As the article explains, nonspecialists putting patients under the knife is a problem with potentially wide-ranging repercussions, from danger to the patients to the significant expenses associated with corrective surgeries.

From the NYT:

“The public needs to be protected from doctors who are not upfront about what board certifications they have,” said Dr. Malcolm Z. Roth, chief of plastic surgery at the Albany Medical Center in Albany and president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

What can you do to ensure your surgeon has devoted years of training to the specific procedure at hand?  Don’t be afraid to ask questions, of course.  Always check your surgeon’s credentials.  And never, ever look “outside the box” when it comes to essential surgery of the face and neck.

To learn more about safer plastic surgery, please don’t hesitate to contact my L.A. cosmetic surgery offices today.

That’s pretty much right.  Ulthera®  ultrasound therapy works with extremely low-dose energy to prod your body into producing its own natural collagen.  The effects are long-lasting and the drawbacks minimal; this is fast and easy cosmetic enhancement that leaves no lasting scars or discomfort.

I have been at the forefront of the Los Angeles Ultherapy movement since day one, and today my practice continues to garner acclaim for its safe and precise approach to this extraordinary technology.  Want to learn more?  Please contact us today for a free consultation.

Recently the San Francisco Chronicle caught up with a new trend I am seeing increasingly often in my practice: lobe stretchers who want to undo the damage of such youthful habits.  Los Angeles ear surgery like this typically requires removing the dangling flesh and resculpting the existing lobe to create a more conventional look.

The effect can be exceptionally hard to detect: patients often tell me their employers, partners, and friends have no idea they ever engaged in such an exaggerated form of “body hacking.”  Rave reviews like these are encouraging for those of us who believe cosmetic surgery works best when you can keep your options open.

In other words: it’s music to my ears.

As the TODAY show reported, a growing number of married couples are opting to “stay young” as a team, undergoing similar minimally invasive cosmetic procedures under the same roof.  The report focused in particular on one couple, and summed up their journey thusly:

Three months later, Ira and Robert Almeas are delighted with the results of their joint cosmetic procedures. “I think it’s a great experience to grow younger together,” Ira Almeas says. “We feel a little bit more refreshed, a little bit more energy, and it’s just another part of our life together that we’re sharing.”

Of course some couples might have complementary goals instead – BOTOX® for one, say, and Ultherapy® for the other.  Whatever the case, I applaud the notion that cosmetic procedures should be stripped of their stigma and shared openly, especially in a good and healthy marriage.

Want to schedule your appointment today?  Contact my Los Angeles cosmetic surgery offices for a free consultation.

As many of you know, I take great pride in offering my patients the very highest standard of cosmetic surgery.  My offices in beautiful Century City are staffed by an expert group of technicians and medical assistants, and our home in the LaPeer Surgery Center is widely renowned for its cutting edge technologies.  Whether you are looking for a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure like Ultherapy® or Botox®, or something more advanced like a rhinoplasty, otoplasty, or facelift, my staff and I are always available to offer superlative care before, during and after your procedure.

Thank you to everyone who voted for this kind honor.  I will do my best to make 2012 another great year for my patients and their families!

Happy New Year,

Carlo

Several recent news stories have picked up the trend, including this recent post on the Huffington Post.  The piece is one of the few to zero in on the intersection of economics and facial plastic surgery, namely that people tend to choose faster and less expensive procedures when times are tight.  As the article puts it:

A study by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery found that a majority of respondents who were affected by the economy were going to delay plastic surgery for one or more years. It is likely that this trend will continue as long as the economic slump does — people think that, with noninvasive treatments, they are getting more “bang” for their buck.

But are they?  The answer is yes and no.  There is no question that minimally invasive procedures such as BOTOX®, Ultherapy®, and cosmetic fillers can enhance your appearance without long recovery times.  But it’s also true that these procedures are rarely permanent: for deeper, lasting structural changes, traditional cosmetic surgery is still the best choice out there.

Which option is right for you?  To make a free appointment for a consultation at my world-renowned Los Angeles plastic surgery offices, please don’t hesitate to make contact today.

The statistics are remarkable:

Cosmetic surgery is not covered by national health insurance, making it difficult to determine the exact size of the industry. A survey last year by the Seoul city government found that 31.5 percent of residents 15 or older were willing to undergo surgery to improve their looks. In 2007 the percentage was 21.5.

In a 2009 survey by the market research firm Trend Monitor, one of every five women in Seoul between the ages of 19 and 49 said they had undergone plastic surgery.

