Three Kinds of Breast Augmentation Risks

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risks of breast augmentationBreast augmentation surgery is generally very safe and straightforward. More than 330,000 women elected breast enlargement in 2012, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, a 4.4% increase over the previous year.

Just as with any surgery, however, breast enlargement entails some measure of risk. We ensure our New York breast augmentation patients are thoroughly informed about the three general types of complications and what they can do to minimize the chance they’ll encounter them.

Risks Related to Surgery

Many of the most common problems patients may face are risks associated with any surgery.

• Seroma/hematoma: A seroma is a swelling of clear fluid while a hematoma contains blood. These are typically not dangerous and can be managed in the office. You can minimize the chances of fluid build up by following your plastic surgeon’s recommendations for rest and recovery.
• Infection: Infection is possible for all surgical patients, but studies show the risk is lower when patients elect an accredited outpatient surgical center rather than having their procedure in the hospital.
• Reaction to anesthesia: Some patients have an adverse reaction to general anesthesia. That’s one reason we perform almost all our breast enhancement procedures using intravenous sedation instead.
• Poor healing, tissue death and blood clots: These post-op risks can be mitigated by following your surgeon’s orders for nutrition, lower leg massage and other measures such as refraining from smoking.

Risks Related to Breast Surgery

There are a few complications unique to breast enlargement with implants:

• Capsular contracture: This condition happens when scar tissue squeezes the implant inside the breast pocket. Although not uncommon, just a small percentage of patients experience capsular contracture and even fewer require additional surgery.
• Implant removal: Breast implants don’t always last a lifetime; it is possible you will need to exchange a ruptured implant in the future. It’s a good idea to be prepared for this possibility.

Risks Related to Results

Although most patients are pleased with the outcome of their breast augmentation, occasionally this isn’t the case. An inexperienced surgeon may choose an inappropriate size of implant or over-dissect the breast pocket, for instance. The best way to ensure that you’ll be pleased with your results is to choose an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with hundreds or even thousands of breast enlargement procedures to his or her credit.

If you would like to consult with us about breast augmentation in New York, we would be pleased to meet you. Our appointment will cover all aspects of what the procedure would mean in your case, including both the potential risks and the results you can expect. Fill out our online contact form or give us a call at 212-870-6080.

Photo by hamletnc, available under a Creative Commons attribution license

Does Plastic Surgery Make People Happy?

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happywomanPlenty of studies have been conducted over the years to measure the impact of plastic surgery on patients’ lives.  As reported in Science Daily, a new study by Jurgen Margraf of Bochum University in Germany suggests that people who are interested in cosmetic surgery may in fact feel happier once they have it.

Note that the study does not investigate whether patients are satisfied with the physical results of the procedure they elect.  In our experience in our practice in New York, plastic surgery patients are nearly always pleased with their surgical outcome, if not delighted.

The research performed by Margraf and colleagues from the University of Basel in Switzerland measured whether men and women who wanted cosmetic surgery were actually happier after their operation.  The scientists surveyed groups of 544 first-time plastic surgery patients, 264 people who wanted surgery at one time then decided against it and about 1000 people who had never considered going under the knife.

The psychologists evaluated the three groups before the patients had surgery, then again at the three, six and twelve month marks.  Generally, the 544 patients reported achieving their goals, which most often included feeling better, banishing imperfections and improving self-confidence.  Not only that, people in the cosmetic surgery group tended to feel healthier, experience lower levels of anxiety and better self-esteem throughout the term of the study, compared to those who had decided to bypass surgery.

The researchers reported observing no adverse effects of plastic surgery on the group of 544 patients.  Interestingly, they deliberately included some questions about unrealistic ideas in their measurement tool, such as plastic surgery having the power to solve all problems and make a patient feel like a completely new individual.  Only 12% of the actual patients chose goals like these.

These results, and results of all studies on the impact of plastic surgery, should be of interest to everyone in the profession.  It is encouraging to note that the overwhelming majority of the 544 cosmetic surgery patients studied achieved such high levels of satisfaction.

But not everyone is a candidate for a cosmetic procedure—perhaps many of the 264 who chose not to have surgery were discouraged by a savvy physician.  Among the other interesting findings, Margraf and his colleagues may be hinting that plastic surgeons are becoming more and more skilled at patient selection.

Are you considering plastic surgery?  We promise to spend all the time you need to help you arrive at the best decision for you.  Fill out our online contact form and we will get in touch, or give us a call at 212-870-6080.

