Dana Point Plastic Surgery

You Can Improve Your Sun-Damaged Skin With Laser Treatments

2009-12-10T10:23:00.000-08:00

Currently, there are many lasers used for facial and skin rejuvenation and to treat sun damage and photo-aging of the skin. One older laser system, the carbon dioxide laser, has been very effective for treating sun damaged skin but has fallen out of favor. This is because it routinely caused extensive rawness of the skin that typically required over 2 weeks of “hiding out” or “downtime” to recover. In addition to the time it took to heal, it frequently caused skin discoloration and occasionally scarring. Many lasers available today require very little downtime and yield some improvement of the skin but are not nearly as effective as the carbon dioxide laser. As with any procedure, anyone considering laser skin treatments should first consult with a plastic surgeon prior to under going their chosen procedure.

What Is Collagen?

2009-12-07T10:10:00.000-08:00

Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that helps to nourish the skin, joints, bones, and ligaments with in your body. Injectable collagen, is derived from purified bovine collagen. The purification process results in a product that is very similar to the collagen produced naturally in the human body. In the early 80's, the FDA approved collagen for cosmetic use. This purified collagen is produced in varying thicknesses to meet the needs of individual patients. Collagen is used as a filler for treat fine lines and wrinkles, though it can also be used to fill in scars on the face, neck, back and chest.
During the collagen injection procedure, a knowledgeable and experienced skin care specialist or cosmetic surgeon will perform a skin test to determine if a patient is allergic to the collagen. Once the test is complete, and the specialist or surgeon determines the subject is not allergic, the collagen is then injected under the skin using a fine needle which is inserted at several points along the edge of the treatment area. In some cases a mild local anesthetic is used. If no anesthetic is used, you may experience a mild stinging and/or burning sensation during the injection process. Collagen is partly comprised of salt water, which will be absorbed by the body within a few days of the procedure. Because of this, the specialist or surgeon will overfill the treatment area slightly.

Rhinoplasty Surgery: What Makes A Good Candidate For This Procedure?

2009-12-05T13:24:00.000-08:00

The best candidates for rhinoplasty, more commonly known as nose surgery, have a nose that is unattractive or does not "fit" with other facial features. Deformities, breathing problems, birth defects injury, disease and noses that seem large in comparison to other facial features are all excellent indications that rhinoplasty surgery can help. Nose reshaping is intended to produce a more attractive nose shape and/or create better proportion to other facial features. Rhinoplasty surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis under sedation, and local or general anesthesia. During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will decide which rhinoplasty techniques will be used.

There are three types of nose surgery procedure techniques:

In a standard rhinoplasty procedure, the incisions are made inside the nostrils. The nasal bones, cartilage, and soft tissues are all reshaped to improve the external contour. With an open rhinoplasty procedure, which is frequently used for difficult or larger noses, a single external incision across the the part of the nose referred to as columella or the strut between the nostrils. In an open rhinoplasty procedure, the bones, cartilage, and soft tissues are reshaped under direct vision as opposed to a standard rhinoplasty procedure where the bone and soft tissues are reshaped through the small incisions inside the nostrils. Finally, a 'Tip-Plasty" technique is used when only the nasal tip is abnormal. This may be corrected with either a standard or external (open) approach to the surgery. Large nostrils can be reshaped and made smaller through tiny incisions at the outer base of the nostrils with either type of rhinoplasty surgery procedure.

Your Unique Complexion Profile Is the First Step to Complexion Health and Vitality

2009-11-15T17:03:00.000-08:00

Through the new VISIA in-depth analysis of your unique facial characteristics, it is possible to design a facial rejuvenation and skin care program customized just for your specific complexion. The VISIA system’s multi-spectral imaging and analysis gives your plastic surgeon or skin care specialist a clear, multidimensional 'picture' of the individual aspects of your complexion which contribute to your overall appearance by identifying your skin's condition both on the surface and beneath your skin's surface. The VISIA imaging system measures features such as evenness and wrinkles to identify sun damage, and VISIA provides the most comprehensive means available for identifying all aspects of your complexion’s health.

Utilizing VISIA’s accurate imaging of your complexion, your skin care professional or plastic surgeon can design an optimal skin rejuvenation plan for your unique combination of facial characteristics and present you with options to help you realize the complexion you desire. Based on your individual complexion profile, your facial rejuvenation program will also include personalized recommendations for an ongoing skin care health plan, with VISIA imaging as an invaluable aid in monitoring your complexion’s vitality and checking effectiveness of your skin care regimen during a treatment plan.

Your skin complexion is the window through which your image is shown to the rest of the world. The VISIA Complexion Analysis system provides the information necessary to accurately individualize a facial rejuvenation and skin care regimens to match your unique complexion. A VISIA imaging session uses multi-spectral imaging and analysis to capture key 'visual' information of six key areas affecting your complexion's health and its appearance. These areas include wrinkles, spots, pores, color variation/evenness in the your skin's tone), evidence of bacteria within your skin's pores, and UV damage. In addition, the VISIA analysis sustem provides a precise and informative comparison of your complexion’s characteristics to those of others that share your same age and skin type.

Eyelid Surgery- Is it For You?

2009-11-11T13:36:00.000-08:00

Your eyes can be the first place to show the signs of aging. This is because the skin in the eyelids is quite thin and subject to the stress and strain of the daily routine. For some, this results in always having a tired or unhappy look. Others will see fattiness or bags in the lower lids that are inherited and are visible at a young age.

With our advanced techniques, including eyelid lifts and eyelid rejuvenation or blepharoplasty, most people will not realize that you've had eyelid surgery. What people will notice is that you appear younger and more vibrant. No one procedure or technique can address all concerns. Depending on the nature of the problem, lower eyelid surgery can be done using a scarless approach, which addresses the excess fat or heaviness in the lower lid. It can also be tailored to improve eyelid support and reduce skin excess.

Remember, just as it it remains with all surgery procedures, it is important to learn all you can about your chosen procedure prior to having that surgery. Consulting with a skilled, qualified plastic surgeon and performing research are two very important steps to take when considering any plastic or cosmetic surgery procedure.

Bigger, Easier, Better - LookingYourBest.com Reaches for the Next Level

2009-11-10T10:13:00.000-08:00

LookingYourBest.com, the nationwide reference guide to a Who's Who of America's Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeons, offers more than just a bold new look with its comprehensive re-tooling. It offers an enhanced experience.

