| " "We were called 'baby boomers,' " says Dr. Paul Petty, a plastic surgeon and consultant at the Mayo Clinic. "But when we look in the mirror, we don't see 'baby' anymore." * Enter plastic surgery. As liposuction and breast augmentation become more commonplace, it's easy to forget about the health risks. * Don't make that mistake, says Edina plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph Gryskiewicz, chairman of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons emerging trends task force. If you're thinking of getting "help," do your homework first. * Here are some steps to take before going under the knife or getting that Botox injection." " Many doctors have Web sites that list their specialties. Many include information, such as textbooks they've written, lectures they've given and memberships they've maintained, says Dr. Bruce Cunningham, professor of plastic surgery at the University of Minnesota and immediate past president of the ASPS." "Not surprisingly, doctors who are board certified and who have stayed up to date with continuing education inspire confidence. At the same time, board certifications do not guarantee you'll be happy with their work, Petty says." ""I know plastic surgeons who are excellent general reconstruction surgeons, but I would not have them work on the aesthetic," Petty says. "They don't have the artist's eye. That is a hard one to nail down."" "Similarly, some people without a board certification — such as ear, nose and throat doctors who had cosmetic fellowships — might do excellent facial cosmetic surgery, Petty says." " "Beware the hype — magazines, television," says Gryskiewicz, author of "Your Body, Your Beauty, Your Safety." "Find out the truth for yourself."" " of doctors' former patients. Don't stop at one or two. "Look at all kinds of pre- and post-op photographs," Gryskiewicz says. "It's a matter of breadth."" ". Word-of-mouth referrals are one of the most reliable ways of finding a good surgeon, Petty says. Look for doctors with proven track records and substantial experience." "ask about the circumstances of your care. Where will the procedure be done? Is the facility certified? Who will monitor you?" ""You want to get a sense that you're being cared for in a facility not only when things go well but (also) when things do not," Petty says." "Breast augmentation: For someone in good health who has a normally shaped breast, this is a pretty straightforward procedure, Petty says. However, combining a breast augmentation and breast lift is a much more complex procedure." "Your doctor should offer you the latest options (like gel implants, which were recently approved by the FDA). Discuss potential side effects, such as change of sensation and what could happen to the implant in five to 10 years." "One of the most common risks is a firm scar that forms around the implant, Gryskiewicz says. The risk of developing that is about 3 percent." "This is a very involved process. Make sure you get someone who does a lot of facial cosmetic surgery because you are dealing with the eye, Petty says." "Discuss
... read the whole article |