Shed Your Inhibitions with Abdominoplasty

Life changes, such as motherhood and weight loss, can often leave behind unwanted signs of their passage, like sagging skin folds that cling to the midriff. An abdominoplasty in New Jersey can help you regain your silhouette if you find yourself in such a situation. Let's explore the transformative world of tummy tucks together in this post.

Unraveling Abdominoplasty

A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that aims to reshape and firm up the abdomen. The excess skin and fat from the midsection are removed and separated abdominal muscles are rejoined to repair the abdominal wall. People who have lost a significant amount of weight or gone through pregnancy often opt for this procedure to address their protruding belly or loose skin.

The Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck provides many advantages that extend beyond just the aesthetic:

1. Confidence Booster

An obvious advantage of a tummy tuck is improved body contours. A better physical appearance often results in a self-esteem boost. After all, when you look good, you feel good!

2. Reduced Back Pain

Abdominal muscles tend to weaken in people who have lost a lot of weight or have had a baby. This weakening can lead to poor posture, causing back pain. A tummy tuck can help improve posture and reduce pain by tightening those key muscles.

3. Enhanced Exercise Performance

Extra skin can hinder physical activities. A tummy tuck can improve comfort and productivity during workouts by removing excess skin from the abdominal region.

Key Considerations Before Opting for an Abdominoplasty

It's important to take into account your overall health and circumstances before undergoing this significant procedure.

1. Understanding It’s Not a Weight Loss Procedure

The purpose of a tummy tuck is to shape the abdomen, not serve as a weight-loss technique. The ideal candidates are individuals who are close to their desired body weight yet struggle with sagging belly skin or stubborn fat that remains unaffected by diet or exercise.

2. Planning the Perfect Time

It's advisable to schedule a tummy tuck when you're not planning for future pregnancies and can maintain a stable weight. This is because significant weight changes and pregnancy may have an impact on the results.

3. Preparing for Recovery

Ensure you’ve planned for a recovery period. Since a tummy tuck is a surgical procedure, there is some downtime required after. During at least the first week, you will require assistance around the house, particularly if you have young children.

The Road to a Renewed Silhouette

The benefits of tummy tucks are significant, including improved body contour and a boost in self-confidence. It's important to keep in mind that the decision to have this surgery should be well-informed and tailored to the individual. It’s best done in collaboration with a seasoned professional who can guide you through the process with acute medical understanding and a trained eye for aesthetics.

That’s exactly where The Peer Group steps in. Our top plastic surgeons combine their medical expertise with artistry to deliver natural-looking results, using a patient-centered approach. At The Peer Group in New Jersey, an abdominoplasty involves a professional, safe, and supportive journey to achieve an enhanced silhouette.

Want to regain your confidence and vitality through an abdominoplasty? Get in touch with The Peer Group at 973.822.3000 today to schedule your personalized consultation. Together, let's set out on this transformative journey.


Debunking the Myths: What You Need to Know About Breast Lifts

The quest for a youthful silhouette leads some people to consider breast lift surgery. By restoring the naturally youthful shape and perkiness of the bustline, this cosmetic procedure has become a popular choice for many. Despite its popularity, however, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding getting a breast lift in NJ.

Don’t fall for common myths about breast lift surgery! Here’s the truth to help you make an informed decision. Take the first step toward your body goals today by partnering with The Peer Group, who will provide personalized and transformative cosmetic solutions—along with honest answers.

Myth #1: Breast Lift Surgery Is Only for Older Women

It’s often believed that breast lift surgery is only intended for older women who have experienced significant loss of breast position and elasticity over time, but this is actually a common misconception. Sagging breasts aren’t solely due to aging (despite time being a contributing factor). Breast shape and firmness can be affected by elements like pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, and genetics, regardless of age. Breast sagging and personal aesthetic preferences are more important factors in determining candidacy for the surgery than age.

Myth #2: You Can Achieve the Same Results with Exercise and Weight Loss

Exercising and maintaining a healthy weight can work wonders for your overall health and well-being. However, weight loss and exercise aren’t dependable solutions when it comes to fixing saggy breasts. The truth is, sagging breast skin and overstretched ligaments do not respond to exercise or dietary changes. A proven option to counter such issues is breast lift surgery, which can remove excess skin, reshape breast tissue, and reposition the nipples to produce a more youthful and uplifted appearance.

