Plastic Surgeries Not Recommended By Doctors?

Despite the fact that plastic surgery remains popular across the United States thanks to cosmetic procedures such as rhinoplasty and breast augmentation, there are still some procedures that doctors do not actively endorse to patients. Below are some “less than desirable” plastic surgery choices according to two doctors that are also members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).

Plastic Surgeries Not Recommend by Doctors

Silicone Oil Injections

Denver-based plastic surgeon, Dr. Manish Shah, says many plastic surgeons do not recommend silicone oil injections for acne scars even though the Food and Drug Administration has approved it. One of the reasons that it is not recommend is the fact that, if there are any complications, the removal of the silicone oil from the body is not easily accomplished. In a statement released by the FDA, the organization said they are aware of cases in which unqualified doctors or licensed healthcare practitioners have injected illegal or unapproved body fillers like silicone or oils into patients. Injectable silicone can move throughout the body and cause serious health consequences (including death). Body contouring and enhancements by silicone oils can result in a painful and hard gravel-like substance that stays underneath the skin.

Neck Lift below the Jawline to Remove Glands

According to Dr. Shah, there are two glands on the jawline that are often noticeable once a patient has a neck lift or facelift. Many people want these glands removed once they begin to become highly visible but complications like bleeding and permanent dry mouth comes with this procedure. Sometimes, it can impact the ability of a patient to breathe properly. Other complications include facial asymmetry, nerve injury that could cause weakness of the lower lip, infections and unfavorable scarring.

Thread Lifting

Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat) at Columbia University, Dr. Jason Moche, warns against thread lifting. He further warns that risks such as dimpling, rippling and bunching of the skin comes with thread lifting. Thread Lifting involves the insertion of suture threads under the skin of the face to eliminate sagging in order to achieve a younger look. Apart from the risks mentioned by Dr. Moche, complications include feeling the thread under the skin, thread migration and thread breakage.

Buccal Fat Removal from the Cheeks

Dr. Moche has stated he is not an advocate of the removal of fat pads from the cheeks of a patient. When speaking with Fox News, he specifically noted that “patients look overly sculpted and skeletal as some of the volume depletes as they get older”. A buccal fat removal procedure is very personal. Patients have to make the decision if the benefits will achieve their goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable. Possible risks of this procedure include bleeding, hematoma, fluid accumulation, prolonged swelling and injury to the salivary ducts, persistent pain and asymmetry.

Additional Plastic Surgeries Not Recommended by Doctors

Cosmetic Foot Surgery

This is a surgical procedure designed to yield a sexier foot. Some doctors have been warning consumers away from cosmetic foot surgery for years because of the possible complications including nerve injury, prolonged swelling of a toe and chronic pain while walking.

Injections for Breast Augmentation

Due to the fear of scars, the idea of pumping the breasts with fat or fillers has gradually started to rival breast implant surgery. Doctors who perform this procedure use fat from other areas of the body such as the buttocks and thighs. They purify it afterwards and then inject it into the breasts. These doctors often say they are simply offering their patients a safe enhancement using their spare body materials.  However, aesthetic surgeons who specialize in plastic surgeries have long maintained that the injection of fat into, or behind, the breast tissue can potentially be dangerous because there is the potential for the injected fat to calcify and create a scarred mass buried within the breast tissues. 

Cosmetic Leg Lengthening Surgery

This procedure involves breaking both legs and using devices with screws attached to them to gradually spread the leg bones. It is very common in China where young professionals seek the procedure to give themselves an edge in the business world. Robert Rozbruch, the director of the Institute for Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction in New York, says he does not approve of leg lengthening for cosmetic purposes. He further stated that “it’s not in our normal routine. We do this for a guy who is maybe (5 foot 2) or (5 foot 3) and well-adjusted but being short is something that is very disturbing to them. When you talk to them you can feel the pain they go through.”

Schedule a Plastic Surgery Consultation Appointment

The first step any patient should take when making the decision to undergo plastic surgery is to schedule a consultation appointment with a board-certified doctor. An experienced physician will conduct a thorough examination of a patient in order to determine if he (or she) is a qualified plastic surgery candidate. The doctor will also set realistic expectations and explain the pros and cons of the procedure before operating on the patient.