Q I have very fair skin, but still scar easily which leaves red marks. These red marks and scars are exactly what I want to get rid of, so this is why I am concerned about any surgical procedure that potentially could leave further scarring. What do you think would be the best option for me? Can you tell me more about the possible side effects of scarring after a surgical peel or laser resurfacing?
A Before any peeling treatment, the skin of each patient needs to be assessed in a physical examination because some skin types are not suitable for deep peeling procedures. The fact that you simply have a fair skin type does not mean automatically that you can' t have a deep peel, but in some cases the application procedure and the concentration of the peel must be adapted to your skin. Any kind of deep peeling procedure has a potential risk of scaring if the peeling reaches deep dermal structures. It is paramount that the treating doctor evaluates your skin to minimize that risk. Taking this into account, a peeling can provide a safe alternative to surgical rejuvenation procedures or laser resurfacing.
Q I am well over sixty but reasonably fit, I go to the gym three times a week and keep myself very busy. I had children quite late in life and it has left me with unwanted skin and stretch marks around the waist, would I be a good candidate for a tummy tuck or am I too old?
A If you are physically fit, and you seem to be, a tummy tuck procedure can be safely performed at your age. In the initial consultation, a thorough physical exam and a health questionnaire help us to determine if you are able to undergo surgery, furthermore an exhaustive blood analysis is performed to determine any possible health issues. Aesthetic surgery is very often performed on older patients, and under the conditions named above those have no more risk and an equivalent aesthetic result as younger patients.
Q Just recently I heard about how Botox can be used for preventing over productive sweat glands. How long does it last and does it have different reactions to men and women. Also, how long does it really stay in your system, even after the treatment has worn off?
A The treatment of Hyperhydrosis (excessive sweating) with Botox is an effective and non invasive alternative to surgical interventions, which leave scars and have associated risks. The treatment can be performed under the arms (Axilla) and in the palms of the hand, reducing the excessive sweating almost immediately for a period of 6-7 months. Afterwards the Botox is processed and disintegrated; therefore it does not persist as a toxin in your system. International studies with year long follow-up did not show evidence of long term complications, in some selective cases the Botox just loses effectiveness due to the antibodies produced by some patients.
Q Do you conduct this form of treatment at your clinic?
A I use ultrasonic liposuction in patients with extreme fibrotic (hard) fat, which is often the case after a long history of loosing and gaining fat in a certain area; the body produces in those patients more connective fibres to fill out existing voids. Additionally, patients who already had liposuction tend to have much more fibrotic subcutaneous fat, for those cases it can be useful as well. Generally, bruising depends more on your individual tendency than on the extraction technique, which can be Ultrasound assisted, Vibration assisted or even Laser assisted. I worked with all systems and did get the same good results. Due to these results I personally contribute a short recovery time and less bruising more to an efficient technique of injection with a solution containing adrenaline and to work with very fine canullas (2-3mm) limiting the destruction of blood vessels and subsequent bruising. This takes a bit longer, but results are much smoother and recovery is faster.