Los Angeles Plastic Surgery Center Blog | Dr. Bray

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2010-04-21T14:36:00.001-07:00

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How to Select a Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon

2010-01-27T13:24:00.000-08:00

Choosing the correct surgeon to perform any cosmetic procedure for you is a very important process. Unfortunately, the wide spread use of advertising often leads to improper selections. This is particularly true with the increased flow of information on the internet. Slick advertising is just that. Over the course of my career, which now reaches thirty years, I am as convinced as ever that there are several key components to making the right decision. The first of these is board certification in the area of interest to you. Although there are many specialties and surgeons that cross rather arbitrary lines of distinction, if you want facial procedures, The American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is the gold standard. What this board certification implies, is that this individual, is highly trained in the complexities of facial anatomy. There is no more intricate anatomy than what occupies the face. The next issue, that is important, is teaching in an academic setting. This is not to suggest that university professors are the best surgeons. Many fine private practice surgeons teach on a part time basis. The key here is to realize that doctors who teach must stay up to date with current procedures and trends. Last and perhaps most important, is your own feeling of relationship and communication with the surgeon in question. If you are not comfortable, seek another consultation. Multiple consultations are often a good but, can be confusing. It is also critical that your surgeon explains everything to your satisfaction. This includes the positive and the negative issues as well as the limitations of any procedure on your unique face. If you follow these suggestions, your chance of being happy and satisfied with your results increases dramatically.

Please try to avoid unproven procedures. Avoid procedures that seem too good to be true because, they probably are. Always try to be realistic about expected results and you will be much happier. Asking family and friends seems like it would be a good idea but, friends and family often have their own agenda and may prove unreliable. In any case, if you keep these suggestions in mind, you will do well with your procedures.

What is New in 2010?

2010-01-13T13:23:00.000-08:00

Is this the year of less is better in cosmetic surgery? Many people think this is true because of the general economy. As cosmetic surgeons, we in the field recognize this. The problem is that while there are new procedures and some that are less invasive, patients can often be misled into thinking a lesser procedure will accomplish their needs. This is not correct and leads to frustration and a loss of money not a savings. That being said, the best new procedure for 2010 is the use of the fractionated CO2 laser. There is no question that CO2 laser has been the gold standard in skin resurfacing for almost 20 years. What is new is that the complications associated with CO2 lasers have been virtually eliminated by the new fractionated lasers. In simple terms the power can be individualized and the tissue ablation separated into spaced out components. This eliminates the widespread deep burn that caused all of the problems in the past. Patients may choose the intensity of their treatment by simply telling us, how much down time they can afford. This is usually 3-10 days. The shorter down times have less intense treatment and can then be repeated in six to eight weeks as needed. This allows the patient to achieve the same results as the older CO2 treatments. In addition areas such as the neck, upper chest, and hands can now be treated with excellent results. Skin tightening and quality also occur after about three months.

This is exciting news. However, as alluded to in the first paragraph, don't be fooled into thinking that highly advertised "non invasive" procedures will replace facelift surgery. To achieve the results of good facelift or eyelid surgery, you need to do the surgery.

Rhinoplasty Enhances the Balance of Your Face

2009-11-24T14:30:00.000-08:00

Rhinoplasty is a nose reshaping procedure ideally performed to refine and reshape your nose to be in better balance with your facial structure and to also relieve any physical problems you may have that affect your breathing capability.

Your nose should fit your facial structure by being balanced with your upper, middle and lower face. Your nose should not be reshaped to copy a celebrity nose but should be reshaped to fit your own unique features.

Factors that can influence the size and shape of your reshaped nose include the structure of your nasal bones and cartilage, the shape of your face, the thickness of your skin, your age, and your expectations.

Following your rhinoplasty, it is easy to doubt you will be looking better, but day by day your reshaped nose will look less swollen and bruised. Within a week or two, the healing process will be well on its way, and your nose should now enhance your face and work in harmony with your facial structure.

The best compliment you can receive after a rhinoplasty is when no one compliments you on your new nose because it fits your face so well.

If you live in Los Angeles, Newport Beach, or Orange County, California and you have always wanted more balance in your facial structure, please contact the Bray Plastic Surgery Medical Center, Inc. today to find out if rhinoplasty can accomplish that goal for you.

