What is Coolsculpting?

Unlike more invasive procedures such as liposuction, Coolsculpting uses a cooling technology to target fat cells and freeze them. Since fat cells will freeze at higher temperatures than other tissues, tissues such as skin, veins, and blood vessels remain unaffected.

Is Coolsculpting Safe?

To date, there have been no long-term negative effects of Coolsculpting. The device used during the treatment carefully controls the cooling process so that the temperatures achieved will target fat cells and nothing else. If applied correctly, results are typically consistent and smooth. Coolsculpting is non-invasive and FDA-approved.

Does Coolsculpting Hurt?

Coolsculpting is painless, although you may experience the sensations of pulling, tugging, and some mild pinching throughout the treatment. After the treatment is complete, the area that was targeted may be slightly red and feel firm. These side effects are mild and  temporary.

Is Coolsculpting the Same as Weightloss Surgery?

CoolSculpting is not a weightloss solution for those who are obese, as it does not act like a gastric bypass surgery. This treatment is ideally used to treat areas which have not improved as a result of diet and exercise.

Am I a Good Candidate for Coolsculpting?

The ideal candidate for Coolsculpting is 20 pounds or less within his or her desired body weight. Coolsculpting cannot eliminate massive areas of fat, but rather, specific targeted areas. Picking a bulge or pocket of fat that you can grab with your hand helps indicate whether or not this treatment is right for you. Popular areas of the body for Coolsculpting are in the abdomen, love handles or the outer thighs.

What is the Coolsculpting Post-Procedure?

Unlike other treatments, there is no downtime after undergoing Coolsculpting! Patients typically return to their regular activities shortly, if not immediately, after the treatment is finished. Don’t be alarmed when the targeted area looks relatively similar to your pre-treatment body. Coolsculpting results typically show three weeks after the treatment is completed. Within two months, you should see full results.

As always, you will need to undergo a consultation to determine if you are a truly good candidate for Coolsculpting. At Suffolk Plastic Surgeons, we are committed to boosting your body confidence and to helping you look and feel your best. Give us a call today to learn how you can benefit from this incredible treatment!

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On October 1, 2016, Dr. Coccaro attended the Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center‘s 60th Diamond Anniversary Gala at Sand’s Point. The gala honored the Knapp and Rose families, as well as Isabella Rossellini. Dr. Coccaro was on hand to congratulate his colleague Dr. Badri Nath, who won the Dr. Dranitzke Award. This award is given each year to an individual who demonstrates involvement, support, and commitment to his profession, the Medical Center, and the community.

This event raised over $600,000 for the expanded Knapp Cardiac Care Center. At the end of the night, guests enjoyed a magnificent fireworks display overlooking the Long Island Sound.

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Moisturize

With crisp air comes drier air. While we love the changing of the seasons, it’s not always easy on our skin. Transitioning from a lighter-based moisturizer to a more emollient cream protects your skin from drier conditions. Not only will you want to invest in a more substantial cream, but you’ll want to replace your body wash as well. Aim for a moisture-rich foaming wash, and be sure to moisturize soon after exiting the shower to give your skin the most protection from dry air. Bonus tip: keep a small travel sized bottle of moisturizer in your bag or by your desk at work to keep your hands feeling smooth.

Protect Your Lips

Dry air doesn’t just impact your skin; it greatly impacts your lips as well. To prevent cracked or chapped lips, start moisturizing your lips now, as this will help as the weather continues to get colder. Purchasing a non-petroleum based lip balm is a great idea to protect your lips from painful cracking.  In addition to investing in a good lip balm, you may want to consider setting up a humidifier in your bedroom. This will help to hydrate the air and make it less dry, and benefits not just your lips but also your skin in general.

Exfoliate

Exfoliating is a great way to get rid of your dead layer of skin so that you feel smooth and refreshed. Finding a face scrub that also exfoliates will dramatically improve your skin care routine and give you a glow in the colder months. When it comes to exfoliating your body, look for an oil-based scrub, as this will also help you stay hydrated. Bonus tip: Remember to exfoliate your feet! Your heels are prone to serious skin cracking, so to avoid this, start now and pay special attention to the backs of your heels.

Sunscreen

Summer might be over, but the sun isn’t going anywhere. Every day, your hands are exposed to the sun whenever you step outside, whether it be to walk to work or go to the supermarket.  Effects from the sun cause premature aging, sun spots, and wrinkles. You don’t need to lather on SPF 100 sunscreen, but use a moisturizer that includes SPF 15 as the minimum. This will protect your skin, hydrate you, and keep you wrinkle-free in the long run.

Listen to Your Body

As Summer comes to an end, weekends become shorter and we have less opportunities for rest. Now that you are back in the full swing of things and adhering to a stricter routine, it is important to make time for sleep. Ignoring your body when it is tired will make you feel and look tired. Added stress will not benefit your skin, and will result in more rapid aging that will show on your face and hands.

Taking advantage of these tips before the weather starts to change will get you into a routine so that you are better prepared when the temperature drops. At Suffolk Plastic Surgeons, we are here to assist you with all your skincare needs. Stop in or give us a call today to find out how to keep your skin feeling refreshed and soft!

