CosMedica - Cosmetic Surgery in New York City - Dr. Howard T. Bellin

What is Septoplasty?

2009-08-31T14:05:00.001-07:00

Septoplasty is a type of nose surgery that corrects the shape of the septum. The septum is the thin wall of cartilage and bone that divides the two nasal chambers, or nostrils.

The most common problem treated with septoplasty is a deviated septum, caused by a birth defect or injury.

If a patient has a deviated septum, it means that the septum is crooked or bent. The condition may require surgery when the bent shape blocks air flow through the nasal passages.

Patients with a problematic deviated septum may experience difficulty breathing, excessive snoring, sleep apnea, post-nasal drip, sinusitis and nosebleeds.

Septoplasty corrects the deviated septum by realigning or removing parts of the dislocated cartilage/bone wall to eliminate the obstruction of air flow.

A septoplasty can often be performed at the same time as cosmetic nose surgery, or rhinoplasty. In some cases, a septoplasty is required if a patient is having rhinoplasty to reduce the size of their nose.

Septoplasty is often completely or partially covered by insurance.

If you would like more information on how nose surgery can help your deviated septum, please contact expert New York City nose surgeon Dr. Howard Bellin at 212-288-4440.

Age-Related Considerations for Rhinoplasty

2009-08-18T14:03:00.000-07:00

Not all people are ideal candidates for rhinoplasty. Often, there are age considerations which may rule you out as a candidate.

Teens and Children

Usually you need to be least 14 to 15 years old, although the requirements are a bit different for girls versus boys. There are two reasons for this.

First, the nose typically does not stop growing until this age, and the nose bones and tissues need to be stable prior to nose surgery. Growth after surgery is done can cause problems with the end result.

Secondly, youths need to be able to handle the emotions and social considerations surrounding the decision to have plastic surgery. They should be able to make a solid decision on their own without peer or parental pressure.

Elderly Patients

While there are no hard and fast “rules” regarding rhinoplasty for a senior adult, most nose surgery patients are in their 20s and 30s. Patients in their 40s and 50s are not out of the ordinary, though. Older patients, however, deserve special considerations.

Specifically, any medical conditions will need to be evaluated prior to surgery. In addition, a surgeon and patient will need to be aware of changes in the nose caused by age that could affect end results, such as thicker, less elastic skin and less structural support in the nose.

If you would like more information on age-related rhinoplasty considerations, please contact renowned New York City nose surgeon Dr. Howard Bellin at 212-288-4440 to schedule a consultation.

Is Rhinoplasty Covered by Insurance?

2009-08-13T14:01:00.000-07:00

Typically, it is difficult to get any insurance provider to consider covering rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, if the reason for the surgery is deemed to be merely cosmetic.

However, if you are having nose surgery to correct an obstruction to your nasal airway, it will generally be covered by insurance. The condition that most commonly causes this obstruction is a deviated septum.

We encourage every patient who is interested in nose surgery to check with his or her insurance company to see what the availability and degree of coverage might be for your specific situation.

If insurance will not pay for your rhinoplasty, do not give up. It does not mean you have to set aside your hopes for the confidence-boosting effect of nose surgery. There are many financing choices and payment plan programs available today that can cover all or part of your procedure. Our staff at the New York City plastic surgery offices of CosMedica is trained to help you in this situation.

At your free nose surgery consultation, we can talk in more detail about insurance coverage and financing options.

To learn more about the many financing options we offer, please contact experienced New York City plastic surgeon Dr. Howard Bellin today at 212-288-4440.

What Can I Expect During My Recovery from Nose Surgery?

2009-08-08T13:58:00.000-07:00

The most important thing to remember about rhinoplasty recovery is that it is a process.

While you should be able to return to your normal, everyday activities within a day or two of the actual surgery and you will often see immediate results, the complete healing of your nose could take up to six months.

At six months, you will be able to see the final result of the surgery. This is when every bit of swelling will be gone and your skin has fully conformed to the new nose infrastructure.

