Bruce K. Barach, MD

Types of Liposuction

2011-01-03T17:33:00.001-05:00

Liposuction is easier and safer to perform than ever, and, as a result of a new generation of technological advances, has become more popular than ever for both women and men.

Liposuction is a surgical procedure designed to remove fatty deposits in an effort to shape and contour specific areas of your body, such as the abdomen, thighs, upper arms and other troublesome areas. Liposuction can eliminate small fatty deposits from those stubborn areas that do not respond to diet and exercise.

There are different types of liposuction available that can be discussed with New York plastic surgeon Dr. Bruce K. Barach of Upstate Plastic Surgery, P.C. at your initial consultation to find the one that is just right for your body type and needs. Tumescent liposuction involves the injection of fluids into the area to be treated which allows for easier removal of fat and reduces blood loss. Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction (UAL), such as VASER-Lipo, involves the use of a special cannula which emits ultrasonic energy. This energy breaks up the fat and liquefies it, making removal easier. Other technologies (eg: “smart lipo”) use laser energy to aid in the surgery. Excellent results can be obtained with all methods and there is little evidence that one is clearly better than any other. What is clear, however, is that the skill and experience of the surgeon doing the procedure is extremely important, much more so than which “tool” he/she prefers to use to carry out the surgical procedure.

The removal of even small amounts of fatty deposits can produce a dramatic result. The removal of these fatty deposits often results in benefits that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but increase a person’s self-confidence and their ability to take part in activities they had previously avoided.

Please contact Saratoga Springs, Amsterdam, and Troy, New York liposuction surgeon, Bruce K. Barach, M.D., Upstate Plastic Surgery, P.C. today if you feel you can benefit from these advanced liposuction procedures and allow Dr. Barach and his skilled staff to assist you.

Liposuction Recovery Time

2010-12-01T15:52:00.000-05:00

Recovery time after a liposuction procedure varies from patient to patient, but can last from days to several weeks, depending on the size of the area treated. In most cases, recovery from liposuction allows for return to your normal daily activities in a few days and total recovery in a few weeks.

Most people feel somewhat groggy for the first hours after a liposuction procedure and that is why it is important to have a friend or family member assist you the first twenty-four hours after your procedure is completed to make sure you are comfortable.

After most liposuction procedures you can return to your normal activities in three to four days, but the areas treated may be swollen and tender to the touch for several more weeks. In order to make your liposuction recovery time shorter, you should follow your surgeons’ directions for the care and treatment of the liposuction sites. Doing too much too soon can hamper your healing process and even damage the areas treated. As with any surgical procedure, liposuction will have an impact on your energy level and you will probably experience variations in what you feel capable of doing at any given time. The results of your procedure will not be at a completely final state for at least a few months after the surgery.

As long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid weight gains though diet and exercise, you will be able to retain your new body contours for years to come.

If you are interested in finding out more about liposuction and what it can do for you and you live in the Albany, Schenectady, Troy or Saratoga Springs, New York area please contact Saratoga Springs, Amsterdam and Troy liposuction surgeon, Dr. Bruce K. Barach of Upstate Plastic Surgery, P.C. today to schedule a confidential consultation.

Liposuction for Men

2010-11-08T17:25:00.002-05:00

Liposuction is a popular cosmetic surgical procedure embraced by both men and women and is an ideal alternative when diet and exercise do not offer a solution for restoring or creating the smooth body contours you desire. Liposuction is not in lieu of diet and exercise, but can be performed on the trouble areas that do not respond to exercise and a healthy diet.

In men, fatty deposits tend to accumulate in the abdomen, waist and breasts. The best candidates for liposuction are in good general health, a normal body weight and have firm, elastic skin. Liposuction for men is not limited to the body, but is also being performed to contour other areas like the arms and head/neck region.

