One of the most common concerns about rhinoplasty in NYC is whether or not the nose is “broken” during surgery. This procedure is hard to explain, since the answer is both yes and no. Some people, but not all, will need to have their noses reshaped with a surgical bone-sculpting instrument called an osteotome. This tool looks like a fine chisel and is routinely used to:

• narrow the nose
• reduce a nasal hump
• straighten a crooked nose

The osteotome carves the bone into a more pleasing aesthetic shape. This process is very delicate and artful, much like the chiseling of a sculptor. Many people hold the false impression that the nose is broken into several pieces and then patched back together, which is simply not true.

Most nose surgeries are performed under general anesthetic, so the patient will not feel or remember anything during the procedure. If an osteotome is required to remove or reshape pieces of bone, the patient will experience no pain at the time of surgery. Sometimes, however, this step may cause slightly more bruising or a somewhat longer recovery time. Yet, most people find this method often produces the most aesthetically pleasing results. Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate approach for you based on your individual situation.

One of the most common concerns about rhinoplasty in NYC is whether or not the nose is “broken” during surgery. This procedure is hard to explain, since the answer is both yes and no. Some people, but not all, will need to have their noses reshaped with a surgical bone-sculpting instrument called an osteotome. This tool looks like a fine chisel and is routinely used to:

• narrow the nose
• reduce a nasal hump
• straighten a crooked nose

The osteotome carves the bone into a more pleasing aesthetic shape. This process is very delicate and artful, much like the chiseling of a sculptor. Many people hold the false impression that the nose is broken into several pieces and then patched back together, which is simply not true.

Most nose surgeries are performed under general anesthetic, so the patient will not feel or remember anything during the procedure. If an osteotome is required to remove or reshape pieces of bone, the patient will experience no pain at the time of surgery. Sometimes, however, this step may cause slightly more bruising or a somewhat longer recovery time. Yet, most people find this method often produces the most aesthetically pleasing results. Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate approach for you based on your individual situation.

There’s no doubt that thousands of people undergo plastic surgery in NYC every year. More than 1 million people had plastic surgery in 2010, according to The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. If you are thinking about cosmetic enhancement, consider the top 5 procedures I perform at my office:

#1. Breast Augmentation: Breast enlargement is by far one of the most popular surgeries I offer. This procedure enhances feminine curves and allows many women to feel more comfortable and confident in their bodies.

#2. Rhinoplasty: For facial enhancement, nose surgery (rhinoplasty) is a common choice. Rhinoplasty can slim, shorten and refine the nose for better facial symmetry and balance. An added benefit of this procedure is that it can also be used to improve breathing for some people.

#3. Abdominoplasty: Loose, hanging skin and fat around the abdomen is a big problem for many people. Tummy tuck surgery removes extra skin and creates a flat, firm torso. I often perform this procedure for men and women who have recently lost a lot of weight and for women who have had children.

#4. Fillers: Facial fillers are a great way to temporarily perk up your appearance without the downtime required for surgery. Dermal filler injectables such as Restylane® add volume and help fill in wrinkles and creases. They can also be used to plump up lips.

#5. BOTOX® Cosmetic: The FDA has approved BOTOX for the treatment of facial creases, and this popular procedure is commonly chosen to soften stubborn frown lines and crow’s feet. Results usually last 3 to 4 months, and patients can return to work immediately after the procedure.

Women considering breast augmentation at my Long Island practice are often very concerned about recovery time. Some surgeons downplay recovery time, but the recovery process is crucial to healing properly, and feeling and looking your best.

The first 48 hours requires most women to limit physical activity to a minimum. Although strenuous activity is limited, most surgeons recommend walking around to avoid the formation of blood clots. Aside from this, women should reduce activity for approximately one week. Swelling and soreness will begin to subside over the weeks that follow, but exercise should not be resumed until the surgeon gives the green light.

Women often take prescription medications to prevent infection and to ease the discomfort of the recovery process. Surgeons will schedule follow-up appointments to check the progress of a woman’s healing, and to recommend personalized exercises to achieve the best results.

No two bodies heal exactly the same, and recovery times will vary depending on the extent of the surgery. Consultations provide the opportune time for women to learn what to expect from recovery, and what steps they can take prior to surgery to make their healing process easier.

Gynecomastia – a condition characterized by over-developed male breasts – affects a significant number of men, and is easily treated through breast reduction surgery. Here are some facts about this effective procedure:

• Although techniques vary, doctors will typically remove a combination of excess fat, skin and glandular tissue during surgery.
• Male breast reduction is not a substitute for a healthy and active lifestyle, but instead should be used for men who have attempted reducing the size of their breasts through diet and exercise habits.
• Ideal candidates have elastic skin that will respond well to the surgery. This will lead to a more comfortable recovery, and can create natural results with minimal scarring.
• Male Breast reduction is an excellent procedure to combine with other treatments such as liposuction on Long Island. This can provide men with more comprehensive results, and a more masculine body contour.
• Most men are able to return to work within one week of surgery, and attempt strenuous activity, such as exercise, shortly after that.

