Questions
and Answers
|
Do
you have questions about cosmetic surgery?
Dr. Hamori is happy to answer your questions by telephone or
e-mail at
.
Call:
781-934-2200
|
Frequently
Asked Questions
Breast Implants
Face Lift/Neck Lift
Fractional Skin Resurfacing
Liposuction
Restylane/Botox
Safety of Oupatient Surgery
Sculptra
Thermage
VelaShape Cellulite Treatment
Breast
Implants
Q:
What are breast implants made of?
A: They are usually made of a silicone shell and filled with normal
saline, the substance that makes up 98 percent of our bodies. The
silicone used for the shell is similar to that in artificial hips,
knees and intravenous catheters used in the hospital every day.
Q:
Are breast implants permanent?
A: No. The silicone shell does wear out with time. Implants do require
replacement every 12 to 15 years. It is a bit like a tire requiring
a change after a certain amount of miles. If you decide to have implants
removed permanently, this can be accomplished but will require additional
surgery to tighten the skin and breast tissue which have stretched
to accomodate the implants.
For
more information on breast implants, go to: www.breastimplantsafety.org.
back
to top
Face
Lift / Neck Lift
Q:
What is the difference between a neck lift and a face lift?
A: Typically, a facelift usually includes a neck lift. A "mini-facelift,"
which resolves lax cheek skin usually in younger women, does not.
As we age, the neck muscle called the "platysma" loosens
and fatty deposits develop underneath its surface. This creates an
aged appearance. A necklift removes this excess fat and tightens the
platysma muscle in the midline to restore a more youthful appearance.
For those over 50, the necklift is best when used in combination with
a facelift. The necklift leaves a similar scar as a facelift —
in front of and behind each ear.
back
to top
Fractional
Skin Resurfacing
Q:
How does the Fractional Skin Resurfacing laser work?
A: The Fractional Skin Resurfacing laser is designed to target
aging and sun damaged skin by zeroing in on damaged tissue. The laser
creates an array of microchannels and each channel penetrates into
the dermis, far below the outer most epidermal layer of the skin.
When the beam penetrates deep into the dermis layer of the skin, it
eliminates the old pigmented cells. Surrounding each of these beams
is healthy, unaffected tissue. The healthy surrounding tissue triggers
the body's natural healing process, accelerating the production of
collagen and the formation of new, tighter tissue to replace the skin's
imperfections.
Q:
What are the benefits of Fractional Skin Resurfacing?
A: The Fractional Skin Resurfacing Laser provides similar results
to ablative lasers, but provides the gentle benefits of the non-ablative
treatments with minimal downtime. The revolutionary microchannel technology
bypasses the outer layer of skin, allowing patients to apply makeup
immediately following the session. Some patients are able to return
to work or social obligations the same day as the treatment. Other
people may require more time to heal, depending upon their skin condition
and treatment.
Q:
How many treatments will I need?
A: The number of sessions will depend upon the condition treated.
On average, an effective treatment regimen is three sessions, spaced
4 weeks apart. Depending on the severity of the condition being treated,
it could take up to six treatments. Results are usually immediate
and progressive. Over the course of two to three months, new collagen
begins to form, creating healthy more youthful skin, with fewer wrinkles
and a healthier glow.
Q:
How are the Fractional Skin Resurfacing Laser treatments performed?
A: Safety goggles are worn by the patient and the nurse. The nurse
will treat one area at a time, cooling the area before moving onto
the next section. Topical anesthetic is not required because of the
unique sapphire cooling tip. The cooling tip helps control the temperature
of the skin, making the treatment a comfortable experience. A treatment
session may last just over an hour, depending on the size of the area
being treated.
Q:
What should I expect after a fractional Skin Resurfacing laser treatment?
A: For the first 24 hours after the treatment, your skin may feel
like it is sunburned and it will appear slightly pink or red with
some mild to moderate swelling. The redness will fade in a few hours.
Using a moisturizer will help to reduce the flakiness. It is important
to apply a sunscreen of SPF 30 and avoid direct sun exposure during
the healing process.
back
to top
Liposuction
Q:
Does liposuction work for everyone?
