Surgical Procedures

Body

It is no secret that a person’s outer appearance can significantly affect how they feel on the inside. Unfortunately, diet and exercise alone are not enough to achieve the streamlined body most men and women are looking for. Therefore it is not the least bit surprising that liposuction is the number one cosmetic surgery procedure in the U.S. year after year! At Bay Area MedAesthetics, our surgeons are skilled in improving body contour through liposuction, a procedure that removes unwanted excess fat that is frequently resistant to even the most rigorous weight-loss regimens.

Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation is surgical procedure designed to increase the size and enhance the shape of one’s breasts. Not only can this procedure enhance your appearance, it can possibly help build your self-confidence and self esteem. Also as a result of the procedure, many women have found it easier to dress in certain styles of clothing. Women have different reasons for undergoing breast augmentation.

The best candidates for breast augmentation are: Women who feel their breasts are too small and looking to improve their figure.

• Women who have lost breast volume and shape as a result of pregnancy and nursing.
• Woman whose breasts have lost volume and shape as a result of aging.
• There is a significant difference in the sizes of both breasts
• Weight loss has changed the shape and or size of your breast

For any reason a woman might have for wanting breast augmentation, ultimately the individual should be in good physical condition and have realistic goals and expectations in order to be considered a good candidate for the procedure.

The breast augmentation procedure involves the surgical placement of an implant within a woman’s breast. A breast implant is a silicone shell filled with either a saltwater solution known as saline, or filed with a silicone gel. If the saline-filled implant leaks, the fluid is absorbed into the body. This is the same as if the saline were given asan IV fluid. Currently the FDA approves saline-filled implants to be used on an unrestricted basis, while silicone gel-filled implants are only to be used in certain cases. Information regarding implants is discussed with the patient during consultation and at the time of surgery.

The incision can be placed in a number of different locations including around the areola, in the armpit, but often times it is made underneath the breast and just above the crease. The doctor takes every effort to assure that the incision is placed so the resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible. After the incision is made, a pocket is created either under the breast tissue or under the pectoralis muscle. This pocket is made just large enough to accommodate the implant. The implant is then positioned to give the best cosmetic result. The method of inserting and positioning an implant is dependent upon factors based on the patient's anatomy that are discussed with Your doctor at the time of the consultation.

Following surgery, detailed instructions are given to the patient as to postoperative care and activity. It is important for a patient to follow these instructions in order to minimize any complications and to help achieve the best results. The surgeon will also advise the patient as to when they can return to their normal activities. Most patients are able to return to work within a few days, and more strenuous activities in about two to three weeks following surgery.

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Breast Lift

As time passes, pregnancy, nursing, excessive weight loss and gravity have adverse effects on women's breasts causing them to lose their elasticity, firmness, and shape. This creates a sagging appearance. A breast lift is a procedure that corrects this condition using a combination of removing excess breast skin, tightening the skin. If desired, implants may be used to restore breasts to their natural shape and size.

The best candidates for a breast lift (Mastopexy) are healthy, emotionally stable women who are realistic about the result they would like to achieve. A breast lift can enhanceyour appearance and your self-confidence. The best results are achieved on women with small, sagging breasts due to loss of skin elasticity secondary to pregnancy and / or nursing, or weight loss. Those who plan to have more children may want to postpone surgery, as the process of pregnancy and breast-feeding may change the final result of the surgery.

There are benefits to undergoing breast lift surgery, however with any surgical procedure there is always the possibility of complications occurring. Possible complications associated with breast lift include bleeding and infection following surgery, which may cause scars to widen, (poor healing and wider scars are common in smokers). The procedure can also leave you with different positioned nipples, or a change in feeling in the nipple or breast.

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Breast Reduction

Breast reduction, otherwise known as mammaplasty, has become a common procedure for women with oversized breasts. Large breasts carry several ramifications such as back and neck pain, headaches, breathing difficulties, and even skeletal deformities. For this reason, mammaplasty is most commonly done for physical relief rather than cosmetic reasons. Mammaplasty patients are nearly always pleased with their newly contoured breasts.

