Dear Marie,

Thank you for your question. Liposuction is the most common plastic surgery procedure done in the United States.

Palomar™ Medical has just introduced SLIMLIPO™ a new laser liposuction technology which will revolutionize the way liposuction is done. The word SLIM™ stands for Selective Laser Induced Melting and what is new is the laser wavelength-920 and 920/980 nm- which selectively melts fat-3 times more than SmartLipo™and 5 times more than the 1320nm laser used in the CoolLipo™ device.

In some patients with smaller fat deposits we can melt the fat with the tiny SLIMLIPO™ laser fiber and use no suction to remove the dissolved fat. This means less bruising, less trauma, and quick recovery.

New laser liposuction technology is revolutionizing the way liposuction is done. Benefits of the new laser liposuction technique are

· The laser selectively dissolves fat unlike standard liposuction which can destroy all tissues.

· The laser closes blood vessels=less bleeding, less bruising

· The laser tightens skin=less loose skin after liposuction

· Laser liposuction is less traumatic=quicker recovery

· The laser fiber is tiny= smaller scars

· Smaller areas done under local anesthesia

All laser liposuction machines are not equal. You need to understand the importance of the laser wavelength used to melt fat. Most laser liposuction machines on the market today use a 1064nm or 1320nm laser wavelength. Actually the best wavelength which is most highly absorbed by fat is 920nm, a wavelength patented and owned by Palomar™ Medical in Burlington, Massachusetts.

Palomar has introduced the SLIMLIPO™ Aspire™ Liposuction Unit which is the first 920nm based laser liposuction and is 3 times as selectively absorbed by fat as the 1064nm lasers and 2 times more than the 1320nm-the other commercially available laser liposuction technology. It is also 5 times as selectively absorbed by blood. This means that the SLIMLIPO™ Aspire™ laser liposuction unit dissolves fat and prevents bleeding much more effectively than any other laser liposuction machine available. See the figure below for comparison of the fat melting selectivity of the various laser liposuction units available today-remember, Palomar’s new SLIMLIPO uses the 920nm laser:

For you the patient this translates into:

· Gentler more thorough fat removal

· Less bleeding, less bruising

· Quicker recovery

We also can blend in a 980nm laser wavelength with the Aspire™ which is highly absorbed by the Dermis-the deep layer of your skin which controls skin tightening. For you this translates into:

· Tighter skin after liposuction

· Less risk of revisional surgery after liposuction

I am proud to say that we helped Palomar™ develop this revolutionary new laser and are the first to offer SLIMLIPO™ with the Aspire™ laser liposuction unit in Massachusetts and the Boston area and one of the first practices in the world to have this machine.

If you are considering laser liposuction you really need to know the facts and understand the technology. Once you do the advantages of SLIMLIPO™ with the Aspire™ system are obvious-there is nothing else like it on the market.

For more information on laser liposuction or plastic surgery in general call 978-369-4499 or visit my website.Be sure to sign up for my free email newsletter for information on the latest advances in plastic surgery and non-surgical rejuvenation procedures.

Dr. Seckel

Concord, Massachusetts

Boston, Massachusetts

Dear Nichole,

I am sure many people are confused by the term cosmetic medicine. Cosmetic medicine is not a medical specialty listed by the American Council of Graduate Medical Education. Rather it is a term used loosely to categorize non-surgical cosmetic or aesthetic procedures done by physicians as opposed to less invasive procedures done by estheticians or in spas.

Cosmetic Medicine or Medical Aesthetics is a relatively new term which describes an emerging field of medicine in which medical science, medical procedures and medical expertise are utilized by physicians to enhance or beautify people’s outward appearance. Another term used to describe cosmetic medicicine is aesthetic medicine.

Briefly, cosmetic medicine would include:
· Injectables-Botox® and Fillers like Juvederm®, Restylane®, and Radiesse®

· Laser and light therapies

I am sure there are others but the above two categories are certainly the most common. Procedures like liposuction are surgical procedures and I would not include them under the term cosmetic medicine.

