The following information will give you the “essentials” of plastic surgery. First, why is it called “plastic” surgery? Plastic is derived from the Greek word “plastikos” meaning “to mold, shape or form”, just what I do to the human body.
Who needs plastic surgery? People suffering impairments such as:
Visual obstruction due to droopy upper eyelids.
Obstructed nasal breathing from a septal deviation
Severe neck, back and shoulder pain from heavy breasts
Who wants plastic surgery? EVERYONE! All kidding aside, people want plastic surgery when they feel their body is out of “sync” with their perception of themselves. So people who “think and act young” don’t want to appear beyond their years. Another group of people who want plastic surgery have a disharmony in their body. For example, women with full hips and small breasts who don’t want a “pear” figure.
WARNING: PLASTIC SURGERY DOESN’T GUARANTEE HAPPINESS – THAT COMES FROM WITHIN.
Let’s explore my favorite procedures:
Eyelid Tucks
(Blepharoplasty): My favorite procedure. An eyelid tuck freshens the appearance the most dramatically for the least cost in time, money or discomfort. Removal of excess skin and fat corrects upper eyelid “sags” and lower eyelid “bags”. Most patients are out and about after three days of cold compresses, looking refreshed and youthful.
Face Lifts
(Rhytidectomy or Meloplasty): Better called “neck and jowl” lifts, this procedure is more extensive but very effective in eliminating the “turkey gobbler neck” and the sagging jowls. Often combined with liposuctioning and also dividing and sewing the muscle bands of the neck, the face lift pulls the tissues of the face toward the temple and behind the ears. My goal is for a natural invigorated look.
Breasts
(Augmentation, Lift, Reduction) Augmentation creates a more “hourglass” figure and can correct mild sagging of the breasts. Silicone gel implants are now available although I prefer saline implants placed under the pectoral muscle through a 1.5 inch scar around the areola of the nipple. In my hands, this is the safest procedure with the smallest scar and an excellent aesthetic result.
Excessive sagging requires removal of excess skin and raising the position of the nipple and areola. This typically results in an “anchor” scar on the breasts. Large, sagging breasts require removal of excess breast tissue as well as the excess breast skin resulting in the same “anchor” scarring as the breast lift. Women who have suffered with heavy sagging breasts feel like new with removal of at least 1lb from each breast.
Tummy Tucks
(Abdominoplasty) Firm, flat tummies are created by removing excess skin and fat from below the belly button, tightening the “abs” muscles with permanent sutures (like an internal corset) and stretching the upper abdominal skin downward. Of course, a new opening is made for the belly button. I use the pain pump for excellent post operative comfort. Best candidates are within approximately 10lb of their ideal weight and have completed child bearing. People who have tried “everything” without success can now have the abdomen they’ve dreamed of.
Liposuction
Liposuction: NOT a weight reduction technique, liposuction evens out bulging trouble spots such:
- Saddle bags
- Hips
- Love handles
- Chubby tummies
- Inner thigh bulges
- Inner knee bulges
- Bulges below the buttocks
- “Bullfrog neck”
The tumescent technique is used for safer removal of fat with less blood loss. Bruising, swelling and discomfort are common for up to three weeks post operatively, during which time a compression garment is worn and cold packs are very helpful. The end result – a streamlined, aesthetically pleasing new figure.
“Nose Jobs”
(Rhinoplasty): The procedure that put plastic surgery on the map, the “nose job” can harmonize the nose with the face. All the work is done through the inside of the nostrils. Typical deformities that are greatly improved include:
- The nasal hump
- The boxy or bulbous tip
- The drooping tip
- The overly wide and overly large nose.
“Raccoon” eyes are common post operatively but are usually gone in three weeks. Breathing can also be drastically improved with either a correction of a deviated septum or removal of a blocking turbinate. Pivotal to an aesthetically pleasing face is a properly proportioned nose.
“Pinning back the ears”
(Otoplasty): This procedure actually folds the ears bringing them naturally closer to the sides of the head. This procedure can be successful with children aged 5 to 6 because the ear is at 85% adult size by this age. Incisions are usually hidden behind the ears. Post operatively, young people no longer fear exposing their prominent ears when swimming or styling their hair.
Non-Surgical
Filler Materials: I am excited to announce the availability of an FDA approved, permanent wrinkle filler: Bellafill. I was one of the first doctors in the United States to use this product. It actually gets better with time. It does require a collagen test and an observation period of four weeks. Although FDA approved only for the lines running from the sides of the nose to outside the corners of the mouth (nasolabial folds), I can also use the product off label to smooth other areas. Say goodbye to worried and angry lines and turn back the hands of time.
My Philosophy A pleasing appearance is just one facet of a beautiful person. A healthy diet, skin care, exercise, satisfying work/activities, humor, nurturing relationships and personal growth and development all play a vital role. I recommend that my patients engage in the core program. Their aesthetic surgery makes the most rewarding changes.
For any other questions, please call me for a “heart to heart” talk.
From my heart,
Yale M. Kadesky, M.D.