I’ve been thinking about writing a booklet or book about my experiences with surgery so I wanted to know what’s already on the market and compare my plan with existing publications.

I’ll mention several of them in my next few posts.  I’ll give a brief personal review, but obviously that shouldn’t stop you from looking at them if you’re considering surgery and want to research published materials.

First, I strongly believe any teen who wants surgery should first have psychological testing to determine the real reasons they want it. 

 I also feel that a parent should accompany the young person to the consultation with the surgeon.  It’s important to ask if the teen can really benefit from the surgery and to discuss the risks and complications.  Many might not consider the seriousness of any surgical procedure and not understand that their will be some pain and discomfort afterward.  In addition, the desired results don’t appear instantly.  It can take several months for the face to return to normal and this can often be a problem.

It’s not as simple as it may be advertised and there are long term effects to be considered.

How about those young people who have a “weak chin” because their upper jaw is forward of their lower jaw.  And, how about those whose lower jaw juts out (ala Jay Leno).  What about a young person whose front teeth won’t come together and I’ll bet you’ve seen someone with a “gummy smile” where too much gum shows.

The surgery that can correct these conditions is maxillofacial surgery and is most frequently performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who has dental and residency training and often has a medical degree as well.  If necessary, the surgeon works with an orthodontist to assure that the teeth will be in proper alignment following surgery.

Are you wondering why I’m talking about these procedures in a blog targeted to aging people?  It’s because these surgeries are for medical reasons, but they generally have beneficial cosmetic results.  Also, if these facial conditions aren’t corrected, significant problems can develop as the person ages.

I believe that ANY patient should be questioned about why they want surgery and, if necessary, have them see a therapist to help determine their motivation.

On the other hand, I think there are reasons for young people to have surgery.  I remember a young male patient whose ears stuck out prominently.  He felt uncomfortable and was withdrawn because he was frequently teased about them.  Ear surgery changed his life and he was once again a cheerful and outgoing person.

I recently read an article about teens getting cosmetic surgery as a graduation gift.  It also discussed the philosophy of teens having surgery.

I agree with the point made that this type of surgery should not be linked to any graduation and that the student be rewarded in ways that relate to their intellegence, achievement, etc.  I also agree that young people should be evaluated carefully about their reasons for wanting surgery.

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After yesterday’s blog you’ve learned that I might know lots about facial surgery and aging, but I’m surely no computer expert.  I accidently deleted the first before picture and couldn’t get it back and who knows how the spaces got in there.  If I was measuring my blogs by length, it would be great.

Back to what I’m better at tomorrow.

I think the best proof of how surgery can turn back the clock is to see photos of patients before and after their surgery.  Remember, most of the ones you see will involve more than one surgery.  It’s usually two or more and the after photos are not taken until about six months after the last surgery.

 

                     

 

 

 

                      

 

        

       

BEFORE            AFTER

Here are ways to slow down the clock:

1.  Wear Sunscreen - The higher the SPF the better, and not just when you’re at the beach.  This advice applies even if you are able to tan easily or have naturally dark skin.  Best is to put it on each day.

2.  Shade Your Face - West a hat that sunglasses.

3.  Avoid Tanning Parlors - Visit them only if you want to get a spray-on tan (which doesn’t stop sunburn).

4.  STOP SMOKING - tobacco ranks second only to sunlight in its dire effects on skin.

Did you know that every ultra-violet ray that penetrates the skin acts like a molecular bullet, setting off a biochemical chain reaction that damages collagen (the main component of skin) and creates fine lines and wrinkles.  UV light also disturbs the skin’s pigment cells, creating age spots and freckles in light skinned people, and uneven distribution of pigmentation in darker-skinned people.

Though pigment changes, age spots, and fine wrinkles are not themselves a health problem, the sun over-exposure that causes them is the principal risk for skin cancer.

Personally, I’ve seen people who have had to have cancers removed from their face and it isn’t a pretty site.

I just had to interrupt my discussion about wrinkle creams to report that I survived my 65th birthday yesterday without tears and little nashing of teeth.  Fortunately most of the cards I received were very nice and there were no nasty remarks during a family visit last week.  I’m second among seven siblings to reach “maturity”.

 My older sister chose an around-the-world trip for her 65th.  My selection is much more modest.  I’m growing my hair and will donate it to Locks for Love, an organization that creates real hair wigs for children who have lost their hair due to illness.  It’s much cheaper than going around the world and is for a good cause!