Today’s episode of Body Beautiful discusses Eyelid Lifts including: the upper eyelid fold and skin excess and lower eyelid bags and loss of tone. Blepharoplasty can correct multiple problems with the eyelids and encompasses many specific techniques. The following Blepharoplasty Video illustrates several of these procedures and demonstrates what is possible with carefully planned Eyelid Rejuvenation Surgery.
Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty Before and After Pictures: Sagging upper eyelids, caused by excess upper eyelid skin, leads to a tired and disinterested appearance. Blepharoplasty can open your eyes to a more youthful, bright and alert appearance.
The Eyelid Lift Video segment below is from the Bay Area’s News Station, KRON 4’s, Body Beautiful. The show features the latest in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery News, and uses before and after pictures to show what is possible for actual patients.
Eyelid Lifts and Double Eyelid Surgery Video Presentation
Double Eyelid Surgery
Asian Eyelids are anatomically distinct from Caucasian eyelids. Asian eyelids often lack a distinct palpebral fold, and when the fold does exist, it may be indistinct or crease at multiple levels. An example of this is show below. The patient’s right upper eyelid has multiple folds. She has a high fold, a low fold and a third fold in between on the inner eyelid. Her left upper eyelid has a single fold, but it is low and becomes indistinct as it extends toward the nose medially.
Double Eyelid Surgery can correct low, indistinct or multiple eyelid folds. These double eyelid before and after pictures show how the folds can be raised, sharpened and made more symmetrical.
Double Eyelid Surgery is the procedure used to raise the eyelid folds, reduce multiple folds and improve the symmetry of the upper eyelids. The after picture reveals improvement in all these areas. Trying to form a fold when there is none, or it is in the wrong position, is more difficult than just removing excess skin, so revisions are more common with Double Eyelid Surgery when compared to standard Upper Blepharoplasty.
Eyelid Surgery Consultations
Eyelid Surgery is one of the most meticulous of all cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. While the operation can be performed safely and reproducibly, even under local anesthesia when desired, you can improve the chances of a good result by seeking an experienced and Board Certified Plastic Surgeon or Oculoplastic Surgeon. A plastic surgeon can also address other aspects of Facial Plastic Surgery and maintain facial harmony with other rejuvenating procedures such as: Brow Lifts, Face Lifts or Neck Lifts. This is particularly important if these areas are aging at the same rate as the eyelids.
To schedule a personal, private, in-person consultation call (925) 943-6353, today. The goals, procedure and anticipated recovery, specific to your needs, will be reviewed in detail.
The Tummy Tuck is half of a Mommy Makeover. The patient shown above wanted her pre-baby belly and breasts back. The combination of Abdominoplasty and Breast Augmentation with a Breast Lift restored what nature had given and taken away.
The Tummy Tuck remains one of the most sought after cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. Also termed, Abdominoplasty, it literally means belly changing, and that is exactly what it does.
Tummy Tuck and Mommy Makeover Video
Today’s episode of Body Beautiful reviews the Tummy Tuck procedure, and beautifully illustrates what Abdominoplasty can do to restore abdominal contours often lost after pregnancy or changes in weight. This video segment is from the Bay Area’s News Station, KRON 4’s, Body Beautiful. The show features the latest in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, and uses before and after pictures liberally to demonstrate what is possible.
Tummy Tuck After Pregnancy or Weight Loss
After pregnancy or weight loss, the abdomen is often left flaccid. The muscles, even when strong, are stretched out and cannot support the abdominal contents the way they used to. The skin itself is stretched out, often leaving stretch marks and rolls. The result: clothes don’t fit the way they used to.
What is a Mommy Makeover?
The breasts often suffer a similar fate, so restoring breast volume and perkiness is often performed at the same time as the Tummy Tuck via Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift or the combination Breast Augmentation Lift.
More Mommy Makeover before and afters: Again, Abdominoplasty is combined with Breast Enhancement. In this case, a Breast Lift was combined with a Tummy Tuck for a uplifted, aesthetic result.