It is beneficial to know what you want and to know what to expect when meeting with your surgeon for the first time. Bring pictures of breasts that portray what you are looking for, and be prepared for the surgeon to measure and photograph your breasts as well. This is necessary to achieve the best shape and symmetry possible.

The most common method of mammaplasty involves the “keyhole anchor” incision. This is done by making an incision around the areola, which is the darker skin surrounding the nipple. The incision is then brought vertically from the bottom center of the areola to the crease under your breast where it is extended horizontal both right and left. This may seem like a large incision, but it generally cannot be seen under a bra or bikini. There are also methods to reduce the visibility of scarring after the surgery.

After the incision is made, excess tissue will be removed from the breast, which may include some of the mammary glands. If you are planning on breast feeding in the future, breast reduction may not be the best option for you at this time. The nerves and blood vessels to the nipple are generally kept intact. Very rarely, if breasts are very pendulous, they make need to be removed and regrafted. The areola can be easily placed aesthetically on your newly sculpted breasts, however one should expect to notice a decrease in or lack of sensation of this tissue should it have to be removed from the nerves and vessels.

Once the areola is placed in its new position, the skin from both sides of the breast is brought down and around the areola, giving the breast its new contour. Liposuction may be used to remove fat from the armpit area for a more dramatic result. The incision is then meticulously stitched to minimize visible scarring. If there is excess fluid in the breasts during surgery, your doctor may choose to place a temporary drain which is easily removed shortly after.

Other techniques for breast reduction are less commonly used, but also effective. For those few candidates who may only need fat removed from their breasts to achieve their desired results, liposuction alone may be a good choice. This option is ideal as it leaves behind even less scarring than traditional mammoplasty. Not everyone is a candidate, but your surgeon will be more than happy to discuss it with you.

Breast reduction typically takes from 2-4 hours, and is done under general anesthesia which means you’ll be asleep throughout the procedure. The operation is done in hospitals as well as outpatient surgery centers, and recovery time before returning home may range from several hours to a few days. After surgery your chest will be covered by an elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings. Make sure you have a sport bra with good support waiting at home.

The majority of patients are up and about after just a few days, but should continue to avoid strenuous activities such as sexual activity, lifting, or pulling for at least one to three weeks. While different surgeons may have specific limitations they prefer their patients to follow, patients across the board typically experience some achiness in their breasts for a couple of weeks.

You will need time to adjust to your new body as the healing doesn’t occur overnight. Be patient however, breast reduction results in the most rapid body-image changes. You will feel better physically with your new breasts, you’ll be better proportioned, and your clothes will fit better, leaving you feeling good about the new you in no time at all!

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Surgery of the Ear

Otoplasty, or surgery of the ear, is a common solution for people with large ears or ears that protrude from the side of the head. It can also be used to improve conditions such a "lop ear", "shell ear", "cupped ear", and even those born without ears. It is typically done on children ages 4-14 after the ear is done growing, but can also be performed on adults with no additional risks.

The best technique will be recommended after your surgeon evaluates your child’s or your own condition, and he will also tell you how to prepare for your surgery.

One technique commonly used by surgeons involves making a small incision behind the ear to expose the cartilage which is then folded or sculpted back towards the head and the incision is then stitched to maintain the shape. The cartilage is sometimes folded back upon itself and then stitched to maintain the contour, which allows the ear to lie flatter against the head and appear more natural. Occasionally, a larger piece of the cartilage will be removed to provide more aesthetically pleasing results.

The head is then wrapped in a bandage for better healing and molding. The ears may throb or ache for a few days following surgery, so you will be given a medicine for pain control. Stitches are typically removed or dissolved after 7 days, leaving a faint scar in the back of the ear.

The surgery may take from 2-3 hours. Anesthesia ranges from local anesthesia with sedation to general anesthesia, depending on the patient age and level of cooperation.

The procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis at a hospital, surgery center, or in an office setting. Most patients are enjoying the comfort of home within several hours following their surgery.

