Breast Augmentation and Breast Function

It is important that you understand that no person is perfectly symmetrical from one side to the other even before a surgical procedure. Every attempt will be made during surgery to minimize your side to side dissimilarities, but such differences always persist to some degree even after the most successful operation.

There is no evidence that breast surgery alters the possibility of developing breast cancer. Mammography techniques have improved in recent years. In spite of these advances, there is a theoretical risk of compromised detection of early breast cancer following an augmentation mammoplasty. If a cancer were to develop, its detection by mammography could be made more difficult, depending on the location of the cancer within the breast, the position and size of the implant and the type of implant employed. Regardless of your decision to have an augmentation mammoplasty or not, it will still be necessary for you to examine yourself monthly for breast lumps and undergo mammography as suggested by your personal physician.

Dr. Todd Gerlach is a board certified plastic surgeon in Torrance, California. He specializes in all aspects of breast surgery, tummy tuck and many other plastic surgery procedures.

Breast Augmentation Torrance
Tummy Tuck in Torrance

What About Liposuction?

What about liposuction? Is it still a viable option for someone who wants to rid himself or herself of unwanted weight? A good candidate for liposuction is someone who is in fairly good shape, relatively close to his or her ideal weight, but wants to trim down localized areas. The person should be physically healthy, psychologically stable with realistic expectations.

The fat will not re-accumulate in these areas in the same manner as before and leaves small, if any, scars. Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon Dr Boris Ackerman states" I perform hundreds of liposuction procedures each year. I have many patients who come to me after they have given birth and request liposuction. Even though they have returned to their previous weight, many of these women have some resistant areas as a result of the pregnancy."

Suitable Solutions for Postpartum Women Dissatisfied With the New Shape Of Their Breasts

Breast enhancement and breast lift surgery procedures are suitable solutions for women suffering from postpartum depression and are also unhappy with the shape of their breasts following pregnancy and nursing. Most women, after having children, begin to lose tissue volume in the upper part of the chest, resulting in a hollowed appearance in the upper breast.

The medical term used to describe sagging of the breasts is breast ptosis. In such cases, the plastic surgeon may elect to perform a breast lift procedure (also referred to as a Mastopexy). The surgeon may also insert a breast implant in the breast to restore the lost volume. The size of a woman’s breasts depends on the volume of breast tissue. If a patient has sufficient volume, only a simple lift is required in order to provide a tighter, more youthful appearing skin envelope, thus allowing the breasts to stand high and firm.

Fix Those Stubborn Areas With Liposuction

Even if you are maintaining a healthy diet and sticking to a proper exercise plan, you may still experience areas of stubborn fat that will not respond to your exercise and diet. Liposuction surgery, also commonly referred to as liposculpting or body contouring is a plastic surgery procedure developed to target those areas of stubborn excess fat. Liposuction surgery is most commonly utilized to remove the excess fat, and shape the body, providing a more natural contour. This surgery procedure is frequently used in combination with other procedures such as a face lift procedure and tummy tuck surgery. The liposuction surgery procedure is not meant to be used as a method or alternative for losing weight. The best candidates for liposuction are following a proper diet and exercise regimen, are close to their ideal weight and have healthy skin with good elasticity.

The Consultation Is An Important Part Of Plastic Surgery

The plastic surgery consultation is an opportunity to meet your plastic surgeon, get comfortable with one another and most importantly, you will discuss with your plastic surgeon the areas of your appearance for which you desire improvement. When you contact the plastic surgeon's office to schedule your consultation, the surgeon's staff will send an you a packet that contains important information. This packet should include information about the plastic surgeon, the Surgeon's office, policies and of course, information about your chosen plastic surgery procedure as well as information about the surgical facility where the procedure will be performed. It is important that you completely read and fully understand this information in order for you to be aware of what to expect, the surgery process and options available to you prior to your consultation. This packet will also includes a patient questionnaire about you, and your medical history.

During your consultation, the surgeon will perform an examination. Depending on the procedure, the surgeon will measure the area(s) of concern, take notes and the surgeon may also take "before" photos. The surgeon will discuss with you the options available for your procedure, such as the size of breast implants. In addition the surgeon will also offer his recommendations for you. You and your plastic surgeon will also thoroughly review the planned procedure, what to expect as you recover and your anticipated results.

Is A Filler Lift An Alternative To A Surgical Face Lift?

Many plastic surgeons believe that when the correct individual dermal filler, or in some cases, the correct combination of fillers to treat wrinkles, the results are very similar to those achieved from much more invasive procedures.

Dermal fillers widely accepted and used in modern cosmetic dermatology and cosmetic surgery procedures as an instant aesthetic treatment. A dermal filler treatment is one of a small number of cosmetic procedures that typically provide immediate results and a noticeable improvement and does not require down time like procedures such as a face lift.

These days there is a mind boggling number of choices when electing to have a dermal filler treatment. It is not an uncommon practice for a cosmetic surgeon to utilize a single type of filler to treat more than one area of concern.

