Frequently asked questions about plastic surgery.
December 29th, 2009 admin
Tummy Tuck Specialist – Beverly Hills, Los Angeles
What is a Tummy Tuck Specialist?
A Tummy Tuck Specialist is a Doctor who specializes in Abdominoplasty. Like in many fields, a Plastic Surgeon can specialize in certain areas of interest and study. For Plastic Surgeons, they specialize in areas of the body; face, breasts, stomach, legs, etc… When a Plastic Surgeon “specializes” in certain area of the body it can mean a few things: A. they enjoy working on this area of the body B. They typically have an advanced technique that they have developed that yields extraordinarily beautiful results and C. They have had the chance to perform 100’s of the same procedure, each case proving to be unique in their own right.
What this means is that each individual patient gets beautiful results by a physician who understands the surgery and has a working knowledge of how the same procedure can uniquely benefit each patient. Also a Tummy Tuck specialist performs his/her own special twist on a technique. For example: Dr. Ivan Thomas, Tummy Tuck Specialist in Beverly Hills, performs what is called a High Lateral Tension Tummy Tuck. Not only is this a more advanced technique Tummy Tuck, but Dr. Thomas also added a unique variation to the technique, which results in tighter and flatter results for his patients. Qualification as a “Tummy Tuck Specialist” can only come from years of experience, repetition, a flawless reputation and proper certification.
What type of certifications should a Tummy Tuck Specialist have?
With any plastic surgery physician, a patient should look for certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This ensures that the Physician has gone through rigorous training and board certification by the only board in American who is able to deem medical specialties, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).
Things a Tummy Tuck Specialist will evaluate for candidacy
A Tummy Tuck specialist will evaluate the potential patient for candidacy before recommending a Tummy Tuck procedure. A reputable Tummy Tuck Specialist will consider.
- How much intro –abdominal fat (inside fat) the patient has
- How much fat the patient has underneath the skin
- The extent of laxity that the patient’s stomach muscles & skin
- The patients skin elasticity and thickness
- The patient’s overall health and medical history
- The patient’s ideal weight and size
- If the patient has realistic expectations for their final results
Posted in Beverly Hills Mini Tummy Tuck, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, High Lateral Tension Tummy Tuck, Home, Mommy Makeover, tummy tuck | No Comments »
December 22nd, 2009 admin
Beverly Hills Tummy Tuck Specialist Dr.Ivan Thomas Discusses Scar Revision of a Tummy Tuck
Skin Types
It is true that each skin type responds differently to trauma to the skin. Some skins heal better than others, following a Tummy Tuck surgery. The general rule is the darker the skin type the more visible the scar. However there are exceptions to that rule. We have seen good to bad Tummy Tuck scars in all skin types.
Dr. Thomas will leave a normal laxity in the stomach skin when he performs his advanced Tummy Tuck technique, named the High Lateral Tension Tummy Tuck. By leaving a normal laxity in the skin it prevents Tummy Tuck scars from having too much tension, which creates a more difficult environment for a Tummy Tuck scar to heal. When Tummy Tuck wounds are closed too tightly and the skin is over stretched, scars may become more visible.
Tummy Tuck Scar Revision
Scar Revision in a Tummy Tuck means the unfavorable scar is excised usually under local anesthesia and the wound is re-stitched using plastic surgical techniques. Following scar revision the reunited wounds should be treated with silicone gel preparation or silicon gel pads for several months. Scar revision is not always successful. Recurrences are not unusual.
Posted in Beverly Hills Mini Tummy Tuck, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, High Lateral Tension Tummy Tuck, Home, Mommy Makeover, tummy tuck | 2 Comments »
December 15th, 2009 admin
Celebrity Plastic Surgery Secrets – Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ivan Thomas Reveals Celebrity Secrets
Pssst… SHHhhhhh
Do you want to know the beauty secrets of the Stars?
We are about to reveal celebrity secrets for a flat Tummy, beautiful curves and a flawless youthful appearance. Many people often wonder: Do celebrities get plastic surgery? The answer is yes. The secret is to get it done right so that nobody can tell that you had it done.
Do you think you can shake your way to Shakira’s perfection?
If a flatter tighter abdomen is what you want and you have tried sit-ups and work out plans and those lumps
and bumps just won’t go away a Tummy Tuck could be your answer to a sexy new tummy.
Do you think you can bounce your way to Beyonce’s beautiful body?
Beyonce's Beautiful Body
If shapely hips, legs and belly is what you want Liposcutlture can contour your body and leave you with that beauty-licious bod.
Do you think you can smooch your way to the top like Angelina Jolie but your lips just don’t have the gusto?
