Getting Dental Veneers in Beverly Hills

Dental veneers are fast becoming one of the most popular procedures within the field of cosmetic dentistry. But as with any other dental or medical procedure, there are certain things you need to know before making a final decision about getting dental veneers from a Beverly Hills dentist.

Let's start off with a quick explanation of what dental veneers are and how they are applied. The word "veneer" usually refers to a covering of some sort. That's the case here as well. As the video below will demonstrate, a dental veneer is a special covering designed for dental use. They are very thin and made of a tooth-like material (porcelain or composite resin) that looks and feels natural.

A Video Overview of Veneers

I've scoured YouTube for a video that was more education than marketing. There were quite a few Beverly Hills cosmetic dentists with videos online, but their videos were a bit too "salesy" for this blog. This video below does a good job of explaining dental veneers and how they work.



Here are some other important things you should know about Beverly Hills dental veneer procedures:

The Process is Irreversible

As part of the application process, the cosmetic dentist will trim the tooth (or teeth) that will be covered by the veneer(s). He or she will also "rough up" the enamel surface so that it forms a stronger bond with the cement-like epoxy material.

While this is necessary to ensure a proper and long-lasting fit, it also means that the process is irreversible. The surface of your teeth will essentially be damaged to allow for the placement of veneers. So once you get them, you will always need them. Something to consider!

Porcelain vs. Composite Resin

You have a couple of options when getting dental veneers in the Beverly Hills area. They can either be made of porcelain or a composite resin material. Here are the basic pros and cons of each type.

Many people choose the porcelain variety because they last longer (before having to be replaced), and also have the advantage of being stain-resistant. As you would expect, the porcelain type cost more as well. Composite resin veneers cost less, can be applied in a single visit, and can be more easily repaired in the event of breakage.

As you can see, both types have their advantages and disadvantages. So before you make a final decision in the matter, you should learn everything you can about these options. Ask your dentist which type he or she recommends, and why.

Dental Veneers Must be Replaced Periodically

It's important to realize that your Beverly Hills dental veneers will not last forever. They can chip and wear down over time, so they must be replaced. And remember the first point we discussed above -- once you get them, you will always need them. So you will have to replace them as needed.

How often you must do this depends on several factors, so it's hard to be exact. But it's safe to say that (A) the porcelain type tends to last longer and (B) you can expect to have them replaced every few years, regardless of which kind you get.

Not for Everyone in Beverly Hills

In a perfect world, everyone would have the opportunity to improve his or her smile with dental veneers. Unfortunately, that is not the case. This procedure is not recommended for people who clench or grind their teeth, or people with periodontal disease or some other kind of tooth problems.

And Now Some Good News About Veneers

Up to this point, I've focused mostly on the negative side of this procedure. But to be fair I must say that it does have some advantages as well. In most cases, dental veneers look very natural. They are a good "middle ground" strategy for improving your smile -- not as expensive (or as strong) as crowns, but stronger than bonding alone.

This article provides a basic overview of Beverly Hills dental veneers as an option for improving your smile. But if you are seriously considering this type of procedure, you have some more homework to do. Read more about the pros and cons of porcelain versus composite, the types of scenarios where veneers cannot be used, and the long-term considerations.

San Diego Face Lift - A Patient's Guide

Have you been considering a San Diego face lift as a way to achieve a more youthful appearance? If so, we encourage you to take a few minutes to read this article and watch the informative video that goes with it. We are not surgeons, but rather a consumer-education website that provides unbiased information on San Diego face lift procedures and other aspects of cosmetic surgery.

So without further ado, let's talk about what you can expect from a face lift surgery.

Is a Face Lift Right For You?

The first questions you must ask yourself, about this or any other type of San Diego cosmetic surgery, is this: "Is a face lift right for me, at this time in my life?" In other words, have you made an informed decision on the matter, or have you rushed into it?

It's important to start with a bit of soul searching like this, because a San Diego face lift is a serious procedure with serious risks. It's not a "bit of the old nip and tuck" the way some plastic surgery "veterans" describe it. It is an actual reshaping of the face and removal of skin. I don't mean to scare you away from your decision here -- I just want to make sure you've given it the proper consideration.

