Dr. Michael A. Fiorillo, MD

 

 

Our top priorities are safety, honesty and patient satisfaction, which we can achieve through individualized care and the most advanced, minimally invasive procedures available.

Archive for February, 2012

Best Supporting Actress Reveals Plastic Surgery Plans

Monday, February 27th, 2012

If you watched last night’s Academy Awards, you know exactly who won for best supporting actress—Octavia Spencer, the actress behind the outspoken “Minny Jackson” character in 2011’s, The Help.  Known for her comedic timing, the Alabama native is making headlines today for something other than her acting—her plans to undergo cosmetic surgery.

In the week leading up to the Oscars, Spencer sat down with celebrity news magazine, Parade.  Among topics discussed was the actress’ plan to undergo plastic surgery.  When the magazine asked about giving herself a “splurge gift,” Spencer responded, “Well, I am going to get my boobs lifted. That’s going to be my first gift. I’m going to do that.”  Breast lifts are one of the most popular cosmetic breast surgeries in the US, second only to breast augmentation.  Spencer went on to say that she was planning to undergo the surgery in November.  Until then, she will be out of the country, shooting for a new Diablo Cody film.

Breast Surgeries On the Rise

Each year, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) releases statistics on cosmetic procedures performed in the US.  The 2011 data has just been published, and overall, Cosmetic Breast Surgery is on the rise.  Here are some of the cosmetic breast procedures women are turning to every day:

  • Breast lift: Breast Lift Surgery is performed to return a youthful shape and lift to breasts that have sagged as a result of weight loss, pregnancy or simply the effects of aging and gravity. The procedure can also reduce areola size, and it can be combined with breast reduction or augmentation for added firmness or volume.
  • Breast augmentation: For women with small or unevenly-sized breasts, Breast Augmentation Surgery is often an ideal solution.   Through the placement of breast implants, we can achieve a fuller, firmer, better-proportioned look. According to the most recent ASPS data, breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgery in the US, with over 300,000 procedures performed in 2011 alone.
  • Breast reduction: Large breasts can cause pain, improper posture and low self-esteem. Breast Reduction Surgery can often combat these issues.  Performed under general anesthesia, this procedure removes fat and glandular tissue and tightens skin to produce smaller, lighter breasts that are more in proportion to the rest of the body.

Schedule a Breast Surgery Consultation Today

To learn more about these or any of the other procedures offered at out Plastic Surgery Offices, contact us today and schedule a consultation.  We have locations in Montvale, NJ, Pearl River, NY and SOHO, NYC.  Book your appointment at 845-623-6141.

 

New Study: Facial Surgery Can Shave Off 6 to 8 Years

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012

We always knew that cosmetic surgery could make folks look younger, but just how many years younger?  We couldn’t say for sure–until now.  TIME Magazine is reporting on a recent study just published in the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery. “…Surgeons asked medical students to estimate the ages of patients in before-and-after pictures,” TIME reports “and the results suggest that facial surgery reduces a person’s outward age by about six to eight years, depending on the extent of the procedure.”

The study evaluated patients who had undergone facial plastic surgeries like facelifts and eyelid surgery.  “The more work a person had done, the younger they tended to look afterward,” explains the article. “People who had a face-lift and neck lift looked an average of 5.7 years younger post-surgery. Adding in eyelid work shaved off nearly two additional years…”  Although every patient’s results are different and an exact number of years can never be guaranteed, these new objective measures can certainly help patients set realistic plastic surgery goals.  Now read on to learn about a few of the facial procedures used in this study.

Facial Procedures for Turning Back the Clock

When it comes to shaving years off your appearance, one of the best ways is to enhance the part of you the whole world sees—your face.  Here are a few cosmetic facial surgeries that can achieve a fresher, more youthful appearance:

  • Facelift: Facelift Surgery is one of the most time-tested and effective ways of achieving a more youthful appearance.  During the procedure, we tighten the underlying muscles and redrape the skin around the neck and face.  A facelift is one the best ways to combat the appearance of facial sagging and a loss of muscle tone.
  • Necklift: The neck is often one of the first areas of the body affected by the signs of aging, resulting in wrinkled, hanging skin that can make you look much older than you feel. Necklift Surgery is a procedure that sculpts and smoothes the neck for a younger, natural-looking appearance
  • Eyelid lift: Eyelid Surgery, also known as Blepharoplasty, can rejuvenate puffy, sagging or tired-looking eyes by removing excess fat, skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. It may be performed for cosmetic reasons or to improve sight by lifting droopy eyelids out of the patient’s field of vision. The procedure is usually performed in an office with local anesthesia to keep you relaxed and comfortable.