Rhinoplasty and the Correction of Breathing Problems or Sinus Obstruction

2009-11-12T14:30:00.000-08:00

Rhinoplasty refers to surgery that reshapes the nose to make a more attractive look. However, at the same time that cosmetic Rhinoplasty is being performed an experienced surgeon who can correct the airway obstruction and help chronic sinusitis patients. The key is to correct deviations in the septum and treat enlarged turbinates. The recovery time is the same as a cosmetic Rhinoplasty but insurance will often cover the airway portion of the surgery. The procedures are performed in an outpatient setting. This could be performed under local or general anesthesia. Recovery time is usually five to seven days. Please contact Bray Plastic Surgery Medical Center for more information to schedule a complimentary consultation.

How Long do Facelift Results Last?

2009-10-23T09:52:00.000-07:00

A facelift renews your existing signs of aging, but does nothing to halt the aging process. After your recovery period has ended, you can expect to appear refreshed and more youthful. Your results will last for years, but you will continue to age.

It is impossible to predict how long you will keep your new refreshed look before you would consider the need for another facelift, or even if there would be a need for a second facelift. Everyone is different and their skin ages differently. Some individuals have one facelift in their lifetime while others have a second facelift fifteen years after their first.

Ideally, people with good facial skin elasticity, good physical and mental health, non-smokers, and those with realistic expectations as to the results tend to have the best outcomes with long lasting results.

Dr. Bray's goal is to make you look better and feel better about yourself. You should have a facelift when you feel you are ready for one and you feel you will enjoy the benefits it may offer you.

If you feel the time is right for you to have a facelift, please contact the Bray Plastic Surgery Medical Center, Inc. today to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your goals with the highly qualified plastic surgeons there that can assist you in deciding what best suits your needs at this time.

Minimally Invasive New Techniques for Facelifts

2009-10-14T09:50:00.000-07:00

Recent advances in surgical techniques, methods and instruments have enabled patients undergoing a facelift to gain more natural results than was previously possible.

Major advances in the field of minimally invasive surgical techniques have been made and have shown the most growth in the area of cosmetic surgical procedures. The number of individuals seeking minimally invasive facelifts has skyrocketed.

Minimally invasive cosmetic surgical procedures like facelifts, allow patients to take a preventative approach to cosmetic surgery so they do not have to wait until they have advanced signs of aging before consulting a facelift surgeon such as Dr. David Bray. At the first signs of aging, you can decide to have a minimally invasive cosmetic surgery procedure to correct minor problems, gain a refreshed appearance, and prolong the need for a traditional facelift until a later time.

All cosmetic surgery procedures involve risks as well as benefits, and you should be aware of these prior to consenting to any surgical procedure. It is important to choose a highly qualified surgeon like Dr. Bray who will take the time to educate you and give you confidence in your decision.

If you are considering a facelift, please contact the Bray Plastic Surgery Medical Center, Inc. today and let their highly trained cosmetic surgeons advise you about what options are available and just right for your needs at this time in your life.

Facelift Recovery Time

2009-09-29T07:19:00.001-07:00

The surgical procedure commonly known as a facelift (rhytidectomy), is the third most popular cosmetic surgical procedure performed in the United States. Recent advances in techniques have perfected the procedures involved in performing a facelift culminating in even better results.

The facelift is designed to smooth sagging skin and tissue on the face and neck, tighten underlying muscles and tissue and remove excess fat to create a youthful, smooth appearance which erases the signs of aging. Most candidates for a facelift are between thirty and eighty years of age.

Before undergoing a facelift procedure you should have an in-depth consultation with Dr. Bray and learn all about the procedure including the risks, as well as the benefits.

A facelift can take anywhere from two to five hours to complete under general anesthesia. Recovery time varies with the individual, but usually you are advised to rest and recover for at least one week, and then in ten to fourteen days you can return to your normal activities even though some bruising and swelling may be visible for a period of two or three weeks. Of course, no strenuous activity is recommended during this time.

If you live in Los Angeles, Newport Beach or Orange County, California and you are interested in learning more about the facelift procedure, please contact the Bray Plastic Surgery Medical Center, Inc. today to arrange a confidential consultation to discuss your cosmetic surgery needs with our plastic surgeons.

Who Does Your Injectables?

2009-09-17T09:19:00.000-07:00

You may have heard about all the different ways, or places, you can receive injectable fillers. They have become so ubiquitous, and some believe lucrative, that some people believe just about anyone can give them anywhere they want. Perhaps they learned to give injectable fillers at a weekend seminar and have added it to a list of procedures they perform in a place like the mall or even someone's home. They may also claim to offer to inject dermal fillers like Restylane® and Juvederm™ in the comfort of your own home.

