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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.

A mammogram is an essential part of maintaining the long-term health of your breasts, as it remains the primary method for helping to identify and diagnose the presence of breast cancer and other conditions. Regularly receiving a mammogram should be considered a protocol for all women. But how often should women have mammograms?

How Often Should Women Have Mammograms?

However, the guidelines surrounding the frequency with which a woman should go in for a checkup can change, leaving many people confused about how often they should engage in this activity.

If you’re thinking it might be time for you to receive a mammogram, take a look at this guide that describes how often you should head in for a 3D digital breast mammogram.

What Is a Mammogram?

A mammogram is a type of diagnostic imaging test that is an X-ray of a woman’s breast. A mammogram is considered a first line of defense for helping a physician detect the presence of cancer and other conditions of the breasts.

Mammograms are considered highly safe and are completely painless as well. Following this, there’s no good reason for one to avoid engaging in this test on a regular basis. There is some advantage to returning to the same clinic and doctor for repeat tests, as this can help your medical professional study the health of your breasts over time.

How Often Should Women Have Mammograms?

Prior to the age of 40, most physicians recommend that a woman go in for a mammogram at least once every 3 years. After the age of 40, it is recommended that a woman receive a mammogram on an annual basis.

In addition, some doctors may recommend that a woman receive a mammogram annually, even before the age of 40. In addition, the frequency that you should receive a mammogram may increase if you have a history of conditions affecting your breasts, or if you have other types of health issues that might impact the health of your breasts.

What Occurs During a Mammogram?

During a mammogram, an imagist will compress the breasts between a set of firm surfaces to spread out the breast tissue and prepare it for imaging. An x-ray then subsequently takes a series of black and white images that are displayed on a monitor to be read by your technician.

At this point, your images will be forwarded to your general practitioner for reading and analyzing. If your imagist or physician feels that further testing is warranted, then you may be referred for additional procedures or to see a specialist of some kind.

If you are referred for additional testing, it’s not necessarily something to panic about. Mentally preparing yourself for the complicated reality of diagnostic imaging tests is a worthwhile activity when you’re engaging in these types of tests.

Are There Any Risks Involved?

Mammograms are considered very low-risk medical procedures. However, you should be prepared for the following elements of a mammogram test:

• Radiation: A mammogram will expose you to a small amount of radiation.
• Fallibility: A mammogram is considered a very accurate medical test. However, mammograms can’t detect all kinds of cancers. This is why the test should be paired with a physical exam.
• Emotional Preparedness: Patients who receive a mammogram should be prepared to receive possibly extremely bad news if they are diagnosed with cancer. This includes the possibility of receiving a cancer diagnosis that is terminal, as many forms of breast cancer can be extremely aggressive.

Overall, the security provided by a mammogram is well worth the mild risks that are incurred by it. Preparing yourself emotionally in the case of disappointing results is a powerful step towards maintaining a state of health.

Preparing for a Mammogram

There are certain steps you can take to properly prepare yourself for a mammogram, as well as assist your medical personnel throughout the process. Some of the steps that can be taken in this regard include:

• Bring any prior mammogram images and tests that you may have received.
• Avoid wearing overly strong smells to your mammogram appointment
• Schedule your test for a time when your breasts are likely to less tender, away from your ovulation

Your physician may have additional advice for your preparatory period, depending on your medical history. This will be gone over during a pre-screening consultation and preparatory period that will occur before the actual test.

The Best Imaging Clinic in Texas

West Texas Health is one of the most highly regarded imaging clinics in Texas. If you feel like you might be due for a diagnostic mammogram at our women’s health center, contact us to set up an appointment.

Losing a tooth can be very frustrating, especially when it leaves an unpleasant gap that can be seen while talking or smiling. A gap may not only cause issues when it comes to biting, chewing, or grinding food, but it can also decrease a person’s self-confidence when it is visible. Fortunately, the advancement of dental technology has allowed dental patients to save their teeth while relieving pain, eliminating bacteria, and preventing reinfection through a root canal performed by an endodontic dentist. While around 15 million root canals are done in the United States every year, many patients still shudder at the thought of having one. This is because of the common misconceptions surrounding root canals. If you are deliberating between a root canal and a tooth extraction, read the 5 myths about root canals below and uncover the truth about this routine procedure.

5 Myths About Root Canals

Myth 1: Root Canals Are Extremely Painful.

This is one of the most widely spread misconceptions. Patients usually think of pain when they think of root canals. Although this may have been true in the far past when dental technology and anesthesia were far less advanced, it is now so much farther from the truth. In fact, today’s root canals are no more painful than standard dental fillings. Patients report little to no discomfort during treatment, thanks to modern anesthesia techniques and innovative tools.

