Plastic Surgeons in South Florida

Hi guys, I am jumping the gun a bit because I haven't had my surgery yet (my date is 8/15...yay!) Yesterday, I attended a presentation at my hospital given by a plastic surgeon with the topic of "plastic surgery after massive weight loss." First of all, it scared the cr*p out of me. I know I will have loose skin and all, but I am now quite terrified as to how I am going to look after my weight loss. And all of the pain and complications...eek! In addition, though, it got me thinking...what recommendations would fellow OH'ers have for plastic surgeons in South Florida (I am in Palm Beach county, but would travel a few hours to make sure I get the best). If anyone has had experience with doctors here, would you mind sharing your experiences. I'd ask for photos, but I almost feel weird doing that. Anyone? I'd appreciate it! Thank you so much.

Hi! I'm still only 9 months out myself, but during the Orlando OH Conference, my vendor table (I own Ruby Cruises) was set up near Dr. Bernard Shuster out of Hollywood, FL.  I had a chance to view his information video, and decided rght then and there, that when my PS time comes, I will DEFINITELY be consulting with Dr. Shuster!   He takes into consideration the line and shape of his cuts so that you don't look so much like "Frankenstein".  One thing that really impressed me is that for the lower body lift, he does a bikini type cut to go with your natural curves - not just a straight across type thing.   I still have a way to go before I'm ready, but when the time is right, I will make a bee-line for Dr. Shuster! Hope this helps!   ~ Terri

Hi Terri, Thank you for writing. Yes, it actually does help. He's one of the most recommended plastic surgeons in our area for plastic surgery. I looked at his before/after pictures and I think he does pretty nice work. He even shows pictures of some gastric bypass patients on his website. I wish he had some before/after for breast reduction, though. I did not see any on his website. Also, the bypass patients he showed images of, did not have very severe deformity. In addition to being very competent medically, these guys really have to be artists too. It's simply not something we can like pick out of the yellowpages. LOL. Thanks for writing. I appreciate it!

Oh absolutely - you have to be really choosy.  At least I am - that's how I was before my RNY - it took me three years to decide on it, and then I ended up interviewing SEVERAL surgeons before deciding on mine.  If you can believe it though, it still wasn't enough, because while I was very busy looking into Lap Band and RNY, I allowed other types of WLS options to slide past me, and while things are good WLS-wise, I wish I had taken even more time to dig a little deeper (i.e., DS and Gastric Sleeve)!  So when my PS time comes, I will definitely be scouring with a fine tooth comb - I have a feeling though, as I said, I will probably end up with Dr. Shuster.   ~ Terri

hey! .. we have the same WLS surgeon.... i used dr samson that works for cleveland clinc.. he did a great job with my lower body lift

Don't get too worked up about plastics just yet.  You may be one of the lucky ones that doesn't end up with too much excess skin.  I wasn't so lucky.  Also, due to previous facial tumor surgery I was looking for a plastic surgeon with experience with bariatric &  parotidectomy patients.  I interviewed 9 plastic surgeon from Atlanta to Miami (I live in Tallahassee).  I chose Dr. Bernard Shuster in Hollywood, FL and he is excellent!!  He has done all of my plastics.  Even though I have to drive over 7 hours to see him and stay in a hotel for about a week after each surgery I would do it again!! Good luck on our wl journey & plastics, too if & when the time comes! Vickie J.