Finding Dr. Right is just as important as avoiding Dr. Wrong says Fort Lauderdale plastic surgeon  Dr. Paul Wigoda. When researching a plastic surgeon or cosmetic surgeon, there are several key factors that should be taken into account in your decision-making process. You need to choose a surgeon that is right for you, your personal needs and expectations. You want to ensure that you have an unparalleled outcome both aesthetically and personally, as your doctor becomes your “beauty partner,” enhancing your appearance physically and emotionally.

One of the first places to begin is with family and friends: who can they recommend? What were their outcomes? Take a moment to speak with your current medical professionals. Who can they suggest and why?

Eight Tips to Finding Dr. Right for Plastic Surgery

1. Know the lingo
Doctors can now become weekend “certified” in many different types of procedures and have created their own terms which are NOT recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Many doctors understand that cosmetic surgery is big business, big dollars and want market share. “Cosmetic Surgeon” and “Anti-Aging Specialist” are two terms that have been coined by the industry, yet are unrecognized by the ABMS. You might even notice your  OB-GYN is now doing Botox.

2. Advertising does not buy credentials
In most cases, a good doctor does not need to have major advertise campaigns on billboards or radio stations– it is word of mouth that drives their business. That is not to say a doctor should not let his potential patients know about his awesome track record through testimonials and sharing his expertise with the media as a means to educate the public. Paid print media does not make a doctor qualified.

3.  Get different opinions
Meet with several doctors to discuss your plan and your options. It can be overwhelming but knowledge is power.

4. Stay away from the online forums
Often times the patient reviews are not actual or authentic. Many times doctors write the testimonials under assumed screen names. Be wary. Legitimate testimonials can typically be found on Google reviews, YouTube, Yelp, etc.

5. Be realistic about the recovery
Some doctors will downplay the recovery time. Know what to expect in real terms. You may be able to go back to work in just a few days, but will you want to? Today’s recovery time in many cases can be much easier and quicker when in the right care, but keep in mind surgery is surgery so have realistic expectations.

6. Review online and offline images
Keep in mind that some doctors have a fine-tuned finesse with Photoshop. If all of the after pictures look more like Joan Rivers, then run. Look at the details, carefully and with a critical eye. Does the surgeon over-operate or under-operate. Be careful and don’t just assume that the photos have not been retouched. None of Dr. Paul Wigoda’s pictures are enhanced or use Photoshop.

7. Your weight
When thinking about a facelift for example, many doctors will not want to perform the procedure on an obese person as there is only so much that can be lifted or tightened. These results will impact the surgeon’s reputation and if it does not look perfect, it is not a positive reflection on their skills. In addition, they are also concerned about the heart health and wouldn’t want to lose a patient on the table. Take care of your weight before you begin seeking surgical opinions.

8. Scheduling
Make your appointment and get started with your journey towards plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery or non-surgical cosmetic services such as Botox or fillers.

Dr. Paul Wigoda is Chief of Plastic Surgery at Broward General Hospital and has a private practice offering plastic and reconstructive surgery in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Note: Parts of this article originated in Departures Magazine January 2012 issue.

Florida Plastic Surgeon Dr. Wigoda reveals truths and myths about Botox, the most popular procedure performed by Florida Physicians in a new YouTube video.

For approximately 30 years, Botox has been used to treat wrinkles and has become a very routine procedure. The New York Times reported that 5.4 millon people were injected with Botox last year alone. Most Florida patients undergo the Botox procedure every 4-6 months.

Despite the popularity of Botox, there are still some myths surrounding its uses. Dr. Wigoda reveals the truth about several of these myths:

• Botox is mainly used for the upper face including the upper forehead, crows feet and the glabellar area between the eyebrows.
• In the lower face, instead of using Botox, fillers are used.
• Botox is not a poison; however, it is made from bacteria.
• Contrary to common belief, side-effects are extremely minimal and rare.
• Botox doesn’t inhibit any day-to-day activities such as exercise.

