Horn-tooting time

Excuse the self-indulgence of this particular blog post, please.
Two testimonials just arrived via third-party organizations:


From AVVO:

"My friend's sister recommended me to Dr. Brueck. She also had a tummy tuck and liposuction surgery, and she is very happy with her results. 

I had a tummy tuck procedure and liposuction about 8 weeks ago. I am very satisfied with the results of my surgery. Dr. Brueck is a very gentle, caring and compassionate doctor. I would highly recommend him for a tummy tuck and liposuction surgery. A few days after surgery I phoned Dr. Brueck's answering service. He called me back immediately and answered all of my questions. I thought that was great! His office staff is genuine, professional and personable. Whenever I called his office with a question or concern. I always received a return phone call shortly after. Additionally, his surgical staff is warm and friendly. Everyone made me feel comfortable before my surgery. My stomach looks great! Also, my new belly button looks wonderful. I am very happy with my tummy tuck and liposuction surgery!"

From Realself:

"Due to two pregnancies, my stomach skin was stretched out.  I work out faithfully but sit ups did not help my loose skin on my tummy.  My friend's sister had a tummy tuck and liposuction, and she recommended me to see Dr. Brueck. He had done a great job with her tummy tuck and liposuction surgery so I scheduled an appointment to see him.  

Dr. Brueck has an excellent bedside manner.  He is a warm, compassionate and caring surgeon.  At the first consultation with Dr. Brueck I felt immediately comfortable. I knew I didn't need to see other plastic surgeons.  He was the surgeon for me.

I am very satisfied with the results of my surgery. I love my new tummy.  I look great in my favorite jeans.  I just went to the beach the other day, and I now feel confident in my bikini."  

Posted by Fort Myers plastic surgeon, Dr. Robert Brueck

Did you know?

Bringing health news to Fort Myers for the patients and followers of cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Robert J. Brueck MD

DID YOU KNOW...              

This is a special year because it marks the 50^th anniversary of breast implants.  Breast augmentation was the 2^nd most popular procedure in 2011.  There were 317,000 augs done and 127,000 breast lifts.  Silicone implants come back on the market in 2006 and of the augmentations done in 2011, 69% were silicone which has been and to this day is my implant of choice.

DID YOU KNOW...

Patients who were given 3 ½ servings of dairy products a day saw their blood pressure decline and had less inflammation compared to people receiving an ½ a serving.  Based on this, researchers recommend 3 daily servings of dairy.

DID YOU KNOW...

Increasing the amount of fiber in your diet will lower your levels of C reactive protein which indicates LESS inflammation in your body.  This increased fiber can also lead to less resistance to insulin.

Bikini and sundress season. What's up?

According to the American Society for  Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the season of summer, bikinis and sundresses is a good time think about and talk about breast surgery.  ASAPS statistics show breast augmentation was the second most popular cosmetic surgical procedure in 2011, and 317,000 augmentations and 127,000 breast lifts performed.   In 2006 the FDA announced their decision to reintroduce silicone gel breast implants to the market, and last year 69% of the augmentations performed used silicone implants.


It's been 50 years since the first breast implants and we have certainly come a long way in terms of safety and reliability. 

Currently, both silicone and saline implants are FDA-approved by three makers: Allergan, Inc, Mentor Worldwide, LLC and Sientra, Inc. The latter being the latest one approved to offer silicone-gel implants of various shapes, textures and sizes. Having more options helps me as a Southwest Florida plastic surgeon and my patients make the best decisions for their particular body types and needs.

A recent survey conducted by realself.com reports that breast implants can improve a woman’s sex life. 61% reported an increase in frequency and 70% stated that they had an overall increase in satisfaction. The Huffington Post speculated that an increase in self-confidence following breast implant surgery most likely is the cause of the jump. Many studies have connected a rise in self-esteem post-plastic surgery, so their theory certainly has merit. Especially since almost 85% of women who have had breast augmentation have said it was “worth it” and they would do it again.

This cultural fascination with breasts led author Florence Williams to write “Breasts: A Natural and Unnatural History,” which reported the average cup size in the US to be a C and that lingerie stores are now carrying larger sizes, some up to a size KK. Ms Williams was inspired to write the book due to her research into breastfeeding. (She had discovered contaminants in her own breast milk.) While it is a common misconception that women who have had breast augmentation cannot breastfeed, or that breastfeeding causes sagging, it is untrue.

Breast surgery also isn’t only relegated to increasing the bust size. 

Many women who have gained and lost weight, have large breasts genetically or have just succumbed to age and gravity might turn to a breast lift or breast reduction surgery. Common complaints of chafing, back, shoulder or neck pain and the inability to find the right bra, clothing or swimwear might lead some to seek out surgery. Breast reduction has one of the highest satisfaction ratings, with 95% of women saying it’s “worth it.”

According to the ASAPS, there were 316,848 breast augmentation procedures performed in the United States in 2011 compared with 101,176 such procedures in 1997. Breast reduction has had a 136% increase and breast lifts have increased over 539% over the same time period.