While complications of otoplasty are rare, patients may develop a blood clot in the ear which may dissolve naturally or can be drawn out with a needle. Infection, which can be treated with antibiotics, may also occur. Most patients avoid complications, and are extremely pleased with the improvement in their condition.

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Lip Augmentation

Lip augmentation is used by men and women of all ages in order to achieve plumper, more attractive lips, and reduce wrinkles around the mouth. It may be done on one or both of the lips by inserting natural or synthetic material, or by placing material from the inside of the lip to the outside.

Depending on the procedure, results may be temporary or long lasting.

Talk to your surgeon to discuss your needs and surgical options, of which there are many. Each has its own particular advantages and limitations.

Injections

The lips are filled with a soft substance, most commonly fat or collagen, to give them a fuller appearance. Other injectable materials such as Restylane, and Captique may also be used. Recovery time is minimal.

• Collagen injections are temporary and may result in allergic reactions. The injections are done via small needles every 1-3 months.


• Restylane: it is a natural cosmetic dermal filler made of non-animal-based hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that already exists in the human body and is used to provide volume and fullness to the skin. It corrects moderate to to severe facial wrinkles and folds such as the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth (nasolabials folds). It has been used by plastic surgeons since 1996 wolrwide and generally the the effects last for about six months.


• Fat injections make use of your own purified fat, usually from your abdomen or thighs. Because it is from your own body, there is no risk of an allergic reaction. The injections are temporary and are often performed more than once for optimal results.


• Captique: The newest FDA approved non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid dermal filler. It is a clear gel containing a purified form of hyaluronic acids that adds volume lost during the aging process by temporarily smoothing out facial lines and wrinkles. It is injected just under the skin's surface in order to temporarily correct wrinkles. Simple procedure that can be done during your lunch hour. It can be used to fill in smile lines and frown lines between the eyes.

Grafts

Grafting is done with fat or synthetic material through small incisions inside the mouth or via injection. AllorDerm and SoftForm are two popular materials used to enhance the lips. Recovery is typically more painful than injections, and time to return to activities may take one to two weeks.

• Fat grafting: fat harvested from your own body is injected by needle into various areas of the lips. It is long lasting in about half of all patients, however it may be absorbed by others in whom results are more temporary.


• Local Flaps: material from the inside of the mouth is pushed into the lip for enhancement. It is a temporary procedure, often used in conjunction with grafting. Incisions may be made inside the mouth or above the lip.

Laser

Check with your doctor to see if laser rejuvenation, which tightens the natural tissue of the lips, is available.

Lip augmentations may take a half an hour to two hours depending on the procedure. If you are healthy you will not need to be hospitalized for surgery. It can be done under local anesthesia with sedation on an outpatient basis; you will leave for the comforts of home within a few hours.

Though the procedure are painless, patients may experience discomfort and swelling afterward; less discomfort is typically experienced with injections versus grafts and flaps.

Consult your surgeon in order to discuss more fully all of your lip augmentation options. If you are not ready to commit to a permanent augmentation, opting for a temporary lip-enhancement may be your best initial choice.

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Liposuction

Dr. Chin and Dr. Lau have perfected the art of liposuction through extensive experience slimming problem areas of the body such as:

• Cheeks
• Neck
• Upper arms
• Abdomen
• Hips
• Buttocks
• Thighs
• Knees

Mastering your problem areas through liposuction can be accomplished by either the fluid injection technique or the ultrasound lipoplasty technique.

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Mole Removal

As men and women reach young adulthood, they begin to develop nevi, otherwise known as moles. Some are quite unnoticeable, but others can be concerning for multiple reasons:

• They may appear suspicious for cancer or pre-cancer
• They rub or catch on clothing and become a source of skin irritation
• They are unsightly

Mole removal is a simple way to get rid of unsightly or concerning nevi. They are three primary methods of mole removal used today:

• Shaving. This is the most frequently used method of removal, common in moles that are irritated by clothing or shaving. The mole and surrounding skin is injected with anesthetic to prevent pain, and is then shaved off with a scalpel at a level flush with the patients skin. The drawback to this method is that the moles often grow back, and may grow back darker than they were initially.