Liposuction is both a surgical and artistic procedure that New York plastic surgeon Dr. Bruce K. Barach employs to create a lasting result intended uniquely for you. However, liposuction is not to be considered a treatment for obesity or an alternative to diet and exercise.

If you are a man living in the Albany, Schenectady, Troy or Saratoga Springs, New York area and you have fatty deposits that just don’t respond to diet and exercise, liposuction may be the right choice for you. Please contact Saratoga Springs plastic surgeon, Dr. Bruce K. Barach of Upstate Plastic Surgery, P.C. today for a confidential cosmetic consultation to find out if liposuction is right for you.

Saline vs. Silicone Breast Implants

2010-10-25T18:56:00.001-04:00

Most plastic surgeons believe silicone breast implants have a more natural look and feel than saline breast implants, but saline breast implants may be preferable to silicone for some individuals.

In a successful breast augmentation procedure, the differences between the two breast implant types are barely noticeable in some women. It is when a complication arises that the differences become more apparent. In some individuals (those with plenty of soft tissue cover and at least some of their own breast tissue), a successful result in breast augmentation can be obtained with either type of implant. In very thin or flat –chested women however, the advantages of the silicone implants are more noticeable. If a silicone device fails, the problem can be difficult to detect; the breast can look and feel the same because the silicone gel is for the most part held in place by the breast tissue capsule that surrounds the implant. Saline device failure is readily apparent almost immediately.

Saline implants have a slightly lower incidence of capsular contracture and most surgeons feel that replacing that type of implant is generally easier than it can sometimes be with silicone device rupture. Fortunately, failure of both types is relatively infrequent.

Another difference between implants is cost. In general, silicone implants will add as much as $1000 to the cost of your procedure relative to saline implants.
During your initial consultation to decide what type of breast implant is best for you for your breast augmentation procedure, the differing aspects of silicone vs. saline breast implants will be discussed with New York cosmetic surgeon Dr. Bruce K. Barach so you can make an informed decision about what is the right choice for you and your body type.

If you are contemplating a breast augmentation procedure and you live in the Albany, Schenectady, Troy or Saratoga Springs, New York area, please contact upstate New York breast surgeon, Bruce K. Barach, M.D. of Upstate Plastic Surgery, P.C. today to learn about the differences between saline vs. silicone breast implants and which choice is right for you.

Breast Lift after Pregnancy

2010-09-05T18:39:00.000-04:00

If your breasts have begun to sag as a result of past pregnancies and/or breast feeding, a breast lift procedure can enhance their shape and contour, making them appear raised, firmer, and more youthful.

After multiple pregnancies and breast feedings, the top half of your breast tissue loses some of its fullness due to involution (or shrinking) of the breast tissue. Breast lift surgery is a practical solution to sagging breasts; in addition, some women choose to have breast augmentation surgery at the same time to optimize the shape and contour of their breasts. These surgeries should be performed after you have decided your family is complete. Both surgeries are normally performed on an out-patient basis on women in good general and emotional health who are ideal candidates for breast lift and breast augmentation procedures.

Serious complications and side effects are rare with breast lift surgery, but as with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. You may experience some discomfort, swelling and bruising after your breast lift procedure which is easily controlled by pain medication prescribed by your plastic surgeon.

If you live in the Albany, Schenectady, Troy or Saratoga Springs, New York area and you have an interest in or questions about breast lift surgery, please contact Saratoga Springs plastic surgeon Bruce K. Barach, M.D. of Upstate Plastic Surgery, P.C. today to schedule a confidential consultation to get your questions answered and learn how you can benefit from this procedure.

Breast Implant Options

2010-08-01T10:31:00.001-04:00

You have two main breast implant options to choose from when undergoing breast augmentation. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Bruce Barach can perform your procedure using saline or silicone implants. Both have their advantages and drawbacks. At your initial consultation, Dr. Barach will review the pros and cons of each breast implant option with you so that you can make an informed decision about which one is most appropriate for you.

