December 9th, 2009 Dr. Ward
The Arizona Medical Board has a very good standard for choosing a Plastic Surgeon which I firmly believe all clients should read and be prepared. This checklist is produced by the Arizona Medical Board.
How to Choose a Physician for a Cosmetic Procedure or Plastic Surgery 
The demand for cosmetic procedures and plastic surgery is rapidly growing. A large
industry of professionals has also grown to meet this increased demand. The practice can
be very lucrative as many of the procedures are paid for in cash rather than by insurance.
Because most of these procedures are not covered by insurance, patients are on their own
in finding the right physician to perform the desired procedure. When trying to decide
which physician should perform the procedure, patients are motivated by cost,
convenience of location and how soon the procedure can be scheduled. While these are
legitimate and important considerations, they should not override the importance of
choosing the right physician.
In Arizona, any licensed allopathic physician may perform any procedure that he or she is
competent to perform. The law does not prohibit physicians from performing procedures
that were not part of their formal training. There are very good reasons for this, but it
does require patients to carefully research how a particular physician received training in
a particular procedure. The Arizona Medical Board requires all physicians to have the
knowledge and skill to perform procedures within the community standard of care,
whether the physician learned the procedure as part of the formal education or through
informal education.
This leaves the patient with many options in choosing a physician to perform a
procedure. Making the right choice can be challenging. To help in choosing the right
physician, the Arizona Medical Board is offering this guidance document and attached
checklist to assist patients in choosing the right physician to perform a particular
procedure.
Getting started: Most patients begin their search for the right physician by asking friends,
co-workers and family for suggestions. This may be a great way to identify potential
physicians and obtain an actual account from a trusted source. However, the physician
that was right for a friend or family member may not be the right physician for you. Each
patient is unique. Differences in age, gender, build, weight and skin color can make a
difference in choosing a physician. In addition, patients may ask their primary care
physician or other healthcare providers for referrals.
Research: Once you have developed a list of potential physicians, you need to research
the physicians. One of the best places to start this process is at the Arizona Medical
Board’s website, www.azmd.gov. The Arizona Medical Board maintains an on-line
profile of every licensed allopathic physician. This profile will identify the status of the
physician’s license, list where the physician received formal training, identifies the field
of medicine in which the physician received formal training, i.e. surgery, radiology,
family practice, pediatrics, etc. The physician’s profile also identifies if the physician is
Board Certified in a particular specialty by a Board that is recognized by the American
Arizona Medical Board
Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). If such a Board does not certify the physician,
the physician may list an area of practice in which the physician focuses. The web
profile also shows whether the physician has been disciplined, paid on a malpractice
claim or judgment or received a criminal conviction.
Training: You should carefully consider the potential physicians’ training. There are
several ways a physician can learn to perform a particular procedure. First, physicians
can learn a procedure as part of the formal training during a residency or a fellowship.
Second, physicians can learn a procedure informally after completing formal training
from organizations that specialize in training physicians to perform particular procedures.
Third, physicians can learn new procedures by being mentored or trained by other
physicians. Regardless of the training method, physicians can become highly proficient
and competent in performing a particular procedure.
Board Certified: If a physician is Board Certified by a Board recognized by the ABMS,
this indicates that the physician has completed a residency or fellowship in a particular
specialty and has passed examination at a level higher than that required for licensure.
Additionally, some physician must re-qualify for Board Certification every few years to
demonstrate continuing competency in the specialty. Not all Boards that certify
physicians are recognized by the ABMS, and these Boards may not require the higher
standards of training and examination, however, some non-ABMS Boards have high
standards for certification. Therefore, if the physician is not Board certified by an ABMS
Board, you need to research the Board to determine if it is a legitimate organization.
A number of physicians licensed to practice medicine in Arizona do cosmetic procedures
successfully. Some of these physicians may not be Board Certified, but they have had
adequate training and possess sufficient skills to perform procedures safely. Therefore,
Board Certification alone does not demonstrate whether the physician is competent to
perform a particular procedure, but it is one factor to consider.
