What an incredible event we had last night! Over 250 of our breast cancer survivors and colleagues enjoyed the music of a wonderful orchestra, were entertained by a mind blowing mentalist performance, and enjoyed great food and drink at Seasons in Washington Township. Catching up with old friends, and survivors sharing stories was the true highlight.
Thank you to my wonderful staff for organizing such a tremendously well run event! Pictures and video to follow shortly!
Author Archives: Dr. Tzvi Small, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Party starts in 90 minutes!
Heading over to the SEASONS in Washington Township to get ready to welcome all our guests. Its going to be a wonderful time honoring all our breast cancer reconstruction patients and their guests. Can’t wait to see you there!
Survive and Thrive 2012
Just 6 more hours until our amazing event! We are all excited here and can’t wait to see our old friends, survivors, and colleagues. There will be a wonderful orchestra, great food and drink, a raffle with incredible prizes, and a mind blowing mentalist performance by world renown Kenny B! We look forward to seeing you later!
Brow Lift Surgery Treatment and Recovery
For many people, the forehead is the first location of the body to display obvious signs of aging. Indeed, it is not unusual for people in their twenties to develop lines and even deep furrows on their brows. These “worry lines” can make a person look much older than his or her years, in addition to making him or her look perpetually angry, tired, or confused.
Fortunately, patients of the Bergen County plastic surgery practice of Dr. Tzvi Small can take years off of their facial appearance through brow lift surgery. Brow lift is an often ideal solution to forehead wrinkles and creases, providing a smoother, more youthful look to the brow area that can last for years. As with all procedures performed by Dr. Small, brow lift patients emerge from surgery looking natural and rejuvenated, their beauty enhanced rather than reinvented.
For the residents of Bergen County, brow lift results of the most surpassing standard are no more than a few office visits away.
The Brow Lift Procedure
Conceptually, the brow lift is a relatively simple procedure. Over time, the muscles responsible for expression in the brows become somewhat weaker, leading to sagging and drooping in the forehead area. Simultaneously, the skin loses some of its natural elasticity and fullness, which results in visible wrinkling and furrowing. While wrinkles and sagging skin are not unique to the brow, they are most readily apparent in that vital landscape just above the eyes.
The complexity of the procedure lies in the choice of techniques to perform the surgery. On one hand, Dr. Small can perform endoscopic brow lift, which is minimally invasive and well-suited to patients who simply wish to refine the appearance of the forehead. On the other hand, more dramatic results are only possible through open brow lift surgery, which requires more substantial incisions through which Dr. Small can remove excess tissue and tighten the underlying musculature. In either case, Dr. Small’s surgical skill and artistic eye will result in the smallest, most discreet incisions possible and results that look entirely natural.
For the finest results possible in facial plastic surgery, Bergen County residents can rely on the expertise and experience of Dr. Tzvi Small.
Recovery from Brow Lift
It must be understood by patients that brow lift surgery is a serious, invasive procedure that does require a healing period. Patients should expect about a week of downtime, after which they may return to work and normal activity. More strenuous activity such as rigorous exercise should be avoided for at least a couple of weeks.
During the healing period, brow lift patients should keep their heads elevated, even when sleeping. Side effects such as bruising, itching, tenderness, numbness, and redness are common after brow lift; however, these side effects generally fade within a week of surgery. Dr. Small may prescribe medication to control pain.
Although the full results of brow lift usually become apparent after a few weeks, recovery depends heavily on how closely patients follow Dr. Small’s post-operative instructions. Patients who follow these directions carefully can often accelerate the healing process substantially compared to those who don’t.
Contact Dr. Tzvi Small Today
If you would like to learn more about brow lift surgery and whether you are a suitable candidate for the procedure, please contact Dr. Tzvi Small at Bergen Plastic Surgery today.
Breast Reconstruction Considerations
Through cancer, a woman’s life is forever changed. While a mastectomy can help save a woman’s life, it also robs her of a natural part of her body. Breast reconstruction is done in order to restore the shape of a woman’s breast after a mastectomy. For our Bergen County breast reconstruction patients, breast reconstruction can be quite overwhelming. Dr. Tzvi Small understands the emotional and physical aspects of breast reconstruction and strives to provide each patient with the best in technology, the best in surgical techniques, and the best care available. He is a pioneer in the field of breast reconstruction and is one of the few surgeons in New Jersey who is able to perform DIEP flap breast reconstruction. DIEP flap breast reconstruction is one of the most difficult forms of breast reconstruction to perform and one of the most advanced forms of breast reconstruction available today.
