Monday, November 9, 2009

Body Lift and Tummy Tuck for Men in Beverly Hills- Male Abdominoplasty


Male Body lift and tummy tuck are becoming more prevalent among men in Beverly Hills. While tummy tuck is a common plastic surgery procedure for women after pregnancy, the idea of a man getting cosmetic surgery, especially a tummy tuck or body lift is a taboo. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgery almost 5000 men had a tummy tuck in 2008.

Why men get a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty?
Men get a body lift or a tummy tuck for basically the same reason that women do- excess loose and hanging abdominal skin. The reason for men to develop excess abdominal skin and stretch marks is massive weight loss. With the advent of bariatric surgery (gastric bypass, lap band) men who used to be obese are able to shed excess body weight. This leaves them with loose abdominal skin folds that are not only unsightly but also a nuisance which gets in the way of hygiene and exercise.

What type of abdominoplasty procedures are performed on men?
Men who are candidates for a tummy tuck usually have a High tension abdominoplasty or a body lift. Body lift is different from a tummy tuck in that it not only removes loose abdominal skin, but it also removes excess skin around the lower back, while lifting the sagging buttocks. Most men are not candidates for mini-abdominoplasty which is designed to remove only minimal skin in the lower abdomen.

At the California Center for Plastic Surgery Dr. Younai will review your treatment options for body contouring and tummy tuck, including pros and cons of each procedure, potential risks and complications, recovery course, pre and post operative instructions, and esthetic outcomes. There are also many before-and-after pictures and high resolution images of abdominoplasty available in our photo gallery.

Dr. Younai receives patients from the Northern as well as the Southern California region. Some of these cities include Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Hollywood, Burbank, Pasadena, Glendale, Valencia, Palmdale, Fresno, Bakersfield, and Oxnard.

Dr. Younai performs his surgeries at the Regency Surgery Center which is certified by Medicare, AAAHC, and AAAASF. This state-of-the-art facility is located in Encino, and near Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, and thousand Oaks.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Brachioplasty Recovery in Beverly Hills & Los Angeles



What to experience after Brachioplasty/Arm Lift Recovery in Beverly Hills or Los Angeles?

Following Brachioplasty in Los Angeles or Beverly Hills, your arms will be placed in a special compression garment to help the newly sculpted skin adhere to the underlying tissue. Also, you will probably have thin drains inserted under each arm to collect fluid, and which will be removed in two to three days. You should expect to feel groggy for at least a week, although each person’s recovery is unique. During this time, you will be advised by your plastic surgeon to avoid lifting and strenuous movements. Your plastic surgeon will also tell you to keep your arm elevated with pillows to minimize discomfort while you heal. Sutures are usually removed within two to three weeks, and swelling and bruising generally take three to six months to disappear. Scars will remain visible, but fade for up to two years. Most patients can return to work after one week, unless it involves strenuous physical activity.

There are varying points of view about having patients wear compression garments. Some cosmetic surgeons emphasize the importance of wearing one for about three weeks.
Other cosmetic surgeons disagree, stating that the constriction often results in blistering.

The latter group of physicians recommends other methods to control post surgical swelling and bruising. These include an herbal combination of Arnica Montana, a plant extract, and bromelain, a pineapple extract. The recommendation is that they be used three or four days prior to surgery and for a couple of weeks post-surgery. These are options that you should discuss thoroughly with your plastic surgeon.

Some plastic surgeons also recommend improving lymphatic drainage and decreasing swelling and bruising through a series of lymphatic drainage massage treatments, to be performed once a week for three weeks. Some surgeons offer this massage therapy in their offices. Patients are encouraged to massage their scars after the sutures are removed.

