Category: Plastic Surgery

by Dr. Sam Sukkar

Houston, TX — Dr. Sam Sukkar, a plastic surgeon in Houston, has announced the introduction of a new imaging device from Canfield Scientific, Inc. called the Vectra XT for taking 3-dimensional, high-resolution images for sophisticated treatment planning and enhanced patient care. Dr. Sukkar says the device allows surgeons to accurately predict what patients can expect to look like following an aesthetic procedure of the face, breast, or body and improve the doctor-patient consultation process to help patients set realistic expectations. He says he is excited for this new technology and its ability to give patients confidence in their outcome from a procedure such as breast augmentation in Houston.

At his Houston plastic surgery practice, Dr. Sukkar provides a wide range of aesthetic surgical and non-invasive procedures from liposuction to BOTOX® Cosmetic. With the addition of the Vectra 3D machine, he says he hopes to provide patients with further peace of mind in their plastic surgery decision by refining the capacity to predict results from a procedure and encouraging an open discussion between patient and doctor about their individual aesthetic goals. Dr. Sukkar says he also aims to demonstrate his commitment to providing the latest in patient care technology and effective results with the addition of the Vectra XT imaging device.

Using high-resolution, color image capture and sharp, 3D resolution, the Vectra XT takes pictures of a patient’s face, breast, and body and combines the images with a software program that lets surgeons manipulate their appearance on the digital display to project possible outcomes following a procedure. Dr. Sukkar says the image capture takes only a few minutes and patients will then be able to experiment with different looks until they find the one that fits their needs. He says the images then help him create a customized surgical plan with his patients to establish an appropriate treatment.

“In our office, we spend a great deal of time going over appropriate implant sizes with patients and try to help them visualize their new look with implant sizers. However, patients continue to agonize over implant size. Vectra 3D Imaging can alleviate this concern for patients by providing a digital, interactive 3D image of their expected results.”

Dr. Sukkar says he hopes the new technology enhances his patients’ plastic surgery experience and provides them with the comfort of knowing what to expect from their procedure. Regardless of whether they are looking for breast augmentation or tummy tuck in Houston, he adds that patients should be sure to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon so as to receive the highest quality care and safe, effective results.

Click here for more information about the Vectra 3D imaging device.

About Sam M. Sukkar, MD, FACS

A graduate of Louisiana State University and the LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans, Dr. Sam Sukkar completed his general surgery residency at the University of Texas Hermann Hospital and a plastic surgery fellowship at the University of Texas Division of Plastic Surgery, where he was awarded the Thomas D. Cronin Fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He also completed his plastic surgery residency at Northwestern University. Dr. Sukkar is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Sukkar has also been selected by Houston Magazine as one of the “Top Docs for Women.”

Located at 1616 Clear Lake City Blvd, Suite 102 in Houston, TX, Dr. Sukkar’s practice can be reached at (281) 940-1535. He can also be contacted online via the website drsukkar.com or facebook.com/sukkarplasticsurgery.

by Dr. Sam Sukkar

A common concern for patients considering a facelift, or any cosmetic surgery procedure, is how long their results will last. While this can vary according to genetics, lifestyle, and other factors, Dr. Sam Sukkar strives to help patients understand what they can expect should they undergo a specific procedure.

Facelift surgery, for instance, provides lifting of deep facial tissues to provide long-lasting results. It is designed to improve lax skin, fatty deposits, and loose muscles that develop in the face with age, returning it to a more youthful state. While a facelift can take years, if not decades, off the face, Dr. Sukkar emphasizes that the procedure will not stop aging. He says that after a patient undergoes the procedure, they can experience improvement for about six to nine months as the tissues heal. After this period, they can see a rejuvenated facial appearance that ages more gracefully with time.

Dr. Sukkar encourages anyone considering facelift surgery to schedule their consultation at Sukkar Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa to learn how the rejuvenative procedure can help them reach their aesthetic goals.

by Dr. Sam Sukkar

If you find it hard to imagine how you will look after your breast augmentation procedure you are not alone. In our office we spend a great deal of time going over appropriate implant size choices with patients and allow them to visualize their new look with implant sizers. Despite all of this effort, there still seems to be size choice issues which remain, and I have watched patients agonize over their implant size decision. I am excited to announce that we now have a new tool to assist our patients in visualizing their result, and it is called vectra xt 3D imaging.

