California Plastic Surgeon

Posted on January 14, 2010 by Admin

Plastic surgery is more popular in California than anyplace in the world. We aim to make our patients experience an enjoyable one. This website provides information for prospective patients of our Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in California.

The surgeon provides non surgical procedures including botox injections, laser hair removal, chemical peels, spider vein removal and injectable fillers Juvederm and Restylane. Surgical procedures include Breast Augmentation, Liposuction, Eyelid Surgery, Tummy Tucks and Breast Reductions.

Please use the contact us page for more information about our office, and the surgeons background and qualifications.

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Botox

Posted on January 14, 2010 by Admin



Botox injections are a popular non-invasive procedure that more than 3 million people in America undergo every year.

A course of Botox injections can be administered in less than 30 minutes and works by relaxing the targeted muscle groups – the areas that are injected – this stops the contraction in the muscles, thus giving the area in question a smoother finish. It is from here that Botox became recognized as an anti-wrinkle procedure.

There are many reasons for obtaining Botox injections, although the main one is as a simple cosmetic procedure to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and aging. We are always interested in making ourselves look younger, especially as people are taking their health more seriously and often feeling much younger and fitter than their age in previous generations would have done.

Botox is a complex protein derived ironically enough from one of the most toxic substances known to man; Clostridium Botulinum.

The injections are administered over the necessary areas, after the injection of a topical anaesthetic. While the effects can be seen and felt relatively quickly after application, the full effects are realized around one week later. Botox injections are not a permanent treatment but can be re-administered every 4 months, although for regular recipients, they may find that after a period of time they can achieve the same results with a half yearly treatment.

A course of Botox injections can range in price from a $300 up to and beyond $600 per injection. There is no set industry standard price and so charges are at the discretion of the applying surgery, and while it is still a lot less expensive than a more intrusive style of cosmetic surgery, the price should be calculated before hand for the course of an entire period and not just one injection.

Botox injections are a relatively safe procedure, although as with anything, there are side effects that must always be considered. Botox can induce headaches, nausea, and other flu like symptoms, twitching of the eyes and redness around the injected areas and several other possible irritations, but the doctor who administers the injections will explain them all to you before you begin the process.

Botox injections cannot be administered to everybody, if you are pregnant, allergic to anything in the serum, have a neurological disorder or have a current infection in or around the ‘target area’ then you are not able to get the treatment.

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Injectable Fillers

Posted on January 14, 2010 by Admin



Injectable fillers are an increasingly popular method of youth retention without having to undergo hospitalisation for an invasive procedure, which comes with recovery time.

There are two different types of injectable fillers, one option is to use a manufactured substance such as Juvederm, Collagen, or Restylane, another option often practised is to inject the persons own body fat, typically taken from the legs and then applied to the designated area.

People have received injectable fillers to help problems with the general signs of aging; crow’s feet, frown lines and general wrinkles, but also the fill out thin lips or to re-define the lip shape and area. There have even been cases of Injectable fillers being used in Rhinoplasty.

There are advantages and disadvantages to all of the procedures. Collagen for example causes an allergic reaction in some people, which render the process un-administrable. This is why there are other injectable fillers on the market, although these have their own part of side effects. Restylane for example can cause swelling, irritation and slight bruising to the injection site, although these usually subside within a few days. Juvederm is a similar product in its make up to Restylane and so can cause swelling and bruising in patients and there have also been reported cases of lasting numbness after injections have been administered. Collagen can also, beside the allergic reactions cause skin peeling, abscess formation and lumpiness.

A course of Restylane injections will cost approximately $700, and will last for around 6 months, while a course of collagen injections will set you back less with the average price being around $500 and again last up to six months on average. Juvederm injections are the other main injectable fillers treatment course and cost approximately $675 and take about 30 minutes to administer. As with the other two injectable fillers, Juvederm lasts about a half year.