Because this is commonly a problem after pregnancy, the combination of Breast Enhancement and Tummy Tuck goes by the name Mommy Makeover. In the Mommy Makeover Before and After Pictures above, a Breast Lift (Mastopexy) was combined with a Tummy Tuck for maximum aesthetic results.
Tummy Tuck or Mommy Makeover Consultations
There is no substitute for proper training and experience. When considering a Tummy Tuck, Mommy Makeover or any Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, consult with an experienced and Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area, call (925) 943-6353 to schedule a private and personalized consultation appointment, today.
Summer may be over, but Breast Augmentation is still one of the most frequently requested Cosmetic Plastic Surgery procedures here in the San Francisco Bay Area. For many, this is the best time of year for the procedure. As the weather cools down, it is easier to cover up during recovery. Moreover, you will be well healed by the time Spring comes around.
Gummy Bear Breast Implants are the newest technology. With a strong, cohesive gel inside, they can provide more projection, less rippling and the safety reduced gel migration.
This Breast Implant Video Presentation illustrates the options and the results of Breast Enlargement. There are many reasons for Breast Augmentation. Sometimes it’s for size. Sometimes it’s for shape. The latest breast implants provide shape and support for the breasts with the increased safety of strong, highly cohesive gel inside them. These “Gummy Bear” Breast Implants reduces gel migration and some other problems seen in the past after Breast Augmentation with Silicone Gel Breast Implants.
Breast Augmentation Video (Augmentation Mammoplasty)
This Body Beautiful video segment from the San Francisco Bay Area’s News Station, KRON 4, reviews Breast Augmentation with the latest Gummy Bear Breast Implants. This Breast Implant Video reviews many of the options and illustrates the benefits of Augmentation Mastopexy with numerous Breast Aug Before and After Photos.
Breast Implant Consultations
If you are considering Breast Augmentation or Breast Implant Revision Surgery, consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your area. When in the San Francisco Bay Area, call (925) 943-6353 today, and schedule a personal and private consultation appointment.
One of the most common questions Plastic Surgeons get is,”How do I choose the best breast implants?” While more often than not, this is in reference to size, there are multiple aspects to consider. The most important thing to remember is that you are not on your own. Your plastic surgeon should have a wealth of experience in this area, and they can help simplify and reassure you in your selection.
Breast Augmentation remains the most popular Cosmetic Plastic Surgery procedure.
In my San Francisco Plastic Surgery office I depend on my patients to provide me with a clear idea of the size they want, and they depend on me to help them select the details that are most likely to give them a happy result. Let’s review some of the details.
Breast Implant Size
The amount of augmentation is determined by the volume of the breast implants. If you are looking for a particular cup size, the amount of volume needed will depend on many factors including:
The amount of breast volume you have before augmentation
Which bra you wear – Each manufacturer has a different definition of cup size.
The fullness you wish to achieve
The tightness of your chest skin and muscles
The shape of your breasts
The width of your chest
For the best results, do your pre-breast augmentation homework. Buy a bra the size you want to be. Stuff it. Wear it. Try it with different clothes. The clearer your goal, the easier it will be to communicate to your Plastic Surgeon and to achieve your ideal breasts.
Breast Implant Profile
Choosing the right size for you is the most important aspect of Breast Augmentation.
Size matters, but so does shape. If you are trying to make a statement with your breasts, larger, high-profile breast implants will fill the breasts maximally. If you are considering proportionate breast augmentation, moderate profile breast implants may be more to your liking. If you are a marathon runner looking for a B-cup, low profile implants may provide enough augmentation to the breasts’ foundation to give you the shapelier breasts you desire.
Breast Implant Filling
Breast implants are filled with two materials: Saline and Silicone. While the majority of breast augmentation performed today is with smooth round silicone breast implants, sometimes, saline is a better answer. It is important to choose an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who can evaluate these options and help you determine what is most likely to work best for your goals.
Breast Implant Placement
The best breast augmentation is achieved by selecting breast implants that are proportionate to the chest.
Breast Implants can be placed in front of or behind the pectoralis major muscles. There are advantages and disadvantages to both positions. It is important that you know the differences and have guidance to select the placement which works best for you.
