Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeons

A facelift is a procedure which involves removing excess facial skin and tightening the underlying muscle layers in order to eliminate or make less obvious hanging folds and lines that appear as we age. Most commonly, this involves the skin of the neck, the area under the chin, cheeks and temporal regions. Oftentimes other procedures, such as blepharoplasty, brow lift or rhinoplasty may be performed at the same time.

Gynecomastia can be performed under general anesthesia or under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation and takes between 1 and 2 hours. Reduction of breast volume can many times be accomplished with ultrasound assisted liposuction. In some cases, a small incision may need to be made in order to remove tissue directly. In rare cases, skin may be removed from around the areola.

You may be wishing for fuller, richer and more sensuous lips. Now there are a variety of procedures some temporary and others more permanent to achieve these desired results.
One technique is known as Fat Transfer. The “fat” is taken from your abdomen or outer thigh and reinjected into your lip area. The results are very good and last from several months to over a year because the fat is gradually absorbed back into the body. You may need two or three treatments to obtain the results you desire.

Breast Augmentation is designed to create beautiful breasts, a true breast enhancement. Breast augmentation is performed using saline breast implants or silicone breast implants.
Many women choose to have breast augmentation for various reasons; the most common are listed below:

* Women who wish to have fuller breasts because their breasts are too small.
* Women who wish to correct a loss of breast volume after pregnancy.
* Women who wish to have perkier breasts and a better shape after pregnancy.
* Women who wish to correct asymmetry of the breasts.
* Women who wish to replace a previously placed breast implant.

Laser hair removal uses highly amplified light to penetrate hair follicles. The pigmentation within the hair absorbs the light and the hair is destroyed within that follicle. Because the procedure targets the pigmentation within the hair, the procedure may prove ineffective for hairs that are white or have no pigment. This procedure not only helps to restore the physical appearance of the patient, but also restores self-confidence and respect to the patient.

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a simple, non-surgical, physician-administered treatment that can temporarily smooth moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people from 18 to 65 years of age. It is the only treatment of its type approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Take a look at men and women who’ve had BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments, and see for yourself!
One 10-minute treatment—a few tiny injections—and within days there’s a noticeable improvement in those persistent lines between the brows, which can last up to 4 months. Results may vary.

An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure to remove loose skin and excess fat deposits in the upper arm. With age, upper arm skin can become loose and flabby. Plastic surgeons will discuss brachioplasty with patients who want to tighten this skin and look as good as they feel. In some cases your plastic surgeon may suggest that liposuction be used alone or in conjunction with an arm lift to remove excess fat in the upper arms.

This surgery takes approximately one hour to perform. The technique used is typically an incision approximately 1 1/2 inches long in the crease behind the ear where the cartilage is exposed. The fold is re-created, if needed, and the cartilage is secured to the back of the head. Precise measurements are taken so both ears protrude from the side of the head approximately 12-15 mm after the otoplasty surgery. Both permanent and dissolvable sutures are used to help maintain the new shape of the ear. The dissolvable sutures fall out about a week after surgery.

Modern surgical techniques, such as a vertical mastopexy, result in fewer and better scars than older techniques. Many plastic surgeons have switched to the vertical mastopexy technique for most patients for this reason. Recovery is surprisingly rapid, with resumption of reasonable activity in two or three days. The discomfort is very moderate, approximately equal to a subglandular breast augmentation (saline).

The skin over the abdomen area can become stretched out after childbirth or weight loss. This skin does not retract to its original tightness and can be loose and saggy. The abdominal muscles also have stretched out and have not regained their normal position, giving the appearance of a “pot belly” no matter how many sit-ups a person does. An abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck” will correct both of these problems. The excess skin is removed and the muscles are tightened to firm up the abdomen and provide better contour.

Rhinoplasty can be used to make the nose more delicate, remove bumps, and to sculpt it. A California board certified plastic surgeon employs the newest techniques available, using grafts to augment the nose, as opposed to older techniques that remove cartilage and sometimes lead to a “ski jump” appearance. Every patient’s goals are different, so your surgeon will work with you using computer imaging to achieve your ideal.

Rhinoplasty scars are hidden within the nostrils. You may not see the final results of your surgery until swelling resolves, which may take several weeks.

Laser in-situ keratomileusis, or Lasik, is a popular surgical approach used to correct vision in people who are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism.

All laser vision correction surgeries work by reshaping the cornea, or clear front part of the eye, so that light traveling through it is properly focused onto the retina located in the back of the eye. Lasik laser eye surgery (laser in-situ keratomileusis) is one of a number of different surgical techniques used to reshape the cornea.