• Elliptical excision. This method is frequently used if there is a high suspicion of melanoma, or when the patient is concerned about regrowth, re-pigmentation or uneven skin contours. These problems are avoided by making an elliptical shaped incision around the mole, and also excising the underlying tissue. The elliptical shaped incision assures that the skin edges will align properly for good closure, and removal of the underlying tissue prevents the regrowth and re-pigmentation as well as removing all cancerous cells if that is the case. This method does carry an increased risk of bleeding, infection and visible scarring, though that risk remains low.


• Laser. Laser mole removal is a great option to minimize bleeding and scarring. The light energy put forth from the laser is absorbed by the skin pigment, which is then broken up and removed by the body during the healing process. There is no pain involved, just a tingling sensation. Most flat spots can be removed with a single treatment, however protruding lesions may require repeat treatments due to the depth of the pigment. Three treatments are usually sufficient.

After mole removal the treatment area becomes red or darker. This will fade in a matter of weeks during the healing process. Covering your skin with sunscreen is an essential part of the healing process.

Mole removal is done on an outpatient basis in less than an hour, and there is no downtime afterward. Your surgeon will help you to determine which method is best for you.

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Fluid Injection

This type of liposuction involves injecting fluid into the fatty tissue before it is removed. The fluid helps with pain control, reduces blood loss, makes fat removal easier, and decreases bruising after surgery. The tumescent technique and the super-wet technique are two types of fluid injection liposuction procedures.

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Tummy Tuck

Many women are turning to abdominoplasty, otherwise known as a “tummy tuck”, to get rid of their protruding bellies or excess abdominal skin. Whether you’ve had multiple pregnancies, or just cannot get rid of that stubborn bulge that does not respond to strict dieting or exercise, a tummy tuck may be just what the doctor ordered.

Depending on the extent of reconstruction one of two different techniques may be used, complete or partial:

Complete Abdominoplasty

In abdominoplasty, the surgeon starts by making an incision so that the skin can be separated from the wall of the abdomen. The most common incision starts from one hip, dips down to just above the pubic area, and returns up to the other hip. This is a large incision, but one that is usually completely covered by undergarments or bikini bottoms so it is very inconspicuous.

Next an incision is made around the navel, or belly button, to free it from the surrounding tissue, so that it may be properly replaced symmetrically on the abdomen later on in the surgery. The surgeon lifts the skin from the abdomen wall up to the bottom of the rib cage to expose the rectus abdominis muscles. These are the muscles of your belly that run up and down just below the skin and fat, and keep your abdomen looking sleek, unless they have become stretched out by childbirth or weight gain. These muscles are pulled closer together and stitched into place, providing a firm, smooth abdominal wall and slim waistline.

A tube may be placed to drain excess fluid, but this tube does not remain in the surgical site for very long. Complete abdominoplasty may take from 3-5 hours, and leaves a larger scar than partial abdominoplasty.

Partial abdominoplasty

The doctor separates the skin only between the incision line and the belly button. Then the flap of skin is stretched down and the excess skin removed. Finally the flap of skin is stitched back into place. The navel does not need to be removed, and like complete abdominoplasty the procedure will lead to a flatter, trimmer tummy. A partial tummy tuck may take 1-2 hours.

Both surgeries will leave visible scars easily covered by normal undergarments; they may seem to get worse before they get better, but this is normal. Patients do experience discomfort and swelling of the abdomen for the first couple of days following the procedure, but are generally released home anytime from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the outcome of the surgery and the surgeons wishes. Starting out in good physical shape before the surgery, and as always, not smoking will help minimize recovery time, and have you on your way to the new and beautiful you!

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Ultrasound Lipoplasty

By using a special instrument which produces ultrasonic energy, fat is liquified as the instrument passes through the tissue exploding the fat cell membranes. The liquefied fat is then suctioned from the body using traditional liposuction techniques.

Although our highly-trained surgeons prefer the tumescent technique, they realize that each client’s individual needs as well as particular areas of the body may call for a unique approach.

