Encouraging Optimal Healing

The best time to begin thinking about scarring is prior to your surgical procedure. In addition to discussing all aspects of your upcoming cosmetic surgery during the initial consultation, there are some other things you can be doing beforehand to prepare for your procedure. Consuming a healthy diet helps ensure that your body receives the nutrients necessary for optimal healing. Stopping smoking may also help improve your ability to heal properly, since smokers tend to exhibit a higher rate of poor wound healing.

Dr. Beran explains that there are certain advancements in the field of plastic surgery, as well as specific techniques that can help reduce your risk of unsightly scarring. These include:

• Selecting favorable locations to make the incisions, such as behind the hairline or within natural skin folds. Placing the incisions in these “hidden” areas helps limit visibility.
• The evolution of suture material provides better healing results. The newer sutures dissolve slowly beneath the skin, resulting in even healing.
• Massage helps reduce scarring. Regular, gentle massage serves to promote circulation during healing. Dr. Beran recommends patients incorporate massage as a simple way of promoting proper healing from cosmetic surgeries.
• Topical products that contain silicone and vitamin A also keep scar tissue formation to a minimum. Using these over-the-counter or prescription formulas as the incisions heal can help reduce the thickness of the scar tissue

When it comes to optimal healing after cosmetic surgery, it is very important to follow your aftercare instructions. Although infection used to be a potential factor in unsightly scar formation, wound infection following plastic surgery is very rare these days, due to sterile tools and techniques. Schedule an appointment with our office today to discuss how current plastic surgery techniques can reduce your risk of scarring and help you reach your aesthetic goals.

It is not uncommon for patients to bring in photographs of desired results. Some patients may also request a specific look by asking for a feature sported by a well-known celebrity. For instance, some patients request to have lips that resemble Angelina Jolie’s, or ask for butt implants that will make their backside look like J-Lo’s, according to Dr. Beran. When asked if patients request a celebrity-look for breasts, abs, noses, or other features, Dr. Beran stated that his patients generally don’t ask him to provide surgical results that resemble the well-known look of certain individuals. In fact, he seldom has patients ask him to perform plastic surgery based on celeb’s physiques or features. Dr. Beran went on to say, “The idea is not to give them someone else’s look, but rather to use plastic surgery as a way of enhancing what they have.”

Common reasons for seeking some of the more popular types of plastic surgery include the following:

• Breasts – Augmentations and lifts to help increase volume and enhance profile, often giving the breasts a more youthful appearance.
• Butt – Butt implants or fat transfers to help add roundness and curvature to flat or droopy backsides.
• Lips – Fillers to create plumpness and volume.
• Abs – Reduction in loose, flabby skin and fat, with an increase in muscle tone.
• Nose – Straightening the bridge, evening out the nostrils, and reducing bumps.

Realistic expectations play a major role in successful plastic surgeries. Knowing what types of modifications can best enhance your individual features is the first step in reaching your aesthetic goals. Although a curvaceous butt or size-D breasts may look fabulous on your favorite celebrity, these same attributes can overwhelm a smaller frame, making it important to tailor your plastic surgery procedures to fit your individual characteristics.

When determining what type of plastic surgery is best for your particular needs, it is important to discuss your aesthetic desires and goals during an initial consultation. Dr. Beran can help you determine the best ways to improve your own features in order to enhance your unique appearance. Looking your best and feeling confident in your own skin is what plastic surgery is all about.

When asked if he had ever interacted with patients who may have been addicted to plastic surgery, Dr. Beran responded that he has not had this type of experience. However, he has had some who have one type of plastic surgery and like the results so much that they decide to have another type of plastic surgery. This is referred to as serial procedures. Unlike an addiction, serial procedures can further enhance the patient’s physique or features, increasing the level of satisfaction.

Celebrities who have excessive plastic surgery may stand out in the crowd, but they are more the exception than the rule, when it comes to cosmetic enhancements. The signs of plastic surgery addiction generally result in an appearance that looks unnatural and overdone. Kenny Rogers is one example of this, according to Dr. Beran. This popular singer’s overly tight skin is an indication of excessive plastic surgery.

