Dr. Bray's Plastic Surgery Blog

Choosing the correct surgeon to perform any cosmetic procedure for you is a very important process. Unfortunately, the wide spread use of advertising often leads to improper selections. This is particularly true with the increased flow of information on the internet. Slick advertising is just that. Over the course of my career, which now reaches thirty years, I am as convinced as ever that there are several key components to making the right decision. The first of these is board certification in the area of interest to you. Although there are many specialties and surgeons that cross rather arbitrary lines of distinction, if you want facial procedures, The American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is the gold standard. What this board certification implies, is that this individual, is highly trained in the complexities of facial anatomy. There is no more intricate anatomy than what occupies the face. The next issue, that is important, is teaching in an academic setting. This is not to suggest that university professors are the best surgeons. Many fine private practice surgeons teach on a part time basis. The key here is to realize that doctors who teach must stay up to date with current procedures and trends. Last and perhaps most important, is your own feeling of relationship and communication with the surgeon in question. If you are not comfortable, seek another consultation. Multiple consultations are often a good but, can be confusing. It is also critical that your surgeon explains everything to your satisfaction. This includes the positive and the negative issues as well as the limitations of any procedure on your unique face. If you follow these suggestions, your chance of being happy and satisfied with your results increases dramatically.

Please try to avoid unproven procedures. Avoid procedures that seem too good to be true because, they probably are. Always try to be realistic about expected results and you will be much happier. Asking family and friends seems like it would be a good idea but, friends and family often have their own agenda and may prove unreliable. In any case, if you keep these suggestions in mind, you will do well with your procedures.

Is this the year of less is better in cosmetic surgery? Many people think this is true because of the general economy. As cosmetic surgeons, we in the field recognize this. The problem is that while there are new procedures and some that are less invasive, patients can often be misled into thinking a lesser procedure will accomplish their needs. This is not correct and leads to frustration and a loss of money not a savings. That being said, the best new procedure for 2010 is the use of the fractionated CO2 laser. There is no question that CO2 laser has been the gold standard in skin resurfacing for almost 20 years. What is new is that the complications associated with CO2 lasers have been virtually eliminated by the new fractionated lasers. In simple terms the power can be individualized and the tissue ablation separated into spaced out components. This eliminates the widespread deep burn that caused all of the problems in the past. Patients may choose the intensity of their treatment by simply telling us, how much down time they can afford. This is usually 3-10 days. The shorter down times have less intense treatment and can then be repeated in six to eight weeks as needed. This allows the patient to achieve the same results as the older CO2 treatments. In addition areas such as the neck, upper chest, and hands can now be treated with excellent results. Skin tightening and quality also occur after about three months.

This is exciting news. However, as alluded to in the first paragraph, don't be fooled into thinking that highly advertised "non invasive" procedures will replace facelift surgery. To achieve the results of good facelift or eyelid surgery, you need to do the surgery.