July 11th, 2011
Remove Excess Skin With an Arm Lift
Many procedures are desired following major weight loss. Some of the most common areas patients complain about are sagging skin on the abdomen, thighs, and arms. A brachioplasty, or arm lift, can be performed to remove the excess skin that hangs from the armpit to the elbow, also known as an upper arm lift. Sometimes exercise and increasing muscle tone will help improve the appearance of the arms, but because of the loss of elasticity, surgery may be the best option.
A brachioplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure and requires a one to two week recovery period. The arms are wrapped in a compression garment following surgery and heavy lifting should be avoided. Length of the incision will vary depending on the patient but it is usually placed on the underside of the arm.
Patient satisfaction rate is extremely high with this procedure once the healing phase has been completed. Slim, toned arms can be achieved! Ask Dr. Pollack if this surgery is right for you or contact Del Mar Plastic Surgery with additional questions, 858-450-9100.
Kate
Posted in Home, Liposuction | No Comments »
March 13th, 2011
Plastic Surgery – Multiple Procedures in One Surgery, San Diego
So you’ve decided its time to see some plastic surgeons about getting the body you want and deserve. Perhaps you had a few babies, lost some weight, or just don’t feel as good as you did in your twenties. You write down your “wish list” and head out to see the doctor. Typically at the consultation, the doctor or his consultant will ask you to prioritize the list of procedures you are interested in. Many patients will arrive at the consultation wanting to have multiple plastic surgery procedures in one surgery, which can certainly be accomplished within reason. So the question arises, “which surgeries can I combine?”
There is a limit to how much surgery can safely be performed at one time. We try to limit the amount of time under anesthesia to no more than 6 hours. A mommy makeover usually consists of a tummy tuck, liposuction and breast surgery (lift and/or implants). Adding a thigh lift, arm lift, or facelift to this surgery is usually not recommended. Due to the length of the surgery, and the issues with recovery, adding any additional surgery would unacceptably increase risks. Usually, when considering which procedures to combine, we must consider if the patient will be able to compensate for the area of the body that needs to heal. For instance, when a patient has breast and tummy surgery, she will rely more heavily on her legs postoperatively. Having thigh lift surgery increases the amount a patient relies on her arms and abdominal muscles to move around. These are all factors to consider when requesting all-in-one surgery. At Del Mar Plastic Surgery, Dr. Pollack and his team consider safety first when designing every patient’s treatment plan.
Kate
Posted in Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Breast Revision, Home, Liposuction, Mommy Makeover, Tummy Tuck | No Comments »
January 29th, 2011
Tummy Tuck or Liposuction? Which is right for me?
A typical question we deal with at Del Mar Plastic Surgery in San Diego is: What’s better for me, liposuction of my tummy or a tummy tuck? There are several things to consider in making the right decision.
Liposuction removes unnecessary fat from an area and is very popular in men and women for the abdomen or tummy. Liposuction can also help to tighten the skin a little. If you don’t have a lot of loose or stretchy skin, or a lot of stretch marks, liposuction of the abdominal area can be very effective in creating slim and fit-looking abs.
If you have both too much fat AND skin, you probably need a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). If the skin hangs and creates a fold over the pubic area, liposuction will not tighten the skin enough, and the result will most likely be disappointing. A tummy tuck not only removes unwanted fat, but also the extra skin, resulting in a very tight and smooth abdomen. Although the scar is much larger with a tummy tuck, it is very low and easily hidden with even the smallest panty or bathing suit bottom.
To see pictures and have a free consultation, contact Del Mar Plastic Surgery at 858-450-9100, or email us.
Del Mar Plastic Surgery serves the following communities: San Diego, Encinitas, La Jolla, Oceanside, North County, Del Mar, Carlsbad, Vista, San Marcos, Escondido, Rancho Santa Fe and Poway.
Posted in Home, Liposuction, Tummy Tuck | No Comments »
November 29th, 2010
Cosmetic Surgery Financing, Del Mar
In the current economic climate, most of us don’t have extra cash reserves for the extra beauty treatments we would like to get. Finding ways to pay for cosmetic procedures is becoming more challenging. Thanks to innovative companies such as Care Credit, several options are available to help pay for surgery. Similar to a credit card, you can charge any procedures performed in the office to your account. This makes it convenient when stopping in for maintenance treatments such as Botox and Juvederm. Care Credit is accepted at thousands of medical practices, so it can be used to pay for other medical services as well. Several options for payment including no interest loans are available.
