Newport Beach Plastic Surgery | Dr. Hendricks

Types of Tummy Tucks

2009-06-29T14:21:00.000-07:00

When considering a tummy tuck procedure, also known as abdominoplasty, it is important to understand that there are varying degrees of surgery that can be performed. Because each patient’s body is completely unique, Dr. Hendricks will provide a thorough examination of your current body shape, taking into consideration your medical and family history as well as your expectations in order to determine which surgery is right for you.

Mini Tummy Tuck

Mini tummy tucks are performed on trouble spots located below the belly button. Both excess fat and skin is removed during surgery and the abdominal muscles tightened. Generally a mini tummy tuck will require a smaller incision area to correct the problem areas, and the belly button may not need to be repositioned on the abdominal area.

Complete Tummy Tuck

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your entire abdominal area, both above and below the belly button, it may be necessary to undergo a complete tummy tuck procedure. In this procedure, a larger incision is made just above the public line to allow for the proper amount of excess fat and skin to be removed. Depending on the amount of skin removed, the belly button may need to be repositioned to create a natural-looking midsection.

To learn if a tummy tuck procedure would benefit your appearance, please contact Orange County cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center to schedule your confidential consultation today.

Gynecomastia

2009-06-21T14:20:00.000-07:00

While many women wish for large breasts, large mammary glands in men are generally not a desirable physical trait. This enlarged breast condition, known as “gynecomastia,” can occur in men at any age and can occur for a number of reasons, including:
• Genetics
• Disease
• Hormonal alterations
• Medications
• Recreational drugs
• Age
• Weight gain

Because gynecomastia can have a devastating effect on a man’s self-esteem and confidence levels, many men are now turning to male breast reduction surgery. This surgical procedure may include one or a combination of the following procedures:
• Removal of excess fat with liposuction techniques
• Removal of breast tissue and/or excess skin
• Repositioning of the nipple and/or reduction of the areola

After surgery, the chest will appear more contoured and masculine. Because incisions are required, there will most likely be some scarring on the chest that may be hidden by the chest’s natural lines or body hair.

If you are a generally healthy male who is suffering from gynecomastia, we may be able to reshape your chest and give you a new outlook on life. Please contact Orange County cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center today to request an initial consultation to discuss your specific situation and learn if you are a candidate for breast reduction surgery.

Tummy Tuck Candidacy

2009-06-09T14:15:00.000-07:00

A tummy tuck or “abdominoplasty” can help both men and women achieve firmer, flatter abdomens by removing excess fat and skin and tightening the muscles of the abdominal walls.

Good candidates for abdominoplasty procedures are those who:

• Set realistic expectations for the results of the surgery. This should be discussed in detail with Dr. Hendricks prior to any decision to undergo surgery.
• Maintain a healthy body weight and follow a healthy diet and exercise regimen but continue to have excess fat and skin in the abdominal area.

There are specific types of people who can benefit greatly from abdominoplasty.

• Many women who have had children opt to have the abdominoplasty procedure to help reverse the effects that pregnancy can leave on the midsection. However, this procedure is not advised for women who plan to become pregnant in the future.
• Over time, a person’s skin becomes less elastic and the abdominal muscles can become weaker, creating a less than smooth midsection. People who experience this effect can achieve excellent results with abdominoplasty.
• Those who inherit the unfortunate genes for abdominal fat deposits may find that abdominoplasty is the best way to attain the midsection they always wanted.
• People who have experienced significant weight loss can have loose abdominal skin tightened.

Abdominoplasty is not for everyone, but Dr. Hendricks has performed wonderful results on hundreds of patients. For your complimentary abdominoplasty consultation, please contact Orange County cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center

Exercise After Breast Augmentation

2009-05-29T07:50:00.000-07:00

Breast augmentation surgery is an invasive procedure that requires patients to get the appropriate amount of rest after surgery to allow for proper healing. It is common for women to experience post-operative sensations in the breasts, such as firmness and swelling. The breasts may also appear slightly high after surgery. By following Dr. Hendricks’ specific post-operative instructions for your unique situation, these sensations should subside within a month after surgery.