In the days following your rhinoplasty procedure, you will notice some bleeding, swelling, and bruising on and around your nose. The swelling will typically go down in less than a week. The bruising can last 10 days or more. Extreme bleeding is not normal. If you experience this, call your surgeon immediately.

The amount of discomfort felt following the surgery varies by individual. Most patients do not experience a great deal of pain. The most annoying problem patients report is a clogged feeling in their nose. This will generally subside within a week.

If you have questions about rhinoplasty recovery, please contact one of the most trusted New York City plastic surgeons, Dr. Howard T. Bellin at 212-288-4440.

Asian Rhinoplasty

2009-07-28T15:43:00.000-07:00

In many cases, Caucasians choose rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping surgery, in an attempt to decrease the size of their noses. They tend to want shorter noses that do not stand out in proportion to other facial elements.

In contrast, Asian plastic surgery patients often turn to rhinoplasty as a way to alter the naturally wide, flat look of their noses to one that is longer and slimmer.

Rhinoplasty can and does offer great results when it comes to helping Asian patients achieve the look they want in a natural, balanced way. The plastic surgeon, however, must keep a few things in mind:
• Asian nasal skin is, in general, thicker. This factor more easily hides the anatomic structure and detail of the nasal skeleton. That means a surgeon can be quite effective in blending tissue grafts from other parts of the body with natural nasal tissue.
• Asian noses tend to have thinner, softer and more fragile cartilage and nasal tissues in the lower part of the nose, which may mean reinforcement from ear cartilage grafts could be necessary for best reshaping results.
• Asians typically have softer and shorter nasal bones, as well. This will mean a plastic surgeon should take precautions to prevent what is called an “internal valve collapse.”

It is important to choose a plastic surgeon who understands the subtle nuances involved in performing rhinoplasty on Asian patients. New York City plastic surgeon Dr. Howard Bellin has performed thousands of rhinoplasty procedures and is highly sensitive to retaining his patients’ ethnic features after surgery.

If you are interested in rhinoplasty, please contact the New York City plastic surgery office of Dr. Bellin today to schedule a free initial consultation.

http://www.cosmedica.com/drbellin.html

2009-07-18T15:41:00.000-07:00

Rhinoplasty, or surgery to reshape and/or restructure a nose, is a popular choice among Hollywood celebrities. From Matt Dillon to Angelina Jolie, household names make the tabloids often with their new and improved noses.
The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) even recently conducted a multi-continent study to see which celebrities are most often mentioned by patients as the “models” for their plastic surgery.

For rhinoplasty, women around the world most often asked for their noses to be reshaped to look like Nicole Kidman. Other popular nose requests were: Julia Roberts, Grace Kelley and Princess Mary of Denmark. Of course, it is not known for certain if these celebrities have gotten a nose job.

Want to test your nose knowledge? See if you can tell whose celebrity nose is featured in these photos below — all of these celebrities have reportedly chosen rhinoplasty to improve their appearance:

Whether you want your nose to look more like Madonna’s or you simply want to refine a certain element of your nose for a subtle change, it all starts with a free rhinoplasty consultation.
If you live in the New York City area, please contact the New York rhinoplasty team at CosMedica to schedule your consultation with Dr. Howard Bellin at 212-288-4440.

Some Rhinoplasty Myths

2009-07-12T15:40:00.000-07:00

Nose surgery, or rhinoplasty, is one of the most asked-for plastic surgery procedures in the U.S. It is also a popular subject of negative media hype and other forms of false allegations. Here, we dispel three of the most common myths about nose surgery.

Myth #1: Only vain people choose to undergo nose surgery.

The majority of patients we see are not driven by vanity, but by the very real desire to improve their self-image. The appearance of their nose is interfering with quality of life. In addition, many patients choose rhinoplasty to correct a serious breathing condition.

Myth #2: Nose surgery is extremely painful.

