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Laser Hair Reduction: What You Need to Know to Prepare For Successful Treatment

Tuesday, November 1st, 2022

Preparing for your Laser Hair Reduction treatment at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center isn’t too complicated but here is an example of a few important steps you might be asked to follow prior to your laser hair reduction treatment:

 

6 Weeks Prior To Treatment:

Discontinue other hair reduction treatments like waxing, epilation or plucking. It is okay to continue to shave until the day before your treatment.

 

4 Weeks Prior To Your First Treatment:

Avoid sun exposure, tanning and self-tanning products, basically stop anything that can darken the color of your skin. You will also need to avoid sun exposure, tanning or self-tanning products 30 days before and after each consecutive treatment session. Remember increasing pigment in your skin can increase your chances for skin injury because the laser seeks pigment (color) and cannot tell the difference between hair and skin.

 

7 Days Prior To Your Treatment:

•Review the treatment instruction sheet your received at your consultation. Call the office to clarify any concerns or questions you may have.

•Medications: Some medications can interfere with your hair reduction treatments or increase your risks for side effects. While most medications will not have to be discontinued before your treatments, it is very important that you inform the Doctor and laser operator about all of the medications you are taking or have taken in the last 30 days. If you are taking a medication that needs to be stopped prior to your treatment, you will be notified during your consultation along with the date it will need to be paused.

•Stop all topical Vitamin A (retinoids) products such as Retin-A, retinol or tretinol in the areas being treated.

•Stop all AHA’s & BHA’s, or scrubsor other exfoliants in the treatment area.

 

Please notify us if you being taking medications such as:

  • Photo-sensitive medications
  • Birth control
  • Vitamin A – topical (Retin-A, retinol, retinoic acid, tretinol, tretinoin…)
  • Hormone medications
  • Acne medications
  • Steroids
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs

 

1-2 Days Before Each Treatment:

You will want to shave the areas to be treated 1-2 days prior to your treatment. I will want to see just a little stubble on the day of treatment, not long hairs.  Long hairs will create more discomfort and could increase your chances for skin injury.

 

On The Day Of Treatment:

•Arrive with clean skin, free of lotions or perfumes. Remember to inform your laser operator of any chances in mediations, or skin changes or concerns prior to your treatment.

•If you have had any form of UV exposure in the last 30 days, please call to reschedule your treatment.

 

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist

G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

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Laser Hair Reduction: Is It Really Worth Your Time and Money?

Tuesday, October 25th, 2022

 

Laser Hair Reduction is an investment, an investment in both time and money.  But if living your best life includes slipping into your swimsuit with smooth, stubble-free skin  or being able to shirtless with out feeling conscientious about back hair, then Laser hair reduction might be an investment in yourself that is worth making.

The laser targets the melanin (dark pigment) in the hair shaft.  The melanin absorbs the light energy, heats up the hair structure and damages or destroys the follicular stem cells which rescinds the follicle’s ability to reproduce hair. It is important to recognize that not all follicles produce hair at the same time. Hair grows in cycles; some follicles are in an active growth stage (antagen stage), while others are in a dormant or sleeping stage (Talogen stage), and yet others are in an in-between or transition stage (catagen stage). Dormant hair will not be affected by the treatment because hair / pigment must be present to transfer the energy to the follicle to destroy it.

What does all this mean? It means that Laser Hair Reduction is not a one & done type treatment.  Since only the hairs in a growing stage can be successfully treated, multiple treatments are needed to treat each follicle in its growth stage.  The length of growth cycles are different in different areas of the body.  For example, a growth cycle for the upper lip, chin, bikini, or underarm areas is usually every 6-8 weeks but the growth cycle for legs is more like 12-14 weeks. So, you should plan on investing several months times into meeting your hair free goals.

Patients often ask if laser hair reduction is painful.  The answer is yes, it can be mildly uncomfortable, but still tolerable.  I would say it’s more uncomfortable than plucking but less painful than waxing. Some areas are more uncomfortable than others.  Areas like the face, shoulders and legs tend to be more comfortable than say the bikini line where the hair tends to be denser and more course. The good news is we can apply a topical numbing ointment to help make it more comfortable in those sensitive areas like the bikini line or underarms.  The first treatment is typically the most uncomfortable, and it tends to get better with each treatment as there is less target for the laser to go after and the hair grows in softer, lighter in color and less course.

