Dr. Lawrence Tong discusses a recent study stating cosmetic plastic surgery is now deemed safe for seniors, and even octogenarians!
Plastic surgery, once thought to keep the middle aged forever young, has now been deemed just as safe for their older counterparts wishing to maintain or rejuvenate their appearance. A study released by Vanderbilt University, in Nashville, Tennessee, shows that cosmetic surgeries performed on patients over the age of 65 have almost identical margins for post-operative complications as those for younger patients. With a compilations rate of 1.94% for patients in their senior years and 1.84% for patients who are younger, the study deems these differences “statistically insignificant”. The only procedure that showed a higher complication rate among older patients was Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)—5.4% to 3.9%, respectively. Further in the study, the author states that plastic surgery is even safe for those in their octogenarian year, with a post-operative complication rate of 2.2%. Dr. Tong agrees but adds that age is not the only factor used to evaluate whether a patient is a suitable candidate for surgery. Other very important factors include prior medical history (e.g. heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity etc…), smoking history, prior surgical procedures, and any difficulties with prior anesthetics, to name a few. When appropriate, further coordination between the anesthesia staff and a patient’s own physician(s) may occur to determine a patient’s suitability. We strive to provide the highest quality care for adult patients of all ages, and patient safety is our highest concern. […]
Toronto Plastic Surgeon Differentiates Between Traditional and Mini Facelift Surgery
Dr. Lawrence Tong of Yorkville Institute of Plastic Surgery reveals several key distinctions of mini facelift surgery. Toronto, Ontario — The mini facelift is a facial rejuvenation procedure designed to improve the appearance of drooping cheeks, sagging jowls, and various other perceived cosmetic issues located on the face. At Yorkville Institute of Plastic Surgery, Toronto plastic surgeon Lawrence Tong, MD says this customizable technique is a popular option for patients who have started to notice signs of aging on the face but do not yet have significant indications of aging on the neck. The main difference between a mini facelift and a traditional facelift is the extent of the targeted treatment area, explains Dr. Tong. “A traditional facelift is performed to rejuvenate both the face and the neck. In contrast, the mini facelift is a subset of the traditional facelift, and is employed to target signs of aging on the face from the jaw line and above, without directly rejuvenating the neck.” As a result of this smaller treatment area, the Toronto plastic surgeon notes the mini facelift requires less surgery and results in a shorter recovery period. Apart from directly addressing the neck, Dr. Tong performs the mini facelift procedure in virtually the same way he does traditional facelift surgery. During the operation, he says incisions will typically be made along natural curves of the face where the cheek […]
Mini Facelift: What to Expect
In my previous blog post, I highlighted the difference between a mini facelift and a traditional facelift. A mini facelift can be an excellent cosmetic option for patients who possess signs of aging on the face but show no significant signs of aging on the neck. Though there is significant variability in the way the procedure is performed by different surgeons, I personally conduct mini facelift surgery in almost the exact same manner as a traditional facelift (minus addressing the neck), in order to maximize rejuvenation and longevity of results. During surgery, an incision is made along the natural creases and curves where the cheek meets the ear. The skin is then lifted off the muscle layer, and the underlying muscle layer – known as the SMAS layer – is gently tightened. Following this, the skin is re-draped over the muscle layer, and any excess skin is trimmed. Sutures are used to carefully close the incisions, and a mini facelift dressing is applied. The entire procedure is performed under sedation anesthesia or general anesthesia, and some micro liposuction may be administered on the jowls if needed. Following the mini facelift procedure, bruising and/or swelling will typically be apparent for about one to two weeks. Most patients are able to return to non-strenuous employment within seven to ten days. Longevity of the surgical outcome will depend on many factors such as […]
Difference Between Mini Facelift and Traditional Facelift