Botox®

Botox® is used to lessen the lines of facial expression such as frown lines, worry lines, crows feet, bunny lines and lip lines. Results can be excellent (see photo below of Botox® injection into crow’s feet):

Juvederm®, Restylane®, Radiesse®-Soft Tissue Fillers

The soft tissue fillers like Juvederm® are used to fill deep facial lines and plump the lips. Results can be excellent if injected properly by an experienced professional (see photo below of filler injection into lip):

Laser Treatments

Lasers are used to:

· Remove hair

· Remove pigment and brown spots

· Remove blood vessels from the skin

· Remove wrinkles

Laser procedures are very effective when used by an experienced professional. Effective wrinkle removal requires ablative laser treatments which are done by a physician, and can be very effective (see photo below):

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light-also called photo-facial)

IPL can be used to remove hair, blood vessels, and pigment. IPL can be very effective for removing pigment and sun damage from the face and chest (see photo below before and after IPL treatments to the chest):

Infrared and radiofrequency treatments-Skin Tightening

Infrared and radiofrequency machines like LuxIR Deep and Thermage are used to tighten skin. Generally these machines accomplish about 20% of the tightening that can be achieved using surgical methods (see photo below before and after LuxIR Deep face and neck treatments):

The above cosmetic medicine procedures are the ones most commonly performed and the ones that are effective. There are many others that are widely advertised but which have not been proven to work.

I am sure this field will continue to grow. For more detailed information on non-surgical rejuvenation procedures read Save Your Face or visit my website. You may contact me at 978-369-4499.

Be sure to sign up for my free monthly email newsletter to keep up with new developments in plastic surgery and cosmetic medicine.

Dr. Seckel

Concord, Massachusetts

Boston, Massachusetts

Dear Brenda,

Thank you for your important question. Concern about face lift scars is one of the most common concerns that all people considering face lift surgery have. People also want to look natural and do not want people to know they have had face lift surgery.

A properly done face lift by an experienced, careful board certified plastic surgeon should not have scars that are visible to the casual observer and should make you look like the same person, just younger-(See Photo Below):

After an expertly performed face lift 75-80% of the scar is hidden in the hair and behind the ear. An excellent result following a face lift would be when “only your hair dresser knows” that you have had a face lift. You should have a natural look after a face lift.

I do not think concern about face lift scars should keep you from having a face lift. The key is finding a very experienced board certified plastic surgeon who does many face lift procedures frequently-I mean almost weekly.

I have seen bad face lift scars and in my 25 years as a plastic surgeon I can tell you that invariably the bad face lift scars have been left by inexperienced doctors who rarely do face lifts or who are just starting their practice and are inexperienced.

The face lift is one of the most challenging operations in plastic surgery and it takes excellent training, board certification in plastic surgery and years of experience to get a good result with minimal scarring every time.

Modern face lift techniques are designed to hide the face lift scars. I use a technique bin which I hide the only visible part of the face lift scar inside the ear canal so that the potentially most visible portion of the scar is hidden from view. See the photo below for an example:

The visible part of the scar is covered by the hair in its upper portion and the lower portion is hidden in a fold in front of the ear. Honestly my patients do not complain about visible scars or an unnatural look.

The results of a well done face lift are wonderful. The face should not look different-you should simply look like you did 20 years before.

Don’t let the fear of face lift scars prevent you from having a face lift. Do your homework and find an experienced board certified plastic surgeon who is comfortable with the face lift procedure. You will be able to tell by speaking with the surgeon.

Ask to see photos of the doctor’s results. Be certain the doctor is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Ask the doctor how many face lifts he/she does in a year. Trust your intuition.

For more information on how to choose a plastic surgeon read my book “Save Your Face” or call me at 978-369-4499.

Be sure to sign up for my free email newsletter to keep up on the newest techniques for facial rejuvenation.

Dr Seckel
Concord, Massachusetts
Boston, Massachusetts

Liposuction is the most common plastic surgery procedure done in the United States. New laser liposuction technology is revolutionizing the way liposuction is done. Benefits of the new laser liposuction technique are

· The laser selectively dissolves fat unlike standard liposuction which can destroy all tissues.

· The laser closes blood vessels=less bleeding, less bruising

· The laser tightens skin=less loose skin after liposuction

· Laser liposuction is less traumatic=quicker recovery

· The laser fiber is tiny= smaller scars

· Smaller areas done under local anesthesia

All laser liposuction machines are not equal. You need to understand the importance of the laser wavelength used to melt fat. Most laser liposuction machines on the market today use a 1064nm or 1308nm laser wavelength. Actually the best wavelength which is most highly absorbed by fat is 920nm, a wavelength patented and owned by Palomar™ Medical in Burlington, Massachusetts.

Palomar has introduced their new Aspire™ Liposuction Unit which is the first 920nm based laser liposuction and is 3 times as selectively absorbed by fat as the 1064nm lasers and 2 times more than the 1308nm-the other commercially available laser liposuction technology. It is also 5 times as selectively absorbed by blood. This means that the Aspire™ laser Liposuction dissolves fat and prevents bleeding much more effectively than any other laser liposuction machine available.

