Author: Allure Plastic Surgery

STATEN ISLAND, NEWYORK – As we age, one of the first places where signs of aging become apparent is our face. This isn’t exactly convenient when your face is about the only body part you can’t cover completely with out looking like – well, a robber.

But have no fear ladies and gents. There are many wrinkle reducing treatments – seven in fact – that provide excellent results with little to no downtime.

Here’s the breakdown from Dr. Andrew Miller, one of the best plastic surgeons in Staten Island:

1. Chemical Peels – Also called chemexfoliation or derma peeling, a chemical peel is an excellent way to improve your skin’s texture and clarity. Rejuvenation is achieved by applying a chemical solution to the skin which provides a controlled “burn,” prompting the skin to peel. This reveals fresh skin that is typically smoother, less discolored and less wrinkled than old skin. Areas commonly treated with chemical peels include face, neck, décolletage and hands.
2. Laser Treatments – Laser resurfacing with the Fraxel is a fantastic way to rid your skin of discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles. The laser removes tiny fractions of old/damaged tissue, leaving behind healthy islands of skin. While this sounds gruesome and like it would require lots of downtime, the healthy islands of skin left behind actually promote rapid healing, which means you are recovered in as few as 3 days.
3. Botox – Botox, also known as Botulinum Toxin A, is used most commonly to reduce crow’s feet, forehead lines and other fine lines and wrinkles caused by repetitive muscle contractions – think smiling, squinting and frowning. By strategically administering small doses of this toxin into culprit muscles, we can temporarily paralyze them, effectively reducing the depth of the creases they cause. Results last approximately four months.
4. Collagen – Collagen is a protein that is found throughout your body that is responsible for your skin’s plumpness. Collagen injections are used to fill finer lines and wrinkles other fillers cannot. The best results are achieved with subsequent injections.
5. Hyaluronic Acid (Restylane & Juvederm) – Probably the most popular injectable dermal fillers on the market today, Restylane and Juvederm use hyaluronic acid – a natural component found in skin – to plump and support features that have grown gaunt with age. Results typically last four to eight months.
6. Polylactic Acid (Sculptra) – Polylactic Acid is a breakthrough dermal filler that reduces wrinkles by promoting new collagen formation. Sculptra is usually administered in a series spanning three months and produces results that last an average of two years.
7. Fat transfer – Fat harvested through liposuction of the arms, hips thighs or stomach, can be purified and used to correct troublesome areas of the face. If you are already in the office having a tummy tuck or another body contouring procedure, you can have your fat harvested for future fat transfers at that time. Extra fat is stored in the freezer so over the course of a year, you and your surgeon can slowly build your results to the desired level with subsequent injections. Fat transfer provides the longest lasting results of all filler procedures.

To learn more about how dermal fillers at our Staten Island office can help you turn back the clock and which one is right for you, call today for a free initial consultation. Allure Plastic Surgery also offers popular procedures that include the Brazilian butt lift, male breast reduction, rhinoplasty and breast augmentation in Staten Island.

STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK — Although the saying goes, “you get what you pay for,” when it comes to dermal fillers, it’s not “what” you pay that matters, it’s “who” you pay.

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected under the skin to plump fine lines, wrinkles and gauntness. The most popular fillers are Juvederm and Restylane, which are made of hyaluronic acid – a substance that naturally occurs in the body. The plumping, smoothing and skin-boosting effects of fillers can be seen instantly and requires little to no downtime, making them ever popular among men and women who are short on time but still want to look their best.

If you’re in the market for dermal fillers, popular hyaluronic acid types such as Juvederm and Restylane could cost you anywhere from $550 to $1,200. That’s a big difference. So how do you determine what you should pay for them?

Here are the two most common logics when it comes to how much you should pay for dermal filler injections:

1. It doesn’t matter, you’ll get the same results – Some think there is no reason to pay $1,200 for Restylane or Juvederm when they could pay $$500 for the same product. They think because the products used are identical, the results will be as well – no matter who administers it.
2. Expensive = experience – Some people assume price always reflects experience and skill and therefore, the more they pay, the better the results.

Who’s right? Neither really.

