I’m delighted to tell you about an exciting new non-surgical option: CoolSculpting. Los Angeles men and women who have visited us for this non-surgical body contouring treatment love the way it works. It’s ideally suited for treating the love handles, flanks, midsection and back.

What you’ll need to do to prepare: Choose a great book, load up your iPod® with great music, and put yourself in the mood to relax. You can spend the entire time reading and listening to music while our fat-freezing specialists do the work. We use a specially designed cooling device to target the areas you have chosen for meltdown magic. It’s that simple.

After your treatment, you can return to your job or head for the gym. During the next few weeks, your body will naturally eliminate the fat cells that were destroyed by the treatment. Your body becomes slimmer gradually, with the full results appearing in 3 to 4 months.

On average, our patients experience a fat reduction of about 25% in the treated areas. Make those benefits last by following a healthy diet and fitness program. (See you in spin class!)

Are you ready to freeze away the fat? Tell me about it in the space below. I love to hear from my readers.

• Laser Hair Removal: Typically used for larger areas, such as arms, legs and back, laser hair removal can also treat smaller regions such as the face and bikini area. We usually recommend treatments every 3 to 6 weeks until your skin reaches smooth, hair-free perfection.
• Waxing: Waxing can be the ideal way to achieve elegantly shaped eyebrows, an immaculate upper lip or a tidy bikini area. The results usually last 1 to 2 months, and even though they aren’t permanent, waxing sometimes does result in sparser hair growth in the future.

What do you think? Does waxing or laser hair removal meet your needs? Talk to me by commenting in the space below.

But what if you regret the size that you chose for your breast augmentation? At Marina Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles, breast implant revision is an effective solution for women who have fallen out of love with their implants.

The Inside Story

One of our skilled plastic surgeons will meet with you to discuss what you want to change. Together, you’ll explore your options.

For example, perhaps you were 19 years old when you had your breast augmentation, and you wanted to go from a size 32A to a 34DD. Now you’re older and wiser, and you recognize that on your petite figure, those 34DD breasts look disproportionate.

Your surgeon will help you determine the right size breasts for you. Many of our small-framed patients opt for a C cup size to flatter their figures. Want something larger? We know how to achieve that in a way that looks natural, as well.

Size Matters

We understand that size really does matter — and that feeling comfortable and confident about your breast size enhances the joy of being feminine.

What do you think? Have you had breast augmentation and now wish you’d opted for a smaller or larger size? Let me know in the space below.

I have an embarrassing problem: My nipples point inward, and I am very self-conscious about the way my breasts look. I finally got up my courage to do some research on it, and it sounds as if maybe plastic surgery could help? I’m hoping you can give me the inside story. Thanks,

Maggie

Dear Maggie,

I admire your courage in seeking a solution to your inverted nipples. And I’ve got great news for you: We offer a procedure designed specifically to help correct concerns such as yours. It’s called nipple correction. Performed by one of our terrific plastic surgeons specializing in breast enhancement and breast augmentation in Los Angeles, the procedure is carefully designed to provide you with results you’ll love.

• You’ll start by meeting with one of our surgeons, who will talk with you sensitively about this subject. Our surgical team has perfected a very successful method for correcting inverted nipples, and we’ll make sure you understand it fully so that you’ll feel comfortable and reassured about your decision.
• The delicate procedure involves holding your nipples in the correct “everted” position, clipping the tiny fibers that caused the inversion, and using small sutures to hold your everted nipples in place. We even use a special device called the Stevens Stent, created by one of our plastic surgeons, Dr. Grant Stevens, to hold the nipples steady for a few days while you heal.
• The stitches dissolve within 2 weeks, and the scars are almost invisible. All that’s left to do after you’ve healed is to enjoy the appearance of your new breasts.

Maggie, thank you so much for asking about this condition. I’m sure there are other women who share your questions, and I hope my response has helped them as well as you. Be sure to follow up and let me know what you decide to do.

Hugs, Charlie

• Injectable treatments

BOTOX© Cosmetic, Dysport® and dermal fillers can reduce age-related concerns such as wrinkles and skin laxity quickly and easily. Many of these treatments last 6 months or longer, and the results can be customized to accommodate each person’s individual preferences. Just be sure to have your procedure performed by a trained professional, because your results are highly dependent upon the skill of the treatment provider.

• Nonsurgical liposuction

Now you can lose those last few inches without going under the knife. Procedures such as CoolSculpting®, ZERONA® and Exilis destroy unwanted fat cells without harming the skin. No incisions are needed, and there is little downtime after these procedures. Some treatments, such as CoolSculpting, can reduce fat in the treated area by an average of 20%.

Non-surgical techniques are not for everyone, however. People who want long-term changes or more drastic improvements may be better off going the surgical route. It’s important to note that surgical techniques have also improved over the years. Now, many surgeons can create natural-looking results with fewer incisions and less injury to surrounding tissues. This means less time in surgery and a quicker, more comfortable recovery.

