Below are some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about plastic surgury issues. If you have any other questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, we would love to hear from you.
Q: Can I have several procedures performed simultaneously?
A: It is a relatively common practice for a cosmetic surgeon to perform multiple procedures during one operation. This allows the surgeon to better “sculpt” your final appearance. In addition, having several procedures done simultaneously saves you the expense of paying the operating room and anesthesia costs more than once. However, having too much done at one time can lead to complications. The decision to have multiple procedures done depends on which procedures are being done, the extent of surgery, the operating time, and your age/health. Ultimately, the surgeon decides whether or not it is appropriate to include more than one procedure in your operation.
Q: Does it matter how old I am?
A: Due to the variety of procedures available in cosmetic surgery, there can be no blanket rule on age although age will be taken into consideration when planning your operation. People of all ages have taken advantage of the image-enhancement offered by cosmetic surgery. There are even procedures appropriate for young children! It is important to realize the limitations of cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic surgery cannot “fix” every situation or reverse the aging process. What is a good procedure for one person may not be an appropriate procedure for another. We are committed to making your experience a successful one.
Q: What happens during my initial consultation?
A: During your consultation we will discuss your desired changes and expectations, review your medical history and current health, and make an assessment on whether the procedure(s) in question are right for you. This is a good time to ask specific questions about the procedure so that you are fully prepared, mentally and emotionally, for the procedure. We will discuss the results that can be achieved, with the aid of photos and/or computer imaging. When a final decision is made, you will need to sign an informed consent stating that you are fully aware and understand what is entailed by your pending procedure, including the potential complications and secondary effects.
Q: How long will it take to recover from my procedure?
A: Generally, post-operative instructions call for rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time. The length of recovery varies with each procedure and is different for each individual. Bruises usually disappear within a few days, and most swelling is gone in a matter of weeks. If you follow our post-operative instructions carefully, you will be able to enjoy your normal activities within no time. The image-enhancing effects of cosmetic surgery become more evident over time with certain procedures taking up to a year for your body to fully adjust and settle into its new look. When you come in for your consultation we can discuss your expected recovery period and any post-operative instructions in detail.
Q: Can I have several procedures performed simultaneously?
A: It is a relatively common practice for a plastic surgeon to perform multiple procedures during one operation. This allows the surgeon to better “sculpt” your final appearance. In addition, having several procedures done simultaneously saves you the expense of paying the operating room and anesthesia costs more than once. However, having too much done at one time can lead to complications. The decision to have multiple procedures done depends on which procedures are being done, the extent of surgery, the operating time, and your age/health. Ultimately, the surgeon decides whether or not it is appropriate to include more than one procedure in your operation.
Q: What is the difference between Dysport® and Botox®?
A: The word Botox® has become a part of our everyday vocabulary. With over 3 million Botox® procedures performed in the US alone last year, ever increasing applications of the “wonder drug” and increasing consumer demand and awareness of its inherent safety profile, there is no question that Botox® has secured its place in every Aesthetic Physician’s medication fridge. As of May 2009, Dysport® has received FDA approval in order to compete with Botox®.
1. Dysport and Botox have similar mechanisms of action (neuromuscular blocking toxin)
2. Dysport has less of a protein load than Botox. The clinical effects of Dysport should last longer than those of Botox. That being said, some clinical trials indicate that Botox has longer lasting results.
3. In clinical studies, author’s noted that Dysport “spreads more” during injection. This is both a good and a bad thing. It is good in that large areas that need injection (forehead, armpits) would require fewer injections due to the spreading. This would mean less likelihood of potential discomfort, swelling or bruising for the patient. It is bad in that unless the Physician is an experienced injector with a good understanding of more complex musculature (around the eyes, between the eyebrows), the Dysport could spread into unwanted areas causing untoward side effects (blurry vision, droopy eyebrows).
Q: Are monthly doctor visits required for Latisse refills?
A: Latisse is the only FDA approved drug formulated for the strict cosmetic purpose of treating HYPOTRICHOSIS, which is the term used to describe inadequate or sparse eyelashes. A prescription must be obtained from a physician.
Maximum results are not appreciated until 16 weeks. Once your peak clinical result is obtained, a maintenance dose is suggested or else the eyelashes will slowly revert back to their original form.
Therefore, refills are required which are only dispensed at Laser Clinique. If you experience any untoward side effects or adverse reactions, you must immediately report back to your prescribing physician
Q: What’s the best single-treatment treatment option for acne scars?
A: Combining DeepFX™ with ActiveFX™ (TotalFX) is what I feel is the best option for treating acne scarring. It treats the deeper acne scars (DeepFX™) along with resurfacing the skin to improve the texture (ActiveFX™).
Q: Juvederm® vs Restylane®?
