Posted on April 20, 2010 in Body
The war continues in America’s ongoing struggle with obesity. Several life threatening conditions linked with excess weight include sleep apnea, diabetes, stroke and heart disease. Also, a recent American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) obesity study suggests that massive weight loss alone may alleviate carpal tunnel syndrome.
Today more people with serious weight issues are resorting to bariatric surgery. Such procedures can promote an average weight loss of 75 to 100 pounds within six months to a year and treat weight related health conditions. Unfortunately, massive weight loss also leaves stretched, deflated and crepe-like excessive skin that commonly requires cosmetic address.
In 2003 nationwide, over 52,000 body contouring cosmetic surgery procedures following massive weight loss were performed, and just five years later that number increased to more than 58,000. Over the past decade we, at the Robert Zubowski MD Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, continue to perform an impressive number of body lift procedures on bariatric surgery patients after their weight has stabilized. Most bariatric surgery patients require a buttock and outer thigh lift and an abdominoplasty, which can sometimes be done during one surgery session, or be staged. A breast lift and arm lift are other procedures which can be done during a single operating room session. While numerous patients undergo the surgeries at their own pace, typically their entire makeover will be completed within six months to a year.
Other people who have undergone less dramatic weight loss often discover that they too have loose skin and fat which rolls over a belt, underneath a bra strap, and/or is conspicuous in the upper arms. We perform the same body contouring procedures at our Paramus, NJ center on these individuals as well. To schedule a consultation please contact Ann Carbone, our Practice Administrator.
Posted on April 8, 2010 in Office News
Americans spent $10.5 billion dollars on plastic surgery in 2009, according to the latest statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. That was down 20 percent from the year before, as the economy took a toll on those opting for cosmetic surgery. That is likely to be reversed in 2010, as personal finances improve.
Based on what we’re seeing in our practice right now, people of all ages are beginning to invest again in their appearance, especially as they work to market themselves in the job world. But cost remains a big issue for many of our patients.
Cost, of course, should be a key variable to weigh in the pursuit of ageless beauty. But how much a procedure costs will vary greatly depending on several factors.
First to have an impact on cost: the area or areas to be treated. If you’re considering liposuction in more than one area, it may be more cost effective to do it on several parts of the body at once, rather than individually. Similarly, the cost is higher for larger body areas. Liposuction of the abdomen, for example, will cost significantly more than liposuction of the outer thigh.
The expertise and experience of the physician is something else you may want to take into account. Although the most expensive surgeon may not be the best, be wary of any surgeon who gives you a quote that is significantly below the average in your geographical area.
The surgeon’s overhead is also something that will have an impact on the cost. So will the amount of time and effort required of the surgeon, the cost of anesthesiologist’s services, as well as operating room and lab fees.
I also warn patients to question certain advertised plastic surgery costs, which may appear low because they only reflect the cost of the procedure itself, not the other costs associated with it, which may also include pre- and post-operative exams, and even corrective surgery, if needed.
In our practice, we have full disclosure when it comes to the cost, and will work with patients to determine the best way for them to pay for their procedures.