Your surgeon will help you decide which surgical approach will best achieve your cosmetic goals: the classic or “open” method, or the endoscopic forehead lift. Make sure you understand the technique that your surgeon recommends and why he or she feels it is best for you.

The average age of a patient having a facelift ranges between forty and sixty-five, but occasionally you will see patients well into their seventies.
Typically, facelift surgeries will last about three hours with an additional three hours allowed for recovery.

I find it interesting that people over 70 would have a facelift performed on them. How do you feel about that?

A liposuction can help individuals restore a thinner and fitter looking contour to their bodies. The specified portion of the body is made smaller to better match the shape of the patient. Plastic Surgeons accomplish this by removing excess fat through a vacuuming procedure. This not only helps to restore the physical appearance of the patient, but also restores self-confidence and respect to the patient.

Considering a breast lift in by a board certified plastic surgeon? How we perceive ourselves is essential to our overall well-being. A positive self-image is an indispensable element of good psychological health. Breast shape and size are an inherent component of a woman’s feeling of femininity, vitality and personal beauty. Breast shape can change dramatically during the various phases of a woman’s life leading to a loss of elasticity and firmness. Fortunately, there is a wonderful procedure that can correct this problem called a Breast Lift or Mastopexy.

Otoplasty cosmetic surgery, also referred to as ear shaping or ear pinning, can correct protruding or deformed ears. Many parents choose to have their children’s ears corrected at an early age, usually between four and 14, to prevent ridicule during adolescence. However, many adults also request otoplasty to correct misshapen or oversized ears.

Chemical peel is most commonly performed for cosmetic reasons — to enhance your appearance and your self confidence. Chemical peel may also remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars and even control acne. In certain cases, health insurance may cover the peel procedure. Be sure to check your policy and contact your insurance company before the procedure is performed.

Rhinoplasty was first developed by sushruta, an important physician, who lived in ancient India circa 500 BC. He and his later students and disciples used Rhinoplasty to reconstruct noses that were amputed as punishment and for crimes. He developed the techniques of forehead flap Rhinoplasty which is practiced almost unchanged to this day. This knowledge of plastic surgery existed in India up to late 18 century. The first intranasal Rhinoplasty in the west was performed by john Orlando roe in 1887. In 1898 Jacques Joshep used it for cosmetic purposes to help those who felt that the shape or size of their nose caused them embarrassment and social discomfort.

Gynecomastia means enlargement of the male breast. The definition has nothing to do with what causes the enlargement or what tissue it is composed of. It is most common around puberty and can involve one or both sides. Most commonly the enlargement is centralized in the breast but occasionally it is not. It is present to some degree in about a third of male population.

Sometimes your plastic surgeon may recommend that a brow lift be performed in conjunction with a blepharoplasty. The brow lift, which is designed to raise sagging brows, is done through several small incisions in the scalp where scars will be hidden in the hair. By elevating the eyebrows to their former youthful position, less excess skin may need to be removed from the upper eyelids. In fact in many instances, the appearance of excess skin on the upper eyelids is an illusion created by the sagging brows.

Many children are born with ears that protrude to far from the head. This causes the “dumbo-ear” appearance and is often embarrassing and traumatic. The problem is corrected by a combination of stitching and reshaping the ear cartilage, to bring it closer to the head. Also known as “ear pinning,” it is a common cosmetic surgery for adults and children with protruding ears.

Breast enhancement or augmentation is one of the most popular procedures which women seek. It may enhance small breasts, fill out deflated breasts after pregnancy, and make breast size differences less. All of which may bring a psychological boost to women who are unhappy with this part of their figure. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis and usually under general anesthesia.

Laser hair removal gets rid of embarrassing, unwanted hair, quickly and efficiently. With laser hair removal, patients are able to improve appearance and self-confidence.
Laser hair removal is most effective when the targeted hair is darker than the surrounding skin. During laser hair removal a beam of light is directed at the hair follicle, essentially destroying the follicle and reducing the likelihood of regrowth.

Micro-pigmentation or permanent make-up can make you look your best with much less time spent on applying make-up. It can help resolve problem eyebrows with too little or uneven hair growth and it can dramatically or subtly accentuate your eye liner. As a medical procedure, it is used to help reduce facial or body scars.

Most patients have a definite idea as to how they would like to ‘improve’ or refine the shape of their nose. The common concerns are the “nasal hump” on the bridge, the thickness of the nasal tip, and the width of their nose. The most important step in the process of learning about rhinoplasty or nasal surgery is for the prospective patient to have an in-depth consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.

