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 June, 2012

Are You Guilty of These Bad Skin Habits?

Thursday, June 28th, 2012

Let’s face it, we’re all guilty of one bad habit or another — procrastinating, knuckle cracking, leaving dishes in the sink, etc. But, is that where it ends for you? Or – like most of us – are you also guilty of a few bad skin habits as well? Allure magazine recently featured an interesting article entitled, “17 Bad Skin Habits.” This must-read features the top “skin sins to leave behind.”

Borrowing from that list, here are a few habits you should start thinking about breaking today:

“Skipping broad-spectrum sunscreen.” A good sunscreen isn’t just your best defense against skin cancer, it can also be your best defense against premature aging. How? The sun’s harmful UV rays damage your skin’s elastin and collagen. And, what happens when these “springy” proteins are no more? Wrinkles!
“Overexfoliating.” While some exfoliation can do wonders for your skin, it’s possible to overdo it. This can lead to skin tightness, irritation and perhaps worst of all, premature aging.
“Drinking too much.” A drink here and there probably won’t hurt you, but overdoing it can take its toll on your skin. Why? As Allure reminds us, “Alcohol increases the level [of] inflammatory agents in the bloodstream.” What’s could that mean for you? Premature facial sagging.
“Skipping the gym.” Besides the obvious benefits of healthy exercise, it may also promote healthier-looking skin. “Along with lifting your mood,” explains Allure, “exercise increases blood flow to the skin, causing a healthy-looking flush.”

The Aftermath | Correcting the Damage

Clearly, our bad skin habits can affect not only our health, but how we look as well. If you’re already seeing some signs of damage, don’t panic. Cosmetic medicine offers a few solutions.

When it comes to wrinkles and sun damage, there are several treatments available. For creases such as crow’s feet and frown lines, many patients will choose BOTOX®. This minimally-invasive treatment works essentially as a muscle relaxer, preventing lines from forming. If sun damage is your main concern, Laser Skin Resurfacing can often be the answer. Besides sun damage, laser treatments can often reduce the appearance of lines, acne scars and skin blotchiness.

If skin sagging is your main concern, Facelift Surgery might be right for you. During a facelift procedure, we tighten underlying facial muscles and redrape the skin around the neck and face. For many patients, the procedure can take years off their appearance.

Plastic Surgeon NYC

To learn more about these or any of the skin treatments we offer, take a look around our website: Plastic Surgeon NYC.

When you’re ready to come in for a consultation, contact us at 845-623-6141. We look forward to meeting you.

3 Things Plastic Surgery Candidates Need to Do!

Monday, June 25th, 2012

Exploring plastic surgery can be one of the most exciting times in a person’s life. It can also be one of the most overwhelming. While your decision will ultimately be a personal one, there are certain steps you can take to have your questions answered and put your mind at ease. In the end, it’s all about becoming a more aware, informed patient.

Considering plastic surgery? Here are 3 things you need to be doing:

Do your research. An informed plastic surgery patient is a better plastic surgery patient. Read up on the procedure you’re interested in – the risks, the benefits and what you can realistically expect in terms of results. For instance, if you’re interested in Tummy Tuck Surgery, take a look at Tummy Tuck Before and After Photos. While they won’t be a guarantee of your results, it can give you a baseline of what to expect.
Examine your motives. Make sure you’re choosing plastic surgery for the right reasons. Make sure you’re choosing plastic surgery for you. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, surgical candidates should have, “A good self-image, but a concern about a bothersome feature or a moderately diminished self-image due to the cosmetic defect.” Moreover, the patient should have, “Realistic expectations of the effect surgery will have on quality of life/lifestyle/relationships.” Plastic surgery will not fix every problem in your life. It can, however, deeply change the way you feel about yourself.
Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon. When you are ready to speak with a doctor, make sure you’re consulting with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. What does board certified mean? It means that the doctor you’re dealing with has been officially recognized by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He or she has demonstrated experience and knowledge above and beyond regular medical training. (See our post on “White Coat Deception.”)

