Category Cosmetic Surgery

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Dismantling Myths About Thigh Lifts

A thigh lift is a plastic surgery procedure designed to improve the appearance of the thighs and upper legs. For patients who are self-conscious about this part of their body, a thigh lift has the potential to give them a markedly improved appearance and sense of confidence. However, there are an unfortunate number of misconceptions and myths about this procedure that can contribute to patients not fully understanding the procedure that they are about to engage in. In other cases, it can deter a patient from engaging with the procedure at all. If you are interested in the benefits of a thigh lift but are worried about some of the information you have heard about it, take a look at this article that works at dismantling myths about thigh lifts.

 

What is a Thigh Lift?

A thigh lift is a type of cosmetic surgery that can help to improve the appearance of one’s thighs. Often, this procedure is employed to remove excessive amounts of skin and fat from this area of the body. The results deliver a more contoured and toned appearance to the thighs.

 

Dismantling Myths About Thigh Lifts 

A thigh lift can be a wonderful and life-affirming procedure for those for whom it works. However, there are some myths surrounding this procedure that do not serve either doctor or patient as they navigate the complexities of surgery. Dispelling these myths can help you feel more confident as you move forward with your procedure.

 

Myth 1: Thigh Lifts Leave Large and Noticeable Scars

One common myth surrounding thigh lifts is that they tend to create large and noticeable amounts of scarring on a patient. In fact, the most contemporary surgical techniques have progressed to the point that they are able to leave minimal amounts of scarring throughout the procedure.

 

Myth 2: Only Women Receive Thigh Lifts

Another pernicious myth surrounding this procedure is that a thigh lift is a procedure that is only ever sought after by women. The reality is that a thigh lift can benefit any individual looking to improve the appearance of their thighs, regardless of their gender.

 

Myth 3: Thigh Lift Recovery is Painful

Thigh lifts entail an average amount of discomfort in their recovery periods in relation to surgery of comparable scope. Most patients will find that they are finished with the most uncomfortable period of their recovery period within a few weeks. You can help facilitate this by following your physician’s instructions regarding your recovery period very closely.

 

Myth 4: Thigh Lifts Do Not Offer Long-lasting Results

The results from a thigh lift procedure can last for a very long time and may last for life if paired with a reasonable level of exercise and healthy living. Most patients who see their results fade more quickly do so because they do not couple their procedure with a healthy lifestyle.

 

Myth 5: You Cannot Walk Normally After a Thigh Lift

This is true for some patients, but this situation will likely only be the case for a few days. Most patients will find that they are fully mobile and can move about normally within a couple of days from their initial procedure. Special medical circumstances may extend this period, so talk with your doctor if you have particular concerns.

 

Myth 6: Thigh Lifts Are Only Cosmetic

There is a common misconception that thigh lifts are performed only for cosmetic benefits and do not offer a patient any other type of advantage. Although the aesthetic benefits of a thigh lift are strong, there are a number of other gifts that this procedure can impart. Many patients end up with a stronger sense of confidence, less skin chafing, and, on average, a stronger sense of mobility. These benefits reach into the psychological and lifestyle sectors of one’s life.

 

Myth 7: Any Plastic Surgeon Can Perform a Thigh Lift

In fact, a thigh lift is best left in the hands of a specialist who has performed the procedure successfully numerous times. When researching the doctor with whom you are thinking of performing your procedure, make sure to look into their surgical history and check to see that they have a strong record of performing the procedure successfully.

 

Myth 8: Thigh Lifts Are for Young People

A thigh lift can benefit a person of any age, so long as they are healthy enough to endure some of the stressors that come paired with receiving an invasive surgery. The primary factors that influence a candidate’s eligibility for a thigh lift are not their age but rather the health of their skin and their general health profile.

 

Myth 9: Thigh Lifts Only Help People Trying to Lose Weight

The overall purpose of a thigh lift is not actually to help an individual lose weight, although this may be a benefit that some patients experience. Rather, a thigh lift aims to reshape and sculpt the thighs to make them look better. This involves adjusting the skin and fat of the thighs into a different form.

 

Myth 10: Thigh Lifts Are For Individuals Who Have Experienced Dramatic Weight Loss

These individuals make up a significant number of the patients who come seeking thigh lifts. This is due to the fact that losing significant amounts of weight can result in warping and stretch marks on the thighs, which a thigh lift can help to readjust into a more pleasing form. However, these types of issues can affect anyone, regardless of whether or not they have recently lost significant amounts of weight. Thigh lifts can be a valuable tool for anyone looking to adjust the appearance of their thighs.

 

Benefits of a Thigh Lift 

There are many different benefits of receiving a thigh lift, which is a procedure that can positively impact the appearance of one’s thighs in a number of different ways. Some of the common issues that can be addressed with a thigh lift include:

  • Rashes
  • Chafing
  • Sagging skin
  • Discoloration
  • Cellulite and lumpy skin
  • Poor skin tone
  • Loss of elasticity

Many patients report a higher overall sense of confidence in their appearance following a thigh lift procedure. In this way, the benefits of the procedure can spill over from just simply the target area of the surgery.