A: Juvederm and Restylane have very similar chemical makeup – mostly hyaluronic acid. The difference between the two is the amount of crosslinking, which changes the physical properties of the filler.
Juvederm is typically softer and more malleable. Many prefer its use in the lips for these reasons. Restylane tends to be stiffer, producing an effect of increased fullness. It is especially useful in rejuvenating the volume around the eyes.
Q: What are the top Aesthetic Trends of 2009?
A: Aesthetic procedures for skin rejuvenation are at the top of Aesthetic Medicine trends for 2009
Top Aesthetic Medicine Trends for 2009
Minimally-invasive anti-aging procedures will continue to secure the majority of the aesthetic medical procedures’ market over more invasive, expensive surgical offerings.
The public will choose these less expensive and less risky procedures over surgeries. People generally desire to look 10 years younger, and minimally-invasive procedures can achieve this desired outcome. “During hard economic times, men and women look to non-invasive cosmetic treatments such as Botox Cosmetic, Dermal Fillers and Skin Rejuvenation as a means to feel and look better about themselves physically and emotionally,” says Dr. Alexander Ataii of Laser Clinque in San Diego.
Q: What are the Aesthetic Trends for 2010 according to Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery?
A: (HealthNewsDigest.com) – SAN DIEGO, Calif., The editors of Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery are gleaning their crystal balls once again to see what’s in store for 2010. Here we go:
From how the newly proposed “Botax” could affect your self-improvement plans to which new products will come to market, here’s what you may see in the coming year:
Even More Botox-Like Products Will Come to Market
First there was Botox Cosmetic; then 2009 brought the Botox alternative Dysport. In 2010, expect to see a few more Botox rivals, including a topical form of the popular wrinkle relaxer and at least one more injectable. A couple of injectable Botox cousins are in development, but PurTox will likely be the next to get a nod from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The main difference in these injectables seems to be how long the results last and how quickly the products start to work on your crow’s feet.
Lipodissolve/Mesotherapy Study Results Stun Skeptics
Lipodissolve, an experimental “fat-melting” technology, is being billed as a non-surgical alternative to liposuction. Also called mesotherapy, lipodissolve is performed via injection of a cocktail of chemicals into muffin tops, saddlebags, love handles and other trouble spots to dissolve fat cells. Critics were outspoken, which is why the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery started a rigorous scientific study of lipodissolve, using standardized ingredients. And while even the trialists were skeptical at first, and the final results have not been tallied, it works. The study results – to be released in 2010 – may encourage many doctors to offer lipodissolve. Still, lipodissolve is only for small areas of localized fat.
“Botax” Will Raise Eyebrows
A health care reform bill will be passed in 2010, and it just may include a five percent tax on all cosmetic surgery procedures (except those deemed medically necessary). Let’s say that breast augmentation with implants costs $10,000 in 2008; add a five percent levy, and the total becomes $10,500 in 2010. With business already down, most plastic surgeons are up in arms about the Botax. There is also fear that taxing cosmetic surgery in the U.S. will encourage many to seek out services abroad or through unskilled providers who offer procedures at cut rates in America, compromising their safety.
Minimally Invasive Cosmetic Procedures Experience Rebirth
As our economy starts to show signs of life again, more people may opt for cosmetic surgery procedures, reversing the steep decline of the last two years. Don’t expect the numbers to reach their record highs anytime soon, though. There will likely be a slight increase in plastic surgery procedures – especially minimally invasive ones such as injectables that allow people to put off more invasive (and expensive) procedures like face lifts until they really need them (and can better afford them).
Q: What is the risk of tanning beds in skin cancer?
A:High-tech tanning devices heighten melanoma risk
Minneapolis — A new study shows that people who use high-speed/high-intensity indoor tanning beds run the highest risk of melanoma, HealthDay News reports. Researchers at the University of Minnesota surveyed 1,167 subjects diagnosed with invasive cutaneous melanoma from 2004 to 2007, as well as a demographically matched control group of 1,101 subjects. The two groups were asked about their experience with indoor tanning equipment, type of equipment used, age of initiation, length of use, period of use, doses and any tanning-caused burns.
Among the melanoma group, 62.9 percent of subjects had used indoor tanning equipment compared with 51.1 percent in the control group. Among those who had used indoor tanning equipment even for a short time, there was a 74 percent increased risk of melanoma.
Risk odds were highest among those who had used high-pressure (UVA-emitting) tanning devices and high-speed/high-intensity (UVB-enhanced) devices than among those who used sunlamps or conventional tanning equipment.
There was a strong dose-response relationship between melanoma risk measured in total hours, sessions or years spent tanning.
“In a highly exposed population, frequent indoor tanning increased melanoma risk, regardless of age when indoor tanning began. Elevated risks were observed across devices,” the authors conclude.