Archive for the 'Surgical Procedures' Category

Dec 15 2009

Brachioplasty – Arm Lift – the Right Shape

Published by admin under Arm Lift,Surgical Procedures

The Arm Lift shapes the upper arm - now you can wear sleeveless dressesOften times, people feel uncomfortable about wearing sleeveless clothing or are forced to wear larger sizes because of size and shape of their arms. Contouring the upper arms through a procedure known as Brachioplasty, remedies these concerns.

What is Brachioplasty?

Brachioplasty, or arm lift, is the reshaping of arms. If involves removal of excess or sagging skin and may also include liposuction.

People who have sagging or drooping skin on the upper arms due to weight loss, aging, or genetics are good candidates for arm lift surgery. After the procedure, the arms appear significantly more trim, firm, and smooth.

How is it performed?

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. Incisions vary depending upon the severity of the problem, but are either hidden entirely in the armpit or positioned along the inner surface of the upper arm. Excess skin and fat are carefully removed and matched with the opposite side. In certain cases, liposuction is used to remove fat before excess skin is cut out.

What is recovery like?

The surgical site is dressed in bandages for several days. Any discomfort is easily controlled with medications. A moderate amount of bruising and swelling is common but resolves within a few days. Any sutures are removed as deemed appropriate by Dr. Orloff.

What is the result?

After Brachioplasty, patients enjoy an improved appearance of the upper arms with a better balance to the upper body. Many patients have reported a freedom from the embarrassment of loose or floppy arms and the ability to wear shortsleeved or sleeveless clothing.

Your Initial Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Orloff will assess your situation, explain the procedure and discuss the results you can expect. You will have the opportunity to review before and after photographs. Dr. Orloff will encourage you to ask any questions you may have, since he feels that well informed patients are the best candidates for any surgical procedure.

Brachioplasty Before and After Example

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Dec 10 2009

Facelift – for a Younger You (San Fernando Valley)

Published by admin under Facelift,Surgical Procedures

Facelift in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, BurbankConsidering a Facelift?

As people age, the effects of gravity, exposure to the sun, and the stresses of daily life can be seen in their faces. Deep creases form between the nose and mouth; the jawline grows slack and jowly; folds and fat deposits appear around the neck.

A facelift (technically known as rhytidectomy) can’t stop this aging process. What it can do is “set back the clock,” improving the most visible signs of aging by removing excess fat, tightening underlying muscles, and redraping the skin of your face and neck. A facelift can be done alone, or in conjunction with other procedures such as a forehead lift, eyelid surgery, a cheek lift, chin surgery or nose reshaping.

The Best Candidate…

The best candidate for a facelift is a man or woman whose face and neck have begun to sag, but whose skin still has some elasticity and whose bone structure is strong and well-defined. People of all ages considering a face lift should consult a plastic surgeon to find out if it is the right procedure for you. A facelift can make you look younger and fresher, and it may enhance your self-confidence in the process. But it can’t give you a totally different look, nor can it restore the health and vitality of your youth. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.

Planning Your Surgery

Facelifts are very individualized procedures. In your initial consultation, Dr. Orloff will evaluate your face, including the skin and underlying bone, and discuss your goals for the surgery. Also, by evaluating your medical history Dr. Orloff can identify medical conditions that could cause problems during or after surgery. Be sure to tell Dr. Orloff if you smoke or are taking any drugs or medications, especially aspirin or other drugs that affect clotting.

Facelift in the San Fernando Valley - Before and After

Preparing For Your Surgery

Dr. Orloff will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding medications. Also, the use of supplements and vitamins can improve outcome and reduce healing time. Another important issue is preparing the skin for optimum results prior to surgery. We can help there with the right products and guidance. Carefully following these instructions will help your surgery go more smoothly. If you smoke, it’s especially important to stop at least a week or two before and after surgery; smoking inhibits blood flow to the skin, and can interfere with the healing of your incision areas.

Facelift in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley

The Surgery

Facelifts are usually performed in an outpatient surgical center under general anesthesia. They normally take several  hours. Incisions are made in areas relatively hidden along the hairline and in the natural creases around the ear. During surgery, excess fat can be removed, muscles can be tightened, structures such as the cheeks can be repositioned and excess skin can be removed while redraping the remaining skin for a natural, more toned appearance. When performed by a qualified Plastic Surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. You can reduce any risks by closely following Dr. Orloff’s advice both before and after surgery.