Rhinoplasty is one of the least painful of all plastic surgeries. The largest amount of discomfort patients usually report after surgery is a “stopped up” feeling, like they have a bad cold.

Myth #3: Once you have a nose job, your friends will all know.

If your nose surgery requires only subtle changes and small refinements to get the results you want, then these minor changes will be hardly noticeable to others. In fact, if you choose a skilled surgeon, your new nose should look natural, with no indications that enhancement surgery was done at all.

If you’d like to learn more about rhinoplasty, please contact nationally renowned New York City nose surgeon Dr. Howard T. Bellin at 212-288-4440 today to schedule a free consultation.

Straightening a Crooked Nose

2009-07-08T15:36:00.000-07:00

One of the most challenging problems to fix with a rhinoplasty is a crooked nose. This particular nose irregularity poses a particular problem for plastic surgeons because in many instances, the precise cause of the crookedness is not known before surgery.

In the simplest case scenario, the crooked nose is caused by bones that have been moved out of alignment, perhaps from a former injury. If this is the source of the problem, New York City plastic surgeon Dr. Howard Bellin can move the bones in order to properly rearrange them.

In tougher scenarios, the crookedness may be caused by missing or uneven cartilage. In these cases, cartilage grafting can be effective. This is accomplished by adding cartilage from another part of the body such as the ear or inside of the nose.

Uneven nostril rims are another reason a nose might be crooked. Here, one nostril will typically be higher than the other. The solution for this problem is to graft cartilage and skin to the inside of the nostril that is too high.

A nose can also appear crooked because the columella (the visible piece of cartilage and skin that divides the nostrils) is crooked. This problem requires shaving or moving the end of the septum.

If your crooked nose is a problem for you, schedule a free rhinoplasty consultation to see how we can help. Please contact the New York City plastic surgery office of Dr. Howard T. Bellin today at 212-288-4440.

Endoscopic Facelifts

2009-06-29T14:06:00.000-07:00

A relatively new type of facelift, called an endoscopic facelift, is emerging as a service offered by plastic surgeons around the country.

This endoscopic facelift is a surgery usually focused on one particular area of the face. It involves at least three small incisions. An endoscope, a small tube with a tiny camera on the end, is placed into one of the incisions, and small surgical tools are inserted into the other incisions. The surgical instruments are then used to remove fatty tissue and reshape facial tissue that has begun to sag, while the camera allows the surgeon to see the procedure being performed.

An endoscopic facelift, while certainly less invasive, is really only beneficial if a patient is relatively young and does not require any excess skin to be removed in order to achieve the “lift” results.

Brow lifts are an exception, however, and work well with endoscopic procedures. With an endoscopic brow lift, the brow can be pulled up and anchored with a small screw, and no skin needs to be removed.

If you are unsatisfied with the appearance of your face due to the effects of aging, let’s talk. We likely have the right solution for your specific needs. Please contact experienced New York City facelift surgeon Dr. Howard Bellin today to schedule a consultation, or call us at 212-288-4440.

Rhinoplasty Statistics

2009-06-25T14:04:00.000-07:00

Did you know that nearly 200,000 people in the U.S. opt for rhinoplasty (more commonly called a “nose job”) each year? In fact, rhinoplasty is one of the top five most popular plastic surgeries performed right now, according to American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) data.

Patients are choosing rhinoplasty to:

• Fix structural nose irregularities, such as a bridge bump or large nose tip
• Refine nose size and shape for enhanced facial-feature balance
• Correct a deviated septum for better breathing
• Reduce the signs of aging, like a drooping nose tip

Rhinoplasty is particularly popular with men: ASPS data shows rhinoplasty is the number two most popular type of plastic surgery chosen by men.

It is also a procedure often chosen by younger adults. The ASPS reported that nearly half of all rhinoplasty procedures in 2008 were completed on people age 19 to 34. For patients 18 years and under, it holds the top spot as the most common plastic surgery.

