Bad cosmetic surgery.... gone good!
We’ve all shrieked with horror while standing in line at the market or during an awards show: "What did she DO to her face?" Or breasts. Or butt, for that matter. In fact, it seems that there’s as much bad cosmetic work on display as good- which surely makes us all think twice before going under the knife.
The best plan, of course, is to take all precautions in finding an excellent surgeon the first time out. Pay careful attention to his/her approach- is it conservative, over-the-top, or somewhere in between? And while the surgeon will certainly show you his/her very best work, pictures don’t lie: skillfully amended noses trump scary scoops every time.
This said, there’s more help than ever for cosmetic surgery gone awry. This is our guide to some of the best "make-up artists" in Los Angeles and New York- and how how they turn bad surgery good.
Y Wait for a New Face?
Dr. Yan Trokel, MD, DDS, a New York City based cosmetic surgeon and medical director of The YAN Center for Corrective & Cosmetic Surgery, has invented a revolutionary anti-aging and beautifying procedure he calls the Y Lift.
The Y Lift is is a true three-dimensional lift that pulls up and back, while voluminizing the skin. (For more information, visit www.ylift.com ) As we age, we experience a loss of volume, thinning out of muscle, dissipation of fascial fat, and bone loss. Dr. Trokel uses a special proprietary instrument that allows him to instantly lift the muscles and tissue underneath the skin through minuscule holes in the upper and/or lower parts of the face all while the patient is under a local anesthetic- with minimal swelling and bruising.
After the lifting has been performed, he injects a pair of fillers: Juvaderm, which Dr. Trokel advocates because its main component, hyaluronic acid, is a natural substance similar to the one found in our bodies; and Radiesse, a filler made from bone derivative, thus providing a "strong" look to the face.
Amazingly, this minimally invasive procedure requires no incisions or stitches, and only takes 30-45 minutes to perform. Patients can immediately resume most daily activities post-procedure.
According to Dr. Trokel, the Y Lift is an excellent way to improve the results of unsuccessful surgical eyelifts and/or facelifts. "I have a lot of patients who come in post-facelift who are unhappy with the unnatural ’tightened’ look," he says. "Since the Y Lift uses injectibles, higher and fuller cheekbones as well as stronger jawlines can be sculpted."
The Y Lift runs between $5500-$8400, depending on how much work is needed.
Similarly, Dr. Trokel also performs minimally invasive butt lifts using the same lifting and filling technique. "In 30 minutes, I can instantly give you a more appealing rear all without surgery, costing approximately $6,200," says Dr. Trokel. "I am so busy with these two procedures, that all I seem to look at are peoples’ faces or butts- or both," he jokingly adds.
Best Breasts
On the other coast, Dr. Andre Aboolian, a Beverly Hills-based plastic surgeon who has appeared on Extra Makeovers, is known as "the body doctor" among cognoscenti, especially for his skill in reversing bad plastic surgery procedures. He has earned a reputation as the go-to man for botched breast implants... of which L.A. is clearly the world capital.
"Many breast implants go wrong due to two factors: they are too large, and improperly placed," Dr. Aboolian says.
"When you see that off-to-the-side look, it is usually due to [the surgeon] having placed the implant(s) at an imprecise point in the pocket." As for size, "I myself refuse to do inappropriately large breast implants- not only because they look unnatural and improportionate, but also because they may result in other issues, including sagging and back problems.
"To correct botched breast surgeries, three things have to happen," Dr. Aboolian continues. "First, I must select a more appropriate size that is proportionate to the person’s body. Second, I often have to correct the capsular contraction (scar tissue that heals in a way that squeezes the breast, giving it an unnatural look). This is done by taking out the scar tissue and redefining the pocket in which the implant sits."
"Third, I very often need to perform what is in essence a ’breast lift’ to undo the sagging effects of too-large implants." The goal, he says, is "to create natural looking breasts."
For the most complicated cases, reconstructive breast surgeries can take up to five hours and cost upwards of $15,000. For less complicated procedures, Dr. Aboolian charges about $8,000.
Next :: noses and lipo and chins. (Oh my!)