In a time of recession, Dr. Wigoda says that Botox is a cost-effective alternative to plastic surgery in reducing wrinkles and preventing new ones from forming.

In addition to its common uses, Botox has been recently proven to relieve migraines. Some Florida patients get Botox every 3-4 months to relieve migraines and/or to treat wrinkles.

Chronic migraine sufferers are now able to smooth wrinkles and cure migraines at the same time, says the FDA. Chronic migraines are characterized by lasting at least four hours on fifteen or more days each month.

Botulinum toxin, or Botox, is best known for treating wrinkles by temporarily blocking signals from nerve endings to muscles. Botox is most commonly used to relax forehead lines, crow’s feet (lines around the eye) and frown lines.The April 2011 issue of More magazine explains how this treatment works for migraine patients; essentially preventing pain signals from reaching nerve endings in the tissue surrounding the brain.

More than 28 million Americans suffer from migraines each year. The recent FDA approval allows physicians to use Botox to treat those suffering at least 15 days each month. Around 31 Botox injections are administered around the head and neck every 12 weeks.

Botox has not been shown to be effective for those who suffer migraines less than 14 days out of the month, or other headaches such as tension headaches. Headache sufferers must consult their doctor to determine if Botox is an appropriate treatment for their condition.

Dr. Wigoda has performed thousands of Botox injections to South Florida patients; he has also previously commented on the hot topic from celebrity Botox such as Kim Kardashian, to a controversial New York Daily News article on the subject.

For more information, connect with Dr. Wigoda on his Facebook or Twitter pages, or call (954) 463-7088 to schedule a free Botox consultation!

Paul Wigoda, M.D. agreed with The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASPS) when it predicted an uptick in elective plastic surgery procedures in 2011. New data released from the ASPS seems to reinforce the idea that increased consumer confidence in the economy translates into more plastic surgery: cosmetic procedures in 2010 jumped to 13.1 million, an increase of five percent.

The top five procedures performed in 2010:

• Breast augmentation

• Nose reshaping

• Eyelid surgery

• Liposuction

• Tummy tuck

As the aging population continues to grow, so does the incidence of face lifts, as well as minimally invasive procedures such as Botox.

With nearly 11.6 million procedures in 2010, the top five minimally invasive procedures were:

• Botulinum toxin type A

• Soft tissue fillers

• Chemical peel

• Laser hair removal

• Microdermabrasion

Get up with the latest plastic surgery news and offers from Dr. Wigoda through our Facebook Fan Page and Twitter @DrWigoda.

Paul Wigoda, M.D. comments on anticipated trends according to The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASPS). They’ve made a number of plastic surgery predictions for 2011, centering on increased elective procedures such as facelifts, Botox, and buttocks augmentations.

1. More facelifts as economy picks up

Dr. Wigoda agrees with this sentiment; noting that elective plastic surgery as a whole tends to happen more during better financial times.

2. Additional fillers, Botox, and Injectables

Dr. Wigoda notes that these procedures are more affordable than traditional plastic surgery, especially as more products enter the market. Also, people tend to be happy with the results and continue procedures.

3. Increase of procedures to tighten the skin post weight loss

These procedures, ranging from arm lifts to tummy tuck’s are also usually elective, not covered by insurance, says Dr. Wigoda. Therefore, as consumers’ disposable income returns, so will these surgeries.

4. Changing out breast implants

Many of Dr. Wigoda’s patients see better results with silicone implants, so he predicts that his saline patients will make the switch to painless breast implants surgery. Also, since baby boomers remain the largest age demographic in the US, they may need their implants replaced or choose to have a breast lift done.

5. More botched plastic surgery cases

“Consumers looking for a bargain on cosmetic procedures will unfortunately lead to an increase in horror stories about ‘discount injectables’ bought offshore, cosmetic medicine, and cosmetic surgical procedures performed by untrained practitioners,” predicts ASAPS. Dr. Wigoda’s advice to avoid such catastrophe? Do your homework, and ask these questions before choosing a surgeon.

