 Why is it important that your plastic surgeon be board certified?
“Board Certification” signifies the highest achievement in clinical training and expertise. Board certification is a voluntary process for physicians. It is an extra step that doctors can choose to take to demonstrate their knowledge in a specialty area. Board certified physicians participate in a rigorous review & testing process that shows their commitment to the highest standards of care. What does it mean to be board certified in plastic & reconstructive surgery? The term “board certified” is typically associated w/ certification by a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), there are other certifying bodies that have rightly been deemed equivalent to ABMS or AOA boards. These certifying bodies require successful completion of a postgraduate training program approved by the Accreditation Commission for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) & the AOA & the subsequent board certification by the ABMS or AOA in the subspecialty board. How does a plastic & reconstructive surgeon become “board certified”? For a physician to legitimately & legally advertise board certification in plastic & reconstructive surgery the following must be completed:
Finally, the board of plastic surgery then reviews the results & determines if a candidate can be awarded the title of Board Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon.
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 What’s is a D.O.?
A D.O. is a highly trained physician or surgeon with specialized training beyond conventional medicine. Doctors of osteopathic medicine possess all the skill and expertise of a traditional M.D., but in addition to this we also have additional training in musculoskeletal medicine and manipulation techniques. However, the most important distinction isn’t based on training or a specific skill, it is in how we approach our patients. As osteopathic physicians we are taught a philosophy of practice that starts with the pursuit of purpose, compassion and understanding. We believe that physicians work with not on people. This means we partner with you to help improve the health of your mind, body and environment. The goal is to find balance, sometimes this is with medicine or surgery. This partnership creates a harmony that facilitates wellness and healing.  Neuromodulators like Jeuveau, Dysport, Xeomin and Botox are used to treat facial wrinkles but they can also be used in younger patients to delay the development of wrinkles.
According to the American Society for Plastic Surgeons, over 115,000 people in their 20’s underwent a neurotoxin treatment (including Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin) in the United States. These medications are are an excellent option in many patients. When you start to notice those wrinkles that form with certain facial expressions it may be time to tighten things with a little neurotoxin. The wrinkles that form on facial expressions are called dynamic wrinkles and they are best treated by botox starting in your 20’s. Static or permanent wrinkles form when repetitive facial motions like deep frowning, smiling, squinting, and puckering of the lips occurs over years. The best part is in our office a little prevention with a few units of Jeuveau or Botox will cost less than $200. One well known study looked at the long-term effects of Botox on two identical twins. After 13 years, the twin who had been getting Botox 2-3 times a year had fewer fine lines on the forehead and around her eyes. She looked noticeably younger than her twin who hadn’t received any Botox. This highlights the old adage – an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Come by the office for a walk in treatment, your future you will thank you.  How do you get the most out of a procedure, treatment or medication? Topic: Botox or Neurotoxin Injection
One of the most discussed topics on the internet and in many social circles is the use of Botox or botulinum toxin. Most people are fully aware of the benefits of the cosmetic injectable, but with this medication can do so much more than treat wrinkles. As a plastic, aesthetic & reconstructive surgeon it is imperative to understand the importance of making the most of every treatment option. In our office we use botulinum toxin to treat cosmetic concerns such as forehead lines, crows feet and even to enhance facial contouring. However, we are also able to offer our patients additional treatments beyond cosmetic with this medication. In select patients botulinum toxin can treat Chronic Migraine headaches & hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating of the armpits, hands and even feet!). Here’s the best news: occasionally insurance will provide coverage for qualifying patients! As a physician who is always searching for new, safe and effective ways to help patients offering a medication that can be used in multiple ways is excites me. These are just a few of the treatment options that are available to qualifying patients at HH Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.  Tennis Superstar & Wimbledon Champion Simona Halep has seen first hand just how much of a difference breast reduction surgery can have on young women. When asked what was the biggest sacrifice she has made for her career she cited her breast reduction surgery and she elaborated that it relieved her back pain, improved her endurance, reduced her reaction time and helped her overall performance. Champions like Simona work relentlessly to improve and to become the best. It is so inspiring to see that reconstructive plastic surgery was a crucial part of her journey.
photo via Getty Images from DailyMailUK  Summertime is a magical time of the year. It is great for spending quality time with family and friends and for taking fun vacations. During this busy time of the year it is important for us to remember to take time for ourselves. Just as a vacation can supply much need rest to help you look refreshed and renewed a trip to our office can provide the same results without a significant amount of downtime. In addition to our more invasive procedure we office a variety of minimally invasive procedures. We can have you looking your best and back on the beach with sand on your toes in no time. Come and see us for a a better more refreshed look this summer. Using botox, dermal fillers (Juvederm, Volbella, Vollure, Voluma & others ) and an assortment of the top skin care products (Revision, Skinmedica, Obagi, & ZO) we can eliminate wrinkles and fine lines with almost zero downtime. Just as the hot summer sun can melt your cool beverage we can help you melt away stubborn neck fat with Kybella. Liposuction is another option that can be completed as an outpatient with minimal down time. Of course, if you’re looking to take full advantage of your time off we can offer a number of invasive procedures which will give you the ultimate results that you desire.
