California Cosmetic Blog

Getting Dental Veneers in Beverly Hills

2008-08-24T09:22:00.000-07:00

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 veneers 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

2008-08-10T07:37:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-09T08:56:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-05T13:33:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-03T08:39:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-01T15:19:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-31T14:11:00.000-07:00

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

Beverly Hills Rhinoplasty Surgery Guide

2008-07-30T14:48:00.000-07:00

If you're considering rhinoplasty surgery in the Beverly Hills area, but you're not sure if it's right for you, you've come to the right place. Our website is an educational resource designed to help you make an informed decision.

In truth, we do not weigh in for or against Beverly Hills rhinoplasty procedures. We remain neutral on the subject and choose instead to provide quality, unbiased information and resources. So with that said, let's examine rhinoplasty surgery from all angles...

How Does Rhinoplasty Work?

Before approaching a Beverly Hills surgeon to perform your procedure, you need to know everything you can about rhinoplasty -- the techniques, the risks, the average cost, etc. Only then can you make a smart decision for or against the procedure. So let's start with an overview of how this type of cosmetic surgery works.

Rhinoplasty is the medical term for a nose job. Sometimes these procedures are performed as a medical necessity, as in the case of a person with breathing problems or facial deformity. Other times the surgery is performed for cosmetic reasons. As you would imagine, the vast majority of Beverly Hills rhinoplasty procedures are done for cosmetic purposes.

There are several types of surgeons who can perform a nose job. Typically, the surgery will performed by either performed by either a plastic surgeon; an otolaryngologist (also known as an ear, nose and throat doctor); or a maxillofacial surgeon. All of these specialists are plentiful in the Beverly Hills area, particularly the plastic surgeons.

Depending on the severity of the procedure, rhinoplasty can be performed with the patient under general anesthesia (knocked out) or with only a local anesthetic. There are two common types of procedures that differ in where the initial incisions are made. With a closed rhinoplasty, the incisions are made inside the nostrils. With an open rhinoplasty, on the other hand, the incisions are made across the columella (the small piece of skin that separates the two nostrils).

Next, your Beverly Hills surgeon will separate the soft tissue of the nose from the structures beneath the tissue. This allows the surgeon to reshape the cartilage and bone within the nose. This is also why rhinoplasty is sometimes referred to as "nose reshaping."

We spent an hour scouring YouTube for instructional videos that showed how a rhinoplasty / nose surgery was performed. The video below is one of the best we could find. It's not a Beverly Hills surgeon, but it does a great job of walking you through the procedure.

Video: An good explanation of how nose surgery works

Understand the Risks of Rhinoplasty

Cosmetic Nose surgery is one of the most common forms of plastic surgery in use today. But that doesn't change the fact that there are risks. Once a while, you hear about the rhinoplasty that went bad and left the patient disfigured or worse. While these unfortunate cases represent the minority of total surgeries performed, it is a potential risk you should understand.

Rhinoplasty has come a long way in terms of safety and effectiveness, and serious complications are rare. But there are certain risks such as:

Pain and swelling in the nose (fairly common)
Bruising (also common)
The sensation of a "stuffy" nose for a few weeks
Numbness of the nose for a few months
Delays in healing
Sudden nose bleeds
Infection (a potential risk of any surgery)

Before undergoing a Beverly Hills rhinoplasty procedure, be sure to ask your chosen surgeon about these and other risk, and what he or she does to minimize them.

Good luck, and good health.

Beverly Hills Breast Augmentation

2008-07-27T13:53:00.000-07:00

The breast augmentation (also known as the breast enhancement and, more informally, the boob job) is one of the most common forms of cosmetic surgery in Beverly Hills and elsewhere in the United States. But it's still surgery, and so anyone considering such a procedure should do plenty of research before making a decision.

This blog post marks the first in a series that will discuss the Beverly Hills breast augmentation from all angles. We will talk about how these procedures work, how much they cost, the potential risks associated with them, and more.

In this first post, we will talk about the actual procedures that are used during a breast augmentation surgery. It's a fairly straightforward process, so this post will be short. We have also included an educational video for your viewing.

The Augmentation Process Explained

The technical term for this type of cosmetic surgery is augmentation mammaplasty. Essentially, it employs special implant devices to increase or augment the patient's breast size. In nearly all cases, it performed solely for cosmetic reasons (as opposed to being a medical necessity).

From a technical standpoint, the process of having a Beverly Hills breast augmentation is pretty straightforward. While the procedure may vary slightly from one surgeon to another, the same basic steps are performed. These include the following:

The surgeon administers anesthesia to the patient.
The surgeon makes an incision on each breast.
The surgeon inserts the saline or xx implants into the breasts.
The surgeon completes the procedure by closing the incisions.

The anesthesia given during a Beverly Hills breast enhancement procedure may come in one of two forms -- intravenous sedation (the I.V.), or general anesthesia (the mask).

Once the patient is under the effects of anesthesia, surgeon will make an incision on the breast. Different surgeons make this incision in different areas, but the goal here is to choose a location that will hide the scar as much as possible.

