We have been taught that the best way to lose weight and get in shape is by eating right and exercising. While that is definitely true, many people do not realize that reaching your target weight does not always mean that your body shape will then match the ideal in your mind. Weight distribution changes as we age, causing the body to hang onto some fat deposits despite your best attempts to eliminate them.

One example of an area of the body that’s hard to slim down is the love handles. These spots on the side of the abdomen above the hips are notoriously difficult to target with exercises and rarely respond to dieting. The abdomen itself is another place that likes to hang onto fat cells as long as possible, no matter how careful you are about counting calories.

Looking your best is simply part of the Southern California culture, yet, diet and exercise can only take you so far. That’s where liposuction & tummy tucks can make a difference.

What’s the Difference Between a Tummy Tuck and Liposuction?

Dr. Sayah, a Board Certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, has found that many of his plastic surgery patients have misconceptions about the differences and similarities between tummy tucks (abdominoplasty) and liposuction. In Beverly Hills, both are very popular and frequently requested.

Understanding the difference between tummy tucks and liposuction comes down to the type of cosmetic rejuvenation you need:

1. Liposuction
   
   Although liposuction can remove diet-and exercise-resistant fat deposits, the procedure isn’t a substitute for healthy weight loss. Liposuction addresses the subcutaneous fat in the upper layers of the tissue just below the skin, not the skin itself. This fat is often resistant to diet and exercise and can linger on long past when you’ve reached your target weight.
   
   Liposuction is less invasive, it can improve the look of many body areas, and it has a shorter recovery period.
2. Tummy Tuck
   
   Sometimes it’s more than just fat that’s giving you that belly paunch in the first place and that’s where a tummy tuck comes in. Age and changes in your body due to weight gain or pregnancy can stretch and permanently loosen the abdominal muscles. Targeted exercises are not enough to pull these muscles taut again.
   
   Instead, surgically tightening the muscles and suturing them into their new position lifts and smoothens the entire framework of the tummy, after which excess skin and tissue are removed and the remaining skin is redraped.
   
   A tummy tuck is a much more involved procedure than liposuction, but it can accomplish far greater improvements in the appearance of your midsection. It can help to restore a woman’s body to its former slimness following her childbearing years or help a man eliminate a middle-aged pooch.

Choosing Both: How Liposuction Can Improve Your Tummy Tuck

In many cases, these procedures are combined for an even greater effect. Of course, the next question is usually, “But why do I need both?” The answer is simple: because each procedure accomplishes different, yet very complementary, goals.

For many men and women, liposuction can be the ideal solution for sculpting away certain fat deposits that diet and exercise just can’t seem to eliminate. Yet, in addition to getting lipo, you can incorporate this body sculpting technique with more primary procedures like a tummy tuck, to improve the results of other.

Liposuction allows your plastic surgeon to fine-tune the results of a tummy tuck, while a tummy tuck lets them correct the structural issues that may be causing your belly paunch. Combining the two is a great solution for really comprehensive body sculpting results.

Schedule an Initial Consultation Today

Do you have more questions about liposuction vs. tummy tuck and whether either procedure is right for you? We invite you to contact The Sayah Institute today to request an initial consultation with Dr. Sayah. During your consultation, the doctor will assess your situation, learn about your goals, and talk about your options. Not all cosmetic procedures are right for everyone, so during this time you can learn more about which procedures are right for you. Dr. Sayah has performed thousands of procedures during his over 15 years in practice and is a respected name in the cosmetic surgery community.

Call Dr. David Sayah, MD to schedule an initial consultation so that you can discuss what the best option is for you to achieve your desired outcome.

Related Posts:

• Three Ways to Tone That Tummy
• Debunking Liposuction Myths
• Liposuction: Not Just for Tummies

The post Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck: Which Is the Right Choice for Your Body? appeared first on Sayah Institute.

Various Reasons for Breast Reduction

Beverly Hills women may want breast reduction for a number of different reasons. What are the primary reasons for choosing breast reduction?

