Tuck ‘n’ Stitch

YourNewBodyBlog.com welcomes two eminent Beverly Hills plastic surgeons, Dr. Stuart Linder and Dr. Robert Kotler.

On this site, Dr. Kotler is the “FaceDocBlogger” because his work as a surgeon is devoted to plastic surgery of the face and neck. Meanwhile, Dr. Linder is our “BodyDocBlogger” because his plastic surgery practice is limited to only plastic surgery procedures of the lower body.

Doctors Linder and Kotler are exclusive to YourNewBodyBlog.com and appear here most weeks as the ultimate plastic surgery insiders with unique takes on the news, trends and practices in cosmetic plastic surgery.

This Week:

Top 10 Plastic Surgery Procedures to Avoid

Because plastic surgery is a payment in advance business involving hardly any insurance forms — or the staff to process the paperwork — many practitioners offer some quick procedures that are advertised as “lunch time” and billed as “almost as good as traditional cosmetic plastic surgery.” Well, don’t believe it, Tuck ‘n’ Stitch have carefully looked at the matter and note the top 10 procedures they recommend skipping….or even considering. (Read our companion piece, Overblown Ads and Misleading Promises)

(Stockxchange.com photo)

BodyDocBlogger: There are some odd ones out there! One is a dome-like, plastic suction device worn over the breasts for long periods of time. It purports to produce breast enlargement through suction. I advise people who inquire about it to save their money and invest in enhancement surgery if they are not satisfied with their breast size.

FaceDocBlogger: Here’s my pet no-no. Many patients ask about the so-called “lunch time face lift” that can be done in an hour. I’ve seen the results and they are uniformly not good. The tissues under the skin are brought up only slightly, a little excess skin is taken off and the incisions closed. And that’s it. The lunch time lift does not last and does nothing to address loose skin under the chin and on the neck. Moreover, it can produce more facial scarring. My opinion? It’s a waste of time and money.

BodyDocBlogger: Many people are reading about fat transfer to the breasts to increase size. But I don’t recommend it. Sure, it’s the patient’s own fat but the transplanted fat can die and calcify, making it hard for doctors to read radiology films that spot breast cancer or tumors. And before we surgeons think about improved appearance, we have to think about what’s in the patient’s best interests.

FaceDocBlogger: Right you are, doctor. Also high on anybody’s list of forgettable procedures is injecting silicone into the lips. Patients should also stay away from any permanent facial filler for the lips. Why? Those materials can’t be taken out if the results are bad and cause, say, a sagging lip or some other undesirable outcome. If you want plumped lips, stick with Juvederm and Restylane. Sure, they dissolve in six months to a year, but that is far better than injecting something that can’t be taken out.

BodyDocBlogger: Here’s another. I’m frequently asked about implants used to create a buttocks lift. I advise people to stay away from them because a lot of weight is place on the human rear end. Patients too often end up with dead tissue, fat and seromas, a tumor-like building up of fluids. Plus, the incidents of complications like infection are too high. No implant does well in a place where there is a lot of bodily movement.

FaceDocBlogger: Also at the top of my “least impressive procedure” list are the so-called “thread lifts.” Instead of removing excess tissue and skin, this procedure relies on threading fishing-line like strings with hooks and barbs under the skin. That only tightens the skin by pulling. Such quickies have already started to fade in popularity because of unequal skin pulls, skin reactions and a short lived effect.

BodyDocBlogger: If you’ve read about mesotherapy and lipodissolve, forget about them. For one, no fat is actually sucked out. For another, whatever chemicals used are hard on the body. I’ve operated on a few patients who have one or the other injected and I’ve found the concoctions cause internal layers of tissues to turn hard and lumpy and result in scarring.

FaceDocBlogger: Doctor, let me go back to movement and implants: the little sacks inflated with saline that are surgically implanted inside the lips are also not a good idea. Again, it’s a question of movement. Even if you’re the silent type, there is some risk of reaction to the implant due to movement. Moreover, the insertion has to be nearly 100 percent perfect so that the results look natural and symmetrical.

BodyDocBlogger: Here’s a slam dunk: cosmetic leg lengthening. To gain a few inches of height, some traditionally short ethnic groups will suffer the breaking of both legs and then endure stretching devices with metal hardware fastened to their legs to extend them over a few months. If the pain and inconvenience is not too much, the price alone — at a high of $120,000 — should drive most short people away.

