Newport Beach Plastic Surgery | Dr. Hendrick's Blog

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) can successfully accomplish what no amount of dieting and exercising can, removing loose sagging skin and excess fat, and tightening the abdominal muscles to give you a flat and taut tummy area.

Dieting and exercise can tone your muscles and help you lose weight, but they cannot remove that loose sagging skin, excess fat or tighten abdominal muscles.

Tummy tuck surgery is one of the most common cosmetic plastic surgery procedures performed nationwide. Both men and women can, and do, benefit from this surgery.
The ideal candidate for this procedure is a person in good general health, but one with excess skin and fat in the abdominal area that has not responded to diet and exercise.

Others who are good candidates for a tummy tuck are those who have successfully lost a great deal of weight only to be left with substantial amounts of loose, sagging skin. A tummy tuck in this case will greatly improve your body contours and your self-esteem.

You can return to your normal exercise routine between two and four weeks after your tummy tuck surgery or on the advice of Dr. Hendricks.

If you have been struggling with loose, sagging skin and the excess fat that diet and exercise just will never correct, please contact the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center in Newport Beach, California today and learn more about this procedure from Dr. Douglas L. Hendricks.

Abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens underlying muscles, leaving a flatter and smoother tummy area.

Unfortunately, diet and exercise alone cannot produce the same result. The aging process, pregnancy and fluctuating hormones can take a trim and taut abdominal area and turn it into a sagging, soft and doughy mass. Tummy tuck surgery provides a long-lasting solution to this problem.

During your initial consultation with Dr. Hendricks, learn all you can about what tummy tuck surgery can do for your particular problem, ask to see before and after pictures of the surgeon's most recent patients, and discuss the risks and benefits involved with this procedure and how they may affect you. As with any surgical procedure, you may encounter scarring, bleeding, swelling and anesthesia related problems.

If you eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and keep your weight constant with no great weight gains or losses, you can expect great results from your tummy tuck surgery. However, tummy tuck surgery will not change the person you are or allow you to eat whatever you desire with no consequences.

If you want to regain the trim and taut tummy you had in the past, or never had but always wanted, please contact Dr. Douglas L. Hendricks of Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center today.

The ultimate success of your plastic surgery procedure will depend largely on choosing the right plastic surgeon. In the hands of a highly skilled surgeon, your plastic surgery results will help augment your appearance without drawing attention to your cosmetic enhancement.

Orange County plastic surgeon Dr. Douglas Hendricks believes that earning the trust and confidence of his patients is crucial to establishing a proper patient/doctor relationship. This strong relationship will enable Dr. Hendricks to better understand your cosmetic goals so that he can provide you with the best possible results for your plastic surgery procedure. When you evaluate potential surgeons, make sure to work with someone whom you trust.

I heard something interesting on the radio the other day. It was a commercial for a LASIK surgeon but they said “you wouldn’t go to the cheapest brain surgeon !” The same is true for Plastic surgery. This is an important decision that hopefully you will only have to make one time, so you want to be sure that quality and experience is at the top of the list when you make your choice.

I always tell my patients you want someone with a few grey hairs but not too many ! In other words, surgical skill is gained by extended experience… sometimes 10 or 15 years refining the techniques to what works and what doesn’t. You don’t want someone neccesarilly fresh out of residency, but at the same time I wouldn’t choose somebody who is at the far end of their carreer and really isn’t up on the latest and most up to date techniques

It is important to come to your initial consultation prepared to ask your potential surgeon a variety of questions about your desired procedure and about his professional experience. If the surgeon does not answer your questions to your satisfaction, you should keep looking.

Choosing a board certified plastic surgeon is very important. It ensures that your doctor has completed the highest levels of training in the field and has a great deal of experience performing your desired procedure.

Your plastic surgeon should also thoroughly explain all of the risks involved in your procedure. If he doesn’t offer to show you before and after photos of patients who have received the same surgery you desire, ask to see them. This will give you a good idea as to the type of work your plastic surgeon performs. Your initial consultation is also an excellent opportunity to talk about financing options for your desired procedure.

Ultimately, you must feel confident that you have made the right choice. If anything about a plastic surgeon or his staff makes you uncomfortable, you should continue your search. If you have any questions as you conduct your search, Dr. Hendricks will be happy to discuss them with you.

