Category Archives: Plastic Surgery

The commonly occurring problem of a deviated septum can be treated with rhinoplasty cosmetic surgery. After the surgeon diagnoses the exact nature and extent of the deviated septum, they can develop an individualized surgical plan to address it.

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim provides nose reshaping surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding locations.

What is Septum Deviation?

The septum bifurcates the nasal cavity into two narrow airways that taper down from the upper part of the nose where it connects to the nostrils. The septum consists of many sections of cartilage and bone. The septum’s lower portion lies on the anterior nasal spine. This is a supportive bone that can be felt in the region where the nose links to the upper lip.

A deviated septum is the development or movement of the septum to a single side of the nasal cavity instead of separating it into two identical airways. The septum can bend in the shape of a bow leading to a C-shape or bend to one side causing an S-shape. Such types of deviated septum can obstruct airflow slowly damaging the fragile nasal tissues.

The surgeon will remodel the bony upper portions of the septum located atop the nose or the cartilage located in the lower part. The septum can also move off the anterior spine, and this condition is known as a caudal septal deviation. In case a caudal septal deviation occurs, the surgeon will correct the movement of the septum and reposition its base to the anterior nasal spine.

Certain individuals have a deviated septum since birth while others develop it because of a nasal injury. Regardless, it can lead to breathing issues. Recurring nosebleeds and facial pain can also occur due to a deviated septum. A deviated septum can only be addressed via rhinoplasty cosmetic surgery.

Septoplasty Procedure

A septoplasty cosmetic surgery procedure typically takes between 30 to 90 minutes to perform. The actual time taken for the procedure varies according to the complexity of the deviated septum. The surgeon and patient can decide whether the surgery will be undertaken using local or general anesthesia depending on the technique that will produce optimal outcomes.

The plastic surgeon creates an incision on one region on the nose to access the septum in a standard procedure. Subsequently, the surgeon will maneuver the deviated septum to the optimal position. They will also remove obstructions such as cartilage or useless bone fragments. The last step involves the repositioning of the mucous membrane.

The patient may require sutures to make sure that the septum and membrane remain in position. At times, placing cotton to pack the nose is sufficient to hold the septum and membrane in the desired position.

Recovery

Septoplasty is undertaken as an outpatient procedure unless a serious complication takes place. Therefore, the patient can go home on the day of the procedure itself. The patient will experience pain and inflammation in the nose which will be packed with cotton to prevent bleeding. This cotton will be removed within one or two days following the surgery.

Experienced plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.

Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

Rhinoplasty surgery is an effective treatment for physiological complications that hinder breathing through the nose. Furthermore, rhinoplasty can offer aesthetic improvements to the nose shape. There are various types of nose cosmetic surgery procedures designed to address the unique requirements of patients.

Astute board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim provides nose reshaping surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding communities across the horizon.

Functional Rhinoplasty Procedures

Rhinoplasty surgery can be an “open” or “closed” procedure. In open rhinoplasty, incisions are placed on the outside of the nose. Closed rhinoplasty involves the placement of incisions only on the inside of the nose.

Plastic surgeons use the closed technique to prevent noticeable scarring wherever possible. However, open rhinoplasty cosmetic surgery may be required where the patient has sustained severe damage to the nose or when the treatment site is located high within the nasal cavity.

An experienced and skilled nose surgeon can place open surgery incisions within the nasal contours to minimize conspicuous scarring to a large extent.

Ethnic Rhinoplasty

Every race has aesthetic attributes that are unique to it. Not every member of a particular race will share these physical attributes. Those that do, at times, choose to receive plastic surgery to alter these physical attributes. Rhinoplasty is a sought-after surgery among people with ethnic characteristics such as a broad nose.

Several people of African and Asian heritage seek rhinoplasty to reduce their nose width from one edge of their nostril to the other. It is crucial that the surgeon modifies their approach to suit the specific anatomic elements of an ethnic patient’s nose.

The surgeon should not modify the nose shape beyond a point as it can change the patient’s appearance drastically.

Correcting the Radix

The radix refers to the upper bony part of the nose. The radix, as well as the underlying cartilage, may be substantial causing a depression and a bump. In case the radix is shallow, it can lead to a depression and a bump. The plastic surgeon can decrease the radix by trimming away small portions cautiously.

The nose surgeon may add volume to a depressed region by grafting a part of the patient’s own cartilage sourced from another part of the nose. The surgeon creates a straighter slope by augmenting the area just above the radix.

