Procedures | Plastic Surgeon San Francisco | Pacific Heights Plastic Surgery

Nipple Reduction

Nathan Robinson — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 14:33:27 +0000

After breast feeding or pregnancy itself, the nipples can become enlarged and stay enlarged even after the childbearing years have passed. Men sometimes find that their shirt can irritate large nipples during regular activity or exercise.

Is a nipple reduction done along or in combination with other procedures?

For these reasons, both men and women may choose to have nipple reduction surgery. The procedure is often done in combination with other chest procedures like a breast augmentation or breast lift in the case of women, or gynecomastia correction in the case of men.

If a nipple reduction is done in combination with other procedures, these procedures are done under anesthesia. If performed as standalone procedures, simple local anesthesia can be used.

How is a nipple reduction performed?

The procedure, in either men or women includes removing a “wedge” from the middle of the nipple. This preserves the appearance, shape and sensation of the nipple overall during the debulking or nipple reduction.

To schedule a confidential consultation with Dr. Kaplan please contact our San Francisco office at(415) 923-3005 today.

Click here, to check pricing on a nipple reduction.

And learn more about postop recovery here.

*Individual Results May Vary

The post Nipple Reduction first appeared on Plastic Surgeon San Francisco | Pacific Heights Plastic Surgery.

Dimpleplasty

Nathan Robinson — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 14:20:24 +0000

Do you wish you had dimples? I always did growing up! Who would’ve thought that a birth defect (technically) could look so attractive? Nowadays with all the crazy things that celebrities and patients request from their plastic surgeon, I guess it should come as no surprise that you can actually have surgery to create dimples.

What causes a dimple?

Dimples are naturally caused by a birth defect whereby a “kink” in your buccinator muscle causes the overlying skin to stick to the underlying connective tissue. The dimples that appear on a person’s face are usually in the buccinator (cheek) muscle. That’s why facial expressions such as smiling cause the dimples to appear.

How do you “make” a dimple?

A dimpleplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed under local anesthesia. This means that instead of putting the patient to sleep in the operating room, the surgeon can perform the surgery in the exam room in about 15-20 minutes!

First, the surgeon makes an incision inside of your cheek. This means that there are no visible scars on your face. Then, the surgeon creates a “hole” in the muscle and uses an absorbable suture to tether the undersurface of the skin to the surrounding tissue that mimics the “kink” described above. And even after suture absorption, the scarring between the underlying skin and muscle will continue to create the appearance of dimples.

Immediately after surgery, the dimple is visible even without smiling. But after a few days, the dimple only appears when smiling, just like the natural ones.

Contact the San Francisco practice of Dr. Jonathan Kaplan today at (415) 923-3005 for more information about dimpleplasty.

Check pricing for dimpleplasty here.

Bruising Tips

*Individual Results May Vary

The post Dimpleplasty first appeared on Plastic Surgeon San Francisco | Pacific Heights Plastic Surgery.

Labiaplasty

Nathan Robinson — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 14:09:30 +0000

A labiaplasty is a treatment for women who have excess tissue around the vagina, referred to as the labia minora. The labia minora can become very prominent after childbirth, or in some, even before childbirth. While some may dismiss the need for a labiaplasty, this is a real issue for some patients as having an enlarged labia may cause women pain during intercourse. The excess tissue may also be a cause of embarrassment for some women if it protrudes visibly when wearing a bathing suit.

How can this be fixed?

A labiaplasty removes excess tissue on the labia minora, while maintaining the natural contour, pigmentation and sensation. This is performed as an outpatient surgical procedure on it’s own or combined with other procedures. It is performed under general anesthesia with little discomfort or pain to the patient.

What is recovery like?

Recovery time is relatively short and patients are able to return to work within 3-4 days. Patients should experience little to no bruising. We encourage our patients to shower the evening of their procedure and get back to their normal routine as soon as possible. Patients may resume intercourse approximately 3-4 weeks after the procedure. Scarring should be indiscernible and most patients are extremely pleased with their results.

To schedule a confidential consultation with Dr. Kaplan please contact our San Francisco office at(415) 923-3005 today.

Click here, to check pricing for a labiaplasty.

And learn more about postop recovery here.

*Individual Results May Vary

The post Labiaplasty first appeared on Plastic Surgeon San Francisco | Pacific Heights Plastic Surgery.

Calf Augmentation

Nathan Robinson — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 22:10:07 +0000

Calf implants are exactly what you think they are! Just like breast implants, calf implants are silicone-based products that are designed to enhance a patient’s calves.

