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Enhancing Beauty,

Maintaining

A
Symmetry and Balance ASK THE SK THE ALLERGISTALLERGISTALLERGISTALLERGIST

By Carlos Wolf, M.D.
F F
Featuring eaturing eaturing
Adriana Bonansea Francesdriana Bonansea Frances,
cientific studies have suggested symmetry and A
balance of the face play a vital role in our per- MD, PhD
ceptions of attractiveness, perhaps because it
suggests good health and strong, well-balanced
Sgenes. So, when aesthetic treatments or plastic “Symptoms of allergies and a cold can
surgery are overdone and throw off facial symmetry, the be very confusing, but seek the help of
result may be negative rather than positive. I often see
lips and cheeks that are over plumped and unnatural, and, an allergist for the appropriate diagnosis
therefore, unattractive. Remember, lips should not walk in and treatment.”
the door before the person does and friends should not
be unrecognizable. Maybe it’s time for a rebalancing act in
aesthetic medicine. IS IT A COLD
In my opinion, aesthetic and surgical treatments are OR AN ALLERGY?
about balancing and enhancing the natural features that
give each person individual beauty. If you seek aesthetic Who doesn’t get at least one cold in the winter? The CDC confirms that adults catch an
average of two to three colds per season, children many more and they may be seamlessly
treatments, the process should begin with an evaluation going from one cold to another making the diagnosis confusing. It is estimated that 50
by a highly experienced, board-certified physician. The million people in the US suffer from at least one type of allergy. The chances to encounter
consultation should include a discussion of your goals someone with cold-like symptoms are high this season, but cold and allergies are different
and various treatment options, including non-surgical and conditions, caused by different factors and as such must be tested, diagnosed and treated
surgical procedures. If possible, computer imaging can be by the right physician.
used to preview how the enhancements will look on your Similarities & Differences
face. Once treatments begin, I recommend taking it slow The duration of your symptoms is a good indicator if one is suffering from allergies rather
to achieve a natural look that pleases both you and your than a cold. If symptoms persist for 7 to 10 days the CDC considers it a cold, since allergies
are consistent, fluctuates with the seasons and are prompted by exposure to the allergen,
physician. Finally, take photos of yourself before beginning especially if they are environmental. The chart below can help you identify the differences
treatment, so you can refer to your starting point and between the 2 conditions.
ensure the procedures are enhancing your looks rather
than detracting from your natural beauty. SYMPTOMS ALLERGIES COLD
If you catch yourself saying about a friend, “I can’t
believe he/she looks that way,” then it’s time to take your Fever No Sometimes
friend aside and politely advise that he/she look at old Headache Common Sometimes
photos and get back on the road to rebalancing beauty Cough Sometimes Frequent
on the inside and out. I realize this may not be easy, but Sore Throat Uncommon Common
good friends don’t let friends look unattractive! Stuffy Nose Yes Yes

Sneezing Yes Yes
Frequency Recurrent, Seasonal 3 to 4 times a year
Dr. Carlos Wolf is a partner at Miami Plastic
Surgery and is board certified. For more Leading allergy & asthma practice
in South Florida established in 1974.
information, email cwolf@miamiplasticsur-
gery.com, call 305-595-2969, visit www. Board certified physicians with extensive
miamiplasticsurgery.com or follow Dr. Wolf experience treating children & adults.
Florida-Allergy.com | 1.877.4.ALLERGY 17 conveniently located offices in Miami Dade,
on Instagram @carloswolfmd.
(1.877.4.255.3749) Broward and Palm Beach Counties

To schedule an appointment call 1-877-4-ALLERGY or visit florida-allergy.com