Straightening a Crooked Nose

In case the nose is slightly crooked or shifted to one side, a plastic surgeon can straighten it by decreasing some cartilage or bone, or by physically moving the tissues. The surgeon may apply a splint to hold the nose in position as it heals as with a broken nose requiring functional rhinoplasty.

Tip Rotation and Reduction

In case the nasal tip lacks definition or is too defined, it may not have a proper rotation. Rotation is the upward or downward turn of the nasal tip. In adjusting the nasal tip by remodeling the cartilage, the nose surgeon will carefully assess the base of the nose as it impacts the rotation and tension.

Projection Adjustment

The surgeon can shave a part of the cartilage at its tip to reduce the projection of the nose. If the projection needs to be increased, the surgeon may divide and realign the patient’s cartilage, pushing it forward and suturing it into the desired position. If the nose tip has insufficient cartilage, the surgeon may utilize a cartilage graft to augment it.

Devoted plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and other towns and cities in this area of The Golden State for rhinoplasty.
Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

The choice of a neck lift surgeon is an important decision that will have a long-term impact on the life of a patient. This cosmetic surgery procedure can offer more self-confidence to individuals who are unhappy with the sagging appearance of their neck.

But a patient may achieve undesirable outcomes in the hands of an inexperienced or inadequately trained surgeon. This can cause disappointment and the incurring of additional time and money for revision surgery. Therefore, it is vital for the patient to choose an experienced and highly trained neck lift surgeon.

Kind board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim provides neck lift to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding locations in this region of the southwest.

Choosing an ABPS Board Certified Surgeon

Choosing a plastic surgeon with certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) will be advantageous for the patient. Surgeons who have been certified by the ABPS would have undergone a minimum number of years of training in surgery after medical school.

In addition, ABPS board certified surgeons also undergo at least two years of plastic surgery residency training before receiving this prestigious certification.

Comfort Level and Personal Rapport

The patient should note closely how the surgeon and their staff make them feel. There are risks associated with any cosmetic surgery, and these may create hurdles in the patient’s journey towards attaining their desired neck appearance. This makes it essential for the patient to seek a plastic surgeon with whom they feel comfortable.

The patient should ask themselves the following questions:

• How do I feel when engaging with this neck lift surgeon?
• Do I believe that this neck lift surgeon will recommend safe and efficient procedures to me?
• Can I freely ask the surgeon questions and express concerns throughout the neck lift surgery process?
• Can I comfortably disclose my health history as well as lifestyle behaviors to this plastic surgeon?

Questions to Ask During the Consultation

Ideally, the patient should make a list of any questions that they may have prior to their pre-operative consultation. The patient can include the following aspects in their list of questions:

• Information on the qualifications and background of the plastic surgeon
• Details on the surgical facility (the surgery should ideally be performed at an accredited private surgery suite, a hospital, or surgical center)
• Emergency protocols
• Neck lift surgery risks
• The surgeon’s experience in performing face and neck surgeries
• Alternatives to neck lift surgery
• Before and after images of previous patients and testimonials

If the patient senses that the surgeon is not forthcoming and transparent, they should reconsider their choice of a neck lift plastic surgeon. Any patient should feel totally comfortable with any surgery they sign up for. There should not be any ambiguity.

Emphasis on Individualization and Innovation

Every person has a unique facial and neck anatomy. The best outcomes of a neck lift surgery are typically accomplished when the plastic surgeon customizes this procedure to the particular anatomical and cosmetic needs of the patient.

Neck lift surgery outcomes are typically excellent when the cosmetic surgeon customizes the procedure to the unique needs of the patient.

Plastic surgeons employing advanced techniques can provide the patient with desirable outcomes in a minimally invasive and least painful way. Dedicated plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas for neck lift.
Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

The neck lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure that impacts one of the most noticeable and aesthetically prominent parts of the body, the neck. The appearance of the neck can accentuate the overall look of an individual due to its proximity to the face.

Neck lift surgery involves the elimination of sagging skin in the neck area. Sometimes the patient also undergoes the restructuring of the underlying loose skin or compromised neck muscles.

During the pre-op consultation, the plastic surgeon will inform the patient on the various steps involved in the neck lift surgery. If the patient has thorough information on the neck lift surgery, it will help them be more confident about the procedure and achieve satisfactory outcomes.

Prudent board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim provides neck lift to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding locations in this region of SoCal.

Preparation

In preparation for the neck lift plastic surgery, the patient will need to make certain modifications to their lifestyle in the weeks leading up to the procedure. The surgeon, in consultation with the physician or specialist, may alter the patient’s schedule of prescription meds, herbal supplements, vitamins and blood thinners for a specific duration.