Why would anyone want calf implants?

Some patients are concerned with the appearance of their lower legs. Bodybuilders may use implants to enhance their look for competitions. Patients who have naturally thin or underdeveloped calves despite exercise or diet. Patients with injuries or physical disabilities may want to correct asymmetry or atrophied muscles.

How is the calf augmentation performed?

A small incision is placed behind the knee, which is hidden in one of the patient’s popliteal creases. The calf implant is placed through the small incision, which is then closed with dissolvable sutures.

What is recovery like?

After the procedure, the patient’s legs may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or support garment. This helps minimize swelling and support the calves as they heal. Keeping the legs elevated will also help alleviate swelling.

The patient may experience some bruising and may walk stiffly for the first week after surgery. During the second week, this typically returns to normal.

Contact the San Francisco practice of Dr. Jonathan Kaplan today at (415) 923-3005 for more information on calf augmentation

Check pricing for calf augmentation here.

Bruising Tips

*Individual Results May Vary

The post Calf Augmentation first appeared on Plastic Surgeon San Francisco | Pacific Heights Plastic Surgery.

Ear Gauge or Split Earlobe Repair

Nathan Robinson — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 21:55:23 +0000

When you were younger, did you get an ear gauge thinking it was cute at the time but now regret it? Has your ear split from an injury or earrings that were too heavy? Both scenarios can be repaired with a simple procedure under local anesthesia.

What is the procedure like?

This procedure takes less than an hour and can be done in the exam room! Patients can go back to their regular routines immediate after the procedure. The ears can even be re-pierced during a two week post procedure appointment, if the patient so desires.

Split earlobe repair

A split earlobe cannot be corrected by simply sewing the edges of the skin together. The opposing edges of the “split” must be removed so that the edges are fresh and can be approximated. Under local anesthesia, the surgeon makes a sharp turn to the cut at the edge of the lobe. This reduces the risk of a notched lobe after the procedure. Instead, the patient’s lobe assumes a natural, smooth curve.

Ear gauge repair

Under local anesthesia, the surgeon removes the enlarged hole or excess skin. Then, similarly to the split earlobe repair described above, the skin cannot simply be sewn back together. Instead, the skin edges are removed first so that when the two sides are approximated, the earlobe results in a smooth curve.

In the case of a very enlarged hole from an ear gauge, removing the hole may result in a pointy earlobe as seen in the video below. Therefore, it is important to remove a wedge of normal skin to for natural ear curve results.

What does your ear look like after the procedure?

In either case, the results can be great with a scar that is barely visible.

Contact the San Francisco practice of Dr. Jonathan Kaplan today at (415) 923-3005 for more information about ear gauge repair or split earlobe repair.

Check pricing for ear gauge repair here and split earlobe repair here.

Bruising Tips

*Individual Results May Vary

The post Ear Gauge or Split Earlobe Repair first appeared on Plastic Surgeon San Francisco | Pacific Heights Plastic Surgery.

Lip Implants

Nathan Robinson — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 19:25:43 +0000

Lip fillers are typically made of hyaluronic acid, which is the same gel that is found in your joints. These fillers can define a patient’s Cupid’s bow and/or plumpen the lips. However, they typically require treatment every 6-12 months.

Is there a more permanent option?

Yes! A surgeon can insert a silicone-based implant under local anesthesia. These implants are measured for a patient’s desired size and fullness, thereby providing symmetry and fullness more accurately than fillers.

What’s the recovery like?

Whenever implants are placed in the body, the patient may experience some fullness and pressure that translates to pain. After the numbness of the procedure wears off, this can be treated with moderate strength pain medication. Once the skin and muscles around the area relax and adjust to the implant, the pain will also subside.

Can these implants leak?

No, the implants will not leak. They are made with a silicone “gummy bear” material instead of liquid silicone.

Contact the San Francisco practice of Dr. Jonathan Kaplan today at (415) 923-3005 for more information about lip implants as an alternative to lip fillers and find the size that’s right for you.

Check pricing for lip implants here.

Bruising Tips

*Individual Results May Vary

The post Lip Implants first appeared on Plastic Surgeon San Francisco | Pacific Heights Plastic Surgery.

Buccal Fat Removal

Nathan Robinson — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 19:06:29 +0000

Feel like you never lost those baby cheeks? Chubby cheeks are often considered to be “cute” in children, but as an adult, some patients prefer a thinner, more streamlined appearance in their face. Guess what? There’s a treatment for that – buccal fat removal!