FDA Approved Breast Implants
There are currently three FDA approved Breast Implant manufacturers in the US. They provide many variations of sizes, shapes, filler and textures. While there are still some options that are not available, the options we have make it difficult to justify using a non-FDA approved breast implant. You should know exactly which implants your surgeon plans to use, and you should receive a card identifying those breast implants after your procedure. This is very important for warranty enforcement, breast implant replacement and for future breast implant maintenance.
Help Choosing Your Breast Implants
If you are considering Breast Augmentation, call my Walnut Creek Plastic Surgery office at (925) 943-6353, and schedule a private, confidential consultation appointment. I will go over your goals, your options and will use my greater than 20 years of experience to help you choose a plan that is best suited to your needs.
Otoplasty (cosmetic ear surgery) is performed for men and women, children and adults. The most common reason is to reduce the appearance of prominent ears, sometimes called ear pinning.
Otoplasty – Ear Pinning
In the San Francisco Bay Area, Otoplasty is a popular procedure. This cosmetic ear surgery is used to reduce the appearance of Prominent Ears, and it is probably the most commonly performed cosmetic plastic surgery for children.
Otoplasty Video
The video segment below is from the San Francisco Bay Area’s News Station, KRON 4’s, Body Beautiful show. Included are several examples of Otoplasties and many of the details of cosmetic ear surgery are explained.
Cosmetic Ear Surgery Video (Otoplasty)
Short Hair and Prominent Ears
Short hair does not disguise prominent ears. However, since the incisions are hidden in the fold behind the ears, short hair is not a problem for concealing the Otoplasty incision.
Many men and women leave their hair long to hide their prominent ears, but short hair is not an obstacle for Otoplasty. The incision for cosmetic ear surgery is hidden in the fold behind the ear, and usually heals very well. It is not necessary to cut your hair before Otoplasty; however, after the procedure, you’ll have the option to do so.
Otoplasty Consultations
To schedule a personal consultation appointment for yourself or your child, call (925) 943-6353, today. Whether it’s just one ear or both, ears that are too prominent or folded over, Otoplasty can help. To learn more about cosmetic ear surgery, visit the links embedded in this post; however, only an in-person consultation can be tailored to your specific needs.
Massive weight loss will shrink our volume, but does not reliably shrink our skin. In the before and after pictures above, breast volume is restored with breast implants. Sagging breast skin is tightened with a breast lift. Excess abdominal skin is removed, and the belly bulge caused by stretched out abdominal muscles, is flattened by tightening the muscle sheath.
Post-Bariatric Plastic Surgery is Plastic Surgery after Massive Weight Loss. Whether this is after a lifestyle change or after Bariatric Surgery, the amount of skin that persists after weight loss is often large and frustrating. This Post-Weight Loss Plastic Surgery Video reviews several of the most common treatments including: Lower Body Lifts, Tummy Tucks, Breast Augmentation, Breast Lifts and Arm Lifts. The results of Post-Bariatric Plastic Surgery are illustrated and narrated in this video with before and after pictures, which describe and demonstrate what Board Certified Plastic Surgeons can do for the skin excess that often occurs after weight loss.
Post-Bariatric Plastic Surgery Video
Extremity Tightening Procedures
The majority of skin tightening procedures performed after weight loss are for the trunk; however, the face, arms and legs can also develop excess skin. Face Lifts (Rhytidectomy), Arm Lifts (Brachioplasty) and Thigh Lifts can help with excess skin on the face/neck, upper arm and thighs. Below is an example of an arm lift.
Brachioplasty literally means arm changing. An arm lift can change the way an arm looks, feels and fits into sleeves.
Brachioplasty changes the arm by removing the excess skin that often hangs off the upper arm after weight loss. The skin is removed from the lower border of the upper arm, leaving a scar along the bottom of the arm. This is the only procedure that can remove large amounts of excess skin.
Post Bariatric Plastic Surgery Consultations
As an active member of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, post bariatric plastic surgery is an area in which I specialize.
