Facelift (Rhytidectomy)
Facelift candidates include men and women - typically over the age of
40 - who are experiencing sagging facial skin and jowls and loose
neck skin. Performed on patients under general anesthesia, the facelift procedure
takes several hours.
After facelift, patients should expect to experience temporary bruising and
swelling. The facial skin may feel numb and tender, as well as dry. Typically,
the patient will have a "tight" sensation in the face and neck. Risks
include bleeding, infection, excessive scarring, asymmetry, and an undesirable
hairline change. Occasionally, injury to the nerves controlling facial muscles
and temporary numbness occur. When injury does happen, it usually resolves,
but on rare occasions, it is permanent. Poor healing is another possible risk.
The effects of a facelift typically endure for five to 10 years. One special
consideration for men: the procedure results in repositioning beard-growing
skin behind the ears, so after a facelift, it will be necessary to shave the
area behind the ear or seek hair removal treatment. A facelift may be done in
conjunction with other procedures, such as eyelid rejuvenation (blepharoplasty),
chin augmentation, forehead or brow-lift and skin rejuvenation procedures such
as dermabrasion or dermaplaning, laser peel or chemical peel.
Forehead Lift (Brow lift)
A forehead lift can correct for the visible signs of aging, such as deep forehead
creases, hooding over the eyes, drooping eyebrows, and frown lines above the
nose and in the crow's feet area. The procedure involves removing excess tissue
and redraping the skin to smooth the forehead, lift the upper eyelids, and minimize
frown lines.
Typically performed on men and women in their 40s to 60s to slow the natural
signs of aging, a forehead lift is also appropriate for younger patients with
droopy brows or furrows above the nose. The surgery takes from one to two hours
and is generally performed in an outpatient setting on patients under either general anesthesia
or local anesthesia with sedation.
After a forehead lift, the patient can generally go back to work within seven
to 10 days and resume strenuous activities within a few weeks. The effects of
a forehead lift endure for five to 10 years, sometimes even longer.
Eyelid Rejuvenation (Blepharoplasty)
Eyelid rejuvenation, also known as blepharoplasty, may be a good option for
you if you are experiencing drooping lids, hooded upper lids, puffy bags and/or
extra skin below the eyes. Eyelid rejuvenation surgery can correct these conditions.
During this procedure, excess fat, skin, and muscle are removed from above and/or
below the eyes. Eyelid rejuvenation can be performed alone or in combination
with other procedures such as a facelift or brow lift.
The effects of eyelid surgery will last for several years, and in some people,
they are permanent. If upper-lid surgery is done to improve vision, the procedure
may be covered by insurance, so it is important to maintain excellent documentation.
Insurance carriers require preauthorization, preoperative assessment of visual
fields, photo documentation, and, occasionally, other testing by an ophthalmologist.
Nose Reshaping (Rhinoplasty)
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that can correct for: an over- or undersized,
misshapen or humped nose; breathing problems associated with the nasal structure;
aesthetically displeasing nasal tip or bridge; unattractive angle between nose
and upper lip; and dysfunctional or unappealing nasal openings. Cosmetic or
functional problems with the nose can occur in people of any age, and it is
the facial feature that causes the most dissatisfaction in people displeased
with their appearance.
During rhinoplasty surgery, Dr. Katz separates the skin of the nose from the
supporting framework of bone and cartilage, reshapes the framework and then
redrapes the skin. Rhinoplasty surgery can be either open or closed, with the
choice depending upon the nature of the problem and the surgeon's preferred
technique.
In a closed procedure, Dr. Katz makes the incision inside the nostrils and
reshapes the nose from within, without direct vision. In an open procedure,
Dr. Katz makes a small incision across the columella (base of the center of
the nose) and resculpts the structures under direct vision. In some cases, cartilage
or bone grafts may be required. Open procedures are preferred for more complicated
cases.
After rhinoplasty, patients can return to work or school within one to two
weeks and resume strenuous activities within two to six weeks. The nose takes
some time to settle into its new shape, and the final appearance may not be
achieved for a year or more. Rhinoplasties performed to correct congenital deformities,
relieve breathing problems, or repair defects caused by trauma may be covered by insurance. Cases are judged
on an individual basis and usually require pre-approval.
Non-surgical Facial Rejuvenation
For those seeking to maintain their youthful good looks but who aren’t ready to undergo invasive surgical procedures, non-surgical facial rejuvenation may be the perfect choice. Dr. Katz offers many skin rejuvenating techniques that do not involve surgery. It’s never too early to think about keeping your skin looking its freshest and most radiant, and the soft tissue fillers that follow help eliminate those fine lines and small wrinkles that develop at the corners of the eyes, on the forehead, and around the mouth. A conservative approach to facial rejuvenation, soft tissue filler treatments are quick – they can be performed during your lunch hour – require no down time, and results are immediate! For more information about other non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments performed by Dr. Katz, please contact him today.
