Archive for July, 2007

Published by Ovidio Alarcon - Plastic Surgery in Colombia on 27 Jul 2007

Mentoplasty (Chin Surgery)

What is Mentoplasty?
Mentoplasty (chin surgery) is a term describing the restructuring and reformation of the “mentum” region of the face. This is the most anterior portion of the jaw or mandible. Sometimes, the jaw region can be quite prominent, called “Macrogenia,” or quite deficient and receded, which is called “Microgenia.” By sculpting the chin through mentoplasty plastic surgery, you can achieve the aesthetically pleasing chin you have always desired.

The Mentoplasty Procedure

The Mentoplasty plastic surgery procedures is generally performed under intravenous anesthesia, but can also be performed under general anesthesia. The procedure begins with an incision made inside the mouth. The advantage of the “in the mouth incision” is that an external wound is completely avoided. It is difficult to see a healed wound underneath the chin, but nonetheless, a “transoral” or through the mouth approach is desired. Oftentimes, submental liposuction of a double chin can be performed at the same time as the mentoplasty and in this instance the incision is made underneath the chin.

The mentoplasty procedure takes approximately 30 minutes. There are a number of chin implants you may choose that assist you in achieving adequate chin resculpturing. Gortex and silicone are two of the most common implants, as they have proven to achieve optimum recontouring in many studies.

Regardless of which implant is chosen, the implant is carefully placed in front of the mandible, deep into the chin’s soft tissue in order to achieve the desired increase in projection and alteration of the contour. Each individual’s unique set of circumstances and unique physical characteristics dictate the implant requirements. Generally no screws or plates are required for mentoplasty. The implant is held in place with a suture or it is placed beneath the periosteum, which is the fibrous protective layer adherent to the jawbone.
Overall improvement is generally expected after mentoplasty and improvement in contour can easily be seen at the time of surgery. Enhancements are completely visible six to eight weeks after the mentoplasty procedure.

Published by Ovidio Alarcon - Plastic Surgery in Colombia on 27 Jul 2007

Therapy Unit

TherapyAs an integral part of our services, the Therapy Unit is at the disposition of the patients for pre-operative and post-operative procedures, as well for a diverse range of facial and body treatments and Spa services. The equipment of our facilities is of the highest quality and technology. We have a highly experienced and select group of specialists to properly support each of the therapies.

* Pre-operative Therapies: This innovative service is especially targeted for patients who are having procedures such as Lipoabdominoplasty, mammoplasty, blepharoplasty, facial lifting, etc. The therapies are based on lymphatic drainage and ultrasound that will favor as example the fat removal, as well as improving the elasticity of the abdominal skin to be submitted to a lipectomy.

* Post-operative Therapies: As component for the successful and speedy recovery, these therapies are actually the key to obtain improved results. Generally the treatment starts the second or third day after the surgery and are prescribe for at least ten sessions.

We have at our disposition the medical equipment to help us provide:

  • reduction in discomfort and inflammation
  • improved scaring
  • prevent Subcutaneous fibrosis after liposuction
  • prevent capsular contraction of mammary area
  • improve the disappearance of hematomas and many more benefitsThe fundamental equipment consists of: ultrasound, cryotherapy regenotherapy, cromotherapy and theracane

Facial Therapies: Facial Cleansing, Microdermoabrasion, Photorejuvenation, Despigmentation, Nutrition, Toning, Facial Expression Lines
Corporal Therapies: Firming, Reducing, Celullitis, Post-partum.
Spa: Relaxation, Volcanic Stones, Corporal Peeling, Chocotherapy, Aromatherpy

CONTACT US FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR FULL RANGE OF SERVICES AT OUR THERAPY UNIT!

Published by Ovidio Alarcon - Plastic Surgery in Colombia on 18 Jul 2007

About Our Plastic Surgery Institute

Ovidio Alarcón performs plastic surgery for clients in Colombia, North America, Central America, South American and the Caribbean. For clients coming from the United States, we offer great plastic surgery options and excellent service. We value each client, whether they are travelling abroad or are in country, we strive to make each client’s experience as comfortable and pleasing as possible.

