Cosmetic Surgery: Why to Get It, And Where to Find It

In French, they call it chirurgie plastique. Other places, it is simply known as cosmetic surgery. There are many reasons why individuals seek it, and even more places now than ever to receive it. This short guide will talk about the reasons for it, and where to get the best deal on it.

Plastic surgery is known for being something that celebrities would get when their age started showing too much. It has more recently risen to popularity as somewhat of a medical procedure. Individuals who are in accidents that are damaging to their appearance often receive this type of surgery.

Finding the best doctor to perform the procedure can be tricky. However, if you are armed with the right information, and great reviews, you will find the right person for you in no time. Start your search by talking to people who have openly discussed their plastic surgery procedures.

These people will be able to give you the freshest view of the latest practices. If things went well, they’d probably be willing to give you a business card or two to pass around. They will even give you directions to the nearest professional for the procedure.

Doing a phone book or Internet search are two other ways to find the best doctors for the procedure you want to have done. Keep in mind that doctors that perform plastic surgery is going to perform a different type. There may be one or two doctors that have specialties in more than one form of surgery. When searching for an office by the phone book, look under “specialty surgeries”. This is the best chance to get the results you are seeking.

The Internet has one advantage that the phone book does not. The Internet provides information that is quicker to get than a phone call. There is no need to be put on hold. With a few clicks of the mouse, you can be on the website of the doctor of your choice, and reading the information he has provided for you online. It is easy to do if you know how to get there quickly.

Using specific keywords is one way to accomplish this. Use words that indicate the location you are searching for. For example, try the phrase “plastic surgery in Baltimore” if you lived in Maryland. This is one way to be specific. The results page will only show you results in that area. When you are the page, check out the pricing, the types of procedures, and the consultation offer. Do not forget to schedule this. Most doctors will not see you without an evaluation first.

Cosmetic surgery is widely known for what it has done for older celebrities. Now it is becoming popular for other reasons too. It has been known to save the lives of those who have been in otherwise fatal accidents, and it has been known to provide less self-consciousness for those in other unfortunate circumstances. Knowing where to go to receive the best care is important.

Offering Chirurgie Esthetique, plastic surgery, and Chirurgie Esthetique services since 1992, Montreal’s most trusted cosmetic surgeons will deliver the care you deserve.

How the Internet Can Help You to Search For Cosmetic Surgery Toronto

Up until around ten years ago the idea of having cosmetic surgery was really seen as something done by people for medical reasons or the rich and famous trying to keep their looks. However, it is now much more common for normal members of the public to think about going to have different things done which has seen a real rise in the number of cosmetic surgeons out there. So if you live in the Toronto area and you are thinking about having something done you should start by looking under cosmetic surgery Toronto.

You shall then be faced with a list of cosmetic surgeons who work in the Toronto area and you shall also notice most of them have websites. You should therefore take your time to go through the different sites and try to learn as much as possible about the surgeon.

When you are looking at their website try to find out as much information about their background as possible so you can see how they came to be a cosmetic surgeon. You should also pay attention for any links or images that show they have been certified by local and national cosmetic surgeon associations.

What these associations do is give you a lot more confidence about their ability as a surgeon as they have been shown to be more than competent and that they can be trusted. If there were any doubts about their ability then they would not belong to them and they would also be unable to practice.

It can also be beneficial if you know other people who have had work done in the area as you should ask them who they used then look at the relevant website again. This can be important because if it is someone you trust and they recommend someone then it is easier for you to then trust the surgeon.

You should be asking them about the treatment they received both before and after the surgery as well as the relationship that they had with the surgeon. Both of these things are very important especially the relationship as a good one makes it easier to relax and trust them and their ability.

When you feel ready for it you should arrange an appointment with a surgeon so you can sit down face to face with them and discuss what you are wanting done. This is the time to ask any questions that you have as you are not agreeing to having any procedure carried out but just enquiring about the possibility.

You should always use this appointment to let you judge how you feel you can get on with them by going with your first impression. Make sure you ask them about the procedure as well as what you should do to prepare for it along with tips on after care and what they provide you with so you can see if they are organised and if you are happy to put your body in their hands or not.

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Cosmetic Surgery Has Been Around For a Very Long Time

It might seem that cosmetic surgery is a very recent invention. In fact this is not true as it has been around for many thousands of years. The first documented record of any kind of plastic surgery taking place was two thousand years before Christ in India. This kind of surgery is called corrective, restorative, or it can be a kind of microsurgery.

Reconstructive surgery was also performed in Ancient Egypt and Ancient Rome. It did not become commonplace until better methods of anaesthesia were invented. Before this time it was obviously excruciatingly painful as it involved removing flaps of skin to rebuild other areas of the body. There was also a great risk of infection until modern methods of sterilization and infection control were invented. The introduction of penicillin was a massive leap forward.

In eighteen twenty seven a surgeon named John Peter Mettauer performed the first successful cleft palate operation. He even designed the instruments for the operation himself. Towards the end of the nineteenth century a lot of surgeons were experimenting with rhinoplasty, or nose reductions or reconstructions.

It was during the course of the first world war that many new techniques were pioneered. A New Zealand surgeon named Harold Gilles was instrumental in helping many young men who had badly disfigured by their injuries. His work was carried on during world war two by his cousin Archibald McIndoe.

McIndoe set up a burns unit that would become famous throughout the world for young airmen who had suffered terrible burns during the fighting. The members of this very select group were called the Guinea Pigs, and they had their own club called the Guinea Pig club. McIndoe helped many of these brave men to recover from their injuries with his pioneering surgeries.

The work of this burns unit still continues today in the McIndoe burns unit in the Queen Victoria hospital in the town of East Grinstead in southern England. The survivors of the Guinea Pig club still meet today. At the end of world war two it had nearly seven hundred members, and there are still two hundred remaining members who get together regularly.

Today this kind of surgery is widely used for cosmetic reasons. There are quite literally millions of procedures done throughout the world every year. Cheek lift surgery, cosmetic eyelid surgery, cheek augmentation and a face lift are just a few of the many procedures that are now available.

The massive rise in demand for cosmetic surgery procedures has perhaps come about in the pursuit for perfection. The media is full of images of women and men who represent an ideal image. These people have the time and money to devote to their appearance, and quite often their profession demands it if they are in front of the cameras. The media is quick to comment if one of these stars looks tired or gains a few pounds so the pressure to be thin and fabulous looking is immense. This pressure filters down to the rest of the ordinary mortals who want to look like the stars they idolize, and so they may be tempted to turn to surgery to try to achieve the same kind of perfection.

