Blog of Staten Island & NJ Plastic Surgery Articles

21 Apr
2013

Posted in: Plastic Surgery Articles
By Andrew Miller      Comments Off

Plastic Surgery Consultations: What to Expect

STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK – One of the most important aspects of successful plastic surgery happens before the procedure.

A thorough consultation is as much of a factor in determining the success and satisfaction a patient has with their procedure as the surgery itself.

“Most patients seem to be very nervous when we meet for a consultation, which is not conducive to a productive meeting,” says Dr.Elliot Heller who performs tummy tuck in Staten Island. “I love consultations, I enjoy getting to know the patient, their desires and expectations and there is nothing to be nervous about. It’s a time for us both to be open about potential concerns and completely honest about expectations. Both patients and surgeons have the same goal; to achieve results that meet or exceed the patient’s expectations.”

While the concept is simple, obviously there is a lot that goes on during a consultation and we’d be more than happy to share the details if it helps relieve some of your anxiety. Keep in mind that since each patient’s case is unique, the length and topic focused on during a consultation can vary however, the following main points are always covered during a thorough consultation.

Why?
Probably the most important topic discussed during a consultation that requires honesty is the “why.” As in, “Why do you want plastic surgery or this procedure in particular?” It is imperative that you are honest with your surgeon and yourself during this phase. No procedure has the ability to cure depression, fix a broken heart or your marriage. However, if you genuinely are comfortable in your own skin but are embarrassed by your flat bottom, sagging stomach or small breasts, breast augmentation or a Brazilian butt lift in Staten Island can and typically does improve your self-esteem. When the problem is rooted deeper, your happiness will probably be nothing more than a temporary high.

Expectations.
It’s important that we have a clear idea of what our patient expects as the end result of their procedure.

“I tell my patients to be honest with themselves and in turn honest with me,” says Dr. Heller.

Are they expecting their nose to look exactly like Kate Middleton’s? Do they think breast augmentation surgery can make it look like they did 20 years ago? These are both good questions to consider before having a consultation with a plastic surgeon to see what they can do to get the results you desire.

“I will never undermine a patient for making a request that is not feasible,” says Dr. Heller. “It’s is in their best interest to tell me so that if it isn’t feasible, I can explain why before the procedure instead of them being disappointed after because, deep down they were expecting more.”

And if after the surgeon has explained why, you still don’t understand ask for additional clarification. You having a clear understanding is that important.

What?
Based on a discussion of the previous points, and assessment of your health (make sure you are healthy enough for surgery) your surgeon will tell you what procedure or procedures will deliver results that either meet your expectations or come as close as possible. This will involve all aspects of the procedure; the preparations you should make, the surgery itself and the recovery.

Sometimes the procedure that will deliver the best results doesn’t suit the patients lifestyle, at this point, we will discuss less invasive options that will provide some improvement but not to the same degree as a surgical procedure.

How Much?
Once you and your surgeon have agreed on or are interested in a specific treatment plan, your surgeon can set you up with a financial coordinator who will provide you with the total price of the procedure – including all fees – and go over their financing options.

Just because a lot of time and effort was invested into the consultation doesn’t mean you are or should feel obligated to have the procedure. Surgery is a serious and personal decision, it’s important to a top plastic surgeon in Staten Island that you are comfortable with them, and have more than enough information to make a decision you won’t regret.

If you live in New York or New Jersey and are interested in plastic surgery or have questions feel free to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our best plastic surgeons in Staten Island at Associates in Plastic Surgery.

© 2013 Sinai Marketing and Associates in Plastic Surgery. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing and Associates in Plastic Surgery is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited,with the exception of herein imbedded links.

27 Mar
2013

Posted in: Body, Botox, Breast Reduction, Face, Fat Injections, Non Surgical, Plastic Surgery News
By Andrew Miller      Comments Off

5% Increase in Cosmetic Procedures in 2012

EDISON, MARLBORO AND WARREN, NEW JERSEY — With cosmetic procedures increasing by 5 percent in 2012, it appears that home sales and the temperature aren’t the only things on the rise these days.

