Get The Skinny on CoolSculpting® in Westchester!

Now at Bellava MedAesthetics & Plastic Surgery Center in Bedford Hills, NY

How would you like to get rid of that ever-present muffin top, those not-so- loveable love handles, those persistently flabby flanks or that impossible bra roll on your back? All you have to do is say hello to CoolSculpting®, the new, revolutionary non-surgical fat reduction method that, for some, may be an alternative to laser liposuction like SmartLipo, ProLipo and SlimLipo.

Many of us–even relatively thin or toned folks–still have stubborn fat that won’t budge. Those unwanted bulges contain fat cells, which are often resistant to diet and exercise but not to CoolSculpting. Developed by Harvard scientists, CoolSculpting is a revolutionary FDA-approved nonsurgical fat reduction and body contouring procedure that freezes stubborn fat, which is then naturally eliminated, by the body.  CoolSculpting in Westchester at Bellava is a great choice for those patients who are not interested in surgery since there is no anesthesia required, no knife, no suction noses, no scarring and no downtime!

How CoolSculpting Works:

CoolSculpting works by using controlled cooling, or “freezing,” to target and crystallize fat cells. Crystallized fat cells gradually die off, and then are naturally eliminated from your body. In the weeks and months following a treatment, remaining fat cells condense, reducing the fat layer from the desire area. Since CoolSculpting works to freeze fat cells deep below the skin’s surface, the outer layer of skin is not damaged nor is there any scarring.

In general, a CoolSculpting treatment on 1 area takes about an hour. During the first 5 minutes of the procedure, patients may experience pressure or cold but these sensations usually subside as the area becomes numb.  During CoolSculpting procedures at our comfortable and luxurious Westchester medical Spa, patients often read, watch movies or even listen to music on their iPad and some even take a nap. After a CoolSculpting treatment, patients can resume your normal activities immediately.

Many patients see 70% of their CoolSculpting results within 6-8 weeks after treatment and 100% of their results within 4 to 5 months. While you can lose up to 25% of your fat cells from a desired area such as upper abdomen with 1 CoolSculpting treatment, i2 or more treatments are usually recommended for optimal results.

What’s The Difference Between CoolSculpting and SlimLipo™

An ideal candidate for CoolSculpting is someone who is within 10-20 pounds of his or her desired weight but has a stubborn problem area that simply won’t budge despite diet and exercise.

Like CoolSculpting, SlimLipo is a revolutionary FDA-approved fat reduction procedure that safely and effectively removes fat cells. SlimLipo, however, uses “fat melting” laser technology to not only remove fat, but also to tighten skin and re-sculpt the body. The SlimLipo laser procedure is performed using a small cannula (or tube) inserted into the skin. A laser fiber inside of the cannula delivers energy directly to fat cells, causing them to “melt.” Simultaneously, dermal tissue around the area is heated, resulting in overall tighter skin tissue. Unlike traditional lipo, SlimLipo is an in office procedure that is minimally invasive and can be performed under local anesthesia. Depending on the body area being treated, SlimLipo procedures usually take from 2-3 hours.

SlimLipo is a better choice than CoolSculpting if you are seeking a greater amount of fat reduction in 1 session, and if you need skin tightening. SlimLipo can tackle the same areas as CoolSculpting–muffin top (tummy pooch), love handles, flanks and bra rolls. PLUS it can treat  many other body areas as well–such as the buttocks, chin & neck, male chest, thighs, upper arms and ankles.

It’s important to note that both  CoolSculpting and SlimLipo permanently remove fat. That means the fat won’t come back– as long as you maintain a steady weight that does not fluctuate above 15 or so pounds. Neither CoolSculpting nor SlimLIpo treatment should be regarded as replacements for proper diet and exercise, but rather as effective means to eliminate body fat that defies calorie restriction and/or workouts. At Bellava, our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. James R. Lyons is renowned for carrying out SlimLipo procedures in Westchester, NY. Go here to read more about SlimLipo procedures offered at our luxurious state-of-the-art Westchester, NY, medspa and plastic surgery center.

Now that you have the skinny on CoolSculpting, consider coming in for a FREE consultation at Bellava to see if this treatment would be right for you. Call
914-600-5294.

Bikini weather is fast approaching. Isn’t it time to get rid of that unwanted fat and then show off the body you’ve always dreamed of.

Go here for more on CoolSculpting.

Tags: Coolsculpting

Dermal Fillers, Demystified!

