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Breast Revision, Wyomissing, PA

Since breast implants are not lifetime devices, it is no surprise that several myths have surfaced about breast revision surgery and breast implant exchange. Whether you desire a different size, correction from a complication, or you simply no longer wish to have your implants, here are some of the most widely believed myths about breast implant exchange, debunked.

Myth 1: I must get my breast implants replaced after ten years.

Many women think that they must have their implants replaced after ten years, when, in fact, ten years is simply the average amount of time that passes before most women have them replaced. After ten years, the patient may have grown dissatisfied with the size she originally chose for her breast implants. Or, she may have gone through pregnancy or breastfeeding and her implants no longer provide the enhanced shape or volume they did when they were first placed.

The risk for developing complications from breast augmentation with implants also increases with time. If ten years have passed, there are no complications, and the patient is still happy with the way her breasts look, most surgeons see no need to replace them.

Myth 2: If I exchange my breast implants for a smaller size, I will have loose skin.

If you decide to replace large implants with smaller ones, there is a chance you will experience excess skin, but this is highly dependent on your unique situation. The most straightforward way for your surgeon to determine the amount of breast sagging is to simulate smaller breasts by deflating the implants. This procedure is done under local anesthetic while the patient is awake. Of course, this can only be done if the initial implants are saline filled. Excess skin may be easier to predict if you are choosing a significantly smaller size than your initial implants. Your surgeon may recommend a breast lift along with implant replacement when this is the case, as a breast lift will eliminate any loose skin.

Myth 3: Two surgeries are required for breast implant exchange.

Many women believe that if they have their implants removed, they must allow their breasts to heal for several months before receiving new implants in a secondary surgery. The majority of the time, breast implant exchange can be performed during one procedure, but this is dependent on the patient’s unique circumstances. If there is a significant amount of aesthetic correction to be made (e.g., the nipple must be adjusted significantly, or a breast lift must be performed), two surgeries may provide the best results. Two surgeries may likely be advised if the reason for implant replacement is due to an infection.

Myth 4: My breasts will look deflated if I choose to remove and not replace my implants.

If you have your implants removed but not replaced, you may experience sagging skin or other undesirable cosmetic changes to your natural breasts such as dimpling, wrinkling, puckering, or breast tissue loss. These issues can be avoided by combining breast implant removal with a breast lift. Dr. Schlechter also performs breast augmentation with fat transfer to provide natural-looking augmented breasts without the use of implants.

Dr. Benjamin Schlechter has been performing secondary breast augmentation for more than 20 years at his practice in Wyomissing, PA. If you are interested in this procedure, please schedule a consultation at Spring Ridge Plastic Surgery by calling (610) 678-9200 to schedule your appointment.

Neck Lift Results, Wyomissing, PA

Neck lift surgery can provide fantastic results for men and women who have sagging jowls and excess skin and wrinkles on the neck. It is often combined with a facelift to create the most harmonious final result. For many people, this would be the ideal procedure, however…

A few things often prevent people from getting a traditional surgical neck lift, including:

• Fear of surgery
• Cost
• No time for recovery

Dr. Schlechter realizes these are common concerns for many of his patients and provides a fantastic alternative at his plastic surgery practice in Wyomissing: the Precision Tx™ Laser Neck Lift.

What is the Precision Tx™ Laser Neck Lift?

The Precision Tx™ Laser Neck Lift, also known as Sidelaze™, decreases the signs of aging on the neck and jowls by tightening the skin using advanced laser technology. Heat from the laser targets both the skin as well as the underlying tissue to stimulate new collagen growth that will continue to improve over three to six months. The final result is a lifted, tightened, more youthful appearance to the lower face, jawline, and neck. Only one treatment is needed to get the beautifully defined jawline and younger-looking neck you desire.

Advantages of a Precision Tx™ Laser Neck Lift:

• Performed in-office
• Minimally invasive
• Minimal downtime
• Minimal discomfort
• Shorter scars
• Affordable

Since the Precision Tx™ Laser Neck Lift is minimally invasive, it is conveniently performed in our office and takes only an hour to perform. Only a few small incisions are necessary, so scarring is minimal, and the recovery time is much shorter compared to a traditional neck lift. The cost for this laser treatment is also much less than a traditional neck lift.

