Ft. Myers Florida Plastic Surgery | The Blog of Robert V. Mandraccia, M.D.

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noreply@blogger.com (Dr Robert Mandraccia) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:44:00 +0000

Many patients have called asking about the "Lifestyle Lift" and how it differs from a traditional facelift.The photos shown on the website are a bit misleading ad these patients have had far more than just a small lift. The attorney general of New York, Mario Coumo, has filed suit against the company for this misleading advertising and won hundreds of thousands of dollars. The company has been warned, and must comply.
My own experience is that patints I have seen who allegedly had this procedure done recently, dont appear to have and changes in their necks or lower faces. They paid almost exactly what we charge and I , unlike the others advertising, am a board-certified plastic surgeon.
So, buyer beware of false claims. Get a number of opinions and check the board status of any physician who makes of a one hour procedure and back to work the next day!!
Dr Mandraccia

noreply@blogger.com (Dr Robert Mandraccia) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:28:00 +0000

Many patients call and ask about low-cost procedures which will improve looks, not take much time, with minimal down time.Lip and facial enhancement are some favorites of mine.There are many alternatives and "fillers" available so here are some of my choices, not necessarily in any order.
Autologous Fat: In this procedure, fat is harvested from the patient through mini-liposuction, spun down to improve purity, then reinjected into the lips and around the lower face.About 40% of the fat will grow and still be there after one year. Advantages: Can get a lot more volume at lower cost.
Alloderm:Is donor skin with all cells removed, comes freeze dried and is softened with saline then placed with instruments into the lips.It is very soft and long-lasting, up to 16 months.
Sortform:An updated version of Gortex. A hollow tube is inserted into the lips under local anesthesia. It can rarely become exposed or infected.
Collagen: The newest is Evolence which is porcine collagen and the manufacturer tells us it lasts over one year. It is placed by injection with a small needle.
Restylane and Juvederm: Both are Hyaluronic acid derivatives and fairly smooth with the nod on smoothness going to Juvederm.
Permalip:A relatively new concept, it is a small rod of silicone, comes in several sizes and is inserted under local anesthesia or with a lip block.It is permanent, fairly soft and loos natural.
All these procedures can be done under local anesthesia or with a dental block which will numb the area.
Intended results vary as some patients want a natural look and others want the movie star look!(You know who I mean)
Patients with a history of fever sores should be on preventive meds such as Valtrex preoperatively. patients having these procedures should not drink alcohol or take blood thinners for at least a week before the procedure.Patients can go back to work fairly quickly and look quite good right away.
Call our office for more information.
Dr Mandraccia

Laser Skin Resurfacing for a More Radiant You

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Langsted) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 22:02:00 +0000

Laser skin resurfacing can be a great option for those with fine or deep lines and wrinkles that they would like to reduce; candidates for laser resurfacing are not interested in the recovery period, pain and bleeding that chemical peels can cause—but they still want a refreshed appearance.

What can Lasers Treat?

Laser skin resurfacing can treat fine or course skin wrinkles (usually on the face), differentiated skin surfaces caused by acne scars, small growths and hyper-pigmentation. Resurfacing is designed to give skin a smoother, more radiant appearance with uniform texture and color, but without the treatment depth or lengthy recovery period that chemical peels typically require.

The Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure

Patients can have their laser skin resurfacing done as an outpatient procedure and using local sedation and local or general anesthesia. A calibrated, pulsed laser will be employed to remove surface layers of the skins. The benefits of laser use are that Dr. Mandraccia is constantly in control of how deeply the laser treats the skin. Additionally, the laser makes the skin more taut.

If you live in the Fort Myers, Florida area and are would like to learn more about how a laser procedure could refresh your appearance, please contact Dr. Mandraccia’s office at 800.500.1652 today to schedule an appointment

Liposuction

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Langsted) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 21:57:00 +0000

For those who follow a healthy diet and exercise routine, yet experience resistant fatty areas, liposuction can offer a great solution. It is important to remember that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure.