Radiesse, Perlane, Belotero and More At Bellava MedAesthetics & Plastic Surgery Center in Bedford Hills, NY

Two decades ago, if you wanted to get rid of wrinkles and sagging skin, you’re main options would have been bovine collagen injections (derived from cows), and/or a facelift. Not so today, thanks to cosmetic dermal fillers. Dermal fillers can reduce facial wrinkles such as marionette lines (creases from the lips to the chin), deep nasolabial folds (laugh lines), plump thin lips, lift sagging cheeks, sculpt and create better facials contours and more. The best news? Dermal fillers are nonsurgical, require minimal downtime and offer immediate results.

The Popularity of Dermal Fillers Is On The Rise
Procedures using fillers have seen a 110% increase in the last 3 years, according to the American Academy of Plastic Surgery. Botox®–which is not a dermal filler but a neurotoxic protein (botulinum toxin) used to treat nonstatic wrinkles such as crow’s feet, forehead lines and worry lines (brow furrow)–has seen a 115% increase in the last 3 years. (Other botulinum toxin products–Dysport and Xeomin, for instance, work similarly to Botox.). At Bellava MedAesthetics & Plastic Surgery Center in Westchester, NY, we offer an array of dermal fillers and botulinum toxin products.

Dermal Filler Basics
The first FDA-approved non-animal based hyaluronic acid filler products came on the US market in 1996. Most dermal fillers, including Restylane, Perlane, Radiesse, Juvederm, Belotero and Expression are comprised of hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps regulate and maintain moisture in the skin. By using dermal fillers, you can replace the HA you’ve lost due to the naturally aging process. Once injected, dermal fillers instantly plump the skin and smooth the lines and wrinkles on the face. Typically, dermal fillers at our Westchester medical spa last anywhere from 6-18 months.

Modern-day dermal fillers are regarded as superior to the bovine collagen injections of yesterday, since these HA products achieve much better results. Because the body already produces hyaluronic acid naturally, HA-based dermal fillers rarely cause allergic reactions, thus resulting in a smoother, more natural appearance. Plus, HA fillers actually promote your body’s own natural collagen production. By using them regularly, you can help slow the aging process!

Popular Dermal Fillers
By now you’ve probably heard about some of the more popular fillers, such as Restylane and Juvederm. But what about some of the newer fillers like Expression or Belotero? How do these products differ? To help clarify, here’s a rundown on some of the most popular dermal fillers:

Restylane®– The first FDA-approved dermal filler on the market, Restylane is composed of hyaluronic acid. Restylane restores a youthful appearance to contour areas such as nasolabial folds (smile lines) and marionette lines. Restylane is also used to plump lips and to diminish wrinkles under the eyes.

Juvéderm® – Also comprised of HA, Juvederm is a smooth gel filler that painlessly eases under the skin to instantly smooth out “parentheses lines” (also called nasolabial folds, laugh lines, smile lines) on the side of your nose and mouth. Juvederm may also be used to enhance lip volume and correct smoker’s lines. Note: Juvederm and Restylane are often used interchangeably.

Radiesse® – FDA-approved Radiesse is a dermal filler that is an ideal choice for total facial contouring. It can restore a healthy, youthful appearance, enhance your existing features, and help you defy age and gravity. Also an HA product, Radiesse is an excellent choice for enhancing sunken cheeks and aging hands.

Perlane® – HA-based Perlane is used to fill in deep facial lines such as prominent nasolabial folds, sunken cheeks, etc.–all changes that have resulted as a part of the aging process. This excellent filler is also used to augment the shape of the chin.

Belotero® – One of the latest HA dermal fillers on the market, Belotero is designed to integrate into your skin’s tissue discretely enhancing your facial contours to provide subtle and even results. Belotero is a great choice for even the finest facial lines including vertical lip lines, marionette lines and chin wrinkle. Because of its consistency, Belotero is also an excellent choice for minimizing wrinkles under the eyes.

Expression® – Created by Enhancement Medical, Expression is one of the hottest new HA fillers on the market. Expression was created by some of the original creators of the injectable, Radiesse, which has been used as a dermal filler for many years. Expression is quite versatile. It can be used for more shallow injection areas and finer lines (such as under the eyes), as well as for correcting deeper facials folds, plumping lips and lifting cheeks.

You’re probably wondering: Now that I’ve had a brief course on fillers, how do I know what filler (or fillers) is right for me?

Because every filler has a slightly difference consistency, it’s important you choose an experienced physician who can customize a treatment that’s right for you. It is also important that you choose a doctor who has an excellent sense of facial aesthetics so he or she can bring out your most beautiful appearance.

