La Jolla Cosmetic Plastic Surgery - Wendell Smoot,M.D. – John Smoot, M.D.

Forehead Lift

2009-06-29T15:59:00.000-07:00

Forehead lifts are usually performed for sagging eyebrows, deep horizontal creases across the forehead or deep frown lines between the eyebrows. The forehead lift is also known as an endoscopic brow lift, an open brow lift, or a temporal lift.

This procedure is common for people in their forties, fifties, and sixties to help slow the visible signs of aging. In younger people, it is performed to reverse the effect sagging eyebrows have of giving a “sad” or “depressed” expression, which may not reflect how a person really feels. When a sagging brow actually obstructs vision, a forehead lift is done as a reconstructive procedure.

A forehead lift can be performed in a surgeon’s office or hospital under local or general anesthesia in less than an hour as an outpatient. Usually, there is minimal discomfort and a short recovery time. As with any procedure, some bruising or swelling may occur.

Successful facial cosmetic surgery results from good communication between the patient and surgeon. After consulting with your surgeon you should have a goal and realistic expectations of achieving that goal.

If you are interested in learning more about a forehead lift, please contact California cosmetic surgeons Wendell Smoot, M.D., F.A.C.S. and John Smoot, M.D., F.A.C.S. at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery in La Jolla today.

Complimentary Skin Care Service

2009-06-02T11:11:00.000-07:00

Here at Associates for Plastic Surgery we are a full service office when it comes to your facial needs. Once you are scheduled for a facelift we offer several complimentary services that are included in your package.

Before surgery, patients will receive complimentary microdermabrasion peels & hydrating facials. The pampering care continues after surgery with complimentary make-up application, an IPL treatment and another microdermabrasion. We believe that these services compliment and enhance your surgical procedure to give you the best results possible.

Several other skin care packages are available within our office with our esthetician and also with our affiliate office, Torrey Pines Dermatology. Please call our office for more information at 858-587-9850.

LATISSE FOR LASH GROWTH

2009-05-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

We are now offering Latisse for the growth of eyelashes. This is the first FDA approved treatment used to grow longer, thicker & darker lashes. You will see results after approximately 4 weeks of treatment. This product can be purchased through our office for $120 a tube, which will last about 30 days. Please call in to our office for more information or if you would like to purchase this product.

Tummy Tuck or Liposuction?

2009-05-25T10:04:00.000-07:00

Abdominal fat is very resistant to diet and exercise. The tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) has been the usual surgical answer to the problem of abdominal fat that is diet and exercise resistant until liposuction became available as an alternative procedure. Tummy tucks remove excess fat and skin and also tighten abdominal muscles for a firmer and flatter look. Liposuction is a popular alternative due somewhat to a quicker recovery time. One factor in deciding which procedure is best for you is that most surgeons recommend abdominoplasty be put off until you no longer anticipate another pregnancy as a pregnancy will undo any benefit derived from a tummy tuck.

For most patients, liposuction does correct the problem of excess abdominal fat deposits. Liposuction usually involves a few tiny incisions. A tummy tuck requires a larger incision which is easily hidden by undergarments or bathing suit bottoms. Liposuction is performed under local anesthesia. Patients are normally ambulatory immediately after the procedure and able to return to regular activities after three days or less with liposuction. However, bruising and swelling may occur at the site of the procedure but resolves within a week or so.

If you are interested in learning which procedure is just right for you, please contact California cosmetic surgeons Wendell Smoot, M.D., F.A.C.S. and John Smoot, M.D., F.A.C.S. at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery in La Jolla today.

Injectable Fillers

2009-04-29T15:39:00.001-07:00

Injectable fillers can plump thin lips, enhance contours, smooth facial creases and wrinkles and improve the appearance of recessed scars. There is minimal discomfort from these procedures and are considered very safe and effective. The options available are numerous and include popular choices such as Restylane®, BOTOX®, Juvederm™ and collagen.

For instance, Restylane® is an injectable filler that uses a substance found naturally in the human body to fill creases in the face. There is no need for allergy testing with this treatment. Collagen is a natural protein derived from the human dermis. The use of bovine collagen does require pre-treatment allergy testing.