The American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons was formed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeons specializing in skin tightening after massive weight loss.
When searching for an experienced post-weight loss plastic surgeon, be certain to look for a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who is a Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Additionally, members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery specialize in the cosmetic side of plastic surgery, and members of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons demonstrate additional dedication to the cosmetic side of post-bariatric plastic surgery.
If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area and want to learn more about your skin reduction options after weight loss, call (925) 943-6353, to schedule your private consultation appointment.
Male Breast Reduction is one of the most requested cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, year after year.
Male Breast Reduction Video (Gynecomastia Reduction)
Gynecomastia is the medical term for Male Breast Enlargement. The enlargement can be isolated to the nipple areolar complex (puffy nipples), or may involve the entire chest. This Gynecomastia Reduction Video reviews the most common treatments and illustrates the results of Male Breast Reduction with multiple, narrated male breast reduction before and after pictures.
How Is Gynecomastia Reduction Performed?
Gynecomastia Reduction is often a combination of procedures. The most common combination is Liposuction plus direct excision of any firm glandular tissue which remains attached to the back of the nipple.
In situations where the skin is loose or the gland is saggy, skin reduction may also be necessary. The key it to pick the procedure, or combination, that gets the job done.
With good skin tone, even large breast reductions can be performed through small, minimally invasive incisions.
Which Male Reduction Procedure is the Right One for You?
For more information about Male Breast Reduction, visit the links in this post. For specific information, there is no substitute for an in-person consultation. Call (925) 943-6353 today, and schedule a private and informative consultation appointment. A proper evaluation and plan are the keys to excellent results.
Breast Augmentation Lift combines the Breast Enlargement of Breast Augmentation with the firming and shaping abilities of a Breast Lift.
The desire for the Best Breast can be divided into two areas: The best size and the best shape. This Breast Augmentation and Breast Lift Video discusses combining a breast lift with a breast implant. The procedure allows your plastic surgeon to maximize your results when both shape and size need modification.
Breast Augmentation Lift Video (Mastopexy Augmentation)
This Body Beautiful video segment from the San Francisco Bay Area’s News Station, KRON 4, reviews Breast Lifts combined with Breast Implants and illustrates the benefits of Augmentation Mastopexy with numerous Breast Aug Lift Before and After Photos.
Breast Size
The ideal breast size varies from patient to patient, and it is important to recognize that the more you do your homework in determining what size makes you happy, the easier it will be for your plastic surgeon to give you the result you desire. Most patients request a cup size in the C plus to D minus range, but you should try it out at home, first.
Buy a bra the size you feel you want to be and stuff it. Ziplock bags filled with rice are a simple way to adjust your breast volume. Try it with different clothing to see how you like it. Do your normal activities, and see how it works. Also, think about your overall body size and your activity level. Marathon runners often go smaller, to avoid the added weight and momentum.
Breast size is determined by the volume of breast tissue you have now, plus the volume of the breast implant. When you have a good shape, Breast Augmentation alone is used to enlarge the breasts to the desired size. For most women this is the procedure of choice. When the breasts are saggy, asymmetrical or tubular, a breast lift may be recommended to improve the overall esthetic of the breasts.
Breast Augmentation Lift Before and After Pictures
Deflated, post child birth or post weight loss breasts can be lifted, tightened and enlarged with the breast enhancing Mastopexy Augmentation. Larger lifts require longer scars. In this case, the healing vertical scar is seen on the lower pole of the breast. After this breast augmentation mastopexy, the breasts are fuller, firmer and lifted.
Breast Shape
The ideal breast shape also varies from patient to patient. Most patients desire perky, teardrop shaped breasts. A Breast Lift reshapes the breasts by removing excess skin, lifting and firming the breast mound. When the upper pole of the breast is empty, a breast implant is used to add volume. A Breast Implant can balance the upper and lower halves of the breast, or it can enlarge the entire breast.