Dating back to the late 1880s, rhinoplasty was one of the first plastic surgeries ever performed.

If you’d like to see why rhinoplasty is such a popular path to improved self-confidence, please contact renowned New York City plastic surgeon Dr. Howard Bellin for a free consultation appointment, or call 212-288-4440.

Fixing a Nose that is Too Big

2009-06-17T14:02:00.000-07:00

By far, one of the most common types of complaints plastic surgeons hear from rhinoplasty patients is that their nose is too big. Fortunately, this problem is easily corrected in most cases.

The issue of a nose that is too big can be addressed by getting rid of excess cartilage and bone across the top of the nose. Usually, a surgical file is used to shave the area, little by little, until the right size is achieved. The nose is then reshaped in the filed area, typically giving the nose a somewhat curved or straight appearance along the top.

Plastic surgeons do have limitations on how much smaller a nose can be on any particular patient. A surgeon must be careful not to eliminate too much cartilage at the nose tip. If that happens, the skin may not contract properly, leaving scar tissue at the tip. That issue might result in the need for a revision rhinoplasty procedure, creating one very unhappy patient.

Are you considering plastic surgery to enhance your facial appearance? Choosing a highly skilled New York City plastic surgeon like Dr. Howard Bellin is critical to getting natural-looking, positive results.

For a free consultation, please contact the New York City rhinoplasty office of Dr. Howard T. Bellin at CosMedica, the Plastic Surgery Center of New York at 212-288-4440.

Biggest Rhinoplasty Risk: Choosing the Right Surgeon

2009-06-09T13:58:00.000-07:00

You may have heard stories in the media about the risks associated with cosmetic nose surgery, or rhinoplasty. Those stories usually focus on scarring or imperfect results.

The truth is, the biggest risk any patient faces when opting for rhinoplasty is choosing the right surgeon to perform the procedure.

Why? Because rhinoplasty is one of the most complicated plastic surgeries to complete. Your nose is a very noticeable facial feature, and it is critical to your overall facial balance and appearance. The procedure involves not only science, but also a degree of art. It takes a highly skilled plastic surgeon to perform the procedure in a way that produces a natural-looking, subtle change that gives you the results you want.

No one, not best friends, not spouses, not even plastic surgeons, can tell you’ve had a “nose job” if the procedure is done correctly.

To ensure you reduce your risk of post-nose surgery concerns, ask your list of potential surgeons to show you before and after photos. Ask them about the number of rhinoplasty procedures they’ve done.

New York City plastic surgeon Dr. Howard Bellin has completed more than 4,000 rhinoplasty procedures and is well respected as an expert in the field.

If you are considering rhinoplasty, please contact the New York City plastic surgery office of Dr. Howard Bellin at 212-288-4440 to schedule your free initial consultation.

Biggest Rhinoplasty Risk: Choosing the Right Surgeon

2009-06-09T08:12:00.000-07:00

Successful Rhinoplasty Surgery – Estimating the Costs

2008-07-10T09:54:00.000-07:00

The costs of a successful rhinoplasty can be both financial and physical. You may be covered by your health insurance, which can help supplement the financial costs of the surgery. But, there is a risk that the outcome of your nose job will not be what you intended, which could lead to additional surgeries in the future.

The fee for any rhinoplasty procedure – structural or functional – should be $4,000 to $6,500. Generally, if I perform two or more procedures at the same time, there will not be any additional charges.

Reconstructive rhinoplasty may fall within the coverage of your health insurance plan, while cosmetic nose surgery might not. Before the surgery, I will submit a written estimate of surgery costs, along with the specific health insurance codes that identify all procedures. Submit this estimate to your insurance carrier before the surgery for their advice.

Any type of surgery carries a certain degree of risk. There is always the possibility of unexpected events such as an infection or a reaction to the anesthesia. The risk of you having a second procedure is small, about 10 percent of people receiving rhinoplasty require a second procedure.