ABOUT VECTRA® 3-D IMAGING

This technology has actually been around for quite some time, but it has finally evolved into a user friendly system that can be used in a time efficient manner in a busy clinical practice. Capturing the photo only takes about a second and the data is then processed by a computer. By the time the patient has returned to the consultation room, their images are ready to simulate and can then be reviewed with them.

The beauty of this system is that it has all of the commercially available breast implant sizes loaded in so that with the click of a button, a patient can see not only how she looks currently, but how she will appear after her augmentation. several published studies have validated it’s accuracy and patient satisfaction is around 95%! In addition, many of the patients who would have been reluctant to proceed with an operation were able to do so because of this technology.

This system is going to be implemented into our practice in the next several weeks and we are eagerly awaiting it’s arrival. While it will initially slow down the consultation process, after about a month of use the studies have shown that it actually makes the consultation more efficient, because narrowing down the appropriate choices is quicker and patient understanding is better facilitated. The patient can even get a printout of their anticipated result to take home and review!

The system has been clinically studied in several offices around the country prior to its release. Our office will be one of the first in Houston to get this new technology and I suspect that in a few short years it will be required for the offices of Plastic Surgeons practicing state of the art breast and body contouring surgery. In addition, i believe that the more discriminating,technology savvy patient will demand it, and seek out those practice locations for their breast augmentation surgery.

This new technology is one of several being incorporated into the practice in 2012. In addition to the 3D imager, we will also be rolling out the following: Smartlipo laser for cellulite treatment, powerX power assisted liposuction machine, as well as many other exciting things at sukkar aesthetic plastic surgery.

I will be writing informative articles on all of these exciting events in the next few weeks. We will continue to try and educate our patients and separate what is hype from fact. If there are other topics that you would like to see discussed, contact us or call us at 281.990.8487.

TRY AN ONLINE DEMONSTRATION OF VECTRA 3D

Experiment with different possible results by visiting the Sculpt My Dream website.

The image you see reflected in your mirror may not make you happy. The good news is, with modern surgical techniques, you can enhance your look. When men and women consider their options for plastic surgery, they turn to Dr. Sam Sukkar at The Clinic for Plastic Surgery. With subtle, carefully-performed face or body procedures, you can improve facial flaws, turn back the clock, or resculpt your body. Dr. Sukkar is an accomplished Houston plastic surgeon who is known for his ability to create artistic, natural-looking results.

THE JOURNEY TO BEAUTIFUL SKIN BEGINS TODAY

It’s never too early to begin taking care of your skin. At The Clinic for Plastic Surgery, Dr. Sukkar offers the most innovative products and procedures to care for your skin for a youthful, glowing complexion. No matter your age, it is never too early to give your skin the nourishment and care that keeps it supple and soft. That lit-from-within glow begins with how you care for your skin.

Our rejuvenating treatments repair years of sun damage to restore a youthful glow. The right treatments can help you appear refreshed and rejuvenated. A customized treatment that combines non-surgical and advanced plastic surgery techniques can keep you looking at your best.

ENHANCE YOUR FIGURE

When you consider the body contour you want, lovely curves and a flat, firm abdomen are closer than you think. You can redefine your body image with the artful guidance of one of Houston’s most respected plastic surgeons. Cosmetic enhancements to create a more attractive appearance is an important – and often life-changing decision. The plastic surgeon you select to perform your procedures is an essential point – you want to be confident that your plastic surgeon has the skills, employs the most advanced techniques, and has an artistic eye. Dr. Sam Sukkar has these skills and qualities and can help you achieve your vision for your face and body.

When you’re considering surgical enhancement, while everything is bigger in Texas, you want your breast augmentation to look balanced, suit your frame and be rounded, youthful, and alluring. We are here to help you improve on nature by resolving body flaws, trimming and slimming, and helping you look exceptionally attractive. Whether you’re seeking breast augmentation, body contouring, or facial enhancements, our goal is to create a look that is elegant, refined, and simply, beautiful.

ENHANCING YOUR BEST FEATURES

At The Clinic for Plastic Surgery in Houston, our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Sam Sukkar, approaches his craft with artistry and top-level surgical skills. We offer a full range of procedures for the face, breasts, and body. Exquisite results can be yours.

Your journey begins with a consultation. He will guide you through the decision-making process, choosing the appropriate enhancements to highlight your natural beauty, and retain the unique characteristics that define your look. His calm demeanor and caring temperament provide peace of mind and confidence that you are under the care of a true professional – who cares about you as a person.

Through a customized set of surgical or non-surgical enhancements, you can finally feel like your face and body reveal your true self. When you feel more confident, you glow from within. We invite you to meet with us at our luxury private clinic, where your vision for your face and body can become a reality.

