Plastic surgery often is the center (or even the cause) of Hollywood scandals, but really, how big of a deal is it? Sure, it can cost a bundle, but for some, that’s a small price to pay for a transformed body image. We sat down with celeb plastic surgeon Dr. Greenberg, AKA Dr. G of Bravo’s “Secrets and Wives,” to hash it out. How can you tell when someone’s gotten surgery without relying on a tabloid to tell you? How young is too young, and why is it such a big deal? Also, Dr. G shares some thoughts on Kylie and Caitlyn Jenner, and why the number of plastic surgeries per year is expected to blow up in 2015. After reading, don’t forget to watch Dr. G every Tuesday on Bravo.
So, Kylie Jenner got lip implants. How young do you feel is too young to get plastic surgery?
Patients must be at least 18 years of age to have cosmetic plastic surgery. Exceptions can be made (with parental consent) in certain instances where surgery is required for medical reasons.
For a long time people speculated about her lip enhancement before she admitted it. What are some telltale signs that someone has been enhanced that could not be achieved with makeup?
Lips can be enhanced in several different ways including lip implants and/or cosmetic fillers. Various fillers can create a fuller pout and lips can be enhanced at various levels based on the product choice and the amount of product injected. Any facial cosmetic surgery should have a natural looking result.
On the other end of the spectrum from Kylie is Caitlyn Jenner, who underwent a full body transformation. It’s been said Caitlyn was inspired by Jessica Lange or Lana Del Rey. Should people find inspiration in celebrities for their surgeries?
Often times people will find inspiration from celebrities and come to my office with pictures of their ideal aesthetic result. It is important for patients to understand that there are no guarantees that they will look exactly like their celebrity ideal as surgeons must work within each individual’s physical framework.
For things like boob jobs, lip implants and nose jobs, do you think earlier is better?
This is a tricky question as it depends on the physical maturity of the patient. Most young adults consulting for a rhinoplasty have reached maturity and can be operated on by age 18. Breast enhancement surgery can also be performed at age 18, as long as the person is both physically and emotionally mature enough for the procedure. Due to FDA regulations, patients between 18 and 22 years of age are eligible for saline breast implants only. Individuals over 22 years old may select either saline or silicone gel breast implants. Many of my young adult patients have renewed confidence and heightened self-esteem as a result of these procedures. Because of this, it is often suggested that the procedures be done as the patient reaches adulthood.
What are some things to do pre-surgery to ensure you really want to go through with it?
Patients should do their due diligence by consulting with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Becoming knowledgeable about the procedures as well speaking with others who share their experience will assist in solidifying their decision.
With copious amounts of plastic surgery, can you truly achieve the perfect body? Or is there always room for improvement?
Surgical results and patient perception are variable. Some patients are content with more minor surgical modifications, while others are looking for an entire body enhancement. The ‘perfect body’ is an individual’s perception, so for some there is always room for improvement..
What is the most extreme plastic surgery you personally have ever performed?
One of the most extreme types of plastic surgery that I perform are the ‘body lifts’ that I perform on my massive weight loss patients. These patients require everything from tummy tucks, arm lifts, breast lifts, thigh lifts and even face or neck lifts. The results are completely transformative for my patients seeking a new body image.
I read that it is expected more than 55 million plastic surgeries will be performed in 2015. Why are the rates so high and do you think it’s problematic that so many people are unhappy with their bodies?
The number of cosmetic surgery procedures performed in this country continues to rise each year. Technology has helped shorten recovery times and many procedures are more affordable and produce excellent results.