When patients ask why is it called “plastic” surgery, I usually reply, “We had plastic before plastic had plastic.” The term plastic means to mold, and is from the Greek word plastikos. It was first used to describe a specialty of surgery in 1837. The first plastic, on the other hand, was made by Alexander Parkes in 1855 by…
How is a breast lift performed? Three components need to be addressed: nipple position, breast skin envelope, and milk gland position and shape. Nipple position is the most important. The other components are placed in relation to the nipple. An incision around the nipple is always needed to relocate it. Different amounts of breast skin are removed depending on how…
You’re not happy with your breasts, but not sure if you need an augmentation or a lift, or both. The rule of thumb to determine if you need a breast lift is pretty simple. You know the place under your breast where it meets the chest? That intersection is called the inframammary fold. If your nipple is above the fold,…
Silicone or Saline? Which Breast Implant is Best for You? The two most common complications of breast implants, rupture and capsule formation, are influenced by which type of implant you choose. The appearance and feel of the implants are also affected by implant type. Implant manufacturers have a lot of faith in their products these days and provide free lifetime…
Deciding to have a breast augmentation involves a lot of decision making. What kind? What shape? How big? A crucial but perhaps not so obvious decision is where to place the pocket that will hold the implant. Should it go over or under the pectoral muscle? This decision is not trivial. It impacts recovery, post-op activity level and the possible…
Are Your Hands Giving Away Your Age? Age spots, thin skin and a bony appearance are the telltale signs of aging on your hands. Our hands go through the same aging process as our faces. Over time, exposure to sun causes skin damage and age spots. Loss of volume makes our tendons stick out and our hands look bony. If…
An upper eyelid tuck or upper blepharoplasty removes excess upper lid skin getting rid of the hooded look that often develops as we age. It is the easiest of all cosmetic surgeries and can be done under local anesthesia with minimal discomfort. Recovery is quick with little pain and usually limited bruising. Not only is it easy, it is probably the longest lasting of…
Bikini season’s just around the corner and you’re tired of waxing. Or are you fed up with electrolysis on your upper lip? Guys, sick of that sweater-like carpet of hair on your back? Don’t you wish there was a better way? Some people are afraid to look into laser hair removal because they’ve heard it’s too expensive or doesn’t work.…
Want to get rid of those wrinkles around your eyes, but afraid of surgery? Don’t have a lot of time to recuperate but hate those deep lines around your mouth? Never had any cosmetic surgery and just want to get your feet wet? A Liquid Facelift may be right for you. There are several reasons why we look older with…
Belly Basics. Liposuction versus Tummy Tuck You want a nicer belly, but, which is right for you; liposuction or an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)? It all depends on the quality of your tissues, specifically the skin and muscles. If you have tight, well positioned muscles and smooth stretch-mark free skin, liposuction is for you. On the other hand, if you have…
