What is your practice’s mission?
Our aim is to establish the best plan to help patients meet their goals and deliver beautiful, personalized results.
We are committed to providing plastic surgery with the highest standards of safety, compassion, and integrity. We focus on communicating with and educating each patient, so they are empowered, prepared, and confident throughout their transformation. We are also dedicated to remaining at the forefront of innovation so that we implement state-of-the-art methods and procedures for results consistent with each patient’s specific goals. We take pride in remaining available to patients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Describe your office environment.
The office is a friendly, relaxing, and modern space for patients to discuss their concerns and learn about possible solutions. From the moment they walk in, I want patients to feel comfortable and empowered to fulfill their own needs.
What makes your practice different?
In today’s modern medicine, good listeners are hard to find. At Buffalo Plastic Surgery, we all strive to be good listeners and learn about our patients, their concerns, and their goals. We take a lot of pride in giving each patient a personalized, tailored experience.
Any tips for someone looking for plastic surgery?
I think it is really important to find a safe, conservative plastic surgeon. It is important that your surgeon is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and stays on top of current research, modern techniques, and latest guidelines. Also, it is critical to find a surgeon that is going to give their patients a natural look. I place a lot of emphasis on looking natural. I want my patients to look like a better, more refreshed version of themselves. At your consultation, do not be afraid to ask questions. You should be totally comfortable and feel confident in your decision.
What do you tell patients who are concerned about “being vain”?
Taking care of something that bothers you can improve your life immensely. It’s not simply about just looking better; plastic surgery is about feeling your best. We live in a modern time where you don’t have to “just live with it”. If a patient has issues they’re unhappy with, they should definitely consider options to improve their confidence and quality of life.
What are the common noninvasive options for facial rejuvenation?
The most common options for noninvasive facial improvement include Botox, Dysport, Fillers, Kybella, Microneedling, and, more recently, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatments. These procedures can also be done in combination with minimal to no down-time.
How often would you advise having these treatments?
Botox is an excellent treatment for the upper third of the face but it only lasts about four to six months. Hyaluronic acid fillers last for about a year. If you take care of yourself with a healthy way of life, you can really maximize your outcomes. I always recommend having an “update” at least once a year if you want to look refreshed and rejuvenated.
What is the difference between Botox and Fillers?
The primary difference between the two is that Botox reduces the activity of muscles in the face that cause wrinkles. In doing so, Botox smoothes out wrinkles by stopping the underlying muscle from moving. Facial fillers, however, fill the trouble areas or hollows, which plump and lift the skin to replace volume loss.
What does Kybella do?
Kybella is a synthetic version of the natural chemical that bursts fat cells and removes them. It is actually identical to something your body makes called deoxycholic acid, which helps to absorb fats. Kybella can be used to address a double chin. In a series of quick injections, Kybella is injected into the double chin to destroy the fat cells in the area, smooth out the jawline, and get rid of the double chin.
What about PRP (Platelet-rich plasma) treatment?
Platelet-Rich Plasma, or PRP, treatment is a procedure in which I use a patient’s own blood that has been treated to concentrate platelets in the plasma. PRP can then be used for scalp injections to stimulate hair growth and hair thickening. It can also be used for facial microneedling, known by some as a “vampire facial”. PRP is rich in growth factors, which essentially helps our skin function optimally, increasing everything from collagen to elastin, while also bringing antioxidant and hydrating properties.
Many people worry about having an unnatural look, how can you ensure that this is not the case?
Not exceeding the amount and the frequency of treatment is a good start to staying natural looking. You actually don’t need a large number of injectables to look your best. I do take my time to make sure I understand the patient’s goals, figure out the cause of their concerns, provide a diagnosis, and then create a comprehensive treatment plan to get the best results with the least amount of product.
There is a lot of talk about the “Mommy Makeover”. What is that all about?
Pregnancy and childbirth change your life in a beautiful way, but with that, some moms have their own set of problem areas after childbirth. This can make them long for their pre-baby body. A “Mommy Makeover” refers to a set of procedures that can be done together to help improve body contours after pregnancy and childbirth. I tailor the procedures for each patient, but treatment can include breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck, labiaplasty, and liposuction. Noninvasive procedures such as Botox, dermal filler injections, and Kybella may be included as well.
What is the best part of being a plastic surgeon?
The best part by far is seeing the joyful surprise the first time a patient sees their results. Now that’s something that never gets old!
