Friday, January 18, 2013

Start the New Year with Plastic Surgery in San Diego

A New Year, A New You

The coming of the New Year is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the idea of starting fresh and working to deepen my personal goals while continuing to refine my skills as a plastic surgeon. For San Diego residents, the New Year is also a time to set new benchmarks for their appearance and physical fitness levels. And that’s one place where your goals and my dedication can work together perfectly.

Letting Go of the Past

Sometimes, letting go is the hardest part of moving forward, whether it’s letting go of excess weight, poor health habits, or toxic relationships. Well, there’s no way to make room for the new without doing a little housecleaning first. There’s never a better time than now to move forward into the future and leave that baggage in the dust.

Moving Toward a New You

Did you lose a lot of weight this past year, like so many other San Diego tummy tuck residents who focus on fitness? A tummy tuck may be the perfect way to celebrate your new body and finally eliminate those last lingering folds of skin and tissue left behind after your weight loss.

Or, maybe this is the year you’ve decided to finally eliminate those love handles with liposuction, or you’re ready to boost your cleavage in 2013? Our practice would love to help you get a head start on your new look.

Right Here, Right Now

There’s no time like the present to start working toward becoming the best “you” that you possibly can. Whether you’re focusing on inner changes this year, or you’re ready to enhance the way you look, seize the moment and start your journey today.

Monday, January 7, 2013

Breast Augmentation Little Known Breast Facts

5 Breast Facts You Didn't Know

In San Diego, breast augmentation remains one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries around. With the focus on breasts and beauty in our culture, it's always interesting to learn more about breast anatomy and societal norms.

Leaning Left

According to a study that measured the breasts of hundreds of women, the left breast is statistically larger on average. While the size difference may be so slight as to be unnoticeable to the naked eye, natural breasts are rarely symmetrical.

Fortune Telling

The practice of reading your fortune by the shape of your breasts originated in Spain during the 18th century. Similar to reading lines on the palm, a sternomancy practitioner “reads” your breasts to tell your future and describe your personality.

Breasts Are Not Constant

The texture of breast tissue fluctuates along with hormonal changes throughout a woman’s monthly cycle. As women age, breast tissue naturally changes in size and composition. Smoking can change the breasts as well; cigarette smoke breaks down connective skin tissue like collagen and elastin, causing breasts to sag.

Gaining Cleavage

Your cleavage isn’t necessarily determined by breast size alone, but by the placement and shape of the breasts. Small-busted women whose breasts sit close together and are fuller in the middle can have better cleavage than women with larger breasts. That’s one reason why, at my practice in La Jolla, all our breast augmentations are performed with an eye toward producing cleavage while increasing cup size.

Amazing Augmentation

Fifteen years ago, the average breast size in the United States was 34B. Today, the average is 36C. Breast Augmentation has consistently ranked as a top three cosmetic surgery procedure for more than a decade, making this one of the most popular cosmetic procedures here in the U.S. and in the world.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

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.

Monday, December 3, 2012

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.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

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.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

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.

Monday, November 19, 2012

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.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

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.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

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.

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.

Sunday, September 30, 2012

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.

Friday, September 28, 2012

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.

Monday, September 24, 2012

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.

Monday, September 10, 2012

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.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

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.