25 June 2010

This column of "Ask the Experts" is answered by Dr. Ulysses H. Scarpidis from New York City, NY. Dr. Scarpidis is a plastic surgeon trained in the most up-to-date plastic and reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery techniques. Dr. Scarpidis offers a vast array of plastic surgery procedures for men and women in and outside of the downtown areas of Manhattan.

Q: What are the different types and best implants to get for breast augmentation?
- Mary Elizabeth - New York, NY

A: Although there is no generic 'best' implant used for breast augmentation, there is the best implant for you specifically.  There are several options in selecting your implants that depend on your preferences, aesthetic goals, and your existing breast and body shape.  Generally speaking breast implants are either saline (water filled with a silicone shell) or silicone (liquid silicone filled with a silicone shell).  Both come in different sizes and shapes and selecting the right implant for you is something that you will discuss with your Plastic Surgeon at the time of your consultation.  Some factors that are considered when deciding the right implant for you include your chest wall frame, your pre-existing breast size, and your desired breast size.  I would be happy to meet with you to further discuss your options.
- Dr. Ulysses H. Scarpidis, New York City, NY

Q: What is the difference between SmartLipo™ and Liposuction?
- Jane

A: Traditional liposuction is a procedure designed to contour the body by removing excess fat.  A cannula is inserted beneath the skin surface that sucks away the fat in the treatment area.  This procedure is often times done in the operating room under general anesthesia and requires about 1 week of recovery time.

Laser Assisted Liposuction (SmartLipo™) is a new technology that melts away your unwanted fat and tightens your skin. Using a small fiber, the thickness of angel hair pasta, the laser permanently destroys and liquefies the fat in the treated areas. A small canula is then inserted to remove the oils released by the fat cells. Simultaneously, the laser instantaneously contracts your skin from the inside and activates your skin cells to produce collagen, further tightening your skin over the next weeks and months.

SmartLipo™ is considered by many to be the evolution of liposuction.  There are several advantages to traditional liposuction.  It is a minimally invasive procedure designed to permanently remove your unwanted fat under local anesthesia in the office.  In fact many patients go back to work the next day.  SmartLipo™ is also specifically designed to tighten and improve the quality of your skin.  For these reasons, SmartLipo™ has gained considerable popularity in the last couple of years.  I recommend you visit a Plastic Surgeon in your area to further discuss your options and the role SmartLipo™ can play in sculpting your body.
- Dr. Ulysses H. Scarpidis, New York City, NY

Q: What are the best options for looking younger without getting a facelift?
- Vickie, 42 - New Port Beach, CA

A: There are many options for looking younger without getting a facelift today.  The role of minimally invasive procedures has been increasing exponentially, offering patients a variety of options.  The most critical factor in determining your options though is your appearance.  A Plastic Surgeon can work with you to determine what option or combination of options can help you meet your aesthetic goals.  Some minimally invasive options often employed include BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport, Synthetic Fillers (like JUVÉDERM®, Restylane®, RADIESSE®, Sculptra® Aesthetic), Fat Grafting, Chemical Peels, and laser resurfacing (such as CO2 lasers, Fraxel Laser).
- Dr. Ulysses H. Scarpidis, New York City, NY

Q: How early is too early to get BOTOX® Cosmetic?
- Jennifer - Mobile, Alabama

A: There is not set age to have a cosmetic procedure performed although many agree that 16-18 years old are the youngest patients we see with aesthetic concerns.  These younger patients are usually interested in changing the appearance of their noses or breasts.  Patients interested in BOTOX® Cosmetic are typically older but vary significantly in age.  Some factors that affect the 'right' age to get BOTOX® Cosmetic are your genetic makeup, skin tone and skin color, and sun damage to the skin.  Typically what a Plastic Surgeon would evaluate is the degree of wrinkle formation when your face is resting and again when you are grimacing (frowning, laughing, lifting your eyebrows, etc).  Typically the goal of BOTOX® Cosmetic is not to 'freeze' your face but to restore a more youthful appearance by reducing the number and depth of your facial wrinkles while maintaining a natural appearing motion in your face.
- Dr. Ulysses H. Scarpidis, New York City, NY

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-Originally published on Dec. 12, 2009