Frequently asked questions about plastic surgery.
June 14th, 2010 admin
How to get rid of love handles
“Muffin Top”, “Love Handles”, “Hip Rolls” or just plain annoying, are the bulges on the sides above the hips. They are unwanted fatty deposits seen in both men and women. The cause for these “Love Handles” seems to be hormonal and some what gender specific. In men the “love handles” are usually at a slightly higher level and fill the lower parts of the flanks. Love handles in women are right above the pelvic bone sitting on the hips extending beyond the sides towards the back. Love handles in women are sometimes termed as Hip Rolls because of their roll like shape and location above the hips.
The reason why they seem to be under the influence of hormones is because of their difference in shape and location and lack of response dieting and exercising. Many patients tell me their love handles/hip rolls “run in my family.” It’s true genetic does play a part in these unwanted fatty deposits. The size of the Love Handles can increase with weight gain but may not disappear with exercise and diet or may easily appear at the first sign of weight gain.
If you have tried diet and exercise and have zero or little luck expelling your love handles the best way to get rid of Love handles is Lipo Sculpture.
What is Lipo Sculpture of the Hip Rolls/Love Handles
Some doctors may use large cannulas for the suctioning fat. Large cannulas, suction out more fat with each pass, rather than the smaller cannulas (3mm) used with Lipo Sculpture. When you utilize the smaller cannulas the fat is suctioned out a little at a time and a more controlled procedure can be performed; yielding in more sculptured better looking results.
Posted in Home, Liposuction Specialist, Mommy Makeover | 3 Comments »
April 6th, 2010 admin
Los Angeles Breast Enhancement Seminar was a huge success!
Thank you to all our attendees for a fabulous seminar.
It was held at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Lancaster, California. Friday, February 26th, 2010.
Hampton Inn Suites
Everyone who attended received a $500 Gift Card Towards a procedure of their choice.
Plus!
Congratulations to our $1,500 Winner:
Tracy A.
Highlights from the…
Everything you want to know about Breast Enhancements
Seminar.
Read on to see what Dr. Ivan Thomas discussed during the seminar…
Who is Dr. Thomas?
Dr. Thomas has been in practice for 29 years and is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). His level of expertise and surgical skill are widely known among his colleagues and appreciated by thousands of his patients whose lives have dramatically changed.
Handy Tips for Choosing a Plastic Surgeon:
1. Check certification, not any certification will do. American Board of Plastic Surgery.
2. Check if there is any disciplinary action history with the California Medical Board.
3. Always ask to see many before and after photos.
4. Never price shop over the phone.
5. Check out the office environment and the staff.
6. Be sure you feel safe and that all of your questions are addressed.
7. Know the ins and outs of your procedure; recovery time, surgeon’s technique, etc.
Botched 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. General surgeons and practitioners are performing Plastic Surgery procedures with little or no formal training and proper certifications. Read More…
(Pictured:Doughnut Lift Stretched Scars, Irreversible)
Dr. Thomas’ Breast Enhancement Procedures Includes:
* Breast Augmentation
* Breast Lift
* Invisible Breast Lift Internal Lift in conjunction with Breast Augmentation
* Correction of Inverted Nipple
* Nipple Protrusion Reduction
<<SEE MORE BREAST PHOTOS>>
Breast Augmentation
* Saline or Silicone.
* Implant Moderate profile.
* Measure the breast pocket to determine the right fit.
* Implant inserted through nipple or infra-mammary.
* Implants are placed sub-glandular or sub-pectoral.
* Ideal for patients who have minimal sagging.
* Recovery Time 5 days.
<<BREAST AUGMENTATION PHOTOS>>
Breast Lift Things to Know:
* We do not perform the doughnut or the crescent lift. We perform the anchor incision.
* We do not perform the anchor breast lift and implant at the same time.
* If you have a lot of breast tissue you may only need a lift and not an implant.
* Aesthetically pleasing nipple size and location.
* Addresses asymmetry.
* Recovery time 7-10 days.
“Invisible Breast Lift” Breast Augmentation w/ Internal Lift
* No additional scar.
