Florida Plastic Surgeon - Bernard A. Shuster, MD

French PIP Breast Implant Maker Arrested

2012-01-26T03:32:00.000-08:00

Jean-Claude Mas, who lead the foreign firm who produced the PIP breast implants was arrested this morning in the South of France.
PIP breast implants have a rupture rate estimated at up to 11 times that of American made implants. More troubling still is the fact the the company knowingly used substandard, industrial grade silicone not meant for use in humans.
Numerous countries around the world where these implants were used have recommended PIP implants be removed.
We are seeing many patients here in South Florida as well as from outside the country to counsel them and treat them for this unfortunate problem.
The issue is, unlike American made breast implants, when these implants rupture, women are exposed to potentially toxic substances because the material PIP used was not intended for human use.

Breast Augmentation Statistics

2008-03-11T08:56:00.000-07:00

Breast augmentation is popular, very popular. But just how many are done in this country each year? The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) has published the latest statistics on plastic surgery in the United States for the year 2007. As part of an ongoing series of entries, Dr. Shuster will be commenting upon the latest trends in plastic surgery.

In 2007, there were 399,440 breast augmentations performed by plastic surgeons in this country. Below are some interesting facts regarding this number.

Of the breast implants placed last year, 60.6% were saline breast implants. 39.4% were silicone gel filled breast implants.
Breast augmentation was the second most popular cosmetic surgical procedure performed. The most popular was liposuction.
This represents a 4.1% increase over the number of breast implants placed during the prior year, 2006.
It is a 295% increase over the number of breast augmentations which were performed ten years ago. In 1997, 101,176 breast augmentations were performed.
Breast implants are quite rare in the teenage group. Only 2% of breast augmentations are done on patients 18 years of age or younger.
The most popular age group for breast implants is the 19 to 34 year old group. They accounted for 50.5% of all breast augmentations.

The typical breast augmentation is a surgical procedure which takes less than one hour to perform. Most patients will return to work in less than one week.

More detailed information regarding saline and silicone breast implants and breast augmentation can be found on Dr. Shuster's website, http://www.drshuster.net/.

Plastic surgery for men's breast and chest

2007-05-20T21:06:00.000-07:00

Among the increasing number of men who are requesting plastic surgery is the deisre to improve the appearance of thier chest area. This may be due to true enlargement of bale breast tissue, known as genecomastia. Another cause may be disproporianate accumulation of fat which can lead to what actually seems to the development of female appearing breasts. Many men find this quite disconcerting and make them self-conscious, especially when taking of thier shirts in public. Yet a third cause for concern is the man who has lost much weight and has hanging skin. This also can lead to a female appearence.

Which ever of these leads to a male patient seek improvement in their breast areas, surgical options are available. Dr. Shuster sees many such patients on a regular basis. Fortunatley, the techniques available today consistently produce excellent results for these causes of male breast enlargement.

For men with such an interest, the first step is a consultation. This allows them to learn about thier particular condition and the treatment options available. Consultation with Dr. Shuster can be arranged through his web site, http://www.drshuster.net.

Juvederm new injectable filler

2007-04-16T06:08:00.000-07:00

Dr Shuster has incorporated Juvederm into his repertoire of injectable fillers.

Juvederm is a recently approved hyaluronic acid filler. It works well for adding volume to areas such as the lips and lower facial lines.

If you would like a consultation with Dr. Shuster to discuss Juvederm or one of his other treatments, visit Dr. Shuster's on-line consultation page or call his office at 954.961.5500.

Plastic Surgery Continues to Gain Popularity

2007-03-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) has published annual statistics for the year 2006 and cosmetic procedures have continued to gain popularity.

The most popular cosmetic surgeries:

Liposuction
Breast Augmentation
Eyelid Surgery
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Breast Reduction

The most popular non-surgical procedures:

Botox
Hyaluronic Acid
Laser Hair Removal
Microdermabrassion
Skin Resurfacing

To learn more about these and other Plastic Surgery or Non-surgical Cosmetic Procedures visit Dr. Shuster's Website (http://www.drshuster.net).

Dr. Shuster now offers Silicone Gel Breast Implants to more of his Breast Augmentation Patients

2007-02-26T20:22:00.000-08:00

Dr. Shuster is pleased to now be able to offer silicone gel breast implants to his many breast augmentation patients. Before the recent FDA ruling, Dr Bernard Shuster, as a lead investigator in the FDA's study, could only offer these implants to patients who met strict level of criteria. This had prohibited most most women who desired the gel filled breast implants from receiving them.