When a tooth becomes infected or severely decayed, this is often accompanied by excruciating and disabling pain. Through a root canal, the endodontist removes the infected tissue from inside the tooth and gets rid of the source of pain. You may feel mild discomfort after the procedure, but over-the-counter pain relievers can easily manage it. The pain or discomfort will subside after a few days. In contrast, if you do not undergo a root canal, the infection and pain may worsen, and tooth extraction may be the only way to relieve you of both.

Myth 2: Root Canals Cause Illness

This myth stems from a false claim made by poorly designed and debunked research from nearly a hundred years ago before modern science revealed the real causes of many illnesses and diseases. This research linked root canal to systemic diseases.

The truth is the direct opposite. Leaving a sick tooth without extraction or without root canal therapy can cause bacteria to spread and lead to serious health problems. Today’s endodontists use modern root canal procedures under stringent sanitation and sterilization protocols. This minimizes any potential risks. In fact, according to modern research, patients with multiple endodontic treatments had a 45% reduced risk of cancer.

Myth 3: Root Canals Take Several Long Appointments

This may have been true in the past, but it is no longer true today. With dental advancements and modern dental techniques, endodontists are now able to perform root canals in a single visit, which only takes 60-90 minutes. During this visit, your tooth can be cleaned, disinfected, and sealed. For more complicated cases, a second visit may be required.

Myth 4: Extraction Is Better than Root Canal

Some patients believe that tooth extraction is the better option because it is simpler and more convenient. While it is a simpler way to get rid of the pain caused by a problematic infected tooth, saving your natural tooth is still the better option.

Tooth extraction leaves a gap, which may cause your remaining teeth to move. Your speech, bite, and your ability to chew will be potentially affected. In addition, missing teeth may also cause bone loss in your jaw, which may change the structure of your face over time. If you have your teeth extracted, you will need an implant, a bridge, or dentures to restore function. This will also cost money and time. On the contrary, a root canal preserves your natural tooth, maintains your smile, and helps you avoid these issues.

Myth 5: Treated Teeth Do Not Last Long

One common false belief is that root canals eventually fail and extraction will be needed in the long run. The reality is that a root-canal-treated tooth can last a long time, just as long as a tooth that has never needed treatment. After performing the root canal procedure, your endodontist will seal your tooth with a filling and cover it with a crown. This will restore its strength and function and will allow you to speak, bite, and chew normally.

Although no dental treatment is guaranteed to last forever, root canals have a high success rate. Most patients have enjoyed the benefits of their restored tooth for decades, with good oral hygiene practices and regular visits to their dentist or endodontist.

Say Goodbye to Excruciating Pain

Now you understand the truth behind the myths about root canals. It is important to understand that many of these beliefs are outdated or inaccurate. Far from being painful or risky, a root canal is an effective way to get permanent pain relief while saving your tooth. If you have been putting off getting a root canal because of these misconceptions, it is time to talk to a licensed and skilled endodontist who can explain the procedure to you. Do not hesitate to voice out any concerns and ask any questions that have not yet been addressed by this post. Consult with us today.

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.

Getting a dental crown can be daunting. Same-day porcelain crowns can be a great alternative to traditional crowns for many patients. In this article, we discuss the difference between same-day and traditional dental crowns to help you make an informed decision on what option is best for you. However, remember that only your dental specialist can provide you with definitive information after a thorough examination of your case.

The Differences Between Same-Day and Traditional Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are often placed after a root canal treatment. Both traditional and same-day dental crowns have the same function: they cover a tooth weakened by decay, reinforce its structure, and protect it from further damage for years to come. Also, both types of restoration require mild preparation of the tooth, which typically means that a small portion of the tooth’s enamel is removed to ensure that there is enough room for the crown to fit comfortably.

Nowadays, dental crowns are usually made of porcelain or similar materials that can be matched to the color and shade of your own teeth and look pretty natural in the mouth. In some cases, traditional crowns can be made of gold or silver, but they are less popular now. Both traditional and same-day dental crowns are pretty durable.

Traditional Dental Crowns

Getting traditional dental crowns typically requires several visits to a dental office: at least two appointments in most cases. During the first appointment, a mold of your tooth is taken, and a temporary crown is placed. A temporary dental crown is needed to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is being made. Then, it takes several days to custom-make a permanent crown that is placed and adjusted during the second visit. You might require follow-up visits to ensure that the crown fits comfortably. In some cases, you might need multiple impressions taken to create a crown that fits perfectly.