New York Cosmetic Dermatologist Dr. Karyn Grossman states "Each individual dermal filler has qualities that differ from other fillers, and therefore provide different results. By utilizing multiple filler types to treat different areas of a patients face, and using the best filler for each treatment area, one can achieve the most beautiful and natural looking results possible."

Scar Revision Plastic Surgery Can Comouflage A Scar

Unfortunately for some, the body's healing may result in the formation of scars that are unsightly or that cause unwanted symptoms such as pain or tightness. The plastic surgery or scar revision involves the removal of the offending scar and its replacement with an
improved surrounding soft skin or tissue. This is capable of allowing for the scar to become minimized and camouflaged in a much more functional and aesthetic way.

An Improvement Can Be Seen In The Appearance Of Scars Over Time

The natural result of the body's attempt to heal an open wound or tear in the surface of the skin or body tissues is a scar. Every person will form scars, and they are always a result of trauma or surgical incisions that go all the way to the deeper layers of the skin and sometimes even the structures. In fact, a scar will result from any type of plastic surgery procedure. There is no such thing as a cosmetic surgery procedure that does not leave a scar, regardless of what is advertised or hyped.

Many People Wonder What The Benefits Of Cosmetic Facial Surgery Are

The benefits that you will receive from cosmetic eyelid surgery are plentiful. These include a more energetic, rested, youthful appearance that reveals a smooth, firm contour to your eyes. The benefits that the patient will feel emotionally are equally important. Because of the improvement in the appearance of their eyes, cosmetic surgery patients often express feeling more alert, energetic, and youthful.

What Can A Blepharoplasty Procedure Fix?

Eyelid lift surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure. The procedure is designed to remove extra tissues, skin, and fat. These three things all contribute to puffiness and bags in both lower eyelids and upper eyelids. The plastic surgery procedure specifically treats sagging or loose skin, excess skin that hangs down, bags under the eyes, fine wrinkles, and droopiness of the lower eyelids.

Almost Immediately, Others Will Notice Your Eyes

Our eyes are one of the first things that other people notice about us. Regarded as one of the most important features on one's face, the eyes are capable of helping people to connect and communicate with others. Unfortunately, due to hereditary factors and signs of aging, the eyes may not be able to communicate as effectively as we mature. If your upper or lower eyelids have puffy, drooping, or excess skin that makes you appear sad or tired, cosmetic eyelid surgery may be right for you.

Each Patient Has An Individualized Forehead Lift Procedure

As it is with any surgical procedure, a forehead lift is individualized and based on several things. These things include muscle tone, the quality of skin, and bone structure. A plastic surgeon will take all of the factors in to consideration before he or she makes a determination. The doctor will determine the appropriate surgery or combination of techniques that will be able to establish a face that looks more youthful and alert.

You May Have Brow Lift Surgery And Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery Performed At The Same Time

The best facial rejuvenation results will be evident when a patients' eyebrows are elevated to a more natural level. Because of this, many patients will choose to have more than one procedure performed at once. These surgeries that are performed at the same time to optimize this natural look are an eyelid lift and a brow lift. Optimal results will be achieved by this.

Most People Feel That Their Eyebrows Become Droopy Over Time

Over many years, most patients feel that their eyebrows begin to appear droopy. This causes them to look depressed, sad, or even angry. This droopiness or sagging usually happens in conjunction with other facial aging signs. A browlift is able to tighten loose skin and remove extra wrinkles on the forehead as well as correct drooping eyelids.

In Vitro Fertilization With Frozen Eggs

Unlike sperm and embryo cryopreservation, which have become routine processes in assisted reproductive technology, success with freezing eggs has historically been difficult to achieve. This is because the egg is the largest cell in the human body and contains a considerable amount of water.

When eggs are frozen, ice crystals form that can destroy the cell. To prevent this, the egg must be dehydrated prior to freezing. The water is then replaced by a special “antifreeze” that inhibits the formation of ice crystals. Because the eggshell hardens when frozen, sperm must be injected with a needle in order to fertilize the egg. This is known as ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) and is a standard technique also used in IVF.

Is Body Contouring Surgery Right for You?

Body contouring surgery involves removal of fat tissues, rearranging the skin and tightening muscles in order to create a more youthful appearance. The plastic surgeon utilizes different techniques to achieve a unique, lasting aesthetic result custom tailored for each patient. Your plastic surgeon will work closely with you to develop a surgical approach that is optimal for you. The following includes information about the two main body contouring procedures.

Liposuction surgery is a procedures that involves the removal of fat from problem areas of the body such as love handles. Liposuction procedures can be performed alone, or in combination with other body contouring procedures. Patients who are excellent candidates for liposuction have pockets of fat that do not respond to regular exercise and proper diet. For Liposuction surgery, the Best results are achieved when the fat is localized to specific problem areas and the patients has good skin tone.

Abdominoplasty surgery, also referred to as a tummy tuck, is a procedure designed to tighten the loose and/or hanging skin of the abdomen, hips, and pubic area. Patients who have loose or sagging skin around the abdomen and softened abdominal wall muscles are excellent candidates for an abdominoplasty procedure. In some cases, a patient may also suffer from abdominal bulges and hernias. These problems can be treated effectively in conjunction with an abdominoplasty surgery procedure.

