Breast Reconstruction Options

It is important to be informed about each of the reconstruction options in order to determine the best possible treatment plan for each individual patient.

The unique circumstances of each patient help to determine the best option for the method of reconstruction that can be used. The goals of breast reconstruction surgery are to re-create a breast which matches the opposite breast, or in bilateral cases, to reconstruct two breasts of a patients’s desired size. The nipple and areola (the pigmented area surrounding the nipple) are also reconstructed. It is ideal to consult with a plastic surgeon prior to mastectomy. This allows the surgical teams to plan the treatment that is best suited for the patient, even if the patient decides to wait to have reconstructive surgery at a later date.

Immediate breast reconstruction occurs when reconstruction is performed at the time of mastectomy. Immediate reconstruction has the advantage of usually saving the patient at least one subsequent operation, and has been shown to have a significant psychological benefit, as the patient never has to experience the total loss of a breast. All of the reconstruction options listed below can be performed at the time of mastectomy.

Delayed breast reconstruction is done at a later time. For some women, this may be advised, especially if radiation to the chest area is needed after the mastectomy. Delayed reconstruction is appropriate for these women because radiation therapy following breast reconstruction can increase complications after reconstructive surgery.

What It Takes to Be a Top Plastic Surgeon in San Francisco

All too often, many people think of plastic surgeons as Doctors who decided not to pursue a more in depth field of medicine such a heart surgeon, or neurological surgeon, etc. What most do not realize is that the myth of plastic surgery being a fly by night industry is not true, and while there are those surgeons who do a good job at furthering that myth, the majority of plastic surgeons are caring, skilled and experienced doctors with a sharp eye for the details.

Realize that plastic surgery is a very in depth field. Everyday a large number of plastic surgeons take a role in advancing the techniques and methods used in order to make plastic surgery procedures safer, and increase the probability of successful surgical procedures. Currently there are many techniques, and advancements for products such as breast Implants in clinical trials, being tested, research data is being recorded, and Patients taking part in these trails feedback and experiences are being sought- all in an effort to improve plastic surgery as a whole.

In order for a plastic surgeon in San Francisco to excel, be successful and maintain a positive reputation, "it takes a tireless work ethic, never ending study and education, and a desire to help people become the best they can be" states Dr James Anthony. Many of these successful plastic surgeons are also talented artists, and that natural artistic quality carries over into plastic surgery.

In short, to become and remain a successful plastic surgeon, one must always maintain a compassionate desire to help others, and do everything possible to further advance the technology, surgical methods and techniques that make plastic surgery procedures and successful results a reality.

What You Should Know About Abdominoplasty Surgery

The tummy tuck is also know as an abdominoplasty. It is a procedure for people who have loose skin and fat folds of the abdomen from pregnancy or weight loss, stretch marks, or laxity in abdominal wall who want a flatter and firmer abdomen with an improved contour. Liposuction may be used in combination for added contouring benefits. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and often requires an overnight hospital stay. The scar will vary based on body shape and extends from the lower abdomen to as far as the lower back. Mini abdominoplasties are reserved for a select group of patients.

Mini-Abdominoplasty, sometimes called a mini-tummy tuck, may be performed on patients who only have a limited amount of loose skin or stretch marks in the lower abdomen and who would not need the tightening of abdominal muscles that is part of a standard abdominoplasty, although sometimes, the mini-tummy tuck may include it. However, if the patient has excessive fat but minimal or limited looseness of the abdomen, the procedure may be performed in tandem with liposuction.

In most cases, women considering abdominoplasty should not be considering additional pregnancies, or they may have the need for a second procedure to re-tighten the belly. In many cases, a tummy tuck does help rid of stretch marks because it removes most of the "stretched out" skin below the navel.

Be sure to do your research and consult with a plastic surgeon prior to the surgery. Do not take this step lightly as all surgery procedures carry with them some level of risk. Fully understanding the procedure, what to expect from the results and knowing the associated risks can mean the difference between a successful surgery and a nightmare.

Is A Chemical Peel Right For You?