Immediate Reconstruction and Delayed Reconstruction
Many patients prefer to undergo breast reconstruction at the same time as their mastectomy. Immediately after the mastectomy is completed, the breast reconstruction surgery begins. Advantages of immediate reconstruction include less scarring, the possibility of fewer surgeries, and the ability to awake to a “reconstructed” breast. Women who undergo immediate reconstruction commonly experience fewer psychological issues, including depression, than those who undergo delayed reconstruction.
Unfortunately, not every breast cancer patient will be able to undergo immediate reconstruction after having undergone a mastectomy. Patients who need radiation therapy or chemotherapy may benefit from waiting to undergo breast reconstruction until their treatments are completed. Some patients decide to delay reconstruction because the treatment of the cancer itself is their number one priority.
Breast Implant Reconstruction
There are two types of breast implant reconstruction: one-stage reconstruction and two-stage reconstruction. Seventy percent of breast reconstruction patients undergo breast implant reconstruction.
One-stage reconstruction (direct-to-implant reconstruction):
When a patient is a candidate for one-stage reconstruction, the breast implant is inserted immediately following the mastectomy without the use of tissue expanders.
Two-stage reconstruction (tissue expander-to-implant reconstruction):
Two-stage reconstruction is much more common than one-stage reconstruction. During this process, tissue expanders are placed at the time of the mastectomy (or later on for patients who choose delayed reconstruction). The tissue expanders are filled as much as possible during their placement. The expanders will be further expanded once the incisions have healed. This process stretches the skin so that an implant can be placed. This process can take months to complete. Once the skin has been stretched enough to form a pocket to hold the implant, the expander can be surgically removed, and the breast implant may be placed.
DIEP Flap
The DIEP flap procedure uses skin and fat from the lower abdomen to reconstruct a breast after mastectomy. Because the skin below the belly button has a similar feel to breast tissue, it is an ideal choice to replace missing breast tissue. A benefit of the DIEP flap procedure is that it is similar to a tummy tuck in that it flattens the abdomen. This procedure offers patients a quicker recovery time, less discomfort after surgery, a lowered risk of hernia, and a more natural look and feel of the reconstructed breast.
Breast Reconstruction Considerations
Bergen County plastic surgery patients have many considerations when undergoing breast reconstruction. Some of the considerations include nipple reconstruction, implant type, and autologous breast reconstruction. The many forms of breast reconstruction and revision surgeries can be a lot to consider. Our skilled, compassionate staff are happy to answer any questions you may have during your breast reconstruction treatment process.
While cancer may have robbed you of your natural breasts, Bergen County breast enlargement and breast reconstruction plastic surgeon Tzvi Small can help you restore the shape and appearance of your breasts after mastectomy.
Contact Tzvi Small, M.D., F.A.C.S. Today
To learn more about Bergen County breast reconstruction, please contact Dr. Tzvi Small today.
Necklift vs. Facelift Surgery
One of the most common and one of the least considered factors that contribute to the appearance of facial aging is weight loss. Patients who lose a significant amount of weight often have an increase in the appearance of facial aging. The decrease of fat in the facial contours can cause the appearance of facial wrinkles to become much more prominent. Another factor that contributes to the appearance of facial aging is loose, sagging skin. Loose, sagging skin in the neck region can give the appearance of a double chin or of a “turkey” or “wattle” neck. For men and women in their forties or above, sagging skin and muscles in the neck are quite common. Bergen County plastic surgery patients who are bothered by the appearance of facial aging may benefit from necklift or facelift surgery. To achieve more comprehensive results, necklift and facelift surgery may be combined.
Necklift vs. Facelift Surgery
Necklift surgery and facelift surgery are two surgical procedures used to improve the visible signs of facial aging. Necklift surgery and facelift surgery each have their own advantages and disadvantages to consider. The most important factors when considering whether necklift surgery or facelift surgery is the best treatment for facial aging are your own unique needs and goals.
