Procedures Performed
Abdominoplasty
Blepharoplasty
Botox
Breast Augmentation
Breast Lift
Breast Reconstruction
Breast Reduction
Cleft Lip & Palate
Collagen
Facelift
Facial Implants
Forehead Lift
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Liposuction
Otoplasty
Rhinoplasty
Softform

 

In the Know February 1, 2001

Micropolymer
I have a friend who told me about a woman who files in from South America and has the best cure for wrinkles. She says its called "Biopolymer" and that they are using a lot of it Europe. Is it safe and you do you recommend it?
The fact that it is not FDA approved and that it is not allowed in the United States is enough to give anybody a warning. Biopolymer is actually a material much like crazy glue that is injected into soft tissue to augment it (reduce the wrinkles). It works by causing a reaction from your immune system which then causes your body to produce a constant swelling. Initially it may look great but over a period of time it will tend to grow and continue to irritate. There is no "cure" as it is not easily removed and will eventually cause chronic swelling in your face.
As far as letting a non-physician inject "something" into your face, don't do it. You need to know what the filler is and I would be very wary of physicians who treat a lot of patients with this "wonderful" procedure causes disastrous skin problems.

Crystal bumps
Ever since I've had microdermabrasion treatments, I see and feel two small bumps under my skin. I have heard of crystals getting imbedded in the skin. Is there any way to get rid of these two bumps?
The answer is yes. There are two types of crystals that are being used commercially. They are either made from salt or aluminum. Generally these types of bumps, if they are related to the getting into the skin, are because of the aluminum crystals. You may also have these bumps because your pores are clogged and they need to be opened up. The two bumps may be removed by using a buff puff over a period of time to cleanse your skin or they may need tobe surgically removed by a physician.
Biopolymer filler causes devastating, incurable side effects in the long-term.


Too tight
I have wanted to get a facelift for the longest time, but every time I see women walking around with taught skin by their ears, I decide against it. I think facelifts are extremely noticeable especially around the ear area where the incision is placed in front of the ear. Do plastic surgeons ever do the incision in the hair or behind the ear for a more natural look? When considering a surgeon, what should I look for?
Facelifts do not necessarily have to be noticeable or look tight. If done properly the facelift should be an added boost to your look and not take it over. The surgeon's incision can be placed in the hairline, behind the ear, and in temporal hairline above and behind the ear. The incision in front of the ear may be placed inside the ear so that the incision is virtually invisible. The "tight" effect is a result of an overzealous surgeon who tightens the skin and not the underlying "muscle." If done properly the facelift should enhance one's natural aspects and make the patient look better.
Choosing a surgeon should be a careful and well-thought-out endeavor. The criteria you should use is the following. Choose a surgeon who is board certified in facial plastic surgery or plastic surgery. Make sure he or she does facelifts frequently and that it is a big part of his practice. Ask to see before and after pictures of previous patients, there is no excuse for your surgeon's aesthetic views because what he may deem a successful operation may be your worst horror. Get referrals from have surgery and ask if they were satisfied. Finally, get on the Internet and check out the physician's data bank to determine if your future surgeon has had a chronic load of complaints against him or her. Remember, where there is smoke there is fire, and you may get burned.

Pucker up
I want sexier lips. I'm sick of always using a liner to draw them. I constantly have to apply liner. Can you recommend something more permanent?
Permanent makeup or micropigmentation is a more permanent method to line your lips. Lips and eyes can be permanently tattooed and it will make your life easier. It is important that an experienced person with the appropriate training do this. Make sure you check credentials and ask for many referrals.

Symmetry
I want a more attractive face. My nose is too big and my chin is too small. I thought about having both my nose and chin done, but a friend of mine said that I might only have to change one aspect and then the other will "fit" better. What do you think? Can both procedures be performed at the same time?
Both procedures can and are often donw at the same time. Some patients, no matter how you change their nose, will still require some chin augmentation to improve their overall facial symmetry. I often will discourage a patient from doing both procedures when it seems that fixing one will improve the overall general look. Many times I will encourage a patient to do her nose and not her chin and not her nose or do her nose and not her chin - because sometimes changing one feature is all that is necessary to correct or make better facial symmetry.
Facial imaging machines are helpful for patients who do not know what to have done. These machines will help a patient see approximate results of facial procedures. My advice is to have at least one consultation with a physician who has an imaging machine. Remember, if you have reservations about doing too many things at one time, there is always tomorrow. It doesn't all to be done in one shebang. It is always safer and better to do less than more.