Frequently asked questions about plastic surgery.
January 5th, 2010 admin
January 5th, 2009
By: Norma Wes
Plastic Surgery Before and After Photos – What to look for
Just recently I saw a piece on ABC 7 about a laser center that has doctors on staff that are not board certified plastic surgeons (American Board of Plastic Surgery). I will not even begin to talk about that aspect. However I do want to address the thing that I noticed the most. The before and after photos of the Plastic Surgery Patients were terrible. To the untrained eye, sure the after shots look different from the before, however different isn’t always a good thing when it comes to bad Plastic Surgery.
The before & after photos that many cosmetic practices show on their website, if you know what to look for, show terrible results. Terrible Plastic Surgery Before & After Photo results are: lumpy and bumpy skin, patients who still have loose and hanging skin, Lipo-suctioned parts of the body that have deep dents and grooves, breast lifts where nipples have been placed too high, the list goes on and on.
Good Plastic Surgery Before & After Photos
So what do good Plastic Surgery Before and After photos look like? There are so many thing to look for. Is the skin smooth and is there symmetry? Does the skin on the stomach from a Tummy Tuck look tight but not over stretched and shiny? Are there deep groves (cannula marks) form the over-suctioning of fat? There are more than the simple visual factors to consider. What about Patients who are not candidates for a procedure because of skin laxity, however they get cattle called into a procedure?
The Wrong Procedure for the wrong Candidate
Many clinics will cattle call patients. Meaning they will give everyone a liposuction procedure, just because they are a laser center for liposuction. The problem with this is that these patients may have been better candidates for a Tummy Tuck and so on.
Comparing Good and Bad Plastic Surgery Before and After Photos
Below I’ve bumped up some “bad results” after photos next to Dr. Thomas’ before and after photos. You will see the difference.
Let’s look at the photos below to compare:
(A unnamed Laser Center Laser Lipo Before & After Photos – No American Board of Plastic Surgery Physicians on Staff)
This is laser lipo. See the Irregularities in the skin (after photo). Lumps, bumps and deep wholes. This is because the laser can melt through the fat too quickly and burn too close to the skin. After the laser damages a certain layer of fat too close to the skin (deep burn), it produces a lumpy effect. A typical Patient surfing the net for before and after photos won’t know to look for this type of irregularity. Patients typically will only look at the amount of fat that has been removed but not the total end results.
Take a look at a set of Dr. Thomas’ traditional Liposculpture (without laser).
No lumps and bumps and irregularities.Patient looks natural and “not done”.
Other ways to trick the consumer with plastic surgery before & after photos are: Distance – The distance between the before and after can be farther apart tricking the eye to think the patient looks smaller. Lighting – Brighter lighting after shots can portray better results and may not show irregularities. Arms Up & Down – Patients may have their arms up for the after picture making Breast Lifts & Tummy Tucks appear more lifted with better results. When in actuality lifting of the arms creates the lift. For more examples of trick photography compared to good results let me know. I have seen plenty of bad photos flooding the internet lately.
Posted in Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, Home, Liposuction Specialist, tummy tuck | No 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 | 1 Comment »
December 1st, 2009 admin
Plastic Surgery Public Service Announcement – How to Avoid Botched Plastic Surgery
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Surgeon, Ivan Thomas M.D., releases this Public Service Announcement to help Plastic Surgery Patients Avoid Botched Plastic Surgery
The Holiday Season is a time when many patients undergo Plastic Surgery procedures. The reasons are due to more time off work, kids are not in school and the household budget is coming to a close and discretionary income can be more freely spent. We want you to know of recent developments that our offices have discovered through speaking with many of our patients, their family members and of our own observations. It’s important that if you choose to have a procedure done this Holiday Season you are aware of how to choose a surgeon and what pitfalls to avoid.
“DEALERSHIP” PRICING
Time and time again you hear advertising on the radio for Tummy Tucks and Breast Augmentations for nominal fees. Fees are advertised as pricing ending in “$99” or “$95”. This type of pricing is structured to be enticing. In actuality this is the type of pricing you would find at a car dealership. When choosing medical procedures you want to look for practices that base their pricing on an individual’s needs, time in surgery, years of experience and proper qualifications.
BOTCHED PLASTIC SURGERY ON THE RISE
The rate of botched surgery is increasing each year. As cosmetic surgeries are becoming more socially acceptable, more MD’s are practicing cosmetic surgery. Inadvertently you will now find general surgeons and practitioners performing plastic surgery procedures with little or no formal training and proper certifications. You should always choose a plastic surgeon who is Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
SURGERY SHORTCUTS
Stretched Scars that will not heal from "Donut" Lift
Shortcuts may result in irreversible financial and physical losses. Be aware of shortcut procedures that are passing trends and make unrealistic promises. We have seen patients who were made unattainable promises such as: Breast Lifts with out scaring (Donut Lift, Beneli Mastopexy), non-invasive Face Lifts that take less time to perform, shorter healing time with long lasting results. Other practices will prey on overweight patients and will perform Tummy Tuck or Liposuction on a patient without having them take the proper measures for weight loss. Without the proper weight loss Liposuction and Tummy Tuck will produce less than desirable results.
