Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Blog in New York, NY | George Lefkovits M.D.

Nipple Surgery a New Trend in Breast Surgery?

2009-07-07T16:15:00.001-04:00

Victoria Beckham was long a visible spokesmodel for breast augmentation. Although some were not impressed by her obviously artificial style, and she recently revised her breasts to look a little smaller, there is no denying that she helped increase acceptance of breast augmentation. Now she has apparently kicked off a new trend in breast surgery in Britain: a dramatic increase in nipple surgery. When she received her revision surgery to reduce the size of her breasts, speculation is that she also had her nipples reshaped.

Since then, nipple surgery in Britain has increased by over 30%, as women seek perky, well-shaped nipples that they can show off when wearing swimsuits and t-shirts, dresses, and blouses without bras. It's unknown whether this trend is spiking to the same level of interest in the United States as in Britain, but inquiries about nipple surgery in the United States have increased dramatically since last year.

The most common form of nipple surgery is inverted nipple correction, but many women seek more cosmetic forms of nipple surgery to change the size, shape, even color of their nipples. This can be performed at the same time as breast augmentation or as a separate surgery.

If you are interested in improving the size, shape, or appearance of your breasts, Manhattan plastic surgeon Dr. George Lefkovits can help. Please contact him today to schedule a consultation.

New Goal of Breast Augmentation: Shape, Not Size

2009-07-01T16:14:00.000-04:00

When Pamela Anderson was the unofficial spokeswoman for breast augmentation, most women were seeking to get really big breasts. Women often wanted "D" cup or larger breasts, and shape was often a secondary concern. A larger percentage of women were exotic entertainers of one kind or another, and the majority of the rest wanted the size to get attention, not the shape.

However, as breast augmentation has increased in popularity and become more mainstream, it has changed in nature. More and more women report getting breast augmentation to "look normal," or to "look the way I did when I was younger." With this as the goal, the average size of breast augmentation has decreased slightly, with 80% or more of women looking for a "C" cup breast size. And shape is more important to these women.

Manhattan plastic surgeon Dr. George Lefkovits has the experience necessary to understand how breast implants can affect the shape of your breasts, and will discuss your breast augmentation goals in terms of shape as well as size. If you like the shape of your breasts and want to preserve it after augmentation, or if you want to change the shape as well as the size, either is possible. Dr. Lefkovits will discuss your options during your consultation.

To talk to Dr. Lefkovits about improving the shape of your breasts with breast augmentation, contact his Manhattan plastic surgery practice today.

Tear Trough Deformity and Treatment

2009-06-29T11:09:00.000-04:00

The tear trough is a name for the arc of depressed tissue that starts between the eye and the nose and often fades as it moves toward the outer rim of the eye. It is distinct from, but often accompanies, "bags" under the eyes. Bags are puffy regions either on the lower lid or below it, which may or may not be dark in color. Depending on whether you have one, the other or both, you will receive different treatment.

Lower lid blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) has long been the recommended treatment for puffy eyelids and bags under the eyes. The removal of excess fat from the lids can restore their youthful appearance. It was the second most popular cosmetic surgery procedure for men in 2008, and in the top five for women.

The tear trough is significantly different. Although some may experience significant hollowness around the eyes as a result of sinking mid face tissues, for the majority of people the tear trough is the result of lost facial volume, and doesn't respond to surgical treatment. Instead, facial filler injections are the best course of treatment for the phenomenon. Those with puffy lower lids can sometimes use them as donor regions for fat that is used to fill the trough. For others, fat transplantation from other areas is an option, as are other injectable facial fillers.

If your face has taken on a worn, haggard, or aged appearance that you would like to correct, New York plastic surgeon George Lefkovits can help. Contact us today for a consultation.

Inverted Nipple and Its Correction

2009-06-26T11:08:00.000-04:00

Inverted nipple is a condition in which a woman's nipples point inward rather than outward. For most women this is a congenital condition, but for others it is acquired as a result of an injury or disease of the breast. There are three grades of inverted nipple. The grade 1 inverted nipple, also known as shy nipple, is normally inverted, but emerges (or everts) in response to stimuli. Grade 2 inverted nipples can be made to evert, but invert almost immediately. Grade 3 inverted nipples never evert, and can cause significant hygiene problems. In most cases, women with grade 1 and grade 2 inverted nipples are still able to breastfeed, although it can take a great deal of persistence and patience. Most women with grade 3 inverted nipples have significant difficulties breastfeeding.

The surgical correction of inverted nipples is a form of breast enlargement. Women who feel shy or self-conscious about their inverted nipples can have restored confidence with inverted nipple correction. Inverted nipples can be corrected at the same time as breast augmentation, or it can be performed as a separate surgery. The procedure is primarily cosmetic, as women whose inverted nipples would prevent them from breastfeeding will probably still be unable to breastfeed after surgery.

