Meet Northern New Jersey Plastic Surgeon Robert Zubowski, M.D.

Weddings bring out the best in us, and while the spotlight rightfully shines on the nuptial couple, why shouldn’t their mothers share it too? “We’ve created Mothers of the Bride and Groom Makeovers for the mature woman who needs facial rejuvenation that is commensurate with the signs of aging specific to her,” explains Dr. Zubowski, “today we have an entire armamentarium at our disposal. We may suggest an aggressive surgical approach to treat the advanced signs of aging, or wherever possible, recommend non-invasive methods for patients who require less dramatic but impressive results.”The aggressive makeover may include a combination of surgeries, such as a facelift, blepharoplasty, and/or browlift, depending upon the patient’s problem areas. “Often a woman in her late 40’s or 50’s may notice jowls for the first time or a `turkey neck.’” A facelift corrects the jawline, the so-called `turkey neck’, and the marionette lines. Dr. Zubowski stakes his reputation on achieving natural looking results that don’t announce surgical intervention.

Many women who require a facelift need a blepharoplasty as well to put the face in harmonious balance. While some require both an upper and lower blepharoplasty, others may only need one. Cosmetic eyelid surgery is often the treatment of choice for those who are continually told they look tired or weary. An upper lid blepharoplasty corrects the hooding of the upper lids. “It is one of the most straight-forward of all facial cosmetic surgery procedures,” notes Dr. Zubowski. Patients who appear to have dark circles under their eyes often can correct them through a lower blepharoplasty. Here a small incision is made behind the lower lashes to remove prominent pillows of fat, and if a hollow is underneath the bulging fat, it can be filled at the same time. A forehead lift or browlift is used to restore the area above the eyes. The forehead is smoothed and the eyebrows are raised to recreate a more youthful appearance.

For those individuals who are not quite ready for surgery, or can’t spare the post-operative recovery time, there’s always Botox^TM. “Our non-surgical minimal-downtime makeover includes its use, as well as the latest dermal fillers including Restylane®, Radiesse^TM and Juvéderm^TM, depending on what the patient would like to accomplish,” he adds. The non-surgical makeover also includes a professional facial performed by our licensed aesthetician, and a lymphatic facial massage performed by our licensed masseuse.

All of the procedures are accomplished in Dr. Zubowski’s state-of-the-art center, SurgiCenter, a fully accredited outpatient surgery suite.

To make sure you’ll be ready to put your best face forward on your children’s wedding day, either of these makeovers ideally should be scheduled about three months leading up to the big day.

Botox®, a purified protein that binds to a muscle’s nerve endings, causes a relaxation response to soften wrinkles. This injectable continues to enjoy enormous popularity as a temporary solution to the early signs of facial aging. “We’ve been using it since it was first approved by the FDA for cosmetic purposes,” says Robert Zubowski, MD.

Botox can soften forehead lines, frown lines, and do something that surgery alone can not accomplish: erase crow’s feet. “The procedure takes just a few minutes in the office, is relatively painless, and for three to six months afterwards, patients will enjoy its results.” Botox injections may be safely repeated indefinitely.

At The Robert Zubowski M.D. Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Botox is acquired from the highly reputable proprietary manufacturer, Allergan. Prior to undergoing any medical procedures, especially Botox, Dr. Zubowski recommends that patients verify both the credentials and the reputation of the administering physician. “It makes sense to get a referral from someone whose opinion you trust before you schedule a Botox session. We can achieve significant improvement, even for deep wrinkles. However, on occasion, some of these wrinkles may still be present.” Dr. Zubowski may then suggest another kind of injectable called a filler to alleviate any residual crease.

Radiesse® is a safe, FDA-approved dermal filler that restores a natural, long lasting, youthful look by restoring facial volume as well as correcting smile lines, nasolabial folds and wrinkles around the nose and mouth.  It is made of unique calcium-based microspheres suspended in a natural gel that is injected into the skin through a simple, safe, and minimally invasive procedure.  The results are immediate and may last a year or more in many patients. No pre-testing is necessary and a single in-office session may accomplish the patient’s goals.

Sometimes a combination of non-invasive treatments can significantly and quickly rejuvenate an aging face. Botox and a filler, such as Radiesse®, Restylane®, Juvederm, or collagen, followed by either a microdermabrasion session, a glycolic peel, or a photofacial treatment can manage minimal age related facial changes and postpone surgery for some individuals.

