Characteristics of a Top-Rated Plastic Surgeon in San Diego

Making the choice for plastic surgery should not be taken lightly, so it’s vital to find a trustworthy, reliable and skilled plastic surgeon. San Diego residents have a few different ways they can find a top-rated plastic surgeon in the area.

Extensive Training

The first place to check is with your state medical board. Your surgeon must have a valid, active medical license in your state. Also check on any disciplinary action or malpractice suits that have been filed against the doctor. 

Relevant Experience

Having the right credentials is important, but you also want to make sure your surgeon has experience performing the exact procedure you’re interested in. Even for a fairly straightforward procedure, a surgeon who has performed the surgery many times is preferable to one who has only done a few. 

Excellent Reputation

Above all, check for references from trusted sources, or family and friends who have had positive experiences. Professional excellence is essential, but so is finding a surgeon with an excellent bedside manner who you can really put your trust in. Sometimes the choice of a surgeon comes down to personal connection, and that means looking beyond framed diplomas and low complication rates. 

A top-notch plastic surgeon will have an eye for detail, and a tendency toward perfectionism. This combination will drive them to deliver the best possible results. Your surgeon should also be able to offer suggestions for how to obtain the look you want, yet without pressuring you into procedures you aren’t interested in, or are uncomfortable with. Open and supportive communication with your surgeon is another must; a good comfort level will help ensure a positive surgical experience.

3 Things to Look for in Patient Photos of Liposuction in San Diego

3 Things to Look for in Liposuction Patient Photos

When considering liposuction in the San Diego area, there are literally hundreds of doctors to choose from. While looking at before and after liposuction photos can help you make your provider choice, just what, exactly, should you be looking for?

1. Variety

The first thing to observe when comparing before and after photos of liposuction from San Diego practitioners is how many photos there are to look at. You want your surgeon to be experienced in performing the procedure. You should also be able to see a range of examples; an average surgeon might get lucky a few times and only post those few photos, leaving the not-so-hot results out of the lineup. 

2. Similarity

Although every patient responds to treatments differently, looking at those who have a “before” shape that is similar to your natural figure will give a much better idea of how your results may look in the end. Similar-looking patients are also a good indicator that your surgeon will have experience addressing the same problem spots that you would like treated. 

3. Improvements

Of course, the main quality to look for is a big improvement from “before” to “after.” Don’t be so overwhelmed by the major changes that you forget to examine the minor ones, however. Contours should definitely be slimmer, but note also any corrections in asymmetry. Skin irregularities or a wavy appearance following lipo should definitely be minimal...or better yet, entirely absent. 

Finally, when looking at before and after photos for any procedure, remember that in this day of simple digital image manipulation, not everything may be as it appears. A consultation with your surgeon should be included to get a feel for your provider before booking your appointment.

Breast Augmentation and Lift to Restore Your Pre-Baby Body

Pregnancy and nursing can have a big impact on women’s bodies. Our San Diego breast augmentation patients who have had children often choose to combine their procedure with a breast lift. The combination procedure can help restore your body back to its pre-baby look, or even better!

Breast Changes during Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the breasts often get larger. This rapid growth during such a short period causes the skin and tissue to stretch dramatically. Even if larger breasts aren’t experienced during the pregnancy itself, the nursing process will cause milk to fill the breasts. During nursing, the breasts fluctuate in size according to the milk levels within.

Restoring Your Breasts

For many moms in San Diego, breast augmentation combined with a breast lift is the perfect combination to restore lift and volume to breasts following pregnancy and nursing. While breasts may be fuller during that time period, they often lose resilience once the baby is weaned. The appearance of the breasts may be flatter, and the placement may fall as well.

A breast lift can restore your figure back to a youthful placement. Often, women may think augmentation is the answer after pregnancy, when in reality all the needed volume is there... it’s just in the wrong place. Other women may decide that it’s time to give a boost to their pre-pregnancy breast size with augmentation. Combining procedures is very common, and the perfect way to treat yourself to a full-profile makeover.

Raising kids is hard work, and you deserve to reward yourself, and your body, with procedures that will help you feel and look your very best.

Tummy Tucks in San Diego: Understanding the Risks

As with any surgical procedure, a tummy tuck procedure carries some risks of complications. And, since abdominoplasty is one of the more complex cosmetic procedures, it carries different risks than a less invasive surgery. Although we follow rigorous protocols to make tummy tucks at our San Diego practice as safe as possible, it’s still a good idea to familiarize yourself with the possible complications.

Possible Complications

• There is always the chance of an adverse reaction to anesthesia.

• The level of pain experienced following a tummy tuck for our San Diego patients varies depending on many factors, including the extent of surgery and an individual's pain tolerance. If muscles were re-tightened, pain can be significant for the first day or two.

• The surgical site may develop numbness, nerve damage or other changes in skin sensation.

• Unfavorable side effects, such as bleeding, infection and fluid accumulation, may occur.

• Internal blood clots may form after surgery.

• Results may be less than optimal, such as unattractive scarring, asymmetry, skin looseness or other suboptimal aesthetics. In this case, revisionary surgery may be necessary to correct these issues.

