Posted on May 18, 2012 in Body, Dr. Zubowski, Liposuction, Tummy Tuck
Oftentimes patients that undergo liposuction to achieve a more appealing body image, choose to receive the additional benefit derived from a tummy tuck. I’ve been combining these two procedures during one session for years. Patients who have opted for them, I’ve noticed, are usually the most vocal about how these procedures have positively impacted their lives.
Recently the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), to which I have been a proud member for years, released the results of the first study of its kind to assess patient reported outcomes from these procedures. According to ASPS, the world’s largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons, patients undergoing liposuction and/or tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) report significant improvement in self-esteem and quality of life issues. The study goes on to confirm that outcomes are especially good when liposuction is combined with tummy tuck.
The study evaluated 360 patients who underwent liposuction, and/or abdominoplasty to remove excess abdominal fat. About 60 percent of the patients underwent liposuction only, while 35 percent underwent a combination of the previously mentioned procedures. The remainder of participants underwent only abdominoplasty.
At the Robert Zubowski MD Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Paramus, New Jersey, our patient satisfaction rates traditionally track national trends. This procedure is no exception. The ASPS study reveals that patients undergoing liposuction and abdominoplasty produced the highest patient satisfaction rate. In addition, over 99 percent reported no increase in pain, compared to those patients who underwent abdominoplasty alone.
Every day I work with patients who are experiencing, for the first time in their lives, the improved quality of life brought about by plastic surgery. Weeks after their procedures you can’t help but notice their more confident body language and affable demeanor.
If you’d like to explore what plastic surgery can do for you, please contact Ann Carbone, our Practice Manager. She’ll be glad to set up your life altering consultation.
Posted on April 30, 2012 in Body, Dr. Zubowski, Liposuction
If you, like many others, suffer from bad body image, plastic surgery can help change that. We all know that dieting and diligent exercise benefit your overall health but they cannot always achieve your primary body image needs.
At the Robert Zubowski MD Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Paramus, New Jersey, we use a combination approach: two FDA approved procedures–ultrasonic and tumescent liposuction- -to resculpt those disproportionate areas and attain a more pleasing appearance. Each liposuction method offers certain advantages and I believe, applied in concert, gives patients the look they desire.
In a nutshell, ultrasonic (Vaser®) liposuction relies upon ultrasonic energy to melt subcutaneous fat that is then withdrawn in liquid form through a narrow tube at the area being treated. Tumescent liposuction then removes any remaining unwanted fat to complete the treatment. It helps put the finishing touches on your new body.
I have been performing liposuction at the Robert Zubowski MD Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery for many years. With more than 200,000 such procedures performed nationally last year, liposuction ranks among the top five most common cosmetic surgeries. For many patients liposuction alone may be sufficient to reach their aesthetic body goal. But for others, for example, those patients who have lost lots of weight due to bariatric surgery, a combination of procedures may be needed to achieve the best results possible. In such cases, depending upon where excess skin is present, I might recommend a tummy tuck, thigh lift, arm lift and/or neck lift. In these instances the surgeries are often staged.
If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you achieve your aesthetic goals, please contact Ann Carbone, our Practice Manager, to set up a consultation.
Posted on March 16, 2012 in Breast Implants, Dr. Zubowski, Facelift, Liposuction, Tummy Tuck
The latest plastic surgery figures are in and they corroborate what we already know from my own practice: consumers are increasingly opting for the kind of youthful rejuvenations that only cosmetic procedures can provide.
The new stats from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the oldest and largest clinical plastic surgery organization for professionals, clearly show that even in a slow economy, Americans still pursue a better appearance. About 14 million cosmetic procedures were performed in 2011, up 5% from the previous year, signaling year-over-year growth for two consecutive years.
We, at the Robert Zubowski MD Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Paramus, NJ believe that although plastic surgery may still be considered by some to be a luxury, it’s upward trend may reflect more people wanting to improve their opportunities in the fiercely competitive job market.
The newly released figures from ASPS also include information that among the roughly 1.6 million plastic surgeries in 2011, the top five were: Breast augmentation (up 4%); nose reshaping; liposuction; eyelid surgery and facelift (up 5%), which bested tummy tucks for the first time since 2004. I believe this might be caused by older job-seeking baby boomers. The biggest surprise, in my estimation, is the interest in chin augmentation, usually undergone by men. It gained over 70%. Lip augmentation, typically requested at the Robert Zubowski MD Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery by our female patients, was also up about 50%.
