Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

After reading numerous books on plastic surgery I would have to say that this one is the most complete. This book is page after page of fascinating information. It covers more than just the surgery itself, but also the before and after, the cost and even how to find a surgeon. Dr. Loftus did a fabulous job of covering every aspect and articulately explaining each procedure so that even the layman could understand. I highly recommend this extraordinary book to anyone who is considering plastic surgery.

As someone who is considering liposuction, I was impressed with how helpful this book was. It explained the difference between traditional liposuction, ultrasonic liposuction, and ultrasound-assisted liposuction, including a detailed list of all the pros and cons for each. It also explained issues about the recommended cannula size, large-colume liposuction, areas where liposuction should and should not be performed, the effect of liposuction on cellulite, where you might gain weight following liposuction, and the list goes on. Compared to other books that focus strictly on liposuction, this book surprisingly contained deeper, clearer explanations...and from a more objective perspective. There is no question that if you are considering liposuction - or any plastic surgery procedure - you owe it to yourself to get this book. By the way, this book is incredibly comprehensive in terms of risks and DOES NOT downplay them. At least 5 pages out of each chapter is dedicated to potential complications!

Contemplating surgery leaves you with a mess of questions. This book lays out the answers without talking down to the reader and without using any more jargon than needed.

I thought I'd know all the questions to ask a potential doctor, and how to evaluate his/her answers, but this book made me feel so more more prepared to know what I want and how to know if the doctor I'm talking to is the right one.

In the very first chapter I learned that "board certified" means zilch, that any physician is allowed to do plastic surgery (it's lucrative) without any training, and that methods of doing certain surgeries are not outlawed just because they are incredibly dangerous.

I also learned that what my mom needs was a thigh-lift, not liposuction. Who knew. I also learned about what it would cost, how it would be done, how I should prepare, and how it will feel afterwards. A really pleasant surprise to get my money's worth.

I only wish that I had read Dr. Loftus' book earlier. It provides information that few doctors are willing to tell their patients. The format is easy to follow and the book is extremely informatve. I am buying this book for everyone I know who is contemplating plastic surgery so they can get the whole picture BEFORE making the decision to proceed. If you are even thinking about a procedure, you can find out everything you want to know in this book. It is the best of its type I have read.

I purchased several books on the subject. This is a must read and I would suggest that this is the first book you read. It is excellent. I have had plastic surgery three times before and I wish I had read this earlier.

Dr. Loftus is a genius. I wanted to have a breast augmentation and liposuction of my abdomen. I consulted with several surgeons who were recommended in my area (all male) who wanted to change my body as they thought it should be and I was also not impressed with their demeanor. I searched on line and found Dr. Loftus. Her office is 5 hours from my home and every minute of driving and planning was worth it. When I found her website, I got her book. Reading it really prepared me and then actually having a consult with her was awesome. It is amazing that so much expertise, professionalism and just wonderfullness could be embodied in this petite and very personable lady. Her office is impeccable with a very private surgery suite and an all female staff. My surgery was such a positive experience. In reading this book, I learned what expectations to have, what preparation and recovery to expect. I felt prepared with just having this information but after my consult and preparing for my surgery and recovery I was completely at ease. As all women do, I have compared my results and talked about my experience with other girlfriends and all I have to say is that all of them are jealous of me! I have recommended this book to so many women and they have also had their deepest plastic surgery questions answered. (My mom has also read the book and consulted with Dr. Loftus) In short, get the book because it covers every part of the body and facial improvements as well and if you can go to Dr. Loftus - do it!!!!! Dr. Loftus, thank you so much for your expertise, answering all my questions, supporting my decisions and most of all for my amazing results.

As someone who is considering liposuction, I was impressed with how helpful this book was. It explained the difference between traditional liposuction, ultrasonic liposuction, and ultrasound-assisted liposuction, including a detailed list of all the pros and cons for each. It also explained issues about the recommended cannula size, large-colume liposuction, areas where liposuction should and should not be performed, the effect of liposuction on cellulite, where you might gain weight following liposuction, and the list goes on. Compared to other books that focus strictly on liposuction, this book surprisingly contained deeper, clearer explanations...and from a more objective perspective. There is no question that if you are considering liposuction - or any plastic surgery procedure - you owe it to yourself to get this book.