Approximately 14.6 million cosmetic procedures were performed in 2012, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons who have been tracking cosmetic and surgical procedures statistics since 1992.

About Face
It appears that it’s all about the face as facial-rejuvenating procedures such as Botox, dermal fillers and microdermabrasion saw the most growth.

“Minimally invasive procedures such as these are able to reduce wrinkles and enhance your look with little to no down time,” says Dr. Andrew Miller who performs facial plastic surgery in New Jersey. “And the changes are subtle enough that no one will know that you’ve had work done, only that you look better.”

While the instant gratification of these procedures is enticing in itself, the growing number of mature adults reentering the work place may have even more reason to give these procedures a try.

“The pressures to look young in the workplace are increasing everyday,” says Angela Hitsous in an article about the growing popularity of plastic surgery.

Many adults who are coming out of retirement or putting if off longer see the benefit in putting their best face forward in a job market dominated by a younger generation. Here’s a closer look at the most popular cosmetic procedures of 2012 that can take years off of your appearance without breaking the bank:

Botox
These injections are performed in the office and reduce fine lines and wrinkles caused by repetitive muscles contractions by temporarily weakening targeted muscles. These lines often occur around the eyes (crow’s feet), nose and mouth (smile lines). Results last for approximately four months.

Dermal Fillers
Fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane and Radiesse can be artfully injected to instantly plump fine lines and wrinkles, lift cheeks and reduce the appearance of hollows and bags beneath the eyes. Depending on the type of filler you choose, you can expect your results to last anywhere from 3 months to a year.

Microdermabrasion
This procedure typically involves a machine that utilizes fine crystals and vacuum suction to remove the topmost layer of skin. This process can minimize acne scarring, melasma and sun damage. Since the body regenerates its skin every 30 days, the best results come from a series of treatments performed every couple of weeks.

Don’t Forget the Body
While face procedures saw the greatest increase, patients weren’t completely neglecting their bodies.

“Mesotherapy injections for cellulite and male breast reductions in NJ were definitely up 2012,” says Dr. Shain Cuber a plastic surgeon in New Jersey who specializes in body plastics. “Men and women want to look their best and these two procedures address two areas that are common sources of insecurity.”

If you are ready to give your image a boost, take advantage of a free consultation with one of our surgeons at Associates in Plastic Surgery who are experienced in both cosmetic and surgical rejuvenation.

© 2013 Sinai Marketing and Associates in Plastic Surgery. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing and Associates in Plastic Surgery is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

26 Feb
2013

Posted in: Body, Eyelid Surgery-Browlift, Face, Facelift-Minifacelift, Plastic Surgery Articles, Rhinoplasty, Tummy Tuck
By Andrew Miller      Comments Off

Mother and daughter cosmetic surgery

Edison, NJ- There are many trends that are seen in plastic surgery.  Over the years there have been different groups that choose to have plastic surgery together.  Now another trend on the rise is mother and daughter surgery.  It is not known exactly why this trend is occurring, but when people in the same family have surgery together, a certain level of bonding can happen through simple moral support, the shared experience of cosmetic surgery, or even having someone else with which to go through the healing process.  The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that there has been a 34 percent increase in the number of people getting surgery with a partner—be it a couple, sisters, or a mother-daughter pair.

It may start off initially by either the mother or the daughter coming in for a consult.  Then one of them, either by meeting the doctor, seeing the results of past patients, or just wanting to do something together motivates them.   “When a family members are there to support each other after surgery, it makes things not only more tolerable, but actually kind of fun,”  says Dr. Andrew Miller a rhinoplasty specialist in New Jersey.   “We have performed surgery on many sets of family members including husband/wife, mother/daughter, and sister/sister.  In every case, the recovery went smoothly and everyone was happy.”  In recent years,  some famous mother and daughter pairs including Joan and Melissa Rivers have been known for their plastic surgery procedures.  Combination surgery such as tummy tuck and liposuction for the daughter and a facelift and eyelid surgery for the mom is a popular choice.  It all depends on the individual needs.