Overall, the largest growth trend was in minimally-invasive procedures (up 6%), with some treatments involving fillers and fat injections, up anywhere between 20%-30%. On the lower end of the spectrum, reconstructive plastic surgery increased 5 percent in 2011, with breast reconstruction up 3%.
For more information on how the Robert Zubowski MD Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery can help you realize your personal aesthetic goals, please contact Ann Carbone, our Practice Manager.
Posted on August 22, 2011 in Breast Reduction, Dr. Zubowski, Eyelid Surgery, Face, Facelift, Gynecomastia, Latest News, Liposuction, Non Surgical Procedures
There’s no doubt about it: most men really enjoy checking out a pretty face with a matching beautiful body as she passes by. Women were the first to realize that if nature didn’t give them all that they wanted aesthetically, they could boost their appeal considerably through plastic surgery. Not shy about how they have come by their new found beauty, many have graciously referred new patients to the Robert Zubowski MD Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Paramus,
NJ.
Men, on the other hand, were typically reluctant to give cosmetic surgery a try. Today, however, that attitude is quickly changing, as they see for themselves what it has done to raise the self-confidence of their girlfriends, wives and mothers. I speculate that another reason is that they refuse to be squeezed out of the job market as older Americans delay retirement and continue to compete
with their younger colleagues.
According to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal that quoted statistics provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 1.1 million men underwent some sort of cosmetic procedure last year and that number is climbing.
My practice at the Robert Zubowski MD Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery continues to reflect what similar centers are reporting across the nation.
So exactly what procedures are men choosing? In my practice the number one request remains a facelift; next is liposuctiion, followed by breast reduction or gynecomastic surgery. Older men often want eyelid surgery as well. And, as with women, I’m finding that men who are considering their first cosmetic intervention oftentimes start out with soft tissue fillers like Restylane® or Radiesse®, or they may just want to touch up their forehead furrows or the creases known as crow’s feet at the corners of the eyes with a temporary, but
very effective quick fix, Botox®.
If you have a favorite man who would like to enjoy the benefits of cosmetic intervention or if you are that special someone, please don’t hesitate to contact Ann Carbone, our Practice Administrator, for more information, and to set up a consultation.
Posted on March 1, 2011 in Botox, Face, Facelift, Latest News, Liposuction, Non Surgical Procedures
I often see attractive, mature people wearing turtlenecks. Some take this fashion statement to the extreme wearing sleeveless ones in summer. Are they hiding an unsightly neck which is too heavy, has fat pockets, and/or banding, some of the more unbecoming signs of aging. Fortunately, many such individuals decide to explore cosmetic surgery options so that they can improve their self-esteem–and expand their wardrobes.
The ideal solution for a sagging neck is a full facelift, which includes tightening the neck muscles, or a lower facelift. Truth be told, the neck is the most difficult part of a facelift. That’s why it’s important to choose your surgeon wisely. At the Robert Zubowski MD Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, we routinely perform these surgeries and we encourage you to review pictures of our results. After practicing as a board-certified plastic surgeon for more than 25 years, I’ve amassed quite a collection that catalogues our typical results.
Thanks to progress in plastic surgery techniques and products, depending on how the neck presents, there may be other options. At the Robert Zubowski MD Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery we are continually exploring and investigating innovative ways to give our patients the safest and best results. For example, at our Paramus, NJ center we offer Botox®, the wonder injectable, to temporarily erase deeper neck bands. Results last from three to six months, often increasing with each subsequent treatment.
A heavy neck with slight pouching may respond to liposuction, a minimally invasive procedure that we perform, as with most of our surgeries, at our on-site state-of-the-art fully accredited Surgicenter. Results can last years provided there is no significant weight gain.
If you would like to schedule a consultation about your aging neck, or find out more about another cosmetic enhancement please contact our Practice Administrator, Ann Carbone.
Posted on February 1, 2011 in Body, Botox, Breast, Breast Implants, Breast Reduction, Brow Lift, Dr. Zubowski, Face, Facelift, Liposuction, Tummy Tuck
One reason I chose to specialize in plastic surgery was my belief that aesthetic enhancements significantly improve my patients’ quality of life.
Continuous advances in plastic surgery create real benefits for patients. Today, the results are more predictable, involve less post-operative discomfort, and more rapidly return patients to their regular routines.
