How to Choose Your Plastic Surgeon

When most patients shop for a plastic surgeon they tend to focus a lot on comparing the before and after photos. While skill is a very important factor to consider, it shouldn’t be the only thing you look for in a plastic surgeon. To help guide you in the process, here is a checklist of questions you should seek to answer before moving forward with a surgeon:

      ü  Are they a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon? Some people are surprised to learn that not all plastic surgeons are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Because being board certified is not required for a physician to perform cosmetic surgery, not all surgeons seek a board certification. However, just because it isn’t required doesn’t mean it isn’t highly recommended and preferable. Being board certified means, that particular surgeon has met certain requirements and standards regarding training, experience, and ethics. So, if a surgeon is not board certified it begs the question, “why not?” It is for this reason that the first question you should always ask when considering a surgeon is, “Are they board certified?”

      ü  Are they skilled? This one, as previously stated, is very important. Looking at before and after pictures of other patients is one way to see a sample of the plastic surgeons skills, but you should try to look further. Ask around town and read reviews to make sure the surgeon has a good reputation. You are also encouraged to inquire about your surgeon’s educational history and accolades.

      ü  Is the price right? Prices that are too good to be true should be a red flag. We have all heard the old adage, “You get what you pay for,” this is all too true in plastic surgery. When it comes to cheap plastic surgery you have to question what corners are being cut to drive that price down. Prices should be fair and reasonable.

      ü  How do you feel about the rest of the staff? If the surgeon has already met all of the above to win your approval, you should then consider how you fell about the staff. You will spend a lot of time interacting with your surgeon’s staff, so make sure that they are friendly, accommodating, and make you feel comfortable.

We would love the opportunity to help you answer your plastic surgery questions! To schedule your consultation with Dr. Rude, or to learn more about the practice, call our office at 979-776-8825.

Celebrate with us!

We love celebrating things in the office…especially Amanda!! 

Today marks 5 years that she has worked for Brazos Valley Plastic Surgery!  She shows true work ethic here and handles any task put in front of her with 100% effort. She is defiantly a crucial part of keeping things going!! Thanks for all you do Amanda, you are loved!!

To celebrate our girl come in and say “THANKS AMANDA!” and get 5% off your next dysport treatment*!

*discount only available when used by itself

The Forgotten Generations Skin Care

      A lot of young adult in their twenties and thirties are tasked with finding a skin care regimen that can both reduce the signs of early aging and help with that occasional adult acne that we all so naively believed would go away after high school. It seems that most drugstore and department store brands have forgotten about this in-between generation. So, you’re stuck stocking your bathroom cabinets with a ton of different products and a skin care regimen so elaborate that you rarely have time for it. Well, we have a solution to this dilemma that is simple, easy, and only available in a reputable physician’s office.

                Obagi 360 is an effective and easy-to-use system created specifically for the needs of the younger generation. It includes just three essential products- a cleanser, a retinol, and a moisturizing sunscreen.

Here is a breakdown of how each of these products works to help you achieve and maintain a flawless complexion:

Cleanser: The Obagi 360 Exfoliating Cleanser is used twice a day (AM & PM) to unclog pores, gently exfoliate dead skin cells, and meticulously clean your skin. This leaves your skin smoother, brighter, and perfectly primed for the next step in your regimen.

Retinol: Obagi 360 Retinol 0.5% is applied at night after you use your 360 cleanser. This form of retinol is released gradually to refine your skins tone and texture, so you achieve a clearer-looking complexion with minimal irritation. It is also efficient for minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.

Moisturizing Sunscreen: Obagi 360 HydraFactor Broad Spectrum 30 is the second and final step of your morning routine, after you have used you have sufficiently cleansed your skin with your 360 cleanser. The 360 HydraFactor does the job of two products. It is a soothing moisturizer that also effectively protects you from damaging UV rays.

The most important thing to know about any skincare regimen is what kind of overall results you should expect when it’s all said and done. Here is a concise recap of you should expect to achieve and maintain with this regimen:

        ·  A brighter, more even skin tone and texture

        ·  Refined appearance of fine lines

        ·  Minimized appearance of pores

        ·  Moisturized skin

        ·  Relief from occasional break outs

        ·  Maintained resiliency

Extra Tips to Maximize your Results:

·         Be consistent- It’s important to keep to all the steps of your skincare regimen daily so that your skin gets everything it needs to stay beautiful.

·         Use a clean towel- Try keeping a clean hand towel, or a convenient roll of paper towels, on your bathroom counter to dry your face after cleansing- as opposed to the towel your routinely use to wipe your hands. This will keep you from wiping dirt and oils right on to your freshly cleansed skin.

·         Tailor your regimen- Add a few quality products to your regimen if you need a little extra focus on some issues. If you still get a pesky zit from time to time try our Pro-Essentials Acne Stick to directly apply a potent dose of salicylic acid to the blemish. If you want an extra boost of brightness and anti-aging protection try adding a vitamin-C serum.

·         Kick start your new regimen- Obagi Radiance peel is a salicylic acid (the active ingredient in most acne treatments) based peel that instantly exfoliates your skin. This makes it the perfect way to kick start your 360 regimen, or add a little extra radiance to your complexion before a big event.

If you are interested in starting the Obagi 360 regimen or learning more about how our wide selection of professional skincare products can meet your needs, call our office, at 979-776-8825, to schedule your consultation with Dr. Rude. 

Mention this blog and receive a FREE Radiance peel with the purchase of your first Obagi 360 kit!