Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work
—Aristotle

This February, Laura Brown celebrates her 23rd anniversary of employment at the Parker Center. Laura started working for Dr. Parker in 1988, when she was a young mom looking for a part-time job.

“I started as a part-time receptionist in a satellite office. Over the years, I’ve had many different responsibilities, but now I’m a surgical Scheduling Coordinator,” said Laura.

As a Surgical Scheduling Coordinator, Laura’s main responsibility is working with the reconstructive patients, such as those receiving surgery for skin cancers and similar lesions. She schedules the procedures for these patients, handles their paper and lab work, and reviews their prescriptions and the doctor’s instructions with them.

“Since I’ve worked for Dr. Parker for so many years, I know him so well and how good he is at what he does. It speaks volumes. I have tremendous confidence in Dr. Parker when talking to patients about their New Jersey plastic surgery procedures,” Laura explained.

Long term employees are the best ambassadors for any business, and it’s no different in a medical practice. By having several long-term employees, Dr. Parker’s patients are assured that his staff is just as dedicated to their care as he is.

The staff at the Parker Center uses and integrated team approach to patient care. Everyone is made to feel comfortable from their first phone call to every visit. Dr. Parker and his team work hard to exceed their patient’s expectations with over 20 years experience, a dedication to patient education and individualized treatment plans.

“We’ve come a long way in New Jersey plastic surgery in the 23 years I’ve been working here. But I can honestly say that it’s a pleasure to come to work everyday. The people I work with make it that way. They are committed to patient care. I like that I see different patients everyday and I can help them,” Laura stated.

Dr. Paul M. Parker handles skin cancer surgical treatment as well as cosmetic surgeries for patients who want to improve their appearance at the Parker Center for Plastic Surgery. All procedures are performed in their onsite state-of-the-art, fully certified ambulatory surgical facility, Surgiplex. If you’re interested in learning more about Dr. Paul M. Parker and the Parker Center, visit us at www.parkercenter.net or call 201-967-1212 to schedule a consultation today.

Elective surgery taxes discriminate against women, given that 86 percent of cosmetic surgery patients are female, of which 91 percent are between the working ages of 19-64. Moreover, contrary to popular belief, cosmetic surgery is no longer an exclusive luxury afforded by the very wealthy. This tax is effectively a “Soccer Mom” tax that will adversely impact mainstream American wives and mothers, who are the majority of plastic surgery patients. (This law will tax cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, Botox, fillers & peels, as well as surgery.) As your doctor, I understand and appreciate the need for health care reform, but taxing physicians and cosmetic surgery procedures (ie, you) to pay for the reform is not realistic or beneficial.

In a 2005 ASPS survey of people planning to have cosmetic surgery within the next two years, 60% of respondents reported an annual household income of $30,000-$90,000 a year. Most importantly, 40% of those reported a household income of only $30,000-$60,000. Only 10% of respondents reported a household income of over $90,000, which clearly refutes the suggestion that elective surgery taxes are “luxury” or “sin” taxes affecting a privileged few.

Such taxes have been proven arbitrary and difficult to administer as evidenced by our experience in New Jersey, the only state to have imposed a cosmetic tax. Since it passed a 6% tax on elective medical procedures in 2004, the NJ Department of Taxation has experienced a 59% shortfall based on projected revenue estimates. Eight other states have considered similar tax legislation- and they all wisely rejected them. In fact, according to Joseph Cryan, the NJ State Democratic Chairman, for every $1.00 collected by the NJ tax, it costs the state $3.39! (Of course, with the new federal tax, we would pay 11% in NJ!)

Finally, though the bill claims that the only procedures that would be taxed are those that are “not necessary to ameliorate a deformity arising from, or directly related to, a congenital abnormality, a personal injury resulting from an accident or trauma, or a disfiguring disease,” such distinctions aren’t always obvious. Because the line between ‘cosmetic’ and ‘reconstructive’ surgery is not always clear, such a tax would leave the determination of medical necessity up to state tax auditors – a completely inappropriate proposition.

The American Society of Plastic Surgery has, and continues to oppose all taxes on physicians, in any and all forms, due to their deleterious effects on health care costs and access to patient care. Medical care should not be used as a tool to fix broken finances.

CALL TODAY

ASPS has developed a dedicated toll-free hotline number for you to share your thoughts with Senators Lautenberg and Menendez. Callers will hear a recorded message explaining the tax, after which they will be matched via zip code prompt with their individual Senators so that they may speak directly with their offices. Please distribute this number as widely as possible.