Complications from the use of injectable fillers are very rare. There are some side effects that can be expected as with any procedure. There could be infection at the site of the injection, and some bruising and swelling may appear. Redness, itching and some skin sensitivity may be noted also.

After the procedure, the results are immediately apparent. Any mild bruising or swelling can be controlled with a cold pack and should improve within hours or just a day or two.

If you are interested in learning more about injectable fillers, please contact California cosmetic surgeons Wendell Smoot, M.D., F.A.C.S. and John Smoot, M.D., F.A.C.S. at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery today.

Low cost options for your face

2009-04-28T15:31:00.000-07:00

People these days are looking for low cost, minimally invasive improvements that they can do for their face area. Many people cannot afford the downtime or the cost of something extreme right now. There are a lot of options out there from fillers-Restylane, Juvederm, Prevelle to a refresher facelift which has less incisions and downtime than a full facelift.

Fillers are going to help smooth out lines that appear from the nose down to the mouth area, or they can fill fine lines around the mouth and lips. Fillers last anywhere from a few months up to a year.

Botox is also something that is very popular right now. Botox is injected either between the eyes, the forehead or the crowsfeet. Botox temporarily paralizes the muscles, therefore smoothing out the lines that crease when that muscle is used. Botox usually lasts 3 to 6 months.

Lastly, the refresher lift is something that is done when you are just starting to show some "sagging" in the face-the jowls and jawline aren't the same anymore.

Please call in to our office for additional information or to set up a complimentary consultation to see what options are best for you.

Gynecomastia

2009-03-29T15:37:00.000-07:00

Gynecomastia is the name of the condition of abnormally large breasts in men. This condition is caused by the swelling of breast tissue in boys or men due to a hormone imbalance.

Gynecomastia may involve one or both breasts. This is a common condition in adolescent boys and resolves itself 90% of time as the boy matures. For the other 10% of the population, gynecomastia may remain a problem into and throughout adulthood. But there is a surgical solution to this problem, and plastic surgeons at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery in La Jolla, California have helped countless patients with this embarrassing condition.

Some causes of gynecomastia include puberty, steroid abuse, obesity, tumors, genetic disorders, Gilberts Syndrome and aging. Gynecomastia is emotionally traumatizing for most men who suffer from this condition. Gynecomastia is not a serious health problem but is difficult to cope with, nonetheless. Men have feelings of shame, humiliation and embarrassment.

Gynecomastia may resolve itself, be treated with medication to balance hormone levels, or require surgery. Liposuction or mastectomy are two types of surgery to correct this condition. Liposuction removes the breast fat, not the breast itself. The surgeon removes the breast gland tissue in a mastectomy. This is usually done using tiny incisions employing an endoscope. Weight loss has been known to alleviate this condition in the obese.

If you are interested in learning more information about gynecomastia and the treatment for this condition, please contact California cosmetic surgeons Wendell Smoot, M.D., F.A.C.S. and John Smoot, M.D., F.A.C.S. at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery in La Jolla today.

ANTI-AGING EXPO

2009-02-24T14:17:00.000-08:00

Join us this week February 27, 28th & March 1st at the San Diego Convention Center for an Anti-Aging Expo. Dr. John will be speaking about less invasive facial rejuvenation techniques including the latest fillers: Juvederm, Sculptra-known as the "liquid facelift", Restylane, Botox & short scar facelifts. He will also be talking about breast surgery techniques. Speaking times are Friday 3:55pm-4:25pm & Saturday 1:45pm-2:15. Stop by our booth #602 for question & answer with the Doctors.

Choosing the right size of implant

2009-02-10T08:38:00.000-08:00

It's best to make selecting the right implant size a one-time decision because additional surgeries mean additional risks. Most patients are very satisfied with their breast augmentation outcomes, but some women elect to have a second surgery to change the size of their implants.