Even with improved techniques, some candidates still reject plastic surgery. For them, we are able to offer a host of injectables and Botox® that achieve gratifying results. We’re also using a number of liposuction applications that sculpt the body, face and neck. Liposuction procedures can be accomplished without general anesthetic in our office procedure rooms. By the way, for your safety and convenience, the majority of our surgeries occur at Surgicenter, our fully accredited surgery suite located at the Robert Zubowski MD Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Paramus, NJ.
Many of my patients have asked my opinion of bridalplasty (multiple pre-wedding day aesthetic procedures), a concept popularized by a TV show where brides-to-be compete for their wish lists of plastic surgery procedures. Their goal is to walk down the aisle looking like the girl of their own dreams. It is my genuine belief that any form of cosmetic enhancement: invasive, non-invasive, minimally invasive, or even skin treatments, should not be undertaken lightly. Competing to win plastic surgery enhancements trivializes the procedures and sends the wrong message.
At the Robert Zubowski MD Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery I have in-depth discussions with all patients about their aesthetic goals and any risks involved. Their psychological reasons for effecting a change must be sound. Making subtle changes to produce a natural result that will improve a person’s self-esteem is my primary goal.
If you’d like to present yourself in the best light on any day with our help, please contact Ann Carbone, our Practice Administrator.
Posted on December 15, 2010 in Body, Dr. Zubowski, Face, Facelift, Latest News, Liposuction, Media Appearances, Office News, Uncategorized
Q: Why does it seem like plastic surgery is becoming more and more affordable with better technology, but the opposite happens for the rest of medicine?
A: Like most things, the cost of cosmetic surgery continues to increase over time. Likely due to reality TV, plastic surgery has become more mainstream and is not something people feel they need to hide.
Therefore we simply hear more about it now. And buyer beware! Cheap prices may reflect a lack of training and board-certification.
Q: Where do you draw the line and refuse to perform the type of procedure that your patients request?
A: Whenever a patient is unrealistic in their expectations, no good will come from a surgical procedure. People who want a procedure and simply are not candidates do not get a procedure. Liposuction in a morbidly obese patient is a good example. Breast augmentation for a woman who already is a DD cup is another.
With some procedures like rhinoplasty (nose job), I will morph an expected result for a patient and based on their response, I will might refuse to do it.
Q: Do you foresee a time when the rates of plastic surgery for men catch up to those for women, or at least are close?
A: Never. Wrinkles, bulges, bald spots — most men don’t care enough to ever do anything about it. Interestingly though, as the workforce ages and more and more men are working longer, we are seeing more men having surgery to look younger — to help stay competitive in the workplace — for right or wrong.
Q: Which procedures are most common among men?
A: Liposuction of abdomen and love handles, blepharoplasty (eyelift), and facelifts.
Q: Do you think more people would be willing to try cosmetic surgery if some services were offered as outpatient rather than inpatient procedures?
A: Every cosmetic surgery procedure that I perform is outpatient. You come and have the surgery and go home the same day. You do have to return in the morning for a check up. This is how most plastic surgeons operate. If you go to a really upscale practice, you may have overnight accommodations — some rivaling the Four Seasons — but you will pay for it.
Q: What age is too young for plastic surgery?
A: This is controversial but I would say anything under 18 years old. Younger for congenital deformities, but there is something to be said for letting an adult make a decision for themselves. I have yet to see to a cosmetic “emergency” that needed a procedure STAT and couldn’t wait a year or two.
Q: What procedures are most likely to result in “I’m so glad I had it done!” and which tend to give rise to “What was I thinking?” regrets?
A: Most patients who are well informed and are realistic about their procedure are happy they did it. Those in the unhappy crowd often have had procedures with the terms “short scar,” “no downtime,” or “lunch time” attached to them. There is no free lunch.
Q: Does plastic surgery always produce a scar which must be hidden?
A: Always.
Q: What is the best bargain in plastic surgery? Which procedure would give most people the most satisfaction and improvements for the amount of time and money spent?
A: Harder to answer. It really depends what it is that bothers you. Taking all comers, botox for certain wrinkles is the best bargain. It eliminates the wrinkles for up to 4 months and does not require any surgery and therefore downtime.
Posted on December 9, 2010 in Body, Dr. Zubowski, Face, Facelift, Laser Skin Resurfacing, Latest News, Liposuction, Media Appearances, Microdermabrasion, Non Surgical Procedures, Skin Care
1. Liposuction does not replace working out, but it definitely can remove fat from areas that exercise tends to miss (like the chest and love handles).