As silicone gel breast implants have the potential for superior results in many women, he is pleased that the FDA is now allowing their wide spread use. Dr. Shuster is now educating women about these options during their personal consultations.

Dr. Shuster performs short incision techniques and is enthusiastic about his patients having a wider variety of choices amongst which to chose.

You can learn more about all style breast implants, and Dr Shuster, by visiting his informative website at http://drshuster.net/

Plastic Surgery for men now main stream.

2007-02-20T07:18:00.000-08:00

Increasingly men are having plastic surgery and, not suprisingly, are more open about it. The procedures men request are both surgical and non-surgical, with the later being more common.

The most popular non-surgical procedures men request are Botox, injectable filler such as Restylane and Juvaderm, skin care procedures, andlaser hair removal.

The most popular plastic surgery procedures amongst male patients are liposuction, rhinoplasty (nose jobs), male breast reduction (gynecomastia), and facial procedures. Pectoral Implants are also gaining popularity.

You can learn more about plastic surgery for men at Dr. Shuster's website.

Dr. Shuster authors article on creating younger looking necks.

2006-11-07T20:00:00.000-08:00

Dr Shuster has authored an invited article on creating younger looking necks for the trade journal Plastic Surgery Products. In this article, Dr Shuster describes the various state of the art techniques for rejuvenation of the aging neck as well as describing some of the minimally invasive methonds for neck and face rejuvenation.

You can learn more about these procedures at www.drshuster.net

Plastic surgery in Fort Lauderdale after weight loss.

2006-10-22T20:48:00.000-07:00

Whether a person would benefit from plastic surgery after weight loss surgery is different for each individual. There are many factors that contribute to such a decision. Everyone looks better after weight loss. While many wont need, or desire, a surgical procedure there are others who do. The decision to pursue plastic surgery is a personal one.
Many advertisements for cosmetic enhancements in the newspaper and media can lead to confusion rather than be informative. There are surgical and non-surgical procedures. There are body wraps, laser lifts and different therapies using light and sound waves. There are mini lifts, lunch time lifts and thread lifts. There are tummy tucks, body lifts and breast lifts. There are Botox, Restalyne and collagen treatments. It can leave many people asking “which one of these will work for me and how do I know which to choose?”
Making an appointment with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and doing your research are good first steps. Dr. Shuster can explain to you the different types of procedures that are available. After determining your goals, he can then let you know whether you are a good candidate and which procedure may best address your concerns.
Choosing which procedure will give you the desired result is affected by many factors. These include your general health, how close you are to your target weight, and how much redundant skin you may have. As a patient, you need to be educated as to what procedures are available, but only a professional may be able to advise you which one will give you the results you desire.
For appropriate candidates, plastic surgery can lead to very dramatic results. When considering this it is important to be realistic. If your expectations are reasonable you will be elated with your results.

For more information vist Dr. shuster's
website

The Changing Appearance of Plastic Surgery: not all face lifts are alike.

2006-09-20T21:15:00.000-07:00

Everyone is unique with signature qualities, expressions and an overall “look.” That’s why the beauty and cosmetic industry has placed so much emphasis on personalized skin care and color options. Now individuals can personalize their surgical procedures as well. At the Hollywood office of Dr. Bernard Shuster, customized facelifts are expertly performed with a personal touch.

“For years plastic surgeons would perform pretty much the same procedure for each patient. However, as each person has a unique appearance, we as plastic surgeons need to consider this and individualize the procedure for them,” states Shuster. He adds “today patients and doctors have more options available than ever before.” These include minimally invasive facelifts for patients who are starting earlier or maybe having a secondary procedure to more thorough facial procedures for women who have waited longer. According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, last year over 124,000 facelifts were performed in this country. Shuster notes that an increasing percentage of these are women who are undergoing less invasive procedures than those that have been done in the past.

While a facelift can not erase years of sun exposure, stress and the natural progression of aging, it can turn back the clock. Improving the most visible signs can be achieved by removing excess fat, tightening muscles, reducing wrinkles and redraping skin. A facelift, technically known as Rhytidectomy, can be done alone or in conjunction with other procedures. Either way, it offers patients a second or third chance at looking more youthful and vibrant.

Customized facelifts are a popular and highly effective way to lift and rejuvenate while still maintaining a unique appearance. Unlike traditional facelifts that result in a standard look, each facelift should be carefully designed to suit individual needs according to Shuster. For some women, their neck may be the primary concern, while others are sensitive about their jowls. Either way, the procedure of each particular patient can be adjusted to suit their needs.

