Medical Term: RHYTIDECTOMY(Face Lift)
Pain Level Mild
Procedure Time 2-3 Hours

Description
Rhytidectomy (facelift) is an elective cosmetic surgical procedure that can remove excess skin as well as tighten the skin. This procedure can conceal age and restore your youthful appearance in a natural way. Face lifts are designed to reduce the slackness in the tissues of the face; a face lift tightens or excises muscle, fat and skin, producing a more youthful, rested appearance. Generally speaking, face lift procedures only address the two-thirds of the face, although a surgery can combine both face lift and eyelid surgery.
For individuals interested in reducing sagging in the facial area, face lifts may be the best way to address the problem. For many patients, the key issues corrected by face lift surgery include sagging jowls, loose neck skin, and fat accumulation under the chin (double chin). Face lifts work in essentially the same manner, although there are some variations in face lift techniques, depending upon the specific individual facial constructions, and the intended outcome of the face lift surgery.
A good candidate for a facelift is someone in their late 40s or older, although age does not determine quality of a facelift procedure. The most important factor is skin elasticity, the skin's ability to stretch and heal. Dr. DiGeronimo feels that a successful Face Lift starts with a patient that has realistic expectations the surgeon can only do so much. The patient needs to address many things prior to and after their facelift surgery. Healthy skin is key. From drinking sufficient water to using the correct skin care regimen there are many factors to achieving glowing skin. Another important issue that is commonly addressed is the patients thin lines around mouth and eyes these lines fade but do not disappear with surgery. Sometimes you may need fillers, laser treatments, or even a light peel to achieve the smoothness desired by the patient. The trick to more youthful appearance is a combination of all these treatments.

Medical Term: Endoscopic Brow Lift / Coronal Lift
Pain Level Mild to Moderate
Procedure Time 2-3 Hours

Description
Browlift is an elective cosmetic surgical procedure that can reduce the signs of aging. Many people when considering Cosmetic Surgery look toward the face. Often a brow lift is performed alone or with a facelift to give a more youthful appearance. The brow can show visible signs of aging. The brow lift can repair wrinkles, scowl lines found between the eyebrows at the nose, falling eyebrows, and crow's feet. Often such signs of aging can be lessened through non-surgical means such as Lasers, Thermage, peels, or botox injections. However, in some cases a brow lift is the best option. The ideal location of the brow is at the level of the bony orbital rim in a man and about half inch above that for woman. If the position of your brow is below that you may be a good candidate for a brow lift. For the Coronal lift the surgeon makes two incisions extending from ear to ear. The skin and muscles will be pulled back without extra skin. Sometimes hair needs to be removed as the skin is reattached. The hairline often hides any trace of the scar but it sometimes can look like hair loss if the scar spreads. Other risks with the Coronal lift include scalp numbness and a raised hairline. It is important to consider the risks of a brow lift such as visible scarring and numbness. Furthermore, a brow lift is not effective for crow's feet, extra eyelid skin, or poor skin tone. Consequently, many who are interested in a brow lift consider other non-surgical facial cosmetic procedures for further correction. This gives the entire face a more balanced and natural look.

Medical Term: Blepharoplasty
Pain Level Mild
Procedure Time 1-2 Hours

Description
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) involves the removal or manipulation of the skin, fat, muscle, and cartilage to give a more youthful appearance to the eyes. The most common changes in the eyelids is the removal of excess skin and the protrusion of fat to create a "puffy" appearance. This aging process is usually hereditary but can be affected by sun or tobacco exposure. This Surgery is one of Dr. DiGeronimo's favorite surgeries to do. He feels that the first feature you see on a person is their eyes. A Blepharoplasty(eyelid surgery) can remarkably improve the tired, aged, or angry appearance to the eyes to create a more youthful, refreshed appearance. This surgery has minimal downtime and can be done with a local anesthetic. The surgery is performed by removing excess skin and fat from the upper eyelid with an incision that goes across the lid and lies within the natural crease of the eye so that it is not visible. The lower eyelids are performed by removing skin and fat and creating an incision that lies in the line of your lower lashes, this incision disappears in a short period of time. Recovering from this surgery as with any other surgery takes some time. Most patients take 5-7 days to return to regular activities. The bruising usually subsides after a few days all patients heal differently. To enjoy the full results of this surgery it takes approximately a month. As with all surgeries there are risks. The main risks of this sugery is bleeding, infection, temporary irritation, and an inability to fully close the eyes, or a lowering of the lid.