The reasons that plastic surgery can become an addiction can vary between individuals. Although most people who elect to have plastic surgery do so to look their personal best at every stage of life, there is a small percentage of people who may have numerous procedures without ever experiencing a sense of satisfaction, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). These are the individuals who may run the risk of becoming addicted to plastic surgery by continuing to seek an ever-elusive sense of satisfaction.

Many people use the word “addiction” when referring to just about anything that holds an irresistible appeal, but Dictionary.com defines this word as “the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma.” People who suffer from low self-esteem or obsess over minor flaws may not have realistic expectations regarding plastic surgery. Dr. Beran warns that anyone who begins to wonder whether they may be addicted to plastic surgery may have reason to worry.

The best way to make sure you don’t become addicted to plastic surgery is to discuss your aesthetic goals with your plastic surgeon. In certain instances, both multiple and serial procedures may be necessary to achieve optimal harmony and balance. Having realistic goals, as well as a focused desire to improve certain areas, are good indications that you are a suitable candidate for one or more plastic surgery procedures.

Breast augmentation is one of the most common types of plastic surgery across the nation. This is also one of the most common procedures that Dr. Beran performs in his own practice. On average, he performs approximately 150 breast augmentations each year.

Even though breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure, it is not without challenges. One of the biggest concerns Dr. Beran voiced is in the realm of managing patient expectations. Patients often come into the office with a certain cup size in mind. Unfortunately, cup size alone can be misleading. In order to provide the most natural and satisfying outcome, a plastic surgeon must consider the patient’s height, weight, frame, and build. The individual’s age and the amount of loose skin also play important roles in choosing the correct implants. Breast implants that look appealing and attractive on one person can seem overwhelming or unnatural on someone else.

Breast augmentation surgery has evolved in several ways over the past 10 years. According to Dr. Beran, one of the most notable areas of improvement has occurred in the area of silicone implants. Unlike the old implants that received negative press for leaking, the new silicone implants are more durable and now offer a choice of shapes and profile options. In addition to advances in silicone implants, the incisions for breast augmentation surgeries are now smaller than before, making the scars less noticeable. The surgical incisions for breast implants are usually placed inconspicuously in the crease below the breasts or around the areolas.

Breast augmentation surgery is typically done to enlarge small breasts or increase the fullness in breasts that have lost volume following pregnancy or breastfeeding. This type of surgery can also help make uneven breasts more symmetrical. The implants are usually placed beneath the muscles to create a natural appearance. Although the other option is to place the implants on top of the muscles, placing the implants between the chest wall and the overlying muscles also makes it easier to obtain effective mammogram.

If you are interested in finding out how breast augmentation can help enhance your figure, Dr. Beran will be happy to discuss the procedure and your options with you. Choosing the best implants for your individual body type will help ensure satisfactory results. Many women find that breast implants help boost feelings of femininity and self-confidence.

When asked what the main reason women give for wanting a butt augmentation, Dr. Beran responded that the majority simply want more roundness or shapeliness. This can be achieved through butt implants or fat transfer. Dr. Beran frequently uses the fat transfer method to increase the volume of tissue throughout the buttock area. Since the fat is a natural inhabitant of your body, most of it will survive well with an adequate blood supply in the new location.

This relatively modern technique of using fat to sculpt the buttocks results in a method of enhancement that offers a very natural look and feel. The patient’s own areas of excess fat act as the donor tissue for the butt implant. Dr. Beran harvests the fat from areas such as the flanks, love handles, and belly, then deposits it in the buttock region, placing it exactly where it needs to be to provide optimal results. Removing the excess tissue from fatty areas of the body offers the additional benefit of trimming excess bulk in these locations and enhancing the overall figure by narrowing the front and sides of the abdomen, while placing the extra fat over the buttock region. A successful fat transfer for a butt augmentation requires between 300 and 800 ccs of fat. The exact amount of fat required for your individual augmentation depends on your specific body shape and particular goals.

Although average body types are generally well-suited for the fat transfer method, patients who lack adequate amounts of fat are not ideal candidates for butt enlargement via this method. Thin patients with minimal amounts of fat available for transfer can enlarge their backsides with buttock implants. Made from silicone, these implants are placed beneath the gluteal muscles, creating a fuller, more rounded backside. This type of surgery usually takes between two and three hours to perform. After a butt implant procedure, you should be able to return to work within two or three weeks, although you may need to wait for another two to four weeks to return to your normal level of activity.

