure involves making an incision just above the pubic hairline and then removing excess skin and fat. The incision is placed well below the panty line so that it can be easily concealed with underwear or a bathing suit. The skin of the abdomen is then pulled down tight, and sutured back together and if the patient has abdominal muscle separation, this is corrected.

If you would like more information about the Tummy Tuck procedure or would like to schedule a consultation, please call our office at: 509-942-3190.

https://frankflemingmd.com/procedures/

 

The Skinny on Liposuction

The skinny on Liposuction

The skinny on Liposuction

THE SKINNY ON LIPOSUCTION

Liposuction allows the surgeon to reshape areas of the body that have excess fat deposits. The procedure improves the body’s contours.

Liposuction is the second most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the United States. In 2015 over 220,000 liposuction procedures were performed. This is up 5% from 2014. I have performed thousands of liposuction procedures over the course of my career, and it remains one of the most in demand procedures in my practice.

 

Who is a good candidate for liposuction?

Liposuction is for patients who are at or near their ideal weight.  These patients have areas of their body where stubborn fat pockets remain despite following healthy diet and exercise routine. It is not a solution to obesity or a weight loss procedure. Common areas treated are the abdomen, inner and or outer thighs, arms, lower and or upper back, inside knees, or even the face and neck.

The ideal candidate will also be:

-Physically fit

-In good health

-No more than 25 lbs overweight

-Have realistic expectations

 

What to expect during your consultation?

During your consultation I will review your medical history and look at what medications that you are taking.  We will discuss your goals and expectations. We will also discuss the procedure itself. I will candidly talk to you about the risks associated with this procedure and answer any questions that you might have.  I will also do an exam to look at the areas to be addressed. My office staff will then talk to you about the fees and various payment options.

 

Where is the surgery performed?

Patient safety is always my top priority, this is why I perform my liposuction procedures in the surgery center at Kadlec Regional Medical Center. Kadlec’s surgery center is certified, so patients can be assured that it is a clean, sterile facility. Patients can also be assured that the support staff assisting in the surgery are trained, knowledgeable and certified. For additional patient safety, a certified anesthetist will administer your anesthesia.

 

What are the risks?

All surgical procedures carry risks, whether you are having cosmetic surgery or a knee replacement. Though complication are rare, patients need to be aware that risk does exist. Some risks associated with liposuction are blood clots and fat emboli. Be wary of a surgeon who tries to tell you there is no risk associated with surgery, this would be a red flag. Patients should be assured that in Kadlec’s surgery center,  they are in the safest type of facility should any issues arise.

 

For further information go to:

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/liposuction

https://frankflemingmd.com/

Botox

Botox – Answers to my patients most common questions.

Botox

Do you have questions about Botox?

 

Botox. Who would think that a substance that is responsible for food poisoning could also make us look more youthful!

Below I’ve listed some of the more common questions I’m frequently asked by my patients.

 

What is Botox?

Botox is a prescription drug and is made by the drug company Allergan. It works by temporarily blocking muscle activity by preventing the transmission between nerve endings and muscle fibers. In lay terms this means that when Botox is injected into your muscle the muscle will temporarily relax.

 

What areas do you treat? 

Common areas treated are:

  • Forehead wrinkles.
  • Frown lines.
  • Crow’s feet.
  • The muscle bands in the anterior neck.

 

What can I expect from my first Botox procedure? 

The procedure is quick and easy, it usually takes about 10 minutes. The first thing I will do is assess your facial wrinkling to make sure that Botox is indicated. I will then mark your face to pinpoint the injection sites. A small fine gauge needle is used to inject the Botox into the target areas. You will feel small pin pricks in the treatment areas. My patients tell me the pain is a 1-2 on the scale of 10.

 

What kind of results can I expect to see? 

Botox does not work instantly, so don’t expect to see immediate results! Results are generally seen anywhere from 1-7 days after the procedure.

Botox is not permanent, it will gradually wear off.  My patients generally return for repeat injections every 3-4 months.

 

Who administers the Botox at your office? 

