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.
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?
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!
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.
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?
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012
British newspaper, The Daily Mail, is reporting on the shocking gift one UK mother gave her 7 year-old daughter this Christmas: a £7,000 voucher for liposuction. (£7,000 equals approximately $11,000.) The article describes the mother, Sarah Burge, as “surgery-obsessed,” and it’s not the first time she gave her daughter a gift like this. For her sixth birthday, Burge’s daughter supposedly received a £6,000 voucher for breast enlargement. In reference to this year’s Christmas gift, the paper quotes Burge as saying, “She asks for surgery all the time. She wants to look good and lipo is one of those procedures that will always come in handy…” Although the 7 year-old can’t redeem these vouchers until she’s old enough, some of us think it’s delivering the wrong message.
Burge, who is known as the “Human Barbie,” is no stranger to plastic surgery herself. The 51 year-old is infamous in the UK for supposedly spending over £500,000 (~$782,000) on her own cosmetic surgeries. A woman who seems to like the spotlight, Burge’s website even boasts a “Press & Controversy” section. Even if this is just a publicity stunt, this is one Christmas gift that is anything but appropriate.
Every cosmetic surgery is different and has age guidelines, and when a young person seeks out cosmetic treatment, there are always special considerations. With a procedure such as Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery), the best candidates are those whose facial growth is complete. When it comes to Breast Augmentation, saline implants are only approved for women 18 and over.
Also, there’s the issue of patient maturity. Young patients need to know that plastic surgery is real surgery, and they shouldn’t go under the knife for anyone but themselves.
To have your questions answered and to find out if cosmetic surgery is right for you, contact us and schedule a consultation. We have Cosmetic Surgery offices in Pearl River, NY and Montvale, NJ, and you can reach us at 845-623-6141. Call today.
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011
Unfortunately, image driven obsessions often lead in a downward spiral of self doubt and poor body image. Brazilian beauty Sheila Hershey, who is married with children, is a prime example of undergoing plastic surgery for the wrong reasons. Sheila developed an infection from her surgery that required her to remove her large implants. After the downsize, Sheila could not accept the way her body naturally was, and became severely depressed that she could not hold a world title of World’s Largest Fake Breasts. After a second suicide attempt due to severe depression, Hershey is now in a coma.
It is important to discuss all medical health questions and concerns before plastic surgery. Normally any variation of surgery has results that are usually permanent, and require a great deal of thought and research. Fortunately, plastic surgeons are well equipped with knowledge, experience and information that is available to the patient. Aesthetic surgeries are normally openly discussed and well planned with before and after care. Sheila Hershey’s surgery was refused under US regulations that her implants would be too large. Instead, Hershey underwent this major surgery in her hometown of Brazil.
Sheila Hershey suffers from depression and an extremely low self esteem. She was already involved in therapy when she took a lethal dose of prescription drugs for the second time. Therefore, Hershey’s suicidal behavior is not a direct result of her plastic surgery. Unfortunately, Hersey does not have the coping skills to deal with her disease, and requires a great deal of help from a professional.
It is not in a client’s best interest to undergo any form of physical alteration if he or she is not mentally prepared for its repercussions. For example, Hershey believed she could not be an exceptional role model to her daughter without her large breast implants. Clearly there is an underlying issue that Hershey has that has nothing to do with plastic surgery. She suffers from a body image obsession that is delusional and unhealthy.
Alteration of one’s body by plastic surgery requires the patient to be of sound mind to successfully benefit from the surgery. It is wise to speak with your doctor and family about the reasons that you want to have plastic surgery in the first place.
Speak to your surgeon about the before and after effects of your specific alteration, and what the dangers and risks are that you will be susceptible to. We’re happy to bring you in for a consultation to discuss any questions or concerns you may have while determining if you’re ready for plastic surgery.