What about exercise?
Generally, one of the most important instructions after breast augmentation surgery is to avoid strenuous or straining activities during the first full week after surgery. Exercise should be avoided for 2-4 weeks after surgery; however, leisurely walking is encouraged to keep blood circulation moving in the body to avoid blood clots. To allow the incision areas to heal properly, it is also important to avoid sweating.

Studies show most women can resume full activity within 3-6 weeks after breast augmentation surgery. It is important to keep in mind that every woman is different and will experience her own unique healing process.

Dr. Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center is committed to helping each breast augmentation patient have a positive experience during every aspect of this surgical procedure, from initial consultation to follow-up appointments. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Orange County cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center.

Candidacy for Breast Augmentation

2009-05-19T07:48:00.000-07:00

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), in 2007 surgeons performed nearly 12 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, which is up 7 percent from 2006. More than 1.8 million surgical cosmetic procedures were performed in 2007, with breast augmentation leading the top five. In fact, 348,000 patients chose breast augmentation surgery in 2007, up 6 percent from 2006.

With so many women choosing this elective surgery, how do you know if breast augmentation surgery is right for you? The following lists may help you make the initial decision to pursue conversations and a professional breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center.

Good candidates for breast augmentation

A good candidate for breast augmentation will be a woman who:
• Has good overall health
• Is physically and mentally mature (teenagers may not be good candidates)
• Is not pregnant or breastfeeding
• Is making the decision for herself, not another person
• Understands the potential risks and complications
• Has realistic expectations of how the breasts will look
• Has realistic expectations of how the new breasts will make her feel

Breast augmentation surgery can give women renewed self-confidence if done for the right reasons. If you would like to learn if you are a candidate for breast augmentation, please contact Orange County cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center.

Breast Augmentation Risks and Complications

2009-05-12T07:45:00.000-07:00

Whether you have always wanted larger breasts or want to regain a larger breast size after pregnancy and breastfeeding, breast augmentation is a popular and effective way to achieve the upper body you desire. When performed by a knowledgeable, trained and qualified board certified cosmetic surgeon, breast augmentation surgery is generally a safe procedure. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are always risks and complications that can arise. It is important to ask questions about breast augmentation and be aware of these risks before undergoing any surgical procedure.

Possible risks and complications
• Infection (causing breast inflammation, fever, tenderness, etc.)
• Capsular contracture (when the implant pocket shrinks, squeezing the implant and making it feel hard)
• Bottoming out (when the implant falls on the chest, making the nipple too high)
• Rupture, leaking or deflation of the implant
• Sensation changes in the breast or nipple
• Mondor’s cord (a blood vessel inflammation that will heal itself)
• Symmastia (when the two implants merge on the chest, making the two breasts look like one “uniboob”)
• Rippling or wrinkling (when the skin appears wavy due to saline shifting)
• Scarring
• Blood clots

During any consultations with Dr. Hendricks, he will discuss all of the benefits and risks associated with breast augmentation surgery so you can make an informed decision. To arrange for your free breast augmentation consultation, please contact Orange County cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center.

Longer-Lasting Fillers

2009-04-29T08:47:00.000-07:00

Dermal fillers have made it possible for both men and women to erase the signs of aging: facial lines, wrinkles, creases and folds that appear courtesy of heredity, sun exposure and time. In the past, it was common for the effectiveness of these fillers to last approximately 6 months or longer. Now, with advances in technology, dermal fillers last longer and work more effectively to help smooth the face and provide a more youthful appearance.

Below are several hyaluronic acid dermal fillers that may last up to 1 year. Hyaluronic acids are naturally-occurring substances in the body.