 

Who Is a Good Candidate For a Thigh Lift? 

Most healthy patients who are interested in receiving a thigh lift will find themselves qualified to receive treatment. Some of the qualities that your physician will look for include: 

  • Non-smoker
  • No severe underlying health conditions
  • No health conditions that would complicate one’s recovery
  • Having maintained a healthy weight for about a year prior to surgery

In addition, your physician will provide an overview of your general health profile and physical fitness before they approve treatment for you.

 

What Occurs During a Thigh Lift?

There are several steps that you can expect to experience as you proceed through the thigh lift process. In general, the steps of a thigh lift look something like this:

  • Your physician will make incision lines on the thighs to indicate where the cuts of the surgery will take place.
  • Your anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia to you so you lose consciousness during the procedure.
  • Your surgeon will make an incision in the groin area. Depending on the patient, this incision may extend around the back of the thighs and down towards the knees.
  • Your surgeon begins to remove fat, reposition muscles, and tissues, and trim away excess skin during the thigh lift procedure.
  • Sutures are applied to help secure the new shape of the thighs.
  • Stitches are utilized to close all incisions and prepare the area for the healing and recovery period post-surgery.

A thigh lift will typically take about two hours to complete. After your procedure is complete, you will enter the recovery period.

 

After Your Surgery

Following the completion of your surgery, you will be moved into a recovery area until you awaken from general anesthesia. Depending on your state, you will either spend the night in the hospital or be released from the hospital to head home that same day. 

Your physician will give you a set of guidelines to follow to maximize your recovery period and ensure that you have the knowledge required to safeguard your results. In general, you can expect to need plenty of rest and avoid engaging in any overly strenuous physical activities for the first few days following your procedure.

You will likely experience modest pain and discomfort during this recovery period. Your thighs may feel irritated and sore. This is considered a normal effect of the procedure. However, you should keep note if you experience any of the following risks and side effects:

  • Bleeding
  • Odd skin sensations
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Infection
  • Numbness
  • Pour wound healing
  • Swelling
  • Seroma

 

The Best in LA

Dr. Joubin Gabbay is a fellowship-trained surgeon who specializes in a number of popular plastic surgery procedures. If you are interested in a thigh lift but are unsure if it is for you, contact Dr. Gabbay today to set up an appointment to discuss the benefits of this procedure.

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How Common Is Seroma After Cosmetic Surgery?

A seroma is a condition that describes a post-surgical phenomenon where fluids begin to accumulate under the skin at the site of surgery. Seroma is quite common after both medical and cosmetic surgery. Informing yourself about the risk of a seroma can help you be more adequately prepared should it come up. Seromas can be medically serious in certain situations. Take a look at this overview of this post-surgical condition, which may help you understand how it relates to cosmetic body surgery.

 

√What Is a Seroma?

A seroma is a build-up of natural fluids or healing tissue in the body that has the potential to develop after any surgery or serious medical procedure. Seromas are a natural healing response of the body in response to the physical trauma of surgery. Seromas are not typically medically hazardous but are nevertheless unpleasant and desirable to avoid.

 

How Common Is Seroma After Cosmetic Surgery?

It is quite common for a patient to develop a seroma after cosmetic surgery. In fact, these lumps have the potential to form after any invasive surgery. The surgeries that most commonly provoke the development of seromas include BBLs (Brazilian Butt Lifts) and tummy tucks. Other common surgeries that provoke seromas include:

  • Hernia repair
  • Abdominoplasty
  • Breast augmentation
  • Liposuction

Although seromas are not typically considered medically dangerous, they carry a risk for infection and can interfere with the body’s healing process after surgery. For these reasons, your physician may opt to drain a large seroma that has become infected.

 

Why Do Seromas Develop?

Seromas remain a natural risk of any invasive surgery due to their nature as part of the body’s healing response. That said, there are some elements of a surgery that can increase the risk of developing a seroma:

  • Utilizing low-vacuum drains
  • The use of electrocautery when closing skin flaps over the surgical wound
  • Excessive movement or strain directly following surgery
  • Removing drain tubes from the surgical site too abruptly following surgery

In addition, larger-scale surgeries and surgeries that take more extended periods to complete have been shown to increase the overall risk of developing a seroma.

 

When Should I Seek Assistance?

Staying aware of the signs of infection in a seroma can help you avoid dangerous situations and further medical expenses down the line. Keep an eye out for the following signs that your seroma may have become infected:

  • Fever
  • A rapid increase in swelling
  • Pain
  • Increased heart rate
  • White or bloody drainage surrounding the seroma
  • Confusion
  • Blood pressure changes

You can discuss with your physician prior to your procedure whether or not they think that you are at particular risk for developing a seroma following your surgery. This can help you know whether you should anticipate needing to bear with one.