What Kind of Face Lift?

It's also important to understand that you have more options today than ever before, when considering a San Diego face lift procedure. For example, in addition to the full surgery approach, you could have what is being referred to as the "mini" face lift. In the latter procedure, smaller incisions are made in the face, which means a quicker recovery in most cases.

With the mini option, your San Diego surgeon will use small instruments and cameras to perform your face lift surgery. This is known as endoscopic approach, and it's a less invasive way to perform the procedure. Granted the results won't last as long with the mini lift as they will with the traditional approach. But it's a less severe procedure, and is therefore a good option for some people.

These days, there are also a variety of products referred to as dermal fillers that offer some of the face lift benefits without any surgery whatsoever. There are many cosmetic surgeons in the San Diego area who specialize in these injections, so you should have no trouble finding one to further your research. The newest of these products include Radiesse and Restylane.

How Does the Surgery Work?

Before having a face lift or any other type of surgical procedure, it's a good idea to learn how it works. I've scoured YouTube for videos (produced by surgeons) that explain the face lift process in detail. I could not find any useful videos by San Diego area surgeons, but I did find one that does a good job explaining the process:


Note: There are some "dead spots" in this video... where the narration stops in between segments. It will pick back up if you let it run.

Choosing a San Diego Surgeon

So let's assume that you have (A) thoroughly educated yourself on all aspects of face lift procedures and (B) decided to go ahead with the surgery. What's next? Well, now you need to find a San Diego cosmetic surgeon who can perform your procedure. Here are some tips for making a wise choice.

When you start researching surgeons, make sure they are board certified by a professional organization such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery. When you choose a board-certified professional, you'll have the comfort of knowing the surgeon has completed a certain amount of training to earn the certification -- five to seven years of training in most cases.

It's also important to choose a surgeon who takes the time to answer your questions in a clear and straightforward manner. If you ever feel rushed by a cosmetic surgeon, of you feel as if he is glossing over important information, keep looking!

Don't be afraid to ask plenty of questions. You have every right to know about such things as the surgeon's credentials, experience, success rates, patient recovery trends and more. So ask these questions.

Conclusion and Going Forward

I hope you have found this guide to San Diego face lift surgery useful, and I wish you the best. Remember, you still have a lot of homework to do before making your final decision. This website is by no means a comprehensive lesson on the subject. You have more to learn about the different procedures available, the potential risks, the cost and more.

Los Angeles Facelift - Patient FAQ

Have you been considering a facelift in the Los Angeles area? Not sure if it's the right procedure for you? If so, you'll find this article helpful, for it explains the things you need to know before making a final decision on facelift surgery.

How a Facelift Works

Let's start with the basics of how this type of cosmetic surgery works in the first place, just so we are all on the same page. When talking about a Los Angeles facelift procedure it's important to note that there are different kinds. As a potential patient, you obviously want to know about your options. So let's talk about those options.

The full surgery -- The full surgical option for a facelift is also known as rhytidectomy. Don't worry, you won't have to spell or pronounce that word. It's a medical term for this procedure, but most people just call it a facelift. With this process, your Los Angeles surgeon will actually remove portions of excess / sagging skin. This makes the face appear "tighter" and therefore more youthful as well.

The mini facelift -- There are actually two different procedures that are collectively known as the mini facelift surgery. With this option, the surgeon uses smaller incisions than a traditional surgery and relies on a thin camera device and small instruments to perform it (endoscopy). While the results of a complete facelift can last up to 12 years or so, the results of the "mini" surgery typically last only half that long. Ask you Los Angles cosmetic surgeon about this option as well.

Non-surgical facelift -- There are certain dermal fillers in use today that are collectively being positioned as a "non-surgical facelift" (mostly by the media). With this alternative to a full facelift procedure, your Los Angeles cosmetic surgeon will inject a "filler" product such as Restylane or Radiesse. These temporary procedures give the face a fuller, more youthful appearance while also helping with wrinkles.

Here's a short video that explains what a facelift does for patients, how it works, how it compares to a mini lift, etc. It's not a Los Angeles surgeon in the video, but it's one of the most informative I could find on this subject:


Click the arrow button above to view this video tutorial. It only takes about two minutes to watch and is well worth the time.