Nose surgery

Medical Term: Rhinoplasty
Pain Level Mild
Procedure Time 1-2 Hours

Description
Rhinoplasty(nose surgery) can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.The best candidates for rhinoplasty are people who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. If you're physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate. Rhinoplasty can be performed to meet aesthetic goals or for reconstructive purposes-to correct birth defects or breathing problems. Age may also be a consideration. Many surgeons prefer not to operate on teenagers until after they've completed their growth spurt-around 14 or 15 for girls, a bit later for boys. It's important to consider teenagers' social and emotional adjustment, too, and to make sure it's what they, and not their parents, really want. Be sure to tell Dr. DiGeronimo if you've had any previous nose surgery or an injury to your nose, even if it was many years ago. You should also inform your surgeon if you have any allergies or breathing difficulties; if you're taking any medications, vitamins, or recreational drugs; and if you smoke. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results. Rhinoplasty usually takes an hour or two, though complicated procedures may take longer. During surgery the skin of the nose is separated from its supporting framework of bone and cartilage, which is then sculpted to the desired shape. Dr. DiGeronimo performs a Rhinoplasty(nose surgery) from within the nose, making his incision inside the nostrils. Others prefer an "open" procedure, especially in more complicated cases; they make a small incision across the columella, the vertical strip of tissue separating the nostrils. When the surgery is complete, a splint will be applied to help your nose maintain its new shape. Nasal packs or soft plastic splints also may be placed in your nostrils to stabilize the septum, the dividing wall between the air passages, these packings are removed the day following surgery. When a rhinoplasty is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Nevertheless, there is always a possibility of complications, including infection, nosebleed, or a reaction to the anesthesia. You can reduce your risks by closely following your surgeon's instructions both before and after surgery. After surgery, small burst blood vessels may appear as tiny red spots on the skin's surface; these are usually minor but may be permanent. As for scarring, when a rhinoplasty is performed from inside the nose, there is no visible scarring at all; when an "open" technique is used, or when the procedure calls for the narrowing of flared nostrils, the small scars on the base of the nose are usually not visible. Recovering from a rhinoplasty as with any surgery takes some time. Most patients can resume their regular activity after 5-7 days. This surgery is a little different from most cosmetic procedures. The majority of the swelling and bruising will last for 1-2 weeks, although you will not see the final results of your surgery for 6-12 months. In about one case out of ten, a second procedure may be required-for example, to correct a minor deformity. Such cases are unpredictable and happen even to patients of the most skilled surgeons. The corrective surgery is usually minor.

CHIN IMPLANTS
Medical Term: Chin Implant
Pain Level Mild to Moderate
Procedure Time 1 Hour

Description
A chin implant can augment the jaw-line to correct a weak or retrusive chin and improve the overall harmony of the face and the neck-chin angle. The surgery is done through a small incision under the chin or inside the mouth. Dr. DiGeronimo prefers inside the mouth so that there is no chance of visible scars. Chin Augmentation can make a big difference in the structure of your face with minimal downtime. Recovering from a Chin Implant surgery as with any surgery can be slightly uncomfortable. This surgery allows you to return to your regular activities in just 2-3 days with only slight swelling. The main risk of this procedure is the possibility of infection which may require a temporary removal of the implant. The risks of implants can be that they are too large. If the implant is too large it can create unnatural angles and shadows on your face. There is also a risk of infection or rejection of the implant. These risks are rare but they are important and should be discussed before scheduling your surgery.

BREAST AUGMENTATION
Medical Term: AUGMENTATIVE MAMMOPLASTY
Pain Level Moderate
Procedure Time 1-2 Hours

