Ask the Facial Cosmetic Surgeon

A personal note from Dr. Prasad: "In the modern world where we have so much control over so many things, aging gracefully does not have to mean aging passively. For a long time, cosmetic surgery was associated with being conceited or vain. But, of course, it is not. Vanity to me is someone who is almost dysfunctional - who looks in the mirror all day long and really obsesses about their external appearance. On the other hand, it is very natural to take pride in your appearance and seek to change what you don't like. Everyone wants to feel good about the way they look. How you look dictates so much about how you feel and improving your appearance really can transform your life. It raises your confidence level, changes the way others see you, and the way you see yourself. "

Question from Samantha in Mineola, NY: I have always had very thin hair and as I get older it is getting worse. I feel like I even have some bald spots. Do women ever get hair transplants?

Dr. Prasad: You are not alone. Hair loss is not just an issue for men, but it is a real issue for many women, as well. We are all very familiar with male pattern hair loss. Everyone knows and accepts that many men will lose their hair. It is a lesser known fact that 30% of all women experience hair loss. Women generally try to hide their hair loss, rather than seek solutions. However, the same solutions that work for men will also work for women. Depending upon your situation, you can start with non-invasive options, such as Menoxadil. With low level laser light therapy, you can retain your hair and stimulate hair growth non-surgically. Ultimately, you may want to consider follicular unit grafting. This form of hair restoration gives an extremely natural look and provides you with hair that continues to grow for life. The number of women seeking hair restoration is growing. Many women are also getting eyebrow and eyelash transplants.

Question from James in Great Neck, NY: My under eyes are so puffy and baggy that I just can't stand it, but I am really afraid of surgery. What can I do?

Dr. Prasad: It is very simple to get rid of under eye puffiness. In just one simple procedure that takes under an hour, you can eliminate your under eye puffiness and erase years off your appearance. Under eye puffiness can make you look tired, even when you don't feel tired, which can be very frustrating. The procedure requires no general anesthesia and is virtually painless. The recovery is quick and easy. Although having surgery sounds scary, I can assure you that this is a minimally invasive procedure from which you will reap tremendous benefits.

Dr. Amiya Prasad is a renowned board-certified Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon practicing in Manhattan's Upper East Side and in Garden City, Long Island. For the past 15 years,