A wall-based plastic surgeon brings new non-invasive techniques and treatments to Monmouth County residents
by Jessica Jones-Gorman Photos By Doug Polle
It’s been a decade since Dr. Michael Nagy started practicing plastic surgery, specializing in both cancer reconstruction and cosmetic procedures, and during that time span, advances in technology and non-surgical methods have helped the surgeon bring a fascinating range of techniques to the residents of Monmouth County.
“There have been so many developments in implants and other materials, which make breast cancer reconstruction so much more successful,” Dr. Nagy said, detailing the technological progress in his field. “Surgeries have become less complicated and less invasive, so recovery is easier, which is a huge factor for women who are already going through so much.”
Nagy, who dedicates a significant part of his practice to the care of cancer patients, said that reconstructive surgery, particularly breast cancer reconstruction, is one of the most rewarding aspects of his career.
“As I help patients through this process, they become like family to me,” the plastic surgeon offered. “It’s a wonderful feeling to know that you’re helping to restore some sort of normalcy during what can be a very devastating time.”
Double board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, he explained that he knew from a young age his career path.
“In grade school and in high school I was always interested in science; it was always my favorite subject,” said Nagy. “I also had a wonderful role model in my uncle, who was a physical therapist. He inspired me to go out and help other people.”
Nagy graduated Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in biology/pre-medicine from the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania before earning his doctorate at the University of Cincinnati Medical College. After completing a five-year general surgery residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, the Monsignor Donovan High School alumnus returned to the shore area to practice as a general surgeon. He pursued additional training after two years in practice and was accepted into a fellowship specializing in cosmetic and breast surgery, with an additional two years of plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
“I decided to go into plastic surgery because I fell in love with the specialty when I was a general surgery resident,” recalled Nagy. “I had another amazing role model during my general surgery residency at Thomas Jefferson who really inspired me. I liked the immediate feedback; you quickly see the result you’re aiming for and the help you’re providing for patients. With general surgery, you don’t always have that immediate gratification.”
Through the treatment process, Nagy aims to create a natural, beautiful result for each patient, while emphasizing safety, individualized treatment options, and patient education.
“Plastic surgery really encompasses two divisions,” he said. “My practice is divided probably 50/50 between reconstructive and cosmetic, and I enjoy the challenges and benefits of both.”
Some of the doctor’s cutting-edge treatments include nonsurgical procedures like CoolSculpting, a non-invasive bodyslimming process that requires no needles, no incisions, and no surgery. Using a controlled cooling method called Cryolipolysis, the technique penetrates beneath the skin to chill and eliminate fat cells.
“It permanently reduces fatty tissue in the treated area,” Dr. Nagy said.
Ultherapy, the first energy-based device for aesthetics cleared by the FDA with a non-invasive “lift” indication, is another innovative treatment offered at the practice.
“I fell in love with [plastic surgery] when I was a general surgery resident. I liked the immediate feedback; you quickly see the help you’re providing for patients. With general surgery, you don’t always have that immediate gratification.
“It’s a non-surgical way to tighten skin on the face, and the approach obtains results that are similar to a skin-tightening procedure like a face lift,” Nagy said.
The procedure uses ultrasound energy to reach the damaged skin layers that cause skin to sag, without disrupting its surface, and while it does not replace a surgical face or eye lift, the doctor explained that patients find it to be a viable alternative because the process requires no incisions or disruption of the visible layers of the skin, and its improvements occur in a gradual and natural way.
“Procedures like these that help make plastic surgery a little more mainstream and acceptable,” Nagy explained. “They’re perfect for an entry-level patient who is unsure about committing to a surgical procedure. These processes often delay the need for surgery, or even prevent it altogether.”
For the past eight years, Nagy has also served as both a national and international trainer of the VASER (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance), an ultrasoundassisted liposuction device first utilized in 1998. Its pulsating energy and unique probe help to prevent overexposure to ultrasonic waves and their subsequent side effects, and Nagy shares his knowledge and expertise of body and breast sculpting utilizing the advanced technology with surgeons around the world.
A member of the American Cancer Society, Nagy was honored as Volunteer of the Year 2010 for the Eastern Region, and serves on the American Cancer Society Board of Directors, the American Cancer Society Corporate Leadership Council, and provides numerous educational lectures, seminars, and cancer screenings on behalf of the ACS to the local community.
The surgeon feels that advances in his field will only continue to flourish.
“I think we’ll be doing less invasive procedures with results that are approaching the gold standard,” he concluded. “Plus, there will be further advancements on current non-surgical treatments we have for skin tightening and fat reduction. This is a very exciting and innovative time for the field of plastic surgery.”
Dr. Michael Nagy
1967 Highway 34, Wall / 732.282.0002 / drnagy.com