• Restylane®
• Juvederm® – actually FDA-approved to last 1 year
• Perlane®
• Radiesse®

There are other types of dermal fillers that may last longer than one year including:

• Sculptra® – a synthetic polymer filler that produces progressive results over time, results that can last up to 2 years
• Radiesse – Hydroxyapatite is a white gel consisting mainly of calcium. When used for soft tissue enhancement, it provides a soft filling of deeper lines and wrinkles that can last for years. IT has also been used as an alternative to chin implants or cheek implants where highlighting of this area is desired but surgery can be avoided.
• ArteFill® – synthetic polymer microspheres suspended in cow collagen; because the microspheres do no reabsorb, the results can last up to 5 years –not currently available from the US manufacturer.

If you live in Newport Beach or anywhere in Orange County, California and are interested in exploring the various non-surgical cosmetic techniques to reduce the signs of aging, please contact Dr. Hendricks at Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center for a consultation to determine which treatment might be right for you.

BOTOX® and What’s on the Horizon

2009-04-25T08:45:00.000-07:00

In 2002 the FDA approved BOTOX® Cosmetic injections for the treatment of wrinkles on the face for both men and women. These diluted botulinum toxin injections are highly effective in erasing creases that appear between the eyes, on the forehead and around the eyes (the “crow’s feet”). The muscles that cause the deep wrinkles are weakened with the injections causing the injected areas to become smooth and relaxed.

BOTOX® injections are quick, virtually painless and provide results in just a couple of days after treatment, and those results can last in some cases up to 6 months.

What are future competitors of BOTOX®?

• Reloxin is a new botulinum toxin injection that is expected to become FDA-approved sometime in 2009. This new treatment claims to work faster than BOTOX and provide longer-lasting results.
• PurTox is another botulinum toxin injection that is working toward FDA-approval.
• Revance claims to be a botulinum toxin that can be applied directly to the skin, without injections, to provide the same results as BOTOX. This product is still awaiting FDA-approval.

As technology continues to advance in the field of cosmetic injections, patients will have more and more options from which to choose. If you would like to discuss the different FDA-approved options available today, please contact Orange County cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center for a consultation.

Restylane® and Other Hyaluronic Acids

2009-04-21T08:42:00.000-07:00

Lines and wrinkles on the face are inevitable as we grow older. Some experience these signs of aging more quickly than others because of sun exposure or heredity. Regardless of when the lines appear, more and more people looking for non-surgical ways to erase these lines from their faces.

Dermal fillers have gained popularity over the years to help people restore fullness and youthfulness in their faces. Restylane® is one such product that provides immediate results. Restylane is made of a hyaluronic acid, a substance that naturally exists in the body. When injected into wrinkles and folds in the mid-to-deep dermis region of the face, Restylane delivers nutrients and binds to water in the body to plump and smooth the facial lines and provide long-lasting results. Most patients will see visible benefits of a Restylane treatment for 6 months or longer.

Are there other hyaluronic acid treatments available?

Yes, there are other hyaluronic acid treatments available, including:
• Hylaform® - this is an animal-based product that comes from rooster combs
• Captique® - this is a plant-based product
• Juvederm® - hyaluronic acid that is “cross-linked” to form a gel

If you are considering non-surgical methods to reduce the signs of aging on your face, please contact Orange County cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center for a free consultation to determine which treatment might be right for you.

Common Mommy Makeover Procedures

2009-03-25T13:09:00.000-07:00

While most women find motherhood to be a rewarding, joyful experience (at least most of the time), the same feelings do not always ring true about the ways their bodies change after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Troublesome excess fat deposits, changes in breast size and firmness, sagging skin and stretch marks are just a few of the reasons many women turn to Dr. Hendricks for a mommy makeover.

Mommy makeover procedures

• Breast augmentation: Especially helpful after breastfeeding, this procedure will actually increase the size of the breasts and balance the size and shape of the two breasts.
• Breast lifts: This procedure helps saggy or droopy breasts look more youthful and perky without the use of silicone or saline implants.
• Tummy tuck: By removing excess skin and firming the abdominal muscles, this procedure can restore a flatter tummy that cannot be achieved through diet and exercise alone.
• Liposuction: Stubborn fat deposits after pregnancy often remain despite diet and exercise, and this procedure aids in contouring the body to its desired shape.