If you feel self-conscious about breasts that are asymmetric, have inverted nipples, or are too small, Manhattan plastic surgeon Dr. George Lefkovits may be able to help. Schedule a consultation with him today.

People Open and Accepting about Injectable Treatments and Fillers

2009-06-23T11:05:00.000-04:00

Some people may be nervous talking about many different cosmetic procedures, but those receiving injectable treatments and fillers are not among them, according to recent survey results released by a nationwide cosmetic surgery research foundation. The survey was filled out by 687 people who received treatment with BOTOX Cosmetic or an injectable filler like Juvéderm or Radiesse.

The survey revealed that 87 percent of those who receive injectable treatments speak openly about them. And 70 percent of those who talk about their treatments report getting a positive response from those they told. This indicates that support for and familiarity with injectable treatments is widespread, much more widespread than many had thought.

Less surprisingly, the survey revealed that the "typical" injectables patient is a married, working mother between the ages of 41-55 with a household income less than $100,000. Many of them are also health-conscious, with 95 percent participating in regular exercise and 78 percent pursuing healthy eating habits.

If you have been thinking that injectable treatments or fillers might help to restore your youthful appearance, but were afraid to try them because you were afraid they might carry a social stigma, this survey should help put your mind at ease. Injectable treatments not only give sublte, natural-looking results, but they are popular and widely accepted. To talk more about these great facial rejuvenation options, please schedule a discussion with New York plastic surgeon George Lefkovits, M.D. today.

Brazilian Butt Fill Recovery

2009-06-18T11:03:00.000-04:00

Although many plastic surgery procedures saw a decline last year, buttock augmentation continued to grow in popularity. Men and women continue seeking larger, shapelier buttocks, and the procedure of choice is the Brazilian butt fill, in which fat injection is used to enlarge the buttocks, rather than a buttock implant.

The Brazilian butt fill is a less invasive procedure than many other plastic surgeries. The fat harvesting procedure is very low-impact, not the same as a full liposuction procedure, and the injection procedure, although it does result in some discomfort, does not require much in the way of postoperative restrictions. Restrictions are mainly designed to increase the survival rate of injected fat and improve the quality of permanent results.

Following your Brazilian butt fill, you will be asked to:

Devote 2-3 days to rest and recovery
Avoid strenuous activity for two weeks
Limit sitting directly on the buttocks for 7-10 days
Reduce periods of continuous sitting for up to 4 weeks

If you follow these restrictions, the quality of your results will improve, and the likelihood of retreatment will decrease.

If you are looking for more attractive buttocks, New York plastic surgeon Dr. George Lefkovits is a recognized expert on buttock augmentation. Schedule a consultation at our Manhattan plastic surgery practice today.

Cougar Makeovers Make an Impact

2009-06-15T18:40:00.001-04:00

Cougars, older women who date younger men, came to be a big social trend after a few high-profile celebrity couples bravely swam against the prevailing social current that dictated older men went out with younger women. Demi Moore (freshly divorced from Bruce Willis) and Ashton Kutcher were the most prominent couple, and their ongoing relationship fed a fire that seemed to grip the cultural imagination. Young men and older women began seeking each other, and the trend has grown to include its own reality TV show.

In large part, this trend has been made possible by cosmetic surgery procedures that allow many women to look considerably younger than their age. Although a few lucky women look great without treatment into their 50s, many women need help to remain attractive to 20-something guys. It has become such a part of our culture that many women are setting aside money from divorce settlements for cosmetic surgery, such as facelift or breast implants to help restore volume lost following one or more pregnancies. The number of breast augmentations grew in the 40-54 age group against all other age groups in 2008.

Women who get involved with a younger man after a painful divorce are often seeking to reinvigorate themselves, to draw on the energy of youth and feel younger themselves in setting off on their new single life. Cosmetic surgery can also help these women feel younger.

If you are embarking on a new life and want to enter it with a fresher, younger appearance, New York cosmetic surgeon Dr. George Lefkovits may be able to help. Schedule a consultation today to learn more.

Combining Procedures: Breast Enlargement and Tummy Tuck

2009-06-09T15:05:00.000-04:00

Breast enlargement and tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) are two of the most popular body contouring procedures performed in the United States. They are also most commonly performed on the same demographic group. Over 60% of breast enlargements and approximately 75% of tummy tucks are performed on women aged 30-50, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Many women might consider having the procedure performed at the same time because of several possible benefits:

Reduced cost
Shortened healing time
Less time off from work

With simultaneous procedures, it seems like a woman could see significant benefits. However, is it safe to have multiple procedures at the same time?