 

Treating a Seroma

Many seromas will disappear on their own accord as the body naturally reabsorbs the fluids that have accumulated in them. The use of certain anti-inflammatories or over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, may, on occasion, augment this process.

Large seromas that have become infected or are causing pain can be drained and removed by your surgeon. If your surgeon opts to drain the seroma, they will remove the fluid using a syringe. Surgically removing a seroma involves a very mild excision of the lump.

 

Preventing the Development of Seromas

There are some steps that you and your doctor can take to attempt to prevent the development of seromas. One common preemptive step involves the use of surgical drainage systems that attempt to drain excess fluid from the surgical site, thus preventing the development of seromas.

In addition, compression garments are commonly utilized to help the skin and tissue of the surgical site heal faster and more effectively. This, in turn, can help to deter the development of seromas at the surgical site.

Preventing seromas is preferable, but it is important to note that, in most cases, these growths are not medically serious or dangerous. Often, patience is all that’s required as your body engages in its natural healing process.

 

The Best Surgeon in Beverly Hills

Dr. Gabriel Chiu is a board-certified surgeon dedicated to offering his clients in Beverly Hills the highest level of treatment available. If you are interested in discussing plastic surgery with a professional, contact our cosmetic surgery center today.

Most Popular Cosmetic Procedures for Women

Aging, pregnancy, and breastfeeding can impact a woman’s facial and bodily appearance. Sagging, excess skin, fine lines, and wrinkles can all take a toll on one’s appearance and impact confidence and self-esteem. However, several cosmetic procedures can minimize the signs of aging. If you are concerned about your changing appearance, read on to discover the most popular cosmetic procedures for women.

 

Most Popular Cosmetic Procedures for Women

Cosmetic procedures have become increasingly popular over the last decade because they are safer and more effective than ever. Surgical techniques have also made the results look more natural and even last longer. Below are some of the most common cosmetic procedures for women.

 

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentations are a popular cosmetic procedure. They involve using implants or a fat transfer to increase the size of the breasts. This procedure is excellent for women who are unhappy with their naturally smaller chests. It can restore lost volume and improve the shape of the breasts. Volume loss is common after weight loss or pregnancy. Breast augmentations are a common cosmetic surgery as they can dramatically boost one’s self-confidence.

 

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a popular cosmetic procedure that involves removing fat from the abdomen. Excess skin is also removed during the procedure to create a flatter and smoother abdomen. During the procedure, surgeons also remove stretch marks found on the lower abdomen. The abdominal muscles are tightened to create a slimmer and more toned figure. Tummy tucks are beneficial for women whose stomachs have changed due to pregnancy or sudden, significant weight loss.

 

Liposuction

Liposuction is a common cosmetic procedure that removes excess fat. Even for those who diet and exercise, stubborn fat in certain areas can be difficult to get rid of. Liposuction is a great way to get rid of those last few pounds of stubborn fat. It can be performed on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, neck, chin, upper arms, and back. Liposuction is often combined with a tummy tuck to optimize the results of the procedure.

 

Facelift

Facelifts are a highly popular procedure among women. The procedure involves removing excess skin and tightening the underlying facial tissue. A skilled plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills can provide you with a more toned and youthful appearance after a facelift. The signs of aging cause skin sagging, deep wrinkles, and loss of muscle tone. A facelift can lift and tighten the face by reducing the signs of aging. It often leaves patients looking more than a decade younger.

 

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is commonly known as a nose job. Many women are unhappy with their natural noses. A nose job can alter the appearance of your nose, including making it more proportional to the rest of your face. Rhinoplasty can also adjust the shape of your nose. For some patients, particularly those with deviated septums, rhinoplasty can also improve their breathing. A nose job can address both your health and cosmetic concerns surrounding your nose.

 

Plastic Surgeon in Beverly Hills

If you are unhappy with your appearance, consider some of the most popular cosmetic procedures for women. Several cosmetic procedures are available to address your specific body and face concerns. The first step in moving forward with one such procedure is setting up a consultation. Dr. Brent is a skilled surgeon in Beverly Hills. With the help of his team, he has performed countless cosmetic procedures. Contact Dr. Brent today to schedule your consultation! 

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How Long Does an Arm Lift Procedure Take?

An arm lift is a highly efficacious procedure that can leave a patient with a marked improvement to their arms. This is one of the reasons that the procedure has taken off in recent years.

However, like with most invasive plastic surgery procedures, it is important to educate yourself on the details of the procedure in order to maximize your results. In the case of an arm lift, this includes how much time you should plan to spend at the clinic.

If you have an arm lift planned, take a look at this guide that can help you determine how long your procedure is going to take.

What Is an Arm Lift?

