Dear Patients,
Summer has finally arrived and I hope that you 
are enjoying the longer days and warm weather. In this newsletter, I’ll discuss some procedures which are frequently requested at this time of year. In addition, we have a small event planned for Wednesday, July 22, 2015, which I hope you will be able to attend. As always, it is my goal to help you to look and be your best, and to feel at peace in your own skin.
Nina S. Naidu, MD, FACS
Body Contouring
Body Contouring procedures are often requested at this time of year, as we get ready for lighter clothing and a little time at the beach. Both invasive and non-invasive options are available; the optimal choice for a given patient is determined by his or her desires and anatomy. The following are the most commonly performed body procedures in my practice:
Liposuction:
Liposuction reigns supreme; it was the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedure in 2014 for both men and women, according to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. Liposuction can sculpt the body by reducing the size of areas with excess fat, including the hips, thighs, buttocks, knees, abdomen, upper arms, breast, chin, and neck. The best candidates for liposuction are patients with good skin tone who have pockets of excess fat in localized regions. Fat cells which have been removed do not return, but the remaining fat cells will expand if the patient gains weight after surgery. The scars from the incisions used for liposuction are small, and are placed in locations that are hidden from view. Liposuction takes between 1 and 3 hours to perform depending upon the number and size of the areas that are being treated. Most patients have moderate bruising which resolves within 1-2 weeks. You should anticipate remaining out of work for 3-4 days after surgery, depending upon the amount of liposuction that was performed. The length of time until final results are seen varies a great deal between patients depending upon anatomy and the amount of liposuction performed, but averages between 3-12 months.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck):
Abdominoplasty, also known as a “tummy tuck”, creates a flatter, firmer abdomen by removing excess fat and skin, and tightening the abdominal muscles. The procedure is performed through a horizontal incision in the lower abdomen within the bikini line. The rectus abdominis muscles of the abdomen are tightened, and the excess skin and fat are trimmed and redraped. Most abdominoplasty surgeries require repositioning of the umbilicus, or navel. In the “mini” abdominoplasty procedure, lower abdominal muscle tightening with fat and skin removal are performed through a limited horizontal bikini incision only, without repositioning of the navel. The resulting scar is usually low on the abdomen, and therefore can be concealed within most bathing suits and clothing. Small drain tubes are placed with both techniques. The procedure averages 2-3 hours in length, and is performed in the hospital under general anesthesia. Most patients are able to return home that evening. Patients generally require one week off of work after surgery. Strenuous activity and heavy lifting are limited until 4-6 weeks following surgery. Swelling will be present for the initial 2-3 months after surgery, and the final results are typically seen 3-6 months after surgery. The scar will continue to fade and soften for up to one year following surgery. Abdominoplasty is the ideal procedure for patients with significant amounts of excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen.
CoolSculpting®:
CoolSculpting® works on the principle of cryolipolysis, in which the targeted tissue is precisely cooled. The fat cells beneath the skin are crystallized and then die, while the skin, blood vessels, and nerves are not affected. Over time, the body processes the fat and eliminates the dead cells. The result is targeted sculpting of the body. CoolSculpting® is approved by the FDA for treatment of the abdomen, flanks, inner thighs, and outer thighs. Ideal candidates can achieve a reduction of approximately 20% of fat in the areas treated. The procedure is performed in the office and is non-surgical, requiring neither incisions nor needles. Anesthesia is not required, as there is generally only mild discomfort during the procedure. Bruising may be presents for 1-3 days following the procedure. Patients may return to normal activities immediately. Results begin to be seen 2-3 weeks following the procedure, with the final result seen 2-3 months later.
PelleFirm™:
PelleFirm™ is a radio-frequency based, non-invasive treatment that delivers energy deep into the skin. Heat builds up at the junction of the dermis and the fat, modifying the collagen bundles deep in the skin. The skin contracts and the growth of new collagen is stimulated, resulting in firmer, tighter skin. PelleFirm™ was recently FDA-approved for the temporary improvement of the appearance of cellulite. A large diameter handpiece is used to elevate the tissue temperature while performing a mechanical massage of areas of concern. The treatment is comfortable, takes 1-2 hours to perform in the office, and there is no downtime. Most patients require 3-4 treatments to see results.
Anokha’s Black Tea & Licorice Root Brightening Cleanser has finally arrived! This gentle, creamy cleanser effectively brightens the skin and evens tone. Black tea ferment is an antioxidant which helps to defend against free radicals while softening and brightening the skin. Grapeseed oil moisturizes the skin while providing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Licorice root extract has been demonstrated to effectively brighten the skin, while grapefruit oil helps to prevent oily skin in addition to providing a fresh, clean scent. To use, wash the face with warm water and apply cleanser. Massage over face and neck for one minute. Rinse well with warm water and pat skin dry. For best results, follow with Lotus Flower & Rosewater Toner and Amla Skin Brightening Lotion while skin is still damp. Use morning and night. Best results will be seen in 6-8 weeks.