What causes chubby cheeks and why are they an issue?

The fullness in cheeks is from fat under the facial muscles, called the buccal fat pad. While we do not always realize it, a chubbier face can make people look heavier even if they have a slender body. By slimming the cheek down, patients can appear like they have lost weight or have a thinner overall appearance.

What’s the procedure like?

The procedure can be done either under local anesthesia, with or without sedation. The surgeon makes a small incision inside the mouth (yes, this does mean that there are no visible scars on the face!). Through this small incision, the buccal fat pad is removed. There is almost no downtime and we encourage patients go to back to their regular routine as soon as possible.

Contact the San Francisco practice of Dr. Jonathan Kaplan today at (415) 923-3005 for more information about buccal fat removal or buccal lipectomy.

Check pricing for buccal fat removal or a buccal lipectomy here.

Bruising Tips

*Individual Results May Vary

The post Buccal Fat Removal first appeared on Plastic Surgeon San Francisco | Pacific Heights Plastic Surgery.

Kybella

Nathan Robinson — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 00:22:31 +0000

Have some excess fat in the neck/under the chin that is bothering you? Not quite ready for a surgical procedure? Kybella might be the way to go!

What is Kybella?

Kybella is an injection that uses the chemical deoxycholic acid to dissolve fat.

Does it really work?

According the the New York Times:

“The pooled results from both trials found that 68.2 percent of patients who got the drug saw at least a one-grade reduction in fat, compared with 20.5 percent of patients who got sham injections. Grading was determined by clinical examination and answers on a standardized form.

Sixteen percent of patients who received the real injections saw a reduction of two grades in under-chin fat. Only 1.5 percent of the placebo group saw that level of improvement.

M.R.I. scans also showed that under-chin volume had decreased more in treated patients than in ones who received placebos.”

What does that all mean?

In other words, the injection showed at least some improvement in 68.2% of patients, with no improvement in 31.8% of patients. While we would have preferred that the injection showed at least some improvement in a greater majority of patients, the benefits outweighed the risks.

What’s the catch?

The biggest downside to this treatment is that it requires multiple injections into the neck for each session, with at least 2-3 sessions for full treatment. While all of those needle pokes are not great, if a patient is not ready to have liposuction of the neck/under the chin, it is an option to consider.

Are there any other options?

Another non-surgical fat reduction treatment that can treat the neck/under the chin is CoolSculpting. CoolSculpting freezes the fat in the area treated and kills approximately 20-25% of fat cells in that area. The technology has an applicator that is specifically designed for treating the neck/under the chin.

Contact the San Francisco practice of Dr. Jonathan Kaplan today at (415) 923-3005 for more information about Kybella.

Check pricing for Kybella here.

Bruising Tips

*Individual Results May Vary

The post Kybella first appeared on Plastic Surgeon San Francisco | Pacific Heights Plastic Surgery.

Gynecomastia Correction

Nathan Robinson — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 00:19:28 +0000

Excess breast tissue in males is referred to as gynecomastia. This can be “idiopathic”, meaning there may be no cause. Or it can be caused by a past history of steroid use, marijuana use or a side effect of certain anti-psychotic medications.

Can gynecomastia be corrected?

Of course! There are two different surgical procedures that can correct gynecomastia: liposuction or gynecomastia repair.

Depending on how much excess fat and skin the patient has, sometimes liposuction to the chest is enough. The skin around the area that fat is removed will tighten.

If there is more fibrous tissue and excess skin, this cannot be treated with liposuction alone and may require direct excision. Incisions are made around the lower half of the areola that leaves a hidden scar where the skin naturally is different in color. After liposuction of the chest, the excess breast tissue is removed from the small incision. If there is a great deal of excess skin, more scars may be necessary to remove the skin and obtain desired results. This can be determined during a consultation appointment.

How will the surgeon know if I need gynecomastia correction over liposuction?

This is also determined during a consultation appointment. If your breast tissue is soft and the consistency is similar to “love handles” or flanks, then the underlying tissue is likely all fat and can be treated with liposuction. If the tissue feels firm and rubbery, that is likely breast tissue that will require direct excision via gynecomastia correction.

Contact the San Francisco practice of Dr. Jonathan Kaplan today at (415) 923-3005 for more information on gynecomastia correction for men.

Check pricing for gynecomastia correction here.

Bruising Tips

*Individual Results May Vary

The post Gynecomastia Correction first appeared on Plastic Surgeon San Francisco | Pacific Heights Plastic Surgery.