One or more of these mommy makeover procedures can help a mom feel sexier and more confident.

If you are an Orange County mom interested in cosmetic surgery, please contact Dr. Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center for a free consultation.

Microdermabrasion

2009-03-21T13:17:00.000-07:00

Deciding to undergo any cosmetic surgery procedure, whether invasive or non-invasive, is a big decision and one that should not be taken lightly. At Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center in Orange County, California, triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Hendricks and his team offer a variety of surgical and non-surgical physical enhancement treatments, and they are eager to sit consult with you to discuss the procedures you are interested in and how they may or may not achieve your aesthetic goals.

One of the most popular topics of conversation lately has been the popularity of what’s called “microdermabrasion,” which is a treatment intended to minimize wrinkles and improve the texture and color of your skin by removing the outermost layer of your skin leaving a more supple and vibrant appearance. Who would not want this??

We all know that aging and environmental factors such as sun exposure can take a devastating toll on your skin’s health and appearance, leaving you with lines, wrinkles, and skin dullness. Microdermabrasion is a quick, painless procedure that can reduce the effects of aging on your skin. If you have heard your friends talking about the “lunch-time peel,” they are talking about microdermabrasion, the highly effective alternative to laser or chemical peels that requires no down time following treatment.

If microdermabrasion sounds like something that you may like to try, or if you just want to come in and see some before and after pictures, please contact us at Pacific Cosmetic Surgery Center, serving patients in Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and Irvine, California today to schedule your initial appointment.

Mommy Makeovers

2009-03-11T13:05:00.000-07:00

The female body is an amazing vessel and a true work of art. Childbirth is nothing short of a true miracle, but whether a woman has one or many children, often her body does not snap back to its original shape once the pregnancy and breastfeeding is over. Sometimes diet and exercise simply are not enough to help moms:

• Firm loose or sagging skin
• Eliminate excess fat
• Regain their pre-pregnancy bodies
• Renew their self esteem

Mommy makeovers are an effective way for healthy moms to firm, lift, and smooth their bodies. There are a variety of cosmetic procedures that can achieve beautiful results, such as a tummy tuck, liposuction, breast augmentation or breast lift. The ideal candidate for a mommy makeover is a mom who:

• Practices healthy eating habits
• Exercises regularly with cardio and weight training
• Does not smoke
• Maintains a healthy weight for her size
• Limits consumption of alcohol
• Has a strong post-surgery support network to aid in her recovery
• Does not want to have additional children

While some new moms elect to undergo body sculpting procedures shortly after childbirth, these techniques are equally as effective for moms who have older children.

If you would like to learn more about mommy makeover cosmetic procedures, please contact Dr. Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center, Orange County, California location for all of your cosmetic surgery needs.

Affirm CO2 Laser Treatment Downtime

2009-02-28T16:35:00.000-08:00

One of the unusual advantages of having an Affirm CO2 laser treatment for facial rejuvenation is the ability to select the amount of downtime. A treatment plan with 4 light treatments will achieve great results with little or no downtime. To get the same result in less time one or two aggressive treatments will be needed, but there will be two to three days of peeling following each of these more aggressive treatments. . This skin laser system can be adjusted in several ways to customize your treatment:
• The depth of laser skin penetration can be made deeper or more shallow
• The intensity of laser light can be strengthened or weakened
• The duration of laser pulses can be lengthened or shortened

If you have a very busy schedule and do not want to be absent from work, you can choose to have several lighter treatments. Each will have virtually no downtime.

If you have some time to spare for recovery you can choose to have more aggressive treatments and fewer of them.