Yes, according to a report published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, which covers 268 combined breast enlargement / tummy tuck procedures performed over a ten-year period from 1997 to 2007. According to the results, the incidence of complications was comparable for the combined procedure and for breast enlargement alone. This report of cases indicates that combining breast enlargement with a tummy tuck may be a good option for some patients.

If you are considering both a breast enlargement and a tummy tuck, you should discuss your options with Manhattan plastic surgeon Dr. George Lefkovits. Schedule a consultation today.

Celebrity Cosmetic Procedures: Why They Do It, Why They Deny It, and Why We Care

2009-06-05T11:47:00.000-04:00

If you look at celebrity gossip sites and listen to plastic surgeons who work on them, the majority of celebrities have had plastic surgery or cosmetic treatments of some sort. According to one surgeon, maybe as much as 90% of all celebrities over the age of 40 get maintenance treatments like Botox to maintain their appearance. However, the majority of them deny it. Even those who are known to have received Botox or even highly visible surgery like rhinoplasty continue to deny it or explain it as a deviated septum, which would not explain the changed appearance of their noses. Why do celebrities seek out surgery and treatments, why do they hide it, and why do we care?

Celebrities seek out plastic surgery or cosmetic procedures for the same reasons many people do, only more so. People often talk about the influence of beautiful women on screen, on magazine covers, and on billboards, how it makes "normal" women feel insecure. Paradoxically, the women on the billboards or magazines are not made more secure by their image. Instead, these images serve as gigantic mirrors that reproduce and magnify every flaw. The effects of aging are made more drastic by the constant crush of aspiring young stars all wanting to be the next big thing and the producers who want to find that rising star. By age 25, actresses often publicly talk about the pressure to look young. So it should not surprise us that they seek out plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery to improve or maintain their appearance.

But if plastic surgery and cosmetic treatments are a completely understandable phenomenon, why do so many celebrities deny that they have had them Part of it is personal. The women and men would not have gotten breast implants or a nose job if they did not feel self-conscious about their appearance. So it is understandable that they would want to avoid the subject. Another part of the reason is professional. First, Hollywood is The Dream Factory. "Naturally" beautiful celebrities are part of that dream, and always have been. Early Hollywood used thick makeup, dyed blondes, and soft focus close-ups overtly, but from the beginning plastic surgery was more secret. Celebrities also often have endorsement contracts that require them to attribute their enduring beauty to a particular product, concealing whatever other work they have had done.

So why do we care that these men and women have had cheek augmentation or a tummy tuck? Mass media interacts in a funny way with the human social sense. For most of our history, the people that we recognized instantly by face were our family and close friends. Now we recognize by sight many people we have never seen "in person." Although we rationally know that these people are not close family or friends, we often cannot help being emotionally involved with them.

And we also cannot help being influenced by the decisions made by our extended virtual family. With growing exposure of celebrity plastic surgery, more people are seeking plastic surgery for themselves, and society as a whole has accepted it as a normal part of many people's lives. Schedule a plastic surgery consultation with New York plastic surgeon Dr. George Lefkovits today if you want to make it part of yours.

Men's Face Shapes

2009-06-02T10:56:00.000-04:00

The ideal woman's face is traditionally described as a heart shape, or sometimes an apple: wide on the top, coming to a slender point at the bottom. For men, the ideal is closer to a square or rectangle. This ideal has a forehead that is not too high, not too prominent cheek bones, cheeks that are neither sunken nor round, and a strong jawline to the chin. Some men are lucky enough to be born with this face shape, while others face serious impediments toward making their faces look strong, masculine and attractive.

Round Faces

A man with a round face may have several problems, but it generally relates to the placement of fat pockets in his face. A round face can be good for a man who wants to be considered "cuddly," "friendly," or "jovial," but a round face is definitely a problem for a man who wants to be considered "sexy," "masculine," or "assertive." Men who are having trouble getting past the dreaded "friend zone" or being taken seriously at work should look at themselves in the mirror and consider whether face shape could be part of the problem.

Men with round faces can often achieve a square face with facial liposuction that can get rid of fat deposits that minimize the hard edges of the jaw line.

Triangle Faces

Calling this face shape a triangle is a polite way to get around describing it as a heart. Men with this face shape have a well-defined cheek area, and a good chin, but the chin is often too long for the jaw. For some men, this can give an appearance of "boyish" good looks, and they are very happy with it. For others, though, it makes the face look too feminine or youthful. These men may be described as a "younger brother" by romantic interests and at work may find they are not being given respect for their experience or authority.

