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BREAST AUGMENTATION
According to Dr. Edward Pechter, M.D., F.A.C.S., "The longer implants remain in the body, the more likely it is that they will wear out and break." He adds, "if this occurs with a saline implant, it's obvious — the breast gets a 'flat tire.' Silicone implant rupture can be harder to detect, which is why the FDA recommends an MRI examination at three years after implantation and every two years thereafter." Due to the relatively high cost of MRI imaging, Dr. Pechter notes that it's unlikely that most women will follow through on this advice.
Dr. Pechter also tells ITK that many surgeons (himself included) recommend post-operative self-massage to their patients who receive smooth implants. Ask your surgeon if your type of implant can benefit from massage and other post-op exercises.Finally, Dr. Pechter advises that some surgeons suggest that patients with breast implants take antibiotics immediately before and after dental procedures. He explains "No matter how conscientious a person's brushing, flossing, and rinsing habits, bacteria can escape into the bloodstream through tiny cuts in the gums, the result being potential contamination of breast implants. Ask your surgeon for his or her advice."
LIPOSUCTION
According to Steve Laverson, M.D., F.A.C.S., long-term post-operative satisfaction with liposuction is directly linked to the patient's body weight in the months and years after the procedure: "Liposuction is an adjunct to healthy diet and regular exercise, not a replacement for these habits. Regular athletic activity and disciplined diet can go a long way toward giving you the body you want, as well as supporting your cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health."
INJECTABLES/FILLERS
According to Dr. Joe Niamtu, D.M.D., "Botox has the rule of three. It begins working at about three days; it reaches its full effect in about three weeks; and lasts about three months." He adds that many myths and fallacies surround Botox and the need for repeated treatments. His analogy "...you don't have to continue treatments. Nothing bad will happen. It's like being on a diet. If you quit dieting, your fat will return. If you quit using Botox, your muscle activity, and hence, your wrinkles will return. A positive reason to continue usage of Botox, is that the less your muscles wrinkle your skin, the less deep the wrinkles will be." He adds: "I believe the long-term use of Botox in contemporary society is viewed in the same way as coloring one's hair: It's 'youth maintenance.'" While there have been no long-term problems with Botox, throughout its thirty years of use, Dr. Niamtu adds, "As we age, we become less sensitive to Botox and its effects do not last as long. Women over 65, and men in general, may need more Botox and can expect it not to last as in younger patients."
Fillers, such as collagen, Juvéderm, and others are temporary in nature, states Dr. Niamtu, lasting anywhere from three months to many years.
According to the doctor, the advantage of a filler "going away" is not necessarily a bad thing. He explains "...as styles and values change, for example, a patient may want their lips different than they are now. Longer lasting fillers, like silicone oil and ArteFill may last many years, but usually still require a touch-up every several years." Lastly, he warns: "The buyer must beware when it comes to permanent fillers, as you need a competent injector — because it is not reversible."
Dr. Niamtu again points out: "The beauty of temporary fillers is that they go away. One potential problem with permanent fillers is that, as a person ages, the skin will droop; and if a patient has a lot of permanent filler in the skin, it may look unnatural. In rare cases, surgical procedures may be necessary to remove the permanent filler."
RHINOPLASTY
Dr. Michael S. Kluska, D.O., F.A.A.C.S., F.A.C.O.S., board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, tells ITK, "Because rhinoplasty changes the structures in the nose, it is a permanent procedure and will last a very long time." And he adds that, "while there are no maintenance issues per se, beyond the initial six-week healing period, scar tissue formation sometimes requires a second, or revision, surgery. As such, scar tissue would take about a year to form and finalize completely." Therefore, he cautions, "A patient undergoing rhinoplasty should never have another surgery before the one-year mark. This can lead to thickened, heavy scar that could result in permanent disfigurement."
As a final caution, Dr. Kluska explains, "The most common reason for a second surgery is due to unrealistic patient expectations. Many times patients expect something different than what they get. A clear line of communication between patient and surgeon is essential for positive outcomes."