Assessing the Physician: After selecting a potential physician, it is important that you
assess the physician and the physician’s staff during your first visit. When assessing the
physician’s office and staff, you should look for such things as cleanliness, politeness of
staff, courtesy, privacy, etc. In general, you should feel comfortable with the practice
upon walking in the door and being greeted by staff. When assessing the physician, you
should consider if the physician answered all your questions and spent the time necessary
to make you feel comfortable. You should ask general questions about the procedure: for
instance, how many times has the physician performed the procedure, how did the
physician learn to perform the procedure, will anyone other than the physician perform
part of the procedure, what other similar procedures does the physician perform, does the
physician have picture of the results of the same procedure on other patients.
Arizona Medical Board
Learning the Procedure: Once you are comfortable with the physician, you need to
discuss the actual procedure. The physician should explain, in detail, what is involved
with the procedure. The physician should explain the actual mechanics of the procedure,
how long the procedure should take, how long recovery should take before discharge and
how long recovery should take post-discharge. The physician should also explain what to
expect with regard to wound recovery and how much pain to expect and how to treat the
pain and other post-procedure requirements. The physician should also explain what
warning signs or concerns to watch for that might need immediate attention, such as
bleeding, infection or excessive pain.
Very often, the sedation used during the procedure has more associated risks than the
risks associated with the procedure. Therefore, it is very important that the physician
explain if sedation will be used, and if so what type of sedative agent will be used. The
physician should explain what level of consciousness will be maintained. Sedation can
range from complete unconsciousness to alertness with a mild sedative affect. If the
physician plans on using general anesthesia, then the procedure must be performed in a
facility licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Service such as an outpatient
surgical center or hospital. The physician should explain who would administer and
monitor the sedation and their training, skills, knowledge, qualifications and licenses.
The physician must also inform you of any other persons involved in the procedure,
along with their purpose, training and skills.
Informed Consent: Physicians must have your informed consent prior to performing any
procedure. Physicians must not only have consent for the procedure, but they must also
obtain consent for every person who will be involved in the procedure and where the
procedure will be performed. In order to obtain informed consent, the physician must
provide you with sufficient information for you to make an informed decision. Ensuring
that the you receive sufficient information requires good communication between you
and the physician. While the physician knows the risks and benefits of the procedure,
knows the individuals who will help perform the procedures, and knows the location
where the procedure will be performed, the physician cannot know every issue that may
be of importance to you. So you must ask all questions necessary to ensure your comfort with having a particular procedure performed by a particular physician using particular staff at a particular location. You must also express any limitations or conditions you
want to place on your consent.
Only after you feel completely comfortable with the procedure, the physician, the staff
and the location, should you consent to proceeding with the procedure. While cosmetic
procedures and some plastic surgeries may seem routine and very safe, these procedures
do come with some level of risks. The skills of the physician and the physician’s staff
bear directly upon the risks of a particular procedure. So, it is critically important for
your health and safety that you choose the right physician to perform the procedure, even
if it means paying more for the procedure at a less convenient location and at a later date.
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October 6th, 2009 Dr. Ward
Breast augmentation procedure is a highly patient specific procedure and in my practice we spend a great deal of time discussing the difference
between saline and silicone breast implants. I believe that each client has their own anatomical differences and the implants need to be tailored to the patient. Patients have a number of questions and my main concern is their health and safety. I have both saline and silicone breast implants in my office and if you have some breast tissue and both of your breast are the same size you are a good candidate for the cohesive gel implant or referred to as the silicone gel style. Many patients have slightly different breast tissue from one side to the other wanting a different fill volume to look more even and want to know if the implant is broken. These patients usually choose to have saline breast implants. The” gummy bear” implant goes by many names but is basically the cohesive gel breast implants. These state of the art implants have been on the market for six years. I primarily use breast implants manufactured by the Mentor Corporation and I have implanted thousands of them and I am extremely happy with the more natural looking result.
Breast augmentation surgery Phoenix is on the rise and I am seeing an increasing number of Baby boomers who have had previous implants and want them then exchanged for the updated cohesive gel implant. Many women have had their children and now wish to have a breast lift with an breast enlargement. Many of these women are also choosing to have a “mommy makeover” in which breast and the tummy are operated on at the same time. The overall recovery time is a little longer but the baby boomer have many years to enjoy the benefits of both surgeries. Most often the financial savings for having two surgeries makes sense.
