When Doctors And Nurses Choose A Doctor For Themselves
New York City, Manhattan, Long Island, and Westchester, New York
When a physician or nurse need the services of a doctor, especially outside their specialty, they will first tap into their network for referrals and then they will likely check the credentials of that physician. I highly recommend that the general public follow the same protocol. Accreditation boards, such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, certify the credentials of a physician. These not-for-profit organizations monitor the work and facilities of the physician on a regular basis to determine if the doctor has met certain criteria.
Credentials and professional designations – such as my appointment as Assistant Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Chief of Plastic Surgery at St. John’s Riverside Hospital – will verify that a physician has passed stringent board certification guidelines, but those credentials and designations won’t tell you if he is really good at what he does.
Technical skills – in particular surgical skills – are measured by proven results. Most patients want to see “before and after” photos for the procedure they are considering. This is probably the most important step in the research process for the patient. However, equally important are patient referrals and testimonials. I can think of no higher professional recognition than physician/colleague referrals. Gaining the respect of colleagues cannot be achieved by passing a test – it is earned.
Over the course of my seventeen-year career – which has focused exclusively on plastic surgery – I have operated on 57 physicians – four of which are female plastic surgeons, 130 family members and 160 nurses. It is most gratifying when my own colleagues put that faith in me. When selecting a surgeon, do your homework; in particular, ask about colleague referrals. The answer to your questions will help you make an informed decision.
Please feel free to contact me in my Manhattan, Westchester or Roslyn, Long Island offices at 1-888-PSURGERY. I am happy to answer any questions you have regarding Plastic Surgery procedures. I can also be reached by email at scottmed5@psurgery.com.
All About Man Boobs: A Common Problem
New York City, Manhattan, Long Island, and Westchester, New York
Gynecomastia – commonly referred to as Man-Boobs or “Moobs” – is a condition that’s getting a lot of press these days. The BBC recently reported a significant rise in surgeries to reduce male breast mass as more and more men discover there is a remedy for this often embarrassing condition.
Causes of male breast enlargement are varied. First, a little science review…Like the female breast, the male breast consists of both gland and fat. However the hormone that stimulates the breast to produce milk is nearly absent in men so the gland is basically nonfunctional. The male breast is composed mostly of fat and is very susceptible to weight change. Most cases of Gynecomastia result from weight gain.
Some medications – in particular steroids and some asthma medications – affect the growth of the breast gland and Marijuana use has been linked to breast gland growth in men. Young men may see enlargement of the breast in adolescence due to a surge in estrogen production during puberty.
In rare instances, when Gynecomastia results from increased glandular tissue, I surgically remove the glandular tissue beneath the nipple. However, in most cases, Gynecomastia can be eliminated with Liposuction. The results are satisfying and the scars are almost invisible. I use special liposuction equipment specifically designed to remove fat that might be mixed with glandular tissue. If the patient is left with excess skin resulting from the liposuction, I also do skin tightening. This minimally invasive procedure is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. Patients wear a tight compression vest for a few weeks, to reduce swelling and the possibility of fluid buildup under the skin, but return to normal activity shortly after the procedure.
In my experience, nearly every patient I treat is happy with their result – most have the surgery done so they can confidently remove their shirt at the beach. I am most gratified when patients come back to my office with photos of themselves bare-chested on their first vacation after surgery. Man-Boobs no more!
For more information about Gynecomastia, feel free to call me at any of my three offices in New York – Westchester, Long Island and on Park Avenue in Manhattan. Call 1-888-PSURGERY to schedule a complimentary consultation. I can also be reached by email at scottmd@psurgery.com.
Time to Transition to Warmer Weather
New York City, Manhattan, Long Island, and Westchester, New York
Abdominal Liposuction versus Tummy Tuck- As we age, the abdomen begins to accumulate fat deposits. During menopause, women are often faced with stubborn fat stores which can be disheartening, especially when diet and exercise do little to decrease abdominal bulge. Even relatively young women experience abdominal bulging that does not respond to diet and exercise – especially those who have been pregnant or undergone surgery – as the shape of the abdomen is also greatly influenced by genetics.
As I consult with patients who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their abdomens, they often ask if they will need a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) to regain their flattering figures. There is no stock answer to this question. Each individual requires a personalized approach, as I consider all the factors that may have contributed to the abdominal bulge.
I first evaluate the location of the fat stores in the abdominal region. Fat stores accumulate in two areas of the abdomen and may require different treatment approaches.
Subcutaneous Fat – stored between the skin and the abdominal muscle wall, and
Visceral Fat – stored behind the muscle wall around the internal organs
In many instances, subcutaneous fat can be effectively treated with liposuction to trim and smooth fat bulges. However, for some patients, age and genetics may have contributed to the shape of the abdominal muscle wall and the accumulation of visceral fat. These fat stores cannot be removed by liposuction.
Once I have determined the location of the fat stores, I evaluate the condition of the patient’s skin. Excessive loose abdominal skin – often the result of weight loss, pregnancy or surgery – may require surgical removal. However, even when there is loose skin present, many patients are pleasantly surprised to learn that their skin can tighten very well after liposuction. By considering this option, some of my patients avoid the more invasive and extensive healing process required with a tummy tuck.
