The Smart Woman's Guide to Plastic Surgery, Updated Second Edition [Paperback]

Jean Loftus (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 4, 2007

Intelligent Answers and Essential Advice from a World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon

From reality shows to celebrity gossip magazines, it seems everyone is talking about plastic surgery. But how do you know if it's right for you, and how can you get the best results? The Smart Woman's Guide to Plastic Surgery cuts through the media hype and gives you real answers on the most popular procedures, including what to ask surgeons during consultations, possible risks, how to plan and pay for surgery, and how to speed physical and emotional recovery. Whether you're considering breast augmentation, a tummy tuck, or a facelift, this book will help you:

• Get the best results from any procedure
• Ensure a safe and speedy recovery
• Protect yourself from dangerous procedures
• Prepare for hidden costs and fees

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A valuable and long needed book - for the lay public, and also the plastic surgeon, young and old." -- David G. Dibbell, M.D., Sr., Chairman of the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Wisconsin

"Opening this book is the smartest thing you can do." -- Henry W. Neale, M.D., Past Chairman of the American Board of Plastic Surgery

"The chapters encompass the entire spectrum of aesthetic surgery, and the information is crisp, clear, correct, and current." -- Luis O. Vasconez, M.D., Chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Alabama and One of the pioneers of endoscopic cosmetic surgery

"This book is so precise, insughtful, and ethical that it is a must to read." -- Lawrence B. Robbins, M.D., F.A.C.S., Past President of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Publisher

With remarkable clarity, precision, and depth, Dr. Jean M. Loftus, a board certified plastic surgeon, explains exactly what cosmetic plastic surgery can and cannot accomplish. Written in an inviting and understandable style, these are just some of the issues the book confronts: The hidden costs of cosmetic surgery and how to uncover them; Telltale signs that indicate you have had cosmetic surgery, and how to get your surgeon to avoid them; How to avoid everyday medications that can ruin your results or lengthen your recovery; The difference between lasers, chemical peels, and dermabrasion - and how to determine which one is most appropriate in your case; Different techniques for facelifts and eyelid surgery, and why some work better than others; The newest procedures such as Botox and ultrasonic liposuction - are they really better than the old standards?; How to tell if you need liposuction or a tummy tuck, and what is involved in each; The facts about silicone gel breast implants and why only saline implants are now available; The truth about cellulite, thigh lifts, spider veins, age spots, permanent makeup; and just about everything else available in the cosmetic plastic surgery arena. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 2 edition (December 4, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071494197
• ISBN-13: 978-0071494199
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #466,656 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

74 of 75 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mandatory reading for women contemplating cosmetic surgery., December 11, 1999

By 

Diane M. Giffin (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Smart Woman's Guide to Plastic Surgery : Essential Information from a Female Plastic Surgeon (Paperback)

The Smart Woman's Guide to Plastic Surgery is incredibly complete and provides comprehensive information on all surgical procedures from face lift, eyelid surgery, nose surgery, breast enlargement, tummy tuck, thigh lift, liposuction, skin wrinkle surgery and much, much more. There is no other book available for the layperson that contains so much useful information presented and illustrated in such an honest and straightforward manner. Cosmetic surgery is elective surgery and has obvious benefits and some limitations. Dr. Loftus believes that the patient who has realistic expectations about what cosmetic surgery can accomplish is much more likely to make good decisions and achieve a high level of satisfaction. The book is extremely well illustrated, using line drawings and before and after photographs. It is also written in a clear, engaging, and friendly fashion. Medical terminology is avoided wherever possible; and when not possible, a comprehensive glossary is found in the appendix. Dr. Loftus also includes information that you would not expect to find in a book about plastic surgery, including how to evaluate your surgeon, pitfalls of computer imaging, typical cost of the surgery, selection of prosthetic materials, and potential complications. The book has been endorsed by a number of distinguished professors of plastic and reconstructive surgery.

39 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Physician's review of this book-*****, October 22, 2003

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Smart Woman's Guide to Plastic Surgery : Essential Information from a Female Plastic Surgeon (Paperback)

I bought 3 books at the same time because, though I am a physician, I know little about plastic surgery and am considering having some. This book is excellent, chock full of relevant information and is fairly inclusive of most plastic surgical procedures. I also bought "Secrets of a Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon" which provided information that was so basic as to be almost worthless, and seemed to be full of self-serving letters from patients saying what a great surgeon the author is. I also bought "Body Sculpture" which has little information in it and consists largely of before and after pictures. I plan on selling the other two books and keeping this one as a permanent part of my library.

42 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unparalleled resource....ESPECIALLY for Breast Augmentation!, April 30, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Smart Woman's Guide to Plastic Surgery : Essential Information from a Female Plastic Surgeon (Paperback)

I was astounded at the depth and breadth of information about breast augmentation. As a woman who has been contemplating this procedure for nearly 2 decades, I have done a fair amount of research, including internet searches, several books, and 2 consultations with board-certified plastic surgeons. But none of these "resources" begin to compare to this book. This book covers issues such as the truth about silicone implants, risk of saline implant deflation, interference with mammography, capsular contracture formation (scars around the implants), and other important issues. It explains the options and helps the reader to decide important issues such as whether the implant should be placed above the pectoral muscle or below it; whether the implants should be smooth or textured; whether the implants should be round or teardrop; whether the incision should be made around the nipple, under the breast, or under the arm; and it also helps with the all-important size issue. I was tremendously impressed. Too bad Dr. Loftus is in Cincinnati, otherwise, I would be in her office in a minute!