Posted on February 4, 2012 in Breast, Dr. Zubowski
REMEMBER, EARLY DETECTION HELPS SAVE LIVES Be sure you and your loved ones follow the recommended guidelines from the American Cancer Society for early detection of breast cancer. If there is a history of breast cancer in your family consult your doctor on the need to begin these steps at an earlier age. Women should know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any breast change promptly to their health care providers. Yearly mammograms with a clinical breast exam are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as woman is in good health. Clinical breast exam (CBE) should be part of a periodic health exam, about every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s. Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s. Women at high risk (greater than 20% lifetime risk) should get an MRI and a mammogram every year. Yearly MRI screening is not recommended for women of average risk of breast cancer.
IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT BREAST CANCER IN THE U.S. A woman has a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime. Every 3 minutes, there is a new diagnosis of invasive breast cancer. Approximately 230,480 women and 2,140 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Every 13 minutes, a life is lost to breast cancer. 39,520 women and 450 men in the U.S. will die from the disease annually. The National Cancer Institute estimates that approximately 2.6 million U.S. women with a history of breast cancer are living today, more than half of whom were diagnosed less than 10 years earlier. Most of these individuals were cancer-free, while others still had evidence of cancer and may still be undergoing treatment. There are more than 250,000 women under the age of 40 in the U.S living with breast cancer, and over 11,000 will be diagnosed this year. White, non-Hispanic women are more likely to develop breast cancer but African-American women are more likely to die from it. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Hispanic women.
MEN GET BREAST CANCER, TOO Survival for men with breast cancer is similar to survival for women, when their stage of diagnosis is the same. Men at any age may develop breast cancer, but it is usually found in men between 60 and 70 years of age. Male breast cancer makes up less than 1% of all cases of breast cancer. Male breast cancer is sometimes caused by inherited gene mutations, and a family history of breast cancer can increase a man’s risk.
www.avonwalk.org
Posted on January 20, 2012 in Breast, Breast Implants
When I began my plastic surgery practice more than 25 years ago it became evident in that first year alone that one of my sub-specialties would be breast augmentation. I was regularly performing them, using either saline or silicone implants. I was among a selected group of cosmetic surgeons able to provide silicone implants, not only to cancer reconstruction patients, but to qualified cosmetic patients as part of the silicone clinical trials.
Today breast augmentation continues to be one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures at the Robert Zubowski MD Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery inParamus,NJ, and each year we’re finding that our patients are requesting it in swelling numbers.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), one of the many professional organizations to which I am proud to say I am a member, 296,000 breast augmentations were performed nationally in 2010, a 2 percent increase over the previous year. In fact, breast augmentation is first among the top five cosmetic surgical procedures, followed by rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, liposuction, and abdominoplasty.
Advanced technologies and techniques now provide patients with better products yielding a more natural result, along with faster healing. Now that the FDA has approved silicone implants for any woman seeking breast augmentation, everyone has more choices. Since silicone implants impart a more natural feel over saline implants we’re finding that in our practice most patients are choosing silicone. Our extensive experience in performing the procedure has prepared us to offer our patients the guidance they deserve when choosing their implants.
If you are considering breast augmentation now is an ideal time to schedule a consultation. Many women schedule their augmentation during the winter to be ready for their summer holidays in the sun. Our practice manager, Ann Carbone, will be happy to set up your consultation.
Posted on January 16, 2012 in Breast
Sagging is a normal part of how the body changes. And while some may say that saggy breasts are the result of weight gain and loss and pregnancy, it’s really breast involution(when the milk producing glands shrink and start to shut down) coupled with these body changes that causes the breasts to drop.
Age has something to do with sagging breasts, but is not as much of a factor as pregnancy and genetics are.
Breasts do not have muscle, but rather suspensory ligaments and tissue. When the cooper’s ligaments, which suspend the breast tissue, get stretched out, they can’t recoil and support is lost. And if the skin gets stretched, the dermis can be damaged (and unable to contract back), which is why stretch marks appear.
Losing weight can also cause the breasts to sag since volume is lost. There is a lot of fat in the breast and if you tend to lose weight in your breasts, you will probably lose volume too. It is also believed that the larger the breasts, the more quickly and noticeable your sagging will be.
Posted on January 9, 2012 in Dr. Zubowski, Face, Non Surgical Procedures
Radiesse Volulmizing Filler is injected into the skin to soften wrinkles or folds by adding volume. Local numbing medication is used to maximize your comfort during the procedure. Most patients report a mild discomfort typically associated with needle injections.
To ensure an even correction, Dr. Zubowski will often massage the area treated which may cause a temporary amount of redness to your skin. Bruising at the site of injection is a commonly reported side effect. To minimize bruising, please notify Dr. Zubowski if you use blood thinners such as ibuprofen, aspirin or herbal preparations prior to your procedure.
A temporary amount of minimal to moderate swelling can be expected following the treatment. This should dissipate following injection. It is normal to experience some tenderness at the treatment site for a few days.