We offer both Cosmetic Plastic surgery procedures and Cosmetic Treatments. Some of the plastic surgery procedures we perform are: Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), Rhytidectomy (facelift), Eyebrow lift, Foreheadh Lift, Otoplasty (ear surgery), Mentoplsaty (chin surgery), Double chin surgery, Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Breast Reduction, Liposuction (lipoplasty), Abdominoplaty (tummy tuck), Gluteoplasty (buttocks augmentation, Breast Implants, Buttocks Implants, Thigh Implants, Endoscopic Surgery.

Some of our Cosmetic Procedures include: Botox, Hyaluronic Acid, Facial/Skin Treatments, Facial Cosmetology, Body Treatments (reducing, firming, anticellulitis), Relaxation Therapies, and Depilation (hair removal).

Published by Ovidio Alarcon - Plastic Surgery in Colombia on 18 Jul 2007

Blefaroplasty | Eye Lid Surgery

Blefaroplasty is the surgical procedure recommended for patients with excess skin and bags on their upper and lower eye lids.

This surgery is normally diagnosed for men and women around 40 years old. Nevertheless, this surgery is practiced on patients younger than 40 years old due to hereditary defects or cosmetic reasons.

There is plenty of good news when answering the most frequent questions about this surgery:

• Post-operation rest: this surgery only requires three days of complete rest.
• Removal of the stitches is the day after the surgery.
• Post-operation therapies start on the second day.
• Bruises and inflammation disappear after 10 days of the operation.
• Complete results of the surgery are noticeable at 2 months.
• Scars are discretely covered in the creases and natural expression lines, making all scaring hardly noticeable.

Remove the expression of being tired or sad! Additionally gain a younger appearance.


The expressions of sadness and tiredness are often a result of excess skin and bags on the upper and lower lids. Blefaroplasty is the ideal choice to obtain the happy and youthful appearance of past years.

CALL US TODAY FOR COSMETIC CONSULTING!!! Contact Us For More Information about our Plastic Surgery Services for Blefaroplasty | Eye Lid Surgery

Published by Ovidio Alarcon - Plastic Surgery in Colombia on 16 Jul 2007

Liposuction FAQ’s

Liposuction FAQ’s

Let Dr. Ovidio Alarcón give you the body you have always dreamed of! We know that it can be very frustrating when you have a regular excercise routine, yet can’t seem to get rid of those extra areas of fat. You think “There has to be an easier way!” We have good news. There is a way! Liposuction just might be the answer you are looking for. And, it’s easy – or at least it’s easier than working out for all those years!

What is liposuction all about? How safe is it? How bad is the pain? How long will it take? We will attempt to answer some of the more general questions here. Specific questions and diagnoses should be obtained only from a personal consultation with Dr. Alarcón.

  • What is liposuction?
  • How do you select the right plastic surgeon?
  • Liposuction Procedures
  • Liposuction Recovery

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is an outpatient operation that removes pockets of fat. It works by suctioning out fat, like a vacuum cleaner takes dirt out of a carpet. The fat that is removed during liposuction will never come back. It almost sounds too good to be true.

Fat is distributed in different parts of the body, and since everyone is different the fat may is distributed different for each person. Therefore, if there are only small numbers of fat cells left in a certain area, the brain will automatically send the fat somewhere else. Of course, that is not true if you gain a lot of weight (50 or more pounds).

Liposuction is most definitely not meant for losing weight. It is not safe to remove large amounts of fat during the liposuction procedure. However, it is perfect for contouring parts of the body and for removing a particular area of fat that just won’t go away.

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Selecting the right plastic surgeon?

This should be your most important decision. You may need to do a bit of research. Your surgeon should be degreed and certified at a reputable institution. In addition, your should choose the plastic surgeon with whom you are most comfortable. This is an important decision, and if the surgeon does not make you comfortable then he/she is probably not a good fit for you. Our surgeon, Dr. Ovidio Alarcón graduated as Doctor and Surgeon in 1989, from the Industrial University of Santander. He later attended the Institute of Surgery Reconstructiva de Jalisco in Guadalajara, Mexico where he decided to specialize in plastic surgery. He is an active member of the Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery, as well as the Vice-President of the Seccional East of the Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery.

