Santa Barbara Cosmetic Surgeon Addresses Liposuction Myths

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Liposuction was the 2nd most popular cosmetic surgical procedure in 2016 (breast augmentation was the 1st). Everyone has heard of liposuction but there are still myths that we get asked about at our Santa Barbara cosmetic surgery practice. Here we address some of the most common preconceptions:

Liposuction is a great procedure for weight loss. Not true! Liposuction is a body contouring procedure, not a weight loss procedure. Most of the patients we treat are near, or at, their ideal weight and want to get rid of stubborn areas of fat that are resistant to exercise and a healthy diet such as the abdomen, flanks, inner and outer thighs, or upper arms.

Liposuction is only for women. Again, not true. While most of the people seeking liposuction are women, men also have the procedure done. In 2016, 11% of liposuction procedures done were on men. Popular treatment areas include the “love handles”, abdomen, and neck for men.

Liposuction gets rid of cellulite. Liposuction removes deep fat just beneath the skin but it may not necessarily remove the cellulite. At my Santa Barbara medical spa, Evolutions, there is a one-time cellulite treatment called Cellfina that is clinically proven to treat the primary structural cause of cellulite and offers long term results (3+ years).

Abdominal liposuction and tummy tucks are the same thing. Liposuction and tummy tucks are not the same thing. A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is done to address excess abdominal skin and tightening of the abdominal muscles. Liposuction simply removes the fat. Liposuction is often used in a tummy tuck procedure.

Liposuction is much more expensive than CoolSculpting or SculpSure. This may not necessarily be true. The price difference may be much less than you think. Non-invasive body contouring procedures (such as CoolSculpting and SculpSure) take multiple treatments. CoolSculpting.com states that cost “typically ranges between $2,000 to $4,000” for a personalized treatment plan.

Is Liposuction right for you?
Liposuction can quickly and permanently contour your body with just one treatment.  We are able to perform all of our liposuction procedures comfortably and safely using local anesthesia plus sedation – no general anesthesia needed. Our patients feel that liposuction was an easy and effective way to improve their contours.

If you are interested in a liposuction treatment in Santa Barbara, call my office – 805-563-0000 – to schedule a consultation. 

Popular Facial Rejuvenation Procedures

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Facial rejuvenation – surgical and non-invasive – is on the rise, according to 2016 Plastic Surgery Statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

It is not surprising that many people are seeking facial rejuvenation as most of us are living longer, healthier lives and more of our lives are being captured on camera at any given time (and posted on social media for all to see). Here are several popular facial rejuvenation options that are on the rise (and that are done at our Santa Barbara Cosmetic Surgery Center practice).

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

In 2016 over 209,000 people had eyelid surgery. Eyes are often the first thing people notice and they can convey so much. When sagging skin or fat bulges appear, they can dramatically affect a person’s overall appearance, making them look tired, unhappy, or unapproachable when they are not. Eyelid surgery – which can be done on the upper eyelid, lower eyelid (or both) – will restore the appearance around the eyes to give you a well-rested (but not “done”) look.

Forehead Lift Surgery

Forehead lift surgery went up by 6% in 2016. The Forehead Lift – also known as a “Brow Lift” – repositions the forehead and brow upward. Relaxation fo the forehead can cause a heaviness on the eyebrows that crowds the eyes. When this happens, many people think their eyes need to be done and are surprised to hear that it is the forehead area that needs to be addressed. Putting the forehead area back into a more youthful position will alter a person’s appearance – in a very positive way.

Rhinoplasty (Nose Reshaping)
People do not normally get nose reshaping surgery to turn back the clock but it is a procedure that provides rejuvenation in the sense that it can create a more balanced relationship in a person’s facial features. Rhinoplasty can refine a bulbous tip, narrow a wide nose, straighten a crooked nose and/or remove an unwanted bump. At Cosmetic Surgery Center we believe that the end result of a rhinoplasty should not have an “operated” look and, in fact, the best work is usually not detected.

Botox and Dysport

Over 7 million people had Botox or Dysport treatments last year. The number of treatments for Botox and Dysport has risen 797% since 2000! The popularity of the treatment is due to the low cost, no downtime, and the end result. A half hour (to one hour) appointment can smooth forehead lines and crow’s feet, which can take years off a person’s appearance. This anti-wrinkle treatment is quick, virtually painless, and works.