1-877-221-8207

You can read more information about this tax and read Assemblyman Cryan’s letter to Sen. Harry Reid by following this link: http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Cosmetic_Surgery_Tax.html

Thank you,

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS

“Whatever the age, when a patient comes to me wanting a facelift, I start every consultation by handing her a mirror,” he says. “Then I say ‘Show me what’s bothering you.’” He goes on to say that if the patient points out sagging jowls and lax skin of the face and neck, a facelift will help the situation. If the patient expresses concern about fine wrinkling of the skin, he recommends non-surgical treatments at The Beaura Spa, the onsite medical spa where Dr. Parker serves as Medical Director.

It is important to understand that the purpose of a facelift procedure is to reposition underlying fatty tissue that sags with aging along with sagging skin in the jowls, cheek and neck area. Dr. Parker’s biplaner Paramus facelift procedure ensures natural looking results, as opposed to other techniques that simply pull the skin tight. He uses carefully designed incisions which curve in front and behind the ear. Through these incisions, he lifts up the skin in the face and neck. The  fallen fat is lifted into a more youthful position with sutures. The facial skin is then re-draped over the fat, excess skin removed and incisions closed with sutures, so as to make them inconspicuous.

As women age, their skin loses key biochemical components such as collagen and elastin which allow gravity to cause a sagging of their facial and neck skin. This process is not confined to just the skin, however. The fibers holding the fat beneath the skin in place loosen with aging, causing a descent of facial and neck fat which contributes to this aged appearance. Women of all ages experience these physiologic changes due to genetics, environment and lifestyle. “I have seen an increase in younger patients who are good candidates for a facelift. The youngest patients I have treated have been in their mid-thirties.”

Dr. Parker admits that patients in their 30s and 40s have a bit of advantage over their more senior counterparts when it comes to getting a Paramus facelift. “For one thing, younger patients tend to have better skin tone and elasticity which leads to a faster bounce back of the skin,” he says. “I can also use shorter incisions than say, with a 70 year-old patient with poor skin tone.”

For a facelift or other cosmetic surgery, New Jersey residents can come in to the Parker Center for customized care with natural-looking results. Contained within the Parker Center is a fully accredited, state-of-the-art ambulatory surgical facility with a fully trained and certified staff of nurses and anesthesiologists.

The signs of aging do not discriminate and are not ruled by a number. Women in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond can all benefit from theParamus facelift procedure at the Parker Center.

As mid summer approaches, it isn’t only beach goers who are in danger of exposing themselves to harmful UV rays- golfers, runners, and anyone involved in outside activities are at risk. One in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of their lifetime, according to skincancer.org

The ABCD’s of detection are vital to self-examination and should be done as a regular routine. The American Melanoma Foundation defines the ABCD’s as asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation and diameter. Watching out for these can alert you as to what changes or developments should prompt an examination by your doctor.

Asymmetry: One half is different than the other half.

Border irregularity: The edges are notched, uneven, or blurred.

Color variation: The color is uneven. Shades of brown, tan, and black are present.

Diameter: Diameter is greater than 6 millimeters.

Other Warning Signs:

• The appearance of a new bump or nodule
• Color spreads into surrounding skin
• redness or swelling beyond the mole
• pain
• tenderness
• itching
• bleeding
• oozing
• scaly appearance

At the Parker Center in Paramus, NJ, patients are given a careful history and physical examination if skin lesions are detected. “Early detection of skin cancers such as basal cell, squamous cell and malignant melanomas allows for curative surgical removal”, says Dr. Paul M. Parker. “Skin cancer is not very responsive to chemotherapy or radiation therapy, so surgery is the most effective treatment. The earlier it’s performed, the higher likelihood to obtain long term cure and prevent re-currence of the cancer. The Parker Center offers cutting edge procedures for all types of lesions including benign, precancerous and malignant.

For those concerned about skin lesions and skin cancer in New Jersey, skin care, prevention tips, and other procedure information can be found on the Parker Center website at www.parkercenter.net.

We felt it was important to share this study with our Bergen County plastic surgery patients, as it shows people must take active and proactive steps to keep their face looking as young as possible.

This study specifically followed groups of twins that happen to share the same DNA, yet were exposed to different stressors such as divorce, antidepressant use and weight fluctuations.

