Operation Typhoon Haiyan

This January 13, 2014 we plan to go back to the Philippines to help impoverished children with cleft lip and cleft palate. This time the mission trip is personal since the Philippines was recently affected by the Typhoon Haiyan. My 83 year old grandmother and the rest of my family who lived in Sublangon, Capiz were severely affected by this. With our team of physicians, nurses, firefighters from the US, we are on a mission to also help the victims of the devastating typhoon. Please help us help others. They badly need our help.

Emmanuel De La Cruz MD, PLLC
Houston Plastic Surgeon

Miss Universe 2013

Good Luck Anastasia for Miss Universe 2013!!!

Houston Plastic Surgeon Dr. Emmanuel De La Cruz, and Anastasia who is representing Greece for Miss Universe 2013

Emmanuel De La Cruz MD, PLLC
Houston Plastic Surgeon

Galleria Plastic Surgeon | Houston Plastic Surgeon

Visit us at our new Galleria Clinic in Houston!

Emmanuel De La Cruz MD, PLLC
Houston Plastic  Surgeon

Bichectomia or Buccal Fat Removal

Bichectomia or Buccal Fat Removal in Houston

Excess buccal fat is usually a hereditary condition that typically does not respond to weight loss.  With the popularity of model-like facial features, several women with cherubic faces opt to have this surgical procedure.  

The popularity of this procedure started in the year 1884.  Typically, the buccal fat  is reduced after puberty.  Post-puberty the buccal fat is less likely to change and only modestly change with weight loss or weight gain.  Cherubic faces with an excess buccal fat is not eliminated by weight loss.

BUCCAL FAT REMOVAL (bichectomia in spanish)

• Buccal fat pad removal, also known as cheek reduction surgery
• This is designed to create a more sculpted facial contour or chiseled look.
• The buccal fat pad is removed which reduces the cherubic, soft and round facial appearance.

BUCCAL FAT REMOVAL:  The PROCEDURE

• The buccal fat pad removal is performed through a small incision inside the mouth.  
• The buccal fat is about the size of a golf-ball or ping-pong ball.  Buccal fat removal can be done in conjunction with other procedures to further enhance the facial contour.  The location of buccal fat deep within the face prevents its removal with liposuction.

Emmanuel De La Cruz MD, PLLC
Houston Plastic Surgeon
Houston Liposuction

Galleria Plastic Surgeon

Galleria Open Houston With De La Cruz Plastic Surgery

The Woodlands Plastic Surgeon

Labiaplasty Houston Plastic Surgeon

Labiaplasty Procedure (Labia Reduction)

What Causes Labial Hypertrophy?

• Mechanical irritation by sexual intercourse
• Childbirth
• Lymphatic Stasis
• Chronic irritation from dermatitis or urinary incontinence
• Genetics

Disadvantage or Reasons Women Seek Reduction of their Labia

• Difficulty with hygiene (toilet paper sticking),
• Discomfort with clothing that is tight
• Pain with riding a bike
• Labia catching in zippers
• Painful intercourse
  

WEDGE Method:

• This labial reduction technique was first introduced by Dr. Alter, a Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon in 1998.
• The wedge method preserves the natural edge of the labia.
• It does not disrupt or remove the delicate free margin of the labia minora
• It also tightens the entire length of the labia minora, including the portion next to the clitoris
• Can be carried forward on either side of the clitoris, tightening the clitoral hood
• More complex procedure, requiring more skill, to reduce the chance of too much tightening of the opening of the vagina or injury to the urethral opening.
• Modification with de-epithelialization may reduce nerve damage.

 
TRIM Method:

• This is a simpler method involving trimming the free margin of the labia minora.
• It has an advantage for a patient who does not like that pigmented tissue and wants it removed
• Removes tissue along the entire length of the labia minora, except for the area immediately next to the clitoris, which may produce an extra "tab" of tissue there
• One of the disadvantage is that it does not improve or tighten the clitoral hood.
• More likely to damage the nerve endings of the labia minora than other techniques
• May be more effective for very long and enlarged labia
• Simpler and less technically demanding procedure

There are several methods when it comes to performing a labiaplasty.  Each method have their own advantages and disadvantages, and thus the method used should be individualized.  I recommend asking your plastic surgeon regarding these techniques.








Emmanuel De La Cruz MD, PLLC
Houston Plastic Surgeon

References:
Hodgkinson DJ, Hait G. Aesthetic vaginal labioplasty. Plast Reconstr Surg. Sep 1984;74(3):414-6
Alter GJ. A new technique for aesthetic labia minora reduction. Ann Plast Surg. Mar 1998;40(3):287-90.
Choi HY, Kim KT. A new method for aesthetic reduction of labia minora (the deepithelialized reduction of labioplasty). Plast Reconstr Surg. Jan 2000;105(1):419-22; discussion 423-4
Girling VR, Salisbury M, Ersek RA. Vaginal labioplasty. Plast Reconstr Surg. May 2005;115(6):1792-3. 
Goodman MP, Placik OJ, Benson RH 3rd, Miklos JR, Moore RD, Jason RA, et al. A large multicenter outcome study of female genital plastic surgery. J Sex Med. Apr 2010;7(4 Pt 1):1565-77

BOTOX in The Woodlands, TX

Glitz & Glamour BOTOX Party with Dr. De La Cruz!

When:  June 21st 2013, Friday
Location: Market Street, South Commons
9595 Six Pines Drive Suite 8210, The Woodlands TX 77380

20% OFF BOTOX

$399 Juvederm XL per syringe

FREE Consultation with Dr. De La Cruz

Champagne/Wine & Hors d'oeuvre served!

Male Breast Reduction for Gynecomastia

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, approximately 65%  of male breast disorders is secondary to gynecomastia. Majority of boys would develop some form of gynecomastia during puberty.  This normally subsides as boys get older approaching their twenties.  Gynecomastia may be secondary to heavy marijuana use or may be due to anabolic steroids usage by weightlifters.  Endocrine disorders/tumors, testicular tumors, and several prescription drugs (such as anti-depressants and blood pressure medications) may also cause gynecomastia.

Before & After Photos (1 day after surgery) of Gynecomastia Surgery/Male Breast Reduction performed by Emmanuel De La Cruz MD, PLLC

Humiliation, shame and insecurity are some of the psychological trauma that men with gynecomastia experience.  Gynecomastia can be embarassing that it can make men be reluctant from removing their shirts off at the beach.   It can also make men who are only a few pounds overweight to look heavier  than they really are. 

Fortunately, there are a few options of treating gynecomastia in adult men which can range from liposuction to surgical excision.  Gynecomastia in children may require a more thorough workup, such as a testicular exam and possibly an ultrasound, to rule out a testicular tumor.  I recommend consulting your local plastic surgeon about gynecomastia.  One of your Houston plastic surgeons will determine the best procedure to correct gynecomastia that would be appropriate to your body habitus and breast anatomy.

Emmanuel De La Cruz M.D. 
www.delacruzplasticsurgery.com/

P.S.

I recommend reading other articles on breast augmentation in this blog. 

Date of Update: 4-25-2013

Houston Plastic Surgeon

Operation Nueva Ecija, Philippines

This January of 2013 we headed to Nueva Ecija in the Philippines.  The medical mission had seen over 425 patients PER DAY, and we performed over 22 surgical cases PER DAY despite our limited medical/surgical supplies and one to two available anesthesiologists.

Thank you for your support.  Our next mission trip on January 13, 2014 will be Operation Antique!

Emmanuel De La Cruz M.D., PLLC

The Woodlands Plastic Surgeon