Frequently Asked Questions
Face Procedures
Breast Procedures
Body Procedures
Skin Procedures
 What are the most common types of scars from a facelift?
A typical facelift scar extends from the hairline to along the front of the ear, goes behind the earlobe and then along the crease where the ear is attached and disappears back into the hairline. Short scar facelifts, which are usually done on younger patients, have a scar ending typically at the level of the earlobe and does not extend behind the ear. Regardless of the length of the incision, facial scars tend to heal beautifully and, when well-healed, they are very difficult to detect at a conversational distance.
How long does it take after a facelift to be able to go out into public?
Patients are usually swollen and bruised after a facelift, much of which will be substantially gone in about ten days. With appropriate make-up, patients can be out in public within a week.
What is the main difference between a facelift and necklift? Is a necklift the same thing as a lower facelift?
In a standard facelift, the mid-face, jowls and neck are all lifted to achieve an overall smooth contour. A neck lift is also called a lower face lift and it only addresses fullness in the neck. It does not address drooping of the mid-face.
Are there special considerations for ethnic skin?
Even though patients with darker skin tend to have thicker scars on the body, this is not necessarily true for the face. Facelift scars on ethnic patients tend to heal beautifully and can be difficult to discern after complete healing has occurred.
What are the most common face procedures for men?
Cosmetic surgery is not limited to women. Men are now taking much more interest in their facial features. Common procedures for men are liposuction, chin implants, nose reshaping (rhinoplasty), upper eyelid surgery and facelifts. Many men are also coming in for non-surgical options such as BOTOX®, Juvéderm® and Artefill®.
 What are breast implants made of and where are they placed?
Breast implants are silicone shells filled with either salt water (saline implants) or silicone gel (silicone implants). They are usually placed under the breast tissue and chest wall muscle to obtain the best aesthetic look. Silicone implants tend to feel and look more natural than saline implants. Both options are thoroughly discussed with patients before making a decision.
Should women who are pregnant or plan to be pregnant wait before undergoing a breast procedure?
Women planning to have children are advised to postpone breast surgery procedures since pregnancy and nursing can counteract the benefits by stretching the skin. Most procedures do not affect the ability to breast feed; however, breast reduction is not recommended for women who intend to breast feed.
Is there much post-operative pain from a breast lift?
The breasts will be slightly bruised and/or swollen for a few days after the surgery. There may be some numbness around the breasts and nipples, but this usually improves after a few weeks.
How long does recovery take?
 Patients can expect to be sore around the incisions for a few days but this passes quickly. Most patients can return to work within a week. Swelling and bruising is substantially diminished after the first two to three weeks. Heavy lifting should be avoided for three to four weeks and only gentle contact with the breasts should occur for about six weeks.
Does breast surgery cause scarring?
Yes, although scars can be hidden with a bra, bathing suit or low-cut top. During surgery, incisions are made in inconspicuous places on the breast to minimize scar visibility (in the armpit, in the crease on the underside of the breast, or around the areola). Scars do fade with time.
On what areas of the body can liposuction be performed?
Liposuction sculpting can remove undesirable fat from the abdomen, waist, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, chin, cheeks, neck and upper arms.
Are there different techniques?
There are several ways of performing liposuction, the most common of which is called tumescent liposuction. This is where fluid containing a local anesthetic is injected into the area that is being suctioned, followed by the actual suctioning using a small tube attached to a suction machine. This technique provides temporary anesthesia following the procedure and greatly reduces bruising and blood loss.
Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction (UAL) is used in certain areas where tissues are more firm, such as the male chest wall. Newer techniques such as SmartLipo have used laser beams to liquefy fat cells underneath the skin which is suctioned off in the traditional manner. See further discussion under Liposuction section of the website.
Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)?
 The best candidates are in good physical condition with pockets of fat or loose skin that haven't responded well to diet and exercise. Older, slightly obese people whose skin has lost some of its elasticity can benefit. Abdominoplasty can also be useful for women with stretched skin and muscles from pregnancy, although results from the procedure will diminish if they continue to bear children. For this reason, women who plan to have children again are advised to delay abdominoplasty. Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight are also encouraged to wait before undergoing the procedure since abdominal skin typically loosens after substantial weight loss.
What is recovery like? Will there be scars?
Recovery time ranges from two weeks to a few months, but with a balanced diet and regular exercise results are long-lasting. Abdominoplasty will likely leave a permanent scar stretching between the hips, although it should be low enough for even a bikini to conceal it. Patients who have had previous abdominal surgery should know that their old scars could be raised, stretched or generally more noticeable after the procedure.
How long does BOTOX® last?
It varies by individual. On the average, BOTOX® lasts about three months but some of our patients have had results last for up to six months or more. However, this is the exception rather than the rule.
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