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.

Across the pond, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) has released its 2011 data for cosmetic operations in the UK.  According to one article from BBC News, the BAAPS data demonstrates a “‘steady’ 6% rise in cosmetic surgery procedures carried out in Britain last year.”  The top five procedures remained unchanged since 2010, being “breast augmentation, eyelid surgery, breast reduction, face or neck lifts, and nose jobs.”  While women represented the majority of plastic surgery patients, the BBC is reporting that the most common procedure among men is nose surgery.

Here in the US, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) releases its own yearly plastic surgery statistics.  In years past, the ASPS data has also demonstrated a rising trend in the popularity of cosmetic treatment.  Will this year’s data follow suit?  While only time will tell, read on to learn a bit more about some of the most common plastic surgeries in the US every year.

The Cosmetic Surgeries We’re Choosing Year After Year

While this year’s ASPS report has not been released, here are some of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the US, based on data from years past:

Breast augmentation: Countless women are disappointed and distressed by their small breast size.  Women looking to do something about it often choose Breast Augmentation Surgery.  During the procedure, implants are placed under the breast tissue or under the muscle of the chest wall.  The result is a fuller, shapelier bust, and for many women this can mean increased confidence.

Eyelid surgery: An Eyelid Lift—also known as blepharoplasty—is a common way of taking years off one’s appearance.  Blepharoplasty enhances the appearance of drooping or sagging eyelids by tightening muscles and tissue or removing excess fat and skin from the upper and lower eyelids.

Nose Surgery: Nose Surgery—also known as “rhinoplasty”—is a procedure aimed 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.  Rhinoplasty is wildly popular among men and women alike.

Is Plastic Surgery Right for You?

To learn more about your Plastic Surgery options, take the first step—schedule a consultation.  Our offices are located in Montvale, NJ, Pearl River, NY and SOHO, NYC.   Contact us today at 845-623-6141.

Celebrity news website, RadarOnline, is reporting on some new rumors circulating the internet that Cameron Diaz has had some more work done on her face.  The article quotes one plastic surgeon as saying, “There’s something about Cameron Diaz’s face that is very unusual.”  While some are saying her new waxy, unnatural look could be attributed to a facelift, others are suggesting it’s simply the result of laser treatments and chemical peels.

Diaz, who rose to fame with the film There’s Something About Mary, will be turning 40 this year.  RadarOnline suggests that age could be playing a role.  The actress may have “gone to extremes to turn back the clock before her landmark birthday,” says the site.  “[She] seems to have gone out of her way to prove she is young, carefree and single!”

Why Turning 40 Matters

Whether or not the Cameron Diaz rumors are true, it brings up an interesting question: Why do so many people choose plastic surgery around age 40?  Like it or not, turning 40 is a milestone in our society—and one that should be celebrated.  Of course, our body will change around that age too.  Those in their 40s can start to see sagging eyelids, facial creases and a host of other issues.  For many, these unwanted changes can cause a great deal of distress and hurt their self confidence.  Thankfully, cosmetic surgery can often be of help.

A few popular cosmetic treatments among 40-somethings:

• Eyelid Lift: Eyelid surgery—also known as Blepharoplasty—is one of the most common procedures among women and men.  Blepharoplasty can enhance the appearance of drooping or sagging eyelids by tightening muscles and tissue or removing excess fat and skin.
• Facelift: Facelift Surgery is a procedure used to combat facial sagging and drooping.  This procedure works by tightening underlying muscles and redraping the skin around the neck and face. For many, the result is a fresher, more youthful appearance.
• Botox: For those seeking out a less-invasive treatment for facial creases, Botox is often the answer.  A Botox Injection is essentially a muscle relaxer that helps to prevent creases from forming in the skin. Botox works best on creases that appear intermittently, such as crow’s feet or smile lines.  Although not a permanent fix, results will typically last several months.

Do Something for Yourself—Explore Plastic Surgery Today

If you’ve been meaning to speak with a Plastic Surgeon, 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 New York Times recently reported on a cosmetic procedure that’s becoming more and more popular today: permanent makeup. The article profiled Auri Reynoso, a hairstylist from New Jersey, who wanted to cut down her time spent in front of the mirror each morning.  The Times quotes Ms. Reynoso as saying, “It’s amazing how you can wake up looking absolutely fabulous and get ready in five minutes. I just apply blush, lip gloss and mascara and I’m done.”

