February 11th, 2009 Michael A. Jazayeri, M.D.
During my general surgery residency back in the 1990’s, I came across many older, “old school” general surgeons. When these surgeons find out I was interested in plastic surgery, their contempt for our specialty was obvious.
These old-timers felt plastic surgery was for “other surgical specialty rejects”. Plastic surgery was viewed as vain and vulgar in their view.
Unfortunately, most of their belief was out of ignorance, but part of it was based on reality.
During their training, plastic surgery was in its infancy. Techniques were rudimentary and results were acceptable, but not as refined or predictable as today. The results were significantly worse for cosmetic surgery (aesthetic surgery), with the final result having that “operated look.” Perhaps this is why these older surgeons felt plastic surgery was vain and vulgar.
Fortunately, we now receive respect from our colleagues and patients, for both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.
But is it vain to consider cosmetic plastic surgery?
There are patients who are never happy with themselves. They constantly look at themselves in the mirror, finding “imperfections” which require plastic surgery. These patients probably suffer from body dysmorphic syndrome (BDS). Technically, therefore, they are not vain and suffer from a psychological disorder. In my experience, the percentage of patients with BDS is small. However, the rate may be higher in areas such as Hollywood, due to the movie industry and its emphasis on looks.
Majority of my patients have reasonable concerns and reasonable expectations. Do not get me wrong, they expect a very good to excellent result, but they understand the limitations of anatomy and the healing process.
I cannot tell you how many of my rhinoplasty patients have gone from being shy and timid to confident and out-going.
I cannot forget the time when one of my face lift patients came for her three month follow-up and there was a bite mark on her neck!
How can I forget the mommy makeover patient who bragged about her new bikini? How can I ever forget the constant smile on her husband’s face?
Did I mention the numerous patients who got engaged after their breast augmentation? I hope the proposals were for the right reason!
So, is cosmetic surgery vain? You be the judge.
Michael A. Jazayeri, M.D. is a board certified plastic surgeon with over 10 years of experience. To schedule a complimentary consultation, please call 714-834-0101.
Posted in Home | No Comments »
February 4th, 2009 Michael A. Jazayeri, M.D.
The face is the most visible part of our body, and it’s always exposed to the public (unless you are a celebrity and hide your face with a scarf and sunglasses!)
Unfortunately, we are all victims of genetics and the laws of gravity. Eventually, the signs of aging will make noticeable changes in our face. From top to bottom these changes are: ptosis (drooping) of the eyebrows or excess fat and skin in the upper and lower eyelids, descent of the mid-face causing flattening of the cheeks and exaggerating the bulging of the lower eyelids, descent of the lower face creating the jowls (hound dog look), and loosening of the muscles/skin of the neck resulting in a “turkey neck”.
All of the above can be improved with plastic surgery.
My goal, as a plastic surgeon, is to improve the face while maintaining a natural look. The incisions for the face lift start in front of the ear, extend behind the ear, and travel back to the junction of the hair line with the back of the neck. If done properly, the scars heal very nicely. However, your hair stylist will be able to see the scars from up close. The face and neck skin is undermined and the facial “muscles” are tightened. The cheek is repositioned to its youthful position. The neck muscles are also brought back to their normal position. The excess face and neck skin are then removed. It is important to take the right amount of skin; otherwise a “wind-swept”, operated look will be the result. I also tighten the muscles not to create tension, but to correct the aging and add volume at the same time.
It is important to note that a face lift will correct the underlying problem of aging. However, the quality of the remaining skin is not going to improve dramatically with a face lift. Imagine the leaning Tower of Pisa. A face lift is similar to straightening the Tower. However, only a fresh coat of paint will make the Tower look new.
Several options are available to address the skin. For most patients I recommend the Mixto Laser to improve the quality of the skin.
The recovery period for a face lift is shorter than most surgeries. Majority of patients can attend a public event in two weeks, with make-up. The swelling may take 2-4 months to resolve.
Michael A. Jazayeri, M.D. is a board certified plastic surgeon and member of American Society of Plastic Surgeons, with over 10 years of experience. His office is located in central Orange County, in the city of Santa Ana.
To schedule a complimentary consultation, please call 714-834-0101.
Posted in Face | No Comments »