FaceDocBlogger: Doctor, I can think of one final thing. Stay away from any procedure done by untrained, inexperienced hands. Of course, the challenge for the layperson is to figure out exactly who is, and is not, trained.

Body DocBlogger: They can do that by checking the doctor’s training and credentials. Just go to the American Board of Medical Specialties and click on the box on the left hand box that says: “Is Your Doctor Certified?” Fill the doctor’s name into the search box and see if he or she has had top training. After that, consider revisiting our blog about super-specialists.

Have a question for FaceDocBlogger or BodyDocBlogger? Let us know and we’ll do our best to have it answered. Feel free to leave your comments below!

*The opinions shared by FaceDocBlogger and/or BodyDocBlogger are their own personal professional viewpoints and in no way should be taken in place of an actual consultation with a licensed medical physician. The opinions of Tuck ‘n’ Stitch are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the opinions/feelings of YourNewBodyBlog.com.

YourNewBodyBlog.com features two of the well-known and accomplished Beverly Hills plastic surgeons, Dr. Stuart Linder and Dr. Robert Kotler.

Here, Dr. Kotler is known as the “FaceDocBlogger” because his surgical work is devoted to plastic surgery of the face and neck, with heavy emphasis on rhinoplasty. (He’s done over 4,000!) Our other expert, Dr. Linder, is referred to as the “BodyDocBlogger” because his plastic surgery practice is limited to procedures of the lower body with emphasis on breast surgery, tummy tuck and liposuction. Together, Drs. Kotler and Linder offer half a century of plastic surgery experience.

Exclusive to YourNewBodyBlog.com, Drs. Linder and Kotler appear here most weeks as the ultimate plastic surgery insiders with unique takes on the news, trends and practices in cosmetic plastic surgery.

This Week:

Top 10 Things that Can Go Wrong in Plastic Surgery

Even in the best of hands, an unexpected wrinkle or complication may crop up after cosmetic plastic surgery. Of course, part of the reason for seeing a board certified, highly experienced plastic surgeon is because he or she will have seen it all, and knows what to do when the unexpected happens.

But some complications occur more often than others. Tuck ‘N’ Stitch tell which ones to watch for and what can be done for the top five breast and top five nose complaints. (Read our related blog on the Top 5 Remedies for Unsatisfying Plastic Surgery.)

FaceDocBlogger: When you see unhappy breast augmentation patients, is there a most common complaint doctor?

BodyDocBlogger: That’s easy! The number one complaint is capsular contracture, a type of scarring around the breast implant. In many cases, it becomes painful because the scarring makes the breasts feel hard. Sometimes, the surgeon removes only the scar tissue inside the breast but other times, the implant must also be removed. It all depends on the case. Doctor, what about less-than-pleased rhinoplasty patients?

FaceDocBlogger: The number one problem that brings nose surgery patients back to the surgeon is trouble with breathing. Over correction, under correction and problems with the septum or turbinates inside the nose during the first operation are usually the bug bears. It may require a revision surgery.

BodyDocBlogger: The next most common thing with breast implants is ruptured implants. There are many reasons an implant can rupture. So I do have a hint for potential patients thinking about having breast implants: consider a smooth implant. They rupture less often. However, if a woman does experience a ruptured implant, it’s important for serious medical reasons to see a surgeon as soon as possible.

FaceDocBlogger: The thing many nasal surgeons see over and over is a healed nose with some grooves, depressions and moguls that show on the outside. Those marks can be easily repaired, sometimes using small drops of silicone injected into the depression to fill it out. (Read more about silicone nasal injections.)

BodyDocBlogger: The third most common problem after a breast revision is because the implant is positioned less than perfectly within the chest. By the way, in my humble opinion, that tends to happen more often when the surgeon inserts the implant through the belly button in the TUBA (Trans Umbilical Breast Augmentation) procedure or through the armpit. Both approaches often result in an unnatural looking bust line or one with no cleavage. (Read more about why Dr. Linder does not favor this approach in TUBA: Not My Favorite.)

FaceDocBlogger: The facial surgeon also sees people coming for a revision when a nose is overdone and looks too pinched; it’s because the first surgeon took out too much tissue. But it can be corrected by replacing the missing parts with a similar tissue, usually nose cartilage or cartilage from behind the patient’s ear.

