The Ins and Outs of the Facelift - Swan Center for Plastic Surgery

Facelifts, just like faces, are unique for each patient.  A facelift can remove excess skin, reposition muscles and some of the underlying tissues of the face, making facelifts far more effective in the long run than any sort of injectable. If you have hanging skin along your jawline or excess skin in general, you may be an ideal candidate for a facelift.

Age is generally not a factor in facelifts. Many Atlanta facelift patients undergo this procedure between the ages of 50 and 65, but people as young as 40 and as old as 80 undergo this procedure as well.

During a consultation for a facelift your surgeon will consider the quality of your skin, the degree of sun damage your face has suffered, your medical history, the medication you take, and your drinking and smoking habits. The plan for your facelift will be developed based on your skins elasticity, facial volume, and bone structure. The combination of these factors ensures that no two facelifts are the same.  Prior to your facelift, your surgeon should start you on a skin care program that will nourish the facial skin and increase blood flow prior to your procedure. You will also discuss the type of anesthesia that will be used during the facelift, and there are a variety of choices and methods. It is imperative that you stop smoking before a facelift because it interferes with the healing process as well as blood circulation. Furthermore, smoking is counterproductive to a facelift and is a common cause of wrinkles. After your procedure, expect some amount of bruising and swelling which should subside in about two weeks.

When choosing a surgeon an Atlanta facelift surgeon, start with credentials and the amount of experience that surgeon has performing facelifts. The Swan Center for Plastic Surgery has board certified plastic surgeons and an extremely talented staff. If you have any more questions or are ready to schedule your facelift consultation, call today!

Dr. Ali Sajjadian: Top Costa Mesa Plastic Surgeon

When searching Costa Mesa for a plastic surgeon you should be looking for an elite plastic surgeon with the resume to match. No matter what type of procedure you are considering, or how many different approaches there are to that procedure, the most important factor in your plastic surgery experience is the plastic surgeon performing it.

Your plastic surgeon is the differences between getting the results you had hoped for and getting the results you never though were possible. So what makes a top plastic surgeon?

Experience is the main obstacle standing between a top Costa Mesa plastic surgeon and a common plastic surgeon. If your desired cosmetic procedure is rhinoplasty you want your plastic surgeon to have a significant amount of special training for rhinoplasty, many supervised rhinoplasty procedures, and a large amount of their practice solely dedicated to rhinoplasty. Further, you want your plastic surgeon to have operated on noses of many different shapes, sizes and ethnicities to ensure an understanding for the differences and similarities across the varying types of procedures.

Certifications are mandatory to be considered a top plastic surgeon here in Costa Mesa. Your plastic surgeon should be certified by one or more plastic surgery boards as well as being a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS).

Education is an obvious factor when it comes to deciding who is a top plastic surgeon, but do you know what you are looking for? Be sure that your plastic surgeon has geared their education towards plastic surgery from the beginning. Many cosmetic surgeons completed their residency in a focus other than plastic surgery, and this should not be considered an adequate educational background for your plastic surgery procedure.

Dr. Ali Sajjadian is one of Costa Mesa’s top plastic surgeons. His unrivaled experience, educational background, and three board certifications from the American Board of Plastic Surgery, The American Board of Otolaryngology, and the American Board of Facial and Reconstructive Surgery speak for themselves. Call the Costa Mesa office of Dr. Sajjadian today to be in the hands of Costa Mesa’s top plastic surgeon for your plastic surgery consultation. He is committed to provide you with the most natural looking result.

What is the Difference between Caucasian and Asian Rhinoplasty? - Dr. Ali Sajjadian

Due to dramatically varying ethnic character traits of the nose, Caucasian and Asian rhinoplasty are two very different procedures. Usually the goal and expectations of Orange County plastic surgeons for the procedures are the same — to augments the aesthetics of the nose while simultaneously honoring the patient’s unique identity.