Zygote Intra-Fallopian tube Transfer Shows Promise

Santa Monica Fertility Specialists in Santa Monica California, home to world renown Fertility Specialist Dr John Jain, recently implemented a ZIFT program for women over 40. ZIFT stands for Zygote Intra-Fallopian tube Transfer, a process where embryos are transferred to the fallopian tube soon after fertilization so that they can grow in their natural environment. The reason we offer this is that the increased rate of infertility and miscarriage seen in women over 40 years of age is primarily due to chromosomal errors that occur during egg and embryo development. Growing embryos in the artificial environment of the IVF laboratory puts further stress on developing embryos.

The results with ZIFT and early intrauterine transfer have led to ongoing pregnancies in approximately 60% of the first group of women treated in this manner. ZIFT is also a viable alternative to those women who have encountered multiple IVF failures.

Are Multiple Pregnancies Dangerous?

Over the past decade, improved fertility treatments has lead to a rise in the incidence of twins, triplets and even higher-order (Quadruplets etc.) multiple pregnancies. Although most of these multiple pregnancies are fraternal (each from one egg), the incidence of identical twinning has also increased, probably due to embryo manipulation in the laboratory.

Fertility treatments utilize hormonal injections that increase the number of eggs produced. Following hormone injections, a woman can be artificially inseminated, or undergo in-vitro fertilization whereby the eggs are fertilized in the laboratory and actual embryos are transferred into the uterus.

Multiple pregnancies are considered high-risk pregnancies. For the mother, the risks include increased chance of hypertension in pregnancy, gestational diabetes, cesarean section and hemorrhage at the time of delivery. For the babies, the main risks relate to preterm delivery and the risk of disability or death from underdeveloped organs.

What Is Liposuction Surgery, and How Can It Help Me?

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure that helps to sculpt the body by removing excess fat from specific areas of the body. Through a small incision, a slim tube is inserted through the incision to remove the fat layer that lies deep beneath the skin. The cannula is then inserted and moved through the fat layer, breaking up the fat cells and suctioning them through a vacuum pump or a large syringe. Liposuction surgery is not a substitute for dieting and exercise, but it can help with the stubborn areas of fat that do not seem to be affected by normal weight loss methods.
Good candidates for a liposuction procedure are people who are within 30% of their ideal weight and have firm, elastic skin with pockets of excess fat in certain areas. You should be realistic about your expectations and in good physical and mental health. Individuals with certain medical conditions may not be suitable candidates for liposuction surgery - check with your plastic surgeon if you have such a medical condition.

Mammoplasty Procedures With The Use Of Saline Implants Leads To Natural, Youthful, Beautiful Breasts

Saline breast implants have been used in the majority of breast augmentation procedures over the last fifteen years. One of the advantages of saline breast implants is that, if they rupture, the saline solution will be absorbed by the body without fear of any complications. Additional benefits include the ability for a plastic surgeon to subtly change the volume of the implant within the operating room to accommodate any small differences in the volume of the two breasts. The disadvantages of saline implants are that they have a higher risk of rippling in breast reconstructive or small-breasted patients. For patients with little breast tissue to cover the implants, rippling or wrinkling of the implant may become visible. However, the majority of breast augmentation procedures performed today with saline implants lead to beautiful, youthful, natural breasts.

Important Decisions Must Be Made By Your Cosmetic Surgeon When It Comes To Mammoplasty

An area that some plastic surgeons have an expertise in is primary or secondary breast augmentation. Most of these plastic surgeons perform mammoplasty using all types of implants including saline and silicone. Cosmetic surgeons have important decisions to make when it comes to breast implants. Breast implants are available in many different shapes, projections, and sizes. The type of implant that your plastic surgeon selects should be based on your physical and soft tissue characteristics, as well as the goals that you have for your appearance. Another important thing that these surgeons specialize in is the decision of where to create the pocket and incision for the breast implant.

Improve Your Sun-damaged Skin With Little Downtime

Currently, there are many lasers used to treat sun damage/photo-aging of the skin. One older laser system, the carbon dioxide laser, has been very effective for laser treating sun damaged skin but has fallen out of favor. This is because it routinely caused extensive rawness of the skin that typically required over 2 weeks of “downtime” to recover. In addition to the time it took to heal, it frequently caused skin discoloration and occasionally scarring. Many lasers available today require very little downtime and yield some improvement of the skin but are not nearly as effective as the carbon dioxide laser. San Francisco Plastic Surgeon Dr. Cedars in conjunction with Dr. Wall are doing a study designed to assess the effectiveness of a new, modified carbon dioxide laser system.