· Collagen
Collagen is the fibrous protein that gives skin its elasticity. Collagen injections
have been used for decades to replenish the skin's suppleness and to help maintain
its youthful appearance. Collagen is a safe, nonsurgical treatment that can
smooth out facial lines, wrinkles, and scars. The effects of collagen injections
can last between six months and two years. Collagen injections can be repeated
as necessary. To learn more about collagen, please contact us today.
· Botox
Botox injections can eliminate crow's feet at the corners of the eyes, unsightly
smile lines, and other wrinkles. Botox, a purified chemical that is injected
into the skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, can restore your youthful
appearance quickly, safely, and easily. In addition, Botox can now be injected
into the underarms every six months to completely eliminate sweating. To learn
more about Botox, please contact us today.
· Restylane
Restylane is a revolutionary solution to wrinkles and thin lips. It gently smoothes
away fine lines around the lips and mouth and on the forehead, leaving no scars
at the injection sites. Restylane is completely biodegradable and contains no
animal proteins, so it is natural and considered extremely safe.
This filler is available in three tissue varieties—Restylane, Restylane
Fine Lines, and Restylane Perlane. Restylane is primarily used for lip enhancement
(especially to prevent lipstick “bleeding”) and wrinkle correction,
while Restylane Fine Lines is most effective in filling fine, superficial lines
in the chin and cheeks. Restylane Perlane is used for shaping facial contours
and for lip augmentation.
Performed in 30-minute sessions, Restylane treatments are long-lasting and
can be repeated as necessary, typically every 6 to 12 months.
Breast Augmentation (Augmentation Mammaplasty)
You are a good candidate for breast augmentation if you are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way you look. If you are physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate for this cosmetic enhancement.
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that enhances the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. Many women undergo breast augmentation because they have small or asymmetrical breasts, their breasts that differ in size, or to correct a reduction in breast volume following pregnancy.
By inserting a saline-filled implant behind each breast, either directly under the breast tissue or beneath the chest wall muscle, Dr. Katz is able to increase your bust line by one or more bra cup sizes. The results of breast augmentation can be seen immediately and can be quite exhilarating.
Most women who undergo breast augmentation should be able to go back to work and resume some activities within a few days to one week, but breasts will be sensitive to touch for two to three weeks. Breast augmentation may be combined with a breast lift.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Gravity and time, pregnancy and nursing, and excessive
weight loss or gain can all take their toll on
a woman's bust line. Breast lift can correct for
the natural effects of aging, like the bust line's
loss of elasticity, sagging, or drooping, and
can reduce the size of the areola, if desired.
Breast lift can be combined with implant surgery
to enlarge as well as firm sagging breasts. Breast
lift can restore your curves to their youthful
state.
Breast lift involves removing excess skin and repositioning the breast tissue and nipples. Women with small, sagging breasts are the best candidates for breast lift. Breasts of any size can be lifted, but results in larger, heavier breasts are less enduring. The procedure takes from one to three hours, and it is usually performed in an outpatient setting, but a one- to two-day inpatient stay is not uncommon. The patient may receive a general anesthetic or local anesthetic with sedation.
Patients can go back to work in a week to 10 days and resume more strenuous activity in about a month. Scars are permanent, but usually fade and become less noticeable after several months to one year. The duration of results is variable. Factors such as pregnancy, age, weight fluctuations, and breast size affect the longevity of the improvement. Women who have implants along with breast lift may have more enduring results.
Breast Reduction
Neck and back pain, bra strap indentations on the shoulders, and general discomfort are an unfortunate reality for women who have exceptionally large, heavy breasts. Oversized breasts can make a woman feel self-conscious and embarrassed as well as physically uncomfortable. Breast reduction is a reconstructive/cosmetic procedure during which the breasts are made smaller, lighter, and more proportionate to the body.
The breast reduction procedure begins with an incision, which is made around the areola (the dark circle of skin surrounding the nipple) and below the natural curve of the breast. Next, excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin are removed, and the remaining skin is tightened around the newly contoured breast. The procedure may take up to three hours and is performed under anesthesia on an outpatient basis. The common side effects of swelling, temporary bruising, and some pain, will diminish as the breasts heal. To learn more about breast reduction, please contact Dr. Katz today.