Ideal Candidates for the Precision Tx™ Laser Neck Lift

The best candidates for treatment with the Precision Tx™ Laser have loose skin in the face and neck along with mild to moderate fatty tissue in those areas. Individuals who have excessively loose skin will experience far better results with the traditional facelift and neck lift techniques. Dr. Schlechter can help determine if you are an ideal candidate for either procedure during your initial consultation.

If you are interested in the Precision Tx™ Laser Neck Lift, you can start your transformation today by calling our Wyomissing office at (610) 678-9200 to schedule an appointment.

Female Genital Surgery, Wyomissing, PA

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that enhances the appearance of the vaginal area, and increasing numbers of women have been undergoing this surgery over the last decade. This simple cosmetic procedure can be performed to improve the size and shape of the inner labia (labia minora) or the outer labia (labia majora). Labiaplasty is performed on an outpatient basis using either local anesthetic or intravenous sedation, and it usually takes less than an hour to complete. After the procedure, there is very little downtime required and only minor swelling will develop.

Candidates

Ideal candidates for labiaplasty are in good physical and mental health and desire this surgery for their own personal reasons rather than to live up to someone else’s ideal. Potential patients have some or all of the following conditions:

• Labia that are too long or too wide
• Labia that are asymmetrical
• Displeasing labial shape
• Pain or irritation during exercise
• Discomfort during sexual relations
• Anxiety about the appearance of their labia

Dr. Benjamin Schlechter tailors each procedure to meet the needs of his individual patients because he understands that each woman’s anatomy is different, and each woman has different aesthetic goals. This procedure can be also be performed in conjunction with other procedures, such as the Mommy Makeover.

If you are interested in labiaplasty or would like more information about this procedure, please call Spring Ridge Plastic Surgery at (610) 678-9200 today or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation. Our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Benjamin Schlechter makes sure that his patients feel comfortable and completely understand all aspects of the procedure.

Women from larger communities such as Allentown and Lancaster, PA travel to Proserpi-Schlechter Center for Plastic Surgery for labiaplasty with Dr. Benjamin Schlechter, a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in this delicate procedure.

Wyomissing, Pennsylvania (January 2013) – Awareness of labiaplasty procedures continues to grow, as do the number of women opting for these intimate surgeries. Dr. Benjamin Schlechter of Proserpi-Schlechter Center for Plastic Surgery has earned a reputation for this type of plastic surgery, and Allentown and Lancaster, PA women travel to his practice in Wyomissing for surgery with him.

Labiaplasty, or surgery for reducing enlarged or protruding labia, has grown in popularity, yet there are still relatively few plastic surgeons in the Allentown, PA area who offer it. In fact, there are only a handful of plastic surgeons in the entire state performing labiaplasty surgery.

“Although awareness is growing, it’s a treatment that still doesn’t receive a lot of attention,” says Dr. Schlechter of the labiaplasty procedure. “Women are often self-conscious or embarrassed to discuss problems with their genitals. Labiaplasty provides cosmetic enhancement as well as physical relief from discomfort. I feel it’s important that we, as plastic surgeons, educate women about this procedure.”

Dr. Schlechter has extensive training and experience in plastic surgery of the labia. He says that enhancement of the labia goes beyond aesthetics. For some women, stretched or enlarged labia cause physical discomfort during exercise or intimacy.

“Many times the issue is congenital,” says Dr. Schlechter. “Some women are born with long or enlarged labia. In other cases, the condition is a result of external factors, most commonly childbirth. In either case, oversize labia can be a source of embarrassment and discomfort. Certain clothing or activities can be uncomfortable, even painful, and some women may feel self-conscious. Labiaplasty provides relief, eliminating the physical and emotional discomfort that can come with this condition.”

Another reason women travel to Dr. Schlechter’s practice for the labiaplasty in Reading is the privacy, convenience, and safety of his in-office surgical suite. Located within the Reading Hospital, the state-licensed facility utilizes a certified registered nurse anesthetist with whom Dr. Schlechter has worked exclusively for more than 15 years. The RN administers local anesthesia with IV sedation, which reduces risk, cost, and recovery time for labiaplasty patients.

Learn more about the cosmetic and physical enhancements possible with labiaplasty. Request a consultation online or call our office at (610) 678-9200.

Cellulaze was recently awarded the MyFaceMyBody Award for Most Innovative Aesthetic Treatment of 2012. Dr. Benjamin Schlechter, a plastic surgeon in the Allentown, PA area who offers Cellulaze, explains its success.