Photo by mrgreen09, available under a Creative Commons attribution license

Rejuvenate with a Different Kind of Lift

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mastopexyWhen our patients start thinking about rejuvenation, they typically consult us about a facelift, an eyelid lift or a brow lift, and often all three! Today’s women—and men—understand the value of looking as youthful and vibrant as they feel.

Just as these procedures can roll back the clock where your face is concerned, there’s another kind of lift that can yield a similar result for the rest of you—a breast lift. New York women are sometimes pleasantly surprised at how this procedure (called a mastopexy by plastic surgeons) can lift their breasts and their spirits.

Think about it for a moment. Have you ever caught a side view of yourself in a Manhattan storefront window and thought, “Gee, I look frumpy?” Have you tried on form-fitting clothes and turned to one side and another in front of a mirror, concluding that you must be out of shape? Have you purchased bra after bra and still not been satisfied with your silhouette? If you can answer “yes” to questions like these, you may want to learn what a breast lift in New York with us might accomplish for you.

Feeling frustrated with your changing shape is understandable. Just don’t blame yourself. Every woman’s breasts sag over time. The main culprit is unavoidable—gravity. The extent to which your breasts droop also depends on their weight and your skin’s elasticity. Other contributors can include pregnancy and nursing and weight fluctuations. For some women, going bra-less or engaging in vigorous exercise without sufficient support can also be factors.

A breast lift in New York with our team will focus on removing excess breast skin and boosting your existing tissues (and nipples) to a more youthful position. Learn more about the breast lift procedure, or breast uplift, and other types of breast surgery we offer on www.plasticsurgeonnewyork.com.

Breast lift surgery is not for everyone. Many women are content with changes in their bodies over time and compensate by choosing bras with extra support and loose clothing. If you’re not one of them, we invite you to arrange a consultation. We will examine you carefully and be honest about what’s possible for you, then the decisions are yours.

One point we’ll make when you come in to see us is, we can’t stop gravity! Nor can we prevent the aging process from continuing. But most patients report feeling that about ten years have been erased as their new shape is revealed. And even though your breasts will continue to age, those ten years are gone for good.

Give our office on Park Avenue a call at 212-570-6080.

Photo by Grovnik, available at stockxchng

A Boost for Liposuction Safety

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liposuctionIn January of next year, a new law will go into effect making liposuction safer in the state of Florida.  According to the Sun Sentinel, in late April of this year Governor Rick Scott signed legislation prohibiting liposuction from being performed in unregulated doctors’ offices.

We join the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the Florida Medical Association and the Florida Board of Medicine in applauding the new law.  We strongly agree that whether it’s performed in Florida or right here in New York, liposuction should always be done in a surgery center or a hospital that is inspected and approved regularly by a recognized accreditation body.

Why?  Professional accreditation organizations require that certain standards must be met, most relating to safety.  Members of the medical staff are required to be trained in lifesaving techniques, for example, and modern lifesaving equipment must be on hand.

There are a variety of reputable accreditation organizations.  One many ambulatory surgery centers use is the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc.    We perform surgery in our Manhattan plastic surgery center accredited by the Joint Commission—the same organization that certifies hospitals across the nation.  The Gold Seal of Approval our facility has received assures our New York liposuction patients that it has undergone—and passed—an exhaustive evaluation by seasoned examiners.   It also indicates that we’re committed to ongoing review and to continually striving to take patient care and safety to new levels.

As cosmetic surgery becomes more popular, it’s increasingly fertile ground for those looking to make a buck.  That’s why USA Today reported in 2010 that procedures are becoming “cheaper, faster, scarier” in the hands of some doctors and clinic personnel.  The article by Jayne O’Donnell related stories of procedures done in non-accredited facilities with disastrous results.  The examples used to illustrate O’Donnell’s message all came from Florida.  She noted that many critics feel that the boundaries of cosmetic surgery are being pushed to near “commoditization” levels and quoted one Florida lawyer likening some clinics to “fast food courts.”

Cosmetic surgery is typically very safe, and it tends to become safer over the years with modern technological advances and a growing body of experience on the part of well-trained plastic surgeons.  But no surgical procedure is 100% without risk, not even minor surgery.  That’s why most plastic surgeons are dismayed when clinics that are long on marketing and short on patient care crop up.

