San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog

Tummy Tuck Surgery: Making a Well Informed Decision

January 18th, 2010 by editor

Today, I want to talk about the importance of making a well-informed decision when you are considering cosmetic surgery. Specifically, let’s focus on one of the most requested procedures – the tummy tuck – and how you can determine which procedure might be best for you.

Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty is one of the top 5 plastic surgery procedures performed each year in the U.S. The traditional abdominoplasty involves removing a significant amount of loose, sagging skin, tightening the abdominal muscle wall, and reshaping the upper and lower abdomen. In the process, stretch marks in the area are eliminated and the navel is repositioned to accommodate the new contours of the body. The result is often dramatic, with the mid body restored to a taut, firm condition and a more youthful, attractive appearance.

Mini Abdominoplasty

A mini abdominoplasty (also known as a partial abdominoplasty or “mini tummy tuck”) is a variation on the full abdominoplasty, but designed to remove excess fat and loose skin only on the lower abdomen, below the navel. If you are within 10% of the ideal weight for your age and height and have relatively good skin tone and muscle tone on your upper abdomen, you may benefit from this procedure.

A mini abdominoplasty typically consists of removing excess fat and loose skin to correct a sagging lower belly. In some cases, the procedure includes tightening the lower abdominal muscles and/or doing liposuction to further sculpt the abdomen into an aesthetically pleasing shape and contour. Mini abdominoplasty will not eliminate stretch marks on your upper abdominal area, and the navel is left intact.

Which Procedure is Right for You?

To determine whether or not you are a good candidate for the mini abdominoplasty, it’s important for you to do your homework. If you’re reading this blog, you’re already on your way and that’s great! You’ll want to gather as much information as you need to help you make a choice that’s best for you and that you feel comfortable with.

If you know individuals who have undergone this procedure, you have the advantage of being able to learn about their experiences and ask questions you likely have. But even if you choose not to discuss it with anyone, you have a wealth of information at your disposal.

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Tags: abdominoplasty, tummy tuck
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Before and After Photos Teach Kids About Drug Use

January 7th, 2010 by editor

For plastic surgeons, before and after photos are an effective tool for documenting the benefits of cosmetic procedures. But police in California are using the same type of pictures in a different manner; they’re documenting the risks of methamphetamine use.

Using software developed right here in the San Francisco area, police officers are educating young people about the extreme premature aging caused by drug use. For those concerned at all about their appearance, the program could make a considerable impact.

ABC News reports on the program, appropriately called “Face2Face.”

The program takes one step further the anti-meth campaigns instituted in several states that use before and after photographs of real meth addicts to show how the drug ravages not only a person’s health, but also their looks.

What Happens After a Fraxel Treatment?

January 6th, 2010 by editor

After Fraxel treatment, the most common skin reactions are redness, swelling, and a warm feeling to the skin. People often compare it to a bad sunburn that lasts for about 3 days on average. After that, the skin starts to bronze with brown spots (the dead cells coming to the surface) and then peels. This continues for a few more days as the skin heals and becomes clearer.

Are there possible side effects?

Some adverse reactions have been documented. Darkening of the skin, also called “post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation” can occur in Asians and darker skinned individuals. This is best prevented by pretreatment of the skin with a bleaching agent like hydroquinone.

Another side effect is hypopigmentation, where some coloration is removed from the skin. This is unfortunate occurrence is possible, but extremely rare. Personally, I have never seen this, but I do discuss this with all my patients in advance.

Tags: Fraxel restore
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VASER Liposuction Video with Q&A

January 4th, 2010 by editor

Q: What is the best method of liposuction?

A: There is no best method because each platform has its own benefits. For example, water-assisted liposuction can remove a large volume of fat, while VASER liposuction is good for ultra-precise body contouring.

Q: Why do I keep hearing about new liposuction methods?

A: Plastic and cosmetic surgeons are trying to set themselves apart with more effective liposuction methods. You might hear about “reduced downtime” or “reduced trauma to surrounding tissues” in the marketing for these procedures; just know that any proven liposuction technique will utilize the same basic tools as the standard tumescent liposuction technique.

Q: Can I get liposuction anywhere on my body? What is the most common area to treat?

A: Lots of people are surprised to hear that liposuction can treat many areas of the body. Areas like the abdomen and thighs are probably most common, but you can get liposuction below your chin or even around your knees.

Q: What type of doctor is most qualified to perform liposuction?

A: To get the best results, see a plastic surgeon for your liposuction.

Q: Is liposuction “minimally-invasive” like some of the advertising says?

A: The techniques have improved over time, making recovery quicker and incisions smaller, but liposuction is still cosmetic surgery. It’s not like getting a quick Botox injection.

Tags: VASER liposuction
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New Year’s Resolutions for Your Skin Health

December 22nd, 2009 by editor

In 2010, we want our patients in San Francisco to work toward better health and better skin. That means stop procrastinating, stop making excuses and follow these steps to look and feel better this coming year:

1: Get yourself a series of microdermabrasion treatments to soften those fine lines and wrinkles, minimize sunspots, stimulate collagen production and give your face a youthful glow. Go every 2 weeks or so for a quick session and you can maintain that healthy complexion.