Angelina Jolie's beautiful lips
Full Lips can be achieved with a natural lip enhancement. Brad Pitt not included.
Do you think you can look as young as Demi Moore by dating younger guys?
Demi More Celebrity Plastic Surgery
Youthful flawless and lifted skin can be yours without surgery. Exoderm lift & peel will lift your skin, build collagen and reverse sun damage, erase deep wrinkles and old acne scars. This revolutionary procedure can be your secret. No one will know you had it done because unlike a face lift it leaves zero scars.
Dr. Ivan Thomas, Beverly Hills plastic surgeon holds the secret to getting the body and face you always imagined yourself having. Call today for a complimentary consultation. Mention this ad and receive a $500 gift card towards a Tummy Tuck. Two offices to serve you Beverly Hills 310.203.8297 or Lancaster 661.949.0404 or visit online at: www.ivanthomasmd.com
Posted in Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, High Lateral Tension Tummy Tuck, Home, Injectables, Liposuction Specialist, Non Surgical Face Lift, tummy tuck | 2 Comments »
November 25th, 2009 admin
Beverly Hills Tummy Tuck, Breast Implants & Breast Lift is what makes up a Beverly Hills Mommy Makeover
The desire to become a mom is such a strong emotional feeling. This most precious gift can create changes for a mother’s body which can be undesirable. The process of pregnancy leaves permanent effects on the breasts and abdomen. The breasts and abdomen become enlarged and then can become deflated and saggy. Dr. Thomas performs a duo-combo of Breast Enhancement and Tummy Tuck procedures on Patients coined “Mommy Makeover”. When combining these procedures Dr. Thomas can turn back the hands of time and give Patients back their pre-pregnancy bodies.
Components of a Mommy Makeover
Breasts Enhancements – Implants & Lift
Pregnancy and breast feeding often take a toll on the breasts causing a loss of substance and severe sagging. This overall deflation is mainly due to a loss of baby weight and breast tissue, and an inability of the overstretched skin to shrink. A Mommy Makeover can include two types of Breast Enhancement: Breast Lift (Mastopexy) and Breast Augmentation (Silicone or Saline).
Mastopexy (Breast Lift) - Dr. Thomas performs anchor incision Breast Lifts which removes the excessive loose skin and lifts the breasts and nipples to their original youthful position. Stitching is done underneath the skin with absorbable sutures, so there are no stitches to be removed.
Breast Augmentation (Breast Implants) - When Dr. Thomas performs Breast Augmentation, whether with silicone or saline implants, his goal is to restore the youthful breast size, shape, feel and prefers the implants be placed under the chest muscle as this creates a more natural shape and feel.
Tummy
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) – As the baby grows, it stretches the abdominal skin and also thins out and weakens the abdominal muscles pushing out the inner organs, creating the typical after pregnancy tummy bulge. Abdominoplasty is the procedure which removes the excess skin and tightens the overstretched and weakened muscles restoring the pre-pregnancy figure. Dr. Thomas performs an advanced technique of a Tummy Tuck he named “High Lateral TensionTummy Tuck” which creates a tighter, shapelier, and more feminine abdomen and waistline.
Breast Implants
Breast Lift & Tummy Tuck
Posted in Breast Enhancements, High Lateral Tension Tummy Tuck, Home, Mommy Makeover, beverly hills breast implants, tummy tuck | No Comments »
November 19th, 2009 admin
Beverly Hills Tummy Tuck Specialist Ivan Thomas, M.D. featured on Bizymoms.com
Beverly Hills Tummy Tuck specialist, Ivan Thomas was just recently asked by Bizymoms.com a series of questions regarding Tummy Tuck. You can check out his LIVE interview (“An Interview with Dr. Ivan Thomas on Tummy Tuck“) on bizymoms.com.
Bizymoms.com is one of the largest and fastest growing sites in the US dedicated to moms. This site has been serving moms for over 12 years and offer 25,000 plus articles, 1000 plus experts and 200,000 plus pages across 60 plus topics and 880 plus cities. Out of 100s of millions of websites Alexa.com reported Bizymoms.com’s worldwide daily traffic rank to be 25,209. The site offers busy moms a news, tips resources and information.
Dr. Thomas has been asked to continue to contribute answers to questions on more plastic surgery procedures. These interviews will be featured on Bizymoms.com and or six other plastic surgery related mom websites that they will be launching.
Keep checking in with Bizymom’s in the near future because Dr. Thomas will also be discussing these topics:
* Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Breast Reduction
* Tummy Tuck
Posted in High Lateral Tension Tummy Tuck, Home, Mommy Makeover, tummy tuck | No Comments »
May 14th, 2009 admin
Physical and Emotional Effects of Stretched and Sagging Stomach Skin – Tummy Tuck Beverly Hills
Excessive skin folds and general bulging of the abdomen are undesirable conditions, which can cause both physical and emotional health concerns.