Dr. Mandraccia focuses on two specific state-of-the-art liposuction procedures in his Fort Myers, Florida practice: tumescent and ultrasonic. These types of liposuction require that Dr. Mandraccia use a slim instrument called a cannula that will allow him to break up fatty tissue and vacuum it out of the patient’s body via small incisions. Each technique works in the following way:

• Ultrasonic: Using a highly specialized cannula that gives off ultrasonic energy, Dr. Mandraccia moves through the areas of fat, liquefying fat cells and then suctioning them out. Ultrasonic liposuction can be used for fibrous bodily areas, such as the back.
• Tumescent liposuction: The treated area is injected with a saline solution that contains a local anesthetic. The solution is larger in volume than the fatty tissue to be taken out; it will cause fatty areas to swell up and become firm, allowing Dr. Mandraccia to easily see and remove the fat.

Both methods allow patients to realize immediate results, but three to six months following treatment will be needed to see full benefits.

If you live in the Fort Myers, Florida area and are would like to explore the possibilities of a liposuction procedure, please contact Dr. Mandraccia’s office at 800.500.1652 today to schedule an appointment.

Two Strategies to Improve Nose Shape

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Langsted) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 21:55:00 +0000

Being dissatisfied with nasal shape or size is not at all uncommon. Whether one was born with a less-than-ideal nose or acquired this problem through injury, Dr. Mandraccia can assist to make the nose more in line with other facial features.

Standard Procedure

Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, is performed as an outpatient procedure, using sedation and local or general anesthesia. Dr. Mandraccia makes incisions inside the nostrils in a standard rhinoplasty procedure. These incisions are used to improve the shape of the nasal bones, cartilage and soft tissues.

Open Procedure

Another type of rhinoplasty, called an “open” rhinoplasty, is employed for difficult or bigger noses. With this procedure, an external incision across the strut between the nostrils is used to recontour the soft tissues, bones and cartilage. If the nasal tip is the only part of the nose requiring correction, it may be addressed with either a standard or open procedure. Large nostrils can be diminished in size through either type of procedure.

If you live in the Fort Myers, Florida area and are considering a facelift procedure, please contact Dr. Mandraccia’s office at 800.500.1652 today to schedule an appointment.

What a Facelift Can Do for the Aging Face

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Langsted) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 21:52:00 +0000

The facelift is one of the most frequent procedures that Fort Myers area cosmetic surgeon Dr. Robert Mandraccia performs. Most facelift procedures are carried out under IV sedation in the comfort of Dr. Mandraccia’s office—a facility certified by the Florida Board of Health’s rigorous requirements. Dr. Mandraccia’s facelift technique involves using a series of incisions concealed by the hairline near the temple; the incisions continue down toward the ears. Using these incision sites, Dr. Mandraccia:

• Carefully separates the muscle and tissue from the skin
• Removes excessive fat
• Tightens the tissue and muscle underneath
• Pulls sagging facial skin until it is smooth
• Incises away excess skin before closing the incisions

Dr. Mandraccia skillfully closes the incisions so that in the future, scars will be virtually undetectable. A youthful, refreshed appearance will follow three to four weeks of recovery and healing, but typically, you can resume your normal activities or return to work in about two weeks.

If you live in the Fort Myers, Florida area and are considering a facelift procedure, please contact Dr. Mandraccia’s office at 800.500.1652 today to schedule an appointment.

Questions about Facelifts

noreply@blogger.com (Patti) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 23:27:00 +0000

What exactly does a facelift procedure involve?
Known by the technical term rhytidectomy, a facelift surgically smoothes sagging facial and neck skin and makes the tissues and muscles beneath it more taut while also removing excess fat. The facelift is one of Dr. Mandraccia’s most common procedures.

How do patients benefit from a facelift?
Facelifts can help patients with realistic expectations obtain a more youthful, rested and refreshed appearance that can build confidence.