The first aspect of the new LookingYourBest.com that will surely catch the eye is the new layout and color scheme. The old, sterile layout with its pastel colors blending out to the window's edge has been supplanted by a sharp, clean page set against a rich chocolate tone, with deep rose accents and a commanding presence. In all the site wears a more focused, sophisticated feel that visitors are sure to appreciate.

The visual changes, however, belie the underlying metamorphosis that now makes it even easier to seek out doctors and procedures by multiple criteria. A simplified menu and site structure are two of the keys to the improved ease of use, despite the addition of even more data than before. LookingYourBest has long been an excellent source for finding and comparing professionals in aesthetic medicine, both locally and nationally. Now, the search function in both the gallery and surgeon areas has been simplified and visitors are treated to informative videos and 3D procedure animations to further enhance their search.

There's an important difference in the underpinnings as well, though a casual visitor may not even notice. Nevertheless, by streamlining the site's code, the programmers at LookingYourBest have sought to improve what is often the most important aspect of a web site; browsing speed. The new LookingYourBest.com loads faster and is more intuitive than ever.

Your Skin and Vitamin C

2009-11-06T15:59:00.000-08:00

Ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation is the major culprit in photoaging. UVA is present throughout the year. It can pass through the windows of your home, office and car, and it damages your skin by penetrating into its deeper layers. Unfortunately, UVA protection is not available in all sunscreens, and even those that contain screening agents for UVA do not offer total protection. Vitamin C to the rescue! According to an article published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, studies have suggested that vitamin C is an excellent antioxidant for UVA and ultraviolet B (UVB), making it a useful addition to your daily sunscreen.

Humans cannot synthesize vitamin C. They must ingest it, and body mechanisms limit the amount that can be absorbed and delivered to the tissues. The skin only receives about 8 percent of any vitamin C that is taken orally.

Current topical products for the skin containing specially formulated vitamin C now can provide additional protection for your skin. And, unlike most sunscreens, once vitamin C gets into the skin, it cannot be rubbed or washed away. Topical vitamin C can even be used to treat sunburn. Researchers have suggested that vitamin C can increase collagen synthesis, a reaction that is important in wound healing. It also appears to be useful in reducing fine wrinkling. It is recommended that you consult with a skin care specialist prior to starting a skin care regimen.

Eyelid Lift Surgery in Atlanta, GA

2009-11-04T15:16:00.000-08:00

Do you feel like you're looking at an old, tired person in the mirror? It can be enough to drive a body to the internet to look for what can be done about it. Dr. R. Morgan Davoudi is a board certified plastic surgeon who offers eyelid procedures in Atlanta, GA. Eyelid lift surgery, or blepharoplasty, is often used for people with skin that is drooping over the eyes, and can make a lasting difference.

Excess skin around the eyes doesn't just make you look tired and older, but can impair your vision as well. Removing excess skin from around the eyes can improve your vision as well as help to create a more youthful and alert appearance. Discuss your goals with Dr. Davoudi. Dr. Davoudi generally performs blepharoplasty in Atlanta as an outpatient procedure.

What Is Tuberous Breast Deformity?

2009-11-02T11:28:00.000-08:00

The condition known as “tuberous breast deformity” is a developmental disorder of breast shape and growth wherein the breast assumes a constricted shape. The elements of this problem include a narrow base width of the breast much smaller than would be proportional to the chest, a tight inframammary crease with a very shortened distance from the nipple to the inframammary crease, and often a herniated, or bulging, nipple and areola that is larger in diameter than would proportional to the size of the breast. The condition may exist on one or both sides.

Women who have developed in this way are usually very self-conscious about their condition and are very apprehensive about having their breasts seen by anyone. The treatment is somewhat complicated, but typically involves expanding the base width of the breast with an implanted prosthesis, lowering the inframammary crease, and reducing the bulging of the nipple and areola. The scars are similar to those used to place breast implants, but they go completely around the edge of the areola. Your plastic surgeon will discuss in much greater detail certain aspects of the treatment of this condition, but more information can be found through research on Breast Augmentation.

Breast Reconstruction Options

2009-10-30T09:30:00.000-07:00

The circumstances of individual patient can help to decide what is the best method of breast reconstruction that can be used. The goals of breast reconstruction surgery are to re-create a breast which matches the opposite breast, or in bilateral cases, to reconstruct two breasts to the patients’s desired size. During Breast reconstruction surgery. the nipple and areola are also reconstructed. It is recommended that one consult with a plastic surgeon prior to a mastectomy procedure. This allows the Surgeon and his team to plan a treatment that is best suited for each patient, even if the patient decides to wait to have reconstructive surgery at a later time.

Immediate breast reconstruction occurs when reconstruction of the beast is done at the same time as a mastectomy. The immediate reconstruction method has the advantage of usually saving the patient from undergoing at least one subsequent operation, and this has been proven to provide significant psychological benefit, as the patient never has to experience the total loss of a breast.

Delayed breast reconstruction is a beast reconstruction surgery performed at a later date. The Surgeon may recommend this method for some women, especially if radiation to the chest area is required after the mastectomy. Delayed reconstruction is appropriate for some because radiation therapy following breast reconstruction can increase complications after reconstructive surgery.

2009-03-30T08:30:00.001-07:00

Most Popular Plastic Surgeries Of 2008 - Channel News Asia

KVAL

Most Popular Plastic Surgeries Of 2008
Channel News Asia, Singapore
A total of 894 (461 plastic surgeons, 277 dermatologists and 156 otolaryngologists) completed the survey in time for tabulation. The results of the survey show a clear shift toward noninvasive procedures, says Los Angeles plastic surgeon Dr. Richard ...
Video: Cosmetic Procedures Up In All Ethnic Groups Except ... FOXBusiness
Is Elective Plastic Surgery A Barometer Of The Economy? Business News - KPLR
Cosmetic surgery feels knife of economy Washington Times
Emediawire (press release) - 24-7PressRelease.com (press release)
all 225 news articles

Source: news.google.com

Revolutionary Breakthrough in Lip Augmentation: Valencia Plastic ... - PR Web (press release)

PR Web (press release)

Revolutionary Breakthrough in Lip Augmentation: Valencia Plastic ...
PR Web (press release), WA
Thanks to a revolutionary breakthrough in lip augmentation, Valencia plastic surgeon, Dr. Marc Lussier, is now offering the Perma Facial Implant™—a permanent (yet reversible) lip implant designed to replace traditional lip injections. ...

