Here’s a review of Change Your Looks, Change Your Life that appeared in Dan’s Papers a few years ago. If you are thinking about cosmetic surgery, this book remains an essential guide to the options available from minor to major. “Who said beauty is only skin-deep? Certainly not anyone who has broken off a promising relationship, or suffered a plunge in self confidence, thanks to crow’s feet, saddlebags, or a scowl embedded in your forehead. Appearance, in fact, has an enormous impact on emotional well being and quality of life, for people of all ages and for men as well as women.

An accomplished and renowned plastic surgeon and Bridgehampton resident, Dr. Michelle Copeland, shows how easy it can be for just about anyone to improve his or her appearance—and transform their entire outlook. It’s all in her informative uplifting book, Change Your Looks, Change Your Life. The book, packed with quick fixes and cosmetic surgery solutions, is worth every penny and most enjoyable reading, shows you how Dr. Copeland is a firm believer in cosmetic wellness—making physical changes for the emotional and health benefits. Dr. Copeland presents a comprehensive, detailed and realistic guide to the many cosmetic options available, with an emphasis on the least invasive and most effective, safe and affordable procedures.”

When should you have facial surgery? When you’re unhappy with the way you look. Do you slather on more makeup than you used to? Have you become a year-round hat and scarf wearer? Do you opt for glasses to camouflage bags under your eyes? Do you stand in front of the mirror and tug at your skin to see how you would look if you had work done? These are some of the clues that lead patients to my office.

So long as you understand and accept the risks and expense involved, there’s no reason to slog through life with a face that makes you miserable. Another factor to conside:  if you start early, and small, you may avoid ever needing a big procedure later.  With so many new techniques, many of which are non-invasive and require little to no downtime, there many alternatives for patients who want to look their best.

Before and after face lift - click to see more before and after photos

The New York Times recently featured products designed for men to reduce oily skin.  “Matteification” is one of the terms marketers have coined to cut down on shiny, oily faces.  A good regimen of cleansing and toning (look for an alcohol-free toner) and exfoliating will take care of most excess oil.  Products with a sebum regulator to even skin function. I have several Men’s Skin Care Kits that address the “oily face” problem and will leave you looking bright and refreshed, but not too shiny.

Dr. Copeland Skin Care is participating in two exciting events coming up in the Hamptons.

Tomorrow night, look for Dr. Copeland Skin Care products in gift bags at the Watermill Center’s Annual Summer Benefit performance of “Paradiso.” A true festival of the arts, Paradiso will benefit the Watermill Center, founded in 1992 by visionary theater director and visual artist Robert Wilson, an artist residency center which provides opportunities for collaboration and artistic growth for emerging artists from the Americas, Europe, and Asia, as well as a diverse range of public and education programs for the local community.

Don’t miss Super Saturday 13 – tickets are on sale now for this spectacular shopping and social event to benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund! Dr. Copeland is a sponsor so stay tuned for more details next week.

Recent reports about an 18 year old Glee cast member having Botox and Thermage treatments have started a lot of internet buzz about “how young is too young” for cosmetic enhancements.  This is always a controversial subject, and my advice is that teenagers who have what would be considered a physical deformity – ears that stick out, very large breasts, or a terribly oversized nose – shouldn’t have to go through puberty ashamed of their appearances. If they have the right expectations and are committed to the process, I have found that surgery can give them critical self-esteem.

If an 18- year-old has a professional interest in looking fresh-faced for a big TV role, then treatments like Botox and Thermage are not harmful and are probably a wise investment. I would also counsel an 18 year old to develop good skin care habits now, like avoiding the sun, not smoking and using products rich in anti-oxidants, as a way of insuring her appearance. I have many patients in theater and film and they have learned that good skin care habits can help them put off the bigger guns like Botox and surgery for many years.

There are reports 18 year old Charice had Botox and Thermage to look younger

A consultation with a doctor is your best chance to become completely informed about your options. This is true for any kind of medical procedure – it is so important to ask the right questions. Here is a checklist for cosmetic surgery procedures (but most will apply to any type of surgical procedure.)

• Which technique do you recommend to solve my problems?
• What are the risks and advantages of each alternative?
• How often do you perform this procedure?
• How long can I expect the effects to last?
• Where will the surgery be done?
• Will my medical history be a factor?
• What should I know about side effects of one procedure vs another?
• Are there medical or lab tests I’ll need to undergo before surgery?
• What kind of anesthesia will you use?
• How long with the surgery take?
• What does the procedure involve? Where will the incisions be made?
• How involved are you in the surgery?
• What is the pain like?
• How long is the recovery? What does it entail?
• Will I need someone to take me home? Someone to stay with me? If so for how long?
• Are there potential reactions or side effects?
• How common are complications?
• When can I return to work? To exercising?
• How soon after the procedure should I come in for a visit? How many post-op visits are there? Are they covered by the initial fee?
• Is there anything I’ll have to do differently after the procedure?