cosmetic surgery Archives

May 2, 2022May 5, 2022

Cosmetic Surgeries for the Body – Enhanced Beauty from the Neck Down

Are you looking to enhance your appearance from the neck down? With one or more cosmetic procedures, you could achieve your beauty goals.

Choosing to have cosmetic surgery can be a difficult decision to make. But with the right procedure, and by choosing the best cosmetic surgeon, you can effectively tighten and improve your skin’s appearance, boost your bust, add volume to your buttocks, and so much more.

Cosmetic surgery is different from plastic surgery. Plastic surgery refers to procedures aimed at correcting birth defects and trauma from accidents, to give a couple of examples. A plastic surgeon may also reconstruct the breasts following a mastectomy due to a breast cancer diagnosis. This type of surgery is also referred to as reconstructive surgery.

Read our article: Cosmetic Surgery vs. Plastic Surgery – Which is Right for You?

Surgeons perform cosmetic surgery procedures purely for aesthetic reasons. You may have lopsided breasts or too much sag along your abdomen. Cosmetic procedures can improve these irregularities, leading to better self-esteem.

Read our article: How Does Cosmetic Surgery Build Self-Esteem and Confidence?

When it comes to cosmetic surgeries for the body, there are quite a few to mention. Here are the most popular procedures people like you are choosing every day as they visit their cosmetic surgeons in the hopes of achieving aesthetic enhancement.

Popular Body Cosmetic Surgeries for a Self-Esteem Boost

Liposuction

Do you struggle in the gym with the expectation of losing those last five pounds? If only you could lose those stubborn pockets of fat on your abdomen, along your lower back, and elsewhere on your body, you’d be happy with your results, right?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to spot-reduce fat deposits. Dieting and exercise only do so much. If those pockets of fatty tissue remain, liposuction may be the best way to slim down and realign your bodily contours.

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure to improve the shape of the body by removing those stubborn pockets of fat. The procedure is not intended to help you lose weight, however. Rather, it aims to etch your body into a more attractive form.

During liposuction, localized fat deposits are removed from beneath the skin using a vacuum-powered cannula, which is a thin, pen-shaped instrument. The fat is first broken up using a saline solution mixed with an anesthetic to ensure your comfort during the procedure.

Liposuction can be performed on the stomach, hips, arms, thighs, buttocks, and back. Men often use liposuction to remove fatty tissue from the chest during gynecomastia surgery, otherwise known as male breast reduction surgery.

Read our article: Are You a Good Candidate for Male Breast Reduction Surgery?

Since the lipo procedure tends to be mild on the body, more than one area can be contoured in a single day with this amazing and popular cosmetic surgery.

HD Lipo

HD liposuction, otherwise known as Vaser Liposuction, uses ultrasound to break up the fat underneath the skin. This procedure is useful for removing fat deposits from strategic locations on the body to allow the natural structure underneath to show through.

VASER stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy of Resonance, which is quite a mouthful. The ultrasound energy emitted by the VASER device liquefies fat cells before they are suctioned from the body. A tumescent fluid may also be used to further break up the fat cells and anesthetize the location.

Read our article: Liposuction vs. HD Lipo: What’s the Difference?

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck is useful for removing sagging or fatty tissue from the abdominal area. Women who have given birth and people who have lost a significant amount of weight can find the tummy tuck to be a game-changer. The procedure recontours the belly area to leave it flattered and more toned. Tummy tuck surgery can also strengthen the abdominal muscles. If you didn’t have a six-pack before, you might have one after tummy tuck surgery.

Read our article: When Can You Resume Exercise After a Tummy Tuck? (It’s Sooner Than You Think)

During a tummy tuck procedure, also referred to medically as abdominoplasty, excess fatty tissue and saggy skin are removed from the abdominal region. The cosmetic surgeon also tightens and fortifies weakened or separated muscles, which further improves the bodily profile.

In some cases, tummy tucks can remove stretch marks, but only if the damage to the skin falls within the region of excess skin to be removed.

Read our article: Can Cosmetic Surgery Be Used to Smooth Away Stretch Marks?

Just as you shouldn’t think of liposuction as a weight loss procedure, tummy tucks should not be thought of as a replacement for exercise or healthy eating. Cosmetic surgery can help you improve your body after you’ve already put in the arduous work of contouring your body through natural means.

The results of a tummy tuck are permanent, but you will need to do your part to maintain your results by keeping your weight in check.

Mommy Makeover

Having children can alter a woman’s body drastically. You may be able to relate. If your body is left a bit saggy and you wish you could return your body to a younger time, a mommy makeover may be just what the cosmetic surgeon ordered.

Read our article: Mommy Makeover After Childbirth – How Long Do You Have to Wait?

The mommy makeover is a grouping of several cosmetic procedures in one. The primary aim of the surgery is to help women address the effects of childbearing and age. The procedure can be used on the breasts and body to restore her pre-pregnancy appearance.

Common uses of the surgery include the correction of saggy skin along the abdomen and elsewhere on the body. With cosmetic surgeries like the tummy tuck and body lift, stretched and separated abdominal muscles can be tightened and fortified, and stubborn pockets of fat removed to attain the ideal bodily contours.

The breasts can be restored with more volume and size using breast augmentation, which uses silicone, saline, Gummy Bear breast implants, or natural augmentation using the fat transfer technique.

Benefits of Fat Grafting for Breast Augmentation

What Should You Wear to Your Breast Augmentation Consultation?

Women can also opt for a breast lift or a breast reduction. If lopsidedness is a concern, breast symmetry can be improved as well with these surgeries, which can include the correction of stretched or overly large nipples and areolas.

Mommy Makeover Options to Consider – Get Your Pre-Pregnancy Body Back with This All-in-One Cosmetic Surgery Procedure

Can Breast Reduction Surgery Ease Back Pain?

Following surgery, many women rave about their bodies and the way their clothing and swimsuits fit, which makes a mommy makeover procedure well worth it for many women who don’t want children anymore.

Butt Implants

If your backside is a tad flat or saggy, butt implants can give you more volume and shape where it counts. Similar to the way breast implants enhance the bust, butt implants make the buttocks rounder and more pronounced.

Butt lifts are made of silicone. The surgeon places the surgical implants into the buttocks by way of an incision created between the butt cheeks.

This cosmetic procedure is ideal for people with very little fatty tissue on the backside. It can take up to four weeks to recover from butt lift surgery.

In some cases, the surgeon can use the fat transfer technique to further enhance the buttock area. This is where fatty tissue is removed from one area of your body and injected into your buttocks to give your backside added shapeliness.

Brazilian Butt Lift

A Brazilian butt lift (BBL) also uses the fat transfer technique. The aim of the cosmetic procedure is to augment the size and shape of the buttocks without the use of butt implants.

Read our article: Key Benefits of the Brazilian Butt Lift

During the procedure, excess fat is extracted from the abdomen, hips, lower back, or inner thighs. This has the added benefit of slimming the donor area while simultaneously enhancing your buttocks.

The surgeon then injects the fatty tissue strategically into the buttock area. A talented cosmetic surgeon can recontour the buttocks with the injected fat cells for natural-looking results. The results can last many years.

Sculptra Butt Lift

The Sculptra butt lift is a non-surgical procedure that seeks to enhance the backside with an FDA-approved filler. The procedure aims to add lift and natural fullness to the buttocks.

The Sculptra butt lift is an excellent alternative to the Brazilian butt lift if your goal is to make your buttocks perkier and rounder without committing to surgery.

Read our article: Sculptra Butt Lift & Traditional Butt Lift – How Do They Stack Up?

Sculptra adds fullness but it also enhances the quality of your skin. The surgeon uses topical anesthesia along with the procedure to ensure you remain comfortable from beginning to end. The technique is minimally invasive and requires no downtime. There is also zero scarring.

Read our article: Scarless Cosmetic Surgery for Discreet Improvements

If your buttocks have areas that are sunken in or lacking in volume, this procedure can give your butt a fuller appearance.

Unlike other injectable fillers that only last a few months to a year, Sculptra injections are long-lasting. That means you won’t have to attend maintenance appointments throughout the year. You get an impressive backside with only a single appointment.

Arm Lift

The arm lift, otherwise referred to as Brachioplasty, aims to reshape the saggy, flabby under portion of the upper arm. You may have heard the term Bingo Wings or Bat Wings. The arm lift can get rid of the flab and sag to restore youthfulness, tightness, and slimness to the upper arms.

During the Brachioplasty procedure, the cosmetic surgeon removes excess skin and fat in order to smooth and tone the affected area. The aftereffect makes the arms more proportional to the rest of your body.

Abdominal Etching

Abdominal etching is similar to the liposuction procedure. The cosmetic surgeon removes unwanted body fat, but not all of it. You may wonder why the surgeon would leave any fat behind. The surgeon uses the excess fat that remains to sculpt and add definition to the abdominal area.

Read our article: Abdominal Etching: Can You Really Get Six Pack Abs?

Abdominal etching also uses a cannula, much like traditional lipo. The cannula is thinner, however, which allows the surgeon to better sculpt the abdominal region, giving you impressive results.

You would be an ideal candidate for this cosmetic surgery if you have minimal fat around your abdomen and want sculpted results you can’t seem to attain in the gym.

Body Lift

A body lift is intended to remove excess fat and address loose, stretched skin along the abdomen and lower body. The results leave you with more proportional abdominal and lower body contours while leaving your skin firmer and tighter.

During the procedure, all the lower body areas are addressed. These include your abdominal area, the sides of your body, your lower back, groin area, and inner thighs.

The best part about the lower body lift is that the incisions are hidden within the natural folds of your body, which means any scarring that develops can easily be hidden with swimsuits and clothing. The incisions could be extensive, however, depending on how much work the surgeon needs to do.

In many instances, the surgeon performs the body lift procedure in stages, depending on your health and body contouring goals.

Thigh Lift

The thigh lift aims to reshape your thighs by reducing excess fat and saggy skin. The results leave your skin smoother and firmer while making your legs more proportional to your lower body.

The incisions used during thigh lift surgery depend on your body contouring goals. For the inner thighs, the incisions begin at the groin area and extend downward, where they then wrap around the backs of the thighs.

Another common thigh lift technique aims to remove excess skin from the groin all the way down to the knee using an incision that follows along the inseam.

Then there is the inner thigh lift that uses a minimal incision in the groin area only.

Your cosmetic surgeon will help you determine which technique is most appropriate during your initial consultation.

Read our article: Tips for Scheduling Your First Cosmetic Procedure with a Cosmetic Surgeon

Like the lower body lift, the incisions used during thigh lift surgery can usually be hidden with swimsuits or clothing, but the incisions still may be extensive.

The results of the thigh lift procedure leave your upper legs slimmer and more proportional, and you should see immediate results, though there may be swelling and bruising along the incision lines at first.

Are You a Candidate for Body Cosmetic Surgery?

You have now learned about several of the most popular body contouring surgeries men and women like you around the country and the world choose. When you are ready to discuss what cosmetic surgery can do for you, visit Moein Surgical Arts.

Located in Southern California, our facility is state-of-the-art with a focus on cleanliness and safety. Dr. Babak Moein and his professional staff look forward to meeting with you.

Read our article: Find the Best Cosmetic Surgeon by Using This Checklist for Stellar Results

You can schedule a consultation with Dr. Moein to discuss one or more of these procedures by calling (310)694-4486. In the meantime, imagine the possibilities, and envision yourself with improved contours as Dr. Moein and his team help you achieve your beauty goals.

April 25, 2022

Find the Best Cosmetic Surgeon by Using This Checklist for Stellar Results

Cosmetic surgery is a major decision that is not to be taken lightly. You might think it’s the type of surgery you need to be most concerned about. However, your choice of cosmetic surgeon is paramount, at least if you hope to experience stellar results.

If you search Google for “Cosmetic Surgeon near me,” you will find hundreds of thousands if not millions of results. That’s not exactly useful when you’re attempting to narrow down your decision to a single professional.

Instead of focusing on all those results, look at the 3-pack, which is the section of the search engine results pages (SERP) that focuses on the top professionals in your area. The listings you see at the top of the page when you conduct a search for nearby cosmetic surgeons include the cosmetic practice’s name, address, and the number of online patient reviews. You can also find links to the surgeon’s website and a map of their location, which is useful for obtaining GPS directions right to the professional’s door.

You can also search for the procedure you’re interested in, such as “liposuction in Los Angeles,” for example.

The listings you see in these detailed search results originate from each practice’s Google My Business (GMB) page. The GMB allows you to find general information about the practice, but the true value comes from reading the practice’s online patient reviews.

To begin your search for the top professional in your area, start with Google. Conduct a search and start making a list of all the cosmetic surgeons that stand out to you. Pay attention to the proximity of the office, the number and quality of their online reviews, and make sure the professional specializes in the type of cosmetic surgery you might be interested in.

Quick note. When making your list, decide if you need a plastic surgeon or a cosmetic surgeon. There is a difference.

Read our article: Cosmetic Surgery Vs. Plastic Surgery – Which is Right for You?

What is the difference between plastic and cosmetic surgery?

A plastic surgeon is tasked with correcting irregularities and restoring function due to accidents, trauma, burns, diseases, and birth defects. Breast reconstruction following a mastectomy due to a breast cancer diagnosis is a plastic surgeon’s job, for example.

A cosmetic surgeon specializes in correcting irregularities for purely aesthetic purposes. Cosmetic surgeons perform facelifts, breast augmentations, tummy tucks, and Brazilian butt lifts to help you feel better about your body. Although, some cosmetic procedures can also help with function, such as how a breast lift can help with back pain.

If you want to improve how you look and you have a minor irregularity like a crooked nose or saggy tummy, a cosmetic surgeon is a right professional for you.

Once you have a list of cosmetic surgeons near you, it’s time to whittle down your list. Use the following checklist to determine which is the best cosmetic surgeon for your needs.

Is the Cosmetic Surgeon Board Certified?

The most dependable way to determine if your surgeon is professionally trained and experienced in aesthetic procedures is to ask about their board certification. You can’t always rely on state medical boards to ensure that your surgeon is qualified to perform the surgery you want. Even if the surgeon advertises the surgery you’re looking for, that doesn’t necessarily mean they specialize in that service.

The government doesn’t require a surgeon to be trained in the procedures they offer, unfortunately. Many doctors take a weekend course and suddenly advertise cosmetic surgery services in hopes of earning more profit.

Go through your list and look for the words “board-certification” either on their GMB profiles or on their practice websites.

Source: https://www.moeinsurgicalarts.com/cosmetic-surgeon/

Is the Cosmetic Surgeon Adequately Trained?

Board certification only tells you part of the story. The science of cosmetic surgery is constantly evolving. There are always new technologies, innovative techniques, and ongoing research cosmetic surgeons need to keep abreast of.

Aside from being board certified, you should visit each doctor’s GMB and website on your list to gauge their level of training.

The surgeon should have completed a residency program in:

General surgery
Plastic surgery
Neurological surgery
Orthopedic surgery
Thoracic surgery
Urology
Ophthalmology
Obstetrics and gynecology

The candidate should be board certified in one or more of these specialties. The surgeon should also have completed a full-time training program known as a fellowship lasting at least one or two years.

Look for the term “Fellowship trained” as that will indicate that the professional has completed the proper training to give you symmetry, beauty, and balance, which are the hallmarks of a skilled cosmetic surgeon.

Source: https://www.moeinsurgicalarts.com/cosmetic-surgeon/

The Overall Experience – Read Online Reviews

A good way to separate the wheat from the chaff when narrowing down your list of cosmetic surgeons is to go through each professional’s online reviews. Read the reviews and pay attention to the experiences others have had when visiting that particular cosmetic surgeon.

You want to know that people are happy with the surgeon’s bedside manner, professionalism, cleanliness of the office, and the results they have achieved.

Start with Google reviews, which can be accessed directly from each surgeon’s GMB profile.

When looking at reviews, pay attention to the responses from the cosmetic surgeon’s office. Responses show the cosmetic surgeon cares. It also shows that the cosmetic surgeon is going through the reviews to determine which patients had the best experience, and which patients’ experiences could be improved. No one is perfect, but surgeons that respond tend to improve over time, because they learn what patients want, and that, in turn, helps them give patients the best experience possible.

In addition to Google, visit other review sites, like Yelp.

Pay special attention to reviews that pertain to the type of cosmetic surgeon you’re hoping to get, whether it’s liposuction, a tummy tuck, facelift, breast augmentation, or any other. You want to know that the surgeon is skilled, trained, and experienced in your type of surgery. Reading online reviews is the best way to assess that the surgeon is the best one for you.