Sagging breasts that have lost as much as a cup size, and a tummy too obvious for tucked shirts are common complaints of young mothers. Dr. Zubowski notes that the two problem areas for young women of childbearing age are the breasts and tummy. “Pregnancy and child-bearing exact an aesthetic toll. People mistakenly believe that because of pregnancy and nursing the size of the breasts increase, but for many women, the opposite is true. In addition, abdominal muscles stressed and stretched during pregnancy produce the paunch-like look that causes women much emotional distress.”

Some patients, seeking to regain the breast fullness they had pre-baby, want to improve upon nature, increasing their cup size further. Other patients may require a breast lift as well for more youthful breasts. During your tummy tuck, Dr. Zubowski will repair the separated muscles, remove any excess belly fat, and if needed perform liposuction at the hips and/or waist for better contouring.

A Mommy Makeover holds several advantages for the appropriate candidate. There is only one surgery session, one recovery period, one downtime-about two weeks–and a single operating room fee.

Surgery is performed in our on site fully accredited facility “SurgiCenter”.  Within the center is an equally impressive recovery center where you will remain post-operatively, while under the watchful eyes of a registered nurse who is specially trained in caring for plastic surgery patients. Once back home a registered nurse will visit you to answer any questions or concerns and check on your incisions. Within a week of your surgery you will receive the first of three lymphatic massages, designed to reduce swelling and promote faster healing. “We do everything we can to make your entire experience a good one that is not only comfortable, with the least amount of stress, but also lives up to your surgical expectations,” he says.

For those patients interested in learning more about surgical and non-surgical alternatives, feel free to join us at one of our complimentary breakfast seminars to be held at our center on one of the following dates:

       Sepatember 20  10:30 am     October 18  10:30 am     November 22  10:30 am

Please call 201-261-7550 to reserve a seat as seating is limited.

 
What do you see when you look in a full length mirror? Most people, especially women, can point out more than a few facial or body “flaws.”

For the past 13 years Dr. Robert Zubowski has been helping people to enhance and improve their aesthetic appeal. “Most people have some knowledge of what plastic surgery can accomplish for them. However, not until we sit down to discuss their options can they really grasp its strengths and limitations. You need both an open mind and realistic expectations.” According to Dr. Zubowski perfection is a relative term: realistic expectations plus the surgeon’s skill is the equation for a successful outcome.

Computer imaging is one tool the center uses to give patients a better idea of what their surgery can do. “We use it for a facelift, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, browlift, chin and cheek augmentations, and skin resurfacing,” he explains. Patients are encouraged to study their image and discuss it with family members.

Many patients decide to have plastic surgery in preparation for a special event such as a class or family reunion, a wedding, or a job interview. Dr. Zubowski suggests having the surgery at least eight weeks prior to the big event. At his center, surgeries have a wait time of about three weeks. “Some procedures take another three weeks to heal, so it’s smart to plan.”

Patient education is a major focus at Dr. Zubowski’s center. When patients phone for a consultation brochures will be mailed to them. On the day of their appointment and just prior to the consultation they will be invited to watch a videotape about their procedure. “The extreme makeovers we see on TV are great, but plastic surgery is just one major contributing factor to the entire makeover.” In addition to cosmetic surgery, dental work is often done, a hairstylist and makeup artist are brought in, and an intensive diet and exercise program is followed for several months.

“We can create a more youthful you,” he says. “Most people don’t have the time to commit to an extreme makeover.” Plastic surgery, depending upon the procedures chosen, usually requires recuperative downtime of anywhere from a few days to three weeks.

In his experience, most patients have exaggerated ideas of the pain associated with their surgery. “Their pain is usually not as problematic as they anticipated,” he says.

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. “Fear rises from the perception rather than the reality. That’s the major 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.

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” he says. Prior to its opening, Dr. Zubowski practiced elsewhere in Paramus for over a dozen years.

“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?’”.

Cosmetic surgery has gone main stream. Just review the latest statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPC). Over 10.2 million cosmetic surgery procedures were performed in the U.S. last year, an increase of 11 percent over the previous year. Reconstructive plastic surgeries also yielded impressive numbers, coming in at more than 5.4 million in 2005.
“The obvious popularity of cosmetic surgery only emphasizes the fact that patients need to be educated before they commit to a procedure,” says Robert Zubowski, MD.