A tummy tuck is typically only required when there is excessive loose skin, the abdominal muscle has been damaged with pregnancy or surgery, or for the removal of disproportionate visceral fat.
A one-on-one consultation is always the first course of action and you may want to consider getting more than one opinion if a surgeon immediately recommends a tummy tuck. Many patients who thought they would need an abdominoplasty decide to try liposuction first and then determine if a tummy tuck is needed. If they are satisfied with the results, they might choose to forego the tummy tuck.
If you are looking to re-shape and refine your abdomen with liposuction or a tummy tuck, please feel free to contact me at 1-888-PSURGERY to schedule a consultation at my Manhattan, Westchester or Roslyn, Long Island offices or email me at scottmed5@psurgery.comMy practice website is www.psurgery.com.
Pregnant With Breast Cancer: An Unlikely Story
New York City, Manhattan, Long Island, and Westchester, New York
An Oncologist associate of mine recently asked me to consult with his patient Ana, who was diagnosed with breast cancer during her third trimester of pregnancy. While this was horrific news for a soon-to-be first time mom, the underlying blessing for Ana came with the discovery of the cancer late in her pregnancy. She delivered her healthy baby boy only a few weeks early and he received the benefit of breast milk during his first week of life before Mom had to start her Chemotherapy treatments.
Ana is undergoing her first round of treatment and she is doing well. The tumor is shrinking and her Oncologist is optimistic for her full recovery without a mastectomy. I will be following Ana’s progress over the next few months and I sincerely hope she will not need my services. Her odds are good because she was diagnosed early as a result of a breast exam. The most important thing to take away from this read is the benefit of regular breast exams, but equally important is the significance of consulting a qualified plastic surgeon as soon as the diagnosis is given. Because her Oncologist enlisted my services, I was able to reassure Ana she can expect to have a great quality of life after cancer, even if she does have to undergo a mastectomy.
I devote a portion of my practice to reconstructive surgery – in particular breast reconstruction after mastectomy – because I truly enjoy helping these women recover their dignity and their zest for life after cancer. Most women would not even consider the outcome after a mastectomy until they are diagnosed with cancer. By that time they are scared and thinking the worst. The pre-mastectomy consult serves to calm the patient and dispel any preconceived ideas about life after the mastectomy.
Patients are often surprised to learn that I will perform the reconstructive surgery at the time of the mastectomy, depending on the individual circumstances. For those who choose to wait, they leave the consultation knowing they have options because I can show them what my patients have experienced.
Silicone Breast Implants – Dr. Newman's Perspective
New York City, Manhattan, Long Island, and Westchester, New York
Five years have passed since the FDA re-approved silicone breast implants. During the test trials leading up to this approval – a study that lasted over ten years – I was selected as an approved physician to perform breast augmentations using silicone implants. My patients, as well as others who were selected for silicone implants during the trial period agreed to participate in long-term study of health and safety.
At the conclusion of the 10-year study, The Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Science appointed by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services determined the following:
“Evidence suggests diseases or conditions such as connective tissue diseases, cancer, neurological diseases or other systemic complaints or conditions are no more common in women with breast implants than in women without breast implants.” (Articlefactory.com)
The safety of silicone breast implants has now been proven. They offer advantages for some patients that simply did not exist when saline implants were the only choice. I have used silicone implants in approximately 50% of the hundreds of breast augmentation surgeries I have performed each year since silicone implants received FDA approval in 2006. Why? Because the silicone implant greatly expands the options for women and offers some fantastic benefits – in particular, silicone implants feel more natural to the touch than saline implants.
Although silicone implants are gaining in popularity, there are still situations where saline implants are preferred. The best choice for each patient is determined during a physician consultation. In most cases, I can give patients a comparable visual result with saline and silicone so they can make an informed decision.
Silicone or Saline – Which Is Best For You?
New York City, Manhattan, Long Island, and Westchester, New York
Since the FDA has concluded that silicone implants are a safe alternative to saline implants, I am able to offer my patients more options regarding their breast augmentation. So what are the advantages and disadvantages for each type?
· Silicone implants feel more natural to the touch and there tends to be less “rippling” around the edges of the implant. For women who are thin or have small breasts this is a distinct advantage, as rippling can sometimes be felt or become visible under the skin. I have performed many procedures to replace saline implants with silicone to resolve the problem of rippling. In every case, rippling was no longer an issue.
· The silicone implant comes pre-filled and the saline implant is inserted empty and then inflated after insertion. Therefore, silicone implants require a larger incision, resulting in a slightly larger scar.
· Silicone implants are also slightly lighter than saline implants.
· Silicone implants are more expensive, costing about $1,200 more than similar saline implants.
· Silicone implants have a higher rate of capsular contracture, a tightening of the area around the implant during the healing process.