If you are curious about how a butt augmentation can add curvature and sexy contours to your backside, please call to schedule a consultation with Dr. Beran.

When asked how plastic surgery has advanced since he first began practicing in this field, Dr. Beran responded, “Some of the greatest advancements have occurred in the areas of liposuction and breast implants.” The smaller size of the cannulas used to remove fat and the technological improvements involving silicone implants are among the most notable innovations. These types of noteworthy developments lead to smaller incisions during liposuction and result in breast augmentations that look and feel natural.

Surgical data provided by the ASPS confirms the increasing popularity of both procedures. Liposuction and breast augmentation were rated among the top five cosmetic surgeries during 2010. Breast augmentation was the number one procedure, while liposuction came in fourth.

Along with these popular improvements, Dr. Beran states that CoolSculpting® is one of the coolest breakthroughs in recent years. This new type of fat treatment uses non-invasive technology to produce noticeable reductions in fat bulges and lumps. CoolSculpting by ZELTIQ™ can reduce fat in the treated areas by an average of 20 percent.

Unlike liposuction and some other methods of fat removal, CoolSculpting requires no incisions, needles, or downtime. This type of fat reduction treatment works by freezing away pockets of stubborn fat. A typical treatment takes between one and two hours. During the treatment, the Coolsculpting device gently compresses the fatty tissue between two cooling panels. The cold is then applied to the area of underlying fat, causing the fat cells to crystallize and die. Over the course of two to three months, the body eliminates the broken down fat cells, resulting in a smoother and more sculpted physique.

Plastic surgery has evolved in many ways over the past decade. New technological advancements translate into innovative treatments that continually serve to improve upon current methods. Patients interested in obtaining more information regarding the newest techniques, tools, and breakthroughs in plastic surgery should contact Cosmetic Surgery Associates of Westchester.

Recently, we wrote about the other uses for Botox besides wrinkles. The blog post mentions that Dr. Beran utilizes Botox^® to treat armpit sweating. When properly administered, the injections can prevent the sweat glands from perspiring.

As Dr. Beran explains, “What Botox does is block the signals in the nerves that are being sent out from reaching their final destination in the armpit, which can be the muscle cells or the sweat glands. So if you block the signal to the sweat glands, they will not produce sweat. This procedure normally lasts roughly six months.”

Allergan, Inc., the manufacturer of Botox, further clarifies how their product works to prevent sweat. “Your underarm sweat doesn’t go anywhere or get backed up because the sweat simply is not produced in the areas treated with Botox. The rest of your body is free to produce moisture normally.”

The great news is that using Botox to treat excess sweat is covered by insurance because “if you see a dermatologist and you still have excess sweating even after using antiperspirant deodorants or prescribed topical treatments, then it’s considered a medical condition,” noted Dr. Beran.

For those living with hyperhidrosis, this Botox treatment only prevents underarm perspiration. It doesn’t cure the disorder or reduce sweating in other areas of the body. What the treatment can do is provide patients with added comfort and improve the quality of living.

Botox is a product that Dr. Beran has used successfully for many years.  Please call his office today to schedule a consultation.

In addition to breast augmentations, Dr. Beran has seen an increase in liposuction procedures. Proof that despite a difficult economy, the importance of cosmetic surgery has not diminished for the hundreds of patients that Dr. Beran has seen this past year.

When asked if he has had any challenging surgeries in 2011, Dr. Beran’s answer illustrates the kind of respect that he has for all of his patients. “Every surgery has its own challenges. During the consultation, finding common expectations with the patient and making sure we’re on the same page can sometimes be challenging. But the patient and I always develop a game plan and follow through as much as possible to ensure that what we agreed upon is achieved.”

As for 2012, Dr. Beran foresees that surgeries will continue to thrive. “I expect the large volume of cosmetic surgeries to continue. The economy seems to be picking up, so we expect to be busier than ever with new and returning patients.”

With the numerous plastic surgeons in the greater New York City area, the fact that Dr. Beran has seen his business increase in the past several years is a testament to his professionalism and high quality of work.

Now has never been a better time to schedule a consultation with Dr. Beran in the New Year. Please call us today!