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All About Liposuction

A cosmetic surgical treatment referred to as as Liposuction belongs to the most popular surgical procedures availed by sufferers today. Inside the United States, lipo is the most availed method that patients undergo today.To illustrate the method of lipo, it is just the removal of fatty deposits and masses that have accrued beneath the pores and skin by means of vacuum suction. Liposuction extracts fats therefore tremendously lowering or modifying the shape and body weight of the impacted area. This method belongs to a category of body sculpting so; it covers body areas including the abdomen, thighs, hips, arms, neck, claves, cheeks and a lot more.

Lipo could be really helpful to individuals particularly with diet plan and metabolism issues and instances alike. You can find instances exactly where someone is unable to reduce fats especially fats deposits with solutions like bodily exercises and routines. In these kinds of scenarios, liposuction strategies may be the only motion that can respond to help the individual.

Liposuction are usually completed right after or together with other people surgical operations such as abdominoplasty or tummy tucks, and breast procedures these kinds of as breast lifts or breast reductions. Also numerous liposuction strategies could be operated in different areas with the physique at exactly the same time.

Lipo is carried out having a sequence of steps. Let me explain to you the simple actions involved inside the preparation of surgical operation. Initially, it’s really crucial to plan the process first than every little thing else. The surgeon will location markers or drawings on your physique elements so that he/she will probably be guided in which the process ought to be completed. Secondly the surgeon and medical doctors will decide to inject neighborhood anesthesia or common anesthesia. This selection will even include your heath condition as nicely as the complete duration of the operation. Lastly is the infusion of wetting remedies. These options are liquids consisting of a blood vessels vessel constricting chemical known as epinephrine and salt water. The objective of this step would be to avoid any unnecessary blood reduction and also to minimize it as much as feasible. In this way, security is enhanced greatly with all the reduction of threat of complications caused by blood loss.

You can find a number of types of strategies utilized in the infusion of wetting options. The oldest a single will be the dry approach which is deemed extremely hazardous since it does not involve resolution infusion in any respect, creating 45% of the suctioned materials to be blood. This process involves excessive blood reduction and substantial bruising right after the operation.The real fluid infusion methods will be the damp and super moist procedures. These techniques infuse wetting solutions with a array of 100-300ml fluid and minimize bloodstream loss to some 25% of what exactly is suctioned. While in super damp infuses the sum if fluid equal towards the fat which is to become eliminated. This will somewhat prevent bloodstream damage, by enabling only 1% bloodstream in the suctioned matter.There are many techniques utilized in removing the fat. The regular way is the standard suction method. This technique involves incisions and very small vacuums to extract fat. Other methods would be the Ultrasound-assisted, laser-assisted, power-assisted, and entire body jet. More importantly all strategies need a cannula- a lengthy tube that is essential to suction out body fats.

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Facelift Procedures Can Make Your Face Look More Youthful and Beautiful

A facelift is a popular cosmetic procedure for men and women ages 40 to 60. This surgery can make your face look younger, tighter and refreshed.

Your face lets the rest of the world know when you are happy, sad, confused, delighted or excited. Likewise, your face can also show the world that you have aged, as the skin starts to thin and sag, wrinkles and creases appear in larger numbers, and both sun and age spots dot your once beautiful complexion. A facelift, then, can reverse signs of aging by tightening and literally lifting the skin to create a natural but younger looking face. Also known as a rhytidectomy, facelift surgery is particularly popular with men and women in their 40s through 60s, although it can be performed on both younger and older adults.

In particular, a facelift can address issues such as sagging skin on the cheeks or neck, very deep wrinkles and lines and other issues that make the skin look less than vibrant. Facelifts can also be part of an entire personal makeover and can be combined with other cosmetic surgical procedures, depending on the individual’s goals, budget and interests.

With improvements that make the surgery and recovery easier and create a more natural-looking face, facelifts offer very impressive results – you still look like you, just a better or brighter version. Prior to a facelift, patients should meet with a licensed, board-certified cosmetic surgeon who is very experienced in performing facelifts, among other cosmetic surgeries. This is the time to discuss your unique interests and needs and get all of your questions answered. Likewise, the surgeon will give you some pre-surgery instructions which you must follow carefully to ensure a good procedure and healthy recovery period.

During the surgery itself, your cosmetic surgeon will be careful to make the incisions around your ears, where they can easily be hidden by both hair and make-up. Then he or she will lift and tighten the skin and tissue, likely removing some extra skin as well. The length of the surgery varies based on the extent of it and whether it is combined with other procedures.

After the procedure, you will need to give yourself ample time to rest and recover. You will probably have some bruising, swelling and mild pain as well as a sensation of tightness in the face, all of which will diminish with time and pain medications. Your stitches will come out in about a week or so, and you will have to be patient about resuming your regular activities. The final results of the facelift are usually visible in two or three months. Again, it is critical to consult with your surgeon about any concerns or questions that you have.

All in all, a facelift can lift much more than just your face – it can also boost your spirits, your self-confidence and even your overall energy level. A facelift can help you to look younger and more vital, and let the rest of the world know that you are very young at heart

CosmetiCare is a professional plastic surgery center and medical spa with locations in Newport Beach andLong Beach, California. For more information on Face Lifts in Orange County visit www.cosmeticare.com and view procedure descriptions and before and after photos of actual patients.

Details on What Consider a Good Candidate For Plastic Surgery Procedure

Exactly what consider a good candidate for plastic surgery procedure? Although we believe ourselves to be fine candidates for cosmetic surgery, the truth is we are not. Prior to operating on you, excellent surgeons must establish if their patients qualify for the procedure. Some of the things the surgeon puts into consideration is your health status and age.

The one thing that all surgeons reflect on is your physical well being. Though plastic or cosmetic surgery is unnecessary, in many ways it still is a surgical process. Physician ought to ensure that their patients are healthy before commencing on the surgery. Complications may develop and your healing process may be slowed down if the surgical procedure is carried out without first addressing existing medical issues.

Nurses take the time find out if you suffer from diseases when you go into health centers. Among the diseases that they look for are bleeding disorders, arthritis, hypertension and diabetes. This is carried out as the diseases are linked with complications such as skin loss and bleeding. In serious cases, they even lead to death.

Weight is one other thing that physicians deem over. The physician may have trouble conducting the operation if the candidates obese or overweight. Conversely, he may have a problem performing the procedure if the subject is underweight. This is due to the fact that complications may arise. Your physician can request you to gain or lose weight, depending on the state of affairs.

Age is an additional thing that surgeons mull over. You become ineligible for plastic surgery if you are too old. This is because you could be having pre existing medial conditions that could put you at risk of complications. Moreover, your healing may be problematic.

It is in order for medical practitioners to inquire if you are taking any drugs. Once more, this assists then determine if you qualify for the operation. You may be declared ineligible if you are on aspirin, estrogen replacement drugs or oral contraceptives. The reason has to do with the fact that the drugs hinder the normal clotting of the blood. They can also decrease the effectiveness of the pills that the surgeon utilizes when operating.