The big reunion, a wedding, an important media event – these types of upcoming events often are the catalyst that prompts a visit to the plastic surgeon to discuss the pros and cons of having a facelift. Among the first questions asked always involves a discussion on how much time to set aside for the recovery process.

The answer to that question depends on the amount of work being done, and the patient’s natural ability to heal but one thing is certain; there is no such thing as a weekend lift or other such procedure that promises little to no recovery time. A skillfully done facelift will require some weeks of healing time and the better prepared you are to navigate the recovery process, the better the outcome.

TAKE AT LEAST 2 WEEKS OFF WORK – 3 IF YOU CAN.

As a board certified and fellowship trained Houston plastic surgeon, Dr. Sukkar recommends his patients arrange at least 2 weeks of uninterrupted recovery time to ensure they achieve the best results possible.

A modern day facelift, or rhytidectomy, has evolved considerably from the early methods of simply removing excess facial skin and stretching it over the face. Without lifting and repositioning the underlying muscles, the skin soon sags under the weight of the non-supportive muscles. Incision closing techniques have evolved considerably as well providing patients with beautiful, discrete results.

Initial recovery takes about 2 weeks before patients feel comfortable being seen in public, although the recovery process continues for several months. The first 2 weeks will be the most intense in terms of necessary actions such as applying cool packs, caring for incisions, modifying hygiene routines and dealing with surgical drains.

THE FIRST WEEK IS THE MOST CHALLENGING.

There will be a certain amount of swelling and bruising which will increase up to day 4, after which dramatic improvement is usually seen and felt over the following 3 days. Swelling can be uniform or can be more pronounced on one side of the face. Cool compresses greatly help diminish swelling and bruising and should be used constantly during the first 3 days. It is important to sleep slightly elevated which will help reduce swelling and help fluids drain out of the surgical site.

Pain from facelift surgery is reported as less than expected and most patients are off prescription pain medication after the first few days. The biggest complaint is the tightness created by swelling but again, this diminishes fairly quickly particularly if cool compresses are used as directed.

During the first week, driving is not recommended. It is prohibited completely as long as the patient is on prescription pain medication. There can be stiffness in the neck which hinders the ability to turn your head and until this passes you should have someone else handle driving tasks.

There will be small drains placed just behind the ears to allow excess fluid to drain which helps diminish swelling and bruising caused by pooling blood. There will also be dressings on the incisions and you may have both dissolvable and non-dissolvable sutures which will be removed usually at the first visit.

DINNER WITH FRIENDS.

After the first 10 days, most patients feel comfortable running quick errands or seeing close friends. After two weeks most of the obvious (to others) bruising and swelling will be gone and strategically placed makeup will cover any remaining bruising. While the outward signs of surgery will be mostly gone after 2 weeks, you will feel your facial tissues settle over the next few months and may experience random swelling as healing makes progress. 

RED CARPET READY

If you want to look your best for that important event, schedule your facelift at least a month to 6 weeks in advance. Unless you have had facial plastic surgery in the past, there is no definite guarantee of a healing schedule. While you will be comfortable going back to work or seeing friends after two weeks or so, being ready for the camera or the scrutiny of classmates who you haven’t seen for years will require a bit more time.

The most important part of recovering from a facelift is following the instructions given to you by your plastic surgeon. As a board certified and fellowship trained plastic surgeon in Houston, Dr. Sukkar has performed countless facial surgical procedures. His recommendations cover years of experience in helping his patients recover from their procedures without complications quickly and beautifully.

The trend to non-invasive cosmetic procedures shows no sign of slowing down for 2016. Many people are trying injectables to test drive a new look before committing to a surgical procedure while others are taking advantage of non surgical liposuction options to rid themselves of stubborn fat pockets. It’s possible to have a whole new look without going under the knife – an option that is very attractive for those who are a little hesitant about committing to surgery or who can’t have surgery due to medical conditions.

DOUBLE CHIN ERASER

One of the latest injectables to be approved by the FDA is a non surgical ‘double chin eraser’ which is especially popular with men. Kybella® (deoxycholic acid) has been approved to treat submental fat below the chin but not in other areas. The active ingredient is naturally found in the body and is injected into the fatty tissue where it destroys the cell membrane. The destroyed fat cells are naturally eliminated from the body leaving a leaner more defined chin.