Source: news.google.com

In China, job seekers are resorting to plastic surgery - Los Angeles Times

In China, job seekers are resorting to plastic surgery
Los Angeles Times, CA
Dr. He Jinlong speaks with a female patient about facial contouring at Shanghai Time Plastic Surgery Hospital. Many Chinese employers make no bones about what they’re looking for in a candidate’s yibiao, or appearance. The cosmetic surgery business is ...

Source: news.google.com

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While most people opt to have eyelid surgery to minimize the signs of aging, even some people in their late 20s and early 30s benefit from the procedure. Plastic Surgeons generally suggests blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, to help them achieve the appearance that they desire.

2009-03-27T09:23:00.001-07:00

Woman caught stealing cosmetic surgery procedures - CBS 42

Woman caught stealing cosmetic surgery procedures
CBS 42, TX
A 30-year-old woman has surrendered in a California court after being caught stealing cosmetic surgery procedures totaling more than $11600. Yvonne Jean Pampellonne allegedly replaced her breast implants and got liposuction at a clinic using a fake ...

Source: news.google.com

MACS Face Lift Revolutionizes Maryland Plastic Surgery Results - Emediawire (press release)

MACS Face Lift Revolutionizes Maryland Plastic Surgery Results
Emediawire (press release), WA
Frederick, Maryland (PRWEB) March 26, 2009 -- A recently developed procedure is literally changing the "face" of cosmetic surgery in Maryland. The MACS face lift, which was developed by European plastic surgeons, is gaining a reputation in the US as a ...

Source: news.google.com

The gloves are off: Cosmetic vs. Plastic Surgery - WDBJ7.com

The gloves are off: Cosmetic vs. Plastic Surgery
WDBJ7.com, VA
Dr. Alouf considers himself a specialist, an expert in the narrow field of cosmetic surgery. He says the concerns of his competitors have nothing to do with the safe practice of medicine. "It comes down to business. It's not about medicine. ...

Source: news.google.com

Calif. Cops Seek Breast Implant Bandit - CBS News

Brisbane Times

Calif. Cops Seek Breast Implant Bandit
CBS News, NY
Yvonne Jean Pampellonne, 30, is sought on ID theft and other charges related to her cosmetic surgery under someone else's name. (KCBS) Weird events, odd people and more peculiar happenings. (CBS) CBS2 in Los Angeles reports on the hunt for a California ...
Women gets plastic surgery with ID theft abc7.com
Her curves (and her ID) were fake Toronto Star
Yvonne Pampellonne: Breast Implants Thief? Right Celebrity
WCBD - Metro
all 159 news articles

2009-03-27T09:22:00.001-07:00

A Total Lift! - People
Ask Joely Richardson what it's like working with her famous mother, Vanessa Redgrave, and she'll draw your attention to that over-the-top scene on Nip/Tuck this season when the two of them shared a giddy, marijuana-induced high. "That was a total
Source: www.people.com

Recession Cuts Many, Not All Plastic Surgery Procedures --Smallest - CNBC
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., March 25, 2009 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Showing sensitivity to weaknesses in the U.S. economy, plastic surgery was not spared from the recession's grasp. According to the newest national procedural statistics
Source: www.cnbc.com

High dosage brachytherapy obtains excellent results in head and neck - EurekAlert
High-dosage perioperative brachytherapy (applied within the surgical process) obtains excellent results in the treatment of head and neck tumours, at the same time as reducing the period of radiation. These are the conclusions of research undertaken
Source: www.eurekalert.org

Plastic surgeon Robert Rey lists Beverly Hills home at $5,295,000 - Los Angeles Times
Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Robert Rey, a.k.a. "Dr. 90210," has listed his house for sale at $5,295,000. The 8,000-square-foot house has five bedrooms and seven bathrooms. There is also a guesthouse, pool and gym. The Mediterranean-style house has
Source: www.latimes.com

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Breast implants will not last forever and will likely need to be replaced with a subsequent Plastic surgery. The FDA approved silicone implants for breast augmentation surgery in November 2006, following years of controlled clinical studies called the Adjunct Studies.

2009-03-25T15:59:00.001-07:00

Economy nips, tucks plastic surgery business - The Associated Press

Economy nips, tucks plastic surgery business
The Associated Press
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (AP) — The struggling economy cut into the cosmetic surgery business last year, but a doctor says he expects demand to return once the recession eases. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says surgical cosmetic procedures ...
Cosmetic surgery feels knife of economy Washington Times
Video: Cosmetic Procedures Up In All Ethnic Groups Except ... PR Newswire (press release)
Unveil your inside beauty with plastic surgery Live-PR.com (Pressemitteilung)
PR Web (press release) - Wall Street Journal Blogs
all 126 news articles

Source: news.google.com

Calif. Cops Seek Breast Implant Bandit - CBS News

The Money Times

Source: news.google.com

Nurturing touch, sunshine and surgery - Business Mirror

Nurturing touch, sunshine and surgery
Business Mirror, Philippines
One hospital, Bumrungrad International Hospital (a partner of local Asian Hospital) owned by a Thai company but managed by American doctors, looked toward Europe and the Middle East, and started marketing its cosmetic surgery services packaged with a ...

Source: news.google.com

As Breast Augmentation Becomes the No. 1 Cosmetic Surgery ... - PR Web (press release)

PR Web (press release)

As Breast Augmentation Becomes the No. 1 Cosmetic Surgery ...
PR Web (press release), WA
(Vocus/PRWEB ) March 25, 2009 -- New statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery report that, for the first time in twelve years, breast augmentation has surpassed liposuction to become the most popular cosmetic surgical ...
Houston Breast Augmentation More Popular for Post-Bariatric Women Emediawire (press release)
Don’t feel bad with your sizes, Breast Augmentation helps you feel ... Live-PR.com (Pressemitteilung)
Doubling Your Self-Esteem Best Syndication
all 6 news articles

Source: news.google.com

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An abdominoplasty or �tummy tuck� is generally the recommended plastic surgery procedure for removing the excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall, resulting in a flatter and more toned stomach.

