Dr. Douglas Dedo, MD

The practice, Gardens Cosmetic Center, sits in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and is where Dr. Douglas Dedo, MD performs procedures. The practice describes itself as offering world class cosmetic surgery and as the best medical center, though these are its own claims. Surgical rooms on the premises, run under the Palm Beach Institute of Cosmetic Surgery and Longevity, hold a three-year accreditation from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). The office is open on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and closed on weekends.

Surgical care covers the face, nose and body. Facelifts are the practice's most detailed program: the practice says it uses platelet gel made from the patient's own blood in every facelift, and that patients take nutritional supplements for two weeks before and two weeks after surgery, followed by five medical laser treatments after surgery. The practice states that recovery is typically reduced to about six days with this program. Liposuction is performed under local anesthesia using small cannulas, so patients can change positions during the procedure. Liposuction is aimed at fat in areas that do not respond to diet and exercise, and the practice notes it is not a meaningful weight-loss method because law limits how much fat can be removed in one procedure. SLABS, a staged liposuction approach, is offered as an alternative to gastric bypass surgery, and Synergie post-procedure massage can be used alongside liposuction. A Brazilian butt lift, which moves fat collected through liposuction into the buttocks, is also offered. Dr. Lipan performs facelift and lip augmentation alongside Dr. Dedo, and Dr. Goodman evaluates patients for Brazilian butt lift and develops treatment plans with Dr. Dedo.

The non-surgical MedSpa menu includes Botox Cosmetic and Dysport for frown lines between the eyebrows, Restylane and JUVÉDERM XC fillers for volume and lines around the mouth and nose, and Restylane for lip plumping. The practice says Restylane typically lasts about six to 12 months, and that JUVÉDERM XC results can last up to a year, with touch-up treatments sometimes needed. Other options include the Exoderm lift, a deep chemical peel that can be combined with a facelift in a staged plan; photorejuvenation using a series of intense pulsed light treatments; laser hair removal for any body area and skin type; and microdermabrasion, along with macrodermabrasion, a salt-based treatment that removes dead skin cells.

Tattoo removal uses Tatt2Away, offered only in medical practices, with staff certified in the technique. Sessions last about 30 minutes and are spaced about six weeks apart, and an average-size tattoo usually takes around four sessions. The practice says it is one of a select group of medical practices nationwide chosen to perform Tatt2Away.

Permanent makeup covers eyebrows, lips and eyeliner. It is performed by a licensed aesthetician and makeup artist, who matches the pigment to the client's skin tone and hair color and uses a natural hair-stroke technique. The area is numbed before the pigment is applied.

Consultations are free for cosmetic procedures and can be booked by calling (866) 307-1032. Computer imaging may be used during consultation to simulate anticipated results. Cosmetic surgery patients are asked to pay in full before their procedure date. Payment is accepted by cash, check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. CareCredit financing is available on request and approval for procedures with fees from $1,000 to $15,000. Cosmetic procedures are typically not covered by insurance, while reconstructive patients whose procedures are covered are told their financial responsibilities before surgery. Patient testimonials are published on the site.

The practice pairs free consultations, which may include computer imaging of anticipated results, with surgical and non-surgical plans chosen for each patient. Facelift candidates are assessed before a treatment plan is set.