Some laser skin treatments cause vigorous peeling afterwards. They are known as ablative treatments, meaning that they remove the entire top layer of skin. Other types of treatment cause no peeling because the laser does not target the skin surface, but penetrates more deeply while the surface is kept cool with air or water. These are non-ablative treatments.

The Affirm CO2 laser uses proprietary technology called Micro Ablative technology. It does not target the entire treatment area under the laser tip, but instead leaves tiny areas untreated, interspersed with tiny treated areas. This drastically reduces peeling while still giving a deep treatment if that is desired. It can penetrate more deeply than standard laser rejuvenation, resulting in more effective Collagen stimulation and skin tightening.

Oxy-Mist Treatments
Oxy-Mist is a product sprayed on the skin after your Affirm CO2 laser treatment (or after microdermabrasion or a chemical peel). It contains over 100 ingredients designed to speed your skin’s recovery time. It works by increasing blood flow to the treated area, by stimulating new collagen growth, and by helping to activate the body’s macrophages. These are scavenger cells which engulf waste products and carry them away for excretion.

To learn more about the Affirm CO2 laser treatments and how they could help, please call us at 949-640-9570 or email us for a personal consultation with Dr. Hendricks.

Affirm CO2 Laser Treatments

2009-02-25T12:33:00.000-08:00

At the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center we offer a variety of skin rejuvenation procedures. You can choose microdermabrasion or glycolic peels, or various laser treatments. Dr. Hendricks has also invested in the Affirm CO2 laser system to give you a highly customized skin rejuvenation with your choice of recovery periods.

The Affirm CO2 Anti-Aging Workstation is made by Cynosure, Inc. and combines three patented technologies. With two different lasers and adaptable settings that Dr. Hendricks can customize for your treatment, it delivers just the treatment you want and need for your particular skin conditions.

Using the Affirm CO2 system, Dr. Hendricks can enhance your skin in two ways in the same treatment:
• Resurfacing the skin
• Stimulating more collagen

After your Affirm CO2 laser procedure, you will notice a smoother skin texture, reduced scarring, even coloration, and an absence of keratoses (dry, scaly patches). Both fine lines and deeper wrinkles will be smoothed out and any enlarged blood vessels will be reduced.

What is Collagen?
As we age, the body produces less collagen – a fibrous connective material which gives strength and durability. The skin’s middle layer has a collagen matrix lending support to the skin surface, but as the years pass it weakens and the total amount of collagen decreases. By stimulating new collagen production, the Affirm CO2 laser gives you long-term skin rejuvenation.

The new collagen makes the skin appear fresher and more plump to the naked eye, with fewer fine wrinkles, and smaller pore size.

If you would like to know more about the Affirm CO2 laser and how it might give you a more youthful and revitalized facial appearance, please call us at 949-640-9570 or send us an email for a personal consultation with Dr. Hendricks.

Cosmetic Surgery Cost Considerations

2009-02-22T15:28:00.000-08:00

In these days of increased financial uncertainty, people are taking more care about spending. If you are interested in having a cosmetic surgery procedure but feel unsure whether now is a good time for it, please contact our office for accurate cost information. We will give you full disclosure and will never hide any associated costs. When you know your exact total cost, you can more easily make a decision about going ahead.

We work with two financing companies, both of which offer easy application process, easy terms, quick responses, low monthly payments, and many choices of timeframe. Please see our page on Fees and Financing for more details.

Cost and Benefits
When evaluating the cost of your desired cosmetic procedure, also factor in the benefits you will receive. When you talk with Dr. Hendricks you can ask about which procedures would address your needs and goals, and the options may not all be surgeries. Some may be simpler, less invasive procedures. So don’t assume that you will need a facelift, for example, because an Affirm CO2 laser treatment might do the job just as well.

As to your safety, you can be very confident about that with Dr. Hendricks, who has three Board certifications and is well-reputed as a teacher of other cosmetic surgeons. By having the job done well the first time you will not need any enhancement procedures afterwards to correct less-than-perfect results.