During the past decade, the size and shape of lips has gained special attention and prominence in the sphere of cosmetic surgery. Enhanced, full, sensuous lips have become the accepted standard as a characteristic of beauty. Great emphasis has been placed on the full lip in glamour and fashion magazines, which has influenced millions of women to achieve this look. Lip enhancement gained particular popularity in the late 1980’s with the invention and availability of Collagen.

For men who feel self-conscious about their appearance, breast-reduction surgery can help. The procedure removes fat and or glandular tissue from the breasts, and in extreme cases removes excess skin, resulting in a chest that is flatter, firmer, and better contoured.

Good aesthetic judgment is essential to fit your face and frame your smile. Surgery can reduce or increase the size of your nose, taper the bridge or tip, narrow the nostrils or even improve the angle between the nose and upper lip. And, all can be accomplished through one operation.

Deciding if chemical peel is right for you Chemical peel is most commonly performed for cosmetic reasons — to enhance your appearance and your self confidence. Chemical peel may also remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars and even control acne. In certain cases, health insurance may cover the peel procedure. Be sure to check your policy and contact your insurance company before the procedure is performed.

Breast augmentation, technically known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breast for a number of reasons:

A facelift (technically known as rhytidectomy) can’t stop the aging process. What it can do is “set back the clock,” improving the most visible signs of aging by removing excess fat, tightening underlying muscles, and redraping the skin of your face and neck. A facelift can be done alone, or in conjunction with other procedures such as a forehead lift, eyelid surgery, or nose reshaping.

Breast reduction is usually performed for physical relief rather than simply cosmetic improvement. Most women who have the surgery are troubled by very large, sagging breasts that restrict their activities and cause them physical discomfort.

Most Board Certified Plastic Surgeons offer both traditional and Endoscopic assisted abdominoplasty to remove excess skin, stretch marks, and fat from the abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. This reshaping and contouring of your figure provides a flatter, smoother, and more youthful look.

Chin augmentation is a way to bring balance to the facial structure of correcting a weak chin due to the related bone resorption or facial trauma. This procedure can be as simple as tissue augmentation filler to implanting a silicone or porex chin implant to have to cover all the ways you are able to enhance your chin. A weak chin can also make a normal nose appear large and an already pronounced larger.

Blepharoplasty can correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags below your eyes. These are the features that make you look older and feel more tired than you are, and may even interfere with your vision. However, it will not remove crow’s feet or other wrinkles, eliminate dark circles under your eyes, or lift sagging eyebrows. While it can add an upper crease to Asian eyes, it will not erase evidence of your ethnic or racial heritage. Blepharoplasty can be done alone, or in conjunction with other facial surgery procedures such as facelift or browlift.

A forehead lift or “browlift” is a procedure that restores a more youthful, refreshed look to the area above the eyes. The procedure corrects drooping brows and improves the horizontal lines and furrows that can make a person appear angry, sad or tired.

A Forehead lift is a perfect procedure for someone that feels their face looks older than they feel. Does anyone have an experience with this surgery? Please share your story.

Brachioplasty, also known as arm lift or arm tuck, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to remove redundant, flabby, and sagging skin folds of the upper arms. Hanging arm skin folds are not only unsightly, but also interfere with one’s ability to fit in sleeved tops, as well as causing underarm skin rash and irritation.

An arm lift can save a person from pain and self-esteem issues. Has anyone had this surgery performed on them that would like to share their experience?

This is a popular method of eliminating superficial telangectasias (Spider Veins) in which a sclerosing agent solution is injected into the veins. We use the safest sclerosing agent of all CONCENTRATED SALINE (23.4%). We prepare it in different concentrations based on skin tone and background (15% - Darker Skin; 18% Moderate Skin and 22% - Fair Skin). An inflammatory reaction will occur soon after the procedure. This is normal and desirable. After about two to three weeks, patients will notice a gradual fading of the treated vessels. More than one session will be necessary, but no more than six per area.

Enhancement of buttock appearance is becoming ever more popular. In the past, women noticed certain deficiencies in this area, but were unaware of procedures to alter the buttocks into a more attractive shape. In the last few years, options for buttock enhancement have increased and many patients have undergone treatment safely and effectively. Performing a buttock lift is one way to enhance the appearance of the buttocks.