How is a good facelift candidate identified?
Prime candidates for facelift procedures are those whose skin has begun to sag; however, it is important that the skin has retained some of its elasticity. Also, a distinct bone structure is a great help to the success of a facelift procedure.

Is there a common technique for facelift procedures?
Surgical techniques can vary. Generally, Dr. Mandraccia starts the procedure by separating the muscle and fat layers from the skin. After eliminating extraneous fat, Dr. Mandraccia will ensure that the membranes and muscles of the face are tightened. Any extra skin is then incised.

How quickly can I return to my daily routine?
Most people can get back to work after 10 to 14 days following surgery; keep in mind that swelling and bruising may take longer to disappear.

If you live in the Fort Myers, Florida area and are considering a facelift procedure, please contact Dr. Mandraccia’s office at 800.500.1652 today to schedule an appointment

Questions about Breast Augmentation

noreply@blogger.com (Patti) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 23:25:00 +0000

How do I know if I am a good breast augmentation candidate?
If you are displeased with your breasts’ contour and/or size, are in good physical and mental health and have realistic expectations about what breast augmentation can offer, you should consult with Dr. Mandraccia about a possible breast augmentation.

Is it important for me to complete the child-bearing years before I consider breast augmentation surgery?
Completing the child-bearing years is important before undergoing any breast augmentation procedure. The reason for this is that implants can inhibit breastfeeding, and sagging and volume loss can occur after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Once these years are over, you can ensure that your enhancement surgery’s results will be long lasting.

Where should I have my implants situated--above or below the muscle?
Often, cosmetic surgeons find that the below-the-muscle positioning delivers a more natural-looking outcome. However, other factors such as the patient’s own preference, body type and degree of breast tissue will come into play when Dr. Mandraccia decides on the best breast implant placement .

What are the risks and complications associated with breast augmentation?
As with any surgery, breast augmentation carries with it some risks. Dr. Mandraccia talks with his patients at length prior to the procedure to cover the surgery in detail.

If you live in the Fort Myers, Florida area, and are considering breast augmentation surgery, please contact Dr. Mandraccia’s office at 800.500.1652 today to schedule an appointment.

Questions about Breast Lift

noreply@blogger.com (Patti) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 23:24:00 +0000

Explain the breast lift procedure. What results can I anticipate?
A breast lift surgically elevates the breasts’ positioning on the chest. The surgery is geared toward creating a more youthful look by raising sagging and drooping breast tissue.

How do I know if I am a candidate for this procedure?
Dr. Mandraccia can assist you in determining if you are a candidate for a breast lift procedure. Generally, a good surgical candidate has drooping breasts and is in good general health—both physical and mental. This person also understands the procedure and what it can accomplish.

What should I expect from the breast lift procedure?
Typically, the areola is placed higher on the breast while excess breast tissue is also incised away. Since tissue is eliminated, breast implants can be introduced to improve breast size and contour. One to three hours is required to finish this procedure, depending on its complexity.

How will I feel during my recovery period?
You will experience discomfort in the first few days following surgery, but your pain can be kept under control with pain medications and will diminish over time. You can return to work activities in around two weeks, but cannot lift anything heavy for a few additional weeks.

If you live in the Fort Myers, Florida area and would like to consult with an experienced cosmetic surgeon regarding the breast lift and associated procedures, please contact Dr. Robert Mandraccia’s office at 800.500.1652 today to schedule an appointment

The Breast Lift Can Restore a More Youthful Look

noreply@blogger.com (Patti) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 23:20:00 +0000

Sagging and drooping breasts cause many women to seek out a proven procedure called the breast lift. In his Fort Myers, Florida area cosmetic surgery office, Dr. Mandraccia can consult with you about this procedure. Typically, time, gravity, pregnancy, breast feeding and weight loss are the culprits behind the inevitable sagging effect that the vast majority of women experience.