Although this condition is not a health hazard, it may cause some discomfort and makes the breast implant feel hard. Patients with saline implants may also develop capsular contractures, but the incidence is definitely lower. The risk of capsular contracture is reduced when silicone implants are placed under the breast muscle. Although patients with saline implants may also develop capsular contractures, the incidence is definitely lower.
When making the choice between silicone or saline implants, be assured that comparable and excellent results can be obtained with either type of implant. The choice is determined by patient circumstances and physician consultation. To learn more about breast augmentation call 1888-PSURGERY for a complimentary consultation.
Does Your Wedding Checklist Include Aesthetic Cosmetic Procedures?
New York City, Manhattan, Long Island, and Westchester, New York
For most brides, the vision of the “perfect” wedding day will showcase the bride in a photo and video collage, not only those produced by the professional photographer and videographer, but each moment will likely be captured and shared by friends and family who will post on Facebook and YouTube. With this added publicizing of their special day, it’s no wonder brides want to ensure they look their very best.
As a result, more and more brides are adding cosmetic procedures to their wedding “to do” lists. E TV’s new show “Bridalplasty” really highlights the extensive wish list brides are considering as they plan for their special day. And, I am seeing more and more bridesmaids and mothers of brides who are joining in the aesthetic cosmetic process to ensure the success of their bride’s special day, as well.
As you are moving toward the final stages of your wedding plan, you may realize that you want to consider your options. A beautiful smile may be enhanced by strategically placed injectibles that eliminate smile lines and wrinkles around the mouth, eyes and forehead; or you may want to consider fillers that accentuate the fullness of the lips or cheekbones to bring out natural beauty of the face. I see many brides, bridesmaids and mothers during the months leading up to the wedding for these enhancements. The effects of these procedures will last as long as a year with minor touchups at about six months.
If you are looking to create your “perfect” wedding silhouette – one that captures your beauty from head to toe as you walk down the aisle – you may be considering breast augmentation, liposuction or other body contouring procedures. If so, you will need to factor in recovery time – at least a few months – to allow time for swelling, redness and tenderness to subside.
Planning the perfect wedding is a big undertaking for most brides and cosmetic procedures will often provide the ideal solution for de-stressing and looking your very best on your big day. By choosing wisely the enhancements that will enable you to look your very best on your wedding day, you will capture beautiful memories for years to come.
If you’ve considered including aesthetic cosmetic procedures on your wedding checklist, please feel free to contact me at 1-888-PSURGERY to schedule a consultation at my Manhattan, Westchester or Roslyn, Long Island offices or email me at scottmed5@psurgery.com My practice website is www.psurgery.com.
New Trends Surface as Plastic Surgery Rebounds in 2010
New York City, Manhattan, Long Island, and Westchester, New York
As the economy rebounds and consumer confidence rises, we are seeing an increased interest in rejuvenation and anti-aging procedures. According to statistics released this month by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), their member practitioners performed 13.1 million surgical and non-surgical cosmetic surgery procedures last year, up 5 percent from 2009.
The popularity of the reality TV shows, such as Real Housewives, The Kardashians and Bridalplasty, have created a heightened awareness about cosmetic procedures and a more wide spread acceptance of elective anti-aging. However, I have also seen a trend that is directly tied to the aftermath of the recession. Aging baby boomers – many who were only a few years ago anticipating retirement – are now forced to consider lengthier careers.
An ailing job market and an influx of people who find themselves competing for jobs in the ranks of much younger competitors, has pushed the trend for anti-aging remedies as increasing numbers of people – both men and women – are investigating their options to help stay competitive in the workplace. With nearly 1.6 million surgical procedures performed by board certified ASPS physicians in 2010, the top five procedures were:
Breast augmentation (296,000)
Nose reshaping (252,000)
Eyelid surgery (209,000)
Liposuction (203,000)
Tummy Tuck (116,000)
Image is vital to success in this day and age, especially with constant media blitz and the American public’s obsession with beauty. These 2010 statistics lend support to the fact that a large segment of our population believes image is, and should be, a priority.
I am pleased to provide image enhancing surgical and non-surgical procedures to my patients – procedures that dramatically impact their appearance, as well as their confidence, and I cannot stress enough how important it is for anyone of you who might be considering a cosmetic procedure to forge a relationship with a skilled, reputable plastic surgeon. A botched procedure can be an image deflator and I would rather see you for a consultation before you choose to proceed rather than when you are attempting to fix a less than flattering outcome.
I have lost count of the many instances where women and men report back after their surgeries to advise they confidently interviewed and got hired or aced out a younger candidate for a promotion because they didn’t look or feel their age. I’m sure a case could be made for the fact that these career veterans likely bring the skill set and knowledge to the mix that should be the first and foremost criteria for an interviewer’s decision to hire or a boss’ decision to promote, but a confident attitude and a youthful image goes a long way in standing up to the competition.
If you’ve considered putting your self-image at the forefront of your career options – with an image makeover – please feel free to contact me at 1-888-PSURGERY to schedule a consultation at my Manhattan, Westchester or Roslyn, Long Island offices or email me at scottmed5@psurgery.com. My practice website is www.psurgery.com.