Plastic Surgery NY and NJ

Want to learn more about procedures like breast augmentation, liposuction and BOTOX®? Take a look around our website: Plastic Surgery NY. If you’re ready to take the next step, contact us today and schedule a consultation. We have offices in Montvale, NJ, Pearl River, NY and SOHO, NYC. Call us directly at 845-623-6141. We look forward to hearing from you.

BOTOX® Turns 10 | The Decade that Changed It All

Wednesday, June 20th, 2012

Years ago, when a patient wanted to treat facial wrinkles, their only real option was surgery. Then, in 2002, everything changed. When BOTOX® Cosmetic was first FDA approved, the concept of minimally-invasive procedures was little known. Today, it represents the number-one category in cosmetic treatment across the board. Why? Because it works. Instead of having to go under the knife, folks were now able to achieve dramatic age-defying results with less downtime and no need for general anesthesia. What started as a simple alternative to surgical wrinkle treatments has grown to become the most popular cosmetic procedure in the United States.

So, how many BOTOX procedures are performed each year? BOTOX falls under the category of “botulinum toxin type A” procedures. (Dysport® also falls in this category.) According to the most recent data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there were 5.6 million botulinum toxin type A procedures performed in 2011, alone. That represents a full 5% growth from the previous year. And, while procedures like facelift surgery continue to be highly effective and grow in popularity as well, procedures like BOTOX have well-established themselves as the industry leader in wrinkle treatment.

What’s number two? Soft tissue fillers. Read on to learn more.

BOTOX vs. Dermal Fillers

So, what’s the difference between BOTOX Injections and soft tissue fillers? BOTOX is essentially a muscle relaxer. This highly purified protein works to prevent dynamic creases from forming. These include frown lines, crow’s feet, etc.

Fillers – as the name suggests – work to “fill in” facial creases. Because of this, they are well-suited even for deeper, more persistent lines. Popular fillers include Restylane®, Perlane® and JUVÉDERM®.

Can’t decide between BOTOX and a filler? You don’t have to! Contact us today and schedule a consultation.

Schedule a Consultation

Want to learn more about BOTOX and the other minimally-invasive treatments we offer? Click here: Plastic Surgery NYC.

Ready to come in for a consultation? Contact us today! We have locations in Montvale, NJ, Pearl River, NY and SOHO, NYC. Call us at 845-623-6141. We look forward to hearing from you.

Too Much of a Good Thing | When Large Breasts Become a Problem

Monday, June 18th, 2012

When we hear someone say “breast surgery,” we’ll often assume they’re talking about Breast Augmentation. As the number-one surgical cosmetic procedure in the US, breast enhancement has helped millions of small-breasted women achieve a larger, fuller bust line. Countless other women, however, suffer from the opposite problem.

Breasts that are too large can cause a laundry list of health and emotional problems. Often, these will include:

Back pain
Improper posture
Breathing problems
Bone issues
Low self-esteem

And, while some might see large breasts as a blessing, for others it can become a nightmare. Thankfully, plastic surgery offers a solution: Breast Reduction Surgery. Not sure what it’s all about? Read on to learn more about the procedure.

Breast Reduction Procedure

Breasts that are too large can quickly turn from a small bother to a full-blown burden. Breast reduction surgery can often become the only good option. Here’s a brief introduction to the procedure:

A breast reduction is performed under general anesthesia and can generally take anywhere from two hours to four hours to perform. After incisions are made, fat and glandular tissue are removed from the breast The skin is also tightened to achieve smaller, lighter breasts that are in a healthier proportion to the rest of the body. When it comes to relieving symptoms, many patients find that a breast reduction can make all the difference in the world. Think this may be the right procedure for you? Schedule a consultation today.

Plastic Surgeon in NJ

To find out if breast reduction surgery is right for you, contact us today and schedule a consultation. We have locations in Montvale, NJ, Pearl River, NY and SOHO, NYC. Call us at 845-623-6141. We look forward to hearing from you.

What Are Your Eyes Saying About You?