Source: https://www.yelp.com/

What if the Cosmetic Surgeon has Negative Reviews?

Negative reviews should not necessarily be a dealbreaker. If the surgeon has a majority of 4- and 5-star reviews, that should be enough to keep the surgeon on your shortlist of professionals to visit.

It is important to understand that cosmetic surgery is not miracle work. Some people have unrealistic expectations, others may have a bone to pick for whatever reason. If there are only a couple of negative reviews and each one shows that the person wants something cosmetic surgery could not achieve, disregard them, and pay attention to the positive reviews, as that is a better indicator of the experience you are likely to have by choosing that surgeon for your needs.

Does the Cosmetic Surgeon Offer the Services You Want?

Some cosmetic surgeons specialize in one or two procedures while others offer a gamut of aesthetic procedures. Make sure the surgeon you’re considering is skilled, trained, and experienced in the type of surgery you want.

Due to advancements in cosmetic surgery, you now have access to a wide range of procedures, letting you improve every aspect of your body from head to toe.

Body Cosmetic Surgeries

Liposuction: Stubborn pockets of fat could be yesterday’s news with this popular cosmetic procedure that suctions fat from your face, neck, body, arms, thighs, and even your ankles.
HD-Lipo: This high-tech version of traditional liposuction lets you get rid of deeper pockets of fat, allowing your body’s musculature to show through.

Read our article: Liposuction vs. HD-Lipo: What’s the Difference?

VASER Lipo: This version of liposuction uses sound energy to break up the fat, allowing for easier removal.
Tummy Tuck: When you have too much belly fat, a saggy tummy, or hanging skin along your abdomen, a tummy tuck can tighten and flatten your stomach region.

Read our article: When Can You Resume Exercise After a Tummy Tuck? (It’s Sooner Than You Might Think)

Mommy Makeover: This all-in-one procedure lets you combine surgeries like breast augmentation, a tummy tuck, and liposuction for a total body transformation.
Daddy Do-Over: Dads deserve to turn back the clock on their bodies too! This procedure can combine surgeries like gynecomastia surgery, a tummy tuck, and a facelift. Imagine the possibilities!

Read our article: Dads Deserve Makeovers, Too! Introducing the Daddy Do-Over

Butt Implants: When you were born with a flat or saggy bottom, butt implants can give more oomph to your backside.
Brazilian Butt Lift: Instead of butt implants, the BBL uses your own body fat to add volume and size to your buttocks.
Sculptra Butt Lift: This procedure uses cosmetic filler to add volume, size, and symmetry where it counts.
Arm Lift: Get rid of those ‘bingo wings’ by tightening up your upper arms.
Abdominal Etching: Want to show off your hard work in the gym? Abdominal etching will help you do just that.
Body Lift: Get rid of stubborn fat and saggy skin along your lower or upper body with a transformative body lift.
Thigh Lift: This procedure gets rid of your jiggly thighs by making your legs thinner, tighter, and more attractive.

Breast Surgeries

Breast Augmentation: Breast implants are used during this cosmetic surgery to add volume, symmetry, and beauty to your bust.
Natural Breast Augmentation: Use implants and fat transfer or the fat transfer technique by itself to give your breasts a subtle volume and size enhancement.

Read our article: What is Natural Fat Grafting? And How Long Does it Last?

Breast Lift: Breasts that sag after childbirth can be placed higher and given a symmetrical makeover. This cosmetic surgery can also alleviate back pain.
Breast Augmentation and Lift: Get breast implants and a breast lift all in the same procedure to add youth and beauty to your chest region.
Breast Reduction: A breast reduction can restore your breasts to a smaller size, giving you a perkier chest. This procedure can also sometimes help with back pain.
Inverted Nipple Correction: Inverted nipples can occur on one or both breasts, but this procedure can have your nipples looking symmetrical, youthful, and amazing.

Face Cosmetic Surgeries

Facelift: Rid your face of fine lines and wrinkles with this popular cosmetic facial surgery.
Neck lift: Your neck tends to show your age before any other body part. Restore youthfulness to your neck with neck lift surgery.
Eyelid Surgery: Your eyelids tend to show your age earlier than other body parts. An upper or lower eyelid procedure can make you look younger, more alert, and well-rested.
Kybella Double Chin Treatment: Turkey necks and double chins can be a thing of the past with this popular filler treatment that goes to work right away to eliminate stubborn facial fat cells.
Browlift: You can reverse the age from your upper face with amazing brow lift surgery.
Fat Grafting: Use your own fat cells to restore lost volume to various areas around your face.
Rhinoplasty: If you don’t like something about your nose, why not change it? A nose job can improve facial symmetry and beauty.
Facial Implants: Facial implants can be used to make your jaw more defined. It will also add symmetry to your cheeks and chin.
Chin Augmentation: This chin treatment can give weak chins a makeover for a transformative experience.

Weight Loss Options

Many cosmetic surgeons offer non-surgical gastric balloon and laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery to help you reverse morbid obesity on your terms.

Transgender Surgery (MTF)

When you don’t feel quite at home in your own body, transgender surgery can give you a new lease on life.

Cosmetic Surgery for Men

Gynecomastia surgery (male breast removal) and male liposuction are game-changers when you feel too embarrassed to remove your shirt for fear of being judged.

Read our article: Are You a Good Candidate for Male Breast Reduction Surgery?

Revision Surgeries

Did you have an unpleasant experience with another cosmetic surgeon? Many professionals now offer revision cosmetic surgeries to get your symmetry and beauty back on track.

Med-Spa Services

In addition to cosmetic surgeries, many cosmetic professionals now offer med-spa services like cellulite treatment, non-surgical body contouring, varicose vein treatments, injectable fillers, and more.

Read our article: Can Injectable Fillers Prevent Facial Aging?

Now You’re Ready to Schedule a Consultation

Once you have found a cosmetic surgeon that has the education and training, and that offers the experience and services you’re looking for, the next step is to schedule a consultation.

During a consultation, you can talk to the professional about your aesthetic goals and the results you hope to achieve.

Remember, you must have realistic expectations for what cosmetic surgery can deliver. The surgeon can help you form those expectations during your first meeting.

The consultation also lets you gauge the level of rapport between you and the surgeon. Having rapport between the two of you is critical if you want the best experience possible.

Read our article: Tips for Scheduling Your First Cosmetic Procedure with a Cosmetic Surgeon

Who is the Best Cosmetic Surgeon Near You?

Your choice of cosmetic surgeon is one that may affect you for many years to come, if not for the rest of your life. Successful aesthetic surgery can make you feel more at home in your body. The surge of self-esteem that follows could aid you in all areas of your life, including your professional career, personal relationships, and general life ambitions.

However, make the wrong choice in surgeon and you could end up with a botched cosmetic job that could cause your self-esteem to take a hit.

The lesson here is to take your time finding a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who possesses the experience, training, and a friendly bedside manner. Most importantly, find a surgeon who can produce examples of before and after photographs that match the results you aspire to achieve. Then, schedule a consultation so that you can be sure your health and beauty are in the best of hands.

Are you ready to take the next step to improve your appearance? You can find an educated, trained, skilled, and compassionate cosmetic surgeon by calling Dr. Babak Moein of Moein Surgical Arts. Located in Los Angeles, California, Dr. Moein and his professional staff are ready to treat you with care while helping you achieve your aesthetic goals. Don’t forget to ask about cosmetic surgery financing during your appointment! Dial now to get started 310-299-9106.

April 11, 2022April 11, 2022

How Does Cosmetic Surgery Build Self-Esteem and Confidence?

Tech advances like social media have made both men and women increasingly concerned about the way they look. If this describes you, cosmetic surgery aims to make you feel better about yourself. But what does that mean?

Studies show that those who undergo cosmetic surgical procedures like the tummy tuck, breast augmentation, gynecomastia surgery (for men), and rhinoplasty are generally pleased with their results.

Those same studies show that cosmetic surgery can improve one’s self-worth. More specifically, cosmetic enhancement can help with both self-esteem and confidence. Most people use these terms interchangeably, but that’s not quite correct.

There are differences between the two terms, and cosmetic surgery can help with both, as long as you maintain realistic expectations.

Let’s dive into the true meaning of the terms self-esteem and confidence, and how cosmetic surgery could give you a new lease on life.

Read our article: Cosmetic Surgery Vs. Plastic Surgery – Which Is Right For You?

What is the Difference Between Self-Esteem and Confidence?

Self-esteem is the amount of value you place on yourself. You develop self-esteem based on your interactions with others and life experiences.

You need healthy self-esteem to have the confidence to meet life’s challenges head-on.

When you have healthy self-esteem, even if life hands you lemons, you’re ready to whip up a batch of lemonade.

Low self-esteem can develop into a harsh inner critic. You might find yourself trashing yourself when you’re stressed or being negatively judged by others.

Confidence is about knowing and trusting in your own abilities. Self-confidence can change depending on the situation you find yourself in. You might be confident at playing chess, but you might lack confidence when playing sports, for example.

With low confidence, when life throws you obstacles, you might feel as though you deserve it for being so worthless.

Does that clear things up a bit?

To develop both healthy self-esteem and confidence, it is important to practice self-acceptance and to get to know yourself.

And if there is a body part that you feel could look better, cosmetic surgery can often be a terrific way of loving yourself. Once again, healthy expectations are key to achieving favorable results with cosmetic enhancement.

How Does Cosmetic Surgery Improve Your Appearance?

Having one or more body parts you dislike can make you feel insecure. You might then have low confidence when it comes to things like applying for a better job, getting a date, or striving to be your best.

With countless cosmetic procedures available, nearly any body part can be altered, improved, and corrected.

Whether you have loose skin, excess fat, facial aging, loss of breast volume, sagging breasts, excess breast growth (if you are male), or nose shape or size concerns, cosmetic enhancement can help.

Read our article: 20 Cosmetic Surgery & Non-Surgical Treatments For Revitalizing Your Appearance

Will Cosmetic Surgery Make You More Confident?

Everyone is different, but most people feel a surge of confidence when they are pleased with their appearance. When you are embarrassed or unhappy about a portion of your body, your self-esteem can take a hit. Depression can follow. You might even socially withdraw, exacerbating your inability to feel confident about yourself.

Women with saggy breasts may struggle with intimacy in the bedroom. The same with men with gynecomastia. This can affect your relationship with your partner, not to mention negatively affecting your social well-being.

Cosmetic surgery can lead to a greater sense of satisfaction with your appearance. People who undergo popular cosmetic procedures like breast augmentation, tummy tuck, gynecomastia surgery, facelift, and Brazilian Butt Lift tend to carry themselves more confidently. As a result, their relationships improve, and they’re more likely to achieve their professional and life goals.

On the other side of the coin is someone who is constantly worried people can see their stubborn fat, large nose, small breasts, or flat buttocks, and judge them harshly for “not being good enough.” Of course, most of this negative self-talk is most likely all in the person’s head. But if cosmetic surgery will help you hold your head up a bit higher, then undergoing one or more procedures can help you feel more confident, allowing you to get the most out of life.

Can Cosmetic Surgery Boost Your Self-Esteem?

Studies show that people who undergo cosmetic surgery and who also possess realistic expectations tend to feel healthier and less anxious following their procedures. They also developed higher self-esteem, which helped to improve other areas of their life, such as intelligence, physical activity, and shyness, to give some examples.

Can Cosmetic Surgery Improve Your Quality of Life?

Cosmetic surgery doesn’t just improve your appearance. A tummy tuck can give you the confidence to be yourself when wearing a bathing suit at the beach. Rhinoplasty can give your confidence a boost when applying for a job where you have to interact with a lot of people. Breast augmentation can help your favorite clothes fit better, reducing any self-consciousness you may have felt before. All of these procedures can lead to better social confidence. They make it easier to meet new people, engage in public speaking, and date.

Read our article: Tummy Tuck Surgery Provides 10 Life Benefits

Can Cosmetic Surgery Affect Your Relationships?

A study published in Clinical Psychological Science reported that people who underwent cosmetic surgery experienced greater joy in life, a better mood, and a higher sense of satisfaction. These attributes can help with all your relationships, with co-workers, your significant other, family members, friends, and even acquaintances.

Can Cosmetic Surgery Affect Your Job?

A study completed by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine showed that patients who underwent cosmetic surgery had improved body image and self-image in social settings and their work environments. Feeling better about yourself at work can help you speak up during meetings, ask for raises and promotions, and lead to better job performance.

What Does it Mean to Have Realistic Expectations Before Cosmetic Surgery?

Being realistic with your expectations means that you understand that cosmetic surgery can improve your looks, but not perfect them. If you can accept this concept, you are more likely to be happy with the results cosmetic enhancement can bring you.

What are Examples of Unrealistic Cosmetic Surgery Expectations?

Many cosmetic surgery patients bring photographs of celebrities with them to their cosmetic surgery consultations. When meeting with the surgeon for the first time, these people want the professional performing the surgery to know just how much improvement they want. However, no amount of cosmetic surgery can make you look like a particular movie star or model. You can use those images as guides but be realistic in what cosmetic surgery can deliver.

Cosmetic surgeons are careful to only operate on those individuals who do possess realistic expectations. If you have a mental health issue, such as body dysmorphic disorder, no amount of cosmetic surgery will bring you body satisfaction, unfortunately.

Is Cosmetic Surgery Becoming More or Less Popular?

The known increase in self-esteem following cosmetic surgery experiences could explain the growing trend of people signing up for the 15 million cosmetic procedures performed in this country each year.

The most popular surgeries performed by cosmetic surgeons include liposuction, breast augmentation surgery, tummy tuck, rhinoplasty, and eyelid surgery.

Read our article: 2022’s Hottest Cosmetic Surgery Trends

As technology and surgical techniques become more advanced, the results of cosmetic enhancement will only continue to get better with less invasive procedures required.

What Cosmetic Surgery Should You Choose?

There is no one right answer to this question. If you have a body part you feel self-conscious about, cosmetic surgery can help you feel more at peace with your appearance. Most of us have that one body part that drives us a little crazy. We often say to ourselves, if only my love handles weren’t so big (liposuction), or I wish my tummy wasn’t so flabby (tummy tuck), or why can’t my breasts be rounder and more lifted on my chest (breast augmentation)?

Of course, in some cases, two or more cosmetic procedures can be performed at the same time. These include popular procedures like the mommy makeover and daddy do-over surgeries.

With a mommy makeover, you can return your body to pre-pregnancy conditions with a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, liposuction, and Renuvion for skin tightening.

The daddy do-over can include gynecomastia surgery, tummy tuck, eyelid surgery, and facelift. These are just some of the possibilities open to you. It depends on what you feel you need to improve about yourself.

Read our article: Combining Multiple Cosmetic Plastic Surgeries for Superior Results

How Long Does Cosmetic Surgery Last?

Many cosmetic procedures can last a decade or longer, depending on how well you maintain your skin and weight. Some procedures, like injectable neurotoxins (Botox Cosmetic) need to be repeated every few months to maintain your results.

No cosmetic improvement can hold age at bay, and gravity also plays a part. But if you choose the right surgeon and do your best to maintain your results according to your surgeon’s recommendations, you can enjoy boosted self-esteem and confidence for many, many years to come.

In closing, the effects of cosmetic surgery on self-esteem and self-confidence are well-documented. By improving the parts of yourself you dislike, you can improve your quality of life, relationships, working life, sex life, and many other areas. That is, as long as you maintain realistic expectations.

Ready to learn more? You can open up an entirely new world of possibilities by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Babak Moein of Moein Surgical Arts in Los Angeles, California.

March 28, 2022

Combining Multiple Cosmetic Plastic Surgeries for Superior Results

Improving how you look can be as simple as choosing the right location to nip and tuck.

But with experts recommending that you wait six to twelve weeks between surgical sessions, what do you do when you want to level up your enhancement with multiple cosmetic plastic procedures?

Advances in esthetic surgical science have now made it possible to combine cosmetic enhancement surgeries into a single session.

If you are interested in cosmetic enhancement, and you’re thinking about nipping and tucking multiple places on your face and body, you’ll want to continue. Who knows? It might spark an idea to improve your appearance with two or more cosmetic plastic surgeries.

Cosmetic vs Plastic Surgery – What’s the Difference?

Cosmetic plastic surgery is a term we sometimes use for cosmetic surgical enhancement or simply cosmetic surgery.

When we speak of cosmetic and plastic surgery, the two terms are not interchangeable.

It’s common for people to associate plastic surgery with cosmetic enhancements. The tabloids are rife with stories of celebrities getting plastic surgery.

