Haute Beauty caught up with some of the most well-known names in plastic surgery to learn how they are staying on top of the latest trends in the industry and how they keep their skills on point, here's what they had to say.
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Dr. Rafael Emerick Salas, body expert in Miami
Any and all mediums are potentially useful. Of course, some info can be misleading or just a marketing sales pitch so it’s important to look at it with a discerning eye and always lean on reputable sources for scientific evidence such as the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal and the Aesthetic Surgery Journal which are the journals for the most respected societies in our field.
It is of utmost importance since plastic surgery is an ever-expanding and developing field. It’s important to be grounded in the present but always keep an eye on the future to be able to offer the latest and greatest treatment options and alternatives to my patients.
Dr. Gabrielle Davis, breast expert in Los Angeles
I think that it is very important to be involved in domestic and international plastic surgical societies to stay abreast of the latest techniques and tools for my practice and patients. These surgical societies have monthly newsletters, dedicated journals, and conferences that update members on the latest breakthroughs in the profession. They also create a network for surgeons to collaborate and learn from each other from all over the world. I consider myself a life-long learner and therefore it is extremely important for me to be involved in organizations that facilitate continued education and advancement in my field. In addition, technology is evolving so rapidly as well as its application in medicine therefore it is extremely important to stay at the forefront of these advancements to offer the best treatments to patients. I feel like when an individual “gets stuck” in one way of thinking or approaching a problem, then they cease to progress. I always question is there a better way of doing a particular treatment or surgery. I think this type of inquisitive mindset leads to constant innovation and evolution in all aspects of life.
PRMA Plastic Surgery | Dr. Oscar Ochoa, breast reconstruction expert in San Antonio
I stay abreast of the latest techniques and tools used in breast reconstruction through multiple avenues. One highly important and productive method is conducting peer-reviewed clinical research in our practice. This requires ongoing analysis of the most current innovations published in the medical literature. In a complimentary way, I am a reviewer for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the flagship medical journal in our specialty, promoting critical evaluation and guidance for research endeavors from the US and around the world. In addition, as a member of regional, state, and national societies of reconstructive surgeons, I regularly attend meetings and conventions where state-of-the-art techniques and devices are presented.
Dr. Kelly Sullivan, body and breast expert in Maryland
A combination of kind of medical journal review meetings, grand rounds at Johns Hopkins, and different kinds of conferences online or virtual right now. I'm involved with some research like I've been doing product research with SkinCeuticals and L'Oreal.
This is very important, especially in plastic surgery, because there's so much information out there. Not just different surgical techniques or non-surgical techniques, there's a lot of gimmicky products or procedures. And so it's important to stay up to date on the latest things and the real research behind them to be able to help weed through all this for patients and educate them on what is legitimate and safe.
There's the whole gamut of ‘it's not going to hurt you, but it's going to waste your time and money,’ all the way up to it ‘actually could kill you.’ Safety is paramount and making sure that people do their research, both in what they're having done, but who they're trusting to have it done.
Dr. Jeffrey Lee, breast expert in Boston
I think it’s really important to keep up with techniques and tools because in the world of aesthetics, things are constantly changing. As a doctor, it’s my responsibility to thoroughly vet new technologies and techniques as they come out and adopt only the ones that I feel are safe and reliable. Attending conferences, reading peer-reviewed journals, seeing what is up and coming online and on social media, and talking to companies about new technologies really help me stay up to date on what is currently out there and what is on the horizon.
It is really important to be able to keep up with updated techniques and technologies because things are always getting better and new technologies are always being improved to be able to solve problems that were previously unsolvable. I wish I had something for everyone but the reality is that sometimes I have to tell patients that there are no good options for their goals and their particular situation. There are unfortunately a lot of treatments that make great claims but many do not pass my bar for safety and reliability. Ultimately, I ask myself if I would comfortably offer a new treatment to my own family. If the answer is no, then I don’t offer it to my patients and it’s as simple as that.
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