Please contact our Orange County plastic surgery office today to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Hendricks. We serve patients in Orange County, California.

Choosing whether or not to undergo breast enhancement surgery can be one of the largest and most important decisions you will ever make. For many women, breast augmentation helps boost their self-confidence, helping them to achieve their ideal breast size and shape once and for all. It also helps balance the upper trunk to be proportionate with the lower trunk (hips, in this case).

However, breast enhancement is a surgical procedure that, like all surgery, is accompanied by some possibles risks. Therefore, it is important to think through your choice very carefully before you make your final decision. It is important to have your spouse-boyfriend-family on-board. They will be the ones that will support you during your recovery and through the process of undergoing a change in your body shape. You want to surround yourself with these type of people to ensure a positive experience and a smooth recovery.

Breast enhancement can correct a number of problems you may have with your breasts so that you are more satisfied with your appearance. In general, you may be a good candidate for breast augmentation if you are interested in:

• Balancing uneven breasts
• Adding size or volume to your breasts
• Correcting sagging issues caused by weight loss, age, or pregnancy or breast feeding

Age and lifestyle choices play an important factor in deciding whether or not you are an ideal candidate for breast augmentation. Orange County breast surgeon Dr. Douglas Hendricks will not recommend breast enhancement for women under the age of 18, and it is generally wise to wait until your mid 20s for the procedure since your breasts may continue to develop well into your 20s.

Child birth is another factor affecting your candidacy for breast augmentation. If you are planning on having children in the future, you may want to wait until after child birth for your procedure, since breast enhancement can affect your ability to breast feed in some circumstances, although most woman in his experience are able to breast feed after augmentation and the breasts return for the most part to a shape mostly similar to the pre-pregnancy appearance..

At your initial consultation, Dr. Hendricks will discuss all of these factors with you to help you make an informed decision about your desired breast enhancement procedure.

To learn more about your breast enhancement options, please contact our Orange County breast surgery office today to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Hendricks. Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center serves patients in Orange County, California.

Lines and Wrinkles in the face suggest aging, stress or both. To maintain a youthful appearance, there are many cosmetic treatments available that add volume and smooth out fine lines.

Restylane® and BOTOX® Cosmetic are very popular treatments that each has its own distinct advantage. Restylane® is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved non-animal, biodegradable, clear gel based on hyaluronic acid that plumps up fine lines, fills depressions and shapes lips, chins and cheeks.

BOTOX® Cosmetic is another FDA approved treatment that is derived from the bacterium clostridium botulinum. BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected into the targeted area with a fine needle and inactivates those muscles that cause wrinkles. BOTOX® Cosmetic smoothes fine lines and is used mainly to remove frown lines, laugh lines and forehead lines. In essence, any wrinkle produced when a muscle moves is a good candidate for Botox.

Static wrinkles or Creases (Ones that are present at rest) respond better to injectable soft-tissue fillers , such as Hyaluronic Acid Gels or some of the newer semi-permanent fillers.

Although both treatments are FDA approved, Restylane® is a natural substance and contains no animal ingredients. The effects of Restylane® last up to one year, while the effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic last from three to six months.

Both treatments produce good results, but vary according to the patients’ requirements, condition and circumstances of treatment. Dr. Hendricks is the only one qualified to recommend which treatment is best for you.

Perhaps you need questions answered about which treatment is best for you? Please contact Dr. Douglas L. Hendricks of Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery today to schedule a consultation that could start you on the road to a more youthful and fresh appearance.

Restylane® simulates the body’s own production of hyaluronic acid to plump up and add volume to the targeted areas. Hyaluronic acid found naturally in the human body helps skin resiliency and resistance to damage. The most common areas treated are the nasolabial folds, lips, cheeks and chin, between the eyebrows and the backs of the hands. Restylane® is very successful at treating fine lines and even deep furrows in these areas.

Restylane® treatments take very little time, usually only around thirty minutes, depending on the amount being administered, and the procedure is performed in an out-patient setting.

Improvement is seen immediately at the time of treatment. Although there may be some mild temporary discomfort from the injection, side effects are rare, but may include redness, a temporary feeling of numbness and bruising and swelling at the injection site.