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a type of plastic surgery procedure that tightens the skin of the arms around itself, thus creating a taugther and more sleek appearance to the section of the arm that is targeted. The procedure acts mostly as an aesthetic procedure designed to improve people’s appearance.

How Long Does an Arm Lift Procedure Take?

There is some variability in terms of how long you can expect an arm lift procedure to take. Part of this will be contingent on the exact amount of skin and muscle that will be adjusted throughout the course of your procedure.

However, most patients can expect that their brachioplasty will take about two to three hours from start to finish. Understanding this can help you plan accordingly for the procedural and recovery period that you will inevitably go through.

What Occurs During a Brachioplasty?

In a brachioplasty, you firstly will be placed under general anesthesia to ensure that you do not feel any discomfort from your procedure. However, this adds a hurdle to some who are seeking the procedure due to the complex interaction of general anesthesia with the body. This will be discussed with your physician prior to your procedure taking place.
During the procedure, your physician will remove some fat and an elliptical segment of skin from the inner back side of your arm. After this, they will readjust the skin in this part of the body to ensure a tighter and more sleek appearance.

Following the readjustment of the skin, compression garments will be applied to help control the swelling that will occur at the surgical site. Most patients will be able to resume more or less normal activities within a few days and strenuous activities within a few weeks.

Am I a Good Candidate for Brachioplasty?

In order to make a good candidate for a brachioplasty, one needs to be physically fit enough to withstand some of the stresses of surgery and anesthesia. This means that interested candidates will have to undergo a medical exam before any actual work is done.

Should you be found to be physically fit enough to undergo surgery, you likely will be approved by your physician for the procedure. In addition, they may go over the exact set of expectations you should keep for the procedure, as, in general, it’s beneficial for a patient to keep an idea of their procedure as accurate as possible.

Overall, most patients who are interested should find themselves approved barring any serious health concerns. Should you have a condition that might interfere with the procedure, it’s possible that you’ll need to undergo additional testing before you’re approved for work?

Brachioplasty vs Liposuction

If you have excess arm skin or fat that does not appear loose, then your physician may recommend that you combine a brachioplasty with liposuction in order to achieve the results you’re looking for. This is because liposuction can be somewhat more effective at working with certain combinations of skin and fat than brachioplasty.

A combination brachioplasty/liposuction procedure may involve a sturdier medical examination period than just for either of the procedures. Should you be approved, however, there’s a strong chance that you might find that the combination procedure can give you a more accurate set of results than what you initially expected.

In addition, the combination procedure may also save you some time and money in the long run if you had thought of doing either procedure separately. Talk with your physician regarding the details of this.

The Best Arm Lift in Beverly Hills

BHPSI is one of the best resources available for receiving a quality arm lift in Southern California. If you’re interested in discussing your plans for surgery with a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, contact our office today to hold a discussion.

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How Do Surgical and Nonsurgical Lifts Compare?

A neck or facelift has the potential to seriously improve the appearance of the area surrounding one’s neck and lower jaw. Many patients have found it to be the solution for their concerns in this part of the body. So how do surgical and nonsurgical lifts compare?

Many aren’t aware that there are several different kinds of lifts that are possible to receive. Learning the differences between the types can give you a leg up in terms of finding the solution to your issues.

If you have questions regarding the different types of neck lifts, take a look at this guide, which can give you more information on the subject. It may help you decide that a nonsurgical neck lift is right for you.

Surgical vs Nonsurgical Lifts

The two primary methods of providing lift to an area of the body that might be needing such treatment are either surgical or nonsurgical. Surgical lifts utilize invasive surgical tools that cut into the body to manipulate the area below. Nonsurgical lifts do not utilize invasive surgical instruments to perform the task at hand; rather, they use tools like injectable fillers and massage to make changes to one’s appearance.

How Do Surgical and Nonsurgical Lifts Compare?

Surgical and nonsurgical facelifts may appeal to different groups of people for different reasons. For example, nonsurgical facelifts may not be appropriate for individuals who suffer from certain types of skin condtions, like some of the following listed below:

  • Eczema
  • Core sores
  • Acne
  • Moles
  • Psoriasis

These types of conditions may become aggravated due to the abrasive nature of some nonsurgical lift techniques. On the other hand, nonsurgical techniques may be appealing to others because they do not generally require a patient to be cleared for treatment with invasive instruments and general anesthesia.

The factors above can be somewhat prohibitive for those who wish to receive work done but have medical conditions that prevent them from receiving treatment. Nonsurgical methods have the potential to give these patients results that are just as good as the ones they were looking for in the first place.

What Occurs During a Nonsurgical Lift?

There are several different varieties of nonsurgical facelift methods. Which one you use will be highly dependent on some of the specificities of your case and the exact type of work you’re looking for. Some of the primary subtypes of nonsurgical lift methods include:

Chemical Peels:

Chemical peels remove the top layers of your skin by applying light amounts of abrasive chemicals. Multiple peels can be applied in order to achieve the desired results.