A facelift (technically known as rhytidectomy) can’t stop this aging process. What it can do is “set back the clock,” improving the most visible signs of aging by removing excess fat, tightening underlying muscles, and redraping the skin of your face and neck. A facelift can be done alone, or in conjunction with other procedures such as a forehead lift, eyelid surgery, or nose reshaping.

Surgery of the nose or Rhinoplasty is performed to increase or decrease the size of the nose, sculpt and change the shape of the tip, bridge, bones, cartilage or nostril size. Nothing has a greater impact on how a person looks than the size and shape of the nose. Because the nose is the most defining characteristic of the face, a slight alteration can greatly improve one’s appearance.

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.

Nasal Surgery, or surgery to reshape the nose, is one of the most common of all Cosmetic Surgery procedures. Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of your nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between your nose and your upper lip. It may also correct a birth defect or injury, or help relieve some breathing problems.

Facial rejuvenation today should be about creating a new you and a positive outlook.

Cosmetic surgery is not meant to change your life, but cosmetic surgery can help you look the way you always wanted. An Illinois Board Certified Plastic Surgeon believes that there is no one operation or approach, but rather a selection of approaches and procedures that can fit your specific needs. Women and men’s bodies change over time.

Facial Rejuvenation can change a person’s life. Has anyone’s life been changed by this surgery?

Over the years, factors such as pregnancy, nursing, and the force of gravity take their toll on a woman’s breasts. As the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts often lose their shape and firmness and begin to sag. Breastlift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts - at least, for a time. (No surgery can permanently delay the effects of gravity.) Mastopexy can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple.

Mastopexy surgery can save a woman from embarassment and pain. It’s the perfect surgery for a woman suffering from sagging breasts. Has anyone had this surgery performed on them before?

For men who feel self-conscious about their appearance, breast-reduction surgery can help. The procedure removes fat and or glandular tissue from the breasts, and in extreme cases removes excess skin, resulting in a chest that is flatter, firmer, and better contoured.

Drawing upon the latest breakthroughs in skin science, CosmoDermT and CosmoPlastT contain human collagen grown under controlled laboratory conditions. This natural human collagen is similar to the collagen normally found in the skin, so there’s no need for a pre-treatment skin test. Which means CosmoDerm and CosmoPlast offer patients the convenience of Collagen Replacement Therapy in just one visit.

Eyelid surgery (technically called blepharoplasty) is a procedure to remove fat–usually along with excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery can correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags below your eyes - features that make you look older and more tired than you feel, and may even interfere with your vision. However, it won’t remove crow’s feet or other wrinkles, eliminate dark circles under your eyes, or lift sagging eyebrows.

# A man or a woman whose face and neck have begun to sag but whose skin still has some elasticity.

# Whose patients bone structure is strong and well defined.

# Most patients are in their forties to sixties. But a face lift can be done successfully on people in their seventies or eighties.

# A face lift can make you look younger and fresher and may enhance your self confidence in the process. But it can”t give you a totally different look, nor can it restore the vitality of your youth.

The arm lift procedure or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure to remove loose skin and excess fat deposits in the upper arm. With age, upper arm skin can become loose and flabby. The goal with brachioplasty is to tighten the skin and remove the excess fat tissue. In some cases your plastic surgeon may suggest that liposuction be used alone or in conjunction with an arm lift to remove excess fat in the upper arms. Sometimes the skin of the hand is also tightened or resurfaced with IPL.

The laser targets the hair follicle without disrupting the skin’s surface to remove hair on any part of the body for smooth softer looking skin. The energy directed from the lasers hand piece is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle, the generated heat energy is designed to destroy the hair follicle so it cannot grow back. Our top of the line approach to hair removal is safe for all skin types and targets all hair colors that contain melenin. The result is permanent hair reduction providing the most desired effect.

Patients of all ages may desire improvement in the fullness or bulk of the vermilion (the red part of the lip). Several techniques are available to reproduce fullness of the lips. These include augmentation (Alloderm and Softform/UltraSoft) and fat injections. Each patient must be evaluated on an individual bases to determine which technique will work best for their desired results.

Lip Augmentation is a procedure most people wouldn’t think of, but to some people it is very important. Has anyone had experience with a lip augmentation they would like to share?

There are few things more devastating for a man’s self esteem then losing his hair. As his hair goes, so does his feeling of vitality and youth. A hair transplant helps to restore a man’s self confidence and makes him appear much younger.

