mandraccia blog

Welcome to Our Blog

admin — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:59:56 +0000

Welcome to Our Blog

admin — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:44:00 +0000

Many patients have called asking about the “Lifestyle Lift” and how it differs from a traditional facelift.The photos shown on the website are a bit misleading ad these patients have had far more than just a small lift. The attorney general of New York, Mario Coumo, has filed suit against the company for this misleading advertising and won hundreds of thousands of dollars. The company has been warned, and must comply.
My own experience is that patints I have seen who allegedly had this procedure done recently, dont appear to have and changes in their necks or lower faces. They paid almost exactly what we charge and I , unlike the others advertising, am a board-certified plastic surgeon.
So, buyer beware of false claims. Get a number of opinions and check the board status of any physician who makes of a one hour procedure and back to work the next day!!
Dr Mandraccia

admin — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:28:00 +0000

Many patients call and ask about low-cost procedures which will improve looks, not take much time, with minimal down time.Lip and facial enhancement are some favorites of mine.There are many alternatives and “fillers” available so here are some of my choices, not necessarily in any order.
Autologous Fat: In this procedure, fat is harvested from the patient through mini-liposuction, spun down to improve purity, then reinjected into the lips and around the lower face.About 40% of the fat will grow and still be there after one year. Advantages: Can get a lot more volume at lower cost.
Alloderm:Is donor skin with all cells removed, comes freeze dried and is softened with saline then placed with instruments into the lips.It is very soft and long-lasting, up to 16 months.
Sortform:An updated version of Gortex. A hollow tube is inserted into the lips under local anesthesia. It can rarely become exposed or infected.
Collagen: The newest is Evolence which is porcine collagen and the manufacturer tells us it lasts over one year. It is placed by injection with a small needle.
Restylane and Juvederm: Both are Hyaluronic acid derivatives and fairly smooth with the nod on smoothness going to Juvederm.
Permalip:A relatively new concept, it is a small rod of silicone, comes in several sizes and is inserted under local anesthesia or with a lip block.It is permanent, fairly soft and loos natural.
All these procedures can be done under local anesthesia or with a dental block which will numb the area.
Intended results vary as some patients want a natural look and others want the movie star look!(You know who I mean)
Patients with a history of fever sores should be on preventive meds such as Valtrex preoperatively. patients having these procedures should not drink alcohol or take blood thinners for at least a week before the procedure.Patients can go back to work fairly quickly and look quite good right away.
Call our office for more information.
Dr Mandraccia

Laser Skin Resurfacing for a More Radiant You

admin — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 22:02:00 +0000

Laser skin resurfacing can be a great option for those with fine or deep lines and wrinkles that they would like to reduce; candidates for laser resurfacing are not interested in the recovery period, pain and bleeding that chemical peels can cause—but they still want a refreshed appearance.

What can Lasers Treat?

Laser skin resurfacing can treat fine or course skin wrinkles (usually on the face), differentiated skin surfaces caused by acne scars, small growths and hyper-pigmentation. Resurfacing is designed to give skin a smoother, more radiant appearance with uniform texture and color, but without the treatment depth or lengthy recovery period that chemical peels typically require.

The Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure

Patients can have their laser skin resurfacing done as an outpatient procedure and using local sedation and local or general anesthesia. A calibrated, pulsed laser will be employed to remove surface layers of the skins. The benefits of laser use are that Dr. Mandraccia is constantly in control of how deeply the laser treats the skin. Additionally, the laser makes the skin more taut.

If you live in the Fort Myers, Florida area and are would like to learn more about how a laser procedure could refresh your appearance, please contact Dr. Mandraccia’s office at 800.500.1652 today to schedule an appointment

Liposuction

admin — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 21:57:00 +0000

For those who follow a healthy diet and exercise routine, yet experience resistant fatty areas, liposuction can offer a great solution. It is important to remember that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure.

Dr. Mandraccia focuses on two specific state-of-the-art liposuction procedures in his Fort Myers, Florida practice: tumescent and ultrasonic. These types of liposuction require that Dr. Mandraccia use a slim instrument called a cannula that will allow him to break up fatty tissue and vacuum it out of the patient’s body via small incisions. Each technique works in the following way:

• Ultrasonic: Using a highly specialized cannula that gives off ultrasonic energy, Dr. Mandraccia moves through the areas of fat, liquefying fat cells and then suctioning them out. Ultrasonic liposuction can be used for fibrous bodily areas, such as the back.
• Tumescent liposuction: The treated area is injected with a saline solution that contains a local anesthetic. The solution is larger in volume than the fatty tissue to be taken out; it will cause fatty areas to swell up and become firm, allowing Dr. Mandraccia to easily see and remove the fat.

Both methods allow patients to realize immediate results, but three to six months following treatment will be needed to see full benefits.

If you live in the Fort Myers, Florida area and are would like to explore the possibilities of a liposuction procedure, please contact Dr. Mandraccia’s office at 800.500.1652 today to schedule an appointment.

Two Strategies to Improve Nose Shape

admin — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 21:55:00 +0000

Being dissatisfied with nasal shape or size is not at all uncommon. Whether one was born with a less-than-ideal nose or acquired this problem through injury, Dr. Mandraccia can assist to make the nose more in line with other facial features.

Standard Procedure

Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, is performed as an outpatient procedure, using sedation and local or general anesthesia. Dr. Mandraccia makes incisions inside the nostrils in a standard rhinoplasty procedure. These incisions are used to improve the shape of the nasal bones, cartilage and soft tissues.