The surgeons also mull on whether you are a smoker or not. You may be asked to end your smoking. Smoking in the twenty one days prior to the operation is restricted. Because smoking makes it impossible for the body to heal effectively, you will also not be permitted to puff cigarettes in month after the surgery.

Depending on the kind of plastic surgery that will be performed, your skin type is also considered. For example, a skin resurfacing process is ideal for an individual with light skin. This is because their skin does not become unusually dark or light after surgery.

If you are thinking of going for plastic surgery, keep in mind that you will have to submit to a comprehensive medical examination. Make certain that you respond accurately to questions from the doctor.

Interested in getting a face lift, neck lift, a nose correction, breast augmentation or other Chirurgie esthetique

Plastic Surgery Nose Job – Don’t Get Rhinoplasty Before You Have Answered These Quesitons

There are many reasons why a person would want to get a plastic surgery nose job done. Most people believe that a person gets rhinoplasty done because they don’t like the look of their nose. This is because of all the publicity given to celebrity plastic surgery. In today’s world of ever present media, celebrities are unable to hide any plastic surgery they have done. What they don’t realize is that nose surgery is very important in order to correct breathing problems or when the nose has been damaged due to accident or disease.

You have every right to get a nose job done if you feel that it will improve your life in any way. However, you do have to ask yourself a few questions about why you want a plastic surgery nose job done so that you might spare yourself from making a mistake and having to live with the consequences of bad plastic surgery, or worse still, having to undergo corrective nasal reconstruction.

You have to be very clear about why you want the nose surgery done. If you truly feel that the quality of your life will be enhanced by a surgically reshaped nose then you should certainly not deprive yourself of it. The question is easier to answer if your nose has been damaged due to various circumstances.

The next thing to consider is how you will look after the plastic surgery nose job is done. Blindly copying celebrities is always a bad idea, and it is even worse when it comes to medical matters. The nose that you are eager to have might not even suit the rest of your features. Your doctor should have a frank and clear discussion with you about what the expected results will be. If you are unable to visualize the final result, take a few opinions from your friends as well.

You also should find out who exactly will be doing the nose surgery on you. There is no need to risk getting awful plastic surgery by trusting your nose to an inexperienced doctor. Make sure that only a very skilled doctor does the nose job for you. You cannot afford to make a mistake on such a visible part of your body which can’t even be hidden. Do not hesitate to ask the plastic surgery center for the qualifications of the various doctors. You can even find lots of information online. Only go to a reputed clinic because you should not spare any effort to get the best job done with the least possible problems.

Be prepared to feel some discomfort after your nose job, even if it goes well according to plans. After all, your body needs some time to recover from the surgery. Find out from your doctor about the various steps you need to take to alleviate the discomfort.

Ask around for the best doctors available, particularly ones who have refined their techniques and skills to such an extent that they can reduce the discomfort and the recovery time.

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Which is Better: A Mid-Facelift or a Standard Facelift?

Q: I have heard about the new mid-facelifts. How do these differ from a standard facelift, and which procedure is better?

A: Mid-facelifts are relatively new but some surgeons have been performing them for 10-15 years. Both types of facelift procedures are designed to turn back the hands of time, but each addresses different aspects of the aging process. A standard facelift is still the ideal procedure to tighten a loose neck and to help with jowls.

While the mid-facelift is indeed a relatively new procedure, it address an age-old problem: the drooping and hollowing of the cheek areas below the lower eyelids, which create a so-called “tear trough” deformity. The mid-facelift can be done as an isolated procedure to freshen a face in the late 30s or 40s that is showing early signs of aging. It can also be combined with a traditional facelift in an older person, or as an isolated procedure in an older patient who has had a traditional facelift but the mid-face was not addressed.

The traditional facelift is wonderful for dealing with jowls and the neckline. It was designed to pull the skin and superficial muscles backwards to minimize the jowl and to tighten the neck areas, but this procedure does not address the elongated lower eyelid and the hollowness in the mid-face region. As a matter of fact, the tension required to pull the cheek tissues backward actually flattens the mid-face region, further exacerbating the unnatural look! In some instances of minor neck laxity, the neck may be tightened by inserting a variety of threads beneath the surface and restoring neck laxity. Such minimal-incision thread procedures will not give the patient an optimal result if significant laxity is present with significant skin excess. 


The new mid-face or cheek lift procedures specifically address this central facial hollowness and work to restore a curvilinear, youthful facial appearance. One of the beauties of a mid-facelift is that it can be done through short incisions hidden behind the hair line and through a tiny stab wound in the fold between the cheek and the upper lip (just large enough to let us insert a few very long needles) which heals without a visible scar.

Through these access incisions, the surgeon can elevate the tissues that have drifted downward back into a more youthful position, using suspension sutures. The aging face can thus be sculpted tension-free to recreate the soft and graceful curves of youth. The mid-facelift will not alter your jowls or neck laxity, so if these are an issue, a traditional face and neck lift will also have to be performed to achieve optimal rejuvenation.

The midface lift, along with micro-fat grafting of the tear troughs, are most frequently performed as adjuncts to a traditional lift. Some patients, usually those who are younger with aging limited to the mid-face region, or those who have already had a traditional facelift, will benefit from a mid-face/cheek lift as a sole procedure. Others may best be served with a mid-face lift combined with a traditional lift or other associated procedures in order to achieve the optimal result!

Facial rejuvenation is at the top of the list of the most common aesthetic surgical procedures. Most people feel physically and mentally vigorous and energetic long after their appearance has begun to deteriorate due to aging. A face, neck, brow or mid-facelift procedure is designed to provide you with a rejuvenated appearance. The degree of improvement achieved depends on the severity of the initial deformity, the age of the patient, tissue elasticity and the recommended procedure.

It is important to seek a surgeon who is well-versed in all of the options, so that a customized plan can be developed for your concerns.

Dr. Bunkis MD, FACS of Orange County Plastic Surgery is a Harvard trained, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and has 30 yrs of surgical expertise. Call Orange County Plastic Surgery at 949-888-9700, email your questions to info@ocps.com or visit ocps.com for more information. Serving Irvine, Newport Beach, Mission Viejo, Laguna Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita and surrounding cities.

Plastic Surgery Rhinoplasty Explained – The Day of Surgery

Do you hate the way your nose looks right now? You are not alone in feeling this way, going by the statistics concerning the numbers of people who are opting for rhinoplasty these days. With the growing popularity of plastic surgery rhinoplasty, also called a nose job, it is no longer considered a radical surgery. The reason that so many people opt for a rhinoplasty is that any imperfections on a nose are clearly visible and are very difficult to hide. A skilled surgeon will be able to give you the nose you desire without too much trouble. However, nose surgery is not without any inconvenience, and you need to know exactly what it entails so that you know what to expect on the day of the surgery.

