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What Takes Place During Brow Lift Surgery?

As people seek to stay young-looking, facial improvements are being sought after by the masses. One procedure to eliminate lines and tighten sagging skin is the eyebrow lift. This is a common and long-lasting procedure that offers both security and beauty in one single procedure. Brow lifts are a relatively secure form of treatment that gives you more permanent and prominent results than any non-surgical solution would.

But what takes place during brow lift surgery, exactly? What is the recovery process like? How long do results last? We get these questions often at our award-winning office of plastic surgery in Beverly Hills. Below, you can learn more about the process of getting an eyebrow lift with Dr. Chiu. 

What Takes Place During Brow Lift Surgery?

During your consultation with our board-certified surgeon, you will learn exactly what the procedure entails. You should be confident about the surgery you are signing up for. We want you to enjoy long-lasting results that boost your aesthetic – and your self-esteem. Your knowledge of the surgery can really help you understand what kind of expectations to set for yourself. 

First, you should know that there are several different brow lift techniques. Depending on your aesthetic, physiological, and cosmetic needs, we may opt for one of these methods in order to give you the best results. 

Endoscopic Brow Lifts

This small, micro-incisional procedure offers a quick recovery time in exchange for more surface-level results. Dr. Chiu employs the use of an endoscopic camera, which is inserted into very small incisions made at the base of the scalp. If you want to make small and subtle changes to your appearance, this is a great option for you. Endoscopic lifts also guarantee minimal scarring, with some patients enjoying nearly invisible scars after fully recovering. 

Traditional Brow Lifts

The most common type of eyebrow lift is a recommended procedure for anyone in need of some major cosmetic repair. It involves a single incision that runs from the ear to the top of the scalp. This allows the surgeon to access skin and muscles underneath, removing or repositioning them to create the desired look.

With this type of traditional brow lift, the scars fade quickly, and there usually is not much visible scar tissue left behind. Still, there may be more scarring than there would be with an endoscopic lift. We work to hide the scarring under the hairline, so it is not visible at all to the naked eye.

What Is the Recovery Process Like?

Recovery plays an important role in the overall success of your brow lift. Make sure you heal well and follow the notes your surgeon gives you to avoid ruining your results. Aftercare can make or break your brow lift. There are a few things you will be asked to do as you recover: 

  • Use a gentle cold compress on the surgical site whenever you are feeling swollen or bruised. Do not push too hard. 
  • Avoid too much physical activity for at least two weeks. You should be resting as much as possible, including avoiding bright screens for a while. 
  • Keep your surgical bandages on your face until your follow-up appointment, which is usually a few days after the surgery. Dr. Chiu will remove them and make sure your healing process is off to a good start. 
  • Wait at least three to four weeks before you return to work. Healing may seem a lot quicker on the surface, as your skin heals from the outer layers first. You need to give yourself plenty of time for a full recovery before resuming your normal daily activities.

It can take several months for your body to be fully healed and, therefore, several months to see the final results. However, patients tend to start seeing the beginning of their beautiful results a lot sooner. Within a few weeks, you will start to notice a vast improvement. 

How Long Do Brow Lift Results Last?

As long as you follow all the healing instructions given to you by your surgeon, you can expect to maintain your brow lift results for life. After the months-long recovery process, you will be excited to see the full effects of your transformation. As long as you have not been injured or damaged near the surgery site, you will not struggle too much to keep your results for life. 

Of course, there are many habits you can form to take even better care of your brows. Certain skincare products and care routines will help you prolong the best parts of your results. Make sure to avoid the sun and apply plenty of sunscreen whenever you plan a day on the beach. 

Learn more about getting your own personalized brow lift surgery in Beverly Hills when you contact Dr. Chiu today.

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Is Liposuction Painful?

In a world where one’s physical appearance is of utmost importance to a lot of people, it is unfortunate that not everyone has the body that they desire. The good news is that there is a popular option that people can take to help them achieve the body they want. Liposuction has the power to reshape and contour your body by removing excess fat deposits. However, despite its popularity, most patients still have some concerns about the procedure. Questions like “Is liposuction painful?”, “Is it safe?” are the most common ones to people considering the procedure. A top plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills can help you understand the procedure better, empowering you to make informed decisions. 

What Is Liposuction?

Otherwise called as lipoplasty or body contouring, liposuction is a popular surgical procedure that removes extra fat from your body. Most of the patients who opt for liposuction are those who have already tried diet and exercise yet still cannot get rid of their body’s excess fats. It is important to note, however, that it is not a weight loss treatment and just like other surgical procedures, it involves risks and possible complications.

Is Liposuction Painful?

