Month: August 2023

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.

MANHATTAN AND NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK – A question that has probably crossed your mind as you contemplate plastic surgery is “How long will the results of my tummy tuck last?” And the answer is…FOREVER!

While there is no guarantee as to how long your results will last, Good Housekeeping magazine shared the following findings in their June issue:

“In a small study, 70% of tummy tuck patients weighed less a year later, with most feeling less hungry, too. Removing fat cells, the researchers speculate may lower levels of appetite-stimulating hormones.”

There is usually a high rate of long-term success when it comes to a tummy tuck but more may be contributing to it than lower hormone levels.

“I cannot attest to the decrease in hormones when it comes to the success of my patients since I don’t do such testing in my facility,” says Dr. Elliot Heller. “But what I can attest to is their renewed self-esteem which most cherish enough that they change their lifestyle and work hard to maintain their results, and sometimes even improve them.”

Another reason may be that the majority of tummy tuck patients have tried almost everything; healthy diets, workouts and supplements but are not seeing improvements and are finally losing their “drive.”

“‘Why am I not seeing improvement when I’m doing X, Y and Z?’ is one of the questions I get asked most as a trainer,” says Nicole Nichols, fitness expert and editor-in-chief at SparkPeople.

Indeed, it is easy to become discouraged when you aren’t seeing the fruits of your labor – especially when it comes to weight loss.

But when you do, perhaps with the help of a tummy-tuck – things change quickly.

“When a patient sees themselves for the first time after a tummy tuck, it’s emotional,” says Heller. “They are often overwhelmed to finally see the results they’ve been working so hard to achieve. And because we ask them to lose as much weight as possible before the procedure (improves their end result), they know how to maintain their results and rarely have trouble doing so.”

There of course is never a guarantee that your results will last forever, however, when it comes to a tummy tuck, our experience and the results of scientific studies point to the odds being in your favor.

Call today for free consultations for a tummy tuck, liposuction or even a facial rejuvenation with a fac-elift, lip enhancement or rhinoplasty in NY.

STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK – Patti Stanger, star and producer of Bravo’s hit reality series Millionaire Matchmaker, is no stranger to whipping the most updateable specimens into dating superstars. But just because she knows how to dress, talk and act the part, it doesn’t mean that she’s never had to overcome obstacles of her own.

In a recent Life & Style article, Patti admitted that she had plastic surgery so she could go out and, “compete with all the young girls.”

At 52, Patti isn’t the only one feeling the pressure to turn back the clock in order to be more competitive in not only the dating world, but also the job market. And this phenomenon doesn’t exclude men either.

The number of men opting for face-lifts rose by14 percent in 2010, and Botox injections increased by nearly 10 percent, according to figures released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

As a television personality and straight shooter, Patti is candid about her choice saying, “Come on, this is the game here, and HDTV exaggerates all the features. Yeah, I’m proud of it, because we’re all doing it.”

Patti’s procedures include a breast reduction paired with a lift and blepharoplasty (eye lift.)

Blepharoplasty wasn’t Patti’s first choice though. “I wanted a face-lift but my surgeon suggested an eye lift,” she said.

This may sound like a negative but, in fact, Patti lucked out with her choice of surgeon.

“Many times, a patient thinks they want a certain procedure but that procedure isn’t meant to address what they want improved,” says Dr. Andrew Miller, one of the best plastic surgeons in Staten Island. “A face-lift addresses the lower half of the face while blepharoplasty addresses the eye area – they are like apples and oranges. Patti looks great as a result of her surgeon’s advisement.”

What does Patti think about the results?

“I felt pretty; like I could compete with the younger girls,” she said. “Even David (her boyfriend) thought I was younger than I was when we met!”

If you are in the market for refreshing your look like Patti, you don’t have to take the surgical plunge at first.

“Restylane, Botox and Fraxel treatments are excellent choices for facial rejuvenation that require little to no downtime,” says Dr. Miller who is also a Staten Island face-lift specialist.

Call today to schedule a free consultation with a top plastic surgeon.

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK – Just when you thought she had hit rock bottom and given up her plastic surgery obsession, real life Barbie Jenny Lee admits to having nearly doubling the number of plastic surgery procedures she has had.

Back in 2004, Jenny Lee admitted to Oprah that her struggle with poor self-esteem caused her to dislike the face staring back at her in the mirror – even after 25 procedures. She was upset that she had changed her appearance so drastically. Not only because she was still unhappy with her appearance, but that as a result, her child didn’t even know what her mom looked like naturally.

It seemed like Jenny was ready to stop changing her appearance but, nearly seven years later, on an episode of Oprah’s “Where Are They Now,” Jenny admitted that she had fallen off the wagon and opted for and additional 33 procedures, which brought the total number up to a staggering 59 procedures.

Surgeons go to great lengths prior to performing a procedure on a patient to determine if they are choosing plastic surgery for the right reasons.

“Failing to identify an internal struggle in the patient could lead to a lifetime of addiction to plastic surgery as they continue to search for that one procedure that will make them happy,” says Dr. Elliot Heller, a plastic surgeon in New York City. “We call this body dysmorphic disorder.”

Such is the case with Jenny Lee who admits that she would be very happy if she could be OK with her appearance, “just OK,” she insists.

“Sometimes the patient is aware that their self-esteem or body image issues are more than skin-deep, while others are in such a state of denial that their symptoms don’t exist,” says Dr. Heller. “This is why the consultation is the single most important aspect of a successful plastic surgery.”

Consultations help the physician and their patient get a clearer understanding of what each other’s expectations are and whether plastic surgery is the answer.

“As a physician, my goal is to improve the well-being of my patients, not set them up for a lifetime of struggle and regret,” says Dr. Heller, who is a Manhattan rhinoplasty specialist. “Performing a plastic surgery procedure on a patient who has mental turmoil would be the same as giving a recovering alcoholic their first beer, knowing that they just graduated from A.A. – it’s that serious.”

If you are interested in plastic surgery including breast implants or liposuction, but are unsure of whether you want it for the right reasons, call today to schedule free consultation. We are available 24 hours a day to discuss any concerns or interests you may have.