Published
September 8, 2010
Plastic surgery came into existence as a result of the demand for special skills needed when faced with complex and challenging surgical problems. War injuries, particularly after the World Wars, were so catastrophic and complex that general surgeons of the day saw the need to develop special skills to fix these problems —thus, the birth of the plastic surgery specialty.
With the unique skills developed by plastic surgeons, applying many of the plastic surgery techniques to elective cosmetic surgery was a natural evolution. Plastic surgeons developed most of the current techniques commonly used in cosmetic surgery.
So what’s the difference? Cosmetic surgeons are essentially plastic surgeons that focus their practice on cosmetic surgery. However, anyone can call themselves a plastic or cosmetic surgeon. This is so because there is no trademark on the name “cosmetic surgeon” or “plastic surgeon.”
Unfortunately, many non-plastic surgeons call themselves cosmetic surgeons. The burden falls upon YOU to find out if they are or are not Board Certified Plastic Surgeons. Make sure that your surgeon is who he/she claims they are and that your surgeon is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Robert Caridi, M.D.
Published
August 31, 2010
“I have implants that are 24 years old. I am not having any problems with them. I heard that they need to be replaced. Is this true?” – Email Inquiry
Unlike diamonds, breast implants won’t last forever. Both saline and silicone implants wear out or “rupture” over time, but at no “exact” time. The older the implant, the more likely it is to fail.
Implant failure doesn’t mean that you are going to necessarily have problems, like pain or contracture (excessive firmness). Saline implants will deflate when worn out (obviously noticeable). Silicone implants, however, maintain their shape even when they have failed–and despite what you think you heard from your friend or learned with your Google search, ruptured silicone implants are not likely to make you ill.
I recommend that you consider replacing your breast implants every 20 years or so, even if you are not experiencing problems. If you have symptoms like pain or contracture, you may even want to avoid expensive CT/MRI scans that some doctors recommend, and simply elect to change them out (and save yourself from the radiation exposure). The results of any test will unlikely change the fact that you need to exchange your implants.
I know it’s hard to elect to have a surgical procedure when you are doing “fine,” but there is a fun factor in having “new” implants as well as the element of peace of mind.
Robert Caridi, MD
Published
August 18, 2010
A recent study regarding patient satisfaction after facial plastic surgery revealed that those patients who were taking antidepressants were more satisfied with their outcomes than those who didn’t take them.
I would guess that over half of the patients seen in my office are taking antidepressants—a surprisingly high number to some. It would seem intuitive that those patients taking “happy pills” would be more satisfied with their procedure results. Or, maybe those who are not taking antidepressants are simply not satisfied no matter what.
It is common for patients to experience a “letdown” after cosmetic plastic surgery. It is seen about two weeks after the procedure and is more common when a patient has plastic surgery of the face. This letdown after surgery is quite different from true depression. The former is temporary while the latter lasts for a longer time.
This “letdown” or catharsis is quite normal. It happens after many big events in a person’s life, like a wedding or the birth of a child, because emotions run so high in anticipation of the outcome. Perhaps in plastic surgery “letdowns,” it’s the antidepressants that keep patients from this low period.
All Board Certified Plastic Surgeons want the best for their patients and strive to make them happy. Trying to determine those who are best suited for plastic surgery is challenging (I often think that this is the hardest part of being a plastic surgeon!), so having a good relationship with your surgeon and making sure that you have realistic expectations will help ensure that you are satisfied with your plastic surgery investment.
As a general rule, from my experience, a happy patient before surgery is a happy patient after surgery, antidepressants or not.
Robert Caridi, MD
Published
August 12, 2010
Many of my patients know how often I discuss posture in my office. Seeing that I am constantly asked to evaluate an individual’s appearance, it’s easy to note the presence of poor posture and shoulder shrugging.
I see three groups of patients who use shoulder shrugging as a “defense mechanism” (something an individual does to protect themselves against something that creates anxiety).
- Women with particularly small or large breasts.
- Women who are taller than average.
- Men that suffer from Gynecomastia (the development of fullness or extra breast tissue in a male chest).
