Dr. Krieger's Daily Thoughts...

The skinny on liposuction

drkrieger — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 13:26:27 +0000

Liposuction is one of the most useful and often misunderstood tool available in the plastic surgeon’s armamentarium. You may wonder why someone, after losing 100 or even 200 pounds wound still need liposuction. This need arises because of the differences between ones goal body shape and one own genetic predispositions. Even though you may have lost significant amount of weight, your resulting body shape, after skin removal, may still not be ideal. Liposuction can allow one to reshape and redistribute the remaining fat to give one a more ideal result. Fat that is removed can often be reinjected to augment the buttocks or to enhance facial features giving a natural long-lasting result.

I will discuss these and other topics related to liposuction at the next Beauty After Weight Loss Seminar schedule for November 13, 2010. Please register now for this free seminar.

Pageant News

drkrieger — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 12:33:10 +0000

I just returned from a week in Morgantown, West Virginia. I was fortunate to be asked to judge the Miss West Virginia and the Miss West Virginia Outstanding Teen Scholarship Pageant . I must admit, being a novice to pageants, I was unsure of what to expect from the experience. I have to say, however, that it was the most fun I’ve had in a long time. My fellow judges made the experience one to remember. Our winner, Cali Young, will compete at the Miss America Pageant held yearly in Las Vegas in January. She’s an extraordinarily talented young woman who is sure to represent her state well at the national pageant. Many thanks to all involved but a special thanks to Jen Gartin for inviting me. The level of dedication that the pageant officials have toward the program and supporting the contestants is astounding. I’ll post some photos from the pageant on Facebook for those interested.

Everybody have a great 4th of July weekend and stay safe.

Summer is here

drkrieger — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:10:32 +0000

Many thanks to all that attended our Beauty After Weight Loss event last month. We had a lively discussion about non-surgical options for facial rejuvenation and performed a number of complimentary treatments with both Restylane and Dysport. In fact, I think that nearly half of the attendees received some sort of complimentary treatment. You see it pays to attend. Sayoko Meyers also had a lively discussion about skin care providing expert insight into how to protect your skin and prevent premature aging. All those interested in personal appointments can reach her through the office.

Our office rehabilitation continues and we have moved back into our normal space. There will still be some minor touches to finish up which will be completed over the next few weeks. Many thanks for all your patience and understanding during this difficult time.

For some more good news, my wife has returned from Iraq safe and sound. She has been deployed for just over 6 months and I look forward to sharing a quiet summer with her. She tells me it was upwards of 125 degrees in Iraq so the DC summers should be a welcome relief.

I’ll start focusing more of these blog discussions on plastic surgery topics and would encourage your participation if there are things you wish to hear about.

Moving Forward

drkrieger — Thu, 20 May 2010 16:55:00 +0000

Bringing you up to date on our flood, we’re still working out of our temporary space. It looks as though all carpets and most of the cabinets and countertops will need to be replaced. It looks as though it will be a few weeks until we are back in our normal office space. Looking at the bright side, we have an opportunity to freshen up the look of the office. Expect some positive changes when you come in.

Planning for the June 5, Beauty After Weight Loss, event is in full swing. Invitations have gone out and I expect a good turn out. I will be talking about nonsurgical facial rejuvenation with discussions about injectables and laser therapy. The injectables we will be focusing on will include Restylane and Perlane, both well established Hyaluronic Acid fillers. I will also talk about Botox and Dysport therapy. Dysport is the new Botox alternative now available. This new injectable is used to treat upper facial lines and wrinkles. It has effects similar to Botox with a slightly quicker onset of action. Currently, it is priced favorably compared to the more expensive Botox. We will also talk about new options for laser skin rejuvenation.

Sayoko Meyers, an experienced aesthetician and owner of Ametrine Spa, will also be on hand to speak about skin care and make up application. We will both be performing demonstration treatments during the event. If you are interested in being a model for the event, please let me know.

Stormy weather

drkrieger — Sat, 08 May 2010 15:31:37 +0000

Whoever said April showers bring May flowers hasn’t been to my office this week. May brought a deluge of water from above as a main water pipe leaked in the office suite above me sending a torrent of water down to flood my office earlier this week. Staff found 6 inches of water throughout the office when they arrived Tuesday morning. The last few day have been spent drying out and relocating the entire office to a thankfully vacant office suite down the hall. After much effort from my staff, we are up and running in our new temporary space while renovations occur. I expect we will be displaced for 2-3 weeks since the damage from the flood was extensive. Thankfully, very little time was lost with only minor schedule changes. We’re back up at 100% and able to offer all services in our new temporary space. My staff is to be applauded for their efforts. I guess I should be grateful that I have the support to whether these setbacks. Many of those in Nashville and other parts of Tennessee are not as fortunate. Even dark clouds come with a silver lining. Spring cleaning is always a good thing, even if unplanned.

In the mean time, we are busy making final arrangements for the next Beauty After Weight Loss event on June 5. We will be sending out invitations later this week. Additional details will be found at www.beautyafterweightloss.com. Stay tuned. ..

Thigh Lift

drkrieger — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:27:50 +0000

The thighs are an area of great concern for many weight loss patients. As one loses weight, changes are seen throughout the body. Many individuals, particularly women, carry weight in their extremities and these undergo drastic change with weight loss. While extra skin is the main problem, persistent fat can also be problematic for some. Many patients will reach their ideal body weight but are still bothered by heavy thighs. Treatment of this problem area depends on whether the problem is limited to excess skin or if excess fat in also a concern.