Reasons for calf augmentation are varfied and include cosmetic enhancement and reconstructive necessity. Men and women body builders often use calf augmentation to enhance the fullness, shape and bulk of the calf muscles when exercise falls short on further development. Others choose calf implants to improve proportions, definitions and curves of the lower legs for simple muscular enhancement or to correct the appearance of thin and/or bowed legs. Calf implants can also be used to correct asymmetry in calf muscles from trauma or genetic birth deformities such as in polio, spina bifida and clubfoot.

A fine stream of crystals is used to gently abrade the dead outer layer of skin leaving the skin smooth and retextured. With this exfoliating technique watch fine lines, age spots, and acne scars lighten with each treatment.
Please refer to a board certified plastic surgeon for any further questions.

Human hands are highly visible. We extend our hands as a gesture of friendliness in order to form new friendships and acquaintances. Others can tell a lot by looking at our hands. For instance, the age of the individual can be estimated when looking at someone’s hand and while many people have cosmetic surgery to make their face look younger, their hands reveal their true age. With the hands looking years older than the facial features an obvious tell-tale sign that someone has had facial rejuvenation will be noticed by the average individual. For those who are concerned about the appearance of their hands, there are steps that can help prevent and more importantly reverse the signs of aging.

The nose is the most prominent feature of our face. Its size and shape influence our entire facial appearance. A well-shaped nose appears balanced and in harmony with all of a person’s facial features. When the nose is too large or too small for the face it will seem out of balance or asymmetric. Even if the nose is properly sized, but the individual parts of the nose are not well proportioned to one another, then the nose will appear out of sync with the rest of the face. These problems can be due to trauma, genetics, or previous surgery. A well-balanced, proportionate and harmonious nose is essential for a beautiful or handsome appearance and it is for this reason that so many people seek to change and improve the shape of their nose.

Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. It is also known as a tummy tuck.
Because any surgical procedure carries certain risks and possible complications, you should discuss the procedure in detail with your plastic surgeon.

Women with very large, pendulous breasts may experience a variety of medical problems caused by the excessive weight-from back and neck pain and skin irritation to skeletal deformities and breathing problems. Bra straps may leave indentations in their shoulders. And unusually large breasts can make a woman-or a teenage girl-feel extremely self-conscious. A board certified plastic surgeon can answer any questions you may have about reduction mammoplasty surgery.

Liposculpture, most commonly referred to as liposuction, is a surgical procedure that is highly effective for removing unwanted fat in a specific body area. The ideal patient is one who has hereditary fat accumulations that are diet and exercise resistant. These are most commonly found in the abdomen, hips, inner and outer thighs, inner knees, upper arms, neck and cheek areas.

There are essentially two major problems that affect the eyelids. One is the build up of excess fat behind the eyelids, especially in the lower eyelids. This pushes outward on the eyelid causing a bulge or “bag” to develop. Light, which most often comes from above us, will shine on the bulge and cause a shadow to form under the lid. This gives the appearance of dark circles and the tired-look. A board certified plastic surgeon can answer any questions about eyelid surgery that you may have.

A neck lift is usually part of a facelift but may be performed alone. The repair of the playsma muscles helps redefine the neck. Neck-lift procedures reposition and tighten skin that, through aging, has begun to sag.
Neck-lift procedures cannot eliminate all signs of aging. Although this procedure provides a more youthful appearance, the results usually decrease with time. Both genetic and environmental influences cause the face to show further signs of aging.

For the most part, the operation is done on children between the ages of four and 14. Ears are almost fully grown by age four, and the earlier the surgery, the less teasing and ridicule the child will have to endure. Ear surgery on adults is also possible, and there are generally no additional risks associated with ear surgery on an older patient.

A facelift can improve the most visible signs of aging by sculpting and tightening the deeper structures and foundation of the face and neck. As we age, the effects of gravity, sun exposure, weight fluctuations, smoking, heredity, and the daily stresses of life begin to reveal themselves in our faces. Facelift surgery can bring youth back to a patient’s face.

Gynecomastia is a medical term that comes from the Greek words for “women-like breasts.” Gynecomastia or male breast reduction is actually quite common and may affect only one breast or both. There is no known cause in the vast majority of cases, and surgery is the only known physical remedy. In cases of obesity, weight loss can alter the gynecomastia condition, but for many it will not eliminate it.

Male chest enhancement, known as “pec” implants, is now more popular than ever. Increasing numbers of men are choosing to enhance their physique, body symmetry, and self-image with pectoral implants. This procedure can be performed to enhance an already shapely physique, or pectoral implants may be used for those who simply do not have the time or desire to spend countless hours at the gym.

