Let’s look at some of the more common procedures:

Rhinoplasty: This is the number one requested procedure among young teens and has become almost a rite-of-passage among high school students in some communities. Young girls usually begin requesting a nose job at 13 or 14 years of age. This is too young for several reasons. Psychologically they are not prepared to make “body image” decisions about themselves, and also physically, the nose is usually still growing. The more appropriate age is 16-17 years old. This is why rhinoplasty is commonly performed on high school students between Junior and Senior year or after graduation.

Liposuction: The surgical removal of fat is a good tool for body shaping and can get rid of those “problem areas”. In this regard, it is never appropriate for young men or women and best reserved for those over 18 years old. In the case of weight reduction, high volume liposuction has recently been shown to be very beneficial in reducing weight and reducing the risk of obesity related illness such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Again, it is best reserved for those over 18 years old, but it may be appropriate for teenagers that meet very strict criteria. If a teenager is obese despite good compliance with diet and exercise, and has shown signs of obesity-related illness, then high volume liposuction may be indicated for medical reasons.

Breast Augmentation: The placement of breast implants is best reserved for women over 18 years old. The one exception is in the case of Poland Syndrome in which one breast fails to develop. Research has shown that the placement of a breast implant on the underdeveloped side to help achieve a more “normal” appearance has significant psychological advantages, even at an age as young as 13 years old.

So, as you can see, while most elective cosmetic surgery is reserved for people over 18 years old, there are some situations where it is appropriate for younger teens. Remember, children under 18 years old need to be accompanied by a parent during the consultation and a parent must give permission for any procedure.

To learn more about the cosmetic surgery procedure you are interested in, or to schedule your consultation, contact us or call 212-289-1851

I am going to have to go with True…but with some clarification.

To understand this, let us understand weight gain. Your body has a set number of fat cells. When you gain weight, the fat cells that you have get larger. You do not increase the number of fat cells. Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that improves the appearance of certain areas by removing fat cells. So, there are fewer fat cells in these areas to get bigger with weight gain.

If you gain weight, it will not go to the areas that were liposuctioned…but it has to go somewhere. This means that your weight gain will show in your other areas. For example, if you have liposuction of your abdomen and then gain 10 pounds, it will not go to your belly but may go to your butt, arms, neck, or any other area.

So, liposuction does not make you gain weight in other places but if you do gain weight, it usually does not go to that area and will have to go somewhere. This is closer to Fact than it is to Myth.

To schedule your consultation with Dr. Schulman and learn more about liposuction, contact us or call 212-289-1851

This popular term refers to buttock augmentation with autologous fat transfer. These medical terms may seem confusing, but this means that we make your butt bigger using injections of your own fat. Fat is removed from areas of your body, this fat is processed and washed so that the fat cells are isolated, and then these fat cells are injected into your buttock. In general, several hundred to 1000 cc of fat cells are injected during a Brazilian Butt Lift procedure. So, how does making your butt bigger give you a “lift”? By adding volume to the butt, your backside becomes fuller, plumper, and actually gets lifted.

The key to this procedure is the meticulous handling and preparation of the fat so that they survive the transplant and will remain in the buttock area for extremely long periods of time. I perform a large number of Brazilian Butt Lift procedures and use a very specific technique for fat harvest and injection.

First, I use specialized cannulas designed specifically for fat harvest. While fat is harvested through a liposuction technique, these are not the typical liposuction cannulas. They have special coatings on the inside of the cannulas so that the fat moves through it without friction. The holes on the end of the cannulas are also smaller so that individual fat cells are harvested. Also, I use low suction when harvesting the fat so that the fragile fat cells are not injured during the process.

After collection of the fat, I allow it to “settle” so that the liquid and blood separates. I do not “spin” it or “strain” it. I find that these techniques are fat, but a more traumatic to the fat cells than just letting then settle out from the liquid. I gently drain the liquid so that only fat remains. I then add a very special biologic powder that is designed to help survival and growth of the fat cells.

Next, the fat is placed into syringes and injected into the buttock using special injection cannulas designed to reduce trauma to the fat cells. The fat is injected in very small deposits – never as large “blobs” of fat. These tiny collections of fat are injected both deep within the muscle and also closer to the surface. Anywhere from 200cc to 1000cc is usually injected during a Brazilian Butt Lifts.

Fat that is mishandled will not survive this transplant and will disappear within 2-3 months. The fat that survives can potentially last forever! So the success of this operation revolves around the survival of this fat, and the survival of the fat is dependent on the harvest, processing, and injection techniques.

To learn more about Brazilian Butt Lift techniques and to schedule your consultation with Dr. Schulman, contact us at 212-289-1851.

Treating this area is difficult,not because we don’t have any options. It is difficult because the gold standard – upper arm lift or brachioplasty – works very well but can leave a long scar down the inside of the arm. This scar is hidden when the arms are down at your sides, but the scar is visible when the arm is raised. If you are willing to accept this scar, then there is no better procedure out there for giving you the slimmer arm you have always wanted. This is the only legitimate option for true “bat wings.” However, many people find that this scar is not worth the surgery, so what are the other alternatives?

