Part three of three for the Mommy Makeover segment from NBC Bay Area’s, KNTV, Living Well with host Peggy Pico.
On this show we discussed the Mommy Makeover San Francisco, focussing on breast augmentation, tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck and liposuction. I previously posted two excerpts from the show. The first is on Breast Enhancement (Breast Augmentation) and the second covers Belly Enhancement, tummy tucks and mini tummy tucks. This segment will discuss liposuction. The full Living Well show is also available on line. To view the entire episode just click on the NBC Bay Area Living Well logo above.
This video discusses liposuction. The most broadly effective type of liposuction is tumescent liposuction. A liposuction cannula is used to demonstrate how liposuction is performed. Most liposuction is performed on an outpatient basis, and usually a compression garment is used for a few weeks after surgery. Before and after photos are also reviewed.
Part two of three for the Mommy Makeover segment from NBC Bay Area’s, KNTV, Living Well with host Peggy Pico.
On this show we discussed the Mommy Makeover San Francisco, focussing on breast augmentation, tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck and liposuction. I previously posted an excerpt from the show on Breast Enhancement (Breast Augmentation) on the San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog. This video discusses Belly Enhancement, tummy tucks and mini tummy tucks. The third segment will discuss liposuction. The full episode is also available on line. To view the Living Well episode in its entirety, just click on the NBC Bay Area logo above.
This video discusses the types of tummy tucks available: the traditional tummy tuck (sometimes called abdominoplasty or panniculectomy) and the mini tummy tuck (a combination of tummy tuck and liposuction). For laxity of the abdominal wall that begins above the belly button. the tummy tuck is still the most effective treatment. If the abdominal laxity is confined to the area below the belly button, a mini tummy tuck may provide a good fix with a shorter recovery.
I will add the final video from Living Well about liposuction shortly, so be sure to bookmark and check back. If you would like more information on Tummy Tuck San Francisco, click here to visit the Abdominoplasty page on DrMele.com.
Yesterday I was on NBC Bay Area, KNTV, Living Well with host Peggy Pico. We discussed the Mommy Makeover San Francisco, focussing on breast augmentation, tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck and liposuction. I will be posting several excerpts of the show on the San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog. This video discusses breast enhancement and the future postings will discuss the belly enhancement, tummy tucks and liposuction. The full episode is also available on line. To view the entire segment, just click on the NBC Bay Area logo above.
Breast augmentation is one component of the Mommy Makeover. It has become the most frequently performed cosmetic plastic surgery procedure in the United States with 400,000 breast enlargement surgeries performed last year. That’s 800,000 breast implants.
This segment discusses the types of breast implants available: saline breast implants, silicone breast implants and even the soon to be available gummy bear solid gel implants. Comparisons area made between smooth round breast implants and textured shaped breast implants. The importance of body proportions is stressed, and before and after pictures are reviewed.
I will add additional video from the show about tummy tucks, mini tummy tucks and liposuction in the near future so stay tuned. If you would like more information on Breast Augmentation San Francisco, click here to visit the Breast Augmentation page on DrMele.com.
Dr. Joseph A. Mele, MD, FACS of Walnut Creek, California, will be appearing this Thursday on KNTV, NBC Bay Area in San Jose. Host Peggy Pico will interview Dr. Mele on NBC’s Living Well about the Mommy Makeover – Breast Augmentation and Abdominal Rejuvenation.
Living Well with Dr. Mele premiers this Thursday, September 24, 2009, at noon. Encore broadcasts will air next month, also at noon, on Thursdays, October 1, 8 and 15. Hope you enjoy the show.
The Asian blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is modified, because the anatomy of the Asian eyelid is different when compared to the Caucasian eyelid. The Asian eyelid does not have the dense attachments that cause the single dominant fold seen in the Caucasian eyelid. These attachments also block the eyelid fat from dropping down inside the eyelid.
Without these “Caucasian” attachments, the skin fold of the Asian eyelid is less defined. There may be a dominant fold, but more commonly there are multiple incomplete folds. Alongside the nose an epicanthal fold of skin can cover the inner corner of the eye. There tends to be more fat in the Asian upper eyelid, as the lack of dense attachments allows gravity to bring the fat pads down lower in the lid.