The next step in a breast augmentation is the insertion of the implant devices. These days, breast implants may consist of saline or silicone. Each type has pros and cons, so ask your Beverly Hills surgeon which kind they use and why.

Silicon Versus Saline for Breast Enhancement

As mentioned, there are two types of implants available these days. Patients may choose between silicon and saline implants when having a breast augmentation in the Beverly Hills area. Here's a great video from NBC News that explains the difference.

Granted, this video is pretty one-sided. You could probably find an equal number of Beverly Hills surgeons to weight in on either side of this issue. But according to everything we have read, the silicon implant feels the most natural. The benefit most commonly cited for saline implants, on the other hand, is that saline can be absorbed into the body naturally (in the event of leakage).

Choosing a Beverly Hills Surgeon

We have said this before, but here it goes again. The most important thing to do when considering breast augmentation in Beverly Hills (or anywhere else for that matter) is to ask plenty of questions and do plenty of research. Ask each surgeon about the types of implants they use, and that the advantages and disadvantages are for each type. Ask about the potential risks of a breast enhancement procedure. Ask about the typical recovery process, and what you can expect after your surgery.

If these questions lead to more questions, so much the better. The goal here is to go into the process with a clear understand of what it involves. And if you do choose to pursue an augmentation procedure, we wish you luck and a speedy recovery.

Los Angeles Tummy Tuck - Know the Risks

2008-07-27T12:28:00.000-07:00

The tummy tuck is one of the most popular forms of cosmetic surgery in the Los Angeles area, and in the United States in general. In 2000, there were around 62,000 tummy tuck procedures across the U.S. In 2007, that number had risen to more than 148,000. (This according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons).

But while the Los Angeles tummy tuck is certainly growing in popularity, it still poses serious risks for patients. Your job is to learn about these risks before making a final decision on pursuing a tummy tuck (a.k.a. abdominoplasty) in the Los Angeles area.

So in this article, we will take on the role of consumer advocate, providing some unbiased and factual information about the risks of abdominoplasty surgeries. But first, let's talk about how the procedures are performed in the first place. By starting with a procedural overview, you'll have an easier time understanding the risks of a Los Angeles tummy tuck procedure.

How a Tummy Tuck Works

This popular form of cosmetic surgery is done under general anesthesia, with the patient being completely "under." The Los Angeles surgeon will begin by making a horizontal incision across the patient's lower abdomen, just above the pubic area. A second incision is sometimes made near the belly button as well.

Next, the doctor will separate the patient's skin from the abdominal wall. The muscles in the abdominal area will then be tightened up and sutured. To allow this reduced stomach area to come back into place, the surgeon will remove excess fat, skin and tissue. When all of this is complete, the surgeon will suture the remaining skin back into place.

So there you have it -- a simplified version of the Los Angeles tummy tuck in only two paragraphs. At least now you can better understand the risks associated with such a procedure. So let's move on to those...

The Potential Risks

Below, we have listed some of the most common risks associated with tummy tuck surgeries in Los Angeles or elsewhere. Please note that this list is not all-inclusive -- there are other risks not listed here. So be sure to conduct further research into this subject.

Excessive Bleeding -- All surgical procedures carry a risk of excessive bleeding. Any time you deal with incisions, you encounter the possibility of such complications. Tummy tuck surgeries are certainly no exception. There is a greater risk of excessive bleeding among patients who have experienced it in the past, during previous surgeries.
Blood Clots -- This is a serious problem that occurs when an artery gets obstructed by a clot, an air bubble, or a piece of tissue matter. It can lead to many complications and can even be fatal. Blood clots are a risk associated with many forms of surgery, and that includes tummy tuck / abdominoplasty procedures.
Infections -- Anytime a doctor makes an incision on a patient, there's a risk of infection occurring. For this reason, some doctors who perform Los Angeles tummy tucks will give their patients a prescription for antibiotics after the surgery.

Choosing a Los Angeles Surgeon

The key when choosing a surgeon for your tummy tuck is to ask plenty of questions. Ask about the procedure in general, but particularly the risks associated with it. A professional Los Angeles surgeon will take the time to address your concerns, and will give you factual information regarding the risks of a tummy tuck surgery. It's also wise to choose somebody who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

In other words, if you encounter a Los Angeles doctor who glosses over the risks as if they're not important, then keep looking!

Beverly Hills Liposuction Guide

2008-07-18T11:24:00.000-07:00

Are you considering a liposuction procedure in the Beverly Hills area? If so, you should take a few minutes to read our guide to Beverly Hills liposuction surgery and the surgeons who provide it. We do not represent any surgery centers, so you can rest assured that the following information is unbiased and objective.

Liposuction has long been one of the most popular forms of cosmetic surgery, not just in Beverly Hills but all over the world. But how, exactly do these procedures work? What can you expect in term of results? What kind of risks should be aware of? And how do you go about finding a qualified liposuction surgeon in the Beverly Hills area? Let's take these questions one at a time.

The Basic Liposuction Process

Chances are, you already have a pretty good idea of how liposuction works. After all, who hasn't seen those suction devices in action on the TLC network? But before having this type of procedure, or choosing a Beverly Hills surgeon to perform it for you, you'll need to know a lot more about it. Here's how it works.