Dermal Fillers:

Dermal fillers utilize the injection of substances to provide a sense of added volume to areas of the face that may have become sunken or hollow. Dermal fillers have the potential to last for a long time, with many lasting anywhere from six months to several years.

Botox Injections:

Botox can relax tense muscles, which leads to the development of wrinkles. Many people receive these injections in between their eyebrows or in the corners of their eyes. Results can last for several months.

Fat Grafting:

Fat grafting involves harvesting fat from one area of the body where it is plentiful to another where there is a sense of flatness or hollowness. This type of grafting can provide a patient with much-desired “natural” looking results.

Laser Skin Resurfacing:

In this type of treatment, beams of light can target areas of the skin and face with pinpoint precision to remove the older outer layers of the skin and stimulate collagen growth.

Microneedling:

During a microneedling procedure, thin and tiny needles make a series of tiny incisions across the face. This type of procedure stimulate the growth of collagen on the face. It has the potential to diminish the presence of wrinkles, large pores, and sun damage.

Microdermabrasion:

This is a minimally invasive procedure that gently sands away the top layers of the skin with a slightly rough pad. This exfoliates the skin and helps to reduce the presence of fine lines, scars, and other abberations of the skin.

As one can see, there are a variety of nonsurgical methods that can give a patient an advantage in terms of rejuvenating their skin using nonsurgical means. You can discuss with your physician which one they think might serve you the most.

The Best Neck Surgeon in Beverly Hills

Epione Beverly Hills is one of the best resources available for those who are looking to improve the appearance of their neck through a necklift. If you’re interested in discussing your options with a trained professional, contact our office today to hold a discussion at our cosmetic dermatology center in Beverly Hills.

What Facelift Technique Is Best For You?

A facelift is a wonderful plastic surgery technique that can offer its patients a total revamp in their appearance. However, what is not as widely known is that there are several different types of facelift and that each of these techniques specializes in producing different results. Below, we look at what facelift technique is best for you.

What Facelift Technique Is Best For You?

Selecting the right technique is paramount for receiving results that you’re going to be happy with. If you’re interested in receiving a facelift procedure but are unsure which of the various techniques would work best for your personal situation.

The Facelift Basics

A surgeon carefully pulls back the skin on the face during a facelift. This can lessen the development of jowls, tighten the skin, and get rid of fine lines and wrinkles.

A patient can have very amazing results from a well-done facelift. A poorly executed one, on the other hand, can make one feel even worse about their appearance.

Some warning indicators of an improperly done facelift include:

  • Discernible scars
  • Skin that seems stretched-out and artificial
  • Minimal facial jerks
  • An unbalanced aspect of the face and neck
  • Oddities with one’s ear lobes’ look

A decent facelift often involves doing the reverse of these frequent blunders.

Deep Plane Facelift

A deep plane facelift is often times considered to be the cutting edge of current facelift procedures. It’s an in-depth update to the facial features of a patient. A deep plane facelift involves removing excess skin while also tightening the underlying muscles on a deep level.

Deep plane facelifts are revered for their ability to offer results without significantly altering their appearance. If this is what you’re looking for, you might find that a deep plane facelift is the right choice for you.

SMAS Facelift

An SMAS facelift is short for a superficial muscular aponeurotic system facelift. This type of facelift tightens this part of the face while removing excess fat and skin to counteract the signs of aging. SMAS facelifts are also applauded for their ability to produce natural-looking results.

Skin Only Facelift

Skin Only Facelifts are so named due to the fact that they only involve manipulating the skin of a patient, not the muscles. In general, they’re considered to be somewhat outdated by most physicians. That being said, some patients may find that this is the type of procedure they would prefer if it fits their aesthetic preferences.

C-Lift

A C-lift is a type of non-surgical facelift that is highly customizable. A C-lift is utilized by certain doctors to add facial definition and can be used in many other ways as well.

Which Type of Facelift is Right For Me?

Determining which type of facelift is the right one for you is a highly personal process. Much of it will require carefully consulting with your doctor on what your personal aesthetic goals are with your procedure.

This is because each type of facelift carries with it certain strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these strengths and weaknesses can give one an edge in determining which kind will benefit you the most.

Finding a physician who’s a specialist and board-certified by the ABPS will be absolutely instrumental in determining the best type of facelift for you, as well as moving forward with whatever procedure you decide will ultimately be the most beneficial.

Getting Good Results

A patient who has had a facelift done well should theoretically look significantly younger than they did before the procedure—in most cases, as much as 10 years younger.

When you enter the operating room, this is what you should be aiming towards as a patient and a doctor. Any less could mean losing out on potential.

Additionally, this anti-aging technique should strive to look seamless and natural rather than forced. Every successfully completed anti-aging procedure has this as its general objective.

One of a facelift’s main components and one that needs to be done carefully is the skin-tightening procedure.

When the skin is pulled in several different ways during the skin-tightening procedure, it may often be seen that a facelift has been done improperly.

