About Dr. Colen - Practice Philosophy - Consultation
Helen S. Colen, M.D., F.A.C.S., P.C.
 Dr. Helen S. Colen has been performing cosmetic plastic surgery for the past 25 years. She graduated from New York University Medical School in 1972 and then trained in Pediatrics at Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pa. She continued her training in General Surgery at the University of Colorado Medical Center till June of 1979. Dr. Colen then continued in a Plastic Surgery Residency at St. Luke's- Roosevelt Hospital, in New York and a Microsurgery Fellowship at NYU Medical Center and Bellevue Hospital. Certified by the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Board in 1983, Dr. Colen is a member of the American Medical Association, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a Fellow of the Lipolysis Society, a Fellow of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and a member of the New York County Medical Society.
Dr. Colen is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, achieved the AMA Physicians Recognition Award since 1982 till present and has been included in Town and Country Magazine's best doctors list in 2001. She is in the Top Doctors list in Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. since 1997 and is listed in the Who’s Who of American Women in USA. She has also been on the best Doctors list of New York Magazine in 2001. In addition Dr. Colen has been mentioned in innumerable articles in popular publications throughout the time of her practice: i.e. Glamour magazine, US, Self, W, Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Town and Country just to mention a few.
Currently she is Clinical Associate Professor (Plastic Surgery) in the NYU School of Medicine, department of Surgery she is also an Attending Physician in Plastic Surgery at Manhattan Eye Ear and Throat Hospital, Lenox Hill Hospital and at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary in NY. She also has lectured and written extensively on various plastic surgery procedures.
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 Practice Philosophy
It's no surprise that every day more and more men and women are having aesthetic surgery. Everyone loves the results!
As a professional for over 25 years, I see what my patient sees when she/he looks in the mirror. As a surgeon, I am able to create those changes that my patients really want.
Doctors differ in their aesthetic senses, however, they should be on the same aesthetic wavelength as their patient. If they are not, even a well performed surgery would not satisfy the patient. I like when my patients look natural and the operated area totally fits the rest of their body.
I like my patients and I get enormous satisfaction from a result that makes them happy. The practice of aesthetic plastic surgery is phenomenally rewarding, both in achieving great aesthetic results and in meeting many diverse and interesting people. Plastic surgery is creative, challenging and fun - I cannot imagine being happier doing anything else. |
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Consultation
It is my pleasure to assist you in discovering the many benefits of aesthetic surgery. I recommend that you also talk with friends and a family physician. This added insight will be helpful during your surgical consultation. Most importantly, ask questions and have your surgical options explained to your own satisfaction.
During the first consultation which lasts about 45 minutes, I listen carefully to the patient's request, I study his/her body language, I learn about his/her lifestyle, goals and wishes. I learn as much as I can about the patient's body image. I never suggest 'fixing' any area unless the patient specifically asks about it. I finally advise my patient about the best procedure to achieve the best final look. I ascertain whether patients can undergo the stress of surgery physically and mentally and whether the desired surgery is appropriate and will fulfill their wishes and visions. Other topics I discuss include:
- The positives and negatives of each procedure
- The preoperative process
- What laboratory examinations are in order
- The appropriate anesthesia for the procedure
- Whether the procedure will be performed in the office or in a hospital
- The risks
- The postoperative course
I insist that every patient should have a thorough examination by either his/hers personal physician or by an internist that I recommend. Patients are asked to fill out a form indicating all medications they take, any pertinent medical conditions, and whether they smoke, drink or use drugs, all of which may affect whether the procedure can be performed.
At the end, a tentative decision is usually made as to what the procedure should be and where it will be performed. The patient will be able to start making plans to take time off for recovery time.
After the initial consultation, patients see the nurse for further questions and then the office manager to obtain financial information and eventually schedule the procedure.
Another 30-minute consultation is done two weeks before the procedure. During this second consultation, patients will discuss the procedure again, as well as the risks, benefits, and expectations. Pain management and the need for private duty nurses after the procedure will also be discussed. Photographs will be taken. The pre-op and post-op instructions will be given as well as perscriptions for perioperative medications are given.
My patients require few pain medicines because they're not very anxious. I always work with the same excellent anesthesiologist who is familiar with my ways. We work as a team to make the experience safe and pleasant for my patients.
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