Answers to your most frequently asked cosmetic surgery questions
Nearly 8.5 million Americans underwent cosmetic procedures to improve their appearance last year. If you are one of the many individuals considering a cosmetic change, you probably share similar questions as those I recently received from my readers:
Q: Dear Dr. Greenberg: My teen-age daughter is extremely self-conscious about her nose. At what age can she consider a nose job? Stacey, Woodbury
A: Dear Stacey: Wait until your daughter is about 16 years old. A nose job (rhinoplasty) performed on teenagers and young adults is often very beneficial to their social development and self confidence. However, nasal surgery is generally avoided in children younger than 16, as there are major growth centers in the nose that affect the growth of the face.
Q: Dear Dr. Greenberg: I am a 34 year old mother of four children who can’t lose her large thighs no matter how hard I exercise. I have heard of a new technique called power-assisted liposuction. Would that work for me? How long do I have to take off from both the gym and work? Mary, Garden City.
A: Dear Mary: Liposuction is one of the most common and safest cosmetic surgical procedures. Several types of liposuction now exist which provide outstanding results. Power assisted liposuction is one of the newest techniques. I use power-assisted liposuction for those areas which are typically more difficult, or when I need to remove larger amounts of fat. The down time after liposuction is only a few days, and you can return to the gym in about three weeks.
Q: Dear Dr. Greenberg: I am 48 years old. Can you tell me know what the best methods are for getting rid of the lines in my face and forehead without getting a face lift? Leslie, East Islip.
A: Dear Leslie: Many non-invasive methods are now available which help both the fine lines and the deeper wrinkles of the face. Botox, a very well accepted treatment, is FDA approved and has a proven multi-year track record as safe and effective. It works well to eliminate the forehead and crow’s feet wrinkles. Collagen or fat transfers work well for the deeper laugh lines. IPL Photo Rejuvenation is another advanced technique that combats the effects of aging in a soft, gentle way. By stimulating collagen production, it softens the appearance of aging skin. Fine lines, wrinkle, pigmentations and the redness associated with rosacea are dramatically reduced. I also encourage good skin care regimens and light facial peels to eliminate the signs of aging. Most of the treatments I’ve described are quick procedures that can be performed during a lunch hour.
Q: Dear Dr. Greenberg: I am 21 years old and I have always had very small breasts. What types of breast implants are available and how safe are they? Janet, Old Brookville.
A: Dear Janet: Breast augmentation is more common than ever and is an extremely popular procedure. The implants that are used in most patients are filled with saline (salt water) and are perfectly safe. There are several types of saline implants which are now available that allow us to obtain the absolute most natural results possible. I believe that the specific implant shape and type should be individualized to the patient’s body and size.
Q: Dear Dr. Greenberg: I have 3 children and I am 48 years old. My abdomen has extra skin and fat. What is the best way to get back my old tummy? Margaret, Dix Hills
A: Dear Margaret: A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is probably what is needed to remove both the extra skin and fat. This procedure also tightens the abdominal wall muscles to restore your former, more youthful stomach. Results are immediate: the abdomen is actually flat as soon as this procedure is performed. I often combine some liposuction along with the tummy tuck to get even better overall results.