You may be a candidate for ear pinning (otoplasty) if you have ears that stick out too far from the side of the head. You may also want to have an otoplasty procedure if your ears have an unusual or undesirable shape.

I find it interesting that most people that have an otoplasty performed are children. Has anyone older than 18 ever had one performed? What were the results like?

Eyelid surgery is also called blepharoplasty. This involves the removal of fat usually along with excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery can correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags below your eyes. These features may make you look older and more tired than you feel, and may even interfere with your vision. This procedure doesn’t involve crow’s feet or other wrinkles, eliminate dark circles under your eyes, or lift sagging eyebrows.

If you have indentations in your skin, depressed scars, or deep wrinkles.

If gravity and the natural aging process has affected you.

Reinjected into areas that have lost their youthful appearance.

Autologous fat transfer is a procedure in which your own fat is collected from a distant donor area, usually the outer thigh or buttocks and reinjected into the areas.

For fat transfers contact a board certified plastic surgeon.

Chin surgery, also known as mentoplasty, is a surgical procedure to reshape the chin either by enhancement with an implant or reduction surgery on the bone. Many times a plastic surgeon may recommend chin surgery to a patient having nose surgery in order to achieve facial proportion, as the size of the chin may magnify or minimize the perceived size of the nose. Chin surgery helps provide a harmonious balance to your facial features so that you feel better about the way you look.

All those years of raising your eyebrows in astonishment, scrunching your brows together in a scowl or just the constant assault of gravity have taken a toll on your forehead. The indelible wrinkles and the drooping brows have become noticeable. This highlights that there are essentially two components to the aging forehead; the skin changes resulting in wrinkles and the change in position of the eyebrows.

Patients who desire a thigh and buttock lift usually are seeking to reduce the size of their buttocks or lower trunk area. This plastic surgery procedure is best for individuals who are unable to reduce their size through exercise and dieting. Such factors may affect an individual’s confidence, leading them to seek their own thigh and buttock lift.

Breast enhancement or augmentation is one of the most popular procedures which women seek. It may enhance small breasts, fill out deflated breasts after pregnancy, and make breast size differences less. All of which may bring a psychological boost to women who are unhappy with this part of their figure. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis and usually under general anesthesia. A small incision must be make around the lower part of the nipple, under the breast, or under the arm.

If you have unsightly sagging skin on the upper arms due to aging, genetics, or weight loss, you may be a candidate for upper arm lift. The procedure is intended to reduce or eliminate excess skin from the upper arms.

As is the case with many facial characteristics, the size and shape of one’s ears is most often a familial trait. Children with protruding ears, for example, will often see that same characteristic in their parents’ and grandparents’ ears. Surgical correction of this deformity can be performed with great success as early as the fourth year. By such time, the ear has reached almost adult size, so there will be little subsequent change.

Reconstructive nasal surgery, or rhinoplasty, can be done for cosmetic and/or functional problems, such as septal deviation. As the most prominent feature on one’s face, the nose is a defining characteristic of your overall appearance. The nose also functions as an important organ of respiration. Rhinoplasty addresses both aesthetic and functional concerns.

The skin does not always fully conform to the body’s new shape following significant weight loss. The skin may lose elasticity and begin to sag. One of the areas of the body most affected by this problem is the thigh area.

Thanks to thigh lift (thighplasty), a highly effective cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess fat and skin from the thighs, a solution is available. Thigh lift can dramatically improve the thigh area, as well as enhance the overall appearance of the figure.

You may be a candidate for a breast lift if you have excess or sagging breast tissue due to gravity, weight loss or breast feeding. If you are satisfied with the size of your breasts but don’t like the appearance, this may be the procedure for you. Women who have nipples that point downward may also be candidates for this procedure. Some women have lost a lot of volume and choose to have a breast augmentation in conjunction with a breast lift. This procedure is termed an augmentation mastopexy.

Non-surgical lip enhancements are convenient because normal activities can be resumed immediately. More permanent lip enhancement procedures include fat augmentation and dermal grafts. These are minor surgical procedures, however, several days may be necessary for swelling to subside.

An abdominoplasty can help individuals restore a thinner and fitter looking contour to their bodies. The tummy area is made smaller to better match the body of the patient. Board certifed plastic surgeons accomplish this by removing excess fat and skin in the abdominal area and tightening the underlying muscle tissues. This not only helps to restore the physical appearance of the patient, but also restores self-confidence and respect to the patient.

Ear surgery, or otoplasty, is usually done to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears.

