Is it safe to have multiple procedures at the same time? Thinking of having liposuction and a face lift so it’s a one time thing? Jack

Hi Jack, the viability of having several procedures done at the same time depends on the length and nature of the operations.  Large scale lipo has had some percentage of significant complications as there is just a lot of fluid being sucked out of the body, and a lot of fluid being put in for the anaesthesia, you can easily have a major operation that last 5 hours. Then adding a face lift, also another major procedure, it may not always be a very good idea. I understand how you’d like to have everything done in one sitting, it is better to split it up into two trips to the operating room. So basically, all these factors have to come into play, the length of the operation and the nature of the operation, not to mention the patient’s own particular condition — their physiology, how they are known to heal. If a patient is a slow healer, it makes sense to be a little more conservative and have two separate operations

What are the PROs and CONs of chemical and laser peels? Johnny

Hi Johnny, thanks for your question. Laser peel makes the little individual cells of the skin, pop and die, as opposed to the chemical or acid that makes them die from the acid treatment. In effect, the outer layer of skin is destroyed on purpose to a certain thickness forcing nature to send up brand new smooth tight fresh pink skin. In my opinion, chemical peel will deliver the desired results. Treating just parts of the face takes about 30 to 45 minutes. A full-face treatment takes up to two hours. After the laser procedure, the doctor will bandage the treated areas. After 24 hours, you will need to clean the treated areas four to five times a day and then apply an ointment such as petroleum jelly to prevent scabs from forming.

I just turned 16 and I just had a chemical peel. My doctor said I should use sunscreen. What’s the best type for someone my age? What do you think of self tanners? Joe

Hi Joe, new skins emerges after a chemical peel.  Sunscreen should be applied daily as a form of protection outside, it’s important to choose a good sunscreen that won’t irritate your skin. Some of the zinc based sun blocking agents will be less irritating than others. You can use a moisturizing type of sunscreen especially on the face because it’s practical after you wash in the morning to put on a daily moisturizing sunscreen. There are some foundations with sunscreen – foundation with less than SPF 15, should be supplemented with sunscreen beneath whatever will be applied to the skin. Sunscreen with 15+ SPF is usually adequate enough for most skin types. It basically gets between 93 and 94% of the suns removed.

What are the different treatments for acne? Cherry

Hello Cherry, There are several possible treatments for acne.  There are oral prescriptions, injections, topical ointments (both prescription and non-prescription) and/or acne surgery/extractions or chemical peels. There is also acne surgery wherein skin is cleansed, blackheads and whiteheads extracted, and clogged pores are cleaned.  Acne surgery helps to reduce current acne outbreaks. Patients receiving acne surgery treatments must continue to have periodic visits with the dermatologist for acne management.  In addition, you can work with your dermatologist or aesthetician to develop/create a regime to prevent further outbreaks. Acne treatments are not just for cosmetic reasons. Acne can cause permanent scarring, affecting the way a person feels about themselves. With significant medical and non-medical advancements, most acne can be cleared up, so it makes sense to explore all options available. To reduce the appearance of acne scars, you can look at options for skin resurfacing like chemical peels and microdermabrasion.

Which is more effective, Artefill or fat injections? ­­­Orly

Hi Orly, the biggest difference between these two types of fillers is how long the results last. The results from Artefill injections lasts only a few months and it can’t be used on thinner skin and should not be used to correct crow’s feet. Also when an Artefill injection is given, the solution not only acts as a dermal filler, but its microspheres also stimulate the body to produce its own collagen. As the injected collagen slowly degrades naturally, the newly produced collagen replaces it. This is what gives Artefill long-lasting, almost permanent results. These injections are administered by the doctor directly into the Nasolabial folds. Unlike fillers such as fat, Artefill does not need to be over-injected to correct wrinkles. Because of the filler’s composition, the results of an Artefill injection will be seen immediately and will not begin to fade too quickly.