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY FACIAL PROCEDURES

Non surgical nose shaping and other facial procedures are a rising trend in many plastic surgery offices. Injectable fillers have come a long way from the early generation of lip fillers with many choices for plastic surgeons to choose from. There are fillers specifically approved by the FDA for lips, hands, cheeks and the temple area.

Using injectable fillers, the bridge of the nose can be raised and a noticeable hump can be camouflaged. For the face, fillers and Botox® can be used in combination to add volume to hollow areas in the cheeks and tear troughs, to smooth wrinkles and frown lines and to lift sagging jowls.

NATRELLE INSPIRA BREAST IMPLANT

For those considering breast implants, the FDA recently approved a new implant called Natrelle Inspira™. Made by Allergan (Botox® creator), this round gel-filled silicone implant provides a tailored fit to provide the option of fullness lost through pregnancy or weight loss.

This implant line offers over 240 combinations of size, projection and shape which plastic surgeons can use to custom fit implants for reconstruction and breast revision cases.

COOLSCULPTING® AND SCULPSURE®

CoolSculpting targets fat pockets with the power of cold. Fat cells are frozen using technology that bypasses the outer layers of skin, keeping the patient comfortable during treatment. This treatment can be done over a lunch hour and patients can return to their usual activities immediately.

At the opposite end of the spectrum stubborn pockets of fat are eliminated using SculpSure® a laser light technology. This treatment destroys fat using heat through specially developed treatment heads that cool the upper layer of skin keeping the patient comfortable. Treatments take about 25 minutes and as in CoolSculpting, the fat is eliminated for good.

COSMETIC ENHANCEMENT IS ON THE RISE

Whether surgical or nonsurgical, Americans are being proactive when it come to countering the signs of aging. According to statistics released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons there is a 35% rise in surgical procedures such as breast augmentation and rhinoplasty and a whopping 748% in non surgical procedures from 2000 to 2014. There is no sign of the trend slowing.

You have a high school reunion or a wedding coming up. Question: is there enough time to recovery from my procedure? The answer is…it depends. Certain procedures require more recovery time but in most cases you should be red carpet ready within 4 to 6 weeks.

Dr. Sam Sukkar has a reputation of providing among the best cosmetic surgery Houston has available. He also provides his patients with detailed recovery instructions that are designed to ensure a smooth, uneventful recovery.

The most important thing to keep in mind when timing is important is that everyone heals at a different rate. Allow extra time to heal for a special event especially where you will be the focus of attention.

TIPS FOR RECOVERY

REST

The most important thing to do after surgery of any kind is to rest. That means ensuring you have help following surgery especially if you have small children. Most procedures such as a facelift, breast augmentation and a tummy tuck will restrict bending or lifting for several weeks. That means someone else has to take care of the heavy lifting for awhile.

PREPARE

Another important tip is to prepare your recovery area so you don’t have to climb stairs, prepare meals or answer the door etc. Have everything you need close to hand such as your medication, water, cold packs your phone.

Pay the bills, get the grocery shopping done, take care of any routine tasks that you would normally do so you can concentrate on just resting and recovering. As stated above, be sure to arrange help at home for as long as possible.

FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS

Houston plastic surgeon, Dr. Sukkar, has performed thousands of procedures and knows from experience the do’s and don’ts of recovery. Patients will be advised on when and how to bathe, when they can return to normal activities, and how to care for their incisions.

Follow his instructions concerning what kinds of over-the-counter medications are safe to take. Some can increase bleeding which can create complications. One particularly important thing to avoid is nicotine in all forms as it interferes with the healing process.

With the expertise of Dr. Sukkar and his staff, you can confidently plan to enjoy your new look just in time for spring.

Who doesn’t plan to improve their fitness level or their appearance at the beginning of the year? That is why gym memberships skyrocket in January and February. Looking your best doesn’t have to include a daily struggle at the gym. There are many exciting ways to make a significant change in your appearance with or without surgery.

FACIAL AGING

Countering the effects of facial aging is a top concern of many men and women. Non-surgical injectables such as Radiesse® and Juvéderm™ replace lost volume in the mid-face area which provides a natural lift. This natural lift reduces drooping skin and restores rounder cheeks. For many, that is enough to achieve their goal.

Botox® reduces the appearance of deep expression lines which provides a more approachable look – those frown lines can be intimidating! Combining volumizing filler with Botox is very effective in reducing signs of aging. Injectables are now also used to plump the back of the hands and restore fullness to the neck, reducing that annoying wattle.
Of course, the most long lasting way of lifting sagging skin and restoring youthful contours is through a surgical facelift but if you can’t have surgery or wish to ease into surgical rejuvenation, injectables are a great place to start.

