Changing the face by plastic surgery

Yearning for beauty is  inherent human nature. Fashion, fitness, make-up, jewellery and Photoshop all of these are means to fulfil the person’s natural desire to be beautiful.

Plastic surgery has played an important part create beautiful faces and correct flaws of nature. As Groucho Marx  quoted famously” She got her looks from her father. He is a plastic surgeon.”

A lot of myths exist about the plastic surgery.  Here are some myth busters and tips for getting the best out of the plastic surgery of your face:

1. Consider the face as a whole.  Individual features (nose/eyes/lips/complexion) add up  to the overall look.  Improving a single feature will not change your face a lot.
2. Opt for subtle change.  Drastic change may look unnatural.
3. Choose temporary procedures and make few changes at a time. If happy with the results you can go for more and will know better what to expect.
4. Have realistic expectations.  Pictures of movie stars are always taken with special make-up and then edited with Photoshop to make it look perfect.  Flawless complexion rarely exists in nature.
5. Perfect symmetry is neither possible, nor desirable.  Slight asymmetry is natural. Only gross asymmetry is worth treating.
6. Clarify expectations with your doctor. With plastic surgery and treatments you can expect improvement but there is no guarantee of a particular result or perfection. Be wary of anyone who offers guarantees.
7. Your tissue has limitations.  Tissue characteristics are unique to each individual. Same surgery performed on two different people may give very  different results.  Plastic surgery cannot create a particular face from the catalogue.
8. Plastic Surgery has limitations.  Some things are possible and some things are not.  Listen to your plastic surgeon.
9. Be prepared to hear a no. Some people are not ready to take no for an answer from the surgeon.  They keep going from one surgeon to another and finally end up with quacks and get cheated.
10. Risk- benefit ratio. After considering the risks and benefits - is the risk low and  benefits high  enough to make the procedure worthwhile? Discuss with your doctor about what can go wrong.
11. Consider cost-benefit ratio.  Is the cost of treatment worth the result? Sometimes the treatment can be expensive but may give only subtle result.
12. Do not go for for unproven procedures.  Latest technology does not necessarily mean it is safe or proven. Choose treatments that have withstood the test of time.
13. Do not believe everything you read or hear in media.
14. Choose the right doctor. This is the single most important thing you can do. Check the qualification and credentials. Ask for before and after pictures of similar cases.
15. Take responsibility of your decision. Choose the right doctor then ask a lot of questions and make the informed decision about the surgery.

Antiageing creams: Do they work?

Supermarket shelves  and TV channels are flooded with antiageing creams and their advetisements.  They are are being used by women in their thirties to nineties.  New brands are entering the market every now and then with claims of guaranteed  results and any woman worth her salt has tried them all. Lets find out what are the actual results  you can expect from them.

Are all antiageing creams alike ? How do I select the best cream for me?

People age in different ways . Ageing can show just as fine lines , as pigmentation  as folds, wrinkles or in any one or more variety of ways. Over the counter branded antiageing creams are usually safe general options , but  they may not work for you in particular. So its best if you consult  your skin care specialist in person for best results.

Are antiageing creams enough for maintenance of my skin?

Healthy lifestyle, good health  and regular use of suncreen ( above SPF 25) are  also essential if you want great looking skin.

What is the ideal age  one start using antiageing creams?

Ageing is a continuous process starting from birth .  So there is no specific age when you should start the efforts towards antiageing. Usually human being is at its prime during teenage years following which various signs of ageing may be noticed- like fine wrinkles, enlarged pores, uneven pigmentation . Antiageing creams can be started any time when these signs of ageing appear.

Is there anything more than creams that can help me look my best?

There is a lot more available nowadays beyond the creams to rejuvenate and completely transform your skin. Chemical peels  microdermabrasion and laser for antiageinfg of skin, Botox for wrinkles and Juvederm injections for nonsurgical facelift are the most popular among them.

Are silicon breast implants safe?

Mithali, a 29 year old mother of one, has always been conscious about her small breast size. She is tall, slim and good looking, but feels that she is unable to enjoy well fitted, fashionable clothes because of her relatively small breasts. She is considering breast implant surgery.

Women opt for breast augmentation (implants) for various reasons. Often, these reasons are very personal and unique to each woman. Women with smaller breast size or those who have lost their breast volume due to breastfeeding can greatly benefit from it. Women who have very small upper body relative to larger hips and lower body can balance their figure beautifully with breast implants. Size zero, which is otherwise fashionable, usually comes with the problem of flat chest. For them, breast enhancement allows to retain good body proportions by bringing the curves back.

 According to Dr. Priti Shukla, Plastic Surgeon at Ambrosia Clinic, Indian women are increasingly embracing cosmetic surgery to get beautiful curves; yet, some are doubtful about the safety and outcome of breast implants. But once they are explained the facts, they go ahead with implants  and are most satisfied with the surgery .Dr. Shukla dispels the myths that exist about this procedure and helps you understand breast augmentation surgery better to retain good body proportions by bringing the curves back.