When it comes to thinking you would get the identical results from two different surgeons because they are using the same brand name product is like saying your manicure will look the same whether your 3-year-old or manicurist does it because they are using the same brand nail polish.

Product does not dictate results.

For those who think price is in direct correlation with experience, you’d be interested to know most of what dictates the price of procedures is demographic location.

“You should expect to pay more for procedures in Los Angeles, California than you would in a small town in Alabama,” says Dr. Miller, a top plastic in Staten Island.

While an experienced surgeon or facial specialist will probably charge more for their services, not all surgeons charging more are experienced. A first-year plastic surgeon in Los Angeles might charge $1,000, while a surgeon in Alabama with 20+ years with facial aesthetics might charge $600. In such a case, you would be paying nearly twice as much for a surgeon with very little experience.

If you want the best results from your dermal filler procedure, focus on who you pay, not what.

“Dermal filler procedures are like art,” says Dr. Andrew Miller who performs rhinoplasty and face-lifts in Staten Island. “Every surgeon is an artist and has different techniques and preferences when injecting, but the ones who do it well, are the ones who do it often. This is why facial specialists are your best bet when it comes to filler procedures.”

We suggest seeking an experienced plastic surgeon that specializes in facial plastics, head and neck surgery or oculoplastics. While having one of these residencies is no guarantee the doctor will be good at any one particular procedure, specialists typically have increasingly more experience in relevant procedures and a better grasp of facial anatomy than a body specialist or jack-of-all-trades.

You wouldn’t want a podiatrist to perform your brain surgery, would you?

Also, when comparing the cost of your next procedure, keep in mind that surgeons choose the price of their procedures. A bad or inexperienced surgeon can charge the same amount as the best plastic surgeon in Staten Island. The only rule of thumb that remains quite relevant is that experienced surgeons don’t typically discount their work. Look for their prices to be average or above compared to their location.

Do your homework when choosing a cosmetic surgeon. You can either pay the price it costs for experience or “pay the price” and suffer the consequences of choosing a poor surgeon. Call today for a free initial consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon.

STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK – On a recent episode of The Talk, well-known and liked host Julie Chen shared with viewers that in 1995 she opted to widen her Asian eyes with plastic surgery – not everyone was as sympathetic as her co-hosts on the show.

As of late, she has been accused of “denying her heritage” and giving in to “Western ideals of beauty.”

There’s no denying that Asian blepharoplasty – and plastic surgery in general – have been front and center in the debate of bad plastic surgery decisions but, Julie didn’t make her choice in the wake of a fad, she had an even bigger decision to make and thought long and hard about how her looks might effect her reaching her goals in life.

Julie was told by a Davenport producer that her small, hooded Asian eyes not only made her unrelatable to viewers but, often made her seem disinterested in the subjects she would interview.

Julie reflected on what the producer said and began to look for another job – as she knew there was no opportunity for her working under that producer. She also started to come home every night and study her interviews only to find that she couldn’t get past her eyes and how they were not reflecting her emotions and interests – “was he [her producer right] right,” she would wonder.

“If Julie had sought plastic surgery at this point, I would have wanted to have a very in-depth and thorough consultation with her to ensure her decision was her own and not based on a thought put in her head by someone else,” says Dr. Andrew Miller, a top Staten Island rhinoplasty and facelift specialist. “Choosing to change yourself for someone else is a decision that most regret – something I never want a patient to experience when it comes to plastic surgery.”

Julie’s first thought of plastic surgery didn’t come until a later meeting with a big-time agent who told her he couldn’t represent her unless she enlarged her eyes with plastic surgery. “You’re good at what you do and with the surgery, you’ll rise straight to the top,” the agent said, while simultaneously handing her a list of plastic surgeons who offered Asian blepharoplasty.

Now, the words of this agent are nothing new. We’ve all heard Simon Cowell tell contestants on American Idol that they’ve got the talent but not the look. For some, achieving the look is simply a matter of losing weight or straightening their teeth. For Julie it was a more serious decision and after discussing her it with her entire family, she elected to have surgery.

