David A. Schlessinger, M.D.

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Dr. Schlessinger

The realm of cosmetic surgery/treatments is rapidly changing. Along with new medical and technological advancements that make new – and often better – products and techniques available, patient demographics are also experiencing change.

The days when Caucasians comprised the majority of cosmetic surgery cases may soon be completely behind us. Figures given by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons indicate nearly a quarter of the cosmetic plastic surgery procedures in 2007 were performed on ethnic patients. In fact, ethnic minorities accounted for a staggering 24 percent of all cosmetic procedures last year, both surgical and nonsurgical.

In my office, I have seen a significant increase in Latino patients, both men and women, and statistics show the trend is becoming progressively more common.  Among this group, the most frequently requested procedures include Botox® for smoothing the forehead and brow, as well as injectables like Juvederm™ for achieving a fuller pout.    

As to the causes behind this impressive emergence of a new and more diverse patient pool, we can look in a number of directions. For starters, celebrities have become more open about their own experiences with plastic surgery.  In the case of Jennifer Lopez – she doesn’t claim to go under the knife – she is often used as a reference for the look my patients are trying to achieve; full lips, smooth skin, and no wrinkles.  Additionally, popular TV shows that have cosmetic surgery at their epicenter (i.e. Nip/Tuck) have opened the dialogue for people who may have previously shied away from cosmetic surgery.

While the factors may be numerous we can all be sure of one thing: the rise in minority patients is stimulating and could bring about some exciting developments in areas focused on treating ethnic skin.

Side effects caused by our bodies’ reaction to different chemicals used in cosmetic procedures are various and include temporary swelling, scarring and discomfort. If these procedures are performed by unlicensed personnel, we can also add death to that list. This was the case witnessed at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center in Bronx, New York the morning of March 17, when a woman’s search for curvier thighs and hips turned tragic.  What started as dizziness, vomiting and trouble with breathing ended in cardiac arrest after the silicone used in her procedure – which was smuggled into the country illegally – clotted in her lungs. The medical examiner announced the case as a homicide and concluded the mother of two died of a silicone pulmonary embolism. The examiner also said the injections were performed by a "nonmedical, unlicensed person."

The price of cosmetic procedures and treatments may still denote a luxury to many patients, but it should never be paid for with their lives. With the economic downturn, it would seem that more patients are turning to their discount medi-spas, or in the case mentioned above, to backroom injectors who are not licensed to use these injectables. Any patient considering a cosmetic procedure, however simple and minor it may seem, should always be aware of the complexity involved with any substance entering the body and realize the ultimate danger an uncertified and illicit practice could pose.

The tragic news of the case in the Bronx may come as a shock to many but it’s only one of many sad occurrences. Injecting silicone into the body has long been popular among the transgender community where a few years ago a 23-year-old in Georgia died a month after receiving backroom injections. Known as “pumping”, the procedure involves a motel room or house and industry-grade silicone which is injected directly into the body (conversely, medical-grade silicone is implanted under the skin in sealed pouches).

The most unfortunate aspect of these stories is that patients are often aware of the risks involved, yet still willing to jeopardize their health, or in some cases lives. Medical advancements in the plastic surgery field have made possible what couldn’t even be imagined a few decades ago and, luckily for us, made safety a priority. Still, it is the patient’s responsibility to be informed before undergoing any cosmetic procedure, no matter how safe the treatment may be.  Click here for a checklist of questions to ask your physician before making any decisions regarding your cosmetic options. 

With summer finally approaching, many of us are planning our much anticipated getaway. And thanks to a new shift in the tourism industry, many Americans now have the option of visiting an exotic location, enjoying some fun in the sun, and while abroad, get a cosmetic treatment.

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Medical tourism is expanding as the popularity of treatments such as face/neck lifts, eyelid surgery, injectables and so on, continues to rise. Medical spas and facilities in countries like Argentina, Brazil, South Africa and Thailand, to name a few, market their low-cost, all-inclusive packages that often feature “combined procedure specials” - two or more procedures that cost less than a single one performed in the United States.

The reduced expense of many foreign surgical vacation packages often equates to surgical and vacation costs that are less than the price of the actual surgery in the United States. Throw in the glamorous beaches and the “fun in the sun,” and you seem to have a real winner. However (as is usually the case), there’s a catch.

One of my patients recently came back from having blepharoplasty in South Africa. His operation resulted in drooping eyelids which required multiple corrective procedures that, in the end, cost more than the initial procedure. This is not an isolated case though.

Lack of appropriate medical care in case of an emergency is one disadvantage traveling patients have. Should any problems arise, patients may not have the means to have reconstructive or repair treatments as needed. Additionally, one of the most important and significant aspects of the cosmetic treatment is the face-to-face consultation each patient should receive with his/her physician. While very promising, most overseas practices do not provide this, as the initial consultation is often performed from home via the facilities’ website. Traveling patients also miss the advantages of the evaluation that a visit to the doctor during recovery offers. In the U.S. there are accrediting agencies that certify medical facilities and medical providers which is not necessarily the case abroad where many of the facilities are privately owned and operated and as such, not necessarily subject to a certification process.  Furthermore, most people do not have medical coverage abroad, so any complication that arises may costs thousands in extra dollars in the foreign country.