Dermal Fillers (such as Restylane, Sculptra, Juvederm, Radiesse)

Injectable fillers are used to restore or enhance an appearance and can last from 6 months to 5 years depending on the type of filler used. The most common fillers are made of hyaluronic acid (Restylane, Juvederm, Voluma), a naturally-occurring complex carbohydrate that binds water molecules to add volume and keep tissues soft. Fillers can be used to “fill” wrinkles, fine lines, some scars and also can be used to add volume to areas that are “deflated”. Most dermal filler appointments only take 1 to 2 hours and the results are instantaneous. Over 2.6 million Americans had a filler treatment in 2016.

Facial rejuvenation is a wonderful way to restore your youthful look!

If you are interested in surgical or non-invasive facial rejuvenation options, call our Santa Barbara plastic surgery office to schedule a consultation – (805) 563-0000.

Cosmetic Surgery on the Rise Worldwide

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At the annual IMCAS Aesthetic Surgery & Cosmetic Dermatology World Congress it was reported that the cosmetic surgery market worldwide grew by 8.3% in 2016 with about $8.9 billion spent on cosmetic surgery procedures and non-invasive aesthetic treatments. The prediction for 2017 and beyond is that the number will keep growing.

The trend towards people wanting to “look their best” is due to many factors, but what we commonly hear in our Santa Barbara cosmetic surgery office is:

  • I want to look the age that I feel.
  • My face reflects a look that says sad/tired/upset/unhappy when I’m not.
  • I need to look younger because the job market is competitive.

Cosmetic surgery is also on the rise because techniques have far advanced since surgeries of a few decades ago which means less downtime and better results. Also, there are many minimally-invasive plastic surgery options available that are less expensive with a shorter recovery time that give a nice, natural result. In addition to better surgery procedures, many patients are surprised that all of our cosmetic surgeries can be performed without going under general anesthesia. We use a combination of local anesthesia and oral sedation alone, or in combination with intravenous sedation that provides relaxation and amnesia.

If you are interested in turning back the clock and desire a natural, rested, “non-operated” look, call our office (805-563-0000) to schedule a consultation today. We specialize in facial rejuvenation and liposuction body contouring.

Forehead Lift Plastic Surgery Renews Your Look

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At the Cosmetic Surgery Center in Santa Barbara many of our patients come to see us because they feel their appearance has changed. The patients describe their look as “tired”, “sad” or “angry” when that is not how they feel. In many of these cases, relaxation of the forehead is the culprit. The heaviness in the forehead causes the eyebrows to lower and the eyes become crowded. When this happens, a person can appear tired, sad, or angry. If this is the case, a Forehead Lift – also known as a “Brow Lift” – can be done to renew their look.

The benefits of a forehead lift are multiple:

  1. The eyebrows are raised to their normal position which opens the eyes and “removes” excess upper lid skin. (Try this in the mirror and see the difference!)
  2. The horizontal forehead lines are smoothed.
  3. The frown lines between your eyebrows are removed / softened.
  4. Crow’s feet are improved by tightening the temporal area.
A forehead lift surgery is done through three small incisions in the hair (the hair does not need to be shaved). The muscles that cause frowning are partially removed which causes permanent weakening of the muscle while retaining some normal function for expression. The forehead tissues are shifted upward and held in place with dissolvable sutures for the healing process.
Patients are surprised that general anesthesia is not needed. A combination of local anesthesia and oral sedation alone, or in combination with intravenous solution, provides relaxation and amnesia. Pain is controlled with Tylenol or Ibuprofen and is usually minimal. Most people take 5 to 7 days off work after the surgery.

The forehead lift plastic surgery will leave you looking natural, rested, and “non-operated”. Pictured below are before and after pictures of a forehead lift patient of Dr. Perkins.

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View more before and after forehead lift pictures here.

If you are tired of looking tired, call our Santa Barbara cosmetic surgery office at (805) 563-0000 to schedule a consultation appointment to renew your appearance. 

Santa Barbara Cosmetic Surgery Center Review

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At our Santa Barbara plastic surgery practice, we strive to help every person look their best and love to hear feedback from our patients. Thank you for this kind testimonial:

Dr. Perkins was able to help me where diet and fitness alone could not. After having children I was left with split abdominal muscles and surgery was the only way it could be repaired. From my first exam to my post surgery care, I always felt like Dr. Perkins and his staff gave me the best care. Best of all, I’m so pleased with the results! 

— JH, Santa Barbara

 

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Happy Thanksgiving from the Cosmetic Surgery Center

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Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving and relaxing holiday weekend!

