FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS...

You have questions, and you have a right to know.

Doctor do you offer a "miracle" procedure? 

Every day I hear about a new trend "the miracle  procedure"  which promises to be  painless and long lasting,  is minimally invasive and avoids surgery, and it magically delivers fantastic results.  All these trendy procedures are advertised by the media and by corporate sponsors or patients who read about them in magazines or heard of them from friends who had them done in some physicians office...but what about the hot trendy  procedures of last year? ...are they "passé", obsolete and no longer in vogue?  The short term results of these miracle procedures are less then satisfactory (see the next two questions) and, hopefully, the patient who has experimented with these miracle procedures has not had any major complications.  "Caveat emptor!" A Roman phrase which translated from the Latin means  "let the buyer beware"....if it sounds to good to be true it probably is.

Do you offer the Therma-Cool or the Thread Lift also known as Feather Lift ( the so called non-surgery weekend facelifts )? 

We do not use the Therma-Cool ( Thermage ) or other similar Laser/Light/RF skin  tightening procedures as recent studies have shown the results to be quite minimal with over one third of patients exhibiting no change at all.  Likewise we do not offer the so called weekend facelifts ("The Facial Thread Lift or Feather Lift") since the results show minimal improvement lasting only weeks or at the most  a few months.  In over a third of the patients there is no demonstrable or visible improvement.  The reason is that these procedures lift portions of "skin only" and not the underlying muscles. Since the skin is firmly attached to the underlying muscle, the  stronger muscle tissue will pull the skin back down to its original position either immediately or within weeks.

Mesotherapy and Lipodissolve: a fiction?

It is a controversial  procedure involving injection of tiny doses of medications (everyone uses different formulas) into the fat layer under your skin to dissolve it.  It was very popular in Europe many years ago  since it was developed in France in 1952.  The idea of destroying the unwanted fat and curing cellulite is what every American woman desires.  But while some patients and doctors rave about the results and consider Mesotherapy  and Lipodissolve great procedures most others warn that instead both are a waste of money at best and potentially harmful at worst. In traditional Mesotherapy the various ingredients ( which are different from doctor to doctor ) are injected into the deep skin, the mesoderm, while in Lipodissolve the injections are made into the fat underneath the skin. However both terms are used interchangeably.  What you should know is that there is no cure for cellulite and the safety of the injected medications and long term effects of  Mesotherapy and Lipodissolve have not been established.  Currently the FDA , the US agency tasked to approve drugs, has not approved any of the various drugs used in Mesotherapy and Lipodissolve.   It is not an alternative to liposuction.   Having been exposed to Mesotherapy since 1985 during my fellowship in Rome with Prof. Ponti, who condemned it,  I have not observed any noticeable and prolonged improvement in patients who underwent Mesotherapy and therefore at the present time we do not offer it.  Furthermore the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery does not endorse it.  Remember that not even Hollywood stars can eliminate cellulite...they are just great at hiding it.

 Where do you perform your surgery?

The safest place to perform your surgery is at a certified outpatient surgical center or hospital.  We take pride in the fact that we strive to maintain "A Center Of Excellence" and that we were the first in South Texas to offer an accredited in office surgical facility.  Our Better You Cosmetic Surgery Center has been certified as a class "C" for general anesthesia to the highest standards by the AAAASF ( the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities ), which is the highest level of obtainable certification.  This ensures that our facility has been inspected, Dr. Herve` Gentile has been credentialed to perform all the procedures offered and that an ongoing peer and quality review are present.  Accreditation by the AAAASF distinguishes us and assures you that we provide the high level of quality care that you expect.

What is the most common risk in cosmetic surgery?

The first and less obvious risk is disappointment.  This happens when the patient's expectations exceed the results of surgery.  It could either be related to the disappointment in their physical changes or the new improved appearance doesn't realize the lifestyle changes they had hoped for.  Although cosmetic surgery can have a positive impact on your life it is not a guarantee for happiness.

What happens if there is a complication?

