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 July, 2012

Do “Liquid Facelifts” Really Work?

Friday, July 27th, 2012

Liquid facelifts – it’s the newest buzzword in the world of plastic surgery.  The subject of countless magazine articles and websites, what’s the real story behind this new procedure?

It’s important to first point out that a “liquid facelift” isn’t really a facelift at all – at least not in the traditional sense.  Unlike its surgical counterpart, a liquid facelift requires no cutting and is considered minimally invasive.  It relies on a combination of BOTOX® and fillers to smooth out lines, add volume to the face and achieve a fresher, more youthful appearance.

Popular “liquid facelift” injections include:

  • BOTOX®: Essentially a muscle relaxer, BOTOX is particularly well-suited for creases such as crow’s feet and horizontal lines across the forehead.
  • Restylane®: A popular hyaluronic acid filler, Restylane works to fill in deep creases, add volume to the face and achieve a more youthful face shape.
  • Juvéderm®: The first FDA-approved dermal filler proven safe and effective for persons of color, Juvéderm works to smooth wrinkles and add volume to the skin of the face.

Of course, it’s important to understand that injectables have their limitations.  The only way to achieve dramatic facelift results is with an actual facelift procedure.  Read on to learn more.

Facelift in NY

As we age, the effects of time, gravity, sun exposure and stress inevitably take their toll on our faces, producing wrinkles, folds, fat deposits and loose skin. Facelift surgery aims to correct this.

Typically performed under local anesthesia combined with a sedative, a facelift is one of the most effective ways to rejuvenate the face and “shed a few years.”  During the procedure, underlying facial muscles are tightened and the skin is redraped around the neck and face.  Aimed at achieving a fresher, more youthful appearance, a facelift can mean all the difference when it comes to delaying the signs of aging.

Plastic Surgery NY

To learn more about these or any of the procedures we offer, take a look around our site at Plastic Surgery NY.

If you’re ready to come in for a consultation, contact us today and find out what plastic surgery can do for you.  We have locations in Montvale, NJ, Pearl River, NY and SOHO, NYC.  Call our offices directly at 845-623-6141.  We look forward to meeting you soon.

 

Laser Skin Resurfacing | A Fresh New Face to Cosmetic Treatment

Tuesday, July 24th, 2012

As a plastic surgeon, one of the most popular questions I’ll hear from patients is, “What can laser skin resurfacing do for me?” Very often, the answer is, “It can do a whole lot!”

Laser skin resurfacing is certainly one of the most versatile procedures around, but did you know that it’s also one of the most popular? In fact, according to recent data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there were 466,238 laser skin resurfacing procedures performed in 2011, alone. Compared with the 2010 figure, that represents a remarkable 9% growth in just one year’s time.

So, what can the procedure do for you? Over time, our skin changes in ways we don’t always ask for. This can include facial sagging, wrinkles, sun damage and more. Laser skin resurfacing aims to combat these changes using special light energy. One of the most popular minimally-invasive procedures around, laser skin resurfacing works to remove the damaged outer layers of the skin. The result is a fresher, smoother, more youthful appearance.

While this procedure is most commonly performed to treat the effects of aging, it can be performed on patients of any age who are looking to restore their skin to a smooth, clear complexion free of blemishes and other imperfections. But, that’s not all! Read on to learn a few ways we use lasers to treat unwanted hair.

Laser Hair Removal

Unwanted body hair is one of the most common complaints among patients today. Not only do many find it unattractive, but unwanted hair on the face, underarms and legs can hurt a person’s confidence and self esteem. Thankfully, there’s a solution: laser hair removal.

A minimally-invasive procedure, laser hair removal is a popular alternative to waxing, electrolysis and messy depilatories. During this procedure, laser energy is absorbed by dark pigments in the hair follicles beneath the skin’s surface. This is converted to heat which destroys the follicles and prevents hair growth for up to two years. The treatment leaves the surrounding skin unharmed and can be used on nearly any part of the body.

Laser Treatments in New York and New Jersey

Want to learn more about laser treatments 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.

