Fortunately, your plastic surgeon is a great resource for help with these decisions. In this post, plastic surgery specialist Dr. Joshua Greenwald gives some advice on an important decision for your breast augmentation procedure: how to pick the best breast implant size for your figure.

Visualize Your Ideal Breast Size

There are a number of methods for visualizing how your breasts will look with various sizes of implants. Some common methods are:

• Reviewing before-and-after pictures of women who have undergone breast augmentation surgery. Look for women with body types that are similar to yours and who have achieved the results you want.
• Computer simulations that show how you will look with various sizes and shapes of implants.
• Actually “trying on” a variety of implant sizes in your cosmetic surgeon’s office, using a method such as the Mentor® Volume Sizing System.

Each method of visualization has its own benefits. For example, actually trying the implants on will allow you to appreciate the weight of the implant. Take your time and use several different methods to help you reach your decision.

Get Some Firsthand Advice

Talking to women who have had breast implant surgery can lead to some important insights. You may get feedback that you hadn’t thought about previously, such as how their breast implants impacted shopping for clothes or exercising.

Your plastic surgeon can also relate stories to you about how women felt about their implant size choice after surgery. After spending many years performing breast augmentation procedures, your plastic surgeon has seen how many patients adapt to their new breasts, whether they opted for a larger or smaller implant size.

Remember: It’s Your Body

Your body size and shape will impact your implant choice in several ways. If you have a smaller figure, you may not want to carry the weight of a larger implant size. A smaller implant may also match your body’s proportions better, while larger women may find a bigger implant size to be more suitable for their figures.

Ultimately, you will have to make the final decision when choosing a breast implant size and shape. Both your personal preferences and your unique figure will play a role in selecting the perfect size breast implants and deciding how you want your new body to look.

Need Personal Advice about Your Breast Implant Size?

The best way to get customized advice about choosing your breast implant size is by having an in-person consultation with a plastic surgeon. Dr. Joshua Greenwald can listen to your goals at his New York City plastic surgery office and help you make the right choice. Please call or email our office to schedule your consultation.

The post How to Pick the Best Breast Implant Size for Your Figure appeared first on Greenwald Plastic Surgery.

Fat Cannot “Grow Back”

After reaching adulthood, your body does not create more fat cells. Gaining or losing weight simply changes the size of the existing fat cells. If you gain weight, your fat cells enlarge. If you lose weight, the fat cells shrink.

During liposuction, Dr. Greenwald breaks up unwanted fat in an isolated area of the body (e.g., the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, hips, back, arms). He uses a special instrument called a cannula to gently suction the fat cells from the body. Although Dr. Greenwald reduces the amount of fat cells in the treated area— enough to create noticeable results — he does not remove every single fat cell. In order to maintain a smooth body contour in the treated area, he must leave a thin layer of fat cells.

Once fat cells have been removed from the body, they cannot grow back and new fat cells cannot develop. But what can happen by gaining weight after liposuction is that the remaining fat cells get bigger. This is why it is so crucial to be vigilant about maintaining a stable weight after liposuction. Having liposuction does not prevent you from gaining weight, in turn diminishing or reversing some of your results.

The Key to Maintaining Liposuction Results Long-Term

Maintaining your liposuction results hinges on practicing healthy habits. Take in fewer calories than you burn by eating a balanced, healthy diet, practicing portion control and exercising regularly. Do not smoke, and drink only in moderation. It’s also helpful to get plenty of sleep and minimize sources of stress to maximize your chances of maintaining your weight.

The happiest liposuction patients are those that stay within 5 to 10 pounds of their weight at the time of their liposuction surgery.

Contact Dr. Greenwald

If you have additional questions on how to maintain liposuction results, Dr. Greenwald invites you to contact our practice. Please call or email us today.

The post Can Fat Return after Liposuction? appeared first on Greenwald Plastic Surgery.

“My breasts will be too big after surgery.”

One of the most common concerns about breast augmentation is that the breasts will look too large after surgery. It is very possible to achieve natural-looking breast augmentation results. Truthfully, most candidates seek a very subtle increase in breast size with modestly sized implants. If that is your goal, Dr. Greenwald will help you select implants that provide a slight boost for natural looking results.

“Surgery and recovery will be painful.”

As long as you select a reputable plastic surgeon like Dr. Greenwald, you should not expect to be in pain during or after surgery. For your operation, you will be placed under sedation and anesthesia to prevent you from feeling anything. After surgery, you may be sore or have slight discomfort, but Dr. Greenwald will prescribe medication to make you more comfortable.

“I won’t be able to breastfeed with implants.”