Myth #3: Breast Lift and Breast Augmentation Are the Same

The objectives and results of breast lift and breast augmentation are not the same, even though they both aim to enhance breast appearance. The aim of a breast lift is to reshape and reposition drooping breasts, tighten loose skin, and relocate the nipples without any increase in breast size. Conversely, breast augmentation involves either implants or a transfer of fat to create a fuller and more shapely appearance to the breasts. In certain cases, patients may opt to combine both procedures for a more complete aesthetic enhancement.

Myth #4: Breast Lifts Cause Unnatural-Looking Results

One of the most common myths about breast lift surgery is that it produces unnatural results. Like any cosmetic procedure, the outcome’s quality depends on the experience and talent of your chosen surgeon. With knowledge and precision, a skilled plastic surgeon can deliver beautifully natural and balanced results that complement your physique. In addition, these specialists give more importance to delicate incisions and blending methods to conceal scars after surgery.

Myth #5: Breast Lifts Have a Long and Painful Recovery Time

Breast lift patients usually need only a few days of downtime and go home on the day of their surgery, although each patient’s recovery is unique. The initial postoperative discomfort is typically managed effectively with prescribed pain medication. It generally takes several months for complete recovery, but patients can usually resume light activities within a few weeks. Your board-certified plastic surgeon’s consultations are essential in setting clear expectations and guidelines for a successful recovery journey.

Embrace a New You: Choose the Peer Group for Your Breast Lift

You can make informed choices about your breast lift journey now that all the myths are exposed. The Peer Group is a top NJ destination for personalized cosmetic solutions, providing an exceptional experience to transform and uplift your body goals.

Ready to take the first step to become more confident and rejuvenated? The Peer Group’s team of board-certified plastic surgeons will be there to guide and support you throughout your breast lift journey. Contact us at 973.822.3000 or book a consultation today to embark on a remarkable transformation.


Can the Fat Come Back After Liposuction?

What happens to the removed fat after liposuction? In New Jersey, our patients often ask us whether the results from this cosmetic surgery will last for good and how they can maintain their new contours.

Liposuction has long been regarded as one of the most popular and effective cosmetic procedures for targeted fat removal from isolated problem areas. Many individuals turn to liposuction to achieve a more sculpted physique and address stubborn areas of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. However, a common question that arises is whether the fat can return after liposuction.

To understand how fat is removed with this procedure, you first need to understand how liposuction works. Keep reading for more information on the dynamics of fat removal via liposuction and what happens to the fat that has been removed during this procedure.

During a liposuction session, fat cells that are removed are taken out of the body for good. The surgery does not stimulate the growth of new fat cells in areas that are treated, and once they have been literally suctioned away by the surgery, the removed fat cells can’t grow back.

A thin, hollow tube called a cannula—which is connected to a type of suction device—is used to precisely extract those unwanted fat cells from the selected areas. This leads to a slimmer, more contoured appearance.

As mentioned above, the fat cells that are eliminated can’t grow back. However, this treatment won’t prevent new fat cells from forming in other areas—and it also won’t prevent the remaining fat cells that are left behind in the treated areas from expanding if you were to gain weight in the future. This means that if you gain a lot of weight, your body shape could potentially change.

As such, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and watching your weight will be important if you want to preserve the results you achieve from liposuction. Ideally, patients should strive to maintain what is known as their “post-lipo weight.” To give an example, if you weighed 180 pounds prior to liposuction and lost five pounds during the procedure, you will maintain the best results if you stay at or below 175 pounds.

Have more questions? Our New Jersey-based team at The Peer Group will explain more about how reducing diet-resistant fat with liposuction works. Call us at 973-822-3000 or fill out a contact form to request a consultation.


3 Simple Ways to Reduce Sweating This Summer

How do you deal with hyperhidrosis in the summer? Our New Jersey-based team hears this question a lot—and if it’s something you’ve been wondering about too, allow us to suggest a few methods that can be helpful for staying dry during the warmer months.