While liposuction is not a substitute for proper nutrition and exercise, it can help a person to sculpt their problem areas and boost self-confidence! Scheduling a consultation with Dr. Lau or Dr. Chin ensures that you will have the chance to ask all of your questions about liposuction or alternative body contouring. Our staff is committed to making sure you are empowered with a clear understanding of the information you need to make decisions about liposuction or any other cosmetic surgery procedures!

We provide before and after pictures for viewing, and take the time to get to know your body in a way which will ensure precision during the surgery, and a flawless finished product that our clients can be excited about. Don’t let those problem areas ruin your body image and limit your self-esteem! Contact Bay Area MedAesthetics and set up an appointment to see what liposuction can do for you!

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Face

Rhinoplasty

Surgery of the nose is one of the most common of all plastic surgery procedures. There are individuals who have been unhappy with the appearance of their nose for their whole life, and there are individuals who have had their nose altered as a result of injury. Rhinoplasty offers a solution to these individuals. The best candidates for a rhinoplasty are those people who are looking for an improvement in the way they look, not those searching for perfection. There are many ways rhinoplasty can improve upon one’s nasal appearance. This surgery can reduce or increase the overall size of your nose, change the shape of the tip or bridge, narrow or widen the nostrils. Not only can rhinoplasty enhance appearance, it can also help improve one’s breathing. The consultation is an important part of the process because it allows the doctor to examine the current state of the nose and determine what can be done to enhance its appearance.

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Dr. Chin and Dr. Lau perform a variety of facial plastic surgery procedures to enhance one’s natural beauty and create a more youthful look. All procedures are performed in our comfortable state-of-the art licensed surgery centers located in X, X, and X.

Most clients find themselves with several questions as they read about each procedure and contemplate which sounds right for them. Our staff is looking forward to answering your simplest or most complicated questions in a consultation visit with Dr. Chin or Dr. Lau.

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Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a procedure which decreases excess fat or drooping skin on or around the eyelids to correct a tired or aged appearance. It is also used to correct vision problems which are secondary to eyelid abnormalities, and may even be covered by insurance for this purpose. Resurfacing, which eliminates fine lines, has become a popular supplement to blepharoplasty. This combination leaves clients looking youthful and refreshed! Patients of all ages have been pleased with the impeccable results of eyelid surgery at Bay Area MedAesthetics. Contact our surgeons today to find out how it may help you!

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Facelift

Are you tired of severe wrinkling or loose skin around your neck and jaw? If so, rhytidectomy, otherwise known as a facelift, may be for you. Rhytidectomy is most commonly performed on men and women over 40, but is also performed on younger patients for a variety of reasons. The actual procedure helps to restore a more youthful appearance by lifting facial muscles and underlying structures, as well as removing and repositioning excess skin. For more dramatic results, clients often choose to combine a facelift with a complementary procedure or treatment such as eyelid surgery, a chemical peel, or laser skin resurfacing.

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Nose Surgery

Rhinoplasty, or surgery to reshape the nose, is designed to make the nose more aesthetically pleasing or to correct breathing problems. Dr. Chin and Dr. Lau customize each rhinoplasty procedure to harmonize with each patient’s natural features, sculpting a contour which is pleasing to the eye while preserving individual facial qualities. Our surgeons strive to create an attractive and distinct looking nose based on their client’s requests and personal features instead of just giving them a particular celebrity’s nose that will not fit well with their own facial structure. Dr. Chin and Dr. Lau take into account various factors such as:

• Patient requests
• Nasal bone and cartilage structure
• Face shape
• Age
• Skin thickness

By brining together all of this information our surgeons are able to create well thought out results, and our patients experience high levels of satisfaction with their new personal look!

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Facial Implants

A facial implant is used to change the shape of the chin, cheek, or jaw. A chin or cheek implant is designed to augment a specific facial feature or to improve proportion among the structures the face.

Facial implants may accompany a rhinoplasty, facelift, eyelid surgery, or another facial procedure to redefine the appearance of the face. Our doctors use clear understandable language to guide you in understanding your options regarding size, material, and placement method. While looking very natural, implants will provide better proportion to your face and enhance your natural, beautiful qualities!

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