Same-day Dental Crowns

When you opt for a same-day dental crown, after preparing your tooth for receiving a crown, your doctor will use a computer program to generate a 3D impression of your tooth, which is used to create a comfortable-fitting dental crown that can be placed in the same appointment.

The grinding or milling techniques used in creating a same-day dental crown allow your dentist to have precise control over the procedure. Thus, same-day dental crowns typically fit well and are comfortable in the mouth. Some even consider same-day dental crowns to be more comfortable compared to traditional ones because the creation process is more precise.

The disadvantages of same-day dental crowns include several points:

• Not all dental offices provide same-day crowns because this type of crown requires the office to have special equipment, and the doctors should undergo training.
• In some cases, same-day dental crowns might be more expensive than traditional crowns.
• Typically, same-day dental crowns are made of ceramic material (porcelain), which limits your choice of materials. With traditional dental crowns, you can choose porcelain, gold, silver, or resin composite.

Recovery After Getting a Same-day Dental Crown

Recovery after getting a same-day dental crown typically takes several days. During this time, you might experience tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, or soreness at the procedure site. However, these symptoms can be remedied with over-the-counter pain medication, such as Ibuprofen.

In addition, your dentist will most likely recommend abstaining from hard and crunchy foods for a couple of days and chewing your food carefully on the other side of the mouth. Salt rinses can be helpful in preventing infections, and you can use ice compresses to reduce swelling, if present.

If pain and discomfort do not go away in several days or intensify, contact your dentist and sign up for a follow-up checkup to exclude crown failure and complications.

Who Can Get Same-day Dental Crowns?

In most cases, any patient who is recommended a dental crown can get the same-day crown option. Dental crowns can be effectively used in the following cases:

• To protect the weakened tooth after a root canal treatment
• To restore a broken, cracked, or chipped tooth
• To restore and support a worn-down tooth
• To support a dental bridge
• To cover a dental implant
• To cover a severely stained or discolored tooth

Make an Appointment Today

Do not hesitate to make an appointment with a dentist in Arcadia today to get high-quality, same-day porcelain crowns. The methods and equipment used in our office allow us to provide our patients with comfortable and long-lasting solutions. We are looking forward to welcoming you to Smiles of Arcadia and helping you restore and preserve your oral health.

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.

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! 

Can tattoos be fully removed? Tattoos can be a wonderful accessory and a great fashion statement, as well as a very personal expression of spirituality and custom. When you have the right tattoo, it can speak volumes about your past and future.

However, just as much as a successful tattoo can bring joy and happiness into someone’s life, an unsuccessful tattoo has the potential to impact them in a negative sense. Fortunately, there are several methods available for tattoo removal for those who are interested.

If you have a tattoo that you aren’t proud of and have been considering trying to get it removed via cosmetic skin procedures, take a look at this overview of the subject to help you decide what the right path forward is.

What Is Tattoo Removal?

Laser tattoo removal refers to a set of practices and techniques designed to diminish and remove the presence of tattoos on the skin. Several different methods can be employed for these purposes.

Types of Tattoo Removal

As mentioned above, there are a variety of tattoo removal methods that can be employed to clear the skin of unwanted ink. Which method your physician decides to employ will have something to do with the specifics of your health and of the extent of the tattoo you want removed. The most common methods of tattoo removal include:

• Dermabrasion: During a dermabrasion treatment, a physician uses a dermabrasion wand to remove the layers of skin where the tattoo was present.
• Chemical Peels: Chemical peels use light amounts of abrasive chemicals to remove the layer of skin where the tattoo is present. These chemicals cause these layers of skin to peel away.
• Laser Tattoo Removal: Laser tattoo removal is perhaps the most common and popular method of tattoo removal. During this type of treatment, a high-powered laser is utilized to break down the ink particles on the skin into smaller parts. The procedure is relatively painless and does not leave a scar.
• Surgical Excision: This is a surgical procedure that involves a physician cutting out the problematic tattoo using surgical precision. This type of procedure is highly effective for small tattoos but loses efficacy with large tattoos.

Risks and Benefits of Tattoo Removal

Removing a tattoo that is no longer wanted carries with it a number of emotional health benefits. In addition, some of the following benefits have been noted after successful procedures:

• Improved sense of self-esteem and confidence
• Quick recovery time and process
• Small amounts of pain and discomfort
• Tattoo removal is considered a relatively safe procedure

That being said, there are some risks that one takes on should they decide to go through with this procedure. The following risk factors should be taken into account:

• Light pain
• Infections
• Scarring following the tattoo removal
• Skin rashes and general irritation

In addition, you should stay wary of tattoo parlors or spas that claim that they can offer professional tattoo removal. These institutions do not typically have the training, expertise, equipment, and license to perform professional tattoo removals at the level of a skilled dermatologist.