As summer arrives, so does the inevitable increase in temperature and humidity. While the temperature soars, our chance of sweating also increases. The scorching sun can cause our bodies to go into overdrive to regulate temperature, leading to that all-too-familiar phenomenon: sweating. Perspiration is a natural cooling mechanism, but excessive amounts can be uncomfortable and inconvenient. Additionally, high humidity causes the air to be saturated with water, so the sweat evaporates from the skin more slowly.

Some people—about 3 percent percent of adults in the United States—suffer from a condition called hyperhidrosis. This excessive, abnormal sweating is not purely caused by heat or exercise. Instead, people who have hyperhidrosis routinely sweat so much that their hands drip and their clothes become soaked through.

Although many of us look forward to hot days at the pool and backyard barbecues, sweating is one of the more uncomfortable features associated with the season. In this blog post, we will explore the most effective ways to reduce sweating, helping you stay cool and comfortable during the hottest months of the year—even if you have hyperhidrosis.

1. Watch Your Diet

The way you sweat can be affected by how you eat and drink. If you’re conscious about sweating, try to avoid spicy foods, fatty and processed foods, caffeine, alcohol, and very salty foods. It becomes easier for your body to regulate its temperature when you limit your intake of these foods.

2. Wear the Right Type of Clothing

It might seem like a no-brainer, but taking steps to stay cool and avoid overheating is one of the best ways to keep yourself from sweating so much. Choose lightweight, breathable clothing made from fabrics that promote airflow.

3. Try Non-Surgical miraDry® Treatments

MiraDry® is a non-surgical, FDA-cleared treatment that reduces sweat and odor in the underarms. It uses thermal energy to target sweat glands, odor glands, and hair follicles with destruction—and they can’t grow back, so results are long-lasting.

How do you deal with hyperhidrosis in the summer? Our New Jersey-based team at The Peer Group will explain more about how to treat this problem. Call us at 973-822-3000 or fill out a contact form to request a consultation.


Get to Know Dr. Colin Failey

As a plastic surgeon serving Somerville, Florham Park, and beyond, Dr. Colin Failey sees a wide range of face, body, and breast patients—but he maintains the same philosophy in his work with them all: He aims to truly listen so he can “bring out the best person they see in themselves.”

One of the most important aspects of this process is maintaining open communication, starting with the initial consultation, continuing through the preparations and procedure itself, and even extending beyond the surgery through recovery and follow-ups. Every patient should feel comfortable and confident with their choice in both procedure and surgeon, and being able to freely discuss every aspect of a procedure helps immensely.

Dr. Failey shares detailed information about his education, background, and experience with each patient during an initial meeting, but he also makes his biography and CV available online. One of the standout facts about him is his dual board certification.

Board certification is a voluntary process physicians can undertake in order to further their education and credentialing, ensure they maintain the highest standards in their field, and establish a mark of distinction. Dr. Failey is certified by the American Board of Surgery (which is for general surgeons) and the American Board of Plastic Surgery (which focuses on reconstructive and cosmetic surgeons).

Dr. Failey performs many cosmetic surgery procedures, including breast augmentations, tummy tucks, and liposuction. He also performs reconstructive surgery, which can be ideal for breast cancer patients undergoing partial mastectomy to preserve breast shape and symmetry with oncoplastic techniques. Dr. Failey also performs reconstruction after total mastectomy to recreate his patients’ breasts with their own tissue or implants. He has more recently focused on trying to restore sensation that is lost during mastectomy by performing complex sensory nerve grafting at the time of the initial breast reconstruction.

While this information can be helpful to read, nothing beats an in-person, face-to-face conversation. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Colin Failey at The Peer Group, call 973-822-3000 or reach out online.


5 Ways to Further Enhance Your Look After Breast Implants

How do I get the best results after breast augmentation? Our New Jersey-based team knows that after you get implants, you might be looking for ways to enhance your look even more—while simultaneously preserving the best results from the surgery.

Breast implants are a popular cosmetic surgery option for anyone looking to enhance the size and shape of their breasts. It goes without saying that even though you will likely be impressed with the results from this procedure, you may also want to see what you can do to optimize your results even more. Here are some things you might want to do:

1. Consider a Breast Lift

While breast implants can add volume to the breasts, they do not address issues such as sagging or drooping. If you are experiencing these laxity-related problems, a breast lift can help to elevate and reshape the breasts, creating a more youthful and perky appearance. Combining breast implants with a breast lift can provide a more comprehensive enhancement.