 

Anxiety: What It Might Mean For Your Appearance

Friday, July 20th, 2012

Anxiety – it’s one of the most common afflictions around.  And, while we all know it’s not something that’s good for our health or quality of life, have you ever wondered if anxiety could actually take a toll on your appearance?  Is it possible that excessive fear and worry really make you look older?  That’s exactly what some researchers may have discovered.

It seems it all may come down to something called telomeres.  These are a region of DNA at the end of each one of our chromosomes.  And, researchers at Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital recently conducted a study on the connection between anxiety and the length of our body’s telomeres.  What did they find?  According to a recent hospital press release, this recent study “shows that a common form of anxiety, known as phobic anxiety, was associated with shorter telomeres in middle-aged and older women. The study suggests that phobic anxiety is a possible risk factor for accelerated aging.”

Of course, beyond the obvious internal effects of aging, it’s important not to ignore the external effects as well.  Here, we are talking about the telltale signs of premature aging – wrinkles, loss of facial tone, skin discoloration. Want to find out what plastic surgery can do?

Here are a few ways plastic surgery works to “turn back the clock”:

  • Facelift Surgery: As one of the most effective and time-tested procedures around, facelift surgery is often able to shed years off a person’s appearance.  Facelift Surgery works by tightening underlying muscles and redraping the skin around the neck and face.
  • BOTOX® and Fillers: BOTOX® and dermal fillers represent the largest category of cosmetic treatments in the US.  BOTOX — which is essentially a muscle relaxer, works to prevent facial creases such as smile lines and lines across the forehead.  Fillers like JUVÉDERM® differ in that they “fill in” the valleys of creases and add youthful volume to the face.
  • Blepharoplasty: Blepharoplasty – also known as an eyelid lift – is a procedure aimed at correcting the appearance of drooping, tired-looking eyes.  During the procedure, excess fat, skin and muscle is removed from the upper and lower eyelids.  The result is a fresher, more youthful appearance.

Plastic Surgery NY

To learn more about these or any of the procedures we offer, take a look around our site at Plastic Surgery NY.

If you’re ready to come in for a consultation, contact us today and find out what plastic surgery can do for you.  We have locations in Montvale, NJ, Pearl River, NY and SOHO, NYC.  Call our offices directly at 845-623-6141.  We look forward to meeting you soon.

 

Top 5 Plastic Surgery Myths Revealed

Tuesday, July 17th, 2012

In today’s world, plastic surgery has become a hot-button topic, the subject of countless movies and television shows.  From prime-time specials to best-selling novels, cosmetic surgery is something people are talking about, reading about and interested in.  But, like anything else, Hollywood doesn’t always paint the most accurate picture.

As plastic surgeons, we know that the best plastic surgery patient is a well-informed plastic surgery patient.  As such, we thought we would take a moment to address some of the most popular plastic surgery misconceptions today.

Want to find out what plastic surgery is really about?  Here is our list of the top 5 plastic surgery myths around:

  1. Plastic surgery isn’t “real” surgery. The fact is, any surgical procedure carries risk.  Whether you’re having a facelift or a breast augmentation procedure, it’s important to understand that these are real surgical procedures, and you have to be aware of all the potential complications.
  2. All plastic surgeons are board certified. In today’s world, almost any physician can call him or herself a “cosmetic surgeon.”  But, for someone to call themselves a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, he or she must be officially recognized by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This means that these doctors stand out because they have demonstrated knowledge and experience above and beyond regular medical school.
  3. Plastic surgery is only for women. While it may have seemed that way in the past, it certainly isn’t today.  According to recent data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, males are now responsible for 13% of all cosmetic surgical procedures in the US.
  4. Plastic surgery is only for the rich and famous. In reality, plastic surgery is for anyone dealing with a bothersome physical feature that interrupts their quality of life.  This includes those dealing with the signs of aging, birth defects and those requiring reconstructive surgical procedures following illness.
  5. BOTOX® and fillers only last a few weeks. While injectables like BOTOX and soft tissue fillers are not permanent solutions, their results can often be seen for up to several months.