Here are some of the main differences between Caucasian and Asian Rhinoplasty:

1. Osteotomies – Unlike in Asian rhinoplasty, Caucasian rhinoplasty can sometimes require reshaping or breaking the nasal bones.  Osteotomies are typically utilized to reduce the size of the nose. Orange County plastic surgeons estimate that around 10 percent of patients who undergo Asian rhinoplasty also have osteotomies.  When osteotomies are utilized in Asian rhinoplasty it is usually to narrow the bones to allow room for an implant.
2. Implants – Due to the fact that most Asian rhinoplasty procedures deal with enhancing the projection of the tip of the nose, implants are not as commonly utilized. The implant in the tip of the nose tends to cause erosion to the overlying skin. This happens because the implant is much more firm then the soft tissues that make up the tip of the nose. Dr Sajjadian uses your own tissues to create a natural looking results.
3. Inadequate projection – The motivating factors behind the two types of rhinoplasty are usually dissimilar. Caucasians typically seek out rhinoplasty due to an overly projected nose, while Asian rhinoplasty procedures are usually focused on correcting what the patient views as an inadequate projection of the nose.

The experience of your Orange County plastic surgeon should be your priority. Bad results usually are a result of an inexperienced, underqualified plastic surgeon. Common over-corrections made in Asian rhinoplasty are the inappropriate narrowing of the nostrils, and bringing the bridge of the nose too far up. These mistakes can destroy ethnic identity and leave a patient with regrets.

Demand the best of the best out of your rhinoplasty experience by calling the Orange County office oftriple board certified Dr. Ali Sajjadian today!

How Young is too young for Gynecomastia Corrective Surgery? - Dr. Larry Schlesinger

Plastic surgery is becoming more and more accepted in Honolulu and nationwide, but the main stream is far from accepting children having plastic surgery. Record numbers of people are having plastic surgery in Hawaii and across America, but how young is too young for gynecomastia correction?

Gynecomastia is a disorder in which males develop abnormally large breast. In fact, the word gynecomastia comes from the Greek meaning “gyne” which translates to woman and “mastos” which translates to breast, literally meaning “women breast.”

This is not to be confused with being overweight or simply not getting enough exercise. Gynecomastia is a medical condition that causes an abnormal development of the mammary glands in male. This abnormal development can be absolutely devastating for young boys. Many parents in Honolulu have considered surgical correction of their son’s gynecomastia to relieve them of the pain and suffering peers cause by bullying and taunting of young boys with gynecomastia.

In Honolulu a parent can legally make the decision to have their son’s gynecomastia corrected at a young age, assuming they pass through all of the checks and balances put in place to be approved for a plastic surgery procedure. But how young is too young?

While some say it should be entirely up to the parents when a minor should be able to undergo a plastic surgery procedure, others feel it should be much more regulated than that. Honolulu plastic surgeons recommend that parents first consider weight loss alternatives if their child is overweight, and even if they are not, it is recommended that boys wait until their late teens. In many situations, gynecomastia has resolved itself as a young man matures and sheds baby fat. Electing to undergo plastic surgery without allowing the body part to fully mature is rarely recommended.

If you have any questions about gynecomastia or you or your son’s candidacy for surgical correction call Dr. Larry Schlesinger in Honolulu today. Dr. Schlesinger is confident that he can compose a solution to your issues that will not only leave you satisfied but also increase self-confidence.

The Positive Impact of a Nose Job - Dr. Ali Sajjadian

Being unhappy with one of your most identifying characteristics, you nose, can be very difficult. Rhinoplasty, the technical term for a nose job, can literally reshape and remodel the nose for more desirable aesthetics. No two rhinoplasty procedures are identical, but the one thing most rhinoplasty procedures seem to have in common is extreme patient satisfaction.

Patients going into their rhinoplasty procedure with realistic expectations usually experience the maximum effect of the positive impact of a nose job. The positive impacts of a nose job usually include a drastically improved self-image, increased self-confidence, and countless emotional and physiological benefits.