With all that being said, I think Laser Hair Reduction is a total game changer!  It is certainly one of the best things I have done for myself!  I no longer battle shaving bumps in the areas I have treated. Not being a slave to shaving is quite liberating!  I would much rather spend my time doing things that DO NOT include that shaving.  As far as the financial investment, when I look at what I have saved by not buying razors and replacement heads not to mention wasting less water in the shower, I believe the financial investment is easily justified.

 

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

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Posted in Hair Reduction, Laser, Non-Surgical Treatments | No Comments »

Questions About Laser Hair Reduction? Get Your Answers Straight From Our Expert!

Monday, April 25th, 2022

 

What You Need To Know About Laser Hair Reduction:

 

What Is Laser Hair Reduction?

Laser Hair Reduction is a state-of-the-art, long-lasting, safe and effective treatment used to reduce the amount of unwanted hair you have. The goal is to destroy the hair follicle, specifically the area region called the bulge because that is where the stem cells of the hair are located.

 

How Does It Work?

The laser light seeks out the pigmented cells located in the hair follicles. The laser light is absorbed and heats the hair structures which damages existing hairs and disrupts the follicle’s ability to produce hair in the future.

 

Who Should Consider Having Laser Hair Removal Treatments?

  • Those who develop skin irritation or bumps after shaving
  • Those who have area(s) of excessive or course unwanted hair growth
  • Those who are frustrated by the amount of time they spend shaving, waxing, bleaching or plucking unwanted hair
  • Those who have a desire to leave their razor at home when vacationing or spending a week at the beach, free of embarrassing shaving bumps or skin irritations

 

Who Are The Best Candidates For Laser Hair Reduction?

Individuals with dark hair and lighter skin are the best candidates for Laser Hair Reduction.  Since hair reduction lasers seek out pigment, your hair must be darker than the pigment in your skin because lasers are not smart enough to distinguish the difference between hair and skin.  When you have more pigment in your hair than in your skin, the laser is able to focus in on its target and send the light energy to the hair follicle instead of targeting the skin which also has pigment.

 

Will Laser Hair Reduction Treatment Still Work On My Blonde Hair?

In a nutshell; no. If the hair you want treated lacks dark pigment, whether it is as blonde, red, grey or white, laser treatments will not be effective, as again, the hair must contain dark pigment for the laser to successfully seek and destroy the hair structures.

 

Which Areas Can Laser Hair Reduction Treat?

Typically, Laser Hair reduction can be used to treat hair anywhere on the body. The most popular locations for women are the face, underarms, bikini area and lower legs.  The most popular locations for men are the back, neck, shoulders and upper arms.  This treatment can provide significant improvement for those who suffer with ingrown hairs (follicular barbi) or irritated skin or bumps after shaving.

 

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

It depends on several variables such as your skin type, area being treated, hair color, and the percentage of hair follicles that are in the Anagen stage (growing stage) at the time of treatment.   It’s important to understand that hair reduction is a process.  It is not a one-time treatment, though it can provide very satisfying results.  Not all hair follicles are producing hair at the same time.  There are three different cycles; Anagen (growing stage), Telogen (dormant stage) and Catagen (the stage in between Anagen and Telogen).  Only the hair follicles in the Anagen stage are disrupted by the hair reduction treatments. A very high number of follicles are in the Telogen stage where there are no hair / pigmented cells present to treat.  Because of the changing growth cycles, it will require several treatments to assure that we are treating each Anagen hair growth cycle.   Depending on the body location, this typically means 6-10 treatments.

 

How Often Will I Need A Treatment?

This depends on the body part being treated.  Hair grows in different areas of the body in a stochastic (probable behavior) cycle of hair growth. In

general, we would treat the face, underarms or bikini area about every 6 weeks.  The back, shoulders, upper arms every 8-10 weeks, and the legs every 12 -14 weeks until we have treated each cycle.

 

Where Are The Treatments Performed?

Hair reduction is performed in the privacy and comfort of our skincare & laser suite at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center.

 

Does It Hurt?

Most patients find this procedure to be easily tolerated.  Most patients describe the procedure as feeling prickly or like a quick, hot rubber band snap.

 

What Is Recovery Like?

Some patients experience a mild sunburn sensation for about an hour after the procedure, though that sensation could last longer.  Your skin may appear red, pink or mildly swollen for 48-72 hours.  You are able to return back to normal daily activities immediately following your procedure. Avoid hot water, steam and high aerobics  until redness is gone and skin sensation is back to normal, typically 2-4 days.

