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WHEN PLASTIC SURGERY GOES TOO FAR Dr. William P. Adams, ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2000, The Boston Globe ran a story called, "When Plastic Surgeons Should Just Say No." In a nutshell it asks the question that my colleagues and I have long been discussing -- when should we say no to a client? Over the years, there has been an occasional person who has made the news with the number of surgical procedures they've had. As I told the Globe, I will not do an operation that I don't feel aesthetically comfortable with. Anyone who is considering plastic surgery must have realistic expectations and a healthy attitude on what a change in their appearance can do for them. During our initial consultation, I discuss your expectations for the area or features you would like to enhance. Based on your overall health, I explain which techniques or services may be most appropriate for you. At this time, we also discuss potential risks, limitations, pretreatment preparation, and post-treatment care. I define overall health to include physical, mental and emotional factors. If our expectations don't match, then maybe surgery is not the answer. I don't believe that surgery is for everyone. Each case must stand on its own merits. At The Adams-Seckel Center, we want to help you look and feel your best. Our first concern is you, so we take a personalized approach to your care. If you are considering cosmetic surgery, please call us today for a consultation. |
| Your Feedback is Important Is there a particular topic or procedure you would like to see covered in an upcoming issue of Look and Feel Your Best? Let us know by calling 617.262.2208 or using our online contact form. |
MEN ARE HAVING face lifts and liposuction in increasing
numbers. Plastic surgery among men is growing at a rate that is 50% higher
than 1992. In fact, during 1999, 11% of all cosmetic surgery was performed
on men. The chart below shows you the top five procedures they have. Why
are we seeing this increase in male procedures? The reasons are varied.
More than likely it reflects a better awareness and understanding of cosmetic
surgery, which causes men to take a more active role in decisions about
their health and appearance. Another reason for this increased interest
in plastic surgery could be the intense competition in the business world.
Whether we like it or not, we live in a youth-driven work environment.
People often judge us by our appearance. Unfortunately, some people have
the perception that an older person is less up to date and less efficient.
As a result, some men are turning to cosmetic procedures to help them
feel better about the way they look.
Other men are turning to cosmetic procedures to help them look healthier,
not necessarily younger. Some men start to see signs of aging such as
drooping jowls, a double chin, overlapping eyelids, and bags under their
eyes around their 50th birthday. In addition, no matter how much they
exercise, some men just can't seem to lose the fat that has accumulated
in their abdomen and waist. Suddenly they discover that they have "love
handles" or "beer bellies". As we've discussed in other
newsletters, gynecomastia, or breast reduction surgery, has become more
popular as well.
Liposuction is the most popular procedure
Plastic surgery among men is growing at a rate that is 50% higher
than 1992. In fact, during 1999, 11% of all cosmetic surgery was performed
on men. The chart below shows you the top five procedures they have. Why
are we seeing this increase in male procedures? The reasons are varied.
More than likely it reflects a better awareness and understanding of cosmetic
surgery, which causes men to take a more active role in decisions about
their health and appearance. Another reason for this increased interest
in plastic surgery could be the intense competition in the business world.
Whether we like it or not, we live in a youth-driven work environment.
People often judge us by our appearance. Unfortunately, some people have
the perception that an older person is less up to date and less efficient.
As a result, some men are turning to cosmetic procedures to help them
feel better about the way they look. Other men are turning to cosmetic
procedures to help them look healthier, not necessarily younger. Some
men start to see signs of aging such as drooping jowls, a double chin,
overlapping eyelids, and bags under their eyes around their 50th birthday.
In addition, no matter how much they exercise, some men just can't seem
to lose the fat that has accumulated in their abdomen and waist. Suddenly
they discover that they have "love handles" or "beer bellies."
As we've discussed in other newsletters, Top Five Procedures for Men Source:
American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (1999)
AS THE CHART SHOWS, liposuction is the number one procedure that men undergo. A total of 19,789 liposuction procedures were performed in 1999. This is an increase of 69% since 1992. This technique suctions unwanted fat deposits from specific areas of the body. It removes fat that doesn't respond to dieting and exercise. The small incisions are often easily concealed or difficult to see. Although almost any area of the body can undergo liposuction, the three most popular areas for men are the neck, abdomen and loin.
Are you a candidate?
Generally, people of normal weight who have localized areas of protruding
fat achieve the most desired results, although patients who are slightly
overweight can also benefit from liposuction. The best candidates for
liposuction are people with firm, elastic skin, who have excess fat in
certain areas, and who are physically healthy and psychologically stable
with realistic expectations.
Recovery Period
Usually the excess fat can be removed in a single procedure, even if more
than one area is treated. Age is not a factor in recovery, although older
patients with diminished skin elasticity may not have the same results
as patients with tighter skin. Most men can return to work within a week.
Fast
Facts
The term "plastic" comes from the Greek word "plastik",
meaning to mold or give form. Plastic surgery includes reconstructive
and cosmetic (or aesthetic) surgery, which includes:
Face Lifts
COSMETIC SURGERY IN MEN uses many of the same procedures as in women.
However, because the composition of a man's body is not the same as a
woman's, there are some technical differences in the surgery. This is
true for a face lift. Because men's skin is thicker and the facial area
contains hair, face lift techniques are modified to reduce the risk of
bleeding in male patients. Other features that differentiate a face lift
between sexes include shaving and positioning of the scar.
Special Conditions
Because the skin is moved upwards and backwards, the hair bearing
skin is moved closer to the ear. This does not present a problem if you
use an electric razor, but if you use a safety razor it will take some
time to get used to shaving this area. You may not want to get your hair
cut just before surgery as the extra length may allow you to conceal the
scars more easily. The second issue is the blood supply to the skin. It
is greater in men, making them more likely to have a pooling of blood
after surgery called a hematoma. Surgery may be required to remove the
hematoma. Whether you are a male or female, remember that cosmetic surgery
is not a cure-all. Lifestyle choices, diet and exercise are also important
considerations and vital components to maximizing any changes you want
to make toward your appearance.
This Issue