After Your Surgery

Depending on the procedure or combination of procedures performed, swelling and bruising can occur, but your face will rapidly return to normal. As with any situation that involves healing, factors such as your health, fitness and adherence to your physician’s instructions contribute to recovery time. Also important to speeding recovery and maintaining results is proper skin care, which we are glad to assist you with.

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Jul 24 2009

Ear Surgery – Otoplasty in Burbank

Published by admin under General,Surgical Procedures

beautiful earsProbably no other physical characteristic cries out for plastic surgery more than protruding ears. Even if the ears are only mildly distorted, the condition can lead to self-consciousness. Ear surgery, known as Otoplasty, can be performed at any age after the ears have reached full size, usually around five to six years of age. Not only is it possible to “pin back” ears, but ears can also be reshaped, reduced in size, or made more symmetrical. Having the procedure at a young age is highly desirable because the cartilage is extremely pliable which permits greater ease of shaping. Adults may also benefit from this procedure, which improves self esteem with relative ease.

What can I expect from an Otoplasty?

Ear surgery will not alter hearing ability. A successful Otoplasty results in the ears being in proportion to the size and shape of the face and head.

Besides protruding ears, other undesirable characteristics can be helped with this surgery. These include a “lop ear,” when the tip seems to fold down and forward, a “cupped ear,” which is a very small ear, and “shell ear,” when the curve in the outer rim, as well as the natural folds and creases, are missing. Surgery can also improve large or stretched earlobes, or lobes with large creases and wrinkles. Dr. Orloff can even build new ears for those who were born without them or who lost them through injury.

How is Otoplasty performed?

Ear surgery usually takes about two to three hours. The procedure is generally performed on an out-patient basis under general anesthesia. The technique utilized for the surgery will depend on the problem being corrected.

A more common technique used for this surgery is to make a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. This incision is made in the natural fold where the ear is joined to the head. Dr. Orloff will sculpt the cartilage and bend it back toward the head. Non-removable stitches may be used to help maintain the new shape. If needed, Dr. Orloff will remove a cartilage to provide a more natural-looking fold when the surgery is complete.

Otoplasty before and after

Another technique involves a similar incision in the back of the ear. Skin is removed and stitches are used to fold the cartilage back on itself to reshape the ear without removing cartilage.

In most cases, ear surgery will leave a faint scar in the back of the ear that will fade with time. Even if only one ear appears to protrude, surgery is usually performed on both ears for a better balance.

What is the recovery like?

Soft dressings will be applied to the ears and will remain for a few days. Any mild discomfort is easily controlled with medications. If you are accustomed to sleeping on your side, your sleep patterns may be disrupted for a week or so because you cannot put any pressure on the ear areas.

Otoplast before and  after

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Jul 22 2009

Nose Surgery – Burbank and the San Fernando Valley

Rhinoplasty - Nose SurgeryRhinoplasty, or nose surgery, is one of the most common of all plastic surgery procedures. This surgical procedure can produce changes in the appearance, structure, and function of the nose. Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of the nose, change the shape of the tip, narrow the width of the nostrils, or change the angle between the nose and the upper lip. This surgical procedure can help correct birth defects, nasal injuries, and help relieve some breathing problems.

How Is Rhinoplasty Performed?

Rhinoplasty surgery is customized for each patient. There are various techniques used, depending on the patient’s needs and the desired outcome.

Rhinoplasty is usually performed as an outpatient procedure under either general or local anesthesia. During surgery, the skin of the nose IS separated from its supporting framework of bone and cartilage. The bone and cartilage are then sculpted to the desired shape. Depending on the desired result, some bone and cartilage may be removed, or tissue may be added (either from another part of the body or using a synthetic filler). After the nose has been reshaped, the skin and tissue are redraped over the structure of the nose.

Incisions are generally made inside the nose, so (hat they are invisible after the surgery.

When the surgery is complete, a splint is applied outside the nose to support the new shape of the nose as it heals. Nasal packing or soft plastic splints may be used inside the nose to provide additional support.

Rhinioplasty before and after

What Is the Recovery Like?

