Cuando y Cuanto

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Even after 15 years in private practice, as a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon I am still honored that patients seek me out for consultation.  I make sure to educate them properly regarding the procedures they seek, and go over a great deal of information to help them make an informed decision.  Unfortunately, not all patients want to be informed.  I call them the Cuando y Cuanto patients.  This, for those of you who do not speak Spanish, means “how much and when”.

Of course, the price of the procedure lets you know if you can afford it, and allows you to compare other doctors and the fees they charge.  This is not the most important factor.  You do not go looking for a car and ask the price before you know what make, model, year, and the history.  You look at the car, research, ask questions, and see if you are interested.  If it excites you, then you find out the cost.

When I do a consult, I first find out what bothers you about your appearance, then let you know the options to best correct the issue.  Sometimes you come thinking you need one thing, but a different procedure is more appropriate.  You learn about my training, experience, see the office, the place the procedure will be done, meet the anesthesiologist, and get several examples of my work on similar patients.  Then, we talk about fees.

As for Cuando, yes you have an idea of when a good time is for you.  Most good plastic surgeons are booked out in advance.  You should not expect to have a procedure a week or 2 after your consult.  Plan to consult as far in advance as possible, about 2-3 months before so that you will not be disappointed.  Never plan your vacation and hope to book your surgery, book your procedure and then ask for the days off.  Make sure you pick the right doctor, even if you have to wait.

As you seek out the realization of your cosmetic surgery dreams, make sure you feel comfortable with the doctor, the staff, the office and how you are treated.  Make sure you see before and after photos similar to you that you like.  Make sure the procedure takes place in an accredited surgical facility with a Board Certified Anesthesiologist as well, and that testing is done.  Cost and timing are important, but not as important as making sure you make the right decision.

The Y Gallery and Hispanic Art

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Since the opening of the new Yager Esthetics  a little over 2 years ago, we have dedicated space for the display of artwork from Hispanic artists.  I have always felt passionately about the crossover between Plastic Surgery and the creation of art.  Having this space enables all of my patients to enjoy and learn about emerging latin artists.

One of the nicest parts of this program is the Y Gallery Artist Night, where we sponsor and pay for an evening at Yager Esthetics where the artist can speak about their work, and interact with the public.  This helps them get their work out and sometimes sell a few pieces.

What I didn’t expect was how much all of the people and patients and I enjoyed the interactions.  To see the paintings is lovely, as they are all well done.  But to watch the artist as they explain the meaning behind the pieces, and the influences on their art is magical.

I encourage anyone out there who has not been to a Y Gallery event to do so.  We advertise them in the office and on our website, www.dryager.com.  You can always email or call us to find out when the next opening will be.  You do not even have to be Hispanic.

Top Ten Things To Do To Make Your Plastic Surgeon Happy on Surgery Day

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Everyone wants the best possible result from a cosmetic Plastic Surgery. At Yager Esthetics, we give you a list of Preoperative Instructions, and discuss the does and don’ts of the period before your procedure. Unfortunately, few people actually listen or read the papers. Listed below, you will find a few tips to make everything go as smoothly as possible.
1. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure. No water, coffee, gum, cigarettes- nothing. I cancelled a surgery once because a patient was eating 1 gummy bear. It makes the surgery riskier for life threatening pulmonary complications. The only exception is if your doctor wants you to take any medications with a small sip of water.
2. Do not put on any body creams. We do not mind if you are ashy. It makes it impossible to draw on you and make the marks needed for an accurate surgery.
3. Make sure you have at least one finger nail that is of normal length with no red or reddish color on it. We need to monitor your oxygen, and a finger probe is used.
4. Remove all jewelry and piercings. They can get lost, and cannot be worn during a procedure because they could conduct electricity and burn you.
5. Remove contact lenses and false eyelashes. The lenses can scratch you under anesthesia, and the lashes can be damaged by the tape we use to shut your eyes during surgery.
6. Remove any removable teeth, as they can be dislodged and swallowed on intubation.
7. Stop all aspirin containing medications 8 days before surgery. A whole list is given to you at your peop visit. Please read it.
8. Stop smoking 3 weeks in advance. This will lower the risk of wound healing complications.
9. Stop birth control pills and patches 2 weeks in advance. This will reduce your risk of blood clots.
10. Smile, be excited, and be on time!