Sample and full-size products are available in the office, and full sizes are available online at
www.anokhaskincare.com. Anokha does not perform or condone animal testing, and our products are free of synthetic dyes, parabens, mineral oil, petrolatum, lanolin, phthalates, and artificial colors.
We are very pleased to be able to donate 10% of all sales from Anokha Skin Care to Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). MSF is an international medical humanitarian organization created by doctors and journalists in France in 1971. Today, MSF provides aid in nearly 70 countries to people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe, primarily due to armed conflict, epidemics, malnutrition, exclusion from health care, or natural disasters. In 1999, MSF received the Nobel Peace Prize. For more information, please visit www.doctorswithoutborders.org or call (212) 679-6800.
Aesthetic Services:
If you have had the opportunity to meet with my aesthetician, Michelle, you already know that she provides wonderful facial treatments. In addition, she maintains a deep sense of spirituality which she brings to her work. Michelle’s facials must be experienced to be believed; you will leave feeling cleansed both physically and spiritually.
Michelle’s extensive list of available treatments includes the following:
Waxing:
Michelle has selected Plum Smooth Sweet Plum Soft Wax for her clients’ waxing treatments. A low-temperature wax which is ideal for sensitive skin, it contains titanium dioxide, so that the wax pulls the hair rather than the skin.
Threading:
Trained by natives of India in the traditional art of threading, Michelle uses only high-grade filament to gently and precisely elevate and remove hair from the face and body.
Eyelash and eyebrow tinting:
Michelle uses Intensive Hair Tint, an exceptional vegetable-based dye which enhances the color of the eyelashes and eyebrows. This treatment instantly adds definition to the eyes, and eliminates the need for daily mascara and brow shading. Results last 4-6 weeks.
Anokha Skin Care® holistic facials:
Michelle has created a purifying facial which uses select products from my line, Anokha Skin Care®. The skin is deeply cleansed, steamed, scrubbed, and toned with pressure point massage, followed by a purifying masque and an intense hydrating treatment. The skin is left refreshed, clear, and soft. An excellent choice for regular maintenance facials.
Customized facials:
Specific skin conditions including aging, acne, rosacea, and dehydration are targeted with highly customized treatments. Michelle uses a combination of cleansing, steaming, and extraction with microdermabrasion, chemical peels, microcurrent, and Pelleve®, which will vary with the client’s needs. Topical products used during treatment are selected from the Anokha Skin Care® and Eminence Organics® lines. The complexion is radiant and lifted following this treatment.
Microdermabrasion:
Michelle uses the DermaSweep® MD system, which contains fine bristles of varying grades to gently and effectively remove dead skin cells from the surface of the face. Crystals are not used, eliminating the mess seen with traditional particle systems. Depending upon the skin’s needs, selected infusions of vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, or kojic acid may be added to the treatment for direct delivery to the epidermis and dermis. The skin is left smooth and hydrated.
Chemical peels:
PCA Skin® is used exclusively by Michelle for her chemical peel treatments. This line consists of blended peels which use both natural actives and modern science to deliver gentle yet highly effective results for all skin types. PCA also carries an outstanding range of products for acne.
Microcurrent:
Microcurrent uses fine electrodes placed on the surface of the skin to deliver low electrical impulses to the face to tone the muscles and provide a temporary “micro-lift”. The treatment is painless and can be performed in conjunction with other services.
Pellevé® and PelleFirm™:
Pellevé® is a radio-frequency based treatment which delivers energy to the dermal tissue. The heat emitted induces collagen denaturation and subsequent contraction, which creates skin tightening. An immediate result is seen, which is typically sustained following three treatments spaced one month apart. PelleFirm™ uses the same technology with larger handpieces for treatment of the body. It is FDA-approved for the temporary reduction of the appearance of cellulite. The procedure is painless, and can be performed in conjunction with other services. Michelle is considered to be one of the top users of Pelleve® in New York City, and has previously been requested by the manufacturer to demonstrate her technique to physicians.
Other treatments:
Are you looking for a specific treatment which is not listed here? Chances are Michelle knows about it, has performed it, and can tell you all about it. Please call the office if you would like additional information on any procedure.
Products:
Product lines available for purchase in the office include Anokha Skin Care®, PCA Skin®, Revision Skincare®, SkinCeuticals® and Eminence Organics®. All lines carried in the office are free of parabens, mineral oil, petrolatum, lanolin, phthalates, and artificial colors.
PLEASE JOIN US!
We will be holding a small gathering for patients and friends on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 from 4-8 pm to showcase both Michelle’s many skills and our very popular CoolSculpting® machine. Michelle will be providing complimentary mini-treatments while a happy volunteer demonstrates use of the CoolSculpting machine. Light refreshments and beverages will be served. More details to follow soon!
For more information, please call the office at 212-452-1230 or visit our website at www.naiduplasticsurgery.com .
The purpose of this newsletter is to provide information about timely issues seen in Dr. Naidu’s practice. It is not intended for use in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of disease. If you have any serious, acute, or chronic disease, please contact Dr. Naidu or your primary care physician.