The most important thing to consider is if the costs outweigh the end result that you desire. I will consult with you before your procedure; at which point we can discuss every possible cost, physical and financial, that you might encounter.

Teens and Breast Implants

2008-07-01T09:36:00.000-07:00

Breast augmentation surgery is not something to be decided upon lightly. If your teen has asked for breast augmentation, consider the fact that her breast size and shape are still changing. What your teen perceives as ‘too small’ may change in a short period of time. However, if breast augmentation seems like a solution, here’s what you need to know.

Although very safe, breast augmentation surgery carries risks including:

Risk from the anesthesia
Another surgery within 5-10 years
Breast pain or hardness and nipple numbness
Breast implants that must be replaced in several years
Implant removal issues that cause dimpling, wrinkling or puckering of breast tissue
Expense of surgery: Health insurance may not cover corrective surgeries
Breast implants might interfere with necessary mammography

Consult with a reputable cosmetic surgeon, board-certified in plastic surgery and with hospital operating privileges, who will take the time necessary to fully evaluate your teen’s needs.

For a rewarding outcome, consider these tips from The American Society of Plastic Surgeons:

Be sure your teen is making this decision on her own. Parental support is also important.
Set realistic goals. Surgery has its limitations and breast augmentation is not going to solve all of the problems your teen is facing.
Learn all the facts. Breast augmentation surgery can be painful and rules of recovery must be followed to the letter for speedy and complete recovery.
If your teen is highly emotional, abusing drugs or alcohol, or suffering from depression, strongly consider waiting to complete the surgery.

It’s very important for teens and parents to discuss the surgery, the cost, the recovery period and whether insurance will cover any part of the procedure.

Dr. Howard T. Bellin, Cosmetic Surgeon serving New York City In Manhattan and surrounding areas, is a highly trained, board certified plastic surgeon with years of experience. He has performed more than 11,000 operations and has been featured on many national television programs (including 20/20, Oprah, MTV, CNN). Dr. Bellin is available to assist you in making this important decision about breast augmentation for your teen. Contact Dr. Bellin at 212-288-4440 to schedule your private consultation.

Silicone vs Saline Breast Implants

2008-06-25T09:23:00.000-07:00

Breast augmentation is often the answer for women who are unhappy with the shape or size of their breasts, offering fuller breasts and more attractive contours.

However, women are often confused about whether to choose silicone gel or saline filled implants. While a consultation with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon is the best way to determine the right implant for you, let's look at a few of the differences and similarities.

Silicone Gel Implants

Created with a silicone shell filled with a gel substance
Many plastic surgeons prefer the silicone implants as being more natural looking and feeling more like natural breast tissue.
Some women fear silicone gel implants because of harmful health reports. The FDA has found no link between silicone gel implants and disease and, in 2006, approved implants developed by manufacturers Allergan and Mentor for use in women over age 22.
May develop hard-to-detect ruptures

Saline Implants

Silicone shell
Saline implants are filled with saline, or salt water
Ruptures may be easier to detect

Women should take the opportunity to thoroughly discuss their options during the initial consultation. We offer the most up-to-date information about the best implant for your needs.

Dr. Howard T. Bellin, serving Manhattan and surrounding New York City areas, has assisted thousands of women with their decisions about breast implants, and he invites you to contact his office to schedule your personal consultation.

Nose Surgery Gaining Popularity

2008-06-16T09:14:00.000-07:00

Two-hundred thousand Americans a year choose rhinoplasty, better known as a nose job, to change the shape and/or size of their noses.

For most people, the nose is the most prominent facial feature. Since the nose receives so much attention, altering its size or shape can make a dramatic difference in the appearance of one's face.

The nose is supported by a delicate framework of tiny bones and moveable cartilage. It is, therefore, of extreme importance that you choose a board-certified cosmetic surgeon with the training and experience to perform your rhinoplasty procedure with confidence and precision.