• Back Problems: Neck and back pain is a very common issue for women with large breasts. The average breast weighs between one and two pounds, but a breast reduction can remove several pounds of fat and tissue. That’s a lot of extra weight for your upper back to carry around every day.
• Exercising Hassles: Of course we realize that you want to stay healthy and active, but when basic activities like jogging or using the treadmill cause you physical pain, that can become a poor motivator. Women with large breasts, even while wearing supportive sports bras, may find regular exercise too painful before reduction.
• Improved Self-Esteem: Women with generous breasts often feel overly self-conscious about their bodies, which can lead to emotional issues including low self-esteem. They may also find themselves victims of teasing about their breast size, which can make them feel even worse.

Looking at the Signs

If you think you might be a candidate, here are three signs that you could benefit from breast reduction.

1. Persistent Back, Neck or Shoulder Pain
   Like we mentioned above, nagging pain through the upper back, neck and shoulder area is one of the hallmarks of breasts that could benefit from a reduction. These issues are caused not only by the excess weight of the breasts, but also by the poor posture that typically results from that extra weight. Breast reduction can help relieve back pain and stiffness caused by large breasts.
2. Reluctance to Exercise
   Beyond just the basic reluctance to exercise that many of us feel, women with overlarge breasts can experience significant discomfort during physically active pursuits. This includes regular exercise as well as hobbies and other physical activities, like running marathons or surfing. Breast reduction can create a breast size and shape that’s more conducive to an active lifestyle.
3. Skin Rashes and Irritations
   It’s very common for women with large breasts to develop skin rashes or irritations below the breast. The skin on the underside of the breast chafes constantly against the ribcage, causing raw spots that can lead to other issues like yeast infections. Developing gouges from bra straps digging into the shoulders is another sign that you could benefit from a breast reduction.

If any of these sounds like what you’re experiencing, please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment at our practice in Beverly Hills. Dr. David Sayah, is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience performing breast reductions. He will be able to work with you to hopefully relieve your physical discomfort while also delivering beautiful, flattering results.*

The post 3 Signs That You Could Benefit from Breast Reduction appeared first on Sayah Institute.

Facials

Skin care specialists agree that incorporating facials into your skin care routine can help keep your skin clear and clean. Among Dr. Sayah’s most popular treatment is the Epiderme Signature Facial, a gentle treatment that removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores and protects the skin from free radicals that can harm the skin. Another popular treatment is the Beta-Glucan Antioxidant Facial, which combines beta-glucan and vitamins A, E and D to rejuvenate the skin and reduce wrinkles, lines and redness caused by sun damage. Dr. Sayah can customize your treatment to your unique skin type and condition.

Chemical Peels

A chemical peel is an exfoliative skin treatment that removes damaged outer skin layers in order to make way for healthier, younger skin. During treatment, one of our licensed estheticians will apply a chemical solution to the treatment area. The solution will remain on the skin for about 15 minutes and then be removed. The solution causes the top layer of skin to slough off, revealing fresh skin cells and a more radiant complexion. Chemical peels are often incorporated into facial treatments and are a great solution for fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, age spots and other pigmentation problems. Chemical peels can also be used on the arms, legs, back, neck, chest and hands.

Ultherapy

Ultherapy uses ultrasound energy to painlessly tighten sagging, aging skin. By delivering the energy below the skin’s surface, Ultherapy stimulates the creation of new collagen. Over time, the regeneration of collagen has a tightening, lifting effect on the skin. The youthful, rejuvenating results of Ultherapy can last up to one year. Ultherapy can be used to treat aging skin on both the face and neck.

IPL Photofacial

This minimally invasive skin resurfacing treatment uses light-based energy to treat a range of skin conditions and boost collagen production to achieve a rejuvenated and radiant complexion. Photofacial treatments are ideal for individuals who wish to improve the appearance of dark sun spots or age spots, and those who desire a more even skin tone.