Thursday, June 14th, 2012

When you look at someone’s face, what’s the first thing you notice? Their eyes. Often called “the window to the soul,” our eyes aren’t just a way for us to see – they’re an important part of what we tell the world. Eyes can communicate our mood, feelings and even our age! Take a moment to consider: What are your eyes telling the world? If you’re one of the countless Americans dealing with wrinkles and sagging skin, yours might be saying the wrong thing.

Time and time again, one of the most popular concerns I’ll hear during a plastic surgery consultation center around the eyes. Because they’re so prominent, small imperfections can become major red flags and make us look older than we really are. Worse yet, they can also make us feel older than we really are. Want to find out what other patients are saying?

Here is our list of the top cosmetic eye concerns and a few ways plastic surgery can help:

Crow’s Feet: There’s nothing that says premature aging quite like crow’s feet. Also known as “laugh lines,” these are the pesky little creases that radiate out from the corner of the eye. Thankfully, they’re often treatable. One of the most popular ways we treat eye wrinkles today is with BOTOX® Injections. As the number-one cosmetic treatment in the US, BOTOX is a highly purified protein that acts essentially as a muscle relaxer. While not a permanent fix, the results of BOTOX can often last up to several months.
Tired Looking Eyes: Sometimes our eyes will say we’re tired even when we don’t feel that way. Often, eyelid sagging can be the biggest culprit. For those looking to wake up and rejuvenate their eyes, blepharoplasty is often the procedure of choice. Also known as an Eyelid Lift, blepharoplasty removes excess fat, skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. The result is a fresher, more youthful appearance.
Hollows Under the Eyes: When we’re young, our skin is thick and full. As we age, however, facial skin can become thin and folks tend to lose volume in the face. When this happens, many patients suffer from a depressed groove under their lower eyelid, called “under-eye hollows.” As a telltale sign of aging, many patients find they can combat these with a dermal filler. Restylane® is one of the most popular. Unlike BOTOX, soft tissue fillers like Restylane add volume to the skin and can restore a more youthful face shape. They’re also one of the best ways to treat deep, persistent wrinkles.

Plastic Surgery Eye Procedures

To learn more about these or any of the procedures we offer, contact us today and schedule a consultation. Our offices are in Montvale, NJ, Pearl River, NY and SOHO, NYC. Call today at 845-623-6141. We look forward to meeting you.

Cosmetic Work: This Year’s Hot Father’s Day Gift?

Monday, June 11th, 2012

Think cosmetic work is just for women? Think again! Several websites are reporting today on an ever-growing Father’s Day trend: giving dad the gift of cosmetic treatment.

In the past, cosmetic treatment was typically associated with the fairer sex. Today, that’s simply not the case. Men’s attitudes toward cosmetic work have changed for all sorts of reasons, not the least of which is a desire to stay competitive in a difficult job market. And, with Dad’s day just around the corner, let’s take a look at a few of the top procedures among men.

Here is out list of the Top Cosmetic Procedures for Father’s Day:

Nose Reshaping: According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Nose Reshaping is the number-one male cosmetic surgery in the US. Also known as “rhinoplasty,” nose reshaping aims to correct a nose that appears too large, has a bump, seems too wide or appears crooked.
BOTOX® & Dysport®: When it comes to minimally-invasive wrinkle treatments for men, BOTOX and Dysport are the number-one category by far. Essentially muscle relaxers, these injections work to reduce the appearance of facial creases. Popular targets include frown lines, smile lines and crow’s feet.
Microdermabrasion: If your skin has seen better days, Microdermabrasion may be the answer for you. This treatment freshens the face using a stream of fine particles. As one of the most versatile treatments around, Microderm can often improve the appearance of sun damage, scarring, wrinkles and other unwanted skin problems.

Male Patients Require Special Care

As a male plastic surgeon, I understand full well that men are looking for something a little different when they come in for a plastic surgery consultation. Simply put, males have different medical needs and cosmetic goals than their female counterparts. Most often, the number-one concern is achieving a natural look. Thankfully, this can very often be achieved.

Using a more conservative treatment style, we can work to enhance your appearance and shave off a number of years without compromising your natural, masculine looks. We understand that male patients simply want to look better – to look as though they had no work done at all. So, if this sounds about right to you, take the first step – schedule a consultation today.