 Man Boobs? Gynecomastia is the enlargement of male breast tissue that results in a feminine appearing chest. This is often beyond the changes seen with weight gain. Men with gynecomastia will have more dense breast tissue overall sometimes this is even without weight gain. Gynecomastia is different from lipomastia or increased fat deposits along the chest and breast region in men or boys who are overweight. Gynecomastia can occur in one or both breasts. Do I have GYNECOMASTIA? Gynecomastia can cause social embarrassment, decreased self-confidence and localized breast pain. As many as 65 percent of all American males experience gynecomastia at some point in their lives. The breasts will often feel firm or “rubbery” to the touch. Some men may experience tenderness or sensitivity of the breasts as well as reports of firmness or fullness in the breast. Gynecomastia can cause the breast to be tender in a cyclical manner as well, so this man can come and go. Physical examination can help differentiate Gynecomastia can from lipomastia. Why do I have GYNECOMASTIA? Gynecomastia is usually associated with a hormonal imbalance between testosterone and estrogen levels. This imbalance can occur from the body’s reaction to weight gain (most commonly), certain medications (including antibiotics, corticosteroids, anti-anxiety medications), illicit drugs (anabolic steroids, opioids, meth, marijuana) and other medical conditions (hyperthyroidism, obesity, kidney failure, liver cirrhosis). What if I lose weight will that help? Weight loss can help to reduce the overall size of the breast, but sometimes it may actually make the gynecomastia appear worse. Surgery is the best form of treatment. GYNECOMASTIA TREATMENT Male breast reduction surgery which comes in three treatment options is the most effective way to treat gynecomastia. Option one uses laser assisted liposuction without direct excision (removal) of the breast tissue. Option 2 uses both liposuction and direct removal or excision of the excess breast tissue through strategic small cuts around the nipples. Lastly, the incisions are used directly remove skin and tissue from the affected breast. The recovery time is typically about 10 to 14 days.  Summer is in full swing and many of you may be on enjoying some time off at the beach or relaxing by the pool, while wearing your favorite swimsuit. There are few things that can compare to summer fun! Unfortunately, swimsuit season can make many women feel uncomfortable. One problem that many women share is breast asymmetry.
Breast Asymmetry or a noticeable difference in the size, shape or positioning of the breast or nipple is natural. In fact, everyone has some asymmetry. There is an old saying in plastic surgery, “The breasts are sisters not twins.” Differences in breast size, shape and nipple position are common and completely normal. An estimated 8 out of 10 women have some degree of uneven breasts. Many people may not even realize their breasts are uneven. Most of the time this is only a cosmetic concern. However, it is important to see a physician for an examination to rule out a breast mass or other serious conditions. Depending on the severity of breast asymmetry some women may also experience difficulties with their clothing, physical activity and chronic back pain. Some women have also reported significant self-esteem issues due to breast asymmetry. The good news is there are several procedures dedicated to correcting breast asymmetry. The extent of these procedures vary depending on the patient and the severity of their condition. Some common procedures include: Breast lift (Mastopexy), Breast Reduction (Reshaping, Lift & Reduction in size), Breast Augmentation (with Implants or fat transfer) or a combination of procedures (Breast Lift with placement of implants). Occasionally, only one breast will need a procedure, but it’s more common to have both of the breasts operated on to achieve a more predictable result. Most of the time the procedure is done as an outpatient and the expected downtime includes: no driving for 3-4 days, no lifting objects greater than the weight of a gallon of milk for 1-2 weeks. Most patients are able to return to work in less than week.  One of the most talked about topics in healthcare and plastic surgery today is cost. Patient’s ask if their medical insurance will help offset or cover the cost of a procedure. Aesthetic or cosmetic surgery is often considered elective and therefore insurance coverage is limited or non-existent. However, when you see an American Board of Plastic Surgery board certified/eligible surgeon every procedure is approached from an aesthetic/cosmetic perspective. Below you will find a list of procedures that are commonly covered by some insurance carriers (if you meet certain criteria). These procedures are often considered reconstructive in nature, but in the hands of the right surgeon these procedures address the cosmetic concerns as well.
1. Botox Injections (for Migraines & Eyelid Spasms) 2. Eyelid Surgery 3. Rhinoplasty 4. Breast Reductions (for Bra strap grooving, skin irritation & back pain) 5. Surgery for Gynecomastia/Enlarged Breast in Men 6. Symmetry Procedure on the Opposite Breast After Breast Cancer Surgery 7. Body Contouring after Weight Loss (Arm lift, Thigh lift, Removal of Excess Skin Abdomen)  11 THINGS ABOUT ME
Dr. Tony Weaver As I approach the real world (the start of my career as a plastic surgery attending) in a few weeks I am filled with optimism, excitement and caution. This moment is the culmination of 70,080 hours of work, more than 5,000 procedures and immeasurable sacrifices from my family and those who have taught me. I have decided to start this blog to share my experience with everyone. Its hard to imagine that my journey as a resident is finally ending even if it has been 8 years since I departed South Florida as a brand new physician, without further a due here are 11 Things About Me:
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