A nose job can only have a positive impact on your life if you need it and are doing it for all of the right reasons. Patients who have undergone a nose job for the wrong reasons are usually less satisfied. Getting a nose job because you think it will make you more accepted among a certain group of people, specifically for a spouse, or any other individual is a terrible idea. When you get a nose job for the wrong reasons is usually does not help the matter at all. In fact, the disappointment felt when a patients realizes that cosmetic surgery cannot fix certain problems could be more devastating than the initial issue.

Dr. Ali Sajjadian has had an extensive training and experience in creating natural looking results after rhinoplasty.

As previously mentioned, having realistic expectations for your nose job is crucial for feeling the maximum positive impact of a nose job. Understand that your plastic surgeon can provide you drastic improvements, but the best way to come out of your procedure unsatisfied is by expecting more than your plastic surgeon can guarantee.

If you are ready to experience the positive impacts a nose job can have on your life then call the office of Dr. Sajjadian today. Triple board certified Dr. Sajjadian has all the rhinoplasty experience and knowledge to make your nose job a life changing event!

Breast Implants: Above or Below the Muscle? - Swan Center for Plastic Surgery

With breast augmentation becoming more popular every day, woman should be making a concerted effort to inform themselves on the best practices for this procedure. A patient should be sure to equip themselves with not only knowledge about their surgeon, but also knowledge on the procedure and various methods used to achieve the goal result.

No procedure should be over-generalized, nor is there a “one-size-fits-all” approach to any procedure. In the case of breast implants, there are two basic approaches to the placement of the breast implant: over the muscle and under the muscle. Although most plastic surgeons in Atlanta and across the globe recommend placing the breast implant under the muscle for a more natural look and feel, there are some cases in which your doctor may recommend a breast implant being placed on top of the muscle.

The breast implant will typically be placed below the muscle, especially in the case of thin women or women who have very little breast tissue to cover the implant. Placing the breast implant under the muscle is ideal for concealing the breast implant ripples and offers a softer, more natural draping of the implant, while decreasing the chance of the development of capsule contracture. There is always the chance that an above the muscle technique may suit a patient’s particular needs best, so remember that only a qualified, board certified plastic surgeon can really know what approach is right for your particular anatomy!

Now that you have armed yourself with some information about breast implant placement, call today to schedule a consultation with the Swan Center for Plastic Surgery in Atlanta and Alpharetta, Ga.

Correcting Asymmetrical Breasts with Implants - Dr. Ali Sajjadian

One of the main reasons women in their twenties and thirties choose to have breast implants in Costa Mesa is that their breasts are asymmetrical. What most of these women do not realize until reviewing dozens of before and after pictures is that they are far from being alone!

If you are unhappy with your asymmetrical breasts you may be a good candidate for breast implants. It is important to realize and take into consideration when making this decision that a pair of breasts are “sisters, not twins,” and that no two breasts are ever perfectly symmetrical. That being said, dramatic asymmetry is a different story.

Having breasts that are so different that their size difference is evident and revealed in an everyday t-shirt is not standard. The most important consideration to make when pondering the decision to receive breast implant surgery to correct asymmetrical breast is you. If breast implants will make you more comfortable and self-confident, that is an excellent reason to consider them.

Although breast asymmetry may seem like an unfair medical related issue, you won’t likely have any luck convincing your insurance provider to pay for them. Asymmetrical breast are not considered a medical condition and breast implants to correct this issue are not typically covered by any health insurance companies.

Costa Mesa plastic surgeons correct breast asymmetry by using a smaller implant in the larger breast and a larger implant in the smaller breast. Although they will never be identical twins, with the right plastic surgeon they will get as close as humanly possible!

If you have dramatically asymmetrical breast and think you might be a candidate for breast implants, call the Costa Mesa office of Dr. Ali Sajjadian today! Triple board certified Dr. Sajjadian will formulate a breast implant plan to fit your personal breast asymmetry needs!