1. TV programs demonstrate extreme results.

Television often gives the impression that liposuction is a weight-loss procedure. However, this is not the case. Liposuction is most effective for healthy men and women who eat right and exercise but who want to “fine tune” their bodies and get rid of specific small areas of fat.

2. Diet and exercise regimens on the shows are dangerous and difficult to maintain.

The contestants on weight-loss television programs lose weight through a combination of severe calorie restriction and intense exercise, which is neither healthy nor sustainable. Some contestants have spoken out publically, saying they took pills, fasted and dehydrated themselves in order to drop pounds. This kind of behavior can cause serious medical problems and even lead to eating disorders. Losing weight gradually and healthily is a much slower process, but the results will last longer.

3. Results on TV are accelerated.

A week on television is not the same as a week in real life. Weight loss, recovery from surgery and final results take time and commitment. So, as you watch the scale plummet each week for contestants on the show, keep in mind that it took them much longer than 7 days to lose that weight.

Let me just begin by saying, you should never have plastic surgery to please someone else. On that same note, if surgery is necessary for your health, happiness and well-being (as it is for many women who are well-endowed), you should not forgo surgery in order to keep a loved one happy. Breast reduction surgery has one of the highest satisfaction rates among all cosmetic procedures because it alleviates many of the physical burdens caused by large breasts. Additionally, it can heighten a woman’s self-esteem by helping her feel balanced and beautiful, whereas previously she may have felt self-conscious or embarrassed.

Breast reduction surgery not only reduces the size of the breasts; it also lifts the breasts to a more youthful position and adjusts the size and position of the nipples. After surgery, the breasts look perkier and the nipple is in better proportion to the rest of the breast. Physical pain that the patient suffered because of the weight of large breasts is eliminated after the operation, and this improved comfort will continue long after surgery.

Women with large breasts must remember that the decision to have surgery is completely their own. No one else must bear the weight of this decision (so to speak), and therefore, the choice is very personal. Talk with a qualified surgeon about your options, and find out if this procedure could benefit you. If your loved one disagrees with your decision, remember that you must do what is best for you.

Here’s a look at regional stats from 2010, which are the most recent ones available:

• West Coast: breast augmentation, eyelid surgery, liposuction, rhinoplasty, facelift
• North Eastern Coast: rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, eyelid surgery, liposuction, facelift
• South Eastern Coast: breast augmentation, liposuction, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, facelift
• Midwest: breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, liposuction, tummy tuck
• South: breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, liposuction, eyelid surgery, tummy tuck

It comes as no surprise to us at Marina Plastic Surgery that breast augmentation tops the list as the most frequently chosen cosmetic procedure in most states. Breast enhancement has helped thousands of women reshape their bodies and regain their sense of confidence. Other body contouring treatments, such as liposuction and tummy tucks, can offer similar benefits, especially for healthy men and women who want to improve certain trouble zones. Facial sculpting procedures, such as rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery and facelifts, can greatly reduce the effects of aging as well as balance facial proportions.

What would be your top cosmetic procedure?

Ever done something you regret? Several years ago, I had a very persuasive boyfriend in Los Angeles. Breast augmentation was something that I really wanted, but going from a size 34A to a 34DD was his idea, not mine. Now that I’ve lost the boyfriend, I also want to lose these disproportionately large breasts.

Hoping you can help,

Lisa

Hi Lisa,

I think most people will agree that they’ve done things that they later regret —and good for you for recognizing that breast implant choices should be totally based on what you want, not on what someone else wants.

At Marina Plastic Surgery, we perform breast augmentation revision surgery (a “redo”) for a variety of reasons. Your desire to reduce your implant size so that it’s right for your body type is a perfect example of how breast implant revision can be beneficial.

Here’s what is involved:

• First, you’ll meet with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss your implant options. We offer more than just size choices. From the shape of your implant to the location of the incision, your surgeon will help you select the right options to achieve proportionately sized, beautifully shaped breasts.
• Performed under general anesthesia, your breast implant revision will take one to two hours. You’ll recover and then be able to go home that same day.
• We’ll provide you with detailed instructions to help you heal quickly and comfortably.

That’s it — except, of course, for shopping for new clothes to flatter your beautiful new body.

Lisa, I congratulate you on empowering yourself to make your own decisions. I hope you’ll follow up and let us know how it goes.

Hugs,

Charlie

Get the fat-freezing facts:

• No anesthesia. No needles. No incisions. Oh, and did I mention no downtime? In fact, I usually advise our patients to bring a book or an iPod®, because you can relax and listen to music or read while we treat that tummy pooch or bra bulge.
• During your procedure, the device will target the areas of fat that you and your physician have agreed to tackle. CoolSculpting uses two cooling panels, and your skin and tissue will be drawn up gently between them.
• The cooling process causes your fat cells to break down.

And, voila! You’re on your way, back to work or even a workout at the gym. During the weeks following your appointment, your body will naturally eliminate those damaged fat cells. And what you’ll notice: Those snug clothes become loose; those love handles get lost; and your tummy pooch is transformed into the flatter, firmer midsection you envisioned.

Let me know what you think of this cool new procedure. Share your thoughts in the space below.