Necklift Surgery
The neck is one of the first places to show signs of aging. Excess fat and skin and weakened muscles of the neck can cause a person to appear older than he or she actually is. Through necklift surgery, the neck can once again have a taut, youthful appearance. Patients considering necklift surgery must be in good health. The necklift surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Procedures that make up necklift surgery may include liposuction, cervicoplasty, and platysmaplasty.
Liposuction may be used to remove excess fatty tissue from the neck region. During liposuction, an incision is made below the chin through which a small cannula is inserted to suction out this excess fat. If liposuction is required as part of necklift surgery, it will be performed first.
Cervicoplasty is a procedure in which excess skin is removed from the neck. During cervicoplasty, an incision is made behind the ears, under the chin, or behind the ears and under the chin. The skin is lifted, and the excess skin is removed; then, the facial skin is sutured or glued back into place.
Platysmaplasty is a procedure that addresses the appearance of “turkey wattle” neck. Incisions are made under the chin, behind the ears, or under the chin and behind the ears. To tighten the neck area, specific neck muscles may be removed or realigned. Permanent sutures may be used to hold the neck tissues in place.
For our patients in Bergen County, necklift surgery offers a way to lift the neck and to improve the contour of the jawline.
Facelift Surgery
Displaced fat, loss of muscle tone, sagging skin, wrinkles, and deep creases are common signs of facial aging. These and other signs of facial aging may be improved through facelift surgery. During facelift surgery, incisions are made behind the ears. This ensures that any scarring that may result from surgery can be hidden. During facelift surgery, fat may be sculpted or redistributed from the face and jowls, the facial muscles and deep layers of the face are lifted, and the underlying facial tissues may be repositioned. The skin is re-draped, and any excess skin is removed; then, the skin is sutured into place.
Our Bergen County facial plastic surgery patients undergoing facelift surgery may also benefit from necklift surgery and brow lift surgery.
Schedule a Consultation at Bergen Plastic Surgery Today
To learn more about necklift surgery and facelift surgery, please contact Bergen County plastic surgeon Tzvi Small, M.D., F.A.C.S. today.
Breast Implant Revision Candidates
Breast augmentation can significantly improve the contours of a woman’s body, as well as boost her self-confidence, which may in turn contribute to a healthier self-esteem. With that being said, the decision to undergo breast augmentation is not something that should be taken lightly. We can revitalize and rejuvenate the contours of our Bergen County plastic surgerypatients, but we cannot make them different people. As with any cosmetic treatment, you should always have realistic expectations. We provide customized care that is tailored to each individual patient. By doing so, we ensure optimal results while minimizing the risk for future complications that may result in the need for breast implant revision surgery.
Breast Implant Revision Candidates
You are a good candidate for breast implant revision if you are in good health and are dissatisfied with the results of your breast augmentation surgery. Even with the best surgical techniques, breast implant revision may be required for a number of reasons, including weight gain and weight loss, size of the implants, and rupture of the breast implant. In the treatment of capsular contracture or double-bubble deformities, breast implant revision surgery may be required. If you are unhappy with the size, shape, or feel of your breast implants for any reason, you may benefit from breast implant revision. Our esteemed Bergen County breast augmentation surgeon, Tzvi Small, can help patients achieve shapely feminine contours.
Breast Implant Revision Candidates: Physical Changes
The natural breast tissue is affected by weight gain, weight loss, and age. One of the most common reasons for weight gain in women is pregnancy. After the birth of the child, weight loss occurs, which also affects the breast tissue. In addition, breastfeeding can significantly affect the breast tissue. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, there is often an increase in breast tissue. Once a woman is no longer pregnant or breastfeeding, there may be a decrease in breast tissue. This can change the look and feel of the breasts, which may lead some women to feel dissatisfied with the look and feel of their breast implants. One of the most common issues that affect women as they age is sagging breasts. Some women are under the misconception that breast implants prevent breasts from sagging, but this is not true. Sagging breasts may require breast lift surgery along with breast implant revision surgery. While physical changes are natural, they do not have to keep you from having the contours you desire.
Breast Implant Revision Candidates: Implant Size
The most common reason for breast implant revision surgery is implant size. If you feel that your breast implants are too small or too large for your body frame, you are a good candidate for breast implant revision. The majority of our Bergen County breast implant revision patients desire larger breast implants. During your examination, we can help you determine the size of breast implants that will best suit your individual contours.