Don't forget your sunscreen, and your coffee

A recent study found in “Cancer Research” showed that the more caffeine "or Java" you drank, the lower your risk of basal cell carcinoma.  Caffeine from any source (ie:  cola, chocolate, tea) correlated with a lower incidence of basal cell carcinoma.


As a plastic surgeon in Fort Myers - Cape Coral, I have written here before about the connection between coffee/caffeine and certain health benefits. The moral is, I think, that the effects of any number of substances is subject to change as new information emerges. Stay tuned.

Drinking & Pregnancy

As a doctor in Fort Myers who is board certified in my specialty, plastic surgery, I am not very comfortable when talking about this subject.  There has been so much "conventional wisdom" about drinking and pregnancy that it is treacherous territory. 

For years, drinking alcohol while pregnant was a taboo.

But, it seems, like anything in life, moderation is the key.  A recent study in Denmark followed 1600 pregnant women.  Researchers found that having as many as 8 drinks per week had NO effects on the health and well being of their newborns.  Even if a woman binged, ie: 5 drinks at one time there were no ill effects.  

In the end - be conservative – limit your alcohol or don’t drink.

Cat lovers beware.

There are millions of dog and cat lovers in our world. Now, however, women who have a pet cat have to be on alert. 


Women infected with Toxoplasma gondii – a parasite found in cat litter – had a 1/12 times greater risk of suicide. 


The more T. gondii in their bodies, the greater the risk was. The parasite has been linked to schizophrenia in humans.


This should be a matter of concern for all doctors who treat women.

Excessive Sweating is not just for women

The public perception is that embarrassing excessive sweating is mostly a problem for women. Men are expected to sweat, I guess. But the other day, I talked with a guy who said his excessive sweating problem is so severe that he has to buy new clothes every few weeks. New clothes! Because excessive underarm sweat ruins his shirts.


Regardless of what sex you are, if you sweat excessively, you probably have similar problems. Not mention the diminished self-confidence you have in meetings and parties when you have to cover up to avoid looking like a sweat machine. How can you concentrate on business or having a good time when your excessive sweating is always in the back of your mind?


So, this guy is coming in for a miraDry procedure. In less than an hour, the first treatment will be completed and he'll be on his way home. In three months, he'll be back for the second and final treatment. 


It's very simple. We map your armpit to locate your underarm sweat glands, then we give you a shot that's a lot like Novacaine. Then we use the miraDry equipment to send electromagnetic impulses into the sweat glands to make them inactive, permanently. 


Since your underarm sweat glands are about 2% of the total in your body, taking them out of commission should be unnoticeable, except you will no longer have to worry about sweat stained shirts or wondering if people are noticing your excessive sweating. 


Visit my web site at http://www.beauty-by-brueck.com/Hyperhidrosis-treatment.htm to learn more. Then call me at 239-939-5233 to arrange a free, no obligation consultation. 


You don't have to sweat it anymore.

More Cancer Risk News

Nutrition today is a science – involved and often times complicated.  

One day they say "eat this" or "drink this" to be on the road to better health. The next day, they say to eat or drink something else.

We have all heard the benefits of the miraculous antioxidents found in green tea.  Now recent research out of the University of Glasgow finds that men who drink more than 7 cups of black tea per day had a 50% increase in prostate cancer compared to those who drank 3 or less.  

The researchers found that their “heavy” tea drinkers were more likely not to be overweight – did not consume a lot of alcohol and had healthy cholesterol.  So maybe by living longer they were more susceptible to prostate cancer. Who knows!  

It’s confusing. I guess for me, as a board certified plastic surgeon, moderation in all things is good.

Breast Augmentation & Quality of Life

            Of all the cosmetic procedures that I do, breast augmentation has one of the highest satisfaction rates.  


A team of researchers led by Dr. Colleen McCarthy of Sloan Kettering in New York developed a BREAST-Q questionnaire.  


Forty one women filled out the form before surgery and then 6 months post-op.  More than 80% of the women reported “significant improvement” in 3 out of 6 areas; they are:


1. satisfaction with breasts, 


2. psychosocial well being 


3. greater sexual well being.  


In my experience, I feel the overall satisfaction rate is more than 90%.  In almost 34 years as a plastic surgeon in Fort Myers, I have never been asked to take out implants because a woman didn’t like them!  That’s saying a lot.

Vietnam - A Boom in cosmetic Surgery

There is a developing boom in cosmetic surgery.  

One can see this very easily in Ho Chi Minh City – made famous during the Vietnam war.  Many people seeking to beautify their bodies are medical tourists lured by the relatively cheap prices for cosmetic surgery.  

The Vietnamese news agency, TuoitreNews.com, reports that there, women go to “beauty salons”.  Some are “authentic beauty salons” so designated because they house a cosmetic surgeon.  There are hundreds of beauty salons, however, with only a few having cosmetic surgery licenses.  

Medical tourism is growing, especially with cosmetic surgery. But, as a board certified plastic surgeon, I must warn - it is still "buyer beware!"  

The risks are real and going back to Vietnam or anywhere – to have a complicated treatment could prove more costly than the cheap prices for procedures. 

A Patient Testimonial

I try not to inundate readers of this blog with patient testimonials. But, occasionally, I receive one, like this one about  breast augmentation, that I feel moved to share because it is so comprehensive. This is one.

