Are you lids sagging and making it difficult to see?

Due to the effects of time, heredity, and environmental influences the upper eyelids can start sagging and become heavy.  As the lids progressively get heavier they can limit our ability to drive and conduct simple tasks of every day life.  I(n cases of functional impairment, a very straightforward and rather simple operation called an upper blepharoplasty can remedy the problem and lead to a much improved quality of life.

Upper eyelids may become sagging due to excess skin, drooping of the eyebrows, congenital or senile ptosis or a combination.  A thorough examination will determine the cause and treatment.

When upper eyelids become heavy enough, peripheral (side) vision may be impaired.  Improving one’s side vision does not help with reading or seeing letters on an eye chart but rather helps us appreciate objects to the side and above. Prior to surgery we commonly refer to an ophthalmologist for a proper visual fields test to determine the severity.  This test is required if an attempt is to be made to obtain insurance coverage of upper blepharoplasty surgery.

Upper eyelid treatment is usually performed in an outpatient surgery center or sometimes in the comfort of our office procedure room depending on the severity. Sedation is typically administered intravenously so that patients do not feel any discomfort during the procedure. The procedure typically takes about 45 minutes and is outpatient.

The recovery after an upper blepharoplasty is very easy and uncomplicated. There is minimal swelling and bruising and Tylenol is usually sufficient to alleviate minor postoperative pain.  Patients are asked to use cold compresses on their eyelids for the first 24-36 hours after surgery and to avoid heavy bending and lifting for one week. While complications can occur following any surgical procedure, when upper blepharoplasty is performed by an experienced surgeon the likelihood of a serious problem developing is low.

Call us for a consultation – (310) 275-6600

www.bhpsg.com

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Upon your consultation with Dr. Layke and Dr. Danielpour, they will review your medical history and provide you with a clinical physical examination. They then will formulate the best surgical plan for your aesthetic goals. If over the age of 45, it is necessary to receive medical clearance from your Primary Care Physician that may include an EKG, Chest X-Ray and laboratory blood work.

A staged procedure might be recommended for someone that is opting for a flat midsection that has borderline loose skin but extra fat in the abdominal area. By staging procedures where liposuction is first performed, this can help achieve deflation of fat  volume  in the abdominal area which may also cause the skin to possibly become more loose which may allow  a tummy tuck at a later time to have a more ideal outcome.

Larger breasts that would benefit from a reduction and lift might also be ideal for a staged procedure if volume in the upper breast area  is also desired. Though frequently both reduction/lift and augmentation are performed simultaneously , by staging the surgeries with a reduction/lift and then augmentation at a later surgery can allow for more accurate sizing, and possibly less tension on the incisions.

For patients opting for multiple surgeries, it might be recommended that the surgeries be separated depending on the length of time that the surgeries could take, or if the different surgeries can be done properly together. For example, if someone is opting for a tummy tuck but also wants a butt lift (or lower body lift) it could be very hard on the patient to sleep on their back as well as their stomach or sides. Though in some cases the surgeries can both be done at the same time, many plastic surgeons might not recommend this for their patients.  This is due to the prolonged time it would take to do the surgery as well as the limitations and strenuous recovery that  a patient might endure.

Combination surgeries are performed routinely, and they are sometimes even recommended to be done together. For more information about surgeries or services that you are interested in, call us today and schedule your consultation!          Your safety is always our first priority! (310) 275-6600

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The development of large breast or heavy breast can be due to genetics, hormones, gravity, breast feeding, weight gain, or even weight loss.    When the breasts start to sag, the areola and nipple complex usually become lower on the breast mound, and typically rest below the inframammory fold (the part where an under-wire bra would lay against on a chest).

A breast lift (otherwise known as a mastopexy), can lift the breasts into a more aesthetically pleasing position by removing excess skin and by raising  the nipples and areolas.

Breast Lift  surgery can be accomplished through a variation of incision patterns and techniques. The most suitable technique for each person is determined by:

• Breast size and shape
• The size and position of areolas
• The degree of breast sagging
• Skin quality and elasticity as well as the amount of extra skin

There are three common incision patterns:

1.) Around the areola,  (This is often referred to as a “Donut Lift” or a “Circumareolar Mastopexy”),

2.) Around the areola and vertically down to the inframammory crease (This is referred to as a “Lollipop Lift” or “Vertical Mastopexy”),

3.) Around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease and horizontally along the breast crease (Otherwise known as an “Anchor lift” or “Wise Patten Mastopexy”).