* Must be performed with an implant.
* Candidates have minimal breast tissue, minimal sagging.
* Recovery time 5 days.
<READ MORE ON INFO ON INTERNAL LIFT>>
Nipple Reduction
* Reduces the length, height & width
* No visible scarring
* Incisions are not close to the ducts or erectile muscle
* Looks, feels and reacts natural. Still will be able to breast feed
* Local anesthetic
* Sutures are removed one week later
* Pain managed with prescribed pain medication
* Two weeks healing time
Nipple Correction – Inverted Nipple
* Absence of nipple stimulation & difficult to breast feed
* Tight or short ligaments
* Appears flat small and sunken without the ability to pop out and stay firm
* Mild cases can correct itself temporarily
* This surgery disconnects the ligaments
* Minimal incision, no visible scar
* Local anesthetic
* Pain managed with prescribed pain medication
* Quick recovery 2-3 days
Breast Enhancement Seminar, Beverly Hills Brest Enhancement, Dr. Thomas’ Breast Enhancement Procedures Include, Invisible Breast Lifts in Beverly Hills, Breast Lifts Beverly Hills, Breast Lifts Lancaster, Breast Lifts, Breast Lifts without scars
Posted in Bevelry Hills Breast Reduction Surgery, Beverly Hills Breast Lift, Breast Enhancements, Home, Inverted Nipple, Mommy Makeover, Nipple Correction, Nipple Protrusion Reduction, beverly hills breast implants | 2 Comments »
March 15th, 2010 admin
Southern California Liposuction – FAQ’s
Dr. Thomas answers many commonly asked questions about Liposuction… (Read on)
1. Are the results of Liposuction permanent? Can the fat come back?
We all carry a certain number of fat cells in our body. When we gain weight we do not add more fat cells, instead each existing fat cell becomes larger. With the above knowledge in mind, we can safely say that the results of Liposuction are permanent unless one puts on excess weight; in which case the suctioned areas will expand much less than the rest of the body.
2. How much does liposuction surgery cost?
The cost of Liposuction is determined by the time it takes to perform the procedure. The more areas to be suctioned the higher will be the cost. The exact cost of Liposuction can only be determined after an examination during the consultation.
3. Will liposuction tighten up loose skin?
Since Liposuction creates a wound under the skin and all wounds heal by a certain amount of contracting and shrinking the skin over the Liposuctioned area usually shrinks to a certain degree. If the skin is minimally loose it usually shrinks nicely, if it is very loose it will not shrink significantly.
4. Is it true that other areas get fat after liposuction?
There is no evidence that suctioning one area will result in weight gain in other areas, unless one actually put on weight in which case unsuctioned areas will expand more than the suctioned ones which may give an impression that fat has crept to the rest of the body.
5. Is liposuction surgery painful?
Pain after Liposuction is less than other surgeries because there are no large incisions. Patients usually experience moderate amount of soreness during the first few days which is easily controlled with prescribed pain medication. Some patients will bruise which is treated with natural medication such as Arnica.
6. When can exercising be resumed?
Walking is encouraged early on, however active exercise should be avoided for 4 weeks and the tight garment provided should be worn for 6 weeks.
Posted in Home, Liposuction Specialist, Mommy Makeover | 1 Comment »
February 17th, 2010 admin
FREE SEMINAR. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. SEATING LIMITED
NEWER, YOUNGER SKIN, IN 8 DAYS!
Exoderm will Last for Years.
One Treatment. No Surgery.
Natural Looking Results!
When: April 2nd, 2010
Where: Lancaster, Ca
SEMINAR TOPIC: Exoderm Face Lift & Peel
The extreme weather conditions and elements of the
desert can be harsh on the skin, causing signs of
premature aging, wrinkled and dry skin. In just one
treatment Non-Surgical Exoderm will lift the skin and
erase hyperpigmentation, sun damage, age spots,
fine lines and old-deep wrinkles. If you have ever
considered a face lift but didn’t want the scars or
stretched appearance, Exoderm is the revolutionary
solution. Find out how Exoderm can also treat old &
deep acne scars.