 

How Can I Find Out More Information or Discover If I Am A Good Candidate For Laser Hair Reduction?

Call our office at 217-359-7508 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Castillo or Roxanne.  During your consultation, we will be able to determine if you are a good candidate, discuss expectations and walk you through pre & post treatment instructions. We will answer any additional questions you may have to help you determine if this treatment is right for you.

 

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

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How Can A Consultation For Laser Hair Removal Benefit Me?

Monday, April 11th, 2022

 

 What You Can Expect at Your Consultation for Laser Hair Reduction:

I think it’s important to keep in mind that having laser hair reduction is a real treatment. It’s not the same as walking into a salon, choosing your hair dye color and walking out with a new look all in one visit.  Anytime you are considering a laser treatment whether it is Laser Hair Reduction, a Photo-facial laser treatment, or laser resurfacing, I would recommend choosing a facility with a a board-certified cosmetic surgeon or facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon.  This is important because while complications are not common, they can happen.  You want to be sure that even with the smallest of complications, there is a specially trained provider available to treat you should a complication occur.

 

The Consultation:

Don’t underestimate the importance of a consultation.  Scheduling a consultation is the first step to smooth, hair-free skin and it is the key to a successful Laser Hair Reduction experience. Every so often an individual will inquire about Laser procedures who expresses their unhappiness with having to go through a consultation prior to scheduling their laser treatment. Let me just say that ALL reputable facilities will REQUIRE a consultation prior to your treatment. If you can walk in and have a laser hair reduction treatment, that is a big red flag.

You will meet with me, the skincare and laser specialist for G.D. Castillo, MD.  Your appointment will last about 45 minutes depending on the number of questions you have.

 

What Will We Talk About?

Roxanne, Skincare & Laser Specialist

We will begin by discussing your initial hair reduction goals.  I will ask you to show me the area(s) of hair you would like treated. I will ask some questions about your health history, lifestyle, sun habits and medications. I will ask you about any skin conditions, auto-immune disorders and whether you are prone to scarring. I will explain what Laser Hair Reduction is, how it works, how many treatments you should expect and who makes the best candidates. We will talk about the benefits, risks, other options to treat unwanted hair. We will discuss the steps you will need to do follow to prepare for your treatments and what to expect after each treatment.

 

Bring Your List of Questions:

You will have time to ask questions.  Don’t be shy, it’s important that you get all your questions answered because this is your chance to gather the information you will need to decide if Laser Hair Reduction is right for you.

 

Finally, you will receive a written quotation for the cost of the treatments and a reminder sheet containing general information on the procedure, expectations, pre & post care. If you decide you would like to move forward with treatment, you will be scheduled for a quick appointment (no charge) with Dr. Castillo to clear you for treatment.

If would like more information regarding the treatment options for unwanted body hair, please call the office to schedule your consultation!

 

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

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Posted in Hair Reduction, Laser, Non-Surgical Treatments | No Comments »

How Should I Care For My Skin After My Chemical Peel?

Wednesday, November 24th, 2021

CHEMICAL PEEL POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS: 

Proper maintenance of your skin after a chemical peel will facilitate and enhance your rejuvenation process. It is important that you follow a few easy steps to achieve the maximum benefit from your peel.

What To Expect:

You will receive written instructions and a post-peel skincare kit with all the products you will need to care for your skin following your peel. During your recovery period, we request that you use only the products provided in your kit unless instructed otherwise. These products will keep your skin hydrated, protected and nourished.

For the first few days after your peel, your skin will look normal with some possible redness similar to a sunburn. In approximately 48 hours, your skin may feel tight and will begin to flake or peel.  Some patients will peel mildly while others will peel more dramatically.

It is important not to pick at your skin, which could potentially introduce bacteria, or cause scarring. Do not attempt to help the skin peel off.  Let this process occur naturally to avoid exposing immature skin and irritation.

Avoid strenuous exercise for 2-3 days after your peel as sweat my cause irritation or burning.

SUN BURN ALERT: The peel solution contains a blend of ingredients that may increase your skin’s sensitivity level to the sun, especially for the first TWO weeks following your peel. Please use the medical-grade, UVA/UVB broad-spectrum sunscreen provided in your post-peel kit (Castillo MD Skin Science Sun Defense SPF 45).