Can Tattoos Be Full Removed?

The challenging answer to this question is that it is almost impossible to fully remove a tattoo. Even a surgical excision of a tattoo will leave a scar, so a patient will need to determine whether it is ultimately worth it to pursue treatment.

That being said, tattoo removal has progressed to the point that most of the visible aspects of a tattoo can be removed with very little irritation to the surrounding areas of skin. Depending on the size of the tattoo, multiple sessions will likely be required to remove the visible presence of the tattoo fully.

The color of your tattoo can also impact how effective the treatment is. For example, blue and black ink tend to disappear more easily than inks of other colors, as they are prone to absorbing light the easiest.

Much of what determines how your tattoo removal process will go has to do with the amount of ink that you’re looking to remove. This will be discussed with your physician during your consultation prior to treatment.

The Best Skin Clinic in Beverly Hills

Epione Beverly Hills is one of the premier destinations for laser tattoo removal in Beverly Hills. If you have a tattoo that has been bothering you and would like to discuss with a professional whether or not you can get it removed, contact our office today to set up an appointment.

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! 

Fashion and skin care trends are always shifting, and staying on top of the ones that are currently in vogue can increase your chance of achieving the skin care results that you’re looking for. Below, we cover 10 popular skin care trends.

10 Popular Skin Care Trends

2024 has been a big year for skin care, and many emerging and established trends are worth paying attention to for the long-term care of your skin.

If you care about the overall health of your skin, take a look at this guide to some of the most relevant skin care trends around at this moment.

1. Minimalism Is In

Multi-step routines and intensive surgeries aren’t considered to be the most in-fashion trends for patients at the moment. One concept that’s currently in fashion is the concept of “skinstreaming” which, points to a more streamlined process for your skin care routine. Knowing what’s best for your skin and taking action based on that is considered to be one of the best philosophies you can have.

2. Try Vitamin C

A constant in the world of skincare, antioxidant-rich vitamin C remains a constant that patients and physicians can stand by to count on for better skin. There are currently even more advanced formulas in the works to help a patient achieve the skincare needs that they’re looking for.

3. Ectoin

Ectoin is a skincare ingredient that has taken the cosmetics world by storm in the past few months. Ectoin is particularly adept at binding water to form complexes that surround cells, which act as a protective barrier.

4. Multi-Purpose Sunscreen

Sun damage remains one of the biggest threats to a patients overall skin health, and taking care to prevent the sun from damaging your skin is one of the best steps that you can take towards preserving the health that you need to maintain the health of your skin in the long term.

5. Retinols

Retinols are a dependable type of skincare compound that has undergone a bit of a revamp in recent years. Producers are generally aiming to make these formulations a bit gentler and softer on the skin without losing efficacy.

6. Consider Holistic Body Care Treatment

Your skin is just another organ in the body, and taking care of the rest of the systems of your body will help to ensure that your skin maintains a high level of health as well. Sticking to the basics, such as engaging in regular exercise and getting plenty of sleep, will take you a long way in terms of maintaining healthy skin.

7. High-Definition Liposuction

High-definition Liposuction is a trending type of liposuction that emphasizes a concept known as athletic definition over the simple concept of fat loss. This places an emphasis on producing a more “natural” looking set of results over simply allowing a patient to look slimmer and sleeker.

8. Updatable Injectables

Dermal injectables such as Aquagold are a more superficial microneedling procedure that can offer a patient a set of smoother and natural-looking results. This technique generally creates a smoother texture for the skin and improves the pore size of a patient’s skin. This technique has the general effect of creating a plumper skin tone and refined skin appearance.

9.  Cellulite Treatment

In recent years, there have been some major advances in terms of how basic cellulite treatment is able to provide patients with more advanced, long-lasting results. This represents a stronger move forward for patients in this regard, as cellulite has traditionally been a difficult problem to resolve. You should ask your physician about some of the available modern cellulite treatments that are available.

10.  Prejuvenation

This concept is fairly new but has gained some level of traction with patients who are interested in taking proactive steps to make sure that they maintain their youthful appearance throughout the years. This philosophy maintains that it is easier to take preventative steps to preserve the health of your skin and your body than it is to try to rectify those issues later on in life. Adopting this attitude would bring you in line with the most modern mindset of our time.

The Best Skin Care Option in Beverly Hills

Dr. Brent and his amazing staff are well known for offering some of the best minimally invasive plastic surgery in Beverly Hills. If you’re interested in discussing with Dr. Brent some of the options you have surrounding making the best situation for your skin possible, contact us today to set up an appointment.