The patient should get plenty of rest and a good night’s sleep before the procedure. On top of this, they should not eat anything for up to eight hours before the scheduled time of the surgery.

The patient should also wear loose-fitting and front open clothing to the surgical venue. They should not wear any jewelry, makeup, or accessories to the hospital or surgical facility.

Anesthesia

The surgeon will perform the neck lift surgery with the patient under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation.

If the surgery is performed under general anesthesia, an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist will remain in attendance throughout the procedure to monitor the patient’s response to the anesthetic. The fitness of the patient to receive general anesthesia will be established prior to the procedure.

Placing the Incisions

Neck lift surgery typically requires the placement of relatively smaller incisions. An experienced neck and facial plastic surgeon will place the incision in inconspicuous areas such as beneath the chin or behind the years, or in the natural creases of the neck.

Smaller incision placement leads to quicker healing. Any ensuing scarring will also be minimal. But the surgeon will determine the location and size of the incisions on the basis of the amount of skin and fat to be excised. The type and location of the incisions will also depend on whether the neck surgery is being undertaken in combination with a facelift.

Surgery

Some patients may only require neck liposuction to chisel the neck. However, others may need more dramatic improvements via the elimination of neck fat and skin, and tightening of the underlying neck muscles. The surgeon may also remove a portion of the platysma muscle to tighten loose neck muscles.

At times, a neck lift is performed in combination with precision liposuction. This eliminates fat in the neck area that is difficult to remove with diet and exercise alone. Committed cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and other cities and towns in this part of the country for neck lift. Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

The neck is a highly noticeable part of the body. Sagging skin in this area can make a person appear older or unappealing.

In such cases, a neck lift is an appropriate cosmetic surgery procedure to restore the appearance of a tauter and more youthful looking neck. The patient must undertake the preparation for neck lift surgery properly to ensure safe, predictable, and desirable results.

Well-prepared patients are usually more confident about the surgery and report higher levels of satisfaction from the outcomes of the neck lift procedure. During the pre-operative consultation process, the patient will receive pre and post-surgical guidelines from the surgeon to help them prepare adequately for the impending neck lift.

Judicious board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim provides neck lift and various other procedures for the breast, body and face to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding communities in this area of The Golden State.

Preparation Steps

The patient should undertake the below mentioned steps in preparation for the neck lift plastic surgery:

• Arrange to have the previous medical records from the physician or specialist sent to the surgeon’s office, preferably prior to the pre-operative consultation.
• Enlist all prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements to show the neck surgeon during the pre-op consultation.
• According to the instructions of the surgeon, get the appropriate x-ray or lab tests done.
• Modify the prescription drug schedule as directed by the surgeon in consultation with the primary care physician, if required.
• Avoid smoking for a specified duration as directed by the surgeon.
• Undertake any pressing home or work-related tasks well in advance of the scheduled surgery date to enjoy a relaxed and stress-free recovery period.
• Ask a responsible person to drive the patient home following the neck lift surgery.
• Arrange aftercare for some days, if necessary.
• Plan to take leave from work for around one week.

In addition, the patient should avoid alcohol, very fatty and sugar-laden foods, and over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin for a few days. The patient should dedicatedly follow the surgeon’s instructions for neck lift surgery preparation to enjoy a safe and comfortable recovery phase.

A Day prior to the Surgery

A day before the neck lift, the patient should follow these suggestions:

• Get proper rest and plenty of sleep on the night before the scheduled neck lift.
• Do not consume food or fluids for around eight hours before the neck lift procedure.
• Do not take alcohol for a minimum of 48 hours prior to the neck lift surgery.
• Do not wear makeup, nail polish, body piercing, jewelry or contact lenses on the surgery day.
• Wear a loose, comfortable and front open top on the day of the procedure.
• If the patient has diabetes, they should get their vital parameters assessed on the morning of the neck lift surgery.

Other Aspects

The patient should source essential items such as pain medications, loose clothing, extra pillows, and ice packs and stock them at home in advance of the neck lift surgery. Committed cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and other cities and communities in this part of the southwest for neck lift.

Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

Similar to any surgical procedure, neck lift cosmetic surgery also carries certain inherent risks despite being a comparatively less invasive body contouring surgery.

The surgeon will inform the patient on various facets of the neck lift surgery during the pre-op consultation, including its risks and safety. The first concern of a responsible surgeon is to enable the patient to make a well-informed decision.

On their parts, patients should dedicatedly follow the pre and post-op guidelines by the surgeon to accomplish safe and predictable surgical results as well as minimize risks associated with the surgery.