The following is a snippet from the actual study results:

Results showed that twins who had been divorced appeared nearly 2 years older than their siblings who were married, single or even widowed. Antidepressant use was associated with a significantly older appearance and researchers also found that weight played a major factor too. In those sets of twins who were less than 40 years old, the heavier twin was perceived as being older, while in those groups over 40 years old, the heavier twin appeared younger.

According to Dr. Guyuron, “the presence of stress could be one of the common denominators in those twins who appeared older.” Additionally, researchers suspect that continued relaxation of the facial muscles due to antidepressant use, could account for sagging. And though they do not advocate gaining weight to look younger, researchers note that losing abnormal amounts of weight not only have harmful effects on a person’s health, but on their appearance, too.

And while technology now offers us the ability to fight aging through plastic surgery, it’s important to be proactive and keep life stressors to a minimum for those that truly want to look their best.

However, if the presence of stress is something non-negotiable in your life, it’s also important to take a variety of other steps to ensure your skin stays as elastic and young as possible. This would include drinking a full 6-8 ounces of water a day, taking plenty of vitamins and supplements, avoiding excessive sun exposure and stopping unhealthy habits such as smoking.

Alternatively, if you’re reading this article and think “The damage is done-years of stress and weight problems have aged met dramatically,” realize it’s never too late to get started with Dr. Parker, a Bergen County Plastic Surgeon and member of the ASPS.

There are a variety of techniques, ranging from full-face lifts to Botox treatments that can instantly turn back the hands of time.

So to get started with a free consultation with our Bergen County plastic surgeon Dr. Parker, or to find out further information on cosmetic anti-aging procedures, please call (201) 967-1212.

One of the newest tools on the market is called Isolaz.  Isolaz is an IPL machine with four heads to choose from depending upon the condition I am treating.  The head of the machine is a vacuum system. None of the other laser machines have anything like this. It grabs skin and doesn’t permit the light to get out so it stays very concentrated in that area. It’s beyond good. There is no damage and you just work in the area you want. The laser uses different strengths of light…low, medium and high.  Blue and green for acne, purple light (blue green red) for sun damage and broken capillaries, and red (the hottest part) for hair removal.  I have seen incredible results, especially for acne. My patients tell me I am their last stop—they have tried everything by the time they get here.  Once we address their original concerns, they come back for maintenance. Dr. Parker does not like advertising, so it’s all word of mouth and we are busy, so we must be doing good things.

For further information about this revolutionary skin care, New Jersey or New York residents should call the Beaura Spa at (201) 967-1756.

– Parker Center Aesthetician, Farnaz Onsori (Fari)

Georgiana Liquori—Aesthetician—Beaura Spa at Parker Center

My interest in becoming an aesthetician was born out of my own personal battle with acne. My earliest recollection of skin problems started in 6th grade when I felt like I was treating one pimple for an entire year. All through high school and college I could never depend upon my skin to stay clear for any important events. At 22 I began working in retail skin care but quickly realized that if I were really serious about helping others and myself, I would have to invest in some top-notch training. One of the most exclusive venues for aspiring aestheticians is the Atelier Aesthetique Institute on Park Avenue in New York. There, the standards for the aesthetic industry are created and taught. I couldn’t have asked to be aligned with better people and true pioneers of skin care. After graduating in 1997 the institute was deemed the stable of a new generation of aesthetician by American Spa magazine.  Immediately after graduating I spent time as a Microdermabrasion consultant. My clients included Elizabeth Arden spa in London, Licari Salon on 5th Avenue, the Ritz Carlton in New York and the NY Health Club. In the back of my mind my ultimate goal was always to work in medical aesthetics where I could bring others’ skin to a new level of health and wellness. Although I considered opening my own business, an opportunity came up at the Beaura Spa at Parker Center, and there I found the perfect fit.

At Beaura Spa we offer a wide range of treatments. Contrary to what you might find in a spa or department store, we are able to use products containing prescription strength active ingredients that make genuine changes in the skin. Whether a patient is suffering from acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, or skin tone issues, they will see results after even one visit. Skin rejuvenation can be accomplished through facials, peels, Microdermabrasion or a combination approach. Our newest weapon is Isolaz. It offers four different heads that target hair removal, acne, veins and hyperpigmentation. We have had incredible results with this tool. Women of all ages respond well to the treatments offered at the Beaura Spa. Good skin care can postpone the need for surgery, or augment the results of surgical facial rejuvenation.