The article goes on to detail the extraordinary fact that despite such widespread acceptance of cosmetic surgery, it was only recently that anyone felt comfortable talking about their own “work” in a public forum:

“It used to be all hush-hush when mothers brought their daughters in for a face-lift before taking them to match-makers,” said Dr. Park Sang-hoon, head of ID Hospital. “Now young women go plastic surgery shopping around here.”

Now, reasonable people might disagree about whether this is a positive or a negative development.  I am generally of the mind that cosmetic surgery is a personal decision, and that any stigma associated with enhancing your appearance should be replaced by understanding and acceptance.  That said, these numbers do feel unusually high, even to an experienced Los Angeles cosmetic surgeon like me.

Feel free to add your comments below.  I look forward to engaging my patients and colleagues about these developments in the months ahead.

To those who have asked me what I think about the ethics of performing elective plastic surgery on such a young patient, I say: it depends.  Of course I don’t personally know the child or family in question, nor have I spoken directly with the surgeon who performed the “nose job” surgery.  That said, as a father, my heart goes out reflexively to victims of cyberbullying to matter what age or gender, and this story certainly sounds extreme enough to warrant an extraordinary response.

It is worth noting as well that the girl in this news story had apparently broken her nose multiple times, so the surgery was also reconstructive in nature, rather than just cosmetic.  Either way, rhinoplasty is widely considered safe enough that families can make such decisions without worrying about any lasting health consequences.

The only true question in every case of cosmetic surgery is what is appropriate for the patient and that patient’s family.  In this case it sounds like this decision wasn’t taken lightly, and the procedure resulted in a tremendous sense of freedom and relief for everyone involved.  I call that a job well done.

LATISSE™ is hugely popular because of its simplicity.  Unlike true surgical procedures, LATISSE™ is a topical application that you brush onto your lashes to achieve greater growth.  The results can be astonishing – thicker, fuller, completely natural lashes that persist for several months.  Because this is a topical application, you don’t have to worry about anesthesia or many of the side effects that are normally associated with Los Angeles facial plastic surgery.

Botox® remains a perennial favorite for its ease as well.  Just a few safe injections can smooth wrinkles and ease the ravages of time in a matter of minutes – no anesthesia required.  When applied carefully in the presence of an experienced cosmetic surgeon, Botox® can also help you to achieve truly subtle effects that naturally mimic the contours of your own youthful face.

Ulthera™ is the latest blockbuster to gain a following in Los Angeles and beyond.  This procedure is also non-invasive, using simple ultrasound waves to tighten the musculature of the face and reduce wrinkles, sagging, and sallows.  I have been recognized as a pioneer in proper Ultherapy™ treatments since this revolutionary procedure first gained FDA acceptance, and today my cosmetic surgical center performs several Ultherapy™ procedures each week.

Getting married is all about creating flawless memories.  If you would like the day and the pictures to shine indefinitely, I invite you to contact my Los Angeles facial cosmetic surgery offices for a free consultation today.

Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Another week, another truly touching story about otoplasty, or ear-pinning surgery.  In this case a 5-year-old boy who was being teased mercilessly was referred to a program that offered the life-changing procedure.  The family talked it over, and the child became excited at the prospect of ridding his life of the torment and discomfort of protruding ears.  The procedure took two just hours, but the benefits will last a lifetime.

Otoplasty is best performed during youth because that is when the cartilage is most able to be shaped, sculpted, or re-positioned.  Although some people might object to operating on such a young child, I can say from my experience that the benefits often far outweigh any stigmas associated with elective cosmetic surgery.  Just like with braces, Los Angeles otoplasty is designed to be corrective without being transformative – your child will enter and exit the procedure with the same face, the same personality, and the same prognosis for growth.  It is the bullying that really changes.

If you want  to learn more about my exceptional Los Angeles otoplasty team, please don’t hesitate to contact our facial plastic surgery offices today.

Many Los Angeles residents will know this practice – it is routinely recognized for its extraordinarily high standard of service.  As founder and friend Dr. Naz Tofigh describes it, her work exists at the intersection “where art meets science.”  Thirty-2’s team of experienced and well-credentialed dental professionals make every visit a seamless affair, placing a premium on flawless results.

My expertise in cosmetic surgery is a nice complement to the dental work at Thirty-2, and helps to act as the foundation for some of their more involved procedures.  I invite my readers to visit me at Thirty-2 Dentistry – or you may always schedule a free consultation through my Los Angeles cosmetic surgery offices.