I administer all of the Botox injections to our patients at Kadlec Clinic Plastic Surgery and Dermatology. The chance of complications can increase when administered incorrectly by an inexperienced injector. Complications might include problems swallowing, problems breathing, muscle weakness, double vision, blurred vision, blindness and drooping eyelids.

 

At what age do people start getting injections? 

It depends. Some of my younger patients are in their early 30’s and use Botox to prevent wrinkles from forming.

 

Do you do Botox parties? 

No. While they sound like a lot of fun I do not think they are safe. For patient safety I believe in maintaining the highest medical standards. This means administering Botox in a safe clean clinical setting with no alcohol involved.

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/botulinum-toxin

 

For more on patient safety, click the following link:

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/patient-safety

 

Liposucton

Undergoing Liposuction

img_4309

What to expect when undergoing liposuction. 

The liposuction procedure will begin with the anesthesiologist administering sedation. A small incision between .5cm-1cm wide will be made. Through the incision a tumescent solution will be injected into the area being treated. This solution contains sterile salt water, anesthetic and epinephrine. The tumescent solution is used to expand the fat layer. This allows for even suctioning. It also provides anesthesia.  The incisions will be strategically placed. Scars from the incisions will fade over time. A thin hollow wand, called a cannula is then inserted through the incisions to suck out the excess fat.  The length of the procedure varies depending which areas are being suctioned. The procedure generally takes 1-2 hours.

Are there different types of liposuction?

I have been performing liposuction for 25 years. Over the years I have seen different types of liposuction come and go. The most widely used type used is the Tumescent method. The Tumescent method has also been around the longest. It is considered the ‘Gold Standard’ to which all other forms of liposuction are compared. None of the newer forms have proven as effective. Some of these so called new and improved forms of liposuction have even ended up being dangerous. They have lead to severe complications for the patients. I use the Tumescent procedure in my practice. I have found no form of liposuction that is superior.

A word about safety

In my practice, safety comes first. I am always cautious of new procedures that are being touted as the latest and greatest. Before I incorporate any new procedure into my practice I like make sure that it is best for my patients. This is why I do procedures with a long track record of success. I don’t believe patients should be used as guinea pigs to test out new and potentially unsafe procedures.

 

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/patient-safety

A final word

It is important to keep in mind that ultimately, what is most important in this and any other cosmetic surgery procedures is the skill and experience of the surgeon.

https://Frankflemingmd.com

 

 

The ever popular Mommy Makeover

image

The Mommy Makeover

 

A big section of my practice is devoted to Mommy Makeovers. What I hear from my patients is that despite returning to their pre-baby weight and sticking to a healthy diet and exercise regimen, they have become discouraged because their body is not returning to what it once was. Since they are not happy with the way they look, their self-esteem and confidence has been eroded. Pregnancy changes a woman’s body. Particularly the breast and tummy areas. During pregnancy it is normal to gain weight. The breasts become larger which stretches out the skin. The result is that once the pregnancy weight has been shed the breasts will have often lost their fullness and be left saggy. The abdomen also becomes larger during pregnancy, and the skin here becomes stretched out too. Additionally, the muscles of the abdomen may separate which is known as known as diastasis recti. Once the pregnancy weight has been shed there will often be a lot of loose saggy skin left over.

The Mommy Makeover isn’t just one procedure. It’s a combination of procedures to bring the body back to the shape it was pre-pregnancy.The two procedures that generally make up a Mommy Makeover are the breast lift and the tummy tuck. The breast lift will return the breast to it’s pre -pregnancy contour. With a breast lift, sometimes patients will choose to have a breast lift with implants. The tummy tuck procedure will address the loose skin left on the abdomen. An incision will be made below the bikini line and the loose skin will be pulled tight. If my patients have had their abdominal muscles separate during pregnancy, then I can tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall during the surgery.

Roughly 325,000 Mommy Makeovers are performed each year. My patient’s who come to me for Mommy Makeovers are women who are devoted to their children and their families. They give of themselves on a daily basis and rarely put themselves first.  They’ve come to me because they’ve decided to do something nice for themselves.