Breast Reconstruction
Mastectomy for cancer is the most common reason that women have breast reconstruction. In fact, the number of women undergoing this reconstructive surgery has increased dramatically over the past 15 years, and the trend for immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy has grown from 10 percent in the 1980s to about 50 percent today.
Dr. Katz has been actively involved in reconstructive breast surgery for many years, both at his private practice office in Huntington and at Stony Brook’s Carol M. Baldwin Breast Care Center. Using state-of-the-art reconstructive techniques, Dr. Katz provides a range of different options to patients wanting breast reconstruction. He can create a breast that closely approximates the form, feel, and appearance of a natural breast.
Patients at Stony Brook's
Carol M. Baldwin Breast Care Center are able to
receive the most sophisticated, compassionate
care in a coordinated and timely fashion. This
requires very close cooperation among the different
physicians of the comprehensive breast service,
which includes the oncologic surgeon and the medical
and radiation oncologists, all of whom work closely
with our plastic surgeons.
Breast reconstruction is an operation carried out to restore breast shape and replace breast tissue lost during a mastectomy or lumpectomy. The operative goal is to match the opposite breast as closely as possible.
There are many benefits to breast reconstruction. These include restoration of a woman's feeling of being whole again, as well as her self-confidence and feeling of femininity. In clothes, the appearance of the reconstructed breast will be similar to that prior to the mastectomy, and without clothes the breast mound will restore the natural shape of her breast.
A practical consideration of breast reconstruction includes eliminating the need for external artificial breasts (prostheses), which can be uncomfortable and awkward to wear.
It is important to note that reconstructive breast surgery does not interfere with future treatments such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or detection of recurrent breast cancer. It also does not increase the risk of recurrence of the breast cancer.
Although breast reconstruction aims to match as closely as possible one's previous breast, patients must bear in mind that this surgery will not precisely restore the breast appearance and shape they once had, nor will it have the same sensitivity or allow for lactation.
Immediate Reconstruction
The trend at major breast cancer centers, such as the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Care Center, has been to offer immediate reconstructive surgery for mastectomy patients. In fact, now in New York it is required that this surgery be offered to every woman undergoing a mastectomy. However, there are still legitimate reasons to wait and have the reconstruction done later.
Some women are not comfortable weighing all the options while they are struggling to cope with the diagnosis of breast cancer. Breast reconstruction can certainly be performed at a later date. However, the advantages of immediate breast reconstruction are that not only is the patient spared a second major operation and hospitalization, but, after the mastectomy, she wakes up with a breast and is spared the psychological feeling of a lost breast.
For most patients, breast reconstruction will require from one to three surgical procedures to achieve the desired result. The first procedure is the most lengthy and complex, while the other procedures tend to be done on an outpatient basis and are more in the realm of perfecting form.
The first procedure involves creation of the breast mound or breast shape. There are many ways this can be achieved.
Reconstructive Options
The type of breast reconstruction to be chosen depends on the desires of the individual patient, as well as the surgical factors that determine the reconstructive possibilities in each case.
The transverse rectus abdominus muscle (TRAM) flap reconstruction is – from the surgeon's viewpoint – perhaps one of the most rewarding ways to reconstruct a breast. From the patient's viewpoint, the TRAM reconstruction is especially attractive because the outcome is very natural, from materials to appearance.
This operation, popularized in the early 1980s, involves using entirely the patient's own tissue to build the new breast. The skin and subcutaneous fat, which would be taken out with a standard abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), is brought up to the mastectomy site pedicled on the rectus abdominus muscle. It is shaped into a new breast closely matching the opposite breast.
The TRAM operation is lengthier than other reconstructive options and requires slightly more time for recovery, but it yields the most natural-looking breast. Occasionally, skin and muscle will be brought from the back to reconstruct the missing breast. However, with this latter technique, an implant is usually required if a larger breast needs to be made.
The most common way to reconstruct a breast is to use a combination of a tissue expander and an implant. A tissue expander is a small "balloon" that is placed beneath the chest muscle (pectoralis muscle) at the time of the mastectomy. Over the ensuing six weeks, the balloon is then filled with saline through a small port using a syringe and needle. This process allows for the creation and stretching of skin, much like what happens to a woman's belly during pregnancy.
This remodeling of the skin requires about six weeks. After sufficient skin has been created, a second operation, in which the tissue expander is removed and a permanent breast implant placed, is performed several months later. The current breast implants are made of silicone and filled with saline (salt water). Gell-filled implants, which have a more natural feel, are also available, but are still considered experimental.