Wyomissing, Pennsylvania (January 2013) – Dr. Benjamin Schlechter, a plastic surgeon near Allentown, PA, wasn’t surprised when Cellulaze received the MyFaceMyBody Award for Most Innovative Aesthetic Treatment Award of 2012.

The minimally invasive cellulite treatment has been experiencing tremendous success, and Dr. Schlechter says he has seen growing interest in the procedure from his Lancaster and Allentown plastic surgery patients.

“Until recently, cellulite has been a very difficult condition to treat,” Dr. Schlechter says. “There have always been a lot of so-called ‘miracle’ products – creams or devices that are supposed to magically smooth away the dimpled, cottage-cheese appearance that cellulite causes. Unfortunately, however, these treatments often don’t create satisfactory or lasting results.”

Cellulaze is considered by physicians and patients alike to be a true breakthrough in the treatment of cellulite. The MyFaceMyBody Awards are based on nominations by experts in the aesthetic, beauty and dental industry. Consumers ultimately vote on the awards at MyFaceMyBody.com.

“I am very pleased with the results that Cellulaze produces, and my patients are, too,” Dr. Schlechter says. “Cellulite is one of the most common cosmetic concerns, and has traditionally been one of the most resistant to treatment. It’s exciting to finally be able to offer a real solution.”

Even slender people can have cellulite, and wouldn’t benefit from a fat reduction procedure such as liposuction, the Allentown, PA area surgeon says.

“Some people don’t need much fat removed. They only need a treatment that smooths the skin’s surface and improves the skin’s quality, and that’s where Cellulaze comes in.”

Cellulaze works by treating the fibrous bands of tissue below the skin, which pull down and create a lumpy, uneven surface. In addition, it stimulates the production of collagen, which can lead to thicker, smoother, more elastic skin.

“The procedure only requires a couple of very small incisions, through which I insert a specially designed laser tool,” Dr. Schlechter says. “The laser energy releases the fibrous tissue bands that cause the uneven skin surface, and liquefies herniated pockets of fat that contribute to the problem. The treatment also sends the body a signal to start producing more collagen.”

At Proserpi-Schlechter Center for Plastic Surgery, Dr. Schlechter’s patients also turn to Cellulaze to tighten skin on the neck and arms for a more youthful appearance.

“With the results I’ve seen, it’s easy to understand why Cellulaze was chosen as a winner in the field of innovation,” Dr. Schlechter said. “It is the first FDA-approved surgical procedure that effectively treats the frustrating effects of cellulite.”

If you have tried to eliminate cellulite with diet, exercise or special creams without success, it’s time to learn more about Cellulaze. To find out if Cellulaze can help you, request a consultation online. Or, call our Wyomissing office at (610) 678-9200 to schedule your appointment.

The Pennsylvania Medical Political Action Committee has named Dr. Benjamin Schlechter chairman of its board of directors. Dr. Schlechter specializes in plastic surgery in the Lancaster, PA area.

Wyomissing, Pennsylvania (January 2013) – Dr. Benjamin Schlechter, who practices plastic surgery near Lancaster, PA, has been named chairman of the board of the Pennsylvania Medical Political Action Committee (PAMPAC).

PAMPAC is the political arm of the Pennsylvania Medical Society. According to the PAMPAC website it is “one of the largest bipartisan political action committees in the state… made up of members of the Pennsylvania Medical Society and its Alliance who are interested in making a positive contribution to the medical profession through the political process.”

The group supports pro-medicine candidates running for statewide offices in Pennsylvania. It also works with the American Medical Political Action Committee on federal political campaigns.

“It’s an honor to be chosen by my peers to head this vital organization,” Dr. Schlechter says. “The political action committee is devoted to supporting candidates who advocate for patients and physicians. PAMPAC makes a difference, and I am excited to be a part of that.”

In addition to backing candidates for the Pennsylvania House and State Senate who support the best interests of patients and the medical community, PAMPAC lends its support to judicial candidates statewide. It also plays a vital role in bringing attention to political issues such as lawsuit-abuse reform, fair insurance practices and measures to protect patient safety.

As chairman of the board of PAMPAC, Dr. Schlechter will play a critical role in meeting with top level candidates from both parties vying for high-level statewide offices. Candidates for a multitude of offices, including Pennsylvania governor, U.S. Senate, attorney general and the U.S. Congress have met with the physician leaders of PAMPAC, acknowledging the importance of the political action committee.

“Through PAMPAC, the voices of physicians and patients are being heard loud and clear. I am impressed by what the committee has been able to achieve,” Dr. Schlechter says.