Another option is a short-scar brachioplasty. This is designed to reduce the excess skin of the arm, but keep the scar completely with in the underarm area. While this sound like a good idea, it is not as easy as it sounds. Because the scar is only within the underarm, the amount of excess skin that can be removed is limited. This is therefore not a good option for people with significant excess skin. Also, gravity tends to make the scar migrate out of the underarm area and can make it more visible than it is designed to be. This is a good option for mild to moderate skin laxity.

Occasionally, liposuction is an option. This is a good option for young people with good skin quality and only small to moderate amounts of fat and very little skin laxity. Liposuction will remove the excess fat but will not remove excess skin. You must be very careful, too much fat removal can make the appearance of the upper arm worse. Some liposuction techniques can provide added skin tightening, such as laser liposuction. This is a good option if moderate fat is your problem and not excess, hanging skin.

Another weapon in the fight again the upper arms is externally applied radiofrequency. I use a device called REACTION from VIORA. This system is excellent in reducing fat and tightening the skin. Clinical studies demonstrate a 55% improvement. Again this is only an option for mild skin laxity of the upper arms. There is no downtime, no scarring, and no discomfort. A series of 3-5 treatments is necessary and occasional touch up sessions may be needed.

So, what if you have moderate fat and excess skin but do not want the long visible scar? Many of these modalities can be combined to give you good results with less scarring. For example, I have been performing laser liposuction of the upper arm to remove fat and help tighten the skin. Then, about 4 weeks after the procedure, we begin a series of externally applied REACTION treatments to add even more tightening of the skin. This combination works well and has virtually no scarring, but the results may not be as good as a surgical brachioplasty if the amount of excess skin and fat is significant. Some people would benefit from a combined liposuction and short scar arm lift procedure. Again, REACTION can always be added afterwards to help improve the results.

Contact us to learn more about your options for improving your upper arm and to schedule your consultation with Dr. Schulman, call 212-289-1851

• Lips – Angeline Jolie and Scarlett Johansson

Both actresses sport full lips. Scarlett seems to have upper and lower lips that are equally full, while Angelina has a more “pouty” look with a fuller lower lip as compared to the top. These looks can be achieved temporarily with injectable fillers such as Restylane or Juvaderm. For a permanent solution, I insert a soft solid silicone rubber implant.

• Nose – Jessica Alba and Nicole Kidman

These noses as slim, have thin skin, and have a well-defined nasal tip. Achieving this look may require a rhinoplasty that breaks bones to narrow the nose, and trimming of tip cartilage to give a non-bulbous tip.

• Breasts – Halle Berry and Jennifer Aniston

Both women sport full breasts without any drooping. Most women seem to point to that mystical “Full C” as the desired cup size. In small breasted women, this would require breast implants and large breasted women will require a breast reduction. Women who have good volume, but whose breasts are now sagging, will require a breast lift.

• Buttocks – Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez

Big backsides are back! Remember those days when everyone wanted that small petite butt? Now women want volume to the backside. This can be achieved with fat transfer. What I do is meticulous liposuction from the areas around the buttock – the hips, thighs, and lower back. Then I process this fat, isolating the individual fat cells, and then inject this fat into the buttock. The result – a fuller, firmer, and lifted backside.

• Legs – Jennifer Aniston

Long, smooth, and defined. While most of this is genetic, meticulous liposuction can remove fat from the thighs and externally applied radiofrequency systems such as Reaction from Viora can tighten skin and reduce visible cellulite.

• Abs – Fergie and Gwen Stephanie

It is hard to not want a firm six pack abdomen. While diet and exercise are key, careful liposuction can remove extra abdominal fat and help bring the underlying muscles to the surface.

So, with the latest in surgical and non-surgical procedures, it may now be possible to get that celebrity body part. To learn about how to get something off your celebrity wish list and to schedule your appointment with New York City Plastic Surgeon Matthew Schulman, contact us at 212-289-1851.

Liposuction is the mechanical removal of fat through suction. This is done through small incisions and using cannulas to suction the fat out of your body. Liposuction only removes fat and does not remove skin. Your skin will “shrink” to some extent after liposuction, accommodating the slimmer, skinnier you. Laser liposuction uses laser to help “shrink” and “tighten” the skin, improving your overall result.

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, involves surgically removing the loose hanging skin of the lower abdomen. A Tummy Tuck also tightens the underlying abdominal muscles that have become weak through multiple pregnancies. This is done through an incision across the lower abdomen that in some cases goes from hip to hip. A Tummy Tuck can be considered a “skin and muscle operation” because it commonly addresses the loose skin seen after multiple pregnancies or weight loss. It does little in terms of fat removal.

So, now knowing the difference between these two procedures, you can better decide which is best for you. If you have loose hanging skin of your lower abdomen, then liposuction is not the answer. In fact, liposuction will remove fat and do little to the overlying skin. The ultimate result may be more hanging skin after liposuction and a worse appearance. A Tummy Tuck is the procedure for removing hanging skin.