Plastic surgery rhinoplasty is a small yet crucial surgery, and it is almost always done while with local anesthesia. You will be able to go home the same day of the surgery, although you should make arrangements to be taken home because you will certainly be feeling groggy. However, in some cases, especially when there is extensive nasal reconstruction to be done and you require a complex surgery, you will need to go under general anesthesia. Your surgeon will discuss the various options with you in great detail and go through the exact procedure you will undergo.

If your surgeon has decided to go in for a closed procedure, he will make an incision inside your nostrils. The biggest advantage of this is that the surgery scar will not be visible to others. As preferable as this type of surgery is, you will sometimes have to go in for an open procedure. In such a case, you will be left with a small scar on the outside of your nose, which will take some time to heal and become invisible.

Every person has a different image of what the perfect nose is. If you feel that yours is too big or has unsightly lumps on it, the plastic surgeon will simply remove excess cartilage in order to make it the required shape or size. It is far more complicated to increase the size of your nose, but it is not impossible. If this is what you want, your doctor will have to harvest some cartilage from other parts of your body such as your ears, septum or your ribs.

Once the incision is closed, you will have to wait a while in order to see whether your surgeon has been able to translate your desire into reality. Your nose will take some time to heal, and you can expect to have some swelling for a while. This is only normal since the tissues have been through some trauma. You will only see the shape of your new nose after the swelling has come down.

If, however, you feel that your plastic surgery rhinoplasty has not gone as expected, you could always schedule another surgery in order to attain the exact look you want.

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Liposuction Tightens and Tones, Sculpts and Slims Bodies

If you want to remove some excess fat in your stomach, liposuction can do just that. Around your knees? Liposuction can handle that as well. On your thighs, your butt, your upper arms, your neck, your cheeks, your ankles? In essence, liposuction can target just about any area on the body that carries extra fat and hasn’t responded to diet and exercise.

Also known as lipoplasty, liposuction is popular among both men and women who are generally healthy but wish to tighten and tone specific areas on the body. As a matter of fact, liposuction was the second most popular cosmetic surgical procedure (after breast augmentation) performed in 2009 in the United States, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).

The most popular recent option in liposuction is called tumescent liposuction, which involves less pain and an easier recovery period. During a tumescent liposuction, the cosmetic surgeon inserts a saline solution containing a local anesthetic (rather than a general anesthetic, one of the reasons for faster recovery) into targeted areas on the patient’s body.

This solution causes the surrounding fatty tissue to actually swell up and become firm, or tumescent This firmness, then, makes it much easier for the surgeon to carefully pinpoint the exact areas of fat to remove without disturbing anything else – all of this leads to less bruising, less bleeding and faster overall recovery – not to mention fantastic results for the patient. The anesthetic provides excellent post-procedure pain relief as well, sometimes eliminating the need for any other medications.

After a tumescent liposuction procedure, there will likely be some swelling and mild discomfort for a couple days, and patients should consult their cosmetic surgeon with specific instructions on returning to work, exercise and other daily routines. Results will be visible quickly and will just get more impressive during that first month.

Post-surgery, patients will experience some swelling and will need to rest for several days and take it easy for up to a month. The surgery time and costs will vary depending on the type of liposuction and the areas being treated. Before returning to normal activities be sure to consult a board certified plastic surgeon or medical doctor.

Some people choose to have liposuction as a stand-alone treatment while others combine it with tummy tucks, breast lifts, face lifts or other cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures to reduce both overall procedure time and recovery time. Costs vary depending on the areas being focused on during the procedure. You can talk to your cosmetic surgeon about both your interests and goals to determine if liposuction is the right procedure for you.

Liposuction can make you both look and feel better, as you enjoy a flatter stomach, sculpted ankles, slim upper arms and the overall body of ideal. Please continue to consider regular exercise and diet before considering a cosmetic or plastic surgery procedure like liposuction. If you have any questions about liposuction procedures and you live in or near the Orange County area please contact the professionals at CosmetiCare.

Dr. Niccole is a board certified Newport Beach cosmetic surgeon offering cosmetic procedures for the face, body, breasts and skin. For more information on these procedures and more visit www.cosmeticare.com.

Breast Lift Provides Boost to Uplift Breasts

Less extensive than a full breast augmentation but still a very effective way to boost sagging breasts, a breast lift, or mastopexy, can reshape and lift the breasts. This procedure is especially popular with women whose breasts have sagged due to aging, weight loss or pregnancy, child birth and breast feeding.

Breast Lift procedures are often done in combination with other cosmetic procedures such as liposuction, tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty), breast augmentation, and even facial rejuvenation procedures such as rhinoplasty, brow lifts, blepharoplasty and more. Be sure to discuss all of your options with a board certified plastic surgeon before moving forward with a final decision.

A breast lift can be performed along with a breast augmentation or on its own and includes two different options depending on an individual’s needs and preferences:

-The Benelli Breast Lift or Donut Mastopexy Breast Lift is best suited for women who are interested in a small to moderate lift in their breasts. During this procedure, the cosmetic surgeon removes excess skin and tightens up the tissue around the breasts. This creates a new contour and shape as well as a more youthful look.

-The Full Mastopexy Breast Lift, on the other hand, is for those interested in a larger boost. The procedure essentially works the same, however, the cosmetic surgeon will make further incisions around the breasts while performing the lift, which entails some additional scarring and a longer period of recovery.

The actual procedure can take anywhere from two to four hours and can be performed in an office surgical center or a hospital, depending on the cosmetic surgeon and the procedure itself. If you are thinking about a breast lift or a breast augmentation, you should meet with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who specializes in these procedures. He or she can discuss all the details of the surgery as well as how to prepare for the procedure and what will be expected after the breast lift. In addition, you can ask questions about costs, risks, options and more. It’s always a good idea to view before-and-after photos from previous patients as well as client recommendations.

If you hope to have more kids or aren’t finished breast feeding, it makes sense to wait to have a breast lift since your breasts can stretch and change during this time. While the breast lift provides impressive results, it isn’t permanent and age can continue to take a toll on the breasts, so it’s also important to have realistic expectations about a breast lift surgery.

After a breast lift, patients will likely be swollen, sore and bruised for several days to a week or more; they must also wear a special surgical bra which helps promote healing. Those who have the procedure generally return to work in about a week, but must avoid intense activity and heavy lifting for several weeks.

All in all, a breast lift is a less invasive way of giving your breasts a youthful lift and creating the shape of your dreams.

Dr. Randall Harrell is a board certified Tampa Bay plastic surgeon and the director of the Fountain of Youth Institute in Palm Harbor.

Oriental Eyelids and Plastic Surgery Answers

Question: I’m a 28 year old Chinese female and dislike my eyelids. My eyelids have always had a flap of skin that hangs down to my lashes. I would like to have the extra skin removed from my lids but am afraid of not looking Chinese to my family. Can you do eyelid plastic surgery and still have a patient look Oriental?