A Safer Surgery

It’s important to keep in mind that severe complications are relatively rare following abdominoplasty. Additionally, many of these potential risks are mitigated by following the pre- and post-surgical instructions of your surgeon, and taking any medical advice to heart. Although every surgery has the potential for complications, it’s important to weigh the risks against the desired outcome of your procedure to decide whether a tummy tuck is right for you.

Top Questions to Ask at Your San Diego Liposuction Consult

Before your San Diego Liposuction procedure, you should have a consultation with the surgeon to discuss your concerns and ideal outcome. Before this pre-op appointment, it’s a good idea to have several questions ready to ask your surgeon.

What type of board certifications do you hold?

Knowing your surgeon’s qualifications is a key element in determining training, experience and ability. Even more straightforward procedures such as liposuction will turn out better from a practitioner with more experience and a thorough background in plastic surgery.

How often do you perform this type of liposuction?

You definitely want a surgeon who has a lot of experience performing your specific procedure. It takes an experienced eye to know exactly how to sculpt the body in order to deliver the results you want.

Do you have any special instructions for me?

Our San Diego liposuction patients receive detailed pre- and post-operative instructions so they know how to prepare beforehand and what to expect after surgery. Be sure to ask ahead of time to get these resources from your surgeon.

What’s the bottom line, financially?

Ask up front what the total cost of your liposuction procedure will be. You should have an idea of the average cost in your area before asking this question in order to gauge whether the estimate is too low or too high.

Although these questions are among the most common and should help you get started, be sure to take some time to write down any more concerns you would like addressed prior to your procedure. Above all, you should feel comfortable and confident moving forward with your choice of surgeon and have a good idea of what to expect.

How Smoking Can Affect the Results of Your Plastic Surgery in San Diego

We all know that smoking is bad for our general health, but did you know it can have a negative impact on the results of your plastic surgery as well? San Diego residents who smoke put themselves and their bodies at greater risk of infection following surgery, and the recovery time after a procedure is extended.

Impact of Smoking

When you smoke, the amount of oxygen in the blood is impaired. Since healing tissue requires proper oxygenation, smoking causes a slower healing response. The reduced oxygen levels can cause a slower immune system response to any potential infection as well. This combination of factors may lead to very poor wound healing.

Additionally, the nicotine that enters the body when smoking causes blood vessels to constrict. Constricted blood vessels mean less blood is getting to the wound following surgery. Adequate blood flow is essential to keeping skin alive, and this is especially important in the case of lifted skin. Without enough blood to keep the area viable, the skin will die and slough off, often causing permanent scars in the process. Since this is caused by nicotine, even quitting aids such as nicotine gum or patches should be avoided.

For Optimum Surgery

For the best possible surgery results, smokers should quit any nicotine intake at least four weeks prior to their plastic surgery in San Diego. Studies indicate that smokers who have not smoked in four weeks have the equivalent circulatory function and blood oxygen levels as nonsmokers. Quit not just as a favor for yourself and those around you, but to ensure the optimum outcome for your cosmetic procedure.

Combining La Jolla Breast Augmentation and Liposuction

Combining Breast Augmentation and Liposuction

All across La Jolla, breast augmentation patients are opting to get liposuction at the same time as their breast enhancement procedure. These two procedures are very complementary, and having both done at the same time can lead to improved results overall.

Working Together

Breast augmentation by itself can lead to a dramatic change in appearance, even when the implant size is relatively modest. The shape and size of the breasts by themselves are improved of course, but the really noticeable difference comes in the confidence level of patients following the procedure. They say that self-confidence is the single most attractive quality anyone can have, and those words really hold true in this case.

Breast Augmentation is a procedure which lends itself well to being performed in combination with additional procedures, and one of the most common to include is liposuction. Although they may not seem related, liposuction and breast augmentation can complement each other well.br> Liposuction helps to sculpt the body in targeted areas and slim them down. This can help to showcase a breast augmentation result. For example, if abdominal lipo is performed along with breast augmentation, the result will be a trim waist offset by firmer, fuller breasts. The size of the breasts will make the waist look smaller by comparison, and a compact waist will provide an appealing framework for full breasts.

At Alexander Cosmetic Surgery in San Diego, breast augmentation and liposuction are a winning combination for many of our patients.

VASER & Reg Liposuction in San Diego FAQs

VASER® Liposuction FAQs

Patients who are considering VASER Liposuction in San Diego regularly ask me the same questions about the procedure. Since there are a few different lipo techniques available out there, it’s a good idea to have a basic understanding of what makes VASER different.

Traditional liposuction uses an injection of saline fluid to help break up the fat deposits. A cannula (hollow surgical wand) is inserted through a very small incision, and is moved around vigorously between the skin and underlying muscles to further enable ease of fat removal. Although traditional liposuction is considered minimally invasive and leaves only a very small scar at the point of insertion, the motion needed to effectively remove fat cells can leave patients feeling bruised or sore for a short period of time following the procedure.

The VASER Advantage

VASER liposuction from our San Diego practice utilizes ultrasound technology to minimize the need for physical force to sculpt your body. The innovative ultrasound technology is able to easily access fat deposits with minimal damage to the surrounding blood vessels and other delicate tissues. VASER is able to access areas of the body which were challenging to reach using older methods, and with less trauma. For the patient, this means a faster recovery with fewer side effects.

