Dr. Joseph Capella- Best Arm Lift/Top Notch

If you are looking for an experienced, well-respected, compassionate, confident and exceptionally competent, board certified plastic surgeon, with a specialty in body contouring and brachioplasty, Dr. Joseph Capella (Ramsey, NJ) is a leader in the field.
I thoroughly researched brachioplasty experts, and was willing to travel anywhere in the country for the best care. I scoured many doctor’s websites and the vast majority did not have any photos of arm lifts they personally performed; Dr. Capella’s website had in excess of 100. Prior to meeting Dr. Capella, I went for several consultations, with high profile, accomplished surgeons. I wanted to hear multiple opinions before making such a big decision. I left every appointment with one reservation or another. I did not want a plastic surgeon who “does some arm lifts” but hundreds of breasts and noses. I wanted someone who had done hundreds of arms. My last consultation appointment was with Dr. Capella. I scheduled the appointment with the assistance of his office manager, Kerry, who was kind and accommodating. I arrived hopeful.
From the moment I met Dr. Capella, I was impressed. I was feeling anxious, but he immediately made me feel comfortable. He has a very calming presence, which is important to me. We sat in his office to talk first and then an exam followed. He spent as much time as I needed, and gathered information about my history, concerns and expectations. He showed me photos of his work, explained the details of the procedure and answered all of my questions (I had many). When I shared with him the opinions of other surgeons I saw, regarding how they would approach the surgery (liposuction as one procedure; skin removal as a second procedure), he listened and shared with me why he does things the way that he does. His ego did not appear to be threatened by my questions or by the fact that I went for several consultations. Some doctors get impatient or defensive when questioned, but not Dr. Capella. He was open, relatable, approachable and transparent. He shared with me how his methods have morphed over the years and how experience brought him there. There is NO teacher like experience, and he has tons. For example, his suture style is different than many other doctors, but once he explained WHY he closes incisions in a unique way, it made perfect sense (and now at 5 weeks post-op, I am thrilled with the scar so far). He made me feel comfortable in the exam room, and inspected my scars from previous surgeries so he and I could realistically predict how my brachioplasty scar might heal. He also spoke to me about risks, how he handles complications and how he handles revisions. He was quite confident in a favorable result but was honest and did not make empty promises of perfection. I asked Kerry to hold a date for me, and they generously gave me a few days to make a final decision (which clearly, I did).
On the day of surgery, I reported to the hospital. I was happy that Dr. Capella performs this procedure in a high ranked hospital setting. Everyone I interacted with at the facility was friendly, welcoming and understanding. I felt relaxed, knowing that Dr. Capella’s operating room assistant, Scott, has been working with Dr.C for many years. Dr. Capella also rotates between several anesthesiologists with whom he shares a relationship and experience. I did not want him to meet his team that morning for the first time. I wanted them to have a history of successfully working together, which they did. I told Dr. C that I did not want any residents to work on me or to be present. I only wanted him performing the procedure. He assured me that he would be the only doctor working on me. The anesthesiologist introduced herself to me and we spoke at length about what I should expect. She was wonderful. After the surgery, I spent several hours in recovery, and the nurses there were excellent. They were attentive and helped with whatever I needed. I knew I was in good hands from arrival to discharge.
Post-surgery, I have been healing well. While recovery has been a little more difficult than I anticipated, I am making progress each day. I was most surprised by how long it has taken me to do things independently, but I am also the cautious type. I have had several questions over the past five weeks, and Dr. Capella has answered every one of them. He and his office are so responsive to every concern. I send him photos weekly (sometimes more than once a week) so that he can look at my incision and let me know what is normal, and why things are happening as they are. He and his staff never make me feel like a bother and get back to me quickly (even once on a Saturday night). Aftercare is as important to me as surgical skill, and I have received the best aftercare. Dr. Capella and his staff are as invested in my result and I am. He wants his patients to feel good and look good. While It is too early in my recovery to know what my final results will be, I am confident that Dr. Capella will make sure I am healthy and satisfied with the aesthetics. I am grateful that I found him and highly recommend Dr. Joseph Capella to anyone considering, body contouring, especially brachioplasty.