Colen MD Plastic Surgery

Dr. Kari L. Colen

Kari L. Colen, M.D. completed Plastic Surgery training at the prestigious New York University Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. During her training she spent time at NYU, Manhattan Eye Ear and Throat hospital, and Bellevue Hospital where she gained special knowledge and skills in the newest and most advanced techniques in Plastic Surgery. Because of her superior training in the top program in the country, Dr. Colen is able to deliver the most up-to-date care to her patients. During her training she authored numerous articles in plastic and aesthetic surgery and also helped design an interactive 3D surgical simulation model to better educate patients on plastic surgical procedures.

Dr. Kari Colen received her BA degree from Wesleyan University in CT. During her undergraduate education she spent nearly a year doing research in the world famous laboratory of Dr. Ian Taylor at the Royal Melbourne Hospital in Australia. Her research led to a landmark paper published in the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. After graduation from Wesleyan University she spend another year doing research in the plastic surgery laboratory at NYU. She then attended The New York University School of Medicine in her hometown of New York City graduating at the top of her class with AOA honors and receiving her M.D. degree. She continued to train in General Surgery and then in Plastic Surgery at NYU.

Dr. Kari Colen joins the plastic surgery practice of her famous mother and father Dr. Helen and Stephen Colen in New York City.

Kari Colen, M.D. is board certified in Plastic Surgery and has clinical staff appointments at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, Hackensack University Medical Center in NJ, and Maimonides Hospital in Brooklyn, NY.

Dr. Stephen R. Colen

Dr. Stephen R. Colen has been performing plastic surgery for more then 25 years. He is currently Associate Professor of Surgery and Plastic Surgery at New York University Medical Center's prestigious Institute of Plastic Surgery and Chairman of the Department of Plastic Surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center.

At New York University he started the Immediate Breast Reconstruction program for women who had mastectomy for breast cancer. In 2005 he was the guest of the Australian Plastic Surgery Society where he presented his innovative techniques for cosmetic breast surgery.

Dr. Colen who also holds a degree in Dental Surgery from NYU School of Dentistry has always had a strong interest in Facial Plastic Surgery. He has developed new techniques for facial rejuvenation which combines his knowledge of dentistry with his Plastic Surgery skills.

Every year, Dr. Colen has been listed by New York Magazine and by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. as one of the top plastic surgeons in New York. He has been featured in numerous publications such as Glamour, W, Town and Country, Vogue and Self just to mention a few.

Dr. Colen is Board certified by the American Board of Surgery, The American Board of Dental Surgery, The American Board of Plastic Surgery and has published research articles in more than 50 medical books and journals.

Dr. Colen graduated from St. Lawrence University receiving a B.S. degree in 1967, N.Y.U. College of Dentistry receiving a D.D.S. degree in 1971, and Hahnemann Medical College receiving an M.D. degree in 1974.

After receiving his MD degree, Dr. Colen then spent five years of postdoctoral training in general surgery (Internship and Residency) at the University Of Colorado, followed by two years in Plastic Surgery training at the prestigious Institute of Plastic and Reconstuctive Surgery at New York University Medical Center. In addition, Dr. Colen trained as a fellow in microsurgery at NYU and Bellevue Hospital and, because of his strong interest in facial surgery, he also did additional training as a fellow in Craniofacial surgery.

Besides being Associate Professor at NYU and Chairman of the Plastic Surgery department at Hackensack University, Dr. Colen also holds additional hospital appointments at Manhattan Eye and Ear Hospital, Lenox Hill Hospital and New York Eye and Ear Infirmary.

Dr. Helen S. Colen

Dr. Helen S. Colen has been performing cosmetic plastic surgery for the past 25 years. She graduated from New York University Medical School in 1972 and then trained in Pediatrics at Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pa. She continued her training in General Surgery at the University of Colorado Medical Center till June of 1979. Dr. Colen then continued in a Plastic Surgery Residency at St. Luke's- Roosevelt Hospital, in New York and a Microsurgery Fellowship at NYU Medical Center and Bellevue Hospital. Certified by the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Board in 1983, Dr. Colen is a member of the American Medical Association, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a Fellow of the Lipolysis Society, a Fellow of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and a member of the New York County Medical Society.

Dr. Colen is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, achieved the AMA Physicians Recognition Award since 1982 till present and has been included in Town and Country Magazine's best doctors list in 2001. She is in the Top Doctors list in Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. since 1997 and is listed in the Who�s Who of American Women in USA. She has also been on the best Doctors list of New York Magazine in 2001. In addition Dr. Colen has been mentioned in innumerable articles in popular publications throughout the time of her practice: i.e. Glamour magazine, US, Self, W, Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Town and Country just to mention a few.

Currently she is Clinical Associate Professor (Plastic Surgery) in the NYU School of Medicine, department of Surgery she is also an Attending Physician in Plastic Surgery at Manhattan Eye Ear and Throat Hospital, Lenox Hill Hospital and at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary in NY. She also has lectured and written extensively on various plastic surgery procedures.

Practice Philosophy
It's no surprise that every day more and more men and women are having aesthetic surgery. Everyone loves the results!

As a professional for over 25 years, I see what my patient sees when she/he looks in the mirror. As a surgeon, I am able to create those changes that my patients really want.

Doctors differ in their aesthetic senses, however, they should be on the same aesthetic wavelength as their patient. If they are not, even a well performed surgery would not satisfy the patient. I like when my patients look natural and the operated area totally fits the rest of their body.

I like my patients and I get enormous satisfaction from a result that makes them happy. The practice of aesthetic plastic surgery is phenomenally rewarding, both in achieving great aesthetic results and in meeting many diverse and interesting people. Plastic surgery is creative, challenging and fun - I cannot imagine being happier doing anything else.

Consultation
It is my pleasure to assist you in discovering the many benefits of aesthetic surgery. I recommend that you also talk with friends and a family physician. This added insight will be helpful during your surgical consultation. Most importantly, ask questions and have your surgical options explained to your own satisfaction.

During the first consultation which lasts about 45 minutes, I listen carefully to the patient's request, I study his/her body language, I learn about his/her lifestyle, goals and wishes. I learn as much as I can about the patient's body image. I never suggest 'fixing' any area unless the patient specifically asks about it. I finally advise my patient about the best procedure to achieve the best final look. I ascertain whether patients can undergo the stress of surgery physically and mentally and whether the desired surgery is appropriate and will fulfill their wishes and visions. Other topics I discuss include:

The positives and negatives of each procedure
The preoperative process
What laboratory examinations are in order
The appropriate anesthesia for the procedure
Whether the procedure will be performed in the office or in a hospital
The risks
The postoperative course

I insist that every patient should have a thorough examination by either his/hers personal physician or by an internist that I recommend. Patients are asked to fill out a form indicating all medications they take, any pertinent medical conditions, and whether they smoke, drink or use drugs, all of which may affect whether the procedure can be performed.

At the end, a tentative decision is usually made as to what the procedure should be and where it will be performed. The patient will be able to start making plans to take time off for recovery time.

After the initial consultation, patients see the nurse for further questions and then the office manager to obtain financial information and eventually schedule the procedure.

Another 30-minute consultation is done two weeks before the procedure. During this second consultation, patients will discuss the procedure again, as well as the risks, benefits, and expectations. Pain management and the need for private duty nurses after the procedure will also be discussed. Photographs will be taken. The pre-op and post-op instructions will be given as well as perscriptions for perioperative medications are given.

My patients require few pain medicines because they're not very anxious. I always work with the same excellent anesthesiologist who is familiar with my ways. We work as a team to make the experience safe and pleasant for my patients.