Although no liposuction technique is a substitute for weight loss through healthy exercise and diet habits, VASER lipo is an ideal method for fine-tuning the figure in order to remove those stubborn areas of fat which just don’t seem to budge. VASER can be used in virtually every region of the body, from legs, arms and abdomen to face, love handles and even the back. Come in for a consultation today to see if VASER liposuction can help you get the body you deserve.

Choosing VASER & Reg; for your San Diego Liposuction

Why We Use VASER® Lipo

There are a lot of options in San Diego for liposuction techniques. Here at Alexander Cosmetic Surgery, we often recommend VASER® Lipo, one of the most recent innovative advances in liposuction technology.

Lipo Effects

Liposuction in general involves a small incision, through which a cannula (a special surgical wand) is inserted. A saline solution is injected, which helps loosen the fat cells to make them easier to remove. The cannula is then used to remove the fat cells through suction. This process is perfect for slimming stubborn areas of fatty tissue which remain unaffected by either diet or exercise.

The VASER® Difference

Traditional lipo can leave patients feeling bruised and sore, because despite the use of fluids, a vigorous motion of the cannula is usually still needed to break up the fat deposits. VASER® Lipo, on the other hand, utilizes ultrasound waves to break up the fat deposits. This offers more highly specific targeting of fatty tissues, without directly impacting the surrounding blood vessels, nerves or skin. Additionally, the blood supply to the area is only disturbed minimally, allowing for less bleeding during the procedure itself as well as faster healing. VASER® Lipo is often used to treat areas which are difficult to treat successfully through traditional liposuction, such as the lower back and male chest.

Patient Benefits

Patients who choose VASER for their San Diego liposuction treatment report high levels of satisfaction following the procedure. The results are often superior to traditional methods, and they’re achieved less invasively. Recovery times are faster, with less soreness. If you’re considering liposuction, we think VASER® Lipo is worth a closer look.

Alexander Cosmetic Surgery: Trusted La Jolla Plastic Surgeons

There’s a reason why Alexander Cosmetic Surgery has two of the most popular La Jolla plastic surgeons in the area. We run our practice differently from other surgical clinics in the area, and have a reputation for superior results due to our combination of surgical skill and focused attention on our patients. 

Our History

We’re the oldest cosmetic surgery practice here in San Diego, first opening our doors in 1964. Innovative techniques have been passed from father to son, giving us a family tradition of excellence. Our goal is to combine the most trusted techniques with a fresh approach, allowing us to enhance your appearance to the best of our ability. We’re dedicated to providing our patients with comprehensive care from consultation through recovery.

Our Skin Care Facilities

Our facility is AAAASF accredited, with a discreet private entrance and also a completely private post-op waiting room. Within our clinic, we have a welcoming office and three operating suites. In addition to operative services, we also have a modern med spa and skincare clinic.

We’re also pleased to offer the ENERGENEX anti-aging system, a first in San Diego. Through customized treatments, we can work together to help you feel and look years younger.

Our Patients

The most important part of our practice is you, the patient. We start with Touch MD consults for convenience, plus a home review you can watch online. Our patient programs are unique and focus on what truly benefits our clientele, such as VIP loyalty rewards.

We know that you could choose from anywhere in La Jolla for a plastic surgeon. We’re honored that you are considering our practice, and plan to show you our appreciation by making sure your time with us is the optimum in quality and comfort.

The Popularity of Facial Plastic Surgery in La Jolla

Your face provides the very first impression of you, and unfortunately is often the very first place which shows signs of aging too. Because of this, facial plastic surgery in La Jolla is increasingly popular, especially three specific procedures at our practice: eyelid surgery, nose surgery and facelifts.

Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a procedure that makes the area around the eyes look younger. Skin changes as it ages, losing elasticity and firmness. Gravity plays a part too, pulling the skin around the eyes down even farther. An eyelid lift can be performed either on the lower or upper lids (or both) in order to reduce drooping. Patients will look more awake, alert, and noticeably younger. 

Nose Surgery

Also called a rhinoplasty, nose surgery is another one of our most popular procedures. It’s truly amazing how the shape and size of your nose can affect the look of your entire face. Whether wanting to go a bit more defined, or become a bit less prominent, nose surgery can bring your facial features into better proportion.

Facelift

Following a facelift, the entire face will look younger and more refreshed. In addition to our QuickLift™ mini facelift procedure, we also perform full facelifts. Both procedures can have a dramatic impact on your appearance. Like eyelid surgery, this procedure addresses the changes which take place in the skin’s appearance due to aging and gravity. The facial skin is pulled tighter to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and the excess skin and fat are removed. The results can be very impressive, yet at the same time are subtle enough to help you look naturally refreshed.

These three types of procedures for facial plastic surgery in La Jolla help our patients look terrific and feel great about them. No wonder they’re so popular!

Terms to Know before your Breast Augmentation in San Diego

Before undergoing breast augmentation San Diego women should be familiar with some of the common terms we use. This will help you feel more comfortable before the procedure, as well as feel more informed about the surgery itself.

Areola: This is the darker area surrounding the raised nipple on the breast. When you hear reference to a periareolar incision, this means the incision follows the outline of the areola to make it less conspicuous.

Axillary: The area where the arm meets up with the body, or the armpit area. A transaxillary incision during augmentation is one made in the armpit in order to allow implant insertion without any incisions on the breasts themselves.