Liposuction is a medial procedure designed to remove small areas of fat on the body -- particularly those stubborn areas that do not respond to diet and exercise. The most common parts of the body that are targeted include the abdomen area, the hips, thighs and buttocks. No surprise there! That's where fat tends to accumulate.

First, your Beverly Hills liposuction surgeon will make a small incision near the area of focus (stomach, hips, etc.). Next, the surgeon will insert a stainless tube, known as a cannula, through the incision. Essentially, this tube functions as a vacuum designed to remove fatty tissue.

Of course, fat doesn't just come out of the body right away. The Beverly Hills surgeon will need to push and pull the cannula tube in order to break up fat cells and tissue. This takes place at the same time the suction if working. This is probably the part of the process you've seen on medical programs in the past, where the surgeon works the tube in and out of the patient's stomach, hips, thighs or buttock area.

Advancements in Beverly Hills Lipo

For decades, the basic process of liposuction was performed as described above, with the surgeon pushing and pulling the tube in order to break up and vacuum out the fatty tissue. But as all fields of medicine, there have been advancements in the field of Beverly Hills liposuction procedures. For example, there is now a machine that can duplicate the "push and pull" actions of the surgeon. This removes some of the manual labor from the process, allowing the surgeon to focus on other aspects of the liposuction process.

There is also a relatively new type of procedure known as SmartLipo. This newer form of liposuction is available throughout the Beverly Hills area (as you would imagine). Through the SmartLipo process, surgeons use medical lasers to essentially melt the fat within the fat cells. According to the practitioners of this procedure, it is said to offer results that are equal to traditional liposuction procedures, but with less trauma and a faster recovery process.

Lasers have been revolutionizing many different medical procedures, from eye surgery to dental work. Now, it seems, Beverly Hills liposuction is being equally influenced by medical lasers. The downside to this is that there's currently a lack of long-term data about the safety of SmartLipo. But the new procedure seems to be gaining in popularity, so we thought you should know about it when considering liposuction in the Beverly Hills area.

Choosing a Surgeon

So you've done all the necessary research, and you've decided that liposuction is right for you. Now you're looking for a surgeon in the Beverly Hills area to perform your procedure. Where do you go? Whom do you call?

Choosing a liposuction surgeon is similar to choosing any other medical professional. You should base your decision on thorough research, and you should ask potential surgeons all the right questions to get a feel for their abilities.

If you can base your choice on the recommendation of a trusted source, such as a friend or family member, then so much the better. After all, every liposuction surgeon in Beverly Hills will claim to be highly skilled, but they're a little biased now aren't they? When somebody you know and trust has good things to say about a particular surgeon, it's a big difference.

You can also use some of the online surgical directories to find a lipo specialist in the area. There are quite a few of these directories online -- more than I care to list here. So the best way to start this kind of research is by doing a Google search for Beverly Hills liposuction surgeon and looking for any directory websites that come up.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is also a good place to start your search. In addition to being a directory of plastic surgeons across the United States, their helpful website (PlasticSurgery.org) also offers advice on choosing a professional in this field.

Related article: Risks Associated With Liposuction

Botox Doctors in Los Angeles

2008-06-15T08:11:00.000-07:00

Note: BOTOX® is a product manufactured by Allergan, Inc. This is an informational website not associated with Allergan, Inc.

So you've made the decision to have Botox injections for cosmetic purposes, and you are now searching for a Botox doctor in the Los Angeles area to handle your procedure.

The question is, what next? What kinds of questions do you need to ask when talking to Los Angeles Botox doctors about your procedure? In this article, we will address some of the most important questions you should ask.

1. How Much Botox Experience?

Find out how long each Los Angeles doctor has been performing Botox injections, as this is a direct indicator of skill. A reputable doctor will be glad to share his or her professional experience with you, and chances are they'll have it posted on their website as well.

2. What are the Risks?

This is something you should research before contacting Botox doctors in the Los Angeles area. The idea is to do some general research before speaking to providers so you'll know what to ask. With that being said, it's a good question to ask even if you know the answer. For one thing, it will help you judge how honest and upfront the Botox doctor is with his or her patients. It's also an opportunity to find out what each Los Angeles Botox professional does to minimize the risk of the injection treatment.

3. How Often Do Your Patients Return?

For obvious privacy reasons, Botox doctors in Los Angeles cannot share certain patient information with you. But they should be able to tell you how often (on average) their patients come back for treatments. Here again, the purpose of this question is twofold. First, you will get a better idea of what you can expect after your initial Botox injection treatment -- how long the results last, how often you might revisit, etc. This will also give you a general idea of the doctor's success rate, because repeat business is usually a sign of good service.

4. What Else Should I Know?

Find out everything you can about the procedure. Ask the specific questions listed above. Ask any other questions you have in mind. And then ask what the Botox doctor thinks you need to know. If you feel like you are being rushed by the Los Angeles Botox specialist when asking such questions, or if the doctor doesn't do a good job answering them, go somewhere else!