Men with triangle faces can achieve a more square face with facial implants that improve definition along the jaw line. The goal is not to eliminate the youthful appearance, but to temper it with a masculine edge that improves the way others look at you.

Rectangle Faces

The appearance of a rectangle face is actually very common for men who used to have a square face, but have aged. The extreme rectangular face is Frankenstein's monster from the 1931 production starring Boris Karloff. The face is definitely masculine, but gauntness, tiredness, and a receding hair line have reduced its charm.

Men who have had their masculine charm reduced by age can combine a number of remedies to restore their matinee idol appearance. Hair transplantation can bring the hairline back down. A brow lift can make the brows less heavy and angry-looking. Facial fillers including fat transplants can make the face look less gaunt.

Many people will offer advice on how to use hairstyle or facial hair to "improve" the appearance of an off-shape face, but this is just another way to describe hiding your face. Why go through life hiding when you can put on a man's face? Schedule a facial recontouring consultation with New York plastic surgeon Dr. George Lefkovits to learn whether he can help you achieve a more masculine appearance.

What You Should Be Prepared to Tell Your Plastic Surgeon: Medical History

2009-05-29T14:59:00.000-04:00

To ensure the maximum safety of your plastic surgery procedure, you should be prepared to share all relevant information about your medical history with Manhattan plastic surgeon Dr. George Lefkovits. Plastic surgery carries with it many of the same risks as other surgeries, but if you give an honest and complete medical history, these risks can be minimized.

To ensure maximum safety you should be prepared to discuss:

Existing medical conditions There are many medical conditions that could affect your safety during cosmetic surgery, including autoimmune diseases. Even if you are embarrassed about a sexually transmitted disease, it is important to mention it. Also, mention symptoms that may be indicative of undiagnosed medical conditions like constant fatigue, generalized feelings of being unwell, or inability to sleep.
Previous medical procedures and complications Always disclose any prior surgeries. Especially important are previous surgeries on the body part or parts where Dr. Lefkovits will be operating. It is also important that you share any previous complications such as adverse reactions to anesthesia or heavy scarring.
Any and all medications, including herbal supplements Depending on what procedure you are considering, there are literally hundreds of medications that can affect your safety during a cosmetic surgery procedure. This applies not only to prescription medications, but over-the-counter remedies and supplements. Fortunately, in most cases simply informing Dr. Lefkovits about them can dramatically reduce risks.
Psychological condition If you are being treated for or have been diagnosed with any psychological disorder, you should tell Dr. Lefkovits. Also, talk about any recent major life changes like divorce, a recent loss of a family member, firing, or others that can deeply affect your emotional state. This can help Dr. Lefkovits establish an optimal timetable for your procedure.

If you are completely honest with Dr. Lefkovits about your medical history, he can ensure your plastic surgery procedure is performed with the maximum possible safety. Contact him today for a consultation.

What You Should Be Prepared to Tell Your Plastic Surgeon: Aesthetics

2009-05-26T14:57:00.000-04:00

Disclosing your medical history to Manhattan plastic surgeon Dr. George Lefkovits is crucial to the safety of your plastic surgery procedure. Disclosing your full rationale for desiring plastic surgery is just as crucial to the quality of your results. To help Dr. Lefkovits give you the results you desire, you should be prepared to talk in detail about:

When and how you first became aware of a cosmetic defect It can be very important whether the feature you hope to correct was noticed first by you or by others, whether it was noticed in a public or intimate situation, whether it is something recent or if you have long been bothered by it.
How you feel about your appearance and how you hope it will change as a result of your plastic surgery We want to understand what you feel is the degree of your cosmetic defect. We also want to know whether your expectations for your plastic surgery are realistic and achievable.
How you feel you compare and how you hope to compare with others of your age and gender Once you become aware of a particular feature, it is normal to compare yourself with others in terms of that feature. Do you feel your nose is larger than most other people's and hope to be normal? Or do you now feel ordinary but hope to be extraordinary?
How you have tried to conceal a feature that makes you self-conscious Your avoidance behavior in trying to conceal your appearance can help Dr. Lefkovits understand the impact it has had on your life. Do you wear your hair to conceal your face? Do you avoid pictures? Do you wear or avoid particular clothes? Do you only undress in the dark? Do you avoid going to the beach or the gym?

If you are prepared to talk about these aspects of your appearance, it can be a great help to Dr. Lefkovits in getting you the results you desire from your plastic surgery. To begin talking about a plastic surgery procedure, call or email our office today.