Bilateral: Includes both right and left breasts.

Breast Envelope: This is the subcutaneous tissue and covering skin which give your breasts their shape.

Capsular Contracture: The formation of excessive scar tissue around the implant to the point of rigidity and painfulness.

Dropping: Also sometimes called fluffing, this refers to the point in recovery at which the implants settle into a more natural placement.

Inframammary Crease: This is the natural crease which runs under the breast. An inframammary incision is placed within this crease to reduce visibility.

Submuscular: This refers to the placement of the implant below the muscle. A full submuscular placement indicates that the implant will be under the muscle entirely.

Surgical Center Accreditation for Plastic Surgeons

The three-suite surgery center at Alexander Cosmetic Surgery has earned accreditation from the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF), so our patients know they will be receiving the gold standard in patient care.

AAAASF accreditation requires several factors. Established in 1980, the primary mission of the organization is to ensure consistently high standards for patient care and safety in an ambulatory surgical facility. In order to achieve accreditation:

• Surgeons must have hospital privileges for all procedures that may be performed

• Anesthesiologists must be used in order to provide a full range of anesthesia options

• The surgical environment must meet or exceed to hospital safety standards

• Peer review and data tracking be conducted regularly in order to ensure continued accreditation The equipment, operating room, surgeon and staff must all meet stringent standards that are set forth by the AAAASF in order to achieve accreditation. Continued review and regular protocol updates are necessary to maintain that stamp of approval.

Choosing a plastic surgeon in San Diego who uses ambulatory surgical facilities which are not accredited may affect your safety during surgery. The risk is simply not worth the ability to save a few dollars. Instead, look for AAAASF accreditation as part of the surgeon screening process, and have peace of mind that you will be receiving top-tier care.

Why We Use VASER® Liposuction

There are many techniques available for San Diego liposuction patients. At Alexander Cosmetic Surgery, our choice is VASER® Liposuction. There are several different benefits to using this specific liposuction method over others:

• VASER® Liposuction uses ultrasound technology, transmitting sound energy through fat to quickly liquefy the fat cells.

• Patients who receive VASER® liposuction can see improved skin retraction compared to traditional liposuction techniques.

• The use of ultrasound makes the liposuction process less invasive and less painful, which means a faster and easier recovery time.

In traditional liposuction, the surgical wand that is passed under the skin (known as a cannula) must be moved vigorously back and forth to break up and suction the fat cells. This vigorous action causes trauma to the surrounding tissues, especially the connective tissue along with nerves and blood vessels. Following traditional lipo, it is not uncommon for patients to report feeling sore and seeing heavy bruising during the recovery process.

At Alexander Cosmetic Surgery in San Diego, the VASER® liposuction method produces far less trauma to the tissues surrounding the fat cells. Since the ultrasound waves break up the fat cells more quickly, greater precision is possible, and with a less invasive technique. Previously hard-to-target areas are much easier to treat with VASER® liposuction. Patients see less bruising, experience less pain and heal more quickly, all while seeing better and more consistent results than if traditional liposuction had been chosen.

La Jolla Plastic Surgery for Men

From what we’ve seen at our practice in La Jolla, Plastic Surgery for male patients is on the rise. Men make up a growing percentage of our liposuction patients, and facial plastic surgery in particular is increasingly popular among men. These procedures in particular are seeing the most interest:

• Facial Implants: Men are requesting cheek and chin implants in order to give their faces more masculine angularity and definition.

• Eyelid Surgery: An eyelid lift helps men look younger and more alert, which can be invaluable in today’s competitive workforce and image-conscious society.

• Facelift: A facelift can take years off your appearance, helping male patients look as young as they feel. This procedure is often combined with a neck lift to address drooping jowls.

• Facial Liposuction: Removing fatty deposits from the face and neck can reveal a more chiseled jaw line, further reducing signs of aging.

There are so many face and body procedures that can benefit men. Plastic surgery options are available to reduce love handles, add a more masculine look to your aging face and body, and help your outside appearance match your inner energy level. Restoring a more youthful look to your appearance can also help you remain active and vital within the workplace.

The Difference between Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery

Every now and then we get questions about the differences between the terms “plastic surgery” and “cosmetic surgery” from our patients in San Diego Cosmetic surgery isn’t quite the same thing as plastic surgery. Although the terms are often used interchangeably, this really isn’t accurate. So what exactly is the difference?

• Plastic surgery is performed in order to reconstruct areas of the face or body that are injured, damaged or malformed. Examples would include correction of birth defects, mitigation of physical trauma, or treatment of burns or degenerative diseases that cause physical deformity. Plastic surgeons have chosen this surgical specialty in order to correct abnormal physical appearance and make it closer to normal, or to help restore normal physical function to the affected area. 

• Cosmetic surgery is focused more on enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the body, and as a result, most cosmetic surgery procedures are elective rather than medically necessary. Examples include breast augmentation, liposuction or facelift. Even rhinoplasty (a nose job) is considered cosmetic if performed for purely aesthetic reasons and not to correct a physical issue. Cosmetic surgery can be performed nearly anywhere on the body, depending on the patient’s wishes.

In addition to the basic differences outlined above, the training requirements for plastic and cosmetic surgeons are also different. While any medical doctor can perform cosmetic procedures, becoming a board-certified plastic surgeon requires specific post-doctoral training and experience in plastic surgery techniques. Board-certified plastic surgeons have advanced training that can help them create very attractive cosmetic surgery results.