Kim Kardashian & Jennifer Lopez showing off their natural curves

Butt augmentation surgery has slowly gained in popularity during the last few years. Thanks in part to celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian, who have added more sex appeal to the rear area, women are looking into the cosmetic solutions to help them achieve a fuller and more round buttock as well. There are two methods for this type of procedure, butt implants and butt augmentation via fat transfer. This article will discuss the latter and help you determine if you are the right candidate.

Fat transfer is a medical procedure that utilizes fat tissue taken from the patient and is reinserted to add volume to other areas of the body. The first fat injections began in the late 1890s, but it wasn’t widely used for plastic surgery until 1984, when Dr. Mel Bircoll perfected the technique in his published paper, “Autologous Fat Transplantation Using Liposuction Techniques.”

According to Dr. Samuel J. Beran of the Cosmetic Surgery Associates of New York, “fat transfers for butt augmentation is a relatively modern phenomenon in the last five to 10 years. The way it works is that you need to understand that fat is a living tissue. Just like any other tissue in the body, if I remove it from one area and place it in another area with a good blood supply, most of it will survive. It lives in its new home and acts just like it did in the old location.

“With butt augmentation, I take fat from one area, usually the stomach or the love handles, and place it into the buttock region. I deposit it exactly where it needs to be in order to sculpt a better looking buttock. It gives the patient a little bit of a lift, saves time, and increases proportionality and rounds up the curve,” added Dr. Beran.

A recent post on Dr. Beran’s blog indicated that butt augmentations via fat transfers is ideal for people who have enough fat stored in their trunk or extremities to serve as donor fat. The fat is removed through liposuction, where it is then purified and re-injected into the buttocks.

Dr. Beran explains that most fat is taken from the stomach and love handles because “most patients have a little bit of fat there to remove, they’re happy to have it gone, and it further enhances the figure because it narrows the front and sides and puts the fat in the buttock.”

Between 300 and 800 ccs of fat is needed for a successful fat transfer. As noted in another post, Dr. Beran can determine how much fat is necessary based on your desired outcome. He has performed this procedure successfully for hundreds of patients ranging from those in their 20s to mid-40s. Patients who have a slender body shape with little to no fat to spare are ideal candidates for butt implants, rather than fat transfer.

Butt augmentations via fat transfers costs around $10,000 and, like any cosmetic procedure, insurance will not cover it.

So if you are one of the hundreds of women that are unsatisfied with their butt and if this procedure seems right for you, please contact Dr. Beran for a consultation today.

Most women opt for this surgery to enlarge and enhance their breasts, but others do it to make their breasts look more symmetrical.  When deciding on whether to move forward with breast augmentation, the burning question for many women remains – “How large should I go?” Dr. Samuel J. Beran is confronted with this question more often than not during consultations at his practice, Cosmetic Surgery Associates of New York.

According to Dr. Beran, choosing the right breast size depends on the individual. “It is not one size fits all. Size B is good for some women and Ds are better for others. It really just depends on what will best flatter their figure.”

Before or after your consultation, you may want to ask the opinion of your significant other and/or close friends or family. The final decision is yours, but you should try to alleviate any doubts on the size.

It is incredibly important to have an honest discussion with your doctor and find common ground so that both the patient and surgeon are comfortable with the procedure. “During a consultation, the patient and I discuss their desires and my opinion. In the end, hopefully we come to a meeting of the minds,” said Dr. Beran, adding, “It is their breasts so they get the final say, but we both have to be comfortable that the result is going to be an enhancement and not something that’s going to detract from their appearance.”

If you are unhappy with your breast size after breast augmentation is performed, a breast revision procedure is always an option.  But this involves additional expense, risk, and recovery, so be sure your breasts are as close to your desired outcome as possible the first time around.

Breast augmentation is a life changing experience. Although size is important, there are many factors to take into consideration. Below are some areas of importance when discussing this procedure with your doctor.

• The type of implant
• The implant shape; contoured or round
• The surface of the implant; textured or smooth
• Your body size and shape
• Skin quality

Attaining the “perfect” breasts depends on many variables besides the size of the breast. But if size is the most important aspect of breast augmentation for you, the key is to listen to your surgeon. Dr. Beran is an excellent doctor who will guide you step-by-step through the process. With his expert advice and your preferred breast size, you will no doubt have the breasts that you have always desired.