At our La Jolla/San Diego area practice, women seek breast augmentation for a variety of reasons apart from feeling that their breasts are not large enough. They may be seeking to:

Balance the size of uneven breasts
Regain lost volume after pregnancy
Acquire a better proportion between their breasts and their body

We consult carefully with our patients to determine what size is appropriate and sustainable by their unique skeletal structure and skin tone. A thorough examination by a licensed and experienced cosmetic surgeon is the only way to ensure that you will receive the best implant size for your frame and skin type, but that doesn't mean you have to wait until your consultation to start investigating what you might like in terms of results.

There are two basic techniques you can use before your consultation to get a basic idea of what you might be looking for. First, try to find images of women's breasts that you consider to be attractive. You won't be able to achieve the exact look of any of these women, but they can serve as a starting place to begin discussion. Second, you can select a bra that approximates the size you think you want to achieve. Then, use rice, couscous, or birdseed in a stocking to fill up the bra. Wear it around. Try on several outfits with it. See how you feel and adjust as necessary.

Remember, though, the only way to really pick the right size for your breast augmentation is in consultation with a trained and experienced cosmetic surgeon. If you or a loved one are in the La Jolla or San Diego areas and are considering of breast augmentation surgery, please call our office at 800.715.5052 to schedule a breast augmentation consultation.

What is the best age for breast enlargement?

2009-01-06T12:06:00.000-08:00

All the evidence points to making sure young women have reached a level of physical and mental maturity that will allow them to make a wise choice before moving forward with breast implant surgery.

Here is the FDA’s official stance on correct ages that young women can safely obtain breast implants:

May 2000: Mentor and Allergan implants were FDA-approved for saline-filled breast implants in women 18 years or older.

November 2006, Mentor and Allergan were FDA-approved for breast augmentation in women ages 22 and older.

Although some young women seek breast enlargement upon graduation from high school or even earlier, this is not generally advisable. Girls' bodies have not matured fully at this stage of their lives. Young women will not actually stop their growth activity until they are in their early twenties.

Maturity is another key factor to consider. Girls as young as 16, 17 and 18 may have a high degree of dissatisfaction with their bodies, often for no good reason. As they grow older and more mature, they develop a higher level of comfort with who they are. If they have elected to have breast enlargement surgery, they may even want their implants removed. By this time, their natural breasts may have become stretched from the implants, and they may not be able to regain their youthful form. With a few exceptions, such as highly asymmetric breasts, we encourage young women to wait before committing to breast enlargement surgery.

Finally, a woman must consider whether she might want to have children later in life. Although there is no health risk posed to mother or infant by breast implants during either pregnancy or breastfeeding, the effects of pregnancy on breast implants is uncertain and may lead to a very undesirable appearance which will require revision surgery.

If you or a loved one are in the La Jolla or San Diego, California areas and are interested in the exploring the possibilities of breast enlargement, please call our office at 800.715.5052 to schedule a breast enlargement consultation.

Can't get the shape you want? Liposuction may be the answer.

2008-12-18T11:53:00.000-08:00

If you are eating a healthy diet and exercising but still having difficulty losing that extra weight around your mid-section or on your hips or thighs, take heart: liposuction may be the solution for you. Keep in mind that liposuction is not an instant weight loss program. In our San Diego and La Jolla office, we utilize liposuction for those who have tried a healthy diet and exercise program but are still faced with resistant trouble spots.

Types of Liposuction
Cosmetic surgeons primarily utilize two types of cosmetic surgery depending on the areas of the body being targeted:

Tumescent liposuction – This most commonly used method of liposuction injects saline solution and an anesthetic to the treated area through an injection. This method allows doctors to remove fat cells easily while surrounding tissues remain intact.
Ultrasonic liposuction – This method is best utilized when the treated areas are made up of fibrous or dense tissue, similar to what is located in men’s mid-sections, breasts and back, and the higher part of both men and women’s abdomens. Ultrasonic waves actually cause fat tissue to break down and ready it to be vacuumed out.

Liposuction Recovery
For the initial days following surgery, some discomfort is experienced; pain medication makes this pain quite manageable. After three to six weeks, post-surgical bruising and swelling will decrease markedly.

