Laser Skin Rejuvenation

A Breakdown of Which Lasers to Use and When to Use Them

One of the most effective and popular skin rejuvenation techniques on the market today is laser skin treatment. However, trying to discern the differences between the types of lasers and which one is the right choice for you is often a bewildering process that can leave one feeling dizzy and confused.

Choosing a Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

Why Board Certifications Make All the Difference in the World

When considering plastic surgery, the most difficult decision you will face is determining which doctor in the multitude of Boca Raton plastic surgeons to have perform the procedure. After all, this is not a simple haircut. It is important to do your research and find a qualified and experienced surgeon who will leave you comfortable and happy with your results the first time around.  No one wants to undergo any revision surgery if they can help it. However, if you are unsatisfied with your previous surgery results, it is even more imperative to pick the right surgeon this time around.

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeons Rejoice!

Victory for Plastic Surgeons Nationwide in Federal Court Ruling

The dismissal of a lawsuit filed by a group of “cosmetic surgeons” against the Utah Plastic Surgery Society (UPSS), American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), and 19 specific plastic surgeons, alleging that their patient-safety advertisements were tantamount to attempting to form a monopoly, has been upheld by the 10^th District U.S. Court of Appeals. Plastic surgeons in Boca Raton and around the country can breathe a little easier knowing that they will not be punished for their efforts to educate the public about safety in surgeries.

This blog is moving to our new and improved website!

Hello Everyone,


As of today this blog is moving to our new and improved website www.drberman.com.  You can view all the latest current trends in the plastic/cosmetic surgery field on our website.  We also have an informative question and answer page listed on the site so you can get as much insightful information to make an informed decision about your possible upcoming surgery.

The office of Dr. Jonathan R. Berman

Underwire Bras after Breast Surgery

 Breast surgery in my practice varies greatly from augmentations, to reductions, to lifts and reconstructions, as well as a combination of all of these.  All of my surgery patients are seen at least twice in consultation before surgery, to insure that they fully understand everything that will be taking place preoperatively, operatively and postoperatively, and to insure compliance with instructions.    My philosophy  is that a patient who has a global understanding of what is taking place, is one who will be more compliant and is more apt to heal without complications.   

I recommend not wearing an  underwire bra after surgery.  I am not a big fan of underwire bras following breast surgery for the first 6 months.  Whatever the breast surgery, the inframammary fold is affected, and  there are incisions that may be  at the bottom of the breast, which can be irritated by the wire and delay healing. 

Even though  I have instructed patients not to wear an underwire bra immediately after surgery, some patients have ignored this and then complain of the wire hurting their breasts, unlike before the surgery.   I suspect that this is because there is inflammation in this area which then  causes discomfort due to the wire.

Thus,  I advise all of my breast  patients to wear either jogging/athletic bras or support bras which  do not have wires.  Stay comfortable, follow instructions and     do no harm  to your recovering breasts.  

The Best Breast Size

How big is big??  One of the most difficult questions for my patients undergoing breast augmentation is deciding their new breast size. 

There’s a great deal  to consider.  What look does the patient want?  What is safe for them?  What will offer the most natural results?  How much cleavage?

The best breast size is the size that best fits your body.   I  also take into account   body image, as each woman has their own  unique  image.  

Regardless of your cup size or the shape of your breasts, I need to determine the best size and shape for you, and what you are comfortable with.   During breast augmentation consultations, I discuss this at length with my patients and ask them to try  different sizes in a jogging bra,

At least two weeks prior to the surgery, I lay out several sizes of implants and have the patient put on a jogging bra and together we select the best implant size.    The patient is not told the volume of the implant at that time, and  only comments on whether or not she likes or dislikes the look with the implant under the jogging bra.  

It’s vitally important that patients are comfortable and happy  with this long term decision. 

Does Immediate Laser Treatment Minimize Scarring?

A recent Reuters Health reports states that “treating the edges of a surgical wound with a fractional carbon laser immediately before closing the wound — rather than the more traditional method of waiting months to resurface surgical scars — will minimize scarring later.”

People need to be wary of studies quoted to support absolute statements. There are few real absolutes in science and far more in advertising. The study quoted  reflects the interpretation of ten patient photographs after skin procedures performed by dermatologists in which half a wound was treated with  laser.

The conclusion that immediate fractional carbon laser treatment will make scars less appreciable later is premature, to say the least. The second supposition,  that using a laser months after an operation for scar treatment is standard,  is spurious as well. 

What does the study prove?

Further study is indicated to determine whether or not patients who have procedures by dermatologists might benefit by laser treatment. With a small sampling of just ten patients, no other conclusions are reasonable. Making a broad-based absolute conclusion based on this very small study is not good science. 

Problems?

(1) Scar formation varies greatly, depending on the area of the body, type of skin, age of the patient, and surgery performed.  

(2) As a general rule, health insurance companies will not pay for laser procedures to treat scarring, and costs vary, greatly depending on the type of laser used and  the size of the area to be lasered.