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October 4th, 2009 Dr. Ward
The FDA in April 2009 approved the use of Dysport as an alternative solution to the use of Botox. Dr Ward offers Dysport in Phoenix to his patients to treat and improve frown lines. Dysport is a prescription medicine injected into the muscles to improve moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabbler lines). It is also often used to improve forehead lines and crows feet. Frown lines occur because the muscles that control facial expression are used often over and over. After Dysport is injected, the muscles are weakened becoming less noticeable lasting up to 12 to 14 weeks or longer. Injectables that help facial muscles fade are the number #1 minimally invasive cosmetic procedure in the US according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Dysport is a (abotulinumtoxinA) release inhibitor and neuromuscular blocking agent indicated for temporary improvement of moderate to severe glabellar lines(frown lines). All injectables in my Phoenix Arizona practice are seen for a consultation with me informing them of the risk and benefits of using Dysport. A consent explaining the drug is explained and signed before the procedure. All my clients are marked where the frown lines will be improved and are injected by me. I believe injectables require an experienced professional and caution should be execised in using this drug with anyone other than a board certified plastic surgeon. Combining Dysport and injectable fillers are very popular with my clients and can be done successfully at the same time. Many clients choose to have them during their lunch break then return to work. The downtime is very minimal and majority of clients are returning to their normal schedule within the day or next day after receiving injections. This cosmetic enhancement can last 3-4 months and many clients go longer once they begin using the drug on a consistent schedule. Please contact us to learn more about Dysport in Phoenix and Scottsdale Arizona
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August 31st, 2009 Dr. Ward
In my Phoenix Arizona practice many clients are requesting combinations of cosmetic procedures. One of the most
common and increasingly popular combinations is breast augmentation surgery or breast -lift along with a tummy tuck. The shorter recovery and the financial savings have greatly contributed to the increased demand for these combined surgeries for women in all age groups. Also, the increased media coverage of the term ” mommy makeover” has also become a powerful concept to motivate clients to request these combined surgeries. The safety of the combined procedures has been addressed in many aesthetic surgery journals. The recent data published concurs that combined abdominoplasty (tummy-tuck) and breast was safe and effective. In my practice I am always concerned about safety
and risk for surgeries and for this reason we require additional lab work to ensure the safety of general anesthesia. Generally for age groups of 25-40 this is blood work and over 40 a chest x-ray and EKG. Most often clients are seen the day before for markings of incisions and return to work within 6-10 days. Important factors to consider when selecting this procedure is to stop smoking for 3-4 weeks prior and to not take any aspirin related drugs for at least two weeks prior as they are blood thinners. I have recognized that the majority of women seeking the “mommy makeover” are becoming more educated and want to restore their figures sooner than later after pregnancies. The benefits from these procedures should last a long time.
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August 26th, 2009 Dr. Ward
The Paradise Valley Skin and Body Clinic located in the practice of Dr. John Ward, Phoenix plastic surgeon, uses the top of the line Palomor Starlux Pulsed Light system for the best and top results for laser hair removal in Phoenix. This state-of the art machine is the most reliable and powerful aesthetic system in the world. Our skin care specialist is pleased with the results performed by this
system which causes no pain and no skin damage to the patient. What makes this system different from all others ? The Cooling technology which keeps the skin cooled throughout the treatment giving the client maximum comfort and safety. Hair removal packages are available and since the hair has growth cycles it is best to have 4-6 treatments for best results. Areas for treatments include bikini,face,underarms, back and legs. Please call us for a complimentary consultation at 602-553-0888 or e-mail us at Corliss@johnwardmd.com and get started on “your hair free” way of life.