A: Yes, but some people are better candidates than others for
the procedure. The best candidates are fairly thin with a specific
area or two of fat excess — for instance, in the hip or "saddlebag"
area. It also works very well for "love handles" in men.
Q:
Does liposuction require general anesthesia?
A: No, I prefer to have a patient under "twilight" sedation
so that you are not aware of your surroundings during the liposuction,
yet you are able to go home later that same day.
Q: Does liposuction hurt?
A: Not much. Prior to the procedure, I apply a gentle injection
of a weak anesthetic solution to the local area to be treated. The
technique I use allows for the removal of purified fat without blood
— this results in minimal bruising and discomfort after the procedure.
Q: Does the fat return after liposuctioning?
A: Yes. If you gain weight, the fat will return to other areas of
your body. The best way to approach liposuction is to think of it
as a "jump start" to weight loss. My happiest patients have
lost 10 to 20 pounds with diet and exercise after liposuction. They
are encouraged and motivated by the way muscle definition is enhanced
after liposuction.
Q:
What happens if you gain weight after liposuction?
A: The fat will deposit in areas not treated with liposuction first,
then gradually go back to the treated areas. A healthy regimen of
exercise and diet are required to maintain the results of liposuction.
Q:
Which procedure is best for removing excess abdominal fat — liposuction
or a tummy tuck?
A: That is a tricky question. Men who have gained then lost abdominal
(potbelly) weight or women who have been pregnant may require an abdominoplasty
or "tummy tuck" to tighten the stretched-out abdominal muscles.
Young women and men (usually under 30 years of age) may benefit from
just abdominal liposuction to reduce girth. The skin of younger patients
tends to contract well after liposuction.
back
to top
Restylane
and Botox
Q: What is the difference between Restylane and Botox?
A: I get this question a lot lately. Restylane is a sugar derivative
used to plump up creases in the skin of the face. It is best
for the lower third of the face (lip lines, naso-labial folds and
marionette lines). The injection is painful so a numbing block is
given around the mouth (like at the dentist) to make the procedure
more comfortable. Some swelling may occur in the lips for 24-48 hours.
BOTOX®
Cosmetic is a purified protein produced by a bacterium, which reduces
the activity of the muscles that cause frown lines between the
eyes. Wrinkles are diminished by muscle relaxation not by filling.
The procedure takes about 2 minutes and can be performed in the office.
The result lasts for approximately 3-4 months.You should avoid any
blood thinning products such as aspirin, Motrin, vitamin E, coumadin,
Aleve, Advil or Excedrin for 10 days prior to any injection procedure.
Doing so will help decrease the incidence of bruising.
back
to top
Safety
of Outpatient Surgery
Q:
Is surgery in a hospital safer than an office outpatient facility?
A: For most procedures, cosmetic surgery can safely be performed
in the office setting if the surgeon is board certified and the facility
is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory
Surgery Facilities (AAAASF).
[Dr. Hamori and her surgical center meet both these requirements.]
Patients often prefer the individual attention and specialized setting
of my newly installed, state-of-the-art surgery center. However, patients
with special medical problems or those who wish to combine procedures
such as abdominoplasty and extensive liposuction may benefit from
hospital admission. We evaluate each patient's needs and preferences
prior to choosing a surgical setting.
back
to top
Sculptra
Q:
What is Sculptra?
A: Sculptra is a synthetic injectable material known as "poly-L-lactic acid." Poly-L-lactic acid is biocompatible (a material that does not harm the body) and biodegradable (able to be broken down by the body). Poly-L-lactic acid has been widely used for many years in dissolvable stitches, soft tissue implants, and other types of implants.
Q: Do I need a skin test before being treated with Sculptra?
A: No Skin test is required prior to use.
Q: How does Sculptra work?
A: Sculptra is injected below the surface of the skin in the area of fat loss. Sculptra provides a gradual increase in skin thickness. Visible results appear within the first few treatment sessions.
Q: Are the results for Sculptra immediate?
A: No. At your first treatment visit, it may appear that Sculptra worked immediately because of swelling from the injections and the water used to dilute Sculptra. In a few days, when the swelling goes down and the water is absorbed by your body, you may look as you did before your treatment. Sculptra takes time to gradually correct the depression in your skin. Dr. Hamori will see you again in a few weeks to decide if you need more injections.