Botox

One of the most common effects of sun damage is an older-looking appearance. If wrinkles and crow’s feet around the eyes have surfaced on your skin due to years of sun damage (or the natural aging process), Botox can help. Botox is a cosmetic injectable that temporarily relaxes facial muscles, which in turn smooths out wrinkles and crow’s feet on the overlying skin. Results from Botox are temporary, so repeat treatments are recommended.

Learn More about Your Skin Treatment Options

Are you unsure which treatment is best for you? Not to worry. Dr. Sayah and his skin care team can go over your options with you during a personal consultation. Once he examines your skin type and specific condition and understands your goals, he can formulate a personalized plan that best achieves your desired results. Contact his Beverly Hills office today at (310) 905-8405.

The post How to Treat Sun Damage appeared first on Sayah Institute.

Are You a Candidate?

First and foremost, you need to make sure breast augmentation is the right procedure to deliver the results you seek. You may be a candidate for breast augmentation if you:

• Are unhappy with naturally small breasts or breasts that have lost shape and volume following pregnancy, weight loss or aging
• Have asymmetrical breasts
• Are in good physical and emotional health

It’s important to note that breast augmentation does not treat ptosis (breast sagging). In some cases, breast augmentation may actually accentuate ptosis. If you are concerned by the appearance of saggy breasts, breast lift may be a more appropriate procedure. Depending on your goals, your surgeon may recommend combining breast augmentation with breast lift techniques. Your plastic surgeon can go over your options (and the results you can expect) in detail with you during your initial procedure.

Implant Size Is a Personal Choice

Implant size is undoubtedly one of the most important decisions you will make about breast augmentation. Do you want a noticeable increase in cup size or desire a more subtle, moderate boost? Are you petite with a small body frame? Do you lead an active lifestyle? These are all important questions to ask yourself before finalizing your decision. Fortunately, working with a trusted plastic surgeon like Dr. Sayah can make your decision easier. During your initial consultation, Dr. Sayah will examine your anatomy and discuss your concerns and goals with you in order to make his recommendations about implant size and type.

Future Pregnancies

Pregnancy and breastfeeding can alter the shape and size of the breasts, even after breast augmentation. This is why breast augmentation (and any other surgical procedure, for that matter) is generally recommended after you have finished having children and are done breastfeeding — or, for young women that are years away from starting a family. Typically, women are advised to wait at least six months after pregnancy and weaning before pursuing breast enhancement.

Recovery Time Is a Must

Surgical operations require a recovery period and breast augmentation is no different. One of the biggest mistakes patients can make following breast augmentation surgery is returning to work, exercise or socializing before their breasts have healed properly. Most patients can return to their daily routines approximately two weeks following breast augmentation. During recovery, patients are to avoid any strenuous activities, including bending, lifting and exercise.

Before scheduling your surgery date, make sure that you have the proper time to recover. Request time off from work and if necessary, enlist the help of a loved one to help with young children, pets and errands. If you have a busy schedule and cannot take the time off work or your normal routine, your plastic surgeon may recommend postponing your treatment until you have sufficient time to recover.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Sayah

To learn more about breast augmentation, contact plastic surgeon Dr. Sayah today. Schedule a consultation by calling his Beverly Hills office at (310) 905-8405.

The post Factors to Consider Before Breast Augmentation appeared first on Sayah Institute.

Prepare Your Home Ahead of Time

Make your recovery stress-free by prepping your recovery station prior to your surgery. Have plenty of plush pillows on hand for your bed or couch, as well as clean laundry. Go grocery shopping ahead of time and shop for any items you foresee yourself needing during your recovery, including water and easy-to-make foods. Make sure to have cold compresses on hand, as they help reduce swelling. While getting plenty of sleep is a top priority during eyelid surgery recovery, it’s also a good idea to stock up on some entertainment options (e.g., DVDs, magazines).