A mini facelift is a popular option for patients seeking facial rejuvenation because it generally requires less surgery and a shorter recovery period when compared to a traditional facelift. These benefits are attributed to a notable distinction between the two procedures – the extent of the treated areas. A traditional facelift is performed to rejuvenate both the face and the neck. This includes addressing issues above the jaw line (i.e. the jowls, marionette lines, nasolabial folds, and cheeks) as well as the common problems below the jaw line (i.e. lax skin, platysmal bands, and excess fat on the neck). In contrast, the mini facelift is a subset of the traditional facelift and is employed to target signs of aging on the face from the jaw line and above, without directly rejuvenating the neck. There may be indirect improvement to the neck (i.e. tightening neck skin laxity), however, the mini facelift does not consistently accomplish this. As a result, the mini facelift is generally a better option for patients who don’t show and/or aren’t as concerned with signs of aging on the neck, while the traditional facelift is typically better suited for patients who seek a more comprehensive rejuvenation of both the face and neck. – Dr. Lawrence Tong, Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Contact Our Practice For more information about the mini facelift and traditional facelift procedures, or to schedule […]
Dr. Tong Discusses Fat Grafting and the Dangers of ‘DIY’ Plastic Surgery
Many stories have been featured in the media recently, regarding the risks of ‘DIY’ (do-it-yourself) plastic surgery, in particular fat grafting and other injectable augmentation procedures. The story of an American woman named Apryl Brown is an especially tragic example that has gained international news coverage, putting the spotlight on discounted medical procedures performed by non-medical personnel. Apryl Brown’s story began when she was informed by a female acquaintance that Brown could have buttock enlargement with silicone injections at a cut-rate price. Brown agreed to the procedure, and received two courses of injections to her buttocks at the woman’s house. After experiencing severe pain and discomfort, Brown decided not to continue with the injections. Unfortunately, as time went on, her buttocks became progressively hard and painful, and the skin turned a dark colour. Five years later, the pain and disfigurement became so severe that she eventually had to have surgery to remove the silicone along with much of the buttock tissue. Complications from the surgery led to a severe life threatening infection that spread throughout her body. In order to save her life, surgeons had to perform more than twenty surgeries, including partial amputations of both of her arms and legs. Through the course of Ms. Brown’s treatment, doctors discovered that what she had in fact been injected with was silicone bathroom caulking. Non-physicians performing quasi-medical procedures in basements and […]
Why Are HA Injectable Fillers So Popular? One Toronto Plastic Surgeon Explains
Dr. Lawrence Tong of Yorkville Institute of Plastic Surgery reveals why he believes hyaluronic acid-based injectable fillers continue to rank as one of the most popular cosmetic treatments year after year. Toronto, ON — “There are four main reasons why I believe hyaluronic acid-based injectable fillers (HA fillers) – which include Perlane®, Restylane®, JUVÉDERM®, JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™, and JUVÉDERM VOLBELLA™ – have continued to be such popular treatments for both men and women over the years,” writes Toronto plastic surgeon Lawrence Tong, MD to begin a recent blog post titled, What Makes HA Injectable Fillers So Popular? In the entry, he goes on to list and briefly expand upon the following four reasons: Virtually no downtime is required following treatment. The injections are cost-effective compared to surgery. The treatment really does what it is advertised to do in appropriate candidates. The filler can be easily ‘dissolved’ in the rare case that a patient is not satisfied with the result. At Yorkville Institute of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Tong’s private practice, the Toronto plastic surgeon says HA fillers have proved to be excellent nonsurgical rejuvenation options for patients seeking to restore facial volume and improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles. In HA Injectable Fillers for Men Vs. Women – another recent article on his website – the most common areas in which patients receive HA filler injections are identified as the cheeks, […]
What Makes HA Injectable Fillers So Popular?
