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

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.

Revision Rhinoplasty

2008-04-14T14:50:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, not every plastic surgeon possesses the same degree of experience or skill; even in the most capable hands, unexpected results can sometimes occur. In rare cases the damage is permanent. But more often than not, a poor nose job can be improved through a second operation.

Revision, or secondary, rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to correct an unsatisfactory result from a previous nasal surgery. In some cases, the cosmetic result is what you wanted, but there may be a functional problem that hinders your breathing. In other cases, your nose may be perfectly functional, but cosmetically unacceptable to you.

If a good result is not achieved the first time around, it is more difficult the second time around. Its complexity rests with the scar tissue formation in your body’s natural reaction to a wound and with the amount of tissue removed during the first surgery. The more rhinoplasties you receive the more difficult it is to correct; it is easier to take away than add to the features of your face.

If the original surgeon makes the correction, that surgeon should do it for free. But, if the nose looks horrible, you may prefer to find, and pay, someone else – you should find an expert in cosmetic reconstruction.

Breast Enlargement Surgery – A Boost in Self-Esteem and Sexuality

2008-04-09T13:52:00.000-07:00

A woman’s breasts are in many ways a symbol of her femininity. They are not only an important part of her outward appearance, but should contribute to an inner security that goes far beyond her aesthetic appeal. They should be a constant source of pride and enjoyment.

There is a prevalent misconception that women want to enlarge their breasts to attract and please men. This is rarely the prime motivation. Most women do it for themselves. Numerous studies have shown that women want larger breasts for one reason - improving their self-esteem.

While you should not view plastic surgery as a cure for feelings of low self-esteem or sexual attractiveness, it is well-documented that the results of these procedures do have psychological benefits in most patients.

A new research from the University of Florida found that breast enlargement often induces and important rise in self-esteem and sexuality, including libido, in women.

It is for results like that that breast augmentation is one of the most common operations performed by plastic surgeons today. Among plastic surgeons there are varying beliefs about how the surgery should be done and I respect them; but, because of my extensive experience, I believe my opinions on the subject of breast augmentation should be strongly considered.

Lip Plumping

2008-03-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

As people age their lips begin to thin. Full, plump lips are considered to be a sign of youth and an icon of sensuality. To achieve fuller lips a biocompatible material is either injected or implanted into the lips. One injection is usually sufficient to produce your desired results.

Temporary solutions for lip augmentation are achieved through collagen and fat injections, both requiring repeat treatments to maintain lip augmentation. The reason behind repeat treatments is that the materials are readily absorbed into the body.

Benefits of this procedure include: immediate return to normal activities and the ability to experiment with different looks over the course of time.

Risks include: a potential for allergic reaction to materials used, many injections are short-lived and require consistent upkeep.

Mommy Makeovers: Plastic Surgery after Pregnancy

2008-03-21T14:41:00.001-07:00

A “Mommy Makeover” is a combination of post-pregnancy plastic surgery, skin treatment and cellulite removal. These procedures are primarily meant to address the effects of pregnancy that cannot be reversed through diet and exercise.

If you have lost weight after the birth of your baby, but cannot reverse stubborn pockets of fat and sagging skin, then you are a good candidate for a Mommy Makeover. But, this process is not just for recent moms. Some of my patients have waited several years before treating themselves.

The following procedures are used in a Mommy Makeover:

Liposuction - effectively removes pockets of fat that will not respond to a healthy diet and frequent exercise. New techniques enable me to perform the procedure much more quickly with less pain and bruising.
Tummy Tuck and Lift Procedures - Abdominoplasty can restore a taut and toned tummy by removing excess skin and tightening the abdominal muscles. I can also perform an arm lift, thigh lift and butt lift to compliment your Mommy Makeover.
Stretch Mark Removal - There are a number of cosmetic treatments specifically designed to reduce the appearance of stretch makes, including laser stretch mark removal.