Tummy Tuck Techniques - Matthew Malamet, MD

Tummy tucks are becoming more popular by the minute. There are multiple techniques to achieve your tummy tuck, depending on your desired results. Even still, many women in Encino are unfamiliar or simply unaware of the fact that there is more to offer in the world of a tummy tucks beyond the standard tummy tuck.

The three most prevalent tummy tuck techniques used by plastic surgeons in Encino and across the nation are the ‘mini’ tummy tuck, standard tummy tuck, and extended tummy tuck.  The goal of all three procedure techniques is to remove excess fat in the abdomen and to tighten the abdominal muscles. These techniques are achieved by making an incision within the pubic hair area, and the size of the incision depends on the amount of skin/fat that is being removed.

The standard tummy tuck requires an incision from hip to hip as well as around the belly button.  This is usually the tummy tuck technique your surgeon will recommend for removing excess skin/fat both above and below the belly button.  The mini tummy tuck requires a much smaller incision and is ideal for patients who simply would like to remove excess skin/fat from below the belly button.  The extra incision in the belly button is not necessary for this technique. The extended tummy tuck has all the features of the standard tummy tuck, but requires and extended incision that goes beyond the hips in order to include the ‘love handle’ area.

After a tummy tuck procedure you will usually have one or more drains to remove excess fluid from the wound that are removed during your first postoperative visit. Most patients have reported very minimal discomfort. The most important factor in the success of your tummy tuck is the surgeon you choose to perform the procedure. Choosing a skilled and experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon like Matthew Malamet, MD for your tummy tuck procedure will drastically decrease your likelihood of complications and increase your chances for optimal results. Please schedule a consultation to learn more about tummy tucks!

Non-Surgical Nose Reshaping - Dr. Larry Schlesinger

Many people in Hawaii have found themselves unhappy with the shape of their nose, but do not feel like there are any options other than rhinoplasty that can address their issues. If rhinoplasty seems too dramatic for your taste, there is still a way to obtain your desired nose shape without surgery. Non-surgical nose reshaping offers you some of the benefits of a surgical nose job without the cost and risk of surgery. This approach is also ideal for younger people who are not candidates for plastic surgery because their features are not fully developed.

There are several options for how to approach your non-surgical nose reshaping, one of which is through the use of dermal fillers. Perlane and Restylane are two of the most common dermal fillers. Consult with your Hawaiian plastic surgeon to learn which would be best for your specific needs.

Non-surgical nose reshaping can lift and straighten the tip of the nose. It is also used to efface bumps and unaesthetic dents in the nose or deviated nasal bridges. Non-surgical nose reshaping can also increase the height of the bridge on the nose. With a skilled Hawaiian injector, all of this can be done without destroying ethnic identification.

This minimally invasive nose reshaping treatment requires very little downtime and no general anesthesia. You should experience very little pain during the procedure because about a 30 minutes prior to your treatment, your Hawaiian plastic surgeon will provide you with a cream that will shield most of the pain and discomfort. Expect very minimal swelling and bruising on and around the nose, and you will be able to return to work once the procedure is completed.

If you have any more questions about non-surgical nose reshaping call the Hawaii office of Dr. Larry Schlesinger today. Dr. Schlesinger will provide you with all of your nose reshaping options during your personal consultation.

Nose Surgery for a Deviated Septum - Dr. Ali Sajjadian

The nasal septum is in the midline partition of cartilage and bone that separates one side of the nose from the other. Typically this septum is straight, when it is crooked it is referred to as a deviated septum.Deviated septums are not only unsightly, but they can significantly obstruct the nasal passage and make breathing more difficult. Usually a septum is only deviated to one side, causing that side of the nose difficulty when breathing. Occasionally the nose is crooked in both directions, which can cause intense difficulties when breathing.

Nose surgery for a deviated septum is called septoplasty. This type of nose surgery is not considered cosmetic and does not aim to change the shape of the nose. Nose surgery for a deviated septum is strictly concerned with correcting nasal airway obstruction.

