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LOOK AND FEEL YOUR BEST Dr. William P. Adams, There has been a considerable amount of attention focused on plastic surgery, the risks, the potential results, and the people, especially teenagers, who are opting for elective surgery. As you know, I don't believe that surgery is for everyone and teenagers are no exception. Each case must stand on its own merits. Many major publications, including Boston Magazine, have run articles talking about the 153% increase in the number of cosmetic procedures performed by plastic surgeons since 1992. In these articles, they state that an alarming number of these procedures are being performed on patients 18 and younger. Quoting statistics such as 1,645 patients under 18 had liposuction while 1,840 had their breasts enlarged, they do not mention that these numbers represent only 3% of the total cosmetic surgeries done each year. Nor do these articles mention that this 3% number also includes the most common procedures performed on teens today, breast reduction and nose surgeries. At The Adams-Seckel Center for Aesthetic Surgery, we are committed to providing honest and straightforward information about how people can look and feel their best by focusing on the overall health and well being of our patients. We believe that the overall health of an individual includes physical, mental, and emotional factors, regardless of age. Feeling beautiful comes from the inside as well as the outside, and that's a lesson that comes with maturity and not surgery. |
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This Issue
Breast Reduction in Men and Women
Here's to Your Ears!
Options in Hair Replacement
Questions & Answers
Breast Reduction for Men and Women
REDUCTION MAMMOPLASTY, or breast reduction, isn't just
for women. In addition to the physical implications, excessive breast development
can cause significant self-esteem issues for both sexes.
Breast Reduction Can Provide Physical Relief
Many women with unusually large breasts suffer from medical problems
that range from skin irritations to skeletal deformities and breathing
problems. Breast reduction isn't usually done until a woman's breasts
are fully developed; but if large breasts are causing serious physical
discomfort, then it can be done earlier.
Overdeveloped Breasts in Men
An estimated 40%–60% of men are affected by gynecomastia, or
enlarged male breasts. In the majority of cases, there is no known cause
for gynecomastia, although certain drugs and medical problems have been
linked with the condition. Surgery to correct gynecomastia can be performed
on healthy, emotionally stable men of any age. The best candidates for
this procedure have firm, elastic skin that will reshape to the body's
new contours.
How Does Breast Reduction Work?
During your consultation, we discuss what type of results you can
realistically expect based on your age, the size and shape of your breasts,
and the condition of your skin. Depending on the type and amount of tissue
that is going to be removed, liposuction may also be recommended.
Options for Hair Replacement
The goal of hair transplantation and scalp reduction surgery is to
increase hair and decrease baldness. In men and women, a combination of
aging, a change in hormones, and a family history of baldness usually
cause hair loss.
In order to be a good candidate for hair replacement, you must have healthy hair growth at the back and sides of the head to serve as donor areas. Hair transplantation is achieved by moving small grafts from your donor site to the area being treated.
If you are trying to achieve coverage of bald areas at the top and back of the head, then scalp reduction may be the best option. In this procedure, sections of hair-bearing scalp are pulled forward or "advanced" to fill in a bald crown. It is not recommended, however, for coverage of the frontal hairline.
Depending on your personal condition, one or both of these
techniques may be used. If you are interested in learning more about hair
replacement or scalp reduction surgery, please call 617.262.2208 to arrange
a consultation at your convenience.
Top
Questions & Answers
Q: Why do you always recommend that people stop smoking before surgery
and during recovery?
A: In addition to the benefits to your cardiovascular health, there
are other considerations. If you smoke, it inhibits blood flow to the
skin, and can interfere with healing. Scars also tend to be much more
noticeable in people who smoke.
Q: I've noticed that the area where
I had surgery is dry and itchy. Is there anything I can do about it?
A: Dry skin is a common complaint among people who have undergone
surgery. You should use a good moisturizer to relieve itchiness in surrounding
areas. This will help to alleviate the itchiness associated with dry skin.
Q: When do I need to worry about fluid seeping from my
incision?
A: A small amount of fluid draining from your surgical wound, or some
crusting, is normal. If, however, you are bleeding or experience severe
pain, then you should call us right away.
Q: Is the reduction in a breast reduction procedure
relative to current weight, normal weight or proportional to weight and
height?
A: Your goals and expectations for your post operative results are
exactly what you should discuss with your doctor. Together, you can arrive
at a mutual understanding of where you would like to be post operatively.