The Liposuction Procedure

The liposuction procedure involves making tiny incisions (about the size of a pencil eraser) in about two or three positions for each area where the liposuction will be performed. Then, a fluid that is mixed with numbing medication and medications that reduce bleeding are placed into the area through the small incisions. Usually, as much fluid is put in as fat you plan to take out, so if you plan to take out two pounds of fat, you would put in two pounds of fluid. This is called the “tumescent” liposuction technique. This numbs everything so that you can have the surgery while you are wide-awake. Once the fluid starts to work, the procedure can begin. After that, if you are awake, you will be completely numb and, if you are asleep, you will not feel anything. Next, using liposuction cannulas, the fat is removed. This is done very carefully to ensure that the fat is removed evenly and the body is contoured for the best shape.

Once the liposuction procedure is complete, you will see small pieces of tape where the tiny incisions were made. You will be dressed with gauze over the incisions and a compression garment over the entire area.

Liposuction Recovery

As you wake up from surgery, you may feel only a mild amount of pain or no pain at all. Regardless, you should take oral pain medication as soon as you can, so that the medication can anticipate the pain and act ahead of time.

It is very important to take into consideration the amount of pain you will experience. This depends of factors such as how much fat is removed and in how many areas. For example, if you have one pound of fat removed from one area only, then you will probably have a very mild amount of pain. Of course, if you have more areas worked on or a larger amount of fat removed, you will feel more pain. Soreness will continue for about two weeks. There are several other after-effects to keep in mind:

  • Bruising is usually an issue if several areas are involved; expect bruising for seven to 10 days.
  • For a day or two after surgery, expect lots of seepage from the incision points. Be sure to keep gauze over these areas as instructed.
  • A good amount of swelling is completely should occur. This is completely normal and part of the healing process. You will need to wear a compression garment for about six weeks, during which the swelling will subside.

After liposuction, our patients can usually return back to work in just a few days. However, this again depends on the amount of fat removed and the number of areas that are worked on. Once the healing process is complete, you can look in the mirror and see the figure you have always wanted to see!

CALL US TODAY FOR COSMETIC CONSULTING!!! Contact Us For More Information about our Plastic Surgery Services for Liposuction

Published by Ovidio Alarcon - Plastic Surgery in Colombia on 01 Jul 2007

Plastic Surgery Procedures

LiposuctionOur Plastic Surgery Procedures include:

  • Breast Implants
  • Breast Lift/Breast Augmentation
  • Breast reduction
  • Liposuction
  • Blefaroplasty (eye lid surgery)
  • Mentoplasty (Chin Surgery)
  • Pectoral Implants
  • Hyaluronic Acid
  • Rhinoplasty
  • Brow Lift
  • Forehead Lift
  • Tummy Tuck
  • Buttocks Augmentation
  • Abdominoplasty
  • Our Cosmetic Procedures
  • Botox
  • Hyaluronic Acid
  • Facial/Skin Treatments
  • Facial Cosmetology
  • Body Treatments (reducing, firming, anticellulitis)
  • Relaxation Therapies, and Depilation (hair removal).

Published by Ovidio Alarcon - Plastic Surgery in Colombia on 01 Jul 2007

Dr. Ovidio Alarcón Bio

Ovidio Alfonso Alarcón Almeyda was born on March 7, 1962 in Colombia, from a very young age he knew he wanted to be doctor, which is why he decided to study medicine.

Dr. Alarcón recieved his doctorite in 1989 from the Industrial University of Santander. He later attended the Institute of Surgery Reconstructiva de Jalisco, in Guadalajara, Mexico, where he decided to specialize in Plastic Surgery. In 2000, he received his master’s degree in plastic surgery from the University of Guadalajara, Jalisco in Mexico.

Dr. Alarcón belongs to several different medical societies and is active member of the Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery, as well as the Vice-President of the Seccional East of the Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery.

CALL US TODAY FOR COSMETIC CONSULTING!!! Contact Us For More Information about our Plastic Surgery Services and Dr. Ovidio Alarcon