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Dr. Coccaro met his cousin Judge Patricia DiMango in Beverly Hills for drinks at the Palm and dinner at The Bazaar.

Dr. Kneessy stoped in front of the famous Beverly Hills sign for a photo!

Dr. Coccaro meets with plastic surgeons from Japan, Portugal, and the Azores at The Plastic Surgery Foundation (PSF) International and Research Reception at The Novo.

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This procedure is quite simple, and can be done under local anesthetic. The area is numbed and the excess skin, which has been stretched out by the plug, is removed and the ear lobe is reshaped to closely resemble what the ear looked like prior to the plug. We do often suggest that you take out the gauges first and allow for the ear to shrink naturally as much as possible.

As with any procedures, you will want to be sure that you keep the surgical area clean so that the scar does not get infected. The most important thing to realize about this surgery is that it is reversing something you did willingly, therefore it is imperative that you not re-stretch the earlobe as this could have serious implications for the ear as a whole. If you are unsure as to whether or not this cosmetic repair surgery is right for you, give us a call today to schedule a consultation and hear about your options!

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Every day, your skin is exposed to the environment and the elements. Over the year, the sun’s rays, pollution, and other damaging agents will inevitably take their toll. Microdermabrasion resolves this issue by removing the damaged layer to reveal younger, healthier looking skin.

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On Thanksgiving night, Blanca’s House held their 5^th annual Thanksgiving Feast in Bay Shore. Blanca’s House is an organization that brings much needed quality medical care to countries and communities throughout Latin America. The services specifically benefit people who otherwise would have limited or no access to a doctor. Each year, over 200 medical and non-medical personnel travel to countries throughout Latin America to provide free healthcare services.

In addition to their healthcare services, Blanca’s House hosts events to bring people together, so on November 24^th, the community was excited to come together for a Thanksgiving meal! Dr. Kneessy and his wife, Lori who acts as the Outreach Coordinator of Blanca’s House, attended as co-chairs of the dinner. Dr. Kneessy and the Nyholm family provided the food for the feast, in addition to partnering with Roger from Ragazzi Restaurant to put the finishing touches on the dinner.

Dr. Coccaro also attended the event, as he is a Co-Chairman of Blanca’s House. Along with Dr. Coccaro was his son and nephew who helped to distribute nonperishable food items to the dinner guests, courtesy of the Cusano Family, the St. Anthony’s Baseball team and Hofstra Club baseball. The co-chairs of the event and those involved in the organization also distributed winter coats to participants.

Overall the event was a great success, and helped to illustrate the real meaning of Thanksgiving – giving abundance to those in need!

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Liposuction

Believe it or not, liposuction, also known as lipoplasty or suction lipectomy, has been around since the 1920s, when it was first introduced in France. It finally gained popularity during the 1980s, after a suction-assisted method of removing fat was introduced, and quickly became a common cosmetic treatment. Newer technology has evolved over the years to provide greater accuracy with shorter recovery times. Today, most liposuction techniques involve a minimally-invasive surgical procedure using a small, thin tube, or cannula, inserted into tiny incisions. It is currently the most popular cosmetic procedure performed in the United States.

Pros:

• Effective for small, targeted areas
• Works on small pockets of stubborn fat
• Offers immediate results
• Limited amount of pain during recovery
• Works well for those in good health
• Outpatient process
• General anesthesia is not required
• No stitches necessary
• Can usually return to work within a few days
• Results can be permanent

Cons:

• Not an effective technique for major weight loss
• Is not recommended for those with serious health issues
• Exercise and strenuous activity must be avoided for a few weeks
• Weight gain after the procedure may alter results
• May result in minor, local scarring

CoolSculpting®

CoolSculpting, or cryolipolysis, was first approved by the FDA in 2010 for use in destroying subcutaneous fat. Sections of skin and underlying fat in target areas are pulled up into a device where they are cooled enough to damage the fat cells without harming the surrounding skin and connective tissue. The treated fat cells then crystallize, die, and are safely absorbed by your body over time.

Pros:

• Effective for small, targeted areas
• Works on small pockets of stubborn fat as well as generalized areas
• Few side effects that resolve completely within a few weeks
• Works well for all patients
• No scarring
• Outpatient process
• No anesthesia is necessary
• No needles or cuts to the skin required
• Can usually return to work immediately
• No need to avoid exercise or strenuous activity

Cons:

• Not an effective technique for major weight loss
• Weight gain after the procedure may alter results
• May require more than one treatment
• Results will not appear for a few weeks
• May cause temporary bruising, swelling or numbness
• Long-term results unknown

How To Decide on a Treatment

The best way to decide on any cosmetic procedure is by scheduling a consultation with a specialist who is experienced in the procedure(s) you are considering. Far more goes into recommending the specific treatment that may be best for you than can be covered in any blog post. To learn more about your options for cosmetic fat reduction, schedule a free consultation with one of our board-consultants.

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