Why Lipo is Not a Quick Fix
May 11th, 2011
Why isn’t Lipo a quick fix? I have found that cosmetic surgery results are far better when the fat layer located beneath the skin is as thin as possible before surgery. In the case of skin tightening procedures, the skin can be draped more easily, yielding a better result. Wound healing is also more efficient, there are fewer complications and patients see the best results when they are at a healthy weight.
Patients presenting for cosmetic surgery consultation frequently change their minds regarding which procedures they consider, after reaching their ideal weight. One surgery in particular that comes to mind is breast surgery. A woman considering breast reduction before weight loss will frequently choose breast enlargement after significant weight loss. The volume of breast tissue is often affected by significant fluctuations in weight in both men and women.
In contrast, patients considering liposuction after gradual weight loss, usually need slight reduction of the stubborn remaining localized fat pockets. A common area for this persistent fat is the outer thigh, often referred to as “saddle bags.†Skin appearance also responds better when weight loss is gradual and exercise is part of the program. Think of suddenly letting air out of a balloon- it collapses and leaves the balloon wrinkled.
I know the idea of having surgery first, followed by weight loss and conditioning has been popularized on reality TV. It has never made much sense to me. Why take this shortcut if there are increased risks, potential medical problems and compromised cosmetic results? Consider being within 20 pounds of your ideal weight before considering cosmetic surgery. It is the best advice that I can offer my patients in this regard.
Does Being Attractive Matter?
April 18th, 2011
Everyone can point to someone that is confident and successful despite or perhaps unrelated to his or her looks. However, for those wanting to stay competitive in a youthful industry, like Hollywood, success appears to be firmly linked with physical appearance. How about for the rest of us?
Many of my patients describe concerns about specific facial features as, “seeming out of sync,†but they are not quite able to pinpoint why. It is generally accepted that facial symmetry correlates to attractiveness, as do perceptions of youth and health. The rationale behind symmetry preference in both humans and animals is that symmetric individuals rate a higher mate-value. Scientists believe that this symmetry is equated with a stronger immune system, indicating more robust genes and a better likelihood that offspring will survive. This theory is supported by research showing that standards of attractiveness are similar across all cultures. Does being attractive still really matter today?
Gordon Patzer tackles the question. He is a former Dean at Roosevelt University in Chicago and well-known researcher in the study of cultural bias based on physical appearance. Patzer calls his theory the Physical Attractiveness Phenomenon or “lookism.†Lookism is basically the behavior of treating people differently based solely on their level of physical attractiveness. Lookism can create an unfair advantage, often with a negative affect for those being judged harshly. As a plastic surgeon, I see the issue from both sides. When patients describe concerns about specific facial features seeming out of sync, asymmetry is often the cause, but sometimes patients are just bothered by changes due to aging. General attractiveness concerns that top this list include crooked noses, droopy jowls and baggy eyes.
Part 2 continued tomorrow.
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