Post-Peel Instructions:

A.M.  Regimen for the first 48 hours (or until you begin to peel):

  1. Apply Castillo MD Skin Science Gentle Cleanser using a facial cleansing sponge to cleanse in a circular motion. Rinse and pat dry.
  2. Apply the selected Castillo MD Skin Science moisturizer provided in your kit and re-apply liberally as needed to maintain well hydrated skin.
  3. Apply medical grade sunscreen liberally and re-apply as needed.
  4. Avoid sun exposure.

P.M.  Regimen for the first 48 hours (or until you begin to peel):

  1. Apply the Castillo MD Skin Science Gentle Cleanser using a sponge to cleanse in a circular motion. Rinse and Pat dry.
  2. Apply the Castillo MD Skin Science moisturizer provided in your kit. Re-apply as needed to maintain well hydrated skin. moisturizer provided in your kit. Re-apply as needed to maintain well hydrated skin.

A.M Regimen days 3-7 (or until peeling has ceased)

  1. Apply the Castillo MD Skin Science Gentle Cleanser using a sponge to cleanse in a circular motion. Rinse and pat dry.
  2. Liberally apply the Castillo MD Skin Science moisturizer provided in your kit. Re-apply as needed to maintain well hydrated skin. Frequent applications of this emollient moisturizer will keep your skin feeling and looking better.
  3. Apply medical grade sunscreen liberally and avoid sun exposure.

P.M Regimen days 3-7 (or until peeling has deceased)

  1. Apply the Castillo MD Skin Science Gentle Cleanser using a sponge to cleanse in a circular motion. Rinse and pat dry.
  2. Liberally apply the Castillo MD Skin Science moisturizer provided in your kit. Re-apply as needed to maintain well hydrated skin. Frequent applications of this emollient moisturizer will keep your skin feeling and looking better.

To extend the life of your beautiful results, I recommend beginning a medical-grade skincare program designed specifically for your skin needs.

 

Yours Truly,

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

 

 

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Posted in Instructions / Recovery Tips, Non-Surgical Treatments, Recovery: What to expect, Skincare & Aging, Uncategorized | No Comments »

WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP TO DISCOVERING IF A FACELIFT IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Friday, September 24th, 2021

WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP TO DISCOVERING IF A FACELIFT IS RIGHT FOR ME?

One might think the first step is to call your local facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon or cosmetic surgeon and schedule a consultation appointment. That’s not a bad option, but I recommend doing a little homework first.  By that, I am not suggesting to waste hours and hours online reading about facelift preparation, recovery etc., as much of the information out there is not correct or not cohesive with the instruction you will get with from your future surgeon.  That information is ultimately much better gotten straight from your actual surgeon.

Instead, decide how far you are willing to travel for your surgery. Consider that there will be several appointments involved over the course of this journey. Then research the Board-Certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons or Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeons in that area. Look at their CV (curriculum vitae). What are their qualifications? What are their professional appointments (Example: Dr. Castillo is the Past President of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery…)? What type of experience do they have? How long have they been practicing? Look online at their before and after photos.  Do their before and after photos look natural? Do their photos look the way you envision looking after surgery? Once you feel comfortable with your research, schedule one or more consultations.

CHOOSING YOUR SURGEON

Choose a Board-Certified surgeon whom you feel comfortable with and one who has decades of experience! You want a surgeon who takes the time to listen and time to explain the risks, benefits, alternative treatment options, recovery and result expectations. Evaluate the staff as well.  How did they make you feel?  Were they warm, welcoming, knowledgeable, attentive, helpful? How long as Doctor’s clinical staff worked for him? Is there a lot of staff turn-over? Staff members tend to stick around longer if they are working for a skilled, trustworthy, genuine human being.

MAKING THE DECISION

Electing to have a facelift or any cosmetic procedure is a very personal decision. In the final analysis, remember that choosing to have a facelift impacts one person alone – and that person is you. It  should only be carried out if it is what you truly desire.

After your consultation, you may need time to digest all the information you gathered.  I would encourage you choose a facility that does not apply pressure or a timeline to your decision-making process.  Having a facelift can be an amazing experience.  Choosing the right (or wrong) surgeon, can be a life-changing one.

 

Spread Love & Sunscreen

 

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

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Posted in Facelift, Facial Surgery, Neck Lift, Uncategorized | No Comments »

What Is a Facelift and How Can This Popular Procedure Actually Benefit Me?