Restylane® results are immediate and last from six to twelve months, with your age and severity of the wrinkles and lines treated dictating the longevity of the results. However, if you receive Restylane® treatments for lip augmentation, you will most likely receive follow-up treatments more frequently than those who use Restylane® for only lines and wrinkles.

There is no recovery time associated with Restylane® treatments. The redness or bruising sometimes seen with the treatment can be covered with make-up and will resolve itself in only days.

If you would like to learn more about Restylane®, please contact Dr. Hendricks at Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center today.

Hyaluronic acid have become extremely popular as soft tissue fillers and wrinkle reducers in Plastic Surgery today. Although there are several manufacturers of Hyaluronic Acid gels, thay are all basically a natural substance in your skin, besides collagen and elastin, whose purpose is to provide fullness and elasticity. With the passage of time, your skin’s naturally occurring hyaluronic acid diminishes, and as it diminishes your skin loses its’ youthful, dewy, fresh appearance.

The synthetic hyaluronic acid in Restylane® replenishes your skin in a non-surgical, long-lasting, well tolerated treatment. Restylane® is unique because it binds with the moisture in your skin to maintain volume over time, lasting on the average from six to twelve months.

Restylane® has been in use for over a decade worldwide and has been proven to be both safe and effective. Restylane® contains no animal proteins which limits the risk of allergic reactions or animal-based disease transmission.

Restylane® is injected into the skin in tiny amounts using a very fine needle in a quick procedure. Treatment benefits are commonly seen instantly. Restylane® can be used to smooth facial lines, create fuller lips and improve cheek and chin lines subtly.

There is a slight risk of redness, swelling, pain, itching, burning and tenderness at the site of the Restylane® injections that commonly resolve themselves in one to two days.

Are you ready to have the Restylane® experience? If so, please contact the office of Orange County, California cosmetic surgeon, Douglas L. Hendricks, M.D., FACS of Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center today.

Breast sagging is an unfortunate result of breast size, age, gravity and the effects of pregnancy and nursing. These factors contribute to the stretching of breast tissue.

Breast size is the greatest factor in determining if breasts will eventually droop. Large breasts are pulled down by the force of gravity, and the skin then stretches and loses its elastic properties.

After breast lift surgery, you may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising for about two weeks. Commonly, after this swelling and bruising disappears, you may restart your exercise program gradually, limiting the intensity of the exercises.

Usually, you must avoid overexertion and pressure on the breast area. Aerobics or jogging is normally discouraged for approximately three to four weeks after surgery, but walking and lighter exercises can be resumed two weeks after surgery. Of course, Dr. Hendricks is the one to guide you and will advise you when to return to your past activities full time.

Residents of Newport Beach, Orange County, California, who are contemplating breast lift surgery, should contact the highly qualified breast lift surgeon Douglas L. Hendricks, M.D., FACS of Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center in Newport Beach, California today for a comprehensive consultation to address any issues you have concerning this procedure.

If you are an informed and knowledgeable person when it comes to what to expect from the results of your breast lift surgery, the chances of a good outcome increase dramatically.

Breast lift surgery is a procedure used to lift sagging breasts that lose their skin elasticity and shape with aging and the effects of gravity.

Most breast lift surgeries are accomplished without serious complications or side effects, but like any other surgical procedure, there are some risks involved. After breast lift surgery you may experience some discomfort, swelling and bruising, which may last two to three weeks. Pain medication is commonly prescribed for the first week of breast lift surgery recovery time, but the pain and discomfort are minimal. You will be advised to sleep on your back for the first two weeks following your procedure and to wear a support bra.

You may return to work one week post-surgery if your job is not physically demanding. Sutures are usually removed two to three weeks after the procedure. It may be one month before all swelling and bruising disappears and the final dramatic results of your breast lift are truly apparent. Scars will be noticeable for a few months, but will continue to fade into thin white lines.

Does the idea of breast lift surgery appeal to you? Please contact the experienced breast lift surgery specialist, Douglas, L. Hendricks, M.D., FACS, of Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn more about the benefits of this procedure.

A breast lift elevates and reshapes sagging breasts. A breast lift will reshape or remove excess skin, elevate the remaining tissue and skin, and reposition the nipples. When the physical aspects of a breast lift are accomplished, the result also has an effect on your feelings of self-esteem and confidence.