During an initial consultation, patients should articulate what they feel are their best features and what changes they would like to achieve. They should also inquire about the credentials of their surgeon and ask to see photographs of his or her work. Based on the discussion, the doctor can create a face lift that accentuates their best features and maintains a natural look. Dr. Shuster specializes in tailoring the procedure to address each patient’s attributes and concerns. For example, if someone has always been complimented on their eyes, Shuster maintains that by allowing their eyes to continue to be the focal point.

Facelifts are relatively safe procedures when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. It is surgery and should be treated as such. All doctors will evaluate their patients in a thorough procedure that includes analyzing skin tone and type, relevant medical conditions, benefits and the risks involved. The best candidate is someone whose skin has begun to sag but still has some elasticity as well as strong, well-defined bone structure.

Most facelifts can be performed with local anesthesia and a sedative or with the patient asleep. Initial swelling and bruising is normal and healing time will vary depending on the extent of the procedure and technique. After a week, patients should feel significantly better and can gradually resume normal activities. “Having a face list doesn’t have to mean weeks or months of recovery as it once had” notes Shuster.

While the effects are long-lasting, a facelift does not stop the clock. Patients may want to repeat the procedure or add other minor touch ups as they age further. The best part of a customized facelift though, is that while so many people undergo similar procedures, each individual will have a signature look, all their own.

If you would like more information, visitDr. Shuster's Website

Body Contouring following Weight Loss

2006-09-13T20:06:00.000-07:00

Plastic Surgery following Bariatric Surgery

As a plastic surgeon, the patients who come to consult with me after bariatric surgery have many unique considerations. Each person must receive an individualized analysis based on several factors. The amount of weight loss can create significant challenges, the emotional and physical needs and expectations of the patient and the overall health of the patient all play a part in the evaluation and planning of treatment.

I find, patients with significant weight loss, such as those who have had bariatric surgery, may require several procedures in order to reach their expected result. The age of the patient, their general health, as well as, the amount of redundant skin can affect the treatment plan. Nutritional and metabolic considerations are also important. Bariatric patients often inquire about tummy tucks or lower body lifts, upper arm and thigh lifts as well as breast lifts and possibly facelifts. Remember each patient is unique. Not all patients will require all these procedures. Of course, not all these procedures can be performed at the same time. However, it is often possible to combine more than one procedure per surgery. This is a process.

During a consultation with me each patient has the opportunity to relate medical information regarding the patient’s general health, discuss different procedures, and let the doctor know of your particular expectations and concerns. With this information the Shuster Plastic Surgery Center can recommend a treatment plan for you. There are many variables which will affect this plan. Each treatment plan is individualized to the patient’s needs. In addition to the removal of redundant skin there is muscle tightening and figure restructuring which is concealed by the skin. Liposuction might be incorporated for certain patients. The office staff will work with the patient regarding insurance filing and payment options for cosmetic services.

The bariatric patient has already come so far and achieved so much, it is extremely rewarding to be able to help them achieve the results they desire.

If you would like more information about this, visit my website

AGING HANDS: RESTORING A YOUTHFUL APPEARANCE

2006-09-11T05:34:00.000-07:00

Plastic surgery has come a long way in helping women to look better and younger. Recently new attention has been placed on the hands, to achieve a better harmony between the hands and the facial appearance.

Hands are one of the first parts of the body to show signs of aging because they receive so much exposure to the elements. Sunlight and the natural aging process all contribute to the development of darkened spots and a loss of soft tissue. This may betray an otherwise youthful appearance.

As recently as 5 or 6 years ago, reliable techniques had not been developed for cosmetic surgery of the hand. At that time, skillful procedures had not yet been improved. The demand, however, for younger looking hands is evidenced by the increasing number of rejuvenating hand creams at the cosmetic counters. This demand spurred the development of more refined procedures that have become increasingly popular and relatively straight forward to perform.

While much of plastic surgery continues to focus on the face and body, plastic surgeons are realizing the importance of bringing the hands into harmony with the face. Unlike other areas of the body where there maybe too much fat, the back of the hands tend to lose fat during the aging process, making them thin and drawn-looking. As an aesthetic plastic surgeon, I was confident that a fairly simple procedure to make the hands match a youthful face would be developed.

The restoration of soft tissue to the back of the hands is one of the most effective means of rejuvenating their appearance. Structural fat grafting is an improved technique that can reverse the loss of volume to the hands to make them look plumper and more youthful.