2009-03-24T16:05:00.001-07:00

Spring Forward with a New You! The Neigel Center for Cosmetic and - Earthtimes
WEST ORANGE, N.J. , March 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Janet Neigel and the staff at the Neigel Center for Cosmetic and Laser Surgery will host their much-anticipated May 3rd , Pre-Mother's Day Open House. The Center, located at 101 Old Short Hills Road in
Source: www.earthtimes.org

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While most people opt to have eyelid surgery to minimize the signs of aging, even some people in their late 20s and early 30s benefit from the procedure. Plastic Surgeons generally suggests blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, to help them achieve the appearance that they desire.

High Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty

2009-03-17T12:30:00.000-07:00

The Abdominoplasty procedure (Tummy Tuck) was developed by plastic surgeons in order to treat skin looseness and stretch marks that developed with age, after pregnancy, and with weight fluctuation. Typically, the procedure involved removal of loose lower abdominal skin up to and above the level of the umbilicus (belly button) and tightening of the abdominal muscles in the midline. A small surgical incision was created in the upper abdominal skin when it is pulled down to the level of the umbilical stalk. In order to remove the lower abdominal skin to the level of the belly button, surgeons elevated the upper abdominal skin and fat off the muscle fascia up to the level of the lower costal (rib) margins.

Because older abdominoplasty techniques emphasized removing the largest amount of lower abdominal skin in the midline, and removing the skin that surrounded the (umbilicus) belly button, these procedures often produced an unnatural appearing abdomen with scars that were too close to the umbilicus. Insistence on complete removal of the abdominal skin around the umbilicus is often a cosmetic error, which produced unnaturally high abdominal scars.

Older techniques of abdominoplasty also produced wide scars with depressions that resulted because the deep tissue of the surgical incision was closed with absorbable sutures.

The High Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty was developed by plastic surgeon Dr. Ted Lockwood to create a more natural and aesthetically pleasing abdominal appearance as a result of abdominoplasty surgery. The HLT Abdominoplasty is noted or the following features:

Emphasis on lateral lower abdominal skin excess excision and post surgical skin tension
Reliance on the strength of the superfascial system for incision closure and optimization of scar.
Limited undermining of upper abdominal skin/soft tissue flaps, which preserves abdominal flap blood supply and allows for liposuction of the abdominal region without compromising skin viability.
De-emphasis on removing all skin up to, around, and above the umbilicus.
Liposuction to treat upper and lateral abdominal and flank fat deposits.

Because abdominal skin and tissue laxity are greater on the sides of the abdomen, and away from the midline, treatment of laxity in these regions is paramount to obtaining better results with abdominoplasty. With the HLT Abdominoplasty, lateral tension is emphasized because tissue laxity increases from the midline to the sides of the trunk with age and/or with weight fluctuation Therefore, the emphasis of skin removal and tightening is shifted from the midline to the sides of the lower abdominal skin and soft tissue.

The Superficial Facial System (SFS) is a connective tissue layer interlaced with the subcutaneous fat that lies between the deep dermis and abdominal fascia. Closure of the deep layers of fat with permanent braided nylon sutures integrates the strength of the (SFS) in the resulting abdominoplasty incision. The permanent stitches, which secure the deep layers of fat surrounded by the SFS, create a durable narrow scar and prevent a "ledge" effect that occurs when absorbable stitches are used on the deep fat layers. The muscles of the abdominal wall are sutured to treat muscle laxity and create an internal corset. The belly button position is transposed.

Liposuction is performed with the High Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty for additional abdominal contour improvement in appropriately selected patients. The combination of liposuction and HLT abdominoplasty gives results that surpass those obtained by either procedure alone. Liposuction of the upper and lateral abdomen improves appearance and often allows the contour of the upper abdomen to show definition where it did not exist before. Not only is the abdomen tightened with this technique, but the anterior thigh is also lifted as well. These features are unique to the High Lateral Tension abdominoplasty technique, and are not as readily achieved (if at all) with traditional abdominoplasty techniques.

High Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty may be performed with liposuction of the back and flank regions. In these cases, the operation becomes one of Total Truncal Rejuvenation as the contour of the entire torso addressed in one operation.

It is always highly recommended that you consult with a specialist such as Indianapolis, Indiana Plastic Surgeon Dr David Slatton before any surgery procedure. Be sure to have all your questions answered and you understand the procedure fully prior to any surgical procedure.

2009-03-12T11:24:00.001-07:00

Do Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ New Adventures Include Plastic Surgery? - Make Me Heal

Do Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ New Adventures Include Plastic Surgery?
Make Me Heal, CA
But Make Me Heal has noticed that more than just Julia’s role seems new and wonders if the change in her appearance could be attributed to plastic surgery. In the April issue of Shape magazine, on which Julia appears on the cover, the 48-year old ...

Source: news.google.com

Should Breast Tissue Be Screened For Cancer After Cosmetic Surgery? - Science Daily (press release)

BBC News

Should Breast Tissue Be Screened For Cancer After Cosmetic Surgery?
Science Daily (press release)
Breast reduction surgery (mammoplasty) is one of the most common procedures performed by plastic surgeons all around the world. For decades it has been common practice to test the removed tissue for cancer. The incidence of cancer found after surgery ...
Breast tissue test consent fear BBC News
Routine Screening of Excised Breast Tissue Can Backfire Women ... Modern Medicine
all 13 news articles

Source: news.google.com

Laura Cummings: A boom in busts for cosmetic surgeons - Scotsman

SYS-CON Media

Laura Cummings: A boom in busts for cosmetic surgeons
Scotsman, United Kingdom
Ken Stewart, consultant plastic surgeon at the hospital, said: "It has been a very healthy year. The numbers are fairly consistent and have gone up. "Cosmetic surgery is becoming more affordable for normal people and more accessible to normal people. ...
ASPS Applauds Introduction of Legislation to Increase Access to ... RedOrbit
all 22 news articles

Dr Jain Answers Questions About IVF and The California Octuplets

2009-02-26T09:31:00.000-08:00

There has been intense international reaction to the birth of octuplets by a Southern California woman. While the details are not fully available, it appears that several frozen embryos were transferred to the uterus of a 33 year old woman resulting in the birth of 8 infants. Dr. Jain has been interviewed by news agencies from around the globe for his comments and perspective. The following is a summary of the most common questions and excerpts from his interviews:

Who qualifies for in-vitro fertilization?

There are no set qualifications for in-vitro fertilization services. Patients should be assessed for medical, psychological and social well-being. Unique to the specialty of fertility is the health and welfare of the unborn child or children. I try to educate and counsel my patients and make a responsible decision in partnership with the intended parents.