Have a great surgery.

Great Expectations

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When a patient consults with me at Yager Esthetics, they usually come as a result of knowing or seeing a patient of mine who is extremely happy with their result.   I had a woman show me on her phone that in her contacts, I am listed as “Miracle Doctor,” for the transformation she underwent after her procedures.

After 15 years and over 30,000 different patient consults, I have also established what I consider the premier practice in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery in the Hispanic community of the New York region.  The center looks a certain way, the staff is trained just so, even the website and patient education materials show an incredible dedication to detail.

I have also become a frequent resource for the media in Spanish to speak on topics related to my field.  I had a patient see me last week who said “Tiene tanta fama que sale en mi sopa.” (You are so famous that I even see you in my soup).  All of this together means that when patients arrive for their consult, my reputation is such that great expectations are placed on my work.  This is both good and bad.

I am a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, and I am very confident in the way I operate and manage patients.  My results are generally excellent, and 99% of my patients are extremely pleased with their outcomes.  The overwhelming majority of dissatisfaction comes from patients who expect more than quality plastic surgery can realistically deliver.

I try very hard to give a true picture of the surgical and post operative periods, and to point out the limitations of what I can do.  I even show patients the things on their own bodies that I can not fix.  The problem is when patients think that despite what I say, perfection is guaranteed.

After hearing the wonderful experiences of my former patients, seeing me on television, and going through the consultation and office tour, the bar is set quite high.  I always do my best, and can say I can not recall a single case in which my effort was lacking.  My advice to any patient coming to Yager Esthetics or any other office is to listen carefully to what your doctor says, read all the consent and instruction forms thoroughly,  and be clear in expressing your expectations before electing to have surgery.  If all of this is accomplished, satisfaction is nearly always achieved.

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

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When I started my private practice in Plastic Surgery in 1997, I dreamed about patients walking in and wanting surgery right away. I had Medical School loans to pay off, had borrowed money to start my practice, and very few people had heard of me.

After 15 years, we have established Yager Esthetics as the leading center for Cosmetic Plastic Surgery for the Hispanic community. Thanks to the hard work of everyone involved, we are thankfully quite busy. I never thought that it could be a bad thing.

Patients come in expecting surgery within days or weeks. Some have taken their vacations in anticipation, and never imagined I could be unable to accommodate them. Some even become angry with my Surgical Coordinator when told it would be several months before a spot could be guaranteed.
Just like the excellent restaurants can be booked up or Broadway Shows sell out, good Plastic Surgeons have a waiting list. Even for a consult appointment, the wait can be months. I need people to understand that this is a good sign.

I am a very accomplished surgeon, and can perform my art very efficiently. I do not feel it is fair to operate more than 8 hours in a day, to keep myself fresh and at 100%. I need also to have the time to see the patients after surgery, see new patients, and give the access to care to all of my patients. I have a family and a life, and will not work more than 50 hours a week. My employees similarly cannot be asked to do more. Employees that try their absolute hardest should be rewarded for it, that’s where employee benefits Zenefits can come in handy for those who want to give back.

Having you Plastic Surgeon fresh and energetic is crucial. You want someone who is in demand and busy, as it is often an indicator that they are doing something right. You also want to be able to see your doctor after surgery.

I try to make every patient happy, and accommodate their schedules to secure the date that they need for surgery when possible. Patients are cancelled occasionally for high blood pressure or pregnancy or work schedule changes. Life events also can force a rescheduling. My advice is to come at least 3 months in advance of the date you want to maximize your chance of getting it secured. Do not book your vacation time until that day is available.

Thank you for your faith and loyalty to my practice. I promise you my full attention and focus before, during, and after your surgery. I would rather make less money doing fewer surgeries properly, than to risk errors by overbooking.