If you have had multiple pregnancies that have stretched out your abdomen and caused weakening of your abdominal muscles, than you probably need a tummy tuck. No matter how much fat is removed, weak abdominal muscles will always make the belly look large and round. A tummy tuck will address these weak muscles by tightening them in the middle. Liposuction does nothing to improve the underlying muscles. The Smooth Tuck procedure is another option for improving the contour of your abdomen.

Liposuction will also do nothing to help remove stretch marks. Stretch marks are the result of weight fluctuations and pregnancy. They are actual “cracks” in the deep layers of the skin. The only way to remove stretch marks is by removal of the skin containing these stretch marks. Usually a tummy tuck will remove the skin from the pubic area to the belly button, assuming there is enough skin laxity.

It is common for people to mistakenly confuse these two procedures. The basic rule is if you need fat removed, then liposuction may be the answer. If you need hanging skin removed, then you may need a tummy tuck. Yes, a tummy tuck is a more invasive procedure requiring more recovery, but getting liposuction when you really need a tummy tuck will result in a worse overall appearance.

Many individuals ofter have to have a combination of procedures to achieve their overall desired look. Women who undergo tummy tuck often have a breast lift as well. A board certified plastic surgeon, like myself should be able to evaluate you and advise you as to the most appropriate procedure or procedures.

If you are interested in a procedure, contact my office in New York City today. I would be happy to meet with you and discusses your needs.

Liposuction involves the removal of fat with the help of a suction device through very small incisions.  Any volume of fat can be removed – from large volume to just small amount in the problem areas.  After the fat is removed, the skin will generally tighten to accommodate your now slimmer body.  The amount that your skin can tighten depends on several factors: the amount of fat removed, the area it is removed from, and the quality of your skin. 

Liposuction is used specifically to remove fat and improve the overall shape of your body. When performed on your abdomen, liposuction can result in a tighter upper and lower abdomen and flanks, with very small and hidden incisions. Liposuction will not do much to improve your skin. This means that if you have hanging skin, or pannus, liposuction may make this appear worse. Also, if you have abdominal wall laxity because of loss of muscle tone, liposuction will do nothing to help this. Lastly, if you are complaining of stretch marks, liposuction will not eliminate this and may in fact make it look worse.

A Tummy Tuck in New York, or abdominoplasty, is a larger operation but has a significantly greater impact on the appearance of your abdomen. A Tummy Tuck will remove the excess or hanging skin, remove stretch marks, and remove excess fat.  It also involves tightening of the underlying abdominal muscles that become loose with age, after pregnancy, or changes in weight. Tightening the muscles is the most powerful way of giving you a flatter, tighter abdomen.

Your board certified plastic surgeon will be able to examine you and tell you if liposuction or a tummy tuck is best for you.  Oftentimes, the two are combined in order to give you the best improvement in the contour of your abdomen.  Keep in mind that the recovery from a Tummy Tuck is greater than the necessary recovery from a Tummy Tuck. This may also factor into your decision between these two popular procedures.

First, let me give my qualifications to answer this question. I have been using Laser Liposuction for several years now and have been involved in several clinical studies to examine the benefits of laser-assisted lipolysis. I am also a luminary for one of the largest laser companies and am given the task of training other physicians about the proper techniques for using this technology.  I am among the most experienced in using this technology so I have a deep understanding of the advantages and limitations.

Laser liposuction has a prominent role in my practice.  I do find that it offers my patients less bruising, less swelling, and a more rapid return to normal activities. Most important is that it has a greater abililty to tighten the skin as compared with traditional liposuction methods. This is because the laser energy causes heating of the underside of the skin. This controlled thermal injury stimulates collagen organization and formation. The result is skin with a thicker dermis and more elasticity – ie. “tighter skin”.

However, there is no magic. Laser liposuction will result in tighter skin than traditional methods but it will not give a tight, smooth abdomen in a person who needs a tummy tuck.  It will not give a sculpted neck and jawline in someone who needs a necklift.  It does allow you to have liposuction in areas that plastic surgeons have traditionally avoided because of the fear of loose skin, such as the neck, upper arms, and inner thighs.

Laser liposuction may allow a more rapid recovery, but it is not the “lunch-time lipo” that has been promoted.  You will still bruise, you will still get swollen, and you will still be sore for a certain amount of time. This obviously will vary according to the amount of liposuction performed and on what area(s).

In summary, laser-assisted lipolysis can offer excellent results when performed correctly. It is commonly used in conjuction with traditional liposuction methods in order to give you an improved contour. I am a huge fan of Laser Liposuction – I use it in my practice and I routinely teach others how to use it.  However, I also make sure to give my patients a realistic idea of the improvements they can obtain. I never “over-sell” this because it will only result in a disappointed patient and an unhappy surgeon.

 Also remember, even though the incisions may be small, this is still a surgical procedure that requires a properly trained physician. Make sure your doctor is a board certified plastic surgeon and experienced with this laser technology. Also make sure this is performed in an accredited facility.