At Bellava MedAesthetics & Plastic Surgery Center in Bedford Hills, NY (near Katonah, Armonk, Chappaqua, Ridgefield, etc.), our dermal filler procedures are carried out by the truly gifted expert Westchester physician, Marc Epstein, MD. Go here to read more about out outstanding “Dermal Filler and Botox doc”, Dr. Epstein.

Tags: Beauty Tips, Botox and Dermal Fillers

Do This! Not That! For Your Dry Skin by Penny Lyons

Summer Days Drifting Away… To, oh, oh… those w-i-n-t-e-r nights… TIME TO PREP for Winter Skin   

Yes, great winter skin begins with great post-summer prep! You can achieve a year round, balanced look and feel to your skin with my, “DO THIS!”  “NOT THIS!” 

Program for Dry Winter Skin:

 Think of this prep as something you would read about in Martha Stewart magazine.  MARTHA preps her shrubs and flower beds for a long winter by cutting them back, feeding them and wrapping them. Similarly, you need to prep your skin for a long winter.  The summer is the time of the year when our skin is exposed to the most abuses: sweat, grime, heat, crowds, sun damage, wind burn, chlorine, gloppy sun lotions, late nights, longer days, and a lot more partying!  Most women get lax about skin care in the summer. But at the end of the warm weather season, the prep must begin!  I call it the CEMS approach.

CEMS:  Cleanse, Exfoliate, Moisturize, Sunscreen 

Cleanse

You can use a stronger cleanser during this period.  Time for fall cleaning!

Exfoliate

Summer elements cause the top layer of your skin to dry out, similar to the trauma of winter elements.  Exfoliate (remove your dead cells) more rigorously, as it will lead to more radiant skin. This is an excellent time of the year to do this.  All the topical creams and lotions in the world will not permeate or be effective if you don’t exfoliate first. It would be like slathering lotion on a face covered in plastic wrap.  Exfoliate with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). Buy these over the counter, or luxuriate in a para-medical facial in a doctor’s office for a higher percentage of glycolic peel. This will kick-start your program.

Moisturize

There are many different skin types, each requires a different type of moisturizer.  Lotions, creams and oils should be specific to your skin type so that one cure does not become the culprit for another problem. BEWARE oily skin types! 

Sunscreen

I cannot impress upon you enough the importance of sunscreen. Aside from the health risks associated with sun exposure, the sun is a major cause of cell damage. It causes premature aging, hyperpigmentation (sun spots) and dry itchy skin.  Sunscreen should be applied everyday, even on a cloudy winter day.

Causes of Dry Winter Skin: Internal & External

Internal Causation: Your skin ages chronologically, the result of a decrease in hormones that rob your skin of natural moisture.  Fluctuation in your hormone levels is another contributor, depending on where you are in your estrogen journal (pre or post menopausal). Either way, it’s depleting. 

External Causation:  Dry air, caused by a decrease in humidity during the winter,dessicates (dries ) skin.  Wind is another culprit.  And then there is indoor arid heat.  Indoor heating systems are not necessarily humidified. This can also contribute to stripping moisture from the outer layer of your skin.

Areas of Extreme Exposure:  Face, Hands & Hair     

Your Face 

DO THIS:

• Follow the CEMS program
• Cleanse and care for your skin twice per day
• Morning: Cleanse, Sunscreen, Moisturize (in that order) OR use a moisturizer with sunscreen in it.
• Sunscreen should be “broad-spectrum” to cover both UVA and UVB rays with SPF 15>
• Evening: Cleanse, Apply Retinol 3 nights at least
• Exfoliate once per week instead of twice (see above)
• Vitamin C serum (helps to hold water in and builds collagen)
• Get facials once per month if possible: Moisturizing Facial, CollagenFacial or Hydrafacial, my personal all-in-one  favorite!
• Change your pillow case at least 3X/week, an idiosyncrasy of mine.  Think about it, your hair (exposed to the elements) and face are laying on it for 6-8 hours.  It should be clean and fresh!
• For a less expensive approach to moisturizing, simple sesame oil is the Ayurvedic moisturizer of choice (antiviral, anti-fugal and anti-inflammatory). You can also use coconut or apricot oils.
• Stay hydrated with warm liquids (green tea optimum)
• Stock up on hydrophilic (water containing) carbohydrates: lettuce, carrot, cucumber, fennel, and asparagus.
• Exercise to stimulate circulation and increase cell nourishment.

