Blog

 Growing up in today’s world can be difficult for some teenagers. The pressure for teens to be accepted by their peers is a common obstacle some might face. When a child looks or acts differently than others, it can often lead to bullying—verbally and/or physically. Teasing from peers can include physical violence or involve relentless nicknames like “big ears,” leaving a child emotionally scarred. Many of the physical characteristics that cause an influx of bullying toward a particular child can be addressed through plastic surgery. In fact, teenage plastic surgery may not be a topic often talked about, but many teens are undergoing cosmetic procedures to restore their confidence and self-image. According to statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, teenagers made up 1.5 percent of the plastic surgeries performed in 2016.

Should Your Teenager Undergo Plastic Surgery?

Many parents might have a teenager who feels that they could find emotional relief from bullying by altering their physical appearance. Plastic surgery is serious, and it should only be an option for teens who are physically and emotionally ready for this type of surgical procedure. How do you know if plastic surgery is the right choice for your child? Before letting your teenager “go under the knife,” ask yourself these questions:

• Are they realistic in their expectations?: Plastic surgery is meant to enhance a person’s natural features. Teenagers should understand that they will not achieve dramatic changes in their appearance but rather a more improved version of themselves.
• Are they physically healthy?: Ideal patients should be in good health and do not have any serious medical conditions. It is recommended to have your child physically examined by his or her primary care provider before undergoing a plastic surgery procedure.
• Are they aware of the risks of complications?: Every surgery involves some risks, complications, and side effects. Patients need to know that the results will not be immediate and may entail some residual swelling, bruising, and bleeding.
• Do they have time to take away from activities and school?: Plastic surgery will involve a few days to weeks of recovery. Ideally, spring, summer, or winter break are perfect times of the year to book a procedure so they do not have to miss school or social activities.

Common Teenage Plastic Surgery Procedures

There are several procedures teenagers often request. Here are some of the typical teenage plastic surgeries:

•  Otoplasty: Children and adolescents who suffer from large, protruding ears that stick out are often haunted by nicknames such as “Dumbo” that affect their emotional well-being. Otoplasty, or ear surgery, is one of the most popular plastic surgeries for patients 18 years of age and younger. Its purpose is to pin or set back the ears so they are positioned closer to the head.
• Rhinoplasty: Since the nose is the central feature of the face, it can affect someone’s entire facial appearance. Rhinoplasty or nose surgery is designed to correct a crooked nose, overly large nostrils, or a nose that is too big. Teenagers can feel confident knowing that their nose blends in with the rest of their facial features.
• Liposuction: Many teenagers struggle to lose stubborn excess fat. Liposuction can effectively remove fat to provide a slimmer, more toned appearance for a variety of treatment areas.

If you think your teenager is ready for plastic surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Wald today! You and your child can sit down and discuss the different procedures available. Contact us by calling (714) 312-3549 or by filling out our online contact form.

When the words “plastic surgery” come to mind, some might picture results that look fake and unnatural. This could likely be attributed to the many celebrities, such as Melanie Griffith and Heidi Montag, who have been known to go overboard with their cosmetic procedures. After undergoing several different types of surgeries and then revision upon revision of those surgeries, people often stop looking like themselves. The main goal of plastic surgery is not to dramatically change how a person looks but rather to enhance or rejuvenate a person’s appearance. If you want natural-looking plastic surgery results, it is all about planning properly for your procedure, doing the research, and communicating with your surgeon.

Deciding if Plastic Surgery Is Right for You

Whether you are considering breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, or a facelift, it is important that you take the correct steps to make sure you are ready for plastic surgery. If you are interested in undergoing plastic surgery and are afraid of looking too plastic, there are many aspects you should consider in order to achieve natural-looking results, such as:

• Are you physically healthy enough for plastic surgery? Patients should not have any serious medical problems and should be in good health before undergoing a surgical procedure. If a patient is not healthy enough for surgery, they may develop complications that prevent them from achieving ideal, natural-looking results. Plastic surgery candidates do not smoke or are willing to quit at least a few weeks before their surgery and through their recovery process. It is recommended that patients have their primary care physician evaluate their health and perform any necessary medical tests to be cleared for surgery.

• Are you realistic in your expectations and willing to openly communicate those expectations to your surgeon? Some patients expect a dramatic change in their face or body when they undergo a surgical procedure, while others are worried that there will be too much change that appears unnatural. However, plastic surgery is simply meant to tweak a person’s natural features to create an improved or more youthful version of them. Patients should research their procedure of choice and review before and after photos to help them get a better idea of what results they can potentially achieve. Once you understand the results you desire, have an open and honest conversation with your surgeon about your goals and concerns.  