Breast Lifts come in many sizes. The most common are periareolar (around the areola/nipple), vertical (lollipop) and inverted T (anchor or keyhole). The amount of lifting needed determines the type of lift recommended. It is always desirable to choose the smallest lift expected to work. Smaller lifts come with shorter scars, but they lift less. Be sure to consult a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon near you to learn what is recommended for your particular needs.
Breast Augmentation Lift Consultations
When considering Breast Augmentation, with or without a Breast Lift, be certain to consult an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. They can explain your options and select the procedure most likely to get you the results you want in the safest and most predictable manner. Call (925) 943-6353 and schedule a personalized consultation appointment, today.
The cost of plastic surgery procedures will vary. There are many variables including:
Type of procedure
Plastic surgeon’s fee
Location of surgery
Outpatient vs. inpatient surgery
Anesthesia costs
Garments
Prescription medications
Scar care
There are also indirect costs like time off from work, child care and transportation.
Bargain Basement Procedures
When you buy a television, where you buy it matters little. All brand name TVs are made the same way at the same factory. If you are buying the same model number, you are getting the same product. Some outlets sell the same product for less, and who doesn’t like a bargain, right?
However, if you are having plastic surgery, the same rules do not apply. You are paying for a service, not a product. Your outcome is dependent on the labor put into the procedure more than the name of the procedure.
While it is good to know your options, try not to get too specific about the best procedure. Your time will be better spent looking for the best doctor. A good doctor will guide you through the process, from selecting the best procedure through the recovery process.
Variations In Procedures
The best way to keep costs down is to select the correct procedure. The most expensive procedure is the one that doesn’t work, even at half the price. Let’s use facelifts as an example. In over 20 years of practice, I am not sure I have done two facelifts exactly the same. Faces all have different structures. They are asymmetrical. They move differently, and as a result, they get loose in different places. The goals and expectations associated with the facelift can vary from person to person. Additionally, each face responds differently to the components of a facelift.
Often the facelift procedure is modified during the operation in order to get the best possible results. As a patient, you want an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon, who understands your goals and who has a variety of techniques at their disposal. Beware of providers bearing “name brand” facelifts, and those claiming to be “the only one” who performs their procedure. Plastic surgeons are always looking to improve their results, and good procedures and tricks spread quickly.
Lifestyle Lift, now bankrupt, marketed low cost facial rejuvenation in every major television market. Their glossy, if not outright deceptive ads, promised a quick fix at a low price. With such unattainable expectations, it is no surprise that they failed. However, the appeal of cheaper, faster and better is a powerful motivator. Some doctors will advertise quick and cheap procedures, and spend your consultation up-selling you to something that may actually work, also know as bait and switch.
You will see over and over on the Internet doctors explaining to patients that the best procedure for them cannot be determined until after an in-person consultation. It is not a ploy to get you into their office. It is because the feel of the skin is as important as the appearance. Pictures can help, but often, do not tell the whole story.
Now You Have Selected The Best Procedure
After you have selected the best doctor and the best procedure you want to know what is included. Estimates should include the surgeon’s fee, the operating room costs, anesthesia costs where applicable, and office visits. Surgeon’s fees will vary depending on years of experience and the demand on their time. Some surgeons spend more time with each patient, and will charge more accordingly. Surgery “mills” will often have technicians doing everything except the surgery (hopefully), and you may not see your doctor at your appointments.
Operating room costs vary by location and include the facility and staff. Hospital operating rooms tend to be more expensive than outpatient surgery center operating rooms, because hospitals have higher overhead. Anesthesia will vary by type of anesthesia. For local only cases, an anesthesiologist is not required. For procedures performed under general, there will be a charge for the anesthesiologist. Depending on the institution, this may be lumped in with the operating room charges.
Medication costs are usually minimal. Pain medication and antibiotics may be required. These are not usually supplied by your doctor, and you will need to pick them up at your local pharmacy, hopefully, before your surgery. If special garments are required, you may need to buy these separately, or they may be supplied during surgery.
Follow-Up Costs
Operations require follow-up. I follow most my patients for a year after surgery. Other doctors may only see their patients once or twice. Some doctors have an assistant do the aftercare. You should find out what is included in the cost of your procedure. How often will you be seen after surgery? Who does the follow up? What happens if you need to be seen after hours? What to do if there is an emergency? How are revisions handled? These are all good questions to ask before committing to a procedure.