With injectable dermal fillers, you don't want just anyone doing the procedure, and you shouldn't necessarily go with someone offering the lowest price in town. With something like quality cosmetic surgery, you truly get what you pay for.

If you want someone who puts patient care at a premium rather than dollar signs, and sees you as a patient rather than just another customer, it is imperative that you seek out a doctor with experience. If you are in the Los Angeles, Newport Beach or Orange County, California area, the Bray Plastic Surgery Medical Center, Inc. has doctors who have the training to make sure your dermal fillers are done just as they should be.

The Bray Plastic Surgery Medical Center uses state-of-the-art technology in every procedure performed. This includes dermal filler procedures. If you are interested in having your injectable dermal filler procedure done correctly with a trained physician, please contact Dr. Bray for an initial consultation.

Immediate Laceration Care

2009-08-26T07:24:00.000-07:00

If you've ever spent time in an emergency room in a hospital, you know you have to wait. Sometimes this wait is hours rather than minutes. If you have been injured, besides the pain you may feel, the wait may also affect the way you heal. If you have a laceration, the amount of time you wait may affect the type of scarring that occurs during the healing process.

One thing you may want to consider is coming to Bray Plastic Surgery Medical Center, Inc. for medical treatment. As a surgical center staffed by licensed medical doctors, you will receive the same level of care, or better, than you would in a hospital emergency room at a fraction of the wait time. Because this is a medical need, it should be an insurance covered procedure.

Dr. David A. Bray and Dr. David A. Bray, Jr. have the experience and ability to repair the laceration and get you on the road to healing. Dr. Bray, Sr. has been in practice for over 25 years and his talent as a plastic surgeon has served thousands of happy patients. Dr. Bray, Jr. graduated in the top of his plastic surgery class.

In addition to expert care, you will also find that scarring can be minimized through quick medical care and scar revision.

If you have a laceration that needs immediate attention, but do not want to wait in a Los Angeles hospital emergency room, come in to or contact Bray Plastic Surgery Medical Center, Inc. if needed.

Deviated Septum Correction May be Covered by Insurance

2009-08-12T07:22:00.000-07:00

The septum is the part of the nose separating the nostrils. A common physical disorder involving the septum is when it becomes displaced. This is also known as a deviated septum. A deviated septum is often the result of impact to the nose, such as a blow to the face in an accident, sports or a fight, or even a previous nose surgery. However, it can also be a congenital disorder.

A deviated septum results in sinus problems, breathing problems, nose bleeds, and headaches. A deviated septum can also lead to frequent sinus infections. This can have a negative impact on the quality of life of those who suffer with them.

Treatment for a deviated septum can be corrected during a nasal surgery known as septoplasty. It's a fairly straightforward surgery in which the obstruction is removed. This clears up any problems the patient may have had with their breathing or sinuses.

A deviated septum can also be corrected with a rhinoplasty procedure by Dr. Bray. If an asymmetrical nose is causing the deviation, it is best to have both fixed by a plastic surgeon. Because this is a medical condition and affects quality of life, insurance companies will often cover the cost of the procedure. This is important because most insurance companies consider this an elective procedure.

If you have a deviated septum and would like to have it corrected, please contact Bray Plastic Surgery for an initial consultation. We will be happy to answer any questions you have about the procedure and insurance. We serve the areas of Los Angeles, Newport Beach, and Orange County, California.

Breast reduction surgery

2009-07-29T08:47:00.000-07:00

Women with overly-large breasts often suffer from a variety of physical and emotional issues. Pain and restricted activities, unwanted attention, and the inability to fit into clothing choices often lead these women to opt for breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, to reduce their breast size.

Who is a good candidate?
If you have over-sized breasts, or are experiencing any of the following because of your large breasts, a breast reduction procedure may be the right choice for you:

Back, neck, and shoulder pain and soreness
Breathing difficulties
Trouble performing certain movements or doing activities that you would like to
Receiving unwanted attention
Difficulty finding bras or clothing
Soreness and rashes beneath your breasts

Insurance coverage for breast reduction surgery
It is important to note that mammoplasty is sometimes covered by health insurance if it is viewed as medically necessary. The medical necessity of the procedure should be proven and established before scheduling an appointment with your cosmetic surgeon.