“I will say after I had the surgery, the ball did roll for me,” says Julie. She also admits that there was at one time a struggle with wondering if opting for surgery was “giving in to the man.”

To that we say, no.

“Choosing to address a feature that you feel isn’t representing you or your emotions properly is nothing to be ashamed of,” says Dr. Miller. “Julie looks natural and, in my opinion, represents her heritage well.”

Today, Julie has come to terms with her decision and is open about the surgery and unfazed by the harsh word of others.

“I don’t like to live with regrets,” she says. “I did it. I moved on. No one’s more proud of being Chinese than I am.”

We admire Julie’s strength and bravery in sharing her personal decision to have plastic surgery and think she looks great.

If like Julie, you have a feature you think is holding you back or can’t look past when viewing yourself in the mirror or photos, call today for a complimentary consultation with a top plastic surgeon in Staten Island at Allure Plastic Surgery. We have extensive experience in helping patients get to the root of why they want the change and whether plastic surgery is the best option.

STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK – Kenny Rogers made a name for himself in country music with songs like “The Gambler” and “Elvira.” He was a fixture in Nashville with a voice and face everyone could easily recognize. That was until he revealed the results of a botched plastic surgery that left him looking just as shocked as his onlookers.

Kenny claims that a very well-known and highly sought surgeon performed his makeover.

If so, how did he end up looking like this?

Well, it appears that there were some misjudgments and distasteful preferences on the surgeon’s part that when combined, resulted in Kenny’s alien-like transformation.

For one, Kenny’s brows have been raised to an unnatural angle and height.

“A brow lift rarely needs to be more than minor and almost always at a lateral angle,” says Dr. Andrew Miller, a Staten Island facelift specialist. “This yields the most flattering brow position and prevents the ‘shocked’ expression seen on Mr. Rogers.”

Second, and probably the most to blame, was the surgeon’s preference to alter the angle of the eye. “He had this thing where he thought the outside corner of the eye had to be higher than a certain point,” says Kenny. “I regret that.”

It also appears that Kenny’s surgeon performed blepharoplasty on the star.

Blepharoplasty is a surgery performed on the upper or lower eyelid to remove excess skin.

The problem with combining multiple eye procedures is that each one affects the results of the other.

“If the patient appears to have excess skin around their eyes, you have to be very careful to determine exactly what is causing the excess in the first place,” says Dr. Miller who also performs Botox and nose job procedures.

If the patient’s brow could benefit from higher elevation, raising the brow to its proper position could alleviate the excess skin problem on its own. In such a case, if the surgeon “predicted” the brow lift wouldn’t be enough to reduce the excess skin and added blepharoplasty, the patient’s eyelid skin would be left so tight they would be unable to close their eyes.

“As a surgeon, it’s essential that you have the intuition to predict the results of a procedure and make judgments accordingly,” says Dr. Miller.

Like the words in Kenny’s famous song, “The Gambler,” a surgeon has got to “know when to hold’em, know when to fold’em, know when to walk away, know when to run.”

Whether Kenny’s surgeon’s mistake was in the combination of procedures or the intensity at which each was performed is hard to say. However, the more experienced a surgeon is at performing a particular procedure the better the results. This is why we often stress the importance of seeking a facial or body specialist. Surgery is serious and the results are lasting – this can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on your results.

If you have any questions or concerns, call today and schedule a free consultation with a top Staten Island plastic surgeon.

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK – When it comes to our appearance, let’s face it, most of us wouldn’t say no to a little improvement – especially in the form of losing a few extra pounds.

For that reason, body-contouring procedures such as laser liposuction and tummy tucks remain as popular as ever among both male and female demographics.

“Both procedures are effective methods for removal of excess fat but, their benefits are often confused with one another,” says Dr. Elliot Heller, a Manhattan tummy tuck specialist at Allure Plastic Surgery.

Liposuction
A method for removing excess fat deposits above the muscle, liposuction was among the top five cosmetic procedures sought by men and women in 2012 according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

The procedure involves removing fat deposits with a blunt metal tube (cannula), which is attached to a vacuum-type unit. Small incisions are made in strategic places to allow for precise control and optimal healing.