The risks associated with an overseas medical procedure could by far outweigh the advantageous savings. Patients should realize that uncertainty in medical skill and expertise means uncertainty of the outcome and the initial financial benefits incurred will be less significant than the cost of any future reconstructive procedures.  The key message here is to stay home, find an accredited physician by doing your homework first, and get it right the first time. 

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Each of us, even those we deem naturally beautiful, has at least one thing we’d wish to alter with cosmetic surgery.  Whether it’s a small bump on the nose, puffiness under the eyes or lines around the lips, advancements in cosmetic surgery allow us to augment our appearance as we see fit.  While there are many things to take into account before undergoing any procedure to enhance your features, one item that often goes overlooked by the patient is the emotional connection to these changes.

Regardless of the amount of time that goes into the decision to have cosmetic surgery, many patients will experience some level of postoperative depression.  There are a number of reasons for this including a lack of support from family and friends, disapproving looks from others, as well as bruising and scarring that can last several weeks or months following an operation.  While postoperative depression is common, typically clearing up once a patient begins to see the positive results from the procedure, those predisposed to depression and anxiety may be at greater risk for the “blues.”

The key to keeping your emotions in balance is to manage expectations early in the process.  Many patients come to me requesting that I make them look like “this singer” or “that supermodel.”  The goal of any cosmetic procedure is to enhance what you were born with; not change it completely.  If your reasoning for undergoing a facelift is so that your husband doesn’t look at other women, you may never be fully satisfied with the results.  If you tell me that you are full of energy and desire a more youthful appearance to match, then your reasoning for wanting the procedure is more inline with the achievable results.

Before I operate on any patient, I start with a consultation during which I evaluate the patient’s health records and reasons for wanting surgery.  Red flags arise if the patient is going through a significant life-altering situation such as a job loss or divorce, patients who have already had multiple procedures or those who have a history of mental illness.

My goal as a surgeon is to ensure that I’m providing the best results for every patient.  If these factors are taken into account, it ensures that all parties are satisfied, making the emotional connection a positive one for the patient.

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A common misconception people have about non-surgical cosmetic procedures is that they’re non-medical. This false and dangerous assumption, together with the steady rise in the popularity of such treatments, could be the contributing factor towards the alarming increase in the number of non-certified practitioners performing said procedures. This belief can lead to disaster as the large number of cases where treatments go awry clearly shows.

Retail or spa-like settings, often referred to as a medi-spa, are perfect for routine beauty treatments but procedures such as Botox®, laser treatments and dermal fillers to name a few, should be left to the experts or performed under the close supervision of a board certified physician in a clinical setting where conditions are sanitary.  In many so-called medi-spas, there isn’t even a physician on-site overseeing day-to-day operations.  Instead, an aesthetician or physician’s assistant may be performing your IPL treatment or injecting your Botox.  Both are legal practices but ideally, both should be performed by the MD, especially if the facility is presenting as a medi-spa.

Ensuring the proper qualifications of the practitioner is just the first step, as being a lice licensed physician doesn’t automatically mean they are qualified if they lack the right technology and experience to perform a particular procedure. Below I’ve included the top ten questions that patients should ask their physician prior to undergoing any cosmetic treatment:

1. Are you a licensed physician?
2. What is the best procedure/product for the end result I'm trying to achieve?
3. How does the treatment work?
4. Are there any side effects or risks associated with this treatment?
5. Where does the product come from (i.e. what is it made of, are there any substances within that I may be allergic to)?
6. How much of the filler will you be injecting, and in what areas? (NOTE: This is important information should you move or decide to switch physicians, as it allows your new doctor to provide the adequate dosage for maintenance purposes.)
7. How often will I need to return to maintain my results?
8. Should I expect any pain or discomfort?
9. Can I expect any downtime from this procedure (NOTE: Some procedures can result in very minimal bruising, so in some cases it is important to allow adequate healing time before any major event)?
10. May I see before and after pictures, and/or speak to patients you've treated?

While treatments such as Botox® and dermal fillers work to enhance the appearance when performed by a skilled physician, they are not to be regarded as an ultimate cure for a particular condition. Patients must also be aware of false promises such as 100% safe procedures which in turn usually indicate red flags. For optimal (and safe!) results, always consult a physician first and never be afraid to ask questions.

Photo Source: dailymail.co.uk 

Our society’s intense appraise of beauty goes past mere awe and appreciation. It’s become increasingly obvious that our culture rewards those who are beautiful.  Having come to accept this as a fact of life, women have long learned the way they look affects their performance in the job market. The male population seems to be quickly picking up on the strong signals. Now more than ever, male executives find themselves competing against a much younger demographic and therefore, recognize that looking more refreshed and vigorous can be a significant advantage in retaining or obtaining a position.