More Minorities Are Seeking Plastic Surgery

2009-05-22T11:01:00.003-04:00

The face of plastic surgery is changing. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 2008 marked the first year that cosmetic procedures increased in every ethnic group except Caucasians. Statistics, which are extrapolated from procedure reports of ASPS members, like New York plastic Surgeon Dr. George Lefkovits, showed that while cosmetic procedures increased by about 11 percent among non-Caucasians, they decreased by about 2 percent for Caucasians.

According to the ASPS, Hispanics led the drive for cosmetic procedures, with an 18% increase to make up about 10% of all cosmetic procedure patients in 2008. They were followed by African Americans, who sought about 10% more procedures and made up about 8% of cosmetic procedure patients, and Asian Americans who sought about 5% more procedures and made up about 7% of all cosmetic procedure patients.

Among all ethnic groups, Botox, injectable fillers, and chemical peels were the most popular procedures. Surgical procedures are a lot more variable. Nose reshaping (rhinoplasty) is popular among all three major ethnic populations. Liposuction is popular with Hispanics and African Americans. Breast augmentation is popular with Hispanics and Asian-Americans. Asian-Americans also sought out blepharoplasty while African Americans sought breast reductions surgery. The rising popularity of buttock augmentation (now the number one procedure performed in our office) is also due to increased numbers of ethnic patients seeking plastic surgery.

Working with patients of different ethnic groups does require a plastic surgeon be flexible and have experience using surgical and non-surgical techniques on different skin types. Dr. George Lefkovits has over 25 years of plastic surgery experience, experience he draws from in striving to give every patient the best possible results.

No matter what your ethnicity or gender, New York plastic surgeon Dr. George Lefkovits can put his skill and experience to work for you. Schedule a cosmetic procedure consultation today to learn how.

New Needles May Further Reduce Complications from Injectables

2009-05-18T10:17:00.001-04:00

Minimally-invasive injectable treatments like Botox and facial fillers are very safe. Practiced on millions of people every year, complications are rare, numbering in hundreds or less. When complications do occur, though, they are often the result of inexperienced injectors, such as people offering discount treatments in medi-spas without sufficient training. A new needle design, though, may reduce the incidence of mistaken injection in the wrong tissue.

The needle design is being explored by researchers at MIT, who hope it will reduce complications resulting when needles penetrate too far and inject medication into the wrong tissue. The design involves an s-shaped needle with a plug attached to a guide-wire filament inside. Force to push the needle into skin is applied to the filament only. When the curve of the needle-placed at an appropriate distance from the needle tip-touches the surface, it provides resistance, and pressure goes along the filament to release the plug and inject the medication at the desired depth.

Until this technology is fully developed, risks still exist for the injection of Botox and other injectables too deep in the tissue. To avoid this risk, work with an experienced injector, such as New York Plastic Surgeon Dr. George Lefkovits. Please schedule an injectable treatment consultation today.

New Liposuction Page

2009-05-14T13:18:00.000-04:00

Liposuction is, depending on which set of statistics you consider, either the most popular plastic surgery procedure, or the second most popular, after breast augmentation. New York plastic surgeon Dr. George Lefkovits has been performing liposuction procedures for over 25 years, and has refined his technique over the years using the tumescent liposuction variation of the procedure.

To increase patient education, we have added pages on the tumescent liposuction procedure. Tumescent liposuction is used for body contouring on both men and women. Liposuction treatment for men targets gynecomastia (enlarged male breasts), the abdomen (including the front and sides), and the neck and face. Liposuction treatment for women typically targets the abdomen, thighs, and the neck and face.

You may have heard about one or more of the new, supposedly improved forms of liposuction. In most cases, these procedures come and go, replaced whenever the next new thing appears, but tumescent liposuction continues to be practiced. Why? Many of the new procedures are designed to make the procedure easier or more forgiving for the doctor, but, even so, they are only tools. Doctors who lack confidence in their technique, who are not getting good results with the old way, seek new tools, then discard those tools when they still do not give good results, or prove to have significant side effects. But Dr. Lefkovits, whose results come from his technique and not merely technology, does not have to keep pursuing that elusive edge that will overcome defects in skill.

If you want to learn more about liposuction alternatives and how much difference the skill of your doctor can make, please schedule a body contouring consultation with New York plastic surgeon Dr. George Lefkovits today.

Plastic Surgery as Art

2009-05-12T13:14:00.000-04:00

A surgeon just closed an art exhibit in a non-profit Manhattan-area space that exhibited before & after images of cosmetic surgery patients. The images themselves were not considered art, but, instead, the surgery was on display. The surgeon's claim is that cosmetic surgery is a form of art-the creation of an aesthetic form.

We concur. The goal of cosmetic surgery is to create an improved appearance for the patient, however, we do differ in some respects. We certainly agree that a rhinoplasty is one of the most complicated and delicate aesthetic procedures. It is definitely art. But to claim that a facelift-or any other procedure-is unartistic and "can be taught to almost anyone," as this surgeon states, certainly seems misguided.