When ear surgery is performed by a qualified, experienced surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Nevertheless, as with any operation, there are risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure.

Rhinoplasty, or surgery to reshape the nose, is one of the most common of all plastic surgery procedures. Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of your nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between your nose and your upper lip. It may also correct a birth defect or injury, or help relieve some breathing problems.

I always thought nasal surgeries were only for cosmetic purposes.

Now men and women alike are making unsightly facial and leg veins a thing of the past. No more painful injections! With the most advanced technology, a unique design, and a longer wavelength, our laser systems can safely and effectively treat both tiny superficial face veins and deeper blue leg veins on men and women of all skin tones.

Breast implants can be inserted through incisions under the breast (inframammary fold), around the areola (periareolar), or through the armpit (transaxillary). The type of implant used, the placement of incision and the size of the implant are influenced by individual physical characteristics and the patient’s preference. These factors will be evaluated during your initial consultation and the information gathered will be used in choosing the optimal implant size and style for you.

Liposuction (lipoplasty) is particularly well-suited for women and men who are of relatively normal weight but have isolated pockets of fat that cause certain areas of their body to appear disproportionate. These localized fat deposits may sometimes be an inherited trait and typically do not respond to dieting or exercise. Liposuction is often the only way to eliminate them.

Creases from below the eyelids to the chin are best treated by filling them. Even a facelift can not flatten deep nasolabial grooves. The choices for filling them are fat, Collagen and Restylane or Radiance. For large amounts, fat can be harvested with a small suction procedure and reinjected. This fat, like collagen, will mostly dissolve over several months. For smaller amounts Collagen is quicker, easier and requires no donor site.

Blepharoplasty, also called an eyelid lift, is the most common facial plastic procedure performed at the Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center Of San Diego. The first signs of aging to appear in the mid to late 30’s are almost always related to the eyes. Furthermore, psychological studies show that 50 percent of our initial impression of a person is made on the basis of the appearance of the eyes.

The endoscope is a small fiberoptic camera (5mm wide) that is inserted into a 1 inch incision in the temporal scalp area. This allows me to visualize the structures inside of the face without making a large incision. The operation is done watching the television monitor, rather than directly at the wound. There are also smaller (8mm) incisions placed on the forehead hair bearing scalp area for introduction of instruments. If you have decided to have an Endoscopic Vertical Facelift consult a board certified plastic surgeon.

Large breasts can cause multiple problems, including neck, back, shoulder pain, headaches, shoulder-grooving (bra-straps digging in), interference with activities and exercise, rashes under the breasts, inability to find clothing that fits properly and psychological problems with self-image. As a result, women with large breasts are often in chronic pain, have little energy and may be overweight because they are unable to exercise, which prevents them from enjoying a higher quality of life. A board certified plastic surgeon can provide you with information regarding a reduction mammoplasty.

Palomar StarLux™ Hair Removal utilizes clear pulsed light technology to target the melanin found in the hair shaft and follicle. This light heats the area, denatures the cells and destroys the hair follicle. The number of treatments required varies depending on the density, color and location of the hair growth. A consultation is needed to review pricing and number of treatments estimated.
Hair removal procedures are great if you are tired of shaving. Let’s discuss successful hair removal procedures you have had.

Liposuction can remove localized fat deposits from almost any area of the body. Board Certified Plastic Surgeons use an “ultrasonic” technique, during which sound waves liquefy fat cells before liposuction begins. This allows the elimination of more tissue, especially in difficult to treat areas such as “love handles” and the upper abdomen. Ultrasound breaks up fibrous tissue in the fat, and gives smoother results than with other types of liposuction.

After the treatment the skin resembles a deep sunburn for about ten days. The redness fades and turns pink within a few weeks. Makeup can easily camouflage the pink color which disappears in one to three months.
During the healing process, we advise that patients avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
Potential postoperative complications of pigmentary changes of the skin are managed through the preoperative and postoperative use of hydraquinone and retinoid creams. Hypertrophic scars and keloids are other problems for which the laser has application. The laser also removes small blood vessels, birthmarks, and tattoos from the skin.

Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for your surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins, and medications.
If you smoke, plan to quit at least one to two weeks before your surgery and not to resume for at least two weeks after your surgery. Avoid overexposure to the sun before surgery, especially to your abdomen, and do not go on a stringent diet, as both can inhibit your ability to heal. If you develop a cold or infection of any kind, your surgery will probably be postponed.
Whether your surgery is done on an outpatient or inpatient basis, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, and to help you out for a day or two after you leave the hospital, if needed.

