3
Before and After Photos
21
Years of Membership
About Joseph B. O'Connell, MD
Introduction
As “Your Source for Non-Invasive Aesthetics and Aesthetic Surgery,” our philosophy is simple – we’re in the self-confidence business and we believe that the finest plastic surgery is imperceptible. The Aesthetic Center is an ultra high-end, concierge type practice, where we believe in a “less is more” philosophy and no effort is spared to provide our patients with the very best in all aspects of their care. Just as the skilled artist conveys their message with the fewest, most carefully chosen brush strokes, we strive to help our patients achieve their aesthetic goals with the fewest, least invasive, safest, most predictable and least costly techniques.
Unlike some practices that essentially offer only surgery, our first approach is almost always non-surgical. This is because today’s technology allows non-surgical approaches to many aesthetic problems and also because our patients prefer to look natural and “non-surgical.’ In most instances this is accompanied by a quicker and easier recovery, less need for anesthesia, lower cost, less risk and less scarring. This requires a sizable ongoing investment in the latest technology – and we’ve done that with the recent additions of FaceTite™ and BodyTite™ from In Mode and Halo™ from Sciton. What sets us apart is that when it’s time for the surgical approach you’ve got the skill and experience of a Cornell educated and trained board certified plastic surgeon with over 35 years of surgical experience. This minimalist philosophy carries over into our surgical approach as well where our preference is for the most predictable, least complex and safest surgical procedures designed to minimize your recovery.
Unlike some practices that essentially offer only surgery, our first approach is almost always non-surgical. This is because today’s technology allows non-surgical approaches to many aesthetic problems and also because our patients prefer to look natural and “non-surgical.’ In most instances this is accompanied by a quicker and easier recovery, less need for anesthesia, lower cost, less risk and less scarring. This requires a sizable ongoing investment in the latest technology – and we’ve done that with the recent additions of FaceTite™ and BodyTite™ from In Mode and Halo™ from Sciton. What sets us apart is that when it’s time for the surgical approach you’ve got the skill and experience of a Cornell educated and trained board certified plastic surgeon with over 35 years of surgical experience. This minimalist philosophy carries over into our surgical approach as well where our preference is for the most predictable, least complex and safest surgical procedures designed to minimize your recovery.
Professional Background
The Aesthetic Center is focused on five areas of aesthetics and aesthetic surgery – facial rejuvenation (including surgery of the forehead and eyelids as well as laser resurfacing), body contouring, surgery of the breast and non-surgical solutions and feminine rejuvenation.
Facial Rejuvenation:
Dr. O’Connell specializes in minimally invasive facial rejuvenation and he has been featured on television performing a short-scar facelift and also was chosen to perform an upper blepharoplasty under local anesthesia on the CBS Early Show. His recent publication outlining his facelift techniques was the lead article in the August, 2015 issue of the prestigious Aesthetic Surgery Journal. Dr. O’Connell was also one of the originators of the “no touch” technique of lower lid blepharoplasty utilizing laser resurfacing – a technique that is more popular than ever in our practice today.
The “Four R’s” - Dr. O’Connell currently believes in the “Four R” approach to facial rejuvenation and we are pleased to offer both surgical and minimally/non-invasive approaches in these four areas.
Reposition– we offer the latest surgical and non-surgical techniques including FaceTite™ and Silhouette Instalift™ to reposition tissue that has been affected by the aging process.
Relax– we offer advanced techniques with neuromuscular relaxers like Botox® and Dysport® and all injections are personally performed by Dr. O’Connell.
Refill – as a master injector, Dr. O’Connell uses the latest fillers (including fat and PRP) for tissue augmentation.
Resurface – we were early adaptors of laser resurfacing in the ‘90s and today resurfacing is an integral part of our practice. We begin with medical grade skin care and usually follow with BBL™ intense pulsed light. We’re a proud Sciton practice and we offer the revolutionary Halo™ hybrid laser as well as ProFractional and full field resurfacing. Resurfacing is an integral part of our approach to lower eyelid and perioral rejuvenation.