For more information on Radiesse or to schedule an appointment for treatment, please contact Ann Carbone, our practice manager, at 201-261-7550.
Posted on December 29, 2011 in Body
One of the most popular TV shows, The Biggest Loser, has focused our attention on those folks needing to lose massive amounts of weight. Each week we are given an insight into what it takes to shed those pounds and how hard the contestants work to achieve their very personal triumphs. But the show doesn’t follow up on what happens after these individuals reach their goal weight. Their quest for a better body is far from over.
Since obesity in our country is now at epidemic levels, we, at the Robert Zubowski MD Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Paramus, NJ, are seeing more patients who have lost 100 pounds and more, either by serious dieting, or more likely through gastric by-pass surgery. Shedding so much weight so quickly leaves folds of unsightly loose skin that can’t be tightened through exercising, no matter how diligent. That’s what often brings them to our center. Most commonly the areas that require plastic surgery interventions are the thighs, buttocks, stomach, and sometimes the inner arms.
We can address the first two problem areas by performing a Lower Body Makeover, which includes a tummy tuck and a lateral thigh lift that will remove the excess skin, while also elevating and shaping the buttocks. The procedures are done during one visit to our facility, which contains SurgiCenter, our state-of-the-art operating suite. Our surgical team includes myself, who is board-certified in both plastic and general surgery, a board-certified anesthesiologist, and nurses and technicians specializing in plastic surgery cases. While most of my surgeries take place there, I also have privileges at the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ.
The Lower Body Makeover requires a somewhat more prolonged recuperative period than some other major plastic surgeries. The good news is that my patients tell me having it done has not only helped to shape and rebuild their bodies but also their self-images.
For more information on the Lower Body Makeover, or other procedures, please contact Ann Carbone, our Practice Manager.
Posted on December 20, 2011 in Skin Care
Tantasia by Jane Iredale is the newest way of self tanning! It’s unique ingredients work with your own melanin to produce a tan that is yours alone. Never looks orange. It’s streak free. Your tan builds evenly and gradually with daily use. It has an invigorating fresh fragrance with no after- smell. It’s sensitivity-tested for multipurpose us on the body and face. Wheat protein provides soothing, natural hydration for skin. Vegetable-sourced natural silicone makes your body feel like silk! What better way to keep that bronze glow during the cold winter months. Available at the Robert Zubowski Center. Contact our office and speak with Jennifer for more details about this product.
Posted on December 15, 2011 in Skin Care
During the cold winter months humidity is low and the air dry. This can make your skin feel dry, tight and itchy. In fact, dryness is among the most common cause for wrinkles. Properly moisturizing your skin can help decrease the appearance of these wrinkles and restore a more youthful glow and texture to your skin. In fact, it is one of the most rejuvenating yet simple things we can do for our skin.
Here are some tips on how to moisturize your skin in the winter. Remember this simple routine: cleanse, prevent, moisturize, and protect your skin.
First, hydrate from the inside out by drinking plenty of water. Also, try to avoid long, hot showers. The hot water tends to dry out the skin more than warm water. Showers are also better at night before bed so you don’t leave a warm environment and go straight out into cold air.
Exfoliate the skin to get rid of dry, dead skin cells. We recommend in office treatments such as Microdermabrasion or Micropeel to rid the skin of the top dead layers to reveal the healthier skin underneath.
Popular exfoliating cleansers for daily use at home include Clean Routine by MyBody, Clarifying Cleanser by SkinCeuticals, and Neo Cleanse by NeoCutis.
After cleansing your skin apply a preventative antioxidant. Vitamin C repair serums like Brightamin-C by MyBody or C & E Ferulic by SkinCeuticals. These help to repair past free radical damage on your skin and prevent future.
Apply a moisturizer to lock in the moisture. Moisturizers we recommend for the face are Future is Bright, Break Free, or Safety Blanket by MyBody. Daily Moisture or Emollience by SkinCeuticals. Journee, Bio Restorative Cream with PSP, or Hyalis by NeoCutis.
Finally, wear sunscreen all year round. This will protect your skin from the harmful UV rays. Top UV sunscreen products are: Protect and Serve by MyBody, Journee by NeoCutis, and a variety of Physical UV defense sunscreens by SkinCeutials.
The best way to plan your attack against winter skin is to start with a skin care evaluation. Jennifer, our certified skin care specialist and aesthetician will thoroughly evaluate your skin and develop an individualized skin care program that is tailored to meet your specific needs.
Posted on November 21, 2011 in Dr. Zubowski, Office News
Even the bravest of us experiences surgical related trepidation. That’s why it’s important to put yourself in the
hands of a plastic surgeon that is both skillful and understanding. “Fear is, in large part, related to the unknown,” says Robert Zubowski, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon and medical director of the Robert Zubowski, MD, Center for
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Paramus. “Fear rises often from perception rather than reality. That’s the reason why we hold our complimentary monthly cosmetic surgery seminars.”
