Posted on: March 21st, 2014
In Dr. Agullo’s many years of experience as a hair transplant specialist, he has found that there are some specific facts about the procedure which are not widely known. Read on for the truth about hair transplantation.
1. You may not need hair transplantation to counter hair loss.
Patients often come to Southwest Plastic Surgery with their minds set on undergoing a hair transplant procedure. While a hair transplant provides outstanding results, it may not be ideal for every patient. Before Dr. Agullo recommends a treatment plan, he will evaluate the patient’s health history and severity of hair loss to determine the primary cause. Once an accurate diagnosis is determined, Dr. Agullo will recommend one of the following approaches: hair loss medication, laser therapy, camouflage techniques, Protein Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment, or surgical restoration with transplantation. Treatment is also dependent on whether the patient is male or female.
2. There are two methods of hair transplantation.
You may have heard of Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). Both methods of hair transplantation are very effective for restoring hair, and both procedures involve harvesting grafts of hair follicles from the base of the scalp and transferring them to the area that needs improvement. The difference between these two methods of hair transplantation is that FUT grafts are harvested in a long strip, and FUE grafts are extracted individually. Many different machines can be used to extract the hairs, such as NeoGraft™, ARTAS®, Alphagraft, or manual punches. Both treatments have different advantages and disadvantages, which are discussed in detail here.
3. Hair can be transplanted to grow on scars or other areas where hair is desired.
Many people do not know that scars within the hairline can be restored with hair. Whether the scars are from a facelift, brow lift, or trauma, Dr. Agullo can camouflage their appearance with either hair transplant to the scar, scar revision, cortisone injections, dermal fillers, or laser treatments.
Hair can also be transferred to the eyebrows or to the lower face to create a thicker beard. Those who are considering eyebrow transplant should note that the donor hair from the scalp will continue to grow as if it were still on the scalp, so trimming the brows must become part of the patient’s regular beauty regimen.
There are many options for hair restoration that can provide patients with the look they desire. If you are considering hair loss treatment in the Las Cruces, NM or El Paso, TX areas, please schedule a consultation by calling Southwest Plastic Surgery El Paso at (915) 590-7900 or our Las Cruces location at (575) 520-5041. For your convenience, you may also fill out our online contact form for El Paso or our contact form for Las Cruces.
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Posted on: February 24th, 2014
Having a full head of hair is something many people often take for granted, that is until they begin to experience hair loss. Aside from protecting your scalp and influencing your physical appearance, hair also has a significant effect on your self-esteem. With more than 35 million men and 20 million women experiencing hair loss every year, the desperation to find a solution is very high.
What Causes Hair Loss?
It’s a commonly believed that hair loss is caused by things like poor blood circulation, hat wearing, and frequent washing. However, these assertions are simply not true. In fact, various studies have revealed that hereditary factors in men and hormonal factors in women are most responsible for hair loss. Other factors that contribute to hair loss in both men and women include diet, thyroid disorders, and cancer treatment.
Restoring Hair Loss
If you’ve already been suffering from hair loss for an extended period of time, chances are you tried creams, lotions and every other product under the sun to generate hair growth. And while many of these products came with “promises” and “guarantees,” you likely saw little, if any, improvement. Fortunately, cosmetic surgery has made many advancements in the area of hair restoration.
At his El Paso and Las Cruces practices, Dr. Frank Agullo, has helped countless men and women restore hair to their scalp by utilizing state-of-the-art surgical techniques. The method of hair restoration used will be determined after your consultation with Dr. Agullo, during which time he will examine the extent of your condition and discuss your preferences.
Non-Surgical Treatment for Hair Loss
Medication
Oral and topical medications offer a non-surgical treatment option for hair loss. Propecia (finasteride) is an oral medication FDA approved for hair loss in men that works by inhibiting DHT, which is a key factor in hair loss. Rogaine (minoxidil) is a topical medication that treats hair loss by directly stimulating hair growth. Formula 82M is a formulation that contains extra strength minoxidil, steroid, and retinoid, allowing for more drug absorption and improved results. These drugs are often used in combination with each other for the most effective results.
PRP (Protein Rich Plasma) Treatment
The application of Protein Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment involves enriching blood plasma with platelets, which are activated to release multiple growth factors and cytokines that promote healing. This process has been shown to wake up dormant hair follicles in hair loss patients, which results in both hair growth and cessation of hair loss.
