Dr. James Barber - Cosmetic Surgery Blog

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Anesthesia

Pittsburgh plastic surgery patients have many options when it comes to the aspect of anesthesia. The options can be confusing and the thought of anesthesia alone can make most cosmetic surgery patients very fearful. Well, never fear...because we are here...to help. (Yes, that was bad.) There are a variety of factors that play a role in determining anesthesia-the patient's body type, medical history, type of procedure, and extent of time in the operating room setting. Dr. James Barber will discuss your options so that you are clear on what to expect during and after surgery.

OPTIONS

Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is typically used for noninvasive procedures. The area surrounding the treatment site is numbed with local injections. The anesthetic can be applied as an injection in the tissue or as a "block". This approach is not recommended for larger-scale plastic surgery procedures because patients are typically fully awake and coherent. We normally use local anesthesia for procedures such as mole removals, laser skin resurfacing procedures, and facial filler treatments (upon the patient's request).

Twighlight Sedation
With this approach, there is a continuous stream of intravenous sedation which allows the patient to remain "awake" throughout surgery. The plastic surgery patient, while "awake", will not feel the procedure and will not remember the experience. We suggest twilight sedation for facial rejuvenation procedures-full facelifts, mini facelifts, eyelid lifts, and brow lifts.

General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is typically used for more invasive procedures such as nasal surgery, tummy tucks, breast augmentations/lifts, and liposuction. This approach places the patient in a sleep state without sensation for the duration of the procedure. General anesthesia carries some risks however in the hands of an experienced plastic surgeon and anesthesiologist, these risks are minimal.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Whenever you are heavily sedated or have general anesthesia, you put your life in someone's hands. Much of that responsibility falls to the person administering the medications and monitoring your vital signs. You need to know the qualifications of the person assuming that responsibility. Their training can range from specialization after earning a medical degree (anesthesiologist) to specialization after nursing training (nurse anesthetists) to nursing training only.

After years of performing cosmetic surgery procedures like breast enlargements, Dr. Barber is well aware of which approaches do--and do not--tend to work. Our Pittsburgh plastic surgery team works with only the most capable professionals to ensure your safety. We will advise you of the pros and cons to each method and make sure you are comfortable and confident that you are in the best hands.

Labels: , , , , , , , , ,

posted by Kristi at 2:42 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Help with breast implant sizing

We hear it all the time-"I don't know what size breast implant to use" or "I don't want to be too big".

Implant size is a very personal decision every breast augmentation patient will have to make. Actual bra cup size is an inexact estimate of final breast size due to differences in the cup sizes of bra manufacturers. So it's not always as easy as saying "I am an "A" cup and I want to be a "C". You may be an "A" cup with a certain style/make of bra and a "B" cup in a different style/make of bra. It also depends on how you like to wear your bra (tight or loose) and the amount of breast tissue already present.

Describing your ideal cup size will aid Dr. Barber, but it also helps to look at photos and "try on" different implant sizers. These sizers are made available to you during your consultation in our Sewickley, South Side (Pittsburgh), and New Castle locations.

Most patients decide the best way to determine size is in the privacy of their own home. The most accurate method of estimating the implant size (in ounces) is to fill a plastic bag with measured amounts of water to place in your desired sized bra. You can then study the look of your new shape-in your own home, for as long as it takes, with different styles of clothing. This is a fabulous fun way to get a better idea of what your new body will look like.

Contact our office today to schedule your consultation. 412-741-1976

Labels: , , , , , , , ,

posted by Kristi at 4:01 PM 0 comments

Friday, March 20, 2009

Balance and Proportion

Many patients are not bothered JUST by a small breast size, but more by a body that is not proportional. A common concern is clothing that does not fit properly because the lower body is a different size from the upper body. We hear it all the time in our office. The top doesn't match the bottom--I have a dress that fits perfectly at the top but is too snug at the bottom. Most women desire an attractive silhouette that is balanced. Dr. James Barber, a Pittsburgh plastic surgeon, will help you achieve your goals.

Dr. Barber likes to look at the body as a whole, beyond breast volume and cc's, for a natural looking, balanced result. Liposuction can de-emphasize common problem areas resulting in a slimmer dramatically more proportional look while enhancing the curvier results of breast augmentation.

Problem areas that may benefit from liposuction:

Abdomen-a flatter abdomen enhances the results of a breast augmentation.

Saddlebags-wide outer thighs take away from even the perkiest of breasts and can make the body appear larger. Smoothing out these areas elongates the legs and brings the focus upwards.

Upper back-dreaded back fat effects women of all sizes. Correction to this area will help improve the look of your upper torso allowing you to wear slimmer more form-flattering clothing.

Flanks and buttocks-fatty deposits on the flanks and buttocks gives your body a pear shape. A slimmer lower body emphasizes a smaller waist and a fuller bust.

To discuss your Pittsburgh cosmetic surgery options in a personal private consultation, contact our office today. 412-741-1976

Labels: , , , , , ,

posted by Kristi at 12:38 PM 0 comments

Friday, March 13, 2009

Limited Time Only

For a limited time we are offering complimentary consultations with Dr. Barber. Patients can contact the office to schedule a consultation for:

If you would like to take advantage of a complimentary consultation, contact our office today at 412-741-1976. Appointments are limited.