BodyDocBlogger: Another of the top five breast issues is bottoming out. That happens when the implant falls out of the pocket in the chest into the bottom of the breast, making the nipples point up. Bottoming out also may be due to overly large implants placed above — instead of under — the chest muscles. Technically, the problem is very difficult to repair and requires a highly trained and experienced revision surgeon.

FaceDocBlogger: For every rhinoplasty case that was overdone, a patient comes in with a nose in which not enough was done. The problem is usually that the first surgeon did not remove enough excess tissue and now the tip of the nose points downwards. So, the revision surgeon must redo the tip.

BodyDocBlogger: The fifth most common thing that goes wrong with breast augmentation is a patient being unhappy about her size. Usually, about six months after the procedure, when swelling caused by the procedure has gone down, that patient can see her final result and asks for a change. About 90 percent want a larger implant, while 10 percent want to go smaller. Some do not realize that some bodily conditions — height, body type, the width of the shoulders and hips, and so on — dictate the most appropriate implant size. In some cases, removal of implants may create a need for a breast lift.

FaceDocBlogger: The bent nose is a common complaint. It’s usually the product of nature or a sports accident — instead of a neophyte surgeon. But the patient’s nose just does not face straight ahead. You can also usually assume that the patient has breathing problems, too. The septum inside the nose is usually the key feature causing a nose to lean to one side and that the structure must then be repaired by the revision surgeon.

BodyDocBlogger: Having corrective surgery carries both bad and good news. The good news is that every nose and breast can be repaired!

FaceDocBlogger: That’s correct doctor, but before going ahead with any re-do, it’s smart to get a second opinion from another plastic surgeon who specializes in the area needing repair.

Have a question for FaceDocBlogger or BodyDocBlogger? Let us know and we’ll do our best to have it answered. Feel free to leave your comments below!

*The opinions shared by FaceDocBlogger and/or BodyDocBlogger are their own personal professional viewpoints and in no way should be taken in place of an actual consultation with a licensed medical physician. The opinions of Tuck ‘n’ Stitch are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the opinions/feelings of YourNewBodyBlog.com.

By now, you have watched at least one episode of Dr. 90210 on E! Television Network.

Maybe you tune in Monday evenings because you enjoy seeing how a busy plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Robert Rey, Dr. Linda Li, and Dr. Jason Diamond, can successfully balance a thriving career and family life, or maybe you are hoping to catch a glimpse of the surgery you are considering for yourself.

No matter your reason for watching Dr. 90210, this program is one Reality TV show that allows you to get closer to the world of plastic surgery.

But what to do if you miss an episode (and you don’t have TiVo) of Dr. 90210 Season Six?

Fortunately, iEnhance.com allows you to play catch up! Providing detailed summaries of what goes on both in and out of the operating room, the weekly recaps are intended to provide prospective patients with important information about the doctors as well as plastic surgery procedures.

So if you desire breast augmentation, liposuction, tummy tuck surgery, and/or even buttock augmentation, Dr. 90210 may become one of your regular Reality TV favorites on E!

Tuck ‘N’ Stitch

YourNewBodyBlog.com features two eminent plastic surgeons — Dr. Stuart Linder and Dr. Robert Kotler — in Beverly Hills, the global Mecca of rejuvenation surgery.

Here, we know Dr. Kotler as the “FaceDocBlogger” because his surgical work is devoted to plastic surgery of the face and neck. Meanwhile, Dr. Linder, our “BodyDocBlogger” has a plastic surgery practice limited to only lower bodily plastic surgery.

Found only on YourNewBodyBlog.com, Doctors Linder and Kotler appear here most weeks as the ultimate plastic surgery insiders with unique takes on the news, trends, and practices in cosmetic plastic surgery.

This week: Plastic Surgery: When to Know You’re Really Ready

Many plastic surgery patients see a surgeon and then wait two, three, or even four years before going ahead with a procedure. Why? Plastic surgery is a life-changing event that always carries some small amount of risk. Even in the best of hands, an unforeseen complication can rear its ugly head. So, many prospective patients just can’t get off the dime. But you can tell when a person is ready for plastic surgery.