The relatively new procedure is not particularly painful, only takes about an hour and a half, and may be performed without the need for anesthesia. After the procedure, there is usually some swelling and bruising that can be minimized by keeping the hands elevated and applying ice compresses for 48 hours.

At the same time, dark spots that develop from sun exposure can also be treated with a light chemical peel. This combination of restoring the lost volume and improving the quality and texture of the skin provides a very effective rejuvenation for the hands.

For more information visit Dr Shuster's Website

Liposculpture - taking liposuction to a new level.

2006-09-08T19:31:00.000-07:00

Liposculpture, also known as precision, selective, fine or micro liposuction, refers to the removal of smaller amounts of fat (often 1-3 ounces) than in traditional liposuction procedures. A growing trend, liposculpture is performed to sharpen, enhance, or accentuate features on persons who are usually fit or normal weight. Liposculpture procedures are often performed on areas that were previously considered off-limits for safe and aesthetically pleasing fat removal. These areas include the neck, face, spine or upper back, ankles, upper arms, calves, and knees. Because many of these locations are less fatty than those targeted using traditional liposuction, and because some are located near major nerves and important blood vessels, liposculpture can be more technically and cosmetically challenging than liposuction that is performed on larger, fattier areas. Newer, more refined techniques of fat removal are allowing plastic surgeons to target these smaller and more delicate areas of the body.

Dr. Shuster is a specialist in all areas of liposuction and liposculpture.
If you would like addidtional information, visit his Liposuction Page

Natural Breast Lifts: creating fuller more youthful breasts.

2006-09-07T19:45:00.000-07:00

A woman’s breast may be her most sensual and personal feature. So it’s not surprising that requests for breast enhancement are among the most common in plastic surgery practices. Particularly popular are requests for younger, perkier breasts. This desire for full, youthful breasts has even stimulated the lingerie industry to develop and promote a whole line of “Wonder” brassieres. While these brassieres can do wonders for how a woman looks in clothing, they do not do much once they come off. New techniques in plastic surgery for lifting the breasts are producing better results than ever before and helping women keep their breasts up even after their bras come off.

Recent developments in plastic surgery of the breast make it possible to perform breast lifts, technically know as mastopexy, with shorter scars. These minimal incision techniques avoid the longer incisions which used to be necessary in the past. Such a minimally invasive approach is in large part what has lead to the increased popularity of procedures for rejuvenating the breasts. According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, over the past five years the number of breast lift procedures has increased over 210%.

These new techniques often make it possible to create fuller, perkier breasts for women even without the use of implants. By combining methods that have been developed in Europe and Brazil, it is possible to create fuller more youthful breasts for many women using their own breast tissue. For women whose breasts have sagged, the breast tissue is rearranged internally and supported in a higher position. This restoration of breast tissue higher on the chest can actually create the appearance of a fuller beast, something which in the past could only be accomplished with the use of implants. It essentially fashions an internal natural brassier and augments the breasts with a woman’s own tissue.

For some women, who may not have sufficient breast tissue for this internal breast suspension, an implant may be an appropriate choice. Continued improvements in breast implant technology are making breast implants safer than ever. While the majority of implants used today are saline filled implants, silicone gel implants are available as part of an ongoing FDA study for appropriate candidates. Last year 240,000 women underwent breast augmentation, either alone or in conjunction with a breast lift.

Today, thanks to continued advances in the field of plastic surgery, women have more choices and are achieving better results than ever before. This is particularly true with rejuvenation of the breasts where shorter incisions are available with natural and longer lasting results.

For more information about breast lifts, visit Dr Shuster's Breast Lift Page

Breast Implant Saves Woman's Life

2006-08-29T03:34:00.000-07:00

One Israeli woman has received an unexpected boost from her breast implants during the Lebanon war -- the silicone embeds saved her life during a Hezbollah rocket attack, a doctor said. "This is an extraordinary case, but it's a fact that the silicone implants prevented her from a more serious and deeper wound," Jacky Govrin, of the hospital in Nahariya that treated the woman, told army radio Tuesday.
"The young woman went through surgery two years ago to have a larger chest," he said. "During the war she was wounded in the chest by shrapnel" that got stuck in the implants instead of penetrating further.
The woman did not emerge from her ordeal completely unscathed, however.
"The shrapnel was removed but the implant had to be replaced," Govrin said.

To learn more about breast implants, visit
Dr. Shuster's Breast Implant Page