The easiest way to understand what a browlift does is by trying the following experiment: stand in front of a mirror, place your hands above your eyebrows, and gently lift upward. That’s it – a smoother surface, more open eyes, and a younger look overall. There is no need to pull hard or create new lines in your face – a forehead lift, when properly done, is as subtle as it is effective.

The procedure is a simple one. Tiny incisions are created behind the hairline via endoscopic tools, so the tissues of your forehead can be gently lifted and sutured into place without any visible scars. Recovery is quick as well – generally on the order of a couple weeks, following which you may resume all your normal activities. And of course the final effect is permanent, and the compliments come free.

If you would like to schedule a free consultation to discuss how a browlift could fit into your life, please don’t hesitate to contact my expert Los Angeles facial cosmetic surgery offices today.

Many people have heard of these products by now – Juvederm™, Restylane®, Sculptra™, and Botox® appear often on makeover shows and in the popular press. These compounds are well-loved for their speed and subtlety, and well-respected for their impressive safety records. And unlike surgical approaches that involve incisions, scars, and lengthy recovery periods, cosmetic fillers can be applied and perfected in a matter of hours. Healing is expedited by the non-invasive nature of the procedure.

The results can be stunning. When cosmetic fillers are carefully applied, you can avoid the dreaded “operated-on” appearance of more aggressive procedures, and instead simply enjoy a fuller, less wrinkled appearance. In the right hands, an effect such as this may even escape conscious notice; your friends and loved ones will simply wonder why you look so fresh and vital.

Cosmetic fillers come in a number of compounds and consistencies, and each is associated with a slightly different appearance. For this reason, it is essential to speak with an expert before you choose the right product. Please contact my Los Angeles cosmetic surgery offices today for a free consultation on this safe and speedy procedure.

Cosmetic mentoplasties have been around for quite some time, but it wasn’t until the last decade that medical synthetic materials caught up with the procedure itself.  Today’s chin implants are utterly indistinguishable from natural tissue – they give, contort, and extend just as your natural face does.  This means you can have this procedure done without looking like you are carrying around a bionic appendage; indeed, many of my clients never even reveal they have had this surgery to new people they meet.

But the changes that result can be extraordinary.  A more defined chin is widely associated with courage and resolve, and in women this feature is often sharpest in youth.  With proper planning and care, you can count upon your mentoplasty to restore confidence and vigor to your everyday life  – all in the space of a single afternoon.

To learn more about our unique approach to Los Angeles mentoplasty, please don’t hesitate to contact my cosmetic surgery offices today.  We offer superior experience and always place a premium on strong communication before, during, and after your procedure.

It can.

Ultherapy® works surprisingly well because the warm energy stimulates your body’s natural production of collagen, helping you to reclaim a firm, youthful, and supple look.  I perform every FDA-approved Ulthera® procedure myself, and always take the time to discuss every possible option and feature with you before we begin.  This hands-on approach is the surest way to achieve optimum balance and beauty in the months ahead.

News outlets across the country have picked up on the Ultherapy® revolution, and just this month the procedure got a shout-out on E! in a feature story about Kim Kardashian.  Check out the clip below, and feel free to contact my Los Angeles facial plastic surgery office to set up an appointment today.

As this story relates, life for a child with highly abnormal features can be difficult.  Bullying is already a problem in many schools across the country, and the lasting trauma to a child’s self-confidence can compound that pain further.  Ears that stick out unusually far may also affect simple daily tasks such as wearing a hat, listening to headphones, even sleeping comfortably on one’s side.  As the featured mother puts it:

It’s never easy as a parent and it wasn’t something that I could tell her that she could change, because it was something she couldn’t change by herself.

Otoplasty is the way to achieve that change.  I have been performing this safe and low-impact cosmetic surgery for more than ten years, and in that time I have witnessed firsthand the transformative effect an ear surgery can have on both children and adults.  If you or your family is looking for an experienced Los Angeles cosmetic surgeon to reshape or reposition your ears with taste and discretion, please don’t hesitate to call my offices today.

Otoplasty can be performed at any age, but it is easiest with younger patients.  This is because the cartilage in the ears is most pliant and flexible in childhood, making it far easier for the ear to assume an altered shape without undue distress.  Otoplasty can be safely performed any time after the ears have reached their full size, at about 5 or 6 years of age.