Silicone Implants Don’t Raise Risk for Breast Cancer

2008-03-14T15:05:00.000-07:00

It has been rumored that silicone implants are directly linked to a higher risk of breast cancer in women. However, the National Cancer Institute found that women with silicone breast implants were not at increased risk for most cancers. The FDA approved the use of silicone gel implants in November of 2006.

A breast implant is essentially an inert object that is placed into a space created surgically behind the breast. It does not go into the breast tissue itself. When properly done, it does not interfere with the breast function in any way. A breast implant will neither prevent nor cause breast cancer.

Silicone is the second most abundant element on earth, next to oxygen. Currently, silicone implants have three layers of shell surrounding the gel. This reduces the amount of gel bleed, but makes the implants firmer.

The subject of breast implants is highly complex and allows for many options. I recommend that if you intend to have a breast augmentation be sure to fully discuss all of your options and all of the risks involved.

Before and After – Preparing for Your Cosmetic Surgery

2008-03-06T14:00:00.000-08:00

There are many things to consider in preparation for cosmetic surgery. To help maximize your experience it is important to carefully plan everything and have a strict attention to detail.

The first detail to worry about is timing, as you must give yourself enough time away from work and social obligations so you can recover without complications. You must also take into consideration your finances: How you plan to pay? Do you need more time to save money?

You must also obtain medical clearance for the surgery. After considering the details that go into preparation there is a list of things needed to prepare for the day of surgery. Each procedure has its own requirements for you to consider before the surgery.

However, there is a list of things that can help make plastic surgery less stressful to you and your body:

Do not take aspirin – I will supply you with a list of OTC medications to avoid
If you smoke, quit smoking for at least 2 week pre-op
Make arrangements for someone to drive you to and from the operation
Set up a recovery area: lots of pillows, books, magazines, journal, stationery, TV, remote control, videos, etc.
Prepare and freeze meals for 2 weeks
Prepare ice packs
On the day of surgery, wear loose fitting clothing (including a shirt that buttons in the front)
Follow my directions carefully regarding medications, eating, drinking, etc.

As with any surgery, cosmetic surgery can be challenging to you physically and emotionally. It is important to be as prepared as possible before the surgery for any event that could happen.

Pressure to be Perfect – Teenagers Looking for Surgical Solution to Their Problems

2008-02-26T15:39:00.000-08:00

Teenagers make up just 2 percent of cosmetic surgery patients in the United States; but, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons procedures performed on kids ages 13 to 19 are growing.

The media has recently reported that plastic surgery is becoming a popular gift for graduates in the United States. Whether this is a good or bad thing depends entirely on the individual. Adolescents are generally grounded in the here and now, and don’t tend to think of the long-term effects or risks a surgery might have.

While the procedure may bring them closer to higher self-esteem and a better body image, it also has the potential of unveiling a whole list of other issues affecting the child.
It is important to ask the teenager questions, including but not limited to, why they want to change their appearance. I do not recommend invasive procedures for a teenager just because they want to look prettier.

If your teenager approaches you regarding changing his or her physical appearance, be sensitive, ask questions and be realistic. It is important to schedule an appointment with a plastic surgeon who can screen your teen for maturity, motivations and expectations.

Does Plastic Surgery Help to Improve Self-Esteem?

2008-02-21T09:03:00.000-08:00

Being aware of the possible risks that coincide with plastic surgery, it is typical for many of my patients to wonder if the procedure will really improve their self-esteem and body image. My answer to these questions is the research done by the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation.

Their research found that patients were not only satisfied with their surgery, they also experienced a decrease in the frequency of negative body image emotions in certain social situations.

Despite findings of research and testimonials from other patients, the choice to have cosmetic surgery is a difficult one. Sometimes negative feelings toward body image are more than just physical, therefore leaving you disstatisfied with the results of your surgery.

The most important thing to consider before choosing plastic surgery is to be sure that your health, both physical and mental, is good. A simple consultation with me before hand can determine what exactly you are looking to achieve from this surgery.