Rather than putting off the breast augmentation or tummy tuck you have been wanting to have, apply at www.carecredit.com and have your surgery today!
Kate
Posted in Botox, Breast Augmentation, Breast Revision, Earlobe Repair, Eyelid Lift, Facial Procedures, Facial Rejuvenation, Fat Transfer, Fillers, Financing Options, Fraxel, Home, Laser Hair Removal, Liposuction, Mommy Makeover, Skin Cancer, Tummy Tuck | No Comments »
October 16th, 2010
Move your tummy and hip fat to your breasts and face – The Age of Fat Transfer!
Transferring fat from one area of the body to another has been done for many years with variable success. Over the last 5 to 10 years, newer techniques for harvesting the fat, rinsing and preparing it, and then injecting it have been developed, making the procedure much more effective, predictable, and successful.
I’ve been doing fat transfer for a couple of years, mostly on breast reconstruction patients, to smooth out deformities that occur as a result of mastectomy. Using newer syringe liposuction techniques, with less pressure and smaller cannulae, more fat survives the suctioning process. The fat then has to be cleaned and prepared for injection, and I use the Cytori Puregraft filter system, which gently separates the healthy fat cells from other tissues. This nearly pure, healthy fat is then injected under minimum pressure using small cannulae, which are similar to large but dull needles. All this is done through tiny 2-3 millimeter incisions, or other incisions already there from other procedures.
Studies have shown that there are stem cells in fatty tissue, and these are transferred with the fat. They have been shown to improve skin quality, especially in patients who have had radiation or have significant sun damage or facial aging.
While implants are still the gold standard for breast augmentation, some women want only a small enlargement and don’t want an implant. To get a 1/2 to 1 cup size increase, fat injection can be ideal if you have enough fat elsewhere. (Most women believe they do!). The procedure takes about 1 hour, and there is considerable less discomfort than with standard implant breast augmentation. Anywhere from 50% to 80% of the transferred fat survives and is permanent. Clinical studies in Europe have demonstrated safety, and there appears to be NO increased risk of breast cancer.
For facial rejuvenation, either with a facelift, or by itself, fat is an excellent filler material. Since it is permanent and your own tissue, there is no risk of rejection. I have used fat injection for lip enhancement, nasolabial folds (lines between the nose and corner of the mouth), and frown lines. It is also helpful to enhance cheeks without having to use implants. And, as mentioned, the skin over the area of the fat injection looks better and younger.
Find out if fat transfer is for you. Call our office for a free consultation.
Del Mar Plastic Surgery serves the following communities: San Diego, Del Mar, La Jolla, Encinitas, Poway, Escondido, Vista, San Marcos and North San Diego County.
Posted in Breast Augmentation, Breast Revision, Eyelid Lift, Facial Procedures, Facial Rejuvenation, Fat Transfer, Home, Liposuction, Mommy Makeover | No Comments »
September 30th, 2010
By H.H.
Before Photo
As I was facing my 50th birthday, I stopped and took stock of my life and did not like what I saw. I was morbidly obese, depressed, reclusive, irritable, had weight related medical issues, and lacked all self-confidence. I guess I could have thrown up my hands and surrendered, but instead I decided to take life by the horns and reinvent myself and start living again. In December 2008, I had Gastric Bypass Surgery; this is not something anyone should enter into without a 100% commitment to changing their life style and eating habits. I made this commitment and the results were phenomenal, within three months I was off all medications, I was especially thrilled to have normal blood pressure again. As I approached my one year mark, I was amazed at my weight loss, my heightened energy, and most importantly my level of happiness and the disappearance of my prior depression, I was happy again.
The next step in my journey included a breast lift/augmentation, finding Dr. Larry Pollack was a blessing. During my first consultation with him I was instantly sure he was the one I wanted to do the procedure. I relied on his expertise and had faith he would do surgically the procedures that would best suit my body type, height, age appropriateness, and my desire to have a natural looking bust line when my surgery was completed. The results far exceeded my expectations and Dr. Pollack’s surgical artistry and sculpting were paramount for me in regaining my self-confidence and poise.