Discussing your expectations thoroughly during your consultation is key to ensuring the best outcome. While meeting with your doctor, be sure to ask to see Before & After photos of actual patients. Dr. Howard T. Bellin, serving Manhattan and surrounding New York City areas, is a highly skilled, board-certified cosmetic surgeon with many satisfied patients.

Aside from fixing the shape or size of your nose, a number of other issues can be correct with rhinoplasty including:

Deviated septum
Nose deformities
Bumps
Wide noses
Crooked noses
Tip too large or bulbous
Nostrils too wide
Nostril rims too thick
Hanging tip
"Ski Jump" nose or "Saddle" nose

Regardless of the rhinoplasty procedure that is best for you, this surgery is generally free from serious complications. Although complete healing can take up to 6 months, you'll be able to see results right away and can enjoy your enhanced features as your face takes on the look you always dreamed of.

If you are considering nose surgery (rhinoplasty) in Manhattan or any of the other areas of New York City, please contact Dr. Howard T. Bellin to schedule your consultation.

Nasal Beauty - the Art and Science of Rhinoplasty

2008-06-09T09:12:00.000-07:00

When considering a change in the characteristics of your nose through Rhinoplasty, you need a surgeon who approaches it as both an art and a science.

The art of a nose alteration is modifying a central facial feature to be visually attractive and consistent with the rest of the person's face. After your surgery, people should be attracted to your new aura of self-confidence, not the specific new characteristics of your nose.

The science of a nose alteration rests in the fact that the nose is a three-dimensional part of the human face that relies on all of its components to retain functionality. The smallest miscalculation or smallest sliver of cartilage in the wrong place can make a huge difference in your breathing.

The end result of a good nose alteration will be a harmonious facial appearance where it isn't at all obvious that any work was done on the nose. I believe that a good plastic surgeon must be able to work on more than one kind of nose and must be proficient at changing a nose to fit the individual face.

My goal in performing a rhinoplasty is to create an aesthetically pleasing change, but I always keep in mind that the purpose of the nose is to assist its owner with breathing.

Lunch Is Not Just for Food Anymore

2008-06-02T09:09:00.000-07:00

Lunchtime treatments are cosmetic procedures performed on your lunch hour in the office of your board-certified cosmetic surgeon. The benefits are many, including reduced cost, decreased invasiveness, and the ability to go right back to work or other activities immediately, looking rested and refreshed.

Lunchtime treatments center around seven main target areas:

Prevention
Smoothing the skin's surface
Improving strength and elasticity
Hydration
Improving irregular color
Reducing lines from muscle action
Tightening the skin's support

To meet these goals, treatments include:

• Chemical peels
• Microdermabrasion
• Retin-A or Renova (the only FDA-approved cream for aging skin)
• Moisturizers like Kinerase, a cream that locks moisture into the skin.
• Bleaching agents to improve sun-damaged skin
• Botox injections

Dr. Howard T. Bellin, serving New York City and surrounding areas, is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who will be happy to schedule a consultation with you to determine which of these procedures alone or in combination can effectively treat your skin type and problem.

Laser Skin Resurfacing Can Provide a Youthful Glow

2008-05-27T15:19:00.000-07:00

Laser resurfacing, also called laser peel, uses a carbon dioxide laser to remove damaged or wrinkled skin, minimizing fine lines, especially around the mouth and eyes. Facial scars and uneven pigmentation can also be treated with laser resurfacing.

Laser resurfacing offers several advantages over other resurfacing methods including:

precision
little bleeding (if any at all)
less post-operative discomfort

For those for whom laser resurfacing isn't a good choice, dermabrasion (chemical peel) may offer excellent results. Be sure to choose a qualified plastic surgeon with special training in laser surgery.

Am I a Candidate For Laser Resurfacing?

The best way to know if you are a good candidate for this procedure is to meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your needs and desired outcome. Dr. Howard T. Bellin, serving Manhattan and surrounding areas, regularly meets with patients considering laser resurfacing. Dr. Bellin has performed more than 11,000 operations and has been featured on many national television programs, including 20/20, Oprah, MTV, CNN, and many others. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Bellin.