To perform this technique, plasma is extracted from blood that is drawn from the patient’s arm. The blood is then processed to obtain the PRP, which is then injected into the area of hair loss and activated. PRP treatment should be repeated every 4 to 6 months to gain the most optimal results.
Hair Transplant
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) is performed by removing strips (grafts) of hair from a donor site on the scalp. These grafts are then dissected into smaller “follicular units” of one to four hairs, which are then surgically implanted one by one into the balding area.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
Unlike the FUT technique that utilizes strips of hair from the scalp, Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) involves taking single units of hair and implanting them in the bald areas of the scalp. FUE is a minimally invasive and scarless technique. The procedure can be performed with different instruments, including AlphaGraft, NeoGraft, or other automatic punches. Results are similar regardless of the instrument used.
Both FUT and FUE hair transplant techniques produce satisfying results.
If your hair loss is affecting your physical or emotional way of life, we encourage you to contact Southwest Plastic Surgery today. Our surgeon, Dr. Frank Agullo, is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and specializes in hair transplantation. His close attention to detail and expertise in hair restoration enable him to help you get an appearance you can feel confident about. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Agullo, please call (915) 590-7900 or fill out our online consultation form today.
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Posted on: January 17th, 2014
Those who are self-conscious about the small size or flat appearance of their backside have probably heard all the tricks to making their butt appear bigger:
1. Wear jeans with large pockets
2. Wear high heels
3. Perform squats and lunges every day
Although these are all great methods, they come with setbacks. Shopping for jeans is difficult enough, and not every pair is going to make your butt look great. High heels are a temporary fix and can be painful or difficult to walk in. If you’re a thin person, squats and lunges can add some bulk to your glutes, but you have to stay committed to maintain the results. Wouldn’t it be great if you could get the butt you have always wanted without all the smoke and mirrors? The Brazilian Butt Lift procedure or buttock implants are simple ways for you to ditch the illusions for more permanent results. Dr. Agullo can help you determine the butt augmentation procedure that is right for you during a consultation at his practice in El Paso.
Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
The Brazilian Butt Lift has become a very popular procedure because it uses the patient’s own fat to augment the buttocks. Fat is taken from another area of the body, such as the thighs, abdomen, or hips, and is grafted into the butt to achieve a fuller, rounder shape. Liposuction is performed above the buttocks during this procedure to improve the overall body appearance.
Buttock Augmentation With Implants
If the patient does not have enough fat in other areas of the body, butt augmentation with implants is an alternative. The incision that is made will be hidden in the crease of the buttocks, and the implants will be inserted within the gluteal muscles. The implants are made of a solid silicone gel, which will not rupture or leak the way breast implants can.
For patients with sagging skin or tissue in the buttocks, a buttock lift will be needed in addition to either buttock implants or the BBL.
If you are interested in butt augmentation in the El Paso or Las Cruces area, please contact Dr. Agullo at (915) 590-7900 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!
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Posted on: December 4th, 2013
When people use the term “Gummy Bear breast implants” they are typically referring to the highly cohesive, form-stable, silicone gel breast implants that are manufactured by both Allergan and Sientra. These thicker implants get their nickname because, like the gummy bear candy, they will not leak when cut or punctured. Sientra makes these highly cohesive implants in both round and teardrop shape, but the round versions are a bit less form-stable than the teardrop shaped implants, which were approved by the FDA in March of 2012. The newest anatomically shaped implants supplied by Allergan, the Natrelle® 410, were FDA approved in February 2013 and are the most form-stable implants on the market today. The last cohesive implants introduced this year are the Mentor® MemoryShape™ implants, which are also shaped, but come in more limited profiles and heights. Frank Agullo offers all three types of implants for breast augmentation in El Paso and Las Cruces at Southwest Plastic Surgery.
Why Gummy Bear Implants Are So Popular
1. A Natural Look
Traditional breast implants are round, and in many women, they provide more defined cleavage because the top of the implant protrudes higher up on the breast. Some women prefer this look, while others prefer the more natural look of the gummy bear implants. The gummy bears are full toward the bottom of the breast and taper toward the top of the breast, creating an anatomical appearance. Their shape and thicker structure makes them less likely than round implants to wrinkle or fold.