Asian Eyelids
Before Upper Blepharoplasty: The upper eyelid skin is resting on the eyelashes.
After Upper Blepharoplasty: The fold above the eye remains smooth and discrete.
Before surgery, she has an indistinct eyelid fold. This allows the skin to migrate downwards and rest on her eyelashes, giving her a heavy sensation. As is often seen in people with heavy upper lids, she is unconsciously raising her eyebrows to unload her upper eyelids. After surgery, a smooth fold is formed. Even with her eyebrows relaxed, now one year after surgery in this picture, the skin is still off the eyelashes. Since the brow relaxes, the transverse lines on the forehead also decrease.
Sometimes the goal is to form a higher upper eyelid fold (a rounder eye opening), sometimes it isn’t. It is an individual decision. Whatever your goal, you will want to be clear about your desired result, as different techniques are required.
If you are interested in eyelid surgery, you may also be interested in these blog entries:
There are two types of lower blepharoplasty (lower eyelid surgery). The transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty has more limited versatility; however, it has the advantage of a hidden incision. Transconjunctival means through the conjunctiva (the tissue on the inside of the eyelid). This technique allows me to remove excess fat from the lower eyelid through the back door. The advantages include a completely hidden scar and less disruption of the normal anatomy that supports the lower lid.
The more traditional blepharoplasty involves making a small incision hidden just below the eyelashes, removing excess fat and tightening the skin. This scar is also well disguised, but since it is in the skin it allows excess skin to also be removed. A link to this more frequently performed type of lower blepharoplasty is located at the bottom of this post.
Transconjunctival (Internal) Approach to the Lower Eyelids
Before surgery, the skin is tight but excess fat beneath the eye causes a visible bulge. Shadowing from this bulge can enhance dark circles under the eyes.
After lower eyelid surgery with the internal approach (transconjunctival blepharoplasty), the fat bulge beneath the eye is removed and there is no external scar.
This procedure is more often performed on younger patients who have enlarged lower eyelid fat pads. Since the lower lid skin is already tight, no skin needs to be removed. The fat can be removed via an incision on the inside of the lid, removing the under eye bags and completely hiding the scar. This approach works very well for the properly selected candidate.
If you are interested in eyelid surgery, you may also be interested in these blog entries (the last one will be posted tomorrow):
The lower blepharoplasty (lower eyelid surgery) comes in two flavors. The most versatile, and the most frequently performed, is discussed here. It involves making a small incision hidden just below the eyelashes, removing excess fat and tightening the skin. The other type can take care of bags under the eyes when the skin is already tight and involves an incision inside the eyelid (transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty). A link to the transconjunctival approach is located at the bottom of this post.
Lower Eyelids
Before lower blepharoplasty, the large bags under the eyes are caused by pseudoherniated fat.
After lower blepharoplasty, the excess fat has been removed and the bags are gone.
Unlike the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids are similar anatomically, regardless of race. The primary problem is the prominence of the lower eyelid fat. If the skin is also loose, the incision is hidden just below the eyelashes. This externally placed incision allows both the removal of excess fat, and the tightening of the skin. The removal of excess skin on the lower eyelid needs to be conservative. Over resection the lower eyelid skin can pull the lower eyelid down.
If you are interested in eyelid surgery, you may also be interested in these blog entries (some are coming soon):
The upper eyelids are an important feature of the face. They protect, moisturize and are an important aesthetic feature for the eye. They are also frequently the first place the signs of aging appear. Aging of the upper eyelids manifests mainly in two areas: excess skin and excess fat.
The most important is excess skin, and this can be compounded by excess fat. An aging eyelid can give a tired, sleepy, heavy appearance. The lids may also feel heavy, and if you have upper eyelids that feel heavy, it can make you feel tired. As the skin excess increases, it can interfere with vision.
An upper blepharoplasty (upper eyelid surgery) removes excess skin and fat from the eyelid. Care must be taken to remove the excess; however, sufficient skin must remain so that the eyelid can close fully. Removing too much upper eyelid skin can give a startled appearance, or lead to chronically dry and irritated eyes. If you have dry eyes, and are considering eyelid surgery, be certain to inform your plastic surgeon so that the proper care can be given. It is very important to find a qualified plastic surgeon, with experience in this area.