Laser resurfacing can enhance your appearance and increase your self-confidence, but it won't completely remove every tiny wrinkle or flaw or stop the aging process. Lines on our faces occur because of natural facial movements like smiling, squinting, blinking, and chewing. However, there are many ways to protect yourself from early aging and premature wrinkling, and your plastic surgeon will be happy to discuss those options with you. Laser resurfacing creates a fresher, younger appearance without completely changing the way you look. You’ll look just like yourself, only better and more well-rested.

While the results of your laser resurfacing procedure may not show fully for several months, you’ll soon notice a great improvement in your skin, specifically a fresher, smoother, more youthful appearance.

Lift Your Neck and Your Spirits

2008-05-22T07:35:00.000-07:00

The neck is one of the first body areas to show your age. The neck generally has less fat under the skin to maintain a ‘plump’ look longer, and while many people are careful to exfoliate, moisturize, and apply sun block to their faces, they often forget to treat the skin of their neck with the same care.

Fortunately, a neck lift can restore a youthful appearance, decreasing or even eliminating loose hanging skin, excess skin, fat, or band lines.

There are three different variations on the neck lift procedure:

liposuction
cervicoplasty
platysmaplasty

You and your board-certified facial plastic surgeon will decide which procedure, or combination of procedures, is best for you depending on your needs and the results you wish to achieve.

Neck lifts generally begin with liposuction to remove unwanted excess fat. The physician then moves on to cervicoplasty or platysmaplasty to correct additional issues. Cervicoplasty removes excess skin, often caused by sagging, aging skin or weight loss. Platysmaplasty reduces bands around the neck due to loss of elasticity, aging skin, or sun damage.

Neck lifts can be performed in combination with other procedures, such as forehead lifts, facelifts or blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). Generally, a neck lift is an outpatient procedure that does not require a hospital stay and is performed in the surgeon’s office. Neck lifts can also be performed in an outpatient surgery center or hospital under local or general anesthesia.

Today’s advanced surgical technology means the neck lift can be performed endoscopically, using tiny instruments and small, faster-healing incisions that also reduces the need for anesthesia. Ultimately, you can expect less bruising and a faster recovery when the neck lift is performed endoscopically.

Injectable Fillers vs. Botox

2008-05-13T14:54:00.000-07:00

What are injectable facial fillers? Are they different or better than Botox?

Injectable facial fillers include:

Radiesse
Sculptra
Restylane
Collagen
Fat transfers

Injectable facial fillers work by filling in wrinkles, increasing volume in sunken facial areas and filling in where youthful plumpness once was.
Botox, however, reduces the action of facial muscles that cause wrinkles in the upper facial area, such as the forehead, and helps those areas to appear smoother.

And while no one can stop time, these products certainly can help to reverse some of damaging effects of time and restore a more youthful, fresher glow to the face.

Fillers are popular because:

they're non invasive
they provide dramatic, natural results
they are less expensive than a full facelift

How can you determine which choice is right for you? Schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon and be sure to ask these questions:

Do I want a permanent solution or something temporary?
What facial areas am I considering enhancing?
How much can I afford?
What are the risks involved?

Most cosmetic surgeons will suggest that patients considering permanent fillers try a temporary filler for their first few treatments. Then they can know for sure if the filler is providing the results they had hope for before doing anything permanent.

According to Dr. Howard T. Bellin of www.CosMedica.com, serving New York City in Manhattan and surrounding areas, injectable facial fillers work very well when patients are carefully screened. "Doctors must ensure the right product is being used for the right reasons with the right application. Patients appreciate having choices. They also appreciate being educated about their options. The more the patient can be involved in the procedure, the happier the patient will be with the results."

Is Eyelid Surgery What You’re Looking For?

