LAM FACIAL PLASTICS

Hi Dr Lam

I know you say that having a fat graft young may make you look bloated when you get pregnant. I have a question. I have lost a little facial volume due to laser damage. If you just put a "little" bit of fat back in my face, will i be able to avoid this "bloated" look during pregnancy? I would prefer to put fat in rather than restylane because it is natural and also my skin is so dry after the laser i am sure it would help as i have heard it has helped others. I am 32 so i guess i will be having kids some time soon.

obviously, my goal is never to lie or mislead a patient. that being said, i only paint the grimmest picture so that i never give anyone a surprise. you may bloat a bit during pregnancy regardless of what i do. however, there are always two considerations when i perform fat transfer in any individual:
1. how much does that person need based on gender and facial shape and volume loss?
2. how old is the person? anyone who is in their 30s and beyond i am less conservative but early 30s is a gray zone. in the 20s i am definitely more conservative. in a way it is like hair transplant since people will change and lose hair or gain weight over time, so i have to do my best to plan for any uncertainties.
i am not trying to scare you. if anything, i take everything into consideration when i perform a fat transfer. many surgeons do not.
best,
sml

so you are saying that it is possible to just add a "little" to my face? regardless of future pregnancies? considering i have lost a small amount of volume from the laser?

i really need to judge it after seeing you. i will work to attain safe results that are beautiful. less is sometimes more.
best,
sml

what a lovely reply. you give me hope.

thank you!

I am considering getting laser treatments done such as a photofacial or lasar resurfacing to get rid of brown spots and pigmentation problems and acne scars. From the above post, it looks like she lost volume from laser treatments. i just had a filler put in my cheeks for volume, would getting lasar resurfacing damage the results or did i misunderstand from the above post. can lasar treatments hurt the skin or cause side effects that last longer then expected such as permanente even? What about microdermabrasion?

okay, in RARE cases, very strong IPL and lasers have been thought to create volume loss. I personally have not witnessed it because I use much softer lasers. However, enough patients have reported this issue that it probably is a very real one. I don't know the science behind it but I think it is very uncommon and usually with really strong IPL/Lasers. For certain, I have heard that it can follow aggressive facial radiofrequency treatments, e.g., Thermage. I think you should be fine with your fillers. Obviously, if I did not do your fillers, you need to ask your doctor not me.
best,
sml

Yes i had volume loss and scarring from an IPL machine. I was told the setting was very low so it wouldn't hurt me. Be careful! I wish i had been.

even low settings can do it with stronger machines. that is why i use softer machines. i rather not mention brands to scare people.
best,
sml