(Dr. Levens’ monthly column is carried by the Coral
Springs Forum newspaper.) Dear Dr. Levens: With all the new wrinkle fillers and
facial treatments on the market today, are facelifts becoming passé? --SB
Dear SB: Facelifts will never become passé because
surgery is the only long-term way to remove hanging, excess skin.
However, the products and treatments you mention are definitely helping
many women postpone surgery or achieve acceptable improvement without
surgery. We’re using fillers like Restylane and Radiesse
not only to fill wrinkles but to restore volume which can sometimes
create a “lifted” look. Treatments such as microdermabrasion,
intense light treatments, peels and others can dramatically improve
skin quality and restore it to a more youthful look. However,
all such treatments must be repeated on a regular basis to achieve
and maintain results. Over time, non-surgical treatments can become
comparable in cost to a facelift which typically lasts 7-10 years.
Dear Dr. Levens: I’m
72, female and generally in great shape except for a protruding belly
I’ve had all my adult life and just hate. Am I crazy to
be thinking about a tummy tuck at my age? ---JL
Dear JL: The key issue is your overall health. There
is no age limit for abdominoplasty but as with any surgery, risks
and healing time may increase with age. Results can vary depending
upon the elasticity of the skin and other factors. The first
step is to have a consultation with a plastic surgeon. Provide
the most complete medical history you can. If there are no existing
health issues which might cause problems, you may well be a good candidate
for a “tummy tuck”.
Dear Dr. Levens: I had breast cancer about
7 years ago which was treated with chemo and radiation. I’ve
had no problem since. I’m 45 and would like to have a
breast lift and possibly implants. Is this feasible considering
my medical history? --KB
Dear KB: Yes. This is commonly known
as a “delayed” breast reconstruction. One major potential
problem, however, is the chronic effect of radiation on the chest
wall tissues. This may preclude the use of implants due to
scarring and capsular contracture risk. You might consider autologous
reconstruction (which uses your own body tissue.) It is critical
that your plastic surgeon consult closely with your oncologist so
a reconstruction can be tailored to your precise goals and medical
needs.
Dr. Levens: For decades, I’ve had bluish
broken veins on my face which have gotten more noticeable over time
and are almost impossible to cover with make-up. Are there treatments
for this? –-AP
Dear AP: These unattractive bluish-red veins
are broken capillaries. They are caused by a thinning of the
facial skin resulting from hormonal changes, sun exposure, aging and/or
genetics. There are several treatment options but in most cases,
none are permanent. The veins can be electronically coagulated
with very fine needles, or special lasers can be used to collapse
the broken capillaries. Also, several patients have reported excellent
coverage results from mineral-based powders which can camouflage without
the heaviness of many liquid foundations.
Dr. Levens is a Board-certified plastic surgeon. He has served
as Vice Chief of Staff and Chief of Surgery at Coral
SpringsMedicalCenter.His
column appears monthly. Send questions to Cosmetic Surgery
Today, 1725 University Dr., Suite 440, Coral
Springs, 33071 or email info@DrLevens.com
Interested in seeing past questions? Please
see our archived Q
& A section.
Dr. Levens has been providing plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive
surgery procedures for patients in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach,
Coconut Creek, Coral Springs, Davie, Delray Beach, Ft.
Lauderdale, Hollywood, Lauderhill, Margate, Miami, North Lauderdale,
Parkland, Plantation, Sunrise, Tamarac, West Palm Beach, Wellington,
Weston and throughout South Florida since 1989.