Every effort is made to achieve the best possible result from the reconstruction. The results, however, can vary a great deal. Although it is impossible to achieve a perfect match, it is generally possible to achieve a close match that, even in a bathing suit or low-cut dress, looks "the same" as the opposite breast.
Most women are very satisfied with the final result of reconstructive breast surgery, and feel a significant improvement in their appearance and quality of life.
For more information about breast reconstruction performed by Dr. Katz, please call (631) 444-4545.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure intended to flatten the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat from the lower abdominal region and tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. Appropriate candidates for tummy tuck are men and women with large fat deposits or loose abdominal skin that does not respond to diet or exercise, and women with slack muscles and skin due to multiple pregnancies. Older patients whose skin has lost its elasticity may also find improvement. Obese patients who plan to lose weight should postpone surgery.
For complete tummy tuck, Dr. Katz generally makes an incision from hip to hip just above the pubic region. A second incision releases the navel from surrounding tissue. The skin is separated from the abdominal wall up to the ribs, the skin flap is lifted, and the abdominal muscles are tightened by pulling them closer together and stitching them into position. Excess skin is removed from the flap and a new hole cut for the navel, which is then stitched into place before the incisions are closed. For a partial or "mini" tummy tuck, the incision is shorter and the navel may remain in place.
Patients will need to stay home from work for two to four weeks and should wait four to six weeks or more to resume strenuous activities. Scars will fade and flatten in three months to two years (although the long-term appearance of the scars varies from individual to individual). Results of abdominoplasty are often permanent, barring major weight gain.
Panniculectomy
Panniculectomy is a major surgical procedure for removal of the large abdominal apron of fat in obese patients. Panniculectomy may be performed in conjunction with other scheduled surgery, such as hysterectomy. Panniculectomy in obese patients is usually performed in a hospital due to the medical status of these patients and the extensive nature of the surgery. Patients may be hospitalized for one or two weeks or more, and complete wound healing may take several months. With preauthorization, this surgery is often covered by insurance.
Liposuction (Suction-Assisted Lipectomy)
Suction-assisted lipectomy (SAL), traditionally known as liposuction, is a method of removing unwanted fatty deposits from specific areas of the face and body. Dr. Katz makes a small incision and inserts a cannula attached to a vacuum device that suctions out the fat.
Liposuction is not an alternative to weight loss. It is intended for use on localized areas of fat that do not respond to diet or exercise. Areas suitable for liposuction include the chin, neck, cheeks, upper arms, area above the breasts, the abdomen, flanks, the buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves, and ankles. Liposuction can improve body contour and provide a sleeker appearance. Dr. Katz may also use liposuction to remove lipomas (benign fatty tumors) in some cases.
The procedure takes from one to four hours, depending upon the amount of fat to be removed. Procedures that are not too extensive can be performed on an outpatient basis on patients under local anesthesia, although some surgeons may instead use an epidural block. Extensive procedures are usually performed on patients under general anesthesia.
Fluids as well as fat are lost during the procedure, so the patient will receive intravenous fluid replacement.
After liposuction, the patient can expect some temporary bruising, swelling, soreness and/or a burning sensation. The treated area may feel numb for a few months. The best and most long-lasting results from liposuction are in those patients committed to a healthy lifestyle, which includes proper nutrition and physical activity.
Body Contouring
A modern approach to cosmetic enhancement, body contouring is the reshaping of the body’s problem areas. The benefits of body contouring are the elimination of excess fat and skin and an overall improvement in your body’s tone and appearance. Whether it’s a flatter stomach, the removal of surplus skin following a major loss of weight, or more defined legs and thighs you envision, body contouring can help you achieve the results you desire. For best results, body contouring should be combined with a healthy lifestyle.
Side effects are the same as for liposuction or abdominoplasty and may include bruising and swelling. These effects usually go away within 10 days. For more information about body contouring, please contact us today.
Arm Contouring (Brachioplasty)
Excess skin on the upper arms is often an unwelcome after-effect of a significant reduction in weight, just as a major increase in weight may result in pockets of fat developing in the upper arms. Upper arm skin can also become loose and sag with age. An upper arm lift (brachioplasty) can correct these cosmetic problems by removing excess skin and surplus fat from the upper arms.
Usually performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia, an upper arm lift begins with a discreet incision made near the armpit or on the inside of the arm. Next, extra skin, fat and tissue are removed. The skin that remains is then lifted and tightened, and the incision is sutured closed. Minor pain and swelling are the most common side effects, and these typically subside within a few days.