Saline breast implants are filled with a sterile salt water solution. The main advantage to using saline implants is that they are extremely safe. If your implant ruptures or leaks, the saline solution will be absorbed into your body without causing any harmful side effects. Saline implants can also be filled after insertion into your body, enabling Dr. Barach to more easily correct asymmetry issues. The downside to saline implants is that they are more likely to show ripples in the implant, giving them a less natural feel and appearance.

Silicone implants are filled with a gel-like material. The primary advantage to silicone implants is that they have a much more natural feel and appearance than saline implants. As a result, they are an excellent option for women who do not have extensive soft tissue coverage in the breast region.

To learn more about your breast implant options, please contact our Schenectady, New York cosmetic surgeon today to schedule your initial consultation. Dr. Barach serves patients in Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga Springs, New York and Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

How Safe is Breast Augmentation?

2010-07-27T10:28:00.001-04:00

Breast augmentation has become one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures performed today. As a result, techniques have been considerably refined and are now routine. Yet one of the first questions asked by many women at their initial consultation is, "How safe is breast augmentation?"

For many women, this question refers specifically to the safety of silicone breast implants. It has long been established that saline breast implants are very safe. The saline solution used to fill the implant is perfectly safe for the human body, and in the event of a rupture, it gets absorbed without any side effects. However, greater questions have surrounded silicone implants. In 1992, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) pulled silicone breast implants from the market due to safety concerns in the event of rupture or leakage.

But after more than a decade of testing, the FDA once again approved silicone implants in 2005, citing extensive research indicating that they did not pose any safety risks to patients. By now, it has been commonly acknowledged throughout the medical community that both saline and silicone breast implants can provide you with exceptional results while maintaining the highest levels of safety.

While the question about the safety of silicone implants has been conclusively answered, it is important to remember that as with any surgical procedure, breast augmentation contains certain risks. Therefore, in order to reduce these risks and ensure that your procedure is performed in the safest possible manner, it is important to work with a board certified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience performing breast augmentations.

Albany breast surgeon Dr. Bruce Barach is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He has been performing breast augmentations for more than 20 years, and he possesses the experience necessary to ensure that your procedure will be completed using the safest techniques in the field.

Please contact our Albany breast surgeon today to schedule your initial consultation. Dr. Barach serves patients in Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga Springs, New York.

Is "smart lipo" a safer, more effective procedure? What about the "Lipo-Vibe" machine?

2010-06-30T13:36:00.006-04:00

Where Liposuction is concerned, the surgeon is the most important factor, not the tool being used. I have not heard of the "lipo-vibe" machine but there are several machines out there(smart-lipo is one) and there is no science that proves any one of them is better than straightforward lipo or Ultrasonic Assisted Lipo.

What is scary is that these machines are being marketed to doctors without good training and credentials, many are not even surgeons! We have gynecologists and family doctors performing "laser lipo" in spa/mall settings right now in New York's Capital District.

Check the credentials of anyone you consult for plastic surgery carefully. You would not ask your carpenter what type of saw he uses. Asking a plastic surgeon what particular machine he/she uses for lipo is a similar situation. You want their training and experience to ensure a good outcome, no machine can guarantee that.

This blog has moved

2010-04-26T11:52:00.001-04:00

This blog is now located at http://drbarach.blogspot.com/.
You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.

For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to
http://drbarach.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default.

Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction (UAL)

2009-08-21T10:36:00.002-04:00

Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures done nationwide. UAL enables Dr. Barach to refine and perfect his results to a higher level than is possible with conventional liposuction techniques alone. UAL utilized a probe that emits sound waves which break up fat cells. The liquified emulsion of fat that results is then aspirated using conventional liposuction techniques, which involve a suction aspiration, which in essence vacuums out the material with high suction pressures.
UAL enables liposuction to be done with less effort and more finesse than previously possible. Other advantages can be less bruising, better skin retraction, and ability to get better results in certain previously difficult areas such as the back, arms, and male breast areas. This procedure is done via a few very tiny incisions in the skin which are very inconspiculous. Activities are limited for one to two weeks, and a compression garment is worn during that time. Discomfort is minimal and easily controlled with oral medication. No overnight hospital stay is usually required.