Chemical peel uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation. Phenol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) are used for this purpose. The precise formula used may be adjusted to meet each patient's needs. Although chemical peel may be performed in conjunction with a facelift, it is not a substitute for such surgery, nor will it prevent or slow the aging process. Your plastic surgeon will provide information about certain types of chemical peel treatments and the results you might expect. It won't answer all your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Once you and your plastic surgeon have decided on a specific peel program, be sure to ask about any details that you do not understand.

Chemical peel is most commonly performed for cosmetic reasons -- to enhance your appearance and your self confidence. Chemical peel may also remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars and even control acne. In certain cases, health insurance may cover the peel procedure. Be sure to check your policy and contact your insurance company before the procedure is performed.

Abdominoplasty May Be The Answer For A Flat Stomach

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty surgery, is a procedure in which loose hanging abdominal skin is removed and weakened abdominal wall muscles are tightened. While regular exercise and strict diet will help most people feel and look better, some problems, like a protruding belly, loose hanging abdominal skin, and weak abdominal muscles on both men and women may be fixed by a tummy tuck. Each year more than 80,000 American women and men undergo tummy tuck surgery. Women and men who have a protruding belly, loose hanging abdominal skin and weak abdominal muscles are candidates for a full tummy tuck.

Mini-Abdominoplasty, sometimes called a mini-tummy tuck, may be performed on patients who only have a limited amount of loose skin or stretch marks in the lower abdomen and who would not need the tightening of abdominal muscles that is part of a standard abdominoplasty, although sometimes, the mini-tummy tuck may include it. However, if the patient has excessive fat but minimal or limited looseness of the abdomen, the procedure may be performed in tandem with liposuction.

In most cases, women considering abdominoplasty should not be considering additional pregnancies, or they may have the need for a second procedure to re-tighten the belly. In many cases, a tummy tuck does help rid of stretch marks because it removes most of the "stretched out" skin below the navel.

If you are considering Abdominoplasty surgery, please make sure you consult with a qualified plastic surgeon prior to having the surgery. Ensuring that all of your questions have been answered, and you fully understand the surgery procedures, and the risks involved can mean the difference between a successful surgery and a nightmare.

Reasons For Having A Breast Lift Surgery Procedure

Breast lift or Mastopexy is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts. Mastopexy can also reduce the size of the areola. If the breasts are small and have lost volume breast implants inserted along with a Mastopexy can increase both firmness and their size. A breast lift can be performed at any age, but one has to wait until breast development has stopped. Since milk ducts and nipples are left intact, surgery will not affect your ability to breast feed. Breasts that are large and heavy can be lifted, but the results may not be as long lasting as it is done on smaller breasts.

Reasons for Under going a Breast Lift Surgery:
° Breasts that lack substance or firmness
° Some of the candidates have breasts that are pendulous, but are of satisfactory size
° Nipples and areolas that point downwards, especially if they are positioned below the breast crease
° Loss of elasticity, weight loss, pregnancy and breast-feeding affect the shape and firmness of the breasts

During your visit, you will be asked about your desired breast shape and size. Your plastic surgeon will tell you how nipples and areolas will be repositioned. Mention your expectations about your breasts. A plastic surgeon will examine your breasts and take measurements. The size and shape of your breasts and the placements of nipples and areolas will be carefully evaluated. Medical history will be discussed like medicine conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments received, and previous surgeries. If there was a weight loss, your weight should be stabilized before surgery.

Breast Augmentation Explained

Breast augmentation surgery, or augmentation mammoplasty, enhances the body contour of a woman who is unhappy with her breast size. It may also be used to correct volume loss after pregnancy, to help balance breast size asymmetries, or as a reconstructive technique following other breast surgery. The breast implant (prosthesis) is usually composed of an outer silicone shell filled with saline (salt water). The outer surface may be smooth or textured, and breast implants in Thousand Oaks come in various shapes to meet the individual woman’s needs.

The operation is carried out under general anesthesia and usually on an outpatient basis. The incision can be made under the breast, around the nipple or in the armpit. The implant may then be placed under the breast tissue and glands or partially under the pectoralis major muscle (the thickness of the breast tissue and its ability to adequately cover the implant is a determining factor in its placement). It generally takes one to two hours to complete the entire procedure.

While breast augmentation will enlarge the breasts, it will not alter basic defects in breast shape or form. Major asymmetries may be improved but will not be completely corrected. A slight difference in the size or shape of the two breasts is considered normal and should not be a cause for concern. If the difference in individual breast size or nipple position is great, then additional procedures to further improve symmetry may be necessary.