If you are considering how a breast reduction might improve the quality of your life, please schedule a breast reduction consultation with Bray Plastic Surgery Medical Center at 310-534-8300 to learn more about the breast reduction procedure.

Breast lift surgery

2009-07-18T08:42:00.000-07:00

A mastopexy procedure, better known as a breast lift, is a surgical procedure that involves the raising of breast skin and tissue to a position higher on the chest, thereby decreasing sagging. Often a breast lift procedure is coupled with a breast augmentation to regain a degree of fullness that may have been lost through the aging process or nursing.

Often women who have larger-sized breasts and those who have had several pregnancies, undergo loss of resilient breast tissue that leads to drooping breasts while they are still at a young age. A breast lift can get rid of this effect, pulling the breasts upward and also filling them out.

A breast lift may include:
Eliminating excess skin that ages the appearance
Inserting breast implants for enhancing breast shape
Rearranging breast tissue upwards on the chest
Placing the nipple in a position higher on the breast.
Reducing nipple size.

Three distinct incision options for skin removal and breast reshaping are typically used. Your surgeon can help you decide which method is most appropriate for your needs.

If you are considering a breast lift procedure, please contact the office of Dr. David Bray at 310-534-8300 to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we may assist you.

Who are good candidates for liposuction?

2009-06-12T13:24:00.000-07:00

Some believe that liposuction is a weight loss tool, but this could not be farther from the truth. There is no more unhealthy way to lose weight than through liposuction. Liposuction should contour the body and is best performed on those already successful in following a healthy diet and exercise plan.

Problems with large volume fat removal

Animal studies reveal that if large amounts of fat are removed from one area, fat increases in other places in the body. Leptin, a hormone made in fat cells, drops when the fat is taken out, resulting in a big increase in eating and declining activity levels until the leptin rises.

Also, the more fat and tissue that is taken out during liposuction, including plasma, the higher the chances of severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances-very serious conditions.
And the results of large volumes of fat are not as good as the results of smaller volume fat removal, having a greater likelihood of uneven or sagging skin. Because of this, large volume fat removal through liposuction is a poor risk all around.

The ideal liposuction candidate

The ideal candidate for the liposuction procedure is an adult from 30 to50 years old, male or female - healthy - who has already dieted and exercised away excess pounds; this individual also has good skin tone and expectations that are realistic.

If you feel you are a good candidate for the liposuction procedure, please schedule a Beverly Hills liposuction consultation at Bray Plastic Surgery Medical Center at 310-534-8300 to learn more about how we may assist you.

Silicone vs. saline implants

2009-06-07T15:23:00.000-07:00

Choices do exist when it comes to breast augmentation. The primary options involve saline versus silicone implants

Saline implants

Two saline implants are on the market. The first is a fixed volume implant that is full of the complete saline content when it is implanted. The other is an adjustable volume implant that can be filled during the implant procedure, and its volume can be adjusted after the operation is complete. They come in sizes from about 100 cubic centimeters (cc, about three ounces) to about 800 cc. They can have smooth or textured shells, and they come in three different profiles. The higher the profile, the more the implant projects from the chest in relation to volume. Higher profile implants can help women with narrow chests achieve the results they are looking for.

Silicone implants

Silicone implants have the same options for surfaces, profiles, shapes, volumes, and thicknesses as saline implants. Sometimes, a silicone implant is even encased in a saline implant. Silicone gel-filled implants cannot increase and decrease in volume. In the1990's, connective tissue diseases were thought to be brought about by silicone breast implants in some recipients. This link has for the most part been discredited, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to collect data.

Advantages of Each

Some surgeons feel that silicone implants are more natural than saline. In fact, women seeking breast augmentation worldwide choose silicone implants 90 % of the time. Saline implants also have a few benefits. If a silicone implant ruptures, ruptures are harder to locate. If saline implants rupture, the implant deflates. If a silicone implant ruptures, the breast is unchanged—even with silicone leaking into tissue because the majority of silicone stays in the capsule the body forms around the implant. Replacing a silicone implant is also more complex than fixing a leaky saline implant.

If you are considering breast augmentation, please contact the office of Dr. David Bray at 310-534-8300 to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we may assist you.