Breast Augmentation: Understanding the Costs

It’s important to understand the costs of your breast enlargement procedure after receiving pricing information from our clinic in San Diego. Breast augmentation , like other surgical procedures, involves the coordination of several medical services, each having its own fee structure. There are several items which may be included in your initial quote:

• Medical Tests: Basic tests may be needed to ensure that the patient is healthy enough for surgery.

• Anesthesia Fees: The anesthesiologist is paid separately from the surgeon.

• Surgeon’s Fee: This is the cost the surgeon the surgeon charges to perform your procedure.

• Operating Room & Supplies: There is a fee to cover the use of the operating room and the supplies which are used during the procedure, such as the implants themselves as well as gauze, sutures and other items required for surgery.

• Prescriptions: There may also be costs associated with any medications needed following surgery, such as painkillers or antibiotics to protect you from possible infection.

Your quote from Alexander Cosmetic Surgery in San Diego for your breast augmentation will include a full list of related expenses, so you’ll never have to worry about hidden costs. Although it may look like a lot of numbers stacking up, we are committed to making sure our prices remain competitive. Also, remember that we offer financing plans to help make your procedure more affordable.

Male Plastic Surgery for More Defined Features

Men in search of a La Jolla plastic surgeon don’t just want to look younger anymore. In fact, there are several procedures for men to help them look more handsome and masculine.

RHINOPLASTY
One of the most popular procedures our practice performs for men is a rhinoplasty, often called nose surgery or a ‘nose job.’ While a change in the shape of your nose can drastically impact your looks, it’s important to choose an experienced surgeon for this delicate procedure. Often, just a millimeter or two can make a big difference between an OK result and a truly satisfying outcome. The nose and chin should stay in proportion with each other to give an attractive look of symmetry, both in frontal and side views of the face.

CHIN IMPLANT
In men, the preferred facial contour and shape is quite different from what women want. For example, men usually prefer a sharper jaw line for masculine definition, and a more prominent chin. A chin implant can bring new definition to the facial features, creating a pleasing result that is still completely masculine. Like rhinoplasty, however, it’s still important to retain balanced proportions.

MALE vs. FEMALE
When performing plastic surgery for men, there are unique challenges compared to women. For example, male facial hair requires extra attention to incision placement so as not to visibly affect hair growth. Skin also ages with more elasticity on men than it does on women, allowing for faster recovery in the event of a facelift or neck lift. The goal for men is to achieve an angular, muscular appearance. An experienced plastic surgeon will understand these differences, and be able to give you chiseled, handsome results.

What Is a QuickLift™?

For many patients in La Jolla, a facelift is needed to reduce tell-tale signs of aging such as loose skin and wrinkles on the lower face and jaw line. However, those who come to our offices for a consultation may be unaware that there is a mini facelift technique which has minimal downtime while still providing lasting results: the QuickLift™ Facelift.

HOW QUICKLIFT™ Is DIFFERENT

There are other so-called mini-facelifts out there, yet the QuickLift™ is the only one which adjusts the underlying face musculature for long-term results. Other mini-lifts only tighten the surface skin. Although this can provide short-term improvement for signs of aging, unless the supporting muscles underneath are tightened as well, the facelift will not have optimum results.

The QuickLift™ is performed as an outpatient procedure and takes just an hour or two. A small incision is made near each ear to keep any resultant scarring as inconspicuous as possible, while still providing sufficient access to facial muscle layers. Connective tissue and underlying musculature are tightened using a special suturing technique, lifting the upper neck and bringing new definition to the jaw line. Any excess skin is removed, and miniscule sutures are made under magnification to close the incision.

For those considering cosmetic surgery in La Jolla, a facelift doesn’t have to mean an extensive procedure and a long recovery. Instead, consider the QuickLift™ facelift for faster healing and great results.

Why Choose VASER® Liposuction?

For many of our patients in San Diego, liposuction is the best way to finally eliminate fat deposits which have been resistant to diet and exercise. New advances in liposuction technology are making this procedure safer and more effective than ever through the use of ultrasound waves.

THE DIFFERENCE
In traditional liposuction, liquid is injected through the skin to help break up the fat deposits, then both liquid and fat are removed together from the body. While this procedure still contours the body, the necessary vigorous motion of the surgical tool, the cannula, can cause swelling, bruising and potentially cause damage to nearby blood vessels. Not surprisingly, this tissue damage results in more discomfort following traditional liposuction.

VASER liposuction, on the other hand, uses directed sound waves to liquefy targeted fat deposits. This process causes less trauma to the surrounding blood vessels and tissues. Because it causes less harm to surrounding tissue, VASER can be used in areas which were previously challenging for effective liposuction, such as the lower back or other areas where fat is intermixed with fibrous muscle tissue. Also, since the procedure is less invasive, the healing time is faster and has minimal pain or bruising.

Regardless of the technology offered at our practice in San Diego, liposuction results, like every other cosmetic procedure, ultimately depend on the skill of the surgeon involved. Although VASER has many clear benefits, the best type of lipo is whichever method is performed by the hands of an experienced surgeon.

