LAM FACIAL PLASTICS

Dear Dr Lam,

I hope you are well. I am from the UK and wish to have the cheek dimple procedure.
I have been looking for doctors who could perform this procedure closer to home but it appears as if the UK does not undertake this surgery?

I would be prepared to fly to Dallas from the UK but have a couple of concerns:

1. Why is it not performed in the uk (does it have a high complication rate?)
2. Can I fly back home the next day?
3. How many successful dimple procedures have you completed?
4. Does the dimple move a lot or change size once you have created it?
5.What are the most common and serious complications?

I will wish to have a reduction rhinoplasty in the next 2 months, would you be able to let me know your success rates for this procedure?

Thank you for your time,
Kindest Regards,
Vanita

1. Why is it not performed in the uk (does it have a high complication rate?)
BECAUSE MOST DOCS SIMPLY DO NOT KNOW HOW TO DO THIS. I DON'T KNOW HOW TO ANSWER THAT QUESTION. IT IS SIMPLY NOT A COMMON PROCEDURE AND CERTAINLY NOT ONE COVERED IN TRAINING PROGRAMS. I LEARNED IT IN ASIA.

2. Can I fly back home the next day?
YES.

3. How many successful dimple procedures have you completed?
HARD TO SAY BUT I WOULD SAY 40 TO 50. I DO ONE ABOUT EVERY 3 WEEKS.

4. Does the dimple move a lot or change size once you have created it?
IT DOES NOT REALLY MOVE, BUT IT CAN SOFTEN A BIT AND BECOME LESS DEEP OVER TIME.

5.What are the most common and serious complications?
COMMON COMPLICATIONS INCLUDE PROLONGED DEPRESSION FROM INSTEAD OF A FEW WEEKS TO A FEW MONTHS AT MOST. I HAVE NOT SEEN IT LAST LONGER. I HAVE HAD A COUPLE OF DIMPLES FALL COMPLETELY OUT. THAT IS A RISK AND YOU MUST KNOW THAT IF YOU ARE GOING TO TRAVEL SUCH A LARGE DISTANCE. THE MOST SERIOUS COMPLICATIONS WOULD BE NERVE DAMAGE OR DAMAGE TO THE PAROTID DUCT. HOWEVER, I HAVE NEVER SEEN THOSE COMPLICATIONS. I STAY VERY FAR AWAY FROM THE PAROTID DUCT, AS I SEE IT IN THE MOUTH BEFORE I START. AS FAR AS NERVE DAMAGE, IT IS VERY SAFE IN MY OPINION SINCE I AM JUST LOOPING A SUTURE. THEORETICALLY IF THERE WERE ANY SUCH CASE, JUST REMOVING THE SUTURE SHOULD CORRECT THE PROBLEM.
hope that helps,
sml

Thank you for your prompt reply!
I have 4 other questions if you don't mind?:

1. I already have a shallow dimple when I tighten the cheek muscle- would it be possible to have the dimple in the same place.
2. Do you have before and after pictures (as in after 2 months) mainly because i saw a video of a patient immediately after the procedure but didnt get to see her in action once the dimple had eased in.
3. How do people cover up the defect in the skin until it becomes natural?
4. Do dimples ever not suit anybody- as in are there specific facial types that would be better without a dimple? I adore them, but want to be realistic about the outcome?

Thankyou again for your time

1. I already have a shallow dimple when I tighten the cheek muscle- would it be possible to have the dimple in the same place.
YES, SO LONG AS IT IS IN A SAFE FACIAL LOCATION, AS I STATED IN THE FIRST RESPONSE.
2. Do you have before and after pictures (as in after 2 months) mainly because i saw a video of a patient immediately after the procedure but didnt get to see her in action once the dimple had eased in.
MOST OF MY BEFORE AND AFTERS ARE SEVERAL MONTHS OUT.
3. How do people cover up the defect in the skin until it becomes natural?
I USUALLY RECOMMEND A SMALL ROUND BAND-AID.
4. Do dimples ever not suit anybody- as in are there specific facial types that would be better without a dimple? I adore them, but want to be realistic about the outcome?
GENERALLY, NO. DIMPLES SHOULD FIT MOST PEOPLE.