Mommy Makeover

2009-06-02T15:45:00.000-07:00

Childbirth and nursing can be tough on a woman’s body. Many women are seeking out procedures categorized as the “Mommy Makeover” to rejuvenate their appearance following these experiences.

Abdominoplasty

Typically the Mommy Makeover is comprised of a couple of elements. The central surgery is an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). This procedure can be enhanced by introducing liposuction for some areas. In abdominoplasty, the stomach area’s interior muscles are made taut. Skin is tightened over the region and excess skin is incised away after which the area is stitched back into place. Liposuction handles the final contouring and shaping, working on specific fatty areas that a healthy diet and exercise program can’t impact.

Breast Enhancement

Generally, a Mommy Makeover also involves a degree of breast enhancement, such as breast augmentation or breast lift, which will depend on the patient’s personal wishes. Following breast feeding, some women’s breast tissue decreases. An implant can restore this lost fullness. Many women chose to add increased size at this point. Sagging may be some women’s concern, and a breast lift procedure may be in order.

If you are mother who would like to explore the possibilities of a Mommy Makeover, please schedule a Mommy Makeover consultation with Bray Plastic Surgery Medical Center at 310-534-8300 to learn more about how we may assist you.

Breast Augmentation

2009-06-02T15:22:00.000-07:00

Women seek out breast augmentation procedures for a variety of reasons. Breast implant insertion does more than simply increase your breast size: it can also create more youthful and firm breasts and enhance the body’s overall proportions. For example larger, fuller breasts make the waist appear to shrink and can put large hips and buttocks in proportion. In addition, breast implants can be used to correct breast asymmetry.

Breast augmentation with other procedures

Sometimes breast augmentation is not performed in isolation. It can be coupled effectively with other procedures, such as the breast lift, especially to assist with sagging breast tissue. For sagging breasts that result from pregnancy, breast feeding, or just aging, a breast augmentation combined with breast lift is sometimes required to lift the breasts.

Breast implant options

Breast implant options are available for breast augmentation. Most implants produced and utilized today are made up of one or more outer shells of silicone, filled with liquid silicone or a saline solution. Implants can come in many sizes and shapes, and different sized implants can even be used for correcting breast asymmetry.

If you are considering a breast augmentation procedure, please contact the office of Dr. David Bray at 310-534-8300 to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we may assist you.

Tumescent liposuction

2009-05-25T15:30:00.000-07:00

More and more people are taking advantage of the benefits that cosmetic procedures such as liposuction procedures can offer. If you are in generally good health, at or near your ideal weight, but are still unsatisfied with your figure, especially those stubborn fat deposits that exercise simply cannot remove, liposuction may be the ideal solution for you.

How the procedure works

Tumescent liposuction is a newer form of liposuction; the technique uses diluted anesthetic and saline solution to fill up the skin’s fat layer before getting rid of regions of excess fat. The area swells, allowing the surgeon a bigger work area. The additional solution also facilitates the removal of fat while the inclusion of a steroid causes the blood vessels to constrict, reducing damage to blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. This makes recovery from the procedure faster and less uncomfortable. With the use of local anesthesia, general anesthesia is not necessary, so these risks are eliminated.

The combination of all these factors results in a shaping process is more sophisticated and better refined.

Safe and Less Costly

An outpatient surgery, tumescent liposuction is less expensive than procedures requiring hospitalization. And since the patient is conscious, the doctor can ask that his/her position change to gain better access to areas requiring correction.

Tumescent liposuction is very safe, and facilitates deep and surface fat layer removal with minimal discomfort. Also, quick recovery, better results, and less bleeding and bruising are characteristics of tumescent liposuction. Occasionally, minor complications such as skin irregularities, lumps, dimples, looseness of the skin, infections, numbness, and scarring rarely occur and are generally easily repaired.

If you are interested in tumescent liposuction or other liposuction procedures, please schedule a Los Angeles liposuction consultation at the Bray Plastic Surgery Medical Center at 310-534-8300 to learn more about how we may assist you.

Liposuction

2009-05-14T08:47:00.000-07:00

The liposuction procedure targets areas of excess fat, removing fat to give the body more healthy, youthful-looking curves. It is best used on those individuals who are successfully following a healthy lifestyle but have fatty areas that are resistant to diet and exercise.

Fat is removed through a slim, pliable metal rod, called a cannula. Depending on the area being targeted the equipment and the procedure can vary, with narrow cannulae used in areas where finer fat deposits are present, and wider cannulae in larger, tougher fat deposits.

