Why Read A Plastic Surgery Blog?
May 14th, 2012Every week for over a year now, I spend the time to write a blog on a topic I think will appeal to my patients, and to people in general. I often wonder how many people actually read it, and if it is indeed worthwhile to do so.
I try not to use my blogs as a simple commercial to sell my goods and services to people. It is not an ad, it is an educational tool. Sometimes it is a release for my creative energy, or a chance to share some light humor. Sometimes, even I do not know where the thoughts come from, it just happens. But why should you, or anyone, read my plastic surgery blog?
I feel that at Yager Esthetics, we are more than a plastic surgery practice. We are a center for education regarding not just plastic surgery, but nonsurgical treatments and skin care as well. We have a strong commitment to the Hispanic community, and concentrate and specialize our techniques for our patients. The blog is a free and informative tool to learn about plastic surgery, music, and life. It also gives you a little taste of my personality, which can help you decide if it is worth your time to visit me in Washington Heights.
So, why read a plastic surgery blog? It is fun, educational, and might just help you in ways you never expected.
Always Wear Clean Underwear
May 7th, 2012I remember growing up and hearing my mother say “Always wear clean underwear.” It was meant so that if you should have an accident, and have to go to a hospital, you wouldn’t embarrass your family by having holey or dirty underwear. Be prepared, so to speak.
Thinking about this brought up a new concept-maybe it means to always be prepared to make a good impression. You never know when you might meet that special someone or impress that new business opportunity. Make sure you look your best and behave professionally at all times.
At Yager Esthetics, that is basically our philosophy. Our office is always spotless and ready for a television interview, as we are often called upon to do when a plastic surgery story breaks in the Hispanic community. My staff is always professional and well prepared to handle any phone call or person who may stop in to inquire. My AAAASF certified outpatient Surgery Center is always fully stocked and inspected to insure safety.
I always keep an extra suit, shirt and tie in the office as a backup, and have second and third machines to replace my surgical equipment in case of malfunction, and even have a generator in case electricity fails and I need to complete my surgery.
These are all good reasons to feel safe with Yager Esthetics, but it is also a good philosophy for any successful business or approach to life. Clean underwear. Mom was right.
Second Opinions After Plastic Surgery
April 30th, 2012As a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with some fame in the Hispanic community, I often see patients who have had surgery in other offices and other countries. Sometimes, it is for reassurance. The patient thinks everything is ok, but an inability to fly to see their primary surgeon means they need a trained professional to answer their questions. Sometimes they do not trust their surgeon, and want another set of eyes to confirm that all is well.
The more difficult situations are when there is a problem, and something needs to be done. Complications can occur after surgery, even if the doctor did everything right. In these cases, I try to keep an open mind and offer any advice or assistance I can. I make sure to let the patient know that the first choice is to call and visit the operating surgeon if possible. I have even called the primary surgeon on their behalf in front of them to make sure nothing was lost in translation.
Some patients have lost faith in their doctor, or cannot travel to see them. I carefully explain the issues and detail risks and options, as well as estimating the cost of treatment with me at Yager Esthetics. If they choose to enter my care, photos are taken and consent is obtained.
Dealing with unhappy patients is difficult, even if you are not the reason for the unhappiness. They feel cheated, mistreated, and often abandoned. I try to be supportive and understanding, and let them know someone cares. Sometimes that is all they need.
What about my hands, doctor?
April 23rd, 2012Patients come to Yager Esthetics because it is an all inclusive center for Hispanic beauty. We changed the name from Yager Plastic Surgery when we expanded our offices to include advanced laser and skin care services, and added an injectable filler specialist. We do plastic surgery of the face, breast and body, treat dark spots, offer botox and fillers, as well as laser hair removal, skin tightening, peels and spider vein therapy. So what about the hands?
Modern plastic surgery is great for the face breast and body. After spending time and money looking younger, it is often the hands that betray your true age. Dark spots, prominent veins, and loss of fat on the backs of the hands can lead to an aged and bony appearance.
Skin care and Silkpeels can help with spots and texture issues, and we have been using them for years. The newest innovation is using fillers in the backs of the hands. In just 5 minutes, the hands look filled and more youthful.
We were recently featured on Telemundo demonstrating the technique, so click here to see the link http://youtu.be/sTFh9cLsaz8. This might be the quick boost you need to turn back the clock.
The Cost of “Free” Consults in Plastic Surgery
April 18th, 2012When I opened Yager Plastic Surgery in 1997, I did not charge a consult fee. I wanted to grow my practice, and was sure that when a patient consulted with me, they would see the difference and value of proceeding with surgery. As a community plastic surgeon in New York City serving the Hispanic community, I also wanted to make access to care affordable.
This strategy has worked well for me, as I have established Yager Esthetics as the premier location for Hispanic plastic surgery serving the northeast. The only thing I do not like is the “no-show” patient. This is the patient who makes an appointment, confirms, and does not show up or call to cancel. It is incredibly rude and unfair to my practice.
Some of these patients feel that since it is a free consult, there is no loss if they fail to show up. What they do not understand is that my rent, employee salaries, insurance, office expenses, and my time are all lost and cannot be replaced. It is impossible for me to fill that time slot after the time has passed. Furthermore, I have a waiting list for appointments, and those patients will miss the opportunity to be seen.
I urge you to take advantage of a free consult to see our center and meet me. It is an incredible free gift that gives you the benefit of my 15 years of private practice plastic surgery experience at no cost. All I ask is that you respect my time and show up. If you cannot come, just call 24 hours in advance and we will be happy to reschedule.