Plastic Surgery NYC

To learn more about these or any of the procedures we offer, take a look around our site at Plastic Surgery NY.

If you’re ready to come in for a consultation, contact us today and find out what plastic surgery can do for you.  We have locations in Montvale, NJ, Pearl River, NY and SOHO, NYC.  Call our offices directly at 845-623-6141.  We look forward to meeting you soon.

 

Today’s Top 3 “Quicker Fix” Cosmetic Procedures

Friday, July 13th, 2012

Let’s face it – no one likes waiting for something they truly want.  In the past, however, cosmetic patients didn’t have much of a choice.  Before the advent of minimally-invasive procedures, patients looking to shave off some years really only had one option: surgery.  And today, while surgical procedures continue to see growth, minimally-invasive procedures are becoming the go-to route for today’s patient.  Why?

There’s no such thing as a quick fix when it comes to aesthetic medicine.  What we do have now are a host of “quicker fix” solutions.  These are minimally-invasive treatments that don’t require long surgeries, general anesthesia or lengthy recoveries.  Want to know which “lunch break” cosmetic procedures other women are choosing?

Here is our list of the Top 3 “Quicker Fix” Cosmetic Procedures:

  • BOTOX®: BOTOX and Dysport® lead the pack when it comes to cosmetic injectables.  Essentially muscle relaxers, BOTOX works to significantly reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles like crow’s feet and smile lines.  Though not a permanent solution, the effects of BOTOX can often last up to several months.
  • HydraFacial™: Our new MedSpa, Luminique, now offers the cutting-edge HydraFacial.  Think of this “hydradermabrasion” procedure as a moisture-rich version of microderm. But, instead of using small rough particles, HydraFacial drenches the skin in hydrating serums. It’s a simple procedure with big results!
  • Fillers: Soft tissue fillers are the second most popular minimally-invasive treatment in the US – right after BOTOX.  These injectables work to add volume to the skin, achieve a more youthful face shape and fill in the valleys of deep, persistent wrinkles.  Some of today’s top fillers include JUVÉDERM®, Restylane® and Perlane®.

Plastic Surgery Consultation NYC

‘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.

 

Find Out the Newest Plastic Surgery Trend for Men

Tuesday, July 10th, 2012

We’ve all heard of a Mommy Makeover before.  This is the series of procedures new mothers will choose to help restore their pre-baby body.  But, have you ever heard of a Daddy Do-Over?  The newest trend in the world of plastic surgery, Daddy Do-Overs are a series of cosmetic procedures that bring men closer to the body they had before family life.  As most people know, as men age, the metabolism slows and guys will often notice flabbiness around the midsection and chest.  That, added with the busy schedule of having a family, means there are a lot of dads out there who are unhappy with their physique.

While diet and exercise may be enough for some, others are left with stubborn areas of fat and flabbiness that don’t seem to go away.  Want to find out what other men are doing about it?

Here are two of the most popular Daddy Do-Over procedures today:

  • Abdominoplasty: Also known as a “tummy tuck,” abdominoplasty surgery works to flatten and shape the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin and tightening muscles.  A similar procedure, a partial abdominoplasty, requires a shorter incision, and skin is only lifted to the navel. While once only popular among women, there were nearly 5,000 Male Tummy Tuck procedures performed in 2011, alone, says recent data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
  • Liposuction: Male liposuction helps to remove stubborn areas of fat that keep men from achieving the youthful, toned look they desire. The procedure uses a small tube to suction fat, leaving patients with a slimmer, more sculpted appearance.  Popular liposuction areas for men include the midsection, chest and hips.  While not intended for weight loss, liposuction can often help bring a man closer to the body he had before family life.

Many men are also exploring less-invasive cosmetic procedures.  These quicker-fix solutions can be a great way to freshen up without extensive downtime and a lengthy recovery.  Popular minimally-invasive procedures include BOTOX®, soft tissue fillers and laser skin resurfacing.

Plastic Surgery NY

To learn more about these or any of the procedures we offer, take a look around our site at Plastic Surgery NY.