Breast Implant Revision Candidates: Rupture
Rupture of breast implants can occur from normal, everyday wear and tear of implants. Other causes include implants that are overfilled or under-filled, defective implants, or an excessive wrinkling and creasing of the implant that may cause premature wear. It is crucial to undergo breast implant revision surgery immediately after an implant has ruptured. If a ruptured breast implant is left in the body for too long, scar tissue surrounding the deflated implant can make implant revision surgery more difficult.
Contact Dr. Tzvi Small, M.D., F.A.C.S. Today
To learn whether you are a good candidate for breast implant revision, please contact Dr. Tzvi Small, M.D., F.A.C.S. today.
Types of Arm Lift Surgery
Our bodies grow and change shape during the course of our lives, and these changes can have a direct effect on the appearance of our skin. The skin can lose its natural elasticity through the aging process or after weight loss, resulting in unattractive excess skin. These flaps are particularly noticeable on the underside of the arm, and can alter the aesthetics of our bodies. At our well-respected Bergen County plastic surgerycenter, we offer a range of body contouring procedures, and patients seeking to rejuvenate their arms will be pleased with the results of an arm lift procedure performed by Dr. Tzvi Small.
Patients may be a good candidate for an arm lift if their skin has lost some of its elasticity due to aging or weight loss, and they are unhappy with the appearance of their arms, but are otherwise in good health. Patients who are still losing weight, or who plan on continuing to lose weight should reach their goal before considering the procedure.
What is an Arm Lift?
An arm lift is a surgical procedure that reshapes a patient’s arm through liposuction and skin tightening surgery. Arm lift surgery is ideal for patients who have undergone significant weight loss and have drooping or excess skin. There are two types of arm lifts techniques; the surgical approach depends on the extent of loose skin to be removed.
The Two Types of Arm Lift Surgery
• Mini Arm Lift – When a Bergen County body contouring patient undergoes a mini arm lift, also known as a partial or minimal incision arm lift, a small incision is made in the armpit. From that small incision, the arm is sculpted in small amounts through the liposuction process and a small amount of skin may be excised. Following the procedure the arm is carefully wrapped to allow healing with excellent results. Mini arm lifts are ideal for patients who have lost a moderate amount of weight, or a moderate amount of muscle tissue due to aging. Patients who have lost dramatic amounts of weight or muscle should consider an upper arm lift for more effective treatment.
• Upper Arm Lift – An upper arm lift, also called brachioplasty, is a procedure that is ideal for patients who have had a dramatic loss in weight resulting from a change of lifestyle or bariatric (weight loss) surgery. Patients who have lost significant muscle tissue due to aging may also be good candidates for brachioplasty. During an upper arm lift, an incision is made near the elbow, and runs along the bottom of the arm to the body. Excessive fat is successfully removed with liposuction, and then the excess skin is trimmed and secured back in place. After surgery, the newly tightened skin heals to the arm’s reconstructed contours, ensuring beautiful, natural results.
What to Expect After Surgery
As with most surgeries, patients may experience initial tenderness and sensitivity, as well as some swelling and bruising. A wrap or compress may be used during the first few weeks of recovery to aid in the reduction of swelling to help the skin to heal evenly over the arm’s new shape. Flexibility will be limited for the first week, but will return quickly, with patients generally regaining full mobility within six weeks.
Learn More about Bergen Plastic Surgery
For more information about arm lifts or the other top-quality plastic surgery treatments we offer, please contact our plastic surgery center in Bergen County. Dr. Small and our skilled staff are looking forward to providing you with superior, personalized care.
Brow Lift Benefits and Risks
Whether they result from aging or genetics, drooping eyebrows, brow furrows, and forehead lines are a common concern among patients who want to rejuvenate their facial appearance. A brow lift performed by skilled Bergen County plastic surgeonTzvi Small can successfully address these issues. During your consultation, Dr. Small will determine if a brow lift is the best procedure to treat your personal aesthetic goals, and discuss the benefits and risks associated with brow lift surgery. It’s important to understand the pros and cons of any procedure, so let’s take a closer look at the risks and benefits of a brow lift.
What is a Brow Lift?
