May 18th, 2011
Cosmetic Surgery Makeover in Del Mar, San Diego
Chances are, once you have decided to undergo a facial procedure to enhance your appearance, you are fairly invested in how you look. The decision to undergo a facelift, browlift, laser procedures, or eyelid surgery is a big one! Give yourself plenty of time to heal and don’t expect to feel “normal” right away. Even the slightest changes to your face might make you uneasy at first. Here are some tips to feeling better quickly and maximizing your results:
• Once your doctor allows you to wear makeup, visit a specialist at your local department store who can help you color match your skin and cover any residual bruising.
• Interact with friends….the isolation of recovery can lead to post-op depression. Allow yourself to visit with people who love you.
• Get your hair done. If you need new color, spruce it up! Get a new style or a blow-out. Why spend all the money on surgery and leave your hair in an old, dull style?
• See a brow shaper. Eyebrows are extremely important in framing the face. Wax your brows and your upper lip for a smooth appearance.
• Most of all, take it easy on yourself. If your new look isn’t just right, give it some time. Cosmetic surgery “recovery” is not overnight.
Kate
Posted in Eyelid Lift, Facial Procedures, Facial Rejuvenation, Home, Liquid Facelift | No Comments »
March 24th, 2011
Wrinkle Removal with Facial Fillers in Del Mar, San Diego
Everyone likes to see results instantly. With many surgical procedures, the healing process takes time and the results of surgery cannot be enjoyed right away. The beauty of facial fillers is that the improvements can be seen immediately right in the doctor’s office. Fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane, and Radiesse can be injected during an office visit that takes approximately 10 minutes. The most common areas for fillers are the lips and the nasal-labial folds (smile lines). They can also be used in the small wrinkles around the mouth and in conjunction with Botox in the frown lines.
Before and after image: Radiesse injection to the naso-labial folds (smile lines).
Most facial fillers are designed to last about 6 months to a year. It is highly recommended that a professional skin care program be followed as well to maximize the benefits of any cosmetic treatments. Consult with Dr. Pollack about which fillers are best for you.
Posted in Botox, Facial Procedures, Facial Rejuvenation, Fillers, Frown Lines, Home, Juvederm, Liquid Facelift, Radiesse, Restylane | No Comments »
March 13th, 2011
Facial Fillers: Cosmetic “Spackle” so you can Sparkle!
I am often asked at parties and in the office: How can I get rid of these lines on my face without surgery? The answer usually is injectable fillers. Fillers are what they sound like – they “fill in” lines, scars, and creases like spackle does for your wall!
Years ago, the main filler was collagen, but it required an allergy test, and lasted only a few weeks. The most common fillers today are hyaluronic acid, found in Juvederm and Restylane, and hydroxyapatite, found in Radiesse. These have the advantages of not needing allergy testing, lasting 6-12 months, and producing instant results. I use Juvederm and Restylane for plumping the lips and treating fine lines around the mouth and eyes. I prefer Radiesse for deeper lines like the nasolabial fold, the smile creases between your nose and the corners of the mouth. For more permanent results, I use fat injections by harvesting your own fat and injecting it where it is needed.
We have done “Liquid Facelifts” in the office by combining these fillers around the mouth, cheeks, and forehead with BOTOX in the frown lines for a quick but effective facial rejuvenation.
For a free consultation and more information about dermal fillers, call Del Mar Plastic Surgery at 858-450-9100 or link to delmarplasticsurgery.com.
Posted in Botox, Facial Procedures, Facial Rejuvenation, Fat Transfer, Fillers, Frown Lines, Home, Juvederm, Liquid Facelift, Radiesse, Restylane, Skin Care | 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 »
February 6th, 2011
Understanding the FDA news released about breast implants and a rare cancer
The FDA released information (FDA article) suggesting a possible small risk in women with breast implants of developing a rare cancer called anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). The tumor is NOT breast cancer, but instead can develop in the scar tissue around the implant. So far, it has been reported in 35 women out of an estimated 10 million women with breast implants, and has occurred with both silicone and saline implants.