Plastic Surgery in New York and New Jersey

To find out what plastic surgery can do for you, we encourage you to contact us today. We have locations in Montvale, NJ, Pearl River, NY and SOHO, NYC. Call us at 845-623-6141. We look forward to working with you.

Mommy Makeovers Carry High Patient Satisfaction

Thursday, June 7th, 2012

When it comes down to brass tacks, the true success of a cosmetic procedure lies in patient satisfaction. That is, whether given the chance, the patient would do it all over again. RealSelf®, a plastic surgery community site, tracks patient satisfaction and assigns each procedure a “Worth It” rating out of 100 points. A collection of thousands of user votes, these ratings shed light on which procedures patients would recommend to their family and friends.

So how did Mommy Makeovers stack up? According to the most recent data, RealSelf is giving Mommy Makeovers a remarkable 98% Worth It rating. What is a Mommy Makeover? Read on for a brief introduction.

Mommy Makeover Breast and Body Procedures

Having a child can be one of the most rewarding times in a woman’s life. But, it can also change a woman’s body in several ways. Some of the most common ways include:

Stretched abdominal skin
Flabbiness in the midsection
Breast sagging
Breasts that appear too large

Thankfully, plastic surgery offers a solution: a Mommy Makeover. In short, a Mommy Makeover is a procedure or series of procedures that are performed in order to bring a woman closer to her pre-baby body.

Here are a few of the most popular Mommy Makeover procedures:

Breast Lift: Breasts can often sag and droop as a result of breastfeeding. A Breast Lift can often help. During the procedure, we trim excess skin and tighten supporting tissues. The goal is an uplifted, more youthful bustline.
Tummy Tuck: Pregnancy can leave abdominal skin stretched and loose. Tummy Tuck Surgery is often the best solution. By removing excess fat and skin and tightening the underlying muscles, we can often achieve a trimmer, more flattering waist and abdomen.
Liposuction: Liposuction is one of the best ways for treating stubborn, exercise-resistant fat. Using a special suction tool, we can permanently remove fat from the thighs, abdomen, love handles and more.

Mommy Makeover in New York and New Jersey

Think a Mommy Makeover might be right for you? Take the first step – schedule a consultation. We have offices in Montvale, NJ, Pearl River, NY and SOHO, NYC. Contact us today at 845-623-6141. We look forward to meeting you.

So how did Mommy Makeovers stack up? According to the most recent data, RealSelf is giving Mommy Makeovers a remarkable 98% Worth It rating. What is a mommy makeover? Read on for a brief introduction.

Mommy Makeover Breast and Body Procedures

Having a child can be one of the most rewarding times in a woman’s life. But, it can also change a woman’s body in several ways. Some of the most common ways include:

Þ Stretched abdominal skin

Þ Flabbiness in the midsection

Þ Breast sagging

Þ Breasts that appear too large

Here are a few of the most popular Mommy Makeover procedures:

Breast Lift: Breasts can often sag and droop as a result of breastfeeding. A breast lift can often help. During the procedure, we trim excess skin and tighten supporting tissues. The goal is an uplifted, more youthful bustline.

Tummy Tuck: Pregnancy can leave abdominal skin stretched and loose. Tummy Tuck Surgery is often the best solution. By removing excess fat and skin and tightening the underlying muscles, we can often achieve a trimmer, more flattering waist and abdomen.

Liposuction: Liposuction is one of the best ways for treating stubborn, exercise-resistant fat. Using a special suction tool, we can permanently remove fat from the thighs, abdomen, love handles and more.

Mommy Makeover in New York and New Jersey

Think a Mommy Makeover might be right for you? Take the first step – schedule a consultation today. We have offices in Montvale, NJ, Pearl River, NY and SOHO, NYC. Contact us today at 845-623-6141. We look forward to meeting you.

Body Image Affects Men and Women Alike

Wednesday, June 6th, 2012

Historically, the terms “plastic surgery” and “body image” have long been associated with women more so than men. But, one UK study is now confirming that males may be equally as affected by appearance as their female counterparts. British newspaper, The Guardian, reports on this, explaining that, “More than four in five men (80.7%) talk in ways that promote anxiety about their body image by referring to perceived flaws and imperfections.”