How long does it take for rhinoplasty to heal? Pinocchio

Hello Pinocchio, it takes about 12 weeks for rhinoplasty to heal.  Some factors that influence healing are oxygenation, infections, age, presence of sex hormones, stress, diabetes, medications, obesity, alcohol consumption, smoking, and nutrition.  To facilitate the healing process, it is critical to follow post-op instructions: Elevating the head during sleep; don’t bump the nose; Don’t work out for 2 weeks post op;  Follow a low salt diet to minimize fluid retention in the nasal tip; Eat soft foods for 1-2 weeks post op; Avoid wearing glasses for 4 weeks post op – if you really need to,  tape them onto your forehead; No nose blowing 2 – 12 weeks post op;  Take pain relievers as needed; Take a nap –sleeping promotes healing; and lastly, be patient.  Swelling can take weeks, months, even a year or two to totally subside.

How does Asian eyelid surgery work? Chin Chin

Hi Chin Chin, Asian eyelid surgery gives a “double eyelid” through a visible crease or fold when the eye is open. The position of the fold to be made will be done either through a non-incisional or incisional procedure.  Factors to be evaluated are: a patient’s age gender, skin thickness and quality, fat volume under the skin, healing history from past procedures, as well as the unique anatomy around the eyes. This surgery takes about 1 hour under local anaesthesia with an IV sedation; pre- and post-op recovery may take another 2 hours or expect a total of 3 hours. After surgery, a return visit to the surgeon is done after 1 week to remove sutures.  Swelling between the eyelid crease and the eyelid margin can persist for months and even a year. Factors which can affect the recovery process include allergies, sinus conditions as well as having sensitive skin.

Which treatment is best for acne scarring? Marge

A variety of treatments can be considered ranging from laser, dermabrasion, augmentation, subcision, punch, chemical peels, skin needling, steroid injection, cryosurgery and/or topical applications. Multiple treatments are very often combined for optimal results, especially in cases of more severe scarring. Laser skin resurfacing can even out the skin surface, promoting the formation of new collagen, which can help fill in acne scars.   Ablative laser skin resurfacing delivers an intense wavelength of light to the skin, removing the top layers of aged skin.  There are also filler injections to fill in deep acne scars. Kojic acid (a natural skin lightener derived from mushroom extract), arbutin (also called bearberry extract), and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) are great ingredients to look for in lightening creams. A consult with a board certified surgeon will help you identify the best treatment for your specific needs.

What’s more effective, a fat transfer or implants? Adele

Hi Adele,

Thank you for your question.  Fat transfers have an easier post op recovery and the injected area needs to be isolated for about a week.  Healing of the affected area takes 1 month, and for implants, 3-4 months. So based on those criteria there seems to be a preference for fat transfer.  There are steps you can take to make the recovery period easier on yourself after undergoing fat transfer: get your prescriptions filled before your surgery, take the antibiotics and pain killers only as prescribed by your doctor; avoid taking aspirin or any anti-inflammatory compounds for 2 weeks before and after surgery.  For smokers they should not smoke for 2 weeks before and 3 weeks after surgery.  The same goes for chewing tobacco and using e-cigarettes – they both inhibit circulation and can compromise surgical outcome.  Consult with a board certified cosmetic surgeon to help you decide which procedure is best for you.

I am Asian female with wide nose. Which will be better for me, an alarplasty or a rhinoplasty? Panorjit

Hi Panorjit, thank you for your question. Asians generally have wider and flatter noses. There are two procedures you can consider: Alarplasty (less invasive procedure with shorter recovery time, cheaper cost by 50%) and Asian rhinoplasty.   Both procedures are best taken together as they address different aspects of the Asian nose.  The former will reduce the width of the nostril and the latter will address the width of the tip and narrow the nose, making it project more, similar to a European look.  Best to find a licensed cosmetic surgeon who will consider overall physical symmetry versus racial symmetry.