After Photo
My makeover has taken 20-months and I have lost an incredible 163 pounds and feel wonderful. I consider 12/8/09 my 2nd birthday, because I have grown and come so far in my life since that date. I now face the World with excitement and confidence, I also embrace being a woman in my 50’s and sharing my experience with others, to encourage them to never think it is too late to reinvent yourself and be the person you want to be. It does take hard work, dedication, and fabulous surgeons to accomplish the goal, but it is well worth the effort, because we are worth it!
Posted in Breast Augmentation, Breast Revision, Home, Liposuction, Mommy Makeover, Patient Testimonials, Tummy Tuck | No Comments »
August 13th, 2010
San Diego Liposuction
Many of the patients I consult with for liposuction are concerned about maintaining their results. Of course, if you are considering having surgery, 
it is normal to have concerns about how your body might change over time. The goal with liposuction, as with any surgery, is to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and maintain your weight (within a few pounds). It is a common misunderstanding that if you have surgery on one area, you will automatically start seeing more fat somewhere else on your body. That is not the case if you don’t gain weight! Because we remove a large number of fat cells from a concentrated area, a small increase in weight will not show in that area, but it does need to go somewhere. For instance, if you have liposuction of the abdomen and you gain 5 pounds following the procedure, then you will start to notice it in your thighs, your arms, or your face. If you gain a significant amount of weight (10 pounds or more), then you certainly stand a chance of seeing your abdomen plump up again.
Liposuction is designed as a tool to shape the body and remove areas where fat is concentrated. Ideal patients are close to their target body weight, but the procedure can be performed on larger patients as well. Maintaining your body weight is the key to maintaining your results!!! Exercise will also help to firm up the skin, tone the muscles and optimize your results! Please contact our office for a complimentary consultation with Dr. Pollack.
Kate
Posted in Home, Liposuction | No Comments »
July 26th, 2010
San Diego Cosmetic Surgery
It always strikes me as odd when a patient comes to see us who has been wanting a procedure for several years but asks, “aren’t I too old to have this done?” By all means, the answer is no. If you are still healthy and active there is no reason to put off having a cosmetic procedure. While of course there are a good number of patients who choose to have surgery in their 20’s or 30’s, there are also many who seek to look and feel better well into their 70’s.
Take for instance “Jane” (name withheld). Jane is 61 years old and had a full tummy tuck 2 weeks ago. She is vibrant, healthy, and lives an active lifestyle travelling with her husband. At her post-op visit last week, when we walked in to see her, she said “I just can’t believe this is me!”
Dr. Pollack has performed surgery on patients of all ages. So if you have been contemplating making a change for a while, and your outer self doesn’t match your inner self, then you should consider coming in for a consultation. We just might surprise you with a new outlook on life!
Kate
Posted in Breast Augmentation, Breast Revision, Facial Rejuvenation, Fillers, Home, Liposuction, Mommy Makeover, Tummy Tuck | No Comments »
June 9th, 2010
Mommy Makeover Procedure in San Diego
It’s summertime and bikini time in San Diego again! After having one, two, or even three babies, many women don’t even want to think about wearing a swimsuit, but there’s a solution: the Mommy Makeover.
Pregnancy can take it’s toll on a woman’s body, stretching out once firm muscles and tight skin, leaving a baby bulge and loose skin. Also, the breasts can be deflated, losing their pre-pregnancy perkiness, and can also end up droopy.
I have performed many Mommy Makeover procedures in San Diego on women from 25 to 50 years old. A “tummy tuck,” or abdominoplasty, re-tightens the abdominal muscles and removes the excess skin and fat, leaving a flat and toned tummy. At the same time, the breasts can be rejuvenated with a breast augmentation to add more volume and, if necessary, a breast lift to tighten the breast skin and elevate the nipple.
The Mommy Makeover procedure can also include other procedures, such as liposuction. It is designed specifically for each patient’s needs. It can be done as an outpatient procedure, and most patients can go back to work in about 10 days.
Get your body back this summer with a San Diego Mommy Makeover.
Posted in Breast Augmentation, Home, Liposuction, Mommy Makeover, Tummy Tuck | No Comments »
Many procedures are desired following major weight loss. Some of the most common areas patients complain about are sagging skin on the abdomen, thighs, and arms. A brachioplasty, or arm lift, can be performed to remove the excess skin that hangs from the armpit to the elbow, also known as an upper arm lift. Sometimes exercise and increasing muscle tone will help improve the appearance of the arms, but because of the loss of elasticity, surgery may be the best option.