When it comes to pain, this is a highly subjective matter. It varies among patients and depends on different factors such as pain thresholds, the areas treated, and the methods employed in the liposuction procedure.

It is a good thing that modern advancements in the industry have allowed significant improvements when it comes to the comfort level experience of patients during and after the procedure. Anesthesia plays a huge role in this area. Depending on the areas being treated, the surgeon may use local anesthesia, which numbs the area being treated while the patient is kept awake, or general anesthesia, which renders the patient completely unconscious and pain-free during the procedure.

Because of the anesthesia employed during surgery, the procedure is pain-free. However, patients should be aware of the post-operative pain and discomfort.

Post-Operative Pain

After the anesthesia has worn off, the patient will start experiencing varying degrees of pain and discomfort, which are usually managed by prescription pain medications. Patients usually experience soreness and deep bruising around the areas that received treatment.

The first 2-3 days after the procedure is usually the period with the highest intensity of pain which is expected to slowly subside a week after the surgery. However, you have to remember that the recovery period will also vary from one patient to another.

One should be aware that although most patients go back to work after a few weeks, complete healing and the final results of the procedure take several months.

Talk to Your Surgeon

Be honest with your surgeon. Ask him about tailored liposuction options. Talk to him about your pain tolerance and other worries. This will help your surgeon in determining the right anesthesia and customize your pain management plan according to what is best for you and your circumstances. 

What You Can Do To Manage Pain

  • Take the prescribed pain medications
  • Ensure that the drains are kept in place
  • Remember to wear compression garments
  • Keep yourself hydrated
  • Avoid salty foods to prevent swelling

Things to Avoid

  • Avoid working too hard during the recovery process
  • Take as much rest as you can, especially during the first three days
  • Light walks 24 hours after surgery can help with blood flow

Benefits of Liposuction

  • As long as it is done by a licensed and skilled surgeon who is well-informed about your medical history, liposuction is a relatively safe procedure.
  • Liposuction can permanently get rid of the fat cells in treatment areas.
  • It can improve your body mass index and contribute to an overall healthier you.
  • With a more contoured body shape, you will experience a boost in your self-confidence.
  • It will improve your mobility.
  • It will reduce health risks.

Risks Associated with the Procedure

  • Puncture wounds or injuries to organs which will require surgical repair of the organs
  • Scarring
  • Complications from the anesthesia
  • Burns and bruising
  • Damage to the nerves
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Shock 
  • Death
  • Infections
  • Edema
  • Skin necrosis
  • Heart problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Hematoma
  • Bumpy or withered skin
  • Temporary pockets of fluids under the skin
  • Fat embolism

Discuss Your Needs and Concerns with a Licensed Surgeon

If you are seriously considering liposuction as a possible solution to your problem, it is natural to feel anxious about the procedure. That is why it is essential to find a licensed and skilled cosmetic surgeon that you can trust. Remember that aside from the health condition of your body, the skills and expertise of a licensed surgeon have a lot to do with the safety and success of the surgical procedure. 

While liposuction has risks and possible complications, it also has a lot of benefits that will not only improve the way you look but also your health and the overall quality of your life in the long run. Schedule a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon today so you can ease your worries and empower yourself to make the decision that can change your life. 

The image shows a woman preparing for rhinoplasty and begs the question "what nose shape is right for me?"

What Nose Shape is Right for Me?

A nose job, or a rhinoplasty as it is known in the medical community, is a popular plastic surgery procedure that can alter the appearance of one’s nose. This type of procedure is performed for both aesthetic and medical reasons and in both cases, the right nose shape can have a major impact on one’s overall quality of life.

However, many patients are unaware that there are many different options for rhinoplasty and many different shapes to choose from for interested patients. Knowing the types of shapes can help a patient be more satisfied with their results.

If you are interested in undergoing rhinoplasty, this guide to choosing the right shape for your procedure will help.

What Occurs During a Rhinoplasty?

A rhinoplasty is a type of surgery designed to alter the appearance of one’s nose. Sometimes, this procedure is performed with explicit medical intent, such as rectifying a patient’s deviated septum.

A rhinoplasty can also help patients with various obstructive breathing problems, which have the potential to very significantly impact one’s quality of life. In these situations, rhinoplasty is considered a medical asset.

However, many individuals choose to get rhinoplasty for aesthetic reasons. Since the nose is a central feature of the face, it can have a large impact on how an individual is perceived and, in turn, how they feel about themselves.

The Different Types of Rhinoplasty

There are several types of rhinoplasty, each one designed to address a specific set of issues. Knowing the difference between these procedures can help you select the right one for your situation.