Considering Plastic Surgery? Schedule a Consultation Today!

To learn more about Cosmetic Facial Surgery or any of the other services we offer, don’t hesitate to contact us today.  Our offices are located in Montvale, NJ, Pearl River, NY and SOHO, NYC.  Book your appointment at 845-623-6141.

 

Korea’s “Plastic Surgery Obsession” Makes News

Monday, February 20th, 2012

South Korea, a country known for its cutting-edge technology, competitive academics and pop music, is quickly becoming famous for something else—its growing “obsession” with plastic surgery.  Last week, Reuters reported on this craze, attributing it at least in part to a societal “fascination with the lives of the young, rich and famous.”  While traditional Korean culture resisted any sort of body modification in the past, today’s statistics place the country as the second highest in terms of plastic surgery per capita.  What’s frightening is not just the number of procedures performed, but the age groups being targeted.

According to Reuters, “Many high school girls choose to get surgery after sitting for their college entrance exams, and plastic surgery clinics launch aggressive advertising campaigns to attract more people, including ‘mother and daughter’ surgery packages.”  In a society that values youth and beauty, more teens and 20-somethings seem to be going under the knife too soon.  But, we’re not just talking Nose Surgery and Breast Augmentation. “The most popular procedure is believed to be double eyelid surgery to make eyes look bigger and rounder,” reports Reuters, “but an operation to produce a ‘small face,’ including liposuction and reconfiguring the jawbone, is the current fad.”  In today’s world of instant gratification, quick fixes and surgery obsession, perhaps we should each ask ourselves this:  How much is too much?  How young is too young?

A Healthy Attitude Toward Plastic Surgery

The recent plastic surgery craze in South Korea starts an interesting discussion on who exactly makes a good candidate for plastic surgery.  The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) certainly has something to say about the matter.  Among their list of criteria, the ASPS explains that a plastic surgery candidate should have “a good self-image, but a concern about a bothersome feature or a moderately diminished self-image due to the cosmetic defect.”  This is in keeping with what any plastic surgeon worth his salt will tell you—keep your goals specific and realistic!

Find Out if Plastic Surgery is Right for You

While there will always be those who go to the extreme, for many patients, Plastic Surgery can be a small procedure with life-changing results.  Think you’re a candidate?  Contact us and schedule a consultation.  Our offices are located in Montvale, NJ, Pearl River, NY and SOHO, NYC.  Book your appointment at 845-623-6141.  We look forward to working with you.

 

What Hydradermabrasion Can Do for You

Thursday, February 16th, 2012

Now, we all know about microdermabrasion, but have you ever heard of hydradermabrasion?  Hydradermabrasion is a relatively new technique, made possible with a cutting-edge procedure called HydraFacial™.  You can think of a HydraFacial as a moisture-rich version of microdermabrasion.  Instead of using small rough particles, HydraFacial drenches the skin in hydrating serums.  So, what about exfoliation?  The HydraFacial uses a special spiral-shaped tip that cleanses and exfoliates the skin with each pass.  This procedure allows us to address several cosmetic issues including acne, fine lines, uneven skin tone and much more.

HydraFacial is not a one-size-fits-all type of procedure, however.  Using the different serums available to us, we can customize treatment based on your medical needs and cosmetic concerns.  The serums range from a peptide complex called DermaBuilder™ to an antioxidant-rich solution called Antiox-6™.  Really, the options are endless.  Interested?  Read on to find out where you can find HydraFacial treatment.

HydraFacial™ Now Offered at Luminique

More and more, patients are turning to minimally-invasive treatment over that of surgery.  Our Medispa Facilities offer these less-invasive procedures alongside the traditional, relaxing spa services we all love.  Our newest Medispa, Luminique, represents a sort of haven amidst the hustle and bustle of trendy SoHo, NYC.  What’s more exciting is that we now offer the HydraFacial as well!

Of course, our Medispa services don’t end there.  We continue to offer injectables like BOTOX® and fillers.  And, what would any spa be without peels, wraps and upon request, massage therapy?  But, there’s only one way to find out what we can do for you—schedule an appointment!