2. Your results from lipo will be best if you continue regular work at the gym after the procedure.
3. Calf implants and pec implants tend to migrate with time and have other problems. Better to use liposuction to sculpt the surrounding areas, and make the pecs and calfs appear more distinct.
4. Lipo cannot make your abs look like Schwarzenegger’s, but it can bring you close to where you were in college.
5. You will probably have better results from reshaping rather than lifting. This will give you a more chiseled and angular masculine look.
6. Even if you have wrinkles and sagging on your face, you probably do not need a facelift. In some cases, facelifts make men look feminized. Better to have a neck lift, brow lift, and work on the eyes.
7. A chemical peel, which can be done without general anesthetic, is not a “facial” and can get rid of fine lines, uneven tone, and blotchiness.
8. Botox is not only administered at parties. And it can erase wrinkles as well in men as in women.
9. You will probably be happiest with subtle changes, that make you look more refreshed and youthful, rather than dramatically altering your appearance.
10. You will have to set aside some time to recover from your procedure. Impatience leads to complications
Posted on September 15, 2010 in Body, Botox, Breast, Dr. Zubowski, Face, Facelift, Laser Hair Removal, Liposuction, Media Appearances, Microdermabrasion, Non Surgical Procedures, Office News, Tummy Tuck
Summer has come to a close and I am looking ahead to the holiday seasons. In fact, some of my patients have come up with a novel way to insure that they will be at their personal best for the upcoming rounds of parties, meetings and events. They’re giving the love of their lives (and themselves) a cosmetic enhancement makeover.
At the Robert Zubowski MD Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, we’ve designed a Couple’s Refresher that includes the cosmetic enhancement procedure which each partner desires. Before scheduling your Couple’s Rejuvenation consultation, it’s important to discuss with your partner your desire to provide this long lasting gift of self-improvement and empowerment, along with gauging his or her enthusiasm for this project.
The process moves forward with a dual patient consultation, during which we’ll discuss the advantages of couples getting procedures within months of each other, including a discounted surgery rate. I’ll explain what each patient can realistically expect from their respective procedures. We will stagger the surgeries so that while one partner is healing the other provides post-surgical home care and later can reverse roles. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) recommends that anyone considering an aesthetic surgery procedure carefully weigh not only the benefits, but the risks of the procedure as well. Since we welcomed our very first patient through our doors nearly 25 years ago, we routinely go over these two critical factors at every initial consultation at our Paramus NJ center.
At the Robert Zubowski MD Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery we believe that an educated patient is oftentimes the most satisfied. That’s why we have created a packet of information relevant to the procedures that interest you. You will receive this informative material prior to your initial consultation.
To learn more about our Couple’s Rejuvenation program or to schedule a consultation, please contact our Practice Administrator, Ann Carbone at 201 261-7550.
Posted on August 3, 2010 in Body, Face, Fat Injections, Latest News, Liposuction
Many people lose their youthful appearance due to a natural aging process called deflation, which is the loss of fat and volume in the face. It robs many people of their youthful appearance. But there is a safe and natural way to reverse deflation: by transferring fat from one part of the body, and injecting it into another part.
Fat transfer is a safe and natural approach among cosmetic procedures and body sculpting treatments that provides dramatic results for improving the effects of deflation—such as sunken temples, hollow cheeks, deep frown and smile lines, thinner lips, and a smaller chin—using fat removed from your own body. The procedure is also referred to as micro-lipoinjection, fat injection, or facial fat rejuvenation.
It is a relatively simple, safe, in-office procedure in which fat is removed from the patient’s buttocks, abdomen, or thighs and is injected into the face or hands. Skin depressions, such as acne or trauma scars, can also be improved.
The Fat Transfer procedure requires only a local anesthesia, which is applied to both the donor and the recipient sites. Fat is extracted from your body using a small sterile syringe and light suction to avoid damage to the fat cell membrane. The Fat Transfer is complete when the body fat is re-injected under your skin to fill or plump the desired areas. No stitches are required.
The Fat Transfer injection procedure takes about one hour to one and a half hours to remove the fat, purify it, and safely inject the fat into the desired area. Sometimes a second or third fat injection is needed, depending on each person. Patients can usually return to work the next day.