A Beverly Hills Tummy Tuck is just what the doctor ordered for this discomfort.
Skin Conditions
The heavy skin folds that tend to hang over the lower abdomen can cause moisture related chronic skin irritation: Molds, Fungus, Rash and other irritations. These can create need for medical attention and if untreated can be quite uncomfortable.
Back Pain
Excessive abdominal skin can be quite heavy and because of its frontal location, the back muscles are constantly in spasm working hard to straighten and correct the spinal posture so that the weight is redistributed more evenly. Constant spasm of the back muscles is the main reason for back pain.
Psychologically
Psychologically women can be very self-conscious about the shape and size of their abdomen and often feel a loss of feminine appeal when they see the condition of their tummy. This can also create issues when trying to find appropriate clothing.
Posted in High Lateral Tension Tummy Tuck, Home, Mommy Makeover, tummy tuck | 2 Comments »
May 14th, 2009 admin
Types of Tummy Tucks in Beverly Hills, Lancaster
1. Conventional Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) – Tightens muscles only in a vertical line.
2. High Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty – Dr. Thomas practices an advanced technique known as “High Lateral Tension Tummy Tuck”, Beverly HIlls Tummy Tuck, or Abdominoplasty”, which in addition to vertical tightening, muscles are also tightened horizontally. This technique also allows removal of maximum skin from the flanks giving a defined waist line and sculpted appearance. The results of a High Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty is a flatter abdomen with better-defined waistline. With this new technique, the waistline shrinks both in front to back and side to side dimension. The effect of this tightening can be compared to wearing an internal girdle without the discomfort of actually wearing one.
Can I avoid a Beverly Hills Tummy Tuck if I Exercise?
Exercise is effective in toning muscles in mild cases, it cannot reverse overhanging skin or tighten loose abdominal muscles. Contributing factors to needing a tummy tuck would be; Excessive weight loss, Pregnancy, Rapid Weight Loss, and Genetics.
Posted in High Lateral Tension Tummy Tuck, Home, Mommy Makeover, tummy tuck | No Comments »
May 14th, 2009 admin
The Basics of a Beverly Hills Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty/Panniculectomy)
The more information you have about a procedure the better you will be able to make a decision. When choosing a surgeon always be sure that they are a certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery. We recommend that you base a decision on years of experience, testimonials, lots of before and after photos. We do not recommend making your choice based on price. After all, this is your one and only body.
GETTING DOWN TO THE BASICS
Abdominoplasty, more commonly referred to as a Tummy Tuck is a procedure, which removes extra skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the over stretched muscles. Excessive laxity of the abdominal skin and muscles is caused by multiple pregnancies or significant weight loss.
What causes abdominal skin to stretch?
When weight is gained, a thick layer of fat is deposited under the skin and internally inside the abdomen (internal abdominal fat). The internal fat expands, stretching and weakening the abdominal muscles. The weakened muscles become incapable of pushing back and holding the internal fat and organs. At that point the abdomen begins to bulge.
Tummy Tuck is also referred to as:
Abdominoplasty
Panniculectomy
Body Lift
Mommy Makeover Procedure
High Lateral Tension Tummy Tuck
Beverly Hills Tummy Tuck
Posted in High Lateral Tension Tummy Tuck, Home, Mommy Makeover, tummy tuck | No Comments »
May 12th, 2009 admin
Mommy Makeover } Script for KCAL 9 Mother’s Day Special
Recently Dr. Thomas was featured on KCAL 9’s Mother’s Day Special. In the segment he was interviewed and discussed his world renouned procedures in Plastic Surgery that he has cleverly coined “Mommy Makeover”. The show aired Thursday, May 7th, 2009. We have included the actual pre-written script for your review. There is quite a bit of interesting information on Mommy Makeover and the procedures that Dr. Ivan Thomas performs to turn back the hands of time for many mothers in America.
How would you like to look 10 years younger the next time you look in the mirror?
Dr. Thomas is considered a top doctor in the world of Mommy Makeovers. He has been making over Mommy’s at his two locations in Los Angeles & Lancaster for 28 years. Doctor Thomas is known for his Non Surgical Face Lift, Exoderm, that removes 10-15 years off your face in just one in office treatment, breast lift procedures that leave zero scars and Tummy Tucks that give you back your pre-pregnancy tummy and waistline.