Choosing a Los Angeles Surgeon

I probably don't need to tell you how important it is to choose a Los Angeles facelift surgeon who is well qualified for the job. If you've been researching this process for any length of time, you've probably encountered a few horror stories of plastic surgery gone wrong. In nearly all cases, these stories are the result of an unqualified surgeon botching the surgery.

The good news is, you can minimize such risks by choosing a qualified physician to perform your facelift procedure. For starters, you should choose a Los Angeles plastic surgeon who is board certified by a professional organization such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). When you start with this criteria, you know you're getting a surgeon who has undergone a certain amount of training and certification.

It's also important to ask plenty of questions before choosing a facelift specialist. Find out how long he or she has been performing cosmetic surgery in general, and facelift procedures in particular. Ask about their past success rates, their credentials, patient satisfaction, etc.

Don't be shy about asking for this information -- you have every right to know this information. In fact, a first-rate Los Angeles surgeon will offer this kind of information before you even ask for it. Many of them proudly post their credentials, testimonials and more on their websites. This is the kind of person you want performing your facelift surgery!

Radiesse in Los Angeles - A Consumer Guide

Chances are, you've heard a lot about Radiesse in the news lately. It's probably the reason you found this blog article in the first place. In the Los Angeles area, Radiesse is becoming increasingly popular as a cosmetic treatment.

But what exactly is it, and how does it work? These are the questions we will address in this consumer's guide to Los Angeles Radiesse procedures. Let's start with a definition...

What is Radiesse Anyway?

Radiesse® is a skin filler (also known as a dermal filler) that is injected into the skin for cosmetic reasons. The product is designed to smooth out facial wrinkles and give the face a fuller, more youthful appearance. It is manufactured by BioForm Medical, Inc.

In a previous article, we talked about a similar product called Restylane. While Radiesse is manufactured by a different company, both products perform similar roles. Thus, they are both referred to as dermal fillers.

The FDA approved Radiesse for use within the United States in December 2006. Since then, it has become increasingly popular as a dermal filler, particularly in the Los Angeles area. According to the FDA approval notes, Radiesse is used to temporarily add volume to facial tissue for a smoother appearance. The word "temporary" is the key part of that last sentence. Like most dermal fillers, the effects of Radiesse are temporary. The effects are said to last up to six months.

Getting the Procedure in Los Angeles

As of this blog post (August 2008), you should have no trouble finding a Radiesse specialist in the Los Angeles area. In most cases, doctors who use dermal fillers in general (such as Restylane and collagen) will also offer Radiesse treatments, even though the latter product is much newer.

Due to the popularity of these procedures in the L.A. area, it's probably easier to find a Radiesse specialist in Los Angeles than in any other city of the United States.

Here's a video from an NBC news affiliate that explains how Radiesse is used, what makes it different, etc. It's less than 3 minutes long and worth watching.

Choosing a Radiesse Specialist

We end every article on this note, but with good reason. If you are considering this type of procedure, and you're looking for a specialist in Los Angeles who can provide it, take your time and conduct plenty of research. You can start by visiting the manufacturer's website at www.radiesseusa.com. They have a search engine you can use to find Los Angeles doctors who provide Radiesse treatments.

After you have a short list of physicians, continue your research by asking each doctor how long he or she has been performing these injections. Ask about the potential risks of Radiesse and what they do to minimize those risks. Ask them about their patient satisfaction rates, how often people come back for follow-ups, etc.

These questions will inevitably lead to more, and that's the whole point. Don't ever rush into a cosmetic procedure of any kind. Take your time, conduct the proper research, and make a smart decision.

Beverly Hills Restylane Injections

Note: Restylane® is the trademark name of a product manufactured by Q-Med. This website is an educational resource for consumers and is not associated with Q-Med in any way.

Are you considering a Beverly Hills Restylane procedure to enhance the appearance of your skin? Do you have questions about what these injections are and how they work? If so, we will do our best to answer your questions here in this article.