For more than 28 years, Dr. Schlechter has demonstrated his commitment to exemplary care at his private practice, Proserpi-Schlechter Center for Plastic Surgery. Women and men come to Dr. Schlechter from communities including Reading, Lancaster and Allentown for liposuction and other body contouring procedures, breast enhancement and facial surgery. Dr. Schlechter has also established a full-service medical spa, The Spa at Spring Ridge.

As one of the leading board-certified plastic surgeons in the Lancaster, PA area, Dr. Schlechter has always been a strong advocate for the rights and safety of patients. His dedication to the medical profession is evident in his involvement in numerous professional organizations. In addition to the Pennsylvania Medical Society, Dr. Schlechter is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, the American College of Surgeons and the American Medical Association.

“It’s important to stay involved with one’s peers in the medical community,” Dr. Schlechter says. “In my role as chairman of the board of directors of PAMPAC, I represent physicians from every specialty. We are a diverse group, but we all share the goal of advancing the field of medicine and improving the care of patients.”

To find out why patients come to Proserpi-Schlechter Center for Plastic Surgery from far and wide, request a consultation online. Or, call our Wyomissing office at (610) 678-9200 to schedule your appointment.

The Proserpi-Schlechter Center for Plastic Surgery is now offering Cellulaze cellulite treatment for Reading, Lancaster and Allentown patients. Cellulaze is the 1st procedure to reduce the look of cellulite for 1 year or more with 1 treatment.

Wyomissing, Pennsylvania (July 2012) –The Proserpi-Schlechter Center for Plastic Surgery (www.springridgeplasticsurgery.com) is now offering Cellulaze cellulite treatment for Reading, Lancaster and Allentown patients. This new technology goes beyond traditional treatments for cellulite, straight to the root of the problem, to reduce the appearance of cellulite.

“Until now, it has not been possible to treat cellulite effectively, but with the introduction of Cellulaze, I can finally give my patients the results they’ve been looking for,” said Dr. Schlechter. “I’m thrilled to be able to add this to my practice, providing my patients with one stop for all their cosmetic needs.”

In a recent survey, 82% percent of women reported having cellulite, most believing they could minimize its appearance with diet and exercise. However, cellulite can’t always be eliminated by diet and exercise alone. Now, for the first time, Cellulaze offers a safer and more effective treatment available to select physicians such as Dr. Schlechter nationwide.

Cellulaze is ideal for treating patients who, despite a healthy diet and exercise, retain the appearance of cellulite. Cellulaze gets to the core of the problem by targeting the cause beneath the skin. First, it delivers laser energy to the dermis, producing thicker skin and increased elasticity. It also thermally subscises fibrotic bands that pull down on the skin. Lastly, it contours for the improvement of herniated pockets or lumps of fat.

Cellulaze offers a new approach to the way physicians think about cellulite and as a result, treat cellulite. By utilizing this technology, and working with a skilled and qualified plastic surgeon, patients are now able to achieve lasting results they never thought possible – all from one simple treatment. Patients usually see initial improvement within a few weeks, with more improvement continuing to appear for a few months following the procedure.

For more information on the Cynosure® Cellulaze system and our other offerings, or to schedule a consultation, please call Proserpi-Schlechter Center for Plastic Surgery at (610) 678-9200.

Dr. Benjamin Schlechter is a board-certified plastic surgeon at the Proserpi-Schlechter Center for Plastic Surgery near Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He offers a full-range of plastic surgery options for the face, breast and body, as well as many non-surgical procedures such as BOTOX® and laser hair removal at his medical spa. Dr. Schlechter received his medical degree from the University of Health Sciences/The Chicago Medical School in Chicago, Illinois, and completed residency in general surgery at Case Western Reserve University and Mount Sinai Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. He completed his residency and chief residency in Plastic Surgery at the University of Illinois – Chicago. He is affiliated with many professional organizations, such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. Dr. Schlechter is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has more than 28 years of experience.

Are you ready to say “goodbye” to cellulite for good? Request a consultation online. Or, call our office at (610) 678-9200.

Dr. Benjamin Schlechter, a breast augmentation surgeon in the Lancaster, PA, area, is now offering innovative 3D imaging technology so his patients can be more clear in their cosmetic surgery expectations.

Wyomissing, Pennsylvania (February 2012) – Dr. Benjamin Schlechter who specializes in breast augmentation in the Lancaster, PA, area, is now offering Vectra® 3D imaging for his plastic surgery patients. This technology helps patients ease their uncertainty prior to a procedure by using digital imaging to create pictures of potential results.

