Cosmetic Surgeons in San Diego, California

The differences between a fine work of art and a lesser piece can be downright subtle. And in few instances are unassumingly minor details as evident as when the face becomes involved. Is it because we are hard-wired to see the slightest differences in the faces around us and interpret their meaning? The most insignificant change can have significant meaning, and often we're not even truly aware of exactly what it was we perceived there.

There are those who see plastic surgery as pure science, and others who consider it an art. With the cosmetic subtleties that are such a part of so many cosmetic procedures, those who see art combined with the science would seem to have an legitimate point. As Doctor Karam, a board certified surgeon in San Diego, CA, says regarding rhinoplasty (nose job), "Perhaps no other operation in plastic surgery has a greater impact in enhancing the way you look than rhinoplasty...Even a subtle change can have a big impact on the attractiveness and balance of the face."

Undoing Sun Damage

Shielding your skin from the summer sun makes good sense, and there are many excellent products that help make it easier than ever. A good sun block with UVA and UVB protection, plus a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, should be summer essentials.

But let's face it - most of us already have sun-damage. In fact, much of the visible damage you see in your skin today may be the result of sun exposure when you were a child or teenager. So what can be done to improve your skin now - and then keep it looking fresher and healthier?

To erase pigmentation, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve tone and texture and stimulate collagen, we recommend the Active FX laser. Active FX is a fractionated CO2 laser that can be done right in our office with minimal down time.

Chemical peels of varying strengths are a common method for resurfacing (deeper peels) or revitalizing (lighter peels) your skin. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) has a slight bleaching effect and often is recommended for patients with darker complexions. TCA can be applied to your neck, upper chest and other areas of skin damaged by sun exposure.

If you are looking for a milder treatment that provides improvement in fine lines and skin texture, you may choose a series of glycolic or salicylic acid peels. Glycolic acid, derived from natural sources such as fruit and milk, is used in varying concentrations as a medical-strength peeling solution. Even a single glycolic acid peel performed by your plastic surgeon may produce the freshening effect you are looking for. Another option of a superficial peel is a salicylic acid peel. This treatment will help smooth fine lines and even skin discoloration while reducing the appearance of acne and environmental damage to the skin.

Facial Rejuvenation: The Difference Between Collagen and Dermal Fillers

Cosmoderm (Human Collagen):
Human collagen does not require skin testing prior to treatment. Collagen is injected just under the surface of the skin to help soften the appearance of facial lines. It is also used to enhance the appearance of lips. Results are immediate and last between 2-4 months. Learn more about Collagen Injections.

Hyaluronic Acids:
There are 2 FDA approved hyaluronic acid dermal fillers available. They are Restylane® and Juvederm®. Juvéderm™ Ultra and Juvéderm™ Ultra Plus are indicated for injection into the mid to deep dermis for correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds (such as nasolabial folds). Side effects were usually mild to moderate lasting 7 days or less and included temporary injection site reactions like redness, pain, firmness, swelling and bumps.

The choice of which dermal filler to use is individual. Factors that influence this are: Areas to be treated, depth of wrinkles, skin texture and cost. A combination of dermal fillers and Botox® treatments can be performed at the same time. These options are best determined during a consultation with a skilled, experienced and qualified Plastic Surgeon. Be sure to have all your questions answered and you fully understand your chosen procedure prior to having the procedure. Do not take this step lightly. Proper pre-procedure planning and research can ean the difference between a successful result and a nightmare.

Breast Reconstruction Options

It is important to be informed about each of the reconstruction options in order to determine the best possible treatment plan for each individual patient.

The unique circumstances of each patient help to determine the best option for the method of reconstruction that can be used. The goals of breast reconstruction surgery are to re-create a breast which matches the opposite breast, or in bilateral cases, to reconstruct two breasts of a patients’s desired size. The nipple and areola (the pigmented area surrounding the nipple) are also reconstructed. It is ideal to consult with a plastic surgeon prior to mastectomy. This allows the surgical teams to plan the treatment that is best suited for the patient, even if the patient decides to wait to have reconstructive surgery at a later date.

Immediate breast reconstruction occurs when reconstruction is performed at the time of mastectomy. Immediate reconstruction has the advantage of usually saving the patient at least one subsequent operation, and has been shown to have a significant psychological benefit, as the patient never has to experience the total loss of a breast. All of the reconstruction options listed below can be performed at the time of mastectomy.

Delayed breast reconstruction is done at a later time. For some women, this may be advised, especially if radiation to the chest area is needed after the mastectomy. Delayed reconstruction is appropriate for these women because radiation therapy following breast reconstruction can increase complications after reconstructive surgery.

How Can Breast Augmentation Improve My Appearance?

I was driving to work the other day and I heard an ad on the radio that talked about Breast Augmentation and how it can greatly improve your appearance and give you more self confidence. Well, I decided that I would learn more about this procedure to see how breast augmentation could do all of these things.

After searching for about 30 minutes I came across a site called drbucky.com and on this website we learned that "Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that uses implants to increase the size and/or improve the shape of your breasts." and that "This allows for a result that enhances the appearance of your breasts and provides for a safe long lasting outcome. Breast augmentation is the management of a patient’s expectations with their body’s limitations."

I found this site to be very useful in helping me find the information I wanted to know and I am very glad I decided to learn something today.

Most Popular Plastic Surgeries Of 2008 - Channel NewsAsia
When the economy slows, it seems we get somewhat less superficial. The market downturn caused the first double-digit percentage pullback in plastic surgery procedures since 2002. In a new survey released Monday by the American Society for Aesthetic
Source: www.channelnewsasia.com

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"Breast augmentation can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently." - Dr Luftman

Belinda Stronach opens up about her breast cancer to raise funds for - Canada East
TORONTO - Belinda Stronach is speaking out about her experience with breast cancer to promote an event aimed at raising funds for a new Toronto centre for treating and researching the disease. The former MP and auto parts executive was diagnosed
Source: www.canadaeast.com

Node transplant may help lymphedema's painful swelling - Detroit Free Press
Two years after her mastectomy, Susan Cochrane spent the day in her Tecumseh yard planting flowers. She got a mild sunburn on her arms, though she had been careful to wear sunscreen and gloves. That night, her left arm looked a little swollen and red
Source: www.freep.com

Axis Three Announces Launch Of Portrait 3D-Breast V.2.0, World's First - Medical News Today
Axis Three, the leader and pioneer of surgical simulation tools for the cosmetic surgery industry, today announced the general availability of the Portrait 3D - Breast, the world's first simulation software based on physics-driven tissue typing. This
Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com

Imaging Diagnostic Systems Achieves Technical Breakthrough with New - PR Inside
Imaging Diagnostic Systems, Inc., (OTCBB:IMDS) a pioneer in laser optical breast cancer imaging systems, announced today that it has enhanced its CT Laser Mammography (CTLM®) system with a reconstruction algorithm that improves visualization of
Source: www.pr-inside.com

Fitness aids in cancer recovery - Montgomery Advertiser
On a recent afternoon at Metro Fitness and Core­Vibes Studio in east Mont­gomery, the mood was peaceful. Gentle sunlight streamed in through the walls of upper windows as a small group of women made the rounds of the upstairs track, talking. As
Source: www.montgomeryadvertiser.com

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"Breast augmentation can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently." - Dr Luftman