Answer: You ask some very good questions about Oriental eyelids. Please read below and contact me at Orange County Plastic Surgery if you have any further questions concerning this, or any other cosmetic surgery procedure.

First of all, Oriental patients do have different eyelid anatomy than most Caucasian patients. In the typical Oriental type of eyelid patient, the superior palpebral fold (the upper lid fold between the lashes and brow) is absent. This occurs in approximately 50% of Oriental patients and is a genetic feature that is passed on from parents to their children with a dominant gene. The Oriental eyelid without a palpebral fold is often referred to as a “single eyelid”, while an eyelid with a fold is called a “double eyelid”.

Operations designed to construct a superior palpebral fold are becoming more popular in Oriental patients around the globe. This surgery has become commonplace in large cities in the Orient as well as in the United States areas, especially in areas like Orange County containing large Oriental populations. The “single eyelid” occurs because a muscle called the levator palpebrae ends within the substance of the lid, instead of attaching to the top of the cartilage plate in the lid, and is not caused by a skin excess! In such procedures, every attempt is made to create the desired fold but not to alter the general shape of the eye or to destroy the web that many Oriental patients have medially, near the nose. Destroying this epicanthal fold would make a lid look more Caucasian and destroy this important Oriental feature of an eyelid and give the patients and eyelid version of Michael Jackson’s nose – this is to be avoided!

As mentioned, 50% of Orientals lack the palpebral fold, but the other 50% do have such a fold – the Oriental eyelid procedure is designed to create such a fold and still leave the patient looking Oriental. A surgeon doing such surgery should be familiar with the differences between Oriental and Caucasian anatomy. It is possible to get a very good result with this plastic surgery procedure, but as with any cosmetic procedure, it is important to research the options and all potential outcomes. It is also important to communicate with your surgeon about how you would like to look after the surgery and obtain comprehensive pre-procedure and post-procedure information.

If you have any specific questions about the Oriental eyelid, plastic surgery procedure, or any other cosmetic procedure, your best bet would be to see a qualified, board certified plastic surgeon to review your options. A plastic surgeon should be able to work with you to get a result with which you are satisfied!

Dr. Juris Bunkis, MD, FACS of Orange County Plastic Surgery is a Harvard trained, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and has 30 yrs of surgical expertise. Call OCPS at 949-888-9700, email your questions to info@ocps.com or visit our website for more information.

Eyelids and Brow Lifts, Questions and Answers

Q: My upper lids droop over my eyelashes and I would like to have them fixed. I have seen two plastic surgeons, one who agreed that he could help me with my upper lids, another who told me I’d have to have a brow lift as well. My brows are fine with me and I do not understand why a brow lift would be necessary? Why would a surgeon recommend a procedure I did not ask for?

A: You really should go and have another talk with your plastic surgeons – if one recommended a brow lift, he should have explained why he did so. Rarely would we suggest a procedure about a body part not brought to our attention by a complaint originated by a patient. For example, we would never comment about very large or small breasts if a patient came in to discuss an abdominoplasty (i.e. “tummy tuck”).

The two exceptions I can think of relate to chin implants and brow lifts, but in such a situation, I sure would hope that the patient left the consultation with an understanding of why we are recommending the brow lift or chin implant procedures! Patients with weak chins who come in complaining of a large nose or a droopy neck cannot get a great profile without addressing the weak chin because the chin, nose and neck all contribute to the profile. Likewise, if a patient complains of heavy upper eye lids, we have to analyze the balance between the eyelid and brow position.

As a plastic surgeon, our duty is to lay out the options for a patient and each person has to choose the procedure(s) that will give them their desired results. In a pure upper eye lid blepharoplasty, the thin skin excess of the lids is removed but the distance from the lashes to the brows is not changed. In patients with low brows, removing the thin, excess upper lid skin may not be appreciated unless the thicker tissues just below the brows are raised as well. This is not to say that every low brow must be raised when doing an upper lid procedure, but the patient has to understand that only the thin, upper lid skin excess will be removed, that the thicker brow hooding will be unchanged, and that the distance between the brows and lashes does not change with an isolated blepharoplasty.

If a patient desires a more open – eyed look, this will only be accomplished if a brow lift is added to the eye lid procedure. Not only will the eye area look more open following a brow lift, but during a brow lift, the frown lines between the brows will be minimized because we can remove some of the muscles that cause these frown lines, called the corrugator and procerus muscles. And finally, occasionally I’ll see a patient with hooding caused by low brows who thinks they would like an upper eyelid blepharoplasty, but when I gently elevate the brows, I can see that this patient does not have an excess of thin, upper lid skin, just low malpositioning of the brows and I will recommend to this patient that a brow lift be performed without a lid procedure per say.

A brow lift is a minimally invasive procedure. In the endoscopic brow lift, a few half inch incisions are made behind the hair line, allowing the instruments to be inserted. The tissues are freed from the bone, the muscles sculpted, and the brows raised a few millimeters. The brows are fixed in their new position with a variety of devices. The incisions are rarely perceptible after healing has taken place. Occasionally, a brow lift will be performed as an isolated procedure, but more commonly it will be combined with a minimally invasive midface or thread lift, an eyelid procedure or a standard face lift.

If you have any specific questions about cosmetic procedures, you should see a qualified, board certified plastic surgeon to review your options and have additional questions answered!

Dr. Bunkis,MD, FACS of Orange County Plastic Surgery is a Harvard trained, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and has 30 yrs of surgical expertise. Call OCPS at 949-888-9700, email your questions to info@ocps.com or visit our website for more information.

Are There Alternatives to Liposuction?

Q: I am a fit 54 year old, have had a face lift and look good for my age, but I have a few fatty deposits over my hips and cellulite that don’t go away with exercise and are driving me crazy. I have heard of nonsurgical fat removal – is there any way, shy of having liposuction, which will remove my cellulite and fatty deposits?

A: First of all, congratulations on being fit at 54 and for caring how you look! General health wise, there is nothing better that you can do for your body than to keep fit and to keep excess weight off!

In order to answer your question, I’d first like to give you some background about fatty deposits and cellulite. We all have fat within our bodies, some fat is necessary, but too many of us have an excess of fat. Our body needs energy to survive, and that energy comes from what we eat or drink. No matter whether you are consuming protein, carbohydrates or fat, the body breaks down the food you take in into tiny molecules. The body uses what it needs to survive, and all of the excess, no matter whether it started as protein, carbohydrates or fat, gets converted by the liver into fat. This fat is transported by the blood to fat cells throughout the body for storage. On days when you do not consume as many calories as are needed for survival, the stored fat gets returned to the liver where it is re-manufactured into usable parts throughout the rest of the body. We all know that fat is stored in different ways and places in different people. Women tend to store their excess fat over the hips, thighs and in the external layer, between the skin and muscles, over the abdominal wall. Men tend to store their excess abdominal fat internally, around the intestines, as well as externally over love handles and the chest.