Plastic surgery is reconstructive surgery aimed at irregularities like birth defects, burns, and breast reconstruction following a mastectomy.

Cosmetic surgery is the enhancement of your appearance with procedures like the tummy tuck, facelift, and Brazilian butt lift.

Cosmetic plastic surgery is a term that we use to describe cosmetic surgery. Another one you might read or hear about is aesthetic plastic surgery. For our purposes, we’ll simply use cosmetic surgery from now on.

Now that we’ve set the record straight on the proper words to use, let’s get into how to combine cosmetic surgeries into one session and the benefits you gain.

Benefits of Combining Cosmetic Surgeries

Not only do you get to scratch multiple cosmetic procedures off your bucket list at once, but you get a host of other benefits as well.

Safety

If staying safe is on your mind, you’ll be glad to know you’re in good company. Millions around the world are now combining multiple cosmetic procedures into single sessions and for good reasons. One of them is that you only have to use general anesthesia once. Much of the risk involved with a serious surgery like the facelift, tummy tuck, and breast enhancement comes with the use of general anesthesia. While all measures are put in place to guarantee your safety, having to ‘go under’ only once should relax you.

Savings

You might see a combination of cosmetic surgeries as an expensive option. But when you factor in all the costs associated with surgery, you’ll see that a surgery combination is a good bargain.

When you pay for surgery, you are paying for the procedure but also the surgical center, anesthesiologist’s fees, and other expenses related to any given surgical session.

By cutting your surgical session to a single time for multiple surgeries, you won’t have to pay those added fees twice, saving you the money you would have spent on two surgical sessions (With the increased risk to your health, mind you).

Superior Results

Having surgeries in two distinct sessions is not as useful for creating natural results as completing multiple procedures in a single session. Take the breast lift and breast augmentation combination for instance. In one surgery, your cosmetic surgeon can lift your breasts and use breast implants to enhance your chest contours.

When these procedures are completed apart, the surgeon has to use the same incision marks to reduce scarring. This doesn’t always work or produce favorable results, particularly if two different surgeons are doing the work.

Having one session minimizes scarring and is more likely to produce natural-looking results.

More Comfortable

One surgical session for cosmetic surgery means you only have to recover one time. You don’t have to take too much time off work, and that means minimal disturbance to your quality of life.

It just makes sense. Combining cosmetic surgeries is safer, costs less, and won’t have you recovering from surgery for very long at all.

How Do You Decide Which Procedures to Combine?

When looking at your face in the mirror or down at your body, are there times you wish you could improve something about them? Maybe you feel you look more tired than you should, even though you’ve been sleeping fine. And maybe you’ve always disliked your nose for being too long or pointy, or your breasts for being too saggy and droopy. Now is your chance to correct those aesthetic irregularities simultaneously.

What Cosmetic Surgeries can You Often Combine?

Liposuction and Tummy Tuck Surgery

Do you ever look down at your body and see more rounded contours than you would prefer? Are your love handles prominent, and are you at least close to your ideal weight? If so, liposuction and tummy tuck in a single surgery could be for you. This procedure is also useful for hanging and saggy skin around the abdomen, including stretch marks in some cases.

The tummy tuck surgery removes excess skin and abdominal pockets of fat. This is great if you’ve struggled to lose belly fat to no avail. Tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) also strengthens and tightens the underlying abdominal muscles.

When combined with liposuction, even more fat is removed, including targeted areas like your love handles. By combining these two cosmetic enhancements, the surgeon uses artistic skill to accentuate the musculature of the abdomen. You’re left with a more attractive physique and knockout curves.

Level Up Your Body Contouring Surgery

Ask about using HD-Lipo instead of traditional liposuction during your combination surgery. High-definition liposuction targets the superficial fat that allows the body’s musculature to show through.

Another minimally invasive cosmetic treatment called Renuvion can be used in conjunction with liposuction and tummy tuck surgery to tighten the skin around the abdomen. Renuvion uses J-Plasma technology to constrict the skin and improve collagen production, which leaves skin more youthful by design.

The tummy tuck costs $6,000.

Liposuction costs $3,637.

Vaser HD-Lipo costs $3,000+.

Renuvion costs $5,225.

Combination tummy tuck and liposuction cost $8,000+.

Breast Lift and Breast Implants

Displaced and saggy breasts can be uncomfortable. Others find them unsightly. A breast lift combined with breast implants can give you relief and greater self-esteem.

A breast lift by itself is aimed at improving the breast droop phenomenon that occurs after significant weight gain or loss, childbirth, and breastfeeding.

When you add breast augmentation to the lift, the added volume and repositioning make your breasts more fitting for your frame. If they were shapeless before, surgery will give your breasts more feminine curves that look terrific clothed and unclothed.

Breast implants come in different types.

Saline

Saline breast implants are ideal if minimal scarring is important to you. The implants are inserted through tiny incisions before they are inflated with a saline solution while resting underneath the skin and muscle.

Gel

Gel implants are filled with a gel that feels more realistic than saline once implanted. These implants look more realistic in appearance as well.

Gummy Bear

Gummy bear breast implants feel about as you’d expect from the name. They are fairly firm but are the best choice for breast implant patients who fear their saline or gel implants rupturing. Gummy bear implants may not give you as realistic an effect, but they are dependable and hold their shape for life.

Breast lift surgery costs $5,012.

Breast augmentation surgery costs $4,516.

Combined, the surgeries cost $6,225.

Tummy Tuck and Breast Enhancement

When you want to give your body a serious makeover, a tummy tuck and breast enhancement can reconfigure your silhouette and make your confidence skyrocket.

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries for good reason. The surgery gives you more volume, shape, and lift around your chest area. The surgery can improve your posture, the way you carry yourself, and the way others see you.

When you pair breast augmentation with the tummy tuck, you achieve dramatic results. Women who have been pregnant find this combination to be a powerful surgical pairing. The two treatments in one can help with abdominal sag and excess belly fat that is hard to lose after you’ve had kids.

The tummy tuck and liposuction are often included with the mommy makeover. Many moms also add a breast lift.

Mommy Makeover & Daddy Do-Over Surgeries

Mommy makeover surgeries are tailored procedures that target a woman’s specific problem areas.

Some of the typical procedures added to a mommy makeover include breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck, and vaginal rejuvenation.

Dads want to reclaim their youthful bodies too. Now they can with the daddy do-over procedure.

Dads often choose gynecomastia surgery to reduce the appearance of man-boobs, along with a facelift, eyelid surgery, and the tummy tuck.

Mommy makeover surgery costs $5,000+.

Daddy do-over surgery costs $10,000+.

Chin Augmentation and Rhinoplasty

Like chocolate and peanut butter, chin augmentation and rhinoplasty are two procedures that seem to work well together. Chin augmentation can recontour the lower half of your face, lending a sturdier and more confident face shape.

Rhinoplasty (nose job) can reconfigure your nose to make it more aesthetically pleasing to your face.

As with most cosmetic surgeries, the surgeon will strive to hide incisions within the natural folds of your skin. Having combination surgeries will minimize scarring, leading to a more natural-looking effect.

What effect is that? Having these two surgeries can bring harmony to your facial features in a single surgical session.

Chin augmentation costs $3,669.

Rhinoplasty costs $5,483.

Combination chin augmentation and rhinoplasty cost $7,000+.

Facelift Surgery and Eyelid Surgery

A facelift and eyelid surgery completed together can reverse the appearance of age. No longer will you look so exhausted all the time, despite having received enough rest.

The facelift removes excess skin and fat around the face. The remaining skin gets tightened for a smoother, more youthful sheen.

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) reduces the appearance of droopy upper eyelids. The surgery can also treat puffy lower eyelids, removing those dark, heavy bags.

The two procedures done together can have a profound effect on your facial appearance.

A facelift costs $8,005.

Eyelid surgery costs $4,120.

A combination of facelift surgery and eyelid surgery costs $8,000+.

How Many Cosmetic Surgeries Can You Combine at Once?

There is no single satisfactory answer to this question. As you can see, some surgeries (like the mommy makeover) can include up to three surgeries.

A thorough examination is required by a qualified cosmetic surgeon to determine your suitability for one or more cosmetic procedures. During your initial consultation, you will have an opportunity to discuss those body parts you don’t feel so confident about. The doctor may suggest a combination of surgeries you hadn’t considered.

When Should You Not Combine Surgeries?

You may be denied from having a grouping of cosmetic procedures if you suffer from high blood pressure or an existing health condition.

Are You a Candidate? There’s One Way to Find Out

Board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Babak Moein has been providing patients in Southern California with outstanding results for over two decades. Dr. Moein would love to help you fully realize your facial and body rejuvenation options using his honed surgical techniques. What changes would you like to make if you could? Well, now you can. Dial now to start on the path to achieving your aesthetic goals. Don’t forget to ask about our flexible financing options and medical tourism program for those living outside the Los Angeles area. Call us at 310-694-4486.

March 21, 2022April 25, 2022

Scarless Cosmetic Surgery for Discreet Improvements

Scars sometimes act as a deterrent for cosmetic surgery. People fear that their skin will be left with raised lines or potted marks. This is completely understandable. The reason people get cosmetic surgery is to improve their appearance. Having noticeable scars left behind by the procedure defeats the purpose, doesn’t it?

If scars have kept you from attempting to improve your looks with one or more cosmetic techniques, there are now procedures that can help you look your best without noticeable scars.

Otherwise known as scarless cosmetic surgery, these procedures are available at a cosmetic surgical center near you.

Want to turn back the clock on your appearance and improve your body contours? Call Moein Surgical Arts in Southern California to schedule a consultation with Dr. Babak Moein.

Why Are Scarless Cosmetic Surgery Results Important?

Enhancing your appearance without dealing with noticeable scars is one of the best ways to show love to yourself. Through the use of one or more treatments like facelift, breast lift, arm lift, thigh lift, and tummy tuck, you have the opportunity to regain your youthful shape and self-esteem.

How Does Scarless Cosmetic Surgery Work?

In the world of cosmetic surgery, there are different types of scars. Some procedures leave an inevitable scar, such as the tummy tuck. Removing excess skin and tightening the abdominal area causes trauma to the area, and a scar is the natural mending of that tissue as the surgical wound heals.

When we use the term “scarless,” unfortunately, we don’t mean the area will have zero scarring. Technology does not yet exist where we can cause trauma to the skin and not have it produce some sort of scar.

That being said, scarless techniques are minimally invasive, which means the scars they cause are very tiny. Once healed, the idea is to produce a scar that is hardly noticeable at all.

There is another element at play when you choose the area’s best cosmetic surgeon. Cosmetic surgeons are specially trained to reduce the appearance of scars. While the surgeon is performing the procedure, any incisions made are located within natural skin folds. This makes them nearly invisible, hence the term “scarless” to describe these amazing aesthetic enhancements.

What Types of Scarless Plastic Surgery are Available?

Cosmetic surgery clinics today offer a wide range of procedures that reduce the appearance of scars. It will leave the area looking more beautiful and natural.

All you have to do is decide where you want the skin tightening, body contouring, and skin rejuvenating effects to take place; on your face, body, or both.

Facelift/Neck Lift

A scarless facelift, otherwise referred to as a vertical facelift, helps to avoid the too tight or pulled-back look that accompanies more traditional facelift techniques. Without noticeable scarring behind the ears, you’ll be able to show your face confidently because the incisions are hidden and virtually invisible.

During the vertical facelift procedure, the skin of the face is separated from the underlying tissue. The underlying muscles are then elevated by vertically repositioning the facial muscles so that they achieve a more youthful look.

The benefits of having a facelift without scars extend to the neck and jaw, giving your neck improved contours and your jaw greater definition. These enhancements work together to add symmetry and turn back the clock on the way you look, all without unsightly scars.

Arm Lift

The scarless arm lift solves the problem of saggy, flappy upper arms. Crude nicknames are sometimes given to these problem areas, such as bat wings or bingo wings. The idea is that the saggy skin continues to flap like a bat or wave whenever the person raises their hand to call “Bingo!” during the game of the same name.

The biggest issue women have with saggy upper arms is that the area is resistant to diet and exercise. No matter how hard you work, your upper arms will never return to the tone you may have enjoyed in your youth.

The traditional arm lift leaves an inevitable scar, like the tummy tuck. The procedure involves an extended incision that moves from the armpit to the elbow. The scar can be obvious with the regular arm lift, which is sometimes a deterrent for people looking to reduce upper arms sag.

The scarless arm lift offers an upper arm reduction without noticeable scars.

Technological advancements in radiofrequency assisted skin tightening now allow for controlled heat to the upper arm area. Controlled thermal fields allow for the coagulation of subcutaneous fat. The high-energy beam also heats the fibrous septa (connective tissue), and papillary dermis (inner skin layers), which causes the skin and tissue to retract. The effect is similar to how shrink-wrapping works, except it occurs on the skin of your upper arms.

The procedure offers instant and noticeable skin tightening with continued contraction over the course of twelve months, without scars, and with minimal downtime.

Breast Lift

A traditional breast lift (mastopexy) is a cosmetic surgery aimed at rejuvenating breasts that have become droopy or saggy due to changes caused by age, genetics, childbirth, and breastfeeding.

During a trad breast lift, the surgeon positions the breasts higher on the chest. The surgery may also involve the rejuvenation, resizing, and repositioning of the areolas.

Unfortunately, the traditional breast lift can produce scarring. The incision made during the surgery starts at your nipple and extends to the undersides of each breast. This can sometimes produce a scar that is red and raised, but the scarring should heal and become more invisible with time.

A scarless breast lift produces no visible scars and will leave your breast tissue firmer and more youthful in appearance.

The no-scar breast lift uses a small cannula, which is a thin rod that is inserted through tiny incisions. The cannula produces a current under the skin’s surface, which then produces a thermal field that condenses the breast tissue.

The electrode-powered cannula also heats the fat cells and papillary dermis of the breast, which further adds tightness and suppleness to the treatment area.

Thigh Lift

Much like saggy skin on the upper arms, the upper thigh area tends to be resistant to healthy eating and aerobic exercise. The skin may appear saggy, dimpled, and thicker than you would prefer.

A traditional thigh lift can treat the area, providing more improved contours and tighter skin. However, there is typically a scar left behind. The cosmetic surgeon will attempt to hide scarring in the crease between the front of your upper thigh and the pubic area.

The scarless thigh lift is a minimally invasive procedure that works to smooth and tone the thigh area. The procedure is ideal for skin laxity issues, otherwise crudely referred to as “thunder thighs.”

The scarless thigh lift uses the technological wonder known as Renuvion, which uses J-Plasma to heat and constrict the skin on and around the upper thighs.

A small incision is made on the upper thighs. The incision itself is less than a centimeter in length and acts as an entry point for a tumescent solution, which is injected under the skin to numb the treatment area.

Next, the Renuvion handheld device is inserted into the opening, which releases an energy beam composed of a combination of helium gas and radiofrequency energy. Together, these energy sources make plasma energy, which simultaneously heats and cools the treatment tissue. The treatment affects skin collagen, causing it to constrict.

While the treatment produces noticeable tightness on the upper thigh area, over time, skin elasticity and skin laxity will dramatically improve. The changes continue to take effect for a full six to nine months following the scarless thigh lift procedure.

Tummy Tuck

The tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures performed in the United States. The surgery is aimed at the removal of excess skin and the tightening of lax tissue on and around the abdominal area. The abdominal muscles are also tightened and strengthened, which contributes to a flatter belly and enhanced abdominal curves.

The traditional tummy tuck requires a horizontal incision that runs just above your pubic area. While the scar tends to shrink and disappear over time, the scarring can be noticeable for a time following the traditional tummy tuck procedure.

Cosmetic surgeons are trained to place the abdominal incisions as low as possible, making any scarring that develops easier to hide with a bathing suit or underwear.

A scarless tummy tuck doesn’t require a strategic bikini or high-waisted underwear because the scars that occur are nearly invisible.

The no-scar tummy tuck uses Renuvion combined with liposuction or HD-Lipo to remove unwanted skin and fatty tissue. The abdominal skin is left tighter and firmer without obvious scars.

Amazing (Scarless) Results Require Technology & Technical Skill

We can thank technological advancements in plastic and cosmetic surgery for the development of these new scarless methods. However, it is important to note that all devices, including Renuvion, HD-Liposuction, and others, are only as effective as the doctor using them.

These sophisticated tools require an artistic touch, measured thoughts, and years of hands-on experience to produce consistent, safe, and impressive results.