Every face is at least as unique as the nose it features. Or perhaps the distinction is between rejuvenation and reshaping. The latter is art while the former is merely mechanical. But people age uniquely, as well, and deserve a unique combination of rejuvenation treatments to achieve optimal results. A mechanical approach to the facelift will often generate bad results. We have seen enough poorly-performed facelifts to dispute the claim that it is an easy procedure that can be entrusted to just anyone.

New York cosmetic surgeon Dr. George Lefkovits has been honing his aesthetic sense through many years of practice, and brings it to bear on every patient. At our practice, no operation, no patient, is regarded as merely routine. For facial rejuvenation that is as unique as your face, please schedule a cosmetic surgery consultation today.

Our New Breast Augmentation Pages

2009-05-08T13:12:00.000-04:00

There is a lot of information on the Internet about breast augmentation, but not all of it is good. New York plastic surgeon Dr. George Lefkovits has spoken with many patients who came in with misinformation acquired from the internet. To counter this, he has decided to increase the content on his website so that visitors can get complete, unbiased, and accurate information. All the content is personally reviewed by Dr. Lefkovits to ensure accuracy. When you come to our plastic surgery website, you can trust what you read.

Our first addition is a page on breast enlargement incision options. This page talks about the different types of incisions used during breast enlargement with breast implants:

Inframammary
Periareolar

The information is clear, concise, straightforward, and accurate. It avoids salesmanship and advocacy. Our goal is to make sure that you understand your options.

If you want to know more about which options Dr. Lefkovits prefers, you can read our blogs on transaxillary and TUBA breast enlargement, although the best way to get the whole story is by talking to Dr. Lefkovits in person. Schedule a breast enlargement consultation with Dr. Lefkovits today.

Plastic Surgery after Divorce: A Good Idea, but Take Your Time

2009-05-05T13:07:00.000-04:00

Divorce is a traumatic experience to go through. Another person you built your life around, someone in whom you invested a great deal of your self-image and self-esteem, has let you down. And in the process of your life coming apart, it's common for your self-image to take a beating. During the process of divorce, many hateful things may be said, things that sting all the worse because they are coming from the mouth of someone who once made you feel special. On top of this, the prospect of facing the world-especially the dating world-full of younger people who seem full of confidence may be crushing.

Plastic surgery may seem like a great solution to help you get started fresh. Looking younger, looking better may be just what you need to start getting your life back on track. And it can be. The positive psychological benefits from many different plastic surgery procedures have been well documented. But this does not mean you should rush into a commitment to a permanent surgery.

If you are considering plastic surgery after your divorce, talk to a doctor who can help you decide whether you are making the decision for yourself or out of spite or a desire for revenge. We can also help you enter your procedure with realistic expectations.

If you are not emotionally ready, we can recommend some temporary procedures that improve your appearance over the short-term until you are prepared to make such an important decision rationally. Common short-term procedures for both men and women include facial rejuvenation with skin resurfacing, Botox injections, or facial fillers.

Long-term procedures often requested by divorced women include breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, and facelifts. Men, on the other hand, often request nose surgery (rhinoplasty), eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), and liposuction.

If you are considering plastic surgery after divorce, some practices may try to take advantage of your emotionally fragile state. If you schedule a plastic surgery consultation with New York plastic surgeon Dr. George Lefkovits, you will receive an honest opinion from an experienced surgeon about what procedures-including none at all-might best meet your needs.

Will a Tummy Tuck Affect My Choice of Swimsuits?

2009-04-28T16:20:00.000-04:00

As swimsuit season approaches, you may be happy your exercise routine and killer diet are burning fat, even in your hard-to-target stomach area. But maybe your stomach still doesn't look as good as you would like. If you have slack muscles, stretch marks, and loose skin, sometimes no amount of work on your part can achieve a beach-ready belly. A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) can help with all these problems, but maybe you're afraid the scar might be visible unless you restrict yourself to only a few types of swimsuits.

It is true that a tummy tuck will leave a scar. For men, the scar from a tummy tuck is almost always concealed by swimsuits. For women, it may not be concealed by all the styles on display at Victoria's Secret swimwear, but a tummy tuck will actually increase your options. Typically, the scar from an abdominoplasty starts around the hip bone on one side, descends into the pubic region in the middle, and ends around the other hip bone. Take a look at our abdominoplasty gallery to see examples. It is placed below the waistband of most underwear, and easily concealed by most bikini bottoms.