If you are considering a breast lift, or simply need to see if you are a candidate, please call us at the Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group for your consultation!  (310) 275-6600

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What is a “Mommy Makeover”?

A surgical Mommy Makeover  is a combination of body contouring procedures that allow moms to regain the figure they used to have prior to having children. The most common of aesthetic surgeries performed to obtain the complete Mommy Makeover typically consists of a tummy tuck and breast enhancement procedure that are performed simultaneously. Nonetheless, a Mommy Makeover may also be split into more than one surgery if needed or desired.  These operations may include additional procedures such as a breast lift, breast reduction, and body contouring with liposuction. Mommy Makeovers are custom made to fit and fulfill every patient’s individual needs.

Due to maternal hormones and the weight gain that during pregnancy, and post pregnancy, that the female body changes. These changes are often due to hormones and the expansion and deflation that the body and skin go through.

The most evident changes that the female body goes through are typically apparent in the abdomen and breast.  During pregnancy, the abdominal muscle wall is put on stretch as the baby grows inside the mother’s uterus. This frequently creates a separation of the abdominal muscles. Though some women might find that their body returns to the way it was pre-pregnancy, more times than not women are left with a weakened abdominal wall and sagging, loose, and stretch-marked skin.

There is hope!

Some women experience extensive expansion of their breasts during pregnancy, which may subsequently decrease following delivery. This may leave the breasts sagging or empty due to volume loss. No exercise will re-tighten this skin without having a breast lift performed. This surgery entails removing excess skin and raising the position of the areola and nipple to a more youthful and ideal position on the breast. The incisions on the breasts vary based on the type of lift being performed.

For women who have (or develop during pregnancy) large breasts, a breast reduction surgery can be the key to the best mommy makeover results.               Breast reduction surgery is extremely similar to a breast lift, with the difference being that it involves removing some breast tissue. The incisions for a breast reduction can be identical to that of a breast lift (depending on the type of mastopexy) , as a breast lift is giving simultaneously with a breast reduction.

The biggest piece to the ultimate Mommy Makeover is a Tummy Tuck ! This is a procedure that can remove the sagging, loose, and stretch-marked skin of the abdomen which is caused 99.9% of the time by pregnancy.  A tummy tuck can even remove a  C-section scar by converting it into a single tummy tuck incision. This surgery can give women a body they had before pregnancy or even a better, flatter, tighter abdomen than they ever had!

The length of the tummy tuck incision varies from person to person but typically runs hip to hip and is easily covered by a bikini or underwear.  The abdominal muscle that stretches and sometimes splits during pregnancy is typically always repaired or sewn together during a tummy tuck procedure. This helps the overall abdominal contour by flattening the mid section.

Additionally, women who have or develop an umbilical hernia during their pregnancy can also have this repaired while undergoing a tummy tuck procedure. A hernia repair is typically medically necessary to have corrected and  is usually covered by most health insurances.

Last but not least, liposuction is also part of the mommy makeover plan. Liposuction removes unwanted fat that cannot be resolved with diet and exercise alone. Moms often request liposuction of their hips, back, thighs, arms and/or under the chin.

Dr.  Layke and Dr. Danielpour offer innovative and safe plastic surgery procedures to bring the sexy back in mothers. Whether it’s just breast augmentation alone, or in conjunction with other body contouring procedures, both doctors assess every patient on an individual basis to come up with a surgical plan that is most suitable and appropriate for that specific patient.

If you deserve or desire a  Mommy Makeover , what are you waiting you’re your next step is to call BHPSG and schedule your personalized and detailed consultation. During your visit with us, you will personally meet with Dr. Layke and Dr. Danielpour who will discuss the benefits and risks to having surgery. Both doctors will thoroughly review your concerns and create an operative plan that suits your needs.

Call our Beverly Hills office at  310-275-6600 to make your appointment, or you may simply email us at info@bhpsg.com.

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Breast lifts rejuvenate the breasts by trimming excess skin and tightening supporting tissues to achieve an uplifted, youthful contour. After a breast lift, the breasts are higher on the chest and firmer to the touch. Breast lifts can also reposition and reduce the size of the areola-the dark skin surrounding the nipple-which may have stretched or drooped. For those looking to change the size, fullness, or roundness of their breasts as well, it may be necessary to consider a breast augmentation or breast reduction in conjunction with a breast lift.