As a cosmetic surgeon who is regarded for his superior technical skill, friendly bedside manner, and aesthetic excellence, Dr. Babak Moein possesses the unique ability to recontour your face and body with these scarless procedures.

Dr. Moein continues to perfect and innovate his skin tightening and scarless techniques. The possibilities are endless when it comes to surgery without scars. The question remains: What would you like to improve about yourself? Being afraid of scars is no longer an excuse.

With these scarless procedures, you can get cosmetic surgery without everyone knowing. The results look natural and last for years with proper maintenance.

What Discreet Cosmetic Enhancements Are Calling Your Name?

When you look in the mirror, do you see more sag, skin laxity, and aging skin than you’d like? You don’t have to live with problem areas that leave you feeling anxious, depressed, and with low self-esteem. Call us in Southern California to schedule a consultation with Dr. Babak Moein. This one phone call could lead to the surge of self-confidence you deserve.

Disclaimer: The FDA has not approved the use of Renuvion for cosmetic use. The FDA has approved Renuvion for coagulation of tissue only. The specific advanced use of this new technology for skin tightening still remains investigational. The off-label use of Renuvion is only suitable for specific groups of patients with minimal skin laxity. Many devices initially have a general use approval and, with time, the expanded indications are approved to popularize usage. If you are a suitable candidate for Renuvion, Dr. Moein will discuss this information with you to ensure your understanding and comprehension before opting for the Renuvion procedure.

February 21, 2022

Cosmetic Surgery for a Defined Jawline: Is it Possible?

If we were to gauge the attractiveness of a face, most people would mention cheekbones, eyes, and a defined jawline.

The latter is a matter of great concern to quite a few people; men and women alike.

Not all of us can be born with a chiseled jaw like a supermodel or movie star.

And no amount of gum chewing or chin exercises can overcome genetics and age.

Some people have a compounded issue marked by sagging jowls or otherwise hanging or loose skin.

Whether you were born with a jaw you consider unattractive, or age and weight gain have caused your jaw to go into hiding, there could be an answer for you.

Cosmetic surgery might be able to carve out the jaw you want. There are also non-surgical options if you’re not ready to commit to a permanent procedure.

How Can Cosmetic Surgery Give You a Chiseled Jaw?

Cosmetic surgeons and plastic surgeons can improve the contours of your lower face with various surgical and non-surgical techniques. The effects are designed to look natural as if you were born with it.

You might be right for a cosmetic procedure if your jaw is:

Uneven: For some people, their jaws are more prominent on one side than the other, affecting symmetry.

Weak Jaw: For those born with a naturally weak jawline, cosmetic jawline surgery can strengthen the lower half of your face.

Excess Skin: You might have added tissue around the jaw area that prevents the bone structure to show through.

Why is a Jawline Important?

A defined jaw represents a strong bone structure and has a symmetrical and angular appearance.

In our culture, and throughout the world, a strong jawline is a sign of health, youth, and fitness.

You may automatically think this is a male thing. The typical thinking is that only men should worry about having angular jaws like a statue of a Greek god.

Women also worry about the appearance of their jaws, however.

Debra Reynolds, a marketing executive, had this to say about her previously soft jaws, as reported by the New York Times.

Debra noticed her softening jawline during a WhatsApp call.

“It was all I could see in the mirror. In meetings, I was aware of constantly pushing my chin out like a duck.”

The Times goes on to report that Ms. Reynolds decided on cosmetic surgery.

As she now puts it, when asked about people posting photographs to social media involving her, “I always used to ask people to ask me before they posted a picture, and now it doesn’t matter. I love how I look.”

The question is, what could cosmetic surgery do for your uneven or softening jaws? Let’s find out.

What Cosmetic Surgical Options Can Give You a Sleeker Jawline?

Neck Lift

This cosmetic surgery aims to tighten the areas from the jawline down. The neck is one of the first areas we tend to show age. A neck lift can not only redefine your jaw but the skin can be tightened to remove small wrinkles and fine lines.

VASER Lipo

VASER Liposuction uses radiofrequency energy to tighten the skin around the jaws and neck. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with another procedure, such as the neck lift.

The results leave you with a more defined jaw and a smoother neck.

Neck Liposuction

Traditional liposuction involves the suctioning of fat from your jaw and neckline. This leaves you with a nicely defined jaw. Results last years or a lifetime, depending on how well you preserve your results.

Chin Implant Surgery

Otherwise known as chin augmentation, this procedure is for those with a naturally weak jawline.

The procedure aims to create more definitions.

Chin implants are used to mold the jawbone to the desired shape.

The implants are made of biocompatible silicone that feels like natural bone when healed.

The result gives you a natural-looking jaw structure that everyone will think you had it by genetics.

Non-Surgical Techniques for Beautifying Your Jaw

There is no shame in choosing non-surgical options to obtain a more defined jaw.

You should still have these techniques performed by a cosmetic surgeon, who can use experience and skill to redefine your jaw.

Nonsurgical options are ideal for patients with mild to moderate fat along the jawline, obscuring its angular appearance. The results will leave you with improved angles that can boost the appearance of your entire face.

Injectable Neurotoxin

Advances in medicine have made it possible to improve your jawline by injecting a neurotoxin into the lower facial area.

You may know these injectable cosmetics by their brand names like Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport.

The injections are placed directly into the masseter muscles of the face, which slims your face and creates a “V” shape.

Kybella Double Chin Treatment

A double chin can hide the greatness that is your jaw. You can make your jaw more visible with deoxycholic acid, which goes by the brand name Kybella.

On-label use of Kybella is strictly for the area under the chin. A jawline treatment may require the surgeon to inject along the sides of the jaws, which is considered off-label. However, with all treatment areas combined, the injectable melts the fat, helping to showcase your jaw.

Dermal Fillers

These injectable fillers are placed along the mandible, which creates a more defined jawline and chin.

This non-surgical treatment is ideal for those with an almost defined jaw who just need a slight increase in definition to achieve their goal.

Enjoy These Benefits of Cosmetic Jaw Enhancement

When you opt for cosmetic surgery to repair defects along your jaws, you have the opportunity to improve several areas of your life.

Minimal Time Off Work

Most of these procedures, even the surgical ones, are minimally invasive. That means you should be back to work and your usual routine quickly, within a matter of weeks for sure.

Minimal Discomfort

If the fear of pain is keeping you from cosmetic surgery to fix your jawline, you can finally relax.

Advances in medicine have made it possible for you to be unconscious or at least numbed prior to your procedure.

General anesthesia, local anesthesia, and IV sedation are a few options your cosmetic surgeon has to ensure you are comfortable throughout surgery and during your recovery.

Fast Results

Many of these jaw-defining techniques produce instant results, like dermal fillers.

Others will only improve with time. For some results, you need to wait for the swelling to subside after surgery, while others involve progressive results that truly get better the longer you wait.

Boost of Self-Confidence

When you change a significant aspect of yourself, you’re always going to get reactions from other people.

When people meet you for the first time, they will see someone with a more defined jaw, and they won’t know it came from cosmetic surgery.

This enhancement to your appearance can improve the way people look at you and treat you.

In a perfect world, looks wouldn’t matter as much as they do. Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world, and looks matter greatly, regardless of your station in life.

The good news is that yes, it is possible to achieve greater definition around your jawline with cosmetic surgery at nearly any age.

Would you like to learn more so you can put your best face forward?

Give your looks a boost with cosmetic surgery or a non-surgical alternative by calling Moein Surgical Arts. You can schedule a consultation with world-renowned cosmetic surgeon Dr. Babak Moein by dialing (310)-694-4486.

February 7, 2022

2022’s Hottest Cosmetic Surgery Trends

Can you believe it’s already 2022? Experts predict a major uptick in cosmetic surgery this year. This is your chance to keep up with the Joneses by selecting one or several of the hottest cosmetic procedures.

Americans spent more than $9 billion on cosmetic procedures in 2020. This is despite a ban on elective surgeries that affected many plastic and cosmetic surgeons during that year. In 2021, even more people signed up for cosmetic surgery, prompting some experts to call last year the “heyday” of cosmetic procedures.

In 2020 and 2021, many facial procedures became popular because of a phenomenon that has collectively been referred to as Zoom Gloom, characterized by people being unhappy with the way they look while video chatting.

The Zoom Gloom trend saw both men and women signing up for the facelift, facial fillers, Kybella double chin treatment, eyelid surgery, and rhinoplasty (nose surgery).

By the end of 2021, the request for facial procedures began to wane, with more patients signing up for body contouring to improve their outward appearance. These included requests for surgeries like natural breast augmentation, the Brazilian butt lift (BBL), liposuction, and the tummy tuck.

In 2022, experts predict a mix of both face and body procedures. Many patients may even look forward to multi-tasking, where a cosmetic surgeon performs several procedures during a single surgical session.

Let’s delve into the hottest cosmetic surgical trends we can expect this year. Who knows? You may get some ideas on how to improve yourself as we progress further into 2022.

Facial Cosmetic Surgeries Still on the Rise

Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)

This cosmetic procedure involves the reshaping of the structure of the nose. The technique can correct aesthetic irregularities and improve breathing. The results help the nose appear more attractive and in better proportion with the rest of your facial characteristics. Rhinoplasty continues to be one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries worldwide.

Facelift Patients Getting Younger

The facelift used to be reserved for patients entering their fifties or sixties, but no longer is that the case. Many thirty and forty-somethings are now opting for facial rejuvenation using this time-honored cosmetic surgery.

The surgery aims to correct the skin folds, loss of volume, and wrinkling that can appear on the face at a certain age.

You can correct these signs of aging with a single facelift procedure. The facial tightening method can also treat gaunt cheeks, sagging under the chin, and jowls.

The minimally invasive surgery uses small incisions, which minimizes scars and downtime, and is typically an outpatient procedure.

If you have laugh lines, fine lines, wrinkles, a thick neck, or lack jawline definition, a facelift can do wonders for your appearance.

Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery can rejuvenate the upper or lower eyelids for a dramatically new look.

The surgery aims to correct excess fat and skin that can cause drooping and bags under the eyes. Instead of looking tired all the time, eyelid surgery makes you appear more youthful, alert, and refreshed.

Kybella Double Chin Treatment

The first and only injectable meant to eradicate the excess fat under the chin continues to be a hot cosmetic surgery trend.

The FDA-approved procedure is non-surgical and non-invasive, making it a simple outpatient procedure you can have on your lunch break.

Kybella treatment is a safe and effective injectable that treats submental fullness, which is the medical term for fat underneath the chin.

Subdermal fullness can be caused by weight gain, aging, and genetics, but the synthetic deoxycholic acid (which is naturally found in the body) works instantly to dissolve the fat cells.

The procedure is permanent and may require one or multiple 30-minute sessions, depending on the severity of the condition.

Body Contouring on the Rise

The COVID-19 lockdowns contributed to weight gain for many people. Some even called it the quarantine 15, which represents the fifteen pounds on average gained by some as they were forced to remain indoors during the pandemic.

If you have an elevated BMI that indicates you are obese or morbidly obese, you might benefit from bariatric surgery. Procedures like the gastric sleeve and gastric balloon can help you drop the excess weight quickly while improving your body and health.

Whether you lose weight via weight loss surgery or on your own, significant weight loss can sometimes result in hanging skin. Cosmetic body contouring can help to reshape the body, giving you a more attractive silhouette and a boost of self-esteem.

Traditional Liposuction and Hi-Def Lipo Treat COVID-19 Weight Gain

Liposuction and other similar procedures aim to treat weight gain due to the lockdowns and stress of dealing with a pandemic.

Liposuction has remained one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for many years. During the procedure, the surgeon makes small incisions near the treatment site. Lipo aims to remove stubborn pockets of fat; those last few pounds that are difficult to shed even with heavy dieting and exercise.

Once the incisions are created, a mixture composed of an anesthetic and saline solution is used to break up the fatty tissue, making it easy to extract. A long tube known as a cannula is inserted into the incisions before the fat is suctioned out.

Hi-Def or HD Liposuction is another procedure you can choose. HD-Lipo takes traditional liposuction a bit further, allowing you to unleash your body’s true potential.

You might also hear this technique referred to as VASER Lipo or VASER Hi-Def liposuction. This method uses high-powered sound waves to break up the fat.

VASER liposuction not only extracts the superficial layers of fat that allow your musculature to show through, but cosmetic surgery visibly improves your skin quality with long-lasting results.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) to Erase Belly Fat

The tummy tuck can give you a flatter abdomen when cutting carbs and engaging in grueling workouts isn’t quite doing the trick.

This cosmetic surgery is another popular one on our list. The tummy tuck is safe, effective, and proven to give dramatic results.

During the procedure, an incision is made along your abdomen and just above your pubic area. Any excess fat and skin that exists along the belly area are extracted and removed. The surgeon may also do liposuction to further eradicate fat from the treatment site.

The flaps of skin are pulled tight and reconnected, giving you a flatter tummy, devoid of saggy skin or extra padding.

Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)

This body contouring procedure gives your backside a more significant volume and improved shape.

The BBL uses fatty tissue that is first extracted from a donor site on another part of your body.

Popular donor sites include the upper thighs, upper arms, and abdomen. This gives you the added benefit of slimming one area down while improving the volume of another – namely, your buttocks.

The fatty tissue is sterilized and treated before it is injected into your backside for volumizing results.

BBL procedures can be paired with an upper thigh lift to give the buttocks and legs a more contoured look.

Natural Breast Augmentation

There are a few different breast surgeries you can choose as a cosmetic surgery patient.

Breast lift is for saggy breasts and breast reduction is for overgrown breasts. There is also breast augmentation that uses breast implants to give the breasts more volume and improved shape.

There is another popular breast surgery that is proving to be a hit this year already.

Natural breast augmentation, like the BBL, also uses your own fatty tissue.

Select the donor site where there is excess fat to donate, and you can have plumper breasts using your own fatty tissue.

Natural breast augmentation gives subtle yet ultra-realistic results and can be used with or without breast implants.

More People Will Combine Procedures in One Surgical Session

With the advent of the mommy makeover and daddy do-over, more people are coming to the conclusion that they can improve multiple body parts in one session.

Having more than one surgery performed at a time minimizes your exposure to anesthesia, which in turn improves safety.

You also only have to recover once, which means you don’t have to take too much time off work.

The mommy makeover and daddy do-over are personalized cosmetic procedures that help to reinvigorate the body after events like childbirth and following years of aging.

If your body sags, if you notice more wrinkles than before, and if you wish you had a flatter tummy, you can get all those body parts worked on at once, helping you reclaim your confidence, and feel more beautiful inside and out.

A Focus on Safety

Along with the above list of popular cosmetic surgeries, more patients seem to be focused on safety when they come in for their scheduled consultations. This is a very good thing. Safety is paramount at Moein Surgical Arts and at other reputable and board-certified surgical centers.

You should only tolerate transparency from your cosmetic surgeon. Ask about the risks involved with the surgery and how to mitigate those risks. Do your own research as well, so that you can cross-reference the answers with factual information you glean from reputable sources.

Cosmetic surgery is very safe. Millions of people undergo procedures every day, and in surgical centers all over the world. As long as you are aware of the risks and put forth effort into finding the best cosmetic surgery, you too can have dramatic results without worry.

Ready to Discuss Cosmetic Surgery in the New Year?

With 2022 in full swing, isn’t it time for you to improve the way you look?

Which part of your body or face would you like to improve?

What about a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, or a Brazilian butt lift?

Learn more about these procedures, the risks involved, their costs, and whether insurance will pay for cosmetic surgery by visiting or calling Moein Surgical Arts. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Babak Moein right now by dialing (310)694-4486.

January 3, 2022

Getting Cosmetic Surgery in Secret: Is it Possible

Getting cosmetic surgery is one of the best ways to feel more confident about your appearance.

But what if you don’t want everyone to know you’ve had surgery? Is it possible to keep a tummy tuck, liposuction, breast augmentation, or other types of cosmetic surgeries secret?

The answer is yes, you can experience slight alterations of your face and/or body without letting the world in on the fact you’ve had work done.

Cosmetic procedures run the gamut from simple dermal fillers to more complex mommy makeovers. No matter which surgery you opt for, you should be able to keep your surgery concealed. You can do so by following a few simple steps, which we’ll delve into in a moment.

Cosmetic surgery can do wonders for the way you look. And it can help you feel much better about yourself.

Here are some things to think about if you’re considering having surgery and keeping it a secret, along with a glimpse at the other side of the coin, where you confidently shout to the world you’ve undergone your procedure of choice.

Should You Tell Anyone About Your Cosmetic Surgery?

The fact is, having a cosmetic procedure is solely your business. If you don’t want to tell anyone, that is entirely up to you.