Looking at the ways people use negative “body talk,” researchers polled 394 men on their beliefs and attitudes toward their bodies. The Guardian also quotes the woman behind the study, Dr. Phillippa Diedrichs, who explains that, “These findings tell us that men are concerned about body image, just like women.” So, want to find out what men are doing about it? Read on.

Male Cosmetic Procedures

This new study brings to mind interesting recent data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). According to the ASPS, there were over 200,000 cosmetic surgical procedures performed on men in 2011, alone. That figure represents a full 13% of all procedures performed, up a full 1% percent from the 2010 number. Want to know what cosmetic surgeries men are opting for?

Here are the Top 3 Male Cosmetic Surgical Procedures, based on recent data from the ASPS:

Nose reshaping: Nose surgery, also known as “Rhinoplasty,” is one of the most effective and time-tested plastic surgery procedures around. This procedure aims to correct or enhance a nose that appears too large on the face, has a bump on the nasal bridge, seems too wide or appears crooked.
Eyelid surgery: An eyelid lift, also known as “Blepharoplasty” is a simple procedure with big results. The surgery combats the appearance of sagging, drooping eyelids by removing excess fat, skin and muscle from the eyelids.
Liposuction: For patients with stubborn or exercise-resistant fat, liposuction is often the best option. During the procedure, we permanently remove fat cells from the thighs, midsection and other sites, using a special suction tool.

Male Plastic Surgeon in New York and New Jersey

Our practice offers comprehensive plastic surgery care to men and women of all ages. Find out more about the procedure that seems right for you by contacting us today. We have locations in Montvale, NJ, Pearl River, NY and SOHO, NYC. Call today at 845-623-6141. We look forward to meeting you.

Top 5 “Baby Boomer” Skin Procedures

Friday, June 1st, 2012

Let’s face it – appearance affects us at every age. And, there’s no age group more aware of this than the “baby boomer” generation. From age spots to wrinkles, growing older takes a toll not only on how we look, but how we look at ourselves. Thankfully, modern cosmetic treatment offers a host of solutions.

So, just how many baby boomers are seeking cosmetic treatment? According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there were over 3.4 million cosmetic procedures performed on patients 55 and older last year. What procedures are other baby boomers choosing?

Here is our list of the Top 5 “Baby Boomer” Skin Procedures:

BOTOX®: BOTOX is the number-one cosmetic procedure among the baby-boomer generation. Essentially a muscle relaxer, BOTOX works to prevent facial creases, such as frown lines, smile lines, horizontal lines on the forehead and more. While not a permanent solution, the effects of BOTOX can often last up to several months.

Fillers: Soft tissue fillers like JUVÉDERM® work better for facial creases that are deep and always visible. By adding volume to the face, we can “fill in” facial wrinkles and restore a more youthful shape to the face. For patients looking for an alternative to lip implants, certain injectables can also be used for minimally-invasive lip enhancement.

Chemical Peels: As we age, our skin can become rough, uneven and sun damaged. Thankfully, a chemical peel can often be of help. These treatments work by removing the damaged outer layers of the skin, restoring a fresher, more youthful appearance. There are many different types of peels available and together, we can find the right one for you.

Microdermabrasion: If your skin has seen better days, Microdermabrasion might be right for you. Using a gentle stream of fine particles, we can exfoliate the skin and produce a more youthful appearance. Among those 55 and up, there were over 219,000 microdermabrasion procedures performed in 2011 alone.

Liposuction: When patients are faced with stubborn fat that hasn’t responded to exercise, liposuction can often be the answer. Using a suction tool, we can effectively and permanently remove fat from the thighs, midsection, love handles and more.

Plastic Surgery Consultation in New York

To find out more about these or any of the cosmetic treatments we offer, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We have locations in Montvale, NJ, Pearl River, NY and SOHO, NYC. Call us at 845-623-6141. We look forward to meeting you.