If you’re ready to come in for a consultation, contact us today and find out what plastic surgery can do for you.  We have locations in Montvale, NJ, Pearl River, NY and SOHO, NYC.  Call our offices directly at 845-623-6141.  We look forward to meeting you soon.

 

Breast Augmentation Improves Quality of Life, Says New Study

Friday, July 6th, 2012

We’ve long known that breast augmentation surgery can enhance a woman’s appearance and self-esteem.  But, can it actually improve someone’s quality of life.  Yes, says a new study published in the July issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).  In a recent press release, the Society explains that “Women undergoing breast augmentation surgery report substantial improvement in several key areas of quality of life…”

Researchers developed a questionnaire that measured six areas of quality of life: “satisfaction with breasts and with overall outcome, psychosocial, sexual, and physical well-being, and satisfaction with care.”  Amongst the 41 women who completed the questionnaire, researchers found significant improvement in three important areas.  These were satisfaction with breasts, psychosocial well-being and sexual well-being.  As the number-one cosmetic surgery in the US, it’s encouraging to know that breast augmentation can have such profound and far-reaching benefits to women.

Want to find out what breast augmentation is all about?  Read on.

Breast Augmentation NY

Women choose breast augmentation for all sorts of reasons – to compensate for small breasts, to balance a disproportionate chest or to correct the appearance of a congenital defect.  No matter what your motivation, the procedure is essentially the same.

During the surgery, a saline or silicone implant is placed behind breast tissue or the chest wall muscle.  Performed under general anesthesia, the procedure can significantly increase a woman’s breast size, fullness and proportion.  As the number-one cosmetic surgery in the US, according to the ASPS, there were over 307,000 breast augmentation procedures performed in 2011, alone.

Breast Augmentation Consultation

To learn more about breast augmentation and what it could do for you, take a look at our website: Breast Augmentation NY.

If you’re ready to speak with a board certified plastic surgeon, contact us today and schedule a consultation.  We have locations in Montvale, NJ, Pearl River, NY and SOHO, NYC.  Call our offices at 845-623-6141.  We look forward to meeting you soon.

 

Getting Over the Hump: Scheduling Your Plastic Surgery Consultation

Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012

It is often said that “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”  So, when a patient is looking to explore plastic surgery for the first time, what might that step be?  The answer is simple: schedule a plastic surgery consultation.  A consultation is a time for you to meet with a doctor, find out if plastic surgery is for you and most importantly, a time to have your questions answered.

Far too many patients, however, put off scheduling their consultation because they aren’t sure if they’ll ask the right questions.  Ready to get over the hump?

Here are 5 Questions Every Patient Needs to Ask Their Surgeon:

  1. Which procedure is right for me? You don’t need to have a single, specific procedure in mind before your plastic surgery consultation.  All you need to know is what bothers you about your appearance.  Whether it’s forehead wrinkles, sagging breasts or a droopy neck, you and your surgeon will work together to come up with the treatment plan that’s right for you.
  2. What kind of results can I realistically expect? Which patients have the highest satisfaction after a plastic surgery procedure?  The ones who had realistic and specific expectations!  A good plastic surgeon will use your consultation to help you set reasonable goals, ensuring you won’t be disappointed afterward.
  3. Are you board certified? This is perhaps the most important question of them all.  For a doctor to call himself a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, he must be officially recognized by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  This means that he has demonstrated knowledge and experience above and beyond regular medical school.  So, in short, always ask for credentials – it’s your right.
  4. Are there risks associated with this procedure? Every plastic surgery procedures carries some risk.  While most patients walk away complication-free, part of being an “informed patient” is knowing the possible risks.
  5. Do you have any before & after photos I can look at? Plastic surgery before and after photos are a great way to see your doctor’s previous work.  While it won’t be a guarantee of your own results, it can give you a good idea of what to expect.

Start Your Plastic Surgery Journey Today

To find out more about what plastic surgery can do for you, take a look around our website:  Plastic Surgery NYC.

If you’re ready to start your plastic surgery journey, 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 meeting you.