If you are in the La Jolla or San Diego, California areas and are interested in the exploring the possibilities of a liposuction procedure, please call our office at 800.715.5052 to schedule a consultation.

BREAST AUGMENTATION INVESTIGATIONAL PAIN STUDY

2008-12-11T13:10:00.000-08:00

Our office has been selected to take part in a clinical pain study, we are the only office in Southern California chosen to do so. The study is open to first time augmentation participants and they must be between the ages of 18-40 with no prior breast surgery. All inclusive surgical fee is $4995 and includes saline or silicone implants-space is limited to 15. Study subjects will be compensated for their time. For more information, please call our office 858-587-9850.

Implant Sizing

2008-11-18T12:49:00.000-08:00

When you are considering breast augmentation surgery the biggest question can be "What size do I want to be?" During your consultation, we offer several ways to help you determine what size is best for you. Based on some measurements that the Doctor takes during your exam, we will have you try on "sizers". These are actual implants that are put into a sports bra to help you get a visual of what that size looks like on you. This is a very helpful tool for you, the patient, to help you decide your size. Surgery is a very big decision for you and we want to help you in as many ways as we can to get it just right and make it a great experience.

Tummy tucks - what are my options?

2008-11-10T13:29:00.000-08:00

Tummy tucks typically come in two varieties the: traditional full abdominoplasty and the partial abdominoplasty, or mini tummy tuck. The full abdominoplasty is typically used for patients with a large protruding stomach wall, while the partial abdominoplasty is used for patients with a small pocket of sagging abdominal skin.

Good Candidates For Tummy Tucks
The best candidates we see in our practice for abdominoplasty include patients who have reached their weight loss goal, yet retain flabby areas in the abdomen, as well as patients who have weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin due to aging, weight gain, or pregnancy.

Tummy Tuck Procedures
The abdominoplasty incision is made horizontally across the lower part of the abdomen. In most cases, the incision’s scar can easily be concealed by underwear and swimming suit bottoms. A second incision may also be made to allow the belly button to be placed into a different position. The partial abdominoplasty incision is shorter and generally does not require that the belly button be repositioned.

Sometimes liposuction is used as an adjunct treatment to contour the stomach for both the full and partial abdominoplasty.

If you are in the La Jolla or San Diego, California areas and are interested in the exploring the possibilities of a tummy tuck procedure, please call our office at 800.715.5052 to schedule a tummy tuck consultation.

Fillers

2008-11-04T12:34:00.000-08:00

Don't have time for recovery & downtime? Want to look refreshed without spending thousands?Now that the holidays are near, it is the perfect time to come in for some fillers. We offer a several choices-Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane & our most affordable one, Prevelle. Call in today to schedule your appointment, nights & weekends available.

Mommy Makeovers

2008-10-19T11:07:00.000-07:00

Giving birth is in no way easy on a woman’s body:

Frequently, the skin of the abdomen stretches while the woman carries her baby and doesn’t easily retract after birth.
The vertical rectus abdominis muscles sometimes separate and become slack, causing the stomach to protrude.
Breasts can droop after the baby is delivered and from the overstretching of the skin caused by pregnancy and/or breastfeeding. The breast is not supported well as a result.

But being a mother makes you no less a woman, and there is no reason why you can't continue looking and feeling your best after having children. In our practice, we help many women who cannot seem to diet or exercise away the impact that childbirth has on their bodies.

Nationwide, many women are recognizing that some of the changes childbirth effects on their bodies simply cannot be reversed without help. In fact, for women in their thirties:

A nine percent to 12 percent increase in tummy tucks and breast surgery occurred from 2005 to 2006.
In 2007, 59 percent of American Society of Plastic Surgeons members said they witnessed more patients who were seeking out cosmetic procedures following childbirth.

Because the effects of pregnancy on the body are global, we offer a remedy that is global: the mommy makeover is a combination of procedures--including tummy tuck, breast lift, and other body contouring options--that are offered to target all of your postpregnancy cosmetic concerns simultaneously at a discounted rate.