Use Prescription Medication as Directed

To enhance your comfort during recovery, your plastic surgeon will likely prescribe pain medication for you to take. It’s very important to take all medications as prescribed and avoid taking any over-the-counter medicine or painkillers without consulting your surgeon first. Certain medications increase the risk of bleeding and should be avoided during recovery.

Don’t Wear Eye Makeup Until Cleared by Your Surgeon

As your eyelids heal from surgery, it’s important to keep them clean to avoid infections. A big part of this is keeping your eye area makeup-free, at least for the first two weeks or so after surgery. Your plastic surgeon will provide a detailed list of how to clean your eye area, and will advise you as to when it’s safe to wear makeup again.

Get Plenty of Shut Eye

An important component of a successful recovery is getting plenty of rest, which includes sleep. Remember to keep your head elevated, even as you sleep. This will help reduce swelling and lead to faster healing. If necessary, ask a loved one to help you care for any young children or pets so you can concentrate on relaxing.

Attend All Your Follow-Up Consultations

While the majority of patients are able to return to work a week following eyelid surgery, each patient’s healing process is unique. Your follow-up appointments are the perfect time to tell your surgeon about any pain or discomfort you are feeling. Ultimately, your plastic surgeon will make the call as to when it is safe for you to return to your normal routine. Depending on your personal healing progress, your surgeon may recommend additional recovery time.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Sayah

For more information about eyelid surgery, including the procedure itself, please contact Dr. Sayah today. You can reach his Beverly Hills plastic surgery practice by calling (310) 905-8405.

The post Tips for a Successful Eyelid Surgery Recovery appeared first on Sayah Institute.

Are You Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?

When it comes to choosing your plastic surgeon, board certification is a non-negotiable. Plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery have completed at least three years of general surgery training and two years of plastic surgery training. Board certification also ensures the surgeon has passed rigorous examinations of his or her plastic surgery knowledge.

What Does the Procedure Entail?

Because each patient’s concerns, goals and facial anatomy are unique, each facelift procedure is different. Traditional facelift surgery involves lifting and tightening loose skin on the face and neck and excising any excess skin. If necessary, your plastic surgeon may redistribute fat and muscle to restore a balanced and youthful appearance to the face. Depending on your goals, your plastic surgeon may recommend combining facelift with another facial rejuvenation procedure such as eyelid surgery or forehead lift. Dr. Sayah will go over your personalized treatment plan in detail with you prior to your surgery.

What Are the Potential Risks of Facelift Surgery?

Although facelift complications are rare when the procedure is performed by a trained and skilled plastic surgeon, it’s important to be aware of all potential risks. Possible complications from facelift include infection, excessive bleeding, nerve damage and tissue death. Your plastic surgeon should go over these risks in detail with you during your initial consultation.

How Long Is the Recovery Period?

One of the biggest mistakes you can make during your recovery is to resume normal activities before your body has sufficiently healed. Rest is essential for the beauty and longevity of your facelift results. Be prepared to take at least one to two weeks off from work, socializing and other normal activities. Your plastic surgeon can give you a more detailed recovery time frame based on your medical history and other personal factors.

How Do I Maintain My Results?

The results from facelift surgery have the potential to last 10 years or more, depending on a few factors. Unprotected sun exposure and smoking can both take an unsightly toll on the skin, regardless of whether you have undergone facelift surgery or not. To prolong your rejuvenated appearance, Dr. Sayah recommends scheduling laser skin resurfacing treatments regularly. Laser skin resurfacing help remove dead skin cells on the top layers of the skin, making way for newer, healthier layers of skin. Non-invasive injectable treatments like Botox or dermal fillers can also help enhance facelift results by minimizing wrinkles and lines.

To learn more about facelift surgery, please contact Dr. Sayah’s Beverly Hills plastic surgery practice at (310) 905-8405.

The post Questions to Ask Your Facelift Surgeon appeared first on Sayah Institute.

Stop Smoking

Smoking increases your risk of serious complications and may affect the way your body heals after surgery. For these reasons, you will need to stop smoking at least four weeks before your procedure. Smoking can also affect how long your results last, so it is a good idea to avoid picking the habit back up after surgery.