The MiXto laser is a "fractional" carbon dioxide laser, meaning that, rather than "zapping" 100% of a treated region of skin, it zaps scattered tiny zones of skin comprising a total of perhaps 25% of the treated region. Tiny treatment zones mean no skin rawness. The trade-off appears to be that more than one treatment is needed to get good results. The laser has been used to safely treat over 160 patients in Italy. It has been FDA-approved for treatment of fine lines. Patients who have been treated with this laser report less pain, less downtime, and better results than are reported with other lasers. Dr. Michael Cedars and Dr. Tomi Wall have successfully patients with this laser.

Plastic Surgeons Often Choose To Perform An Excess Skin Removal After The New Position Is Established From A Browlift

A forehead lift will set the eyebrows to a higher level and will stretch out the upper eyelid skin. Often times none of the skin will need to be remove, but if it does, many cosmetic surgeons choose to trim it later after the new brow position has been established. This is done so that the two procedures will not work against one another and eye closure will not become an issue. With your eyebrow higher set, you will stop wrinkling your brow since there will no longer be a need for conscious elevation.

You May Think You Need Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery When You Really Need A Browlift

A lot of people go into a cosmetic surgeon's office and request an eyelid lift procedure to correct an excess of skin that they have in their upper eyelids. Many times the actually problem lies within their brow and a brow lift is the answer. For these patients, the brow itself has fallen which has resulted in a "bunching" of skin in the upper eyelid area. With an aggressive removal of skin during an eyelid lift, typically the brow will be pulled further down which will just make the issue even worse and can sometimes create a tired or weary appearance.

Preoperative Planning with Computer Simulation

With all of the advancements in plastic surgery procedure techniques and the technology employed, procedures are becoming safer, and surgeons are now able to better predict the results. California plastic surgeon Dr Craig Creasman does exactly that with a new technology for breast augmentation surgery called 4-d Simulation. This technology is aimed at aiding in the pre-operative planning stage of the surgery.

Dr Creasman states"I discuss surgical options with my patients using this new computer imaging, which can demonstrate the changes I would suggest for the changes we would make during the surgery. Using this technology, 4-D images can be obtained in short time, which I then manipulate to give an educated estimate of what might a patients breasts will look like after breast augmentation surgery. This system also allows for more flexibility in the choice of breast implant, which helps to create a more personalized result. "

Though this technology is not a guarantee or warranty of the proposed surgical result, it does help to provide the patient and the surgeon with a visual communication aid. This is important because it allows the patient to give the doctor feedback and allows the surgeon an opportunity to convey to the patient the limitations of what can be done, as well as the possible results. It is very important for the patient to visualize how she will look with the breasts she desires, and this system becomes an educational tool in with which the patient can view the result third-party, rather than just listening to the surgeon visualizing the results while standing in front of a mirror with a breast implant held up to her body.

A Plastic Surgeon May Choose To Create An External Incision For Your Lower Eyelid Lift

When excess wrinkles and skin are present around the lower eyelid, the plastic surgeon may choose to use and external incision approach. With this approach, the incision will be made just beneath the lower eyelashes. This is easily camouflaged during the healing process. Through this lower eyelid incision excess muscle and skin, and even fat may be removed. The incision will then be closed with sutures that will be removed about a week after surgery. Swelling and bruising are slightly more common with lower eyelid surgery, however the problems will typically resolve within a week. Regular activities may be resumed within one to two weeks.

Lower Eyelid Lift Is For Patients With Prominent Fat Bags Of The Lower Eyelids

When a cosmetic surgeon performs a lower blepharoplasty, patients are offered a gentle intravenous sedation from their anesthetist. This surgery is capable, however, of being comfortably performed with only the use of a local anesthetic. For any patient who has fat bags under their lower eyelids that are prominent and only have a small amount of excess skin or muscle, the blepharoplasty can be performed with no external sutures. Instead, an incision will be placed on the inner side of the lower eyelid and extra fat will be carefully removed. There are no sutures required for this approach, and patients are asked to use a topical eye drop for a week after to aid in the healing process.

What is the Best Method For Breast Reconstruction?

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 patient’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 plastic surgeon 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.

Tummy Tuck Surgery Is Often Performed At An Office Or Hospital

A tummy tuck procedure is typically performed at an office or hospital with a general anesthesia. You will most likely be given some medication before the plastic surgery procedure so that you are relaxed. The entire procedure may take between two and five hours. The amount depending of course on the patient's overall condition. There is a possibility that you will be released after a few hours, but you may require a few days in the hospital.

Tummy Tuck Surgery Is Offered By Cosmetic Surgeons To Rejuvenate A Person's Abdomen

Your plastic surgeon will take a complete medical history and will also conduct a careful examination in order to evaluate your general and overall health. Ideally, the tummy tuck patient will have no health problems, and will wish only to remove any excess deposit of loose abdominal skin or fat. Any person who is on a weight-loss plan should be close to their target weight that they have set before they have the surgery performed. Any woman who is planning on having a future pregnancy should delay receiving an abdominoplasty, as pregnancy will stretch the abdomen again.

Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery Will Involve The Lower Eyelids, Upper Eyelids, Or Both

The aging process is likely to cause many unwanted changes to an individual's expressions, which will cause them to look permanently fatigued or older than they really are. These changes in appearance will likely cause emotional distress or sometimes even an impairment in vision. An eyelid lift is made to rejuvenate a youthful appearance to the eyes of a person. This cosmetic eyelid surgery may involve either the lower or upper eyelids or sometimes both.

The Process Of Aging Can Cause Unwanted Changes In Your Expression That A Plastic Surgeon Can Fix With An Eyelid Lift

A blepharoplasty (eye surgery), more commonly referred to as an eyelid lift, focuses on the eyes. The eyes occupy an extremely prominent part of the facial features that a person has. However, it is the skin surrounding the eyes, rather than the eyes themselves, that convey emotions. The muscle, fat, tissue, hair, and lashes all contribute to a very wide array of expressions. Sun exposure, heredity, and age are all factors that contribute to deep fine lines, wrinkles, and puffiness around the eyes.

Every Person Has A Different Reason For Receiving Nasal Reconstruction

There are many reasons for a nose job including removal of bumps, reducing the size of the nose, and improving the angle of a person's nose. All of these conditions can be due to natural causes or external trauma to the face. Rhinoplasty surgery is also able to help patients who have a difficulty with breathing. The surgery will be able to be performed on all age groups, the elderly and teens included.

Nasal Contouring Performed By A Plastic Surgeon Removes Nasal Deformities

Any person receiving a nose job is doing so in order to reshape their nose. Any person that is not satisfied with the shape and size of their nose has an option. Nasal reconstruction was one of the very first cosmetic surgery procedures that was ever developed. It is also among the most frequently performed procedures today. Nose surgery, or rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure in which any deformities of the nose can be corrected by rearranging, removing, or reshaping the bone or cartilage.

An Improvement To The Overall Balance Of A Person's Face Can Be Achieved Through Cosmetic Ear Surgery

An ear pinning procedure is able to improve the overall balance of a person's face. The patient's ears will be pulled in closer to their head and/or a reduction in size, producing a more natural look. Los angeles cosmetic surgeons accomplish these effects by either reducing the cartilage in the ear or removing skin to pull the ears back. That not only helps improve the physical appearance of the patient, but will also restore respect and self-confidence to the patient.

The People Who Most Commonly Receive Ear Pinning Are Children Between The Ages Of Four And Fourteen

Otoplasty is typically performed on children between the ages of four and fourteen. Ear pinning surgery on adults is possible as well, and there are no additional problems or risks associated with performing the surgery on adults. The procedure is able to help a child avoid any teasing from their peers because of their large ears. These factors are capable of affecting a person's confidence which would lead them to seek their own otoplasty procedure.

Rhinoplasty in California

Rhinoplasty, also known as Nose Surgery, is a procedure meant to improve the appearance of the nose through surgery. Most female patients generally have a nose surgery procedure to reduce the prominent "hump"(also referred to as a nasaldorsum) on the bridge of the nose. Rhinoplasty surgery also provides for narrowing the shape of the nose from a frontal view which aids in creating a more feminine appearance and giving balance to the nose in relation to other facial features.

The tip of the nose is is also refined during a rhinoplasty procedure. By narrowing the tip of the nose and altering its position, the tip of the nose looks more feminine. The techniques utilized by a plastic surgeon to refine a nasal dorsum and tip of the nose are achieved through the process of selective removal of cartilage in one area of the nose, while adding cartilage in other areas. The precision use of a technique called 'cartilage suturing' is also employed to give the tip of the nose a more attractive appearance.

Men who desire nose surgery may have some nasal deviation and desire cosmetic improvement to the nose. The overall goal of a rhinoplasty procedure is to provide a nose that has been straightened through cosmetic refinement of the dorsum and tip of the nose, while preserving each individuals unique facial character and masculine appearance.

Oocyte Cryopreservation In The Clinical Practice

The incorporation of oocyte cryopreservation into the clinical practice of assisted reproduction long has been a goal of many practitioners. Oocyte cryopreservation complements assisted reproduction by extending its application to fertile women. It may be used to avoid long-term embryo cryopreservation, to rescue cycles complicated by ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome or failure to obtain sperm, and to avoid synchronization issues in oocyte-donation cycles.

Fertile women may take advantage of this technology to electively delay childbearing or as a strategy for fertility preservation when faced with a new diagnosis of cancer and sterilizing therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation or extirpative surgery. Recent advances in assisted reproduction and embryology, including improved culture media, fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and optimization of cryoprotectants, have made oocyte cryopreservation a viable reality. This review focuses on the etiology of oocyte cryopreservation, history of oocyte cryopreservation, recent advances, and clinical outcomes.

Plastic Surgery in Southern California

Realize that plastic surgery is a very in depth field. Everyday a large number of plastic surgeons take a role in advancing the techniques and methods used in order to make plastic surgery procedures safer, and increase the probability of successful surgical procedures. Currently there are many techniques, and advancements for products such as Breast Implants in clinical trials, being tested, research data is being recorded, and Patients taking part in these trails feedback and experiences are being sought- all in an effort to improve plastic surgery as a whole.