Those with excess skin but with otherwise thin legs, can be treated with a single stage thigh lift. This surgery involves removal of skin from the upper thigh as well as from the inside of the thigh. Changes can be dramatic. If the problem is more complex with a combination of excess fat and excess skin, then the treatment is predictably more complicated. In this situation, I will usually perform extensive liposuction to thin out the extremity. This will be followed by a thigh lift procedure once swelling has subsided. This combination will result in a thinner more youthful looking leg.

While no one likes the idea of having two different procedures to treat a single problem, performing the wrong procedure can result in disappointment. You’re plastic surgeon should be able to let you know which is the best way for your situation. Properly performed, the results can be transformational.

Back to basics

drkrieger — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:36:21 +0000

It’s been more than a week since my last post and I apologize for my absence. Sometimes life just seems to get in the way. I try to draw on current day to day experiences to decide on topics to discuss. Today I want to talk a bit about the importance of proper preoperative screening to avoid potential complications and mistakes. Very often, we get so carried away with the notion of a new body and shedding the last vestiges of obesity, that one can forget about the basics. These basic include proper preoperative screening. One should never proceed with surgery until all appropriate preoperative testing is completed. Blood counts are important to look for signs of anemia. This is particularly true for gastric bypass patient who may suffer from malabsorption of iron and other vitamin deficiencies. Lap-banders are less prone to these issues but should nevertheless be checked. Cardiograms may also be needed for those with risk factor or a history of heart disease.

Another important screening tool is mammography, when clinically indicated. Current recommendations for those not at increased risk, include a screening mammogram between age 35 and 40. Mammograms every two years from 40 to 50 and every year thereafter . Those with clinically suspicious exams or a strong family history may require more aggressive testing and screening. It is important to pick up potential early breast cancers before undergoing either breast or abdominal recontouring surgery. Certainly the importance of breast screening prior to breast surgery should be obvious; but why abdominal recontouring? The abdomen remains one of the best sources of tissue when breast reconstruction is to be performed. Now not very women is a candidate for this type of breast reconstruction procedure. Excessive amount of skin and fat seen with a large abdominal pannus may make this technically difficult, but one should never proceed with elective surgery with unknowns. This may seem obvious, but sometimes we get carried away with the moment and forget the more important bigger picture.

I guess the important point to learn is one that applies to all things in life. When planning for the long term, make a plan and stick to it and don’t let yourself be distracted by short term gains. You will be far better off in the long run.

We have a winner

drkrieger — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 02:13:21 +0000

I would like to announce Sandra Clayberg as the winner of the drawing held among participants of our recent seminar. She will receive a $1000 credit toward future cosmetic surgery. We are very excited to work with her in the future.

In the mean time, I’m making plans for our next seminar. Sayoko Meyers, owner of Ametrine Spa, plans to speak about skin care and make up. She will also be performing demonstrations on attendees and will be offering discounts on her signature facials. I will also be present and will speak about non-surgical options for facial rejuvenation. I’m working on possibly being able to perform complimentary treatments with Restylane and Dyport for selected event attendees. You see it pays to attend.

The next event will occur Saturday, June 5. I’ll announce more details as they become available. Invitations to follow. Stay tuned…

Health Care Reform

drkrieger — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 22:02:12 +0000

Health care legislation passed this week and was signed into law by President Obama. At this point, I have mixed feelings and uncertainty about what the future holds for health care. I must say, however, that I trust our president to do what he thinks is best for our country. I think that accusations of sinister intent by our lawmakers in unfounded. The legislation is so complex that I’m not sure anyone fully understands all the ramifications of this new law. Certainly, provisions improving coverage for those with preexisting illnesses and the ability to extend coverage for children as they become young adults, are applauded by most. Those in the medical profession would have liked to have seen some sort of attempt at tort reform but this was not to be. As the various provisions of this new law are phased in, we will see how we adjust to our new reality. On balance, I am optimistic for the future and applaud the push to extend healthcare to all. I never fully understood how our constitution could guarantee legal counsel for all but made no provision to ensure healthcare for all. Certainly, legal protections are important, but I know many who have never needed a lawyer. I know of no one who doesn’t eventually require a doctor. I guess it’s a reflection of those in Washington actually writing these laws. This highlights the importance that we all take part in the process of lawmaking with our vote, and to not just complain about laws that others propose. Progress generally comes in small steps and not giant leaps. I’m ready to start moving forward.

Spring has sprung

drkrieger — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 13:56:26 +0000

Well we had a great event last thursday night. Many thanks to all that braved the beautiful weather to make it. It was great seeing many former and current patients as well as a few new faces. Everyone attending received Latisse and I expect to see many batting eyelashes in the next few months. I will be completing the drawing for $1000 certificate and will post the winner later this week. Many thanks for some great ideas for future seminars. The next one is scheduled for early June. I will post the dates and details on the website, www.beautyafterweightloss.com. Expect invitations to go out in early May.

Not much more to say today but I want to wish everyone the warming weather. It looks as though spring is upon us. Get out and enjoy the sunshine… but remember your sunscreen.