Q: How many treatments are required?
A: Dr. Hamori will decide the appropriate number of treatment sessions and the amount of Sculptra you will need at each session. Patients with severe facial fat loss may require 3 to 6 treatment sessions.
Q: How long do Sculptra treatment results last?
A: Treatment results will differ for each person. In a clinical study, the treatment results lasted for up to 2 years after the first treatment session or more. Touch-up treatments may be needed to maintain the desired effect.
Q: Do Sculptra injections hurt?
A: As with any injection, Sculptra may hurt. It is injected in small amounts using a very fine needle. Dr. Hamori will apply a topical or local anesthetic.
Q: What can I expect at my treatment session?
A: You should remove any make up prior to treatment and the injection site will be cleaned with an antiseptic. Dr. Hamori will use a very fine needle and make multiple injections in small amounts. An ice pack is applied to help reduce swelling, and the area is thoroughly massaged to distribute the product evenly.
Q: What can I expect after treatment?
A: Immediately following a treatment session with Sculptra, redness, swelling, pain, bruising, or all of these signs may occur in the treatment area. These signs usually go away in a few hours to a few days. Some patients have had some bruising that has lasted about a week. You will be given specific post-treatment care instructions, which will include massaging the area a few times each day for several days after the treatment session.
Q: What are the possible side effects of treatment with Sculptra?
A: The most common side effects with the use of Sculptra include injection-related side effects at the site of the injection such as bleeding, tenderness or pain, redness, bruising, or swelling. These side effects generally last, on average, 3 to 17 days.
For more information, see the Sculptra web site.
back
to top
Thermage
Thermal Lift
Q:
Who makes a good candidate for Thermage?
A: ThermaCool Lift or Thermage is radiofrequency dermal heating
that induces contraction of the skin — almost like a facial "shrink
wrap." Because it works with your skin's collagen, the best responders
are women in their 40’s and 50’s with light skin complexion,
few pores and minimal sun damage. Patients in their 60’s
or 70’s may not respond as well due to a dramatic decrease in
collagen presence.
The most dramatic results are usually seen in the jowl area and beneath
the chin. In best cases it replaces a skin-only facelift for some
people. The process is somewhat painful and requires pain medication
during the procedure. A minimal amount of swelling, if any, may develop
for a day or so.
The
Thermage web site has an extensive FAQ
on the Thermage procedure.
back
to top
VelaShape™
Cellulite Treatment
Q:
How does VelaShape™ work?
A: VelaShape™ uses combined energies known as elo¯s™
to precisely target and heat fatty tissues within the treatment area.
In addition, the vacuum and tissue manipulation evens out the skin
to reveal a smoother, tighter figure.
Q:
How quickly will I notice a change?
A: Gradual improvement of the treated area can be seen following
the first treatment - with the skin surface of the treated area feeling
smoother, firmer and tighter. Results in Circumference and Cellulite
Reduction will be most apparent 6-8 weeks following the final treatment
session.
Q:
How many inches can I reduce from my circumference?
A: In clinical studies, patients report an average reduction of
about 1 inch post treatment series. In clinical trials, the range
of Circumferential Reduction was between 0.5-3 inches.
Q:
Is treatment safe?
A: FDA found and cleared the device as safe and effective for
all skin types and colors. There are no reported short or long-term
health effects.
Q:
Does the treatment hurt?
A: Most patients find VelaShape™ treatments comfortable -
like a warm deep tissue massage. The treatment is designed to accommodate
your sensitivity and comfort level. It is normal to experience a warm
sensation for a few hours post treatment. Your skin may also appear
red than usual for several hours.
Q:
How do I improve and maintain the VelaShape™ results?
A: Following your complete treatment regimen, it is recommended to
get maintenance treatments periodically. Like all non-surgical or
surgical techniques, results will last longer if you follow a balanced
diet and exercise regularly.
For
more information: See VelaShape.com.
back
to top
Still
have questions? Dr. Hamori is happy to answer
your questions by telephone or e-mail at
. Or schedule a consultation.
Contact Dr. Hamori