A quick rule of thumb if you are looking at swimsuits is that if you can see the hip bones of the model: A) she's too skinny, and B) you won't be able to wear those bottoms after your tummy tuck. This usually means that most low-rise bottoms and string bikinis will be out. Unless your incision heals really well, which does happen sometimes. But on the other hand, you probably wouldn't have felt comfortable wearing them before your tummy tuck, either.

And the good news is you won't have to worry as much about concealing your belly. You won't be as limited to control tops, tankinis, and one-pieces. You can wear them, and look better in them than before, but you can also add more options. Revealing monokinis and many types of bikinis become good options. Boyshorts, skirted bottoms, many scoop bottoms, traditional bikinis, most anything with a full or moderate back, and anything with a high rise waist are all good options. Once you start trying out your options, you will probably be amazed at how good you look in suits you would never have considered before.

If you want to discuss scars or any other concerns you may have about tummy tucks or other plastic surgery procedures, schedule a body contouring consultation with New York plastic surgeon Dr. George Lefkovits today.

Study Shows No Cancer Risk for Breast Implants

2009-04-24T16:19:00.000-04:00

One of the charges leveled against silicone breast implants that led to their temporary ban by the FDA from sale for breast augmentation in the United States was a suspected tie to breast cancer. A recently published study, which has the longest follow-up of any study to date, shows that this charge was unjustified as there seems to be no increased breast cancer risk for women with breast implants.

The study, published in the January 2009 issue of the International Journal of Cancer, followed 3486 Swedish and 2736 Danish women who had cosmetic breast augmentation between 1965 and 1993. Cancer incidence through 2002 was ascertained for the women and compared to nationwide cancer registries. On average, women were followed for 16.6 years, and some women were tracked over the entire length of the study, from 1965-2002, 37 years.

The women in the study actually had reduced rates of breast cancer, with an incidence only 73 % of that in the general population. Among the women, the only cancer that occurred with frequency above that of the general population was lung cancer, which was attributed to the prevalence of smokers among the study population.

This study shows again that most of the so-called risks that led to the temporary ban of silicone breast implants were the product of hysteria rather than good science. If safety concerns have kept you from getting breast augmentation, schedule a breast implant safety consultation with Dr. George Lefkovits today to learn the truth.

International Celebrity Role Models for Plastic Surgery

2009-04-21T16:16:00.000-04:00

In an unofficial, anecdotal survey, an international plastic surgery organization sent out questionnaires to its over 20,000 members in 84 countries and compiled the results of celebrity influences on cosmetic surgery. They compiled the results from returned surveys to reveal the most popular categories for both male and female cosmetic surgery, and the icons patients used to describe their ideals in the area.

Among women, the top procedure areas were breast augmentation and lip augmentation, followed by buttock augmentation, nose surgery, and liposuction/tummy tuck. Women most common cited Pamela Anderson as the most desirable breast appearance, and Brazilian model Gisele Bundchen. Ironically, women also more often expressed negative preferences, saying they did not want to look like Pamela Anderson, Dolly Parton, or Victoria Beckham. For lip models, women commonly cited Angelina Jolie, of course, and Julia Roberts. Jennifer Lopez remains the worldwide favorite for buttock augmentation patients.

Among men, the top three requested procedures were abdominal contouring, nose, and eye surgeries. The model abs were Brad Pitt and close-second Matthew McConaughey. Brad Pitt led the nose surgery requests, followed by George Clooney. Men listed as having the most attractive eyes were George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Ben Affleck.

Talking about celebrity models is a good place to begin in discussing your cosmetic surgery procedure. If you want to talk about your desired results, schedule a cosmetic surgery consultation with Dr. George Lefkovits today.

Considering Lipodissolve? Think Again.

2009-04-17T16:13:00.000-04:00

If you are looking at your stubborn fat deposits and wishing there were some way to make them just disappear, injection lipolysis, called lipodissolve among other things, might seem like the answer to your problems. A simple injection, they say, will dissolve your fat.
But is it safe? Does it work? No injection lipolysis formula has been FDA-approved for use, and there is no good evidence about its safety and effectiveness.

During the period of snake-oil salesmen, there was no oversight of what drugs contained. It was a case of caveat emptor, and the consequences of taking the wrong drug could be drastic. Taking a drug that has not been FDA-approved is like voluntarily taking a step back to a time when pep pills were cocaine, cough syrups contained opium, and diet pills held tapeworm eggs. Injection lipolysis has no standard formula. Most include phosphatidylcholine (PPC) and sodium deoxycholate (SDC). However, most doctors using a form of injection lipolysis custom-mix their own cocktails designed to increase the effectiveness of the formula.