Questions For Your Cosmetic Surgeon
Thanks for reading the five questions to ask your Cosmetic Surgeon. I hope it helps prepare you for a successful operation. Links to the posts covering the other four questions are listed at the top of this post. Next week we get back into specific procedures with the latest Plastic Surgery Videos from my TV show, Body Beautiful.
Today, we are discussing question number four, “What Is The Recovery Like?” After learning about your plastic surgeon’s training and experience, and how the procedure is performed, you need to know what to expect during the recovery period. Plastic surgery is elective; recovery time is not. You will need to budget some recovery time to get the most out of your surgery. Doing too much, too soon after surgery leads to more problems and increases your chance of needing additional revision surgery.
When Can I Get Back to Normal?
The bottom line is,”How long will it take to get back to normal?” The answer depends on two things: the procedure you are having and what you consider normal. Not every plastic surgeon does the same procedure, and not every surgeon uses the same recovery plan, but you can’t mix and match. If you choose Dr. X because you like their results, you need to follow Dr. X’s recovery instructions. The recovery plan goes with the procedure. Even my own recovery plans can vary depending on factors determined during surgery. My goal is always to get you back to your normal activities as quickly and as safely as possible, without compromising your results. The recovery times and activities listed below are general examples, but you should consult with your plastic surgeon for your specific recovery plan.
Recovery By Procedure
Some procedures require more physical limitations than others. For almost every procedure, you want to limit bending over, straining and activities which increase your heart rate and blood pressure for the first week after surgery. This is to prevent bleeding and other complications that bleeding may cause.
Movement, weight bearing and lifting may be restricted in the weeks immediately after your procedure. Be certain to ask your surgeon what restrictions should be expected and for how long. Overhead reaching may be restricted after breast surgery. Sitting may be retracted after Brazilian buttocks lifts. Lifting may be restricted after Tummy Tucks. Understanding why these restrictions exist may help you recover faster and achieve better results. If light duty is available, or you have a good helper, you may be able to resume work activities sooner.
Sometimes, returning to normal is limited primarily by your postoperative appearance. For many facial plastic surgery procedures, physical restrictions are lifted after a week, but bruising and swelling may still persist and limit your activities. If you work from home, you may be able to return to work in a few days after eyelid or nasal surgery. On the other hand, bruising and swelling can last 7-10 days after surgery, making face-to-face meetings much more difficult.
Recovery By Activity
If you have a desk job, returning to work is faster than if you perform manual labor. Working on a computer is usually not a problem a week after gynecomastia reduction, but lifting heavy objects is not recommended. Normal activities vary from person-to-person. Be certain to let your plastic surgeon know what type of work or activities you perform on a daily basis, so they can let you know when you can expect to return to normal. Be certain to ask specific questions of your plastic surgeon so you can properly prepare for you recovery.
Unforeseen Factors
Sometimes it takes longer than average to recover. By definition, about half or all patients will take longer than average to heal. Resist the self-defeating tendency to think you will heal faster than average. It will stop you from planning properly, and will make you feel like something is wrong, when it takes the expected amount of time to heal. If you give yourself a little extra time to heal, chances are you won’t need it. On the other hand, if you think you can return to all your normal activities sooner than your plastic surgeon tells you, you are likely to be disappointed, and you may end up hurting yourself or compromising your results. Surgery is a form of injury, and even carefully planned elective surgery requires the proper amount of recovery time.
Additional Treatments During Your Recovery Period
Follow-up visits are an important part of your treatment plan. Most surgeries are enhanced by proper follow-up care. When problems are recognized promptly, they tend not to progress and are easier to treat. Your plastic surgeon has years of training and experience which they use to recognize problems and prevent them from growing. Sometimes, additional treatment is required to keep your recovery on track. Ask your plastic surgeon about follow-up appointments early in the decision making process, so that you will know what to expect and can prepare accordingly.