A COMPLETE BODY MAKEOVER

And now to the opposite end of the rejuvenation scale.
A new trend among women who have finished having children is a series of procedures nicknamed the “Mommy Makeover”. This is a tailor made program which usually includes breast augmentation (with or without a breast lift), a tummy tuck and targeted liposuction.

These procedures can be done at the same time in many cases which eliminates the need for multiple surgeries. Because the recovery is done all at once, patients can enjoy their new look in just a few months rather than the years it would take if done individually. Dr. Sukkar is considered among the finest plastic surgeon Houston can provide due to his surgical skill and artistic perception of beauty.

Let this year be the year you achieve your image goals. Contact Dr. Sukkar for a consultation to learn how he can help you meet those goals.

With a commitment to producing the best plastic surgery results possible, Dr. Sam Sukkar is pleased to reveal he has been accepted into the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). As the world’s leading organization for board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeons, ISAPS is composed of more than 2,400 member surgeons spanning 94 different countries. This accreditation communicates to patients that they are receiving care from the most qualified of surgeons.

The mission of ISAPS is to promote excellence in aesthetic plastic surgery, and only the most qualified surgeons are considered for membership. The rigorous review process requires surgeons to be in practice for at least three years after all preliminary medical training, and they must demonstrate they are board certified, uphold the highest safety standards, are committed to ethical care, and are trained in the latest techniques and treatments.

In addition to accrediting cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeons, ISAPS holds scientific conferences, where surgeons can discuss the latest research and innovations in the field. Dr. Sukkar says, “Having a global exposure allows ISAPS member surgeons to broaden their aesthetic surgical perspective and learn from colleagues who may have developed new techniques not common in the U.S.” Beyond the exciting opportunity of traveling internationally to these meetings, Dr. Sukkar emphasizes, “By remaining open and receptive to the knowledge of others, we can adopt or adapt new techniques that can improve the lives of our patients.”

For more information about Dr. Sukkar’s membership in esteemed organizations like ISAPS, or if you are ready to schedule a consultation, please contact us today!

Pauline is a patient of ours who recently underwent a combination of procedures including a breast reduction, tummy tuck, and phenol peel. She was gracious enough to sit down with us to answer a few questions regarding her treatment experience at The Clinic for Plastic Surgery. Below is our interview with Pauline.

What made you decide to undergo plastic surgery to achieve your cosmetic enhancement goals?

At the age of 61, the unfortunate aging process and the loss of skin elasticity are the main reasons, but all my life I have had a history of gaining and losing weight.

How did you go about choosing Dr. Sukkar as your plastic surgeon?

It started with a referral from a friend who had used Dr. Sukkar for her breast reduction. She was extremely excited about the results of her surgery, and she mentioned how helpful and caring Dr. Sukkar and his staff were with her during the whole process.

My research consisted of reading through internet data from various plastic surgeons and then the consultation with Dr. Sukkar and his staff. I chose Dr. Sukkar because of his apparent dedication to providing his patients with results over and beyond their expectations. My decision was made based on how confident and comfortable I felt after meeting and speaking with Dr. Sukkar, his staff, and the surgery team. I knew this was the team of medical professionals I could trust to complete my surgery successfully, with the results I expected.

Did you have a general idea of the procedures that may have been the best options for your goals, or did you make your decision about specific procedures during the initial consultation with Dr. Sukkar?

Going into the consultation I knew I wanted the breast reduction, but after talking with the cosmetic coordinator, I made a decision to also receive the tummy tuck and phenol peel.

How long was the process, from the first consultation to your final results?

Once I made the decision that I was going to have the procedures performed, the whole process took approximately 90 days.

How do you feel now that the procedures have been performed?

I feel absolutely fantastic.

What do your friends and loved ones think of your new look?

Everyone is amazed at the difference it has made, not only in my appearance, but also in the way I feel.

How would you describe your overall experience?

I could not have asked for a better group of medical professionals to be by my side during such a dramatic procedure, and the reason I can say this is because I have had many major surgeries (including three total R-hip replacements) in the past 10-12 years.

I will have no problem referring Dr. Sukkar and his team of medical professionals to others that are considering aesthetic and/or cosmetic surgery.

CONTACT THE CLINIC FOR PLASTIC SURGERY

If you are interested in cosmetic plastic surgery and would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sukkar, please contact The Clinic for Plastic Surgery today.