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 »

It really does not take any mystical power or knowledge to foretell  disaster. Just reasoning and logic. I wrote over 4 years ago about the dangers of  touting "anti-bacterial soap" when all is needed is "soap". ( See "Medical Disaster or Soap vs Hope" Aug '06) As predicted: with over use of unnecessary  antibiotics we now have very dangerous strains of bacteria... read more »

Recently there has been some controversy in regard to breast self-exam. Several medical articles indicate that there is no benefit to this procedure in early diagnosis of breast cancer. The reasoning stems from patient anxiety over what they feel leading to over use of extensive work-ups involving mammograms, MRIs, aspirations, and biopsies. Certainly this is true; but that is because... read more »

I cannot over emphasize the importance of sunscreen protection. Sunscreen is just that: it screens out the harmful UV rays, but does allow you to tan SLOWLY. This process prevents burning of the skin. It is the BURNING process that is implicated in sun damaged skin that can ultimately lead to cancer. Tanning itself does not cause skin damage or... read more »

Cuts or Curare? The question is certainly melodramatic but it makes the point. The overwhelming view of most people is that they would rather take a medication than undergo a surgical procedure, any day of the week, whether the treatments are equally effective or not. In reality drugs (which include naturopathic remedies and vitamins,herbals, etc.) have systemic effect on our... read more »

Many people come to see me for aesthetic surgery but are very anxious that their result would leave them with bad scarring, like other scars they have from previous surgeries or accidents. Take heart, scar's appearance depends on location and direction of the scar in regard to lines of tension. In other words a large wide scar on the breast... read more »