6. New ways to zap fat

Consumers will increasingly seek non-invasive techniques for fat removal (freezing, zapping, lasering) as an alternative to liposuction. Dr. Wigoda does not endorse freezing or zapping fat.

7. Getting a celebrity buttocks

Dr. Wigoda acknowledges that right now, thanks to celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Beyonce, and Jennifer Lopez, bigger is better. This can be accomplished several ways, he says, from performing liposuction on the areas around the buttocks such as the thighs, injecting fat into the buttocks, implants, or lifts.

Closing in Miami Beach, But Still Here in Fort Lauderdale! We are sad to say, Me Day Spa will be closing on February 18, 2011 and Dr. Wigoda will be consolidating his plastic surgery and non-surgical aesthetics services to his Fort Lauderdale location.

We would like to thank everyone for the support over the past five years. It has been a true pleasure and experience.

Last Week of Appointments and Beauty Close out Specials!

Dr. Wigoda is offering Botox and fillers on February 16th at the spa.

As long as supplies last, all hair products, makeup, gift items, and skin care products will be sold at 50% off at the spa from now until the closing (Remember, Valentine’s Day is coming up).

Me Day Spa is located at:

1439B Alton Road Miami Beach, FL

33139 305-534-6363

Dr. Wigoda’s Fort Lauderdale location:

1404 E Broward Blvd.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301

(954) 463-7088

Dr. Wigoda will continue to offer med-spa services including Botox, fillers, laser hair removal, microdermabrasion and facials at his Fort Lauderdale locations as well as free consultations for plastic surgery.

Please visit us at www.drwigoda.com and www.painlessbreastimplants.com.

Once again, thanks for your support and lots of health and happiness in 2011.

Legendary comedian, TV personality and “Fashion Police” host Joan Rivers is known for her brash personality, strong New York dialect – and equally bold plastic surgery procedures.

In this video, Dr. Wigoda describes Rivers’ various cosmetic surgery procedures through the years, from the 1980s to present.

Joan Rivers Before and After Plastic Surgery

Dr. Wigoda’s advice to Rivers, not surprisingly, is to ease up on the plastic surgery procedures a bit: “I would definitely stop all surgical procedures on her. I think she can continue with Botox…her lips look fine, I might fill in her nasal labial folds a little bit. I definitely wouldn’t do anything to her cheeks, other than possibly take out a little of the fat.”

To learn more about Fort Lauderdale plastic surgery procedures from Botox to painless breast implants from Dr. Wigoda visit: http://www.drwigoda.com or http://www.medayspa.com

About Dr. Wigoda
Dr. Paul Wigoda is a board certified plastic surgeon and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Florida Medical Association, and the Broward County Medical Association. Dr. Wigoda specializes in Fort Lauderdale breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, brow lift, eyelid surgery, Juvederm, Radiesse, Restylane, Botox, laser hair removal, and spider vein treatments.

Have you heard about the New York Daily News article that claims Botox injections may cause muscle loss?

Not to worry, says board-certified plastic surgeon Paul Wigoda MD. In a video on his YouTube Channel, Dr. Wigoda dispels the rumors, saying, “I’ve been [administering Botox] for 11 or 12 years; I have hundreds of patients who are very happy. I’ve never experienced a patient come in with muscle atrophy in their face because we did Botox.”

Come in and see for yourself with holiday specials from Dr. Wigoda and Me Day Spa! We’re featuring 10% off Radiesse, Juvederm and Botox treatments!

10% off Radiesse, Juvederm and Botox treatment Specials Expire: December 31, 2010

We look forward to seeing you at one of our two locations:

Dr. Wigoda’s South Beach location

1439B Alton Road

Miami Beach, FL 33139

305-534-6363

Dr. Wigoda’s Fort Lauderdale location

1404 E Broward Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301

(954) 463-7088

Don’t forget to mention this blog post when you come in for our specials!

Stay up-to-date on the latest news and offers from through our Facebook Fan Page and Twitter @DrWigoda.

Happy Holidays from Paul Wigoda MD!