There is no convincing scientific research to prove that implants prevent a woman from successfully breastfeeding. Nursing with implants is certainly possible and many of Dr. Greenwald’s breast augmentation patients are able to breastfeed after surgery. Some women are unable to breastfeed but for pre-existing reasons unrelated to their implants. Nevertheless, if you hope to breastfeed after surgery, you should communicate your plans to Dr. Greenwald so he can take this into consideration when planning your surgery.

“Scarring will be noticeable.”

Although breast enhancement does leave scars, they are normally not noticeable because they are placed in very discreet locations. For example, Dr. Greenwald can create the incisions around the circumference of the areola (i.e., the darkly pigmented skin surrounding the nipples). As the incision heals, the scarring tends to blend in with the natural pigment of the skin. Alternatively, Dr. Greenwald can create the incisions within the breast crease, where the breast meets the torso. Not only does the scarring blend in with the natural fold of the skin, but the breast itself usually covers the scars so they are not noticeable.

Contact Dr. Greenwald

To address any additional concerns about breast augmentation with Dr. Greenwald, please schedule a consultation by calling or emailing our office today.

The post Common Concerns about Breast Enhancement appeared first on Greenwald Plastic Surgery.

What Is Skin Elasticity?

Skin elasticity is the ability of your skin to shrink, retract or “snap back” into place after being stretched. It is largely determined by the body’s supply of collagen and elastin, which are two proteins critical to plump, smooth skin. Normally your body has a lot of collagen and elastin while you are young, but this supply diminishes as you age. Without enough of these vital proteins, the skin gradually becomes lax and saggy, and can develop lines and creases.

Collagen and elastin aren’t the only factors that affect skin elasticity. Sun damage, weight fluctuation, pregnancy and tobacco use can also influence how elastic the skin is.

To determine how elastic your skin is, try the “pinch test.” Pinch and hold an area of skin for a few seconds and then release it. If the skin flattens quickly, it has good elasticity; if it takes longer to flatten and “snap back” into position, it has less elasticity.

Achieving Great Body Contouring Results

Optimal results with liposuction and CoolSculpting require firm, elastic skin. When Dr. Greenwald removes volume from a targeted area of the body — especially a large area of the body like the abdomen or buttocks— the skin envelope should shrink or retract over the smaller, flatter contour. If the skin envelope does not contract, it can be very noticeable. Removing unwanted fat from an area with loose skin can actually highlight the laxity and create a lumpy or “wavy” body contour.

Keep in mind that it is possible to remove fat from an area with loose, saggy skin and achieve great results — but not through liposuction or CoolSculpting. Based on an evaluation of your problem area and a discussion of your goals, Dr. Greenwald may recommend a type of lift procedure, which involves both fat reduction and skin tightening components. For example, thigh lift surgery entails removing unwanted fat pockets and tightening/lifting the skin for leaner, firmer-looking thighs.

To discuss your body contouring goals with Dr. Greenwald and find the right solution to your needs, please call or email our office today.

The post Why Skin Elasticity Is Important for Great Liposuction or CoolSculpting Results appeared first on Greenwald Plastic Surgery.

“Plastic surgeon” and “cosmetic surgeon” may sound like comparable terms, but there are actually key differences in the training and education it takes to achieve each title. It is important for a potential patient to understand the differences before they choose a doctor to perform their plastic surgery. Below, New York plastic surgeon Dr. Joshua Greenwald discusses the differences between the two, and why you should select a plastic surgeon for your cosmetic procedure.   

Board Certification

One of the most important defining characteristics of any plastic surgeon is board certification. This signifies that, not only has the surgeon gone through the appropriate training to receive a medical degree, he or she has also undergone considerable training within the specialty. Here is why choosing a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery matters:

• The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties for plastic surgery.
• An American Board of Plastic Surgery certification guarantees that your doctor has received not only a medical degree, but also formal training in the plastic surgery field from an accredited program.
• The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery is NOT recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.

Background and Training

Plastic surgeons must complete at least three years of general surgical training upon graduation from medical school. In addition to general surgical training, their residencies also entail an extra two to three years of plastic surgery training. Plastic surgeons may then go on to an additional residency or fellowship program to hone skills for their specific area of expertise (for example, facial or breast surgery). Cosmetic surgeons, however, are not required to adhere to a specific course. They may complete residencies in any type of surgery, ranging from dermatology to gynecology. Ultimately, any physician can label themselves a cosmetic surgeon. Some dermatologists market themselves as such to cast a wider net for potential patients. However, many of these physicians lack the extensive training and experience needed to perform plastic surgery procedures safely and successfully.

Why Experience Matters

If you were deciding on a new hairstyle, or even shopping for a new couch, chances are you would spend a few hours researching and narrowing down your best options. There are just as many options out there for your plastic surgery. Do not feel limited to the doctors in your immediate area. Put forth the legwork in finding the doctor whose reviews and before-and-after gallery reflect the type of results you are looking for. Surgery is a very personal and permanent choice, and should only be done by someone you trust.