Mommy Makeovers

2008-09-15T13:07:00.001-04:00

Ask any woman who has had a child and they will tell you that it is hard on your body; it stretches everything, sometimes never to go back. The stomach, breasts, and other areas that are susceptible to pregnancy weight gain can benefit from a full mommy makeover.

In general, a mommy makeover consists of three separate procedures: a breast lift and/or augment, a tummy tuck, and some advantageously performed liposuction. In many cases, diet and exercise alone cannot get rid of all the fatty deposits that appear during pregnancy. Stretch marks and sagging skin don't go away on their own. These procedures can tighten things up and get you back in your pre-motherhood form.

The fact is many women simply cannot regain their trim appearance without a little help. You should not be made to feel guilty about doing something for yourself. Child bearing is difficult enough without having to go through post-child bearing years looking less than your best.

When you decide you are no longer going to have children, consult with a qualified board certified plastic surgeon to help get you back where you belong. In Albany, Schenectady, Troy, or Saratoga Springs, New York, please contact Dr. Barach to schedule an initial mommy makeover consultation today.

Liposuction

2008-09-02T12:55:00.002-04:00

One of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed today is liposuction. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there were over 300,000 procedures performed in 2007. In this procedure, the plastic surgeon literally inserts a tube through tiny incisions under your skin and vacuums out fat cells.

Liposuction is not a weight loss solution since only a few pounds of fat can safely be removed. Instead, it should be considered as an option to get rid of the fat bulges in troublesome areas that are resistant to diet and exercise. The best candidates for liposuction are adults who are generally in good health. It should be done only after you have gotten your weight under control and used to fine-tune your new body.

Most liposuction procedures are conducted on an outpatient basis and have minimal recovery times. In many cases, some amount of liposuction is performed during other procedures like facelifts, arm lifts, tummy tucks, and other tightening procedures. Liposuction is a major component in body sculpting and mommy makeovers as well.

If you are considering liposuction in Albany, Schenectady, Troy, or Saratoga Springs, New York, please contact Dr. Barach to schedule an initial consultation. He will work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan so you can obtain the best possible results.

Laser Treatment

2008-08-15T15:32:00.002-04:00

Like Goldilocks visiting the three bears, if you are looking for an effective laser skin treatment, you'll want to find the one that is "just right." There are two basic types of lasers used in cosmetic procedures.

Ablative
Non-ablative

Ablative lasers are more powerful and really knock out the unwanted tissue by vaporizing it. Ablative laser treatment is more powerful and may require longer healing time. That may be more downtime after the procedure than you would like. The non-ablative process is less powerful and may require multiple visits to the cosmetic surgeon before you notice any significant improvements. What you want is the solution that is "just right."

Recently, the FDA approved Fraxel Laser Treatment, which covers the middle ground in laser technology. It is considered a non-ablative laser, but it shows results much more quickly. Fraxel Treatment penetrates through the outer layers of the skin and creates microscopic abrasions that trigger the body's natural healing processes. New skin and collagen are created as a result of this minor trauma to your skin cells. Fraxel Laser treats many skin conditions including:

Acne scars
Age spots
Melasma
Crows feet
Stretch marks
Hypo and Hyperpigmentation
Large pores
Wrinkles

If you want to reduce acne scars or age spots with minimal downtime, look for a cosmetic surgeon who is trained on the Fraxel Laser system. If you are in Albany, Schenectady, Troy, or Saratoga Springs, New York area, please contact Dr. Barach for an initial consultation to see if Fraxel Laser Treatment will work for you.