Description
Breast Augmentation increases the size of a woman's breast. You can easily go from an A-cup to a full C-cup or more depending on each individuals desired results. By looking at the position of the nipple, you can tell if Breast Augmentation is right for you. The crease under the breast is called the infra mammary crease. If the nipple is above this crease you are a good candidate for breast augmentation. If your nipple is level with this crease you are not an ideal candidate, however, a large implant can increase the size and may lift the breast so there is less droopiness. If your nipple is below the crease, you may want to consider a breast lifting procedure with augmentation. Just as Breast Augmentation is your decision, so is the type of implant you wish to use. It is important to discuss your implant options with Dr. DiGeronimo. Saline is a silicone shell filled with saline and is the most common implant used. Silicone gel implants have an identical shell but are filled with silicone. The texture of the implant can also make a difference. Textured implants have less results of hardening breasts and tend to stay in position better. Though, there can be evidence of rippling. Smooth texture has less risk of rippling but can be displaced more. At the time of your consultation you and the doctor will decide which implant suits you best. The placement of the implant is also important to consider. Dr. DiGeronimo places the implants under the muscle for a softer, more natural and long lasting result. There are also a variety of incision sites that can be used by the doctor. The incision site is the access point for the doctor to perform the surgery. The incision can be placed at the edge of the nipple, under the breast, under the armpit, or through the belly button. In choosing the incision site it is important to take into account your lifestyle and visibility of scars. Dr. DiGeronimo prefers the incision that lies on the edge of the nipple. This incision allows Dr. DiGeronimo to place the implant beneath the muscle with the best visibility and the best results. Silicone verses Saline. It is truly a matter of choice the silicone implants have been approved for Cosmetic surgical use. In the early 1990's it was reported that silicone breast implants were possibly responsible for connective tissue diseases in some women. Since the controversy began over the potential risks of silicone breast implants, researchers have been conducting scientific studies to investigate the safety of silicone implants. In 1999, a landmark report, undertaken by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) concluded that silicone implants do not cause major health problems such lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, there have been a number of major studies failing to find an association between implants and autoimmune diseases or cancer. And while no one can ignore the fact that silicone – and saline – breast implants may cause localized problems for some patients, numerous scientific studies over the years have shown that silicone gel-filled implants are both safe and effective for breast augmentation and reconstruction. Recovering from breast augmentation, as with any surgery, is a gradual process. Some patients recover more quickly while others may be a bit slower. In general, the recovery following these procedures is not difficult. The typical patient will experience some pain and discomfort and use pain medication for 2 to 3 days following surgery. Depending upon the patient's occupation, most patients will return to work 4 to 5 days after surgery. After 1 to 2 weeks patients can resume non-impact lower body exercise. Four weeks after surgery they can resume impact exercises and 6 weeks following surgery they can resume upper body exercise. The common risks with breast augmentation include firming of the breasts, loss of nipple sensation, implant displacement, implant deflation, or breast rippling. During your consultation, it is important to ask questions. Be sure to go over the surgery in detail. Dr. DiGeronimo is there to ensure that you receive all the information you need to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

BREAST AUGMENTATION / LIFT
Medical Term Mastopexy
Pain Level Moderate
Procedure Time 2-3 Hours

Description
As time passes, pregnancy, nursing, excessive weight loss and gravity have adverse effects on women's breasts causing them to lose their elasticity, firmness, and shape and begin to sag. A breast lift is a procedure that corrects this condition using a combination of removing excess breast skin. If desired, implants may be used to restore breasts to their natural shape and size. The best candidates for a breast lift (Mastopexy) are healthy women who are realistic about the result they would like to achieve. A breast lift can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence. The best results are achieved on women with small, sagging breasts due to loss of skin elasticity secondary to pregnancy and / or nursing, or weight loss. There are several ways to achieve a more youthful breast. A Mastopexy(breast lift) with an anchor shaped incision is for the patient with the most sagging of the breast. For a patient with less sagging there is lollipop incision both of these can be used with or without an implant to achieve the desired fullness. The third kind of lift is often called a Benelli Lift this lift only removes the skin solely around the areola creating a lifted breast with minimal scarring the incision practically disappears on the edge of the areola. Recovering from breast lift, as with any surgery, is a gradual process. Some patients recover more quickly while others may be a bit slower. In general, the recovery following these procedures is not difficult. The typical patient will experience some pain and discomfort and use pain medication for 2 to 3 days following surgery. Depending upon the patient's occupation, most patients will return to work 4 to 5 days after surgery. After 1 to 2 weeks patients can resume non-impact lower body exercise. Four weeks after surgery they can resume impact exercises and 6 weeks following surgery they can resume upper body exercise. Possible complications of the surgery include bleeding and infection following surgery, which may cause scars to widen, (poor healing and wider scars are common in smokers). The procedure can also leave you with different positioned nipples, or a change in feeling in the nipple or breast.

