Dr. Verne Weisberg is a board certified plastic surgeon specializing in facial and body enhancements. His office is located in Portland, Maine. Patients from the surrounding areas and cities such as South Portland, Augusta, Lewiston, Bangor, Auburn, Brunswick, Biddeford, Sanford, and Scarborough, as well as Boston in Massachusetts, New York City in New York, and Concord in New Hampshire, can conveniently schedule appointments in our Portland office.

Please Call Us: (207)775-1933

Please Call Us: (207)775-1933

VERNE WEISBERG, MD, FACS

Dr. Verne Weisberg Dr. Weisberg is board certified with two surgical specialties. His first board certification is in otolaryngology (ENT), after three years of training at the prestigious Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. Dr. Weisberg was then privileged to complete his plastic surgical residency at Yale University, after which he was invited to join the faculty. While a resident at Yale, Dr. Weisberg spent several months at New York University Medical Center and Manhattan Eye and Ear Hospital where he studied aesthetic surgery. In 1987, Dr. Weisberg was appointed Assistant Professor of Surgery (Plastic) by Yale University, where he taught the general surgery and plastic surgery residents. During that time, he developed a love for clinical practice and cosmetic surgery, especially after having developed the first university-based aesthetic surgery practice on his own. The draw of private practice was, however, strong and he left the University to start his own practice in Portland, Maine. His motto has always been "good cosmetic surgery should be invisible." Since that time (18 years ago) Dr. Weisberg has developed the premier Aesthetic Surgical Practice in northern New England. As a double-boarded surgeon, he is uniquely trained in all aspects of facial plastic surgery with a special-interest in rhinoplasty, both primary and revisional. Dr. Weisberg enjoys performing the full variety of aesthetic plastic surgery , including body sculpturing, fat grafting, breast augmentation and lifting, as well as the treatment of deformities that occur after massive weight loss. Dr. Weisberg has been a pioneer in limited incisional surgery for reducing breasts, and has introduced cutting edge procedures and has written many articles on advanced techniques in aesthetic and cosmetic surgery. "Portland, Maine is a hidden gem for aesthetic surgery. I have been able to develop a Beverly Hills style of practice with a unique Maine twist. While I have patients from all over the country as well as other countries, the New England patients are incredibly wonderful. It is a joy to be able to work with them." EDUCATION BOARD CERTIFICATION BS Biology City University of New York Brooklyn College Brooklyn, NY 1970-1974 M.D. State University of New York Downstate Medical Center     Brooklyn, NY 1976-1980 Diplomate National Board of Medical Examiners 1981   American Board of Otolaryngology 1986   American Board of Plastic Surgery 1989   Certificate Added Qualifications in Hand Surgery 1994   MEMBERSHIPS American Society of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons, Inc.

JOHN P. CEDERNA, MD, FACS

Dr. John Cederna Dr. Cederna completed his undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry from the University of Michigan and Northern Michigan University in 1978. He received his MD degree from Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan in 1982. Five years of General Surgery training was accomplished at Mount Carmel Mercy Medical Center in Detroit from 1982-1987. His Plastic Surgery training was completed at Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine after two additional years in 1989. He began his practice of Plastic Surgery in Maine in 1989. Dr. Cederna was Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery (General Surgery) in 1988. He was Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery for added qualifications in Surgery of the Hand in 1992. He is currently certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (Plastic Surgery) 1991. Dr. Cederna is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He holds staff appointments at Maine Medical Center, Mercy Hospital, and the Plastic Surgery Center, PA in Portland, Maine. After leaving Maine for awhile, Dr. Cederna has chosen to return to our fine state and resume practicing with the Plastic Surgery Center. Skilled in many areas of plastic surgery, his particular interest is in facial surgery. Dr. Cederna is a double board certified surgeon that performs a variety of plastic surgery procedures including breast augmentation, lifting, body contouring, tummy tucks, arm and flank lifting. Dr. Cederna looks forward to seeing past patients again and continuing to meet the desires of new patients.

The way we look can have a big effect on the way we feel. We all want to look our best. But sometimes, for some of us, there's something that's not quite right. Maybe it's a nose that's too big or a chin that's too small. Surgical treatment of these problems has been sought by growing numbers of people, not just the rich and famous. The reason: modern techniques have made these procedures safe, effective, and affordable.

Gain insight and knowledge about plastic surgery procedures.  Find information about our services that will help you explore all your possibilities.  Click on the procedure that is of interest to you:

The staff of Plastic Surgery Center, P.A. The Plastic Surgery Center is a certified surgical facility, AAAASF (American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc.) where we offer you a comfortable and relaxed setting with state-of-the-art technology in cosmetic surgery. Both Dr. Weisberg and Dr. Cederna are board certified plastic surgeons. We have a highly experienced and professional staff who will help make your time with us a positive experience from the initial consult with Dr. Weisberg or Dr. Cederna, and Patient Care Coordinator, to surgery and then after care. OUR MISSION STATEMENT: We believe that each person is an individual with unique needs. To meet those needs we are committed to providing and maintaining unparalleled standards of care, excellence, quality, and above all, compassion. Our goal is to help people feel good about themselves by bringing out the beauty that’s been there all along. We highly recommend Dr. Susan Baskin's office for non-invasive procedures such as medically supervised spa treatments. You can find her website at http://www.drsusanbaskin.com/. Contact us today for more information about our services at (207) 775-1933 or send us your comments and questions by email.

NOSE SURGERY (Rhinoplasty)

Rhinoplasty is the operative procedure used to change or improve the shape of the nose. Nasal deformities may be congenital, may develop as the person grows, or may be the result of injury. Underlying bone and cartilage give the nose shape. Rhinoplasty can straighten the nose or improve the shape of a nose that does not otherwise fit the face. Nasal deformity also may cause breathing difficulty. Rhinoplasty to improve appearance can be performed in conjunction with a procedure to correct the breathing problem. In instances of functional problems, insurance may cover some of the costs. Rhinoplasty, or surgery to reshape the nose, is one of the most common of all plastic surgery procedures. Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of your nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between your nose and your upper lip. It may also correct a birth defect or injury, or help relieve some breathing problems. If you're considering rhinoplasty, this information will give you a basic understanding of the procedure: when it can help, how it's performed, and what results you can expect. It can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on the individual patient and the surgeon. Please ask your surgeon about anything you don't understand. Rhinoplasty can be done at any time once nasal growth is complete. In women, this usually occurs by age 13; in men, by age 16. Rhinoplasty incisions are inside the nose and are closed with dissolving sutures. Sometimes there is a small incision at the junction of the lip and nose. If the nostrils must be narrowed, there may be small incisions and removable sutures at the nostril rim. These sutures are taken out five days after surgery. When rhinoplasty is completed a splint is placed on the outside. The splint will be removed about one week after surgery and showering will be permitted at that time. Most bruising and swelling will disappear within 10 to 14 days. Prolonged swelling of the tip of the nose is an uncommon problem, which may require special attention. You may participate in non-contact exercise two weeks after surgery, but you should avoid contact athletics for six weeks.

As the face ages, gravity's effects become more obvious. The earliest apparent change is loss of the cervical mental angle, the angle formed by the neck and lower jaw. As the neck skin becomes lax, it sags and gradually obliterates the youthful sharp angle. This condition generally has three components: a laxity of skin, a laxity of the underlying muscles (particularly the platysma muscles) and an accumulation of fat. Lax platysma muscles cause the bands in the front portion of the neck that often are seen in older persons. In the upper portion of the face along the jaw line, excess skin creates jowls. These jowls may be characterized by fat deposits. The folds that run from the nose to the jaw (nasolabial folds) also become more accentuated with age.

BEFORE AFTER

Click here for more before-and-after Facelift photos.

Surgery to improve the appearance of the aging face and neck is called a facelift. This procedure removes accumulated fat, repairs muscles that have stretched and removes excess skin.

While a facelift removes coarse wrinkling and sagging skin, it cannot remove the fine wrinkling associated with sun exposure.

The usual facelift incision is from the temporal hairline in front of the ear, around the earlobe, behind the ear and into the hairline around the back of the neck. Dr. Weisberg and Dr. Cederna use a "short scar" techniques in order to avoid the noticeable scars behind the ears, and to shorten the recovery time.

There may also be a small incision under the chin. This placement of the incisions restricts any scarring to less obvious areas. There have been recent improvements in the procedure to support the underlying facial structures, resulting in a more successful and longer-lasting outcome.

There is no special age for a facelift. A facelift may be desired whenever changes due to aging become bothersome to the individual. For some people, this occurs as soon as the cervical mental angle begins to fall. Others are not bothered until changes are more advanced and jowl formation or platysmal banding begins.

Patients often ask how long a facelift lasts. The answer is as individual as the patient. While surgery can turn back the clock, it does not stop aging. Facial aging will continue at the normal rate for that person. The average time before people begin to consider a second facelift is usually six to ten years. Many patients never have a second procedure.

In scheduling your surgery, we recommend that you allow four weeks for healing prior to any important function you plan to attend, in case your healing is slow or there is an unexpected complication. We recommend that you have any hair trimming or coloring done during the week before surgery. You should wait four to six weeks after surgery before coloring your hair again.

After surgery you will probably not be wrapped in a dressing. One to two days after, you will return for a checkup. You will see noticeable bruising and swelling. Your surgeon will let you know when you will be able to shower. All sutures are absorbable and placed under the skin surface, so that they don't have to be removed. Before and after surgery we recommend that you consult with the makeup specialist in our office about techniques to camouflage any remaining bruises. There is no charge for this service. Most bruising will subside by 14 to 21 days after surgery. Swelling may take longer to disappear. Most patients are able to resume a normal level of activity within two to three weeks after surgery.

Possible risks associated with a facelift include skin damage in front of or behind the ear and damage to the nerves that move the face. Complications are rare and usually temporary. Skin damage, however, is more common in cigarette smokers.

Click here for more before-and-after Facelift photos.

Portland ME Plastic Surgeon