Three Benefits of an Onsite Surgical Center

According to our patients, there aren’t many plastic surgeons in San Diego who offer the same level of convenience as our onsite surgical center at Alexander Cosmetic Surgery.

There are three main benefits of an onsite surgical center:

• The same personnel guide you through from consultation to post-op recovery. My clinical staff will already be familiar with your case and special needs from your consultation and initial appointment, so there won’t be any surprises. 
• Much less physical strain and discomfort moving from surgery to recovery and then back home. You won’t have to go to a strange location on surgery day; most of our surgeries take place right here in familiar surroundings. We’ve also built our postoperative waiting room adjacent to the parking garage, so you won’t have a long walk to the car. 
• Extremely private entrance and exit for maximum discretion. Again, with the entrance and exit to the post-op waiting room right in the underground parking garage, you can rest easy knowing that you won’t be seen by other waiting patients in the lobby following your surgery.

Also, our surgical center has undergone the intensive review process required by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF) in order to attain accreditation. This assures that our patients have access to any level of anesthesia under the safest possible conditions. Thanks in part to our fully equipped, accredited and on-site surgery center, the plastic surgeons at our San Diego office can provide the latest in high quality cosmetic care.

Combining Breast Augmentation and Lift

Often, women know they are unhappy with the appearance of their breasts, and think augmentation may be the only solution. Although adding volume can definitely make an impact in cup size, a breast lift may be required to really get that youthful look back.

There are several factors which can affect breast size and placement over time:

• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Hormonal changes
• Breast problems, such as infection or mastectomy
• Age and gravity

By combining a breast lift with breast augmentation, San Diego women can have a younger, sexier appearance than through either procedure by itself.

WHAT TO EXPECT

There are a few different techniques I can use to accomplish this which vary from patient to patient, depending on how much correction is needed. Typically during a combined breast lift/augmentation procedure, an incision will be made following the darker pigmentation of the areola, and then extended down to the natural breast crease. Implants will be placed, and the breast will be lifted and shaped into a younger, fuller silhouette. Scarring is minimal in most cases, although different techniques will affect the size and shape of the incisions. 

In the end, by combining both procedures, the result will be fuller, higher breasts with a more youthful placement and larger volume.

3 Steps to a Successful Tummy Tuck

Achieving the desired results from a tummy tuck takes a skilled and experienced doctor who has extensive plastic surgery training. There are several factors that contribute to the success of an abdominoplasty, such as whether the patient seeks cosmetic improvement above or below the belly button, how loose the skin is, and whether or not a patient has pre-existing scars or stretch marks. When performed at Alexander Cosmetic Surgery in San Diego, a tummy tuck isn’t just a procedure – it is a skillful blend of science and art that is accomplished in three basic steps.

STEP 1: THE INCISION
After the patient has received anesthesia and the abdomen has been marked properly, an incision will be made. The length and shape of this incision depends on the degree of cosmetic correction the patient requires. Incisions may be straight or curved, and whenever possible are positioned so that the resultant scars can be hidden by underwear or a swimsuit bottom.

STEP 2: MUSCLE REPAIR AND TIGHTENING
After the skin is loosened properly from the abdomen, the abdominal muscles are re-tightened with sutures. At this time, residual fat tissue in the abdominal area is also excised or removed through the use of liposuction.

STEP 3: RE-ATTACHING THE BELLY BUTTON AND CLOSING THE INCISIONS
Once the abdominal wall has been tightened and excess skin removed, the belly button is sutured into place to look as natural as possible. Incisions are then closed with dissolvable sutures. The abdominal area is dressed and placed in an elastic girdle for protection and to assist with healing.

The 5 Steps of Breast Augmentation Surgery

Choosing any cosmetic surgery procedure can be a major life changing decision. Breast augmentation in particular can dramatically change a woman’s self image, which is why education about the procedure is so important beforehand. In my experience, many women want to know exactly what will happen the day of their breast augmentation in San Diego. Here are the basic steps that occur during surgery.

STEP 1: MARKING
Aside from the consultation, one of the most important parts of the breast augmentation procedure is the marking. While the patient sits up straight, the doctor will take careful measurements and make markings on each breast. These markings will determine the symmetry and shape of the breasts after surgery, and must be done with the utmost precision.

STEP 2: CREATING THE POCKET
After the patient is sedated, an incision is made on the breast, typically in the breast fold or around the areola. Through this incision, the surgeon creates a space, known as a pocket, where the breast implant will reside. The pocket is formed either below or above the pectoralis muscle, depending on the patient’s preferred placement location.

STEP 3: PLACING THE IMPLANT
Once the pocket is formed, the selected silicone gel or saline implant is placed in the pocket. Doctors may sit the patient up to make sure both breasts are symmetrical, and typically will make minor adjustments to the fit of the implant as needed.

STEP 4: RESHAPING THE BREASTS
As part of most breast enlargement procedures, underlying breast tissue is reshaped slightly to enhance breast contour and firmness. For a more youthful appearance, the nipple and areola may be repositioned.

STEP 5: CLOSING THE INCISIONS
After the breast implants are in place, incisions are sewn shut and bandaged. The patient is then moved to a recovery area to recover from the procedure and the effects of anesthesia.