There are different types of breast lifts you should be aware of if you are contemplating having this procedure done. A full breast lift requires multiple incisions and has the most dramatic outcome. A modified breast lift uses only one incision on the areola, which results in less scarring, but also has a less dramatic outcome.

Breast lift surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis in one to three hours. The time it takes varies case by case. The side effects of breast lift surgery include temporary discomfort, some bruising and swelling, and the healing skin may feel dry. The scarring associated with this procedure will lessen over time.

Breast lift surgery results can be permanent, but aging, gravity and weight changes sometimes create a need for breast lift revision surgery.

Have you been contemplating breast lift surgery? Please contact the highly trained cosmetic surgeon, Douglas L. Hendricks, M.D., FACS of Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center today to schedule a comprehensive consultation to learn more about this procedure.

A SmartLipo procedure, which is a less-invasive technique alternative to traditional liposuction, is an extremely safe out-patient procedure that is among the fastest growing cosmetic surgery options today.

Although traditional liposuction can be associated with long, painful recovery periods, SmartLipo patients fully recover seemingly in less time, with less pain or bruising and leave the procedure with band-aids instead of stitches.

The goal of SmartLipo is to come away from the procedure with the best result while minimizing the risk of complications. The laser that is used is quite accurate at directing the enrgy to reduce fat in the specific target area while sparing adjacent areas from damage. Using SmartLipo, the risk of post operative irregularities is reduced thanks to cutting-edge technology.

With SmartLipo, you are able to return to normal activities after only days of recovery time with minimal discomfort and bruising. Recovery begins the moment your procedure is completed with less risk of the nausea and disorientation encountered with the general anesthetic used in a traditional liposuction procedure. Patients are commonly released within one hour of the completion of their procedure with a prescription for pain medication, if needed, and a compression bandage, which encourages healing and prevents damage to the procedure site.

Residents of the Newport Beach, Orange County, California area contemplating liposuction should contact the highly skilled cosmetic surgeon Douglas L. Hendricks, M.D., FACS of Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center today to learn more about SmartLipo the safe and painless alternative to traditional liposuction.

SmartLipo is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional liposuction. SmartLipo is a very safe alternative method to remove fat that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2006. There has never been a report of a serious life-threatening complication with the SmartLipo procedure since that time. SmartLipo is an outpatient procedure that has become one of the fastest growing and minimal-risk cosmetic surgery options available today.

A SmartLipo procedure is performed in forty-five minutes to one hour with no discernable side effects. A laser enclosed in a thin cannula (tube) is inserted through a tiny incision, which causes the fat cells to liquefy, and the liquid debris is removed from the area being treated with minimal blood loss and damage to the surrounding tissue.

If you have struggled repeatedly with diets and exercise programs with little or no results in those areas of stubborn fat deposits, you may be a candidate for a SmartLipo procedure. SmartLipo is not intended to reduce body weight; instead, it will remove fat cells from small targeted areas of the face, arms, thighs, and neck.

If you would like to learn more about the SmartLipo procedure and you live in the Orange County, California area, please contact Dr. Douglas L. Hendricks of Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center today.

SmartLipo is a minimally invasive and safe procedure that is an excellent alternative to traditional liposuction. Traditional liposuction is associated with longer recovery periods, some scarring, and sometimes less-than-perfect results. The SmartLipo procedure involves the use of an advanced laser under the surface of the skin, offering advantages over the traditional liposuction method.

Traditional liposuction requires larger incisions to vacuum out solid fat, which is very traumatic to the surrounding tissue. Using the SmartLipo procedure the fat cells are liquefied, which causes less trauma, less blood loss, and less bruising. The SmartLipo procedure is more often performed under local anesthesia, thereby reducing the risk of complications of general anesthesia, and smaller cannulas are used to remove the liquefied fat cells, so no stitches are required to close the tiny incisions.

In the past, traditional liposuction required weeks and even months of painful healing and often limited activity. The recovery time for SmartLipo seems to be more rapid with less bruising and discomfort, with patients returning to normal daily activities within a few days following the surgery.

If you are a resident of the Newport Beach, Orange County, California area and you are contemplating liposuction, please contact the Newport Beach office of Douglas L. Hendricks, M.D., FACS of Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center today to learn more about SmartLipo in a personalized, comprehensive, consultation to discuss the easy and affordable self-improvement options available to you.