There are some cosmetic surgery patients who are so secretive about their procedures they don’t even tell their spouses. You don’t have to go to that extreme. In fact, it might benefit you to let a few select people in on your clandestine operation.

Aside from you and your doctor, it might help to let your boss know so that you can get time off for recovery. Then again, your recovery could always be disguised by telling your boss you’re going on ‘vacation.’

If you have a best friend, that person can help you during your recovery period. It also helps to have a confidant you can rely on when in recovery. Someone you can lean on if your mood gets too low or who can take care of you as the anesthesia wears off after you return home from the surgical center.

Other than a few people, it is entirely possible to keep cosmetic surgery under wraps.

Or you can go with the incognito method and try not telling anyone at all.

How to Keep Cosmetic Surgery a Secret

The best way to hide the fact you’ve had cosmetic surgery is to follow three simple rules.

Form a Plan

Aside from scheduling the day of the procedure, you’ll want to plan adequately for your cosmetic surgery recovery period. Depending on the procedure you want, you should expect at least a few days of downtime. Some surgeries like the facelift and tummy tuck might require a week or more in recovery. This means you’ll want to schedule one to two weeks off work far in advance.

Once again, you don’t have to tell anyone the reason you are taking time off. Just make sure you give yourself the necessary amount of healing time.

Part of healing is making sure any swelling you experience during surgery is subsidies. It’s that swelling that will give away the fact that you’ve had surgery. Without so much swelling, you’ll have an easier time keeping your procedure close to the vest.

Inform Your Doctor

Your doctor may be able to help retain your secrecy. For facial surgery, for instance, the best cosmetic surgeons can safely reduce swelling and bruising, which makes the surgery easier to cover up.

Your doctor may also have tips for wearing makeup, using ice packs, and applying special creams and lotions to help with swelling, bruising, and scarring, respectively.

Wear the Right Clothes

Some cosmetic surgeries can be covered up with the strategic use of your wardrobe. Breast augmentation can be disguised with frilly tops, for instance, while the Brazilian butt lift can be hidden with baggier pants.

What is Your Cosmetic Surgery Cover Story?

What happens if you return to work after recovering from cosmetic surgery only for people to start asking you, “Did you have work done?”

They can’t quite put their fingers on it, but people around you suspect that something is different.

If you don’t want to divulge that you underwent a cosmetic procedure, you should at least have some sort of cover story in mind.

For any “slimming” surgeries like liposuction, the tummy tuck, the arm lift, and the thigh lift, you can simply tell everyone who asks that you’ve started a new diet and are already seeing fantastic results.

For facial surgeries that aren’t as easy to mask, consider wearing new makeup and going with a new hairstyle immediately after returning to work following your procedure.

You can then chalk up your newly altered appearance to a few distinct changes instead of calling attention to your nose (rhinoplasty), eyelids (eyelid surgery), forehead (Botox cosmetic or brow lift), or your entire face (facelift).

Choose the Best Cosmetic Surgeon

The best way to hide cosmetic surgery is to ensure you do your homework when choosing your cosmetic surgeon. A good surgeon can deliver results that look as natural as possible. These surgeons are able to give you an altered appearance that is subtle yet dramatic for a better version of yourself.

Why Do You Want to Keep Cosmetic Surgery a Secret?

There are several good reasons for wanting to hide your cosmetic surgery from the world.

Privacy

You might feel that cosmetic surgery is your business and nobody else’s. That statement is 100% correct. You are entitled to your privacy, and don’t let anyone tell you differently.

Fear of Judgment

There used to be a stigma against getting cosmetic surgery, but that was in the past. Today, cosmetic surgery is much more commonplace. You are less likely to be judged for having surgery than just five years ago.

Still, you might want to keep your surgery a secret to keep from being gossiped about around the water cooler at work, for instance. That’s perfectly understandable and, again, you have a right to your privacy.

Reasons to Tell Others About Your Cosmetic Surgery

On the other hand, there are two excellent reasons you might want to tell others you’ve had cosmetic surgery.

You Might Inspire Others

You can tell everyone you’ve gone on a diet or that you’ve tried a new hairstyle, or you can be proud of your decision to undergo a cosmetic surgical procedure.

Once you have made the decision to have cosmetic surgery, you have already spent hours researching the procedure and learning all you can about the technique in question.

All that knowledge you gained could come of use to someone who is just now thinking about surgery. One of your friends, family members, or co-workers might be considering the same surgery you opted for. Wouldn’t you like to help if you could?

Even if the surgery they want is different than the one you chose, your insight could help the person learn more about the various stages involved with cosmetic surgery, including the consultation with the cosmetic surgeon, scheduling the procedure, undergoing surgery, and the recovery period afterward.

You Have Permission to Let Your Confidence Soar

Most people undergo cosmetic surgery because they want to feel better about the way they look. They might have a defect they’ve been wanting to correct for years, such as a flabby tummy or excess breast growth for men.

By having cosmetic surgery, your confidence can experience a major boost once your results are achieved.

As a result of surgery, you’re suddenly holding your head up a little higher. You feel as though you want to show your face instead of hiding it away. That’s the power of cosmetic improvement, and you should never feel as though you have to hide from that major surge of self-esteem. Nor should you feel shameful for doing something as important as this for yourself.

So, instead of keeping things a secret, don’t be afraid to show off your cosmetic surgery results. Feel free to shout to the world that you’ve had work done, and feel confident that you made the best decision for yourself.

Regardless of your reasons for having surgery, whether or not to tell others is completely up to you. By now you have a fair and balanced approach to both scenarios. You can keep your surgery a secret and no one has to know with the proper planning and cover story.

Or you can tell others and be proud of your decision and confident in your new appearance, while potentially helping others who are thinking along the same lines.

And if you’re just now considering surgery and this is all part of your discovery phase, the next step is to schedule a consultation with a skilled and highly trained cosmetic surgeon.

Ready to Discuss Cosmetic Surgery and the New You in 2022?

Since we are headed into a New Year, now is the best time to revamp your appearance. You can do so with cosmetic surgery. And, as if we’ve demonstrated, you don’t have to tell a soul about it.

You can find the procedures you’re most interested in by calling Moein Surgical Arts to schedule a consultation with the world-renowned aesthetic surgeon, Dr. Babak Moein.

At Moein Surgical Arts, we are committed to providing you with a safe and comfortable experience. Board-certified cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Moein, has helped thousands of patients achieve their aesthetic goals using popular procedures like breast lift, facelift, eyelid lift, and Brazilian Butt Lift. And now, he looks forward to helping you. To learn more or to schedule your consultation, call us today throughout Southern California at (310)694-4486.

December 27, 2021

Why Quitting Smoking Before Cosmetic Surgery is a Good Idea (Including Methods to Help You Quit)

If you’re a smoker, the last thing you want is someone ordering you to quit.

The past decades have been filled with anti-smoking messaging, and it’s likely you’re tired of being lectured.

However, if you plan to have cosmetic surgery, you might want to give serious consideration to kicking your habit once and for all.

Cosmetic surgery can do wonders for your appearance.

A facelift can turn back the clock.

A breast augmentation can make you turn heads wherever you go.

And a Brazilian butt lift can give you more oomph to your backside when it seems like your genes may have let you down.

But cosmetic surgery and smoking tobacco do not mix.

Keep reading to discover why smoking is bad for your health as a cosmetic surgery patient.

You’ll also find a few helpful tips to help you quit smoking cigarettes for good.

Why Quit Smoking Before Cosmetic Surgery?

Your cosmetic surgeon won’t tell you to stop smoking out of concern for your lungs, though that is one of the reasons.

Your surgeon will want you to quit because smoking does specific things to your body that can cause complications while undergoing one or more cosmetic procedures.

The nicotine in cigarettes, for example, can cause blood vessels to constrict. This can limit your flow of blood and cut off circulation to some tissue.

During cosmetic surgery, smoking could cause the area around the incision to become devoid of proper blood flow to the area.

Tissue necrosis can result.

What is Tissue Necrosis?

This irreversible condition causes premature death of body tissue and is caused by inadequate blood flow to the area.

During any given procedure, the surgeon will sometimes create lateral incisions around the treatment area.

This technique allows the surgeon to reposition the tissue to be corrected.

The method has the unfortunate side effect of severing the end of blood vessels. This is a side effect that is typically not associated with other surgeries such as an appendectomy.

While this technique is safe, it’s only safe when the blood vessels throughout the body are fully functioning and healthy.

Smoking can contribute to tissue necrosis through the shrinking of blood vessels and limiting of blood flow to cosmetic treatment areas.

When tissue necrosis happens, the dead tissue must be removed.

This means that you could find yourself missing a piece of skin or other tissues around the incision site.

If buttock or breast implants were placed as part of the procedure, those implants will need to be removed as part of the tissue necrosis treatment.

Nicotine Can Create Cosmetic Surgery Complications

Tissue necrosis is not the only complication to worry about as a smoker who is considering having cosmetic surgery.

Smoking can also lead to blood clots, infection, fat necrosis (which causes hard lumps to form underneath the skin), and permanent blood vessel damage.

You also place yourself at an increased risk for stroke or heart attack as a cosmetic surgery patient who smokes.

Delayed Wound Healing

Your cosmetic surgery treatment plan includes a healing period. After that period, and following the resolution of any swelling, your true cosmetic surgery results will be revealed.

As a smoker, you risk delaying your recovery time as a cosmetic surgery patient.

Slower healing can alter your treatment plan, thus skewing your results.

You are also at increased risk of infections and thick, wide scars if your body fails to heal efficiently.

Quitting smoking can help your body heal efficiently, thus improving your chances of receiving stellar results with small or nearly hidden scars.

Increased Pain

Smoking cigarettes can lower your tolerance for pain, which is exactly what you don’t want as you head into a major surgery.

Studies show that regular smokers need 33% more anesthesia during their procedures, and need to take 23% more pain medication during their surgical recovery compared to those who don’t smoke.

Life Threatening Complications

As a smoker, you have a higher chance of developing a condition during or after your surgery that could limit your life.

In addition to heart attacks and stroke, you are also susceptible to deadly pneumonia.

Waste of Money

Smoking cigarettes is an expensive habit. Quitting months in advance can help you save money that could be better put toward your cosmetic surgery.

If you are a smoker and find yourself considering cosmetic surgery, you also face potentially throwing your money right down the drain.

That’s because you are less likely to be pleased with your results as a smoker due to slowed healing and other complications.

Not only that, but you may have to have additional surgeries to remove implants, for example, which can cost even more financial resources you may not have.

Quitting smoking before cosmetic surgery is not only smart, but it also represents the healthier and financially savvier way to go.

Use Cosmetic Surgery as a Good Motivation to Quit Smoking

By now you know how bad cigarette smoking can be for you as someone considering one or more cosmetic treatments.

As the day of surgery approaches, use this time to eliminate the smoking habit from your life.

Doing so can save you money and increase your chances of experiencing dramatically improved results.

You’ll have faster healing, less pain, and smaller (or nearly invisible) scars.

Lastly, quitting smoking cigarettes can make you healthier and lead to a potentially longer life.

Use this time to quit smoking for you and the stellar cosmetic results you are sure to achieve.

How to Quit Smoking Before Cosmetic Surgery

Those who have succeeded in quitting smoking say it’s one of the most difficult challenges they’ve ever had to overcome.

Quitting smoking can bring about feelings of depression, and mourning as if you’ve lost a close friend or family member.

Quitting smoking before cosmetic surgery first takes a commitment from you to become smoke-free.

Remind Yourself Daily

Tell yourself every morning when you wake up, “I am a non-smoker. Today, I will not smoke.”

Keep a calendar and mark the day of surgery. Decorate the date box, so you truly look forward to the time when your appearance will be transformed for the better.

Next to the calendar, place a photograph that depicts the results you hope to achieve with cosmetic surgery. Look at the photo whenever the urge to smoke is strongest and remind yourself of why you want to have cosmetic surgery.

Avoid Triggers

Avoid smoking triggers. For instance, if you tend to smoke and drink alcohol at the same time, you might want to abstain from drinking for a while.

Eliminate ashtrays and smoking accessories from your home and get rid of all lighters and cigarettes.

Clean up any butts you find around your property.

If you’re accustomed to smoking while driving your vehicle, keep candy or gum in the glove box to keep your cravings for cigarettes at bay.

Occupy Your Mind and Body

Keep your mind busy. People tend to want to light up whenever they become bored. Form a new hobby or put more effort into your current hobbies.

You can also do chores, exercise, or otherwise engage in activities that take your mind off your smoking habit.

Be Careful Who You Hang With

Hanging around other smokers will make it more difficult to stop the habit. Spend time in smoke-free zones. See a movie or spend time with family and friends who don’t smoke.

Get Non-Smoking Assistance

The app store on your smartphone has several resources for quitting all sorts of habits, including smoking cigarettes.

The apps can be used to monitor your progress and manage your nicotine cravings. Many even give you tips to help you stop smoking, and other tools you’ll find invaluable as a committed non-smoker.

The above advice will not be easy to adopt. You might stumble a time or two as your cravings become significant and the urge to smoke takes over.

What if You Can’t Stop Smoking?

Anytime you light up, don’t kick yourself. Get right back on the horse and kick your will to quit into high gear.

Toss the pack you just bought in the trash or extricate yourself from the friend or family member who let you borrow the cigarette in the first place.

Make good decisions that contribute to quitting and eventually you’ll reach the smoke-free finish line.

If you have tried all the above and you just can’t seem to toss smoking for good, talk to your doctor.

There are non-nicotine prescription medications that can help you quit, and of course there are over-the-counter aids like gums and patches for those nervous about going cold turkey.

How Do You Know When You’ve Quit Smoking?

You’ll know you’re free of smoking when you suddenly realize you haven’t thought about lighting up all day.

Maybe a few days pass and you come to the realization that you are finally smoke-free.

That’s a momentous day, and one where you will be primed for excellent results as a cosmetic surgery patient.

How Soon Before Cosmetic Surgery Should You Quit Smoking?

For best results, your cosmetic surgeon will suggest that you quit smoking at least three to six months in advance.

That can give your blood vessels and other body parts time to heal and revert to proper function after years of subjecting yourself to smoke, nicotine, and other mysterious ingredients.

Schedule a Consultation with a Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeon

If you are a smoker considering cosmetic surgery, you now have several reasons and methods to quit.

If you are ready to experience the boost in confidence that comes with a cosmetic treatment, Moein Surgical Arts can help.

Schedule a consultation with world-renowned cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Babak Moein.

Dr. Moein and his surgical staff can help you feel right at home as you seek to improve your appearance.

Ready to learn more about cosmetic surgery and what it can do for you? Call us now at (310)694-4486.

December 13, 2021December 27, 2021

6 Factors That Influence Your Cosmetic Surgery Results

When you invest in cosmetic surgery, you expect a terrific outcome.

It is difficult for your cosmetic surgeon to predict the results you are likely to achieve.

This is because cosmetic surgery results can vary significantly between patients.

There is also the fact that all invasive procedures come with risks. Many also come with scars.

There are a number of factors that contribute to the best cosmetic surgery results. Here are seven of them now. Keep them in mind as you call to schedule a consultation with a skilled and experienced cosmetic surgeon.

Factors That Contribute to the Best Cosmetic Surgery Results

Skin Health

The healthier your skin, the better results you can expect from a surgical procedure.

When we talk about skin health, we are referring to skin elasticity, which is the skin’s ability to conform back to its original shape after being stretched for prolonged periods of time.

Elasticity is dependent upon a protein known as collagen. Your body makes collagen naturally and uses it to fill itself out over your entire skeletal framework. Collagen also gives skin a firm and youthful appearance.

When collagen depletes due to age or other factors, skin elasticity can become diminished. The result is usually fine lines around the eyes and mouth, and wrinkles around the face. The neck, lips, cheeks, and eyelids tend to show age the fastest.

Smoking can cause the body to lose valuable collagen, as can excessive exposure to the sun.

Moisturizing can help. Your cosmetic surgeon can also recommend procedures or supplements that can improve your skin quality, leading to a superior cosmetic surgery outcome.

Expense

Americans spent an excess of $9 billion on surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures in 2020. Cosmetic surgery can be expensive. However, there are many ways to pay for surgery.

Some procedures are picked up by insurance if the procedure can be deemed medically necessary, such as a breast lift to alleviate back pain.

Other costs associated with cosmetic surgery can be financed with companies like CareCredit. Finance agencies that help with cosmetic procedures let you have surgery now while worrying about payment later. You get a credit card with a certain limit and affordable repayment terms.

