FAQ's

Q. What is the most important consideration in selecting a plastic surgeon?

A person considering plastic surgery should insist on a "triple-A" plastic surgeon.

1. American Board of Plastic Surgery - The plastic surgeon should be board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This board certification ensures the most extensive, broad and complete training of plastic surgery procedures on all parts of the body.
2. American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery - This represents a very select group of plastic surgeons that are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery that are dedicated to excellence in aesthetic plastic surgery.
3. Accredited facility - Select only plastic surgeons that operate in accredited facilities, not in offices where the surgeon may be doing procedures in which he is unable to obtain privileges in an accredited facility such as hospital or outpatient surgery center.

BUYER BEWARE!! There are many Ear, Nose & Throat doctors, dentists, oral surgeons and general surgeons who claim to be "Plastic or Cosmetic Surgeons" who are not triple A doctors.

Q. What is the most important consideration when considering breast augmentation?

Although one must consider size (how big), shape (round or tear drop), type of procedure (under the breast, under the arm or through the nipple area) and need for lift or mastopexy. The most important consideration is that additional surgery will be necessary in the future to replace or remove the implants. Implants should not be considered lifetime devices. Recent studies suggest that saline implants should last from 8 to 12 years. Extended warranties are available and will be discussed at the consultation.

Q. When is the best time to consider a facelift?

There is no perfect age at which to consider facial rejuvenation surgery. Aging changes in the face begin in the thirties and progress as long as we live. At some point these changes may create anxiety in that patients feel much younger than the person they are seeing in the mirror or in photos. Generally, when there are significant changes, (aging skin) and significant concern about these changes, then that is the time to consider facial rejuvenation surgery.

Q. How long does a facelift last?

Although the benefits of all facial rejuvenation procedures last for many years, aging and gravity will continue. Relaxation is based on many factors, (heredity, smoking, environmental exposure, etc.).Generally, it is not uncommon to consider facelift revision after 7 to 10 years.

Q. Can skin care treatments prolong the result achieved by facial rejuvenation surgery?

Skin care treatments (BOTOX, glycolic acid treatments, chemical peels, micro-dermabrasion, Retin A, etc.) can enhance the result obtained from aesthetic surgery and these treatment will address and improve the quality of the skin which is not addressed or improved by surgery. Skin care is absolutely necessary following aesthetic facial procedures to enhance and maintain the result of the surgery.

Q. Does liposuction work?

Research has shown that fat cells do not divide or replicate, so that a person is born with a limited number. Liposuction will permanently remove fat cells in areas that may be diet and exercise resistant. However, liposuction does not removal all the fat cells in these areas. Therefore, if diet and exercise do not continue, the remaining fat cells will increase in size and the bulges will return in the areas treated. Diet and exercise are absolutely necessary to maintain the result from liposuction.

Q. If I gain weight after liposuction, doesn't it go to other parts of the body?

Fat storage is determined by many factors (age, sex, heredity, diet, etc.) and fat deposition tends to return to those same problem-areas when weight is gained after liposuction. Only after multiple procedures in the same area, does fat tend to be stored disproportionately in other areas (back, arms & breasts)

Q. What is BOTOX and how does it work?

Botox is "botulinum toxin" which works to soften dynamic skin creases or those wrinkles created by the contraction of certain muscles under the skin. By weakening the action of the muscles around the eye, between the eyebrows and in the forehead a much smoother, skin results. By weakening the muscles that hold the eyebrow lower, a slight raising or reshaping of the eyebrow can result after Botox, creating the effect of slight "browlift". Botox is administered in the office by injection with a very small needle. The effect is not seen for approximately 48 hours and lasts approximately 3 to 4 months. Multiple treatments are necessary to maintain the result.

Q. After several injections of BOTOX, does the effect last longer?

Although there are varible responses to Botox, studies have shown that with repeat injections of Botox, a long lasting or permanent effect can be obtained without the need for further injections.

A variety of questions and answers may be available under a specific procedure listed in this Web Site. Please check the specific procedure you are interested in. If the answer is not available there, please feel free to call my office and any one of my staff will be available to assist you.

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