In all the reported cases, it was obvious to the patient and doctor that something was wrong, as all of a sudden one of the breasts was larger than the other due to a seroma, or fluid collection, in the breast pocket. The average time before this occurred was 8 years after surgery, with the longest being 23 years.
The FDA has stated that the risk, if real, is extremely small, and that the “weight of evidence supports a reasonable assurance that FDA-approved breast implants are safe and effective when used as labeled.” In fact, you have a higher risk (60,000 times!) of getting “regular” breast cancer, which occurs in 1 in 9 women, than getting ALCL from breast implants.
The kind of ALCL found in these women with implants is less aggressive than other types of ALCL, and is treated simply by removing the implant and the surrounding scar tissue. No recurrences were reported after this treatment.
The best advice is to see your plastic surgeon for ANY abnormality that occurs after breast augmentation or reconstruction, but especially lumps, late swelling of the breast, or hardening of the implant. Continue to do breast self-exams and yearly mammograms after age 40.
Larry H. Pollack MD, FACS
Del Mar Plastic Surgery
Posted in Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Breast Revision, Home | 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 »
January 18th, 2011
Natural Skin Care in Del Mar, San Diego
As the aesthetician for Dr. Larry Pollack at Del Mar Plastic Surgery, San Diego, I have a great amount of experience treating patients in the office. For 6 years, I have been working with patients to improve their skin by administering microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and various forms of luxurious facials. At home remedies can be an inexpensive and effective way to pamper yourself.
With the cold weather, our skin feels drier. Here is a great, simple home treatment using products you already have in your kitchen that will make your skin feel amazing. I do this on my own skin once a week during the winter months:
Mix 1 C brown sugar and ¼ C olive oil in a bowl. Take the mixture with you into the shower and wrap your hair in a towel. Gently massage the mixture all over your body. The brown sugar will gently exfoliate while the olive oil will hydrate your skin. I even use a small amount on my face and lips. Rinse off with warm water, and enjoy!
Optional Boost: In the morning, add 1 tsp peppermint extract. In the evening, add 1 tsp vanilla extract.
Make sure to always use sunscreen and come see me for regular skin care treatments!
Kristi
Posted in Facial Procedures, Facial Rejuvenation, Home, Skin Care | 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 »
December 15th, 2010
Breast Implant Styles in Del Mar
When you first see a plastic surgeon for your breast augmentation consultation, you might expect that he will review the differences between saline and silicone gel implants. In addition to the type of implant, there are also several styles of implants as well. Your doctor should be able to show you the different styles and sizes in the office to give you a better understanding.
The standard breast augmentation implant is performed with a moderate profile implant. The moderate profile has an average width to fit most patients and a modest amount of projection to create desired fullness. 
Women with narrow chests, or mildly drooping breasts might wish to consider the moderate plus profile implant. A moderate plus implant is slightly narrower in width, but has a higher projection. This implant is great for those who don’t require a mastopexy (breast lift), but could use a little bit of help with lifting their own breast tissue. The third type of implant is used mainly in breast reconstruction—the high profile implant. Because of the lack of breast tissue on reconstructive patients, the high profile implant helps to recreate a new, natural looking breast. These implants are very narrow, and are rarely used in cosmetic surgery patients.
There has also been an “anatomical” or “teardrop” shaped implant available over the years. Dr. Pollack did use these implants for a short time but we discontinued using them. The teardrop silicone gel implants actually had a higher rupture rate due to a rubber insert, and the saline implants occasionally rotated.
The shell of the implant can either be textured or smooth, as well. The majority of our patients receive smooth implants, in order to allow them to rotate inside the breast pocket when bending over or moving. Textured implants do not typically “spin” with movement of the body, and therefore can show more wrinkling.
Each patient is very individual and the choice of style, size, and texture should be determined by an experienced plastic surgeon. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and ask to see and feel implants so you can gauge the differences and understand the doctor’s preferences. I am always happy to explain these differences to our patients.
Kate
Posted in Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Breast Revision, Home | 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 »