2. Lower rupture rate
Another advantage of the gummy bear implants is the high amount of cross-linking in the silicone gel. Since there is more crosslinking present, the implant is more solid, which results in a lower rupture rate. Clinical studies have shown that, while rupture or breakage is still possible, it is much less likely to occur with gummy bear implants than with traditional round implants. Those considering the gummy bears should note that although they are more solid than other implants, these implants still feel like a natural breast.
Although gummy bear implants have many wonderful qualities, they may not be the right choice for everyone. It is important to consult with a highly experienced board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Frank Agullo to fully understand your options and discuss all the benefits and risks associated with these devices.
If you would like more information regarding breast augmentation in the El Paso or Las Cruces areas, please contact Dr. Agullo by calling (915) 590-7900. For your convenience, you may also fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation.
Posted in Aumento de Senos | Comments Off on What are Gummy Bear Shaped Implants?
Posted on: November 6th, 2013
A wattle is a fleshy outgrowth that hangs from the throat of a turkey, which appears very similar to wrinkled, sagging skin in the neck of a person, hence the term so many despise: “turkey neck.” Loose, hanging neck skin is a common problem among both men and women. As we age, our skin loses elasticity, causing it to become stretched out, wrinkled, and droopy, and this is especially apparent in the thin skin of the neck. Aging can also cause fat deposits to accumulate in the neck area, and the neck muscle (platysma) may become stretched and appear as vertical “bands.” Those who have gained and then lost a significant amount of weight are even more likely to have excess skin from fat accumulating in the neck area and causing the skin to stretch further before their weight was reduced.
If you have sagging skin and fat in the neck area, you’re just in time to get rid of it before the holidays and avoid being compared to the animal you’re cooking for dinner.
Neck Lift Surgery
Dr. Agullo can correct a “turkey neck” with neck lift surgery (also called “platysmaplasty”). A variety of neck lift techniques are available to correct this condition. Excess skin may be removed, the platysma muscle may be tightened, and/or excess fat may be removed through liposuction, depending on the needs of the patient. If incisions are necessary to remove excess skin or muscle, they will be hidden inconspicuously behind or below the ears, and occasionally a tiny incision is necessary below the chin. Loose skin, hanging fat accumulations, and sagging jowls can be eliminated to produce a youthful, more attractive neck.
Dr. Agullo offers a variety of anesthesia modalities for his patients when doing a neck lift. The neck lift procedure can be done “AWAKE” with mild sedation and local anesthesia, with “twilight anesthesia” which consists of deeper sedation, or with the traditional deep general anesthesia.
If you have a turkey wattle neck or double chin that you would like to exchange for a more youthful, revitalized appearance, Dr. Agullo is double board certified in both plastic surgery and general surgery and can help you gain the confidence you deserve with neck lift surgery. Please contact Southwest Plastic Surgery today for more information or to schedule a consultation by calling (915) 590-7900 or filling out our online contact form.
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Posted on: October 18th, 2013
With the season of ghosts and goblins looming, we at Southwest Plastic Surgery thought it would be the perfect time to expand on a treatment that is becoming quite popular here in El Paso, the Vampire Facelift.
The Vampire Facelift, also known as platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections, received this name because it utilizes the patient’s own blood to treat facial wrinkles. Although blood is mainly a liquid (plasma), some of the more solid components within the blood (platelets) contain hundreds of proteins that stimulate cell growth and repair damaged cells. In fact, PRP treatments are regularly used to repair injured or degenerated tissue that is common among athletes. When PRP is injected into the face, the growth factors activate the cells in the skin to produce new collagen and fatty tissue and repair any cellular damage. The result is a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance that will continue to improve for up to three months and last for up to two years.
Dr. Agullo begins this procedure by drawing blood from the patient’s arm. The blood is then taken to a centrifuge where its components (serum, platelets, white blood cells, and red blood cells) are separated. A combination of white blood cells and platelets form the concentrated PRP that is known to minimize wrinkles, restore facial volume, and even reduce acne scars. After a numbing agent is applied, Dr. Agullo injects the solution into the desired areas of the patient’s face.
Platelet Rich Plasma vs. Facelift Surgery
Since the procedure only takes 45 minutes to complete and requires little to no downtime, those with busy schedules will likely prefer the Vampire Facelift over a surgical facelift. This procedure will also meet the needs of patients whose main concern is facial wrinkles and diminished facial volume. For those with sagging skin or skin that has poor elasticity, a surgical facelift is likely a better option.
