Check out ContourMD on Facebook

Should you “like” your plastic surgeon on Facebook or “follow” his tweets on Twitter? Cosmetic surgeons are increasingly embracing technology by using social media to connect with their patients and to engage potential new patients. But is this really a good idea? Here are some reasons why it might be.

Social media sites allow plastic surgeons to create a more personal presence so that patients can get a better feel for who they are and what their philosophies are about certain practices or procedures. Now let’s examine some specific social media sites to see how they can help your cosmetic surgeon to communicate with you or to improve his or her practice.

If your plastic surgeon has a Facebook page, it’s likely that he or she has included some personal information, such as educational experience, board certification, and practice experience. Your cosmetic surgeon’s Facebook page may also include testimonials from satisfied patients and before and after procedure photos. A Facebook page is also a good place for your plastic surgeon to post messages about new procedures, changes in office hours, or information about new staff members.

A Twitter account will also allow your plastic surgeon to send brief updates about recent changes in practices or policies. Another good use that a plastic surgeon may have for a Twitter account is to post links to articles describing new innovations in plastic surgery. Your plastic surgeon may also use Twitter to inform patients about unexpected schedule openings, so you may be able to snag that last-minute appointment you’ve been waiting for.

LinkedIn is a good site for any professional. It will allow your plastic surgeon to link to other cosmetic surgeons, which provides your surgeon with access to consultations with other plastic surgery experts. LinkedIn also gives plastic surgeons an opportunity to share information with each other so that they can stay on top of what’s going on in their field.

YouTube is a good way for plastic surgeons to introduce themselves to potential new patients. An introductory video might include a brief description of the surgeon’s credentials and a virtual tour of the office. YouTube can also be a useful tool for showing video animations of procedures so you can see, in advance, what will happen during your plastic surgery procedure.

So go ahead and click the “like” button on Facebook or follow your plastic surgeon on Twitter. You might be glad you did.

ContourMD is on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn … follow us, friend us, watch us and connect with us for news, updates, promotions and a tad bit of humor!

Second Stage Garments by ContourMD

If you are planning a plastic surgery procedure, you’ll need to invest in a compression garment. Compression garments, also known as plastic surgery recovery garments or post-surgical garments, improve circulation, help rid the body of potentially harmful fluids, reduce swelling, and decrease plastic surgery recovery time.

Immediately after your surgery, you’ll need a first stage recovery garment. The type of compression garment you need will depend on your type of surgery. If you are undergoing a breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast reconstruction, breast lift, or arm lift, you’ll need a compression vest or a post-surgical bra. For liposuction or a tummy tuck, you’ll want to purchase an abdominal binder, a compression girdle, or a body shaper. Facial compression wraps are recommended for facelift surgery.

A few weeks after your plastic surgery, your plastic surgeon may tell you to switch to a second stage compression garment. Second stage recovery garments are less bulky than first stage recovery garments. But don’t let the lightweight material fool you. Second stage recovery garments still provide compression, which increases circulation and helps the body heal.

Because second stage recovery garments are less restrictive than first stage compression garments, they can easily be worn undetected underneath everyday clothing. Second stage recovery garments come in a variety of styles. Mid-thigh girdles and mid-calf girdles fit well under shorts, capris, or skirts. Since they are lightweight, they are a good choice during the hot summer. Ankle body garments may be more comfortable under slacks and can add an extra layer of warmth during the cold winter months.

Whether you need a first stage compression garment or a second stage recovery garment, keep in mind that plastic surgery recovery can last several weeks, so it a good idea to have more than one post-surgical recovery garment on hand.

ShapeWear Body Breifer

A little nip here.   A little tuck there.  If you’re like most women, there’s at least one thing about your body you’d like to change.  If you’re not yet ready to take the leap into the world of plastic surgery, ShapeWear might be the answer for you.

Although ShapeWear is sometimes worn as a second stage compression garment following a plastic surgery procedure, it can also be worn on an every day basis to smooth out the contours of your body.  The great thing about ShapeWear is the variety of garments on the market today:

• Tanks and camis lift the breasts while slimming the waist.
• Body briefers fit like a leotard and lift the breasts while slimming the torso and hips.
• Waist shapers create an hourglass figure by cinching the waist.
• Thigh shapers lift and shape the rear while smoothing and slimming the tummy, waist, and thigh area.
• Body wrap panties flatten the stomach while lifting and shaping the backside.

ShapeWear is lightweight and can be easily worn under all types of clothing.