Liposuction is can shape and contour the body, creating more attractive proportions by eliminating specific areas of fat that will not respond to healthy lifestyle habits, such as diet and exercise. Locations commonly associated with liposuction include the stomach, hips, thighs, and buttocks. Liposuction can also be the procedure of choice for male breast reduction and facial recontouring, either by itself or as a complement to a facelift or neck lift.

It is important to note that liposuction is no quick route to weight loss. Risks of liposuction increase dramatically with body mass index, so it is recommended that you begin a routine of exercise and switch to a healthy diet before considering liposuction. Also, the results of liposuction depend heavily on skin tone and if your skin is not elastic enough, you may need an abdominoplasty or other body lift instead of liposuction.

If you are interested in exploring the possibilities that liposuction could hold for you, please schedule a Los Angeles liposuction consultation with Bray Plastic Surgery Medical Center the office of Dr. David Bray at 310-534-8300 to learn more about how we may assist you.

Full Abdominoplasty Results

2009-05-07T15:52:00.001-07:00

The full abdominoplasty is the best choice for those who have excess skin and muscle laxity above the belly button. This tummy tuck procedure is meant to correct excessive skin and correct muscle laxity between the pubic hairline and the ribcage.

The incision is generally at the panty line so that it will be concealed while wearing many types of underwear or a French-style bikini. If you are a beachgoer, visiting us with a distinct tan line can help Dr. Bray more precisely determine the incision placement. Most patients who have a tummy tuck are thrilled with their tummy tuck results, including the new fit of their clothes.

With proper postoperative care, the scar diminishes, and becomes a very secondary concern. A two-piece swimming suit can typically be worn following surgery, concealing the scar, but showing off the new, flatter tummy.

All surgeries include risks. Full abdominoplasty risks include blood clots, scarring, infection, and reacting to anesthesia. These risks are minimized if you are a healthy individual with near-ideal weight, and you work with an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon.

If you are considering a tummy tuck procedure, please schedule a tummy tuck consultation with Bray Plastic Surgery Medical Center at 310-534-8300 to learn more about this and other cosmetic surgery procedures.

Who’s a good candidate for abdominoplasty?

2009-05-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

The popularity of the abdominoplasty procedure has been on the rise in recent years. However, in order to ensure a good outcome, it is important to determine if you are a good candidate before moving ahead with any procedure. This is the case for most cosmetic procedures.

Good candidates for abdominoplasty surgery (tummy tucks) have the following characteristics:

• Close to their ideal body weight (within 30%) – you many still be a good candidate if you have a lot of fat in an isolated area
• Want to remove loose skin, some fat, and muscle laxity in the abdominal area that is diet- and exercise-resistant
• Weight stable for six months or more
• Good skin tone and elasticity
• Realistic expectations
• Emotionally stable
• Understands the risks of surgery

If you smoke, have quit smoking in the recent past, or are often exposed to second-hand smoke, be aware that smoking decreases the amount of blood that flows to your body's tissues. The result is slower wound healing, skin loss, higher risk of infection, more scarring, and a variety of other possible complications.

If you are planning to lose quite a bit of weight, do so prior to your surgery. If you wish to get pregnant, consider waiting on abdominoplasty surgery since your abdomen will just become stretched with another pregnancy, and a number of women experience additional discomfort during pregnancy following a tummy tuck.

If you are considering a tummy tuck procedure, please contact Bray Plastic Surgery Medical Center at 310-534-8300 to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we may assist you.

Mini-tummy tuck

2009-04-27T11:25:00.000-07:00

If you have sagging skin in the abdominal region rather than a protruding stomach, a mini-tummy tuck, or partial abdominoplasty, versus a full abdominoplasty, may be all you need to create a sleeker appearance. Where the full tummy tuck provides tightening throughout the abdominal region, the mini tummy tuck only provides tightening between the navel and the pubic region.

The mini tummy tuck procedure

A local anesthetic coupled with a mild sedative is usually enough for a mini tummy tuck. The length of the incision is generally decided by the amount of skin the physician wishes to remove; the length will usually not be as long as required for a full tummy tuck. During a full tummy tuck, the surgeon recreates the navel. This does not generally occur in a mini abdominoplasty.