Since this young, single woman lives at home and already has 6 children from in-vitro, is it ethical to help her have more?

It is not my role to dictate how many children a person can have. However, since she represents a situation well outside the norm, I would have recommended psychological evaluation and evaluation of her social situation prior to assisting her with additional pregnancies.

Are fertility services regulated? As a result of this case, will there be more regulations?

There are no specific regulations dictating the practice of infertility. The American Society of Reproductive Medicine has created practice guidelines based on scientific evidence that aid practitioners in the safe and effective provision of fertility services. Most fertility doctors follow these guidelines responsibly. The case presented here is an exception and should not be used as the basis for wide-sweeping rules and regulations. Patients should not be fearful that such rogue behavior is common.

Are there guidelines on how many embryos should be transferred?

In general, for women under the age of 35, no more than 2 high-quality fresh embryos or 3 frozen embryos should be transferred. These guidelines exist to prevent multiple pregnancies which carry with them significant risk for premature birth and life long disability or death. The apparent transfer of at least 6 frozen embryos was well above the standard. I am uncertain why they were not transferred in smaller groups of 2 or 3. As a result, both the mother and the children were put at great risk.

What will happen to the fertility doctor? Will the doctor lose his/her license?

We have Medical Boards for this very purpose. They will no doubt investigate this case, gather all the facts, and determine whether sanctions are warranted. The doctor may be put on probation or have his medical license revoked.

It is important to consult with a specialist like Santa Monica Fertility Specialist Doctor John Jain, MD. Be sure to have all your questions answered and ensure you understand the egg freezing process prior to undergoing Egg Freezing and Fertility treatments.

GENETIC TESTING OF EGGS PRIOR TO FREEZING COULD BE DETRIMENTAL

2009-02-26T09:17:00.000-08:00

Eggs are more prone to genetic abnormalities as a woman ages. These abnormalities lead to increased incidences of infertility, miscarriage and birth defects especially in women over 38 years of age. Egg freezing is a method that suspends egg aging. Since the genetic status of an egg cannot be determined solely on appearance, methods to evaluate eggs using genetic probes have developed and recently tested.

The egg discards DNA at two different times during its development, ovulation and fertilization. The reason for this is to reduce the number of chromosomes to 23 in order to match the 23 chromosomes delivered by the sperm. The discarded DNA (in the form of excess chromosomes) is jettisoned outside of the egg as a small, round pocket called the polar body. Removal of the polar body (biopsy) can provide useful information about the genetic status of the egg. For example, if 23 chromosomes are found in the polar body, the presumption is that a normal count of 23 chromosomes remains in the egg. In contrast, if a number other than 23 is found in the polar body, it implies that an abnormal count remains in the egg and suggests that the egg and ensuing embryo will be genetically abnormal.

Testing of the polar body using modern genetic techniques such as Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) or Array-CGH, allows identification of abnormal eggs and can thus help determine the number of genetically normal eggs a woman has to freeze.

However, there are several important limitations to this technology. First, CGH and Array-CGH are still considered experimental, with very little clinical data available. Most clinical data is based on young egg donors and does not reflect the genetic status of eggs from women in their late 30’s.

Second, embryos may be genetically abnormal due to mistakes contributed by the egg at the time of the first polar body formation or the second polar body formation; or mistakes contributed by the sperm at the time of fertilization. Therefore, assessing only the first polar body by no means guarantees that a normal embryo will derive. Third, and perhaps most concerning, is the lack of research regarding the effects of biopsying an egg prior to freezing.

We recently completed a small clinical trial wherein we performed polar body biopsy on eggs prior to freezing. We found a high degree of egg damage. The panel of microscopic pictures above demonstrate these changes: the first picture is a normal egg with an intact first polar body (Photo #1); the next picture is an egg after the polar body was removed (Photo #2); the next two pictures show a biopsied egg after freezing and thawing demonstrating egg contents (Photos #3 & #4) extruding through the biopsy slit. These changes were found on multiple eggs from different patients. These eggs had to be discarded. In addition, many other eggs demonstrated abnormal chromosome segregation after fertilization, and none of the patients achieved a pregnancy.

We vitrified these eggs using a closed container to protect the eggs from viral or fungal contamination. This closed container method, used at the Egg Freezing Center, is currently being tested for FDA approval. Other vitrification methods (open container) expose eggs directly to liquid nitrogen and can lead to contamination. For this reason, the method in use at Egg Freezing Center, and the data presented here is very relevant for patients contemplating fertility preservation and genetic testing.

It is my recommendation that women contemplating egg freezing should not undergo genetic testing of their eggs prior to freezing, but rather use these promising technologies to test eggs in the future once they are fertilized as embryos and have all possible egg-derived and sperm-derived abnormalities present for detection.

What Is A Tummy Tuck?

2009-02-11T12:12:00.000-08:00

Though liposuction alone can help many, others may find a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty to be the right solution. Plastic Surgeons often encounters patients who have dieted, jogged, and done everything possible and still were unable to reduce their abdomen and stomach area. A Surgeon's goal in a tummy tuck procedure is to create a flat, firm stomach and a thinner waist. As with all of his surgical procedures, The Surgeon tailors a tummy tuck to individual needs with a variety of techniques. A "partial" or "mini" tummy tuck can be applied in conjunction with liposculpture.

The tummy tuck procedure tightens the muscles to provide a sleeker, stronger abdominal wall and to make the waist smaller. Loose, lax skin often compromised by stretch marks, is removed. You will be up in a day or two after surgery, but activity may be restricted for three or four weeks while tissues firm and heal.

The Basics Of Breast Enhancement Surgery

2009-02-10T11:37:00.000-08:00

There have been varying viewpoints throughout the years about the best kind of implant to use for Breast Augmentation, and health controversies about one kind of implant that dominated news reports in the 1990's. Many women who were interested in having fuller breasts were fearful to do so because of these reports. The following describes the different kinds of implants that are available, and addresses some of the concerns regarding differences between breast implant fill material, shape, surface texture, size, manufacture, and use of implants.

While there are a number of implants available for Breast Augmentation, currently the most commonly used is the saline breast implant. The saline implant has an exterior sack made of solid silicone, which is filled with a sterile saline solution — like the salt-water solution that is administered for intravenous fluids. One of the advantages of this solution is its safety. Should the implant for some reason leak, the saline just gets absorbed by your body, as would the intravenous fluids used during, and after surgery. Yet another advantage of the saline implants is a very low infection rate, which is usually less than one to two percent.