Many types of liposuction techniques exist including power-assisted, ultra sonic, traditional suction assisted and most recently, laser liposuction. The method used depends on the surgeon and the patient’s unique case, as does the use of either local or general anesthesia.

Areas that can be successfully treated with lipo include the neck, breasts, arms, abdomen, back, thighs (saddle bags) and calves. Liposuction works just as well on men as it does on women.

Who it doesn’t work well for are people with extremely loose skin, since traditional liposuction and the act of removing volume can worsen the appearance of lax skin. For this reason, older patients with skin that has lost elasticity with age are often better candidates for a tummy tuck.

Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck is the most effective option for patients suffering from excess fat, loose abdominal skin and/or separated abdominal muscles – something common in women who have experienced pregnancy. We create an incision just above the pubic area as to hide the scar below the bikini line. Through this single incision, damaged muscles are sutured together and excess skin is removed. While many of our procedures allow for the option of local or general anesthesia, the invasive nature of this procedure calls for local anesthesia.

If this is a concern of yours, we welcome you to contact us with any questions and to keep in mind that your best interest is always in mind when developing and executing a procedure – invasive or not.

Studies have shown that smoking inhibits the healing processes, therefore we ask that patients avoid cigarette smoke for approximately one month before and a month after their procedure.

It is always possible that we suggest a combination of lipo and a tummy tuck to achieve an optimal result – a decision made based on a thorough examination of your body and consideration of the end result you envision.

“If we believe your expectations are realistic and can be met safely,” says Dr. Heller. “Nothing would make us happier than getting you there.”

A wide range of plastic surgeries are available for a reason – each is suited for a unique case and job. It’s important that you seek an experienced New York City plastic surgeon that can help you navigate through the options and make a decision that will truly deliver.

We offer free initial consultations and second opinions if you want reassurance that a tummy tuck in Manhattan is right for you.

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK – If you are a woman who is secretly harboring feelings of insecurity and discomfort when it comes to the condition of your genitalia, it’s time you got relief. And that relief can be found in the form of a labiaplasty female enhancement procedure known as labiaplasty, which can give you back the comfort and confidence you deserve.

What is Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is a plastic surgery we offer to patients in the NYC area to correct the shape and size of the labia minora and labia majora – the inner and outer folds of the vulva, which protect the vagina. Enlargement is the most common issue addressed with this procedure and is often caused by hormones during puberty, but may also be caused by pregnancy and childbirth.

Smart liposuction of the labia majora is sometimes added to this procedure to further enhance aesthetics.

Why Labiaplasty?
Because addressing its condition can improve your quality of life.

Here is a video titled “Labiaplasty: Lindsay’s Story” that delves into the common reason labiaplasty is sought and how surgery can be an effective solution.

“Because on top of being embarrassed by its appearance, this condition can cause discomfort during intercourse, it’s not uncommon for the sufferers to have a low sex drive,” says Dr. Elliot Heller a top NYC plastic surgeon who specializes in female and breast enhancement. “Surgery is often a life changer for such patients.”

Your concern may not be sexual in nature, but in regards to your labia’s appearance, a feeling of uncleanliness or the discomfort experienced during activities like cycling or merely walking. Whatever the reason, surgery is a safe and effective solution.

How is Labiaplasty Performed?
Different surgeons prefer different techniques but here at Allure Plastic Surgery, with the use of local or general anesthesia, we maintain the labia’s natural edge while preserving sensation through removal of a wedge of skin or a strip along its length. Our sculpting and suturing process is intricate and ensures minimal scarring.

This procedure lasts about an hour and is performed at one of our accredited facilities in Staten Island or New York City and allows patients to recover in the comfort of their own home.

Your normal routine can be resumed after approximately one week although it may take a few weeks before you are cleared for strenuous or sexual activity.

We highly recommend using a surgeon who is experienced in labiaplasty female enhancement when seeking labiaplasty as scarring and loss of sensation are possibilities that are better avoided by a seasoned surgeon.

Call today for a free consultation regarding labiaplasty female enhancement such as labiaplasty or vaginoplasty, which can restore strength and structure to your vagina.