When the skin is pulled taut in the desired direction, the facelift has been properly performed, and the doctor has done their job.

The Facelift Experts of Beverly Hills

Dr. Brent and the rest of his team live to serve the Beverly Hills community the best in facelift. If you’re interested in having a discussion to determine which of the various techniques would work the best for your situation, contact Dr. Brent today in order to schedule a consultation.

5 Surprising Facts About a Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, removes loose and excess skin around the stomach. It also tightens torn abdominal muscles, often due to pregnancy or weight fluctuations. As one of the most popular procedures that patients contact Dr. Brent for, tummy tucks offer years of rebounding confidence and a great figure that you can enjoy well into your twilight years. Below, we look at 5 surprising facts about a tummy tuck.

5 Surprising Facts About a Tummy Tuck

While it is a common part of a “mommy makeover”, tummy tucks are not just for moms. Anyone can experience the significant benefits that come from a personalized body contouring procedure. If you are surprised by this fact, then this is the article for you. Today, we will highlight 5 surprising facts about a tummy tuck that you might not have known before.

Tummy Tucks Do Not Alter Your Belly Button

Pregnancy and rapid weight loss can stretch abdominal tissue beyond its original shape, leaving behind loose skin that interferes with normal movement and makes clothing fit poorly. A tummy tuck can excise excess tissue, giving the abdomen a more streamlined contour and making it easier to get into smaller clothing sizes.

A tummy tuck can also address hernias and strengthen the abdominal muscles, reducing back pain, improving posture, and strengthening core strength. This can reduce the risk of future hernias and help people feel more comfortable in tighter clothes. However, your belly button will not be affected. Full tummy tucks can make a new space for the belly button in order to create a more attractive appearance.

Men Want Tummy Tucks, Too

Tummy tuck surgery offers women and men a chance to get rid of loose skin after weight loss, tighten wrinkly belly skin, and sculpt a sleeker silhouette. It can also enhance the results of other cosmetic procedures like a breast lift.

While the procedure is especially useful for women who have lost significant amounts of weight from pregnancy, it also benefits men who have also gone through weight fluctuations. Everyone can benefit from a surgery that will help them regain a more proportional figure while boosting their self-confidence.

You Can Get Pregnant After A Tummy Tuck

Pregnancy after a tummy tuck can alter results due to stretching of both the skin and abdominal muscles. This is why surgeons usually recommend that women wait to have a tummy tuck until after they are done having children. Still, pregnancy is not considered to be a major risk for women who have undergone a tummy tuck. Those who do become pregnant after surgery should maintain modest weight gain, in order to avoid excessive stretching of the skin and muscle tissue.

It is also important to inform your OB-GYN that you have had a tummy tuck so that they can monitor you carefully for any signs of stress urinary incontinence. Studies have shown that tummy tucks can reduce this bladder control issue by tightening the abdominal muscles.

Tummy Tucks Are More Than Skin Deep

Tummy tucks, which are also known as abdominoplasty, help you achieve a flatter and toned stomach. A lot of people think that most of the work is done on the surface. However, tummy tucks go through layers of your body to give you the exact right look. A tummy tuck tightens muscles, removes loose skin, and reduces stubborn pockets of fat.

Besides aesthetic benefits, a tummy tuck can also improve back pain and posture and provide stress relief. Patients who have a tummy tuck often report a greater sense of self. They even experience more positive things in life as a result of their new appearance.

You Can Combine Tummy Tucks with Other Procedures

A good candidate for abdominoplasty is close to his or her goal weight, no longer pregnant, and unlikely to undergo additional major weight fluctuations. Patients should be in good overall health and have any chronic medical conditions well under control.

You can also save money by combining your tummy tuck with other cosmetic procedures, such as liposuction. However, some plastic surgeons are hesitant to combine abdominoplasty with liposuction because it may disrupt the blood supply and compromise surgical healing.

Learn About Your Tummy Tuck Options Today

We utilize a variety of techniques and incisions to give you a tummy tuck that works. Many of our newer developments, including our hybrid tummy tuck option, are designed to give patients even more customization. With long-lasting results and very few scars left behind, this might be the procedure you have been looking for. Get in touch with Dr. Brent and schedule your first consultation with us today.

How to Get Natural-Looking Facelift Results

Are you tired of looking in the mirror and seeing signs of aging staring back at you? It is natural to feel a little disappointed about the way your face looks as it gets older. If you dream of the youthful appearance you once had, there is hope for you. Plastic surgery can produce incredible and natural-looking results that you can enjoy. We look at how to get natural-looking facelift results.

How to Get Natural-Looking Facelift Results

Today, your trusted plastic surgery expert in Beverly Hills will share some great secrets with you. You will learn how to get natural-looking facelift results when you combine the correct treatment with the correct surgical specialist. Our goal is to help you bring your inner beauty out, so you can enjoy the way you look again.