Be sure to consult with a plastic surgeon before having a Breast Augmentation procedure and do your research- do not take this all-too-important step lightly- it can mean the difference between a successful surgery and a nightmare.

The Anatomy Of A Wrinkle

Why Skin Ages
One day you looked in the mirror and studied those lines that furrowed your brow, and you wondered: Where did they come from? Is it just aging? Too much sun? Too much stress? In general, how skin ages and wrinkles is a complex process. It isn't just about cellular changes, collagen depletion, hormone loss, damage caused by free radicals, and so on; it's a combination of many factors.

The Anatomy Of A Wrinkle
The lines that appear between your brows (glabellar lines) actually result from muscle movement and the passage of time. You may have heard the expression "wearing your emotions on your sleeve," but in reality you wear them on your face. If you're angry or annoyed, for example, you knit your brows together. Underneath your skin, your facial muscles contract, cause a pleating of the overlying skin, and then, as anyone can see, you're frowning.

After years of crinkling and wrinkling, those glabellar lines start to linger longer and can become more pronounced. For women, whose faces tend to be more animated than men's, and whose skin is typically more delicate, these lines may appear exaggerated and more permanent.

Fortunately, there is a way to temporarily reduce moderate to severe glabellar lines. Treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic can visibly smooth and soften moderate to severe frown lines between your brows. An improvement can be seen within days and may last up to 4 months, although results may vary. In clinical trials, nearly 90% of men and women surveyed rated the improvement in the appearance of frown lines between their brows as moderate to better 1 month after Botox®treatment.

As it remains true with any surgical procedure, make sure you consult with a qualified plastic surgeon prior to the procedure and do your research. There are many excellent websites out there where you can find information on plastic and cosmetic surgeyr procedures. My favorite is Lookingyourbest.com- a free website offering a huge library of in depth and accurate plastic surgery information.

Breast Reduction May Be the Answer for Overly Large Breasts

Just as women can be self-conscious with under-developed breasts, large, heavy or hanging breasts can cause both embarrassments and difficulties all of their own. Surgeons understand that over-development of the breast can cause self-esteem issues, an inability to exercise, difficulty with posture, backache and unwanted attention.

Plastic Surgeons have spent many years perfecting the short scar approach to reduce the breast size, relieve the sagging and improve the breast contour and shape. The nipple is not removed or replaced. He will preserve ducts and sensation to the nipple, although some ability to breast-feed may be reduced. Scars are inconspicuous and can be easily covered by most bathing suits and low cut clothing.

Insurance plans may cover breast reduction surgery. However, denial by an insurance plan or a request by that plan for a harsh or excessive reduction prompts many patients to go outside the ordinary insurance coverage to seek help.

Beautiful Skin Is Obtainable By Everyone

Your skin is the one organ you can have hands on care. Beautiful skin is obtainable by everyone. There are now revolutionary Skin Care procedures out that will strip away the dead layers of skin and rejuvenate the underlying supporting structures of your skin to give you that fresh new look you had in your youth. Your Plastic Surgeon recommend to you the right brand of skin treatment for your individual skin type to achieve the ultimate results.

Chemical peel uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation. Phenol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) are used for this purpose. The precise formula used may be adjusted to meet each patient's needs. Although chemical peel may be performed in conjunction with a facelift, it is not a substitute for such surgery, nor will it prevent or slow the aging process.

Dermabrasion and dermaplaning can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but neither treatment will remove all scars and flaws or prevent aging. Before you decide to have a skin-refinishing treatment, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon. Men and women of all ages, from young people to older adults, can benefit from dermabrasion and dermaplaning. Although older people heal more slowly, more important factors are your skin type, coloring, and medical history. For example, black skin, Asian skin, and other dark complexions may become permanently discolored or blotchy after a skin-refinishing treatment. People who develop allergic rashes or other skin reactions, or who get frequent fever blisters or cold sores, may experience a flare-up. If you have freckles, they may disappear in the treated area.

Lip Augmentation Can Provide The Lips You Desire

Lip augmentation procedures increase the size of the lips to make them fuller and can also be used to define the vermilion border of the lips. Upper and lower lips can be treated individually or at the same time.