Contact New York plastic surgeon Dr. Joshua Greenwald and schedule an appointment today.

The post Plastic Surgeon vs. Cosmetic Surgeon: What is the Difference? appeared first on Greenwald Plastic Surgery.

Hydration 101

Hydration isn’t just for your internal organs – it helps your skin stay happy as well. The importance of staying hydrated inside and out throughout the summer months should never be underestimated. Here are a few tips on how to keep your body healthy in the heat:

• Drink plenty of water. Drinking 64 ounces of water every day helps maintain the moisture balance of your body and skin.
• Find a good moisturizer. Keeping your skin hydrated with a light, oil-free moisturizer helps maintain elasticity and prevents fine lines and wrinkles.
• Reapply frequently. Reapply moisturizer throughout the day if your skin starts to feel dry. Put on a new application of sunscreen before each trip outside.

Clean and Exfoliate

Maintaining a good skincare regimen when you get up in the morning and before you go to bed at night will enable your skin to really thrive. Your morning routine should focus on building a protective base for your skin, by using a moisturizer with SPF under your makeup. In the evening, deep cleaning and exfoliating will free your pores of built-up makeup and sunscreen used during the day. Always follow exfoliation with a moisturizer, to lock in hydration.

Fraxel Dual Laser

An FDA-approved skin rejuvenation treatment, the Fraxel Dual Laser system can greatly reduce the effects of sun damage on your face. Discoloration or signs of scarring from past sun damage can be reversed using fractional technology, which triggers the body’s injury response to stimulate new collagen growth. The procedure only takes about 20 minutes, and full results can be seen after three to five sessions, each spaced between two and four weeks apart.

To schedule a skincare consultation or to learn more about the Fraxel Dual Laser system, contact New York plastic surgeon Dr. Joshua Greenwald.

The post Skincare Tips You Shouldn’t Ignore During Summer appeared first on Greenwald Plastic Surgery.

The Most Popular Procedures of 2017

Almost 1.8 million cosmetic surgical procedures were performed in 2017. Here are the five most popular procedures of 2017:

• Breast Augmentation – up 3 percent from the previous year, breast augmentation with implants and/or fat transfer remains the most popular plastic surgery in the United States.
• Liposuction – this surgery, used to slim and tone problem areas, saw the largest increase of the top five procedures since 2016 at nearly 5 percent.
• Rhinoplasty – also known as nose reshaping or a “nose job,” rhinoplasty continues to retain its popularity.
• Blepharoplasty – eyelid surgery, on the upper lids, lower lids or both, was the fourth most popular plastic surgery of 2017.
• Abdominoplasty – Almost 130,000 patients in the United States underwent tummy tuck surgery last year.

Breast Reductions on the Rise

While breast augmentation continues to be the most popular plastic surgery, breast reduction surgery experienced a dramatic spike in 2017. Reduction mammoplasty, which removes excess tissue and fat in the breast, increased by 11 percent last year. Overly large breasts can lead to a myriad of health concerns, including neck and shoulder pain, back pain and even emotional distress. Whether it is performed for medical or aesthetic reasons, or both, breast reduction surgery can greatly improve a patient’s quality of life.

A Rebound Year for Tummy Tucks  

After a brief decline in popularity, tummy tucks are back in the spotlight. A common problem area, the abdominal region can hold stubborn pockets of fat that cannot be erased by diet and exercise alone. Last year, the procedure experienced a 2 percent increase from 2016. Age, past pregnancies and genetic predisposition are all factors that can affect your abdomen’s skin and underlying muscle. For many patients, improving abdominal contour can only be achieved through abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery.

Only a board-certified plastic surgeon can help you decide if plastic surgery is right for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon.

The post What Are the Top Plastic Surgery Procedures? appeared first on Greenwald Plastic Surgery.

Learn how CoolSculpting removes fat without surgery in this blog post.

About CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting is the first FDA approved non-surgical treatment that uses controlled cooling technology to crystalize (i.e., freeze) targeted fat cells. The body then naturally eliminates these fat cells over time. While some of the slimming effects of CoolSculpting become visible a few weeks after treatment, it may take a few months for the final results to appear. Following treatment, the treated area will look slimmer and firmer.

Treatment can be completed in approximately 30 minutes. First, a protective gel will be applied to the targeted area. Next, the fat bulges will be positioned in between two cooling panels, which will work to cool the treatment area until the targeted fat cells reach freezing temperature. This process is repeated until all targeted fat cells are crystalized.