2. Incorporate Exercise Into Your Routine

Exercise can help to improve overall health and fitness, as well as enhance the appearance of the body. By incorporating strength training exercises that target chest muscles, you can help to sculpt and define the muscles around your new breast implants, creating a more toned and defined look.

3. Invest in Quality Bras and Clothing

Properly fitting bras and clothing can help to showcase your new breast implants and enhance your overall appearance. Look for bras and clothing that flatter your figure and accentuate your curves, while also providing the necessary support and comfort.

4. Consider Other Cosmetic Procedures

Breast implants can be combined with other cosmetic procedures to further enhance your appearance. For example, liposuction can help to contour and slim areas of the body, while a tummy tuck can create a more toned and sculpted abdomen.

5. Practice Good Skin Care

Healthy, glowing skin can help to enhance your overall appearance and complement your breast implants. Invest in quality skin care products and establish a daily routine that includes cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting your skin from sun damage to preserve an overall vibrant, more youthful look.

Our New Jersey-based The Peer Group will tell you more what you can do to look your best and optimize results. Call us at 973-822-3000 or fill out a contact form to request a consultation.


What Are the Top Benefits of Cheek Fillers?

Are cheek fillers worth it? New Jersey’s injectors at The Peer Group regularly work with both women and men who definitely think so!

High cheekbones are considered by many people to one of the most attractive facial features. In fact, three characteristics that tend to be associated with a youthful face are high cheekbones, full cheeks, and a defined jawline.

Unfortunately, the midface may become hollowed or flattened as we age and lose the volume provided by youthful facial fat. Alternatively, some people have always had flatter, barely noticeable, or lower cheekbones due to genetics.

If you want that high, chiselled look, cheek fillers should certainly be on your list of techniques to consider. Whether you’re aware of it or not, there’s a high chance that someone you know has had fillers injected into their cheek area.

Cheek fillers are one of the most versatile types of facial fillers procedures, so they are very popular among patients who are new to fillers. The most common types of fillers for this area of the face are hyaluronic acid-based options like Juvéderm® Voluma®, which has a thick consistency ideal for creating noticeable and lasting volume. These fillers contain hyaluronic acid—a version of the same substance your body produces to keep your skin moisturized—and they work by adding plumpness beneath the skin.

Patients of all ages and skin textures can benefit from cheek fillers, and almost anyone can be a candidate.

Fillers can be used to:

  • Add definition to and enhance or strengthen the contours of the cheekbones
  • Sharply define the facial bone structure
  • Increase volume in the cheeks
  • Make the face look more youthful
  • Reduce wrinkles and lines such as marionette lines
  • Camouflage asymmetry

Fillers have different effects depending on where in the cheek they are injected. When introduced into the higher areas of the cheeks, they can have a contouring effect, but they can also be added into the larger part of the cheek if you’re losing volume in that area.

Ready for cheek fillers? Contact The Peer Group for a consultation so you can get started with achieving more youthful facial contours. Call us at 973-822-3000 or fill out a contact form to request an appointment.


Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid Products with Facial Fillers?

Patients will often ask, “Can I use hyaluronic acid with fillers?” Our New Jersey-based team knows that patients may be wondering which skincare products they should use after getting fillers—and what they should avoid.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) has become a popular ingredient in many skincare products, from serums to moisturizers, due to its ability to hydrate and plump the skin. It’s also one of the key ingredients most popular fillers contain. But what about using HA skin products in conjunction with dermal fillers? Is it safe to use both together?

First, let's review what dermal fillers are and how they work. Dermal fillers are injectable substances used to add volume to the face, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. While there are many types of fillers, those made from hyaluronic acid are particularly popular.

When it comes to using HA skin products with fillers, the answer is generally yes. In fact, using HA skincare products can help prolong the effects of your filler injections. The reason for this is that HA skincare products help to maintain the hydration of the skin. Even if the products don’t directly affect filler, keeping your skin healthy and hydrated will help to preserve the results.

However, it's important to note that not all HA skincare products are created equal. Some products may contain a certain concentration of HA or different forms of HA that may not be as effective at hydrating the skin.

If you're considering using HA skincare products with your fillers, it's important to talk to our team first. We can advise you on the best products to use and any potential risks to be aware of.

