Am I a Candidate for Mini, Traditional, or Extended Neck Lift?
At Yorkville Institute of Plastic Surgery, I employ three different techniques for neck lift surgery: mini neck lift, traditional neck lift, and extended neck lift. Determining the most appropriate approach for patients seeking surgical rejuvenation of the neck region depends on the individual’s anatomy and the extent to which he or she seeks correction. Mini Neck Lift and Traditional Neck Lift A patient with neck fat and platysmal bands (vertical cords on the neck), but no skin laxity would likely benefit from a mini neck lift. The surgery consists of liposuction of the neck and surgical correction of the platysmal bands. However, if the same patient also has skin laxity present, a traditional neck lift would be recommended. This technique is essentially a mini neck lift with the addition of skin tightening through redraping and removal of excess skin. (To be clear, a patient with skin laxity can still receive a mini neck lift but would run the risk of having some “sagging” skin afterwards.) Extended Neck Lift A patient may be considered a good candidate for an extended neck lift if they need the benefits of a traditional neck lift, plus they also need improvement to the jawline and lower face (i.e. jowls and marionette lines). Should this be the case, the rejuvenation of both the neck and jowl region is accomplished by extending the area of surgery to include […]
Dr. Tong’s recent CityNews interview on the Risks of Backroom Buttock Enhancement
Dr. Tong was interviewed by CityNews to give his comments on the recent case of a Markham woman who pleaded guilty to a series of illegal buttock injections that were performed using an undetermined industrial substance. Several people in the GTA suffered complications due to these botched attempts. Buttock enhancement has skyrocketed in popularity due to a number of celebrities who have openly promoted their generous assets, including Nicki MinaJ, Jennifer Lopez, and Kim Kardashian. The procedure is commonly known as a Brazilian Butt lift, and involves removing fat from one area of the body, and injecting it into the buttock region. Only a qualified plastic surgeon should be performing the procedure in a hospital or an accredited operating facility. Unfortunately, there have been many cases in North America were DIY buttock enhancement has been performed by unscrupulous people trying to cash in on the procedure’s popularity, often with disastrous results. Dr. Tong cautions patients to never have these types of procedures performed by non-surgeons, and warns that one may risk losing life and limb when trying to have cosmetic surgery ‘on the cheap‘. Note: This video may be preceded by a third party advertisement Apple users Click here to see the video! (Opens in a new tab)
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. […]
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 […]
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, […]
An Experienced Hand: Ethnic Rhinoplasty
In parts one and two of our blog series on rhinoplasty, our experienced plastic surgeon in Toronto, Dr. Lawrence Tong, reviewed typical patient goals and concerns as well as the three keys to successful rhinoplasty surgery. This final installment will explain why rhinoplasty surgeons must take ethnicity into account when performing the surgery and how to achieve the best results possible. Toronto has been previously recognized as one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world. Having a practice located in Toronto means that there is a very diverse mix of patients seeking rhinoplasty. Thus, it is important to appreciate that performing rhinoplasty among different ethnic groups requires different strategies. There are often unique anatomic traits and cultural characteristics among ethnic groups that a surgeon must take into account. For example, some ethnic groups have certain anatomical features that necessitate particular rhinoplasty techniques. Additionally, cultural influences within an ethnic group may shape their outlook and opinion about nasal aesthetics. Understanding these issues and applying the appropriate surgical principles is required for success in ethnic rhinoplasty. It is also important to note, however, that every patient is unique, and may not necessarily follow any anatomic or cultural patterns. A key tenet in ethnic rhinoplasty is that most patients want to maintain their ethnic identity. Although these patients want a look that is closer to the ‘western’ ideal of beauty (straight, […]
5 Keys To Successful Rhinoplasty
In our last blog post, Dr. Lawrence Tong discussed some common goals and concerns of his rhinoplasty patients. This second installment of our three-part blog series will outline the technical aspects rhinoplasty surgeons need to consider to achieve exceptional results. Because the nose is such a surgically dynamic anatomical area, there are some principles of rhinoplasty a surgeon (and their patients) must always keep in mind: Planning is key. As outlined in my prior post, the consultation process allows the surgeon and patient to agree on an intended objective. The method to arrive at that goal involves using a careful step-by-step surgical plan. Prior to the surgery, I create this plan by referring to a patient’s photographs, their detailed consultation notes, and the VECTRA® rhinoplasty simulations. Perfect results are impossible. There are limits to what can reasonably be accomplished with rhinoplasty. For example, it is unreasonable for a patient to expect that their nose will look like some chosen celebrity’s nose following rhinoplasty. An individual’s basic nasal architecture, tissue characteristics, and the effects of post-operative swelling and internal scar formation set limits that no amount of surgical skill can overcome. Patients should be educated on realistic expectations, or else even the best possible surgical outcome may still lead to patient disappointment. An individual’s tissue characteristics have a significant effect on the surgical outcome. A patient with firm cartilages and forgiving […]