“I’m always looking for ways to improve the surgical process and methods for helping women and men feel more comfortable with a proposed procedure,” Dr. Schlechter says. “Vectra 3D imaging helps patients visualize what they may look like after recovering from plastic surgery procedures. This creates a more efficient consultation process and minimizes the guesswork associated with choosing the most effective procedure.”

Using three-dimensional pictures of a patient’s physical features, Vectra 3D imaging is able to capture small details to create an accurate digital image. Dr. Schlechter then uploads the image into Sculptor™ software, where he is able to make small adjustments for his patients near Allentown. Liposuction and other cosmetic procedures can be improved through this technology.

“Vectra 3D imaging enables me to create images of what patients could look like after a procedure,” says Dr. Schlechter. “Once a patient looks at the potential results, she or he is able to give feedback. From there, I can make minor adjustments to the plan to create the desired results. This back-and-forth discussion helps patients visualize how they can enhance their appearances, and it assists me by creating a more accurate picture of their likes and dislikes.”

Dr. Schlechter explains that most of the uneasiness from patients prior to surgery comes from a fear that their plastic surgeons in the Lancaster, PA, area don’t fully understand their desired results. Vectra 3D imaging helps relieve this fear by creating digital images that both the patient and the surgeon can see and agree on.

“Vectra 3D imaging is a great way for patients to create a more accurate picture of their potential results,” Dr. Schlechter says. “Although this software is extremely advanced, it should be noted that variations in results can still occur. With this information in mind, patients can use this technology to feel more comfortable with surgery and more assured about getting beautiful and natural looking results.”

If you want to learn more about how Vectra 3D imaging can help you plan your cosmetic surgery procedure, request a free consultation with Dr. Schlechter. Or, you can call our Wyomissing office at (610) 678-9200 to schedule an appointment.

The Proserpi-Schlechter Center for Plastic Surgery has added 3D animations and information about cosmetic plastic surgery procedures like liposuction, eyelid surgery and breast augmentation to its Web site.

Wyomissing, Pennsylvania (January 2011) – The Proserpi-Schlechter Center for Plastic Surgery now offers 3D animation videos on its Web site for women and men considering procedures such as liposuction, face lifts and breast augmentation. This new feature allows people considering plastic surgeons in Reading and Lancaster, PA to see step-by-step animations of surgical procedures, providing a more in-depth understanding of what to expect during surgery.

“We are thrilled to offer this new technology to women and men considering cosmetic surgery,” says board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Benjamin Schlechter. “These videos, which can be viewed free of charge on our Web site, are an important addition because they provide visitors with the information they need about the procedure or procedures they are considering, all in an easy-to-understand format.”

The engaging visual content delivers an interactive educational experience with lifelike animation models, rotating graphics, narration, and text captions describing each step of the surgical process. The videos are between 5 to 10 minutes long and are available for the full range of plastic surgery procedures offered at Dr. Schlechter’s plastic surgery practice in Reading. A brief introduction welcomes viewers to the page and includes a personalized “Doctor’s Note” from Dr. Schlechter. People can then watch the complete slide show or select specific steps that they are most interested in.

“Our main goal is to take some of the unknowns out of surgery, which helps to make the conversation during the plastic surgery consultation that much richer, while also providing peace of mind right from the start,” Dr. Schlechter explains. “The new digital content available on our Web site accomplishes this because it is both visually compelling as well as informative. People can watch, read, and listen to the procedures that interest them, including liposuction, face lifts or breast augmentation in Lancaster, PA. This is truly an innovation in healthcare.”

It comes as no surprise that the Proserpi-Schlechter Center for Plastic Surgery is once again at the forefront of advanced technology – the state-of-the-art facility has earned a reputation as an equal to surgery centers in major metropolitan areas. The Center’s luxurious 10,000 square foot facility includes an in-office surgical suite as well as a medical spa for non-surgical procedures. The practice is praised for using both time-honored techniques as well as the most up-to-date equipment that ensures patient safety, comfort, and results.

“Every decision we make is made in the best interests of our patients,” Dr. Schlechter says. “From our modern office and friendly staff to the new features available on our Web site, we are devoted to providing the best experience possible.”

If you’re interested in plastic surgery from Dr. Schlechter, contact his office by calling (610) 678-9200 or request a complimentary consultation online.