To learn more about your desired procedure, and to better assess its true benefits and cost, please call or email our cosmetic surgery office for a personal consultation with Dr. Hendricks.

Smartlipo- Revolutionizing Body Contouring

2007-08-05T21:18:00.001-07:00

Say goodbye to long recovery times, large incisions and higher complication rates. Smartlipo, a new advancement in liposuction technology can provide individuals with the targeted fat removal they desire without the downtime.

Smartlipo is an innovative body contouring technology that uses a small laser fiber to literally melt fat from area of the body. The incision, unlike traditional liposuction, needs to be only 1 to 2 millimeters to allow the laser under the skin. The laser disrupts the structure of the fat cells in the body causing them to be liquefied and to be excreted naturally by the body. The procedure usually last about 45 minutes to an hour for each treatment area.

The differences between traditional liposuction and Smartlipo are:

Traditional Liposuction: Most of the time, the patient is required to go under general anesthesia. The fat is vacuumed out of the body with a 4 -5 millimeter tube. Because of this, loose skin can remain in the area that is treated. Also, because the fat is being forcibly sucked from the treatment area, it is often traumatic to the surrounding tissues. Visible scars can be left behind from where the tube enters the treatment area and stitches are often needed. Recovery times vary, but are usually about a week.

Smartlipo: Smartlipo treatment areas can usually be treated with local anesthesia. Because of the laser, the procedure promotes collagen growth in the treatment area which helps to improve the unattractive loose skin that can occur with traditional liposuction. There is less trauma to the surrounding tissues, virtually no scarring, no need for stitches and a patient can usually return to work in just a few days.

Smartlipo has been featured on ABC News, and in People Magazine as a way to achieve the fat-melting fantasy.

Keep in mind that Smartlipo is not for everyone. Smartlipo is not a treatment for obesity. The best patients are those who are healthy, but have some areas that are resistant to diet and exercise.

How do you know if Smartlipo is right for you?

Contact me for a confidential consultation. I have performed hundreds of surgeries and can help you make an informed decision. For more information, visit my Smartlipo website where you can view before and after photos and read frequently asked questions.

Additional Resources:
View our Smartlipo Video
(Video link on Home Page)
View our Liposuction Myth Blog Entry

A New Surgical Technique for Breast Lifting or Reduction

2006-11-30T22:28:00.000-08:00

I have recently been enthusiastically won over by the vertical breast lift. Some call this the lollipop method, where the final scar is located around the areola and then in a vertical line down the breast from the areola extending to the breast crease. It stops there and does not extend into the crease, so the scar is relatively short and well hidden.

The vertical breast lift technique is fairly new to most American cosmetic surgeons. Most cosmetic surgeons typically use the anchor approach, which creates a much longer and more visible scar in the shape of an anchor that follows the entire breast fold. By using the anchor approach, the scar can become thick and noticeable.

European cosmetic surgeons began the march toward better breast lifting techniques more than a decade ago, but it has been slow to catch on in the United States. In fact, very few U.S. surgeons are using it.

I have found that using the vertical breast lift technique, my patients have better breast shape, faster recovery, less swelling AND shorter, better hidden scars. The surgery is also shorter taking only about 2 hours compared with 3 1/2 hours and is much simpler to do than "the old way."

It has been really a pleasure to now offer this procedure to my patients. To find out more about the vertical breast lift, contact me to set up a confidential consultation.

Urban Myth Busters #1

2006-11-10T13:43:00.000-08:00

Today is my first in a series I want to call Urban Myth Busters. I have always wanted to collect a list of the common myths that patients ask me about when they consult with me for cosmetic surgery procedures, and comment on or correct some of the common misconceptions.

Today, I will address the common myths that relate to liposuction, since that was the last blog topic.

Urban Myth #1. “You are born with only a certain number of fat cells, and once they are removed, they are gone for good.”