Schedule a Medispa Appointment Today

To learn more about HydraFacial or any of the other services we offer at SoHo Medispa, contact us today.  We also have locations in Montvale, NJ and Pearl River, NY.  Schedule your appointment at 845-623-6141.  We look forward to working with you.

 

Top 5 Minimally-Invasive Cosmetic Procedures

Monday, February 13th, 2012

Along with their data on the top surgical procedures in the US, the American Society for Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) released its report on the top 5 minimally-invasive procedures in 2011.  With over 12 million minimally-invasive procedures performed in 2011, here are the most popular procedures based on this year’s ASPS data.

Top 5 Minimally-Invasive Cosmetic Procedures:

  1. Botulinum toxin type A: Botulinum toxin type A is a category of injectables that includes BOTOX® and Dysport®.  In essence, BOTOX is a muscle relaxer that prevents facial creases such as “frown lines.”
  2. Soft tissue fillers: The category of dermal fillers includes JUVÉDERM® and Restylane®.  These treatments aim to combat deep wrinkles by filling in the “valleys” of creases.
  3. Chemical peel: 1,110,464 Chemical Peel procedures were performed in 2011.  This treatment works by removing the damaged outer layers of the skin to achieve a fresher, more youthful appearance.
  4. Laser hair removal: Laser Hair Removal aims to produce permanent hair reduction.  This is often accomplished through a series of in-office laser treatments.
  5. Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion—or, Microderm—is a procedure used to smooth the texture of the skin, soften fine lines and more.  During treatment, a gentle stream of fine particles is used to exfoliate the outer layer of skin.

The Growing Demand for Less-Invasive Treatment

In today’s world of cosmetic treatment, minimally-invasive procedures are on the rise.  According to the most recent ASPS data, between 2010 and 2011, minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures saw a full 6% jump in popularity in one year alone.  So, why are more patients seeking out non-surgical options?  The answer is simple.  First and foremost, patients are looking for less downtime and a more natural look.  Instead of going under for lengthy surgical procedures, countless patients are choosing this relatively new category of natural “quicker fix” treatments.  What we’re seeing is a lot of injectables such as BOTOX as well as many patients choosing Laser Treatments.

Schedule Your Cosmetic Consultation Today

If you’re considering a cosmetic procedure, contact us today for more information.  We can work together to find the best course of treatment for you.  We have offices in Montvale, NJ, Pearl River, NY and SOHO, NYC.  Schedule your consultation at 845-623-6141.  We look forward to working with you.

 

The Results Are In! Plastic Surgery Still on the Rise

Thursday, February 9th, 2012

Last month, we reported on the increased number of  plastic surgery procedures in the UK, and at the time, could only speculate as to whether or not the US numbers would follow.  Well, the results are in!  The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has just released its 2011 data for cosmetic procedures performed in the United States, and you may be surprised.  Surgical cosmetic procedures (e.g., Breast Lift) saw a full 2% increase in one year alone, and minimally-invasive procedures (e.g., BOTOX® and chemical peels) overall saw a whopping 6% increase.  Incredibly, there were 13,828,726 cosmetic procedures performed in 2011 alone.

So, just how many more procedures were performed?  When it comes to surgical procedures, 307,180 breast augmentations were performed, a number 4% higher than that of 2010.  Looking at surgical Lip Augmentation, the ASPS reports that 25,477 procedures were performed, 49% higher than in 2010.  Of course, not every procedure grew in number.  For example, nose reshaping saw a 3% dip between 2010 and 2011.  All in all, though, it’s clear that plastic surgery is on the rise. So, how about less-invasive procedures like injectables?  Read on!

Injectable Treatments More Popular

The world of cosmetic treatment is ever-changing.  More and more, patients are seeking out less-invasive procedures to address their cosmetic concerns.  Injectable treatments are no exception.  Here are two of the most common categories of injectables today:

Today’s Injectable Treatments:

BOTOX® & Dysport®: Still the number one cosmetic procedure in the US, Botulinum Toxin Type A (i.e., BOTOX and Dysport) saw a 5% increase in 2011.  In essence, BOTOX is a muscle relaxer that works to prevent facial creases such as “frown lines.”

Fillers: In 2011, there were 1,891,158 soft tissue filler procedures performed.  This number includes
Restylane® Injections
, JUVÉDERM® Injections and a host of other fillers.  Fillers like JUVÉDERM can work to fill in the spaces or “valleys” of creases and can restore a face’s more youthful shape.

Which Cosmetic Procedure is Right for You?