This trend may continue to grow in the world of cosmetic surgery.  Mothers and daughters want to shop together, laugh together, and share a special bond that only a mother and daughter can share together.  So why not have a surgery that can not only make you feel better about yourself, but can also bring you even closer to a family member.

6 Dec
2012

Posted in: Otoplasty, Split Earlobe Repair
By Andrew Miller      Comments Off

Types of Injuries to the Earlobe and How to Repair Them

EDISON, NEW JERSEY– One of the most common aesthetic deformities of the ear is a split or torn earlobe.

“Believe it or not, we have quite a few patients come into our office for consultations to have the earlobes repaired,” said Dr. Andrew Miller, a top plastic surgeon New Jersey.

There are many reasons why the earlobe may need repair, some of which include:

• Tears – This is often the result of earrings getting pulled on accidentally during a sporting activity, by clothing, or more commonly, by young children.
• Stretching – The lobes can become long and stretched as a result of many years of wearing heavy earrings and gravity.
• Trauma – Trauma to the lobes includes dog bites, falls, knife injuries and more.
• Fashion trends – A lot of younger people are purposely stretching out their earlobes by wearing plugs or discs to change their appearance. Unfortunately, the holes are stretched so far they never return to their original size.
• Piercing – An earlobe that is pierced in an improper location can cause the patient anguish, as they cannot wear or do not like to wear earrings because their holes are off center.

Regardless of how the lobe was injured, most patients who suffer from this distress have the desire to continue to wear earrings or would like to restore symmetry to their lobes, said the Botox provider. Fortunately, there is a simple and effective procedure to repair earlobes.

An earlobe repair is completed in as little as a half -hour under local anesthesia. The severity of the earlobe tear helps to determine the type of repair needed. The plastic surgeon will stabilize your ear and make an incision that removes the skin around the split earlobe. The two layers of fresh skin are then sewn together and closed with special sutures.

Following the procedure, patients can expect some minor swelling and discomfort, which can be controlled with acetaminophen. For several days, a dressing will be worn on the ear to cover the repair. About two weeks after the procedure, the sutures are removed to eliminate any suture marks on the lobe.

In some cases, the surgeon will use dissolvable sutures, so no suture removal is necessary. If the patient desires to have their ears re-pierced, the new hole will be in a slightly different location so that the repaired hole does not reopen or stretch again.

For those who suffer from stretched earlobes, an earlobe reduction can also be performed to shorten and tighten the lobes. This involves cutting the lower part of the earlobe and suturing it back together.
“The more severe the earlobe is stretched or split, the more complicated the correction procedure,” said the rhinoplasty New Jersey specialist, whose partners also offer treatment for gynecomastia. “If you are interested in having your earlobe repaired, I recommend you meet with a surgeon to discuss your options.”

© 2012 Sinai Marketing and Associates in Plastic Surgery. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Associates in Plastic Surgery and Sinai Marketing are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

29 May
2012

Posted in: Forehead Lift
By Andrew Miller      Comments Off

Forehead Lift May Result in Relief From Migraines

EDISON, NEW JERSEY – It may sound too good to be true, but according to a recent study, you can improve the look of your forehead and also eliminate migraine headaches.

According to a recent article published in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal in February, forehead lift or brow lift surgery has the potential to treat migraines.

Researchers examined 75 participants and randomly chose candidates to receive a forehead lift to remove migraine-related nerve or muscle tissue. Overall, 92 percent of the patients who underwent the surgery claimed that their migraines were cured.

More than 29.5 million Americans suffer from migraines, with women being affected three times more than men, according to the National Headache Foundation, (http://www.headaches.org/education/Headache_Topic_Sheets/Migraine). The characteristics of a migraine include: pain on one side of the head, nausea or vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound, visual disturbances, and attacks that last for 72 hours or more.

