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.
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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.
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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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