Lip augmentation can be accomplished either surgically or with the injection of temporary (dermal) fillers. Autologous fat injections to the lips are a longer lasting alernative to the dermal fillers.

During the fat injection procedure, fat is harvested from another area of the body, usually the abdomen, and the fat is separated, purified and injected with small needles into the lips. Because not all of the fat will survive, the lips are over-corrected at first so that the final result will meet your expectations. The procedure can be done as an outpatient with some light sedation anesthesia. This is often performed in conjunction with other procedures. The result can last 6 months to several years. Occasionally patients may wish to repeat the procedure.

Egg Donation Provides Options for Pregnancy

Egg donation allows women to become pregnant even when they lack eggs of their own, or their eggs are of poor quality. The technique is most commonly used in women who are unsuccessful after undergoing multiple cycles of in vitro fertilization (IVF), those with premature ovarian failure or elevated FSH levels, and those over the age of forty-three. The combination of young eggs and optimal preparation of both donor and recipient makes egg donation a very successful fertility procedure.

The process of egg donation requires that the components of a single IVF cycle be divided between the donor and the recipient. The donor undergoes the initial steps of IVF, including ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval, and the recipient undergoes the embryo transfer.

Both women's cycles must be synchronized using birth control pills. When the cycle begins, the donor is administered the medications required for egg follicle development, while the recipient takes a combination of estrogen and progesterone to prepare the uterine lining for implantation. Once the donor's eggs are mature, they are retrieved and fertilized in the laboratory.

Typically the embryo transfer is scheduled 3 or 5 days later. The recipient continues to take estrogen and progesterone through the end of the first trimester to mimic the hormones produced by the ovary in natural conception. At the end of the first trimester (twelve weeks gestational age, or approximately ten weeks after embryo transfer), when the placenta is producing enough hormones. Estrogen and progesterone supplementation is stopped.

Suitable Solutions for Postpartum Women Dissatisfied With the New Shape Of Their Breasts

Breast augmentation and breast lift surgery are suitable solutions for postpartum women who are dissatisfied with the new shape of their breasts. Most women, after having one or more children, start to lose volume in the upper portion of their chest, and get a hollowed appearance in the upper outer quadrant of the breast. I also notice that women begin to show signs of sagging in the lower portion. The sagging of the breast is referred to as breast ptosis;and in such cases, I may perform a mastopexy (breast lift), and often insert an implant in the breast to replace the lost volume. The size of a woman’s breast depends on the volume of tissue in the breast; but the position of the breast depends on tautness within the skin envelope, which retains that volume. If a patient has sufficient volume, I simply lift it, giving the woman a tighter skin envelope, thus making the breast stand high and firm.

Many women begin to feel psychologically affected after childbirth. With a fair amount of weight gain, women may feel undesirable, unmotivated, or even frustrated if they are working out at the gym and still cannot seem to shed those last few pounds. By tightening a woman’s body, a surgeon can improve a woman’s self-esteem and her overall attitude about herself.

As with any surgical procedure, it is important that anyone considering a plastic or cosmetic procedure do their research and consult with a qualified and skilled surgeon such as Newport Beach Cosmetic Surgeon Dr Ackerman. Be sure to have all your questions answered and you fully understand the chosen procedure prior to having the surgery. There are numerous websites out there that provide good information about cosmetic surgery. The best one I have found is lookingyourbest.com. This free website offers a wealth of detailed and accurate plastic surgery information and even offers a free service to help those desiring plastic surgery locate an experienced and qualified specialist in their area.

Brow Lift in Santa Monica

A browlift is done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia or monitored sedation. The incisions are usually made behind the hairline. For patients with high foreheads, the incisions can be placed in front of the hairline. The operation is done using an endoscope (a narrow hollow instrument with a fiber optic light source and camera, through which the procedure is done with small special instruments.) The forehead skin is lifted and repositioned.

If your eyebrows hang too low or too close to your eyes, or your forehead is sagging, you may be thinking about forehead or brow lift surgery. Any surgery carries potential risk, so you want to know all you can about the risks and benefits before proceeding. Discuss your brow lift in Santa Monica with Doctor Steven Teitelbaum, one of the top aesthetic surgeons in the United States.