The study also addresses the use of Botulinum toxin for the treatment of migraines. In 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Botox for treatment of migraines. Read more >>

23 May
2012

Posted in: Plastic Surgery Articles
By Andrew Miller      Comments Off

Common Plastic Surgery Questions and Their Answers

EDISON, NEW JERSEY – People who are considering plastic surgery tend to have a lot of questions about this type of medicine. While some of them are easy to address, others really depend on the type of procedure you are looking to have done.

Dr. Andrew Miller, an NJ rhinoplasty specialist, has put together a list of some frequently asked questions and their answers. Read more >>

6 May
2012

Posted in: Plastic Surgery Articles
By Andrew Miller      Comments Off

The Difference Between Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery

EDISON, NEW JERSEY – If you are interested in plastic surgery, it is important to understand that while cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery are often used to describe the same procedures, they are in no way interchangeable.

Reconstructive Surgery
Reconstructive surgery is used to fix a deformed, non-functional or injured body part or facial feature and reconstruct it to make it seem normal in appearance and function.

Reconstructive surgery can be necessary due to:

• Developmental abnormalities
• Birth defects
• Trauma
• Tumors and disease

The plastic surgeon’s aim is to help improve function, make a deformity appear normal or alleviate health complications associated with the abnormality. Because reconstructive surgery is deemed as medically necessary – helping the patient live a more normal life – it is often covered by health insurance. Read more >>

18 Feb
2012

Posted in: Breast Augmentation
By Shain Cuber      Comments Off

Five Questions to Ask Before Your Breast Augmentation

EDISON, NEW JERSEY – Undergoing a breast augmentation can change your life in many positive ways including improving your self-esteem and increasing your self-confidence. But since it is a surgical procedure, you need to be fully aware of your options and risks by speaking with a board certified plastic surgeon.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation is the most popular form of plastic surgery in the U.S. with 296,000 surgeries performed in 2010.

“Many women come into our office because they are unhappy with the shape or size of their breasts, but they are not aware of the options they have when undergoing a breast enlargement,” said Dr. Shain Cuber, a breast augmentation specialist in New Jersey. “It is essential that patients sit down with their doctor before scheduling the procedure, as we can answer any questions they have and ensure we are on the same page.”

Read more >>

8 Feb
2012

Posted in: Breast Implants
By Shain Cuber      Comments Off

PIP Breast Implant Removal and the FDA’s Role

EDISON, NEW JERSEY – The flawed breast implants made by the now defunct French company Poly Implants Prostheses has been in headlines around the world since late 2011.

And it’s no surprise, as PIP implants are more prone to rupture than other models and they contain an industrial grade of silicone never intended for medical use. “These implants have impact 300,000 women in Europe and South America, as they were sold, and even smuggled, into 65 countries.” Dr. Shain Cuber, a specialist of breast augmentation in New Jersey, indicates.

In France, the government has recommended that the estimated 30,000 French women with PIP implants get them removed at the state’s expense as a preventive measure, not of urgent nature. No other countries have taken action to have them removed.

Read more >>

2 Feb
2012

Posted in: Plastic Surgery Articles
By Andrew Miller      Comments Off

Cosmetic Procedures In New Jersey Are Soon to Be Tax-Free

EDISON, NEW JERSEY – During a New Jersey Legislation session in early January 2012, Governor Chris Christie decided to review an 8-year-old 6 percent tax on elective plastic surgery.

In 2004 the law was passed to tax plastic and cosmetic surgery in New Jersey as an effort to raise funds in the state. Initially the tax was supposed to bring in more than $25 million in its first year, but it didn’t work as well as planned and only brought in $7 million.

The law includes only cosmetic medical procedures that are directed at improving the patient’s appearance and do not promote the proper function of the body or prevent or treat illness or disease.

“I can perform a nasal surgery on someone to help them breathe better and they do not have to pay the tax,” said Dr. Andrew Miller, a New Jersey facelift and plastic surgeon. “But if that same person came in and wanted to have a nasal surgery to improve their self-confidence, they would have to pay the tax. It’s absurd.”

Read more >>