Restylane uses what is referred to as "dermal fillers" (or skin / tissue fillers) to smooth out wrinkles in the patient's skin. The primary ingredient in Restylane is hyaluronic acid. This product is typically used to reduce wrinkles in the area around the nose and mouth, known as the naso-labial fold.

The FDA approved Restylane for use within the United States in December of 2003. Since then, the treatment has grown in popularity throughout Beverly Hills and across the country.

How Restylane Works

Restylane is a temporary treatment for reducing wrinkles around the nose and mouth. As a result, most patients return for subsequent treatments following the first. In this regard, Restylane is similar to Botox and other non-permanent wrinkle treatments. According to the FDA: "Most patients needed one injection [of Restylane] to get optimal correction; about one-third of patients needed more than one injection to get a satisfactory result. The effect lasted about six months."

One of the reasons for the growing popularity of Beverly Hills Restylane injections is the relative safeness of the product. Many experts agree that the non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid (the primary ingredient within Restylane injections) is one of the safest forms of dermal filler used for wrinkle reduction.

In more recent years, since 2007, practitioners in Beverly Hills and elsewhere have been using Restylane in a slightly different way. The new technique is known as the fern pattern technique. It was first introduced by Doctors Tom van Eijk and Martin Braun in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (August 2007). With this newer technique, the Restylane product is used as a "skin stiffening agent, rather than a simple filler in order to provide optimal correction for lines that deepen with expressive facial movements." (Source: JDDonline.com)

As you can probably tell by reading other blog posts, we love YouTube. Each time we put a new tutorial up about a Beverly Hills cosmetic procedure, we scour YouTube to find an education video that reinforces the lesson we provide. Here's a video from KTLA news that -- despite the gaps in communication -- does a pretty good job explaining the procedure. To my knowledge, this is not a Beverly Hills Restylane physician. I chose the video for the content, rather than the doctor's location.



The only thing I don't agree with in this news story is the anchor's comment about "no down time" with Restylane injections. From everything I've read, the bruising from this procedure can last for several days. So while you may not be "down" during that period, you certainly won't look normal.

Choosing a Beverly Hills Doctor

We have said this before, but here it goes again. The most important thing to do when considering a Restylane injection treatment in Beverly Hills (or anywhere else for that matter) is to ask plenty of questions and do plenty of research. Ask each doctor how long he or she has been performing the procedures. Ask about patient satisfaction rates. Ask about the potential risks and what they do to minimize them. If these questions lead to more questions, so much the better. You cannot "over research" a subject like this.

Los Angeles Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

So, you've decided to have a certain type of plastic surgery in the Los Angeles area, and now you're looking for a surgeon to perform your procedure. You've heard about the so-called board certified plastic surgeons but aren't really sure what that means.

What board does this refer to? What does it take to get certified? How do you locate a Los Angeles surgeon who has these credentials? These are the questions we will address in this article.

In this context, board certified typically refers to a certification awarded by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, an organization that has been around since the 1930s. The ABPS is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties, which lends even more legitimacy to the organization.

So what does this mean to you, as a potential patient? It means that when you choose a Los Angeles board certified plastic surgeon you know some things about them. For one thing, you know the surgeon has undergone a certain amount of training that is required in order to be board certified in the first place -- five to seven years of training in most cases.

Plastic surgery board certification also has other requirements related to schooling, examinations, residency, etc. So in essence, choosing a surgeon with such a certification gives you the comfort of knowing that your doctor's skills are "legit."

If you've ever heard some of the horror stories of cosmetic surgery, you'll realize the importance of having a physician who is legitimate. Many a botched procedure has resulted from a "surgeon" who had no business practicing medicine -- or, for that matter, any kind of certification whatsoever. So in starting with a board certified physician, you are being a smart consumer / patient by looking out for your own best interests. And that is certainly the right thing to do.

Sure, there are plenty of other things you should look for when choosing a Los Angeles plastic surgeon to perform your procedure. You want a physician with a track record of success, a good bedside manner, plenty of satisfied patients, etc. You should also choose a surgeon who is upfront and factual about the risks associated with plastic surgery procedures -- instead of glossing over them like they don't matter.