Are silicon breast implants safe?

Yes, they are. Silicon is a high grade material used in a lot of life saving medical devices like artificial valves, joints and eye lenses. When placed in body its totally safe. It does not react with body in any way.

Can I breastfeed after having breast implants?

Yes, you can. Implants do not damage the breast. They are tucked in behind the breast . Breast implants are totally safe for your baby.

Will my breast feel heavy or unnatural?

No, they will look and feel like natural breasts. No one can tell by looking at or touching your breasts.

Are there going to be scars?

Scar of breast implants is small and well hidden in breast crease or in armpit.

Do I need to get implants replaced periodically?

Latest US FDA approved implants come with very long life, and lifetime warranty. There is no expiry date on implants. In course of lifetime, if ever implant gets damaged, you can easily have it replaced by a small surgery.

Is the surgery risky? Do I need a long time to recover?

Breast Augmentation is a day care surgery (you can return home the same day). The patient can resume work 2-3 days after the surgery, although it takes a month to return to full activities.

Breast implant surgery is the most popular cosmetic surgery for women in the world.  Safety of implant surgery, like in any other surgery depends on plastic surgeon’s experience, quality of implant and standard of operating facility.  US FDA approved implants are safe. Choosing the right implant and surgeon can help you get the best out of your breast implant surgery.

Cosmetic surgery of mind

Cosmetic plastic surgeon is  called “psychologist with  the knife”. Minor changes that plastic surgeon  makes on persons body or face  have  profound  impact on patient,’s sense of selfesteem and wellbeing.

People often are self conscious about their appearance. This self consciousness  can be minor where person tries to hide the defect by makeup, hair style or clothes.  But in  major cases person avoids meeting people and  getting photographs clicked. People with body  disfigurement- like male breast and flat chested woman  may avoid sports activity, swimming and social gatherings. In most severe cases of body dissatisfaction person may become antisocial and stop studies and work.

Self conciousness is  sometimes  grossly disproportionate to actual problem. Nose, mouth , male breasts  and female breasts are most commonly known  to cause  severe mental distress. Body image problems are also a product of  social interaction. Quest for perfect faces and bodies make more and more teenagers feel inadequate. Teasing by family members or friends aggravates the problem.

Society at times  stereotypes  obese people as lazy and not serious about work. Man with a knife mark on face may be perceived as a violent person. People with burn mark on face may  receive unwanted sympathy and pity.

In Indian scenario cosmetic surgery is  very common  around marriageable age. Arranged marriages bring out the insecurities.   College going teenagers too are prone to have inferiority complex  and fitting in  issues .  Women and men seek cosmetic surgery  during midlife crisis when women feel insecure in relationship  or if they are getting divorced and planning to turn a new leaf in their life.

Plastic surgery alone can not  take care of all the  psychological issues. Sometimes body image problems can persist even after correction of problem

Its very important that you should discuss all aspects of your surgery including its psychological effect with your plastic surgeon. This will help you get the best out of your plastic surgery .

Liposuction: myth and reality

People who have tried diet and exercise, but are still unable to lose weight often turn to plastic surgeons for liposuction. Liposuction is believed to be the the final and ultimate weapon against obesity. Liposuction is popular, fashionable and available- but does it work for everyone, and always? Lets bust some myths and find out the facts.


MYTH : Liposuction can make one lose 20-30 kilos of weight in one sitting.

Fact: Majority of the plastic surgeons across the world agree that its safe to remove fat equal to 5-8% of body weight , in one sitting. So for a 100 kilo person 8 liters of liquid fat can be removed by liposuction in one sitting. Removing more than that is possible but not totally safe.

MYTH : Whole body can be liposuctioned at a time.

fact: Maximum of 3 body parts can be liposuctioned safely during one sitting-for example abdomen , thighs and buttocks or abdomen chest and back. Total amount of fat removal should not exceed the safe limit of 8% body weight. People usually have some body parts disproportionately bigger than others. Those parts are preferred for liposuction to get the body in proportion. Other body parts can be liposuctioned during next sitting.

MYTH: Liposuction works for everyone who has bulging tummy.

Fact: Liposuction results differ from person to person. Liposuction can do wonders for people with good skin and muscle tone and with moderate fatty deposits. If skin and muscle tone is poor, like after pregnancy abdominoplasty is required to make a difference. Some men with pot belly have fat deposits inside the abdomen, rather than under the skin . Liposuction does not help much here.

MYTH: Liposuction may cause future problems related to pregnancy in women and fertility in men.

FACT: There is no basis for this fear. Liposuction does not cause any future problem.

MYTH: Person can become more fat after liposuction.

FACT: Liposuction does not affect body’s metabolism. If one maintains healthy lifestyle results can be long lasting. On the other hand those people who are steadily gaining weight- will continue to gain weight at the same rate after liposuction- unless they reduce their intake.