If you’re considering a cosmetic procedure, safeguard your health and happiness by:

  • Seeking a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
  • Researching your surgeon’s background with your state’s medical board
  • Understanding terms related to certification and accreditation
  • Ensuring that your procedure will be performed in an accredited facility
  • Asking questions about potential risks and how emergencies are handled

If you’re thinking about having liposuction in New York, we hope you will come in for a consultation with us.  We believe you will be pleased with what we have to offer, not just in terms of our experience and approach to working with our patients, but with our credentials, accreditation and safety record as well.  Call our Park Avenue office a call at 212-570-6080.

Photo by Jean Scheijen, available at stockxhchng

Breast Implant Sizes-Why So Confusing?

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blondewithboobsWhen you first get started learning about breast implants, the choices ahead of you may seem daunting. Should you go with saline or silicone breast implants? Is the best placement under or over the chest muscle?

No aspect of breast implants concerns our New York breast augmentation patients more than size. And since there are at least three breast implant characteristics that play a critical role in how big—and how natural—breasts will look after plastic surgery, it’s no wonder many women are puzzled.

Here are some important dimensions of breast implant size and how to think about the part each one plays in your ultimate results.

Base width is one breast implant measurement that’s often overlooked in a discussion of breast implant size, but it’s critical. Simply put, the base width of an implant needs to match your overall frame. The implant needs to be wide enough to create some cleavage, but not so wide that it spills over the side of the chest. That isn’t the look most women want!

Projection, or as breast implant manufacturers term it, “profile,” is the measure of how far an implant sticks out from the chest wall. Most manufacturers offer several profiles, using terms like “moderate” and “high.” The higher the profile, the more prominent your curves will look.

Volume is the measurement most people familiar with breast implants mean when they say “size.” The volume of silicone gel or saline solution filling an implant is measured in cubic centimeters, or cc’s. The higher the volume (the more cc’s), the larger the implant.

Of course you can see that all three of these dimensions work together. For example, a high profile breast implant filled with 350 cc’s (a fairly typical size) will have a smaller base width than a moderate profile implant with the same volume.

Sometimes women express frustration with these concepts when they consult us about breast augmentation in New York. It’s understandable, since most people think about breasts in terms of cup size. But rest assured, these measures aren’t designed to confuse you! All these breast implant characteristics are key to achieving the appearance you’re looking for.

You can also take comfort in the fact that no breast enlargement patient is expected to choose implants by herself. In fact, your most important choice is a board certified plastic surgeon with many years of experience with breast augmentation. New York and New Jersey residents—and indeed, patients from across the country—often decide to work with us. We can help you understand all the ins and outs related to size, and you can actually experience the effect of different sizes when you try on our special bras and sizers.

If you’re researching the right cosmetic surgeon for your needs, we would be very happy to hear from you. Just give our Park Avenue office a call at 212-570-6080.

Photo by Frank Kovalchek, available under a Creative Commons attribution license

Plastic Surgery for Couples

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happycoupleThe Los Angeles Times recently published an article about the growing trend of couples having plastic surgery together. The piece by Susan Carpenter generated a bit of buzz. Plastic surgeons in New York and across the country put out press releases noting that they had observed the same trend in their own practices.

It makes sense that, as the article puts it, plastic surgery is “increasingly a couples activity.” As the years pass, men are becoming more comfortable with the notion of cosmetic improvement. Steady growth in the numbers of men seeking plastic surgery annually has yielded a total increase of 121% in plastic surgery for men in the past 15 years, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).

While we do notice more couples coming in together to our New York plastic surgery consultation room, we have actually been working with husbands and wives and boyfriends and girlfriends for decades. Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty or an eyelid tuck, has been in demand by both men and women for some time. Our patients appreciate the way eyelid surgery can restore a youthful, alert appearance, and some feel it helps them be more competitive in the professional world.

Here in fashion-conscious New York, liposuction is especially popular for partners to undergo together. But even when their motivations are similar, the target areas tend to be different. The LA Times article mentioned that men pursue liposuction for the abdomen, chest and chin, while women are interested in slimming their bodies from knees to neck.

The president of the ASAPS, Dr. Malcom Z. Roth, was quoted in the LA Times article speculating about the rise in plastic surgery for couples. He believes that as married people age, one partner, “the courageous one,” looks into cosmetic surgery and the other follows suit. He said he has heard a husband comment that he doesn’t want to look older than his wife and vice versa. He also noted that couples occasionally mark an anniversary with cosmetic surgery for each partner.

We would be happy to talk with both you and your partner about plastic surgery in New York. Browse through our website and you’ll see that we are as comfortable and experienced treating men as we are with our female patients. Why not give us a call at 212-570-6080?