So, what are the most popular permanent makeup procedures today?  Permanent makeup artists can offer beautiful, natural-looking permanent eyebrows, lip makeup, eyeliner and more.  Ms. Reynoso, who chose to undergo permanent eyeliner and eyebrows, is reportedly “delighted with the results.”

How Does Permanent Makeup Work?

Permanent makeup goes by several names—cosmetic tattooing, micropigmentation and permanent cosmetics among others.  No matter what you call it, the process is simple.  Before the procedure, we will meet to discuss your cosmetic goals and needs.  Together, we will determine the best shape and color for your permanent makeup.  Pigment is then deposited into the middle layers of the skin, using a pen-like instrument or a traditional tattoo device.  While cosmetic tattooing is generally referred to as “permanent” makeup, it’s important to understand that all tattoos can fade with time, and some women will undergo touch-up appointments.

The benefits of permanent makeup are far-reaching.  Here are a few reasons to consider this common procedure.

Permanent makeup…

• …won’t wear off like traditional makeup.  You’ll especially appreciate this when participating in activities such as swimming or hiking.
• …can define your eyebrows.  Those with sparse or no eyebrows can often benefit from cosmetic tattooing.
• …is a time-saver.  You won’t spend as long getting ready in the morning.

Interested in Permanent Makeup?  Call today!

To learn more about permanent makeup or other treatments we offer at our Medispa facilities, we encourage you to contact us today.  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.

We all know that nose surgery can make us look better, but did you know it could also make you look younger?  USA Today is reporting on a recent study that suggests that getting a nose job—also known as Rhinoplasty—can actually make patients look a bit more youthful.  The study asked 50 independent observers to look at before and after photos of patients who had undergone nose surgery.  The observers were asked to estimate the patients’ ages.  According to the research, “Those who had undergone a nose job looked 1.5 years younger on average, with the youthful benefits more evident for older patients than younger ones.”

While this new research is certainly interesting, many patients continue to explore more effective means of taking years off their appearance.  Read on to learn a bit more about achieving a more youthful look with the help of plastic surgery.

Other Cosmetic Procedures for “Growing Younger”

For many, the main goal of plastic surgery is to achieve a fresher, more youthful appearance.  Here are two procedures that patients often look to:

1. Breast lift: A Breast Lift Surgery—also known as mastopexy—is a surgery designed to provide a more lifted and youthful bust.  This procedure works to combat breasts that have sagged and drooped as a result of breastfeeding, extreme weight loss or age.
2. Facelift: As we grow older, the face will naturally droop, sag and lose muscle tone.  Thankfully, Facelift Surgery can often combat these issues.  This procedure works by tightening underlying muscles and redraping the skin around the neck and face.  It has been suggested that a facelift can take as many as 10-15 years off your appearance.

Schedule a Plastic Surgery Consultation Today

If you’re considering Plastic Surgery, 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.

Introducing Luminique—Our New SoHo Medispa

Set amidst the hustle and bustle of trendy SoHo, Luminique is a haven for those seeking cosmetic treatment in a peaceful, relaxing spa atmosphere.  This Medispa marks our third location, the others being found in Pearl River, NY and Montvale, NJ.  Unlike those found at traditional spas, here are just a few of the powerful treatments we offer at our new location.

A few treatments offered at Luminique, our new SoHo Medispa:

Botox & fillers: Botox and dermal fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane, rank among the top cosmetic treatments in America.  These injectable treatments are used to combat facial creases by relaxing the facial muscles or filling the valleys of wrinkles.

Laser treatments: Laser Resurfacing is a time-tested and effective means of reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage and more.  We also offer laser hair removal, a treatment for permanent hair reduction.

Traditional spa services: Let’s not forget why we love going to spas in the first place.  Our SoHo location offers relaxing beauty treatments, such as customized facials, glycolic peels and, upon request, massage treatments.

Schedule Your Medispa Appointment Today

Contact us today to find out more about our Medispa clinics, including our new location, Luminique in SoHo.  Book your appointment at (845) 623-6141.  We look forward to seeing you.

Wildly successful power-couple, Beyonce Knowles and Jay-Z, are celebrating the birth of their daughter, Blue Ivy.  This is the couple’s first child together, and according to one report from ABC News, Knowles is claiming that this was a “natural” birth.  Of course, natural childbirth can often change a woman’s body adversely.  These changes include unwanted flabbiness in the midsection, and some are speculating that Beyonce may be exploring a “mommy makeover” in the near future.