Cellulite refers to the surface irregularities seen over the thighs, hips, and buttocks of almost all women, and is rarely seen in men. Men and women store fat differently under the skin, men more in horizontal layers with a smooth surface, while women store the fat more in a perpendicular manner, which leads to the objectionable surface lumpiness.

Now that we understand about excess fatty deposits and cellulite, let’s discuss what can be done to improve cellulite or remove unwanted fatty deposits. Let’s start with cellulite. There have been many, many treatments varying from home remedies, commercially available creams and ointments, wraps, garments and machines that have been promoted as providing cures for cellulite. It has also been claimed that caffeine, through its ability to constrict blood vessels, can make your skin appear tighter and improve cellulite.

I well remember when, about 20 years ago, Endermologie® was introduced, received a lot of interest from the press and doctors were lining up to purchase these $150,000 machines. These machines basically used rollers that the company claimed, sent a message to the cells, triggering actions such as fat break down and collagen production. The company claimed that cellulite was removed and inches would come off the treated areas. Multiple treatments were required. After any one treatment, the cellulite did seem to improve, probably from the swelling caused by the localized trauma, but unfortunately, a month later, when it was “time for another treatment”, all the cellulite would be back in its full glory. What patients ended up with was basically an expensive massage! This machine simply did not live up to its claims or patient expectations.

Next came mesotherapy or Lipodissolve®, a “non-surgical alternatives to liposuction”. Mesotherapy involves a series of injections that may melt away unwanted small, localized areas of fat. While the main ingredients used in these injections vary, the chemical cocktail typically includes phosphatidylcholine/deoxycholate (PCDC), multivitamins, alpha lipid acid, enzymes and plant extracts. Phosphatidylcholine is FDA-approved to break down blood fats that may increase risk for heart disease, but it is not approved for injection or any other purpose. Use of this substance to dissolve superficial fat is performed in an off-label manner. During these treatments, your doctor injects the chemical cocktail into the fat layers. The injection is relatively painless, with no need for anesthesia. The medication produces a chemical reaction which dissolves localized areas of fat. Benefits can be seen within three weeks of the treatment but proponents claim that several treatments, four to six weeks apart, are required to produce the optimal result. After a treatment, the patient can return to their usual activities. Approximately 100,000 Lipodissolve® treatments have been performed in the United States and Europe and some papers have been written, showing post treatment improvement, but problems remain, and because of these problems, Kansas and Nebraska, are in the process of enacting legislation to ban Lipodissolve®. ANVISA, the Brazilian version of the FDA, banned the use of phosphatidylcholine-based products for injectable fat removal, and Health Canada, the Canadian FDA, has ordered physicians to stop marketing and administering the products. We know that these injections can liquefy fat, but where the fat goes is anyone’s guess. Harmful deposits in the liver or blood vessels could lead to serious medical problems including fatty plaque and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) has reported that infection, disfiguring masses of inflamed tissue and tissue death can occur after Lipodissolve®. I have seen a number of previously treated patients with indentations in the treated sites. Ignoring the health issues, from a purely aesthetic point of view, the main problem with Lipodissolve® is that the results are unpredictable and that surface irregularities are quite common. Lipodissolve® is still in the experimental stage. Clinical studies in the United States that look at the safety and efficacy of Lipodissolve® are underway. This is a treatment that we would only recommend under special circumstances at this time.

The latest nonsurgical technique which is being touted as a magical cure for cellulite and fatty deposits is Cryolipolysis™, using a machine built by Zeltiq, and promoting a “One hour fat fighting treatment”. This is a new technology with very little published information and their machine is not FDA approved yet. From what I’ve read, probes are placed on the skin that cool the fatty layer to about 5 degrees Celsius, about the temperature in a refrigerator. This damages the fat cells and some will die over the next four months. This procedure does not work on large people, or those with a thick fatty layer because the cold cannot penetrate more than a few cm. But for thin people with very small fatty pockets, it might show some promise. The reason it is not FDA approved yet is because there are questions as to what this cold treatment does to nerves, blood vessels, skin, muscle, etc. long term. I see similar question to those discussed above with the Lipodissolve® – where does the fat go, what are the health risks? I simply do not think that loosing an inch off your hips is worth an earlier heart attack!

To summarize, simply put, nothing tops liposuction when it comes to the removal of unwanted fatty deposits (as long as skin laxity is not an issue – if it is, a skin resection may be indicated).

Liposuction is the only scientifically proven method for safely removing fat cells permanently and is the top overall surgical cosmetic procedure performed in the United States. A variety of different cannuals are now used for liposuction, but all are inserted through tiny, hidden incisions and recovery after the procedure is relatively quick and uncomplicated. If you have any areas that are of concern to you, your best bet would be to come in to discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Dr. Bunkis, MD, FACS of Orange County Plastic Surgery is a Harvard trained, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and has 30 yrs of surgical expertise. Call OCPS at 949-888-9700, email your questions to info@ocps.com or visit our website for more information.

Celebrities and Cosmetic Surgery to Consider

Celebrities and cosmetic surgery are on many people’s minds today. Did they have work done? Who may have had a certain procedure? It is very difficult to tell most times. There may be many perfect examples of cosmetic surgery that no one knows about. With some celebrities, it may be obvious. However, most celebrities will not reveal that information. Here are some cosmetic surgeries and famous people involved.

Rhinoplasty Surgery

Rhinoplasty is often called a nose job. When done properly, it can make a big difference in facial appearance. The results can be dramatic. It is also done for medical reasons. Improved breathing is a good example. Britney Spears recently had a rhinoplasty procedure. Her nose is a little smaller now. The shape of it has not changed. Public opinion is favorable on her decision.

Breast Surgery

Breast Augmentation surgery is commonly done today. When Pamela Anderson’s breasts enlarged, she became a famous centerfold model. Most breast implants are not as dramatic today. The quality of the surgery makes it almost impossible to tell at times. People wonder how breasts enlarge. However, there may be no way to be certain that is was from cosmetic surgery. In a few cases, they are made smaller. Dolly Parton had this done for back problems.

Facial Implant Surgery

When you wish to enhance a particular facial feature, you can use implants. They are also used for medical purposes like reconstructive surgery. It can help someone’s return to his or her previous lifestyle, after a terrible accident. Roseanne Barr’s cheek implants are an example of good facial implant surgery. However, she remains one of the few that will admit to such procedures.

Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty may be done by itself. It may also be part of an entire face-lift. You may look years younger after an eyelid surgery. The upper or lower eyelids may be done. When you age, your eyelids get fatty deposits under them. The skin also loses flexibility. You may develop bags under your eyes. Your eyelids may droop. This can make you look tired as well as old. A good eye job can drastically improve your appearance. A good example is Jane Fonda.