One big misconception is that there is no help. Skin can be corrected through the latest advances in skin care. Whether acne scarring or pigmentation, people are willing to settle for the wrong products and practitioners.  You are always shedding cells. If you know how to nourish and protect the new skin beautiful, healthy skin can be yours. Another misconception is that it is unaffordable especially given today’s economic climate. If you are on a budget, Beaura Spa offers treatment packages that translate into getting one free. If you cannot invest in a package, try to visit us at least once a quarter as the seasons change. Make sure you purchase great products to use every day. We feature sophisticated mineral based makeup and pharmaceutical grade skin care products with nutrients and vitamins. Of course I hope to see you in person, but until we meet, remember no sun, sleep deeply, drink plenty of water and make a clean nutritional diet your goal.

P.S. I am writing a book as part of a women’s series having to do with skin care. Watch the blog for details of publication.

Furthermore, Isolaz acne treatments are the only system approved by the FDA to treat pustular and comedonal acne, in addition to moderate and acne vulgaris.  The Isolaz laser has also been featured in popular fashion magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Self and Bazzar for its revolutionary approach in the treatment of acne and unwanted body hair.

But the best part is the Beaura Spa’s incredible Isolaz laser package that is specifically designed with luxury in mind.  When undergoing Isolaz acne treatments, New Jersey or NYC brides will enjoy one complimentary session with their package, in addition to a full facial with every visit.

For further information on Isolaz acne treatments New Jersey or to set up an appointment with a licensed aesthetician, call (201) 967-1756.

For a while my skin would be clear with occasional hormonal outbreaks. I went for regular facials and IPL treatments thinking they would calm down whatever was triggering the acne. Topical acne medication seemed to help, but last summer my skin got so bad that nothing I tried got it under control.

Earlier in the summer I read an article in Vogue about a woman who sounded just like me. She got great results from a new technology called Isolaz. Oprah also featured Isolaz on her show. I visited the Isolaz website and decided to try it. Not all dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons have this particular tool. The Parker Center was on the list, so I made an appointment and met with Georgiana, an aesthetician with the practice. She examined my skin and told me that the closed, raised, red bumps on my face and neck resembled those usually occurring during an allergic reaction, which meant my skin’s immune system was particularly vulnerable. After evaluating my skin, Georgiana developed a treatment plan that included alternating between Isolaz and Microdermabrasion. She explained the Microdermabrasion would offer rapid exfoliation and stimulate healthy cell renewal while the Isolaz would be like a vacuuming laser, banishing the bacteria that was causing the acne.

Since a series of treatments is recommended, I bought a package of 5. Honestly, the price is like that of a good facial. The treatment itself was completely painless. There’s virtually no downtime and you can reapply your makeup before you leave. I didn’t see any real results until after the third treatment. I was anxious but the Isolaz website clearly stated it takes time for the skin to respond so I wasn’t concerned. I started in September and was finished around Christmas. What a difference. My skin is smoother and clearer and my oil production is a fraction of what it used to be. Now Georgiana has me on a maintenance program where I see her once a month for either Isolaz or Microdermabrasion.

One mystery that will never be solved is was it the Isolaz, or was it the Microdermabrasion that turned my skin around? Since I never had either before going to The Parker Center, I’ll never know. But I do know that I never looked or felt better. Georgiana was helpful, capable and confident she could help me. I’m done experimenting.

For further information about this revolutionary acne cure, New Jersey or New York residents should call the Beaura Spa at (201) 967-1756.

These results are achieved using the breakthrough technology known as Photopneumatics, which is the only therapy in the world that combines a vacuum and painless laser to deep clean and purify your pores from the inside out.

Best of all, the treatments are painless, relaxing and up to 5 times more effective than alternative acne treatments.

But talk about a fast acne treatment- New Jersey or New York residents can literally drive into the spa and undergo an entire treatment in 10 to 20 minutes!  And while the exact number of treatments needed can vary from patient to patient, four sessions is usually all it takes to see dramatic results in the treatment of acne.

Isolaz acne treatments are ideal for brides, TV personalities, professionals or even teenagers that need a fast and real fix for embarrassing acne and other impurities.  Additionally, Isolaz acne treatments are safe, effective and the only system approved by the FDA to treat pustular and comedonal acne as well as mild to moderate and acne vulgaris.

For further information about this revolutionary acne cure, New Jersey or New York residents should call the Beaura Spa at (201) 967-1756.