Everything You Wanted to Know About Cosmetic Surgery but Couldn't Afford to Ask [Hardcover]

Alan Gaynor (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 4, 1998

Cosmetic surgery is now an $80 billion industry, thanks to aging Baby Boomers and new medical advances. With less time in the operating room, less scarring, less risk, and less cost, cosmetic surgery is clearly not just for the rich and famous anymore. Alan Gaynor has led the way in cosmetic surgery, perfecting new "bloodless" laser techniques and refining liposculpture methods. On the highest rated "Geraldo" episode ever, Gaynor removed Rivera's forehead lines, bringing cosmetic surgery out in the open once and for all.

Now Gaynor offers the most comprehensive book ever written on the subject, with advice about risks and side effects; recovery time; finding the perfect doctor; the psychology of decision making; international advances; home treatments, including vitamins and Retin-A; and the concept of beauty in general. Gaynor also includes step-by-step descriptions of common procedures, tips on preparing for your day of surgery, a dictionary of medical terms, and dramatic before-and-after photographs with patient stories. In three additional chapters, a trio of the world's top surgeons--all Gaynor's mentors--share the latest information on their specialized fields: Dr. Luiz Toledo, Dr. Ivo Pitungay, and Dr. Jacques Ohana.

As one of the foremost authorities on cosmetic surgery, Gaynor has garnered a coast-to-coast following. Now anyone even thinking of committing to a nip or a tuck can pore over his widely sought-after advice.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Whether we like to admit it or not, humans are physiocentric creatures. We judge people on the basis of how they look; we get passed over for jobs or promotions if we don't project the proper glow of youth and vitality. Gaynor, a dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, sees himself as the equalizer. He's been where his patients are. He's walked into parent-teacher conferences with his son and been introduced as the boy's grandfather. And, with new surgical techniques that most of us haven't yet heard of, he can level the playing field: filling in wrinkles, unbagging eyes, shoring up sagging chins, creating an athletic-looking six-pack where once there was only a beer belly.

The real message of the book, surprisingly, is that you don't have to spend a fortune to get equalized. He notes that these new wrinkle-filling and fat-suctioning procedures are cheaper, less invasive, and more subtle than ever. In fact, it's entirely possible to enjoy the results of these operations without your friends and colleagues knowing that you've had them done.

Everything You Wanted to Know About Cosmetic Surgery lives up to its title from first page to last; there's even solid information about how to take care of yourself so well that you won't need snips and tucks. (Gaynor points out that cheap moisturizers like Vaseline Intensive Care protect your skin as well as the most expensive lotions and creams advertised in Vogue and Allure.) Along with describing procedures--the latest advances, how much you should expect to pay, what results to expect, the complications that can arise--he gives detailed information on how to choose a doctor for that operation. And, like any good surgeon, he notes that sometimes what a patient needs isn't a lift or peel, but a good old-fashioned head shrinking. "Cosmetic surgery," he writes, "works best on people who are relatively content in life, who like themselves the way they are." Those people may be least likely to seek it out, but they'll be most happy with the results. --Lou Schuler

From Library Journal

Cosmetic surgery has made great strides in the past 20 years, and Gaynor has been one of the leading innovators and practitioners. Here he describes the common procedures, with frank evaluations of the risks and the costs, to enable those considering such procedures to make informed decisions. He includes chapters on how to select a reputable surgeon and how to avoid the preventable damage caused by sun exposure. The chapters on liposuction and liposculpture are excellent, but the chapter on breast surgery, although it mentions the current ban on silicone implants, does not discuss the possibility of reactions to the silicone shell used for saline implants. Nevertheless, this is a useful purchase for libraries needing such material.?Susan B. Hagloch, Tuscarawas Cty. P.L., New Philadelphia, OH
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Broadway; 1 edition (May 4, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0767901711
• ISBN-13: 978-0767901710
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,983,488 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very thorough and some great "over the counter" advice, October 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Cosmetic Surgery but Couldn't Afford to Ask (Paperback)

This book is a great read for anyone considering cosmetic surgery--you get clinical advice, but down home advice as well. It takes a lot of the confusion out of a subject that can be overwhelming, and scary. It is a nice writing style and easy to understand. I recommend another book, from a slightly different perspective-- "Cosmetic Surgery Without Fear" is written by a cosmetic surgery consumer advocate, and not a doctor. You get some information that many doctors may not divulge. You are also given the critical information to look for when selecting your doctor and resources to make sure you are avoiding the horror stories we all fear. Get them both, you have all the perspectives covered.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Too broad and general, December 14, 2002

By 

mom2legolover "mrs_bix" (CRYSTAL RIVER, FL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Cosmetic Surgery but Couldn't Afford to Ask (Paperback)

I would NOT recommend this book unless you are planning to have multiple cosmetic procedures and want ONE book to cover them all. If you are looking for in depth information on one specific surgery then this is not your book. I was only interested in BA and read that information in 10 minutes or less. This book was a waste of my money!

9 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Here is book that lives up to its title!, October 1, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Everything You Wanted to Know About Cosmetic Surgery but Couldn't Afford to Ask (Hardcover)

This is a book that should be read by everybody, even those that do not have a surgery in mind. Very informative, you never get bored! Dr.Gaynor's insight into the world of cosmetic surgery will for sure give you a new perspective and answer all your questions ! a Must read book.