Dr. Mandraccia’s breast procedures can bring that youthful look back. An important point about breast lift surgery is that is can be combined with other breast procedures such as breast enlargement or breast reduction. In this way, patients not only achieve the lift they desire, but can also gain additional fullness or reduce the burden of overly large breasts.

In the mastopexy procedure, also known as the breast lift, Dr. Mandraccia moves the nipple and breast tissue to a higher level (at the breast fold level), taking into consideration what is thought to be the optimal position for the appearance of the breast. Dr. Mandraccia then performs a shaping procedure on the skin under the nipple to provide the patient with an improved shape to the breast. Saline or gel breast implants can be introduced at this point in the procedure for enlarging the breasts, depending on the patient’s wishes. Another factor involved will be the patient’s amount of breast tissue.

If you live in the Fort Myers, Florida area and would like to understand more about the breast lift and associated procedures, please contact Dr. Mandraccia’s office at 800.500.1652 today to schedule an appointment.

Breast Reduction Surgery: Relief from the Pain and Limitations of Overly Large Breasts

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:21:00 +0000

If your breasts are overly large, you have no doubt experienced the discomfort this can cause including bra straps digging into shoulders, shoulder, back and neck pain, limits on the athletic activities you enjoy and the annoyance of unwanted attention.

Dr. Mandraccia in Fort Myers, Florida has performed multiple breast reduction surgeries and has been gratified to bring relief to many, many patients, who often describe the surgery as life-changing. Patients should understand that breast reduction surgery is an extensive surgical procedure. It is ideal for those with severe pain or limitations on their activities. It is not a procedure to be selected for cosmetic purposes only.

Breast reduction surgery is a procedure that typically requires two to four hours. General anesthesia is essential for the operation. Several techniques are utilized, but one of the most frequently performed is called a “lollipop” or TUBA incision. This procedure starts in the navel and continues up the torso to the breast and is Dr. Mandraccia’s preferred method because it is less invasive and results in better breast contours. For some patients, Dr. Mandraccia may utilize an implant to restore a degree of fullness.

If you live in the Fort Myers, Florida area and are interested in learning more about the relief that breast reduction surgery can offer, please contact the office of Dr. Robert Mandraccia to schedule an appointment today.

Enjoying a More Positive Self-Image with Breast Enhancement

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:19:00 +0000

Many women today elect to have their breasts enhanced with saline or silicone gel implants. Attractive breasts are a significant part of a woman’s positive self-image, so taking advantage of this option can be a tremendous confidence booster.

Dr. Mandraccia, who serves patients in Fort Myers, Florida and the surrounding region, sees patients who are interested in breast enhancement for varied reasons:

Increasing diminished breast size after pregnancy and breast feeding
Correcting asymmetry of the breasts
Rebuilding a breast or breasts after surgery of the breast or a mastectomy
Increasing breast size to a woman’s desired volume

Your breasts’ size, shape and volume can be enhanced when Dr. Mandraccia inserts either a silicone or saline implant under your pectoral muscle or right under your breast tissue. The implants are available in a host of sizes and contours, so patients can acquire precisely the look they have been seeking. Dr. Mandraccia will also discuss alternative incision sites that are utilized to insert the implants. These include an incision made on the darkish skin that surrounds the nipple or on the fold of skin beneath the breast.

If you live in the Fort Myers, Florida area and are interested in exploring the confidence boost that breast enhancement can offer, please contact the office of Dr. Robert Mandraccia at 800.500.1652 to schedule an appointment today.

Facelift Myths

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 02:16:00 +0000

Many myths and misconceptions exist regarding facelift surgery. Let’s look at some common myths about facelifts and attempt to separate fact from fiction:

Myth: A facelift requires many weeks of painful recovery.

