What is a face lift?
The face lift procedure is performed to address loose, sagging skin of the neck, cheeks and jowls. Typically patients who are over 50 would be candidates for this procedure. Frequently this procedure can take off 15 to 20 years from a person’s apparent age. This is an outpatient procedure, and does not require a general anesthetic. Recovery is rapid and usually patients are presentable in 10 days or so. Typically there is very little pain after the surgery. (84)
I have sagging skin in the upper eyelids and "bags" in my lower eyelids that make me look constantly tired. What can I do?
This is part of the aging process and can make people appear to look tired or sleep deprived, even though they don't feel that way. The solution is a surgical procedure called a blepharoplasty. With this procedure, the loose and sagging skin, as well as the excess fat around the eyelids are removed. The incisions heal so well that they are practically invisible. This is the second most common cosmetic surgery performed in the USA. (99)
I have deep wrinkles around my mouth and on my cheeks. Can these be removed?
Facial rejuvenation involves several modalities. First and foremost you must stop sun-tanning and use sunscreen. Next, begin a program of daily skin care with products that use alpha hydroxyl acids or retinoids. For moderate to deep wrinkles of the facial skin the treatment of choice would be a skin resurfacing procedure using a chemical peeling agent or a laser. These procedures can be done in the office. Generally, the recovery time for these procedures is 5 to 7 days. (94)
I have spots of darker skin all over my face. What can be done about this?
Pigmentation spots commonly have two main causes. One type, called a solar lentigo, is caused by sun exposure and a genetic predisposition. The other common type is called melasma, often referred to as the pregnancy mask. These pigmentation spots can also be caused by hormone replacement therapy and contraceptive use. These can be treated by medical grade skin care products that have been proven to fade these pigmentations. Sometimes a peeling agent or laser treatment may be required to fully eradicate these blemishes. (99)
After pregnancy and nursing my breasts are flat and saggy. What can be done?
This is a very common complaint. The shape of the breast can be altered to look more youthful in two ways. One way is by removing the excess skin from around the breast tissue to create a more youthful shape. This procedure is called a breast lift or mastopexy. Another method involves the placement of breast implants to increase the size of the breast, which fills out the loose skin and improves the shape. This procedure is called a breast augmentation. (95)
Can the breasts be enlarged using fat suctioned from other parts of the body?
The answer is NO! Not only will such a procedure not work, it will be harmful. Fat cells suctioned from other areas of the body and injected into the breasts will die because they no longer have a blood supply. The breasts do not maintain the initial increase in volume, as the dead fat cells are largely absorbed by the body. This type of procedure can also cause scarring which can interfere with an accurate reading of a screening mammogram for breast cancer. (97)
I weigh five pounds less than my ideal body weight. Despite this, I still have fatty areas on my hips that will not go away! What can I do?
The solution is liposuction. Many men and women, due to their genetic make-up, have isolated pockets of excess fat despite being at or near their ideal body weight. These pockets of fat have a higher concentration of fat cells than the surrounding areas. Liposuction removes these excessive fat cells resulting in a permanent recontouring of the affected area. Liposuction is extremely effective and the recovery time is minimal. (97)
Do men ever have cosmetic surgery?
More and more men are choosing to improve their appearance through cosmetic surgery. These procedures commonly include facial cosmetic surgery, liposuction, and male breast reduction.
