What’s hot this spring? The bathing suit catalogs have arrived. Many American women and men are busy seeing their plastic and cosmetic surgeons to enhance their bodies to look better in spring and summer fashions! There are many safe and effective ways to beautify your appearance. And best of all, the results help you feel better about yourself. “Looking and feeling your best” took on new meaning with the results of a study published in the January/February Aesthetic Surgery Journal. The article entitled “Better Sex from the Knife? An Intimate Look at the Effects of Cosmetic Surgery on Sexual Practices” shows that there are physical and emotional benefits to cosmetic surgery. “Cosmetic surgery patients overwhelmingly tend to feel better about their body” after breast enhancement with augmentation and lifts, liposuction of the thighs, and tummy tucks. The majority of women surveyed found that their sex lives and those of their sexual partners were “strikingly enhanced” after their breast or body contouring cosmetic procedure, giving them “a significant quality of life benefit”!

If you choose cosmetic surgery to enhance your appearance or feel better about your body, you are certainly not alone. Cosmetic Surgery Statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) released two weeks ago show that there were 2.1 million cosmetic surgeries and 9.3 million nonsurgical procedures done in the United States in 2005. The most popular cosmetic procedures are liposuction, breast augmentation and lift, eyelid surgery, nose reshaping and tummy tucks. The most common nonsurgical cosmetic procedures include Botox®, laser hair removal, facial fillers like Restylane, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels. Since 1997 the number of cosmetic procedures performed has increased 222%. Almost 50% of all cosmetic procedures in 2005 were done in office-based facilities. Another recent ASAPS survey shows that cosmetic surgery is now approved by the majority of people and that patients are no longer “embarrassed” by others knowing that they had it done.

Nationwide there are so many physicians who are not trained in plastic surgery doing cosmetic surgery, that now it is more important than ever to be careful when choosing your plastic surgeon. The New York Times February 16, 2006 story “Beauty on the Black Market” reports the risks and poor results seen when patients choose an unlicensed or inexperienced practitioner for their “beauty treatment”, which is often done without medical supervision in a shopping mall, beauty salon, health spa, or in their homes. The Capital District has many nonmedical personnel performing medical cosmetic procedures, such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion and laser hair removal in non-clinical settings which lack physician supervision. There are also several local physicians who are not board-certified in dermatology or plastic surgery who have set up centers to do laser hair removal, laser face treatments, tissue filler injections, and Botox® treatments. The explosive growth of the lucrative yet poorly regulated cosmetic enhancement marketplace emphasizes the importance of “buyer beware”. For safety’s sake, all cosmetic procedures including those that are nonsurgical should be done in an appropriate facility under the supervision of a well-trained and experienced physician.

Steven Yarinsky, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has been in practice at Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC since 1989. His role as a local Ambassador for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons is to educate the public about the value and safety of choosing a board certified plastic surgeon for their cosmetic surgery needs. Whether you are interested in laser wrinkle removal, facial, body contouring or breast cosmetic surgery, or non-invasive procedures such as Botox® injections, laser leg vein, face capillary (rosacea) and hair removal, sclerotherapy spider vein therapy, Endermologie cellulite treatment, therapeutic massage, and state-of-the-art physician directed skin care, Dr. Yarinsky and his staff offer you the full range of cosmetic rejuvenation and cosmetic surgery options.

Although many plastic surgeons offer “cosmetic seminars” to the public, Dr. Yarinsky’s patients find that their most rewarding educational option is to meet him for a one-on-one consultation. He recommends that a friend or family member accompany you. Choose a plastic surgeon like Dr. Yarinsky who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). Dr. Yarinsky is one of only a few plastic surgeons in the Capital District who is an active member of ASAPS, which is a select group of plastic surgeons nationwide who have attained the highest level of achievement in cosmetic surgery training, continuing education and clinical experience, and are dedicated to achieving superior results in cosmetic surgery of the body, breasts, and face. Be sure that you find a plastic surgeon who you trust and understand, who is an expert in doing your desired procedure. Do your homework and learn about the benefits and risks of the procedure you want. Be realistic about what result is possible to achieve. Talk to people in Dr. Yarinsky’s cosmetic patient phone referral network who have had the procedure you desire so you know what to expect. Share your entire medical history with your plastic surgeon. Be sure all of your questions have been answered before you proceed. Then save or finance, if needed, to have the procedure done. While it is tempting to “bargain shop”, your surgeon’s training and experience are the most important factors in obtaining a successful result. Do not compromise when it comes to your face or body.

Dr. Yarinsky offers all cosmetic services and surgery at the only JCAHO office-based surgery center in the entire Capital District, Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, P.C. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) is the organization that accredits hospitals across the United States. Accreditation by JCAHO is considered the “Gold Standard” for safety and excellence in health care, and has been achieved by only a fraction of the office-based facilities nationwide. Dr. Yarinsky’s exclusive center for excellence provides you with the highest quality cosmetic surgery services and the ultimate in continuity of care, delivered in a warm, comfortable, and confidential environment. People recuperate in the comfort of their home. Dr. Yarinsky and his caring staff feel that every person they see has unique desires and needs and deserves individualized and special treatment. For over 16 years Dr. Yarinsky has grown his practice by over-exceeding patients’ expectations. There is no longer a need to go to Beverly Hills or New York City to find an expert for your cosmetic surgery needs. Call us toll free at 1-888-884-4448 or at (518)583-4019 weekdays for information and an appointment. You, too, can look and feel your best!