If the out-of-pocket costs of cosmetic surgery give you stress, be careful before you consider going the cheaper route.

There are some things you never want to skimp on, like the softness of your toilet paper, the integrity of your roof, and the quality of your cosmetic surgery.

When it comes to aesthetic procedures like the facelift, tummy tuck, and Brazilian butt lift, you get what you pay for.

Cosmetic Surgery Tourism

Sure, you can fly to Mexico and go with the all-inclusive Mommy Makeover resort vacation but take a moment to consider six months from now. You’re back home, healing from your surgery, and you’ve developed an infection. Or your breasts are lopsided, or your incisions have scarred horribly.

We’ve all heard the horror stories and seen the talk shows of cosmetic surgery tourism gone bad.

Sure, you are investing heavily when you choose cosmetic surgery, but that investment is on yourself.

By boosting your appearance, you are improving your mood and self-esteem. All-new doors could open for you, leading to untold opportunities.

Cosmetic surgery may not change your life with the flip of a switch, but it can improve the quality of your life. How can you put a price tag on that?

With most buying decisions, there is a cost, service, and quality to consider. With cosmetic surgery, you also have to think about safety.

Spending more on yourself by choosing a quality cosmetic surgeon, even if the cost may be higher, is worth it for the cosmetic surgery results and your peace of mind.

Expectations

Everyone who chooses cosmetic surgery has some kind of expectation.

“I want to look younger.”

“I want thinner, more toned arms.”

“My wish is to have a flat tummy and larger breasts without giving the hint that I had work done.”

These are common requests by millions of cosmetic surgery patients. What are your expectations?

We would all love to drink from the fountain of youth. We all want to look more rested, younger, and more vibrant.

Thanks to advancements in cosmetic surgery, these goals can be achieved!

While your goal is to look more attractive, your cosmetic surgeon has a different goal in mind.

Your surgeon’s goal is to gain your trust and help you achieve a prominent level of patient satisfaction.

During the initial consultation with your cosmetic surgeon, where you will discuss the procedure and the results you are likely to achieve, your surgeon will focus on realistic results.

Realistic Cosmetic Surgery Results

Realistic cosmetic surgery results are those that are within the realms of possibility.

A facelift cannot make you look like Richard Gere in his prime.

Tummy tucks can’t give you abdominal muscles like Giselle Bundchen.

Breast augmentation can give you larger and firmer breasts, but your cosmetic surgeon cannot make you look like Katy Perry.

It is important to communicate your desired results with your cosmetic surgeon during your one-on-one private meeting.

However, it is also critical that you open your mind and be receptive to results that may not exactly meet your expectations.

Your surgeon will make every effort to transform your appearance with one or more cosmetic procedures. Using years of experience and artistic skill, advancements in cosmetic procedures allow surgeons to tweak the body in numerous ways. Many times, surgeons can make aesthetic transformations subtly and with hidden scars. No one will know you had surgery.

That being said, cosmetic surgery can only do so much.

As long as you are healthy with good skin health, and take the time to find the best surgeon, there is no reason you can’t enjoy favorable cosmetic surgery results with one or more aesthetic techniques.

Recovery

After cosmetic surgery, you might need some time to recover. The typical recovery time for major surgery is four to six weeks before you can resume your normal activities.

With most procedures, you will be back to work within days or a week and should be moving around quite well following that.

To have the best recovery experience, even though you may feel crummy in the days after surgery, make sure you educate yourself on what to expect.

Learn how the surgery may affect your personal and professional life. This can reduce stress. Since we all know stress is a killer and contributes to poor health, the less stress you feel during recovery the better.

How well you care for yourself during your recovery also matters for favorable results.

If you smoke, consider quitting a month or two ahead of surgery. Smoking can hinder healing, leading to potential infections and poor results.

Follow your cosmetic surgeon’s recommendations regarding bandage changing, wound cleaning, and effective rest.

Don’t start heavy lifting until given the green light and treat yourself well during recovery if you want dramatic improvement following a cosmetic procedure.

Physical Health

Cosmetic surgeons are trained to look for patients who are bound to have the best outcomes following surgery.

The best outcomes usually come to the patients who are in the best health.

That means you should be physically healthy if you plan to have a cosmetic procedure.

During the initial consultation, your surgeon will ask about allergies, your medical history, and diseases that may run in the family. You should be close to your ideal weight and be mentally healthy as well.

Your cosmetic surgeon will give you a physical assessment during the consultation to determine if you are an ideal candidate for the aesthetic technique you want.

Your Cosmetic Surgeon’s Skill and Experience

Want the best cosmetic results? Find the best cosmetic surgeon.

The ideal surgeon should be considered an expert in the procedure you want. Look for Before and After photographs on the doctor’s website.

When you find a skilled and experienced cosmetic surgeon, schedule a consultation with that doctor. Doing so can determine if you have rapport and feel good about the answers to the questions you are given.

Ready to Discuss what Cosmetic Surgery Can Do for You?

Do you want to look younger? Want more youthful and firmer skin? Want a trimmer abdomen, slimmer arms, narrower thighs, or a more bodacious behind?

Cosmetic surgery can dramatically improve your physical appearance, but only if your results are realistic and you pay attention to the above seven factors for superior cosmetic outcomes.

Schedule your consultation today with Dr. Babak Moein of Moein Surgical Arts. You can reach our office in Los Angeles by calling (310)694-4486.

December 6, 2021December 27, 2021

Think You’re Too Old for Cosmetic Surgery? Think Again!

Wouldn’t it be great to look as young as you feel?

Well, you can, and cosmetic surgery can help your aging exterior match your youthful interior.

According to the ASPS, 22% of all cosmetic surgeries in 2010 were performed on patients aged 55 and above.

Now, over ten years later, the number of older Americans opting for cosmetic surgeries continues to rise.

Remember, sixty is the new forty! Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, or above, if you don’t want to look your age, now is the time to do something about it.

No matter how old you are, start considering what you could look like with a slimmer frame, firmer contours, and a more robust, um, bust.

Imagine reversing age by a decade on your face and neck. Picture your abdomen looking trim after a tummy tuck. These images don’t have to be fantasy. Cosmetic surgery is the answer to looking your best at any age.

For older men, eyelid and forehead surgery, a facelift, tummy tuck, and gynecomastia surgery (male breast reduction) can renew your zest for life, and do untold wonders for your manly self-esteem.

When it comes to cosmetic surgery, for both men and women, age has zero limits.

You might be as physically fit in your fifties and sixties as you are up into your nineties with the way advancements in medicine are going.

To match the vigor you feel inside, here are some considerations if you’re on the older spectrum of life and looking to boost your appearance with one or more cosmetic procedures.

Is Cosmetic Surgery Safe for Older Patients?

Only after conducting a thorough evaluation can a board-certified cosmetic surgeon tell you if a particular cosmetic surgery will be safe for you.

To be considered for cosmetic surgery, you must be in good general health.

It is an unfortunate fact that many men and women above 50 face pre-existing conditions that could make them ineligible for cosmetic surgery.

These include chronic conditions associated with aging like diabetes and high blood pressure.

Just because you have a pre-existing condition does not automatically exclude you from surgery. Your candidacy for aesthetic rejuvenation will be gauged on a case-by-case basis.

While your health is important, your results will depend on the experience and skill level possessed by your cosmetic surgeon.

A full evaluation by a board-certified cosmetic surgeon will include a physical exam. This series of tests assess your overall health and risk factors, such as medical conditions that could make the surgery unsafe. The surgeon will ask about your medical history, medications you might be taking, and your desired results.

Once you are cleared for surgery, you can bet you have your surgeon’s assurance that the procedure will be safe and effective in delivering the intended results.

More Older Patients Having Cosmetic Procedures Than Ever Before

Not only can cosmetic surgery be safe for aging men and women, but more older Americans are opting for head-to-toe aesthetic makeovers.

Advances in medical technology have made it possible for people to live longer and healthier lives. No rule says we have to look at our age.

Cosmetic surgery allows you to refurbish your outside to match your energetic inside. This will let you get the most out of life and look great doing it.

Popular Cosmetic Treatments for Older Patients

Looking to brighten up your golden years? You have quite a few options available to you.

Facial Cosmetic Surgery for Older Patients

Patients ages 55+ tend to prefer cosmetic surgeries like facelifts, eyelid surgery, and dermal fillers.

Surgeons perform facelift surgery to reverse the signs of aging from the front and sides of the face. Any sagging and loss of muscle tone can be corrected with this amazing cosmetic surgery.

During the procedure, your cosmetic surgeon tightens the muscles underneath the skin. The skin then gets redraped around the face and neck for a dramatically younger appearance.

Eyelid surgery aims to correct the natural sag and droop that can occur with advanced age. During an eyelid procedure, your surgeon will remove excess tissue from the upper and lower eyelids. The technique makes you look more rejuvenated, rested, and alert.

Surgeons use dermal fillers to fill those deep creases that occur with age. Fillers pack the spaces within those creases, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. Facial fillers can also be used to plump the lips.

The Best Age for Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Age is not the best way to determine if a person is a suitable candidate for a tummy tuck. What matters most is health and being as close to your ideal weight as possible.

If you are an older woman thinking of getting a tummy tuck, make sure you don’t plan to have more children. Many women are waiting until later in life to have children. As long as you don’t want to have children anymore and lead a healthy lifestyle, a tummy tuck could be right for you.

Age can affect how you recover from tummy tuck surgery. Younger patients usually experience smooth abdominal skin following a tummy tuck procedure.

With older skin losing its elasticity, your aging tummy may not bounce back to accommodate the ideal contours. A tummy tuck can still give you vast improvements by removing saggy skin and extra padding around the abdomen.

Ideal Facelift Age for Men and Women

Facelift surgery is common among those 55 years and older. Advances in techniques have allowed cosmetic surgeons to become akin to artists, shaping the face into a subtly more youthful shape.

The concern in years past was that a facelift might make you look “too young.” The idea is that your cosmetic surgery would be noticeable to all those around you.

The days of getting that blown-back look with the facelift are over. As is the case with other cosmetic treatments, the facelift is customizable. Tell your cosmetic surgeon how much improvement you want, and where. This allows your cosmetic surgeon to give you natural-looking results with this safe and effective aesthetic technique.

Breast Augmentation for Older Women

Breast surgery is ideal for women at any age, provided you are healthy enough to have surgery.

Breasts that sag can be lifted with a breast lift. Breast augmentation can be used alone or in conjunction with a lift to give your breasts perkiness.

Natural breast augmentation takes fat from another area of your body, such as your abdomen, and injects it into your breasts. The results look and feel natural.

Breast implants have been used for decades safely and effectively to enhance a woman’s curves and boost her self-esteem.

You don’t have to be a certain age to enjoy these surgeries. If you have been unhappy with your breasts up until now, isn’t it time to stop stressing over something that you can easily fix?
Breast surgery could give you newfound confidence.

There are considerations for older women, however. Keep some of them in mind and be ready to discuss their implications with your cosmetic surgeon during the initial consultation.

General Health

Many older women today are in the best shape they’ve ever been in. If you are in good health, you may be a viable candidate for cosmetic breast surgery.

If you have pre-existing conditions, your cosmetic surgeon may feel that surgery would pose too great a risk to your health. A one-on-one assessment would be necessary to successfully gauge your candidacy for a breast procedure.

Skin Health

Without healthy skin, your breasts won’t be able to support breast implants, leading to poor and short-lasting results. Scarring can also result if your skin lacks the necessary collagen and nutrients to heal the surgical incisions properly.

During the initial consultation, the cosmetic surgeon will perform a physical exam to assess your level of skin health. You can then discuss how your skin condition will affect your breast surgery results and how to maintain your results long-term.

“Am I Too Old for Cosmetic Surgery?”

If you have an irregularity you would like to correct, you are never too old for cosmetic improvement.

Let’s recap.

To be eligible for cosmetic surgery, you need to be in good general health.
Cosmetic surgery in your golden years is subtle thanks to medical advancements. There will be no telltale signs that you had work done.
There are cosmetic treatments for older men and women, from eyelid surgery and breast implants to gynecomastia surgery and the tummy tuck. Any person of any gender at any age can look terrific by choosing the best cosmetic surgeon and the right aesthetic techniques.

Wondering if You’re the Right Age for a Cosmetic Makeover? Dr. Moein Can Help You Decide

There is no ideal age for when you should or shouldn’t get cosmetic surgery. Boosting your appearance can do wonders for your self-esteem and could open new doors that were previously close to you. Even if those doors were of a psychological nature. There is no better feeling than looking in the mirror and knowing you look just as young as you feel inside.

Give yourself the gift of youth and schedule a consultation with world-renowned cosmetic surgeon Dr. Babak Moein of Moein Surgical Arts in Los Angeles, California. Dial today (310)694-4486.

November 1, 2021December 27, 2021

Look Dramatically Younger with a Neck Lift

When you want to know how old someone is, you typically look at their facial features.

However, you might have better luck judging someone’s longevity by the state of their neck.

The neck is one of those body parts that acts as a biological clock face. The more wrinkled it gets, the older you look.

The skin of the neck is thin and delicate. As we age, our skin gets even thinner, and muscle mass shrinks. This gives the neck a droopy appearance. Other unfortunate souls may form jowls or a double chin.

You don’t have to be that old to show age on your neck.

Stress, lifestyle habits like smoking, lack of sleep, too much sun, and genetics all play a part in how rudely our necks will tattle to others about our age.

Some start getting a wrinkled neck by the end of their twenties while others are fortunate enough to retain a youthful neck until their forties or well into their fifties.

Age comes for us all. Your neck will show you age whether you like it or not. Unless you do something about it.

No, you’re not doomed to wear a scarf wherever you go. We’re talking about neck lift surgery, which can add dramatic improvement to your facial appearance.

The neck lift is a popular cosmetic technique that infuses youthfulness to the area below your chin.

Jiggle or turkey neck and saggy skin can be utterly transformed into smooth and healthy skin that should belong to a much younger person.

Neck lift surgery is one of the least expensive cosmetic surgeries ($4,000 to $8,000) and has long-lasting, age-defying effects.

What are the Effects of a Neck Lift?

The results of a neck lift give you a much more youthful appearance.

Your jawline will appear more defined.

If you had jowls before the procedure, those will be corrected.

There are other benefits to a neck lift aside from a younger appearance and the removal of loose skin. There is minimal scarring, a short recovery period, and an incredible boost to your self-esteem.

How Long Do Neck Lift Results Last?

Even cosmetic surgery cannot stop the powerful effects of age. A neck lift won’t keep wrinkles at bay forever. You can look years younger for up to ten years or longer with this cosmetic surgery.

This makes the neck lift an invaluable, life-changing technique for anyone intent on holding onto their youth.

Your lifestyle will contribute to how long your neck lift results last. Staying hydrated, being a non-smoker, and keeping your skin moisturized all contribute to long-lasting youthfulness.

How Does a Neck Lift Work?

A neck lift is aimed at tightening the neck muscles while removing excess skin.

During the procedure, the cosmetic surgeon makes incisions behind your ears. Some surgeons place supplemental incisions under the chin.

The cuts give your surgeon access to the muscles within the neck, which are tightened and held in place using sutures.

Any excess skin that exists along the neck is cut away at this time.

Combining Liposuction with the Neck Lift

Many patients include additional cosmetic treatments along with their neck lifts.

Liposuction is a common treatment combined with a neck lift that removes excess fat deposits from under the chin.

Other cosmetic techniques that go with this surgery include facelift, brow surgery, eyelid surgery, Kybella double chin treatment, and Renuvion.

Is Neck Lift a Major Surgery?

The short answer is yes. Any surgery that involves a critical body part such as your neck (which acts as a conduit for your brain stem, airway, and sensory nervous system) is considered a serious surgery.

That being said, Platysmaplasty (the scientific name for a neck lift) is a safe cosmetic surgery that offers excellent results.

Platysmaplasty is performed by both plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons all over the world.

How Long is Recovery from a Platysmaplasty Neck Lift?

You use your neck throughout the day to turn and manipulate your head. Only when you’ve had surgery on your neck do you realize how much your neck comes into play in everything you do.

Keeping your neck stabilized to protect your results and avoid discomfort can be challenging. But your cosmetic surgeon will offer tips to make yours a quick and comfortable recovery.

You will have swelling around the area for several weeks to a couple of months following surgery. The final results are revealed when the swelling subsides. That is when you will notice the smoother skin and absence of loose neck skin and loose neck muscles. The effects can give you an improved appearance with more refined facial contours.