MYTH: Liposuction is the best option for those who are constantly gaining weight , and have become helpless with their weight.

FACT: Liposuction is best for people who are on weight loss trend or at least maintaining weight in last 6 months.If people who can not take healthy diet or who do not have time for exercise, do liposuction results will last for a very short time.



MYTH: Liposuction is for really fat people, not for those with nearly normal weight.

Fact: A lot of normal weight people and people with few extra kilos are completely out of shape. Imagine a slim woman with narrow waist but heavy thighs or fit man with female like breasts. These people may try the best with diet and exercise but get no result. Liposuction is the only answer for their problem.

MYTH: People can always get into shape with natural methods like diet and exercise, if they try hard enough.

FACT: Natural weight loss methods can not help in certain situations and liposuction or plastic surgery may be the best option. Example- chubby cheeks may remain after weight loss. After pregnancies is hard to get abdomen and breast in shape without plastic surgery. Large female and male breasts do not respond significantly to weight loss. People mistakenly try too hard with diet to get above problems in control –but end up becoming too thin or unhealthy.

MYTH: Vaser/ Smart liposuction are best and safer liposuction techniques.

FACT: Smart marketing leads people to put too much faith in technology. In fact the surgeon behind the machine is more important for the result and safety than the machine itself. You must first choose the plastic surgeon and take advise about what will work best for you.

MYTH: Liposuction is not a surgery and is an easy procedure.

FACT: Liposuction is a plastic surgery with all associated risks and benefits . It can be very safe and gratifying surgery with permanent results . When performed on wrong patient, by inexperienced or unqualified surgeon- results can be disastrous .

Is fitness your new year resolution?

New Year often brings with it resolutions aimed at getting back into shape. Although some may start out ambitiously, following through on the promise to lose weight or get toned is often easier said than done. Getting into shape and losing weight continues to remain a challenge for majority . Lifestyles are getting busier, food tastier and clothes tighter, making it difficult for us to keep up with fitness.


Healthy diet and regular exercise remain the key to achieve and maintain your ideal weight . There are shortcuts like starvation, getting admitted into naturopathy centres, massages and such. These methods have some advantages, but only short term. Ninety five percent of so called “ diets” fail in long term. Most people who were disciplined in the naturopathy camp go into low metabolic state where body learns to sustain itself on minimum food by bringing metabolism down. Body fails to burn even the moderately excess food taken at home and weight bounces back.

And what about liposuction? This is something I specialize in and you can trust me when I say even this is not the trump card you can count on in the game of weight loss. Liposuction can not help you lose 20-30 kilos, contrary to what you may have heard or read. After liposuction if you do not maintain the healthy diet and regular exercise, you may gain the fat again. Common sense isn’t it? If you do not have time for exercising and you can not resist food then liposuction will give you only temporary result.

So get ready with your exercise gear and hit the gym , eat sensibly and aim to lose 2-4 kilos a month. Do cardio exercise like running and swimming to lose weight and weights and yoga to build tone and strength. Once you reach nearly normal weight and if still you are not in shape – be it resistant love handles, abdominal flab , saddle bags on thighs or heavy arms- you are then ready for liposuction, for those finishing touches towards the perfect figure.

Best wishes for a healthy and fit new year 2011.

Is fitness your new year resolution?

New Year often brings with it resolutions aimed at getting back into shape. Although some may start out ambitiously, following through on the promise to lose weight or get toned is often easier said than done. Getting into shape and losing weight continues to remain a challenge for majority . Lifestyles are getting busier, food tastier and clothes tighter, making it difficult for us to keep up with fitness.


Healthy diet and regular exercise remain the key to achieve and maintain your ideal weight . There are shortcuts like starvation, getting admitted into naturopathy centres, massages and such. These methods have some advantages, but only short term. Ninety five percent of so called “ diets” fail in long term. Most people who were disciplined in the naturopathy camp go into low metabolic state where body learns to sustain itself on minimum food by bringing metabolism down. Body fails to burn even the moderately excess food taken at home and weight bounces back.

And what about liposuction? This is something I specialize in and you can trust me when I say even this is not the trump card you can count on in the game of weight loss. Liposuction can not help you lose 20-30 kilos, contrary to what you may have heard or read. After liposuction if you do not maintain the healthy diet and regular exercise, you may gain the fat again. Common sense isn’t it? If you do not have time for exercising and you can not resist food then liposuction will give you only temporary result.

So get ready with your exercise gear and hit the gym , eat sensibly and aim to lose 2-4 kilos a month. Do cardio exercise like running and swimming to lose weight and weights and yoga to build tone and strength. Once you reach nearly normal weight and if still you are not in shape – be it resistant love handles, abdominal flab , saddle bags on thighs or heavy arms- you are then ready for liposuction, for those finishing touches towards the perfect figure.

Best wishes for a healthy and fit new year 2011.