All too often, many people think of plastic surgeons as Doctors who decided not to pursue a more in depth field of medicine such a heart surgeon, or neurological surgeon, etc. What most do not realize is that plastic surgery is not a fly by night industry and while there are those surgeons who do a good job at furthering that myth, the majority of cosmetic surgeons are caring, skilled and experienced doctors with a sharp eye for the details.

Gynecomastia Affects Half Of All Men, But Surgery Can Help

Gynecomastia is the proper medical term used to describe irregular breast development in males. Gynecomastia is a condition that affects almost half of males during development and it is a fairly common condition that can occur on either one or both sides of the chest. This condition is the result of extra breast tissue, fat, or both. Usually, gynecomastia develops during a normal phase of development. This condition can happen at the beginning stages of puberty, however in most cases reverts by the age of 20. This condition can also happen during aging in normally healthy males. Other "pathological" causes of gynecomastia can occur, usually due to both a decline in the production of the male hormone testosterone, and an increase in the production of the female hormone estrogen. The use of certain drugs can also contribute to the cause of gynecomastia.

A plastic surgeon will usually treat this condition by reducing the size of the soft tissues by removal of the fatty tissues through a liposuction procedure or through the open removal of the breast's glandular tissues through a tiny incision around the areola. In cases where the patient has excessive amounts of skin, longer incisions are ultimately necessary for the removal of the excess skin and tissue. These longer incisions will also result in a larger scar.

An Under Developed Chin Can Be Corrected Through Surgery

A person with a small chin can appear weak and a small chin can also be the source of teasing and ridicule. A lower jaw that has not properly developed, with an irregular contact of teeth in the upper and lower jaw (a condition known as malocclusion) or an overbite requires a combination of orthodontic and maxillofacial surgery to relocate the entire jawbone forward thereby correcting the imbalance. However, in most cases, the teeth and upper and lower jaw are properly aligned, but the chin has not developed normally. In such cases, major surgery is not necessary. The use of a prosthetic facial implant can result in a very effective correction of this problem. When choosing an implant the correction method, the plastic surgeon will insert the implant through a small incision either under the chin or though an incision in the mouth.

You Can Improve Your Sun-Damaged Skin With Laser Treatments

Currently, there are many lasers used for facial and skin rejuvenation and to treat sun damage and photo-aging of the skin. One older laser system, the carbon dioxide laser, has been very effective for treating sun damaged skin but has fallen out of favor. This is because it routinely caused extensive rawness of the skin that typically required over 2 weeks of “hiding out” or “downtime” to recover. In addition to the time it took to heal, it frequently caused skin discoloration and occasionally scarring. Many lasers available today require very little downtime and yield some improvement of the skin but are not nearly as effective as the carbon dioxide laser. As with any procedure, anyone considering laser skin treatments should first consult with a plastic surgeon prior to under going their chosen procedure.

There Is A Scarless Breast Reduction Available

Recent advances in breast surgery techniques allow for breast reduction (or reduction mammoplasty) using tumescent liposuction alone (scarless). Los Angeles plastic surgeons perform scarless breast reduction only for selected candidates, and may be completed with no traditional reduction surgery scars. Patients can demonstrate a 30-50% reduction in size of their breasts.

Breast reduction by liposuction alone will produce a smaller version of the breasts that a woman had before liposuction. The breast's overall shape will be very similar to their shape before liposuction. Advantages of breast reduction by liposuction over traditional methods include significantly fewer visible scars, faster recovery, less discomfort, and fewer post-operative complications.

For Those Who Have Subtle Excess Skin And Fat A Mini Abdominoplasty May Be The Answer

Los Angeles plastic surgeons perform mini tummy tuck procedures on patients who demonstrate subtle excess skin and fat in their lower abdominal regions. The procedure can also be performed to get rid of previous surgical scars. The scars are often much smaller than the traditional abdominoplasty or tummy tuck scar, and are well concealed within the bikini line. Additionally, the abdominal muscles can be tightened to improve the lower abdominal bulge. Only a small percentage of patients are good candidates for the mini tummy tuck procedure.

For Those Who Have Subtle Excess Skin And Fat A Mini Abdominoplasty May Be The Answer

Los Angeles plastic surgeons perform mini tummy tuck procedures on patients who demonstrate subtle excess skin and fat in their lower abdominal regions. The procedure can also be performed to get rid of previous surgical scars. The scars are often much smaller than the traditional abdominoplasty or tummy tuck scar, and are well concealed within the bikini line. Additionally, the abdominal muscles can be tightened to improve the lower abdominal bulge. Only a small percentage of patients are good candidates for the mini tummy tuck procedure.

When Performing A Brow Lift, Plastic Surgeons Use The Lastest Surgery Techniques

Plastic surgeons use the latest in surgery techniques in performing their forehead or Los Angeles and Santa Monica forehead lift and brow-lifting procedures. Forehead lift procedures can reposition and elevate brows that have become droopy and tired, and they can also improve the wrinkles that are between the forehead and the eyes. According to Los Angeles plastic surgeon, Dr. Hoefflin, using the revolutionary advances of endoscopy, several small incisions are placed in inconspicuous locations behind the hairline, thus avoiding any visible facial incisions. During the procedure, the forehead muscles above the eyes are elevated to smooth out excessive forehead lines, raise the eyebrows to a more pleasing level, thus creating a more youthful and balanced appearance.

