Smooth Tuck® is a surgical technique that I developed as a less invasive alternative to the traditional tummy tuck. Smooth Tuck® is a unique combination of high volume liposuction of the upper and lower abdomen and flanks, with removal of excess skin, and repositioning and rejuvenation of the belly button. Who is a candidate? Someone who is a good candidate for the traditional tummy tuck but desires a procedure with high the recovery and pain. Also, people who are considered “too obese” for a traditional tummy tuck are good candidates because of the high volume liposuction. Compared to the traditional tummy tuck, Smooth Tuck® removes 3 times as much fat (an average of 3 liters), back to work in 7-10 days (compared to 14-21 days), and ½ the pain as determined by the amount of prescription pain medicine required. Smooth Tuck® has been featured on CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, The Doctors, and Life & Style Weekly. Currently it is only available with me at my New York City office and has attracted patients from around the globe. Learn more about Smooth Tuck®.

Keller Funnel™ is an innovative device used to help with the insertion of silicone gel breast implants. This device resembles a pastry bag. Using this device has revolutionized my breast augmentation practice. I am now able to insert even large gel implants through the tiniest incisions. In fact, my average incision length for breast implants is 1.18 inches! Other advantages include: less pain, less risk of infection, less risk of implant rupture, and less chance of capsular contracture or “hardening of the implant”. As one of only a few plastic surgeons in the New York area using this technology, I have become among the most sought after cosmetic breast surgeons in New York City. I have integrated this funnel into my surgical technique and now offer an “ultra-short-scar, rapid-recovery breast augmentation.” Learn more about the breast implant technique with the Keller Funnel™.

PermaLip™ is the latest in permanent lip augmentation. This soft, solid silicone rubber implant can be inserted into the upper or lower lip, giving a permanently fuller lip that looks, and feels, natural. This has allowed me to offer my patients a fuller pout, without the pain, cost, and inconsistency of temporary injectable fillers like Restylane or Juvaderm. I was among the first plastic surgeons in New York to try PermaLip™. Now, several years later, I have among the largest experience with this implant in the country. The procedure is done in my office using only local anesthesia. The added benefit is an incredible cost savings. Temporary fillers can cost upwards of $700 and the results last about 6 months. This means that plumping your lips and maintaining this look for 5 years with temporary fillers will cost over $7500! At a cost of $2500 for one implant, and $4000 for two implants, this is a huge savings. In fact, Life & Style Weekly called it “a steal”. Learn more about PermaLip™.

So, by adding these 3 procedures to my cosmetic plastic surgery practice, I am able to offer my patients the latest (and “greatest”) ways to rejuvenate their face and body. To schedule your consultation in my Park Avenue Office, contact us today by call 212-289-1851. If you are from out-of-town, ask about our assistance in arranging overnight lodging or arranging an internet or phone consultation.

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.

Are these “mini” procedures better than their alternatives? This is difficult to answer because it is impossible to define “better.” Yes, the scars are shorter and the recovery is faster. There is generally less bruising, swelling, and pain (although pain is subjective and not related to the length of the scar) after your plastic surgery.

The problem is that these “mini” procedures are just that….mini. They are a smaller version of the traditional procedures that they have evolved from. Oftentimes, there is less “internal work” performed. For example, a “mini facelift” does improve the mid face and cheeks, but does not allow for significant correction of the aging jawline and neck. For the person who only needs midface correction, this is a great option. However, many of my patients require rejuvenation of the lower face and neck as well, making a “mini facelift” suboptimal. A “mini tummy tuck” will improve the area of the abdomen beneath the belly button. There is a shorter scar as compared to a traditional tummy tuck and the recovery is faster; however, there is no improvement of the area above the belly button which is an area that bothers most people. A “mini brachioplasty” limits the scar to the armpit and eliminates the sometimes unsightly scar of a traditional brachioplasty that extends from the armpit down to the elbow. Eliminating this scar also eliminates the ability to remove excess skin in all directions, reducing the amount of improvement that can be achieved.

For the lucky few, a “mini” procedure may be exactly what they need – a person with early signs of aging and only mild skin excess. But for the majority of people, the decision for a traditional versus a “mini” procedure is an evaluation of cost and benefit. Is the shorter scar and more rapid recovery worth the small sacrifice in cosmetic surgery results? I commonly ask my patients “would you be willing to accept a 20% less improvement in results, in exchange for a recovery that is half as long?” If the answer is “yes”, then a “mini” procedure is a viable option. If the answer is “no”, then a traditional approach is more appropriate.

Many plastic surgeons in new york have marketed these “mini” procedures as a way to make themselves stand out in a competitive marketplace – myself included. I believe there is a role for these procedures but, it is important to be honest about the results these procedures offer. I never tell my patients that these “mini” procedures are better. Rather, I explain that the smaller, less invasive procedure offers a more rapid recovery and potentially less pain, there may be some sacrifice in terms of overall results. Many of my patients do accept this sacrifice and elect for the “mini” procedure. In fact, I perform more of these “mini” procedures then their traditional counterparts and my patients have been happy.

It is indisputable that larger incisions lead to longer scars and more potential for post-operative bruising, swelling, and pain. But larger incisions allow for better visualization and more “internal work” , often resulting in a better overall cosmetic outcome.

I tell my patients that in general, the more they are willing to accept in terms of scars, the better contour I can create. So, at least in terms of plastic surgery, size DOES matter.