Open Procedure

Another type of rhinoplasty, called an “open” rhinoplasty, is employed for difficult or bigger noses. With this procedure, an external incision across the strut between the nostrils is used to recontour the soft tissues, bones and cartilage. If the nasal tip is the only part of the nose requiring correction, it may be addressed with either a standard or open procedure. Large nostrils can be diminished in size through either type of procedure.

If you live in the Fort Myers, Florida area and are considering a facelift procedure, please contact Dr. Mandraccia’s office at 800.500.1652 today to schedule an appointment.

What a Facelift Can Do for the Aging Face

admin — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 21:52:00 +0000

The facelift is one of the most frequent procedures that Fort Myers area cosmetic surgeon Dr. Robert Mandraccia performs. Most facelift procedures are carried out under IV sedation in the comfort of Dr. Mandraccia’s office—a facility certified by the Florida Board of Health’s rigorous requirements. Dr. Mandraccia’s facelift technique involves using a series of incisions concealed by the hairline near the temple; the incisions continue down toward the ears. Using these incision sites, Dr. Mandraccia:

• Carefully separates the muscle and tissue from the skin
• Removes excessive fat
• Tightens the tissue and muscle underneath
• Pulls sagging facial skin until it is smooth
• Incises away excess skin before closing the incisions

Dr. Mandraccia skillfully closes the incisions so that in the future, scars will be virtually undetectable. A youthful, refreshed appearance will follow three to four weeks of recovery and healing, but typically, you can resume your normal activities or return to work in about two weeks.

If you live in the Fort Myers, Florida area and are considering a facelift procedure, please contact Dr. Mandraccia’s office at 800.500.1652 today to schedule an appointment.

Questions about Facelifts

admin — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 23:27:00 +0000

What exactly does a facelift procedure involve?
Known by the technical term rhytidectomy, a facelift surgically smoothes sagging facial and neck skin and makes the tissues and muscles beneath it more taut while also removing excess fat. The facelift is one of Dr. Mandraccia’s most common procedures.

How do patients benefit from a facelift?
Facelifts can help patients with realistic expectations obtain a more youthful, rested and refreshed appearance that can build confidence.

How is a good facelift candidate identified?
Prime candidates for facelift procedures are those whose skin has begun to sag; however, it is important that the skin has retained some of its elasticity. Also, a distinct bone structure is a great help to the success of a facelift procedure.

Is there a common technique for facelift procedures?
Surgical techniques can vary. Generally, Dr. Mandraccia starts the procedure by separating the muscle and fat layers from the skin. After eliminating extraneous fat, Dr. Mandraccia will ensure that the membranes and muscles of the face are tightened. Any extra skin is then incised.

How quickly can I return to my daily routine?
Most people can get back to work after 10 to 14 days following surgery; keep in mind that swelling and bruising may take longer to disappear.

If you live in the Fort Myers, Florida area and are considering a facelift procedure, please contact Dr. Mandraccia’s office at 800.500.1652 today to schedule an appointment

Questions about Breast Augmentation

admin — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 23:25:00 +0000

How do I know if I am a good breast augmentation candidate?
If you are displeased with your breasts’ contour and/or size, are in good physical and mental health and have realistic expectations about what breast augmentation can offer, you should consult with Dr. Mandraccia about a possible breast augmentation.

Is it important for me to complete the child-bearing years before I consider breast augmentation surgery?
Completing the child-bearing years is important before undergoing any breast augmentation procedure. The reason for this is that implants can inhibit breastfeeding, and sagging and volume loss can occur after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Once these years are over, you can ensure that your enhancement surgery’s results will be long lasting.

Where should I have my implants situated–above or below the muscle?
Often, cosmetic surgeons find that the below-the-muscle positioning delivers a more natural-looking outcome. However, other factors such as the patient’s own preference, body type and degree of breast tissue will come into play when Dr. Mandraccia decides on the best breast implant placement .

What are the risks and complications associated with breast augmentation?
As with any surgery, breast augmentation carries with it some risks. Dr. Mandraccia talks with his patients at length prior to the procedure to cover the surgery in detail.

If you live in the Fort Myers, Florida area, and are considering breast augmentation surgery, please contact Dr. Mandraccia’s office at 800.500.1652 today to schedule an appointment.

Questions about Breast Lift

admin — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 23:24:00 +0000

Explain the breast lift procedure. What results can I anticipate?
A breast lift surgically elevates the breasts’ positioning on the chest. The surgery is geared toward creating a more youthful look by raising sagging and drooping breast tissue.

How do I know if I am a candidate for this procedure?
Dr. Mandraccia can assist you in determining if you are a candidate for a breast lift procedure. Generally, a good surgical candidate has drooping breasts and is in good general health—both physical and mental. This person also understands the procedure and what it can accomplish.

What should I expect from the breast lift procedure?
Typically, the areola is placed higher on the breast while excess breast tissue is also incised away. Since tissue is eliminated, breast implants can be introduced to improve breast size and contour. One to three hours is required to finish this procedure, depending on its complexity.

How will I feel during my recovery period?
You will experience discomfort in the first few days following surgery, but your pain can be kept under control with pain medications and will diminish over time. You can return to work activities in around two weeks, but cannot lift anything heavy for a few additional weeks.

If you live in the Fort Myers, Florida area and would like to consult with an experienced cosmetic surgeon regarding the breast lift and associated procedures, please contact Dr. Robert Mandraccia’s office at 800.500.1652 today to schedule an appointment