   If you would like to schedule a consultation give our office a call at 509-942-3190.

https://frankflemingmd.com/

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/patient-safety

What this Plastic Surgeon wants you to know about Breast Augmentation surgery.

Breast augmentation

Breast augmentation

 

 

Breast augmentation surgery is one of the most common surgeries that I perform. In the past 25 years I have done thousands of augmentations.

Here are some things I’ve learned.

Women seek breast augmentation surgery for several reasons. They may want to restore breast volume that has been lost as a result of pregnancy and breast feeding. They may want to restore volume after major weight loss. They may want to balance out breasts that are two different sizes. They may want to augment underdeveloped breasts. They may have had a mastectomy and are seeking to reconstruct their breast or breasts. Whatever the goal, each of my patients has their own set of reasons that is unique and personal to them.

The benefits of a breast augmentation often goes far beyond just appearance. It can go a long way in boosting self-esteem. Such psychological effects are immeasurable. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that breast augmentation surgery has a 95% satisfaction rate. Read more

body procedures

Are you bikini ready?

ARE YOU BIKINI READY?

The days are getting longer. It’s starting to heat up again in the Tri-Cities. This means bathing suit season is just around the corner. Are you ready? Or do you dread the season of exposed skin. As hot as it gets in the Tri-Cities in the summer, it’s impossible not to show some skin. It’s the season of sleeveless shirts and exposed arms or shorts showing off legs. Does the thought of someone asking you to don a bathing suit and go for a swim fill you with dread? This time of year everyone seems to be hitting the gym and dieting in anticipation of soon wearing  tank tops, sun dresses and bathing suits. But diet and exercise can only go so far, which is why I always have a surge of patients seeking cosmetic surgery procedures at this time of year. The most popular procedures I see requested in the Spring are breast augmentation, tummy tuck and liposuction. The timing is perfect if you want to debut your new look at that 4th of July barbecue.

I love hearing stories from my patients about how their cosmetic surgeries have impacted their lives for the better.  I had one patient who had a long overdue mommy makeover last Spring. Before her surgery, Spring was the most dreaded time of the year for her, because it meant shopping and trying on bathing suits. She told me about being in the fitting room and not wanting to look at herself in the mirror. The more covered up she could get the better. She always went home from those swim suit shopping trips feeling deflated and bad about herself.  But last Spring was different. Last Spring she had had a Mommy Makeover. Last Spring she couldn’t wait to go swim suit shopping. Last Spring when she tried on swim suits she found herself dancing in front of the fitting room mirror. Forget the swim suits that were supposed to minimize the waist that she would have to pull and tug herself into. Forget the skirted suit made to cover up her legs. She had reclaimed her girlish figure, and for the first time in 20 years, she was on the hunt for a bikini.

 

https://frankflemingmd.com/

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/patient-safety

100 years of Plastic Surgery

The Father of Plastic Surgery

Early Plastic Surgery

Walter Yeo

This May it will have been 100 years since Walter Yeo was wounded during World War 1. Yao was in the Royal Navy and he was injured at the Battle of Jutland in May 1916. Walter sustained horrific facial damage, including losing his upper and lower eyelids.  Due to the horrific facial trauma suffered by so many soldiers in the trenches of the First World War, doctors began trying out new surgery methods to treat these men. Walter Yeo was fortunate to be treated by a surgeon by the name of Harold Gillies. Today Harold Gillies is known as the father of Plastic Surgery.

Gillies was desperate to help the countless men coming out of the trenches with disfiguring injuries. He had been pioneering skin grafting techniques when Walter Yeo was sent to him. He used these new techniques to build Yeo new eyelids. The technique he used is called the tubed pedicle flap.  Over the course of the war, Harold Gillies would go on to perform over 11,000 surgeries on over 5000 soldiers who had their faces disfigured by gun shot and shrapnel wounds. In 1930, Harold Gillies became Sir Harold Gillies when was knighted by the King of England.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Yeo