Nose surgery for a deviated septum will be performed by making an incision inside of the nose. The septum is then separated from the nasal lining, and whatever is blocking the nasal passage is either removed or relocated.

Since nose surgery for a deviated septum is a medical necessity, septoplasty is usually covered by your health insurance provider. Septoplasty will not change the appearance of your nose but rhinoplasty can. Many Santa Ana plastic surgery patients choose to fix the functional and aesthetic issues with their nose at the same time.

Whether you are seeking out nose surgery for a deviated septum or any other issue, choosing your surgeon is a very important step. Choose a plastic surgeon with plenty of experience with nose surgeries and extensive knowledge. Call the office of triple board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali Sajjadian in Newport Beach, Orange County and Santa Ana today for your nose surgery consultation! Dr. Sajjadian can explain all of your nose surgery options to you and develop a plan to fit your needs.

Breast Augmentation Maintenance - Dr. Ali Sajjadian

While breast augmentations (or breast implants) do not necessarily have an expiration date, it is wise to keep in mind that there are some aspects of the procedure that will require maintenance.

Although they are rare, complications can arise after your breast augmentation procedure that could require implant replacements. Some of those complications include breast pain, infection, capsular constructor, leakage, or your breast may change shape and size overtime, distorting your implants.

Implant leaks are different with silicone and saline breast augmentations. If your silicone breast implants leaks or ruptures you may not know it. Silicone breast implants are made from a material that is not natural in our bodies, so the body will not absorb it. On the other hand, if saline breast implants leak they will deflate right away and the saline (salt water) will be absorbed by the body.

If you choose to go with silicone filled breast implants for your breast augmentation, your Newport Beach plastic surgeon will advise that you receive an MRI scan about three years after your surgery, and then one every two years after that to screen for any silent rupture.

Breast augmentations require a special X-ray viewer for mammograms. You will need to arrange for this while scheduling your appointment for a mammogram. Although it is rumored, there is no evidence that breast augmentation increases a women’s likelihood for breast cancer.

It is important to wear bras at all times to avoid stretch marks and stretching of the skin.

Maintaining your breast augmentation is crucial to your health and well-being. Call the Newport Beach office of Dr. Ali Sajjadian today for your breast augmentation consultation. Dr. Sajjadian and his friendly staff can answer all of your questions regarding breast augmentations and the maintenance that will be required.

“Baby” Dysport Applications - Dr. Larry Schlesinger

Younger men and women who are beginning to notice some signs of aging like forehead wrinkles or furrows wonder if there is an appropriate cosmetic procedure to treat them. A full Dysport treatment for someone who is 35 years old may be discouraging, but plastic surgeons like Dr. Schlesinger are able to offer this treatment in smaller doses, if deemed appropriate.

People in Honolulu seeking relief from their aging signs usually worry that an injectable Dysport treatment will leave their forehead or other parts of their faces completely immobile, and would prefer to be discrete about their cosmetic treatment choices.

In Honolulu, baby Dysport injections typically use about half the units of a full Dysport injection treatment. This would consist of about 30-35 units of Dysport.

Popular areas for baby Dysport injections are the forehead, between the eyebrows (commonly referred to as the glabella), and in the corners of the eyes where signs of “crow’s feet” are making themselves visible.

Having a skilled injector is the most important aspect to getting your desired baby Dysport treatment. It is recommended that your see a Honolulu plastic surgeon in office, not in a med-spa! Because of Dysport’s attractive ability to spread further and faster than Botox, only the most skilled injectors should inject Dysport.

Your Honolulu plastic surgeon should be so skilled that he/she can significantly reduce the signs of aging, while maintaining some residual muscle movement.

An added benefit to the baby Dysport treatment is that it costs less than a full Dysport treatment. Call the Honolulu office of Dr. Larry Schlesinger today to schedule your Dysport consultation.

