The first question my patients ask when they come to my office for a consultation is, “What am I going to look like after my procedure?” At the Rios Center for Plastic Surgery, we are proud to offer Vectra 3D imaging so that our patients can see what they might look like after their procedure. We have offered this service since 2010 and have used it to help several thousand patients during the consultation process.
What is the Vectra System?
It is a computer generated 3D image of a patient’s body or face. During a consultation, our patients are given the option to undergo the imaging process. The Vectra imaging is included in the cost of the consultation. After the images are captured, I review the images during a private consultation.
What Areas Can the Vectra System Evaluate?
Vectra’s capabilities seem to expand yearly. At this time, the Vectra system can evaluate different breast implant sizes, breast lifts, tummy tucks, liposuction and rhinoplasty (nose surgeries). My consult rooms are designed with a computer screen so that I can review the Vectra images with my patients. The Vectra system allows me to draw on the images. But more importantly, it lets me communicate the possibilities of results with the different types of surgeries I perform.
Can Vectra Be Used in Complicated Cases?
My practice prides itself in trying to help patients who have had difficult experiences in Mexico or during cosmetic surgery procedures elsewhere. Often times, I call on the Vectra system to help me evaluate these difficult situations. I seem to be using it more and more to help set the stage before proceeding with difficult revisional surgery of the breast, body or nose.
What is the Cost of Using Vectra?
There is no extra cost for my patients to use the Vectra system during a consultation. Vectra 3D imaging has now become a very important part of my consultation process. I believe it is my responsibility to explain to my patients what kind of results I can achieve with surgery. Vectra takes the uncertainty out of my explanation. With a click of a button, my patients can see the results of a procedure and decide whether the image meets their expectations.
What About Bringing Photos of Other People from the Internet?
I still encourage my patients to bring photos of celebrities or patients from the internet. This allows me to get a better idea of what my patients are looking for. However, after I see the photos, I tell my patients to put them down for a second, because the Vectra system is going to allow them to see how they are going to look following their procedure.
Is the Vectra System Accurate?
Although Vectra is a simulation and not an implied guarantee, many studies have shown that the imaging is accurate. My own experience shows that it is fairly accurate, and patients seem to be satisfied with the results.
What Does Vectra Say About My Practice?
I believe the Vectra system reflects the fact that my practice is very comfortable using the latest technology to enhance our patients’ experiences. My practice may be located in Edinburg/McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley, but I pride myself in providing the most current technology for my patients. I believe that is why we are an Allergan Black Diamond Practice, as well as being in the top 1% in breast augmentation, skin care and injectables in the United States. We are also considered one of the most successful breast augmentation practices in the state of Texas, according to Allergan Breast Implant Company. In addition, our private, certified, in-office surgery center helps us keep prices affordable and the experience private and comfortable. My patients sometimes tell me that we make it too easy.
Why Choose the Rios Center for Plastic Surgery?
As can be seen with our use of the Vectra system, we pride ourselves in using the latest techniques and technology to assist our patients through the cosmetic surgery process. I am proud to be an Edinburg native and board certified plastic surgeon. I feel privileged that my community has trusted in me with their cosmetic surgery needs. We also have a great and attentive staff, who will guide you through the consultation, preoperative evaluation and operative experience. Our private, in-office surgery center makes the experience private, comfortable and affordable. When a patient has surgery at the Rios Center for Plastic Surgery, their consults, labs, surgery and follow-up appointments are done at the center. We make it as easy and comfortable as it can be. We look forward to seeing you soon!
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