Many patients who enter the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center looking and feeling more tired and older than they would like, walk out with a whole new outlook on life. Best of all, the process is quick, virtually painless and highly effective.

What is the secret to our success (and our patients’ happiness)? Laser skin renewal treatments. Our Cynosure® Affirm™ CO2 LaserSkinRenewal system helps to reverse the normal signs of aging and sun damage by minimizing skin discolorations, wrinkles and photo aging. The lasers help stimulate the production of collagen on the skin to aid in tissue tightening and helping the skin appear more youthful.

How long does the process take?

Laser skin renewal treatments can take 15-30 minutes, depending on the area(s) to be treated. Some patients may only require one treatment, while others may need additional treatments to achieve the desired results.

What is the downtime after treatment?

One of the best aspects of laser skin renewal treatments is that normal activities can be resumed immediately after treatment. Because each patient is unique, some patients may experience some swelling or redness 1-2 days after treatment. Positive results can be seen immediately after treatment.

Laser skin renewal makes it easier than ever to erase the signs of aging and the harsh effects of the environment. If you would like to learn more, please contact Orange County cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center for a free consultation.

Time, the environment and heredity have a way of leaving visible marks on a person’s face, neck, hands or body. While invasive cosmetic surgery is a viable alternative for many people to help alter their appearance, non-invasive laser skin renewal is an excellent option to help people who have:

• Loose skin
• Wrinkles
• Uneven skin tone
• Dark under eye circles
• Enlarged pores
• Sun damaged skin

Laser skin renewal is a fast, safe and effective way to smooth and vaporize the skin and stimulate new collagen growth. While the patient will begin to see positive results immediately after treatment, the skin will continue to improve over time. It is important to realize that there may be some redness and swelling in the days following the treatment, but this is temporary.

Most of Dr. Hendricks’ patients who have inquired about laser skin renewal feel that they appear older and more tired than they actually are. Dr. Hendricks utilizes the Cynosure® Affirm™ CO2 LaserSkinRenewal system to bring new life and vitality to his patients.

Please contact Orange County cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center for a free laser skin renewal consultation to determine if you are a good candidate for this treatment.

Many people who wish to improve their outward appearance have more than just one trouble spot or areas that may require more than one procedure to produce the desired results. Combination surgeries are gaining popularity among patients and surgeons alike because the procedures are effective and safe (when performed by a qualified, knowledgeable and experienced surgeon like Dr. Hendricks).

Examples of surgery combos

• Tummy tuck and liposuction, also called lipoabdominoplasty
• Breast augmentation or lift, tummy tuck and liposuction, sometimes referred to as a “mommy makeover”
• Breast augmentation and breast lift
• Eyelid lift and forehead lift
• Forehead lift and facelift
• Facelift and skin resurfacing
• BOTOX® and dermal fillers
• Cheek, jaw chin implants

It is important to remember that any type of surgery has the potential for risks and complications. Healing times will vary with each patient and will depend on the patient’s overall health before surgery, medical history and what type of procedure(s) were performed. Patients should follow the surgeon’s instructions before, during and after surgery in order to achieve the best results.

If you are interested in altering your appearance through one or a combination of cosmetic procedures, please contact Orange County cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center to schedule your confidential consultation with Dr. Hendricks today.

When considering a tummy tuck procedure, also known as abdominoplasty, it is important to understand that there are varying degrees of surgery that can be performed. Because each patient’s body is completely unique, Dr. Hendricks will provide a thorough examination of your current body shape, taking into consideration your medical and family history as well as your expectations in order to determine which surgery is right for you.

Mini Tummy Tuck

Mini tummy tucks are performed on trouble spots located below the belly button. Both excess fat and skin is removed during surgery and the abdominal muscles tightened. Generally a mini tummy tuck will require a smaller incision area to correct the problem areas, and the belly button may not need to be repositioned on the abdominal area.

Complete Tummy Tuck

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your entire abdominal area, both above and below the belly button, it may be necessary to undergo a complete tummy tuck procedure. In this procedure, a larger incision is made just above the public line to allow for the proper amount of excess fat and skin to be removed. Depending on the amount of skin removed, the belly button may need to be repositioned to create a natural-looking midsection.