CoolSculpting can be used to remove pockets of fat throughout the body including on the abdomen, back, thighs, and upper arms.

Does Treatment Hurt?

CoolSculpting is painless and comfortable; patients only feel a slight cooling sensation and are free to read, listen to music or even use a laptop during treatment.

What Happens After Treatment?

Unlike liposuction and other surgical body contouring procedures, CoolSculpting does not involve downtime. Following your treatment, you will be free to return to work and resume other normal activities. You may notice some redness, numbness or bruising in the treatment area, but this should subside quickly.

How Many Treatment Sessions Will I Need?

The number of treatment sessions you will need depends on the desired result. Dr. Greenwald can recommend a treatment plan that achieves your specific goals following a personal consultation.

To learn more about CoolSculpting, schedule an in-office consultation with Dr. Greenwald. Contact our New York City practice by calling or emailing us today.

The post Can You Remove Fat Without Surgery? appeared first on Greenwald Plastic Surgery.

There are numerous benefits of upper and lower eyelid surgery. New York City plastic surgeon Dr. Joshua Greenwald discusses some of these benefits in this blog post.

Look Significantly Younger

Eyelid surgery can make you look years younger by addressing droopy skin above the eyes and/or puffiness below the eyes. Many patients are amazed at how big the difference in their appearance is from a single procedure on a relatively small part of their face. And what makes eyelid surgery even more effective is that it results in little to no visible scarring when performed properly.

Because people often focus their attention on your eyes, eyelid surgery can actually change how people view your entire face. In terms of bang for your buck, eyelid surgery is certainly one of the best cosmetic procedures you can get.

Eliminate Vision Impairment

If you have significant excess skin on your upper eyelids, it can actually disrupt your vision. Removing excess tissue and slightly lifting the upper eyelid can reduce or eliminate this issue and improve your vision.

You may also experience less tension in your face because you don’t need to use your brow muscles to raise your eyelids in order to see clearly.

Customized to Your Needs

No two eyelid surgeries are alike. Depending on the problem and desired outcome, eyelid surgery can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both.

In addition, eyelid surgery can be combined with other procedures to transform the appearance of your entire face. A facelift or brow lift can work well in conjunction with eyelid surgery if you have multiple areas of your face that you want to have rejuvenated.

Picture a Youthful, Refreshed Appearance

Learn more about how eyelid surgery can take years off your face at a consultation with Dr. Greenwald. Schedule your appointment by calling or emailing our New York City practice today.

The post The Benefits of Eyelid Surgery appeared first on Greenwald Plastic Surgery.

Liposuction is a popular procedure that involves the removal of small, localized deposits of fatty tissue. If you have certain problems area that won’t respond to diet and exercise, liposuction may be a great choice for finally getting the results you want.

There are many misconceptions, however, about what liposuction can and cannot achieve. In this post, plastic surgeon Dr. Joshua Greenwald discusses some things that might surprise you about liposuction.

Liposuction Doesn’t Remove Loose Skin

While laser liposuction techniques can be used to both remove fat and tighten skin, liposuction does not actually involve the removal of loose skin. If you have loose skin as a result of dramatic weight loss or pregnancy, liposuction alone may not be enough to firm and tighten your skin.

In these circumstances, you be may a good candidate for a lifting procedure such as a body lift, tummy tuck, or thigh lift. These procedures can be performed in conjunction with liposuction, including the popular tummy tuck/liposuction combo.

Many Different Areas Can Be Treated with Liposuction

You may associate liposuction with the removal of fatty tissue from the abdominal area. However, liposuction can be done on many different areas throughout the body that have excess fat deposits.

The neck, chin, buttocks, thighs, upper arms, and upper back are all areas that can be contoured using liposuction. If you have a problem area somewhere on your body, there’s a good chance liposuction can treat it!

Liposuction is Not a Weight Loss Surgery

Some people mistakenly associate liposuction with weight loss surgery. Liposuction is a body contouring procedure, not a weight loss treatment. You will not lose a significant amount of weight with liposuction.

You should be at or near your ideal weight before getting liposuction. After you recover from your procedure, you should continue to exercise and eat nutritious foods to maintain your healthy weight.

The Results of Liposuction Are Permanent

Liposuction involves the removal of targeted fat cells from your body. Once the fat cells are removed, they are gone forever and can’t regenerate.

However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t gain weight if you don’t practice healthy habits. If you follow a good diet and exercise program, you can preserve the results of your liposuction for a very long time.

Learn More About Liposuction

Find out whether liposuction is right for you at a personal consultation with Dr. Joshua Greenwald. Have all your questions answered at our NYC plastic surgery practice by calling or emailing us to schedule your consultation.

The post Things that Might Surprise You about Liposuction appeared first on Greenwald Plastic Surgery.