• Is your surgeon ABPS board certified? Choosing a surgeon who is skilled and experienced in plastic surgery and board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is of the utmost importance when it comes to achieving your goals. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery has a list of questions to ask your plastic surgeon to prepare for your cosmetic surgery consultation.

The best way to achieve natural-looking plastic surgery results is to research, prepare, and talk to a qualified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Wald. To learn more, contact us by calling (714) 312-3549 or by filling out our online contact form.

The request for cosmetic surgery is at an all-time high. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 2016 statistics, more than 15 billion dollars was spent on plastic surgery, which included surgical and non-surgical treatments. In fact, non-surgical treatments made up 44 percent of the cosmetic procedures performed last year. That is a seven percent increase from 2015. Why are non-surgical treatments becoming so popular? They offer similar results without ever having to go anywhere near an operating table.

Benefits of Non-Surgical Treatments

Having surgery can be intimidating because it involves anesthesia, long recoveries, and scarring. Non-surgical treatments are minimally invasive and require less downtime. Here are some of the benefits of undergoing a non-surgical treatment versus a surgical procedure:

• Minimal recovery: Most patients can return to work and regular activities immediately following their treatment. Surgical procedures often take a few days to a few weeks of recovery. Non-surgical options are ideal for those people who lead hectic lives and don’t want to take the time to recover.
• Less pain: Non-surgical treatments are designed to be temporary since they do not involve skin or muscle removal. There is less pain involved during and after the procedure.
• Fewer risks and side effects: Surgery can involve serious complications, such as bleeding, anesthesia risks, and infection. Non-surgical procedures are minimally invasive, so there is a lower chance of complications and side effects.
• Shorter procedure time: Surgical procedures often involve hours in the operating room, and another hour of downtime before returning home. Most non-surgical procedures only take about 15 minutes to one hour to perform. Patients can undergo their treatment in the same amount of time as the average lunch break.

Your Non-Surgical Options

Dr. Wald performs a variety of treatments designed to target signs of aging and stubborn fat. Here are some of the non-surgical treatments that are commonly performed in our office:

• Injectables: Different injectables are used to target specific areas of the face. In fact, injectables accounted for 10 percent of the non-surgical treatments performed last year. We offer the following injectables with one quick treatment session in our office:
  • BOTOX® Cosmetic: Botulinum toxin type A is injected beneath the facial skin to inhibit the muscle movement that causes the appearance of forehead lines, crow’s feet, and wrinkles around the eyes.
  • JUVÉDERM®: This injectable is made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in the body that helps to fill in smile lines, wrinkles under the eyes, and loss of fat in the cheeks.
  • Restylane®: An injectable composed of hyaluronic acid that is designed to restore facial volume to smooth nasolabial folds, loss of volume in the cheeks, and creases around the mouth.
  • RADIESSE®: This injectable is made of a calcium hydroxylapatite that stimulates collagen production to help target smile lines, marionette lines, depressions on the nose, and loss of volume in the cheeks.

• SculpSure®: An alternative to liposuction, SculpSure® is a non-lipolysis procedure and an effective way to target fat and tone the body. The SculpSure® applicator is held to the abdomen, love handles, back rolls, or arms to emit laser energy to permeate the skin. The laser energy attacks the fat cells and melts them down to flush them out destroying the fat.

• INFINI™: A radiofrequency (RF) microneedling device is used to target wrinkles and improve skin laxity. The INFINI™ device is applied to the skin to create thousands of coagulation zones in the dermis using precise energy delivery that creates micro-injuries on the skin. After treatment, new elastin and collagen can then form to repair the injured area helping to restore smoother, softer, and brighter skin.

To learn more about all of our non-surgical options, schedule your consultation with Dr. Wald. He is a board-certified plastic surgeon who can help you decide on the right treatment for your face or body. Contact us by calling (714) 312-3549 or by filling out our online contact form.

The demand for plastic surgery continues to stay on the rise. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 2016 statistics, more than $15 billion dollars were spent on plastic surgery in the last year. It isn’t surprising though, as most people care about their looks and want to stick to the societal standard to maintain a young and fresh appearance. Some might try to improve their body and/or face with diet, exercise, and at-home treatments, but even with rigorous efforts, they have little to no success. The only way for some people to meet their aesthetic goals is through plastic surgery. However, plastic surgery is a serious process, and it may not be for everyone. How do you know if you are ready for plastic surgery?

Are You a Plastic Surgery Candidate?