Body Contouring:
Dr. O’Connell was the first plastic surgeon in Connecticut to incorporate ultrasonic liposuction into his practice and he has served as a Visiting Professor on this topic. In his most recent article, published in the journal Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, his technique for drainless abdominoplasty without need for permanent suture material is outlined. This is known as BAND Abdominoplasty and it’s Dr. O’Connell’s preferred technique at this time.
The “Body Ladder” Approach - With the advent of minimally and non-invasive approaches to body contouring, Dr. O’Connell has developed the “Body Ladder” concept and this is incorporated into our evaluation and planning for every body contouring patient.
Level 0 – diet and exercise
Level I – CoolSculpting®. The Aesthetic Center is a Crystal Preferred facility and we’re one of the leading providers in the Northeast. We offer CoolSculpting Plus with the Zimmer ZWave machine at no additional charge.
Level II – BodyTite™ – the revolutionary, FDA approved radiofrequency technology from In Mode Aesthetics that offers fat removal plus up to 45% skin shrinkage without need for sedation or general anesthesia. BodyTite™ has been a significant advance in the area of arm contouring and can be used in many areas of the body.
Level III – Liposuction, including ultrasonic liposuction – Dr. O’Connell was an active member of the Liposuction Society of North America.
Level IV – Surgical Correction – With over 35 years of surgical experience and thousands of procedures, Dr. O’Connell is your go-to resource for tummy-tucks and other body contouring procedures.
Aesthetic Breast Surgery:
Breast Reduction: We understand the difficulties that breast enlargement can create and Dr. O’Connell has published two articles on the subject of breast reduction. We’ll help you navigate the difficult process of insurance coverage. When it comes to breast reduction, training and experience matter and Dr. O’Connell has been performing this procedure for over 30 years.
Breast Augmentation: Breast augmentation has been part of our practice for three decades. We’re excited about the new Ideal Implant that offers the safety of saline with the look and feel of gel. Dr. O’Connell is known as a resource for difficult breast problems including secondary breast surgery for malposition, capsular contracture and other challenging problems.
Breast Lifting: We believe that when it comes to breast aesthetics, it’s not just about size but rather it’s about shape. We offer mastopexy, both with and without implants, and we strive to minimize scarring whenever possible. We’re also pleased to offer non-surgical breast lifting with BodyTite™ as an office-based, outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia.
Feminine Rejuvenation:
Labiaplasty: Dr. O’Connell is at the forefront of the latest techniques of labiaplasty and, in most cases, he is able to perform reduction of the labia minora under local anesthesia. Because the technique is almost invariably performed in our nationally accredited, office based outpatient surgical facility we are able to perform labiaplasty at significantly lower cost than other providers.
ThermiVa™ and PRP: The Aesthetic Center was an early adapter of ThermiVa™ and we offer PRP for sexual enhancement/rejuvenation, hair regeneration and in facial aesthetics. ThermiVa™ is performed by a female registered nurse with OB-GYN experience in a spa like setting.
Additional Information
In facial rejuvenation we strive for a rested, natural, harmonious, non-surgical look and ancillary procedures such as Botox®, injectible fillers, laser resurfacing and skin care are carefully integrated into a rejuvenation plan that is custom designed for each patient. Breast augmentation patients are encouraged to “try-on” implants for size and Dr. O’Connell believes that the aesthetics of breast shape is equally important to the aesthetics of breast size. In body contouring we strive to recommend the simplest, least invasive procedure that can achieve your aesthetic goals. Dr. O’Connell utilizes ultrasonic liposuction and traditional liposuction as well as abdominoplasty, including mini-abdominoplasties, to optimize the aesthetic results for his body contouring patients.
It’s important for our patients to understand that all surgery, including aesthetic surgery, involves some uncertainty and risk. While we strive for perfection, this can never be achieved and, like all honest physicians, Dr. O’Connell cannot provide any guarantee, explicit or implied, as to the result or outcome of a surgical or other aesthetic procedure. What he can guarantee, however, is that he will do his very best. Dr. O’Connell will listen to your concerns and with the meticulous attention to detail he provides to each and every one of his patients he will do all he can to help you look your very best.