NOT THAT:

Neglect your face in the winter
Rub, scrub and irritate
Go without sunscreen
Consume excess caffeine or alcohol
Skimp on sleep
Stress out
Take long hot showers
Avoid addressing seasonal plan

Your Eyes   

DO THIS:

• Apply a great eye cream morning and night. Apply gently to lid and undereye in circular motion.  Apply a lighter one for day and a heavier one for night.
• Sunscreen here too!
• Sunglasses with UVA protection!

NOT THAT:

Rub your eyelids because they are dry
Go without protective sunglasses
Go without sunscreen
Expose your eyes to wind without protection

Your Lips                    

DO THIS:

• Avoid chapped lips!  If needed, exfoliate …then:
• Beeswax treatment is the RX of choice.  It seals and protects to prevent unsightly and uncomfortable cracking
• Sunscreen,  Sunscreen,  Sunscreen
• Moisturizing lipstick with sunscreen.  I learned  my lesson the hard way in Los Cabos when I had swollen lips for a week!  Not all lipsticks have sunscreen!

NOT THAT:

Go without sunscreen
Go without lip protection (especially when skiing or in the Caribbean)

Your Hands             

DO THIS:

• Keep nails manicured
• Use a cuticle oil regularly to prevent painful cracking
• Wear gloves regularly
• Keep hand moisturizer in car, office, at bedside and on end-table while watching TV at night, my favorite time to moisturize everywhere!
• Petroleum based sealants, like Vaseline
• Oils that permeate, especially SESAME OIL
• Ultra-nourishing Shea Butter
• Wear rubber gloves to protect from harsh disinfectants
• Don’t forget sunscreen on hands. It’s IMPORTANT to protect them from the winter sun
• Apply several times throughout the day as hands are washed so frequently

NOT THAT:

Go without gloves
Go without sunscreen
Forget to moisturize
Handle detergents without gloves

Have you noticed a change in the consistency of your hair too?  Again, this may be due to a fluctuation in hormone levels.  But the seasonal culprit, winter, can rob your hair of moisture. This has to do with the science of cellular breakdown under stress.

DO THIS

• Splurge on quality shampoo for your hair type. I do this all year, preferring Bumble and Bumble sulfate free products.
• Decrease frequency of shampooing.  It’s very drying.
• Definitely use a quality conditioner
• Wear a hat to protect from blustery wind blowing
• Dry your hair thoroughly before facing the cold
• Hot oil treatment once per week
• Use oil products like Moroccan Oil, a personal favorite (The secondary gain is softer hands from rubbing it through your hair!)
• Consult with your stylist. There are a plethora of therapeutic products out there.
• Use sunscreen products for your hair too!
• Use chlorine protection shampoo for your winter vacations
• Pump up your nutrition with water packed carbohydrates and protein

NOT THAT:

Don’t use cheap shampoo and conditioner
Limit fancy air styles that require pulling, tugging or tight rubber bands
Limit hot ironing (if necessary, be sure to put a protective coat on first)
Limit indoor swimming without a cap. Chlorine L

Your Body  

DO THIS:

• Sunscreen exposed parts
• Take warm, not hot, and shorter than usual showers
• Cleanse with milky moisturizing products
• Moisturize while skin is damp with a good quality oil or lotion
• Use your hands or soft cloth
• Exfoliate regularly

NOT THAT:

No long hot showers, they dry the natural oils from your body
No abrasive soaps
Avoid any product that contains alcohol
Excess ingestion of dehydrators such as alcohol and coffee

FEET                

 DO THIS:

Regular pedicures:

I recently polled my local mani-pedi place. It seems that the frequency of pedicures ranges from every two weeks to three times a year, with some only pedi(ing) in summer.  A good pedicure every 3-4 weeks is the ultimate treat and optimum foot care. You deserve it! Just think of all the work your feet do for you each day!  At $25 a pop in most salons, it’s affordable, therapeutic (foot and leg massage) and hygienic.

• Treat your dry heels with a foot file before you shower
• Exfoliate with alpha hydroxy products
• Moisturize!
• Wear socks

NOT THAT:

Neglect your feet
Wear uncomfortable shoes that cause pressure and callous
Skip pedicures!

   ~   Stay Healthy!  Live Longer!  Look Younger!  ~

Tags: Beauty Tips, Skin care

The Implant-Free Breast Augmentation – Join the Conversation!

Have you ever contemplated getting a breast augmentation but were hesitant about surgery?  Or perhaps you’re put off by the idea of implants?  Then you may want to consider the hottest new trend in cosmetic and reconstructive breast enhancement: the revolutionary Adivive™ Fat Transfer, from Palomar Medical, which uses your own excess fat to create fuller breasts that look and feel 100% natural–because they are!