The FDA has not seen clinical data that it injection lipolysis is an effective treatment. The majority of researchers who have investigated its effects own a share in the patented formula being tested or otherwise have a vested interest.

The chemicals used have not shown any specificity for fat. In tissue culture studies, injection lipolysis formulas lead to general cell death. The formula could just as easily dissolve muscle or nerves as fat because it is a toxin injected into your body to kill cells.

The only reliable method for removing stubborn fat deposits is liposuction. Schedule a lipososuction consultation with Dr. George Lefkovits before agreeing to any snake-oil treatment.

Britons Opt for Cosmetic Surgery despite Economic Downturn

2009-04-14T15:57:00.000-04:00

Although it will be several weeks or months still before the American Society of Plastic Surgeons releases its statistics, if the figures are anything like its British counterpart, we may see that the cosmetic surgery industry is not as hard-hit as other segments of the economy.

When the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons revealed its statistics this week, it showed that the number of plastic surgeries being sought in Britain continued to increase. Although the British plastic surgery market is much smaller than its American counterpart, the 5 % growth is still considered significant.

Men constitute about the same percentage of the British market as the American (9 %), but the kind of surgery they seek is somewhat different. Among British men, gynecomastia treatment just reached the top 5 with a 44 % surge in popularity over 2007. The procedure has grown dramatically, increasing by over 1000 % since 2003. However, the number one procedure for British men is the same as American men: rhinoplasty.

Women made breast augmentation the most popular cosmetic surgery performed. In addition, breast augmentation procedures increased by 30 % over 2007, the same rate as tummy tucks.

There are two reasons why the US market may not post the same kinds of gains as the British market. First, as mentioned above, the British market is so much smaller than the US market, so small numerical increases make much larger percentage increases in Britain. Second, the recession hit the British economy later than it hit the US economy, so there were several strong months early in the year for Britons before they began to experience a downturn, whereas the US economy has been wobbly all year.

If you are interested in cosmetic surgery, now is the time to explore your options. Schedule a cosmetic surgery consultation with Dr. George Lefkovits today.

Breast Implants Lead to Model's Ban from Boxing

2009-04-08T15:55:00.000-04:00

Sarah Blewden, a British model who first took up boxing for fitness but found she wanted to pursue her talent, has been banned from the sport by the Amateur Boxing Association of England (ABAE), because she has breast implants. Blewden had hoped and continues to hope to be the first woman to represent her country in boxing at the Olympics. With the International Boxing Association (AIBA) coming out in full support of adding the sport to the 2012 Olympic Games in Copenhagen, and the International Olympic Committee about to make a decision on the sport, the stakes are high.

AIBA rules ban women with breast implants because of presumed damage to breast tissue. The rationale is that breast tissue in front of breast implants may be at greater risk for damage and repeated blows to the chest could increase the likelihood of capsular contracture. Rupture is not considered a risk because implants are robust and able to handle the force of blows typically encountered during boxing.

The primary danger, according to the ABAE's medical officer is fat necrosis, which can occur after repeated trauma to the breast.

However, as Blewden has protested, there is no data to support the rule. Fat necrosis is a danger faced by all women, not just those with breast implants. At the very least, a blanket prohibition seems unjustified. Instead, boxing officials should consider the size of the implant, the placement of the implant, and the implant's fill material in deciding whether or not to allow a woman to compete.

If you are considering breast augmentation in New York, New York and want to learn more about how breast implants may affect your active lifestyle, schedule a breast augmentation consultation with Dr. George Lefkovits today.

Anesthesia Options

2009-04-06T15:52:00.000-04:00

One of the most important components of your cosmetic surgery is the anesthesia used. The type of anesthesia used relates both to the procedure being performed and to your personal health characteristics. In order to ensure that your procedure is as safe as possible, it is imperative that you reveal your complete medical history to Dr. George Lefkovits so he can select a compatible method of anesthesia for you and your procedure.

Local anesthesia is achieved by injecting the anesthesia or even using a topical anesthetic cream. It numbs the immediate area to be treated. Local anesthesia is used for very localized procedures like otoplasty (ear surgery).

Local anesthesia is sometimes coupled with sedation to make patients more relaxed during the procedure. Sedation can be added to any procedure performed under local anesthesia if a patient feels anxiety about the surgery. Typically, slightly more involved surgery like blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is performed under local anesthesia with sedation.

General anesthesia creates a loss of consciousness that makes you unable to experience any discomfort during the procedure. Only specially accredited operatories like Dr. Lefkovits' are allowed to perform procedures under general anesthesia. General anesthesia is used for procedures like breast augmentation, nose surgery, and facelifts.

To learn more about your anesthesia options or any other detail of the procedure, schedule a cosmetic surgery consultation today.