There really is little to choose from between the three treatments and it becomes a matter of personal preference and also what is offered by the cosmetic surgeon that you are using. There are risks associated with everything, and it is always a good idea to talk things through with your doctor before agreeing to any one treatment. The doctors know what they are doing and may be able to tell you which course of treatment is suited to your purpose.

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Chemical Peel

Posted on January 14, 2010 by Admin



A chemical peel is a course of treatment that cleanses and rejuvenates the skin of the face. There are several different options of treatment when it comes to getting a chemical peel and each one has its own strength and weaknesses.

Chemical peels, unlike the suggestion made by their name do not ‘peel’ away the skin, but rather the acid base of chemicals dissolved the upper layers of skin, and in reaction to this, the body begins its healing responses and therefore regenerates the removed skin, this new layer will be smoother and without many of the flaws on the previous layers.

There are many reasons why somebody may wish to get a chemical peel, ranging from minor issues such as wrinkle reduction or other signs of aging, through to aiding the treatment of acne in many people, curing the damaged caused by extended UV(sunbathing) exposure, or even to help with issues surrounding pigmentation.

There are various chemicals used, Phenol Peels are the more aggressive of the chemical peels and remove the top layers of skin, while another popular choice is Trichloroacetic acid peels, these are suitable for most skin types, and remove dead skin cells and reinvigorate the skin leaving it feeling smoother and looking more youthful. For people with naturally dark skin pigmentation there are certain pre treatment procedures that should be followed so as to minimize the possibility of Hypopigmentation.

When you talk about applying acid based chemicals to the face in order to dissolve the upper layers of skin, there are quite obviously going to be potential side effects and risks, the main one of course being burning and sensitivity to the area, and it is always a good idea to set aside a couple of days to relax after receiving a chemical peel.

Chemical peels can also help with the control of dark spots on the skin that could hold a danger of turning cancerous, ask your doctor for more information if you feel worried about a particular dark area of pigmentation.

The cost of chemical peels varies greatly depending on the chemical you wish to use. The more aggressive phenol peels for example cost approximately $1700 per treatment, while the more common Trichloroacetic Acid peels are a mere $450. You can if you only wish for a minor level of improvement or a simple touch up to a previously applied chemical peel, choose a Glycolic Acid based peel which is only $270.

A doctor will be able to give you a good idea of what treatment is best for you, depending on your objectives from the peel, your skin type and the level of damage to the skin, such as dryness, or over exposure to the sun.

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Spider Vein Treatment

Posted on January 14, 2010 by Admin



Varicose veins are the bane of many a mature ladies life, especially if she spends a lot of time on her feet during the day. Their smaller cousin, the spider vein are also a site that most people would rather keep covered up, often feeling embarrassed about their existence on their body.

Help is at hand; people can now get spider vein treatment simply and relatively cheaply.

Spider veins can be caused by many factors, from simply increased age, pregnancy and over exposure to the sun. Because they are a result of gravity acting on the body, they usually appear on the legs. It is easy to understand why many people want to be rid of these red and blue lines that decorate their lower body.

While spider veins do not necessitate medical intervention, many people want to be rid of them, and Sclerotherapy is the best way to do this. The process is simple, the doctor will inject a solution into the legs, this solution causes the veins in the selected area to dilate and effectively seal shut, sticking together and stopping the flow of blood. The veins will then slowly disappear, although it may take more than one course of spider vein treatment to get rid of them permanently. Of course there are certain danger associated with this course of spider vein treatment, such as bruising, sores, and cramps, although they are temporary in many instances.

A course of Sclerotherapy will cost on average $200 – $500, and offer a success rate of up to 90%.

As technology has advances, so have the methods of spider vein treatment, and there is now a rather successful laser treatment available, this treatment costs slightly more at approximately $450-$650.

The laser treatment is more accurate because of the doctor’s ability to focus the blast of the laser onto any given area. The veins that are treated will then fade and eventually disappear altogether. A course of laser spider vein treatment will be around 5 twenty-minute sessions spread over a period of time. Obviously the risks associated with the laser treatment include burning of the treated skin and a discoloration than will fade over at worst a few months.