For women with small or large breasts and for men suffering from Gynecomastia, this defense tactic is used to hide and draw attention away from the chest area – the source of anxiety. In tall women, poor posture or shoulder shrugging simply makes them appear shorter.
A breast augmentation or reduction is an alternative for those who are anxious about the appearance of their breasts (this includes men too. Read my article on Gynecomastia to learn more). As always, sitting up straight, keeping your shoulders back and keeping your chin up will dramatically enhance your appearance to others.
Do you think you have poor posture? Do you know someone who uses shoulder shrugging as a defense mechanism? Do you have a “secret” to keeping good posture?
Robert Caridi MD
After a significant decline in recent years, facial plastic surgery is making a big comeback. Why the decline in the first place? Well, the initial popularity of non-invasive procedures (like laser services) and minimally invasive procedures (like the “Thread Lift”) were attractive to patients looking for “mini” procedures that they believed would offer them impressive results with little downside. Non plastic surgeons led the charge into these alternatives simply because they perceived on opportunity to get into into the cosmetic market even though the benefits of the procedures were unknown. The malaise after the economic bust in 2007 also kept people from spending money on elective cosmetic procedures.
But now, the popularity of facial procedures has made the proverbial “About Face.” I have seen a 20 percent increase in requests for plastic surgery of the face within my practice.
Why is this so? Well, for one thing, non-invasive procedures certainly sound good, but the benefits are minimal and the cost high. Patients have begun to see the long-term results of these procedures – hardly any difference at all! In fact, not only do these non-invasive procedures offer only minimal improvement, but they have also harmed some patients and have given all elective cosmetic procedures a bad name.
Despite what the tabloids and over-sensationalized media would have you believe, procedures like face lifts, nose jobs, eye jobs, brow lifts and neck work can offer tremendous, natural looking benefits, when performed by the expert hands of Board Certified Plastic Surgeons.
Are you sitting on the fence when it comes to plastic surgery of the face? Do you worry about “alien” looking results? Are you concerned that you won’t look like you?
It might just be the time to visit with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and learn more about your options and what you can reasonably expect. I think you will be pleasantly surprised!
Robert Caridi, MD
Posted in Brow Lift, Eye Job, Face Lift, Facial Plastic Surgery, Neck Lift, Nose Job, Plastic Surgery
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Tagged brow lift, eye job, face lift, facial plastic surgery, neck lift, nose job
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When it comes to body self-image, this statement couldn’t be closer to the truth. Women are pretty darn harsh on themselves and men think that they are “studlier” than they actually are.
Why is this? Without going into the deep psychosocial analysis and boring you to tears, I suggest it has a lot to do with the perceived role women and men have in our society (and this is changing!).
Here are some interesting facts that you might consider when you come to your own opinion:
- Over 90 percent of my patients are women.
- The number one cosmetic procedure for men is a Rhinoplasty (nose job).
- The number one cosmetic procedure for women is a Breast Augmentation.
- The number of women and of men that are considered to have Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) are almost equal (based on the first fact, you would think that women would far outnumber men!).
- About 10% of patients seen in plastic surgery offices are considered to have Body Dysmorphic Disorder.
The best “spin” I can put on this debate is that each sex can learn from the other; men could spend a little more effort taking care of themselves and women should think about cutting themselves a little bit of slack!
Robert Caridi, MD
I was browsing in the bookstore recently, waiting for my daughter to finish her homework when I came across a book on the “Varga Girls.” Esquire magazine introduced America to these “Glamour Girls” of the 1940’s, all produced from the hand of artist Alberto Vargas. They became the pin-ups of the day, decorating many World War II soldiers’ barracks.
Aside from the impressive drawings, what I immediately noted was the unique shape of the women’s breasts. They are all narrow, moderate in size, and quite projected—“ultra perky” would describe it best. Yet in those days, breast implants didn’t exist (they weren’t invented until 1964). There was simply no way that a natural breast could possibly have that shape!
Being a leader in breast surgery, my practice is a reflection on current trends and patient preference. Right now, all the rage is “Varga Girls” type breasts. It’s all about “higher, tighter and perkier.” High profile breast implants (the narrow and tall variety) help provide for this shape. Often, a “breast lift” is also needed to get that “Vargas” look.
