Dr. Johanna Baga - Plastic Surgery

25/06/2026

Not all body fat is the same.

Liposuction removes superficial fat—the layer of fat located beneath the skin that contributes to areas such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, and arms. This can help improve body contours in appropriately selected patients.

Visceral fat, on the other hand, is the deeper fat that surrounds internal organs within the abdominal cavity. This type of fat cannot be removed with liposuction and is more strongly associated with health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome.

A flatter abdomen is not always achieved by liposuction alone. Patients with significant visceral fat may benefit more from lifestyle changes, including proper nutrition, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and medical management when indicated.

✨ Liposuction is a body contouring procedure, not a weight-loss treatment. Understanding the difference between superficial and visceral fat helps set realistic expectations and leads to safer, more satisfying outcomes.

23/06/2026

Post-Surgery Blues: A Real Part of Recovery

Many patients prepare for the physical aspects of surgery, but few expect the emotional side of healing. During the recovery period, it is common to experience feelings of anxiety, sadness, frustration, or even temporary regret. Swelling, bruising, discomfort, limited activities, and the fact that results are not yet visible can make recovery emotionally challenging.

This phase, often called “post-surgery blues,” is usually temporary and improves as healing progresses. Understanding that emotional ups and downs are a normal part of recovery can help patients navigate this period with realistic expectations and greater confidence.

Healing takes time, both physically and emotionally. Open communication with your surgeon, a strong support system, and patience with the recovery process are important steps toward a smoother journey.

The final result is rarely seen in the first days or weeks after surgery. Trust the healing process and allow yourself the time needed to recover. ✨

21/06/2026

Perfect symmetry does not exist. In fact, subtle differences between the left and right sides of the face and body are a normal part of human anatomy.

One eyebrow may sit slightly higher, one eye may appear more open, or one side of the face may be fuller than the other. The same principle applies to the breasts, ears, shoulders, and many other features.

In plastic surgery, understanding and discussing these natural differences is an important part of consultation and surgical planning. While procedures can improve balance and harmony, they cannot create perfect mirror-image symmetry.

The goal is not perfection. It is achieving natural, proportional, and individualized results.

✨ Your features are sisters, not identical twins.

19/06/2026

Busy today with cleft screening activities for Yuhom Negrense in Bago City.

Today was dedicated to cleft screening through the Yuhom Negrense program, meeting children and families from Bago City who may benefit from comprehensive cleft care. These encounters serve as a reminder that Plastic Surgery is a balance of both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, with each playing an important role in improving quality of life.

Thank you to the City Government of Bago and all healthcare partners who continue to support accessible cleft care for Negrense families.

19/06/2026

Skin Cancer Around the Eye: Why Reconstruction Matters

Not all facial skin cancers can be treated with simple closure. In this patient, removal of a lower eyelid skin cancer resulted in a significant defect requiring careful reconstruction. The upper eyelid can serve as a valuable donor site through a Tripier flap, providing tissue with similar color, thickness, and texture to help restore the lower eyelid and maintain facial harmony.

From a plastic surgery standpoint, reconstruction is not only about closing a wound, it is about preserving eyelid function and protecting the eye. Poorly planned reconstruction can lead to ectropion (outward turning of the eyelid), which may cause tearing, irritation, exposure of the eye, and long-term functional problems.

Facial lesions, especially those involving the eyelids, require careful assessment of both cancer clearance and reconstruction. Expertise in facial and periocular reconstruction helps achieve the balance between oncologic safety, functional preservation, and aesthetic outcome.

Individual results vary. The reconstructive approach is tailored to the size, location, and depth of each defect.

17/06/2026

15/06/2026

🔍 Know the ABCDEs of Skin Lesions

This patient sought consultation after noticing that a long-standing mole had recently increased in size and become itchy. While many skin lesions are benign, changes such as these deserve proper evaluation.

The ABCDE rule can help identify warning signs:

• A – Asymmetry
• B – Border irregularity
• C – Color variation
• D – Diameter greater than 6 mm
• E – Evolving (changes in size, shape, color, or symptoms such as itching or bleeding)

Not every changing mole is cancerous, but any lesion that is evolving should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional. Early evaluation allows for appropriate diagnosis and management.

13/06/2026

Not all scars heal the same way.

Mole removal is a common procedure, but the final appearance of a scar can vary from person to person. Factors such as skin type, genetics, location of the lesion, wound care, and individual healing all play a role in the outcome.

The goal is always safe removal, thoughtful scar placement, and guidance throughout the healing process. While we strive for the best possible cosmetic result, no procedure can guarantee a completely scar-free outcome.

Every scar tells a different healing story. ✨

11/06/2026

“Do breast implants need to be replaced every 10 years?”

Not necessarily.

Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices, but they do not automatically need replacement at the 10-year mark. Many implants remain intact and function well beyond 10–15 years.

Replacement may be recommended if concerns arise such as implant rupture, capsular contracture, changes in breast appearance, discomfort, or if a patient simply desires a different size or shape.

Regular follow-up and appropriate imaging, when indicated, help monitor implant integrity and guide decisions about implant exchange.

The goal is not to replace implants on a schedule, but to ensure they remain safe, healthy, and aligned with your aesthetic goals.

09/06/2026

A refined side profile doesn’t always require a dramatic front-view change. Alar plasty may help improve nasal balance by narrowing the nostril base while preserving a natural appearance. The best results are those that complement your unique facial features in a subtle way rather than chasing a one-size-fits-all ideal.