In certain circumstances both the patient and the surgeon can do everything right but an unforeseen problem occurs resulting in disappointment for both.  Although this can be handled in various ways, the most common approach is for the patient to pay for anesthesia and the facility, with the plastic surgeon donating his time, services and postoperative care.  Major complications such as major infection, skin loss, fluid overload, etc. are extremely rare and can largely be avoided by the experienced surgeon provided the patient is compliant in carefully following the preoperative and postoperative instructions. You should also be aware that insurance companies do not cover aesthetic surgery complications. The insurance company's stand is that if the patient chooses to pay, as an example for a tummy tuck, all cost related to that surgery are the sole patient's responsibility.

What happens if I have a minor imperfection and a touch-up procedure could improve it?

If the patient has shown a significant improvement but still seeks further improvement a touch-up fee will be applied.  Since many refinements can be performed under local anesthesia, the cost can be significantly reduced.

What can I do to influence my result?

Your general health, skin condition and healing ability as well as your compliance in following our pre and postoperative instructions all influence your results.  A healthy diet  in addition to exercising daily can help prepare you for an optimal postoperative recovery.  A good diet is categorized by a healthy choice of nutrients which include vitamins, minerals and antioxidants as well low fat proteins ( fish, chicken, lean beef, eggs, beans, etc.), high nutrient carbohydrates ( most fruits, vegetables and whole grains and heart-healthy fats ( olive oil, almonds, avocados, fish oil, etc.).  A multivitamin with minerals is recommended and you should start taking it several weeks before and for at least 6 weeks after surgery.   If you are overweight or obese it is important for you to understand that you are at higher risk of developing postoperative complications and therefore weight loss should be considered an important part of achieving not only a better cosmetic result but also the goal of an improved and better health.   It is of the utmost importance that you stop smoking and avoid secondary smoking for at least 6 weeks before any procedure and you must be candid and honest about it.  Smoking not only impairs healing but also increases significantly your change of developing a major complication.  In addition to prescription medications you need to disclose all over the counter/nonprescription drugs, herbs, vitamins and other dietary supplements since many of these can affect healing and/or cause bleeding.   Some of the nutritional supplements that can cause adverse reactions, poor healing and bleeding during and after surgery are: Bilberry, Cayenne, Dong Quai, Echinacea, Feverfew, Garlic, Ginger, Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng, Hawthorne, Kava Kava, Licorice Root, Ma Huang, Red Clover, St.John's Wort, Valerian, Vitamin E, Yohimbe.... some of the over the counter drugs are: Aspirin, Advil, Motrin, Ephedra, etc.   In addition to obesity all female hormones ( prescription and natural over the counter) including Birth Control Pill can increase the risk of blood clot formation, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis thereby potentially resulting in pulmonary embolism.  All of these need to be stopped 2 weeks before your scheduled surgery date and for 6 weeks after.   Please contact our office for a complete list and also check below "What are some healthy eating tips?"

What does the fee that I was quoted from the patient coordinator cover?

This is a fixed and global fee. In other words it includes surgery, anesthesia, OR facility, supplies such as garments, implants (if required ) and accommodations for out of town patients.  The only exception is some laboratory exams and the necessity, in special circumstances, of a private nurse if you cannot be adequately cared for by family members.  Although we strive to make our fees competitive and affordable, you will perceive the higher value when you consider safety, quality, experience, service, communication and our distinct environment that Dr. Herve` Gentile at A BETTER YOU Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center offers you.

Who can perform cosmetic surgery?

First of all... don’t shop price! Doctors with few credentials will frequently cut costs to entice more patients.  If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Instead shop for trust, experience and safety.

