Frequently Asked Questions

It is a relatively common practice for a cosmetic surgeon to perform multiple procedures during one operation. This allows the surgeon to better “sculpt” your final appearance. In addition, having several procedures done simultaneously saves you the expense of paying the operating room and anesthesia costs more than once. However, having too much done at one time can lead to complications. The decision to have multiple procedures done depends on which procedures are being done, the extent of surgery, the operating time, and your age/health. Ultimately, the surgeon decides whether or not it is appropriate to include more than one procedure in your operation.

Due to the variety of procedures available in cosmetic surgery, there can be no blanket rule on age although age will be taken into consideration when planning your operation. People of all ages have taken advantage of the image-enhancement offered by cosmetic surgery. There are even procedures appropriate for young children! It is important to realize the limitations of cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic surgery cannot “fix” every situation or reverse the aging process. What is a good procedure for one person may not be an appropriate procedure for another. We are committed to making your experience a successful one.

During your consultation we will discuss your desired changes and expectations, review your medical history and current health, and make an assessment on whether the procedure(s) in question are right for you. This is a good time to ask specific questions about the procedure so that you are fully prepared, mentally and emotionally, for the procedure. We will discuss the results that can be achieved, with the aid of photos and/or computer imaging. When a final decision is made, you will need to sign an informed consent stating that you are fully aware and understand what is entailed by your pending procedure, including the potential complications and secondary effects.

Generally, post-operative instructions call for rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time. The length of recovery varies with each procedure and is different for each individual. Bruises usually disappear within a few days, and most swelling is gone in a matter of weeks. If you follow our post-operative instructions carefully, you will be able to enjoy your normal activities within no time. The image-enhancing effects of cosmetic surgery become more evident over time with certain procedures taking up to a year for your body to fully adjust and settle into its new look. When you come in for your consultation we can discuss your expected recovery period and any post-operative instructions in detail.

It is a relatively common practice for a plastic surgeon to perform multiple procedures during one operation. This allows the surgeon to better “sculpt” your final appearance. In addition, having several procedures done simultaneously saves you the expense of paying the operating room and anesthesia costs more than once. However, having too much done at one time can lead to complications. The decision to have multiple procedures done depends on which procedures are being done, the extent of surgery, the operating time, and your age/health. Ultimately, the surgeon decides whether or not it is appropriate to include more than one procedure in your operation.

The word Botox® has become a part of our everyday vocabulary. With over 3 million Botox® procedures performed in the US alone last year, ever increasing applications of the “wonder drug” and increasing consumer demand and awareness of its inherent safety profile, there is no question that Botox® has secured its place in every Aesthetic Physician’s medication fridge. As of May 2009, Dysport® has received FDA approval in order to compete with Botox®.

• Dysport and Botox have similar mechanisms of action (neuromuscular blocking toxin)
• Dysport has less of a protein load than Botox. The clinical effects of Dysport should last longer than those of Botox. That being said, some clinical trials indicate that Botox has longer lasting results.
• In clinical studies, author’s noted that Dysport “spreads more” during injection. This is both a good and a bad thing. It is good in that large areas that need injection (forehead, armpits) would require fewer injections due to the spreading. This would mean less likelihood of potential discomfort, swelling or bruising for the patient. It is bad in that unless the Physician is an experienced injector with a good understanding of more complex musculature (around the eyes, between the eyebrows), the Dysport could spread into unwanted areas causing untoward side effects (blurry vision, droopy eyebrows).

Latisse is the only FDA approved drug formulated for the strict cosmetic purpose of treating HYPOTRICHOSIS, which is the term used to describe inadequate or sparse eyelashes. A prescription must be obtained from a physician.

Maximum results are not appreciated until 16 weeks. Once your peak clinical result is obtained, a maintenance dose is suggested or else the eyelashes will slowly revert back to their original form.

Therefore, refills are required which are only dispensed at Laser Cliniqúe. If you experience any untoward side effects or adverse reactions, you must immediately report back to your prescribing physician.

Combining Deep FX™ with Active FX™ (TotalFX) is what I feel is the best option for treating acne scarring. It treats the deeper acne scars (Deep FX™) along with resurfacing the skin to improve the texture (Active FX™).

Juvederm and Restylane have very similar chemical makeup – mostly hyaluronic acid. The difference between the two is the amount of crosslinking, which changes the physical properties of the filler.

Juvederm is typically softer and more malleable. Many prefer its use in the lips for these reasons. Restylane tends to be stiffer, producing an effect of increased fullness. It is especially useful in rejuvenating the volume around the eyes.

High-tech tanning devices heighten melanoma risk.

Minneapolis — A new study shows that people who use high-speed/high-intensity indoor tanning beds run the highest risk of melanoma, HealthDay News reports. Researchers at the University of Minnesota surveyed 1,167 subjects diagnosed with invasive cutaneous melanoma from 2004 to 2007, as well as a demographically matched control group of 1,101 subjects. The two groups were asked about their experience with indoor tanning equipment, type of equipment used, age of initiation, length of use, period of use, doses and any tanning-caused burns.

Among the melanoma group, 62.9 percent of subjects had used indoor tanning equipment compared with 51.1 percent in the control group. Among those who had used indoor tanning equipment even for a short time, there was a 74 percent increased risk of melanoma.

Risk odds were highest among those who had used high-pressure (UVA-emitting) tanning devices and high-speed/high-intensity (UVB-enhanced) devices than among those who used sunlamps or conventional tanning equipment.

There was a strong dose-response relationship between melanoma risk measured in total hours, sessions or years spent tanning.

“In a highly exposed population, frequent indoor tanning increased melanoma risk, regardless of age when indoor tanning began. Elevated risks were observed across devices,” the authors conclude.