Which breast shape do you prefer? Do you even like the “Vargas” shape? And why do you think current trends have changed in favor of the “Vargas” breast?
Robert Caridi, M.D.
It’s amazing that not a moment passes in my day when I am not confronted with polar opposite problems with breast enhancement patients—either breasts are too small or too large. Too small, and a woman doesn’t feel feminine enough. Too large, and her breasts become a burden to bear.
Then there is also the group in between consisting of those women who simply don’t like the shape of their breasts. “The size is ok, I just don’t like the way they look.”
We all seem to want what we don’t have. We just need to make sure that when we have a choice of size, we don’t go to the opposite extreme.
Hence, we have two very common plastic surgery procedures: a breast augmentation and a breast reduction. I consider both “happy” surgeries as most patients are very pleased when their breasts are “normal” sized after either of these procedures.
Breast reduction patients almost always prefer, and benefit from, smaller breasts. If the breasts are left too large, they will more than likely wish they were smaller. Breast augmentation patients are at times tempted to choose a size that is simply too large, with some patients regretting their choice of such large implants. I always preach moderation when it comes to breast implant size.
What breast size do you prefer? Are you happy with your breast size? If you have had a breast augmentation or reduction, can you share some of your experience with us?
Robert Caridi, MD
As I waited at the checkout counter the other day, I came across a tabloid with the title “Plastic Surgery Gone Wrong.” Every day I listen to patients in my office telling me why they wouldn’t consider a certain procedure because “it’s dangerous.” Even a little couch time watching TV is all that I need to confirm the obvious – we are all flooded with the bizarre and sensationalized aspects of plastic surgery.
No wonder patients are afraid. If, supposedly, every plastic surgery encounter results in breasts that are way too big, noses that look artificial, eyebrows that are in the middle of the forehead and lips that are from a large mouth bass, you can’t blame them!
So why is it that I end up scratching my head in disbelief? Why is my world view so different from the rest? From my perspective, as a leading provider of cosmetic plastic surgery in Central Texas, I simply don’t see these outcomes. What I see from reputable Board Certified Plastic Surgeons is excellent work and satisfied patients. When I do see “weird stuff,” it is almost always from non plastic surgeons.
So, in the end, “Plastic Surgery Gone Right” is much closer to reality than people have been led to believe. Probably the main reason why the media portrays plastic surgery the way they do is because sensational headlines are far more likely to attract your attention (and money). Are the headlines keeping you from considering plastic surgery?
Robert Caridi, MD
My best advice, to all those who are seeking plastic surgery, is to concentrate on the one factor that will determine your outcome—your doctor. So, how can the average person find out who is skilled, trustworthy, experienced, and highly regarded?
The Internet is full of advice, for sure, but clever marketing can create illusions for even the sharpest researcher. Sometimes, this deceptive marketing trick can make it seem like a doctor is the answer to all your concerns with plastic surgery. Unfortunately, more often than not, this is not true.
Here is my “Top 10 Check List” of suggestions for making good decisions regarding your plastic surgeon:
- Make sure your doctor is Board Certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS)
- Make sure your doctor has enough years in practice to be very experienced (ten years is good)
- Make sure your doctor has the right credentials (quality University, Medical School, and Residency programs)
- Make sure the procedure you are selecting is one of your doctor’s areas of expertise.
- “Meet and greet” your doctor. Schedule a consultation and get a feel for your doctor.
- Check with the Medical Board for serious disciplinary actions. See how many lawsuits your doctor is involved in.
- Check Online reviews, such as CitySearch and Google Local, for consistent comments, favorable or unfavorable.
- Check the quality of the doctor’s website, and look at his/her work in the before and after photos.
- Patient and Doctor referrals are always a great way to learn about your doctor’s reputation.
- Learn from patients who have been treated by the doctor and ask them about their experience and results.
Robert Caridi, MD
So what’s the difference? Cosmetic surgeons are essentially plastic surgeons that focus their practice on cosmetic surgery. However, anyone can call themselves a plastic or cosmetic surgeon. This is so because there is no trademark on the name “cosmetic surgeon” or “plastic surgeon.”