For you the patient this translates into:

· Gentler more thorough fat removal

· Less bleeding, less bruising

· Quicker recovery

We also can blend in a 975nm laser wavelength with the Aspire™ which is highly absorbed by the Dermis-the deep layer of your skin which controls skin tightening. For you this translates into:

· Tighter skin after liposuction

· Less risk of revisional surgery after liposuction

I am proud to say that we helped Palomar™ develop this revolutionary new laser and are the first to offer Aspire™ in Massachusetts and the Boston area.

If you are considering laser liposuction you really need to know the facts and understand the technology. Once you do the advantages of the Aspire™ system are obvious-there is nothing else like it on the market.

For more information on laser liposuction or plastic surgery in general call 978-369-4499 or visit my website.Be sure to sign up for my free email newsletter for information on the latest advances in plastic surgery and non-surgical rejuvenation procedures.

Dr. Seckel

Concord, Massachusetts

Boston, Massachusetts

Although the term “Mommy Makeover” has become very popular term the “Mommy Makeover” is not a new surgical method. Rather, the “Mommy Makeover” is a combination of two or more surgical procedures that address the changes in a woman’s body due to pregnancy. A “Mommy Makeover” can restore a new mother’s figure in one day requiring only one recovery period. Since moms are the primary caregivers of young children, this is a very attractive option – less down time. The results can restore a youthful shape to your tummy. (See Photo Below)

The most popular “Mommy Makeover” typically includes the breast and the abdominal areas. In my practice, I often perform a breast lift and/or breast augmentation to reshape the breasts and a tummy tuck to tighten the tummy. The breast lift combined with breast augmentation can restore the breasts to a full youthful pre-pregnancy shape. (See Photo Below)

Many patients however do not need both procedures and choose only a tummy tuck or breast lift and or breast augmentation.

The results of a mini tummy tuck I call a Bikini Lift can be dramatic and the scar can be hidden beneath a bikini or brief underwear. (See Photo Below)

The combined breast and tummy “Mommy Makeover” is done in the Hospital Operating Room for your safety. Recovery time is about 10 days to two weeks but you will be up and around after 4-5 days

“Mommy Makeovers” are a very rewarding part of my practice because they can help a new mom “get her body back” and regain her self esteem and confidence. My patients have been uniformly happy and thrilled with the results. For more information please call 978-369-4499.

Be sure to sign up for my free email newsletter to receive monthly updates on new non-surgical and plastic surgical facial and body rejuvenation procedures.

Dr Seckel

Concord, Massachusetts

Boston, Massachusetts

Dear Brenda,

Thank you for your email. Your complaint is a very common one today and fortunately you can get back into your two piece with a modern mini or bikini tummy tuck procedure. The bikini tuck is a frequent part of the mommy makeover which is very popular today. With modern techniques the tummy tuck or abdominoplasty scar can be hidden under your bikini or swimming suit using the bikini tummy tuck.

Above-Before and After the Bikini Tummy Tuck to Remove C-section Scar

The bikini tuck works best when there is small to moderate skin excess of the lower abdomen. The bikini tuck works well to remove the C-Section scar and the flap or bulge above the C-section scar.

Many people want to have a tummy tuck but don’t want a visible scar. By placing the incision low and following the lines of your bikini, the scar is hidden by most bikinis and today’s brief underwear.

There is no scar on the “belly button” with the bikini tummy tuck.

When the bikini tuck is combined with a breast lift and or breast augmentation it is often called a mommy makeover. A combination breast lift and breast augmentation is shown below:

To learn more about the tummy tuck procedure or the mommy makeover  visit drseckel.com or contact me.

Be sure to sign up for my free email newsletter.

Thank you,

Dr Seckel

978-369-4499

Boston, Massachusetts

Concord, Massachusetts

Dear Mary,

You should have your doctor examine you to be sure you do not have a breast lump.

It is common especially after breast augmentation with saline breast implants to feel folds or bumps in the breast implants. Sometimes they are visible. The breast implant bump or fold is usually a fold in the saline implant and is not dangerous. Causes of breast implant bumps after breast augmentation can be:

1. The valve used to fill the saline breast implant
2. A fold in the shell of the breast implant
3. A capsule or scar tissue around the implant.
4. A very loose pocket around the implant so the implant is not held firmly in the breast
5. Very thin skin with minimal breast tissue-inadequate coverage of the breast implant
6. Breast implant placed beneath the breast gland instead of beneath the chest muscle-again less tissue covering the implant.
   

The breast implant bumps or folds are not dangerous but do bother patients very much especially if they are visible.

