On Dec. 17th an article appeared in the New York Times in Fashion and style section written by Natasha Singer which suggests that this economic situation will stop people from thinking about improving themselves. I do agree that up until now the media was obsessed with cosmetic surgery. There were shows dedicated to it like “Dr. 90210″ and “extreme Makeover”.  Many other shows had episodes about cosmetic surgery as well. Recently the media mainly speaks about the election and our economic problems. Many people have lost jobs and many worry about the kids schools and maintaining their homes. Of course luxury items like plastic surgery will be put on hold. It is not because people no longer want it, or think it is bad, but because they feel they cannot afford it. These are uncertain times. The article mentions that many do not like the botox look. However, many do, and when financial times get better many will return to have their usual treatments. I must note however, that even tho some plastic surgeons report that their case load is down this year, injectables and laser treatments I feel are the same. It is always true that when times are bad, makeup, liquor, and entertainment usually do well. Injectables, fraxel, dermabrasions and other skin treatments are like the makeup. People continue to partake in them. Many who are looking for a new job must look good. Sometimes looking good and upbeat makes the difference between getting a new job or not. Many feel better when they look better. Women, no matter what their finances are want to look pretty. I would not sing doom and gloom for plastic surgery. It will always be there and it will always be desired. Perhaps, some are waiting but they will be back and just like after 9/11, when the time of shock and fear past, the numbers of procedures skyrocketted. I am a plastic surgeon in Manhattan. I have been in this field for 28 years. My clientelle is already established. I started with the grandmothers, then the mothers and now their daughters. I know that my patients at least will continue as their budgests allow to partake in what made them so happy. Confidence, and self esteem are very important, and we do what we can to get it. Whether it is exercise, haircut, makeup, cosmetic procedure, manicure or pedicure, we will do it. We cannot retreat in doom and gloom. We must be positive and believe in a bright future. The article tells us that plastic surgery,just like all luxuries we must wait or postpone buying it but eventually we cannot resist and will come back for more. Our body keeps aging, and one wrinkle is OK but when the next wrinkle comes up, and the breasts sag, and the abdomen bulges, and the thighs expand we will fix it.

Often after weight loss and after multiple pregnancies the abdomen skin hangs, the muscles are weak and separated, the mons pubis descends and the vaginal and labial tissues atrophy and weaken. In one surgery, done on outpatient basis, the tummytuck with mons pubis elevation, tightening of the vaginal canal and shortening of the labia minora can be done. The labia majora can also be modified as well. If there are varicosities present, they can be removed. If atrophy is present the excess skin can be removed thus the inner tissue will fill out smaller envelope of skin making the labia majora more youthful looking. If they are already heavy then they can be thinned out as well. A consultation on tummytuck, mons pubis lifts and labia and vaginal rejuvenation would allow a patient to learn a lot about what can be done to enhance comfort, sexuality, appearance and confidence. In New York, we have a certified surgery suite, and you have three plastic surgeons to choose from. Since these subjects are sensitive, your relationship with your doctor will be very important. Hope to see you soon.

I am very happy to report that after many years of practicing plastic surgery in NYC, my daughter Dr. Kari Colen has joined me in practice. She is newly graduated from New York University Medical Center and is familiar with all that is new in Cosmetic Surgery. We do many procedures and have many happy patients. Some have rhinoplasties, some facelifts and some breast surgery and tummytucks. Liposuction is very popular still as are brazilian buttock lifts and mons pubis lifts. We are even very busy with cosmetic labia and vaginal surgery and many from the east come for hymen reconstruction. We enjoy our work and we especially enjoy having Anita our nurse practicioner who is an expert in dermatologic fillers, botox and fraxel laser treatments. She loves all the good products that make your skin look great and you seem never to age. It is a good feeling when your skin and your body stay young just as your soul. In any case looking forward to seeing you for a little bit of “be good to myself” session in our office. Have a good christmas and happy new year.