Registration is FREE!
Register via email at: info@ivanthomasmd.com
Posted in Home, Injectables, Mommy Makeover, Non Surgical Face Lift, botox | No Comments »
February 17th, 2010 admin
Subpectoral Breast Augmentation Beverly Hills – Saline Breast Implants
Saline Breast Augmentation or Saline Breast Implant Surgery. Age 27. After patient had children and breast fed, breast deflated and sagged. Subpectoral (under the chest muscles) augmentation was performed. Patient was an A cup and is now a full C or small D. The right side has a 420 cc and left 390 cc.
Posted in Breast Enhancements, Mommy Makeover, beverly hills breast implants | No Comments »
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 2nd, 2009 admin
The death of a former Miss Argentina after buttocks injections has been portrayed as another “Plastic Surgery” gone wrong. However American Board Certified Plastic Surgeons, certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgery, are getting a bad wrap because of the many under qualified MD’s and clinics that are not properly trained to perform cosmetic & plastic surgery procedures. Not to mention the slew of people who are heading to foreign countries, which are held to completely different standards of health and safety. Also let it be known that buttocks injections are not the same as gluteoplasty.
Solange Magnano was crowned Miss Argentina in 1994. As reported she was rushed to hospital last week shortly after a series of buttock injections. She died on Sunday of a pulmonary embolism after three days in intensive care.
Robert Piazza says, “Solange was a girl who had everything,” he said. “She lived the life of a goddess, she was the envy of everybody. Now she is dead because she wanted a slightly firmer behind. She died because of her obsession with beauty.”
An investigation into the clinic responsible for the operation is being called. Solange is one of many women who make the mistake of trusting TV and magazine adverts instead of doing thorough research and investigation before undergoing cosmetic procedures. Also many patients are choosing doctors who are not board certified Plastic Surgeons.
How can one avoid botched or deadly surgery?
Here are some helpful tips:
Tips on Choosing a Plastic Surgeon:
- Check certification, not any certification will do. American Board of Plastic Surgery
- Check if there is any disciplinary action history with the California Medical Board.
- Always ask to see many before and after photos.
- Never price shop over the phone.
- Check out the office environment and the staff.
- Be sure you feel safe and that all of your questions are addressed.
- Know the ins and outs of your procedure; recovery time, surgeon’s technique, etc.
We recommend you do not travel abroad for cosmetic procedures. In the United States, there are accrediting agencies that certify medical facilities and medical providers. U.S. hospitals have peer review boards to further evaluate the doctor’s surgical skill in given procedures. Doctors must obtain hospital privileges to perform a specific procedure at hospitals in America. Surgery abroad is not necessarily as standardized.
The training of doctors in other countries may be dramatically different than in the United States. After becoming a doctor, the extra training to become a plastic surgeon varies widely as well. Also facilities abroad are privately owned and operated and may not be subjected to a rigorous or any certification process at all. Uncertainty of where credentials may come from should also be a red flag for uncertainty of results.
Another great resource you can use to research your doctor is:
Medical Board of California – 916-263-2466
The Medical Board lists doctors who may have disciplinary actions filed against them. The Medical Board of California provides two principal types of services to consumers: public-record information about California-licensed physicians, and investigation of complaints against physicians. To inquire about a physician, consumers can call the Board to find out if the doctor’s license is current and renewed, and also whether there have been any administrative-related actions against the doctor.
Step-by-step guide:
Got to: www.medbd.ca.gov/lookup.html
1. scroll down to ‘continue search’ & click
2. type in your doctor’s name & click ‘find’
3. click on the name of the doctor
4. scroll down to ‘public disclosure’
5. click 2nd ‘here’ & click
6. click ‘continue’
7. type in the doctor’s name
8. click ‘search’
9. click on date
Request A Consultation
To request a consultation for a specific procedure, or if you have any questions or comments, please fill out the form below:
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Posted in Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, Home, Mommy Makeover | 3 Comments »
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 | 6 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 »
