Time for a Nipntuck?
April 17th, 2014
“Am I ready for cosmetic surgery?” or “Is it time for me to have this surgery?” Fortunately, the answer is very simple, “Yes and no!”
As we age, most everyone can find improvements to be made in their physical appearance. For that reason you might be “ready” for cosmetic surgery. However, another way to look at it is that a patient can always be sold cosmetic surgery. Wrinkles that could be smoothed, droopy skin tightened, or fat collections removed. But, unless these things bother you, be wary of a surgeon who tries to sell you surgery that you do not ask about.
I always recommend that patients consider cosmetic surgery only when something bothers them. If nothing bothers you, there is no need to correct it. People often accept their appearance for many years until one day it simply becomes bothersome to them. This is a personal awareness and there is no specific age connected to it.
My mother’s situation is a good example. She grew up in a simple rural home during the depression. My youth was simple and uncomplicated, as this is what my parents were accustomed. Personal extravagances were just not on the radar. Five years after my father’s death, my mother approached me about facial rejuvenation surgery. This was completely unexpected by me. I actually put her off for a couple of years, until she put her foot down and insisted on the surgery, preferring that I do it.
In retrospect, it makes complete sense now. She was content and secure with herself before she was widowed. She came to the new realization that she felt self-conscious about her appearance, once she had finished grieving. She was finally ready to resume a social life, but did not like what she saw in the mirror. At 78 years old, I chose to do a series of single surgeries, safely rejuvenating her face one step at a time. Afterwards, I think she was ready and eager to pursue social activities and shortly thereafter met someone special.
So my message is: If something about your outward appearance bothers you, consider fixing it. It might make all the difference in the world about how you feel on the inside. Certainly my mom would agree!
Choosing Breast Implant Size
April 14th, 2014
Breast enlargement or augmentation mammaplasty allows women to surgically increase their breast size. During consultations in my office, one important question to consider is size. Sometimes patients are shy about revealing the size they want to be. I feel that the patient’s choice deserves honest consideration.
“What implant size will be used?” This is a very personal choice. I believe a woman should choose implant size for herself, within the physical limitations of her own stature. Many patients want a modest increase in size or choose to restore breast size that has diminished after nursing and pregnancy. When the breast tissue is too tight to accommodate a larger implant, the desired size cannot be realized immediately. An interim step to stretch the breast tissue may be considered in these cases.
A broad range of implant “sizers” are provided during consultation to approximate the patient’s choice for new breast size. Patients often choose more than one sizing appointment to determine size. Breast implants are measured in ml or cubic centimeters and range from 100 ml to over 900ml (one measuring cup equals 238ml or one tablespoon equals 15ml) in approximately 25ml increments. The visual experience of seeing themselves in a mirror with the sizing implants positioned beneath their bra and/or clothing is helpful in choosing the appropriate implant. That being said, many patients express a desire to be larger after surgery. Some patients increase their implant size at a second surgery. Very few patients choose to decrease the size of implants, but it is certainly not common. I ultimately want my patients to be happy with their personal decision.
Breast enlargement remains one of the most popular procedures, out of all requested cosmetic surgeries that I perform. According to The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), more than 290,000 women selected this surgery last year. Many of my patients report they experience an increase in their self-esteem and satisfaction of body image following breast augmentation surgery, regardless of the size of implant they have chosen.
Photo: Courtesy Victoria Secret image
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