Truth: You will probably feel really terrific after your facelift. The facelift typically does not cause a great deal of discomfort. Swelling disappears after several days, and bruising after several weeks. Tightness and numbness may be felt for several weeks, but will subside over time. Scars will look pink for several months but eventually fade to white. In fact, most scars are hidden in the hairline. Unlike the myth, the first few weeks of facelift recovery are not full of pain and misery. However, it is very important to rest and follow Dr. Mandraccia’s instructions precisely to ensure fast healing and optimum results.

Myth: The facelift requires an incision completely around the head.

Truth: The facelift incision begins in front of or just above the ear and runs behind the ear into the hairline. This is the classic facelift incision. While other procedures can be performed in conjunction with the facelift to address forehead, eyelid and cheek aging, the actual incision does not involve the entire head.
Myth: The results of a facelift last only five or ten years.

Truth: While no one can stop the aging process, a facelift actually does last forever. Will the facelift results you experience today look exactly the same in 20 years? No. Natural aging will affect the results over time, and some patients opt for additional procedures to maintain a youthful appearance, such as Botox, a chemical peel, laser resurfacing or eyelid surgery. However, the appearance of your lifted face twenty years after your procedure will still look more youthful than if you had never had a facelift at all.

Myth: Anyone can have a facelift.

Truth: The best facelift candidates are in good physical and emotional health, do not smoke, have good facial skin elasticity, and have realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure. Individuals with some medical conditions may not be suitable facelift candidates. Dr. Robert V. Mandraccia can help you understand your candidacy for a facelift during your consultation.

Avoid the myths, and learn the truth. Please contact Dr. Mandraccia in Fort Myers, Florida to schedule your private, free consultation.

Candidacy for an Injectable Procedure

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 22:13:00 +0000

Facial aging occurs over time due to sun exposure, heredity and lifestyle. Early signs include a loss of facial fullness and fine wrinkles. Injectable fillers like Botox® are a safe and effective non-surgical method for softening facial wrinkles and restoring facial volume and fullness.

But are injectable fillers right for you? The best way to find out is with a private, free consultation at the Fort Myers, Florida office of cosmetic surgeon Dr. Robert V. Mandraccia. During your consultation, Dr. Mandraccia will examine your face for signs of aging and consider the best method to achieve:

Plumper, more youthful looking lips
Enhancement of shallow facial contours
Softening of facial creases and wrinkles
Improvement in the appearance of recessed scars

Injectables are an excellent option if:

You are physically healthy
You do not smoke
You have a positive outlook with realistic goals for the results of your procedure

Not everyone is a good candidate for injectables. Some conditions that may preclude you from this procedure are:

Infections
Open wounds
Neuromuscular disease
Pregnancy or breastfeeding

To find out if injectables are right for you, please contact Dr. Mandraccia in Fort Myers, Florida to schedule your consultation.

What Problem Areas Can Be Corrected with Injectables?

noreply@blogger.com (Patti) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 16:08:00 +0000

Injectables such as Botox® are substances that improve signs of facial aging, offering a non-invasive way to restore a more youthful appearance and helping to forestall significant cosmetic surgery, such as a facelift.

Aging facial areas that can be corrected using injectables include:

Lips
Facial wrinkles
Forehead creases
Crow’s feet (wrinkles around your eyes)
Laugh lines (around the mouth)

Injectables are not all alike. Each type of injectable lasts for varying lengths of time and offers different effects. For example, Collagen, a protein complex supporting skin, bone, cartilage and blood vessels, temporarily treats wrinkles, scars, thin lips, frown lines, and nose and mouth folds. Restylane reduces facial wrinkles, especially around the mouth and nose.

Fat fillers such as Autologen, Fascia or fat can reduce scars and improve forehead and eye wrinkles and creases. Fat fillers plump up hollow cheeks or thin lips and fill in stubborn facial lines. Botox® injections block nerve impulses and temporarily paralyze the facial muscles that cause wrinkles; therefore, Botox is an excellent option for facial wrinkles, forehead creases and crow’s feet.