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August 18th, 2009 Dr. Ward
A primary procedure most often researched by clients on the internet is breast augmentation. I believe it is very important to do your research carefully and when selecting the best plastic surgeon make sure they are a member of ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons). I have been practicing more than 22 years in Phoenix and I have seen lots of surgeries performed by other doctors unfortunately the results are not satisfactory to the client. It’s not surprising to see poorly performed surgeries here. If you review the surgeons credentials many clients selected a doctor who has shifted his or her practice to including cosmetic surgeries in which they have not formal training. So when you begin your journey of researching on the internet review the surgeons credentials, look for Phoenix Breast Augmentation Surgeon who is a memeber of the ASPS, which usually means they have had 5 years of training in general surgery after medical school and two years of a plastic surgery residency training. When scheduling an appointment please inquire about the number of breast surgeries performed and find out if the surgeon has privileges at local hospitals if you should
develop an infection or another serious complication. You have to be board certified in the specialty to be able to admit a client and in general many of the doctors in Phoenix can not admit you to a hospital. If your surgeon says he or she only specializes in breast surgery, than do you homework, because if he is plastic surgery trained why is he or she not performing other surgeries, for example facelifts and or liposuction. In my practice, as well as most ASPS plastic surgeons, breast augmentation surgeries take place in a outpatient surgery center with the help of a fully-trained anesthesiologists. It is important to have a fully-trained anesthesiologist because the breast area is very difficult to numb, and the amount of local medicine used can lead to major risk and other serious complications. When researching doctors to perform you breast augmentation in Phoneix please inquire about mal-practice insurance, and you can check the status of your doctor by reviewing the Board of Medical Examiners website. The most common concern of all clients for breast surgery is how to determine implant sizing and of course the decision of saline or silicone implants. In my practice I always measure the breast size, and then show clients my portfolio of Phoenix breast augmentation photos, using clients similar to their chest size,weight and height. We then look at both the saline and silicone implants and I use a camisole to have you try them on. We have a 3-dimensional mirror so you can see all sides of the breast. We are not in a hurry and believe this is the most important part of your exam and decision. Details are given and your desires for breast augmentation size are discussed in detail. We are happy for you to come again if you are confused about your breast augmentation size, this way you can try them on again and make a decision on your selection. This process is timely but it is very rare for my clients to be surprised by size and 99% of the time a desired selection was chosen by the patient. Please feel free to contact my Phoenix Plastic Surgery office if you have any questions or wish to make an appointment for your Phoeinx Plastic Surgery consultation.
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August 5th, 2009 Dr. Ward
The latest Information on Silicone breast implant study.
I am often asked about the latest data information on Saline and Silicone breast implants. In my practice for 22 years all my breast implants are provided by the Mentor Corporation and they recently shared the memory gel breast implant core data which was submitted to the FDA in Nov. 2008. The Mentor 6-year core data for memorygel(silicone) states the rupture rate for augmentation is 1.1% and for capsular contrature III/IV it is 9.8%. As explained to every patient before surgery Mentor corporation offers a Peace of mind premier advantage limited warranty at no additional cost. This warranty has a life-time replacement for broken silicone implants and $3500 in financial assistance to help with additional fees such as your surgeon, operating room and anesthesia.
Both saline and silicone implants are made of the same silicone outer wall but with saline if the implant ruptures the clients breast usually goes flat within 24 hours. Saline is salt-water so their is no harm to the body. Silicone gel-filled implant ruptures are most often silent. MRI is currently the test recommended as the best method to screen for silent rupture. This means as a plastic surgeon we cannot tell if the silicone gel implant has a tear or hole. It is important to know that breast implants are not lifetime. In my practice we offer both types of implants and provide the client with all information produced by the manufacturer as well as the warranties from Mentor. I have performed thousands of breast surgeries and I believe it is important for clients to understand the risks and benefits of cosmetic breast surgery and to have a realistic expectations of the decisions for choosing your type of implant.
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June 25th, 2009 Dr. Ward
A very successful improvement as an alternative to a surgical facelift is the “liquid facelift“. This new procedure has been gives patients not willing or ready for facelift surgery an alternative treatment. The “liquid facelift” is a cosmetic improvement without the need of anesthesia or operating room expenses. One big advantage the procedure is almost painless and has zero downtime. It consist of a combination of fillers such a Radiesse, Juverderm, and Restylane along with Botox for lines and wrinkles. In my practice of 22 years as a Phoenix plastic surgeon it is very important to provide my clients with my expertise in performing all injectables. I am the one responsible for your satisfaction and I administer all injectables. Botox is performed in the forehead area, glabelaer area and crows feet to help diminish superficial facial lines. I believe Botox and fillers should be administered by a qualified physician and requires a full knowledge of experience to administer the injectables. A detail consultation and a detailed plan of action is necessary to achieve the results for deciding the right fillers and placement of Botox. In my practice I utilize a local dental block for fillers and no general anesthesia is required. After receiving the liquid facelift treatment most clients feel comfortable going back to their normal activities immediately after treatments. The liquid facelift is much less expensive than the traditional facelift and can satisfy many clients who want another option. The best advise I can offer is these techniques work and have very little complications unless it is done by an unqualified technician. The combination works dramically and provides a happy experience for my clients.
