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October 2008 Q & A with Dr. Levens
(Dr. Levens’ monthly column is carried by the Coral
Springs Forum newspaper.)
Dear Dr. Levens: If I have liposuction on my hips, can
the fat taken from there be used to fill wrinkles on my face? I’d
love to put all that fat to good use! --RM
Dear RM: It sure can. A patient’s
own fat is a very good soft tissue filler because unlike collagen
or Restylane, it is not a foreign substance to the patient’s
body. However, like Restylane or collagen, fat injection is
not permanent and may need to be repeated for optimal wrinkle reduction.
Dear Dr. Levens: Why do doctors
tell patients to stop smoking before having surgery? Is this
a requirement for plastic surgery as well? ---NP
Dear NP: Definitely. We advise patients
to stop smoking at least 3-4 weeks prior to surgery (preferably longer). Smoking
and surgery just don’t mix. Smoking before surgery can
increase bleeding, delay healing and even promote infections. Ideally,
once a patient quits smoking prior to surgery, he or she will quit
for good. Smoking is not only bad for overall health, but it
also takes a huge toll on the appearance of facial skin.
Dear Dr. Levens: When I was a teenager, I
had a bad “nose job”. My nose was made smaller
but the nostrils were never even and the problem becomes more pronounced
as I get older. I’m 56 now and I still want that perfect
nose. Is it possible to get it at my age? --FH
Dear FH: Revision surgery can be done to correct
problems resulting from an earlier surgery. In the case of the
nose, it is very important to take every precaution to make sure the
revision surgery solves the problem. (The cartilage in the nose
is fragile. Multiple surgeries can cause deformities...ala Michael
Jackson.) Consult with several surgeons who are board certified
in plastic surgery. Review before and after photos of
other patients. Ask for a completely realistic estimate of what
to expect. Most people’s nostrils are not completely
symmetrical and frankly, it may not be possible to produce the perfection
you desire. On the other hand, significant improvement is probably
a very realistic expectation in your case. So don’t let
your age hold you back. If you are healthy, go for it.
Dr. Levens: One of my breasts has always been
slightly higher and larger than the other and I’ve always been
very self-conscious about it. Could breast implants fix this? ---AY
Dear AY: You are not alone. In fact,
no one’s breasts are 100% symmetrical. If your
breasts are significantly asymmetrical and different in size, your
first step should be a consultation with your personal physician to
determine if there is any underlying health problem. If there isn’t,
breast implants could be an excellent approach. But again, perfect
symmetry is rarely achieved.
Dr. Levens is a Board-certified plastic surgeon.
He has served as Vice Chief of Staff and
Chief of Surgery at Coral SpringsMedicalCenter. His
column appears monthly. Send questions to Cosmetic
Surgery Today, 1725 University Dr., Suite 440, Coral
Springs, 33071 or email info@DrLevens.com.
Interested in seeing past questions? Please
see our archived Q
& A section.
Dr. Levens has been providing plastic, cosmetic
and reconstructive surgery procedures for patients in Boca Raton,
Boynton Beach, Coconut Creek, Coral Springs, Davie, Delray Beach,
Ft. Lauderdale, Hollywood, Lauderhill, Margate, Miami, North Lauderdale,
Parkland, Plantation, Sunrise, Tamarac, West Palm Beach, Wellington,
Weston and throughout South Florida since 1989. |