This week, Tuck’n’ Stitch tell when patients are finally, really ready at long last to have plastic surgery. Or not. Read the rest of this entry »

The Knife Coach Says ‘No’ to “My Beautiful Mommy” – A Children’s Book about Plastic Surgery

As the mother of A 16-year-old girl who has more than one experience with a needle, laser beam, and scalpel, the need for a comic book about how to tell your kids about your cosmetic surgery baffles me.

What is more mystifying is the media’s obsession with one Florida plastic surgeon’s tasteless vision of what “mommies” look like in My Beautiful Mommy.

Most kids would be embarrassed to have their moms flaunting their bare midriff and torpedo-shell boobs all over the mall. While the idea on its face may seem harmless, the execution looks like something a teenage boy’s fantasies are made of. This Disneylike cartoon, puzzles and games the author is now promoting under his brand, is reminiscent of books like, “Where Do Babies Come From?” Parenting presents many challenges indeed, not the least of which is explaining sex and birth to kids, but making a case for why mommy needs new boobs is an intensely personal issue that every parent should deal with in a manner they feel most comfortable with – or not.

Many of my clients struggle with whether to come clean about their cosmetic enhancements with their toddlers, especially girls. My advice is that 4-year olds have no filter and unless you want them telling all their preschool buddies about your sucked out thighs and lip injections, KEEP IT A SECRET and send them to grandma’s until you heal up.

Consider the message you are sending to young girls who are so vulnerable about their own self-image before normalizing cosmetic surgery too young. And please save your $19.95!

Surgeons everywhere are reporting huge increases in the number of patients who undergo bariatric surgery — the procedures that reduce the size of the stomach and the amount of food it can hold.

Because any meal is then limited to only about a half a cup, bariatric patients lose such huge amounts of weight, doctors have assigned a new medical status for them: “MWL,” meaning massive weight loss.

S. S., 48, of Avada, Colorado, is one such patient.

S.S. at work, showing a horse before her surgery.
(Photo courtesy of patient)

Bariatric Surgery

At exactly five feet and 260 pounds, she (who asked for medical privacy) could not properly do her job as a horse groomer and shower of horses. And, being so heavy, it was hard to get – and stay – on any steed. Moreover, it was exhausting for her to stay on her feet all day to do the horse grooming.

After fighting obesity her entire life, S.S. opted for bariatric surgery as a final solution in March, 2005. With her stomach surgically reduced to hold only ounces of food, her weight dropped to 133 pounds within a year.

But there was another problem — loose hanging skin.

S.S.’s skin had been stretched by the excess pounds for so long, it could not spring back. An apron of skin hung from her stomach while her legs, rear end and breasts sagged with useless folds of skin. When she worked or exercised, the sheets of skin rubbed together and created sore spots. Also, there was a lot of skin flapping around when she tried to jog or sit on a trotting horse.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tuck n Stitch

YourNewBodyBlog.com welcomes two eminent Beverly Hills plastic surgeons, Dr. Stuart Linder and Dr. Robert Kotler.

Here, Dr. Kotler is known as “FaceDocBlogger” because his practice is exclusively devoted to cosmetic plastic surgery of the face and neck. Dr. Linder, who is known as “BodyDocBlogger” has a practice that only performs plastic surgery procedures of the body.

Exclusive to YourNewBodyBlog.com, Doctors Linder and Kotler appear often as the ultimate plastic surgery insiders with unique perspectives regarding the news, trends, and practices in cosmetic plastic surgery.

Overblown Ads and Misleading Promises

We’ve all seen the advertising – Perfect French in 20 Days! Flawless Abs While You Sleep! Lose 10 Pounds Every Week!

Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! Step Right Up! (aqndresr Photo)

Overblown promises also exist in the world of cosmetic and plastic surgery; and unfortunately, those promises play to people’s unrealistic desires about what rejuvenation surgery can do.

The BodyDocBlogger and FaceDocBlogger discuss a few such misleading ads, like “lunch hour facelifts,” which can lead you down the garden path in search of reliable, lasting rejuvenation surgery.

BodyDocBlogger (Dr. Linder): We plastic surgeons often speak about “unrealistic expectations.” An example? Even if you have an I.Q. of 300, you’re not going to learn perfect French in 20 days!

FaceDocBlogger (Dr. Kotler): What we mean by realistic expectations is that a skilled plastic surgeon can make a 45-year-old look like the best possible version of herself –but not like she looked at 20. Or, like another person, say a famous movie or rock star. Likewise, there is no fabulous and long-lasting cheap “quickie” lunch-time procedure. Quality plastic surgery is not done in a snap.