Laser spider vein treatment is not recommended on larger veins or expansive areas, but with a back up treatment available there is hope for everybody whether they have spider veins or varicose veins.

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Laser Hair Removal

Posted on January 14, 2010 by Admin



Laser hair removal is a form of cosmetic surgery that sees hairs removed from the body with the use of a fine laser. The process is also known as Epilation, and is a non-intrusive form of cosmetic surgery that can be administered as a walk in treatment, and no hospitalization is required.

Laser hair removal is a popular treatment with both men and women and serves to permanently remove any unwanted hair from any place on the body. Excessive body hair can be embarrassing for anybody, and shaving or waxing isn’t always the best answer. It may be cheap but results can vary and the longevity it minimal.

The most common places for laser hair removal are the face, the back, arms and torso, the legs and the bikini line. A person’s reasons for obtaining this treatment are entirely based upon personal choices, as no doctor’s authorization is required. It is classed as cosmetic surgery and so is done with the view of improving the person’s image of himself or herself.

Laser hair removal may take more than one treatment to permanently remove the hairs in question. It will entirely depend on the skin of the person receiving the treatment, the hair type and the thickness of both individual hairs and of the coverage in any given area. Best results are gained by leaving 4 or 6 weeks between treatments, so it is important for people to realize that complete results will not necessarily be instantaneous.

The cost of laser hair removal varies depending on the number of courses being followed, the area being treated and also the length of time each treatment takes. A good rule of thumb to follow is that a smaller area will cost lass than a larger one. For example, a treatment on a bikini line will cost anywhere between $350 and $500 while treatment for a back can be as high as $900 or $1000. Of course the amount of hair being removed from each area will also play a part.

As with every form of cosmetic surgery invasive or not come with risks, you are apply in this instance a laser to your skin. Hair removal in general can cause itching redness and some mild swelling to area in question, but this should subside after about three days. The potential risks involved with laser hair removal can include burning your skin, discoloration of the treated area (hypopigmentation) Acne, scabs around the treated follicles and also in some rare cases infections can develop.

It is important to be aware of the risks surrounding any procedure and good advice is to always ask your doctor to explain such risks before you undergo the treatment.

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Breast Augmentation

Posted on January 14, 2010 by Admin



Breast Augmentation is probably one of the best known and most talked about cosmetic surgery procedures around. Celebrity names spring to mind immediately whenever the process is mentioned, and the imagery associated with the procedure is of giant breasts on a rake thin body specially created for the movie industry.

However, Breast Augmentation is much more than just something for glamour models and those wanting to break away from the casting couch.

Many women around the globe have issues relating to their own self-esteem and confidence levels regarding the size of their breasts. There are cases of people who refuse to wear revealing clothes or to leave the house unless something baggy is covering them. To these people, the chance at either a breast lift or breast implants are a life changing opportunity.

The main difference between breast implants and a breast lift, is that a breast implant sees a silicon or saline implant inserted into the breasts either above or beneath the deep muscle tissue, whereas a breast lift will simply lift of firm the breasts, without increasing the cup size. A breast lift is often a process that women who have had children choose to undergo to help them increase their post children self-esteem.

Implants are either silicone based or saline based. Saline implants are a silicon casing filled with a simple saline solution. The benefit of using saline implants for your breast augmentation is the incision is smaller before the implants are filled after insertion.

There are of course risks surrounding any procedure, especially invasive surgeries. The main risk is of course infection directly after surgery. Another risk is that the implants rupture which requires additional surgery to remove the defective implant and insert a new one. Another risk is of course an even placement of implants, or post operative displacement, which creates an uneven bust which will once again require corrective surgery. Other side effects include swelling and loss of feeling, wrinkling and permanent visible scarring.

The cost breast augmentation will vary greatly on the specifics of the procedure. Larger implants cost more than smaller ones so it depends on the starting and resulting cup size. An average cost for breast augmentation falls between $5000 and $8000.