Breast Reconstruction Is Often Chosen By Woman Who Go Through Breast Cancer

Any woman that is facing a removal of a breast also faces another difficult decision, the timing of and the desire for reconstructive breast surgery. While the procedure can be performed many years following breast cancer surgery, recent advances encourage patients to undergo simultaneous mastectomy and reconstruction. Simultaneous breast reconstruction offers several distinct emotional advantages: the avoidance of a non-reconstructed breast, a reduced period of postoperative discouragement in appearance, the avoidance of potentially unnatural appearing breast implants, and an improved sense of self-confidence and self-esteem. According to Dr. Hoefflin, a Los Angeles plastic surgeon, having this surgery performed at the same time will also offer several advantages: greater symmetry in shape and volume, the avoidance of another major general anesthetic procedure, and preservation of native breast skin on the reconstructed breast.

Cosmetic Dentistry In Beverly Hills California

To many people, having a picture perfect smile is very important but unfortunately there are many people who are either born without the ability to develop a beautiful smile due to genetics and others have been unfortunate enough to be in accidents where their teeth or smile have been damaged.

However there is something you can do to correct these problems. With the Cosmetic Dentistry services of Beverlyhillsphysicians.com, many things can be accomplished and you can have your very own picture perfect smile.

Services Include:
* Teeth Whitening
* Composite and Porcelain Tooth Veneers
* Dental Implants
* Dental Bonding
* Dental Bridges
* Tooth Contouring and Reshaping
* Dentures
* Dental Fillings
* Dental Crowns
* Dental Caps
* Root Canals
* Accelerated Orthodontics
* Cosmetic Gum Surgery

An Ideal Cheek Structure Is Different For Each Gender And Is Achievable With Cheek Implants

Cheek augmentation can be performed using cheek implants. According to a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, Dr. Francis Palmer, the beauty of the face will be enhanced by this. Cheek implants are a way to improve your face and achieve the ideal aesthetic cheek shape. Cheek implants come in many sizes and shapes, but obviously there must be an ideal size and shape for each individual patient to see the most aesthetic improvement from their cheek implants. There are between forty and sixty possible shapes and sizes of cheek implants and several types of cheek implant material available. This can lead to a great deal of confusion when people are trying to decide on what cheek implant to receive. Cheek augmentation is important to beauty because cheeks have the ability to make the face appear female, male, old, young, attractive, or less so.

Cosmetic Surgeons Use Cheek Augmentation To Fill Inadequate Cheek Volume

Plastic surgeons have outlined the important beauty differences as a means to quantify, identify, and evaluate the cheeks for a cheek augmentation using cheek implants. If a plastic surgeon were to use the incorrect shape or size of cheek implant, it may lead to a gender non-specific alteration of a person's face. Simply put, the cheek implants could make a male's face appear more feminine and vice-versa. According to Dr Francis Palmer, a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, the cheeks should be augmented with cheek implants only when the ideal cheek shape isn't present and the individual is over the age of 18. Many plastic surgeons even prefer to wait until a patient has lost all of their "baby fat" in their 20's. And some plastic surgeons believe that other methods such as facial liposculpting may be used to further accentuate the cheek area prior to this time.

Types Of Male Breast Reduction Recovery - Risks - Patients

There are many gynecomastia patients who are men that never lost the extra bit of puffiness they had on their chest while going through puberty. According to Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, Dr. Steven Teitelbaum who performs male breast reduction in Beverly Hills, these men often can't see the outline of their pecs no matter if they are fit or work out. Other men that may have this problem may be a result of steroid use for weight lifting. These steroids can cause a rapid growth of breast tissue. For the men that weight lift, they can usually feel a very firm "marble" or "walnut." Many other men suffer from woman-like breasts as a side-effect of some recreational drugs or prescription medications.

A Feeling Of Masculinity Can Be Restored With Male Breast Reduction

Like starting to shave, the lowering of one's voice, or developing an Adam's Apple, a flat and strong looking chest is seen as a sign of masculinity. For many men, a chest that looks even the slightest bit feminine can be humiliating. Many women seek breast augmentation because they say, "I look like a boy and just want to feel feminine." And though men never make the opposite statement - probably because the words are too hard to say - it is probably in the back of their minds. Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, Dr. Steven Teietelbaum, performs male breast reduction at his Beverly Hills male breast reduction surgery center. As shy as some flat-chested women are about men seeing their chest naked, they tend not to have the same level of shame or humiliation as do men with gynecomastia. It is very common that even men with the mildest forms of gynecomastia never want to take their shirt off, wear loose clothes over a tight undershirt, and spend time in front of a mirror pushing their chest back to make it look flatter.