Friday, September 10th, 2021

WHAT IS A FACELIFT AND WHAT CAN IT DO FOR ME?

Patients often consult with Dr. Castillo at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center when they begin to notice unwanted aging changes in the face and neck. Loss of collagen and elastin fibers, resulting in skin laxity, along with the loss of tissue and bone volume in the face are all normal parts of the aging process. When you combine those natural aging changes with gravity, years of cumulative sun damage, and hormonal changes, the result is often the formation of jowls, sagging facial and neck tissue, excess skin, wrinkles or skin folds, drier, thinner skin with pigmented spots and texture changes.

Funny how as a kid, you just can’t wait to “get older.”  You dream of the days when you can drive, go to bed when you want to, get up when you want to, make your own decisions, have total freedom… “BE AN ADULT.”  Well, apparently there is more to getting older than just gaining independence. Decades later, here we are “faced” with the full view of what giving up our youth really means.  Jowls. Sagging. Wrinkles.

So now what? The way I see it, there are 2 good choices:

  1. Truly accept the aging changes that are staring back at you in the mirror and live happily ever after.

OR

  1. Do something about it: Consult a Board-Certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon like Dr. Castillo on the options of a facelift and live confidently and happily ever after.

 

WHAT IS A FACELIFT?

A facelift is a surgical procedure that tightens sagging tissue and skin of the lower face (cheeks, jowls, neck), resulting in a smoother, more youthful appearance.  A facelift is typically preformed under general anesthesia and will take on average 2.5 – 5 hours of surgical time.

During this procedure, excess tissue, skin, and fat are removed and muscle and skin that has been pulled downward by gravity over time is re-positioned to create a more rested, youthful appearance.

 

WHAT CAN A FACELIFT DO FOR ME?

In a nutshell, a facelift will make you look younger than you do today. It helps to repeal the forces of nature: time, stress, environmental factors, sun, gravity, hormonal changes, volume loss, decreased collagen and elastin production.

A facelift can:

  • Remove your jowls and turkey neck
  • Tighten your sagging muscle structure
  • Lift your cheeks
  • Remove any loose, sagging skin, therefore tightening the remaining skin
  • Give you a more defined jawline
  • Deliver a smoother, more youthful, more inviting version of you.

WHAT TYPE OF RESULTS CAN I EXPECT?

Going into surgery with an appropriate set of REALISTIC expectations is the key to being happy with your surgical results.  Your surgeon can help you to understand what can and cannot be accomplished with a facelift. Here is where I would strongly recommend you listen to your surgeon, rather than Dr. Google (who by the way, didn’t actually go to medical school).  The results can vary from individual to individual depending on the severity of aging you present with before surgery, your skin quality, the amount of time you have spent in the sun over the course of your life, your genetics and your anatomy or facial shape and your lifestyle habits.

While surgery cannot stop you from aging in the future, it can certainly turn back time. Most people can expect to look 7-10 years younger after a facelift. For more information on facelifts review more of our blog entries on facelifts and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

 

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Surprisingly Nervous? What To Expect During Your Liposuction Consultation:

Wednesday, July 14th, 2021

Liposculpture basics:

Dr. Castillo has been sculpting bodies into more proportionate forms since the early 80’s.  In the hands of an expertly trained and experienced cosmetic plastic surgeon, body contouring via Liposculpture (Liposuction) can do more in a few hours to equalize the proportions of the body, then you may be able to do on your own in a lifetime.  

While making healthy food choices and maintaining a regular exercise regimen is essential for maintaining trim body shape,  spot-reducing  disproportionate areas through those means, where fat tends to over-collect is nearly impossible to correct on your own.

Liposuction will remove excess fat that over-accumulates in certain areas, resulting in body bulges of the hips, waist, stomach, lateral and medial thighs, back, arms, even the neck and face.

 

 

Liposculpture is used best in one of two ways:

  1. For those with a relatively normal BMI, who have 2-5 problem areas they wish to have reduced, such as the hips, thighs, stomach and waist…
  2. For those individuals who have a higher than normal weight, volume reduction liposculpture is the procedure of choice. Here the main goal is to remove as much fat as possible, typically up to 6 quarts (1.5 gallons) of fat. Volume reduction liposuction can reduce and better equalize your over-all body shape. The best candidates for volume reduction liposuction would have a BMI of 34 or less.