Photo by S. Braswell, available on stockxchng

Are Silicone Breast Implants Really Safe?

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cleavageThe uproar over silicone breast implants that spawned a variety of lawsuits began in the 1970’s. The brouhaha culminated in the late 1990’s with a class action settlement that drove Dow Corning—the leading manufacturer—into bankruptcy. Even though numerous studies and intense scrutiny by the Federal Drug Administration could not find a connection between silicone breast implants and cancer or other diseases, our New York breast augmentation patients occasionally still ask:

Are silicone breast implants really safe?

The short answer is yes. Silicone breast implants are safe. What happened in the 1970’s and 80’s was that some women’s implants leaked liquid silicone filler into the breast pocket and to nearby locations in the body. This happened for two reasons: the 1970’s model implants, known as “second generation implants,” had shells that were thin and tended to rupture fairly easily, and they also occasionally leaked even through intact shells. Women believed that breast cancer and autoimmune diseases like lupus were the result. The high failure rate of the devices and subsequent health scares caused the FDA to ban silicone implants in this country for fourteen years.

Today, plastic surgeons are using the FDA approved fifth generation of silicone breast implants. These not only have a tough, durable shell, they are also filled with what’s called a “cohesive” silicone gel. Even if an implant somehow becomes cut or torn, the cohesive gel retains its shape.

This cohesive gel has the additional advantage of feeling solid yet pliant, very much like healthy breast tissue. And there’s no rippling under the skin or sloshing sound occasionally reported by patients with saline breast implants. Plastic surgeons and patients alike are fans of the natural look and feel silicone breast implants offer today.

Are there times when saline breast implants are the right choice? Yes, some patients still prefer saline, and we use those implants as well. One major advantage these devices offer is an adjustable fill level.

If you’re leaning toward silicone implants but still not convinced they’re safe, consider this: silicone has long been used in the manufacture of a variety of medical devices used inside the body. These include tubing for shunts, drains and catheters, and components of heart valves and joint implants.

Still not sure which type of breast implant is right for you? The best way to figure it out is through a consultation with us to discuss breast augmentation in New York. We’ll walk you through the choices and work with you to make the right decisions. Give us a call at 212-570-6080.

Photo by Roland Darby, available at freedigitalphotos.net

Eyelid Surgery Requires a Fine Touch

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eyelidlsurgeryEvery so often there’s a horror story published about eyelid surgery gone wrong. If you follow plastic surgery, once in a while you’ll read about someone whose results are asymmetrical droopy lids. Rarely the outcome is worse, even to the point of a patient not being able to close their eyes.

Our New York eyelid surgery patients therefore have many questions when they come in for a consultation. They’re interested in the procedure, knowing what a powerful tool it can be in refreshing and rejuvenating the appearance. But they’re cautious too, given that the eyes are ultra important in form and function.

Actually, we are also very cautious in our philosophy about eyelid surgery. In our New York practice, our approach is conservative and consultative. (We sometimes steer a patient toward delaying surgery with non-surgical treatment including BOTOX® Cosmetic, fillers, laser treatment and other options!)

When eyelid surgery—known medically as blepharoplasty and more commonly as an eyelid lift or eyelid tuck—is the right choice, we design a surgical plan to deliver natural looking results that banish a tired, old or even angry appearance. The goal is for you to look vibrant and youthful, without acquaintances being able to put their finger on what’s different. We avoid “permanently surprised” and cat-like distortions. We also take care with fat removal, so bags under the eyes are smoothed but not hollowed out.

Our surgical plan will be created specifically for you. We customize eyelid lift surgery to fit the varying needs of women and men, and we address a variety of areas around the eye as needed. Upper lids can be opened up with excess skin eliminated, and at the same time we can smooth muscles on the forehead to diminish wrinkles, if desired. We can even remove moles. Fat pouches can be removed from lower lids to eliminate bags. We make incisions carefully so scars are invisible after healing, and overall recovery is generally uneventful with minimal discomfort.

Unlike some other areas of the body, where the eyes are concerned the difference between a great result and a poor one is measured in tiny fractions. That’s why—whether you’re thinking about an eyelid tuck or blepharoplasty in New York or elsewhere—you should seek a plastic surgeon with lots of experience and a delicate touch.

Get some additional information through our list of Frequently Asked Questions and the information on this site devoted to eyelid surgery. If we can help further, call us at 212-570-6080.