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim provides neck lift and various other procedures for the breast, body and face to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding locations.

Common Risks

The patient may receive neck lift plastic surgery under general anesthesia. Anesthesia has some inherent risks associated with it. However, in the hands of a well-qualified anesthesiologist or a certified nurse anesthetist, these risks are significantly reduced. The patient should be in good health to undergo general anesthesia and minimize the chances of a poor response.

Another common complication associated with any surgery is the risk of contracting an infection during the surgery or in the initial recovery phase. To minimize this risk, the surgical venue should uphold strict standards of cleanliness and hygiene providing a sterile environment and advanced surgical equipment.

In the post-op recovery period, the patient should avoid any exposure of the incision sites to contaminants in order to reduce the risk of infection development.

Unwanted scarring is a possible risk in neck lift surgery as the neck is a very noticeable part of the body. An experienced surgeon will place incisions in inconspicuous areas to reduce the risk of scarring. Ideally, patients should work with a plastic surgeon who specializes in facial and neck procedures.

The patient, on their part, should not smoke and avoid taking specific medications are directed by the surgeon for a specified duration.

Other Potential Complications

Neck lift surgery may also involve the following complications:

• Hematoma: Excessive bleeding during the neck lift surgery
• Seroma: Accumulation of fluid beneath the skin
• Tightness in the Neck Area: Excessive stretching of the neck skin during the surgery
• Change in Sensation: Altered sensation or numbness in the incision areas which is typically temporary
• Skin Irregularities: Mottling or development of lumpiness in the neck skin
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Risk of Scarring

The risk of scarring is associated with neck lift surgery. But an experienced surgeon will make every effort to ensure that the size and placement of the incisions are such that they cause minimal scarring in discreet areas.

The patient can achieve safe, predictable, and long-lasting neck lift results if they choose a surgeon with specialized experience and training in the area of the neck and facial surgery. There is only a negligible risk of severe complications with an expert surgeon.

Experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas for neck lift.

Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.

Individuals considering a neck lift cosmetic surgery should start by identifying an experienced neck lift surgeon and set up an initial consultation.

The surgeon will assess their candidacy for neck lift surgery after evaluating their overall health, skin laxity, and fat tissue in the neck region.

Successful board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim provides neck lift and various other procedures for the breast, body and face to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding communities in this section of SoCal.

Suitable Candidates

Individuals ranging in ages from 40 to 70 years usually seek neck lift plastic surgery. Candidates should be in good overall health in order to be able to go through anesthesia and surgery. They may have one or more of the following conditions in the neck area:

• Loose neck skin (also known as turkey wattle neck)
• Damaged neck skin due to sun exposure and environmental factors
• Excessive fatty deposits beneath the skin giving the appearance of submental fat (double chin)
• Wide jowls due to fatty pockets or excess skin beneath the jawline
• Presence of significant folds and wrinkles in the neck area

Skin Elasticity

The surgeon will assess the patient’s skin quality as well as the level of laxity in the neck region when evaluating the patient as a candidate for neck lift plastic surgery. Suitable candidates will have some level of skin elasticity in the neck region to achieve excellent surgical outcomes.

The neck lift surgery involves significant skin stretching. Therefore, the neck skin should have some degree of elasticity to undergo this stretching. Some older individuals with significant skin laxity may not be appropriate candidates for neck lift surgery.

Candidates with Vertical Bands in the Neck

The muscles of the neck are commonly hidden behind fat layers. Upon aging, this fat padding becomes thinner which decreases the barrier between skin and muscle. This leads to the development of unappealing vertical neck bands.

These bands are also known as platysmal bands and look like thick, rubbery bands which run from beneath the chin down to Adam’s apple region.

A neck lift is a suitable treatment for candidates with moderate to more prominent vertical neck bands. The surgeon will tighten the skin of the neck and lower face as well as the underlying muscles.

Other Conditions for Candidacy

Ideal neck lift candidates are people with a positive frame of mind, clear cosmetic goals, and realistic expectations from the procedure. People seeking neck lift surgery should understand that this procedure involves post-operative downtime and they will be required to be confined to their homes for a few days during the initial recovery phase.

An appropriate candidate will prepare thoroughly for the procedure and the recovery phase according to the instructions of the surgeon. They should be willing to openly disclose their lifestyle behaviors, medication usage, and any existing health conditions to the surgeon to help them determine their candidacy for neck lift plastic surgery.

Dedicated cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and other towns and cities in this region of the US for a neck lift.

Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.