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 »
December 28th, 2010
Tummy Tuck Cost in Del Mar, San Diego
Depending on the geographical area, doctor’s specialty, and economic stability, the costs of cosmetic surgery will vary greatly. Most patients who are beginning to consider a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) or other procedure, like to know before the initial consultation what type of fees they can expect.
According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), in 2009 the national average for surgeon’s fees was $5,381 for a tummy tuck. In addition to these fees, hospital, OR and anesthesia fees are added. Factoring all of these costs, most patients should expect to pay between $7000-$9000 on average. Many patients also elect to have liposuction of the hip area at the same time to maximize results. This will add approximately $2000 to the cost of the surgery.
Keep in mind, these are averages, and in your search for the right plastic surgeon, you may get very different estimates. Just be sure that the doctor is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and that your anesthesiologist is also an M.D. Surgery centers should always be accredited by The Joint Commission (formerly known as JCHAO), and safety records should be impeccable. Sometimes discount surgeries are performed by physicians in other specialties, or in office facilities.
For further information about financing your tummy tuck surgery, you can check out carecredit.com or for additional questions contact Del Mar Plastic Surgery.
Kate
Posted in Financing Options, Home, Mommy Makeover, 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 »
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 »
July 6th, 2010
One of our most popular procedures lately at Del Mar Plastic Surgery has been the “tummy tuck,” or abdominoplasty. Pregnancy, weight fluctuation, and even aging creates loose abdominal muscles and skin that sometimes can’t be corrected even with the most responsible exercise and diet. Women complain about the “pooch” or bulge below the belly button, or the rolls above the belly button, especially when sitting or bending.
The most common comment I hear from my tummy tuck patients is “Wow, I should have done this a long time ago!” Many of them didn’t know that it was possible to get a flat, tight, firm tummy again with a relatively short, simple, and safe surgery. The scar is low on the tummy, and easily hidden by even the smallest bikini or panty. And best of all, unless you get pregnant or gain a lot of weight, the result is permanent!
I do tummy tucks at the Sharp Outpatient Pavilion in San Diego. Most patients go home the same day and can go back to work in about 10 days, light exercise in 2 to 3 weeks, and unrestricted activities in 6 weeks.
If you’re ready for flat abs again, call us for a free consultation.
Posted in Home, 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 »
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?”