There are of course various places (around the globe) that offer cheap breast augmentation but these can be hazardous to your health. There are many cases of people traveling abroad for cheap surgery only to spend more fixing the damaged caused by second-rate surgeons.

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Liposuction

Posted on January 14, 2010 by Admin



There are type main types of liposuction, ultrasonic and Tumescent. The two processes are similar but differ in subtle ways. They are both cosmetic procedures that are concerned with fat removal and weight loss.

Liposuction is the process of removing body fat from targeted areas and is a favorite cosmetic procedure amongst women who feel certain parts of their body are out of proportion with the rest of them.

Tumescent liposuction is a process by which a fluid is injected into the body fat which makes it stiff and easier to remove. This process sees the fat being pulled from the body in tubes, where it is discarded. There are numerous small incisions that are made, but these are later covered over with skin creases that hide them almost completely.

With Tumescent liposuction the patient is placed under anesthetia and blood loss is also significantly reduced.

The other style of liposuction; ultrasonic, is a newer process that sees the fat liquefied with high frequency ultrasonic waves. The process is similar to the tumescent method, because the same stiffening tumescent liquid is used, but rather than simply being pulled from the body, the fat here is liquefied and almost poured through tubes inserted through small incisions.

There are also movements being made with laser based liposuction which has so far been found to be 20 times more successful than the other methods.

Most people have liposuction on or around the ‘tummy’ region to create a flatter smoother torso.

Liposuction does of course come with risks, especially given the nature of the surgeries. The standard complaints are swelling and bruising. The former can take up to twelve months to completely disappear. More unlikely complications can include blood clots, infections or even allergic reactions. Of course for the tumescent process, where the patient is placed under narcosis, then there is always a risk of a bad reaction to the anaesthetic.

The cost of liposuction of course will vary depending on the area being worked on and also the amount of fat being removed. A procedure on the upper ‘tummy’ area costs between $3000 and $7500, while the lower abdomen will set you back $2000. Liposuction can be performed on any part of the body, with an average cost being around $5000.

Liposuction is not just a feminine procedure, but many men are now turning to cosmetic surgery in order to achieve the bodies they want. Of course without a good diet and exercise regime the results will be minimized and over time may become almost unnoticeable.

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Eyelid Surgery

Posted on January 14, 2010 by Admin



Cosmetic eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty is a common procedure than can be performed on both the upper eyelid and lower eyelid and is becoming increasingly more popular.

Eyelid surgery involves the removal of both fat and muscle from around the eyes, also excess skin can accumulate in the area and be removed by the same process.

Eyelid surgery is becoming popular, because as we age our skin looses its elasticity and can lead to the large bags that gather under peoples eyes, getting all manner of cosmetic procedures done to help maintain youthful looks is pointless is the eyes are still looking too old, and so this process is rising in popularity amongst both men and women.

Obviously, eyelid surgery is an invasive procedure and there will be a recovery time involved before the results are seen to the full effect. The average recovery time for this form of cosmetic surgery is around one week to ten days.

There are other alternatives to consider when thinking of eyelid surgery such as injections or chemical peels, however if they are unsuccessful or the problem is too serious for them to be of any practical use, then there is a very successful laser form of eyelid surgery now available, which is quick and more efficient than the older techniques and is even treated on an outpatient basis meaning there is no period of hospitalisation required.

There are of course going to be side effects to having eyelid surgery performed, such as soreness and swelling both of which will reduce over a period of time. Other problems can be itchiness, light sensitivity, double vision and discolouration to the remaining skin of the eyelid.

More sever complications can include bleeding and a tightening of the eyelids that means you can no longer close your eyes completely. The bleeding could also lead to damage on the optic nerve that can result in blindness.

Having eyelid surgery is not a cheap process, however if it is warranted then the money is not wasted. The average price for eyelid surgery is around $5000 the only exception to the rule is New York which is a place likely to charge as much as 50% more than other places in the United States.