As with any surgical procedure, it is imperative that you consult with an experienced specialist such as Southern California Plastic Surgeon Dr Michael Schwartz prior to the surgery. Be sure to have all your questions answered and you fully understand your chosen procedure BEFORE you have it. Proper research and education and mean the difference between a night mare and a successful surgery.

Breast Augmentation and You

2009-02-09T14:48:00.000-08:00

Many women have made the choice to create the shape they have always dreamed of through breast enhancement surgery. Confident, sensual and beautiful-simply more of what you already are.

If you're considering breast augmentation with breast implants, this site will give you a basic understanding of the plastic surgery procedure--who it can help, how it's performed, and what results you can expect. Please consult your plastic surgeon if there is anything you don't understand about this breast surgery procedure. Find plastic surgeons or cosmetic surgeons in your area that use saline breast implants or silicone breast implants for breast augmentation surgery.

Liposuction Surgery - an Over View

2009-02-02T10:04:00.000-08:00

Liposuction involves the removal of fat by small tubes, or cannulas, attached to a vacuum aspiration device. Only fat in the subcutaneous layers of the body are accessible for liposuction, but instead must resort to dieting and exercise for this visceral fat loss. Liposuction is not a substitute for proper diet and exercise. Although liposuction, per se, is not a reliable way of losing weight; it is a very reliable means of contouring.

Once the fat cells are removed, your net fat cell number is reduced permanently, thus making it theoretically more difficult for you to regain the fullness in the treated area. Liposuction is essentially a redistribution operation in that the fat in the areas treated is reduced in proportion to the rest of the body. We are frequently asked if the fat "goes somewhere else", or if one tends to put on weight in other areas of the body. One explanation for this perception may be that without a change in caloric intake, in the setting of stable or declining basal metabolic rate (which occurs as we age), it is predictable that fat would accumulate as a means of storing energy. If the depots of fat that were once present have been significantly reduced in capacity, then it follows that those fat depots remaining untreated may tend to accumulate more fat if energy intake exceeds energy expenditure.

It is therefore very important that patients considering liposuction understand the importance of diet and exercise in maintaining their weight, and realize that liposuction is not an alternative to a healthy lifestyle.

It remains that with any elective cosmetic surgery, it is very important for women considering this procedure to be given informed consent. This means that anyone considering having permanent implantation of a medical device is made aware not only of the risks of the operation itself, but also of the lifelong risks of having implants.

Are There Different Liposuction Techniques?

2009-01-28T14:54:00.001-08:00

Though the basics of liposuction remain the same, there are different techniques that can be used during liposuction. "Tumescent Liposuction" During this technique the plastic surgeon will inject a medicated solution into the fatty areas before the fat is removed. The solution is a mixture of intravenous salt water, a local anesthetic (lidocaine) and a drug that contracts the blood vessels (epinephrine). This fluid injection helps the fat to be removed more easily, reduces blood loss and bruising after surgery, and provides anesthesia during and after the surgery. The amount of fluid injected varies and depends on the preference of the surgeon. "Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty (UAL) This technique requires the use of a special cannula that produces ultrasonic energy. As the ultrasonic energy passes through the areas of fat it causes the fat cells to liquefy. The fat is then removed with the traditional liposuction technique. Because the fat is liquid at the time that it is removed, UAL is smoother and mechanically more efficient. UAL also minimizes trauma, resulting in less bruising and blood loss and especially improves the ease and effectiveness of liposuction in fibrous areas of the body. More information about liposuction.

Anatomy of a Breast Augmentation

2009-01-27T10:51:00.000-08:00

A breast implant is a silicone shell filled with either silicone gel or a salt-water solution known as saline. Because of concerns that there is insufficient information demonstrating the safety of silicone gel-filled breast implants, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that new gel-filled implants, at the present time, should be available only to women participating in approved studies. Some women requiring replacement of the implants may also be eligible to participate in the study.

During the Breast Augmentation Surgery, the method of inserting and positioning your implant will depend on your anatomy and your surgeon's recommendation. The incision can be made either in the crease where the breast meets the chest, around the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple), or in the armpit. Every effort will be made to assure that the incision is placed so resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible.

Working through the incision, the surgeon will lift your breast tissue and skin to create a pocket, either directly behind the breast tissue or underneath your chest wall muscle (the pectoral muscle). The implants are then centered beneath your nipples.

The surgery usually takes one to two hours to complete. Stitches are used to close the incisions, which may also be taped for greater support. A gauze bandage may be applied over your breasts to help with healing.

You're likely to feel tired and sore for a few days following your surgery, but you'll be up and around in 24 to 48 hours. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by medication prescribed by your doctor. You should be able to return to work within a few days, depending on the level of activity required for your job. Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. Then they may remain the same size for several months, or even appear to widen. After several months, your scars will begin to fade, although they will never disappear completely.

As with any surgery procedure it is extremely important to consult with a specialist such as Female cosmetic surgeon Dr Beverly Friedlander, MD. Make Sure you have all your questions answered and you fully understand the risks of your chosen procedure BEFORE you have your surgery. Proper research and making an educated ecision can mean the difference between a successful procedure and a nightmare.

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2009-01-26T13:23:00.000-08:00

Rhinoplasty is usually performed under twilight or general anesthesia in an outpatient setting. In most procedures, the skin of the nose is lifted away from the bone and cartilage framework beneath, which is then shaped and sculpted as desired. (Some doctors elect to make the incision from inside the nose, depending on the nature of the surgery.) The skin is then re-draped over the "new" framework, and a splint is applied to help your nose maintain its new form. In some cases, nasal packs or soft splints may be inserted in the nostrils to provide additional stability.

Following surgery, bruising, swelling and discomfort can be expected, but all can be alleviated with cold compresses and medication prescribed by your doctor. (The most visible swelling and bruising are usually gone within two weeks.) Splints, stitches and packing are removed in about a week, and you can usually return to work or non-strenuous activities within a week or two. Strenuous activities may be resumed within four to six weeks.

Of all plastic surgery procedures, nose enhancement, or rhinoplasty, is among the most common. Nose enhancement surgery can be performed on any part of the nose, to increase or reduce its size; to modify the size and shape of the nostrils, tip or bridge of the nose; or to alter the slope or angle of the nose.