To learn if a tummy tuck procedure would benefit your appearance, please contact Orange County cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center to schedule your confidential consultation today.

While many women wish for large breasts, large mammary glands in men are generally not a desirable physical trait. This enlarged breast condition, known as “gynecomastia,” can occur in men at any age and can occur for a number of reasons, including:
• Genetics
• Disease
• Hormonal alterations
• Medications
• Recreational drugs
• Age
• Weight gain

Because gynecomastia can have a devastating effect on a man’s self-esteem and confidence levels, many men are now turning to male breast reduction surgery. This surgical procedure may include one or a combination of the following procedures:
• Removal of excess fat with liposuction techniques
• Removal of breast tissue and/or excess skin
• Repositioning of the nipple and/or reduction of the areola

After surgery, the chest will appear more contoured and masculine. Because incisions are required, there will most likely be some scarring on the chest that may be hidden by the chest’s natural lines or body hair.

If you are a generally healthy male who is suffering from gynecomastia, we may be able to reshape your chest and give you a new outlook on life. Please contact Orange County cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center today to request an initial consultation to discuss your specific situation and learn if you are a candidate for breast reduction surgery.

A tummy tuck or “abdominoplasty” can help both men and women achieve firmer, flatter abdomens by removing excess fat and skin and tightening the muscles of the abdominal walls.

Good candidates for abdominoplasty procedures are those who:

• Set realistic expectations for the results of the surgery. This should be discussed in detail with Dr. Hendricks prior to any decision to undergo surgery.
• Maintain a healthy body weight and follow a healthy diet and exercise regimen but continue to have excess fat and skin in the abdominal area.

There are specific types of people who can benefit greatly from abdominoplasty.

• Many women who have had children opt to have the abdominoplasty procedure to help reverse the effects that pregnancy can leave on the midsection. However, this procedure is not advised for women who plan to become pregnant in the future.
• Over time, a person’s skin becomes less elastic and the abdominal muscles can become weaker, creating a less than smooth midsection. People who experience this effect can achieve excellent results with abdominoplasty.
• Those who inherit the unfortunate genes for abdominal fat deposits may find that abdominoplasty is the best way to attain the midsection they always wanted.
• People who have experienced significant weight loss can have loose abdominal skin tightened.

Abdominoplasty is not for everyone, but Dr. Hendricks has performed wonderful results on hundreds of patients. For your complimentary abdominoplasty consultation, please contact Orange County cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center

Breast augmentation surgery is an invasive procedure that requires patients to get the appropriate amount of rest after surgery to allow for proper healing. It is common for women to experience post-operative sensations in the breasts, such as firmness and swelling. The breasts may also appear slightly high after surgery. By following Dr. Hendricks’ specific post-operative instructions for your unique situation, these sensations should subside within a month after surgery.

What about exercise?
Generally, one of the most important instructions after breast augmentation surgery is to avoid strenuous or straining activities during the first full week after surgery. Exercise should be avoided for 2-4 weeks after surgery; however, leisurely walking is encouraged to keep blood circulation moving in the body to avoid blood clots. To allow the incision areas to heal properly, it is also important to avoid sweating.

Studies show most women can resume full activity within 3-6 weeks after breast augmentation surgery. It is important to keep in mind that every woman is different and will experience her own unique healing process.

Dr. Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center is committed to helping each breast augmentation patient have a positive experience during every aspect of this surgical procedure, from initial consultation to follow-up appointments. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Orange County cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), in 2007 surgeons performed nearly 12 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, which is up 7 percent from 2006. More than 1.8 million surgical cosmetic procedures were performed in 2007, with breast augmentation leading the top five. In fact, 348,000 patients chose breast augmentation surgery in 2007, up 6 percent from 2006.

With so many women choosing this elective surgery, how do you know if breast augmentation surgery is right for you? The following lists may help you make the initial decision to pursue conversations and a professional breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center.

Good candidates for breast augmentation

A good candidate for breast augmentation will be a woman who:
• Has good overall health
• Is physically and mentally mature (teenagers may not be good candidates)
• Is not pregnant or breastfeeding
• Is making the decision for herself, not another person
• Understands the potential risks and complications
• Has realistic expectations of how the breasts will look
• Has realistic expectations of how the new breasts will make her feel

Breast augmentation surgery can give women renewed self-confidence if done for the right reasons. If you would like to learn if you are a candidate for breast augmentation, please contact Orange County cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center.