Breast Augmentation Techniques – Matthew Malamet, MD

When shopping around for the right Encino surgeon for your breast augmentation procedure, it is a wise idea to educate yourself about the different techniques and approaches that can be taken to achieve your desired results.  There are four main techniques used for breast augmentation surgery: Inframammary technique, Transaxillary technique, Transumbilical, and Periareolar technique. Here, we will discuss the main details of these techniques, but only your Encino plastic surgeon can decide which technique is best for your breast augmentation surgery.

The Inframammary technique is the most common approach. If you choose this technique for your breast augmentation your surgeon will make an incision within the bottom crease of your breast. This technique allows for a very minor scar and does not infringe on milk production. It is recommended that most patients have their implant placed under the muscle for ideal results and a decreased likelihood for complications.

The Transaxillary technique utilizes an incision within the upper/ inner armpit. This incision is nearly invisible as well, and leaves the glandular nerves and tissue relatively undisturbed. 

The Transumbilical technique for breast augmentation is one that makes its incision within the belly button. This approach uses the smallest incision and keeps scars completely away from your breast. Accurate placement of the implant is more difficult with this approach and complications are more likely due to the incision’s far proximity to the actual breast.

The Periareolar breast augmentation technique is used by surgeons to camouflage the incisional scar.

Knowing your options for your breast augmentation surgery will help you help your surgeon determine the best path for you. Please call the offices of Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Matthew Malamet MD, in Encino today for your breast augmentation consultation. Dr. Malamet can further explain your options and help you determine what technique would be ideal for your specific anatomy.

Using Botox for “Gummy” Smile - Matthew Malamet, MD

Ever wondered if something could be done to improve your overly gummy smile? Some people are under the impression that having your gums cut and re-shaped by a specialist is the only option. Plastic surgeons have mixed opinions, but most agree that with a highly skilled surgeon, Botox is one option for curing your gummy smile.

A gummy smile is a result of vertical maxillary access. When injected very precisely and judiciously within the labii muscle (near the junction of your nostrils and cheek) Botox can lower the upper lip and help it cover your gums when you smile. The dose must be calculated very carefully and by an incredibly skilled and qualified plastic surgeon. Your Encino plastic surgeon may also choose to place a very small amount in the midline of your upper lip where it meets the nose (columella) because that will help bring down the center of your upper lip.

One of the dangers of using a surgeon that is not highly experienced injecting Botox is over injecting the Botox. This will cause the muscles of your lips to be paralyzed to the point that animation of your lips will be inhibited. An unskilled injector may also lower the upper lip too far, adversely affecting your ability to sing or play an instrument.  The worst result of not finding an experienced, certified injector is your Botox injection could leave you with an asymmetrical smile.

If you are tired of being embarrassed to smile because of your gummy smile, please make an appointment today with Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Matthew Malamet MD to see if Botox is the right treatment for you! Feel more confident and smile more frequently after your Botox injection in Encino.

Weight Gain Following Liposuction - Dr. Larry Schlesinger

It should come as no surprise that gaining weight post-liposuction is counterproductive, but we are only human, and things like this happen sometimes. Many Hilo residents fear it will dramatically effect or even reverse theresults of their liposuction. Another common fear associated with post-liposuction weight gain is requiring a follow up procedure and even having to remove excess skin.

Whether receiving standard liposuction, Smart Liposuction, ShrinkWrap Liposuction, or any other type of liposuction, weight gain will not cause your results to be reversed. What happens instead is not what most would have expected. If a patient decides not to work out and eat healthy following their liposuction treatment they will find that extra fatty deposits are making their way to the areas of the body that had not received liposuction.

Liposuction is by no means an alternative to healthy eating and exercise. People who receive liposuction with those expectations will find themselves with an entirely different set of body issues post-liposuction. Hilo plastic surgeons primarily recommend liposuction for people who eat well and exercise regularly, but struggle with exercise-resistant, isolated, fatty deposits. If you are considering liposuction in Hilo it is strongly recommended that you do the surgery. It will give a psychological boost to your diet and exercise program

Gaining weight after liposuction may not reverse your results, but not exercising and eating right will prolong your healing periods and be counterproductive to your liposuction procedure all together.