Augmentation Mammoplasty Is A Cosmetic Surgery Procedure Used To Enhance The Shape And Size Of A Woman's Breasts

Breast augmentation, more commonly referred to as augmentation mammoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure that is used to enhance the shape and size of a woman's breasts for many different reasons. According to Dr. Ameen Habash, a Palm Desert plastic surgeon, the reasons include but are not limited to: To balance a difference in size between two breasts; to enhance the body contour of a woman who feels her breast size is too small; to correct breast volume after a woman loses volume due to pregnancy; as a reconstructive procedure following any other breast surgery. By placing a breast implant behind each breast, cosmetic surgeons are capable of increasing the bust-line of a woman by one or more bra cup sizes.

Mastopexy Can Dramatically Improve Self-Image, Self-Confidence And Quality Of Life

Many factors take their toll on a woman's breasts after years and years. These factors may include pregnancy, nursing, and the force of gravity. When the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts will usually lose some of their shape and firmness and begin to sag. A plastic surgery procedure known as a mastopexy, or breast lift, is designed to fight against those affects of aging. The procedure will raise and reshape sagging breasts at least for a time.

A breast lift surgery can also reduce the size of a woman's areola which is the darker skin that is around the nipple. In the case that your breasts have lost volume or are small, breast implants inserted during the procedure can greatly increase their size and their firmness.

According to Palm Desert plastic surgeon, Dr. Ameen Habash, the biggest reason that a woman seeks a breast lift is because nursing and pregnancy have left them with less volume and stretched skin in their breasts. If a woman is planning on having children, or more children, she should postpone the idea of having a breast lift until after she is done having children. There are no special risks that would affect a future pregnancy (mastopexy generally does not interfere with breast-feeding), pregnancy is more than likely going to stretch your breasts again and remove the results of the procedure.

What Cosmetic Surgery Procedures Are Available For Facial Rejuvenation?

I knew there were a lot of facial rejuvenation procedures available, I just didn't know how many. I went online to find out what some of them were and found a good amount on Dr. Daniel Golshani's, a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, website. On this website he talks about each one of these, but I'm just going to list them. The first procedures he mentions are microdermabrasion and chemical peels. Sticking to non-surgical techniques, he lists restylane, laser skin resurfacing, IPL (Intense Pulse Laser), and botox. After that he goes on to describe several surgical techniques. Fat graft facial augmentation, mini facelift, cheek lift, brow lift, MACS facelift, SMAS facelift, neck lift, and bone contouring are just some of them.

Before Anything Else, The Neck Will Show Signs Of Aging For Many People

According to Dr. Daniel Golshani, a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, the neck is one of the first places on a human's body to show signs of aging. He explains that this results directly from the muscles in the neck weakening and causing "bands" around the neck. Of course, like for every other sign of aging, there is a plastic surgery procedure to help with this. Dr. Daniel Golshani describes a plastic surgery procedure known as a neck lift that is designed specifically to eliminate these so called "bands."

Facial Rejuvenation Surgery Can Provide A Youthful, Long-Lasting Look

There comes a point in every person's life where they begin to look older than they feel, or than they really are. According to a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, Dr. Daniel Golshani, a cosmetic surgeon is capable of helping these people out. On his website, he discusses what I've just gone over and goes on to say that when a plastic surgery procedure is selected appropriately and applied professionally, facial plastic surgery procedures combined with proper treatments can, and likely will result in a natural, long lasting, youthful look.

Find Out Which Facial Cosmetic Surgery Procedure Is Right For You

As people age, there are many things that take effect on their face. These things will cause a person to look older. Any person that doesn't want to feel as old as they may look has options. According to Dr. Daniel Golshani, a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, there are many different facial rejuvenation procedures available to help those who feel younger than they look. These include chemical and laser skin resurfacing, fillers and injectables, microfat grafting, contour threadlifts, mini (or MACS) cheek and face lift procedure, or even a full (SMAS) facelift. Your plastic surgeon can help you decide which is right for you.

Face Lift Surgery Is Designed To Reverse The Visible Signs Of Aging

According to Dr. Daniel Golshani, a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, "A Facelift is designed to lift, smooth, firm and reverse the visible signs of facial aging." He then goes on to explain that by correcting the sagging skin on a person's face and the muscles on their face along with removing their excess fat, firmness will be restored to their face. A facelift is capable of many things including creating a more youthful look. It can also make one appear more rested and have a more vibrant appearance.

An Aged Appearance Can Be Lead To By Stress, Heredity, And Gravity

All people age, and age is always accompanied by an aged appearance and usually wrinkles. Dr. Daniel Golshani, a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, has an answer for this. First, he displays examples of what visible signs of aging can happen including a loss of skin firmness and elasticity, sun-damage, wrinkles, and sagging tissue. He goes on to explain how these factors can strongly influence how people feel about themselves and how others will see them. Then he explains that these individuals should seek a face lift from a plastic surgeon. He ends by saying that people who are excited and energetic about their life can appear as though they are sad or tired due to a loss of youthful contours in their face including their jaw line, neck, brow, and eyelids.