Just as a mini tummy tuck procedure utilizes a smaller incision than the full tummy tuck, the mini tummy tuck also requires that a lesser portion of the abdomen be exposed; after stomach muscle tightening, the doctor pulls down the skin, cutting away any unwanted tissue and securing the remaining skin in place. A drainage tube may be placed temporarily at the site of the incision.

Your surgeon may employ liposuction to refine his/her results depending on the outcome of the first procedure.

If you are considering a mini tummy tuck procedure, please schedule a mini tummy tuck consultation with Bray Plastic Surgery Medical Center at 310-534-8300 today.

Asian blepharoplasty

2009-04-20T07:55:00.000-07:00

It is estimated that 50-75 percent of all Asians either do not have a crease in the upper eyelid or have an underdeveloped crease. Sometimes, people without an upper eyelid crease feel this part of their appearance is unattractive or excessively marks their ethnicity and therefore they desire a surgery that can help them achieve the double eyelid.

A popular choice for Asians

A variety of eyelid surgery approaches can be used to create the double eyelid. These include a full-incision, partial incision and even a non-surgical method (called the DST method). Each on of these approaches can have advantages over the others depending on what the patient is attempting to achieve and the initial appearance of the eyelid. In Asians that do have a crease, this crease can be different in size and shape than the typical crease visible in other ethnicities. Surgically creating a double upper eyelid recently has evolved into one of the most widely sought after procedures for Asian women in both Asia and the United States.

Reasons Asians undergo the procedure

An added eyelid crease can make the eye seem to grow in size and the face appear more open or less tired. Make-up can become easier to apply. The vast majority of Asians who select eyelid surgery do so for these reasons, not to look more “Western” or “American.” For those who go the route of a full eyelid surgery, pockets of fat under the eye can be taken out, and the surrounding eye area can be smoothed and revitalized.

If you are an Asian interested in the possibilities of an eyelid procedure, please schedule a blepharoplasty consultation with Bray Plastic Surgery Medical Center at 310-534-8300 to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we may assist you.

Upper vs. lower eyelid blepharoplasty

2009-04-15T08:43:00.000-07:00

A fairly easy way to create a more youthful look is to have an eyelid procedure, or blepharoplasty. These procedures can be done to the lower or upper lids, or to both lids.

Why blepharoplasty?

The whole point of blepharoplasty is to reduce that tired, puffy look that many of us acquire as we grow older. Upper eyelids start to become hooded and lower lids develop baggy tissue—these are the areas where blepharoplasty can triumph. Even vision problems can be corrected if the upper eyelid droops so far that vision is impaired. Sometimes, if aging issues are particularly focused in the eye area, an eye lift may be all that is needed to generate a much more youthful look.

Blepharoplasty for Asian women

Around 50-75 percent of all Asians have a single eyelid; they do not have a crease in the upper eyelid. Creating a double upper eyelid through surgery has grown into a popular procedure for Asian women.

Adding the crease seems to make the eye larger and can open up the face. Make-up is easier to put on. Asians who chose this type of surgery do so for these reasons and are not desirous of a more “Western” look.

If you are interested in exploring blepharoplasty or other cosmetic enhancement procedures, please schedule a Los Angeles cosmetic surgery consultation at the Bray Plastic Surgery Medical Center at 310-534-8300 to learn more about how we may assist you.

Tummy Tuck

2009-04-06T11:30:00.000-07:00

Although liposuction is good for targeting stubborn fat deposits, it is sometimes insufficient. The full abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure typically used for patients with a large protruding abdomen due not only to fat, but also to excess skin that cannot be counted on to retract after a liposuction and to loose abdominal muscles.

The tummy tuck procedure

During a full abdominoplasty:

• The surgeon makes his/her incision from one hipbone to the other.
• In the full procedure, the patient’s navel is detached; this allows the surgeon to pull up the skin and reveal the full abdominal area, up to the ribcage.
• As the surgeon works, he or she is not limited to working in the area between the pelvic region and the navel.
• The surgeon tightens the underlying muscles with permanent sutures, trims and redrapes the skin, and incises away any remaining fat.
• The surgeon also makes an incision that allows the navel to be reattached.

Your abdominoplasty procedure may be combined with liposuction to provide additional shaping and contouring and to get rid of additional fat.

If you are considering an abdominoplasty procedure, please schedule a Beverly Hills abdominoplasty consultation with Bray Plastic Surgery Medical Center at 310-534-8300 to learn more about the abdominoplasty procedure.