BodyDocBlogger: Surely, doctor, you are referring to unhappy patients who have bit on the ads hyping “lunchtime” or “one-hour face lifts?”

FaceDocBlogger: You hit the nail on the head, doctor. A good rule of thumb is, “Short operation, short procedure lifespan.” Another aggressively advertised quick-fix are facial “Thread Lifts.” Yes, the patient is in the doctor’s office for less than an hour and, yes, the recovery time is short. But, the unbending rule is: minimal efforts yield minimal results.

BodyDocBlogger: In my world, I see many patients after some splashy advertising has convinced them to have a procedure using a heating or a radio frequency device that “melts” fat under the skin. But most of what I see are unhappy patients, some of whom have burns and need skin grafts, due to injuries from these new gizmos.

FaceDocBlogger: Doctor, what type of results, if any, do you see with the widely advertised lipodissolve or mesotherapy shots that propose to remove fat from the body?

BodyDocBlogger: A patient would be better off trying to speak perfect French in three weeks! Some have ended those supposed weight loss procedures with skin ulcers and skin atrophy. And usually, the only thing lightened is the patient’s wallet. What really works, day in, day out, is tumescent liposuction.
Doctor, going back to the “lunch-time face lift.” What else do you see wrong with it?

FaceDocBlogger: The surgeon only lifts a small amount of skin and tissue from its foundation. But the surgeon can’t reach down from a short incision near the ears to repair sagging neck tissues. Of course, a plastic surgeon can still perform a proper “short scar” face lift, but the procedure may take longer than an hour and the patient’s recovery time will be longer.

BodyDocBlogger: Sometimes, there is just no point for shortcuts when we have proven, reliable, safe methods already at our fingertips.

FaceDocBlogger: That’s right, doctor. For instance, the thread lift fallacy is that threads or strings will lift and support the weight of the skin, fat, and muscles at a higher position. But it doesn’t happen. Tissue weight, gravity and skin elasticity overcome the thread’s traction. And, sometimes, the barb on the end of the thread can poke right through the skin. Also, there are two sides to a face. Any difference in “pull” or longevity and the whole face looks unbalanced.

BodyDocBlogger: From what I’ve seen, the supposed “quick” Thermage and Titan devices just don’t produce satisfactory, long-term results. Most patients are disappointed.

FaceDocBlogger: Bottom line? A little skepticism for new cosmetic plastic surgery procedure is healthy. While most new devices are FDA- approved as not harmful, nobody really knows what is going to happen until the device or procedure has been used on thousands of patients.

Have a burning question for FaceDocBlogger or BodyDocBlogger? Please leave your comments below!

*The opinions shared by FaceDocBlogger and/or BodyDocBlogger are their own personal professional viewpoints and in no way should be taken in place of an actual consultation with a licensed medical physician. The opinions of Tuck ‘n’ Stitch are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the opinions/feelings of YourNewBodyBlog.com.

Tuck ‘n’ Stitch

YourNewBodyBlog.com features two eminent Beverly Hills plastic surgeons, Stuart Linder, M.D. and Robert Kotler, M.D.

Here, Dr. Kotler is known as “FaceDocBlogger” because he devotes his practice exclusively to cosmetic plastic surgery of the head and neck. Dr. Linder prefers to be known as “BodyDocBlogger” because his practice focuses on plastic surgery procedures of the body.

Doctors Linder and Kotler are exclusive to YourNewBodyBlog.com and frequently appear as plastic surgery insiders on news, trends and practices in cosmetic plastic surgery.

Physical Exams Before Plastic Surgery

Many patients arrive for a plastic surgery consultation, fill out their medical histories and then find they must see a second or third doctor for additional testing before the operation. Some are puzzled about why the extra appointments and expense are necessary, and why the patient can’t have the tests done in the plastic surgeon’s office.

After the untimely death of Donda West — who reportedly did have a pre-existing condition — lawmakers in many states are considering legislation that would require medical clearance before a person could undergo a plastic surgery procedure.

Doctors Kotler and Linder explain why extra medical testing can be necessary.

FaceDocBlogger (Dr. Kotler): I think we have enough laws. I’d rather see legislatures do something more useful — like balance their massive budgets! Conscientious cosmetic surgeons don’t need a legislature to tell them what good medical practice is.