Reality Check: Fat cells were once thought only to be able to undergo hypertrophy, that is, to grow larger and plumper, stimulated by an increase in circulating fat in the bloodstream. They were not thought to have the ability to multiply. Now we know that if there is enough of a stimulus (like a cheeseburger and fries) fat cells will divide and multiply. So, just because you remove fat cells with liposuction, It doesn’t mean that the treated area will be forever immune to the effects of over-eating.

Urban Myth #2. “If you remove fat cells with liposuction in one spot, you will just gain fat in other areas.”

Reality Check: Similar in concept to Urban Myth #1, Liposuction normally is done to reduce diet-resistant pockets of fat, the ones that often are determined by your DNA(genes-heredity). Once these pockets are reduced, they can still store fat again if they are stimulated to do so by taking in too many calories. The good news is that if you gain weight after liposuction, you will probably gain it more evenly over the entire body rather than in the localized areas that seemed to accumulate fat with weight gain before surgery.

Check out my before and after photos to see first hand what liposuction can do.

Next in the Myth Busters Series will be Myths about Soft Tissue Augmentation and Fat grafting.

Procedure of the week: Liposuction

2006-11-10T13:39:00.000-08:00

In the second installment of the procedure of the week series, I will be
talking about one of the more common body-contouring procedures known as
Liposuction. In 2004, liposuction was the #1 most frequently performed
procedure by doctors who are members of the American Society of Plastic
Surgeons.1

Liposuction is a procedure that is often used by both men and women.

Common places that women get liposuction are:

* Under the chin
* Hips
* Thighs
* Stomach

Common places for men to get liposuction are:

* Under the chin
* Around the waist
* Breast area (To reduce the size of their breasts - a condition known
as Gynecomastia)

Liposuction is generally reserved for the mildly overweight whose bodies
will not respond to dieting. Liposuction is also usually reserved for people
who are active and healthy and who have localized areas of extra fat.

I have three really great innovations in liposuction that make the procedure
even better. Most physicians infuse a large amount of fluid containing
adrenalin in the area to be treated, prior to liposuction. In addition to
the adrenaline, I add a special mix of numbing medications that make the
site virtually pain free for up to 24 hours after the surgery. This, I
believe, allows you to resume normal activities sooner that most people do
after this procedure.

Liposuction surgery can vary in time and degree based on your needs. Things
I have to take into consideration when talking about surgery options are the
size of the area and the amount of fat that has to be removed. The procedure
consists of inserting a small metal tube with vacuum pressure through a
small incision and suctioning out the excess areas of fat. I prefer a
power-assisted liposuction device the vibrates the metal tube and shakes the
fat loose. It comes out faster and with less trauma using this device.
Fluids are typically administered intravenously, because body fluids are
lost during the procedure.

My third innovation is sutureless closure of the entrance sites. Most
doctors will suture the openings closed, which leaves a noticeable scar. I
use a special band-aide that seals the wound and essentially leaves very
little noticeable scar.

3 weeks post op.

After the surgery you will have to wear a compression garment as to help
with the reduction of swelling. Because of the swelling, results will not
show up right away. It takes around six weeks after the procedure to see the
full effect of the liposuction. Sometimes liposuction is done along with a
Tummy Tuck. These two procedures combined can significantly change the body
shape and contour for the better.

For more information on Liposuction, please visit my Liposuction Frequently
Asked Questions page. Also check out my before and after photos of
liposuction patients.

Liposuction is not right for everyone. To determine if you are a good
candidate for liposuction, please contact me today for your confidential consultation.

1. From The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (2004 Statistics)

Facelifts - Procedure of the Week

2006-10-13T14:22:00.000-07:00

Procedure of the week: Facelifting

In a series of blogs over the next few weeks, I will be giving my view about the latest in trends on facelifting, mini-facelifting, other facial procedures, body contouring and breast enhancement procedures.

The first article in this series is about facelifting.