Brow Lift Surgery

Your forehead skin can gradually move down your face. You may look very tired and weary. Forehead wrinkles are a sign of age. A brow lift will bring the skin back in place. The face will appear young and alert. Some people elect to have eyelid surgery with this procedure. You will not hear of many brow lift surgeries. One can only speculate, most times. Many people think that Debbie Harry’s recent procedure was a success.

In Closing

Celebrities and cosmetic surgery continually makes headlines. How do they continue to look young? Did they have it done? We may never know about most famous people. They reason may be simple. The good work is hard to tell. Few people want to admit to surgery. Unfortunately, the cosmetic surgery horror stories make news frequently. This casts a shadow on all the good work that is being done. A few celebrities like Jane Fonda and Britney Spears will admit to it.

Cosmetics Canada provides cosmetic facial surgery, laser Acne Treatment Toronto, plastic surgery Toronto – located in Toronto, Ontario.

Are You Ready For Cosmetic Surgery?

Are you looking for a change in your body? A new shape or a new size? Perhaps, a skin treatment or something to help your body and face look younger? If so, there are a variety of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures that can change the way you look and feel. In 2009, cosmetic surgeons across the United States performed more than 10 million different procedures, according to statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and that number is expected to skyrocket by 2015.

Cosmetic surgery can be as simple as a Botox injection over the lunch hour or as extensive as a “mommy makeover” to reshape your breasts, belly, thighs, face and more. Some procedures only take a few minutes and involve very little recovery time; some take several hours and involve a longer recovery period. Cosmetic surgery can focus on your face, your ankles, your neck, your stomach – you name it. It can make body parts larger or smaller.

If you are considering having some sort of cosmetic surgical procedure, the following checklist will help you determine if you’re a good candidate:

-Have you done your research? Good candidates for any cosmetic surgery have a good understanding of the procedure itself as well as any pre- or post-surgery expectations. Likewise, research will help you understand potential costs, risks, options and more.

-Have you already tried to change your body through diet and exercise? The best candidates for cosmetic surgery are often people who live a relatively healthy lifestyle and have struggled to change or shape certain areas through exercise or diet in the past.

-Have you set some money aside for cosmetic surgery? Health insurance covers some procedures (breast reduction to help with severe back pain in certain instances, for example), but most procedures are out of pocket. In addition, cosmetic surgery procedures vary in price depending on the area and extent of the surgery.

-Have you talked to a cosmetic surgeon? You should make sure the surgeon you are considering has strong experience in your particular surgery and that he or she also has impressive credentials: education, training, job experience, qualified staff as well as a personality and style you are comfortable with.

-Have you had all of your questions answered? Talk to cosmetic surgeons and friends or others who have had cosmetic procedures performed to get all of your questions answered ahead of time. The more you know, the more you can prepare and enjoy the results of your procedure.

Cosmetic surgery can change your body, your mindset, your outlook, your entire life. Doing some research and studying your options can lead you to the best cosmetic surgeon and the best options for you and your body.

Always be sure to do your homework so you’re sure to be trusting a plastic surgeon with proper training and experience. It’s always a good idea to consult only with plastic surgeons who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. There are many certifications but American Board Certified Plastic Surgeons are usually the most trusted.

Dr. Leo Lapuerta is a board certified Houston plastic surgeon and the founder of the Plastic Surgery Institute of Southeast Texas. To learn more about cosmetic surgery procedures, look through actual patient photo galleries and watch video testimonials visit www.lookyounger.net.

The Truth About Liposuction

Q: I had a friend years ago that had liposuction on the bottom half of her body. 10 years had passed since I saw her; I could not believe my eyes, her face and arms had gained so much weight I didn’t recognize her! Is it true when you lipo from one part of the body it can deposit to other parts?

A: This is an interesting question and addresses a common misconception. Liposuction is currently the most commonly performed aesthetic surgical procedure in the United States. The concept is relatively simple, analogous to a vacuum cleaner that selectively removes excess fat between the skin and the first layer of muscles – it cannot remove deeper fat, for example that inside your belly around your intestines (the deep fat can only be removed by decreasing caloric intake).

The excess outer fat can be reduced by running a metal tube through the fatty layer, creating empty tunnels, which collapse as the patient heals and gives a patient the desired contour improvement. During the liposuction process, the excess fat is physically removed, collected in large bottles (up to five liters can be safely removed in one sitting), and disposed of as biological waste. This removed fat, therefore, cannot go to other parts of your body! Even the thinnest super model has a thin layer of fat under the skin and, when surgeons perform liposuction, at least a half inch layer of fat is always left between the skin and the muscles. The problem is that removal of the fat does not prevent someone from gaining weight in the future!

The equation is pretty basic – your weight is the result of what you consume minus what you burn off. If you eat roughly what you burn, before or after surgery, your weight will be stable and your fatty layer will remain at the same thickness. If you burn more than you consume, your fatty layers will decrease in thickness. Unfortunately, the converse is also true – if you consume more than you burn, whether or not you have had liposuction, your fatty layers will increase in thickness. This increase in thickness will occur over the part that was liposuctioned as well as over other parts that were never suctioned. We all know some overweight people with massive thighs or arms, large bellies, and very full necks, whether they have had prior liposuction or not. Liposuction is designed to treat stubborn area that do not respond to diet and exercise – liposuction is not a weight loss technique and does not prevent someone from gaining weight in the future!

When considering any surgical procedure, it is important to find a surgeon who you trust and to have all of your questions answered. You should know all the facts about your procedure and be aware of the risks prior to committing to the procedure or entering the operating room. It may also be a good idea to see photographs of your surgeons previous patients and their results.

Dr. Bunkis MD, FACS of Orange County Plastic Surgery is a Harvard trained, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and has 30 yrs of surgical expertise. Call Orange County Plastic Surgery at 949-888-9700, email your questions to info@ocps.com or visit our website for more information. Serving Irvine, Newport Beach, Mission Viejo, Laguna Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita and surrounding cities.

Who to Believe – My Plastic Surgeon or My Dermatologist?

Q: I am 54 years old and beginning to see signs of aging. I asked my dermatologist for suggestions regarding products and she told me I was “too far gone” and suggested a laser procedure. I saw a plastic surgeon who told me that was nonsense and suggested a face lift instead. I want to look better but don’t know who to believe.

A: I can begin by telling you that both are correct, at least in part, and I am certain that both doctors are giving you advice based on their view points, training and expertise. The problem is that most dermatologists do laser resurfacing and not surgical procedures – they tend to recommend procedures they know how to do, regardless of what is best for the patient. And likewise, many surgeons do not do resurfacing procedures and may suggest a surgical procedure without considering the resurfacing option.

