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Betty White’s Comments About Plastic Surgery

November 19th, 2010  

I recently read an article about Betty White, where she discussed her Hollywood friends who have had plastic surgery. She said she found many are now unrecognizable to her, due to having too many cosmetic procedures. She then stated that she is glad she has never ‘gone under the knife’.

I would like to comment on this by stating most people who choose plastic surgery do obtain natural results. This is the most important goal that I achieve when I perform cosmetic as well as reconstructive surgery. Most people I see to discuss plastic surgery are referred by former patients pleased with their outcomes. When asked about their results, they all say they look natural.

We have all seen people who look like they have had too much done, especially to their face. Skin looks thin and excessively pulled, noses are pinched and turned up and normal facial expressions are nearly absent. I do occasionally see these people in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, Arizona who come to my surgical center for help to repair previous work done elsewhere. However, it seems to be more prevalent in Hollywood, partially due to the extensive public exposure famous people receive. I also believe that celebrities want to look different than non-celebrities and ask their surgeons for this result. The key to obtaining natural and pleasing results when considering plastic surgery is making the right choices.

The first and most important step is choosing a plastic surgeon you can trust. One of the best ways to reach this step is finding a doctor certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This is the only board certification approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties and assures a person that the physician is certified to perform plastic surgery of the face and all areas of the body. I tell every new prospective patient that I am board certified as well as a member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). Both societies promote high standards in regards to training, ethics and physician practice.

Another important step is to thoroughly discuss with your surgeon your expectations and desired outcome. Ask to see before and after pictures of patients who have had the same procedure you are considering. Also ask if you could speak with some of these patients as well. I always provide upon request a list of several patients who are always happy to speak with prospective new patients. When discussing expectations, one should always ask about the doctor’s experience performing that specific procedure as well as his or hers outcomes and potential risks and complications. An honest, reputable doctor will always discuss these topics without hesitation. Lastly, always inquire about options available if you are not satisfied with the outcome.

Using this guideline will lead you to a successful outcome including natural results that will be appreciated by you and others.

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Michael Douglas,Throat Cancer and Cigarette Smoking

November 19th, 2010  
I read in the newspaper yesterday about Michael Douglas discovering he has throat cancer.  I remember the same story several years ago about Eddie Van Halen.  Both have a history of smoking cigarettes.  Michael Douglas has chosen chemotherapy and radiation therapy for treatment of this disease.
As a cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon in Scottsdale, I find this news worthy of several discussions.
It immediately brings forth the dangers of cigarette smoking or use of nicotine in any form.  Smoking is a strong risk cancer for throat cancer (voice box and vocal cords) and other cancers inside the mouth and throat such as tongue and tonsils.  I perform reconstructive microsurgery to rebuild areas of the mouth and throat that are removed during cancer surgery.  Most of these patients have a history of smoking.  Some also have a history of excessive alcohol use as well.
Treatment for this type of cancer includes either chemotherapy and radiation therapy which both Michael Douglas and Eddie Van Halen chose or surgical excision and repair.
Most people think of plastic surgeons as cosmetic surgeons performing tummy tucks, facelifts and cosmetic breast surgery.  However, there are some who perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgery as well.  I am one who does both.  The reconstructive operations include rebuilding a woman’s breast after breast removal for cancer treatment as well as head and neck reconstruction after removal of throat or mouth cancers.
The other discussion in regards to cigarette smoking is its destructive nature to skin and your body’s blood supply.  Nicotine lowers the blood supply to different parts of your body by causing disease in your arteries.  This is quite evident on facial skin.  You are much more prone to looking older than you are due to early development of skin wrinkles, damaged skin with a course texture and deep lip lines.  These problems are much more difficult for a plastic surgeon to treat with continued smoking.  At the same time, performing surgery on a smoker is much more dangerous with higher complication rates.  Problem that could occur include skin loss or gangrene, excessive bleeding, higher infection rate and wound healing problems including breakdown.
Hopefully, discussions like this will help some people stop smoking.  As a plastic surgeon, I do want my patients to look better and feel better about themselves, but also to lead a more healthy lifestyle.  Cessation of smoking is the first step.

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