Platelet Rich Plasma vs. Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
PRP treatment is sometimes more effective than hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Juvéderm® and Restylane®, in more delicate areas of the face where the skin is very thin. PRP is also known to improve skin texture more effectively than hyaluronic acid fillers.
Dr. Agullo also uses PRP treatment to restore hair loss and aid with wound healing. At Southwest Plastic Surgery, we are proud to offer advanced treatments such as these that meet the diverse needs of our patients. If you are interested in the Vampire Facelift in the El Paso or Las Cruces areas, contact Dr. Agullo at (915) 590-7900 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation.
Posted in Inyectables | Comments Off on The Vampire Facelift
Posted on: October 9th, 2013
The quest for the perfect butt predates the invention of the bicycle, and for those who don’t want to put in hours of sweat on a bicycle seat, there are other, less sweat-inducing ways to achieve a superior posterior.
Buttock augmentation, also known as butt or gluteal implants, are performed by a relatively small group of plastic and cosmetic surgeons who have plenty of experience in the form of thousands of these procedures to their credit. The reason the procedure is not more widely practiced is the complicated nature of the procedure and the requirement that those doing it have extensive experience in forming or sculpting solid, silicone implants that cannot shift from their original positions or develop infections, either of which would result in serious, post-surgery medical problems.
Whether it‘s a “Jennifer Lopez” or “Beyoncé Booty” for women, or the maximum gluteus Maximus a man can get, it can be attained via gluteal implants.
Simply put, surgical implants add curvature and definition where there previously was none of either. Implants vary in size, shape, style and surgical procedure. If necessary or desired, buttock lifts can be performed in addition to implants.
Gluteal Implants are most often used for enlargement of the buttock region, but also for treatment or correction of asymmetry. The implants are usually placed within the buttocks muscles, so that the implant does not shift and is less palpable. Although some surgeons place the implant in the subfascial plane, this results in increased complications, palpability of implant or displacement.
Butt implants are generally available in four basic styles: round, non-directional, directional, and custom, but there are many other more specific styles and types skilled doctors like Dr. Agullo at Southwest Plastic Surgery.
Round, the most common type of implants used, can be used in both medically acceptable insertion planes.
Gluteal implants, like all aspects and procedures connected to plastic surgery, have come a long way in a relatively short amount of time. Advances in materials and techniques have made augmentation safer, affordable, and common. With so many options and choices available, anyone interested in gluteal implants should consult an experienced physician to find the best options.
Dr. Frank Agullo, board-certified plastic surgeon at Southwest Plastic Surgery can answer all of your questions and address any concerns you may have about gluteal implants, as well as present you the options on the best way to go about achieving your physical enhancement or augmentation preferences.
Posted in Implante de Glúteos, Sin Categoría | Comments Off on Can You Get Superior Posteriors Through Gluteal Implants?
Posted on: September 25th, 2013
Before undergoing a breast augmentation, patients tend to have many questions regarding breast implants, most notably, which size to choose. Typical questions arise, such as “If I am a B Cup, what size implant do I need to be a full C?” Although women often consider this a very difficult decision, choosing the correct size is much easier than you may think. Although Dr. Agullo will evaluate your body type and discuss your options with a 3D simulation during your initial consultation, there are some helpful tips that can give you a better idea on how to choose the size that is best for you.
Vectra 3D Imaging
Using state-of-the art computer technology, Vectra 3D Imaging takes exact measurements of your breasts, allowing both you and your surgeon to accurately see what your breasts will look like with implants before your breast augmentation is ever performed. Dr. Agullo finds that this is the best way of determining the optimal breast implant size and profile.
Cup Size
A cup size translates to anywhere between 150cc and 200cc implants. Therefore, if you are an A cup and you want to increase your breast size to a B cup, then you need an implant between 150cc and 200cc. If you are an A cup and you want to go up two sizes to a C cup, then you would need anywhere between 300cc and 400cc.
Sizing Systems
Dr. Agullo has a special sizing system in his office at Southwest Plastic Surgery. With this system, you can use specially shaped implant that fit above your breast to give you a good estimate of what your breast will look like after surgery.
Before and After Photos
Viewing before and after photos allows you see actual results of some past patients for whom Dr. Agullo has performed breast augmentation surgery. Even though you may not be able to find an exact “before” picture that matches your breasts, it can give you a visual of the implant size you want for your procedure.
