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Male Breast Reduction (or Gynecomastia) Surgery

Many would be surprised to learn women are not the only gender for breast reduction surgery?  Gynecomastia is an enlargement of breast glandular tissue of males typically as a result of a hormonal imbalance.  Although this condition affects men of different ages, gynecomastia commonly occurs in young males during puberty. (more…)

Breast Reduction: Am I an Ideal candidate?

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When people think of plastic surgery, they often think of elective procedures such as breast augmentation and liposuction performed to cosmetically enhance their physique. However, plastic surgical procedures oftentimes are not so glamorous and are considered medically necessary to a certain group of patients. One of the most common plastic/reconstructive surgeries is a breast reduction. Women who are interested in a breast reduction usually have a predisposition for large breasts (big breasts often run in families), are sensitive to estrogen and/or can be overweight.

There are several considering factors making someone an ideal candidate for breast reduction. Some of these include:
• Neck and back pain
• Skin irritation under breasts
• Breathing difficulty from the weight of larger breasts
• Deep shoulder grooving from bra straps
• Poor posture
• Numbness in breasts

There are also cosmetic aspects of a breast reduction. If patients are unhappy with their breast size and appearance, it may be difficult to buy dresses and blouses because clothing does not fit correctly. “Patients with overly large breasts sometimes feel self conscious and uncomfortable in their own skin,” says Dr. Greenwald.

Once patients have reviewed common symptoms and have established if they are an ideal candidate for a breast reduction, they must then determine if it is safe to undergo surgery. Breast reduction candidates should be mature enough so their breasts have stopped growing and developing. Patients also need to confirm they are in good health with no active or pre-existing medical conditions. Ideal breast reduction candidates should have good skin elasticity. Equally important to the physical requirements of breast reduction surgery are the emotional requirements. Patients should be mentally and emotionally stable and have realistic expectations of their surgical outcome. Dr. Greenwald adds “as always, be sure to consult a board certified plastic surgery when determining whether or not you should move forward with breast reduction surgery.”

For more information on breast reductions surgery, contact our office and ask to speak to one of our patient coordinators.

Body Contouring: Part of the Weight Loss Journey

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Obesity is a term used to describe an individual that is severely overweight and is dangerous to a patient’s overall health. Those who suffer from obesity typically experience additional pressure on their bodily joints which increases the risk of degenerative diseases of the feet, knees and hips. (more…)

Liposuction Vs. Tummy Tuck: Which is right for me?

When looking in the mirror, we our often our own worst critic – pointing out trouble spots and problem areas. However, we are not always sure which treatment would give us the best results. “Patients are typically able to identify their problems areas and what they would like to change,” says New York City plastic surgeon Dr. Greenwald “but oftentimes, the procedure they want is different than the one they actually need to achieve their desired outcome”.

Two of the most common procedures that cause confusion are liposuction and abdominoplasty (or tummy tuck). Patients sometimes think they need a tummy tuck when in actuality; a liposuction can address their concerns. More commonly, a patient who has had multiple children may think she can achieve her desired results with abdominal liposuction to remove the “pooch” caused by childbirth, however a tummy tuck may be the best route to address the problem area.

What is the difference between liposuction and a tummy tuck? Liposuction is a fat reduction procedure that removes fat cells from designated areas of the body -it does not tighten or remove skin nor have any effect on abdominal muscles but has a shorter recovery time and minimal scarring. To address loose skin and muscle separation as well as fat removal, a tummy tuck is required. “Some patients are leery of having a tummy tuck because of prolonged healing time and more pronounced incisions,” says Dr. Greenwald. “However, liposuction alone will only address the fat removal and could leave the patient with more excess skin and an unsatisfactory result.” When speaking to the patient coordinator about your consultation, be sure to discuss your problem areas, significant weight gain/loss and pregnancy history (where applicable) and be prepared to discuss various options.

We understand the many questions patients have when researching plastic surgery and recommend you contact Dr. Greenwald’s patient coordinator at (914) 421-0113 to discuss your options.

What is the difference between a cosmetic and plastic surgeon?

In today’s world, there are more doctors claiming they perform liposuction or others quoting the lowest price on breast augmentation even stating they are “board-certified”. However, buyers beware: these doctors are typically not plastic surgeons and therefore unqualified to perform cosmetic surgical procedures.

Often you’ll see the term “cosmetic surgeon” utilized in lieu of “plastic surgeon” making it confusing for patients researching who should perform their cosmetic procedure.

So what exactly does it mean to be a plastic surgeon? In short, the biggest difference is training. For any physician to be a plastic surgeon, they must complete a residency training program specifically in the specialized field of plastic surgery. Dr. Greenwald says, “this extensive training can take anywhere from 6-8 years following medical school and covers a broad range of procedures.”

What is a cosmetic surgeon? In actuality, any licensed physician can offer cosmetic services (liposuction, breast augmentation, etc.) and call themselves a “cosmetic surgeon”. However, it is important for patients to understand cosmetic surgery is not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Therefore, there is no specialized training required for a physician to call themselves a “cosmetic surgeon”.

To draw comparison, your gynecologist may be advertising that he or she performs liposuction and claim they are “board-certified”. The truth is, they are likely board certified in their speciality, which in this case would be gynecology However, they can simply take a weekend course on how to perform liposuction and now this physician is considered a “cosmetic surgeon.” Dr. Greenwald says “Unless your physician is board certified in plastic surgery, they have not completed the required additional years of education and hands-on training of plastic surgeons.” He adds, “I encourage my patients to research anyone they are considering to perform their cosmetic procedure and ensure they are board certified in the specialty of plastic surgery.”