There are several factors patients must consider before they undergo a plastic surgery procedure. Making sure you are ready, emotionally and physically, for surgery will ensure the most comfortable and safe surgical process possible. Here are some questions you should ask yourself first:

• Are you realistic in your expectations?: Plastic surgery is designed to enhance and rejuvenate a person’s natural features. Patients should be realistic in their expectations. They should be aware that plastic surgery is not going to provide them with a dramatic change but rather a more youthful, enhanced version of themselves.
• Are you physically healthy?: Surgery involves anesthesia and recovery. Someone who is not physically healthy has a higher risk of complications. Patients should be honest with their surgeon about their medical history and any current medical conditions. If a surgical procedure appears unsuitable for a patient, Dr. Wald offers a variety of non-surgical treatments, such as SculpSure®, that provide beautiful results without as many risks and with minimal recovery time.
• Have you already tried diet and exercise to achieve your goals?: Patients considering body contouring procedures such as liposuction should not treat plastic surgery as a weight loss method. It is recommended that patients be at or near their ideal body weight with only a few pockets of fat they would like to target.
• Are you willing to maintain your results?: Plastic surgery is not a permanent solution to one’s body and facial flaws. The best patients are willing to maintain their results with a healthy diet and lifestyle. Patients should stick to a regular exercise regimen and skin care routine to achieve a longer-lasting outcome. It is also highly recommended to refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol in excess.

Schedule Your Consultation Today!

Are you a candidate for cosmetic surgery? If you answered yes to the above questions, now is the time to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wald. He can discuss your goals and concerns as well as evaluate your anatomy and health to help you decide if you are suited for a cosmetic procedure, whether surgical or non-surgical. Dr. Wald will go over all of your options and design a personalized surgery plan.

Dr. Wald is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is skilled and experienced in performing several procedures and techniques for the face, breasts, and body. Schedule your consultation by calling us at (714) 312-3549 or fill out our online contact form.

With spring in full bloom, the weather is starting to warm up. The longer the sun is out, the more important it is to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. Many people desire a youthful face, but the sun can damage the skin, causing fine lines and wrinkles to form and making a person look aged and worn out. The key to preventing premature aging is to start a daily skin care regimen. Although we cannot halt the aging process, we can slow it down by adopting healthy skin habits.

6 Tips for Beautiful Facial Skin

Most people strive to have beautiful, radiant facial skin, but not everyone benefits from good genetics. Therefore, here are six things you can do to keep your skin looking fresh and healthy:

1. Wear sunscreen

Applying sunscreen daily before sun exposure is necessary to prevent premature aging. You should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day.  

2. Wash your face

Keeping the skin clean is essential for preventing breakouts, blemishes, and dull skin. You should wash your face daily with the correct cleanser for your skin type.

3. Apply moisturizer

Moisturizing your face in the morning and at night is important. It is recommended to use a lotion that is gentle enough for everyday use and isn’t heavy in fragrances.

4. Eat healthy

Sticking to a healthy diet is crucial in keeping your skin fresh and clear. Avoiding high-sugared foods, alcohol, caffeine, and cigarettes will help to retain moisture to prevent wrinkles and fine lines from forming. Be sure to consume lots of fruits and vegetables for optimal results.

5. Get plenty of sleep

Sleep has a huge impact on a person’s health. Sleeping allows the body to regenerate and refresh and helps prevent creases and wrinkles from developing. You should get at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night.

6. Drink lots of water

Hydration plays a primary role in our skin health. Maintaining a hydrated body helps to retain moisture to create radiant skin and to prevent sagging. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water every day.

When Skin Care Isn’t Enough

Sometimes healthy habits can only do so much for preventing and diminishing the appearance of facial aging. When daily skin care isn’t sufficient, you can opt for cosmetic treatments designed for targeting the effects of aging. Dr. Wald offers a variety of non-surgical options that can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and blemishes. The following are some of the non-surgical procedures he performs at his practice for facial rejuvenation:

• BOTOX® Cosmetic: An FDA-approved neurotoxin made of a protein derived from botulinum toxin type A that blocks nerve impulses to paralyze facial muscles temporarily. BOTOX® Cosmetic can diminish the appearance of frown lines, forehead wrinkles, and crow’s feet for three to six months.

• Sciton® skin resurfacing: The CO₂ laser emits a beam of light to remove unwanted tissue. It vaporizes skin cells to reduce the appearance of sun-damaged skin, facial wrinkles, and scars.

• Sciton® Infini: Infrared energy is used to heat the dermal layer of the skin and stimulate collagen growth. The Sciton® Infini is effective for treating acne as well as lax, aged, or photodamaged skin.

If you want more skin care advice from a plastic surgeon or are interested in a cosmetic treatment, schedule your consultation with Dr. Robert Wald today! Contact us by calling (714) 312-3549 or by filling out our online contact form.