Without a consultation, I will have to answer this question in the most general terms. I will begin by telling you a few words about aging and what we can do about it. Two events happen simultaneously as we age. Surface changes occur from excessive sun damage. You can use sun blocks, hats and sun glasses to minimize sun damage as you get older. A laser treatment will remove these superficial signs of aging, but will not affect the dropping and skin laxity, particularly in the jowl and neck regions, that also occur with time.

These latter changes are the result of heredity and will not be altered by sun blocks or helped with a resurfacing procedure. In order to alter neck and jowl sagging, plastic surgeons pick these layers back up and tighten them as part of any traditional or midface lift procedure. Frequently, brows will be elevated back to where they once were, or baggy eyelids will be addressed at the same operation so as to restore a sense of balance to the final result – for example, very baggy eyelids would detract from an otherwise well done face lift which gave a patient a youthful neck.

Such surgery will not, however, alter sun damage or the quality of your skin. Another very important factor is a patient’s expectations – these have to be met! Some patients want nothing but a total improvement, others are willing to settle for less improvement because they are not bothered by certain features or because they are trying to save money. Your best bet is to find an aesthetic surgeon well versed in both the traditional surgical procedures as well as the various resurfacing procedures (chemical peels, laser resurfacing and dermabrasion) so that you can be presented with all the options and then you can decide which is the best option for you. Though your results may vary from a surgeon’s previous patients, during your consultation, you may ask your plastic surgeon to see photos of patients they have worked on. In this way you can get a better idea of the results of different procedures and decide on what will suit you best.

Dr. Bunkis MD, FACS of Orange County Plastic Surgery is a Harvard trained, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and has 30 yrs of surgical expertise. Call Orange County Plastic Surgery at 949-888-9700, email your questions to info@ocps.com or visit our website for more information. Serving Irvine, Newport Beach, Mission Viejo, Laguna Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita and surrounding cities.

Looking Beautiful on a Budget – Wrinkle Repairs

Q: I am in my early 50′s and I’m starting to see wrinkles. Many of my friends have gotten facelifts and Botox® injections but I’m terrified of needles and knives! Are there any over the counter products that will tighten my skin?

A: Great question! You will know when you are saggy enough to warrant surgery, but in the meantime, there are many non-surgical treatments that can improve the quality of your skin.

Most of us do not appreciate fine facial wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and tactile roughness. Now you can have smoother, less pigmented skin with the newest FDA approved Tretinoin cream, Refissa®. It is emollient based and does not dry out your skin. This product has become the gold standard medical treatment for photo-damaged skin. It works by stimulating cell turn over and causing the sun damaged outer layers to slough off. Refissa® is the first important step to healthier skin. Always remember sun protection year round!

The next step, now that your skin is healthier, may be one of the many peels offered. There are many peels to choose from. For the purposes of this article we will focus on the Microlaser peel. Microlaser peel, the “week-end” skin peel, treats skin conditions more aggressively than the Refissa® is capable of doing. The Microlaser peel is performed with Sciton’s Erbium laser which uses a computer guided scanner to ensure maximum precision treatment uniformly. You will see improvements in just a few days

What exactly does the Microlaser peel treat?

It is a minimal to full epidermis laser peel that precisely removes the outer most layers of the skin. The procedure is individually tailored to the nature of the problem to be corrected: wrinkles, scars, keratoses, pigmentation problems, overall sun damage.

How often does a Microlaser peel need to be done?

As mentioned above, year round sun protection is a key to healthy skin. The results of any treatment, not just the Microlaser peel, will last longer and be more efficacious if you avoid future sun damage. One Microlaser peel procedure will usually be sufficient for a few months but subsequent treatments may be required. As mentioned earlier treatments are customized to each person. During your consultation we can determine what will be best for you.

What can I expect from the treatment?

Smoother, healthier, more vibrant skin. A blended complexion with a lessening of fine lines.

Is the treatment painful?

When you go into the office, a topical triple anesthetic cream will be applied. This application will make the procedure quite tolerable. Afterwards you can have a surface Oxygen treatment.

What is my aftercare? Do I need to wear any bandages or dressings?

No. Microlaser peel is not like a CO2 laser and requires nothing more than a protective ointment like Aquafor or vaseline. This is used as a barrier while you grow new epithelium(baby cells, new skin). You may also go back to your plastic surgeon’s office for oxygen treatments over the next few days.

As you can see, there are options to a scalpel and needle when making your skin look better! Make sure you discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon prior to any procedure.

Dr. Bunkis MD, FACS of Orange County Plastic Surgery is a Harvard trained, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and has 30 yrs of surgical expertise. Call Orange County Plastic Surgery at 949-888-9700, email your questions to info@ocps.com or visit our website for more information. Serving Irvine, Newport Beach, Mission Viejo, Laguna Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita and surrounding cities.

Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss Surgery

Those who have had weight loss surgery will find a significant difference in their energy levels as well as how they look. However, there are often times where the drastic change in weight leaves behind extra skin that was used to support the extra weight. If this is the case, then having plastic surgery can help you in going back to a normal body shape after the weight has been lost.

Weight loss surgery can allow you to loose an average of two pounds every week. This change can move you from belonging to the category of morbid obesity to being on target weight and being healthy. However the extra weight will often times stretch the skin on your body. Because of this, you may have found that you have lost the weight, but not the extra skin that was used for your body. The problem with this extra skin is that it won’t disappear with diet and exercise. This can then cause problems with looks, finding the right type of clothing and hygiene problems.

There are several types of plastic surgery procedures that you can consider having. The first is known as abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck. This will not only remove the extra skin from this area, but will also tighten muscles that are near your abdomen. This is done by an incision being made in the abdomen. The extra skin will be removed from the incision, and then stitched back together. This is one of the more popular surgeries as most of the skin is found to stay around this area.

If the extra skin is in other areas, you can also use plastic surgery. Arms and thighs are common places to have extra skin that may need to be removed. You can also consider a face lift to remove the extra skin. Often times, not having this surgery will cause you to look older than you really are. Plastic surgery for your face can be divided to having an eye, brow or complete face lift. There are also options for having a complete lower body lift if you have several places with excess skin.

If you are considering plastic surgery to remove excess skin from your weight loss surgery and new figure, it is best to give your body some time to not only loose the weight but be ready for the surgery. The surgeries will cause your body to be stressed from the incisions and performance. Because of this, it is best to give some time before deciding to perform the surgery.
Plastic surgery is one possible step that may be implemented after you have received weight loss surgery. If you have found that you have lost a large amount of weight but the rest of your body isn’t making the right changes, then plastic surgery can help. Before looking into this, make sure that you are healthy and at your target weight. From here, you can decide the areas to get the excess skin removed; giving you a cleaner and healthier look.