To learn more about your cosmetic treatment options, contact us today.  Our offices are located in Montvale, NJ, Pearl River, NY and SOHO, NYC.  Schedule your consultation at 845-623-6141.  Let us help you achieve your cosmetic potential!

 

Joan Rivers Brings to Light Her Plastic Surgery Past

Monday, February 6th, 2012

If there was ever a poster child for plastic surgery, it’s been Joan Rivers.  Never shy about her relationship with cosmetic treatment, the Brooklyn native has spoken in the past of having work done.  Of course, the exact number of times Rivers has gone under the knife has only been speculation—until now.  According to a report from TVNZ, the comedienne is speaking out on just how many cosmetic procedures she’s had over the years.  The number may surprise you.

According to TVNZ, “The 78-year-old TV personality revealed she has gone under the knife more than 700 times…”  Beyond coming clean about the number, Rivers went on to joke about her plastic surgery past.  “Speaking on TV talk show Anderson, she said: ‘Every weekend I just go in and I do something new. I get a 10th one free. It’s a little like coffee you just keep going,’” says the article.  While Rivers seems to be making light of her situation, countless others are asking themselves if this amount of work is appropriate or healthy.  And, while this number likely includes regular, minor treatments such as injections, the question remains: Is Joan Rivers surgery-obsessed?

Setting Realistic Plastic Surgery Goals

Rivers’ recent admission starts an interesting conversation about healthy attitudes and expectations about plastic surgery.  The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) lists some key factors that help determine good candidates for cosmetic surgery.  First and foremost, a good surgical candidate has “realistic expectations of the surgery itself,” says the ASPS.  Unrealistic goals are a surefire way to ensure dissatisfaction and remorse.

Further, a patient should have a “good self-image, but a concern about a bothersome feature or a moderately diminished self-image due to the cosmetic defect.”  Plastic surgery is not a panacea, and should not be treated as such.  While there are other factors that determine plastic surgery candidacy, these are two concepts that every patient should know and understand.

Achieving Your Potential

Let us help you set realistic cosmetic goals; let us help you achieve your potential.  Our Plastic Surgery Clinic offers a host of procedures, including Breast Lift Surgery, Rhinoplasty and BOTOX®Contact us today and schedule your consultation.  We have locations in Montvale, NJ, Pearl River, NY and SOHO, NYC.  Call our offices at 845-623-6141.  We look forward to working with you.

 

Marie Claire on ‘The Dangers of Medical Tourism’

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

Buying into the promise of a luxury vacation mixed with cosmetic surgery, a frightening number of individuals are traveling outside the US as “medical tourists.”  While there are reputable doctors throughout the world, some plastic surgery patients are reporting horror stories from abroad.  “Nip-tuck holidays” are all the rage, but what’s the reality?” asks Marie Claire AU.  “Will you return with the body you’ve always dreamt of – or the scars from botched surgery and a superbug?”  Of course, it’s not surprising that a lot of patients are seduced into going abroad.  Less-than-scrupulous practitioners seem to be making big promises at suspiciously low prices.

Marie Claire AU profiled one patient who fell victim to just that.  According to the article, the patient—who is referred to as “Tyra”—went to Thailand for a host of plastic surgery treatments, including Breast Augmentation and a Tummy Tuck.  (Had she gotten the same treatment at home, it would have cost her more than three times as much, but this trip seemed to have cost her something much greater.)  “The surgeon botched every single procedure; where her tummy should be flat, there’s now a huge bulge caused by damaged muscles; where she just wanted a few centimetres trimmed off her thighs, the skin is now uneven and lumpy,” says the article.  While this only speaks of one patient’s account, it highlights the importance of ensuring quality care before going under the knife.

Ensuring Quality Care

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) also has something to say on the subject.  The society lists a few questions you should ask before having surgery abroad.  Topping the list are, “Is the physician qualified?” and, “Are the medical facility and equipment safe?”  The best way to ensure proper care is to be certain that your practitioner is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.  But, as the ASPS points out, “…though there are many skilled and qualified physicians practicing all over [the] world, it is often difficult for patients to assess the training and credentials of surgeons outside of the United States, which leads to an increase in complications.”

There is No Substitute for a Certified, Experienced Surgeon

To learn about the cosmetic services offered at our New York and New Jersey Plastic Surgery Offices, contact us today.  Schedule your consultation at 845-623-6141.  We have locations in Montvale, NJ, Pearl River, NY and SOHO, NYC.  We look forward to working with you.