This is just a portion of the information surgeons can give during a consultation. When a person is considering any plastic surgery procedure, the best step to take is visiting a qualified surgeon to develop a surgery plan.

Women choose breast augmentation on Long Island to simultaneously enhance the shape and size of their breasts. Understanding the facts about implants can help women achieve the desired shape and size, as well as create a more relaxed surgical experience.

• Silicone Implants are filled prior to surgery with a cohesive elastic gel. Many women say silicone implants feel much more like natural breast tissue, but they come with a higher price tag.
• Saline Implants are filled prior to or during surgery with a sterile salt water solution. If a leak occurs, the implant will collapse and the body will naturally absorb the solution.

Once a woman determines what she would like the implant to be filled with, the next step is determining the right size to match her body type and cosmetic goals. Breast implants are measured in cubic centimeters (cc) and the general size of the implant will vary based on factors such as a person’s body type, desired results and initial breast size.

The three primary methods for inserting implants are through incisions in the bottom crease of the breast (inframammary), under the armpit (transaxillary), or through the areola (periareolar). Each incision method has benefits and drawbacks, and the implant type can affect your incision options. This decision and others regarding breast augmentation are best determined during a consultation with an experienced surgeon.

I see many women at my Schenectady area plastic surgery practice for breast augmentation and breast reduction consultations. Unhappy with the size of their breasts, they want to learn more about their options.

Here are the specifics of each type of breast surgery:

• Breast Augmentation is an excellent way for women to enhance the shape and size of their breasts. In some cases, women have breasts that are smaller than they would like. In other situations, due to pregnancy and nursing or weight loss, women may have lost breast volume that they want to restore. During the consultation, I usually discuss a variety of options, such as the implant type, implant size, placement, and incision. It’s important to consider each woman’s anatomy and goals to achieve the desired outcome. After their surgery, my patients often report that shopping is more fun, with a greater array of options to choose from.
• Breast Reduction can provide a way to alleviate concerns such as neck, shoulder, and back pain that can occur from overly large breasts. In addition to feeling self-conscious about the size of their breasts, women with this condition may be limited in activities such as jogging. During the consultation, I typically explain the recovery process involved and what to expect after surgery. My patients often tell me that they feel more comfortable with their new figures, experiencing renewed self-confidence.

A recent New York Times article examined popular plastic surgery procedures among immigrants and then correlated their preferences to cultural ideals of beauty. When reading the article, I was particularly impressed with one key observation: the author stated that unlike previous plastic surgery trends (in which many immigrants chose procedures that enabled them to assimilate and appear “Americanized”), many immigrants are now opting for cosmetic surgery procedures that enhance or maintain their ethnic features.

As a plastic surgeon in NYC, it’s encouraging to hear that people are becoming more accepting of their differences rather than trying to fit into a particular mold. While it’s true that cosmetic surgery once appeared standardized, improvements in technology and training have enabled us to craft more personalized results that suit each person’s unique features. For many, these distinguishing characteristics are related to their ethnic heritage. The goal of plastic surgery, then, is to create balance and harmony in the face and body while maintaining a person’s individuality. Celebrating differences, rather than obscuring them, is what I believe to be the future of plastic surgery.

One of the most helpful tools I offer for my patients considering rhinoplasty in NYC is the use of digital imaging. Using a special computer program, I can help men and women visualize their results before surgery. This enables the patient to develop expectations about their procedures and gives them more confidence the day of their operation.

How does computer imaging work?

During the consultation, I ask many questions regarding what my patients like and dislike about their nose. I may also take several photographs of their face and profile using a digital camera. After transferring these images to a computer screen, I can manipulate the photos to demonstrate the impact of different physical changes.

Is computer imaging accurate?

Although computer imaging is not 100% accurate, it does give you a good idea of what to expect from your surgery. Mostly, this program is useful in helping to set expectations and develop an effective surgical plan.

What else is computer imaging used for?

I also use computer imaging in my practice for procedures such as face lift, chin augmentation, forehead or brow lifts, and facial contouring.

In my profession as a plastic surgeon in New York City, it’s become apparent that the number of men opting for aesthetic surgery and non-invasive cosmetic procedures is growing. Many of the men I see in my practice are career-oriented individuals looking to enhance their image in the aggressive business world; others are hoping to reduce the effects of aging or change an aspect of their appearance that has always bothered them. No matter the circumstance, men are increasingly interested in investing in their appearance.

Some of the most popular procedures I offer for men include face lift, forehead lift, eyelid surgery, chin augmentation, nose surgery, and liposuction. Professional men who can’t afford to spend time away from the office may also take advantage of medical spa services such as BOTOX® or laser skin resurfacing for a rejuvenation treatment with little downtime. When performed properly and conservatively, these treatments can provide transformative results that give men a critical advantage in the increasingly competitive marketplace. Some of the advantages my male patients have experienced from their cosmetic surgery include:

• A younger-looking appearance
• Increased self-confidence and self-esteem
• A fitter, more toned body
• A healthier, more active lifestyle
• More confidence and assertiveness in the workplace