Follow a Well-Balanced Diet

Eating plenty of healthy foods strengthens your immune system and reduces your risk of infection after surgery. Foods rich in vitamins A and C, zinc and copper keep your energy levels up, while lean meats rich in protein help repair injured tissue during recovery.

Practice Proper Sun Care

The healthier your skin is, the sooner and better it can recover from plastic surgery. Staying out of the sun and applying plenty of sunscreen keeps your skin firm, allowing it to regain elasticity easier than dry, flaky, sun-damaged skin following surgery. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher whenever you step outside.

Avoid Aspirin

Certain medications can increase your risk of surgical complications. Aspirin and other blood-thinning medications can interfere with the body’s blood-clotting mechanisms, increasing your risk of excessive bleeding. Similarly, certain supplements may react badly to anesthesia and other medications used during and after surgery. Prior to your surgery, Dr. Sayah will provide a detailed list of medications and supplements to avoid before and after surgery.

Minimize Stress Levels

It’s common for patients to feel a range of emotions prior to their surgery, from excitement to stress and anxiety. Stress, however, can negatively affect your immune system. It’s important to have the right mindset prior to surgery, in order to reduce stress. If you have questions or concerns regarding your upcoming procedure, Dr. Sayah is here to discuss them with you. He can discuss your procedure and recovery process in detail with you so you know exactly what to expect from your surgery.

If you have questions about any of these recommendations, Dr. Sayah encourages you to reach out to him and his medical team. Please call his Beverly Hills practice today at (310) 905-8405.

The post Five Lifestyle Changes to Make Before Plastic Surgery appeared first on Sayah Institute.

Lift Surgeries are on the Rise

The number of surgical lifts (body contouring procedures that remove excess skin and tighten remaining tissue and skin) performed increased in 2015. The top procedures that showed considerable growth were:

• Breast lifts (99,614 procedures performed in 2015, up 89 percent since 2000)
• Buttocks lifts (4,767 procedures performed in 2015, up 252 percent since 2000)
• Lower body lifts (8,431 procedures performed in 2015, up 3,973 percent since 2000)
• Upper arm lifts (17,099 procedures performed in 2015, up 4,959 percent since 2000)

Butts are the New Breasts

There was a time when breast surgery was synonymous with plastic surgery. And while those are still popular, procedures focusing on enhancing the derriere were the fastest growing type of cosmetic surgery in 2015. In fact, according to ASPS, there was a buttock procedure every 30 minutes of every day, on average! The top buttocks procedures in 2015 were:

• Butt augmentation with fat grafting (14,705 procedures)
• Butt lift (4,767 procedures)
• Butt implants (2,540 procedures)

More Men Getting Breast Reduction

Of the 68,106 breast reduction surgeries performed in 2015, men accounted for more than 40 percent of those procedures. A total of 27,456 male breast reduction surgeries were performed on men in 2015, a 5 percent increase from 2014.

Top Five Surgical Procedures

A total of 1.7 million cosmetic surgical procedures were performed in 2015. The top five procedures performed were:

• Breast augmentation (279,143 procedures)
• Liposuction (222,051 procedures)
• Rhinoplasty (217,979 procedures)
• Eyelid surgery (203,934 procedures)
• Tummy tuck (127,967 procedures)

Top Five Minimally Invasive Procedures

Of the 14.2 million cosmetic minimally invasive procedures performed in 2015, the top five were:

• Botox (6.7 million procedures)
• Soft tissue fillers (2.4 million procedures)
• Chemical peel (1.3 million procedures)
• Laser hair removal (1.1 million procedures)
• Microdermabrasion (800,340 procedures)

Interested in Learning More about Plastic Surgery?

Has hearing about the latest trends in plastic surgery sparked your interest in enhancing your appearance? To learn more about your plastic surgery options, schedule a consultation with one of Beverly Hills’ most trusted plastic surgeons. Please call Dr. Sayah’s office at (310) 905-8405.