Rhinoplasty may be appropriate for you if you are dissatisfied with the shape of your nose or if you do not breathe well through your nose. The operation is rarely done before facial growth is completed, that is, age 14 -16. The thickness of the skin on the nose is different in different people. Thinner skin allows any changes made in the underlying skeleton of bone and cartilage to show through clearly. Thick skin tends to hide such changes and may limit the production of a fine delicate look. As we get older it becomes harder to adjust to the look of a very different nose, and dramatic changes may not be a good idea after age 35. Only a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon can help you achieve the look you desire.

I find is interesting they recommend you not get a nose job after the age of 35. Has anyone had one done after that? How has it affected you?

With aging, or in those exposed to large amounts of sun or stress, wrinkled, creased skin can develop on the face, neck or forehead, along with fat deposits and folds around the jaws and jowls. While a facelift can’t stop the aging process, in many cases it can “turn back the clock.” More patients are choosing to have facelifts at a younger age then ever before.

I feel rhytidectomy surgeries are very important to one’s self-esteem. It can make you feel years and years younger.

A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon uses an arm lift or brachioplasty to correct excess skin to the arms. Over time, excess skin to the upper arms can develop compelling people to seek correction.

Upper arms are a part of a body that many people are self-concious about. I find it interesting that they are capable of making your arms look normal again.

It is important to follow any instructions your physician may give you following your Male Breast Reduction. Patients should be aware that soreness will be present after the operation and that moderate to heavy physical activity following the operation should be avoided for a period of time.

Male breast reduction can greatly help a one’s confidence. What are people’s opinions on it?

When the implant is placed sub muscularly under the breast, there is a lower chance of contracture (contraction of the tissue capsule surrounding the implant), and mammography is more reliable. There is also less risk of visible or palpable implant edges. However, in some cases the implant has a more natural appearance when placed above the muscle, under the breast tissue. A board certified plastic surgeon can help you decide which placement and type of implant will work best.

Electrolysis is a progressive treatment. The amount of time required to completely rid the area of hair varies per individual. It usually takes between 6 months and 1 year of repeated treatments. Contact a board certified plastic surgeon if you have any questions or concerns.

I think electrolysis is a great way to rid yourself of shaving and the complications that come with it. Has anyone had this surgery done?

Ear surgery or otoplasty is usually done to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears. Ears are almost fully grown by age four, so the operation is done on children between ages of four and fourteen. Ear surgery is also possible in adults with fewer risks. You have to be clear about what and how you want your ear to be when you talk to the doctor.

I had no idea they could perform otoplasty at such a young age. I always thought plastic surgery was for adults.

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is surgery to remove excess fat and skin from the abdomen. Abdominal muscles that have been weakened or separated can also be corrected with a tummy tuck. The most common causes of loose or sagging skin on the stomach are heredity, multiple pregnancies, prior surgery and significant fluctuations in weight. This procedure is common among patients who have undergone gastric bypass surgery and have excess abdominal skin.

Did you know that an abdominoplasty can be combined with liposuction to help achieve optimal body contouring results?

Eyelid surgery is a procedure to correct drooping of the upper eyelids and puffy bags and wrinkles around the lower eyelids. With age, the muscles around the eyes weaken and the skin becomes increasingly loose and puffy, which can cause patients to look older and more tired than they actually feel. Eyelid surgery helps restore a youthful appearance by removing or redraping excess fat, muscle and skin from the upper and lower eyelids. Either alone or combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures, eyelid surgery can drastically reduce the signs of aging.

The main goals of a Tummy Tuck are to remove the excess, loose skin and fat of the lower abdomen and to tighten the abdominal muscles. Abdominoplasty offers the best chance to have as flat an abdomen and as narrow a waist as possible. The procedure unlocks the potential that is there. In Los Angeles, Tummy Tucks can make all the difference in feeling and looking like your old self. A Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon has extensive experience in this surgery having performed well over 1500 Tummy Tucks.

There are many filler substances on the market today including Collagen. The differences among them involve the types of materials and how long they remain effective. The one common denominator is that none of the material is permanent. Typically, the effects from these substances last from three to four months. There is one product on the market today, Radiance, which the manufacturer claims lasts three to five years. This product is most effective for softening the nasolabial folds (the groove which stretches from the nose downward to the corner of the mouth). All the filler substances are injected with a fine needle in the office setting. Most patients report mild but temporary discomfort. Only trust a board certified plastic surgeon.

I had no idea there were so many different kinds of filler materials. Which do you think is the best?