Posted on June 24, 2010 in Face, Skin Care
For all of you who have noticed that more women than men seem to be plagued by wrinkles around the mouth, we finally know why. And at the Robert Zubowski MD Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery we’d like to share the information.
A recent study published in the November/December 2009 issue of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal reports that gender-specific differences in the skin that surrounds the mouth account for more and deeper skin wrinkling in females than males. The aim of the study, according to its lead author, was to obtain new insight into the observation that women wrinkle earlier and more severely than men. Understanding the reasons for these differences might lead to better ways to treat this common sign of aging in women.
The study found several factors contributing to this phenomenon: women’s perioral skin contains fewer sweat glands and fewer sebaceous glands (microscopic glands in the skin that secrete sebum, a substance that lubricates the skin) which could influence the natural filling of the skin. Women’s perioral skin also contains fewer blood vessels then men’s, which could accelerate the formation of wrinkles. And finally, in women, the closer attachment of the muscular fibers surrounding the orifice of the mouth to the skin may cause an inward traction promoting deeper wrinkles.
At Paramus, New Jersey’s Robert Zubowski MD Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, we’re continually investigating new treatments to combat the signs of aging, not only in women, but in men as well. Only when these treatments have a proven track record of efficacy will we introduce them into our northern New Jersey practice. Our current non-invasive procedures for these types of wrinkles include Botox ®, injectable facial fillers such as Restylane®, Radiesse®, Juvéderm™, as well as procedures such as dermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser skin resurfacing.
Posted on June 9, 2010 in Botox, Face, Non Surgical Procedures
Many teens undergo treatment with Botox to prevent wrinkles down the road. One widely quoted teen who had her first Botox injection at age 15, said she did it because she didn’t want to look “haggard and ugly” by the time she was 25. It’s definitely time for a reality check: Botox is not a preventative treatment but a corrective one. Both parents and teens need to recognize this.
In addition to the fact that most of these teens are getting Botox injections with misguided expectations, there’s a big problem with their obsession for looking better than everyone else, and peer pressure. As more teens undergo these treatments, they think it’s the cool thing to do, and they feel they have to do it in order to fit in. These teens don’t have wrinkle issues – they have low self esteem – and Botox is not going to solve their problem in the long run.”
There is a place for plastic surgery for young people in certain circumstances. Botox injections for wrinkles in most young people is unwarranted and potentially dangerous.
Posted on May 24, 2010 in Face, Latisse, Skin Care
All our procedures, services and products at the
Robert Zubowski MD Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, carry a “safety first” philosophy. We counsel
Latisse patients that they should not use it if they have been diagnosed with or are taking medication for eye pressure problems, or have glaucoma risk factors. If they are taking prescription eye pressure lowering products or have a history of such problems, they can still use Latisse, in some instances, but only under close monitoring by a doctor. We instruct patients on how to properly use Latisse. Once you stop using Latisse your eyelashes will revert to their former appearance over a period of several weeks to months.
I can’t stress how important it is to obtain your Latisse by prescription from a recognized center for cosmetic enhancement such as ours. According to a recent New York Times article, web sites are now selling Latisse as well as some salons with few or no questions asked of purchasers. As with any of our procedures and products, we fully discuss possible risks, complications, and cautions with our patients prior to them moving forward. Should any problems or concerns arise, we are always here to help.
For further information about how you can benefit from Latisse, please contact our Practice Manager, Ann Carbone.
Posted on May 10, 2010 in Office News
The number of surgical and non-surgical procedures inched toward the 10 million mark in 2009, according to new research from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, which also reports that almost half of Americans approve of cosmetic plastic surgery – regardless of income. It is clear from my practice that even in a tight economy more people at every income level will consider some type of cosmetic procedure. That’s partly because new innovations have made surgical and non-surgical options less invasive, and safer.
But there remain dangers with any cosmetic procedure – whether it’s an injectable, a filler, a laser treatment or surgery. Although most complications are infrequent or rare, and generally correctible, there are always risks I make patients aware of before undergoing any treatment.
Here are five tips for safer beauty outcomes.
- Check the surgeon’s certifications. Technically any doctor can purchase injectables, fillers and laser machines and perform any cosmetic treatment or surgery. Look for plastic surgeons who are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and/or the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
- Assess the surgeon’s experience. You want someone who has a track record in the procedure you are considering. Question any surgeon who claims to have treated an excessive number of patients in a short time. Learn everything you can about the surgeon, and get references.
- Research the procedure and products that will be used. If it is an injectable, filler or laser, be sure it is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the procedure you are requesting. Get the name of the product and learn as much as you can about it.
- Engage your surgeon about risks before the procedure. Don’t just sign a patient consent form. It is your right to have a discussion with your surgeon to talk about what “may” go wrong, and to be aware of any complications that may arise.
- Stay the course. Always follow your surgeon’s pre and post-procedure instructions. There may be medicines to avoid, activities to refrain from – get a complete list, read it carefully and don’t be shy about asking any questions.
Not every patient is a good candidate for cosmetic surgical or non-surgical procedures. If your physician tells you that you are not in optimal health for the procedure, take his or her advice.
Posted on May 5, 2010 in Botox, Face, Non Surgical Procedures, Rhinoplasty
Injectables have become quite the rage lately – and not just for getting rid of wrinkles. A growing number of my patients are asking about injectables to fix their imperfect noses. They have their plusses, but are only appropriate for certain flaws.
Non-surgical nose jobs use a number of different types of injectables, including Botox and Restylane, to help reduce minimal irregularities in the nose. Some of the injectables have only a temporary effect, while others will last longer. That’s good in case the patient doesn’t like the outcome. The downside is that injectables have to be repeated to maintain the desired effect. In some cases, they will last for only a few months, and that can be costly and inconvenient. (more)
Injectables are great to “test drive” a new look. They can help fix a low wide bridge, or an over-prominent tip of the nose; they can also help smooth out bumps in some patients. But Injectables will not straighten out a crooked nose, nor will they lift a droopy tip, and most important for some patients, they will not resolve any breathing or snoring problems.
