A gentle touch

Ness began searching out of province for a surgeon with qualifications and skills to correct her problem, after being told there was no doctor capable of helping her locally. This is when she found Dr. Kris Conrad, a Toronto specialist surgeon. They had a consultation a year ago, and Conrad performed her reconstructive and cosmetic nasal surgery.

“What he’s done for me is incredible,” Ness says. “In so many ways he’s given me my life back”.

Conrad performed a three-and-a-half hour nasal plastic surgery operation to restore Ness’s normal appearance. “It isn’t only about the work, but his concern for his patients.  He is an incredible and caring person,” says Ness. “This experience has renewed my faith in the medical profession because I know now that there are doctors out there who actually care.”

With the skyrocketing popularity of facial cosmetic surgery in recent years, one has to emphasize the importance of carefully selecting a dedicated, well-trained and talented surgeon, specialized and certified in the area of the body for which treatment is desired.

Conrad is a well-recognized surgeon and teacher with a long list of accomplishments. His original training was in Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery. This was extended by additional studies in facial plastic surgery, and he was certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He does not perform plastic surgery in any other area than the head and neck.

He has been practicing for more than 25 years and established the Nasal and Facial Plastic Cosmetic Surgery Institute in Toronto’s Yorkville area and in Richmond Hill 22 years ago.  Conrad is an Associate Professor in the Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Toronto. With so many commitments on the go, he still manages to maintain the dedication to his patients as his highest priority. His surgical Institute is known internationally and many surgeons seek the opportunity to visit it and watch Conrad operate three to four days a week. He also treats patients from across the country and from abroad.

Many of the patients who have had facial cosmetic surgery with Conrad continue attending the Institute for skin care and various non-invasive procedures. One of the most popular treatments, for both men and women, is Botox injections.

“THIS EXPERIENCE HAS RENEWED MY FAITH IN THE MEDICAL PROFESSION BECAUSE I KNOW NOW THAT THERE ARE DOCTORS OUT THERE WHO ACTUALLY CARE.”

WHAT IS BOTOX?
Botox was originally a product utilized in treating neurological disorders by controlling unwanted muscle contractions. In 1987, it was introduced for cosmetic treatments and has been used safely and predictably to control muscle activity producing unwanted facial expression and wrinkles.

It is manufactured through a multistage, elaborate process purifying extracts from the clostridium botulinum bacteria, and injected in tiny doses into selected facial muscles in order to prevent wrinkling of the forehead, setting of deep grooves between the eyebrows or formation of “crow’s feet” — lines radiating from the outer angles of the eyes.

Conrad indicates there are new areas for the application of Botox that are being introduced as well.
The treatment takes only a few minutes to administer and causes minimal discomfort. The effects become apparent seven to 10 days later and can last between three and six months.

TALKING POINTS
Here are a few things to consider when discussing with your doctor if Botox is right for you.

Do you have a disease that affects your nerves and muscles, such as:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Myasthenia gravis
• Lambert-Eaton syndrome

Are you taking any medication, including:

• Prescription medicine
• Non-prescription medicine
• Vitamins
• Herbal products

Regular application of Botox injections may defer the need for more invasive procedures such as laser skin treatments or surgical intervention to maintain a youthful appearance.

Esther, who has regular Botox treatments administered by Conrad, was originally referred to him for a cosmetic correction of her nose. Her rhinoplasty was particularly difficult and challenging because of her specific anatomical features requiring special expertise to create a natural and unoperated result. During her consultation with Conrad, she was impressed with his advice of seeing more than one surgeon before making the final choice. She decided to go ahead with Conrad, although another surgeon she was considering was going to charge her much less.

Esther, a businesswoman involved in sales with a large clientele, was concerned about the possibility of ending up with an unnatural appearance.

The change had to be significant but “so many people commented they wouldn’t have guessed if I didn’t tell them about my operation,” says Esther. “It looks so natural. It was such a pleasant experience; Conrad was very professional but also very personal. I now look better, feel better and breathe better.” •

For more information visit Dr. Kris Conrad at plasticsurgery-toronto.com