Answer:
I believe there are several important steps to a successful Partnership between a board certified Plastic Surgeon and their Patient!

The key to picking your Plastic Surgeon for any procedure is that:

1. He or she is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a diplomat of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. A handy list to refer to when interviewing or considering a Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon can be found here.
2. That he/she has experience in performing Breast Augmentation. The Plastic Surgeon needs to be committed to helping you decide on the best implant and also committed to following you every year after surgery so that you better understand what to look for if you think you detect any changes in your implants and get the latest information on implants. For more information on Breast Augmentation click here.
3. That you can view typical case photos of the surgeons Breast Augmentation results. Click here to view our Breast Augmentation Galleries.
4. You need to evaluate the Plastic Surgeon’s skills by first going to a consultation that should evaluate your individual anatomy, your expectations and review your options. Bring a list of questions or concerns to help organize your thoughts. TOGETHER you should pick an implant for each breast. Breasts are often different. Be sure your Plastic Surgeon helps you decide what will best meet your expectations and provide you with the post operative and long term care you need. Implants, like all medical devices, do not last forever. You should expect to need replacement during your long healthy life.
5. If the Plastic Surgeon is also an active member of ASAPS then you know they also fulfilled the impressive criteria to become a member.
   Among the requirements for invitation and election to ASAPS membership, a plastic surgeon must:
   • Be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
   • Be in at least the third year of active practice following board certification
   • Participate in accredited Continuing Medical Education (CME) to stay current with developments in the field of cosmetic plastic surgery.
   • Document the performance of a significant number and variety of cosmetic surgical cases to demonstrate wide experience.
   • Be sponsored by two ASAPS-member plastic surgeons to help ensure that the applicant’s professional reputation meets the high standards required by ASAPS.

The requirements for membership in the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) are designed to encourage application by trained and experienced plastic surgeons who concentrate their practices in performing cosmetic plastic surgery of the face and the entire body. ASAPS membership remains an exclusive privilege for those surgeons who possess the necessary qualifications. Only about one-quarter of all American Board of Plastic Surgery certified surgeons have been accepted into ASAPS membership.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about a Surgical or Non-Surgical procedure we would be happy to set up a personal consultation. You may reach us at (847) 657-6884. We are located in the Chicago North Shore suburb of Glenview, Il.

If you’d like to submit your own plastic surgery question please do so here!

Does using topical Retin-A enhance the result of Sculptra® Aesthetic?

Reply:
The combination of a Sculptra® Aesthetic treatment with consistent use of topical Retin-A continues to fascinate me. I completed a 106 patient study on the synergy of these two very effective treatments and found that their use in combination can be powerfully effective. Sculptra® Aesthetic is injected just below the skin and then proceeds to stimulate the growth of one’s own collagen through an inflammatory process. The Retin-A is topically applied daily to the same areas, and it’s efficacy on it’s own is impressive, but it appears to decrease the amount of Sculptra® Aesthetic needed for full correction. The skin thickens and the surface of the skin appears more youthful. Retin-A is one of the FDA approved topical agents known to scientifically alter the skin’s surface. Other creams and lotions can temporarily help slough off the outermost layer of ‘dead skin cells’, but documentation shows that Retin-A temporarily alters the quality of the skin while the patient is using it.

When Sculptra® Aesthetic is injected correctly, and topical Retin-A is used consistently, the two products act as complimentary partners to help you achieve your goal of making your skin look more youthful.

Read more about Sculptra® here.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about a Surgical or Non-Surgical procedure we would be happy to set up a personal consultation. You may reach us at (847) 657-6884. We are located in the Chicago North Shore suburb of Glenview, Il.

If you’d like to submit your own plastic surgery question please do so here!

Answer:
Restylane® continues to be the #1 dermal filler in the world. Restylane® is a safe skin filler made with hyaluronic acid (HA) that is used to fill the aging lines of the face. Perlane® is a similar filler but because of it ‘s larger particle size, it is used for deep lines of the face. Both Restylane and Perlane are FDA approved for the treatment of moderate to deep facial wrinkles such as the nasolabial folds that are commonly found around the mouth. When injected properly, they can help erase your wrinkles and creases.
Read more about Restylane® and Perlane® here!
Click here for Restylane / Perlane before and after photos.

Generally, the effects of Restylane and Perlane last a minimum of 6 months and often 12-18 months if the area is re-treated within 6 months. They do not require any pre-testing for allergic reactions, but it is important to avoid aspirin and aspirin-related products for 7-10 days prior to injection to minimize the potential for bruising. Side effects from a filler session are minimal and results are usually evident within days after swelling subsides.

Come in for a complimentary consultation to evaluate whether Restylane or Perlane would be the best option for you!
You may reach us at (847) 657-6884. We are located in the Chicago North Shore suburb of Glenview, Il.

If you’d like to submit your own plastic surgery question please do so here!

Once you have reviewed the talking points, use the toll-free hotline at 1-877-221-8207 and urge your Senators to block this tax. Once you call in, you will be prompted to enter your zip code. You will then be connected to your Senators. Thank you for your efforts!

Have you heard of the cosmetic surgery tax which was part of the recent Senate Health Reform bill?

At the 11th hour, a cosmetic surgery tax provision was slipped in the Senate Health Reform bill. The proposal asks for the consumer who undergoes an elective cosmetic procedure, to pay a 5 % tax to the government for any procedure like Botox, Fillers, Breast Augmentations and Lifts, Tummy Tucks, Facelifts and Body Contouring. However, the bill states that even insurance covered procedures may be taxed! Will our senators and representatives also tax breast reconstruction and the opposite breast for procedures that help create symmetry? This proposal has been named the “Botax”.