So here's what to take away from this lesson. When researching Los Angeles plastic surgeons and choosing one for your procedure, you should start with the board certified professionals. Make this your bare minimum criteria ... a must-have item, if you will. Once you make a short list of surgeons who have this certification, you can then screen them based on the other factors mentioned above.

Popular Types of Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery, also known as plastic surgery, has become increasingly popular in the United States. Overall, there are more of these procedures performed today than at any point in our nation's history. As you might imagine, Beverly Hills is one of the cities with the most plastic surgery procedures.

There are many reasons for this growth. For one thing, it has a lot to do with a bigger marketplace and more aggressive marketing by Beverly Hills plastic surgeons and surgery centers. Technology has helped fuel this growing industry as well. Medical advances have made many cosmetic procedures safer, faster and more affordable than ever, thus increasing the demand.



So what are the most forms of plastic surgery in the Beverly Hills area? How do they work and what do they cost? Let's take a look at some recent trends.

Breast Augmentation

The Process -- Breast augmentation goes by many names, such as breast enhancement and the common slang term "boob job." It's a fairly straightforward procedure that uses implants to increase the size of a woman's breasts. Currently, there are two types of implants used within the United States -- silicon and saline. Silicon has the benefit of feeling more realistic, while saline implants are generally regarded as being the safer option.

The Popularity -- Without a doubt, this is one of the most common forms of plastic surgery in Beverly Hills and elsewhere in the U.S. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), there were roughly 212,000 breast augmentation procedures in 2000 (nationwide). Seven years later, in 2007, there were more than 347,000 of these surgeries performed. That's an increase of 64 percent!

The Cost -- As with most Beverly Hills plastic surgery procedures, the cost of a breast augmentation will vary based on several factors. The geographical location, the level of consumer demand, and the surgeon's experience all play a role. Based on my research, the average cost of breast enhancement surgery ranges from $4,000 to $10,000. That includes all fees associated with the procedure, such as the cost of the implants, anesthesia, surgeon's fee, etc.

Learn more: Beverly Hills Breast Augmentation

Rhinoplasty / Nose Surgery

The Process -- Break this word up into its two parts, and you'll know exactly what the procedure involves. "Rhino" is from the Greek for nose. "Plasty" is from the Greek meaning to mold or to shape. Put them together and you have a reshaping of the nose. Or, as it's commonly known, the nose job. In this procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision beneath the nose that usually extends into the nostrils. Through this incision, the surgeon is able to access (and reshape) certain areas of cartilage within the nose.

The Popularity -- The nose job is another popular form of cosmetic surgery in the U.S. While the number of procedures actually dropped from 2000 to 2007, rhinoplasty still remains one of the most common procedures. In 2007, there were nearly 285,000 performed within the U.S.

The Cost -- Here again, the cost of this procedure will vary based on different factors. After doing some price sampling from a dozen or so websites, I found that the average cost was around $6,000, but could run as high as $12,000 in places with higher demand (think Beverly Hills and Los Angeles).

Learn more: Beverly Hills Rhinoplasty

Liposuction Procedures

The Process -- Liposuction is a process through which a surgeon uses a suction device to remove unwanted fat. It can be performed in several areas of the body, most commonly in the abdomen, hips, thighs and buttocks. After making an incision in the area to be targeted, the surgeon uses a stainless steel tube known as a cannula to break up fat cells and suck out the fatty tissue.

The Popularity -- The numbers have dropped a bit from 2000 to 2007, but it's still a common type of surgery. In 2007, more than 301,000 liposuction surgeries were performed in the United States.

The Cost -- There are different forms of liposuction, and it can be performed on different parts of the body. Add to that the differences in consumer demand, surgeon availability and other factors, and you have a wide-ranging cost scale. Lipo on the abdominal area, for example, can range from $4,000 upward to $8,000.

Learn more: Beverly Hills Liposuction Guide

Plastic surgery is big business in Beverly Hills -- perhaps bigger business than anywhere else in the United States. But these procedures still have risks associated with them. So if you are considering any of the procedures listed above, you should do plenty of research and ask plenty of questions before choosing a surgeon.

* Data source: 2000 - 2007 National Plastic Surgery Statistics, published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons