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As a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), this physician is among a select group of board-certified plastic surgeons who have attained the highest level of achievement in cosmetic surgical training, continuing education and clinical experience.

Philosophy & Practice Info

Practice Philosophy

Aesthetic surgery is neither form alone nor function alone, but rather a natural and harmonious blending of the two. Our philosophy is simple - we are a high-end aesthetic practice and no effort is spared to provide our patients with the very best in all aspects of their care. We believe in a "less-is-more" philosophy - just as the skilled writer or artist conveys their message with the fewest, most carefully chosen words or brush strokes, we help our patients achieve their aesthetic goals with the fewest, least invasive, safest and least costly techniques. Most procedures are performed in our accredited office facility without need for general anesthesia. We carefully evaluate and employ recent technological developments in our field (lasers, ultrasonic liposuction, etc.) and we combine them with time-proven techniques to optimize our patient's results. We strive to minimize the recovery period and we understand that it is difficult for our patients to miss more than one week from their professional and social schedules.

Practice Specialization

Dr. O'Connell dedicates his practice to three areas of aesthetic surgery: facial rejuvenation (including surgery of the eyelids and laser resurfacing), body contouring (including ultrasonic liposuction) and surgery of the breast.

Dr. O'Connell specializes in minimally invasive facial rejuvenation and he has been featured on television performing a short-scar facelift. He has twice appeared on the national television show, Inside Edition performing ultrasonic liposuction for gynecomastia and also otoplasty for correction of protruding ears. He has written two articles on his techniques for facelifting and also published two articles on eyelid rejuvenation. Dr. O'Connell's practice incorporates ancillary procedures such as Botox®, injectable fillers (Collagen, Cymetra, Radiance, Restylane, Cosmoderm/Cosmoplast), laser hair reduction, laser treatment of spider veins and dyschromias, photorejuvenation and medical skin care to enhance his patients' aesthetic results.

Facial Rejuvenation:
Facial rejuvenation procedures offered include eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), face and neck-lifts, including short-scar facelifts, brow-lifts, rhinoplasty, chin implants, laser resurfacing and lip augmentation.

Body Contouring:
Dr. O'Connell was the first plastic surgeon in Connecticut to incorporate ultrasonic liposuction into his practice and he has lectured at Yale University and also served as a Visiting Professor in this area. He utilizes both traditional and ultrasonic liposuction depending upon the aesthetic needs of his patients and he performs other body contouring procedures including abdominoplasty, correction of deformities following bariatric surgery and weight loss and excisional body contouring procedures (e.g. arm, thigh lifts, etc.).

Surgery of the Breast:
Dr. O'Connell has published two articles on the subject of breast reduction and he also performs breast augmentation, breast lifts (mastopexy), correction of breast asymmetry and gynecomastia. He performs the new "liposuction-only-breast-reduction" in his office facility without need for general anesthesia.

Surgical Facility

Dr. O'Connell's outpatient surgical facility, which includes a full operating room and a two bed recovery room, is among the most advanced and luxurious aesthetic facilities in the country. The facility is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation for Ambulatory Surgical Facilities and photographs are posted on his main web site www.plasticsurgeryct.com. Discrete off-street parking, two waiting areas, a private limousine entrance/discharge area and a laser facility dedicated to treatment of unwanted hair, blood vessels and wrinkles are included. Accreditation: AAAASF

Consultation

Approximately forty-five minutes to one hour is allotted for an aesthetic consultation and many patients are seen twice prior to surgery. All consultations are on a one-on-one basis with Dr. O’Connell who will take a comprehensive medical history work and with your other physicians (with your permission) to coordinate your care and to minimize risk. Written materials and brochures are provided to supplement your consultation. Most procedures are performed in our accredited in-office surgical facility without need for general anesthesia. All patients meet with anesthesia personnel prior to surgery. A tour of our surgical facility can be arranged at the time of your consultation. For those with medical problems or patients who require an overnight hospital stay, we offer affordable rates in conjunction with Bridgeport Hospital. Local hotels, limousine service, a private entrance and two waiting areas are also available.

During your consultation we will review your aesthetic goals and perform a careful examination. Dr. O’Connell will discuss in great detail the various surgical and non-surgical options as well as their potential benefits and risk. Dr. O’Connell believes that the consultation should be an educational process for the patient and should also enable him to understand the factors and restrictions that would lead you to favor one type of procedure over another (e.g. timing of surgery and recovery period, participation in sports, your type of job, etc.). Computer imaging and photographs are educational tools offered to our patients, however, it’s important to understand that they are only that, and they are not intended to create a guarantee or warranty as to the result that you may achieve.

Consultations are by appointment only and are arranged by calling our office at (203) 454-0044.

Payment Options

Certified check or money order

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Outside financing is available through Cosmetic Fee Plan and Unicorn

Computer Imaging

Dr. O'Connell has performed computer imaging since 1993. He currently utilizes the Canfield Systems Mirror system.