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10 Red Flags when looking for a Plastic Surgeon.

The decision to have cosmetic or plastic surgery is a big one. Equally as important a decision is deciding WHO will do your surgery.

Below are 10 red flags to watch for.

Red Flag #1

The doctor you are consulting is not a board certified plastic surgeon. You can verify your doctors credentials at: plasticsurgery.org

Red Flag #2
Your surgery will be performed in a non accredited facility.
Accreditation ensures that strict standards are met for proper equipment, safety, surgeon credentials and staffing.

Red Flag #3
During the consultation the surgeon isn’t really listening to you and is giving you one size fits all answers.

Red Flag #4
The office or staff or doctor have an air of unprofessionalism.

Red Flag #5
The surgeon starts finding fault with other parts of your body and tries to sell you on additional procedures.

Red Flag #6
The surgeon tells you that the surgery your are considering has zero risks.
All surgery carries risk. Patients need to be informed of the risks so they can make an informed decision.

Red Flag #7
The surgeon gives deep discount deals. Ask yourself, why? Plastic surgeons price their services based on their skill, experience and demand.

Red Flag #8
During or after the consultation you feel like you have been subjected to high pressure sales tactics to get you to book your surgery.

Red Flag #9
The price is right but your gut is telling you no.

Red Flag #10
During the consultation you are shown before and after photos and it is unclear if these photos are off the internet or legitimate patients of the surgeon.
For patient privacy, I have a limited gallery of before and after photos on my webpage. However, in my office I have an extensive number of before and after photos. Prospective patients can review these during their consultation. These are photos of patients I have operated on.

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/

Recovery after Liposuction

Recovery after liposuction varies from patient to patient and varies depending on the area that was treated. However, there are some general guidelines.

 

Immediately after surgery:

After the surgery you will spend some time in a recovery room monitored by nursing staff until  I give the green light to have you released.  After the procedure you will be woozy from the anesthesia. This is why, before your surgery, you were asked to have a ride arranged to take you home. When you awaken from the surgery you will be wearing a compression garment.Wearing the compression garment is very important to minimize swelling and promote a smooth contour as you heal. My patients generally rate their pain after liposuction as a 3 0r 4 out of 10. The pain medication we prescribed will help alleviate the pain. You will be sleepy and tired after the procedure because of the anesthesia.

 

The first week after the procedure:

Continue to wear the compression garment 24/7

Keep the incisions dry.

Continue to take the pain medication but start to wean off of them.

Some patients may be able to return to work after 3-4 days.

 

One week after surgery:

One week post surgery you will come to my office for a follow up appointment. I will check on your recovery.

You will still be swollen and bruised. Because of the swelling, the final results of the liposuction will not yet be seen.

Patients can go back to work and resume normal activities except for strenuous exercise.

 

Two weeks after the surgery:

Generally patients can take off their compression garments. Up to this time the compression garment should have been worn 24/7 except to bathe.

 

Three weeks after surgery

Recovery varies from patient to patient. Because there are no long incisions or muscles repaired during this procedure, as they would be for a tummy tuck for example, recovery is fairly quick.

Patients can resume a modified workout routine after 3 weeks.

As the swelling subsides patients will start to see the results of the procedure and a sleeker more contoured body will begin to be evident.

By the end of the first month most of the swelling should have subsided.

There will still be some swelling for the next 3-6 months and as time passes, patients will see a better and better result each day.

 

https://frankflemingmd.com/

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

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/

Winter is a great time for Cosmetic Surgery.

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Winter is a great time for cosmetic surgery. 

 

Winter is here and baby it’s cold outside! This Winter has been uncharacteristically cold and snowy for the Tri-Cities. I’ve been here almost 9 years and I’ve never seen anything like it. But there is good news! Winter is a great time to get cosmetic surgery procedures done!

 

Here’s why:

Winter clothing aka the big cover up.

Some of my patients want to tell everyone they know about their cosmetic surgery procedures. Other patients like to be discreet and keep it quiet. For the first week or two after surgery patients can easily stay covered up and hide swelling, bruising, bandages, stitches, drains and/or compression garments. The loose baggy clothing of winter is ideal for patients who want to keep their lips sealed.

 

Has anybody seen the sun? 

Keeping incision sites out of the sun is important, therefore, less sun is better for wound healing. Just a short amount of time in the sun can cause a pink incision to become darker.

 

No one is going to ask you to throw on a bikini-yet

After surgery it can take several weeks for most of the swelling from surgery to subside. When bikini season finally does roll around, ta-da, you will be ready to peel off the layers and reveal the new you!

 

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

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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

 

 

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

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