Age and the environment around you often affect the soft tissues of the face. Your skin will become less firm and folds and wrinkles will begin to appear. What is the solution to this problem? While some women may try skin tightening creams or lotions, the most effective solution is a facelift. A facelift can dramatically improve the deep cheek folds, jowls, and loose sagging skin around your neck. Ultimately, it can make you look decades younger.

How is the procedure done?

First of all, mini-facelift means different things to different people. In general mini-facelift equals mini result. A mini-facelift may be great if you have a small degree of skin looseness, but it will not last as long as the traditional facelifting procedures that provide fantastic improvement with long- lasting results.

In traditional facelift surgery, the incisions are made at your hairline. The incisions are made there for a few reasons. The first is that they follow the natural lines of your face. The second is by making the incisions behind your hairline, the incisions are nearly impossible to see. Once the incision is made, the skin is gently separated from the underlying soft tissue. Once the separation is complete, excess skin can be removed and repositioned for a younger, healthier look.

The next step is the muscular layers under your skin are tightened. This is done to create a more youthful appearance to your lower face and around your neck. Areas that have excess fat may be trimmed or suctioned. Once the skin is properly and carefully positioned upward, the extra skin will be removed and the incisions will be closed.

For more information on the facelift procedure, please visit our facelift frequently asked questions section or visit my facelift before and after photos.

Facelift surgery is one of the most effective ways to look years younger. Both men and women alike get the procedure and I will be able to discuss the best way to reveal a younger looking you. By simply coming in for a confidential consultation, I can help you decide if facelift surgery is for you.

Plastic Surgery in the News This Week

2006-10-06T16:42:00.000-07:00

This week was a tough week for Board Certified Plastic Surgeons everywhere.

Two main news items took place:

The first, was Govenor Schwarzenegger signing legislation to allow oral surgeons to perform facelifts, rhinoplasty, brow-lifts and other cosmetic surgery procedures.

The second was a ruling by a judge in California to force the California Medical Board to grant equivalency to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. The ABCS is a group that has not been recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. The ABMS is the agency that regulates and certifies the different medical specialties, such as Psychiatry and Internal Medicine.

These groups have not been able to qualify through the traditional route of recognition through the American Medical Association and therefore have sought legal or legislative action to allow them selves to be considered "board-certified" and equal to true board-certified Plastic Surgeons.

Individuals that have chosen to pursue the training to become Board Certified plastic surgeons have chosen to be "The best of the best" and their training is typically as lengthy as neurosurgeons and cardiac surgeons. These other specialties, such as oral surgeons, that wish to claim equivalency have simply not spent the same amount of time dedicated to being the best.

Unfortunately for the public who seek someone with the best training, the term "Board Certification" has come to mean less and less, due in part, to these rulings.

I encourage every patient that expects experience, training and skill from their doctor, to look closely at the credentials before "signing-up".

Dr. Hendricks- Personalized Care, Outstanding Results.

2006-09-18T09:28:00.000-07:00

Many plastic surgeons do not always have the patient in mind when it comes to cosmetic surgery. We believe it is of the utmost importance to find out exactly what the patient’s goal is and to achieve that goal with the patients care in mind.

At Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center, Dr. Douglas Hendricks will listen to your concerns and make recommendations based on your desired outcome. Dr. Hendricks offers a confidential consultation and he will meet with you personally to answer all your questions.

Dr. Hendricks will review all the surgery options with you and discuss the procedure, cost, and most importantly how to have a safe and speedy recovery.

If you are considering surgery, check out our before and after gallery. Dr. Hendricks many years of experience and board certification are what set him apart from other cosmetic surgeons. Contact us today for a consultation.

Welcome to the Blog of Dr. Douglas Hendricks.

2006-08-22T10:52:00.000-07:00

Dr. Hendricks has provided this content of the website for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice nor does it constitute a doctor/patient relationship. Dr. Hendricks specializes in cosmetic surgery procedures including tummy tuck, eyelid surgery, liposuction, BOTOX ® Cosmetic, breast augmentation, facelift, nasal surgery and many other body contouring and facial plastic surgery procedures.