At Home – “Rice Test”
Many patients want to get an idea of the breast implant size at home prior to consultation. The rice test describes the simple process of placing rice in the sock part of a stocking to simulate a breast implant. To make your own homemade implants, fill separate stockings with rice in specific increments using the chart below.
|
Measurement of Rice
|
Breast Implant Size
|
|
¼ cup
|
60cc
|
|
⅓ cup
|
80cc
|
|
½ cup
|
120cc
|
|
¾ cup
|
180cc
|
|
1 cup
|
240cc
|
|
1¼ cups
|
300cc
|
|
1⅓ cups
|
320cc
|
|
1½ cups
|
360cc
|
|
1¾ cups
|
420cc
|
|
2 cups
|
480cc
|
After the socks are filled to your desired size, place them underneath the breasts. The sizes may not be completely accurate, but they will give you an idea of what your bust will look like with different sized implants.
Choosing the size of your breast implant should not be a complicated process, and at our El Paso, Texas plastic surgery practice, our goal is to make your entire experience as easy as possible. To schedule a consultation with our board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Frank Agullo, please call (915) 590-7900 or fill out our online contact form today.
Posted in Aumento de Senos | Comments Off on What Size Breast Implant Should I Choose?
Posted on: July 18th, 2013
Bienvenidos a nuestra nueva práctica! Estamos muy emocionados de anunciar oficialmente la apertura de Cirugía Plástica del suroeste. Fundada por un equipo de ganadores de premios Certificado por la Junta cirujanos plásticos </ i>, Cirugía Plástica suroeste se distingue por la alta calidad de servicio personalizado, compromiso con la seguridad y confidencialidad de los pacientes, y los resultados superiores que abarcan todo el cuerpo. Cirugía Plástica suroeste le ofrece una experiencia excepcional desde el mismo momento en que le damos la bienvenida a través de nuestras instalaciones y durante todo el lapso que están bajo nuestro cuidado.
Dr. Frank Agullo, MD, FACS
Después de completar su formación en cirugía plástica en el mundo prestigiosa Clínica Mayo de renombre y alcanzó la certificación de doble tablero, Dr. Agullo ha establecido su práctica privada en Cirugía Plástica del suroeste. Además, él tiene el título de Profesor Clínico Asociado de Cirugía Plástica en el Centro de Ciencias Médicas de la Universidad Texas Tech, Paul L. Foster, Facultad de Medicina, así como profesor asociado en la Universidad de Texas en El Paso. La pasión del Dr. Agullo por su trabajo reflexiona sobre los muchos reconocimientos y premios que ha de recibió tanto a nivel nacional e internacional a lo largo de su carrera, incluyendo Texas Superdoctors Rising Stars.
Abarcando los Países y las Culturas
Southwest Plastic Surgery se enorgullece de servir a todo el suroeste, incluyendo El Paso, Western Texas, New Mexico, Chihuahua y Juárez. Como reflejo del carácter internacional de nuestra práctica y nuestros pacientes, el Dr. Agullo y sus profesionales de la salud en Cirugía Plástica suroeste ofrecen servicios bilingües en Inglés y Español.
Una filosofía de la atención y la Excelencia
Nuestra práctica está comprometida con los más altos estándares en la atención especializada y la compasión; cada miembro de nuestro equipo se adhiere a nuestra filosofía de servicio al paciente individualizado. Dr. Agullo fue recientemente galardonado con el Compasivo doctor mayoría de la concesión 2012 por Vitals.com.
Cuidado Individualizado
Atención adaptada en Cirugía Plástica suroeste comienza con una consulta completa entre el Dr. Agullo y paciente para discutir los objetivos, las opciones y los procedimientos. Este enfoque personalizado garantiza que nuestros pacientes estén informados y confiado con sus decisiones médicas personales y optimiza los resultados finales.
Una amplia gama de opciones de tratamiento.
Nuestros servicios especializados son tan individuales como los pacientes que atendemos. Dr. Agullo ofrece una amplia gama de tratamientos y procedimientos que van desde tratamientos tópicos, los procedimientos mínimamente invasivos, nuevos enfoques, tales como plasma rico en proteínas, a todo el cuerpo y las técnicas de mejora faciales. Dr. Agullo ofrece las últimas técnicas en el trasplante de cabello para hombres y mujeres.
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Llámenos: (915) 590-7900