Call Dr. Larry Schlesinger in Hilo today for your liposuction consultation. Dr. Schlesinger can answer all of your weight gain and liposuction questions, as well as give you some advice and helpful hints for keeping the weight off and maintaining ideal results after your liposuction.

What to Expect from your Latisse Treatment - Dr. Ali Sajjadian

Long beautiful eyelashes are a staple of beauty in Newport Beach. Women try different mascaras, caking them on daily to attempt to meet this beauty standard, but it all goes down the drain at the end of the day. With Latisse we can finally give the mascara bottles a break! Latisse is an eyelash treatment clinically proven to give its users longer, thicker, darker, and fuller lashes.

Trying a remarkable product like Latisse makes women very anticipatory about their results and what to expect. Although results vary between individuals, this blog will help hash out some of the things you should expect from your Latisse treatment.

The first change you should recognize should be in length. Very gradually your lashes will become thicker and darker, by week eight you should notice a significant improvement in your lashes length, color, and thickness. Latisse is a sixteen week treatment and that is when the full effects of Latisse can be truly admired. Around this time other people in Newport Beach will most likely be commenting and complimenting your lashes, because they will be very noticeable!

Count on results! Latisse held a clinical study that involved over 275 participants of all ages. This double blind study showed that 78 percent of the participants using Latisse saw a significant increase in length, volume, and darkness of their eye lashes. Women participating in the study who received the Latisse treatment experienced 25 percent longer lashes, 106 percent fuller lashes, and 18 percent darker lashes, on average. You can consult also with your doctor or ophthalmologist if you have any concerns.

The most common side effects of Latisse are itchiness and redness of the eye. Four percent of participants reported these side effects. To avoid any side effects or complications call the Newport Beach office of Dr. Ali Sajjadian today! His skilled and caring staff will teach you all there is to know about using Latisse safely.

Why do people get Otoplasties? - Dr. Larry Schlesinger

The term otoplasty probably sounds strange to most people in Hawaii, but it is not as strange as it may sound. Otoplasty is the surgical reshaping of the outer ear. Otoplasty can be reconstructive or cosmetic. Pinning back prominent ears (what some may call “Dumbo ears”) is one example of how otoplasty is used cosmetically.

There are three main reasons people choose to undergo otoplasty and they are as follows:

1. Deformities or Injuries: Otoplasty is one of the few plastic surgery procedures performed regularly on children. Over a quarter of newborns are born with ear deformations in the United States and Hawaii. Some of these babies require otoplasty for correction. Car accidents are a common cause of intense injury to the ear that sometimes requires otoplasty.
2. Excessive Ear Angle: When the ear sticks out more than 35 degrees from the head it takes on a rather bold appearance. Many people from Hawaii wait until adulthood to receive cosmetic otoplasty, but some parents who are fed up with their child being picked on at school have opted to give their consent much earlier for an otoplasty.
3. An Overabundance/Shortage of Cartilage: If the outer edge of your ear, also referred to as the pinna, has an overabundance of cartilage, it looks very prominent. If there is a shortage of cartilage the ear will not fold properly. 

If you think you may be a candidate for otoplasty, call the office of board certified Dr. Larry Schlesinger today! Dr. Schlesinger will help develop an individualized plan for your otoplasty procedure.

Beautiful Breast Lift in Encino - Matthew Malamet, MD

Why bother undergoing a cosmetic procedure such as a breast lift if the resulting scars are going to be so noticeable that the procedure seems like a waste? Many women who are considering a breast lift in Encino contemplate this procedure heavily because they think the scarring is uncontrollable. With a qualified Board Certified Plastic Surgeon like Matthew Malamet, MD, there are many approaches and options that are available to keep the scarring to a minimum after your breast lift.