BREAST REDUCTION / LIFT
Medical Term Mastopexy
Pain Level Moderate
Procedure Time 2-3 Hours

Description
Many women with larger breasts often choose to have Breast Reduction surgery. Such surgery can alleviate back problems, avoid loss of sensation from stretched nerves, and have more attractive and youthful breast. Often larger breasts are the result of excess skin. This skin has stretched and can cause the breast to droop. In order to achieve a lift as well as a breast reduction, the excess skin can be trimmed away. However, this is not as long term a solution. In time the breast skin will stretch again. Often extra breast tissue is removed and an implant added to provide a more permanent lift to the breast. Better cleavage often results. The most common way to perform a Breast Reduction is with an anchor shaped incision that will take in the excess skin once Dr. DiGeronimo has removed the amount of breast tissue needed to achieve the size you chose previous to surgery. Recovering from Breast Reduction, as with any surgery, is a gradual process. Some patients recover more quickly while others may be a bit slower. In general, the recovery following these procedures is not difficult. The typical patient will experience some pain and discomfort and use pain medication for 2 to 3 days following surgery. Depending upon the patient's occupation, most patients will return to work 4 to 5 days after surgery. After 1 to 2 weeks patients can resume non-impact lower body exercise. Four weeks after surgery they can resume impact exercises and 6 weeks following surgery they can resume upper body exercise. With any breast reduction surgery there is a risk of skin or nipple loss, change or loss of sensation and the loss of an ability to produce milk. However, these risks are greatly reduced by choosing a well qualified doctor.

LIPOSUCTION
Medical Term Liposuction
Pain Level Mild to Moderate
Procedure Time 2-4 Hours

Description
Liposuction is an elective cosmetic surgery procedure that has steadily been growing in popularity among both men and women. It is better to think of Liposuction not as weight removal but as a contouring procedure. With Liposuction you can choose where you want to lose the fat and what shape you want your body to have. The benefit of Liposuction is that the weight does not come back. Exercise and dieting simply shrink your fat cells. If you stray from your exercise and dieting routine the weight can easily come back. Liposuction removes the fat cells permanently. Dr. DiGeronimo still strongly suggests sticking to healthy eating and excercising regimen to maintain your health and a long lasting result of your new physique. Indelible ink is used to draw lines to help the surgeon Using the smallest needle possible local anesthesia is injected or general anesthesia is administered. Several 1mm adits (incisions or access points for the surgeon) are placed in the area of the body that Dr. DiGeronimo will be removing fat from. These incisions will be discussed at your consultation and on the day of surgery previous to the surgery. Fluid is injected into these areas and then a large or small or micro-cannula is used to suction out the fat . After the removal of the fat, the incision sites are sutured. Although these incisions are sutured you may still experience some drainage through these incisions. Immediately after surgery Ultrasound treatment is performed to improve the tone of the skin it also helps in getting a smoother more even result. A compression garment is then placed on you. Recovery from a liposuction surgery as with any other surgery takes sometime. Most patients return to their regular activities in 1-2 weeks. The final result of a liposuction surgery will not be seen for 2-3 months in this time it is highly recommended to wear a compression garment. Dr. DiGeronimo will let you know when it is time for you to stop using your garment. Complications from a properly done liposuction is extremely rare. There is a chance of slight scarring at the site of the incision. Sometimes a secondary surgery is needed to correct small imperfections. Dr. DiGeronimo will explain all risks pertaining to a liposuction at your consultation.

TUMMY TUCK
Medical Term Abdominoplasty
Pain Level Mild to Moderate
Procedure Time 2-3 Hours

Description
A tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure in which excess skin and fat are removed from the lower abdomen and the muscles of the abdomen wall are tightened. This procedure can drastically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. The procedure is particularly helpful to women who, through pregnancy have stretched their abdomen so far that it does not return to it's normal shape. Tummy tucks are often performed in conjunction with liposuction. The best candidates for an abdominoplasty are men or women in good health and relatively good shape, but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won't respond to exercise. To recover from a tummy tuck just like any other surgery it takes some time. Most patients return to regular activities in two weeks. To fully enjoy the final result of your tummy tuck it takes approximately 1-2 months.