Your cosmetic procedures: getting the right results

woman-two-133x150Embarking on a new cosmetic procedure is a major decision, and it’s one that should never be taken too lightly. While the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery asserts that between eighty and ninety percent of patients report being very satisfied with their cosmetic procedures, what does that amount to for the other ten to twenty percent? Often, dissatisfaction stems from disappointed expectations, wherein the patient expects more dramatic results than those delivered, or in rare cases, results of a different sort altogether.

So how can you steer clear of unsatisfying cosmetic procedures? Communication is the key. When choosing your doctor make sure to ask for before and after pictures of persons who underwent the same procedure that you’re considering. Talk over those pictures with your doctor, and ask him to clearly define any qualitative or quantitative language that he’s using. If, for example, you’re considering a face lift procedure and your surgeon promises an 80% reduction in wrinkles, ask to see before and after photos of an 80% reduction. Explore photos of 60% or 30% reductions as well, and take your time to really build an accurate picture of your procedure’s likely outcome.

More often than not, disappointment in a cosmetic procedure is one sided. Doctors are often glad with the results even while patients feel disappointed or even cheated. Why is that? Most commonly, it’s because the patients expectations were inaccurate and unrealistic.

When it comes to plastic surgery, don’t make an investment – emotionally or financially – until you’re positive that you understand the expected outcome. Talk to your doctor. They’ll be more than happy to make sure you’re both on the same page.

Resource Box:

Larry Schlesinger, M.D. is one of the plastic surgeons in Hawaii performing breast augmentation and breast implants in Honolulu – BREAST IMPLANTS HAWAII and BREAST AUGMENTATION HONOLULU.

Hawaii Breast Augmentation is performed at three offices on Maui, in Hilo-Kona, and in Honolulu. Dr. Larry Schlesinger has over 30 years of Plastic Surgery Honolulu experience in Hawaii and has completed over 18,300 successful surgical procedures. Contact us to get a free consultation!

Saving face: keeping acne under control

woman-four-150x150Cosmetic procedures aren’t all about turning back the clock. While many of them do focus on acquiring or attaining a youthful, fresh appearance, the real focus behind all aesthetic procedures is to help you look and feel your very best every day.

When it comes to adult acne, a lot of people feel frustrated and powerless. With the plethora of over-the-counter and prescription medications that promise magical results – all too frequently without actually delivering – it can be very easy to become disillusioned and resigned about less-than-perfect skin. In spite of the frustration and years of passively seeking a solution, however, many people suffering from adult acne never speak to a dermatologist – or, perhaps less surprising, a plastic surgeon.

If you’re struggling with adult acne, the truth is that you’ve got plenty of options – even if you’ve exhausted all of your over-the-counter candidates. While benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid cleansers can be a great foundation to good skin care, a dermatologist might prescribe stronger creams or even retinol or a different type of birth control for hormone related acne.

And even if your dermatologist can’t seem to hit the nail on the head, you might be surprised to learn that plastic surgeons see plenty of patients for skin cleansing and revitalizing procedures. From cortisone shots to chemical peels, to isolaz laser and photodynamic therapy, a cosmetic practitioner has a full arsenal of treatments that may help you to achieve the clear, clean and beaming skin you’ve been hoping for.

If you’ve been hassling with face washes, masks and spot-treatment creams that just don’t seem to work, don’t lose hope. Get in touch with a cosmetic practitioner for a consultation, help may be just around the corner.

Resource Box:

Larry Schlesinger, M.D. is one of the plastic surgeons in Hawaii performing breast augmentation and breast implants in Honolulu – BREAST IMPLANTS HAWAII and BREAST AUGMENTATION HONOLULU.

Hawaii Breast Augmentation is performed at three offices on Maui, in Hilo-Kona, and in Honolulu. Dr. Larry Schlesinger has over 30 years of Plastic Surgery Honolulu experience in Hawaii and has completed over 18,300 successful surgical procedures. Contact us to get a free consultation!

Seven year old gets plastic surgery to avoid bullying

woman-five-133x150According to a report conducted by ABC News last Thursday, seven year old Samantha Shaw recently underwent a cosmetic procedure in New York City to pin back her cup ears and repair a fold in her right ear. The operation was performed free of charge with the help of the Little Baby Face Foundation, an organization dedicated to “Transforming the Lives and Faces of Children” through correcting a wide variety of birth defects.

To many parents, performing plastic surgery to improve the aesthetics of a seven year old’s ears may seem a little much. According to Samantha’s mother, however, the procedure was the only way to keep her daughter from being bullied unfairly. Dr. Steven Pearlman, who performed the surgery in his New York office, agreed that the cosmetic prodecdure was the right course of action for Samantha. He maintains that children with physical abnormalities are less likely to develop the nurturing, supportive relationships with their peers that help them develop into confident individuals.

“You’re not suggesting children get plastic surgery in order to avoid bullying?” ABC’s Juju Chang asked Dr. Pearlman.

“It depends where you draw the line,” he replied, “if it’s minor, if it’s cosmetic, absolutely not. But in my book – and in most the medical community’s book, the plastic surgery community’s book – ears that stick out is not a cosmetic issue.”

Samantha’s surgery is part of a growing trend in the United States. According to ABC’s report, the incidence of children undergoing surgical cosmetic procedures has increased around thirty percent in the last decade.

Resource Box:

Larry Schlesinger, M.D. is one of the plastic surgeons in Hawaii performing breast augmentation and breast implants in Honolulu – BREAST IMPLANTS HAWAII and BREAST AUGMENTATION HONOLULU.

Hawaii Breast Augmentation is performed at three offices on Maui, in Hilo-Kona, and in Honolulu. Dr. Larry Schlesinger has over 30 years of Plastic Surgery Honolulu experience in Hawaii and has completed over 18,300 successful surgical procedures. Contact us to get a free consultation!

Male Breast Reduction – Gynecomastia in Hawaii

Due to the embarrassing nature of enlarged breasts in men there is a refusal of a lot of men to even talk about it. It is a very little known fact that one in every three men suffers from Gynecomastia or Man Boobs. Male breast reduction is therefore commonly sought after. Gynecomastia is a common condition for men in Hawaii. Many men are faced with the issue of enlarged chests from excess breast tissue. This condition can cause embarrassment and make even simple clothing choices painful. If you are afraid to wear t-shirts or remove your shirt at the beach because you feel like you have women’s breasts it is time to take action. Now more than ever, people are taking advantage of sophisticated techniques to treat this condition. This is an embarrassing genetic condition that will not go away with diet and exercise. Luckily there is a proven cure that helps with male breast reduction. Simply put, If you are seeking help in Hawaii for male breast reduction then Dr. Larry Schlesinger can help you.

To find out more about our Gynecomastia Honolulu or Gynecomastia Hawaii procedures contact one of our three locations Kahului, Maui at 808-871-7502, Kona at 808-329-6767, or Honolulu, Oahu at 808-597-8835.