Rhinoplasties – or nose jobs — will remain the gold standard of fixing many noses until researches come up with injectables that are more permanent. In our offices, we have made many advances in rhinoplasties, and can often correct some flaws by simply adding or removing just a little bit of cartilage. We don’t always recommend a full rhinoplasty anymore. We look at the problem, and do what we can to create a nose that makes the whole face look better.
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.
Posted on March 19, 2010 in Body, Liposuction
Enter any health club and see earnest faces doggedly working the treadmill, sweating while pumping iron, or doing their core drills with a personal trainer. Yet, for all their devotion to exercise—which, unquestionably, provides overall health benefits–many still fail to achieve that coveted trim body.
That’s because no amount of exercise will significantly diminish the figure flaws with which you were born. At the Robert Zubowski MD Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery we can recommend a procedure that, when performed by a skilled and artistic plastic surgeon will sculpt your body into a work of art.
I have been performing liposuction since its FDA 1989 approval for aesthetic body contouring. Liposuction and I can correct your body’s disproportionate aspects: thighs, saddlebags, abdomen, waist, love handles, and/or derriere. My early training at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, broadened by nearly 25 years of practical experience in plastic surgery, has allowed me to achieve some spectacular liposuction results for my patients. Liposuction has earned praise from both practitioners and patients alike. In fact, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), liposuction was the second most popular surgical cosmetic treatment in 2008, with over 340,000 procedures performed.
When considering any surgical procedure, crucial to the outcome is choosing a surgeon who not only has a wealth of experience in the specific procedure, but also adheres to the highest standards of patient safety. At the Robert Zubowski MD Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Paramus, NJ all of our liposuction procedures take place in our own fully accredited Surgicenter. Our surgery team, headed by myself, who, in addition to being board certified in plastic surgery, is board certified in general surgery, includes our board certified anesthesiologist, and nurses and technicians who have years of specialized experience assisting in plastic surgery procedures.
To schedule a consultation please contact Ann Carbone, our practice manager.
Posted on February 23, 2010 in Breast, Breast Reduction
Breast reduction surgery is one of the top five reconstructive procedures in the U.S. according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. It can have a dramatic effect on the lives of women who are embarrassed by the large size of their breasts as well as those who have physical discomfort because of them.
Like many plastic surgery options, the specific technique selected for breast reduction will depend on individual factors, but the most common method involves making incisions, and removing excess breast tissue, fat and skin through them. While it is impossible to perform a breast reduction safely without any residual scarring, at our office we are careful to help minimize scarring by making the smallest incisions possible and removing the majority of excess breast fat through liposuction.
You may be a good candidate for breast reduction if:
- Your breasts are too large in proportion to your body frame
- You have back, neck or should pain caused by the weight of your breasts
- One breast is larger than the other
- You are embarrassed by the size of your breasts, and the attention they get
- Your breast size restricts your ability to perform certain physical tasks and/or exercise
If you are considering breast reduction surgery, the first step is a detailed consultation. At our office, we will ask about your desired breast size as well as anything else about your breasts that you would like to be improved. We evaluate by taking measurements as well as photographs. The size and shape of our breasts, the quality of your skin, and the placement of the nipples and areolas are carefully evaluated before we determine the exact surgical procedure that will be used.
Breast reduction can be performed at any age but I usually recommend waiting until breast development has stopped. Childbirth and breast feeding can also have significant effects on the size and shape of breasts, so that is also something I routinely discuss with patients who may want to undergo the procedure before having children. If someone also plans on losing a significant amount of weight, I may recommend putting off breast reduction surgery until that weight goal is achieved since breasts sometimes become smaller with weight loss.
Posted on February 12, 2010 in Laser Skin Resurfacing, Skin Care
The ability to remove one’s wrinkles is a great way to reduce the signs of aging. There are a variety of safe and effective procedures for reducing wrinkles including:
- BOTOX® injections
- Restylane® injections
- Collagen injections
- Dermabrasions
- Chemical peels
All of these reduce wrinkles in some form or another. However, for some the effectiveness is limited (BOTOX® cosmetic, Restylane®, collagen) while for others the procedure is fairly painful and abrasive (dermabrasions and chemical peels). That is why cosmetic scientists worked to developed laser skin resurfacing–a treatment designed to provide you with new and fresh skin without any harsh or invasive chemicals.
How Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Work?
Laser skin resurfacing has multiple types of treatments, many of which work in different ways. For example, some lasers break up and remove top layers of skin so more youthful softer layers may flourish. Other lasers do nothing to the top layer of skin, but rather stimulate growth in the bottom layers to provide extra softness and consistency. Which you choose depends on your ultimate goal.
Laser skin resurfacing is not just for wrinkles either. It can also be used for acne removal as well as removing scars and odd pigments.
What are the Risks of Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Though the procedure is fairly safe, there are some side effects that may be caused by skin resurfacing, as well as some unusual risks as well. Scarring and pigmentation issues are always a risk when putting lasers to one’s skin, though these risks are minimal. Burning and irritation are also a concern. Perhaps more interestingly, however, is that this type of procedure has the ability to release viruses that may have been kept silent beneath your skin, such as causing a dormant herpes virus to suddenly be released. Still, these affects are fairly rare, and you must have a dormant virus in order for it to surface.
Overall, laser skin resurfacing is a generally safe procedure with a variety of benefits over the alternative options. Though it costs approximately $1,500 (depending on type of laser), it lasts for several years and has very noticeable benefits.