Facial Rejuvenation:
Dr. O’Connell specializes in minimally invasive facial rejuvenation and he has been featured on television performing a short-scar facelift and also was chosen to perform an upper blepharoplasty under local anesthesia on the CBS Early Show. His recent publication outlining his facelift techniques was the lead article in the August, 2015 issue of the prestigious Aesthetic Surgery Journal. Dr. O’Connell was also one of the originators of the “no touch” technique of lower lid blepharoplasty utilizing laser resurfacing – a technique that is more popular than ever in our practice today.
The “Four R’s” - Dr. O’Connell currently believes in the “Four R” approach to facial rejuvenation and we are pleased to offer both surgical and minimally/non-invasive approaches in these four areas.
Reposition– we offer the latest surgical and non-surgical techniques including FaceTite™ and Silhouette Instalift™ to reposition tissue that has been affected by the aging process.
Relax– we offer advanced techniques with neuromuscular relaxers like Botox® and Dysport® and all injections are personally performed by Dr. O’Connell.
Refill – as a master injector, Dr. O’Connell uses the latest fillers (including fat and PRP) for tissue augmentation.
Resurface – we were early adaptors of laser resurfacing in the ‘90s and today resurfacing is an integral part of our practice. We begin with medical grade skin care and usually follow with BBL™ intense pulsed light. We’re a proud Sciton practice and we offer the revolutionary Halo™ hybrid laser as well as ProFractional and full field resurfacing. Resurfacing is an integral part of our approach to lower eyelid and perioral rejuvenation.
Body Contouring:
Dr. O’Connell was the first plastic surgeon in Connecticut to incorporate ultrasonic liposuction into his practice and he has served as a Visiting Professor on this topic. In his most recent article, published in the journal Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, his technique for drainless abdominoplasty without need for permanent suture material is outlined. This is known as BAND Abdominoplasty and it’s Dr. O’Connell’s preferred technique at this time.
The “Body Ladder” Approach - With the advent of minimally and non-invasive approaches to body contouring, Dr. O’Connell has developed the “Body Ladder” concept and this is incorporated into our evaluation and planning for every body contouring patient.
Level 0 – diet and exercise
Level I – CoolSculpting®. The Aesthetic Center is a Crystal Preferred facility and we’re one of the leading providers in the Northeast. We offer CoolSculpting Plus with the Zimmer ZWave machine at no additional charge.
Level II – BodyTite™ – the revolutionary, FDA approved radiofrequency technology from In Mode Aesthetics that offers fat removal plus up to 45% skin shrinkage without need for sedation or general anesthesia. BodyTite™ has been a significant advance in the area of arm contouring and can be used in many areas of the body.
Level III – Liposuction, including ultrasonic liposuction – Dr. O’Connell was an active member of the Liposuction Society of North America.
Level IV – Surgical Correction – With over 35 years of surgical experience and thousands of procedures, Dr. O’Connell is your go-to resource for tummy-tucks and other body contouring procedures.
Aesthetic Breast Surgery:
Breast Reduction: We understand the difficulties that breast enlargement can create and Dr. O’Connell has published two articles on the subject of breast reduction. We’ll help you navigate the difficult process of insurance coverage. When it comes to breast reduction, training and experience matter and Dr. O’Connell has been performing this procedure for over 30 years.
Breast Augmentation: Breast augmentation has been part of our practice for three decades. We’re excited about the new Ideal Implant that offers the safety of saline with the look and feel of gel. Dr. O’Connell is known as a resource for difficult breast problems including secondary breast surgery for malposition, capsular contracture and other challenging problems.
Breast Lifting: We believe that when it comes to breast aesthetics, it’s not just about size but rather it’s about shape. We offer mastopexy, both with and without implants, and we strive to minimize scarring whenever possible. We’re also pleased to offer non-surgical breast lifting with BodyTite™ as an office-based, outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia.