Belly Button Piercing Removal

Nathan Robinson — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 23:07:41 +0000

When you’re young, some things sound like a good idea at the time. We all do things that we may regret one day, but luckily, a belly button piercing doesn’t have to be permanent and is surprisingly, quite an easy fix!

For some patients, pregnancies may cause stretching of the skin that changes the shape of the piercing, causing parts to hang loose or unattractive holes. If your belly button piercing has run its course, it is possible to have it removed with minimal to no visible scarring.

Can a belly button piercing removal be done under local anesthesia?

Yes it can! It’s a relatively easy procedure done under local anesthesia. Dr. Kaplan will remove the “tube” of skin that created the old piercing tract. It’s removed through the piercing openings so your final incision (and light scar) are about as small as the pricing themselves. The only visible scar is the one above the navel. The other scar is inside the navel which no one can see.

What if I’m having a tummy tuck? Can I have it done at the same time?

Absolutely!

What is the recovery like?

You’ll be in and out of the procedure in less than an hour and can go right back to your regular routine. Taking care of the tiny incisions is straight forward. Keeping the area clean and dry is key: Patients should shower (not bathe) at least once a day and let soap and water run over the closed incision. Within a couple of weeks, when it’s fully healed, then you can start submerging in water like a bath or hot tub. Ultimately, the scar will look like a crease in the skin. You may also opt into purchasing a silicone scar cream (yes, that’s available in the office) to help further improve the appearance of the scar.

Contact the San Francisco practice of Dr. Jonathan Kaplan today at (415) 923-3005 for more information about belly button piercing removal or to schedule a consultation.

Check pricing for belly button piercing removal here.

*Individual Results May Vary

The post Belly Button Piercing Removal first appeared on Plastic Surgeon San Francisco | Pacific Heights Plastic Surgery.

Lipoma Removal

Nathan Robinson — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 23:05:30 +0000

A lipoma is a fatty mass that can occur anywhere on the body. While it is technically a tumor, it is typically a benign, non-cancerous process. This is very common and most of us probably have a few on unnoticeable ones on our bodies right now!

Where does it come from?

A lipoma can come from anywhere or nowhere! It can just show up one day and grows slowly to the point when you wake up one morning and notice a bump for the first time. However, there is also some suggestion that it may result from previous trauma that does not have to be particularly significant. Maybe you were accidentally hit in the arm by a door. Or a stroller bumped into your leg. A seemingly minor traumatic event can cause the body to form a cushion of fatty tissue as a way of protecting itself from future injury to that area.

What can you do about it?

If the mass is small as does not have any significant effect on your daily life, you do not have to do anything about it. However, if it begins to hurt, is growing large enough to be noticeable, or it just annoys you, then it is reasonable to have it removed.

Do I need to have surgery?

Yes, however, you do not necessarily have to be put to sleep. Instead, it can be a very minor procedure. If the mass is small enough, then it can be removed under local anesthesia. Something larger may require a type of conscious sedation where the patient is relaxed, but responsive.

To schedule a confidential consultation with Dr. Kaplan please contact our San Francisco office at(415) 923-3005 today.

Click here, to check pricing on a lipoma removal.

And learn more about postop recovery here.

*Individual Results May Vary

The post Lipoma Removal first appeared on Plastic Surgeon San Francisco | Pacific Heights Plastic Surgery.

Benign Mass Removal

Nathan Robinson — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 22:59:44 +0000

While not particularly a sexy topic, a benign mass is something that a lot of Americans experience. An example of a benign mass is a lipoma. This is a fatty mass that can occur anywhere on the body. While it is technically a tumor, it is typically a benign, non-cancerous process.

Where does it come from?

A benign mass can come from anywhere or nowhere! It can just show up one day and grows slowly to the point when you wake up one morning and notice a bump for the first time. However, there is also some suggestion that it may result from previous trauma that does not have to be particularly significant. Maybe you were accidentally hit in the arm by a door. Or a stroller bumped into your leg. A seemingly minor traumatic event can cause the body to form a mass as a way of protecting itself from future injury to that area.

What can you do about it?

Do I need to have surgery?

Contact the San Francisco practice of Dr. Jonathan Kaplan today at (415) 923-3005 for more information about benign mass removal.

Check pricing for benign mass removal here.

Bruising Tips

*Individual Results May Vary

The post Benign Mass Removal first appeared on Plastic Surgeon San Francisco | Pacific Heights Plastic Surgery.