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New Permanent Filler Bellafill in Santa Barbara

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Dermal fillers are one of the most common and popular aesthetic treatments done worldwide. Restylane, Restylane Lyft (formerly Perlane), Juvederm, Voluma and Radiesse are some of the well-known fillers available today. Fillers are used to restore volume to an aging face, correct imperfections such as acne scars and wrinkles, and are also used to enhance features (cheeks, lips, jawline). The result of a filler treatment is seen instantaneously and last 6 months or more. The drawback of most fillers are that they are not permanent.
The good news is that there is a new permanent injectable filler – Bellafill – now available in the USA and at our Cosmetic Surgery Center practice.
What is Bellafill and how does it work?
Bellafill is composed of a collagen “carrier” and PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) microspheres. The collagen immediately adds volume to the skin for correction while the PMMA microspheres create a matrix that supports your body’s own collagen production in the skin for lasting improvement.
Is Bellafill safe?
Bellafill has been proven safe through 5 years for correction of nasolabial folds or smile lines in the largest and longest prospective dermal filler study ever completed.
What do people have to say about Bellafill?
In a consumer survey, 91% of patients were likely to recommend Bellafill. In a 5-year-post-approval study, 83% of patients said they were “satisfied to very satisfied” with their correction at the end of 5 years.
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Actual Bellafill patient (from left to right: Baseline, 3 months, 5 years)
If you are looking to turn back the clock or treat skin imperfections without surgery, dermal fillers are an excellent option. At our Santa Barbara cosmetic surgery practice we offer Restylane, Restylane Lyft (formerly Perlane), Juvederm, Voluma, Radiesse, and the new permanent filler, Bellafill.
Call us today (805-563-0000) to schedule a consultation to discuss which dermal filler would be best for you. 

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Santa Barbara Facelift Surgery Review

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At our Santa Barbara cosmetic surgery practice, we highly value any input from our patients. It is especially nice to receive notes such as this one (referring to myself, Dr. Perkins, and Nancy, my nurse):

It has been an absolute pleasure to have worked with you both. For me it was a real privilege to have a facelift done by two experienced, professional, and artistic people. You were both so caring and supportive. Thank you for being such wonderful human beings.  

 
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If you are interested in plastic surgery in Santa Barbara, schedule a consultation by calling my office at (805) 563-0000.

 

Santa Barbara Plastic Surgery by Dr. Perkins

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I have been practicing plastic surgery in Santa Barbara for more than three decades. I grew up in Santa Barbara and returned after my medical training to serve the Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. I have done many facial cosmetic surgeries and body contouring liposuction procedures and I treat each patient uniquely – as I believe there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to cosmetic surgery.

What bothers you? 
When I first meet a patient, this is the first question that I ask. I think that it is important to address a patient’s concerns and to educate them as to why they are having these problems.

Formulate a treatment plan.
After my patient has a good understanding of why these problems are occurring, together we formulate a treatment plan that will address the concerns and be affordable.

I specialize in the following facial rejuvenation procedures:

I also specialize in body contouring liposuction procedures for the arms, abdomen, and legs.
If you would like to schedule a plastic surgery consultation, call my office at (805) 563-0000.

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In The News: Plastic Surgery and Meg Ryan

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CSC_Cosmetic_Surgery_Santa_BarbaraActress Meg Ryan was a presenter at the Tony’s on Sunday evening and the news has been abuzz about her appearance. Did she have plastic surgery? Did she have fillers? Did she do Botox? There has been a lot of speculation and I am not going to add to it. As a plastic surgeon in Santa Barbara who has been practicing for more than 3 decades, I feel that people – celebrities or not – who have cosmetic surgery or aesthetic treatments have a right to their privacy on the matter. Some people chose to share their experience openly and others chose not to. So be it.

Plenty of my patients wish to have their plastic surgery procedure remain private. I am often asked, “How can I get something done without looking like I’ve had something done?” Great question! My answer includes discussing my goal of facial rejuvenation which has remained the same through the years, even when operated appearance “looks” were “in”.  My priority is to improve the appearance while maintaining a natural result. The second part of my answer includes discussing the options that the patient has. Sometimes a full face lift surgery may be recommended for the best result, but there are other times where minimally-invasive procedures and/or aesthetic treatments such as dermal fillers and Botox, can resolve the patient’s concerns. We believe that educating the patient on their surgical choices truly helps them (and us) select a treatment plan that will best fit their needs and expectations.

The facial rejuvenation surgeries offered at our Santa Barbara Cosmetic Surgery Center include:

– – – – –

If you are interested in scheduling a consultation appointment for a facial cosmetic surgery that looks natural and “non-operated” call my office at (805) 563-0000.