Discount Botox

I love coupons.  I grew up in a house where we only bought the breakfast cereals my mother had coupons for, and I swore I would never be like that – but I guess we all become our mother sometime.  However, a coupon for your favorite Kellogg’s cereal is completely different than a group discount site (think Groupon) offering deals on Botox and other injectables.  Recently, a group discount site (who shall remain nameless) had an offer for "20 Units of Botox.” For $165.00, they were offering 20 units of Botox (about enough for one site).  Our office charges $300 a site – sounds like a pretty good deal, right?

Wrong…According to Dr. Robert Louton, “Plastic surgeons most often bring in new patients by word of mouth from previously happy patients.  Would you feel comfortable being injected by a doctor who has to advertise with a group discount site and offer such low price in order to bring patients in?

If you ever see an advertisement for this, and are starting to consider it, think about these two things: 

1. Will a doctor be in the facility? Just because a spa has a medical director doesn't mean he or she will be administering the treatment. State regulations vary, and some states don't even require a doctor to be on site, much less in the room.  A doctor should always be in the vicinity in case of an emergency.

2. If a doctor is present, is he or she a dermatologist or plastic surgeon? If not, then you may want to reconsider. Would you want your hair and nails styles managed by a plastic surgeon? Then why would you want your injected Botox to be done by your hair stylist or the women who does your facials? Plastic surgeons are specialists who understand the full range of cosmetic procedures available. They know if your issues are best solved with a syringe of Botox or Juvaderm—or if you'd be better served by a peel or some other procedure.

Bottom line – when it comes to your health and injectables, cheaper is not better.  Blair Plastic Surgery participates in Allergan’s Brilliant Distinctions Program, as well as offering an in-house special.  When a patient purchases 3 sites of Botox within one year, he/she will receive one site for free.  The special applies to Juvaderm as well.  

-Elizabeth

Breast Cancer Awareness

October brings apple cider, crisp weather and pink ribbons.

Breast Cancer Awareness month begins today, and the Skin Care Krew is doing their part! This year, Blair Plastic Surgery is promoting BRA Day, the first annual event in the United States!

BRA Day is Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day, a day set aside to raise awareness at of all reconstruction options after surgical treatment for breast cancer. 7 out of 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer are never told their full surgical reconstruction options, and may be left struggling to find clothes to fit, a sense of loss and inability to emotionally heal.

Here in the office, The Admiral, Dr Robert Louton, will be giving a series of seminars all about breast surgery. Together with an online initiative and offices of Board Certified Plastic Surgeons nationwide, we can all get the word out about closing the loop on breast cancer.

-The Skin Care Krew

What about me?

Recently, our Skin Care Kaptain was asked what a person in their 60's should do for more mature skin and the best place to start.

This was Dr Fanny's reponse:

"When we reach our 60's, it becomes more difficult to "cream" away wrinkles but it's never too late to get serious about avoiding and correcting sun damage.  It's important that you discuss your goals face to face with a physician who is experienced in both surgical and non-surgical procedures.  I would recommend you seek out board certified plastic surgeons and/or board certified dermatologists in your area.  Make a few calls first to get a feel for the office and to determine whether the physician's practice is predominantly cosmetic or general.  Pick the cosmetic practice(s) of your choice and set up an appointment for an evaluation.  You should be able to discuss multiple options with the doctor during your visit.  And there is definitely more than one way to skin the cat, so don't be taken in by the "best and newest machine/procedure", you should be given a range of possible solutions with a range of costs.  This should give you a basic idea of where you may want to start"

-Dr Fanny Louton, MD