Brow lift surgery is an excellent choice for patients seeking to renew their facial appearance. The upper portion of our face contains hundreds of muscles that create the delicate movement of our eyebrows and forehead. Over time, these muscles can weaken and sag, creating the effect of an angry or tired appearance. A brow lift allows Dr. Small to carefully tighten the forehead muscles and remove excess fat and tissue to sculpt the forehead. The skin and tissues are placed higher up on the head to heal, resulting in added “lift” to the facial features.
Benefits of Brow Lift Surgery
Brow lift surgery is a popular procedure because of the many advantages it offers to patients. A brow lift is an effective treatment for drooping brows, heavy eyelids, and deep furrows on the forehead and between brows. It can also alter the placement of eyebrows and correct uneven brows. In addition to treating many cosmetic issues, a brow lift also features these benefits:
• Attractive, natural looking results
• Creates an invigorated, youthful appearance
• Results last for 10 years or more
• Reduces tension in forehead muscles
• Minimal incisions and scarring
• Can be performed in combination with other procedures, such as face lifts or eyelid surgery
Risks of Brow Lift Surgery
Complications associated with brow lift surgery are rare, but patients should be aware of possible risks prior to undergoing any surgical procedure. To avoid surgical side effects such as infection, excess scarring, or adverse reaction to aesthesia, it is essential for patients to only visit a board-certified, experienced surgeon. Brow lift procedures at our Bergen County facial plastic surgery center are performed by Dr. Small, who brings years of specialized surgical training and expertise to our patients. Although highly uncommon, risks of brow lift surgery include hair loss at the incision site, and difficulty moving forehead muscles or brows.
Learn More about Bergen Plastic Surgery
Dr. Small and our friendly staff are ready to help you achieve the facial aesthetics you’ve always wanted. For more information on how we can transform your appearance through a brow lift or any of our other beautifying plastic surgery procedures, please contact our plastic surgery center located in Bergen County at your convenience.
Who are the Best Breast Lift Candidates?
Breast lift is a revolutionary cosmetic surgery procedure that can dramatically improve the size and shape of the breasts. By reshaping and lifting the breasts, a skilled cosmetic surgeon can enhance the natural beauty of the breasts and create a more youthful and attractive appearance.
Pregnancy, breast feeding, losing a significant amount of weight and the effects of aging can leave breasts sagging and stretched out. For many women, a breast lift can help. Women with smaller breasts may see the best results from breast lift, since smaller breasts are naturally lighter than larger breasts and therefore more likely to retain their breast lift improvements longer.
At our Bergen County plastic surgery practice, Dr. Tzvi Small is skilled in performing breast lift surgery. Dr. Small can evaluate your individual situation and advise whether you are a good candidate for breast lift.
Breast Lift Candidates
Generally speaking, the best breast lift candidate is a woman who:
- Is an adult, over age 18.
- Has breasts with lower volume and stretched skin, causing them to droop.
- Is in good physical and emotional condition.
- Is not pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Does not plan on becoming pregnant in the near future.
- Is not planning on losing excessive amounts of weight.
Common Breast Lift Conditions
Candidates for breast lift may be looking to correct one or more of the following conditions:
- Stretched breast skin
- Enlarged areolas
- Breasts that are elongated or low
- Nipples that point down
- One breast that is lower than the other
Wait Until After the Baby
Women who are planning on having children in the future might want to wait to have breast lift surgery. Pregnancy can stretch the skin of the breasts, causing them to sag. Therefore, it is often best to wait until after you are done have children to undergo a breast lift, as the results of the procedure are more likely to last longer than they would if you became pregnant or were breastfeeding again.
Be Realistic
It is also important for women who are considering breast lift to keep realistic expectations for the results of their surgery. While breast lift can achieve amazing results, even the most skilled surgeon may not be able to achieve unrealistic results. Also, you should know improvements that can be achieved through breast lift are not permanent. As time goes on, the natural effects of aging and gravity will continue to affect the size, shape and placement of your breasts.
Contact Our Bergen County Plastic Surgery Center
If you are considering breast lift to improve the shape and size of your breasts, you should be sure to hire a surgeon who is experienced in the procedure. Bergen County breast enlargement surgeon Tzvi Small has helped clients look and feel better through breast lift. Contact Dr. Small today to schedule a personalized evaluation to help determine whether you are a good candidate for breast lift.