“TRICK” PHOTOGRAPHY
Inconsistencies in photography on a Dr.’s website may lead many patients to believe that the work produced is accurate and esthetically pleasing. The trained eye knows what to look for.
Distance – The distance between the before and after can be farther apart tricking the eye to think the patient looks smaller. Lighting – Brighter lighting after shots can portray better results and may not show irregularities. Arms Up & Down – Patients may have their arms up for the after picture making Breast Lifts & Tummy Tucks appear better.
QUALITY, EXPERIENCE & PRICE
Dr. Thomas cares about his patients and wants you to get the best results possible for your one and only face & body. No matter the fee you can be confident that you will love your results and receive only the best of medical care from Dr. Thomas and his staff. To inquire about our newly reduced fee schedule, we urge you to contact our staff for support. If you did happen to choose another physician we hope you are 100% satisfied with your results and wish you all the best.
Beverly Hills: 310.203.8297 – Lancaster/Antelope Valley: 661.949.0404
Dr. Thomas is certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgery
and has been performing Plastic Surgery for 28 years with a flawless history.
Posted in Awards, Breast Enhancements, Earlobe Repair, Home, Injectables, Liposuction Specialist, Mommy Makeover, Non Surgical Face Lift, tummy tuck | 3 Comments »
November 25th, 2009 admin
- ABC 7 and Beverly Hills Tummy Tuck
Beverly Hills Tummy Tuck – Plastic Surgeon Ivan Thomas featured on ABC 7
Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Ivan Thomas has won numerous awards one of which is the most prestigious in Los Angeles county’s city of Lancaster. This award is Best Plastic Surgeon, voted by the people several years in a row and in 2009.
Dr. Thomas has performed 1000’s of plastic surgery procedures, over the past 28 years, in his fully certified surgery center in Beverly Hills California. Dr. Thomas is known by his patients for his impeccable care and advanced surgical techniques.
Most importantly he is known to produce the best results for his advanced Tummy Tuck procedure called the “High Lateral Tension Tummy Tuck.” So much so, that it grabbed the attention of ABC’s medical reporter Denise Dador and she committed to reporting a special “Healthy Living Segment” on why Dr. Thomas’ Tummy Tucks are so successful. In the 1/2 segment Denise Dador reveals plastic surgery misconceptions, of which she featured Dr. Thomas as the expert plastic surgeon in misconceptions about Tummy Tucks and Liposuction. There is the typical misconception is that Tummy Tucks and Liposuction are forms of weight loss.
Dr. Thomas has been doing Tummy Tuck and reconstructive surgery for nearly 30 years. He says the secret to figuring out if you’re a tummy-tuck candidate is to perform what Dr. Thomas calls a “push test.” A push test is a way to see if his patients are candidates for Tummy Tuck or if they need to continue to loose weight.
In this ABC 7 “Healthy Living Segment”, Annette Wise, a tummy tuck patient talks about what she went through before she was actually ready to have her Tummy Tuck procedure. For more on the story read the special report <<click here>> or watch the segment.
Posted in Awards, Home, Liposuction Specialist, tummy tuck | 1 Comment »
September 21st, 2009 admin
Reality TV shows like: “The Swan”, “Addicted to Beauty”, “Dr. 90210”, “I Want a Famous Face” and “Extreme Makeover” may be entertaining to watch, but portray a false image of what plastic surgery really is.
While shows like “Dr. 90210” document real life stories of patients from the consultation stage, surgery day, and post op, shows like these portray plastic surgery as a “quick fix”, when in reality, the process of plastic surgery must be careful and well thought out. Especially when it comes to choosing a plastic surgeon. Many of the surgeons on Television are not board certified plastic surgeons in Los Angeles. When choosing a plastic surgeon you want a surgeon to be board certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgeons (ABPS) and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS).
Plastic surgery can definitely enhance and refine your appearance and get rid of long lingering insecurities, but cannot be thought of as magic, as is portrayed in many reality shows today. Creating unhealthy, and unrealistic expectations of plastic surgery, patients are not grasping the idea that plastic surgery is real surgery, with real benefits, alternative results, and risks. Individual patients’ features are unique and influence the results of plastic surgery, making it impossible to achieve “Angelina Jolie’s nose” or “Scarlet Johansson’s breasts”, as many surgeons in reality TV shows promise. Patients should be wary of surgeons who claim they can make a person look like someone else. Patients must realize that surgeons are real people without magic wands, but medical training.