Closed Rhinoplasty

This type of rhinoplasty is considered to be less invasive than the other versions of this procedure. Its non-invasive quality may be helpful to those who struggle with invasive surgery.

Open Rhinoplasty

In this type of rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes incisions in the skin between the nostrils. The skin is then gently lifted away to give the physician access to the bone and cartilage underneath. This is the most commonly requested type of rhinoplasty.

Revision Rhinoplasty

This type of rhinoplasty is utilized when a patient is unsatisfied with the results of an already completed rhinoplasty. If this is the case with your results, you can consult with your physician to discuss whether or not you would benefit from a revision procedure of some kind.

Filler Rhinoplasty

A filler rhinoplasty utilizes injectable fillers instead of invasive surgery techniques. Similarly to closed rhinoplasty, this procedure is considered less invasive, but the trade-off is that the results can be less permanent. If you proceed with filler rhinoplasty, you may need to return to the doctor’s office to receive repeat treatments.

Recovering From a Rhinoplasty

After a rhinoplasty, you will need to take some time to recover fully from the procedure. The most common side effect is swelling. The general recovery time frame for rhinoplasty patients is as follows.

Four to Six Weeks After Surgery

Swelling is expected during this time. Your nose will look and feel larger than usual. The skin surrounding the nose will experience bruising and possible color changes while it heals.

Three Months After Surgery

Swelling decreases over time, and about three months after their initial procedure, most patients find that their nasal swelling has disappeared.

One Year After Surgery

Most patients are able to experience the full benefits of their procedure. At this stage of the recovery process, some may experience very mild residual side effects.

If you still experience discomfort between six months and one year after your procedure, consider discussing this with your physician. Checking in can help rule out the possibility that you are experiencing abnormal side effects. You may be referred to receive revision treatment to amend your results.

The Right Surgeon for Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, Inc., is one of the most highly regarded surgeons in Los Angeles. Contact our plastic surgery center today to chat with a qualified surgeon about a planned rhinoplasty and determine which nose shape is right for you.

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Can You Combine a Breast Lift With Other Procedures?

Can you combine a breast lift with other procedures? Most women have been raised in a society where full, firm, and perky breasts are considered attractive. This can lead women whose breasts do not meet this standard of beauty to feel less endowed, less attractive, less feminine, and, therefore, inadequate.

Can You Combine a Breast Lift With Other Procedures?

The impact of these societal expectations goes beyond mere aesthetics and affects a woman’s self-confidence and overall sense of self-worth.

Today, women can dictate the size and shape of their breasts. They no longer have to be stuck with feelings of inadequacy all their life. Cosmetic surgery has seen significant changes over the years. With modern science and techniques, cosmetic surgery offers the women of today safe options that can enhance the appearance of their breasts and boost their self-confidence to a whole new level.

One of the popular options that women take is mastopexy. This surgical procedure is otherwise known as breast lift.  

Those who take this option are women whose ample breasts are sagging due to breastfeeding or due to age and menopause. They have the volume, but they want to bring back the pre-mama or pre-menopause perkiness of their breasts.  

Women who experience substantial weight loss also experience sagging breasts and may want to take this option.

Contrary to what some people may think, small breasts can sag, too, if a woman has lost a lot of weight. Women who are in this situation may think about getting both a breast lift and a breast augmentation.  

One question that needs to be addressed in these circumstances is: Can you combine a breast lift with other procedures?

Before we answer that, let’s look at how a breast lift is performed.

How Is Breast Lift Performed?

  1. Under the supervision of a licensed anesthesiologist, your surgeon will put you under anesthesia.  
  2. He will then make the incision. The type of incision will depend on the size of your breasts and the amount of sagging.  
  3. He will then begin reshaping your breasts. This will involve lifting the underlying breast tissue and reshaping it for improved contour and firmness. The nipple and areola may also be repositioned for a more natural and attractive height. Sometimes, enlarged areolas will need to be reduced. The surgeon may also remove excess breast skin if necessary.  
  4. Your surgeon will close the incisions. 

The entire procedure will take around 2 hours or less.

Are you a candidate for breast lift with augmentation?

✔ You have small sagging breasts.

✔ You want your breasts to be perkier, bigger, and fuller.

✔ breastfeeding has caused your breasts to sag and lose volume.

✔ You want to lift your breasts and restore the volume that they lost 

    due to weight loss. 

✔ You don’t smoke.

✔ You are generally healthy with no underlying medical conditions

Breast Lift and Other Procedures

If you consider your breasts too big and would like to reduce their size, you can have them reduced in combination with the breast lift.

A breast lift may be combined with other procedures as well, like a tummy tuck or liposuction.  