Thursday, October 14th, 2010
Dr. Fiorillo is featured in Star Magazine’s October 25th issue. He comments on MTV’s Farrah from Teen Mom’s recent breat surgery. Dr. Fiorillo is quoted saying, “She most likely had silicone implants as they are very natural looking.” Dr. Fiorillo goes on to say that he thinks her new breast size is perfect and fits her body well.
Friday, September 24th, 2010
Recently Dr. Fiorillo was featured in an article that discussed obsession with plastic surgery. There has been a lot of speculation by the media that celebrities are becoming addicted to cosmetic enhancements. True plastic surgery addiction is a serious issue as it has ties to body dysmorphic disorder. Just because someone has had multiple plastic surgery procedures, doesn’t mean that they fall into this category.
True plastic surgery addiction can be detected based on the following symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder. The most common relate to these compulsive behaviors:
1. Constant preoccupation with appearance – individuals with body dysmorphic disorders try to get a glimpse of themselves in any reflective surface they pass. Or, they may have behaviors that are at the other extreme and avoid looking at themselves.
2. Desire to compare appearance to others - those with BDD regularly compare their physical appearance and specific attributes to others.
3. Obsessively learning about the flaw – people with BDD seek as much information as they can about their perceived flaw. If they believe that they are too fat, too thin, have a big nose or too many wrinkles, they compulsively research and read about it.
4. Dissatisfaction with appearance no matter what – people with BDD can change their appearance and alter their perceived flaw, but there will always by something about their appearance they are never satisfied with.
Plastic surgeons are careful about operating on people with body dysmorphic disorder; but in most of the cases reported upon today, the desire for physical improvement is not due to such a severe mental health issue.
1.
Friday, September 17th, 2010
In this weeks issue of Life & Style Magazine, Dr. Fiorillo is featured in a cover story about Jersey Shore’s reality T.V. star J-Woww and her recent plastic surgery. The article discusses how the reality star seems to be hooked on going under the knife and focuses on the scar she has to prove it. The article talks about her recent breast augmentation and Dr. Fiorillo mentions that her scar looks new and that she has gone from a D to a DD cup which, although very large, is proportional to her body. He adds that any larger would cause the implants to be disproportional to her frame.
Wednesday, September 8th, 2010
Heidi Montag is a celebrity that has had one of the most drastic plastic surgery makeovers to hit the news, with 10 procedures taking place at one time. Plastic surgery is of course a personal decision, but it needs to be done for the right reasons, or people may have regrets. Women who choose to go under the knife, need to be comfortable with their choices and truly believe that the surgeries will bring forth the desired results through enhancing her appearance. It’s been questioned whether or not Heidi Montag’s surgeries were her personal choice, or whether they were done simply to ensure that she remained in the limelight.
Since she has now come forward saying that she should have gotten smaller breasts and that her extensive recovery from her 10 surgeries was responsible for the end of her marriage. We may never know why this reality star decided to go under the knife, but other women can learn from her situation and ensure that they are comfortable with their plastic surgery choices before they go under the knife!
1. Talk to a plastic surgeon about the results desired - a woman should discuss the results that she desires with her plastic surgeon. Then, appropriate surgery or non-invasive procedures can be discussed.
2. Ask questions - before proceeding with any surgeries, it’s important that a plastic surgery patient ask questions relating to recovery, cost, potential side effects and if their specific needs can be met!
3. Listen to a doctor’s advice - a reputable plastic surgeon will not typically perform surgery on someone if it’s not a decision that he/she seems happy with. Listen to this advice!
4. Do it for you - it’s your body, so plastic surgery should be for you. You may be influenced by others; but in the end, the result is one you’ll be seeing in the mirror every day. You need to make sure you’re going under the knife to make yourself happy. If that benefits your career or your love life, it’s positive, but these motivations should be secondary.
Wednesday, February 10th, 2010
Heidi Montag and her addictions to plastic surgery, check out my video.
Dr. Fiorillo on Heidi Montag and her plastic surgery.
© 2010 - 2011 Michael A. Fiorillo, MD and MedNet Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
MedNet-Sites™ - Powered by MedNet Technologies, Inc .
