August 8th, 2011 by John Di Saia, M.D. in Health Tips, Opinion
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Reader Question:
Do you do anti-aging medicine? I do not see it on your web site. If not, what is your opinion of it?
I am not a fan or follower of the anti-aging medicine fad in so much that it promotes what I believe to be a false concept. An older person cannot be made into a younger version of herself by boosting certain hormones. There is really no good evidence that it works. Patients don’t live any longer. It might also be found to be harmful in the long run.
Plastic surgeons will differ in their opinions as to what works with low risk to improve things. To me Read more »
*This blog post was originally published at Truth in Cosmetic Surgery*
August 2nd, 2011 by John Di Saia, M.D. in Health Tips, Opinion
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- Brachioplasty Before Surgery
- Brachioplasty surgery has been called the “Arm Lift” and it kinda does “lift” the arm. The areas treated in the upper arm have been called amongst other things “Bat Wings.” Surgery tightens the skin around the upper arm which can hang unattractively in those who have lost a good deal of weight. This varies of course.
Traditional brachioplasty surgery is performed through an incision (and leaves a scar) from the arm pit to the elbow. Care is taken to try to make the scar fall into a less often seen area when the arms are at the sides. The scars from surgery
Read more »
*This blog post was originally published at Truth in Cosmetic Surgery*
July 25th, 2011 by John Di Saia, M.D. in Health Tips, Opinion
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Recently at the gym (I workout three to five days a week mostly swimming laps in a pool,) I got into a conversation with a mom about tummy tuck surgery. This happens occasionally when you wear your CosmeticSurgeryTruth.com t shirt to the gym. 
“I would never get a Tummy Tuck. I would just workout more.”
People do not see outside of their own experience very often. This pretty young mom would not benefit much by a Tummy Tuck as she had no “hanging apron” or much lose skin. Many gastric bypass patients or other women not as fortunate after pregnancy to have their bellies “snap back” have changes. And some of them workout several days a week too. Tummy Tuck surgery is not Read more »
*This blog post was originally published at Truth in Cosmetic Surgery*
July 19th, 2011 by John Di Saia, M.D. in Health Tips
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When I tell people I have a hybrid plastic surgery practice, I am not talking about a fuel efficient car. I am talking about the fact that I do both cosmetic surgery and medically-necessary surgery. Part of the medically-necessary surgery includes the repair of pressure wounds (also called decubitus ulcers.)
Not only is this type of surgery not cosmetic, it can be pretty ugly. It is surgery to assist often long standing wounds in healing in often significantly ill patients. If possible such a wound is repaired using tissue from adjoining areas of the body called fasciocutaneous and musculocutaneous flaps after scar and debris is cut away. This isn’t pretty, but Read more »
*This blog post was originally published at Truth in Cosmetic Surgery*
July 8th, 2011 by John Di Saia, M.D. in Research
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The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery publishes statistics every year indicating which cosmetic operations are on the rise. A journalist at the OC Register asked a group of plastic surgeons why this might be. Being that I am opinionated (why do you think I blog here,) I figured I’d take a shot at some of these:
I. Statistic: TEENS – Nosejobs and Otoplasty (commonly referred to as “ear pinning”) on the rise
Dr D: Part of the development of the teen psyche involves becoming aware of social norms. As they do this, they also become aware of differences and develop standards of beauty. Many of these teen nose jobs are justified as medically-needed, but appearance usually factors in. Otoplasty is a similarly social operation.
II. Statistic: YOUNG ADULTS – Breast implants. Ages 19-34. 166,000 a year. (ASAPS)
Dr D: “Beauty standards” are important motivators here as well. Young adults in the workplace (and social groups) see those around them doing these things and often being complimented. Some of these patients may also be seeking after childbirth “body repair.”
III. Statistic: EARLY MIDDLE AGE – Liposuction. Ages 35-50. 143,000 a year. (ASAPS)
Dr D: A slowing metabolism in this age group combined with more involved work schedules (with increased sedentary time) equals increased trouble “holding back the fat.” Liposuction is easy and can help with that. Add some post-pregnancy issues here as well.
IV. Statistic: YOUNG ADULTS – Botox. Ages 19-34. 371,000 a year. (ASAPS)
Dr D: The fad of Botox use in the really young is an advertising phenomenon as there is no good reason for young people to do this other than to “feel” hip.
My opinions of course.
*This blog post was originally published at Truth in Cosmetic Surgery*
