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I
would like to get an implant
in my lips, but I don’t
want them to look fake. What
do you suggest?
–
Rach Misiak, email |
Dr. Michael
Weinberg, plastic surgeon in Mississauga,
Ont., responds:
There are several
options for lip augmentation. I
personally use a temporary filler,
such as Perlane. It adds volume
to create fuller, plump lips and
is nice and soft. Perlane is also
very versatile and has minimal complications.
A local anesthetic is often used.
Fat grafting is a surgical procedure
for inserting your own fat into
your lips to achieve fullness. This
has the associated risks of surgery.
It is usually permanent, but because
it is your own fat, there is a chance
that your body can reabsorb it.
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I
have scars on my nipples from
surgery. Can a laser treatment
reduce them – and are
there any side effects or better
options?
– Angel, Toronto |
Dr.
Robert Sleightholm, plastic surgeon
in Brampton, Ont., responds:
There are several effective options:
If the scars were made worse because
of infection or opening of the wound
perhaps excision of the scars and
closure with a permanent suture
may help. Thick scars (hypertrophic
keloid) may be treated by steroid
injections or excision and topical
aldara cream. Silicone sheeting
or topical silicone ointment used
over several months can improve
young scars. Massaging a scar can
also soften a scar. Lasers can lighten
a dark or pink scar and can soften
a thick scar – multiple treatments
are often necessary. Often scars
improve slowly overtime.
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Is
there a website or program where
I can submit a photo of myself
to see what I would look like
if I had rhinoplasty? Do you
think that this would be an
accurate representration of
what I can expect if I got a
nose job?
– Lauren, New Orleans,
LA. |
Dr.
K. Conrad, facial plastic surgeon
in Toronto and Richmond Hill, Ont.,
responds:
Computer imaging programs allow
a patient to see his or her altered
facial features as desired or as
suggested by the specialist. Such
preoperative planning should occur
during the surgical consultation,
so that the surgeon can assess the
patient’s specific features,
such as skin elasticity. An imaging
program cannot determine the unknown
factor of tissue response to surgical
intervention (such as bleeding,
swelling and other issues, such
as tendency to subcutaneous scar
formation). If someone is seriously
interested in undergoing a rhinoplasty,
the Internet may be useful in viewing
various surgeons’ results,
but any form of surgical planning
should take place during direct
consultation with an expert surgeon,
not over the Internet.
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My hair is starting to thin. Would it be best to start a hair transplant procedure
now or wait until it’s
more noticeable? Do I pay
per treatment or a flat fee
for the entire process?
– Anna K., Burlington,
Ont.
|
Dr.
Marla Rosenberg, hair transplant
surgeon in Toronto, responds:
Hair transplant surgery can begin
at any time during the thinning
process. Timing depends on many
factors: reasons for thinning, personal/cosmetic
goals, rate of loss, age, concerns
regarding detectability and often-
failed medical treatment. In female
pattern hair loss, there may be
underlying medical reasons that
can be treated and slow down the
hair loss, but won’t assist
in regrowth of lost hair. Hair transplant
surgery is the only permanent solution
for hair loss and can be started
at any time. The hair takes several
months to start growing, and the
number of transplant sessions depends
on the progression of hair loss,
availability of donor hair and the
individual’s goals.
 |
I have a
missing tooth on the upper front
of my mouth. Would it be better
to get an implant or a bridge?
– Alicia R., Brampton,
Ont. |
Dr.
Arun Narang, a dentist in Mississauga
and Oakville, Ont., responds:
A dental implant is the ideal solution
for a single missing tooth, since
the teeth on either side of the
missing tooth aren’t touched.
A bridge would require cutting down
these teeth, which leads to a higher
incidence of root canal therapy
or tooth decay. Gum problems may
still occur with an implant, so
regular checkups and dental cleanings
are important. Implants take longer
to complete than a fixed bridge
since surrounding bone usually has
to heal before a permanent tooth
can be placed. Although an implant
is more expensive than a bridge,
it is more cost-effective over time,
since it’s more durable, and
the crown can be replaced without
changing the implant.
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I have tried
laser resurfacing in the past,
but was disappointed with
the results. I would love
to try a laser that would
reduce the blotchiness and
acne scarring, as well as
red veins, on my face. Can
you advise?
– Elizabeth, email
|
Dr.
Behnaz Yazdanfar, a doctor in Toronto,
responds:
For acne scarring, laser resurfacing
can help smooth the surface. If
the acne scars are depressions in
the skin, then an injectable filler
can help fill in the depressions.
Photo rejuvenation can help improve
overall skin texture and reduce
blotchiness and red vessels. A minimum
of six sessions are recommended.
A good skin care line is also recommended
to complement any procedure you
do.
|
The skin between my nostrils seems to hang down farther than most people’s.
Can this be fixed through
surgery, and is it as intensive
as a typical nose job?
– Brenda, email
|
Dr.
Richard Rival, a facial plastic
surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty
in Newmarket and Toronto, responds:
The skin that hangs down in between
your nostrils is commonly reduced
as part of a rhinoplasty procedure.
It is rare that this is the only
problem with an individual’s
nose, but, if so, it can be repaired
without making other changes to
the nose. The extent of surgery
required would depend on the cause
but typically it would be less surgery
then a “full” rhinoplasty.
|
I
get some bumps on my face –
they’re not zits, but
they look like them. Is there
anythng I can do to get rid
of them?
– Catherine C., Calgary,
Alta. |
Christine
Hanson, medical esthetician at The
Institute for Advanced Skin Care
in Toronto, responds:
There are many skin conditions that
can mimick acne, such as rosacea
or perioral dermatitis. However,
your “bumps” may be
a reaction to unsuitable skin-care
products or a lack of proper exfoliation.
Consider purging your pores with
a series of glycolic or salicylic
peels. It is also important to have
a skin specialist review your home-care
routine to eliminate any problem-causers.
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