Plastic Surgery More Popular for Men

About 9 percent of all cosmetic procedures performed in the United States are performed for men. That comes out to about 800,000 procedures performed last year alone, and this number has been rising in recent years. Cosmetic surgery is becoming a popular choice for men who want to feel young and look their best.

DISCOVERING THE KEY TO YOUTH
Since 1997, the field of cosmetic surgery has seen a 121 percent increase in the number of men receiving treatment. Not long ago, men were hesitant to have a cosmetic procedure because they feared that it would look unnatural or noticeable. But times change advanced technologies and procedures, not to mention changing social mores, have opened up the eyes and minds of men who have a thing or two they’d like to change about themselves.

At our practice in La Jolla, plastic surgery can take years off of a man’s features while making the change look very natural. New, advanced facial contouring procedures add subtle refinements to the features to balance them out, while body contouring procedures help men get rid of those annoying problem areas that just won’t go away, like excess stomach flab or love handles.

A BETTER BODY, TOO
Looking younger isn’t all that men desire, either. The most popular procedure for men this past year was liposuction. More than 41,000 liposuction procedures were performed for men in 2011. Just as with women, diet and exercise don’t always get rid of those stubborn areas of unwanted fat. There is only so much a healthy life style can do for a person, regardless of gender.

Surgical or Nonsurgical Facelift?

If you’re considering getting a facelift in the San Diego area, you may be debating between surgical or nonsurgical options. They are definitely very different procedures, so it’s important to weigh your choices carefully before proceeding.

SURGICAL FACELIFTS
A surgical facelift, sometimes called a traditional facelift, is just what it sounds like. Although techniques have modernized quite a bit over the past several years, a surgical facelift requires incisions to be made, and is performed under anesthesia. Surgical facelifts are best for patients:

• Who are older
• Who want dramatic results which still look natural
• Who are willing to trade off a more involved procedure in exchange for longer-lasting results

A traditional facelift actually lifts the skin of the cheeks and chin to remove sagging and wrinkles. Oftentimes, a neck lift is performed at the same time for even more comprehensive results.

NONSURGICAL FACELIFTS
A nonsurgical facelift can be one of several procedures. Examples include fillers, which are used to decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as enhance contours of lips and chin. Laser resurfacing, which helps erase visible sun damage and age spots or even skin tone, is another example of a nonsurgical procedure which can be performed to improve your appearance. Nonsurgical facelifts are ideal for patients:

• Who are just seeing the first visible signs of aging
• Who want their appearance to look “refreshed,” not “done”
• Whose schedules are too hectic for more involved procedures

Results are shorter-term than traditional face lifts, but procedure and recovery time are also shorter, with many non-surgical facial rejuvenation techniques being performed in an hour or less.

Which Is Right for Me?
A consultation at our practice can help you decide which kind of facelift will be the best match for your cosmetic concerns and long-term goals.

Experience Our Plastic Surgery Consultation

At our practice in La Jolla, plastic surgery is performed with the utmost precision and care. From surgeon to front office staff, every member of the Alexander Cosmetic Surgery team brings skill, talent and extensive training to deliver on patient goals. But as so many patients know, skill and training aren’t the only reasons to keep coming back to a practice for your cosmetic care.

The personable atmosphere and trust that the doctors and staff build with each patient must be above and beyond the normal doctor-patient protocol for a truly exceptional experience. We make the effort to get to know each patient on a personal level so we can better understand their needs, and that’s the difference that is essential for patient satisfaction. 

THE DIFFERENCE THAT MAKES US UNIQUE
At our office, plastic surgery is taken to a whole new level. The difference can be seen as soon as patients come in for their first consultation. With touch MD Consults, computer imaging, and a private entrance, our La Jolla office is already a treat. But after meeting the staff, patients have said that they feel a level of comfort that is hard to achieve in any doctor’s office.

Our staff is dedicated to providing compassionate and undivided care to each person who steps through the front doors. They want to get to know their patients, so that they can better understand their needs. They want you to trust them, because they believe in their ability to make you look your best. And they want you to be just as excited for the new you as they are. Offering innovative and effective cosmetic surgery procedures, Alexander Cosmetic Surgery seeks to deliver nothing but the best for its patients.

Check Your Plastic Surgeon’s Qualifications

There’s a lot more to finding the best La Jolla plastic surgeon than just looking at their office location or their procedure costs. The goal is not to find the cheapest or closest clinic, but rather to make sure that the surgeon you choose is the absolute best choice you can make. There are several ways to make sure your plastic surgeon is qualified.

CLAIMING SPECIALTIES

In California, a physician doesn’t need to be trained in a medical specialty in order to claim that they specialize in that field. This can make finding a truly qualified professional challenging, particularly since so many cosmetic procedures (especially laser-based procedures) may now be performed by any medical doctor or even by health professionals with only rudimentary training. It’s important to remember that, although they may be well educated and experienced, an internist, dermatologist, gynecologist or family practitioner simply doesn’t have the intensive training a plastic surgeon does.

CHECKLIST FOR SUCCESS

• Look for a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic surgery, which holds very strict guidelines for certification. 
• The most qualified plastic surgeons will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding their training and education and support your right to demand the highest quality care for your body. 
• You should feel free to compare different surgeons with regards to specialties, training, and other considerations before making a final choice. 
• In addition to online research, in La Jolla, plastic surgeons will be listed in the current Directory of Medical Specialists which should be available through the reference desk of your local public library.