Today all kinds of doctors can perform cosmetic surgery.  Once a doctor obtains an MD degree he or she can practice any specialty they want without any advanced training. However not all of them share the same degree of training and experience.  Most of these unqualified doctors offer a limited scope of services and tend to perform liposuction, breast augmentation or facial surgery.  Also the claims and advertisements of these self-proclaimed " board certified cosmetic doctors ( some are dental/oral surgeons, family doctors, gynecologists, dermatologists, etc. )" are only adding to the public's confusion.  Yes it is true...in some states even dentists can perform cosmetic surgery ( would you want your dentist to perform your facelift? ).  It is difficult for the consumer to evaluate competence and qualifications of a surgeon and therefore the medical profession has created board certification.   The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) is the umbrella organization established to certify specialists in the US.   After years of formal education, specialized training and surgical residencies, surgeons take extremely rigorous written and oral exams.  Once they pass, they can call themselves board certified in that specialty.    Dr. Herve` Gentile is certified by multiple specialties (triple board certified) : the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Board of Otolaryngology- Head & Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.  In addition he is on the faculty of the Medical College of Georgia ( MCG ), University of Georgia Systems, as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery.   He is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ISAPS),  the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) and a Fellow of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (FAFPRS) and the American College of Surgeons (ACS). 

What are some of the questions to ask your Plastic Surgeon? ( Also see how to choose a qualified Surgeon )

• What percentage of your practice is cosmetic? ( should be more than 80% ) 

• How many surgeries ( that I am considering ) do you perform per year?

• Do you have privileges in a Hospital to do these cosmetic surgeries?

• Are you Board Certified and by which Board? 

• Have you ever been disciplined by any Hospital, State Medical Board or Certifying Board?

• What are the most common complications with this procedure and how frequently they occur in your practice?

• How do you take care of any possible complication or redo or a touch up procedure and what is the financial policy?

What are some of the Myths?

•  What looks good in New York not always looks good in Beverly Hills… the plastic look never does.

• Aesthetic Plastic Surgery is not real surgery and complications never occur.

•  A Plastic Surgeon can take any face or body and make it into someone else.

•  Hollywood stars all look great in real life…because makeup and air brushing is great.

• Models and actresses have perfect faces and bodies…nothing is further from the truth since all of them have asymmetries.

• Your own personal and emotional life will change with plastic surgery.

• Your family and your friends know what is best for you.

• Cheaper price?…if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is.

• Most people will get the same results as in the TV shows.    (Remember that some people are better candidates than others.  The Extreme Makeover show has the luxury of choosing from thousands of potential candidates and picking the most dramatic and aesthetically pleasing results.)

• Your own personal and emotional life will change with cosmetic surgery or that it will turn your life around.  

• REMEMBER THAT ULTIMATELY YOUR OUTCOME IS PRIMARILY DEPENDENT ON YOUR CHOICE OF SURGEON.

What are some healthy eating tips?  

A healthy nutritional diet prior to and after cosmetic surgery can help patients improve recovery and maximize their results. 

• Balance the consumption of carbohydrates, proteins and fats at each meal ( = a balanced diet ).

• Avoid foods high in calories but low in nutrients.

• Eat 2 to 3 servings of vegetables every day, including dark green vegetables daily.

• Eat 2 to 3 servings of fruit daily.

• Avoid fried foods.

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

• Eliminate soft drinks, carbonated drinks, beer, etc.

• Eliminate white carbohydrates ( no sugar or flour-based foods ).

• Avoid processed foods containing hydrogenated oils or trans fats.

• Reduce saturated fat intake.

• Take a multivitamin with minerals daily.

• Always control your portion sizes

The current recommendations by the US Gov. is to follow a Mediterranean diet.  A well-balanced, high nutrient diet is Dr. Sears Zone diet, which is based on a 40-30-30 ratio of carbohydrates to proteins and fats.

• Examples of foods high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are: fish, chicken, lean beef, eggs, beans, soy, etc.

• Examples of foods high in nutrient carbohydrates are: most fruits, vegetables and whole grains, etc.

• Examples of heart-healthy fats are: olive oil, almonds, avocados, fish oil, etc.

• Examples of empty calories are: white carbohydrates, candies, cookies, chips, fried foods, pastas, soft drinks, etc.