Another important consideration is the timing of your skincare routine. You may need to allow time for filler to settle before applying skin products to reduce the risk of any irritation or adverse reactions. Additionally, try to avoid putting too much pressure on your face when you’re applying skin care products. With the right approach, you can achieve beautiful, hydrated skin that looks and feels youthful and radiant.

So can you use hyaluronic acid with fillers? The answer is yes, but with caution. Our New Jersey-based The Peer Group will tell you more about maintaining a good skincare routine after treatments. Call us at 973-822-3000 or fill out a contact form to request a consultation.


When Is the Right Time for a Tummy Tuck?

How do you know when it’s time to get a tummy tuck? Our New Jersey-based team at The Peer Group knows this is something many patients will want to know about when they’re thinking about having the procedure.

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the underlying muscles to create a flatter, smoother, and more toned-looking midsection. Deciding whether or not to have a tummy tuck is a personal decision that depends on a variety of factors. Here are some things to consider when deciding if a tummy tuck is right for you:

You have Loose or Sagging Skin in the Abdominal Area

Loose or sagging skin in the abdominal area can be caused by weight loss, pregnancy, or the natural aging process. If you have excess skin that is not responding to diet and exercise, a tummy tuck may be a good option to achieve a more toned and youthful-looking abdomen.

You Have Abdominal Muscles That Have Separated

Abdominal muscles that have separated can result in a protruding or distended abdomen. A tummy tuck can repair these muscles and create a more toned and firmer midsection.

You Are in Good Overall Health

Like any surgical procedure, a tummy tuck carries some risks. It's important to be in good overall health to ensure a safe and successful surgery. You should discuss your medical history and any pre-existing conditions with your surgeon to determine if a tummy tuck is right for you.

You Have Realistic Expectations

A tummy tuck can produce significant improvements in the appearance of the abdomen, but it's important to have realistic expectations. You should discuss your goals and expectations with your surgeon to determine if they are achievable.

You Have Tried Non-Surgical Options Without Success

If you have tried non-surgical options such as diet and exercise without achieving the desired results, a tummy tuck may be the next step.

How do you know when it’s time to get a tummy tuck? Our team at The Peer Group will explain everything you need to know about the best timing and eligibility for plastic surgery procedures. Call us at 973-822-3000 or fill out a contact form to request a consultation.


What Are the Benefits of Fillers for Jawline Contouring?

Cosmetic procedures to enhance the lower face are more popular than ever, including one of the newest options available:Juvederm Volux® for the jawline. Our New Jersey-based team at the Peer Group believes that the jaw is an essential, foundational feature that frames the face and provides balance. A chiselled jawline is associated with strength, power, confidence, and attractiveness, so it’s no surprise that a higher number of patients are seeking treatments to improve this area. Not to mention, while the jaw is often an overlooked feature when it comes to facial rejuvenation treatments, some of the most obvious signs of aging occur in this region.

Juvederm Volux® is a long-lasting hyaluronic acid facial filler recently approved by the FDA for treating moderate to severe loss of jawline definition in patients aged 21 and older. It has a variety of benefits for patients in many age ranges and with different goals, including:

Providing Better Balance for the Lower Face

The jawline and chin are important features that provide structure to the face, so enhancing them can greatly improve a person’s overall appearance. When injectors are assessing other facial features—like the eyes, nose, and lips—they usually take the jawline into consideration as well. Juvederm Volux® can improve the proportion and balance of the jawline with the rest of the face if the jaw is weak or the chin is recessed.

Adding Definition to the Jawline

Whether your jawline has never been well-defined to begin with or has lost some of its definition due to aging, this filler can add shape and improve the angle virtually right away. Juvederm Volux® is the most robust, cohesive filler in the collection and has an impressive lifting capacity.

Giving You an Idea of What Cosmetic Surgery Could Do

If you’re not quite ready for surgical options but want to know what enhancing your jawline could look like, Juvederm Volux® is a temporary filler that can give you a better idea of what to expect.

Curious about the benefits of Juvederm Volux®? Our team at The Peer Group can guide you on everything you’ll need to know about the injectable, as well as other types of facial fillers. Call us at 973-822-3000 or fill out a contact form to request a consultation to discuss treatments for improving facial contours.