Post-Operative Instructions for Brachioplasty in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles:

1. You should make arrangements for a responsible adult friend or family member to take you home after surgery. You are not allowed to drive yourself home or take a taxi. After surgery, this caregiver is required to stay with you and to monitor and assist you for at least the first 24 hours after surgery. If you don’t have such a person, please let us know in advance so that we can help you make arrangements to stay at an after-care facility or hospital.
2. Rest as needed the day of and the day after surgery. You do not have to stay in bed. Gentle walking at home will help your circulation.
3. Make sure that you drink adequate amount of fluids so that you do not get dehydrated. You should also monitor your level of hydration by making sure that you are urinating “light-color” urine at least every four to six hours.
4. There are no dietary restrictions; however, you should refrain from eating greasy or acidic foods so that you will not get nauseated.
5. If you are diabetic, make sure to monitor your blood sugar level with a finger-stick or other usual means, three times per day, for the first 2 days.
6. For the first 24 hours after surgery you might have some blood-tinged drainage from surgical sites. This is expected.
7. After surgery, your arms will be placed in a compression garment, which will be covering the areas liposuctioned and/or excised. Do not remove garment until the first post-op visit. Keep your arms straight.
8. Refrain from extraneous activities or exercising for the first three weeks. Although you can do gentle walking during this period, unless it is not a challenge for you.
9. After about four weeks you can resume your exercise routine if you feel comfortable and strong enough.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Recovery from Breast lift Surgery or Mastopexy in Beverly Hills? Dos and Don’ts!




Breast Lift Surgery or Mastopexy generally takes between two to four hours, as an outpatient plastic surgery. After your breast lift surgery, you will spend some time in the Recovery Room of the surgical facility. When you wake up, you will have gauze dressing over your breasts, and a support bra.
Your plastic surgeon will provide you with specific instructions for your recovery, including what medications to take and how to limit your activities.
§ After breast lift surgery in Beverly Hills the best comfortable position for the first 2-3 days is to be lying semi-reclined. Elevation of the upper body and chest reduces the swelling and aching of the breasts.
§ After one week you can sleep on your sides, and after two weeks, on your abdomen.
§ I encourage you to be mobile and not to be sedentary in order to reduce the chance of forming blood clots in your legs.
§ Some women develop back pain or muscle spasm as a result of sleeping propped up. If you experience this put a heating pack on your back and have your family member massage your back.
§ Take your nausea medications about one hour before taking your antibiotics and pain medication in order to lessen the extent of nausea.
§ It is good to stay well hydrated, but avoid drinking too much plain water because it can make you more nauseated.
§ Avoid eating greasy or spicy foods for the first three days, and have anti-acids available if you get an upset stomach.
§ Your gauze dressings will be removed in two days and afterwards you will be able to take a shower and get your breasts wet. After showering, you should blow dry the steri strip paper tapes that cover your incisions so that they don’t come loose. You will be keeping them on for about three weeks.
§ Apply heavy lotion to your breast and abdominal skin away from your wounds to lessen the skin dryness that follows surgery.
§ Recovery varies for each patient, as will the timing for resuming exercise and normal physical activities. Although you will probably be able to return to work within one to two week, your plastic surgeon will instruct you to avoid heavy physical exertion, including heavy lifting, frequent bending, reaching high over shoulder, and jogging for the first three to five weeks.
§ Do not wear a bra with under-wire or a sport bras for the first several weeks because they tend to cut into your incisions (Inverted-T Mastopexy) and may push your breasts to set in a location too high. Your surgeon will tell you when you can get these bras. The best type of bra to wear during this period is a “sleep-in” bra. If you can’t find them, just get soft bras, and remove the under-wire.
§ Be aware that your menstrual cycle may be altered for a month or two, but should return to normal.
§ You can not get nipple or breast piercing, tattoos, or tan for at least six weeks after your surgery.
§ You can have sex after one week, as long as you don’t overly exert yourself, and keep your incision clean and dry for up to 3-4 weeks.
§ Be aware of doors when opening them. Often times, I hear women complain that after surgery they accidentally hit their breasts against them because they were not aware of the change in their body shape.
§ You cannot use a public pool, Jacuzzi, or go into the ocean for at least 4 weeks after surgery.