In Dr. Zubowski’s experience even the most fearful patients do extremely well in one-on-one situations. “Individuals at the seminars can be as anonymous as they choose while learning surgical details.” Another option: dial up the center’s coordinator, who will be glad to address any of your questions or surgical concerns. “The more questions you ask the people who will be responsible for providing your care, the more comfortable and less fearful you’ll become,” says Dr. Zubowski, an alumni of the prestigious Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
Request a tour of the surgical facility and meet the people who will be taking care of you. “We encourage potential patients to drop by because we’re proud of our state-of-the-art center. A large part of feeling comfortable is being familiar with your surroundings and the people who will be taking care of you,” he says. “My hand-picked team, whom I’ve worked with for years, are all truly empathetic professionals who will do all they can to make you feel comfortable and
secure.”
Finally, Dr. Zubowski encourages all potential cosmetic surgery candidates to speak to other patients for a real perspective of what to expect. “We have a large roster of volunteers. Many of my patients enjoy sharing their experiences. No matter how brave you may be, nervousness before surgery is to be expected.”
But helping the patient stay calm doesn’t end with the surgery. “We send an experienced plastic surgery nurse to your home to change your dressing.” This service is included for facelift, tummy tuck and body lift patients. “We’ve discovered that the
post-surgical patient is less anxious if our nurse makes house calls and that’s why we also offer in-home care for other procedures as an option.”
On the day of your surgery Dr. Zubowski, his board-certified anesthesiologist, and other members of his staff will be there to guide you through the process so that you won’t feel like you are “floating.” Says Dr. Zubowski, “Once they see the results, what I hear most often from my patients is `why did I wait so long?’”.
If you would like more information on a particular cosmetic surgery procedure, or to schedule a consultation please
call Ann Carbone, the center’s coordinator, at 201-261-7550.
Posted on November 16, 2011 in Botox, Dr. Zubowski, Non Surgical Procedures
As an injectible, Botox®, has helped turn many a plastic surgery skeptic into a proponent. In my opinion, Botox® bears a lot of the credit for calling attention to how, with little fuss and minimal time spent in offices like the Robert Zubowski MD Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Paramus, NJ, anyone can avail themselves of safe, effective anti-aging medical technology. Today, many folks who might not consider plastic surgery or are not quite ready for an invasive procedure, yet wish to realize some visual transformation, are choosing Botox® and other facial injectible fillers such as Radiesse®, Restyalene®, and Juvéderm®.
The next generation of cosmetic interventions could revolutionize our field, while reaching many people, who, for a variety of reasons, have refrained from trying aesthetic procedures altogether. One new product, for example, a needleless, topical botulinum toxin type-A wrinkle gel is now undergoing clinical trials with the ultimate goal of being approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to treat wrinkles at the corners of the eyes, commonly known as crow’s feet.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), an initial study examined 270 patients with moderate to severe wrinkling around the eyes. The study concluded that the new botulinum toxin gel worked to improve crow’s feet for 89 percent of the study participants. If approved, the drug would be administered only in doctors’ offices.
As with all new protocols, this latest tool against facial aging would only be introduced into our practice at the Robert Zubowski MD Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery after having been carefully evaluated by us for its safety and efficacy. However, it seems to hold promise.
In the meantime, for more information on the numerous ways to help you realize your cosmetic enhancement goals, please contact Ann Carbone, our Practice Manager.
Posted on November 14, 2011 in Face, Laser Skin Resurfacing, Non Surgical Procedures, Skin Care
How can The Robert Zubowski Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery help you noninvasively improve the appearance of your skin with no down time?
Patients come to us concerned about dark spots resulting from sun damage, acne scars, or fine lines caused by smoking, or simple aging. In most cases, we can help you improve the appearance of your skin through noninvasive procedures such as microdermabrasion, micropeels, lasers, and skincare products as well as other minimally invasive procedures.
Microdermabrastion can improve and soften many imperfections in the quality and texture of your skin with little or no down time. It is a painless procedure that utilizes microparticles to exfoliate the surface layer of your skin while also building new collagen, resulting in firmer and more youthful looking skin.
Micropeels are designed to produce an immediate glow. It is a three-step process that removes a micro thin top layer of skin with a technique called dermaplaning which is followed by the application of a alpha hydroxyl solution to renew texture, clarity and to reduce impurities and discolor in skin.
Photo Facial is a laser procedure that utilizes broadband light technology for the treatment of sun-damaged skin, age spots and redness. You may experience some redness following the treatment that should resolve within a few hours. For some pigmented lesions you will see a darkening of the treated areas followed by flaking off and fading of the treated area. The number of treatments will depend on your skin condition.
Skin Care products at the Robert Zubowski Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery are hand picked to correct, protect, and maintain healthy skin. They are frequently used to prepare your skin for deeper resurfacing procedures as well as to promote and maintain those results. Some of these product lines include: Obagi, MyBody, Neocutis, and Skin Ceuticals.
