Despite the growing popularity of procedures like Liposuction and Breast Augmentation, the science of Plastic Surgery is surrounded by ambiguities. With over 18 million procedures occurring annually in the United States, there is an urgent need to understand complex procedures, their benefits, and their risks. To undergo such procedures, you must understand a few essential aspects: choosing the right cosmetic surgeon, costs, benefits, and post-operative complications. We are delighted to have Dr. Olga Bachilo answer some of our readers’ queries in this episode. Dr. Olga Bachilo is a Plastic Surgeon and Founder of Glamour Plastic Surgery and Med Spa in Houston, TX.
Dr. Olga Bachilo
BG -Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule
Dr. Olga Bachilo – Thank you so much. I will be happy to answer all your queries.
BG – Choosing a Cosmetic Surgeon is a difficult task. What is your advice to patients regarding selecting a cosmetic surgeon?
Dr. Olga Bachilo – It can be much more accessible to educate yourself about the procedure you want to do before starting the search. This would aid you tremendously when looking at surgeons’ backgrounds, the number of procedures performed, their before and after photos, patient ratings, reviews, and, most importantly, credentials. For example, I have seen emergency room doctors advertising 360 Lipo, and patients are booking due to the price. This brings me to the next important point: finances. Can you afford this surgery? Choosing your plastic surgeon by price comparison is a disservice to your body. I have operated on so many mishandled patients who ended up paying triple because of the amount of work and or hours it took to correct them. Another main factor to pay attention to is the comfort level. Do you prefer a female or male plastic surgeon, or do you have no preference? Do you need hand-holding throughout the process, or do you prefer not to be bothered with follow-ups and constant check-ups?
BG – Is taking a second opinion before undergoing any procedures essential?
Dr. Olga Bachilo – Consulting with multiple surgeons allows you to learn more about the procedures and the surgeon. You must ensure you feel comfortable with your provider and fully trust them. It would be best if you also had the same esthetics; very rarely, but sometimes, there may be adjustments to the plan while on the operating table, and you have to know that they will make the decision you approve of. Compare before and after from multiple doctors, and schedule a consultation with the ones you feel most comfortable with.
BG – What are the significant factors that motivate people to undergo cosmetic surgery?
Dr. Olga Bachilo – I prefer to divide them into psychological and physiological categories. The common physiological reasons may include unevenness in breasts that may lead to back pain and spine problems where a patient desires to undergo breast reduction surgery or perhaps when a patient experiences discomfort during intercourse and desires a labiaplasty.
Psychological factors are much trickier, and some of them even lead to mental disorders, such as body dysmorphia, where patients obsess over their appearance when there is absolutely nothing wrong with them. As a board-certified surgeon, I bear responsibility for my patients and make sure I do not operate on something that does not need surgical interference.
However, not all psychological factors are alarming and harmful—for instance, mommy makeovers. When a woman is done having children and breastfeeding, it’s her natural desire to have her body back and restore that confidence she once had. This type of patient is one of my favorites to transform and operate on.
BG -How do you minimize potential side effects of cosmetic surgery?
Dr. Olga Bachilo – Follow your doctor’s orders. Take all of your prescribed medications according to your surgeon’s instructions. Do not lift anything heavy for at least two weeks after your surgery; this will minimize the possibility of reopening wounds. No smoking, or this will delay your healing. And, of course, come to all of your follow-up appointments. Your surgeon must monitor your healing progress and take corrective actions.
BG – Can you tell me about the latest alternative treatments and procedures which are non-invasive?
Dr. Olga Bachilo – Modern medical aesthetics is an ever-evolving industry that constantly delivers new methods, innovations, and technologies. I prefer combination therapies to address my patient’s concerns from multiple angles. For instance, if a patient seeks to improve the appearance of sagging skin and wrinkles, I won’t just inject them with neurotoxin or filler. Instead, I will recommend a whole regiment with ultrasound and radiofrequency devices to boost collagen and elastin production, help with skin texture and pigmentation, and a whole skincare routine to maintain the achieved results.
With the body contouring devices, I take the same approach. The latest technology on the market is HIFEM with radiofrequency, which is Emsculpt NEO. It tones and builds muscle mass while also reducing body fat. If I have a patient looking to improve their butt appearance but doesn’t want to undergo a Brazilian Butt Lift surgery or isn’t a candidate, I would recommend Emsculpt NEO for their buttocks and hamstrings to gain that volume, and Emtone to smooth out texture and tighten the skin to achieve that lift. In some cases, I will even recommend using Sculptra, a long-acting filler that builds collagen over time.
BG – How is Glamour Plastic Surgery addressing patients’ aesthetic needs without compromising safety?
Dr. Olga Bachilo – At Glamour Plastic Surgery and Med Spa, we take a patient-centered approach; the safety and well-being of our patients are just as important as the aesthetic outcomes. I have no problem saying no to a patient if they do not need a specific procedure and can benefit from something non-surgical. I do not chase novel treatments until they are either FDA-cleared or enough clinical studies guarantee their efficacy and safety. I also do not operate on patients who are not in good physical health, do not have clearance from their PCP, or are not candidates for plastic surgery.
In addition, with the COVID-19 pandemic, the world of medical aesthetics has changed forever. We pay more attention to symptoms at my practice and encourage patients to reschedule their appointments if they have a slight cough. In addition, our medical providers and staff must wear masks and are fully vaccinated.