Upper Eyelids
Before blepharoplasty, even with eyebrows unconsciously held up, the eyelid skin is resting on the eyelashes. Excess upper eyelid skin can progress to cover the lashes and block vision.
After blepharoplasty, the skin of the upper eyelid can now be seen above the eyelashes. The excess skin has been removed, and this patient can relax her brow.
In extreme cases, excess upper eyelid skin can interfere with your vision. Excess skin on the outer half of the eyelid obstructs peripheral vision, while excess skin centrally obstructs upward gaze. Occasionally, when vision is blocked, insurance will cover the cost of the procedure. You will need to check with your insurance to see if upper blepharoplasty is covered, as coverage varies from company to company.
While the primary goal is to remove the excess skin, excess fat can also be removed. Normally, excess fat of the upper eyelid is found medially (closest to the nose). Reducing the excess is an artistic endeavor. Just enough to smooth, but not enough to hollow. Removing too much will accelerate aging, rather than slowing or reversing it effects.
If you are interested in eyelid surgery, you may also be interested in these blog entries (some are coming soon):
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is a favorite cosmetic plastic surgery San Francisco. Over the last decade, the top three procedures have remained the same: Breast Augmentation, Liposuction and Blepharoplasty. Currently, Blepharoplasty, also called an eyelid lift, remains the third most popular cosmetic plastic surgery. Approximately 250,000 eyelid surgeries where performed last year in the United States.
Excess skin and bags around the eyes contribute to a tired look. The goal of a cosmetic blepharoplasty is to remove excess skin and fat around the eyes and give an alert rested appearance. It is one of the most meticulous surgeries, because millimeters can be the difference between rested and startled. It is a surgery that when done well, is noticed, but not noticeable.
The two main contributors to the aging eyelid are excess skin and excess fat. In the upper lid excess skin is the primary problem, with excess fat being secondary. For the lower eyelid it’s the opposite, excess skin can contribute, but excess fat is the primary contributor to the bags beneath the eyes. Since upper eyelid aging and lower eyelid aging have different causes, the solutions differ.
Before surgery, excess skin gives the upper eyelids a heavy appearance. This patient is unconsciously holding her eyebrows up in order to see better.
After upper eyelid surgery, the excess skin is removed, resulting in a more alert and friendly expression. Her eyebrows are now relaxed.
Whatever the goal of your blepharoplasty San Francisco, be certain to review all your options, and seek the guidance of a Board Certified expert. Doctors who are Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology both receive specific training for the prevention and correction of a wide range of eyelid problems. As a Plastic Surgeon specializing in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, I am Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, and can provide expertise in Reconstructive and Cosmetic Plastic Surgery for the face and body.
If you are interested in eyelid surgery, you may also be interested in these additional blog entries:
Walnut Creek Plastic Surgeon (San Francisco Bay Area, East Bay) Joseph A. Mele, III, MD, FACS, will be appearing on KRON channel 4′s, Body Beautiful this Monday, September 14, 2009, at 11:00 AM.
KRON4′s Body Beautiful, is a weekly news show hosted by News Anchor Vivki Liviakis. It originates right here in San Francisco and is know through out the Bay Area for its coverage of the lastest trends in cosmetic plastic surgery.
This week’s topic will be breast augmentation, specifically breast implant revision surgery. Information about breast augmentation and the most common reasons for breast implant revision will be presented. Topics will include, choosing the best breast implant size, breast implant deflation, capsular contracture, dealing with breast asymmetry, and how to decrease your risk of needing breast augmentation revision surgery.
If you have questions that you would like me to answer on air, please send them via the contact form on this page. Please do mention that you would like me to answer your question on Body Beautiful, otherwise all inquiries are kept confidential. Alternatively, you can send your questions directly to KRON4 via the Body Beautiful web page. You can also phone into the studio while we are on the air, and get your questions answered live.
Previous shows discussing breast augmentation, tummy tucks, liposuction, eyelids surgery and many other cosmetic plastic surgery procedures can be found on my website in the DrMele.com Video Gallery
A unique aspect of Body Beautiful is it live broadcast live. Broadcasting live allows for more a more dynamic and interactive presentation. A segment of the show will be dedicated to viewer questions. So be sure to call in.