Q & A:
Q. What is a Mommy Makeover?
A: A Mommy Makeover consists of a number of procedures that help Mommy’s turn back the clock to regain pre-aging/pregnancy face and bodies. Three of the most common Mommy Makeover procedures that I perform are: Tummy Tucks, Breast Lifts, and a wonderful non-surgical Face Lift.
Q. Why are your Tummy Tucks so effective and different from other Tummy Tucks?
A: During pregnancy Mommy’s will experience stretching of the abdominal muscles and skin.
This is what creates a bulgy and saggy appearance. In most cases no amount of exercise will correct this.
Bulgy & Sagging Post Pregnancy Tummy
I perform a Tummy Tuck procedure that is called a High Lateral Tension Tummy Tuck. That is where instead of just stitching the muscles tighter from chest bone to pelvic region I criss-cross stitch the muscles starting from the flanks and down the chest bone and pelvic creating a tight defined curvaceous waist line and flat and tight Tummy. Patients end up with the effect of looking like they had never been pregnant; getting back their pre-pregnancy bodies.
Tummy Tuck Patient
Q. Tell us about your Non Surgical face lift?
A: My non-surgical face lift, Exoderm, is performed at my certified Surgery Center in Beverly Hills. In just one treatment this non-surgical face lift naturally, safely and effectively removes 10 years or more off your face. What’s so great about this face lift is that unlike a traditional face lift that requires cutting; it will lift your face from the underlying tissues of the skin as well as erase a lifetime of sun damage, hyper-pigmentation, deep wrinkles and grooves as well as deep acne scars and pores. It’s a great way for Mommy’s look refreshed, rejuvenated and more youthful.
Deep Wrinkles
Sun Damage & Hyper-pigmentation
Q. We heard you had a unique technique called the “Invisible Breast Lift” a no scar breast lift. Tell us about that.
A: Mommy’s like this procedure especially since breasts deflate and sag after breast feeding. The “Invisible Breast Lift” or internal mastopexy with augmentation, is a breast lift technique that does not leave the traditional lollipop scar. This breast lift procedure is done in conjunction with an implant. This is achieved by lifting the breast from the inside; utilizing muscles to create a lift without cutting. The only incision needed is the one that is created to place the implant.
Internal Breast Lift with Augmentation} No Additional Scars
Mommy Makeover consultation: http://www.ivanthomasmd.com/req_consultation.asp
Plastic Surgery Before & After Photos: http://www.ivanthomasmd.com/THOM_Search.asp
Watch a Mommy Makeover Video: http://www.ivanthomasmd.com/media_mommy.asp.com
Posted in Breast Enhancements, High Lateral Tension Tummy Tuck, Home, Liposuction Specialist, Mommy Makeover, Non Surgical Face Lift, beverly hills breast implants, tummy tuck | 11 Comments »
March 15th, 2009 admin
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon Discusses Tummy Tuck Recovery
What Can I Expect in Regard to Pain Management and Recovery?
Pain pump is inserted into the abdominal wall during tummy tuck surgery which can reduce the pain substancially making the recovery much easier by gradually dispensing local anesthetic into the abdominal area. This is applicable for generally for full tummy tuck.
Swelling and discomfort are normal in the first few days but can be managed with prescribed medication and use of a compression garment.
Average recovery time for Full
Tummy Tuck is 10-15 days.
When Is It Safe To Resume My Normal Exercise Routine?
Light walking around house followed immediately after the first few days of surgery is
recommended to not only help the healing process but also to prevent blood clots.
Tummy Tuck patients must avoid abdominal exercises for 6-8 weeks until the tightened muscles have completely healed.
Scar Minimization?
The incision from a Tummy tuck will leave a horizintal scar across the lower abdomen but the length of the scar will be determined depending on the the extent of the looseness of the skin.
There are several wonderful products available for scar management we recommend for our patients, silicone based gel and silicone sheets.
Stitch Removal?
There is no longer a need for stitch removal now that all suturing is accomplished under the skin surface with absorbable sutures.
Most importantly….
*Be compliant with pre- and post-op instructions for optimal result and the smoothest recovery.
Facts and Figures
According to American Society of Plastic Surgeons in 2004:
*Abdominplasty was the 6th most performed cosmetic surgery procedure in the year 2004.
* Of this total 24% of the patients were between the ages of 19-34, 53% of the patients were between the ages of 35-50 and 20% of patients were between the ages of 51-64. Patients ages 65 and above made up the remainding 3%.
* Out of the 107,019 Tummy Tuck procedures perfomred by ASPS member surgeons 96% of patients 102,738 were women and the remaining 4% of patients 4,281 were men.
Posted in High Lateral Tension Tummy Tuck, Home, Mommy Makeover, tummy tuck | No Comments »