New Jersey has had such a “Botax” tax for a few years and to date it has not generated income for that state government, instead it has cost the state administrators $3 dollars for every $1 of revenue. In New Jersey the consumer has been burdened with increased taxes during this deep recession. Please contact your representatives and senators to voice your opinion about this ill conceived new proposed Cosmetic tax. The U.S. Capitol switchboard is 202-225-3121 where you can be connected to your Senators and Representatives. NOTE: You must know the name of your Senator and representative prior to calling the switchboard; this information can be found at www.senate.gov (scroll by state). For Illinois they are:

Burris, Roland W. - (D - IL) Class III
387 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-2854
Web Form: burris.senate.gov/contact/contact.cfm

Durbin, Richard J. - (D - IL) Class II
309 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-2152
Web Form: durbin.senate.gov/contact.cfm

You can determine the name of your representative by going to www.house.gov where you can enter your zip code. It is Mark Kirk for 60093. The Senate Health Reform Bill requires a well thought out “reconstructive” effort not a quick fix which will only hurt or adversely effect our already struggling economy. Please call, write and email now to voice your opinion!

As you know, at the 11th hour, a cosmetic surgery tax provision was slipped in the Senate Health Reform bill. We need you to help us fight this tax that makes physicians tax collectors and burdens our patients.

Take action today and tell your Senators and Representatives that medical care should be not be used as a tool to fix broken finances. Contact your Senators and Representatives and request they oppose a cosmetic tax. Additionally, have your patients contact their members of Congress as well!!

Effective ways to reach your Members of Congress include:

1. Call your Senators and Representative’s District Office this week. Most legislators are home this week for the holiday break. Visit the plastic surgery action portal at http://www.capitolconnect.com/asps/login.aspx to obtain your Senator’s district office contact information. Once you log in, go to my profile and then the legislators tab.

2. Call Your Senator and Representative’s Washington, DC Office (early and often). Visit the plastic surgery action portal at http://www.capitolconnect.com/asps/login.aspx to obtain your Senator’s D.C. office contact information. Once you log in, go to my profile and then the legislators tab.

3. E-Mail Your Senators. Click on the take action box after logging on to the plastic surgery action portal http://www.capitolconnect.com/asps/login.aspx and urge your Senators to oppose taxing elective medical procedures. Feel free to use the sample letter, but please personalize the letter with your own experience and patient stories.

4. Patients: Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard 202-225-3121 and ask to be connected to your Senators and Representatives. NOTE: You must know the name of their Senator prior to calling the switchboard; this information can be found at www.senate.gov (scroll by state). You can determine the name of your representative by going to www.house.gov and entering your zip code.

Read more here: Doctors Ask: What Do You Mean, Cosmetic Tax?

Evening Event will be on:

Thursday October 29th 6pm - 8pm
Location: 2050 Pfingsten, Suite 270
Glenview, IL 60026 (847) 657-6884

Meet Dr. Casas and the reps from Sculptra, Restylane & Dysport.
This is an excellent opportunity to ask questions & get the facts.

*Join us and take advantage of our Casas Q & A Insider Promo Rates*

R.S.V.P. by October 24th for the evening event.

See Our October Promotions here!

Afternoon Event will be on:

Thursday October 15th 12pm - 2pm
Location: 2050 Pfingsten, Suite 270
Glenview, IL 60026 (847) 657-6884

Meet Dr. Casas and the reps from Sculptra, Restylane & Dysport.
This is an excellent opportunity to ask questions & get the facts.

*Join us and take advantage of our Casas Q & A Insider Promo Rates*

We will have an evening event for those unable to come to our afternoon Q & A!
Thursday October 29th 6pm - 8pm
R.S.V.P. by October 24th for the evening event.

See Our October Promotions here!

Meet Dr. Casas and the reps from Sculptra, Restylane & Dysport!
This is an excellent opportunity to ask questions & get the facts!

*Come to take advantage of our Casas Q & A Insider Promo Rates*

Event Address:
2050 Pfingsten, Suite 270
Glenview, IL 60026 (847) 657-6884

See our October Promotions here!

Answer: We want to fight the aging process with steadfast perseverance but, at the same time, we must be patient in our expectations for results.

Sculptra™ Aesthetic is a skin stimulator that works with your own tissue, stimulating collagen growth over time. The results are natural and gradual. Unlike fillers, it is not immediately noticeable after the procedure but the payoff is longevity. Sculptra is a long lasting treatment that offers reliable facial volume to hollow cheeks for up to 2 years.

Generally, patients are treated in 1 to 5 sessions depending on the severity of the sagging of their skin and loss of facial fat from aging. Patients see results in 4 -6 months.

When combined with the use of clinically guided skincare that includes Retin-A, healthy diet and proper amounts of sleep, Sculptra is a fantastic tool to keep ourselves looking our best and younger than our years!

Click here to learn more about Sculptra™.
Click here for Sculptra™ photos.

Additional informative reads:
A Facial Filler Needs a Dose of Patience
Fill in the Blanks First

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about a Surgical or Non-Surgical procedure we would be happy to set up a personal consultation.Call now for your complimentary Sculptra consultation (847) 657-6884 or (847) 657-6973. We are located in the Chicago North Shore suburb of Glenview, Il.

If you’d like to submit your own plastic surgery question please do so here!