You should expect to rest at home for a full week when you arrive home from the surgical center. Your surgeon will give you a timeframe of when you can resume normal activities.

Many neck lift patients use paid time off, such as vacation pay, to accommodate their cosmetic surgery recovery.

Are You a Good Neck Lift Candidate?

The neck lift is one of those procedures where the patient must be selected carefully. Only ideal patients will get the most dramatically age-defying results.

Ideal neck lift patients:

Don’t Smoke: Nicotine and cigarette smoking make for a slower recovery. Smoking also increases your risk of complications. Your doctor will advise you to quit smoking for up to six months before scheduling you for neck lift surgery.

Are Mentally Healthy: Cosmetic surgeons are trained to look out for people suffering from body dysmorphia or OCD. People can become addicted to cosmetic surgery, and yet no amount of surgical correction can satisfy an ill mind. To be a viable candidate for surgery, you must be mentally healthy and understand that surgery can only do so much.

Have Realistic Expectations: As far as the results are concerned, cosmetic surgery can do wonders. Your neck showing wrinkles and deep valleys today may be completely smooth once your swelling subsides.

Without a wrinkled neck, it’ll be much more difficult for people to judge your natural age.

A neck lift cannot make you look like a model or your favorite movie star. What a neck lift can give you is a newfound confidence in yourself, and an assuredness that you look more youthful to others around you.

Ready to See What the Neck Lift Can Do for You?

The thin skin of the neck is among the first body parts to show age.

A saggy chin and wrinkled neck can diminish your appearance. A neck lift can help.

This cosmetic procedure gives you a smoother, more youthful neck, turning back the clock on how you look.

A neck lift can also have a dramatic outcome on how you feel about yourself.

To discuss a neck lift or a combination of procedures, schedule a personal consultation with the board-certified cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Babak Moein. The private and one-on-one consultation can help you learn the benefits, risks, and results you can expect with the amazing neck lift. Get started now by calling (310)694-4486.

October 25, 2021December 27, 2021

Overcoming 10 Common Cosmetic Surgery Fears

Fear of the unknown is a normal human response. If you find yourself afraid of an upcoming cosmetic surgery procedure, you should feel relieved that your anxieties are shared by millions of other people.

The idea of changing any part of yourself with cosmetic surgery can be downright frightening.

As you’ll soon see, however, much of what you fear is merely a lack of knowledge.

Once you learn more about the art of cosmetic surgery and what to expect before, during, and after your procedure, any fears you had of cosmetic surgery will likely be replaced with excitement for the aesthetic results you can achieve.

Normal Fear of Cosmetic Surgery vs a Serious Psychological Problem

There is a word we have given to the fear of a surgical procedure. That word is tomophobia.

People who are tomophobic tend to have an extreme fear of surgery, which is not common.

Having only a slight anxiety over surgery, on the other hand, is common, and makes a lot of sense.

You don’t have to necessarily suffer from tomophobia, hemophobia (fear of blood), or trypanophobia (fear of needles) to feel a little anxious about cosmetic surgery.

The thought of lasers and scalpels approaching the skin would make anyone uneasy.

The fear only becomes a psychological issue when your anxious feelings become so severe you experience physical symptoms.

The mere thought of surgery may cause your stomach to hurt or chest to tighten. This is known as a panic attack.

Panic attacks are common with anxiety disorders. If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, you may be more susceptible to surgical anxiety.

Keep in mind that you should never self-diagnose a mental health issue. If you suspect you have an anxiety disorder, you can find help by meeting with a psychological health expert.

What Causes Surgical Fears?

The reasons that breed fear of cosmetic surgery vary. Being afraid of the unknown is a big reason keeping many from the surgeon’s table. Another might be that you are associating all cosmetic surgeries with that one horrific experience you had in the past.

Here are ten common fears patients sometimes experience. Alongside each one is advice on how to overcome these fears so you can enjoy the amazing transformation cosmetic surgery can offer.

1- Are You Afraid of Experiencing Unfavorable Results?

The fear of your results not living up to your expectations is one of the most common heard by cosmetic surgeons. We’ve all heard horror stories or seen celebrity photos of cosmetic surgery procedures gone wrong. The question is: How can you make sure this doesn’t happen to you?

The best way to get the most favorable results after the surgical bandages come off is to take time finding the best cosmetic surgeon. Look for a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who has a good record performing the surgery you want. When meeting with surgeons, ask to see before and after images of their work so you can match your expectations with the cosmetic surgeon’s artistic skill.

2- Do You Fear Not Finding the Right Cosmetic Surgeon?

With so many cosmetic surgeons to choose from, how can you be sure to find the right one?

The best way to find a surgeon suitable for you is to ask friends, family, and co-workers for professionals they recommend.

Don’t take anyone’s word for it. Schedule consultations with several surgeons. Ask questions and pay close attention to the surgeon’s answers. Most importantly, listen to your gut. Ask to see before and after photographs and read online reviews. By scrutinizing experts in your area with several different criteria, you’ll be more likely to find the best cosmetic surgeon for your upcoming makeover.

3- Are You Afraid of Cosmetic Surgery Complications?

Every surgery comes with some level of risk. Before scheduling a cosmetic surgery, it is important to understand both the benefits of the procedure, and the risks to your health. The best cosmetic surgeon will provide you with a list of restrictions, such as quitting smoking up to six months before your surgery date, to reduce your risks.

4- Do You Fear Feeling Pain During or After Cosmetic Surgery?

No one can blame people who fear the pain of surgery. Botox injections involve sharp needles, and most surgeries involve the cutting of tissue.

Keep in mind that anesthesia will be used, which means you won’t feel a thing during the surgery. You may feel pressure if local anesthesia is used. However, advancements in pain management mean that you are unlikely to feel much discomfort at all, even with the most complex cosmetic techniques.

5- Are You Numb from Fear of Anesthesia?

For some people, it’s not the surgery itself but the effects of anesthesia that fill them with dread. They may fear being put to sleep and never waking up again.

Anesthesia is used during cosmetic surgery so that you won’t feel any of the poking or cutting associated with surgery. Being put to sleep also contributes to your safety, since you’re less likely to move around than if you were awake.

That being said, many of today’s popular cosmetic surgeries are performed using local anesthesia. You’re not put to sleep at all during these procedures. General anesthesia, the kind that does make you unconscious, is reserved for more complex cases like the tummy tuck and facelift.

To alleviate your fears even further, note that many of the anesthesia horror stories you may have heard involved people who were sick when they went in for surgery. This is why cosmetic surgeons make sure you are healthy before recommending a cosmetic procedure. Having a policy of only working with healthy patients is a good thing and significantly reduces the risks to your health.

6- Do You Have a Fear of Cosmetic Surgery Addiction?

Stories abound about people addicted to cosmetic surgery. However, reputable cosmetic surgeons will only perform surgeries on people who are psychologically healthy. Your surgeon will attempt to determine if you suffer from body dysmorphic disorder, for example, where no amount of surgery can contribute to body acceptance. These types of issues require the help of a psychological professional, not a cosmetic surgeon.

The fact is, if you take the time to find a reputable cosmetic surgeon, the professional you choose will have no interest in performing surgeries that are unnecessary. You can guarantee it.

7- Are You Afraid of Being Judged for Cosmetic Surgery?

More men are undergoing cosmetic surgery than at any other time in the past. The most popular surgical techniques for men include liposuction, eyelid surgery, nose surgery (rhinoplasty), male breast reduction (gynecomastia surgery), the facelift, and ear surgery.

Much of the fear men feel about surgery has to do with being judged. It’s not customary for men to spend money on the way they look. For many men, spending money on cosmetic surgery is a vain pursuit.

However, more men are seeing the positive benefits of surgery. If you are a man with a body part that causes you distress, why not erase that insecurity for good?

Gynecomastia surgery could give you all new confidence, as good nose surgery, eyelid surgery, or liposuction. Don’t worry about not appearing a certain way. By taking care of yourself and your looks, you are taking charge of your quality of life. If you have a chance to make your life better, why not go for it, despite what others may think?

Both men and women can share a fear of not wanting everyone to know they’ve had surgery. That’s understandable. After a short vacation, you might want to return to work without everyone knowing where you’ve been, or about the procedure you’ve undergone.

Whereas cosmetic surgery may have been viewed as a vain pursuit before, today people are far more open minded. Everyone wishes to look good. You’d be surprised to learn that most people don’t care that you’ve had surgery. They may ask about your surgeon because they, too, want to jump on board.

It’s all about confidence. When you’ve spent time preparing for your surgery, and then go through with it, stand behind your decision and stop caring what others think of you. You’ll look great and be much better off.

8- Are Your Cosmetic Surgery Fears Related to Dying?

This common fear is similar to the anxiety of anesthesia. You fear not waking up from the surgeon’s table.

Just like the horror stories with anesthesia, the deaths you might have heard about cosmetic surgery usually involve people with underlying health conditions. That means they went into surgery with an elevated risk of mortality.

Your cosmetic surgeon will ensure all precautions are taken to keep your risk of dying as low as possible.

The biggest danger during cosmetic surgery comes from blood clots. Reducing the risk of clotting involves the administering a limited amount of anesthesia so that you become alert more quickly following surgery.

You’ll also be encouraged to move your extremities once you have awakened from surgery to increase your blood circulation.

The risk of dying during cosmetic surgery is about the same as your risk of dying from a plane crash. In other words, the chances are exceptionally low.

9-Do You Fear Your Cosmetic Surgery Results Not Lasting?

Aside from a fear of unfavorable results, many patients want to know how long their results will last.

While every effort is made to provide you with long-lasting aesthetic effects, cosmetic surgery does not last forever.

The longevity of your results depends on the type of procedure, your age, and the expectations you hold. You can preserve your results by taking care of yourself, eating right, exercising, drinking plenty of water, and keeping your weight stable.

10- Do You Fear the Cost of Cosmetic Surgery?

Maybe you’re anxious about spending so much money on making yourself look better. Or you fear going broke entirely.

Instead of focusing on the expense of cosmetic surgery, hone your mind in on the value the procedure will provide.

If you have a deep insecurity, the right procedure could give you a new lease on life.

There are ways to get help with your surgical fees, such as medical financing and crowd sourcing. Health insurance could even be an option to help you pay for surgery if the procedure is deemed medically necessary, such as a breast lift if your heavy breasts give you back pain.

Here’s another way to look at it: The cheapest cosmetic surgeon isn’t always the best. Choose a cheap surgeon and you might find yourself spending more money fixing your botched results than you did on the original surgery.

Finding the best surgeon and paying a bit more is what you want. Like most things in life, you get what you pay for. The best cosmetic surgeons have skill, technique, training, and can charge higher fees accordingly. Paying those higher fees is the best way to assure stellar results, making your surgery well worth the expense.

5 Ways to Alleviate Fears of Cosmetic Surgery

If your fear of aesthetic surgery is listed above, you now have ways of alleviating your trepidations and bolstering your confidence in your cosmetic surgeon.

Here are five more ways you can make yourself feel better about surgically improving yourself with the procedure of your choice.

Absorb Information

Becoming well informed regarding the procedure you want is a key step in dealing with surgical anxiety. You’ll want to gain a complete understanding of the surgical technique, why you are getting it, and how the procedure is performed. Learning all you can about cosmetic surgery makes the concept of surgery less scary.

You can further your education by asking your cosmetic surgeon plenty of questions. The answers you receive can help you feel better about your surgeon and the procedure you’re asking about. You’ll gain more knowledge, but you’ll also be able to determine if you have rapport with your surgeon. Surgeon rapport contributes to you being relaxed, which increases your likelihood of experiencing a positive outcome.

Answers to your questions will also teach you about the risks to your health, fees charged, and whether insurance is likely to cover the procedure.

Tell Your Surgeon About Your Cosmetic Surgeon Fears

Your cosmetic surgeon can give you a realistic idea of what you can expect from the surgery. You can learn more about recovery, and the results you can achieve. If you have had an unpleasant experience with cosmetic surgery in the past, or know someone who has, conveying your anxieties to your surgeon can give you reassurance. After all, everyone is different, and you’re unique. If you’ve put effort into finding the most skilled and talented surgeon, you should feel assured you’re in good hands.

Distract Yourself

After scheduling surgery, you might have all this anxiety built up. And it only seems to get worse the closer your surgery date gets.

The way you are feeling is normal, but you don’t have to let your thoughts and emotions control you.

Distracting yourself is an excellent way to deter invasive thoughts that cause or intensify your anxiety. Keep yourself occupied by streaming a TV show, reading a book, or listening to music. These tips sound simple, but they are effective, especially when your mind tends to get away from you.

Learn About Pre-Surgery Care

In addition to binging Netflix, you can distract yourself by occupying your mind with certain tasks. Namely, you can prepare for your upcoming surgical procedure. Getting ready for the day of surgery can occupy your mind so you’re not so focused on whatever you fear most.

Tasks to engage in could include packing a bag for the surgical center. You’ll want to bring a change of clothes, toiletry items, a phone charger, snacks, and something to keep you busy like an iPad or a good book.

Arrange to have a ride home from the surgical center after you have spent some time in recovery. That person could also help you with day-to-day chores for up to 24 hours afterward.

Maintain Good Health

You can alleviate risks to your health and many fears by trying to be in the best shape possible as you approach your surgery date. Taking care of your body will help you feel good and think more clearly, as well as aid in recovery after your procedure.

Do your best to eat healthy foods, get plenty of rest, and exercise as often as you can. Drink plenty of water while you’re at it and supplement your diet with necessary vitamins and nutrients like zinc, iron, and B12.

Stay Focused on the Outcome

Keeping your mind on the results you are about to achieve with cosmetic surgery can help you feel less fearful. You might soon find yourself beaming with confidence. Cosmetic surgery can do wonders for a person’s self-esteem and body image. Shapelier breasts, a slimmer profile, an age-defying facelift, or any other cosmetic technique can make you see yourself in a whole new light.

Others might not necessarily know you’ve had surgery, but they can tell something’s different, and figure it must be your confidence. Looking forward to the way you look after your procedure is the best way to remain calm and positive throughout your experience.

Whether you are looking for a nose job, breast implants, gynecomastia surgery, a mommy makeover, or daddy do-over, slough your fears aside and schedule a consultation for cosmetic surgery by calling Moein Surgical Arts in Los Angeles, CA. – (310)694-4486.

October 11, 2021October 25, 2021

Be Prepared for These Feelings and Emotions After Cosmetic surgery

Cosmetic surgery is becoming more popular than ever. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) states that more than 18 million people underwent surgical or minimally invasive procedures in 2018. That number has skyrocketed by 200% since 2000.

Before undergoing cosmetic surgery, it is important to understand what to expect before, during, and after your procedure.

For this reason, we put our utmost focus into patient education at Moein Surgical Arts.

From the day of the initial consultation to your surgery and the aftercare you require later, we want you to be fully cognizant of what to expect.

One aspect of surgery that isn’t often covered is the healing period.

We covered healing and recovery in our latest article. Read it over for real-life tips you can use to heal easier following your cosmetic procedure.

The Feelings You Experience Before Your Cosmetic Surgery

This time, it’s important to discuss the feelings and emotions you can experience while healing up. Here are some examples.

Excitement:

When having cosmetic surgery, you can’t wait for the ultimate unveiling. This is when your bandages come off, the swelling goes down, and the results of your cosmetic surgery shine through. What a thrill!

Doubt:

You might find yourself second-guessing your decision. Should you have opted for smaller, subtler breast implants? Should you have chosen minimally-invasive Renuvion for skin tightening instead of undergoing a facelift? These invasive thoughts are a normal part of the recovery process.

Uncomfortable:

For at least a short time, no amount of positioning can make you comfortable. You may even have to sleep a certain way that feels unnatural, leading to a lack of quality sleep. And when your sleep suffers, you can begin to feel more uncomfortable, putting you in a vicious cycle that leaves you tired and moody.

Sensitive:

You might become defensive about other people’s opinions about your choice of surgery. And if anyone dares criticize you during this time, world watch out!

Hope:

You wonder what your results will look like once the swelling resolves. Will your results match up with the expectations in your head? This leaves you awaiting the day the bandages come off and the swelling goes down for the ultimate reveal.

Confusion:

You might feel unsure of what is normal during the recovery process. Are you supposed to be swelling this much? Are you supposed to be numb there? You might have questions that can only be answered by your cosmetic surgeon and your recovery team.

Stressed:

You might be worried about scarring or the risks of complications occurring. Your emotional distress can be compounded by a lack of exercise. During recovery, you are asked to refrain from your usual routine until fully healed, which can leave you increasingly antsy and a bit out of sorts.