These TV programs are pure entertainment and when a program is about entertainment, drama and ratings, being informative and educational can be a real drag. Reality-based shows about plastic surgery have to cut out the “boring” stuff, yet it is the “boring” stuff that can be the most informative and educational with a topic like plastic surgery. While these shows can give you some insight into the rewards of plastic surgery, it is important to get the information you need from a certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Ivan Thomas. He will make sure that his patient’s expectations are realistic, that the procedures will benefit them, and that they are ready to undergo such a treatment. You can schedule a free consultation to learn about what Dr. Thomas can do to enhance and refine your appearance, while giving you the information you need to have a safe and rewarding plastic surgery experience.
Key Words: Addicted to Beauty, Reality Plastic Surgery Shows, The Swan, Dr. 90210, I Want a Famous Face, Extreme Makeover, Ivan Thomas MD, Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
Posted in Breast Enhancements, Earlobe Repair, Home, Injectables, Liposuction Specialist, Mommy Makeover, Non Surgical Face Lift, tummy tuck | No Comments »
June 19th, 2009 admin
FREE Plastic Surgery Seminars – Sign Up Today!
4 Dates – 2 Cities. Seating is limited. These seminars are open & free to the public.
Beverly Hills – 2080 Century Park East., Suite 501 – 1:00PM – 2:30PM
Saturday, Aug. 22nd, 2009 – Seminar Title: Non-Surgical & Liquid Face Lifts
Saturday, Oct. 10th, 2009 – Seminar Title: Total Body Makeover – After Weight Loss
Lancaster – 1629 W. Ave J., Suite 107 – 5:00PM – 6:30PM
Friday Aug. 28th, 2009 – Seminar Title: Mommy Makeover – Breast & Tummy
Friday Oct. 2nd, 2009 – Seminar Title: Total Body Makeover – After Weight Loss
PLASTIC SURGERY SEMINAR CURRICULUM
Mommy Makeover – Women
A Mommy Makeover is a dynamic combination of procedures that address the female body especially after child birth. Dr. Thomas will review the latest procedures in Breast Augmentation, Tummy Tuck, Mini Tummy Tuck and his one of a kind “Invisible Breast Lift” (the no scar breast lift with augmentation technique).
Total Body Makeover – Men & Women
Excessive weight loss can occur from; weight loss programs, dieting, and surgical procedures like: LAP-BAND and gastric bypass. Dr. Thomas’ Total Body Makeover substantially alters the shape by creating a sleak, toned appearance. Learn what the TBM procedures are and how they can tighten and lift your body.
Non-Surgical & Liquid Face Lifts – Men & Women
Dr. Thomas’ non-surgical face lift, Exoderm Lift, lifts the skin and erases hyper-pigmentation, sun damage, age spots, fine lines and old deep wrinkles & acne scars in one treatment. Also learn why in these economic times the “liquid face lift” can be your number one choice in cosmetic care for saving money. Learn how combining minimally invasive procedures like Botox & Fillers can create a more youthful appearance without surgery.
Registration is FREE!
Register via email at: info@ivanthomasmd.com
or call Ginger Thompson at 310.203.8297
Please be advised that registration fills quickly.
Posted in Breast Enhancements, Home, Liposuction Specialist, Mommy Makeover, Non Surgical Face Lift, tummy tuck | No Comments »
June 5th, 2009 admin
The Moobs Phenomenon – Medically known as Gynecomastia
Apparently the term “Moobs” is everywhere. There seems to be a fascination with taking terms that are familiar to the female population and converting them into a masculine form. For example “The Man Purse”, describing handbags for men. The term Moobs refers to enlarged male breasts or Gynecomastia. To reduce enlarged males breasts patients undergo a procedure called Gynaeplasty.
Traditionally, women undergo plastic surgery procedures to improve the way they feel about their bodies. However there is a sudden increase in men undergoing plastic surgery. Men, just as much as women, feel self conscious about physical features that may make them feel less masculine or uncomfortable. Men don’t necessarily want to change how they look, but they want to enhance some physical features making them feel more secure about their bodies. Gynaeplasty or “Moobs” reduction tends to be one of the most common surgeries for a manly plastic surgery makeover.
What are Moobs?
Moobs refer to enlarged Male Breasts or Gynecomastia.
How did the Term “Moobs” become so popular?
It seems that one news source after another, started featuring articles on this term. In 2007, Times online featured an article called “How I got rid of my Moobs”. In this article they explored statistics of men undergoing the gynaeplasty surgery as well as the personal story of one man who had undergone this procedure. Also, there has been a huge release of Moob satire videos posted on Youtube and other Media sources. Some of which are quite strange. There are entire websites dedicated to this topic including one site user who has named his Twitter site Moobs.
