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.
Nipntucks for Men Gain Popularity
May 2nd, 2011
I was interviewed for an article about cosmetic surgery and male patients. Here is an excerpt from the article written by Bill Ward, reporter for the Minneapolis StarTribune. Click below for a link to the article in its entirety.
April 28, 2011
Plastic surgery has a new face, and it’s more Joe the Plumber than Joan Rivers.
Last year saw nationwide increases in face-lifts (14 percent), liposuction (7 percent) and even breast reductions (6 percent) among men, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Men got 13 percent of the nation’s cosmetic surgeries in 2010, compared with 8 percent in 2008.
As procedures have become more affordable — a big boon because insurance plans don’t typically cover nipntucks — more “regular guys” and “man’s men” are getting cosmetic work done.
Dr. Ralph Bashioum of Wayzata has noticed a similar pecking order: “You might see a man get a liposuction this year in advance of a beach vacation next year.” The contributing factors are old (vanity dates at least to Narcissus) and new (Botox is largely a 21st-century phenomenon). But men loathe talking about it publicly. “Men are more private about this than women,” Bashioum said. “It might be (secretive) like this kind of surgery was for women 20 years ago.” But they’re still showing up at plastic surgeons’ offices for eyelid lifts, cheek implants and earlobe reductions.
Read reporter Bill Ward’s entire article at StarTribune.com.
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