Standard eyelid surgery lasts anywhere between 1.5 hours to 3 hours, and if not laser based treatment will require an overnight stay in hospital.

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Tummy Tuck

Posted on January 14, 2010 by Admin



A tummy tuck is a standard procedure done to remove fat around the lower and middle abdomen, and is quite commonly performed on people who have had children and struggled to regain their pre-pregnancy physique.

The process is a simply and short one, usually last no more than two hours and is conducted under anesthesia. For a full tummy tuck there are normally two incisions made one going from hip to hip and another incision is made that allows the navel to be removed. A new navel is created and sutured into place once the procedure is completed.

The standard recovery time for a tummy tuck procedure varies from patient to patient depending on the size of the procedure that has been done. Normally patients will be released the same day as their surgery, but they must relax and take it easy for ten days and in many cases have to wear a supportive garment for as many as six weeks. The key to recovery is movement, the quicker the patient gets back up on their feet, no performing heavy duty lifting but simply moving, and then their recovery will likely be sped up.

A tummy tuck is a large and invasive procedure and as a result there are going to be risks and side effects associated with it. Obviously being placed under anesthesia during the procedure means there is a chance of having a bad reaction to the drugs and developing complications from there. There is also a chance of requiring additional surgeries should complications arrive.

Post surgery complications can include swelling of the abdomen, numbness, necrosis; skin death, and of course blood clots or infections.

Before contemplating such invasive procedures it is always imperative to consult with not just the surgeon that will be performing the procedure but also your own doctor.

The cost of a tummy tuck will vary greatly depending on the level of surgery that is required. The average cost of a tummy tuck in America is $4500.

50% of all patients treated for a tummy tuck in America are aged between 35 and 50, which shows that this procedure isn’t just something for the elderly people, but is actually being performed on young people in the prime of their lives. There are well over 100 000 tummy tucks performed each year, which shows just how popular and ultimately successful they are.

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Breast Reduction

Posted on December 17, 2009 by Admin



Breast Reduction

There are many large breasted women in the world, women who have a naturally large bust and suffer the consequences of it. Health problems, such as, back pain and laboured breathing. Large breasts at times can cause just as many self-esteem issues as small breasts, with people continually in search of perfection and proportion.

The surgery is performed under anaesthetic and the surgeon makes small incisions on the lower section of the breasts, and once the excess fat and skin has been removed, the nipples will also be replaced in a position that suits the new shape of the breasts and compliments the procedure allowing the patient to feel completely confident in their new smaller bust.

There are several different techniques when it comes to breast reduction surgery, techniques that vary with the placement of incisions, some using horizontal stokes while others work on a similar preface to liposuction.

Breast reductions can also be a method of reducing the patient’s risk of developing breast cancer. Although it is not a strict preventative measure, the cancer risk is just calculated on the level of breast tissue that is left remaining.

Breast reduction surgery is a serious procedure that required anaesthesia and so there is a risk of suffering an adverse reaction to the medication you are given.

There are also problems that might call for post surgery, issues such as infection or internal bleeding which can be extremely painful and require surgery to repair. Another much rare complication could be a partial or complete loss of blood, which results in the loss of one or both nipples.

More common side effects, which may disappear over time, include swelling, bruising and loss or increased sensitivity in the breasts.

Breast reduction surgery, however, is a relatively safe and effective form of cosmetic surgery and comes with a success rate of around 85-95%.

The cost of breast reduction surgery depends greatly on the level of tissue being removed, both the amounts of excess fat and tissue. The average price of the procedure costs between $5000 and $7000, although some doctors may be willing to offer slight discounts should you advise them you are willing to let your before and after photos to be displayed and used as part of their advertising campaigns.

The standard length of time for breast reduction surgery is anywhere between 2 and 4 hours, although there are small tubes inserted to allow blood or excess fluid to drain out. There usually remain in place for about 48 hours after the surgery has finished.

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