As a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, I am always looking for the latest advances in cosmetic plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery. Techniques and Technologies are constantly evolving.

Many of these new methods are really nothing new, but every once in a while something really exciting comes along that allows me to offer my patients better results with less pain, recovery, and scarring. There have been a few of these advances that I am really excited about.

These include surgical procedures like Smooth Tuck®, Keller Funnel™, and PermaLip™.

Smooth Tuck®

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.

Keller Funnel™

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 breast lift technique and now offer an “ultra-short-scar, rapid-recovery breast augmentation.”

Permalip™

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”.

Now there seems to be another option. I have been using PermaLip, a permanent silicone implant for the lips. These implants are solid silicone rubber that is soft and flexible. They are manufactured with tapered ends, making them very natural appearing when placed in the lips.

The soft nature of the implant allows them to move naturally with lip motion. Additionally, they do not elicit an inflammatory response, making it easy to remove if necessary. This makes the PermaLip a safe option for permanent lip augmentation.

Unlike with injectable fillers, the results are consistent overlying skin, and not soley dependent on the skill of your injector.

Permalip™ Cost

The implants are placed in a short in-office procedure requiring only local anesthesia. These is some swelling and bruising after the procedure that may last for one week. However, with a cost of approximately $3000 for both upper and lower lip, this is a cost effective option for women who desire permanently fuller lips.

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.

Questions and Answers

What are the 5 most common plastic surgeries?

The most popular cosmetic procedures include breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery extra skin on, tummy tuck, and facelift.

What are the methods of cosmetic surgery?

Cosmetic plastic surgery encompasses both surgical and non-surgical techniques aimed at enhancing and reshaping the body’s structures to boost one’s appearance and self-assurance.

What kind of technology is used in plastic surgery?

Laser technology frequently minimizes bleeding, bruising, and scarring in reconstructive plastic surgery procedures. Various laser types are available, selected based on the surgery’s purpose and location.

Contact Our Office to Book Your Cosmetic Procedures

To schedule your cosmetic surgery 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 virtual consultation.

References

Patients nowadays are seeking surgical procedures with smaller scars, quicker recovery, and reduced pain, leading to a surge in the popularity of minimally-invasive approaches like the Mini Tummy Tuck. Some even express a desire for “scarless” surgery, but it’s essential to clarify that such a procedure doesn’t truly exist. As plastic surgeons, we strive to create well-hidden scars, but scars are an inevitable outcome of surgery.

Comparing the Mini Tummy Tuck to alternative procedures becomes challenging since the concept of “better” is subjective. However, it offers certain advantages: shorter scars, faster recovery, and generally less bruising, swelling, and lower abdominal pain (though pain

What Is A Mini Tummy Tuck

The problem is that the mini Tummy Tuck is just that….mini. They are a smaller version of the traditional Tummy Tuck procedure that they have evolved from. Oftentimes, there is less “internal work” performed.

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 full 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.

For the lucky few, a “mini” procedure may be exactly what they need – a person with early signs of aging and only mild skin and excess fat. But for the majority of people, the decision for a traditional versus a “mini” procedure is an evaluation of tummy tuck 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.

Is Mini Tummy Tuck Better?

Many plastic surgeons in New York have marketed this “mini” procedure 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.

Can a Mini Tummy Tuck Help Get Your Hired

Many American’s are out of work these days and are looking for jobs, many who are Baby Boomers in their 40’s and 50’s. Making a good first impression is always one of the most important aspects to starting an interview off right, but when did wrinkles count against you? Apparently NOW.

According to a recent article in Time Magazine, individuals with wrinkles are less likely to get hired for a position. Could this be caused by the tired or angry look lines and wrinkles around the eyes and on loose skin on the forehead can create? Possibly.

Imagine you are a business owner and you are hiring someone to represent your company, the first person your clients will often met, are you going to hire someone who looks like they are tired, mad or warn out?

Probably not. Some business owners are starting to count age against individuals. They want someone who has experience, but doesn’t show it- literally.

For this reason many individuals in industries such as sales, account management and retail or opting to undergo facial rejuvenating procedures such as Botox, eyelid surgery and Facelift. Women and men are considering it an investment in their career, similar to the way you invest in college.

Facials, chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing are treatments to get excess skin and help improve and maintain healthy glowing skin, which people are undergoing on a routine basis.

Injectables such as Botox, Restylane and other facial fillers can help improve the signs of aging by decreasing the extent and definition of lines and wrinkles, which are other common procedures being performed. Injectables and facial fillers are non-invasive and typically require quarterly or bi-yearly up keep to sustain and maintain a refreshed appearance.

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.

Questions and Answers about the Mini tummy tuck

What does a mini tummy tuck include?

The term “mini” in a mini tummy tuck surgery refers to the extent of fat and skin removed. In this procedure, Dr. Schulman will create a small incision, similar to the one made during a cesarean section. Through this incision, he will tighten any loose muscles, eliminate excess fat, and remove surplus skin, resulting in a flatter and smoother abdominal wall.

How much does mini tummy tuck cost?

A mini tummy tuck costs depends on several different factors like general anesthesia, how much excess skin and fat, and where you are located.

Contact Our Office To Learn About the Mini Tummy Tuck

If you are interested in learning more about the mini tummy tuck procedures, contact my office in New York City today to schedule a consultation. Dr. Matthew Schulman Board certified plastic surgeon can answer and questions before your tummy tuck performed.

Reference

1. http://money.blogs.time.com/2010/12/27/need-work-you-might-want-to-have-a-little-work-done-on-your-face-first/

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