When Plastic Surgery Goes Bad. Doctors Corner With Dr. Richard Ellenbogen

For more than 25 years Dr. Richard Ellenbogen has been at the forefront of Plastic Surgery innovation. A noted author, television personality and teacher, his surgical procedures and techniques are used by surgeons around the world. 

Why Does Plastic Surgery Go Bad? 

“In my opinion, there are two primary reasons why surgeries go bad:

1. A large number of practitioners are not board-certified and lack experience.  

2. Patients aren’t comfortable questioning a surgeon’s qualifications and move forward with unnecessary surgeries. 

A great deal of expertise is necessary to successfully complete all aspects of plastic surgery, including what are often considered simple injectibles.  In addition to unskilled practitioners, patients find it difficult to question a doctor’s recommendation; some doctors recommend surgeries which appeal to a patient’s underlining desire to better themselves, however, the surgery may not be necessary or provide a patient with results that they desire.” 

What To Do When Revision Surgery Is Necessary? 

“Find an experienced plastic surgeon with a history of completing revisions on surgeries without positive results.  Revision surgeries are a substantial part of my practice.  I use photos of patients then ‘correct with computer imaging’ the bad results to show there is hope.  I  confirm with patients what they have in mind, if it’s something I can do and some- thing that looks aesthetically pleasing.  A qualified surgeon knows that beauty is based on symmetry.”

Rhinoplasty (nose)

“It’s estimated that 15-25% of people who have aesthetic rhinoplasties in the U.S. have them redone; less than 50% are satisfied with results they get. Visit

www.RevisionNoseSurgery.com which shows how we revise bad nose surgery.“

Breast Augmentation

“Breast augmentation surgery is the most revised surgery in the U.S. for reasons such as hardness of the implant or because the implant moves.  Visit www.RevisionBreastSurgery.com view breast-surgeries-gone-wrong; see options to correct unsatisfactory results.”  

Liposuction

“Liposuction surgery can turn out to be asymmetrical or have a lumpy look that requires fat grafting to fix bad results.  Estimates show 30% of all liposuction surgeries require a revision.  Most surgeries that require an incision leave a scar and some patients develop wider, unsatisfactory scars which need to be repaired.  BEFORE surgery make certain your surgeon has experience and proven ability to create a natural result that can’t be visually seen as a ‘re-do’. In revising bad liposuction some patients need a surgeon with extensive experience using a laser that can also remove excess fat to smooth an area, or add fat to an area.”

Injectibles

“Qualified physicians know for patients over-injected with Restylane or JuvaDerm there are injectable substances to correct  or dissolve mistakes almost immediately.  When Botox has been over-done a patient has to wait it out until it goes away; but if an eye is droopy there is an antidote.” 

Unrealistic Patient Expectations

“Everyone considering plastic surgery should be informed by their surgeon of complications which can occur.  Qualified surgeons must speak with patients about  unrealistic revision surgery results.  Not all revision surgery turns out to be what a patient or for that matter a surgeon feels is ‘perfect’ and that can occur if an initial surgery produced devastating results difficult to revise.  It’s vital that people do their homework finding a qualified surgeon BEFORE they move forward with a surgery they later regret. One of the most retarding aspects of my practice is helping patients disappointed by a surgery-gone-bad then give them realistic and natural revision results.”  

For information about plastic surgery email: info@beverlyhillsbody.com.  Include your name, email address/phone number and a question you would like discuss to the attention of Deborah Canter Head Consultant and Director of Beverly Hills Body.  Dr. Ellenbogen’s radio show ‘Body Beautiful’ will debut in October and he address plastic surgery questions. Dr. Ellenbogen & State of The Art Surgery Center will host a Red Carpet event in October open to the public  to meet the doctor and tour his newly renovated 5,000 square foot surgery center.  RSVP at info@beverlyhillsbody.com