Benefits of Combining Procedures

Combining procedures will allow you to:

  1. Address most, if not all, of your cosmetic issues in one surgical visit.
  2. Undergo one recovery period.
  3. Reduced overall time in surgery.
  4. Reduce time away from work.
  5. Minimize time away from social events.

With all the advantages of combining a breast lift with another procedure, it is still important to note that combining procedures increases the complexity and risks of each procedure.  

In the end, it will still be your decision. Make sure that you are well informed about the procedures, the potential risks involved, and what you can expect during the recovery process. 

It is, therefore, crucial to find a board-certified surgeon you can trust so that you can discuss your concerns with him.  

Remember that each individual is unique. Your body is unique from that of others. It has its own unique needs and peculiarities. What may be applicable to someone you know may not apply to you. Because of this, you must remember to discuss your medical history, current health situation, and other health concerns with your surgeon.

BHPSI

Dr. Chiu has the medical knowledge, expertise, and training to provide you with the proper guidance and customized surgical plan for your unique situation.

At Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, our team of experts is always ready to address your concerns and provide you with expert guidance. Call us at +1 (310) 888-8087.

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Top 10 Breast Augmentation Myths

Breast augmentation can help make an individual’s outer appearance more closely match their inner idea of how they should look. Its dependability and power have made it one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures available for years. Below, we cover our top 10 breast augmentation myths.

However, like many plastic surgery procedures, there are some unhealthy and inaccurate myths that are associated with this procedure. These myths can inhibit patients who might otherwise benefit from receiving this type of treatment.

Top 10 Breast Augmentation Myths

If you have breast augmentation planned or are just thinking about receiving this procedure, take a look at some of the myths you can discount from preventing you from seeking plastic surgery in Beverly Hills. 

1.  Breast Implants Need to Be Replaced Frequently

On the contrary, the materials that compose modern breast implants are designed to be highly resilient and can last for quite a long time. In general, you won’t need to replace them unless they suffer some kind of abnormal fissure, such as a rupture or leak. Engaging in regular checkups can help a physician detect abnormalities prior to any kind of issue arising.

2.  Saline Implants are Safer

Saline and silicone implants are both considered safe, and the choice mostly amounts to personal preference in terms of the feel of the implants. Each type of implant carries with it its own set of distinctive advantages. One advantage that comes with saline implants is that in the case of a rupture, the salt water that fills saline implants is completely natural.

3.  Breast Implants Can Create Health Risks

Breast implants are considered safe by the medical community and the FDA. Getting approved by the FDA requires passing rigorous tests. Over the course of decades of study, there have been very few associations made between breast implants and lasting health issues.

4.  Augmented Breast Appear Unnatural

The process that surrounds breast implants has been much refined over the decades. Patients can now expect to have more natural-looking results than what one’s stereotypical image of an individual with implants might look like. This opens up the opportunity for patients with various tastes to consider receiving this type of surgery.

5.  Implanted Breasts Can Impact Breastfeeding

This is a myth that has very little bearing in reality. Most patients receive breast implants at a young age, which allows the implants to integrate into their body prior to child-bearing age. A successful implantation should not interfere with normal breastfeeding.

6.  There are No Limits to Breast Implants

The goal of a breast augmentation process is to create the most satisfying and natural appearing results possible. This means that sometimes there need to be limits to the amount of growth and cup size that can be given to a patient for safety and aesthetic reasons. A patient’s height, weight, and breast size are contributing factors to this.

7.  Only Young Women Can Receive Breast Implants

It is true that younger women are the primary patients who receive breast augmentation, they aren’t the only individuals who receive this treatment. Many older women choose to receive this treatment after childbirth or as their bodies lose their tightness and youthful features.

8.  Breast Implant Surgery Can Be Performed by Any Plastic Surgeon

Like any complex plastic surgery, skilled specialists with a successful history of performing the procedure are to be sought out in order to create the best results. This is why vetting your surgeon prior to your procedure is highly important for any patient.

9.  Breast Augmentation Offers Immediate Results

There will be a clear difference in size almost immediately following your procedure. However, this doesn’t mean that the full bearing of your results will be completely apparent immediately following your procedure. Patients often have to wait a few weeks for the swelling from their procedure to completely subside and settle into their final appearance.

10. Larger Implants are Better

The best type of implant is the kind that fits and complements the form of the patient the best. In fact, the idea that breast implants need to be large in order to be successful is a slightly outdated conception. In fact, it’s more in vogue nowadays to produce more modest and natural-looking results in the implant process.

The Top Plastic Surgeon in Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery is considered one of the best plastic surgeons in Southern California. If you have an interest in receiving breast augmentation in Beverly Hills and are curious whether or not you would benefit from this procedure, contact us today in order to schedule a consultation.