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June 8th, 2009 Dr. Ward
The Vaser Lipo system is the new-third generation ultrasound liposuction technology has provided me with a new level of versatility in my practice. It greatly gives me a wide range of contouring applications and a significant fat reduction for many body areas needing liposuction.
I am very pleased with the results of using both a combination of suction assisted liposuction and the VASER LIPO system for my clients. I am a board certified plastic surgeon for over 22 years. I am very careful about my selection of techniques for all cosmetic surgeries. I have found the Vaser Lipo greatly adds an enhanced sculpting for the hips and back ,abdomen areas for both men and women. The Vaser Lipo is also an excellent option for Gynecomastia(male breast) which can be pure, fatty, or mixed are ideal for treatment with ultrasound -assisted lipoplasty. Results from the use of this machine have been extremely gratifying for patients.
Vaser lipo is performed between the layer of skin and the layer of muscle. The fatty area is infused with tumescent fluid and then a high vibration of ultrasonic probe causes the cells to break apart and emulsify into fluid. The results give my clients quicker recovery time and less swelling and bruising.
Advantages of Vaser Lipo:
. better contouring
.increased precision
. minimal scaring/fast recovery
.minimal pain& brusing
A complimentary consultation with Dr. Ward is the best way to found out if you are a candidate for Vaser Lipo please call the office at 602-553-0888 or e-mail us at info@johnwardmd.com
Vaser Lipo(inner and outer thighs &hips
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May 22nd, 2009 Dr. Ward
Dr. John Ward, board certified plastic surgeon for over 22 years in the Phoenix area, proudly announces the creation of his new website for medical skin and laser treatments and Medspa Phoenix http://www.azcosmeticsurgery.com. The new website explains in detail all the medical treatments for skin, including chemical peels, mircrodermabrasion,photofacials and the the Erbium laser. All of these offer the latest technology against aging. What makes our skincare clinic different is the expert skills of our skin care specialist Corliss Grottola,and her qualifications to handle all skin care and laser treatments.
Clients are so happy to have the same person for all treatments and the personalized attention that she gives for each treatment. Many clients desire a mix of treatments both photofacial and microdermabrasion and or the Ebrium laser.The Paradise Valley Skin & Body Clinic is located at 10910 N Tatum blvd Suite 100, Phoenix, Arizona ,in the practice of Dr. John Ward. Dr. Ward is the director of medical treatments maintaining the highest level of surpervision. Patients enjoy konwing that they are receiving treatments in a MedSpa Phoenix facility that uses state of the art equipment with strict quality and safety guidelines. A variety of methods can be used to customize a program for sun-damage, age spots, broken capillaries and hair reduction treatments.
Minimally invasive or non-invasive treatments such as Botox, Restylane and Juverderm fillers are all performed by Dr. John Ward who is a “hands on”plastic surgeon with an artful approach to complimenting our facial expressions. The clients that have these services by a qualified surgeon are most often happier with the injections and tend to be less bruised and comfortable with a local anesteitic provided before the injections.
The Paradise Skin and Body Medspa in Phoenix offers the Palomar Starlux Pulsed light system for photofacials, broken capillaries and hair removal. This IPL technology uses pulsed light , with combiend active contact cooling, to give you the most powerful and successful aesthetic results. The Starlux high powered treatments deliver permanent results with less pain and fewer treatments.
Dr. Ward explains” the Ebrium Laser resurfaces and tightens the skin without the adverse reactions of CO2 lasers which can cause loss of pigmentation. The Erbium device is less downtime and fewer complications with clients are able to get back to their busy lifestyles within about one week. The Erbium resurfacing treatments are offered in the skin care practice with a 3 treatment package.
Summer specials on treatments are available please call us at 602-553-0888 for an appointment or e-mail us at info@johnwardmd.com.
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