2008-05-06T15:21:00.000-07:00

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) has quickly become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. Our age tends to show in our eyes, and physical or heredity factors affecting our eyelids may cause us to appear overly fatigued or unwell when, in fact, the opposite is true.

Since so much of our social communication rests on the non-verbal cues we send with our eyes, it’s no wonder Americans are flocking to the offices of cosmetic surgeons to find out more about this procedure.

Our eyelids protect our eyes. As we age, the skin of our eyelids begins to sag and lose resiliency. Aging takes place most noticeably on the face, and our delicate eyelid skin usually shows the first signs.

The lower eyelid is prone to fatty deposits under the eyes (bags) as well as dark circles and puffiness; wrinkling can also occur. The upper eyelid develops extra fat and droopy skin. All of these conditions cause sagging and a tired look that adds to the illusion of older age.

But the cosmetic look of your eye is not the only concern. Your eyes may actually feel more fatigued because of the extra skin. For some, the eyelid skin droops so heavily it obstructs vision. This is obviously a medically undesirable situation that calls for immediate treatment.

Sun exposure, accumulation of body fluid, dehydration, and heredity all play a part in how your eyelids look and how the skin and fat of your eyelids changes as you age. Meeting with a qualified, board-certified cosmetic surgeon is your first and your best step in determining how to treat eyelid issues.

If you are considering eyelid surgery in Manhattan, New York City, or surrounding areas, contact Dr. Howard T. Bellin to schedule a private consultation.

Facelift vs. Mini Facelift

2008-04-30T08:34:00.000-07:00

For some patients, a traditional facelift is too extreme for their needs. If all you are really concerned about is a bit of fullness under your chin or the beginning appearance of neck cords, you may be a candidate for a new facelift procedure called the ‘mini’ facelift.

In the mini-facelift procedure, your surgeon uses smaller incisions and less invasive procedures that offer faster healing time and less expense.

For neck cords, your surgeon removes excess fat through a small incision made underneath your chin that is barely visible when healed. He can tighten your neck muscles and restore a smoother, more youthful contour.

If your jaw line is beginning to sag, your surgeon makes a small incision behind your ear, but no incision in front of your ear as in a traditional facelift. To lift your cheek area, an incision placed from the temple to the ear or, in some cases, the lower eyelid can accomplish a cheek lift that will give you a more rested look.

Keep in mind that these so-called ‘mini’ procedures cannot address aging taking place in your brows, eyelids or forehead area. To lift these areas, the mini-procedure is combined with other procedures to treat fine lines, wrinkles and skin texture.

While mini procedures can be less costly and require less healing time, they are not right for every person or every cosmetic surgery need. If your face has aged quite a bit overall, a traditional facelift may be more appropriate and offer better, longer-lasting results.

How should you decide what's right for you? Meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Howard T. Bellin, trained to expertly evaluate your bone structure and skin condition, as well as that of your underlying tissues.

Facelifts Not Just for Women Anymore

2008-04-29T14:35:00.000-07:00

Face lift procedures for men effectively minimize unwanted skin changes produced by age, stress, heredity and sun exposure.

Male face lift surgery offers results similar to those enjoyed by women, but a different approach is needed on the part of the surgeon to produce the best outcome, since there are sone specific differences in men’s and women’s skin.

To achieve the desired younger, more energetic appearance, facial fat and excess skin are removed and the muscles and tissue below the facial surface are remodeled, minimizing the effects of time, such as sagging in the cheeks, neck, and jawline, which contributed to an aged, tired or heavy look.

Because men generally wear shorter hair than women, hiding the small scars can be more difficult. Incisions are always placed inconspicuously along natural crease lines so as not to be obvious.

The successful male face lift can make men feel younger, more energetic and more confident. However, like all surgery, there are some risks including:

visible scarring
nerve damage
imited facial paralysis.
possibility of blood clotting

If a facelift procedure sounds right for you, schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has the experience and training to ensure the very best outcome.