Depressed:

You might feel downcast for a little while after your surgery has been completed. You might feel guilty about having surgery or regret having surgery entirely.

Whether you plan to undergo a breast augmentation, facelift, tummy tuck, or liposuction, you need to recognize that these emotional ups and downs are a normal part of the healing process. They are also temporary.

Let’s look at those emotions in greater detail so there are no surprises during your cosmetic surgery recovery.

Excitement for Your Cosmetic Surgery Results

Most people experience a surge of confidence after cosmetic surgery. Their entire self-image changes. Your self-image is your perception of how you believe you look to others. Having a positive self-image is important, and cosmetic surgery can give it to you.

While looks are not everything, and your worth certainly is not based on your looks, your appearance is important. The way you look influences the way you are perceived and looking your best could benefit you in all aspects of your life.

Cosmetic surgery is meant for those parts of yourself that may cause you distress. You may want a smaller nose, shapelier breasts, or a more voluminous butt. It’s for those instances when you feel a physical aspect of yourself diminishes your attractiveness. By correcting your insecurities, cosmetic surgery can renew your confidence and improve your quality of life.

You only get one spin around this globe. You might as well have a positive self-image while you’re blessed to be alive. Your cosmetic surgery results will soon reveal themselves once you heal. That’s certainly something to be excited about.

Doubt

Buyer’s remorse is common with other major purchases like when buying a vehicle or home. You spend all this time working up to the eventual transaction. Then, once it happens and you’ve secured the car or house, you wonder if you made the right decision. Instead of questioning if you should have bought a bigger vehicle or larger home, you’re wondering if you had the right type of cosmetic surgery.

You can mitigate the risk of feeling that you somehow chose the wrong procedure by doing your due diligence ahead of time.

Spend time looking through before and after images online. Have realistic expectations for the procedure you want and only schedule a particular surgery after you are completely certain that’s the one you want.

What does it mean to have realistic expectations? It is unrealistic to think you’ll look like someone else following your procedure, such as a celebrity or model. To be realistic about your results is to understand that minor imperfections are no big deal. It is important to keep things in perspective. You’re always going to be you. It’s still your skin. Your skin has merely been tightened or your dimensions improved. If you frame your results with rationality, you’ll be more objectively pleased with the outcomes you receive. Nobody’s perfect, even after cosmetic surgery. You can improve your looks, however, which cosmetic surgery aims to do.

Uncomfortable

By using the word uncomfortable, we don’t necessarily mean pain. Cosmetic surgery technology has come a long way in recent years. Many procedures offer little to no pain, even during the healing process. Any pain or discomfort you do feel can be easily managed with over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers and should fade quickly.

The lack of comfort might come from your inability to sleep at night. Having breast surgery, for instance, might cause you to have to sleep on your back with your spine slightly elevated. Sleeping in a recliner is often suggested.

Regardless of any sleep restrictions or your level of comfort, you must try and get adequate sleep at night. Healing requires adequate sleep. If you want effective healing, you’ll have to make sleep a priority. Getting a good night’s rest each night can also help to regulate your mood. That means you could bypass the post-surgery emotional roller coaster altogether if you manage to get the right amount of Z’s.

Sensitive

Your emotions can feel a bit raw after cosmetic surgery, at least for a short time. Like a snapping turtle, you may be ready to lash out at family, friends, and even your pets if they ask about your surgery or otherwise look at you the wrong way. This is especially true of any remarks that border on criticism.

Be aware that being emotionally sensitive is possible. You can prepare by being ready with deep breathing exercises or visualization exercises to distract you. Breathing deeply for ten breaths might be enough to calm you down.

Another trick is to envision the last time you felt the most relaxed and at ease. Whenever you feel moody or aggressive during recovery, bring that confident memory to mind. Doing so could be enough to ease your nerves until your raw emotions pass.

If you encounter anyone critical of your decision to have cosmetic surgery, you don’t have to respond to them at all. If you feel a reply is necessary, keep it short. Say something like, “I chose the procedure for me, and it makes me feel better about myself.” The best response is not to respond at all. After all, you don’t owe anyone an explanation.

Hope

You can have such overwhelming expectations for the results you are about to see on your face or body that you may feel a bit let down after the bandages come off. This feeling of disappointment is common and should be expected. Your body needs time to heal after your surgery, and your results thus need time to reveal themselves.

As your body goes through the natural process of healing, you may see swelling at the treatment site for weeks or even months afterward, depending on how quickly your body heals. Therefore, you need to have patience after surgery. Give your results time to blossom. You might look good six weeks or six months after surgery, but you’ll eventually get there. Having realistic expectations is key to making sure your hopes match up with reality when the final unveiling happens.

Confusion

During the healing stage, you may find yourself Googling your symptoms, wondering if they’re normal. This is never a good idea. You can convince yourself you’re suffering from a mix of ailments once you traverse down the WebMD rabbit hole.

The better idea is to communicate often with your cosmetic surgeon. Anything you are worried about can be relayed to your surgeon for personalized advice as it relates to your care. What you should never do is ask another cosmetic surgeon. Other professionals might be quick to gain your business and ready to disparage any surgeon’s handiwork in hopes you’ll switch aesthetic providers.

Your cosmetic surgeon knows your case and how to give you the results you discussed during the initial consultation. Make sure you follow through with your treatment plan and collaborate closely with your surgeon. That way, you remain informed and at ease every step of the way during and after your recovery.

Stress

You may be anxious about the way the surgical site looks during your recovery. Your incisions may appear red and inflamed, causing you to worry they may scar badly. You may have numbness at the treatment site, leaving you to wonder if the lack of sensation may be permanent.

Cosmetic surgeons are trained to place incisions in inconspicuous areas. This leaves the scars to heal within the natural folds of your body, in most cases. You’ll still have a scar, but they won’t be as noticeable as your fears may lead you to believe.

You can reduce scars by keeping your diet healthy. Eat nutritious foods rich in zinc, iron, and Vitamin C, as these nutrients are key to healing efficiently after cosmetic surgery.

Avoid exposing your scars to excessive sunlight for at least six to twelve months after surgery or they could darken, making them more obvious. Exercise that puts pressure on your scars should also be avoided. Keep to gentle exercise for seven to ten days and only go back to strenuous exercise after six weeks have passed.

if you do feel stress, it is important not to fall into bad habits to relieve yourself, such as smoking. Nicotine decreases blood flow to the skin and thus can slow the healing process.

Post-Op Depression

Some people, not all, can become downcast in the first few weeks after surgery. If you are prone to anxiety or depression, you may feel somewhat depressed after surgery. It’s often called the “30-day blues” similar to post-partum depression.

It is important to be conscious that this depression after surgery is possible. You can mitigate these feelings after cosmetic surgery by being active and keeping close to your social circle for support. If your mood is still dark after a few weeks, consult your doctor.

Schedule Your Cosmetic Surgery Recovery Strategically

You’re now more aware that your emotions could dip up and down while your body is healing from surgery. Knowing this, it might help to plan the surgery during a time when you anticipate this emotional roller coaster. If you work weekdays, schedule later in the week to allow for a weekend to pass before returning to work.

If you feel at any time that your feelings after surgery are more serious than a temporary dip in your mood, contact your surgeon or nursing team for helpful suggestions.

Any emotional instability you feel after cosmetic surgery should not last long. Once the light shines through the clouds, you’ll be able to enjoy the results of your procedure to the fullest.

Even if you experience this mixed bag of emotions, the science is in your favor. Studies show that patients who undergo cosmetic surgery have positive psychological outcomes after the clouds have lifted.

Cosmetic surgery can bring dramatic and lasting changes to your exterior. These changes may affect you on the inside as well. Now that you’re more aware of these changes, you can ensure stellar results and a smoother recovery after cosmetic surgery by calling Moein Surgical Arts. Book today in Los Angeles, Encino, or Glendale, California. (310)694-4486.

October 4, 2021October 16, 2021

Cosmetic Surgery Recovery Made Easier with Real-Life Advice

When preparing for a cosmetic procedure, you may be a little nervous about what’s to come after the procedure. For instance, you might ask your cosmetic surgeon questions during the initial consultation, such as: After my surgery:

Will I feel discomfort or pain?
When will I be able to get back to my regularly scheduled life?

And the most popular question:

What will my results look like after my aesthetic procedure?

Beyond all those questions is the one query that’s not often thought of. That’s what you should be doing while you’re recovering from cosmetic surgery.

Recovery after a cosmetic surgery involves what you do (and what you fail to do) as your body heals from whatever technique you underwent. Whether you had breast augmentation, a facelift, or rhinoplasty, the steps you take during recovery can mean the difference between an easier time and one that is extended with potential complications.

That’s not to frighten you from having cosmetic surgery. The many procedures available today are safe and effective for use in fighting age, reversing the effects of pregnancy on the body, and repairing superficial irregularities that may cause you distress. As far as safety, the FDA has approved cosmetic procedures for the repair of irregularities and the fight against age. The results you can expect depend on a few factors, and you must keep to realistic expectations. The right procedure can erase the years from your features and make you look amazing, in some cases from head to toe.

Put the steps below into practice during your recovery after cosmetic surgery and you’re sure to have an easier time in the recuperation stage. There are seven things we recommend. This is real-life advice that can help you achieve the results of your procedure with minimal complications and shorter downtime.

Don’t Do Too Much Too Soon

While this advice is meant to shorten your recovery after cosmetic surgery and make things easier on you, there is a caveat. You must give yourself enough time to heal. Don’t jump back into your usual routine until you are assured that the treatment site has healed and that you are well enough to go back to work and engage in certain activities like exercise.

Listen to your cosmetic surgeon’s advice. Your surgeon has your health and best interests in mind and will let you know when it’s safe to return to your normal life following cosmetic surgery.

Rest and Eat Well

When you have surgery, your procedure is going to involve the cutting of tissue. Your body needs time to repair those areas through the processes of natural biological function. The amount of time you rest, the quality of your rest, and even the environment where you get your rest all matter.

You’ll find yourself taking it easy the most during the time immediately after surgery. Depending on the complexity of the technique involved, you may not feel like getting up and doing much of anything at all for a couple of days. However, your surgeon will encourage you to occasionally get up and move around to get your blood pumping and keep your spirits up.

Getting adequate sleep at night is also important for healing. Nighttime sleep is when your body does its most rejuvenation. Choose a quiet, cool room to sleep in. Try to get seven to nine hours a night for the most benefit.

In addition to adequate rest, focus on the types of foods and the amounts of foods you eat. A healthy diet is crucial during your recovery period. That’s because your body needs the proper vitamins, minerals, and other building blocks of life to repair your body naturally.

Your cosmetic surgeon may give you a healthy eating plan to follow. If not, make sure you choose healthy, whole-wheat grains, lean meats, and lots of fruits and green vegetables. Strive for several small meals throughout the day or at least three primary meals to give yourself adequate nutrition to get back on your feet. A multi-vitamin can add vital nutrients to your diet if you’re not accustomed to getting the nutrients you need from the foods you eat.

Stay Hydrated

Being dehydrated can hinder or slow the healing process. Your immune system can also take a hit when you fail to drink enough water, making you more susceptible to post-surgery complications. It’s best to reach for plain water as opposed to soft drinks. You may be able to get away with those sprinkle-in flavor enhancers, as long as you use them sparingly. Regular water can also be spruced up with fresh lime or lemon juice for a vital infusion of Vitamin C.

Another benefit that comes with drinking your fill of water is that your mood will improve. If you are the type who likes to be out and about to mingle with others, spending time recovering may cause you to feel a tad down. Consume more water and you just might drink yourself happier.

Drinking plenty of water each day can increase your frequency of bathroom breaks. While it can be a pain to get up every few hours to void your bladder, you’ll be doing a good thing for your recovery by standing up and walking, even the short distance to the commode.

Plus, the gentle and slow movements you make along the way will improve your circulation, which your body relies on to heal itself. Your blood carries nutrients to the various areas of your body. Sitting too long can make your circulation slower. Moving around, even if it’s to urinate, is one of the best things you can do, especially in the early stages of the post-surgery healing period.

Prepare Comfy Clothes Ahead of Time

The last thing you’ll want to do during recovery after cosmetic surgery is sifting through your closet and dressers for comfortable clothes to wear. You will thank yourself post-surgery if you can manage to prepare your wardrobe beforehand. Set out some sweats or shorts and T-shirts, or whatever else you tend to wear when lounging. The key is to choose loose clothing that will allow your circulation to flow freely. If you’ve had breast surgery, you’ll want to pack a few button-up shirts that will be much easier to slip in and out of.

Keep First-Aid Equipment on Hand

Following your cosmetic surgery, your incisions will need time to heal. The surgeon will wrap the surgical site with gauze or bandages before sending you home. It is up to you to care for the treatment site and change bandages as necessary to promote cleanliness while preventing dangerous infections. You are encouraged to keep bandages, antibacterial soap, and hand gel nearby at all times as you recoup.

Prep Your Meals

A meal preparation session before you go into surgery can save you time, frustration, and hunger pangs later. Activities like shopping and preparing meals can take the energy you may lack as a post-surgical patient in healing. The trick is to prepare meals you can easily reach for whenever you’re hungry. Good ideas include stir-fry, chili, and other meals you can cook in bulk. You can then portion the meals out into plastic containers with lids before sticking them in the freezer or fridge. When you’re hungry, you can simply reach for a meal and heat it as desired, no cooking or extra shopping is required.

Clean and Set Up Your Home

You’ll want to give your home a good tidying before you go in for surgery. Not only will this be better for your mental health as you’re recovering, but it’ll also keep you from tripping over anything that could be in the way in your diminished state.

Pick up area rugs and tape down extension cords to keep from tripping over anything. Even a slight spill could tear a stitch or otherwise mar your surgeon’s handiwork. Scrubbing your home will also keep your environment sanitary, which helps keep infections at bay.

Organize your fridge and pantry, but also the area where you’ll be spending most of your time, such as in the recliner in front of the TV. Have the remote control handy and get one of those extension grabbers, a neck pillow, reusable straws, and long USB cords, which can all be game-changers.

How Long is Cosmetic Surgery Recovery?

The length of time your body takes to recover from surgery will vary depending on a variety of factors, including the type of surgery.

Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery takes around ten days for the bruising and swelling to subside. You’ll be back to work in a week and can resume your normal activities within four weeks, though it can take between three and six months to see the final results.

Tummy Tuck

For abdominoplasty (the tummy tuck), you’ll have surgical drains placed at the treatment site for around a week, at which time they will be removed. Those drains help to prevent the accumulation of fluid in the days after surgery.

You’ll be back to work after a tummy tuck and can resume your normal activities in around four weeks. You may be asked to wear a compression garment for up to eight weeks post-operation. Bruising and swelling can take up to three months to subside, though some residual swelling could continue for up to 18 months afterward. The true results of abdominoplasty typically reveal themselves around six months after the initial surgery.

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation takes three to five days for you to return to work, though you should refrain from exercising for up to six weeks post-surgery. Bruising and swelling should go down in around 48 hours, though minor swelling could continue for a few more months. Your cosmetic surgeon will advise you to refrain from wearing any underwire bras for up to six weeks after surgery. You should begin to see the final results of breast augmentation in three months. However, it can take up to six months for the ultimate reveal.

Brazilian Butt Lift

The Brazilian butt lift will have you returning to work within 14 days following your procedure. You will be advised by your surgeon to refrain from sitting or lying on your buttocks directly for up to two weeks. Donut pillows work wonders during BBL recovery. You can resume normal activities within eight weeks though you may not see the final results for up to six months.

Liposuction

Liposuction can be performed on its own but is typically performed as part of a larger surgery. The small incisions used to suck fat out of targeted areas can take a few days to heal. You will return to work in between one to three days and can resume normal activity one week post-op. A compression garment could be advised for up to six weeks. You’ll start seeing results in a few months, but the true results could take up to a year to fully manifest.

Your recovery period may vary.

Schedule with a Cosmetic Surgeon to Learn More About Post-Surgery Recovery

While the above does in no way constitute medical advice, there is a way you can get a professional opinion and recommendation for cosmetic surgery. You can schedule a consultation with Dr. Babak Moein. Cosmetic surgery can help when you look in the mirror and don’t quite like what you see, or you have a part of you that causes distress. The right cosmetic procedure can repair those irregularities to make you look and feel better.

Popular procedures like the tummy tuck, liposuction, breast augmentation, butt lift, and the arm lift and thigh lift can transform your looks one session at a time. Getting started is easy. Schedule today by calling (310)694-4486.