Feminine Rejuvenation:
Labiaplasty: Dr. O’Connell is at the forefront of the latest techniques of labiaplasty and, in most cases, he is able to perform reduction of the labia minora under local anesthesia. Because the technique is almost invariably performed in our nationally accredited, office based outpatient surgical facility we are able to perform labiaplasty at significantly lower cost than other providers.
ThermiVa™ and PRP: The Aesthetic Center was an early adapter of ThermiVa™ and we offer PRP for sexual enhancement/rejuvenation, hair regeneration and in facial aesthetics. ThermiVa™ is performed by a female registered nurse with OB-GYN experience in a spa like setting.
Additional Information
In facial rejuvenation we strive for a rested, natural, harmonious, non-surgical look and ancillary procedures such as Botox®, injectible fillers, laser resurfacing and skin care are carefully integrated into a rejuvenation plan that is custom designed for each patient. Breast augmentation patients are encouraged to “try-on” implants for size and Dr. O’Connell believes that the aesthetics of breast shape is equally important to the aesthetics of breast size. In body contouring we strive to recommend the simplest, least invasive procedure that can achieve your aesthetic goals. Dr. O’Connell utilizes ultrasonic liposuction and traditional liposuction as well as abdominoplasty, including mini-abdominoplasties, to optimize the aesthetic results for his body contouring patients.
It’s important for our patients to understand that all surgery, including aesthetic surgery, involves some uncertainty and risk. While we strive for perfection, this can never be achieved and, like all honest physicians, Dr. O’Connell cannot provide any guarantee, explicit or implied, as to the result or outcome of a surgical or other aesthetic procedure. What he can guarantee, however, is that he will do his very best. Dr. O’Connell will listen to your concerns and with the meticulous attention to detail he provides to each and every one of his patients he will do all he can to help you look your very best.
Education & Training
Undergraduate Degree: The University of Rochester, Rochester, N.Y. - 1977.
Phi Beta Kapa
Medical School: Cornell University Medical College – 1981
Internship: St. Francis Hospital/University of Connecticut
General Surgery Residency: St. Vincent’s Medical Center
Plastic Surgery Residency: The New York Hospital/Cornell Medical Center
Phi Beta Kapa
Medical School: Cornell University Medical College – 1981
Internship: St. Francis Hospital/University of Connecticut
General Surgery Residency: St. Vincent’s Medical Center
Plastic Surgery Residency: The New York Hospital/Cornell Medical Center
Locations
Additional Information
Gender
Male
Office Hours
Office Hours
Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 1pm
Saturday: 10am to 1pm
Board Certifications
Board Certifications
The American Board of Surgery (ABS)
The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)
The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME)
The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)
The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME)
Society Memberships
Society Memberships
The Aesthetic Society
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
Connecticut Society of Plastic Surgeons (CSPS)
Connecticut State Medical Society (CSMS)
Fairfield County Medical Association (FCMA)
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
Connecticut Society of Plastic Surgeons (CSPS)
Connecticut State Medical Society (CSMS)
Fairfield County Medical Association (FCMA)
Hospital Affiliation(s)
Hospital Affiliation(s)
Yale New Haven Health – Bridgeport Hospital
Senior Attending Surgeon
Chief Division Plastic Surgery – 1995-2002
Senior Attending Surgeon
Chief Division Plastic Surgery – 1995-2002
Surgical Facilities
Surgical Facilities
The Aesthetic Center includes an on-site, outpatient surgical facility accredited by the AAAASF to their highest level (Level C). Anesthesia and sedation, when necessary, are administered only by board certified anesthesiologists. We have the ability to incorporate minimally invasive procedures like laser resurfacing and BodyTite™/FaceTite™ into our surgical planning. Discrete off-street parking, an entrance hidden from public view and a limousine entrance/discharge area are available. Every effort is made to insure that your visit is a memorable aesthetic experience in the safest and most luxurious of settings.
Contact