The post A Look at the Latest Plastic Surgery Trends appeared first on Sayah Institute.

If you are considering plastic surgery and are contemplating a fat transfer procedure to enhance your look, Dr. Sayah is here to help. In this blog post, the Beverly Hills plastic surgeon answers the most frequently asked questions regarding fat transfer.

First Things First: What Exactly Is Fat Transfer?

Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, is a procedure that involves using a patient’s own natural fat to enhance another body area. This unwanted fat can come from several areas, including the hips, abdomen, flanks or thighs. The fat can be used to fill in creases and wrinkles on the face, or to add volume and shape to the buttocks or breasts.

Am I a Good Candidate for Fat Transfer?

If you desire to enhance one body area and slim down another, then fat transfer may be a great option for you. Additionally, you should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about what your procedure can and cannot improve.

How Is Fat Transfer Performed?

First, stem-cell-rich fatty tissue is removed from one body area via liposuction. The fat is then purified and re-injected into the desired treatment area. The procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure and may require light or general anesthesia, depending on the body area being treated.

Is Fat Transfer Safe?

Fat transfer procedures can deliver safe, natural-looking results as long as they are performed by a qualified and board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Sayah. However, as is the case with all surgical procedures, fat transfer comes with risks and possible complications, including infection and excessive bleeding. Prior to your procedure, Dr. Sayah will discuss these risks in detail with you.

How Do I Get More Information?

Dr. Sayah or a member of his trusted medical team is available to answer any additional questions at all times. To schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Sayah, please call his Beverly Hills practice today at (310) 905-8405.

The post Common Questions about Fat Transfer appeared first on Sayah Institute.

Check Your Plastic Surgeon’s Credentials

For the best results, your plastic surgeon should be trained in plastic and reconstructive surgery. These surgeons have the skill and requisite knowledge to successfully perform cosmetic nasal surgery as well as reconstruction of nasal deformities. Your plastic surgeon must also be certified by the American board of Plastic Surgery, the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties to govern plastic surgeons. In addition, it is wise to look at before and after photos of the surgeon’s past work. Each plastic surgeon approaches rhinoplasty differently; therefore, not all plastic surgeons yield the same results. You may find that you prefer one doctor’s technique more than another’s.

Be Open with Your Plastic Surgeon

Depending on your aesthetic concerns and goals, your plastic surgeon may recommend combining rhinoplasty with another procedure, such as eyelid or chin surgery. Combining procedures may result in a more balanced facial appearance. It is important to be transparent with your plastic surgeon during your consultation. The more you share, the better your plastic surgeon can design a treatment plan that addresses all of your concerns. To help you get a better idea of what your results will look like, Dr. Sayah uses a computer imaging program in which your personal images can be morphed to show you an approximation of what you will look like with your new nose.

Follow the Doctor’s Pre-Op Orders

Once you have scheduled your surgery, it will be time to prep for the big day. Your plastic surgeon will give you a list of detailed instructions to follow before your surgery. This will include when to discontinue taking certain medications and when to stop smoking. Take the time to read over these guidelines carefully. If you’re unclear on one of the guidelines, ask your doctor as soon as possible. Feel free to read Dr. Sayah’s most frequently asked questions about rhinoplasty.

Prepare for Your Recovery

Preparing for your post-op care ahead of time can help make the recovery process as smooth as possible. Ask someone to drive you home after surgery and to help get you into a comfortable position on the couch or in bed. Have plenty of liquids, soft foods and your prescription medication ready and nearby. Consider enlisting the help of a loved one for the first few days of recovery. Immediately after surgery, your nose will be swollen and bruised, and strenuous activity should be avoided. Having a loved one to help with chores, errands or childcare can help make your recovery a more comfortable one.

Interested in learning more about rhinoplasty? Schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Sayah today. Please call his Beverly Hills practice today at (310) 905-8405.

The post Tips Before Getting Rhinoplasty appeared first on Sayah Institute.