If you are in the La Jolla or San Diego, California areas and are interested in the possibilities that a mommy makeover can offer you, please call our office at 800.715.5052 to schedule an appointment for a mommy makeover consultation.

How can I afford a cosmetic surgery procedure?

2008-10-06T11:02:00.000-07:00

While most plastic surgery procedures are not covered by insurance and can be expensive, it is critical that patients not choose a surgeon based on price. The safety of the procedure and surgical outcomes are far too important for these decisions to be price based. A low price can conceal costs that will appear out of nowhere at a later stage in the patient’s care. Sometimes low costs also mean that a physician is inexperienced and attempting to gain experience—on you. Be wary and remember that your body--and your life--is too precious to be put in the hands of a cut-rate surgeon.

In our practice, we offer cosmetic surgery financing options that ensure that our patients have access to the best quality cosmetic care—even if it appears to be out of their reach financially.

Some Procedures are covered by Insurance
Keep in mind that surgeries for some conditions may actually be covered by insurance, especially if these conditions cause pain or a diminished quality of life:

Breast reduction – If neck or back pain results from overly large breasts, insurance may cover the surgery to reduce breast size.
Blepharoplasty – If lids that droop cause some or complete vision impairment, insurance could cover the cost of eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty.
Rhinoplasty– If an accident damaged your nose or if you have a congenital defect, insurance could cover the rhinoplasty procedure.

If are worried about the cost of cosmetic surgery, please be aware of the financing options available at the La Jolla/San Diego, California practice of Dr. John Smoot, Dr. Wendell Smoot, and Dr. Richard Chaffoo. We partner with a local credit union and offer 100 percent financing that does not include the price of anesthesia. We also accept Visa®, Mastercard® and CareCredit®. Please call us at 800.715.5052 to schedule an appointment for a consultation.

Get your body back after babies

2008-09-25T12:17:00.000-07:00

After getting pregnant, there are a few fortunate people who are lucky to have their bodies go right back to looking how they did before getting pregnant. Others, however, have permanent changes in their breasts and abdominal area that don't improve. No matter what they do, no matter what type of exercise or how much exercise they don't see improvement. The one thing that can help to "put things back where they were" is plastic surgery. Stretched out skin in the abdominal area is not going to go away on its own, neither is the muscle that may be separated, causing a "pouch" or fullness. Same goes for the breasts, once that skin has been stretched out and the volume has decreased, plastic surgery can be the solution for filling out the breasts and giving them a nice, natural shape.

We have many patients that come in after they are done having babies that are in need of breast and abdominal work. A tummy tuck along with breast surgery, either augmentation (implants) or a breast lift with implants, are common procedures that can be combined. Doing both surgeries together allows you to have one recovery and downtime, which is very important when you are a busy mom, and it also saves you thousands of dollars on the cost of the procedure.

Please give our office a call if you have additional questions or would like to discuss your options with one of our Plastic Surgeons.

Misconception about Silicone Gel implants

2008-09-04T14:00:00.000-07:00

When patients consider breast augmentation surgery we find there is a lot that they don't know about silicone gel implants. Many people say they want saline implants because they are "safer". The fact is that silicone is just as safe as the saline implants, extensive studies have proven that. When silicone implants first came out, they were more of a liquid form. The material that is used in silicone implants today is more of a "gummy bear" consistency, it is a more solid form of silicone. In fact, if a silicone breast implant were to be cut open, it will stay in the shell of the implant & will not ooze out. If this type of implant were to rupture, it would stay intact. The biggest difference in the two types of implants is the feel. Silicone implants tend to feel more natural, more like the breast tissue, whereas the saline implant is going to be more palpable.

Welcome to La Jolla, San Diego Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

2008-07-31T13:40:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the cosmetic surgery practice of Dr. Wendell Smoot, Dr. John Smoot, and Dr. Richard Chaffoo. Located in La Jolla and serving all of San Diego since 1979, who offer an array of facial and body treatments to plastic surgery patients that are seeking natural looking enhancement in a comfortable and friendly setting.