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Image maintenance is no longer exclusive to a woman’s domain. In recent years, the men’s grooming industry has been progressively expanding as men want to look and feel better regardless of their age. One may say a transition into cosmetic procedures is simply the next step. The number of men opting for treatments such as Botox®, even facelifts, is constantly on the rise with men including these treatments on their to-do list.  Cosmetic treatments have become maintenance, the same as a trip to the gym or hairdresser.

Is this increasing trend a result of a change in attitudes and mentality, what is now perceived as socially acceptable, or an inevitable outcome of what advances in cosmetic surgery have made possible?

Many people forget that while 50 years ago men did in fact choose to let nature take its course undisturbed, they also had no other choice in the matter. Thus logic invites us to an evident assumption: why should men sit back and accept the signs of aging as an irrefutable phenomenon when often a simple and minimally invasive procedure can effectively “turn back time?”

Reports by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons show over a million Americans do not [sit back]; the percentage of the male population sitting in the waiting room of a cosmetic physician’s office is growing rapidly as men from diverse ethnic backgrounds now comprise an increasing percentage of this market.

So, whether it’s done as a good “business move” to survive a moribund economy, a way to get back in the dating scene, or simply because they want to enhance their appearance, men are joining women in a common goal towards looking healthy, youthful and more attractive.

Photo Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk

As the economy worsens and job market weakens, unemployment rates are increasing at an alarming rate. At a time when landing a job or even an interview is extremely challenging, it is crucial to capitalize on every advantage to stand out from the competition. If you’re one of the 21,000 Americans currently unemployed, mark Wednesday, April 1st on your calendar.

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Here at Schlessinger Eye & Face we're opening our doors for our first “Stimulus Package” Event. This community event will provide free expert advice on areas such as resume writing, personal marketing, career counseling and nutrition.

Whether it’s via your looks, manners or resume, making a good first impressions can often be the difference between being hired or not.  As a service to our community, we have assembled a dynamic panel of experts from different backgrounds in order to provide counseling and guidance for optimizing your job search. 

The “Stimulus Package” Panel includes:

• David A. Schlessinger, M.D. on how to put your best face forward
• Staci Leavitt Kobren, R.D. on eating habits for optimum energy
• Marty Friedman C.P.A., on creating a resume that stands out from the rest
• Jeffrey S. Gerson from Citi Smith Barney with advice on wealth management
• Cathy Wagner from Catwalk Fitness on how to keep fit on a budget
• Donna Schlessinger from Mutt Media with tips on effective online marketing

And topics that include:

Resume - Marketing - Career Counseling - Finance - Nutrition - Fitness

The “Stimulus Package” Event
At Schlessinger Eye & Face
April 1st, 2009 from 11AM – 1PM

75 Froehlich Farm Blvd.
Woodbury, NY

Call and reserve your spot today at 516.496.2122

Photo Source: http://www.bc.edu/offices/careers/jobs.html

While most of us would agree the seemingly never-ending recession does not hold too many advantages, it does seem to encourage creative thinking when it comes to ways to save. The cosmetic surgery/treatments domain may not appear to leave much room for negotiation but even that seems to be changing. A rise in the number of early or preventative treatments is now justified as a means to avoid more invasive and thus expensive procedures in the future. Creative to say the least! Still, a closer look at patient demographics reveals more than just signs of recession-provoked effects. Women in their early twenties are undergoing treatments such as Botox® and Restylane® in an effort to delay the signs of aging.

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While products such as Botox® and dermal fillers will not ultimately prevent what nature intended, their effect is much more promising on dynamic wrinkles (those caused by facial movements such as laughing and frowning) which also happen to be the most troublesome and difficult to treat. Although this claim has yet to be supported by scientific proof, we can find early evidence in the cases of people with a stroke or facial nerve palsy who do not get dynamic wrinkles on the paralyzed side of the face. Fillers like Botox® act to temporarily paralyze facial muscles; therefore, preventing movement that would contribute to these wrinkles.

Most people prefer to steer clear of surgery unless definitely needed. After all, the associated cost is higher and complications several. Non-invasive treatments such as Botox®, on the other hand, are quick, simple and more economical. And for many women, early intervention as a way of preventing wrinkles is proving increasingly popular.

While people are bound to have different takes on what is acceptable and fitting, most share a common goal: a procedure that minimizes wrinkles without a significant financial investment and with minimal recovery time.

Photo Source: www.prettylikeme.com 

Check out the current issue of Star Magazine (page 50) to see my comments on Rihanna’s bruises, resulting from an altercation on the night of the Grammy Awards. 

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Photo Source: http://bimchat.wordpress.com/2009/02/27/star-magazine-was-rihanna-pregnant/