Pretty mature woman photo available from freedigitalphotos.net

Ear Surgey for Children: An Anti Bullying Strategy?

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littleboyIf your child’s ears stick out and the thought of cosmetic surgery has crossed your mind, don’t feel embarrassed or uncomfortable about it. With so many children suffering the attacks of bullies these days, the federal government has an entire website devoted to bullying. Prominent ears can be a factor in your child being a target.

For this reason, ear surgery, or otoplasty, is an option many parents think over. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, nearly 27,000 adults and children underwent ear surgery in 2011.

But we know from talking with parents in New York, ear surgery can seem like a big step. If your child has large ears, or ears that stick out, you might feel conflicted about whether cosmetic ear surgery is the right choice. Here are some points to consider.

  • Does your child feel uncomfortable about his ears? Whether he is being bullied or not, if he is unhappy about his ears the feeling is likely to persist. On the other hand, if you are the one who’s bothered, it’s best not to project your feelings on your child.
  • Can your child understand that the most important qualities people have are internal and not related to looks? Can you work with her to learn that cosmetic surgery can change someone’s looks but not solve other issues?
  • If your child is being bullied, are you working with him to learn coping strategies that rely on inner strengths and other key resources?
  • If your child is very young, have you thought about whether she would be likely to choose otoplasty when she’s older (meaning it might make sense to go ahead now)? If you were in her shoes, would you opt for ear surgery for yourself?
  • Is your son or daughter confident enough to feel optimistic about the surgery and mature enough to be patient with a short recovery process?

If you are leaning toward otoplasty for your child, you should know that the surgery is generally very safe and poses few risks. There’s not much discomfort involved in recovery, and aside from wearing a bandage around the head for a few days, there’s not much to worry about. We have performed otoplasty on New York patients as young as four years old.

Also know that if your child is being bullied, otoplasty is one step toward easing the pain—not a cure-all. As a parent, you need to research the situation, ally yourself with other parents and school personnel and actively teach your son or daughter how to handle it. Your child needs your love, strength and understanding—whether you choose ear surgery or not.

We invite you to come in and talk with us about cosmetic ear surgery in New York. We would be happy to share information and tell you all we have learned in working with kids—and adults—who are unhappy with the look of their ears. The final decisions are yours.

Call our Park Avenue office at 212-570-6080 for an appointment.

Photo by Frederic de Villamil, available under a Creative Commons attribution license.

Hope for Tuberous Breasts

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tuberous2crpdThe look of a woman’s breasts can signal so many things—femininity, youth, confidence and more. They are an important component of a woman’s feelings about herself. That’s why it can be so devastating when someone has a deformity like tuberous breasts. In our New York practice, we see many cases of tuberous breasts each year and we are happy to say there is indeed hope for women with this condition.

Tuberous breasts are sometimes called tubular breasts, zucchini breasts, constricted breasts or even “Snoopy breasts,” referring to the famous beagle’s nose. No one knows exactly why they form, but we do know how.

If you have tuberous breasts, the base of your breasts—where breast tissue meets the chest wall—is smaller than average. As your breast tissue grew, it was forced forward and perhaps downward in an elongated manner. This concentration of tissue may have caused your areolas to stretch and grow large and puffy as well. Tuberous breasts can be asymmetrical, even to the point of just one breast looking misshapen.

For our patients in New York, tuberous breast surgery begins with the creation of a plan to address each one’s unique needs. We normally start by releasing constricting tissue at the base of the breast. We take great care to preserve existing breast tissue and reposition it in a more traditional, rounder breast shape. The majority of women we work with benefit by electing saline or silicone breast implants to help enlarge and resculpt their breasts.

We use incisions around the edge of the areolas for most patients with tuberous breasts. This approach allows full access to breast tissue, and we can reduce the size of the areolas if needed. The small scars that remain after surgery are nearly invisible.

Over the years we have noted the impact tuberous breasts can have on a patient’s body image. Some might ordinarily not think too much about cosmetic surgery—they tell us they could live with breasts that are small, or perhaps a bit larger than average. But those who consult us just can’t make peace with breasts that don’t look “normal,” knowing there’s another choice.

That’s why we welcome you to arrange a consultation with us in New York. Tuberous breasts can be greatly improved through a procedure that’s part cosmetic surgery, part reconstruction. We would very much enjoy working with you to make that happen. Call us at 212-570-6080 for an appointment or contact us online.

Photo by Lululemon Athletica, available under a Creative Commons attribution license