"Moobs" - Enlarged Male Breasts
How do men get Moobs?
Hormones, genetics and weight gain play a part in creating “Moobs”. When women gain weight and volume to the chest area they tend to be excited, however when this happens to men it can be quite embarrassing. On the other hand men can be thin and limber and have fatty deposits on the chest as well as raised and protruding nipples.
How to get rid of Moobs?
Through a surgery called Gynaeplasty. The Moobs can be reduced by fat removal as well as reducing the size of the nipple and excess flesh. Gyneaplasty is performed with a few small incisions and can be combined with Liposuction. Exercise and diet have proven to be effective but not in all cases 100% of the time.
Other Manly Makeover Procedures:
Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)
Exoderm Lift (Non Surgical Face-Lift)
Otoplasty (Protruding Ear Correction)
Eyelid Surgery
Posted in Beverly Hills Gynecomastia, Breast Enhancements, Home, Liposuction Specialist | 2 Comments »
May 20th, 2009 admin
TOP 5 “MAN-TASTIC” PROCEDURES! Plastic Surgery Procedures for Men
1. Rhinoplasty - Nose Job
2. Otoplasty - Ear Pinning
3. Gynecomastia - Male Breast/Nipple Reduction
4. Liposculpture – Shaping the Male Body
5. Exoderm Lift – Non Surgical Face Lift
Posted in Beverly Hills Gynecomastia, Beverly Hills Rhinoplasty, Earlobe Repair, Home, Liposuction Specialist, Non Surgical Face Lift | 1 Comment »
May 20th, 2009 admin
By: Norma Wes
Appearance Does Matter
Traditionally women were undergoing surgery to improve upon the effects of aging but just recently ABC released a report claiming that men are paying more attention to their appearance and going to great lengths to improve it – even if it means going under the knife.
Manly Makeover Procedures
With so many more men electing for procedures like; Gynecomastia (reduction of male breasts), Rhinoplasty (nose job), Otoplasty (pinning of ears), Liposcultpture (Body Shaping Liposuction), Tummy Tucks (especially after rapid weight loss), Chin Liposuction, Exoderm (non-surgical face lift) and less invasive procedures like Botox the number of men undergoing plastic surgery each year is on the rise.
Men are feeling the pressure from their younger competitors in the work place, their women counterparts at home, as well as pressure from the plastic surgery cultural acceptance rising in America.
To discuss what procedures may be right for your “Manly Makeover” contact Dr. Thomas at info@ivanthomasmd.com.
Posted in Beverly Hills Gynecomastia, Home, Liposuction Specialist, Non Surgical Face Lift | No Comments »
May 14th, 2009 admin
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Frequently Asked Questions
This next part of the series is a Tummy Tuck Forum that answers Frequently asked question about a Tummy Tuck.
Does the Tummy Tuck leave a scar?
A Tummy Tuck trims and tailors the skin and a scar is to be expected. The incision is placed very low in the abdomen so the scar is less visible.
What happens to my belly button?
For relocation of the umbilicus a new opening is made in the tightly pulled skin. The operation does not create a new belly button it is still your own umbilicus that will appear through the new opening.
What happens to my stomach muscles?
Before the final skin tightening, the loose and stretched abdominal muscles are sewn together in the vertical and horizontal plane (high lateral tension tummy tuck).There is no need for stitch removal since absorbatable sutures are used under the skin surface.
Can I get a Tummy Tuck if I have a C-section?
Tummy Tuck incisions are kept low in the pubic area and any preexisting low abdominal scars such as scars from c-section can also be removed.
Does the pubic hairline change?
During his Tummy Tuck Dr. Thomas performs a Puboplasty. This removes the overstretched pubic area and lowers the hairline to its natural location.
What is the Recovery Time for a Tummy Tuck?
High Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) is performed under general anesthesia and requires a recovery time of 10 to 15 days. To avoid undue tension on the tightened muscles until healing is completed, abdominal exercises should be avoided for a period of 6 to 8 weeks.
What are the Joys of a Tummy Tuck?
Patients who undergo High Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty look and feel better. Shopping for new outfits becomes enjoyable, clothes fit better, and some patients are able to wear their piece swimsuits once again. Many times patients are so motivated to maintain their newly contoured shape that changing their eating and exercising habits becomes part of their new lifestyle.
What can I expect to pay for a Tummy Tuck?
Surgical fees for a Tummy Tuck range from $8,000 to $16,000.
Posted in Breast Enhancements, Home, Liposuction Specialist, Mommy Makeover, tummy tuck | No Comments »