About Facelifts

A facelift involves lifting and tightening the skin on the face to give a more youthful appearance. While there are many different types of facelifts, the ultimate goal remains the same – to restore a more youthful and rejuvenated look. Dr. Brent’s facelift techniques span a wide range of popular facelift types, including:

  • Mini Facelift
  • Minimal Access Cranial Suspension (MACS) Facelift
  • High Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System (SMAS) Facelift
  • Platysma SMAS Plication Facelift

But beyond just improving physical appearance, getting a facelift can also have a significant impact on one’s confidence and self-esteem. As we age, it’s natural for our faces to show signs of aging such as wrinkles and sagging skin. This loss of volume and shape can make us feel self-conscious and affect our overall sense of beauty.

Do Facelifts Produce Natural Results?

Some patients shy away from plastic surgery because they are afraid of looking “fake”. However, it is important that your surgeon implements modern, state-of-the-art techniques that create symmetry between your existing facial features and new improvements. Here are some ways that facelifts offer natural, long-lasting results that make you feel instantly younger:

Remove Excess Skin While Retaining Your Natural Shape

One way in which a facelift can transform your appearance is by targeting loose or sagging skin. As we age, our skin loses elasticity due to the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers. This leads to drooping jowls, neck bands, and deep creases around the mouth and nose – all tell-tale signs of an aged face.

During a traditional facelift surgery, excess skin is removed from the face while underlying tissues are lifted and repositioned for a tighter and smoother appearance. This results in sharper jawlines, reduced wrinkles around the mouth area, and an overall more youthful look.

Restore and Add Volume to Tighten Up Your Facade

Another way in which a facelift can transform your looks is by restoring lost volume in the cheeks. With age comes fat loss in certain areas of our face – particularly in the cheeks – making them appear hollow or sunken. By using fat grafting techniques or dermal fillers during a facelift procedure, surgeons can add fullness back into these areas for a plumper and more youthful appearance.

Your Surgeon Is On Your Side

One of the key factors in achieving natural-looking facelift results is choosing a skilled and experienced surgeon. This is crucial because an inexperienced or unqualified surgeon can result in an unnatural-looking outcome that may not meet your expectations.

A skilled surgeon understands the importance of maintaining facial harmony and balance while also addressing specific concerns such as sagging skin, wrinkles, and volume loss. They will take into account your unique facial anatomy, skin type, and any previous surgeries you may have had to create a personalized treatment plan for you.

Improve Your Age – At Any Age

Did you know that facelifts are just as popular with young people as with older people? You can prevent the eventual spread of wrinkles by getting a facelift now rather than later. In addition to surgical techniques, incorporating non-surgical treatments into your facelift procedure can also help enhance its overall natural appearance. These treatments include injectables such as Botox and fillers, which can address fine lines and wrinkles without altering facial movements or expressions.

Schedule Your Personal Facelift Today

For flexible, natural, and long-lasting facelift surgery options, put Dr. Brent on your radar. Our surgical team offers years of expertise delivering custom facelifts. You can learn more about the different types of facelifts to decide what treatment works best with your needs.

Visit Dr. Brent and use your personal consultation to ask questions and ensure that this certified surgeon is the right choice for you. When you are ready to look and feel younger without sacrificing your natural good looks, get in touch with our experts in Beverly Hills.

concept for how to prepare for revision surgery

How to Prepare for Revision Surgery

A well-executed plastic surgery has the potential to give a patient a new and refreshed appearance, as well as to resolve potentially serious medical issues that may have been bothering them. Below, we cover how to prepare for revision surgery.

However, mistakes are bound to be made in this area of medicine, and even an expert surgeon can perform an operation that doesn’t quite stick for one reason or another. When this occurs, you may have to return for revision surgery.

If you’re due to experience a revision plastic surgery procedure and would like to know how to properly prepare for plastic surgery repair, check out this overview that may be of some use.

What Is Revision Surgery?

Revision surgery is any type of plastic surgery that intends to amend some of the results of an initial procedure. In the plastic surgery sphere, a revision procedure is usually executed when a patient is unhappy with the appearance of their initial results.

Why Receive Revision Surgery?

The primary reasons that one engages in revision surgeries are either medical or aesthetic. Sometimes, if a surgery doesn’t go as intended the first time around, a revision surgery becomes a medical necessity due to the hazards that arise.

Other times, revision surgery is executed to give the patient the aesthetic results of a procedure that may have eluded them the first time around. In addition, the recovery period from any procedure is a delicate period where a patient must stay wary of certain indicators that their body has not responded well to the procedure. This includes the danger of infection.

After you receive any type of medical work, your physician will likely schedule a couple of follow-up visits for you to discuss how your recovery period is going. Should anything appear especially awry to them during these visits, then there is a chance that this will be the time that they determine that you should receive revision care.