The process is appealingly simple.  A small incision is created behind the ear, where no scar will be visible.  The cartilage is then carefully shaped to assume a better balance with the face.  One or both ears can be treated at the same time; I typically recommend both to ensure optimal and lasting symmetry.  Once the procedure is complete, sutures may be applied to hold the ear closer to the head.  Over a period of weeks, the ear then heals in this new position, creating a better overall balance – and a marked leap in confidence.

It is important to note that ear surgery is one of the very few procedures typically recommended for younger patients.  I understand that some people may recoil from surgically treating a child in this way, which is why I strongly recommend conducting an open and loving conversation with your child about the pros and cons of the procedure.  It is also important to measure any downside of early surgery against the possible traumas of mockery and bullying that can accompany an exaggerated facial feature.  Whatever you decide, you may also want to connect with an experienced Los Angeles facial cosmetic surgeon who can help you discuss the issues in a sensitive way.

How does it work? Different Los Angeles plastic surgeons offer different tiers of service, but the emphasis is always on helping clients with comprehensive planning. You can have your plane tickets, hotel reservations, and aftercare handled remotely by the surgeon’s scheduling office, leaving you the time and space you need to focus on your goals and procedure. Some of my clients have compared cosmetic surgery concierge services to a travel agency, albeit one that smooths the journey from pre-operative preparation through recovery and beyond.

Traveling to another city to receive medical care can be stressful, and trying to plan a lengthy post-operative recovery while there downright terrifying. If you are thinking of visiting Los Angeles for a facial cosmetic surgery procedure, you will be comforted to know that many excellent options await for total care and discretion throughout your stay. To learn more about our outstanding concierge services for cosmetic surgery, please don’t hesitate to contact my offices today.

If you’re considering a rhinoplasty, it is important to ask a few basic questions about that decision.  Are you looking for an improvement in one area or a more general effect?  Are you hoping to resemble a certain “model,” or just to address a specific flaw that bugs you?  Is your rhinoplasty being planned for cosmetic reasons, or to help you recover from an obstructed airway or an accident?

The goal and the procedure are inextricable; they are one and the same.  Depending upon your desired outcome, an experienced facial plastic surgeon will work with you to design and perfect the face you want, up to and including the internal structures that will support those changes.  As a board-certified otolaryngology surgeon as well as a cosmetic surgeon, I often spend much time with my patients to explain how the various tissue types will respond and set according to the new contours of your face.

The procedure itself can be simple or involved, depending on the goal.  A deviated septum will typically take less time than a full reconstruction, but in all cases the goal is the same: a seamless and attractive effect that complements your naturally expressive personality.  Recovery can take up to several weeks, but your Los Angeles plastic surgeon will help ease the process with painkillers and follow-up visits.

There are some facial features that never quite express our internal selves.  If you are looking for a permanent improvement in the shape or size of your nose, do yourself a favor and speak with an expert facial surgeon today.

Is Scar Removal Safe?

In most cases, scar removal is completely safe.  This procedure uses many of the least invasive technologies we have at our disposal – dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, and steroids.  Although in some cases a more sophisticated technique may be indicated, every scar revision technique includes minimal use of incisions and reconstructive surgery.  In other words, if your injury is skin deep, chances are your procedure will be as well.

Will It Erase My Scar Completely?

There is no such thing as total scar removal, but scar revision surgery can greatly diminish the appearance of scars.  Over time the edges of that injury will fade, the scar will regain a natural hue, and your facial musculature will improve in function and appearance.

Will I Ever Regain Total Motion in the Affected Tissue?

In most cases, your face will recover its natural expressiveness following scar revision surgery.  This is because scar tissue tends to be thick and inelastic, hindering your face’s ability to stretch and distort as it normally would.  Once your scar tissue is removed or diminished, you should experience an immediate liberation of the surrounding structures.  The result is a return to the full expressiveness and personality you want to project.

How Long Does It Take?

That depends.  Scars come in several forms – keloid scars, hypertrophic scars, and burn scars, to name a few – and different tissue types require different interventions.  The vast majority of procedures can be done in a day on an outpatient basis, meaning you can probably return to your active life within a matter of hours.  Even with more involved procedures, you should be back to your regular routine in a matter of weeks.

Plastic surgery scar removal has been improving for many years.  If you are hoping to regain the smooth contours and many charms of the face you were born with, it may be time to speak with an expert Los Angeles facial cosmetic surgeon today.