Apr 18, 2015 | Uncategorized
Plastic surgery tourism is a trend that’s growing more popular every day. Many patients prefer to have work done over the border, where they won’t have to worry about blowing their cosmetic surgery anonymity with a post-op trip to the grocery store. Others view plastic surgery as nothing more than a pricey souvenir to show off after a trip abroad. But the dangers of plastic surgery tourism are real. Cases of botched surgeries, difficult recoveries, and fatal complications make news headlines with startling frequency. If you’ve considered getting a quick nose job on your trip overseas, educate yourself on the dangers of getting surgery outside of the U.S.
Dangers of Plastic Surgery Tourism
Plastic surgery tourism complicates recovery. It may seem like a great idea to heal from a plastic surgery procedure while lounging on a beach abroad. Many vacation activities, however, can cause serious complications to a patient’s recovery. Even relaxing on the beach exposes wounds to countless bacteria, and sun exposure darkens the appearance of scars.- It’s not the bargain it seems. Although getting surgery overseas often has a lower price tag than local procedures, many patients have to shell out for fix-it procedures after returning home. Fixing botched plastic surgery is more costly than getting it done right the first time, and the results aren’t always guaranteed. In some dire cases plastic surgery tourism patients find themselves with life-threatening surgical complications and no medical support.
- Plastic surgery tourism patients have limited legal options. If a U.S. surgeon performs a procedure without the proper qualifications, the patient is entitled to legal reparations. When a patient undergoes surgery overseas, it’s nearly impossible to get legal recourse for surgical negligence.
- What you see may not be what you get. When you have surgery overseas, it’s difficult to research the qualifications of your physician. The doctor may be under-trained, inexperienced, or certified by a disreputable medical board. When undergoing a procedure as specialized as plastic surgery, patients should always choose a physician certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Are you interested in cosmetic surgery? Contact Dr. Brantner’s office at Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
photo from flickr
Apr 10, 2015 | Uncategorized
As a physician, Dr. Brantner promotes informed decisions and continuous education. His board certification dictates that he complete yearly training to stay current on the latest surgical techniques, prescription information, and medical information available. But he strives for more than just personal expertise; Dr. Brantner wants to give everyone the opportunity to educate themselves about healthcare issues that may affect them. He’s achieving that goal with Go To Pills, an interactive website that allows, doctors, patients, and pharmacists to educate themselves about the FDA-approved and common off label uses of drugs.
Off Label Drugs
Most people would be surprised to learn that roughly 60% of doctors prescribe off label drugs without knowing the drug uses are not FDA approved. The majority of drug information, both published and shared online, is provided by drug companies that are not required to share whether their most common uses are FDA approved. 80% of drugs are frequently prescribed for off-label uses. The lack of unbiased information regarding approved drug uses can obscure potential adverse events, leading to problems for patients and possible legal difficulties for healthcare providers.
GoToPills
GoToPills provides doctors, patients, and pharmacies with quick, reputable information about the approved and off label uses of drugs, as well as any side effects. A simple search provides information on the uses, side effects, adverse event reports, and litigation alerts associated with each drug. Doctors can download an informed consent report that guides them through the process of explaining to patients why an off label drug may be the best treatment for a patient’s condition. Doctors who want to learn more about the side effects of particular medications, ongoing litigation issues, or reactions of off label medications with other prescriptions can follow the information sourced on each page.
Want to learn more about Dr. Brantner’s work on GoToPills? Visit our website, download the smartphone app from the Apple store, or ask his staff about off label drug usage at your next office appointment.
Apr 3, 2015 | Tummy Tuck, Uncategorized
When most people think of body contouring, a tummy tuck is one of the first procedures they consider. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, removes excess fat and skin on the stomach, restores weakened abdominal muscles, and smooths the overall appearance of the abdomen. As we move closer and closer to beach weather, many patients want a firmer, more youthful stomach. Determine whether a tummy tuck is right for you with this helpful guide.
Is a Tummy Tuck Right for You?
Patients who undergo abdominoplasties may walk into our office because of age, heredity, a prior pregnancy, or weight fluctuation, but they all have one thing in common: they’re unhappy with the look and feel of their abdomen, and they’re ready to make a change. A tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgery procedure that restores weak or separated muscles, removes loose or overhanging skin, and smooths the area around the stomach. Good candidates for a tummy tuck:
- Are unhappy with the appearance of their abdomen
- Have loose skin or excess stomach fat
- Have reached a stable weight
- Know what results they can realistically expect
- Understand that a healthy lifestyle is the only way to maintain their post-tummy tuck body
- Do not smoke, or understand that they must quit smoking before their procedure
Committed to a Better Body
A tummy tuck alone does not give patients the body of their dreams. Dr. Brantner advises that all of his patients eat healthy, sleep well, and exercise several times a week to maintain their new, more youthful figure.
To learn more about full and mini tummy tuck surgeries, call Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Johnson City, TN.
photo from FreeDigitalPhotos
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