If you have questions or are interested in scheduling a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Greenwald please contact his practice at (914) 421-0113.

The Benefits of Botox: Is Earlier Better?


When discussing cosmetic surgery, breast augmentation or liposuction are considered some of the most popular surgeries performed but what about non-surgical procedures? “Botox is by far the most requested and most performed non-surgical treatment in my practice,” says Westchester plastic surgeon Dr. Greenwald. This holds true not only in our practice, or even in New York but also around the globe. (more…)

Keller Funnel: What difference does it make and why is it important?

The Keller Funnel, which was invented by Dr. Kevin M. Keller and brought to market in 2009, is a surgical device that is used to assist surgeons in implanting silicone breast implants. The device can insert all silicone breast implants up to a size 800 cc, and is being used by plastic surgeons around the globe due to its enormous benefits.

How does it work? When performing your breast augmentation surgery, I begin by making incisions in the breast, and creating the implant pocket. The Keller funnel is cut along the narrow end, based on the size of the breast implant and submerged in sterile solution. The breast implant (pre-sterilized) slides into the funnel, with the tip being placed into the breast pocket. Next, I gently squeeze the funnel to move the implant through into the breast pocket – imagine the motion of a baker frosting a cake. I then repeat the technique with the other breast before discarding the Keller funnel device.

What are the advantages of this technology? The use of a Keller funnel allows for a “no touch” technique not only from a surgeon’s hands, but it also restricts the implants from brushing against the patient’s skin when being placed into the breast pocket. Reduced handling of breast implants greatly decreases the risk for infection. Other advantages of the Keller Funnel include the ability to decrease the breast augmentation incisions. Shorter scars equate to less trauma of the incision site reducing patients discomfort post operatively. Dr. Greenwald adds, “By using the Keller Funnel in my practice, my breast augmentation patients experience smaller incisions, shorter recovery times and less complications. I’m excited to use this device in the operating room.”

Do you have further questions on the Keller Funner, breast augmentation or other plastic surgery procedures? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Joshua Greenwald today by calling (914) 421-0113.

Plastic Surgery Trends – What’s In & What’s Out?

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It’s that time of year – when we trade tank tops and flip flops for chunky sweaters and tall boots…baseball bats for footballs… and long hot days for brisk autumn nights. The change in weather brings a new season of fashion trends – so what about plastic surgery? Recently, The Today Show featured several segments on various plastic surgery topics including a feature of “what’s hot” and “what’s not” in the aesthetic enhancements.

What’s In?
The Today Show revealed today’s hottest trends in plastic surgery:

• Breasts which are smaller in size and more natural looking
• Lips that appear full but not “fish like”
• Faces that have volume and not pulled too tight
• Full and higher buttocks

“I have noticed a change with my breast augmentation patients in particular” says Dr. Greenwald, “they are less concerned with the specific size of the implants placing greater emphasis on the overall shape and natural look.”

Geographical Trends
Although many plastic surgery procedures are popular throughout the United States, The Today Show researched various geographical areas to learn which procedures are performed the most in those specific areas of the country.

In the Northeast: Nose Reshaping (or Rhinoplasty)
In the Southeast: Liposuction
In the South, West and Midwest: Breast Augmentation

Even though nose reshaping is listed as the most popular plastic surgery procedure in New York and the Northeast, in Dr. Greenwald’s practice, breast augmentation and body contouring procedures such as SmartLipo, tummy tucks and mommy makeovers are his most requested procedures.

Do you have further questions on these popular plastic surgery procedures? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Joshua Greenwald today by calling (914) 421-0113.

Plastic Surgery Around the Globe

In the age of selfies and fascination with social media, it should come as no surprise that Americans, especially women, prioritize their appearance. To look their best, US women spend a significant portion of their income on gym memberships, hair care, clothing and more. In addition, there many are choosing to seek the help of plastic surgeons to address their aesthetic needs, with both surgical and non-surgical procedures.

“The number of new patients I see in my practice continues to grow exponentially each year”, says Dr. Greenwald, “Today, there seems to be a much broader acceptance of plastic surgery in society. Additionally, there are many more non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments making aesthetic treatments more accessible to patients seeking cosmetic enhancements.” What about other countries? Are cosmetic treatments more popular in the United States than elsewhere? The International Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) recently released procedural statistics for countries worldwide that are experiencing significant growth in cosmetic surgery. In 2014, there were more than 20 million surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures performed across the globe. The top five countries and their top procedures are listed below:

5. Mexico: Liposuction & Botox
4. South Korea: Eyelid Surgery & Botox
3. Japan: Eyelid Surgery & Hair Removal
2. Brazil: Liposuction & Botox
1. United States: Breast Augmentation & Botox

So while the United States is not alone in its growing fascination with plastic surgery, it continues to be a global leader in the number of treatments performed. If you are interested in scheduling your consultation with Dr. Greenwald of for additional questions please contact his practice at (914) 421-0113.

Coolsculpting vs. Liposuction

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Do you have stubborn body fat that you just can’t lose despite your healthy lifestyle? Perhaps you’ve considered surgical intervention such as liposuction or maybe you are curious about non-invasive options but just aren’t sure which treatments actually work? Today we are fortunate to have great treatment options that are both safe and effective. (more…)