BodyDocBlogger (Dr. Linder): That’s right, doctor. Plastic surgeons are physicians first and duty bound to do whatever is in the best interests of the patient. And if that means cancelling a surgery due to an added risk, then we cancel without hesitation. Good medical ethics and practice actually obviate the need for such clearance laws.

FaceDocBlogger: Doctor, you’re as right as rain. Probably the most common condition we see is high blood pressure, followed by type II diabetes and people on anti-depressives, tranquilizers and sleeping pills, along with some cases of asthma. Of course, none of that means you can not have plastic surgery. It just means we are required to check and make sure your medications are working.

BodyDocBlogger: My rule is: patients over 40 must bring me a total medical clearance, including chest X-ray, a pregnancy test, an HIV test and an electrocardiogram done by a board-certified internist I know and trust. Because I deal with plastic surgery of the body, where incisions are much larger, we can’t operate on diabetics. Sugar balances are just too tricky in type I diabetics.

FaceDocBlogger: Some have asked why the plastic surgeon doesn’t do the tests in his or her own office and save time. The short answer: in an era of specialization the internist is best able to do those tests. Otherwise, it would be like a patient going to an internist and asking for nasal surgery!

BodyDocBlogger: Not only that, doctor. We need to know about the other things a patient is taking, from aspirin to herbs to homeopathics to Vitamin E.

FaceDocBlogger: The anesthesiologist also needs to know if there is anything in the patient’s system that will react badly with a general or local anesthesia. We also need a test to show if you have a problem with excess bleeding.

BodyDocBlogger: The more information we have, the better. Some of the worst O.R. tragedies have happened because the patient has not revealed to the physician everything he or she is taking. There can be no secrets between the doctor and the patient.

FaceDocBlogger: Then, perhaps seven to 10 days before the plastic surgery procedure, we ask the patient to stop taking as many compounds — like Vitamin E and aspirin — as possible. The less, the better for surgery.

BodyDocBlogger: And the medical checks do not have to be a financial hardship! These physicals are often covered by your health insurance, although the cosmetic plastic surgery is almost always on the patient’s nickel.

FaceDocBlogger: Actually, there’s one supplement you don’t have to ask about. You can tell the patient is taking it just by talking to them. Know which one it is, doctor?

BodyDocBlogger: I sure do! Garlic!

Have a question for FaceDocBlogger or BodyDocBlogger? Let us know and we’ll do our best to have it answered. Feel free to leave your comments below!

*The opinions shared by FaceDocBlogger and/or BodyDocBlogger are their own personal professional viewpoints and in no way should be taken in place of an actual consultation with a licensed medical physician. The opinions of Tuck ‘n’ Stitch are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the opinions/feelings of YourNewBodyBlog.com.

Tuck ‘N’ Stitch

YourNewBodyBlog.com welcomes two eminent Beverly Hills plastic surgeons, Dr. Stuart Linder and Dr. Robert Kotler.

Here, Dr. Kotler is known as “FaceDocBlogger” because he devotes his practice exclusively to cosmetic plastic surgery of the head and neck. Dr. Linder prefers to be known as “BodyDocBlogger” because his practice focuses on plastic surgery procedures of the body.

Priscilla Presley still – even while appearing on Dancing with the Stars – suffers the after effects of bogus injections into her face by an unqualified “doctor” who has now been deported. Doctors Linder and Kotler explain legitimate plastic surgery uses for liquid silicone and how the whole painful episode could have been avoided.

BodyDocBlogger (Linder): Where do you think Priscilla Presley first went wrong, Dr. Kotler?

FaceDocBlogger (Kotler): For starters, she took up with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll at age 14!

BodyDocBlogger: It seems to me a red warning flag would have gone up because the doctor who “treated” Priscilla Presley carried his medical supplies in a shopping bag!

FaceDocBlogger: Another large warning flag should go up when somebody touts a procedure or substance only he can offer.

BodyDocBlogger: Sure, anybody can obtain automotive liquid silicone but it takes real chops to go around injecting the stuff into people!

FaceDocBlogger: Plus, the “doctor” who had no U.S. medical license “treated” his patients in a bedroom or at parties. We’ve seen Priscilla Presley around town and she looked fine. She did not need any more facial enhancements at all in my professional opinion.