Finally, you may contact the California Society of Plastic Surgeons during standard business hours. Their consumer information service will be able to refer you to multiple board-certified plastic surgeons in your area.

Are You a Candidate for Liposuction?

Many men and women exercise daily and eat all the right foods, yet they can’t seem to get the body contours and fit look they really want. While frustrating, their attempts at achieving a thinner, slimmer body aren’t fruitless. Liposuction in San Diego can provide women and men with the solution that they need. 

PHYSICAL HEALTH IS THE PRIORITY

Liposuction isn’t for everyone. Before coming in for a consultation, I encourage men and women considering this procedure to review their diet and fitness choices and consider their goals. Being physically healthy and at a stable weight are two key requirements for liposuction surgery. Physical health includes exercising regularly – even if exercise entails going for a 30 minute walk around the neighborhood – and eating right. Patients who smoke need to quit well in advance of their procedure.

REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

Sometimes, people considering liposuction will have expectations that go beyond what the procedure is able to achieve. Liposuction can achieve dramatic body contouring results – that’s why it remains a top cosmetic surgery procedure year in and year out – but no surgery is going to make you look “perfect.” If you live a healthy lifestyle but still have some nagging pockets of fat, chances are good that liposuction can help you.

FOCUS ON BODY CONTOUR

Everyone has a thing or two they’d like to change about how they look. If you’re not happy with your body shape, it’s worth a visit to a qualified plastic surgeon. Skilled surgeons understand that physical cosmetic changes go beyond just how you look and also can have a positive impact on your self image. If you seek targeted improvement of your body contour, not a quick way to lose weight, then you’re probably a good candidate for liposuction.

Plastic surgery shaves about 9 years off your age.

Plastic surgery will likely make you look nine years younger than you really are, a new study suggests.

Researchers showed 40 medical students before and after pictures of 60 plastic-surgery patients.

When shown the "before" pictures, the medical students estimated the patients to be 1.7 years younger than their actual ages, on average. When looking at the pictures taken six months after surgery, the students estimated the patients to be 8.9 years younger than their actual ages — in other words, surgery took an average of 7.2 years off the patients' perceived ages.

"Studies have shown surgery helps people look more attractive, and that's fine, but that's very, very subjective, and it's in the eyes of the beholder," said study researcher Dr. Nitin Chauhan, a plastic surgeon at the University of Toronto. The new findings give surgeons another tool to use during the delicate task of telling patients what they can realistically expect to see after surgery, Chauhan said.

Patients' satisfaction with their surgery often depends on their expectations, so clear communication about a surgery's results is important. Surgeons generally have had to use somewhat vague terms, telling patients they will look "less tired" or "more youthful," but the new findings may offer a more specific way to explain to patients what they might expect, the authors wrote in the Feb. 20 issue of the journal Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery.

Which procedures take off the most years?

The 60 plastic-surgery patients, who were predominantly women, fell into three groups: 22 had undergone a face and neck lift only; 17 had undergone a face and neck lift along with an eyelid lift; and 21 had those procedures, plus a forehead lift.

The youthfulness granted by the surgeries differed depending on the group. After surgery, those who'd had only a face and neck lift were estimated to look 5.7 years younger than before surgery; those who'd also had an eyelid lift were estimated to look 7.5 years younger; and those who'd had face, neck and eyelid lifts along with a forehead lift were estimated to be 8.4 years younger after surgery.

Chauhan emphasized that the findings don't mean that having more procedures is better. "Patients come in with different sets of complaints, this will help in gauging what they want, and tailoring treatment plans to get them there," he said.

The patients in the study were between 45 and 72 years old when they had their surgery; their age at the time of their surgery did not affect how much younger they looked afterwards, according to the study.

The medical students were each given 30 pictures to rate, and no students were given the before and after photos of the same patient. In fact, the students were not told the photos were of plastic surgery patients, they were simply asked to look at the photos, and guess the subject's age, Chauhan said.

Though the costs of the surgeries can vary depending on a patient's geographic region, surgeon and after-surgery care, Chauhan said, face and neck lifts generally cost between $10,000 and $12,000, and eyelid lifts and forehead lifts each cost about $3,000 to $4,000.

Why we get plastic surgery

"There stems an innate desire to be as young and attractive as possible, which has been documented throughout much of the history of our species," the researchers wrote. But experienced surgeons know to temper what they say to patients, because of limitations in surgery's abilities to reverse the signs of aging, a complex process.

The researchers noted some limitations of their study, including the fact that one surgeon completed all of the plastic surgeries, and the study included only a limited number of plastic-surgery techniques. Future work should compare results among patients undergoing different surgical techniques, and also look at the combined effect of laser skin resurfacing, and other interventions.

They also noted that most patients don't want to look as young as surgically possible — most say they "want to look good for their age," rather than looking artificial, the researchers wrote.

"People don't want that red carpet, windswept look. They want to avoid the stigma of plastic surgery," Chauhan said.

The study noted that one of the researchers works as a medical consultant for the company Allergan, which produces Botox injections, among other products.

Pass it on: Plastic surgery generally makes people look about 7 years younger than they did before surgery.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/02/22/plastic-surgery-shaves-about-years-off-your-age/#ixzz1n6liRZ2M