Whether you have always wanted larger breasts or want to regain a larger breast size after pregnancy and breastfeeding, breast augmentation is a popular and effective way to achieve the upper body you desire. When performed by a knowledgeable, trained and qualified board certified cosmetic surgeon, breast augmentation surgery is generally a safe procedure. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are always risks and complications that can arise. It is important to ask questions about breast augmentation and be aware of these risks before undergoing any surgical procedure.

Possible risks and complications
• Infection (causing breast inflammation, fever, tenderness, etc.)
• Capsular contracture (when the implant pocket shrinks, squeezing the implant and making it feel hard)
• Bottoming out (when the implant falls on the chest, making the nipple too high)
• Rupture, leaking or deflation of the implant
• Sensation changes in the breast or nipple
• Mondor’s cord (a blood vessel inflammation that will heal itself)
• Symmastia (when the two implants merge on the chest, making the two breasts look like one “uniboob”)
• Rippling or wrinkling (when the skin appears wavy due to saline shifting)
• Scarring
• Blood clots

During any consultations with Dr. Hendricks, he will discuss all of the benefits and risks associated with breast augmentation surgery so you can make an informed decision. To arrange for your free breast augmentation consultation, please contact Orange County cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center.

Dermal fillers have made it possible for both men and women to erase the signs of aging: facial lines, wrinkles, creases and folds that appear courtesy of heredity, sun exposure and time. In the past, it was common for the effectiveness of these fillers to last approximately 6 months or longer. Now, with advances in technology, dermal fillers last longer and work more effectively to help smooth the face and provide a more youthful appearance.

Below are several hyaluronic acid dermal fillers that may last up to 1 year. Hyaluronic acids are naturally-occurring substances in the body.

• Restylane®
• Juvederm® – actually FDA-approved to last 1 year
• Perlane®
• Radiesse®

There are other types of dermal fillers that may last longer than one year including:

• Sculptra® – a synthetic polymer filler that produces progressive results over time, results that can last up to 2 years
• Radiesse – Hydroxyapatite is a white gel consisting mainly of calcium. When used for soft tissue enhancement, it provides a soft filling of deeper lines and wrinkles that can last for years. IT has also been used as an alternative to chin implants or cheek implants where highlighting of this area is desired but surgery can be avoided.
• ArteFill® – synthetic polymer microspheres suspended in cow collagen; because the microspheres do no reabsorb, the results can last up to 5 years –not currently available from the US manufacturer.

If you live in Newport Beach or anywhere in Orange County, California and are interested in exploring the various non-surgical cosmetic techniques to reduce the signs of aging, please contact Dr. Hendricks at Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center for a consultation to determine which treatment might be right for you.

In 2002 the FDA approved BOTOX® Cosmetic injections for the treatment of wrinkles on the face for both men and women. These diluted botulinum toxin injections are highly effective in erasing creases that appear between the eyes, on the forehead and around the eyes (the “crow’s feet”). The muscles that cause the deep wrinkles are weakened with the injections causing the injected areas to become smooth and relaxed.

BOTOX® injections are quick, virtually painless and provide results in just a couple of days after treatment, and those results can last in some cases up to 6 months.

What are future competitors of BOTOX®?

• Reloxin is a new botulinum toxin injection that is expected to become FDA-approved sometime in 2009. This new treatment claims to work faster than BOTOX and provide longer-lasting results.
• PurTox is another botulinum toxin injection that is working toward FDA-approval.
• Revance claims to be a botulinum toxin that can be applied directly to the skin, without injections, to provide the same results as BOTOX. This product is still awaiting FDA-approval.

As technology continues to advance in the field of cosmetic injections, patients will have more and more options from which to choose. If you would like to discuss the different FDA-approved options available today, please contact Orange County cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center for a consultation.

Lines and wrinkles on the face are inevitable as we grow older. Some experience these signs of aging more quickly than others because of sun exposure or heredity. Regardless of when the lines appear, more and more people looking for non-surgical ways to erase these lines from their faces.

