For skin resurfacing, I wouldn't think I'd want a PA doing the work, you want an MD! You might want to check out teaching hospitals in your area.... here in the NW, I have OHSU (Oregon Health & Science University) that has a cosmetic surgery department, and the doctors are top notch (medical students do NONE of your work, only the teaching doctor does your procedures), and they aren't interested in selling you crap you don't need. I went to Dr. Tom Wang for facial fillers, and he is fantastic. Here are a couple places to find more info on skin resurfacing: http://www.yestheyrefake.net/ Click on facial procedures and click on chemical peel or laser treatments. Each area has info as well as message boards. I find the people on the YTF boards to be very helpful. http://www.makemeheal.com/mmh/home.do Click on message boards & blogs and go to the appropriate skin resurfacing area.

(((HUGS))) Lars. I'm not posting much any more, but I saw this and wanted to tell you I had parathyroid disease. The first indication were my calcium levels, which were very low as the parathyroid disease was sucking the calcium out of my bones. Sometimes it's hard to realize when your life isn't normal, as these things have a habit of creeping up on you, and your ''new normal'' seems like a continuation of the same old thing. They removed one parathyroid, and I have to tell you that within one week, I had my old energy back. That was when I realized things had really changed in a big way! The surgery was not a big deal, although I had to spend the night in the hospital so they could check on me until the next morning. (The worst part was I was in a room with a Laotian grandmother who spoke no English and was feeling so bad all she could do was moan. I finally went to sleep in the waiting room to get away from her until they moved me to a different room.) You will need a few days recovery time, but you'll be amazed at the difference in the way you'll feel in less than a week. The scar was miniscule, and in fact, I don't ever notice it any more, as the doctor made the incision in a normal neck fold. I just wanted you to know you will feel like a new man once you have that thing out of there, even with your current family trials. It's amazing how much your (para)thyroid can affect your hormone levels, which has everything to do with your health and feeling of well-being. You're going to be amazed at how much better you feel! (I think depression is also common because you're so tired and hormonal, although it's easy to think you're keeping up because it was a long time getting to that point.) I actually found someone doing the operation on-line and it was helpful to watch, since I knew what I could expect. The surgery itself lasts about 40 minutes, so you'll be in and out. I hope this helps you; it certainly helped me. My advice? Get it done ASAP; you'll be glad you did!

Speaking from experience, If you made your expectations clear to your surgeon prior to surgery and the result is significantly short of what was agreed upon, I would suggest seeking out a more qualified and experienced surgeon. Your result is HIGHLY dependent on the skill of your surgeon. I paid well over 10k for my revision procedure and I'm only in my twenties. The results have made my search and expenses to enlist the services of a highly capable surgeon well worth it. If it has only been 3 weeks since your rhinoplasty and you are this distressed about the results I would strongly suggest seeking out an abundantly qualified surgeon for what will hopefully be your second and last procedure. With that said there will be minor swelling that persists for many months after the procedure. However, if there is an obvious feature that still persists a month after surgery, no amount of time is going to significantly change it. The only way to remedy it is in the hands of a capable surgeon. Finally, you will know an abundantly skilled surgeon when you come across one. You will be impressed by the large number of positive and aesthetically pleasing photographs detailed on their website or in their office. You will also be impressed by the depth and breadth of their knowledge regarding revision and primary rhinoplasty. There are a few surgeons out their on the net that have extensive websites devoted to sharing their knowledge of the art of science of nose job surgery. There are a few surgeons like Dr.Rivkin that intimately detail the steps to achieve various goals in rhinoplasty, both by showing examples of how it was done wrong and how it was done right. If you come across a surgeon with this level of skill the chances for a good result, as long as you express your expectations clearly to them, are really quite high. Here is a link that might be useful: rhinoplasty

Wow! My sympathies to you. What a mess. Listen, you are taking on too much responsibility for your sister's behavior and her relationship with Mom. I don't think there is any "diplomatic way to discuss this" with her, because there isn't a thing you could say to her that she would hear. She has made up her mind to try to hide her mom and excuses her cruelty because it is Her Wedding -- believe me, you can't fight that kind of tsunami, and it isn't your responsibility to do it. She will ruin or strenghthen her family relationships as she will, and if you try to interfere, no matter how good your intentions, everyone will end up mad at YOU. It just always seems to happen. It's really hard to stay out of it, but it's worth it. Instead, I would focus on what you can do directly to help your MOM feel better. I know you will be busy, but maybe you can keep your eyes open for opportunities to drive her, spend time with her, keep her up to date on fun things about the wedding (if that would make her feel good, not bad), etc. I would definitely stay away from language like "zealot," "anorexic," "plastic surgery addict," etc. The last thing your family needs is more drama and bile. Good luck to all of you.