Not Just a Pretty Face
Plastic Surgery:
The Increasingly Popular Choice
By Lily Zajc
As our population ages, more and more people are choosing to have plastic surgery for a vari-
ety of reasons. Baby boomers faced with loss of vitality in their appearance often turn to cosmetic
surgery to match the body and face to the mind. The benefi ts of plastic surgery, whether cosmetic
or reconstructive, can ultimately change a person’s quality of life by improving their appearance,
thereby adding self-esteem and confi dence. Advancements in technology now produce better re-
sults with less complications and side effects. Procedures that are minimally invasive and require
less downtime are also becoming more popular.
Plastic surgery’s popularity has also surged because of our trying economic times. Women
and men are choosing cosmetic procedures to make themselves more competitive in the job mar-
ket, according to the Aesthetic Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
The top fi ve surgical procedures in 2007, according to ASPS were liposuction, breast augmen-
tation, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), and breast reduction. The
top fi ve non-surgical procedures in 2007 were Botox, injectable fi llers, laser hair removal, micro-
dermabrasion, and light and laser treatments. These statistics should not change for 2008.
Because of this demand for instant “youth”, Doctors who are not cosmetic surgeons and
other non-professionals are performing procedures which they may not be qualifi ed to perform,
from actual surgery to injecting Botox and facial fi llers. That is why it is exceedingly important to
make sure you are going to a plastic surgeon, aware of the latest and safest techniques to ensure the
best results.
On the cutting edge of technology, is Smartlipo MPX, the latest advance in laser assisted
liposuction. This is a minimally invasive procedure which permanently removes unwanted fat
from hard to lose areas such as the abdomen, thighs, neck, and upper arms. It also tightens loose
skin and can be used in conjunction with traditional liposuction. Patients who are left with areas
resistant to exercise and weight loss are the ideal candidates for SmartLipo.
Smartlifting is a new surgical technique for facial rejuvenation and tightening. Downtime is
reduced, allowing patients to return to their normal activities sooner.
Facial fi llers and Botox injections have become increasingly popular, largely because of the
attraction of immediate results with no downtime. Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane, Radiesse, Sculp-
tra and Evolence, to name just a few, can be used alone or in conjunction to fi ll wrinkle and frown
lines and add volume to skin that has lost its volume.
Other procedures used to combat the ravages of aging and sun exposure with no downtime in-
clude non-invasive laser treatments that are utilized for a variety of skin conditions such as brown
spots, spider veins, rosacea, wrinkle reduction and unwanted hair growth. Velashape, the newest
FDA approved treatment for reduction in the appearance of cellulite, has given patients very good
results.
Recovery times vary, depending upon the procedure and individual. What may take a week
for one patient may take two for another. Patients who have procedures under local anesthesia can
generally return to work after a few days. The general rule of thumb for a surgical recovery period
is about a week to 10 days. Rest and limited activity are the norms and are very important to speed
healing and reduce recovery time. Your doctor will provide you with the specifi c post-operative
instructions and also monitor your healing process in follow up visits.
A consultation between you and your plastic surgeon to discuss your goals is the fi rst step
in determining what procedure is best for you and what results you can expect. Ask questions,
choose surgeons who are experienced, credentialed and have knowledge of cutting edge technolo-
gies. An on-site, accredited, operating facility, with a board-certifi ed anesthesiologist on board, is
essential and offers the patient convenience and assurance of better patient care.
For more information on the latest advances in cosmetic surgery or to schedule a free con-
sultation, call Cosmetic Surgery of New York located at 4616 Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson
Station, at 631-473-7070, or visit their website at ww.csnycosmetic.com.
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