Knowles—who rose to fame as the lead singer of Destiny’s Child—may be no stranger to plastic surgery.  According to rumors circulating the internet, some believe that the singer/songwriter underwent a Nose Surgery among other cosmetic treatments.  Whether or not these rumors are true, it’s quite possible that Beyonce may soon be looking for ways to get back to her pre-baby body.  Read on to learn a bit about the mommy makeover today.

What is a Mommy Makeover?

Like it or not, a woman’s body changes postpartum.  To combat this, many opt for what is called a “mommy makeover.”  These procedures can often help correct physical changes caused by childbirth and breastfeeding.

Common mommy makeover procedures:

• Breast lift: Following pregnancy and breastfeeding, many women find that their breasts have sagged or drooped.  Thankfully, a Breast Lift can often correct this.  A breast lift—also known as mastopexy—is a surgery designed to provide a more lifted and youthful bust.
• Tummy tuck: Even the fittest of women can experience flabbiness after childbirth.  To combat this, many new mothers choose to undergo a Tummy Tuck, a procedure used to help flatten and shape the abdomen.
• Liposuction: When diet and exercise simply aren’t enough, many women opt for liposuction.  During the procedure, we remove persistent, excess fat from the abdomen, waist, hips, buttocks and/or thighs.

Interested in a Mommy Makeover, Yourself?

To learn more about the mommy makeover or other Plastic Surgery options we offer, contact us today for more information.  We can help find the best course of treatment for you.  Our offices are located in Montvale, NJ, Pearl River, NY and SOHO, NYC.  Schedule your consultation today at (845) 623-6141.

Women want to look their best on the big day.  And, with today’s modern plastic surgery techniques, many are looking for a cosmetic touch-up before walking down the aisle.  Good Morning America profiled one woman—Linsey Ray—who wanted just that.  According to the GMA piece, “the transformation Ray has undergone is obvious. She has a tighter, more slender body. Even though it’s cost her so much, Ray has no regrets.”  Ray, who is apparently happy with her choice, opted for a tummy tuck and a breast lift in lieu of a honeymoon.  And, she’s certainly not alone!  Read on to learn more about this ever-growing trend.

The Bridalplasty Procedures Women are Choosing

More and more, soon-to-be brides are walking into a plastic surgery office before walking down the aisle.  Here are a few cosmetic procedures these women are turning to today.

Common bridalplasty procedures:

• Breast augmentation: For many women, small breasts can mean low self-esteem.  Thankfully, Breast Augmentation can often improve appearance and boost confidence.  During the procedure, implants are placed under the breast tissue or under the muscle of the chest wall.  The result is a fuller, shapelier bust.
• Liposuction: Even following successful weight loss, many women suffer from persistent, unwanted fat in certain locations.  Often, liposuction can be the answer.  Liposuction is a procedure where excess, unwanted fat is removed from the body using a suction tool.  Common liposuction areas include the abdomen, thighs and buttocks.
• Tummy tuck: Soon-to-be brides often work hard to drop weight before the big day.  An unwanted side effect is often loose or hanging skin.  For many, a Tummy Tuck can do wonders.  By removing excess fat and skin, we can help you achieve a smoother, firmer abdomen.

Explore Cosmetic Surgery Before Your Big Day

If you’re considering Plastic Surgery, 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.

In their usual style, Clay Aiken fans—often referred to as “Claymates”—came to his defense.  In fact, celebrity news site, Lalate, is reporting that “Clay Aiken fans are furious.”  Why are fans so mad?  It’s not the plastic surgery rumors, themselves.  It’s the fact articles have been downplaying Aiken’s charitable work as a cast member on The Celebrity Apprentice.

Men Turning to Cosmetic Facial Surgery

The recent Clay Aiken rumors bring to light the growing trend of men going under the knife.  Today, more and more men are seeking out many of the same cosmetic facial surgeries as women.

Here are the top Facial Surgeries among men, based on data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons:

1.    Nose Reshaping:  Nose Reshaping—also known as “rhinoplasty”—is a surgery used 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.

2.    Eyelid Surgery:  Eyelid Surgery is a procedure used to combat eyelids that had drooped or sagged with age.  This procedure removes excess skin, fat and muscle from the eyelids, and many men find that it takes years off their face.

Considering Cosmetic Surgery Yourself?

To learn more about these and other Plastic Surgery procedures we offer, contact us today.  We are highly experienced in treating male patients.  Our offices are located in Pearl River, NY and Montvale, NJ, and you can schedule a consultation at 845-623-6141.  Call today.

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.

How Old is Old Enough?

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.

Want to Find Out if You’re a Candidate for Plastic Surgery?

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.