2. Commit to using sun block to protect your skincare investment. Obagi makes a great sunblock that won’t clog pores, make the skin feel greasy or cause unwanted breakouts. To prevent premature aging, blotchy skin and decrease your risk of skin cancer, use it regularly according the directions.

3. See a professional aesthetician for instruction on how to use the right skin care products in the proper order at the proper times. Don’t buy every trendy, shiny new skin care product that comes along. Instead, simplify and do the right thing: one aesthetician, one set of products chosen just for your particular skin, and one place to return to for periodic facials and replenishing of products. We call that skin care monogamy.

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20/20 Explores Scary World of DIY Cosmetics

December 7th, 2009 by newseditor

According to this segment from ABC news and 20/20, chemical peels, botulinum toxin and cosmetic wrinkle fillers are being illegally purchased online – without a prescription or a visit to a physician.

20/20 documents some of the scary experiences of a few women who purchased cosmetic products from a Texas-based website and tried to use them.

The products purchased from “discount medspa” came in generic packaging and the contents remain somewhat mysterious. An employee of the site had been marketing the products by posting instructional videos on how to perform do-it-yourself cosmetic procedures.

While it seems like an obvious violation of common sense to attempt these things, stories like this continue to surface in the news. If you do any reading on RealSelf.com or on the websites of plastic surgeons, you’ll constantly be told to “see a board-certified plastic surgeon” for your treatment. It may seem redundant, but it appears that people still need to be reminded.

Posted in In the News, Injectables | No Comments »

Get or Give Botox for Christmas This Year

December 3rd, 2009 by newseditor

Dr. Maddali is one of two San Francisco plastic surgeons offering “Botox for Christmas” this year. The idea is to reduce those wrinkles now, early in December, so you look your best when Christmas comes around.

Or… if you want to give your loved on Botox as a gift, you can purchases a Botox for Christmas Gift Certificate.

See the website Botoxforchristmas.com or contact Dr. Maddali’s office for more information.

Tags: botox
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Should the Government Tax Cosmetic Surgery?

December 1st, 2009 by newseditor

Journalists and groups of plastic surgeons have been offering opinions about the proposed elective cosmetic medical tax – a 5 percent charge on procedures like liposuction, rhinoplasty, or breast augmentation – but patients would pay for it. So why haven’t we heard from them?

Aside from the occasional comment from a patient in San Francisco, we haven’t heard any weigh in with strong opinions about this so-called “Botax.”

So here’s a poll that contains some of the basic arguments for and against the tax; please participate!

Posted in In the News, Plastic Surgery | No Comments »

Plastic Surgeons Oppose New Elective Procedure Tax

November 20th, 2009 by newseditor

cosmetic_surgery_tax Plastic surgeons in the U.S. have responded strongly against the proposed elective cosmetic medical tax that was revealed Wednesday, labeling it discriminatory, arbitrary, and ineffective.

Details about the bill are below:

”SEC. 5000B. IMPOSITION OF TAX ON ELECTIVE COSMETIC MEDICAL PROCEDURES.
”(a) IN GENERAL.-There is hereby imposed on any cosmetic surgery and medical procedure a tax equal to 5 percent of the amount paid for such procedure (determined without regard to this section), whether paid by insurance or otherwise.
”(b) COSMETIC SURGERY AND MEDICAL PROCEDURE.-For purposes of this section, the term ‘cosmetic surgery and medical procedure’ means any cosmetic surgery (as defined in section 213(d)(9)(B)) or other similar procedure which-
”(1) is performed by a licensed medical professional, and
”(2) is not necessary to ameliorate a deformity arising from, or directly related to, a congenital abnormality, a personal injury resulting from an accident or trauma, or disfiguring disease.

Statistics on plastic surgery have shown that 86 percent of these elective procedures are purchased by women, and most of them have a yearly income ranging from $30,000 to $90,000 a year.

Thus, many surgeons are calling the tax discriminatory and an unfair imposition on the middle class.

Tags: cosmetic surgery tax, elective procedure tax
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2 Ways to Get a Great Plastic Surgery Consultation

November 18th, 2009 by newseditor

medical We want patients of Dr. Maddali to experience surgery consultations that are highly productive. The consultation is nothing to fret about, but there are better and worse ways to conduct yourself. Follow these 2 basic rules and you’ll have a great experience during your office visit.

1. Prepare Yourself: ask questions and know your goals

If you’re not be able to find all the information you need on our website or elsewhere, the consultation presents the perfect opportunity to get straight answers from a professional. Just bring a list of questions or topics that you think are really important.

Being prepared also means knowing what you want to achieve through plastic surgery. Some patients have researched their procedure for a long time; others are just curious about the treatments we provide. Although both are perfectly fine, it is best if you at least know your general goals.

2. Communicate well: Be honest and use visual aids

Good communication is important from the first consult all the way through the surgery. If it’s difficult for you to communicate your goals, use pictures or other visual aids. You can view our before and after photos or bring examples that you think are appealing. Better communication about your desires and specific needs will help Dr. Maddali ensure that they are fulfilled, so use whatever tools you think will aid in that process.

It’s also a good idea to share any pertinent information that might allow Dr. Maddali to serve you better. That can include things such as your medical history, past procedures, and motivations for surgery.

Call our Bay area plastic surgery practice to schedule your consultation with Dr. Maddali.

Tags: your office visit
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