There are four main reasons why I believe hyaluronic acid-based injectable fillers (HA fillers) – which include Perlane, Restylane®, JUVÉDERM®, JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™, and JUVÉDERM VOLBELLA™ – have continued to be such popular treatments for both men and women over the years: 1. The injectable filler treatment requires virtually no downtime. After receiving HA filler injections, most patients are able to resume their normal daily routines almost immediately. 2. As a nonsurgical treatment, HA injectable fillers are relatively inexpensive when compared to more extensive, surgical rejuvenation procedures. 3. HA injectable fillers truly do what they are advertised to do. In the right candidate, these filler treatments are very effective at restoring volume to targeted facial areas and achieving a smoother look with fewer lines and wrinkles. 4. HA injectable fillers are reversible. In the rare cases where a patient may be unsatisfied with a result, the HA filler can be ‘dissolved’ with a simple procedure. If you are contemplating receiving dermal fillers, I recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine whether or not HA injectable treatments are the best fit for your specific needs. While HA injectables can be very effective, you may be a better candidate for another injectable treatment, or even a surgical procedure. Patients seeking injectable fillers also commonly benefit from injectable neuromodulators such as BOTOX® Cosmetic, as well. A board-certified plastic surgeon will have the […]
HA Injectable Fillers for Men Vs. Women
At Yorkville Institute of Plastic Surgery, many men and women come to Dr. Tong seeking hyaluronic acid-based injectable fillers (HA fillers) as an option for nonsurgical facial rejuvenation. HA fillers included among the available injectable treatment options at our practice are: JUVÉDERM® JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ Restylane® Perlane JUVÉDERM VOLBELLA™ For both men and women, the most common areas in which HA filler injections are administered include the nasolabial folds, lips, marionette lines, lower eyelid bags, and cheeks. Although both genders receive these treatments to restore volume and diminish lines and wrinkles in the aforementioned targeted areas, the driving factor for receiving these popular injections, as well as the treatment itself, tends to vary among males and females. Injectable Fillers for Men Typically, men inquiring about HA injectable fillers are interested in diminishing signs of aging for work-related purposes, whether it’s to gain employment or to stay competitive in the workplace among their younger counterparts. There is also a significantly growing acceptance for men to correct age-related issues via rejuvenative treatments, which has led many to consider HA fillers. Regarding the treatment itself, most men come in with a single specific area they wish to target, and they generally require more filler solution for the given area than women do in order to successfully attain results. Injectable Fillers for Women Women typically request HA injectable fillers for a variety of cosmetic reasons, […]
Dr. Lawrence Tong Busts Five Spring-Time Beauty and Skincare Myths
As warmer weather is finally at our doorstep, double board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Lawrence Tong reviews five common beauty and skin care myths to help you spring clean your make-up bag and skin care routine. Everyone has their favorite shade of lipstick and homemade anti-aging face masks they swear by, but here are tips from the pros to keep you looking young and fresh this summer. Should you say adios to your favorite foundation and mascara after 6 months? Verdict : Not in every case. Unless there is an expiration date, it may not be time to kick it to the curb just yet! Here are some general guidelines for when you should lay your favorite liner to rest. • After 3-6 months: liquidate those liquids! Any liquid eye liners and mascaras should be on their way out. • After 1 year: it’s time to say farewell to foundations, concealers, cream blush, and eye shadows as well as sunblock and BB creams. • After 2 years- Pitch the powders! That means eye shadows, blush and eye-pencil. • After 3 years – Goo be gone! Shampoo, conditioner and moisturizer should all take a hike. Now it’s time to clean up a few myths about why we are all caking on the make-up in the first place. Sleeping you your face can cause wrinkles. Verdict: Yes and no. We’re not just […]
Toronto Plastic Surgeon Shares Advice on Rhinoplasty In 3-Part Blog Series
Dr. Lawrence Tong reveals the unique challenges of rhinoplasty and explains why choosing a skilled surgeon is vital for successful results. Toronto, Ontario – “My aim as a rhinoplasty surgeon is to educate my patients and to engage them in making decisions about their surgery,” says Dr. Lawrence Tong in the first of a three-part blog series on rhinoplasty approaches and techniques. The blog post, titled “Helping You Visualize Your Rhinoplasty Results,” goes on to say that while most of Dr. Tong’s patients come into his office with specific points of concern about their nose, he does a comprehensive evaluation to determine any additional aspects of the nasal structure and appearance that can be improved. This approach helps patients reach their goals with realistic expectations. Through the combination of comprehensive doctor-patient communication and visualization technology such as the VECTRA® imaging system, Dr. Tong is able to provide his Toronto plastic surgery patients with a clearer idea of the potential results after their rhinoplasty procedure. The consultation process is a time for patients to discuss their concerns, and for Dr. Tong to educate patients about the options available to them. When designing the treatment plan, Dr. Tong relies on these discussions and uses the simulations to ensure that the end goal is one they have decided on together. In a follow-up blog post titled “5 Keys To Successful Rhinoplasty,” Dr. Tong […]