Thigh and Buttocks Recontouring
When a healthy diet and routine exercise fail to shape up your thigh and buttocks area, recontouring may be a good option for you. Thigh and buttocks recontouring is designed to tone the thighs and buttocks, leaving them sleeker, slimmer, and more shapely. Thigh and buttocks recontouring incorporates liposuction, the removal of excess skin and tissue, and tightening of the thigh and buttocks area.
Common side effects include swelling and some discomfort, but these can be easily controlled. Work and your normal daily activities can be resumed in about one week.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure intended to flatten the abdomen by
removing excess skin and fat from the lower abdominal region and tightening
the muscles of the abdominal wall. Appropriate candidates for tummy tuck
are men and women with large fat deposits or loose abdominal skin following
massive weight loss that does not respond to diet or exercise. Obese patients
who plan to lose weight should postpone surgery.
For complete tummy
tuck, Dr. Katz generally makes an incision
from hip to hip just above the pubic region.
A second incision releases the navel from surrounding
tissue. The skin is separated from the abdominal
wall up to the ribs, the skin flap is lifted,
and the abdominal muscles are tightened by
pulling them closer together and stitching
them into position. Excess skin is removed
from the flap and a new hole cut for the navel,
which is then stitched into place before the
incisions are closed. For a partial or "mini" tummy
tuck, the incision is shorter and the navel
may remain in place.
Patients will need to stay home from work for
two to four weeks and should wait four to six
weeks or more to resume strenuous activities.
Scars will fade and flatten in three months to
two years (although the long-term appearance
of the scars varies from individual to individual).
Results of abdominoplasty are often permanent,
barring major weight gain.
Lower Body Lift (Belt Lipectomy)
Losing a substantial amount of weight can improve your overall health and boost
your self-esteem. Following bariatric surgery, many people notice skin that
is stretched, sagging and loose. A lower body lift, also called belt lipectomy,
is performed to remove the surplus skin and tissue left after extreme weight
loss.
Comparable to a facelift for the lower or central
body, a lower body lift can tighten and tone
the hips, thighs, buttocks, stomach, and waistline.
The techniques used in body lift are very similar
to those used in abdominoplasty, except that
a lower body lift is a more involved, in-depth
procedure.
Excess skin and tissue are trimmed away, remaining
skin and tissue are tightened, and the incision
sutured. The dramatic and often life changing
results of a lower body lift include a flatter
stomach, narrower waistline, and more taut and
sculpted hips, thighs and buttocks.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Excessive weight loss can take its toll on a woman's bust line. Breast lift,
or mastopexy, can correct for the bust line's loss of elasticity, sagging,
or drooping, and can reduce the size of the areola, if desired. Breast lift
can be combined with implant surgery to enlarge as well as firm sagging breasts.
Breast lift can restore your curves to their youthful state.
Breast lift involves removing excess skin and
repositioning the breast tissue and nipples.
Women with small, sagging breasts are the best
candidates for breast lift. Breasts of any size
can be lifted, but results in larger, heavier
breasts are less enduring. The procedure takes
from one to three hours, and it is usually performed
in an outpatient setting, but a one- to two-day
inpatient stay is not uncommon. The patient may
receive a general anesthetic or local anesthetic
with sedation.
Patients can go back to work in a week to 10
days and resume more strenuous activity in about
a month. Scars are permanent, but usually fade
and become less noticeable after several months
to one year. The duration of results is variable.
Factors such as pregnancy, age, weight fluctuations,
and breast size affect the longevity of the improvement.
Women who have implants along with breast lift
may have more enduring results.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Excess skin on the upper arms is often an unwelcome after-effect of a significant
reduction in weight, just as a major increase in weight may result in pockets
of fat developing in the upper arms. Upper arm skin can also become loose and
sag with age. An upper arm lift (brachioplasty) can correct these cosmetic
problems by removing excess skin and surplus fat from the upper arms.
Usually performed on an outpatient basis under
general anesthesia, an upper arm lift begins
with a discreet incision made near the armpit
or on the inside of the arm. Next, extra skin,
fat and tissue are removed. The skin that remains
is then lifted and tightened, and the incision
is sutured closed. Minor pain and swelling are
the most common side effects, and these typically
subside within a few days.
Thigh Lift
Surplus skin on the thighs following a massive loss of weight can have a detrimental
impact on one's self-esteem. If a regular exercise regimen and healthy eating
don't seem to have the desired effect on your thighs, a thigh lift may be a
good option for you.
Designed to tone the thighs, the thigh lift
procedure incorporates liposuction, the removal
of excess skin and tissue, and tightening of
the newly sculpted thigh area. The result is
slimmer, more toned and shapely thighs.
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