To learn more about the injectable that is best for you, please contact Dr. Robert V. Mandraccia in Fort Myers, Florida, conveniently located off Veterans Park Drive near the Anchors Health Center.

How Does the Face Age?

noreply@blogger.com (Patti) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 16:06:00 +0000

At first glance, a person’s face can reveal much about their emotional well being, stress level and age.

As the face ages, less collagen and elastin are produced, contributing to reduced firmness and elasticity. Fat cells begin to disappear and the skin loses its ability to retain moisture. Wrinkles, lines and creases begin to form around the mouth, eyes and brow area. Dead skin cells are shed less quickly and fewer new skin cells are produced, so that the skin no longer appears fresh and youthful. However, facial aging can occur earlier due to smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, poor diet, lack of adequate exercise, too much stress and sun damage.

Would you like to slow down the aging of your face and restore your once youthful appearance? Dr. Robert V. Mandraccia of Fort Myers, Florida offers a variety of procedures to help, including:

Dr. Mandraccia has helped numerous men and women feel more confident about their appearance. He can help you too. Many procedures are non-invasive, and financing is available to assist you in achieving the youthful, refreshed look you are dreaming about.

Please contact Dr Robert Mandraccia in Fort Meyers, Florida for a free consultation.

Breast Augmentation and Scarring

noreply@blogger.com (Patti) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 16:03:00 +0000

Breast scarring after breast augmentation occurs because of the small incisions the surgeon must make through which the saline or silicone implant is placed. Women choosing to undergo breast augmentation are rightfully concerned with scarring that might linger following the procedure, since permanent, unattractive scars may negate the beautiful results of breast augmentation and negatively effect self-confidence.

At the cosmetic surgery practice of Dr. Robert V. Mandraccia in Fort Myers, Florida, we use highly specialized techniques, such as tiny nipple incision, Ebony Trans-Ax incision, infra-mammary and sub-mammary incisions designed to leave nearly invisible scars. Each patient undergoes allergy testing prior to surgery to avoid allergic reaction to the stitches, which can exacerbate scars. And of course, Dr. Mandraccia’s superior post-operative advice regarding the use of Vitamin E oil capsules or Vitamin A and E cream helps to further diminish the appearance of scars for our patients.

Dr. Mandraccia’s cosmetic surgery practice offers IV sedation right here in our own office and has recently been certified by the Florida Board of Health after meeting its stringent requirements. Procedures requiring general anesthesia are performed in the surgery center jointly owned by Lee Memorial and Naples Community Hospitals, conveniently located in the same building.

For further information, please contact Dr. Mandraccia in Fort Myers, Florida to schedule a free consultation.

Breast Augmentation: Choosing the Right Size

noreply@blogger.com (Patti) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:56:00 +0000

Do you lack confidence because of small or uneven breasts? Do you wish you could look more shapely in today’s fashions? If so, you are just one of millions of women unhappy with their breast size. At the Fort Myers, Florida cosmetic surgery practice of Dr. Robert V. Mandraccia, breast augmentation, also known as mammoplasty, is a popular procedure achieved with either a silicone or saline breast implant.

While many women focus on improving the size of their breasts, other considerations are also important. The type of implant chosen, the type of incision used, the placement area (directly under breast tissue or beneath the pectoral muscle?) and the texture of the implant are additional considerations that impact your final result and overall satisfaction with your breast augmentation procedure.

A private consultation with Dr. Mandraccia will help you decide these issues and choose the breast implant that is right for you. Remember that what looks great on someone else may not be right for you due to differences in body structure and shape. Your most satisfying and natural results will come from relying on Dr. Mandraccia, who offers more than 15 years of training and experience.

Please contact Dr. Robert V Mandraccia in Fort Myers, Florida and surrounding areas to schedule your free consultation.

Welcome

noreply@blogger.com (CrystalY) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 19:15:00 +0000

Welcome to Ft. Myers Plastic Surgeon Dr. Mandraccia's blog. Please come back soon to read more about our services.