Most patients who are interested in receiving a revision surgery should qualify for the work, as for the most part, the requirements for such a procedure will be very similar, if not the same as the original requirements for the surgery that one received in the first place.

How to Prepare for Revision Surgery

There are several different steps one might take to properly prepare for a revision procedure. Much of this is dependent on the exact nature of the revision surgery at hand, as there are many different areas of the body that might expect to see this treatment.

However, there are several steps that can be taken that will likely benefit you regardless of the exact type of revision procedure you are to receive. Some of these steps include:

  • Adjust your alcohol intake for several weeks prior to your procedure
  • Quit smoking for several weeks before your procedure
  • Adjust any herbal supplements or over-the-counter medications you use
  • Consult with your doctor about whatever prescription medications that you might use

Depending on your personal medical situation, there’s some chance that your physician may have additional advice regarding how you prepare for your procedure. In addition, it must be noted again that there will be a wide variety of possible preparatory steps depending on the exact type of procedure you’re going to take part in.

Recovering from Revision Surgery

The recovery period for a revision procedure will likely look similar to the recovery period from your initial procedure. There may be additional considerations at play depending on how your initial revision procedure has impacted you.

That being said, there are certain steps that you can take to improve your situation regarding having a successful recovery period. Some of these steps include:

  • Refraining from engaging in overly strenuous activities for the first several weeks following your procedure
  • Refrain from imbibing alcohol or smoking
  • Receive plenty of rest
  • Make arrangements for a family member or friend to assist with daily activities while you recover

Your physician will likely have additional steps for you to take in terms of handling your recovery period. Following this advice to the highest degree will represent your best shot in terms of having a healthy and safe recovery period.

The Revision Expert of Beverly Hills

Dr. Chiu and the rest of the team at Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Inc run the best cosmetic surgery center in Beverly Hills. If you’re interested in discussing your upcoming revision procedure with Dr. Chiu, contact our office today to have a conversation.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Thigh Lift?

The warm summer weather is in full effect, and with it, people have transitioned to their summer wardrobes. Shorts, skirts, dresses, and swimsuits are all great ways to stay cool in the warm weather. For those who are unhappy with the look of their legs, this time of year may cause some anxiety. Aging and rapid weight change can impact the appearance of your thighs, such as an increase in loose skin and sagginess around the thighs. A thigh lift is an effective procedure that restores the look of the thighs, but before proceeding with the surgery, it is important to know who is a good candidate for a thigh lift.

 

Who Is a Good Candidate for Thigh Lift?

A thigh lift is a cosmetic procedure that dramatically improves the appearance of the thighs. A board-certified plastic surgeon performs the procedure, which can offer amazing results. A thigh lift involves the removal of excess skin and fat around your thigh, leaving the area thinner and firmer. It is highly beneficial for those who have skin sagging and stubborn fat around their thighs. Consider the following candidacy requirements for a thigh lift. 

 

People Who Have Experienced Substantial Weight Loss

People who have lost a substantial amount of weight often have excess skin on their thighs because the skin does not always fully bounce back after weight loss. The loss of elasticity in your skin is caused by the natural aging process and unhealthy lifestyle habits, which can accelerate the aging process as well. Those who have lost a lot of weight are good candidates for a thigh lift procedure. A thigh lift removes the excess skin and fat so you can show off your legs with confidence.

 

People Who Remain at a Consistent Weight

Candidates for a thigh lift should be close to their goal weight. Maintaining your weight at the time of a thigh lift is necessary to ensure the results of your operation last. If you have gone through a significant weight loss journey, it is important to have kept your weight stable for some time. It is helpful to talk with the surgeon during your consultation about your weight loss journey and how long you have been at your current weight. 

 

People Who Are Healthy Overall

Candidates for the thigh lift procedure should be in good overall health, which is necessary to ensure proper healing. Candidates should not have any serious medical conditions, as certain conditions can negatively impact the healing process. It is also important not to smoke. Smoking can impact the results of your procedure, so it is critical to avoid smoking altogether. Discuss your medical history with the surgeon during your consultation to ensure you are a good candidate.

 

Expectations Post-Surgery

Candidates should have realistic expectations about the procedure. A thigh lift can offer amazing results and those who have had the procedure report an increase in their confidence. To ensure such results, candidates should commit to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes regular exercise and eating a balanced diet, which are all necessary to preserve the results of the thigh lift.

 

Schedule Your Consultation

A thigh lift is a highly effective procedure that offers several benefits. It improves the appearance of your thighs and can improve your self-confidence. The results provide a firmer and more contoured look you can feel good about. Patients often report an increase in their self-esteem as their clothes fit better. If you are unhappy with the look of your thighs, consider a thigh lift.

The first step in moving forward with the procedure is scheduling a consultation with Dr. Brent Moelleken. Dr. Brent has helped countless patients improve the look of their legs with a thigh lift. He is focused on your aesthetic goals to ensure you look and feel your best. Contact his office today to schedule a consultation!