Locations:

Center For Plastic Surgery (716) 631-8500 Click To Talk   5611 Main Williamsville, NY 14221 (716) 631-8500 Click To Talk   3725 N Buffalo Rd Orchard Park, NY 14127 (716) 631-8500 Click To Talk   5604 Main Williamsville, NY 14221

In Demand: Less Invasive Plastic Surgery Procedures

Plastic surgery procedures are constantly being created, improved and modified, but many people think they have to go to a major city such as New York or Los Angeles to receive the newest treatments. Not so, at least not here in Western New York, where the Center for Plastic Surgery, the area's largest Plastic Surgery Group, remains at the apex of this technological wave.

"This is an exciting time to be practicing plastic surgery," said Dr. Zvi Sharf, Medical Director at the Center. "Never before have we been able to offer as many benefits with less invasive techniques." Dr. Sharf stated that the new "Anti-Aging" programs include numerous office-based treatments that can now be used to reverse the aging process without traditional surgery, and without the subsequent lengthy recovery times.

In terms of rejuvenation, the combination of fillers (Restylane, Radiesse, Captique and other hyaluronic acids) for the lower face, and Botox for the upper face is the gold standard. Restylane fills in wrinkles and folds and enhances the lips. Botox erases lines from muscle movement when the frown lines are deep at rest, and a combination of both gives the best result. These injections are performed in the office and the patient may return to normal activity immediately.

Dr. David Rigan oversees the four state-of-the-art lasers at the Center. Facial laser resurfacing, IPL and Fraxel Laser treatments offer new, non-surgical approaches to repairing aging and sun-damaged skin. The Iridex laser for veins, and Cynosure Laser hair removal are popular with both men and women. The ThreadLift is probably at the front of the most in-demand less invasive surgeries, and has been available at the Center for over a year. Also called the Quicklift, this facelift procedure is also performed in the office, and is extremely popular for its immediate results with virtually no scarring or down time. It is particularly effective in eliminating the early signs of aging in patients in their 40s and 50s, but is very appropriate for older patients as well.

Minimally invasive procedures which include laser treatment and fillers jumped a dramatic 36% over the last four years, with 7.5 million minimally invasive cosmetic procedures performed in 2004. Even traditional surgeries such as facelifts and forehead lifts may now be performed with an endoscopic approach, offering less scarring, fewer complications and shorter recovery times. The new technique of short scar vertical breast reduction offers a unique alternative to conventional breast reduction. This method allows 2/3 less scarring, provides a longer lasting lift to the breast and dramatically reduces the recovery time. Patients have been extremely satisfied with the results from this procedure.

The four surgeons at the Center for Plastic Surgery, including Dr. Jonathan A. Graff and Dr. Raymond O. Schultz also offer a full range of cosmetic surgical services. With more up-to-date procedures and improved surgical products, facelifts, brow lifts, eyelid and nose surgeries, breast augmentations and reductions, tummy tucks and liposuction are all performed on an outpatient basis, with patients going home the same day as surgery. In addition, the Center offers Clinical Skin Care, with three professional aestheticians. The moderately priced procedures include the BioMedic MicroPeel for a renewed complexion, and Microdermabrasion, a safe, in-office technique of resurfacing the skin to reveal a healthier, more youthful complexion. Treatments take less than an hour, with no down time, are fast and virtually pain free, with little or no redness and can help to minimize the most difficult skin conditions or rejuvenate and maintain the health of the skin. The clinically based BioMedic and Obagi products are available only in a physician's office.

The Medical Spa's products, equipment, regimens and ingredients combine to offer the tools to combat the effects of aging as well as to delay their development in the first place.

Insurance

Our doctors participate with many insurance programs, which enables us to bill the insurance company directly for covered services. We participate with: Community Blue, Medicare Independent Health, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Univera, Magna Care North American Administrators Empire Plan (United Health), Worker's Compensation, G.H.I. NOVA No-Fault (Automobile).

Insurance requires referral from primary physician The fee for a cosmetic consultation is $50, and if you decide to proceed with surgery, it is deducted from the cost of surgery. In Western New York, there are still a few insurance policies that cover cosmetic surgery. Blue Cross and Blue Shield policies that include Rider 45, as well as Group 48600 participants have cosmetic coverage. Some NOVA policies also have this provision. Since we participate with these insurances, their allowance is accepted as payment in full.

Some procedures are not necessarily cosmetic. If medical necessity can be established, most insurance companies cover the surgery. Upper eyelid surgery may be required to correct visual impairment. A breast reduction may be necessary to eliminate symptoms. Rhinoplasty may be performed subsequent to an injury or fracture.

For your convenience, we accept Mastercard and Visa credit cards. We also offer a referral service for personal loans, or assist in setting up pre-payment plans. Any questions about surgery costs or determining insurance coverage will be promptly answered by our insurance department.

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