Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Robert W. Bernard Answers Questions About Cosmetic Surgery

Dr. Robert W. Bernard provides residents of White Plains, Mt. Kisco, and surrounding New York and Connecticut areas with expert plastic surgery. Below, Dr. Bernard answers some of the common questions he is asked by people interested in the procedures he offers at his Westchester County cosmetic surgery offices.

Do "contoured" or so-called "anatomical" breast implants give the breasts a more natural look?
Is the belly-button incision a good approach to breast augmentation?
What is the most important thing I can do to prevent visible signs of aging?
Is liposuction a quick and easy way to lose weight?
Is there such a thing as a “mini-face lift”?
At what age should a woman consider breast reduction?

Q: Do "contoured" or so-called "anatomical" breast implants give the breasts a more natural look?

A: The simple answer is "no." In fact, studies have suggested that round breast implants actually are more anatomically correct than the so-called "anatomical" implants, especially when a woman is lying down. In the standing position, too, the contents of a round implant -- that is, the saline solution that is used to fill the implant shell -- naturally shift slightly toward the lower portion of the implant, due to gravity. This provides the soft curve that most women are looking for in their breast shape.

Q: Is the belly-button incision a good approach to breast augmentation?

A: I do not recommend an approach through a belly button incision for breast augmentation, and there are very few plastic surgeons that do. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has even warned about this procedure. There are certain patient safety concerns involved with the belly button approach, and I believe there is no real benefit to the patient.

Q: What is the most important thing I can do to prevent visible signs of aging?

A: Good sun protection is a must. Every week, I see patients in my office needing to correct the effects of sun damage on their skin. Ultraviolet radiation is responsible for photoaging as well as certain skin cancers, so check your sunscreen to see whether it contains UVA and UVB screening agents. But remember, a sunscreen product can be labeled “broad-spectrum” even if it offers only a small amount of protection from certain ultraviolet rays, so when you’re out in the sun for an extended period, wear both a sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat. If you already have a significant amount of sun damage, fortunately there are treatments that can help. Chemical peels or laser resurfacing can take years off your appearance. These procedures may be performed alone or in conjunction with other facial rejuvenation procedures.

Q: Is liposuction a quick and easy way to lose weight?

A: I always explain to my patients that, even though liposuction may remove several pounds of fat, it is primarily designed for contouring specific areas of the body and is not a method for achieving overall weight loss. For patients who have localized fat deposits in one or multiple areas – most often the hips, thighs, buttocks or abdomen -- liposuction is a safe and effective way to get rid of the lumps and bulges that bother them. I perform liposuction in my fully accredited surgical facility to help ensure complete patient comfort and safety.

Q: Is there such a thing as a “mini-face lift”?

A: Some patients, usually those who are in their 40s, may show early aging changes primarily in the lower third of the face. In such cases, I can do a less extensive “mini-lift” that gets rid of any early jowls and restores a nice, youthful contour of their neck and jawline. Based on the patient’s particular needs and desires, we may decide to address other isolated areas of visible aging, such as frown lines or crow’s feet, with periodic BOTOX® injections or perhaps do some skin resurfacing.

Q: At what age should a woman consider breast reduction?

A: Women of all ages have breast reduction surgery. Because very large breasts can cause back pain, postural problems, skin rashes under the breasts and breast pain, surgery is frequently done on young women as early as their teenage years, or as soon as their breasts have stopped developing. Not only does breast reduction improve the size and weight of the breasts, it also improves the shape. Breast reduction can enhance your overall appearance by making your breasts more proportional to the rest of your body.

If you have any further questions about surgery, please contact our office today .

Southern Westchester:
10 Chester Ave.
White Plains, New York 10601

# 914 761 8667

Northern Westchester:
91 Smith Ave.
Mount Kisco, New York 10549

# 914 241 1911