Dermal fillers have gained popularity over the years to help people restore fullness and youthfulness in their faces. Restylane® is one such product that provides immediate results. Restylane is made of a hyaluronic acid, a substance that naturally exists in the body. When injected into wrinkles and folds in the mid-to-deep dermis region of the face, Restylane delivers nutrients and binds to water in the body to plump and smooth the facial lines and provide long-lasting results. Most patients will see visible benefits of a Restylane treatment for 6 months or longer.

Are there other hyaluronic acid treatments available?

Yes, there are other hyaluronic acid treatments available, including:
• Hylaform® - this is an animal-based product that comes from rooster combs
• Captique® - this is a plant-based product
• Juvederm® - hyaluronic acid that is “cross-linked” to form a gel

If you are considering non-surgical methods to reduce the signs of aging on your face, please contact Orange County cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center for a free consultation to determine which treatment might be right for you.

Procedure of the week: Facelifting

In a series of blogs over the next few weeks, I will be giving my view about the latest in trends on facelifting, mini-facelifting, other facial procedures, body contouring and breast enhancement procedures.

The first article in this series is about facelifting.

Age and the environment around you often affect the soft tissues of the face. Your skin will become less firm and folds and wrinkles will begin to appear. What is the solution to this problem? While some women may try skin tightening creams or lotions, the most effective solution is a facelift. A facelift can dramatically improve the deep cheek folds, jowls, and loose sagging skin around your neck. Ultimately, it can make you look decades younger.

How is the procedure done?

First of all, mini-facelift means different things to different people. In general mini-facelift equals mini result. A mini-facelift may be great if you have a small degree of skin looseness, but it will not last as long as the traditional facelifting procedures that provide fantastic improvement with long- lasting results.

In traditional facelift surgery, the incisions are made at your hairline. The incisions are made there for a few reasons. The first is that they follow the natural lines of your face. The second is by making the incisions behind your hairline, the incisions are nearly impossible to see. Once the incision is made, the skin is gently separated from the underlying soft tissue. Once the separation is complete, excess skin can be removed and repositioned for a younger, healthier look.

The next step is the muscular layers under your skin are tightened. This is done to create a more youthful appearance to your lower face and around your neck. Areas that have excess fat may be trimmed or suctioned. Once the skin is properly and carefully positioned upward, the extra skin will be removed and the incisions will be closed.

For more information on the facelift procedure, please visit our facelift frequently asked questions section or visit my facelift before and after photos.

Facelift surgery is one of the most effective ways to look years younger. Both men and women alike get the procedure and I will be able to discuss the best way to reveal a younger looking you. By simply coming in for a confidential consultation, I can help you decide if facelift surgery is for you.

This week was a tough week for Board Certified Plastic Surgeons everywhere.

Two main news items took place:

The first, was Govenor Schwarzenegger signing legislation to allow oral surgeons to perform facelifts, rhinoplasty, brow-lifts and other cosmetic surgery procedures.

The second was a ruling by a judge in California to force the California Medical Board to grant equivalency to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. The ABCS is a group that has not been recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. The ABMS is the agency that regulates and certifies the different medical specialties, such as Psychiatry and Internal Medicine.

These groups have not been able to qualify through the traditional route of recognition through the American Medical Association and therefore have sought legal or legislative action to allow them selves to be considered "board-certified" and equal to true board-certified Plastic Surgeons.

Individuals that have chosen to pursue the training to become Board Certified plastic surgeons have chosen to be "The best of the best" and their training is typically as lengthy as neurosurgeons and cardiac surgeons. These other specialties, such as oral surgeons, that wish to claim equivalency have simply not spent the same amount of time dedicated to being the best.

Unfortunately for the public who seek someone with the best training, the term "Board Certification" has come to mean less and less, due in part, to these rulings.

I encourage every patient that expects experience, training and skill from their doctor, to look closely at the credentials before "signing-up".

At Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center, Dr. Douglas Hendricks will listen to your concerns and make recommendations based on your desired outcome. Dr. Hendricks offers a confidential consultation and he will meet with you personally to answer all your questions.

Dr. Hendricks will review all the surgery options with you and discuss the procedure, cost, and most importantly how to have a safe and speedy recovery.

If you are considering surgery, check out our before and after gallery. Dr. Hendricks many years of experience and board certification are what set him apart from other cosmetic surgeons. Contact us today for a consultation.