Sourced directly from Dr. Ronald Schuster's social posts and replies.
What is Dr. Schuster's consultation process like?
During a consultation, Dr. Schuster prioritizes listening to patient concerns and goals, conducting a thorough examination, and guiding patients through the available treatment options to help them make informed decisions.
What are Dr. Schuster's views and experience with Ideal structured breast implants?
Dr. Schuster offers traditional saline, silicone gel, and Ideal structured implants for breast augmentation. He has been an early adopter of Ideal implants, offering them since their FDA approval approximately five years ago. He is extremely satisfied with them, and his patients report excellent results. Ideal implants are suitable for the vast majority of women, combining the feel of silicone gel with the safety profile of saline, which eliminates concerns about a broken silicone implant. Many patients specifically request Ideal implants due to their safety profile and performance, which Dr. Schuster has observed to be better than traditional saline and silicone gel implants after five years of use.
What are Dr. Schuster's treatment options for frowns and downturned mouth corners?
Dr. Schuster offers non-surgical treatments like Botox and fillers as popular and effective ways to address frowns and downturned mouth corners. Botox can be precisely injected into the corners of the mouth and chin to prevent frowning, soften the chin, and prevent the mouth corners from lowering. Fillers work by adding volume to lift the mouth corners, though the lift is typically less dramatic than with Botox. While surgery is an option, Dr. Schuster generally reserves it as a last resort for these concerns due to the potential for scarring.
What is gynecomastia, and how is it effectively treated?
Gynecomastia is defined as abnormal breast enlargement in males, affecting 50-60% of boys and men. It involves glandular breast tissue, which is distinct from fat and cannot be reduced or eliminated through diet, exercise, or most medications. Anti-estrogen blocking medications, sometimes used by bodybuilders, are not advisable for long-term health. Dr. Schuster emphasizes that surgery is the only successful and necessary treatment for gynecomastia. The good news is that the surgery is highly effective, and the removed breast tissue cannot grow back. He strongly recommends seeking treatment, stating it can be one of the best decisions for a patient's life.
Is plastic surgery truly scarless?
Dr. Schuster clarifies that plastic surgery is generally not scarless; any incision on the skin will result in a permanent scar. The concept of 'scarless surgery' is often a marketing theme. However, the skill of a good plastic surgeon lies in making scars very difficult to see, often rendering them imperceptible. His practice is expert at hiding scars and promoting excellent skin healing to minimize their visibility.
What happens if I gain weight after liposuction?
Dr. Schuster clarifies a common myth: liposuction does not cause fat to relocate or direct where fat goes in the body. During liposuction, fat cells are permanently removed from the treated area. If you gain weight after liposuction, it's because existing fat cells (not new ones) accumulate fat. Since the treated area has fewer fat cells, excess fat from consuming too many calories will be stored first in other untreated body areas, such as the arms, butt, or breasts. Liposuction does not change your metabolism or provide a 'license to eat' excessively. Weight gain is influenced by exercise, genetics, and calorie intake, and maintaining results requires a balanced diet.
What are Dr. Schuster's key recovery tips after rhinoplasty (after splint/stitches removal)?
After the splint and stitches are removed, Dr. Schuster recommends continuing to sleep with your head elevated to help reduce facial swelling. It is crucial to avoid drinking alcohol and smoking, as these decrease blood supply to the facial skin. Patients should not pick or blow their nose and should keep their hands away from the nose area for approximately six to eight weeks. Additionally, avoid wearing glasses (sunglasses or regular) to prevent putting pressure on the nasal bridge, especially if bones were cut and narrowed, as this can shift things out of place. Always consult your doctor to determine when it's safe to resume activities that might affect the nose.
What is Dr. Schuster's Lateral Pull-Through Technique for gynecomastia correction?
Dr. Schuster performs the Advanced Art of Gynecomastia Correction using the Lateral Pull-Through Technique, an advanced operation he has utilized for over 15 years. This technique corrects the majority of gynecomastia and reshapes the chest through a very short incision located on the side of the chest, avoiding a scar on the lower border of the areola. Dr. Schuster believes this lateral approach prevents common complications like irregularities, skin retractions, and crater deformities by not violating tissues directly connected to the nipple and areola incision. He finds this technique works great for the vast majority of patients, though he acknowledges other surgeons achieve excellent results with different methods.
What is the Nefertiti Neck Lift?
The Nefertiti Neck Lift is a nonsurgical neck lift performed using precision injections of Botox to tighten and lift the neck and jawline.
How does Dr. Schuster help patients choose between surgical and injectable treatments?
Dr. Schuster emphasizes that both surgery and injectables are valid treatment options, each suitable for different situations. He believes patients should understand the distinctions between these treatments before committing to a procedure. A consultation is a key process used by his practice to determine the most suitable treatment option for each patient's specific concerns.