After surgery and for a short while, your face Will feel puffy, your nose may ache, and you may have a dull headache. Swelling and bruising around they eyes may increase at first, reaching a peak after a few days. A smal amount of bleeding is common during the first few days following surgery, and you may continue to feel some stuffiness for several weeks. You will be instructed on how to care for your surgical wounds and receive tips on how to help reduce swelling, such as by applying cold compresses. You may be instructed not to blow your nose for a short time while the tissues heal.

Dr. Orloff will remove any surgical dressings and splints at the point during your recovery it is appropriate.

Nose Surgery before and after

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Jun 20 2009

Tummy Tuck available in the San Fernando Valley

Published by admin under Surgical Procedures,Tummy Tuck

tummy tuckMany women have a hard time loosing the pooch in their tummy following childbirth. Others have lost a lot of weight, but the skin around their abdomen simply will not tighten, even with exercise.

Abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a “tummy tuck” can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. Through this surgical procedure, excess skin and fat are removed from the middle and lower abdomen, while tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall.

The Procedure

There are many options available to correct a protruding abdomen. Dr. Orloff will make a recommendation for which technique to use based on the patient’s individual condition and the goals for the outcome of the treatment. Each treatment plan is customized to meet the specific needs of each patient.

With a full abdominoplasty, an incision is made from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. The skin is separated from the abdominal wall and a large skin flap is lifted to reveal the vertical muscles in the abdomen. These muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. This provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline. The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin is removed. A new hole is cut for the navel, which is then stitched in place. After surgery, the patient has a flatter, trimmer abdomen. Scars are permanent, but will fade with time.

Endoscopic Tuck

Dr. Orloff also specializes in the endoscopic tuck in which a very small incision is made to tighten up the abdominal muscles. This can be a wonderful option for those patients who have developed a pooch in the tummy but don’t have significant loose skin or fat.

Mini Tummy Tuck

Another option available is a “mini-tummy tuck” or partial abdominoplasty, which focuses on the area below the navel only. With partial abdominoplasty, the incision is much shorter and the navel may not be moved. The skin is separated only between the incision line and the navel. This skin flap is stretched down, the excess skin is removed, and the flap is stitched back into place.

Liposuction

Dr. Orloff may also suggest the possibility of abdominoplasty with liposuction in adjacent areas for maximum results.

What Is the Recovery Like?

For the first few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you’re likely to feel some pain and discomfort which can be controlled by medication. You will be fully informed by Dr. Orloff and his staff as to how to care for your surgical wounds and what activities should take place after surgery. Exercise will help you heal better, however, vigorous exercise should be avoided until you can do it comfortably.

tummy tuck - before and after

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May 06 2009

Eyelid Surgery Burbank, California

eyelid surgeryMirror, Mirror…

Have you ever woken up in the morning feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day, only to be disappointed when you look in the mirror? It can be hard to feel alive and vibrant when the eyes staring back at you look tired and old. Loose skin and bags over and under your eyes make you look more tired and older than you may feel inside. If this has happened to you, you are not alone, AND you can do something about it.

Each year, thousands of men and women  undergo a simple eyelid surgery to help restore a more energetic and youthful appearance. An eyelid surgery (or blepharoplasty) is a simple procedure performed to correct sagging eyelids, and/or to remove fatty pouches under the eyes and excess skin on the upper eyelids. This procedure can be done alone or in conjunction with other facial surgery procedures such as a facelift, brow lift or laser skin resurfacing. Dr. Orloff and his team of trained cosmetic professionals have helped hundreds of men and women enjoy a more youthful and softer appearance through cosmetic surgery. You owe it to yourself to have the eyes looking back from the mirror reflect the youth and happiness you feel inside.

How Is the Procedure Performed?

Patients generally undergo an eyelid surgery as an out-patient procedure. The procedure itself generally takes between one to two hours, depending on the extent of the surgery. The specific technique utilized for this procedure depends on the goals the patient and Dr. Orloff are seeking to accomplish. To correct the upper eyelid, Dr. Orloff places fine incisions in the crease above each eye to remove a thin crescent of excess skin and muscle. The incisions are closed with very fine sutures. To remove the fatty bags under the eyes, incisions are placed just inside the lower eyelid and the fatty deposits under the eyes are removed. The incisions may be closed with absorbable sutures or may be left to heal naturally. To remove excess skin from the lower lids, incisions are placed in the natural smile crease below the lashline.

eyelid surgery - before and after

What About the Recovery?