How Does it Work?
In fat transfer or “fat grafting,” fat is taken from one part of the body, such as the upper arms, abdomen, back, flanks or thighs, and injected into an area where more fat is desired, such as the breasts, buttocks or face. Traditional fat transfer methods have been viewed as unpredictable and often lead to disappointing results. The new Adivive Fat Transfer method is groundbreaking in that its all-in-one system removes excess fluids and oils from the donor fat, creating higher quality fat grafts that deliver more long-lasting volumes. In studies, Adivive delivers a 70-80% fat survival rate for a long-lasting outcome.One of the most attractive aspects of the Advive Fat Transfer to the Breasts is that it can be combined with SlimLipo body sculpting. So if you are also seeking a firmer abdomen, contoured thighs or a tighter butt, you can get that as well–a two-for-one goal instantly achieved.

Three Adivive Fat Transfer Candidates, ages 36, 43, 56?

Cheryl, 36:  I love being a new mom, but I am very disheartened about my new body. I just stopped nursing. My breasts are all stretched out, and so is my belly. I have always been happy with my small breasts and don’t want a major boob job, but I would love if I could get the look of my old breasts back and get rid of my bigger tummy all in one swoop. My main concern is that I am very busy with my new baby, and don’t have time for any sort of cosmetic procedure.“

I often use the Adivive Fat Transfer as part of my “Mommy Makeover,” said board-certified plastic surgeon James. R. Lyons, MD.   “This procedure is great for restoring a sagging breast by filling the “empty” skin envelope that often develops once a woman has stopped breastfeeding and her milk supply is depleted.”

The Mommy Makeover may combine Adivive Fat Transfer to the Breasts with either a mini tummy tuck or full tummy tuck. SlimLipo and stretchmark treatments are often added as well.  Since the appearance of the breasts is as much affected as the abdomen in pregnancy, this technique is clearly a global improvement for moms who are looking to restore their bodies to their pre-pregnancy appearance.

Andrea, 43: I am a newly divorced mother of two. I need to dive back into the workforce and want to start dating. But when I look in the mirror, I am not that psyched about my body. I have always wanted bigger breasts but am just not the type to go for implants–I like a more natural look. I am very curious about Adivive Fat Transfer to the Breasts and want to know more of what’s involved.“

Fears of general anesthesia are removed since the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, with oral sedation,” said Dr. Lyons. “The patient is  awake during the 1-hour procedure but completely comfortable.  As with breast augmentatiion with implants, the Adivive results are immediately apparent.  Since the fat is a true graft of tissue, the “take” status affecting the breast volume will be fully realized after 3 months. For this age group, this gentle, more conservative improvement in breast aesthetics by using fat is usually what I see my patients wanting.”

Sandy, 56 - I take pride in the fact that I work out regularly at the gym. But ever since menopause, my body has undergone changes that are beyond my control. My breasts seem to have shriveled to a smaller size. And no matter what exercises I do, I have developed stubborn spots–my upper arms have developed “bat wings.” My husband and I were invited to a black-tie event in a few months, and I would just love to wear my favorite low-cut, sleeveless red gown.  I have always been hesitant about going under the knife, but am curious about less invasive treatments.

“The Adivive Fat Transfer is a perfect choice for a woman who wants improvement in her breasts, and has folds in her arms that occur with age,” said Dr. Lyons.  “We can improve and slenderize the arms with SlimLipo and then use the fat to reshape the breasts to be more youthful and perky.”

Is Adivive Fat Transfer to the Breasts Right For You?

In figuring out if the Advive Fat Transfer system is right for you, you’ll want to contemplate a few things. First off, this procedure can increase your breast size by approximately 1-cup size per session. If you are seeking a larger enhancement,  than a traditional breast augmentation with an implant or another transfer of fat procedure may be necessary. Ultimately, you’ll want to schedule a consultation with an experienced physician who is skilled in both techniques to help you achieve the results you desire.

Plastic surgeon Dr. James R. Lyons (go here for complete bio)  has carried out 1000s of breast augmentations using  traditional breast implant surgery and more recently, fat transfer.  He is considered Westchester and Connecticut’s leading expert on the Adivive system. Go here to view  Dr. Lyons’ Amazing Fat Transfer Before and After Pictures.

Join the conversation! What comments or questions do you have about Adivive Fat Transfer to the Breasts? Post your comment below!

Tags: Cosmetic Surgery, Fat Transfer, Natural Breast Augmentation