BodyDocBlogger: But you know how celebrities can be, doctor. They pick up on the latest fad and then try to convince a plastic surgeon they need the procedure. Do you use any liquid silicone, Dr. Kotler?

FaceDocBlogger: I certainly do, doctor. But the only liquid silicone I use are small drops to fill in imperfections on the nose. Do you have any uses for liquid silicone in body procedures, Dr. Linder?

BodyDocBlogger: My god, no! In fact, I’ve done incredibly complicated and bloody operations to remove liquid silicone that has been injected into breasts. I do not believe anything — including the patient’s own fat — should be injected into the breasts.

FaceDocBlogger: People ask me what Priscilla Presley could have done differently. I reply that anybody interested in rejuvenation surgery should devote as much time to studying the procedure — and the surgeon who performs it — as they would reading about a new car they plan to buy.

BodyDocBlogger: Sure, just look on the doctor’s Web site for board certification in plastic surgery or board certification in otolaryngology. Look at all of his or her before and after pictures. Even ask if you can call a former patient to see how that procedure went. And then do that with at least three such surgeons.

FaceDocBlogger: And be aware the surgeon just may turn you away. You have to be healthy enough to have a plastic surgery procedure.

BodyDocBlogger: And that often means having medical tests, checks and other clearances before even discussing the surgery. But we’ll talk more about that next time.

Have a question for FaceDocBlogger or BodyDocBlogger? Let us know and we’ll do our best to have it answered. Feel free to leave your comments below!

*The opinions shared by FaceDocBlogger and/or BodyDocBlogger are their own personal professional viewpoints and in no way should be taken in place of an actual consultation with a licensed medical physician. The opinions of Tuck ‘n’ Stitch are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the opinions/feelings of YourNewBodyBlog.com.

One of the constant thoughts running through the mind of a then 17-year-old gal (who will be referred to as T.T.) of Fullerton, California was:

“Eeek! I Don’t Have a Neck!”

Looks are very important to most people, especially while in their teens. T.T. did well in high school, so when her parents asked for clues about graduation gifts, she knew exactly what to suggest: “Plastic surgery for my nose and neck!”

Right about that same time, T.T. saw a television program featuring Jason Diamond, M.D., a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon. She noticed Dr. Diamond seemed to have a lot of young patients, many who were in their teens. (Read more about teens and plastic surgery.)

T.T.’s appearance was important to her. She wanted to look good just before starting college, and even got into a bit of local modeling (after meeting some other young people in publishing). 

“But because I had this nose-and-no-chin-problem, I had to make sure I was holding my head in exactly the right position during photo shoots,” T.T. said.

Every day when she put on her makeup, she did some extra work on and around her nose which had a noticeable bump just under the bridge. She usally applied makeup that was a little darker on that area, so that it was less visible.

Just after high school graduation, she made an appointment to see Dr. Diamond, who is often seen on Dr. 90210. Many teens who want plastic surgery often call him for an initial consultation; Dr. Diamond is board certified in head and neck surgery, as well as facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Just after T.T. turned 18, knowing that her parents were behind her all the way, both emotionally and financially, she made an appointment with Dr. Diamond and decided to go through with the nose and neck surgery.

(T.T. before surgery and after surgery)

“Dr. Diamond could also see that my profile needed a little help because of a receding chin,” T.T. says. “So he added a little something to my chin to create a better facial profile.”

The surgery went well although T.T. does not react well to pain-killing medications (“They make me too woozy and nauseous.”), so she experienced a little post-op discomfort. But after a month and a half, she was recovering nicely and returning to her usual, customary activities and looking forward to more modeling on the side.

“I found the surgery made me more confident,” T.T. says. “I’m far more approachable to other people and more willing to go up to strangers to start a conversation.”

“After the surgery healed, I noticed that people reacted to me a little differently. Nobody came right out and said anything about my surgically rejuvenated profile though, probably because they did not want to embarrass me or hurt my feelings.”

She loves what the chin implant does because Dr. Diamond did a little liposuction to remove some of the fat in her neck.

“Now, it doesn’t look like my chin is connected to my neck,” she says.

Currently, she’s very happy with her new appearance, although modeling is now a sometimes thing and most of her energy goes into finishing her degree at Fullerton College.

“Modeling is great, but you can only get by on your looks for so long,” she says.