You can minimize the chance of breast implant bumps or folds during breast augmentation by:

1. Use silicone gel implants-they are less likely to fold
2. Place the implant beneath the chest muscle-this provides more coverage for the implant
3. If the breast implant pocket is too large, an operation can be done to tighten the pocket. If this is done I recommend replacing the saline implant with a silicone gel implant
4. Massage the breast implants daily
   

Of course it is important to have your doctor examine your breasts to make certain the bump you are feeling is not a breast lump. If this is the case you will need a medical work up to make certain the breast lump is not dangerous.

Breast implant bumps or folds are almost impossible to avoid when using saline implants in thin women with minimal breast tissue.

Today I most often use the new silicone gel breast implants for breast augmentation which usually, but not always, do not form breast implant folds or breast implant bumps.

The results can be excellent.

For more information on breast implants contact me. Be sure to sign up for my free email newsletter.

Dr Seckel

978-369-4499

Boston, Massachusetts

Concord, Massachusetts

Dear Denise,

Red itchy scars are called hypertrophic scars and are common following abdominoplasty. They are more common when:

1. The skin is pulled too tight
2. Too much skin is removed
3. You are too active and stretch or stress the skin soon after surgery
4. Your belt buckle or tight clothing irritates the wound
5. Some people are prone to develop hypertrophic scars.
   

Ideally a properly done tummy tuck like the bikini tummy tuck will have minimal scars which are well hidden (see below).

Above-Before and After Bikini Tummy Tuck

There are several ways to improve red scars or hypertrophic scars after tummy tuck or abdominoplasty:

1. Apply 1% Cortisone cream to the scar
2. Inject Cortisone into the scar
3. Apply Cordran Tape to the scar
4. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatments to the scar
5. Lux 1540 Laser Treatments to the scar
   

Cortisone cream and Cordran Tape can only be used for limited time periods because Cortisone a steroid cream can cause skin atrophy.

I use the IPL to remove redness and the Lux1540 Laser to soften and reduce the scar.

The IPL and Lux1540 laser treatments are safe, new and very effective. They are my first line for any red scar or raised scar today.

Results on very difficult scars can be excellent. (See below)

For more information on the newest laser treatments read Save Your Face or contact me.

Be sure to sign up for my free email newsletter.

Thank you,

Dr Seckel

978-369-4499

Boston, Massachusetts

Concord, Massachusetts

Dear Cindy,

The bikini tuck or bikini tummy tuck is a modified abdominoplasty which places the scar in a position which is hidden when you wear a bikini. The results are excellent and you can still wear a bikini when you go to the beach after your tummy tuck.

Above-Before and after Bikini Tuck Abdominoplasty.

The bikini tuck works best when there is small to moderate skin excess of the lower abdomen. The bikini tuck also works well when you have a C-Section scar.

Many people want to have a tummy tuck but don’t want a visible scar. By placing the incision low and following the lines of your bikini, the scar is hidden by most bikinis and today’s brief underwear.

There is no scar on the “belly button” with the bikini tummy tuck.

To learn more about the tummy tuck or abdominoplasty procedure visit drseckel.com or contact me.

Be sure to sign up for my free email newsletter.

Thank you,

Dr Seckel

978-369-4499

Boston, Massachusetts

Concord, Massachusetts

Dear Angela,

Thank you for your question about laser treatment to reduce enlarged pores and acne scars. There have been many laser therapies and IPL therapies recommended to reduce enlarged pores but few of them have been satisfactory.

I am happy to say that the new non-ablative fractional laser skin resurfacing machines do work and are by far the best laser treatment for enlarged pores and acne scars.

I use the Lux1540 fractional erbium laser to treat enlarged pores and acne scars. The results are much better than any previous laser in my opinion (see photo below).

Above-Photo of forehead before and after Lux1540 fractional laser treatments.

The lux1540 fractional laser is a non-ablative laser which means that the Lux1540 does not ablate or remove skin, thus there is no or minimal downtime. Only a topical anesthesia cream is required.

The Lux1540 fractional erbium non-ablative laser works by actually building new columns of collagen in the deep skin layers. These columns of new collagen actually plump the skin and acne scars and the plumping compresses the walls of the enlarged pores. (See photo below)

Above-Cross section of skin treated with the Lux1540 fractional laser showing new skin plumping columns of collagen (solid pink is new collagen).

The lux1540 fractional non-ablative erbium laser has also been effective for other types of scars and can improve facial skin wrinkles caused by aging.

Be sure to read my other blogs on enlarged pores which cover other very important basic steps you need to take to reduce enlarged pores. It is very important to do deep exfoliation and use drying agents such as Brevoxyl washes to reduce oil content in the skin. Increased oil enlarges pores and can block pore openings.

For more information on skin care and new laser skin technology read Save Your Face or contact me.

Be sure to sign up for my free email newsletter.

Dr. Seckel

Concord, Massachusetts

Boston, Massachusetts