Wednesday, October 24, 2012

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.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

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.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

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.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

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!

Sunday, October 7, 2012

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.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

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.