The “ultimate lift” is a technique that may be recommended to you by your Encino plastic surgeon. This approach maximizes fullness without the use of an implant and ultimately yields a very natural result.  This approach is sometimes preferred because it requires no vertical scar. Instead, the scar is hidden within the breast crease and around the areola, making it virtually non-detectable.  You may also choose to use an implant for your breast lift if you would like to add fullness and augment the shape of your breast.  The incision for abreast implant approach to a breast lift can be made through the areola, the breast crease, or even under the arm.  You may also choose to have your incision made under the arm without a breast implant if you have minimal sagging.  A traditional “lollipop” incision will be made if you have a great deal of sagging, and the more sag within the breast the longer the scar for the breast lift.

Please call Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Matthew Malamet MD in Encino today for your breast lift consultation. Only a skilled and qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Malamet can decide what approach is best for your specific anatomy and breast lift needs.  The best protection against aesthetically unpleasing scars is a great surgeon performing your procedure.

Drinking Alcohol after Plastic Surgery - Dr. Ali Sajjadian

Most of the time a drink at happy hour after work with some co-workers or the occasional glass of wine with dinner is harmless. Consuming alcohol after plastic surgery is another story entirely. There are a few things to take into consideration when thinking about drinking alcohol in the days after undergoing a plastic surgery procedure:

• Alcohol impedes the recovery process of any procedure. Drinking alcohol after plastic surgery will thin the blood and make a plastic surgery patient more likely to bleed unnecessarily. This could lead to any number of difficulties and complications.
• After plastic surgery every patient wants their swollen areas to return to the size it is intended to be as soon as possible. Consuming alcohol after plastic surgery will widen your blood vessels, which will induce even more swelling.
• Drinking alcohol after plastic surgery can cause the alcohol to badly interact with the prescriptions in a way that will make them less effective for a shorter amount of time. Further, mixing alcohol and prescription medications can be detrimental to a patient’s health.
• Alcohol causes excessive urination, which can result in dehydration. Dehydration will dry out the skin and be counterproductive to your cosmetic improvements.

For ideal results Dr. Ali Sajjadian recommends abstaining from alcohol at least two weeks prior to and after your surgery. Abstaining from alcohol entirely will promote a healthy lifestyle and prolong the results of your procedure.  Schedule your plastic surgery consultation today at the offices of triple board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali Sajjadian. Dr. Sajjadian can further explain the effects of alcohol after plastic surgery.

Commonly Overlooked Aspects of the Mommy Makeover - Dr. Larry Schlesinger

The mommy makeover is a suite of procedures designed specifically for mothers. It is individualized to every patient’s needs, but usually consists of any combination of the following procedures: breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, and labiaplasty.

Most women ask their Honolulu plastic surgeon all of the common questions like “what should I expect from the healing process”, or “how do I properly prepare for this procedure”, but many women are surprised and unprepared to cope with some of the more complex features of recovering from a mommy makeover.

• Many Hawaii women who have received a mommy makeover and other cosmetic procedures begin to realize early on that they may not be receiving all of the support from their friends and families like they may have hoped. Remember who you are getting the procedure for, YOU! Other people are entitled to their own opinions and there is no need to take it personally.
• Having plastic surgery is not a weight loss alternative. Some women on Oahu have made the mistake of skipping their regular workouts or even quitting all together after undergoing a body contouring procedure.  Working out helps maintain your mommy makeover results and will also help you heal faster.
• Having a life changing procedure can be pretty emotional. Going from tears of joy, anxiousness, and all the way to frustration is normal. Put some pain medication in the mix and that is a recipe for an emotional roller coaster, don’t worry though, this, too, will pass.
• Most of the procedures included with a mommy makeover require some amount of downtime. Being a mother on Oahu means you are used to being incredibly busy ALL the time. Before your procedures, collect some books you have wanted to read and some crafts you have wanted to give a shot. Occupying your time should make your recovery a lot smoother.

Taking these points into consideration will help you be mentally prepared for all the excitement of your mommy makeover! If you are ready toschedule a consultation for arguably the most gratifying procedure in plastic surgery, call the Honolulu office of Dr. Larry Schlesinger today!