High and Extra High Projection Implants: Happy Story with a Twist and Sad Ending

2009-01-26T12:47:00.001-08:00

The plot: What you may think you want, and what you may get...

It's a simple story, but with a sad twist. Certain patients want more projecting breast--forward thrusting, perky, "lifted", or even Dagmar-like (definition: missile or artillery shell-like, named after a famous cleavage, and used for the design of front bumper grill decorations in 50's cars--find out more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dagmar_bumpers.) What patients want, surgeons historically provide. Simple demand and supply, but in this case, a story with a twist.
The story begins something like this--patient wants, surgeon supplies, patient pays, patient has new breasts, patient is happy. Then the twist; the story doesn't stop with "patient is happy". Patient thought she knew what she wanted--she just never dreamed what she might get. Happy for a while, but then later...where did the projection go? "Perky? I don't think so. Now they're more like "rock in a sock?" "I nursed my first child; why can't I nurse now?" And "why can I see the edges of my implant; why are these big ripples in my cleavage area; and why does my surgeon say these things can't be corrected?" Like the movie Easy Rider (yes I know that dates me), a story with a great beginning, but with twists and a sad ending.

High and extra high projection breast implants seem like a good idea for first-time breast augmentation patients who want them--until the story changes with a twist and sad ending. Can a high projecting implant create a high projecting breast that hits the aesthetic mark for what the patient wants? No question, and that's why many surgeons implant them when patients ask. The problem is making choices without knowing the potential story endings.
The more highly projecting (front-to-back dimension) of a breast implant, the harder the implant pushes on what's in front of it--particularly breast tissue (the milk producing tissue that covers the implant and makes the breast feel like a breast) and the skin envelope (the skin that contains the breast implant and breast tissue, and supports the breast). What's wrong with the story so far? Don't we need a more projecting implant to push harder and create a more projecting breast? Yes, we do. Patient and surgeon have decided what they want, and they have selected the type of implant that will force the tissues to the desired result. But then comes the twist: forcing tissues to a desired result has consequences that patient and/or surgeon may not have considered when choosing an implant, changing a happy story to a sad ending.

The twists and the sad ending are predictable. Excessive pressure from excessive breast implant size or projection compresses (squashes is a simpler term) the breast tissue against the overlying skin. Over time, two bad things happen. The breast tissue simply fades away or shrinks over time (medical term: parenchymal atrophy), and it's gone--for good. No breast tissue, no milk, no nursing, and no coverage over the breast implant, so implant edges become visible. Excessive pressure from overly projecting implants overly stretches the skin of the lower breast. Like a blown bubble with chewing gum, as the bubble gets larger, it gets thinner. Larger bubble in the lower breast means emptying of the upper breast and a fuller lower breast--rock in a sock. Thinner bubble with less breast tissue covering the implant allows implant edges to become visible (yes, it's ugly). As the weight of the implant pulls on the thin bubble (the skin evelope), the skin wrinkles and ripples in the areas where the skin is thinnest, often in the cleavage area where it's most noticeable.

Sad ending is, once the tissue is gone, it's gone. Once the skin envelope is too thin--it's forever. No surgical procedure can restore tissues irreversibly damaged by excessively projecting or excessively large imlants. What started out as a well-intended but poorly thought out story, often ends up as a sad ending with uncorrectable tissue deformities.

Morals of the story? Decisions and choices without thorough knowledge can produce irreversible and uncorrectable deformities. Be certain that you balance what you think you want with what you are likely to get.

You may know what you think you want, but you need to know what you may get before making a choice of implant projection and size. Keeping the happy story happy requires the right choices up front, because life (and breast augmentation) are about choices, and patients and surgeons are responsible for the choices they make. Avoiding the twist requires recognizing and avoiding choices that put a sad ending on a happy story. There is little or no place for highly projecting breast implants for primary (first time) augmentation if safety and preservation of patient tissues are priorities.

Postscript: Breast reconstruction after mastectomy is very different compared to breast augmentation. The breast (or large portions of it) is gone. In carefully considered situations, more highly projecting implants sometimes have a place in breast reconstruction.

Terrye Tebbets

Resources: Deciding to have breast augmentation is an important decision to make. Deciding on the right plastic surgeon is also as important.

Fertility Preservation for Women with Cancer

2009-01-26T09:49:00.000-08:00

The fertility preservation options available to patients are determined by patient age, the type and stage of cancer, and the required treatment. The course of action requires critical decision-making and communication between the patient, oncologist and reproductive endocrinologist. This team approach expedites the process and has been shown to yield the safest outcome.

Current options for preserving fertility include egg, embryo or ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Egg freezing is a newer procedure and is considered experimental by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Because of this, all activities at LIFE Research and its affiliates are conducted under the auspices of a research ethics board to assure patient safety.

What Is Egg Freezing and Who May Benefit?

2009-01-23T12:23:00.000-08:00

Egg freezing is a breakthrough technology that allows women to freeze and store their eggs until a pregnancy is desired, at which time the eggs are thawed, fertilized and transferred to the uterus as embryos.

Many women today are feeling the pressure of having to choose between a career and a family. Some are returning to school or pursuing advanced degrees and don’t know when or if they will have children. For many, it may simply be an issue of not having found the right person yet. For all of these women, egg freezing is revolutionary not just in its technology, but in the freedom it can offer in allowing them to postpone childbearing.

Over 50,000 reproductive-aged women are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments typically lead to infertility by destroying the eggs. While options vary depending on age, type of cancer and cancer-treatment plan, egg freezing can provide these women the opportunity to preserve their fertility.

The Benefits Of Modern Plastic Surgery

2008-12-31T15:21:00.001-08:00

The birth of a child is one of the most exciting events in a woman’s life. However, it is often distressing, especially to first-time moms, when their bodies do not spring back into pre-pregnancy shape, often leaving them with sagging breasts, stretched abdomens, and an overall matronly feeling. Motherhood now has a new shape. Thanks to advances in cosmetic surgery, postpartum mothers can now reclaim their bikini bodies faster than ever before. Many women,although ecstatic about new found motherhood, are riddled with insecurity after childbirth due to excessive weight gain in areas which may not have been troublesome before. Women primarily seek two forms of surgery as post partum “tune-ups”— abdominoplasty (commonly referred to as a tummy tuck), and breast enhancement surgery(including breast lift and breast augmentation).