 Your Consultation:

Dr. G.D. Castillo hosts consultations for body contouring in his Champaign (Savoy), Illinois office.  He has a full state-of-the-art, surgical center on-site as well.  You will be greeted by our patient coordinator as soon as you arrive. Then you will be escorted back to one of our consultation rooms where you will meet briefly with a member of our clinical staff.  You will be asked a few brief questions regarding your health history, including a list of your current medications, allergies, past surgeries etc.

You will then meet with Dr. Castillo to share your body contouring goals.  Once he has performed a brief body evaluation, he will discuss his recommendations and give you a detailed over-view of what to expect before, during and after your surgery.  You will also receive an all-inclusive cost quote so there are no surprises.  Don’t be shy about asking questions.  We want you to be well informed so that you can make the decision that is right for you. Most patients take some to think about the information they have received and call to schedule if they decide to move forward with the surgery, though we can certainly make all the arrangements for your pre-op appointment, surgery and post-op check ups before you leave the office if that works best for you. Once you have scheduled surgery, you will receive a surgical packet in the mail that will contain instructions on how to best prepare for upcoming surgery. Once you receive it, if you have any questions at all, just give a call.  We are always here to help.

Questions you might want answers to:

 

1.  Q: Will the fat Dr. Castillo removes come back?

A: That is a big – “FAT” —NO!  Of course, that does not mean it will prevent you from accumulating more fat in the future, typically in other areas, if you are not disciplined in your diet and exercise habits.

2.  Q: How long before I can return to an active lifestyle?

A: You can expect to be up and walking around the day of your surgery and walking a mile the days following surgery. Patients return to most forms of activity after the 1st week.  Running, jogging, high-impact aerobics and heavy lifting can typically be resumed after the 3rd week.

3.  Q: What effect, if any, will liposculpture have on the appearance of my skin?

A:  This ranges on a variety of factors such age, degree of sun damage, skin type, weight stability etc.  This is a question Dr. Castillo will be better able to address once he evaluates your skin.

4. Q: What is the scheduling time before surgery? 

A:  Surgical availability can vary greatly so it is best to check with us once you have some dates in mind.   We will be happy to discuss our available dates in your consultation or by phone.  If you have a certain date or time frame in mind, it is best to schedule your consultation several weeks before in advance.

5. Q: What kind of results can I expect?

A:  It is important to us that we convey the type of results you can realistically expect.  Once Dr. Castillo evaluates you during your consultation, he will discuss your expected outcome.  While each patient outcome involves many factors,  you can typically expect to see a reduction  and sculpting of those tough bulges that you were unable to reduce yourself.

6. Q: Do you have before and after photos of your work?

A:  Dr. Castillo has been performing liposuction to improve the shape of male and female bodies since the 1980’s! He has a collection before and after photos of his work to help you the type of changes that he can make with this cosmetic surgery procedure.

A few things to consider when making the decision to have surgery are

  • 1.  Am I a good candidate?

•Good candidates for liposculpture are those who:

•Have been at a stable weight for at least 6 months

•Have realistic expectations. It should not be thought of as a “weight-loss” solution. Liposculpture is not meant to solve the issues of someone who is chronically over-weight. Making healthy life-style choices when it comes to eating right and exercising regularly will still be up to you.

•Those with a BMI of 34 or less.

 

 

2.  Am I choosing the best procedure to accomplish the results are am looking for?

•Is this the procedure Dr. Castillo recommended for me or did he recommend something different?

3.  Is Dr. Castillo, his facility and his staff right for you?

  • How much experience does Dr. have performing Liposculpture?
  • Did you feel comfortable with his explanation?
  • Did he answer your questions?
  • Did you finish the consult with a clear idea of expectations?
  • Was Dr. Castillo kind, professional and knowledgeable?
  • Was communication between you and Dr. Castillo / staff clear?
  • Was his staff friendly, knowledgeable and helpful?
  • Were you comfortable in the facility?

Important Note:  Traditional Liposuction / Liposculpture is still the GOLD STANDARD of treatment.  While there are many new non-surgical “fat reduction” treatments being marketed today, Dr. Castillo has elected not to offer those treatments to our patients.  We want what our patients want; the best outcome possible.  Unlike other non-surgical options, traditional liposuction/liposculpture offers consistent, smooth, predictable, superior results.  It is able to contour in 360 degrees known as 3-D or 3-dimensional body sculpting. Today there is simply no substitute for traditional liposculpture.

 

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