"Dear Dr. Brueck,

Thank you so much for bringing cool confidence and never ending patience when answering all of my many questions before and after my breast augmentation.  Enhancing my bust line has improved my life in more ways than I ever imagined:

1.        My body is finally balanced.  Before the ba I was bottom heavy, shaped more like an inverted triangle than the attractive, curvy pear shape I am now.

2.       Enhanced chest size makes my waist and arms look much slimmer, prompting people to comment on how much more “fit and healthy” I look. 

3.       I no longer have to wear a spongy, padded bra under the dreadfully flattening sports bra required for a good gym workout.

4.       My larger chest and balanced figure makes me feel more attractive and confident which causes an inner glow that makes every day more enjoyable.

5.       I finally feel good in a swimsuit.

6.       As an added bonus, my ba has added a high level of excitement, fun, and play into what was already a strong and healthy sex life with my hubby of almost 2 decades.  He always loved me and my body, but now I feel good about showing off my body to him and feeling his hands caressing me without worrying that “there’s nothing there.”  And trust me, he can’t keep his hand off!

Knowing I could trust in you and your staff made my experience as pleasant as possible.  Every question was answered, every concern I expressed was handled with care, every problem I encountered was addressed and superbly managed.  With all of the options and choices out there of where I could have my ba done, I am so glad I made the right choice and trusted you.  Thank you!" - LR

Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) treated permenently

I am proud to be one of the first doctors in the U.S. to offer the miraDry® Procedure, a new, break-through treatment option that provides a safe and lasting solution for excessive underarm sweat, a debilitating condition also known as primary axillary hyperhidrosis.


The miraDry Procedure delivers precisely controlled electromagnetic energy to the area under the arm where the sweat glands reside, and heats and eliminates the sweat glands. Since sweat glands do not regenerate, results are lasting.  The procedure is non-invasive with little to no downtime, so patients can go about their normal routines after treatment. To maximize results, the full treatment plan requires two procedures. In Southwest Florida, hyperhidrosis procedures are performed by specially trained staff in Dr. Robert J. Brueck's Fort Myers out-patient facility or at All-Inclusive Medi-Spa. The miraDry Procedure takes approximately one hour.


Primary axillary hyperhidrosis is a medical condition in which more underarm sweat is produced than is needed to cool the body. Millions of Americans suffer from excessive underarm sweat, and often suffer silently—ashamed, frustrated and embarrassed because excessive underarm sweat can interfere with many aspects of everyday life. For many, this condition is a constant struggle that causes anxiety at work, embarrassment in relationships and social settings, and avoidance of leisure activities.


"Excessive underarm sweat can be debilitating. It can have a huge impact on someone’s lifestyle and quality of life," said Dr. Brueck, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.  "I often see patients who are looking for more effective options to treat this condition. The miraDry Procedure eliminates sweat glands in the underarm safely and non-invasively, so people can expect lasting results and stop excessive underarm sweat from interfering with their lives."


Other treatment options, such as Botox injections, are designed to temporarily disable the sweat glands, or involve invasive surgery which contains inherent risks.  Only miraDry provides a lasting solution with a non-invasive procedure.


Patients can visit my website at http://www.Beauty-by-Brueck.com or call  239-9399-5233 to schedule a consultation, or visit www.miraDry.com to learn more about the procedure.

How to get more out of Botox.

As a plastic surgeon in Southwest Florida, I regularly hear from patients who complain that their Botox doesn’t go far enough.  It only lasted 2 or 3 months.  

There is no question we have such a variable in how each body breaks down and metabolizes Botox.

Now you can ENHANCE its effects.  

One group of patients received 4 days of 50 mg of oral zinc citrate plus phytase 3000 PU.  77 patients using the above regimen experienced an increase in toxin duration effect nearly 30% longer. 84% felt their response was magnified.  

The doctor who conducted the research, Dr. Charles Soporkar, has patented a product called ZYTAZE which combines zinc with phytase.

Paralyzed patient uses brain waves to serve herself a drink.

This is an astounding development in medical technology. Who knows what is on the horizon for patients? As a plastic surgeon in Fort Myers, FL, I can hardly wait.    

More Bad News for Smokers.

As if smokers need to hear more bad news.  

The incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas is greatly increased by smoking.  The study was done in England and the researchers looked at 25 studies from 11 different countries.  Smokers had an increased risk of 52%.

That is quite significant BUT it did not lead to an increase in basal cell carcinomas.

Stay tuned to Dr. Brueck's blog for more news about health from his perspective as a board certified plastic surgeon.

Psoriasis - a possible risk factor for diabetes

As a plastic surgeon in Fort Myers - Cape Coral (Lee County) FL, I constantly monitor the medical literature for new information about developments in healthcare. This is another example of what we learn each day.

New research shows that psoriasis may be a  risk factor in developing diabetes.  The study appeared in the Archives of Dermatology.  

Psoriasis has been linked to strokes, heart disease and some types of cancer.  The study showed that the more severe the case of psoriasis was the greater the likelihood of diabetes.  Patients with psoriasis have a higher resistance to insulin.