The best candidates for breast lift are women whose breasts meet some or all of the following conditions:

•  Breasts sag
• Breasts have lost shape or volume
• Breasts are flat, elongated, or pendulous (hanging)
• Breast skin and/or areola is stretched
• Nipples or areolas point downward
• Nipples or areolas are located in the breast crease when breasts are unsupported
• One breast is lower than the other

Most breast lifts can be performed in an outpatient surgery center rather than a hospital. Dr. Danielpour and Dr. Layke will perform your surgery in an outpatient surgery center located in the same building as our office. On the day of your surgery, you will be put under general anesthesia and the procedure will last anywhere from 1 ½ to 3 ½ hours but can run longer if a breast augmentation is being performed at the same time. There are several types of incision methods that can be used when performing a breast lift. The technique Dr. Danielpour and Dr. Layke choose will depend on the patient’s breast size, shape, degree of sagging, position of the nipples, amount of excess skin and skin quality. Which technique will be best for you will be discussed during your personalized consultation with the doctors  prior to your surgery.  The three most common types of incisions are:

1. Periareolar/Circumareolar Breast Lifts- Both of these breast lifts are done solely through an incision around the areola. With a periareolar or crescent lift, the incision only goes partway around the upper edge of the areola and a small amount of skin is removed. This allows the nipple and areola to be re-positioned slightly higher. It is the least invasive breast lift procedure but is not intended to produce dramatic lifting results. With a circumareolar, or “donut,” breast lift, the incision is made all the way around the areola. A donut-shaped area of skin is removed from the breast around the nipple. The edges are then drawn in toward the areola and sutured in place. This technique allows the surgeon to provide a modest amount of lifting and also provides an opportunity to reshape or re-size the entire areola if that is what the patient wants. A circumareolar incision permits the placement of a breast implant as well if the patient is having a breast augmentation performed at the same time

2. Vertical lift- also known as s “lollipop” breast lift, combines a circumareolar incision with a vertical incision down the underside of the breast to the breast crease. Women who have larger breasts with some sagging from skin laxity are the usual candidates for this procedure. Unwanted skin is removed from both sides of the vertical incision. This technique reduces drooping by creating a tighter “pocket” of skin to hold the existing breast tissue. The result is a breast that appears more youthful with a rounded cone shape rather than an elongated shape. The circular incision is used to move the nipple complex upward so it is positioned properly on the newly-reshaped breast mound.

3. An anchor or inverted-T breast lift- this approach combines the lollipop incision described in the vertical breast lift with a crescent-shaped incision along the width of the breast crease where the breast meets the rib cage  This is the most extensive mastopexy surgery and is usually reserved for patients with advanced ptosis. It may be performed in combination with a breast reduction for women with very large breasts. For women with small breasts that have very pronounced drooping, either a saline or silicone implant can be readily placed through the anchor incision. Because of the placement of the incisions, the surgeon can remove more excess skin and reshape the breast dramatically. There is more extensive scarring with this technique and healing may take longer.

After Dr. Danielpour and Dr. Layke have removed the excess breast skin, the nipple and areola are shifted to a higher position. The areola, which in a sagging breast may have been stretched, can be reduced in size. Skin that was formerly located above the areola is brought down and together beneath it to reshape the breast. The nipples and areolas remain attached to underlying mounds of tissue, and this usually allows for the preservation of sensation and the ability to breast-feed.

When Dr. Danielpour and Dr. Layke complete the procedure, the skin is closed with stitches and covered with surgical tape. Some of the incisions are hidden in the breast crease. Others will be visible. All scars will mature with time and once ready, Dr. Danielpour and Dr. Layke will begin you on a scar cream to help the scars fade. After surgery, the breasts are wrapped with gauze dressings, and you may need to wear an elastic bandage or a surgical bra. After a few days, this is replaced with a soft support bra, which is worn 24 hours a day for about a month. The breasts will probably be bruised, swollen, and uncomfortable after surgery, but this will pass in a few days. Any numbness in the breasts and nipples should lessen as swelling subsides. Stitches are removed after 7- 10 days. After breast lift surgery, it is often possible to return to work within a week or so, depending on your job. In many instances, you can resume most of your normal activities, including some form of mild exercise, after several weeks. You will be able to see the results of your breast lift immediately after surgery, and you may become even more satisfied as swelling goes down and incision lines fade.

Interested in a breast lift? Give us a call today to schedule your COMPLIMENTARY consultation!

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group

(310) 275-6600

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