I see many people who have tried laser treatments for their leg spider veins with no visible improvement. The reason for this is that spider veins need to be injected with sclerosing agents first before laser has any effect. Injecting the vein with an irritant such as hyper-tonic saline will cause the vein to collapse thus removing 80% of the color which... read more »

No! Unless one overeats. Liposuction is the only truly permanent procedure. It removes fat by suctioning out fat cells that contain the adipose tissue. These cells do not regrow. Therefore there are fewer cells in the area after treatment. When  overeating occurs weight is gained, but now it is stored in other areas that have more fat cells i.e. where  storage capacity is greater.... read more »

Simple answer is no. Implants can last a life time, especially the gel (silicone) type. Implants need to be replaced only if there is some clinical sign (symptoms) that on further exam reveals a problem which otherwise cannot be corrected. This situation is not common.

Body mass index! The bane of everyone's existence. This index, contrived using height and weight only, is being used to determine everyone's status in regard to obesity. Unfortunately this rather simplistic formula corrals people into categories that misrepresent their true fitness level. While it works relatively well for the medium framed individual, it grossly miscalculates the people with small or... read more »

We have watched, heard and read all types of Charlie Sheen stories; most as a source of amusement and entertainment. The media has exploited the man and we have allowed it, without any objection from any corner of the globe. The argument goes that the man allows and invites public scrutiny/abuse by encouraging conversations/bouts with the media. What if Mr.... read more »

Approximately 3 years ago I mentioned how a "general knowledge"  erroneous statement about breast implants pervaded the Internet. This urban legend that implants need to be exchanged after 10 years just will not go away, no matter how many facts and the truth are published.Perhaps the origin of this misinformation stems from several clinical papers published 8-10 years ago reporting that saline implants showed... read more »

I have already tried to warn the public about less than scrupulous physicians, not board certified in plastic surgery, who parade themselves as "cosmetic/plastic surgeons". On a lighter note (and hopefully less dangerous public safety issue) it has become quite apparent to me that many of my patients report advise they have obtained from their friends, neighbors, colleagues and relatives.... read more »

Every one wants to get rid of that "tired look". My philosophy with regard to eyelid aesthetic improvement is to give the person a rejuvenated youthful appearance again, without an "operated upon" look. Upper eyelids usually need as much excess skin removed as possible and still be able to easily close the eyes. Small amount of protruding fat is also excised. The... read more »

During the immediate post surgical recovery period many people feel anxiety over the recovery time and guilty about focusing on themselves rather than their family and/or other dependants. It is important to remember you (as the patient) spent most of your adult life taking care of other people and you are not used to taking significant time for yourself. The entire process... read more »

I have had countless occasions where patients have been happy with the results but then become sad wishing they had the procedure performed sooner in their life. I always try to point out that there were other important events going on in their lives that required attention. Whether we realize it or not we are constantly prioritizing tasks,events, needs and... read more »