While general surgeons, dermatologists, and other physicians, even gynecologists, are performing aesthetic procedures, Dr. Zubowski cautions that, as with all medically related issues, using a true specialist makes absolute sense. In the case of cosmetic surgeries he stresses the importance of seeking a board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced training in aesthetics. Dr. Zubowski, fellowship trained in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic, is continuously cited as a “Top Doc” by various rating organizations. He also advises patients to thoroughly check the credentials of their prospective surgeon. “During your initial consultation you should inquire about your surgeon’s educational background,” he says. You can also obtain additional information by looking him up on the AMA Physician Finder Website.

Being completely comfortable and familiar with the procedure you are contemplating goes a long way in building a rewarding doctor-patient relationship. Asking your physician to communicate what he feels he can achieve for you is a basic consideration that should be discussed during the initial consultation. At The Robert Zubowski MD Center, surgery candidates are mailed a packet of informative brochures pertinent to the contemplated procedure, so that on the consultation day the patient is better prepared to discuss it with the doctor and/or members of his medical team. Another helpful medical information site is located at (www.kosmix.com). Information from your surgeon, his brochures and reliable website sources will help you avoid unwanted surprises on the day of your surgery.

During the consultation it is also important to find out where your surgery will take place. For safety’s sake you deserve to have it performed in a fully accredited facility such as SurgiCenter, which carries AAAASF and Medicare accreditation.
It’s also essential that you inquire about who will be in the surgery room assisting your surgeon, and the type of anesthetic to be administered. Dr. Zubowski has assembled a team of specialists who only handle plastic surgery cases. He works with the same board-certified anesthesiologists that he has for years. Experience tells. Surgeon and anesthesiologist, along with tenured specially trained nurses and operating room technicians, create a symbiotic environment that is both beneficial and safe for the patient.

If you are considering a breast augmentation you’re not alone. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons 254,140 women opted for breast augmentations in 2003. Since many continue to say they don’t like the shape and/or size of their breasts, those numbers may increase in the future. “While most breast augmentation patients want to be larger, all of them want natural looking breasts,” says Robert Zubowski, MD, medical director of The Robert Zubowski M.D. Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Paramus. Dr. Zubowski specializes in breast surgeries, facial rejuvenation surgery, and body contouring.

Having breasts that are in proportion to his patients’ body is an overriding concern, especially for the mature, usually more conservative woman, he says. “If she’s an A cup and wants to be a D, it’s my obligation to let her know that such a significant change in size may not be realistic.”

While Dr. Zubowski uses computer imaging, he believes an even better way to make a visual impression on the patient is through studying “before” and “after” photos of similar pre-surgery size breast patients who have undergone breast augmentations. “Seeing the comparative change often helps patients to make a proper size decision,” he says.

Other surgery decisions to be discussed with your surgeon include where the incision should be made. Dr. Zubowski’s surgical approach is to make an incision either in the fold of the breast, the areola, or in the under arm area. “My patients equally request that the incision be made in the areola or in the breast fold,” he says. “These sites give the most direct access and precise route to place the implant.” The areola is probably the best choice for patients who may also require a mastopexy or breast lift.

Women seeking a primary augmentation must have a saline implant but that may change within the next few years to include silicone material as well. As to shape, Dr. Zubowski most always uses an implant that is smooth and round as opposed to tear-shaped and textured. “The smooth, round implant doesn’t adhere to the skin and sits in its pocket, providing a more natural look,” he explains.

As part of the surgery Dr. Zubowski uses an implant sizer, a tool he’s been relying upon for years to help insure higher patient satisfaction. This disposable implant allows the surgeon to get a good idea of what the breast will look like once the permanent implant is placed. “It allows us to compare our results with the “after” picture that the patient approved. If it compares favorably, we can then proceed. If not, we’ll try another sizer.” The ultimate implant size, however, is based on the amount of breast tissue the patient has, her skin condition, and width of her pre-surgery breasts.

For more information on breast augmentation, other cosmetic rejuvenation procedures, or to schedule a consultation, please contact Ann Carbone, the center’s practice manager, at 201-261-7550.