Dr. Orloff and the patient together decide whether local or general anesthesia will be utilized for eyelid surgery. Following surgery, the area around the eyes will be bruised and swollen for a short period of time. Make-up may be worn to cover any bruising. To help alleviate the swelling, patients should keep their heads up and place cold compresses on their eyes periodically. Antibiotic eye drops or ointment may be prescribed. To minimize the appearance, the hairline incisions were placed so that the resulting scars would follow the natural contour of the eyelids, and these scars will fade in a short period of time.

The Consultation Appointment

During your initial consultation, Dr. Orloff will discuss with you your specific condition, your desired goals, and the probable outcome of treatment. The doctor and his trained and qualified team members will thoroughly discuss the procedure and let you know what you may expect both with your surgery and the recovery. You will have the opportunity to review several before-and-after photographs of patients having similar concerns as yours, and their surgical outcome. Dr. Orloff may want to take before-and-after photographs of you to document your successful results.

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Mar 30 2009

Liposuction – When Diet and Exercise is not enough

LiposuctionWhat is liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure where localized fat deposits are removed through tiny incisions. This is not a weight loss technique but a process that optimizes body contouring.

Who are the best candidates?

The best candidates are

  • patients who are in good health and have firm, elastic skin
  • people who have fatty pockets that are disproportional to their bodies
  • people with realistic expectations
  • people who understand this is not a substitute for weight loss

What areas can be treated with Liposuction?

The most commonly treated areas are abdomen, love handles, and thighs. However, many other areas with excess fat such as neck, calves, and back are treated. Many people choose to recycle their fat and have it injected in other parts oftheir body such as lips, smile lines, or buttocks.

Liposuction Deriere Thighs

What is the tumescent technique?

Tumescent technique uses saline solution with medication to break up the fatty pockets. The surgeon then inserts a small instrument called a cannula to remove excess fat.

How will my skin look after liposuction?

Dimples, stretch marks, and preexisting ripples in the skin remain after liposuction. Your new look will be similar to what you would expect if you could lose weight through diet and exercise.

What will my recovery be like?

Liposuction is an outpatient procedure. You will go home after recovery from your surgery. You will be wearing a special garment or girdle. Dr. Orloff will instruct you on how to massage and care for the surgical site. Several days after the procedure you can return to your usual activities.

Will liposuction get rid of cellulite?

Liposuction is not a treatment for cellulite, however, many patients will notice an improvement in the appearance of cellulite after liposuction.

liposuction tummy

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Mar 05 2009

Breast Augmentation in Burbank, Bevery Hills and Los Angeles

breast augmentationBreast Augmentation is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breasts through the use of implants. Many women desire fuller breasts to improve the contour of their body, or would like better balance in the size of each breast. Some want to correct a reduction in breast size that occurred after weight loss or pregnancy. Others utilize this procedure as a reconstructive technique following breast surgery. A breast lift may be recommended in conjunction with the augmentation procedure if the breasts are sagging or have lost shape and firmness.

How Is The Procedure Performed?

There are several options for insertion and placement of the implants, and the method used will depend on the individual patient. The Incision can be made either in the crease under the breast where the breast meets the chest, around the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple), or in the armpit. Incisions are placed so any resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible.

The implant is inserted through the incision and may be placed under either the breast tissue or the chest muscle beneath the breast. Once the implant has been carefully adjusted to the correct shape and position, the incision is closed.

breast augmentation details

What is a Breast Implant?

A breast implant is a silicone shell filled with either silicone gel or a saltwater solution known as saline. There are a variety of shapes and sizes to choose from to obtain the desired result.

What Should I Expect After Surgery?

After surgery, your breasts will appear fuller. A special post-surgical garment, such as an elastic bandage or post-surgical bra, will be worn for a short time, followed by a soft support bra. Your breasts may be bruised and swollen, and you may experience some tenderness. These symptoms should subside in a short period of time. Your breasts will probably be sensitive to direct stimulation for a short time, but contact is fine once your breasts are no longer sore.

You will be instructed on how to care for your surgical wounds as well as any activity restrictions. You should be able to return to work within a few days, depending on the level of activity required for your job. Your surgical sutures will be removed at the time deemed appropriate by Dr. Orloff.