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , ,

posted by Kristi at 10:48 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Look Your Best For Fun In The Sun

Most of us love the summer sun and all the festivities that the warmer weather brings. After a long winter, we long for the tennis courts, gardening, and beach vacations. However, the thought of wearing shorts and tank tops makes us hope the colder weather sticks around a little longer. After all, there is nothing like the comfort and confidence an oversized sweater brings. Since we all know that 12 months of winter and sweaters is not an option, it is time to look ahead. There could not be a better time to think about what you should be doing to look and feel your best in time for summer.

Are you thinking about stepping up your exercise program? Or perhaps the last minute starvation diet to shed the winter weight so you can bare to show your legs?

We hear it all the time.
  • I eat well and exercise and still have stubborn fat deposits on my legs and tummy. There is no way I can wear shorts this summer!
  • My breasts are too small for my frame. I hate looking like a boy. I want to finally look good in a bathing suit. I want to look proportional.

Liposuction

A fit and well-proportioned body is often considered a symbol of health and vitality. Despite all the hard work, some individuals still have localized fat deposits. These areas may be due to heredity or family traits rather than a lack of weight control or fitness.

Liposuction slims and reshapes specific areas of the body by removing localized or regional excess fat deposits, improving body contours and proportion, and ultimately, enhancing your self-image.

Breast Augmentation

How a woman feels about her body has a lot to do with her overall self-confidence...that's no secret. When breast size or shape is an issue, many women turn to breast augmentation to increase their confidence, look better in their clothes, and...bottom line...present the image they want to the world.

Implants come in many different shapes and sizes. The process of determining the type of implants is an individualized process that will take place during your private consultation.

Silicone gel implants look and feel more like natural breast tissue because the gel filler holds together uniformly-without compromising reliability or safety. Silicone gel implants have been successfully used and trusted for 20 years by millions of women worldwide.

Saline implants are still widely used for breast augmentation surgery. Saline implants are filled with a saltwater solution similar to the fluid that makes up most of the human body.

If you would like additional information on any of these procedures, or if you would like to schedule your private consultation, please call the office at 412-741-1976.

Labels: , , ,

posted by Kristi at 2:11 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

NEW OFFICE LOCATION

Starting in March, patients will have the option to have a consultation with Dr. Barber at Skin Beautiful Medical Spa on Pittsburgh's South Side. We are very pleased to offer this new convenience to all of our patients.

Skin Beautiful Medical Spa strives to enhance the beauty of each of their clients with the most qualified and caring staff in a safe and comfortable environment. They are available to assist you in all your cosmetic concerns-hair removal, teeth whitening, massages, permanent makeup, as well as a variety of other treatments.

Dr. Barber is now available at this location for appointments concerning:

Facial Rejuvenation
Body Sculpting
Contact our office to schedule a consultation. 412-741-1976

Labels: , , , , , , , , ,

posted by Kristi at 4:01 PM 0 comments

Monday, February 9, 2009

LIMITED TIME FINANCING OFFER!

Carecredit financing announces their economic stimulus plan for patients. Take advantage of our 18 month no interest financing TODAY! (If paid within promotional period. Minimum monthly payments required.) Offer ends April 30, 2009.

Our team is dedicated to helping you look and feel your best. We offer a full range of cosmetic procedures and services, including:

Contact our office for additional information. Call today, offer ends soon!

Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,

posted by Kristi at 9:57 AM 0 comments

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Breast Implants Soar With Popularity

National statistics show that breast augmentation surgeries increase dramatically every year. We have certainly seen the increase in our office. You would be surprised to learn that many of our conservative Pittsburghers have breast implants. Because we are a fairly conservative city, our implants tend to be a little smaller so that they better fit our body frame giving us a more natural look. Now we still get our ladies in from Vegas that like them big and beautiful, but most of our patients just want a breast implant that will take them up 1-2 cup sizes. They just want to look and feel womanly in (and out) of their clothes.

Breast enlargement surgery, or augmentation mammaplasty, changes the body contour of a woman who desires larger breasts. The procedure also corrects the volume loss in the breasts after pregnancy, or to correct asymmetrical breasts. The surgery usually takes 1 hour in an outpatient setting.

During your personal private consultation with Dr. Barber, we will discuss all your options for breast implant surgery-saline vs. silicone, implant size and shape, implant placement, and incision placement. We will also discuss the best way to keep you comfortable during and after your surgery. Pain pumps are now available and widely utilized to keep discomfort to a minimum which is a great option for patients that have a low pain tolerance.

Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Barber. 412-741-1976

Labels: , , ,

posted by Kristi at 2:13 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Are you ready for summer?

It is not too late to get your body in shape for summer. You still have plenty of time to schedule your breast augmentation or liposuction and be healed in time for the bathing suit season. Dr. Barber operates 4 days a week, making it very convenient to schedule your appointment for cosmetic surgery. Contact us to schedule your initial consultation. 412-741-1976

Labels: , , ,

posted by Kristi at 1:53 PM 0 comments

Friday, May 16, 2008

Change your shape.

Would you like to get back to the shape you had before children? Or maybe you want the shape you never had but always dreamed of. You are not alone! Every year, thousands of women undergo breast augmentation procedures. In 2007, breast augmentation surgery saw an increase of 6% to over 340,000 women.

For many women, feeling confident and looking their best go hand in hand. For thousands, achieving confidence has come from breast enhancement surgery (breast implants). Following their procedure, many women have gone on to experience a transformation in how they feel about themselves and their bodies. It is amazing how confidence can enhance our interactions-both in personal and business situations.

Contact our office if you would like to schedule a personal private consultation. Dr. Barber and the staff are caring professionals that will do their absolute best to make you feel comfortable.

Labels: , ,

posted by Kristi at 1:55 PM 0 comments