Fillers

2008-08-01T15:13:00.001-04:00

Injectable fillers are used to smooth away wrinkles in your face, around your nose, between your brows, and around your eyes. In the old days (5 years ago), the only viable option was using collagen injections. Now however, there are other products such as Restylane and Juvederm that are available. These products last up to six months and don't require allergy skin testing.

Both Restylane and Juvederm are transparent gels that are injected under the skin to tighten areas where wrinkles appear. They contain hyaluronic acid, an important ingredient in human connective tissue. Once injected, these fillers can absorbs up to 1000 times their volume of water. They can also maintain this extra volume for up to six months, which is much longer than traditional collagen injections can last.

According to a study by the University of Michigan, these hyaluronic acid fillers not only maintain volume, they actually stimulate the production of your body's own collagen. The expansion of the gel stretches skin cells called fibroblasts, as these cells stretch more collagen is produced giving you even younger, more natural looking wrinkle prevention.

If you are looking to eliminate wrinkles, and you live in Albany, Schenectady, Troy, or Saratoga Springs, New York, please contact Dr. Barach for an initial consultation to see if Restylane and Juvederm are right for you.

Facelifts

2008-07-25T10:27:00.002-04:00

Not everybody can look as good as Brad and Angelina, but there are ways to make improvements to your looks. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 118,400 Americans elected for a facelift in 2007 to help them look younger and feel better.

Over the years, facelift surgeries have improved tremendously. Modern day cosmetic surgeons are highly skilled in all the latest techniques. You used to be able to spot friends and coworkers who received a facelift because they had a "windswept" appearance. Now, you just look better. A full rhytidectomy procedure removes excess skin and adjusts underlying tissue from the face. In some cases, liposuction may also be used to remove any excess pockets of fat. In particular, the appearance of the neck and areas beneath the chin can be improved dramatically. You can be back to work and play in a week or two.

If you are considering a facelift in Albany, Schenectady, Troy, or Saratoga Springs, New York, please call or contact Dr. Barach today to schedule your confidential facelift surgery consultation.

Breast Augmentation

2008-07-14T10:20:00.001-04:00

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of women having breast augmentation surgery has seen huge increases over the last several years. Compared to the year 2000, breast augmentation surgeries have increased over 60%. The primary reason may be the reintroduction of silicone gel implants to the United States market.

In the 1990s, the FDA took silicone gel off the market for breast augmentation because of health concerns. After much study of women who received silicone implants abroad and those in the U.S. undergoing reconstructive surgery with silicone gel, the FDA finally lifted the ban. While saline implants, the alternative to silicone, were still available, many women seem to prefer the natural look and feel of silicone implants.

Since the ban on silicone gel was lifted in 2005, breast augmentation surgeries skyrocketed. The latest silicone implants have been safely used in the United States and in other countries for several years and are more closely monitored by the manufacturers and the FDA.

If you are considering breast augmentation surgery, please contact Dr. Barach to schedule an initial consultation. Dr. Barach will develop a custom treatment plan and will be able to show you before and after images so you can see how you will look.

Cosmetic or Plastic?

2008-03-14T12:02:00.004-04:00

Many people aren’t aware of the difference between a “cosmetic surgeon” and a board-certified plastic surgeon. Anyone who performs procedures, such as Botox injections or liposuction, may call themselves cosmetic surgeons, regardless of their level of expertise and training. This can include nurses, doctors without a plastic surgery license, and or even a dentist who offers cosmetic enhancements. Board-certified plastic surgeons, however, are required to complete extensive training and a number of procedures which must be recognized by the American Board of Plastic Surgery before they can achieve licensure.

When you are considering a procedure, such as breast augmentation or a tummy tuck, you should keep in mind that it is in fact a surgical procedure. Choosing to entrust a qualified plastic surgeon can provide the skill and training to help you achieve your goals, and keep you safe during surgery.

To find out more about a plastic surgery procedure you are interested in, or to make an appointment for a consultation, contact us.