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Mar 01 2009

Cheek Suspension in Burbank, Beverly Hills and Los Angeles

Cheek Suspension

Cheek Suspension

Reverse the Signs of Aging

The earliest signs of aging appear around the eyes and mid facial area as the cheeks begin to droop. Tiny wrinkles begin to form, the eyes look puffier and deeper smile lines appear in the cheek area.
A cheek suspension, or mid-face lift is one of the most common first procedures performed to eliminate the early formation of lines and wrinkles and to restore one to a more youthful and healthy appearance.

Mid-Facelift Procedure

A mid-facelift or cheek suspension addresses the eye and cheek areas by repositioning the cheek upwards and softening the nasolabial folds. This is a short procedure with a quick recovery time and no visible scarring. The object is to rejuvenate the midfacial area, not to change your appearance. A mid-facelift can be performed alone or in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures, such as a brow lift, facelift or eyelid surgery.

How is the SurgeryPerformed?

“Micro-incisions” are made in the hairline and sometimes in the mouth to elevate the cheek area and soften the smile lines and the lower eyelid area. Because of the placement of the incisions, no obvious scars are visible after the procedure.

Preparing For Your Surgery

Dr. Orloff will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on diet and taking or avoiding medications. Also, the use of supplements and vitamins can improve outcome and reduce healing time. Another important issue is preparing the skin for optimum results prior to surgery. We can help there with the right products and guidance. Carefully following these instructions will help your surgery go more smoothly.

What is the Recovery Like?

Since this procedure is not as invasive or extensive as other cosmetic surgeries, recovery time and discomfort are minimized. You may experience a bit of swelling for a short time, and bruising is minimal if present at all.

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Feb 22 2009

Breast Lift in Burbank, Los Angeles, Bevery Hills

sagging-breastsIt is not uncommon that a woman might feel dissatisfied or self-conscious about the size and shape of her breasts at some point in life. Many factors, such as pregnancy, nursing, weight change, aging and the mere force of gravity produce changes in the appearance of a woman’s breasts. As the skin looses elasticity, the breasts often loose their shape and firmness and begin to sag. A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts. This procedure can also reduce the size of of the areola, the darker skin around the nipple. A mastopexy can be done alone or in conjunction with other augmentation procedures, such as breast implants to increase firmness and size.

Your Initial Consultation

During your initial consultation, Dr. Orloff will discuss with you the changes you would like to make in your appearance and explain the mastopexy surgery in detail. He will review the different techniques available to perform the procedure, your expected outcome of surgery, and any risks and activity limitations. Dr. Orloff will describe any scarring that may result following this procedure and care to be taken of your surgical wounds. He and his trained and qualified team will assist you in deciding which technique will best meet your desired cosmetic goals.You will have the opportunity to review before and after photographs of patients having similar concerns as you and their surgical outcome. Dr. Orloff will encourage you to ask any questions you may have or voice any concerns, since it is his opinion that well informed patients make the best candidates for any surgical procedure.

How Is aBreast Lift Performed?

In order to give the breasts a lift, excess skin must be removed. Incisions are made which outline the area from which skin will be removed. There are three techniques used to accomplish this, and Dr. Orloff will recommend which would be best based on your individual situation and the amount of skin needing to be removed.

Anchor Pattern.

anchor-pattern
An anchor-shaped incision is made in a vertical line extending downwards from the nipple area, and along the lower crease of the breast. Excess skin is removed and the nipple and areola are moved to a higher position. The skin surrounding the areola is then brought down and together to reshape the breast.

LeJeour (or “Lollipop”) pattern.

Breastlift - lollipop pattern

The incision goes around the areola and down to form the shape of a lollipop. This procedure is utilized for patients with smaller breasts that do not require as extensive skin removal as those utilizing the anchor pattern. Excess skin is removed along the incision site and the surrounding skin is brought down and together to reshape the breast.

Doughnut or Peri-areolar

Breast Lift peri-areolar

The incision goes around the areola only. This technique is used for patients with relatively small breasts and minimal sagging. A doughnut shaped incision is made around the areola and skin is removed from this area only.

What Can I Expect After Surgery?

After surgery, you will wear a special post-surgical garment such as an elastic bandage or post-surgical bra for a short time, followed by a soft support bra. Your breasts may be bruised and swollen, and you may experience some tenderness. These symptoms should subside in a short period of time. You will be instructed on how to care for your surgical wounds as well as any activity restrictions. Your surgical sutures will be removed at the time instructed by Dr. Orloff.

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