Unlike women who are simply overweight, pregnancy puts a certain strain on the body which cannot always be com bated by diet and exercise alone. The midsection of the abdomen can be compared to a girdle, a garment which is composed of an elastic portion which, when stretched, is likely to become one size too big. In the abdominal section,women often lose the desired “girdling” effect after childbirth, which can occur in varying degrees. Pregnancy not only weakens the muscles, but stretches out the connective tissue, which for most women will not revert to original form on its own. A tummy tuck not only targets excess skin, but also works to retighten the connective tissue so that the abdominal wall reacts to give the waistline a desirable indentation. Without tightening the connective tissue and exerting a girdling effect on intra-abdominal contents, women cannot achieve their pre-pregnancy appearance.

What is a Breast Lift Surgery?

2008-12-29T12:05:00.001-08:00

After pregnancy, many women complain of sagging breasts. With successive pregnancies, breast displacement becomes more noticeable. The firmness and exact positioning of youth may be lost. The mastopexy is a procedure designed to correct the deformity. During the procedure, the breast tissue is elevated, the nipple is repositioned and the skin is tightened, increasing the firmness of the breast. If breast volume has also been lost, implants are placed. Postoperative scars do result as in a breast reduction, but are generally more limited in extent.

One must always remember to do their 'homework' when considering having any surgery procedure. This includes consulting with a skilled experienced and qualified specialist, such as plastic surgeon Dr Gilbert Tresley, MD in Chicago, Illinois. Be sure and have all your questions answered and you fully understand the risks of your chosen procedure. Doing this can mean the difference between a successful surgery and a nightmare that could haunt you for the rest of your life.

Breast Enhancement Surgery

2008-12-23T15:59:00.001-08:00

If you are like many women seeking breast augmentation, you have been considering the operation for many years. Some of you are looking to have natural appearing breasts that bring your body into balance while others are looking for a significant increase in size without that telltale bulge above. Breast augmentation is the 2nd most common plastic surgery procedure performed today. It is performed to enhance breasts which appear to be too small as a result of poor development, or post pregnancy shrinkage. It may also be used to correct breasts which are asymmetrical. The result can be not only enhanced physical appearance, but improved self esteem and inner confidence.

The procedures involve placement of an implant to enlarge the size of the breast. There are many different variables, such as location of the incision, the size, shape, and type of implant, as well as the location of the implant (under or over the muscle), which will be discussed with you. Many plastic surgeons prefer to place the implant behind the muscle, as this may decrease the potential for capsular contracture and will interfere less with future mammograms.

Postoperative swelling is normal. As the swelling disappears, the implants will look smaller. They are not. It is simply the swelling going away. The implants also settle into their position on the chest after several weeks. Most women are able to resume work 5-7 days after the procedure, but no strenuous activity is permitted for 4 weeks.

Which Plastic Surgery Procedure is Right for you?

2008-12-22T10:04:00.001-08:00

Plastic Surgery employs many creative techniques, each chosen to help address a particular area of concern. For example there are at least five different procedures to improve the look of the eyelids. Which technique is selected depends on the individual's anatomy and their desired appearance. For every area of the body, there are many techniques available so that each procedure performed is really an individualized solution for that particular person. There is rarely any one best technique for everyone. The best technique is the one that produces the desired look safely, reliably and beautifully for that person. it is always recommended you consult with a specialist such as San Francisco Breast Surgeon Dr James Anthony, before you have any plastic surgery procedure.

Breast Augmentation or Enhancement is a very popular procedure designed to create or restore fullness of the breasts. At the time of your consultation, Dr. Anthony will discuss your goals regarding this procedure and recommend an appropriate type of implant (saline or silicone), location of the implant (under or over the muscle), as well as which incision is best for you.

Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin, and in most cases restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer. Abdominoplasty procedures are appropriate for patients with extra skin on their abdomen or for women who have developed loose stomach muscles after pregnancy. Abdominoplasty also known as a tummy tuck can remove loose skin and tighten muscles which have been separated. This procedure results in a dramatically flattened abdomen with an incision that is hidden by underwear or a bathing suit.

Facelift Surgery - As we age, our cheek fat and skin fall, creating deeper smile lines and eventually jowls along the jaw. Both the cheeklift and the facelift raise up this fat and muscle (often referred to as a SMAS lift) and tighten any loose skin. Because the fat and muscle inside can now be lifted back up to its original position, modern cheek and facelifts create a younger, natural, and long-lasting appearance.

What to Expect from a Breast Augmentation Surgery

2008-12-22T08:49:00.001-08:00

Breast enlargement also known as breast augmentation is one of the most commonly requested aesthetic operations. Most women undergo this type of surgery because they want to feel better about their appearance.

Some women choose to have breast augmentation surgery to improve their self image. Some feel dissatisfied because their breasts never developed to a size that meets their expectations. Others want to bring balance to a breast that is somewhat smaller than the other. Often women want the procedure to restore their natural breast volume, which may have decreased as a result of pregnancy, weight loss, aging or even breast cancer surgery.

During your initial consultation, you will be encouraged to discuss your desires, fears, expectations, and goals. The first and foremost objective is the creation of breasts that you envision yourself with. In addition to increasing breast size, your plastic surgeon will strive to create a more aesthetically pleasing breast by improving shape, balance, and proportion.

As with any surgical procedure, it is highly recommended that you do your research and consult with a qualified and skilled doctor such as Valencia California Plastic Surgeon Dr Howard Hu, MD. Be sure and have all your questions answered and you fully understand the procedure PRIOR to havign your chosen surgical procedure.

Who is a Candidate for Facelift Surgery?

2008-12-19T12:29:00.001-08:00

The best candidate for a facelift surgery is a man or woman whose face and neck have begun to sag, but whose skin still has some elasticity and whose bone structure is strong and well-defined. Most patients are in their forties to sixties, but facelifts can be done successfully on people in their seventies or eighties as well.

A facelift can make you look younger and fresher, and it may enhance your self- confidence in the process. But it can't give you a totally different look, nor can it restore the health and vitality of your youth. Remember that with all surgery procedures there is some level of rick involved. It is imperative that you consult with a qualified, skilled and experienced doctor such as Southern California Plastic Surgeon Frank J Piro MD. Be sure to have all your questions answered and ensure you fully understand your chosen procedure BEFORE you have the surgery. Making this step the most important step can make all the difference between a successful surgical procedure and a nightmare that could haunt you for the rest of your life.