Completed breast augmentation? Check. Made all post-surgery appointments? Check. Finished recovery? Check. Once you’ve made it through the recovery process, it’s easy to assume that your new breasts are in their final position. However, recovery following breast augmentation can often be a month’s long process thanks to the condition known as drop and fluff. While the name may sound innocuous, understanding this process and its role in the overall recovery timeline has helped many augmentation patients better prepare for treatment.

What Exactly is the Drop and Fluff?

Like all other surgical procedures, breast augmentation is a process from which the body continues to heal months after surgery. Whereas other cosmetic procedures usually heal and that’s the end of it, the body must adjust to accommodate inserted implants following breast augmentation. Immediately following surgery, the muscles around the implant and skin tissue experience significant swelling. This results in larger looking breasts that appear to sit high up on the chest and look rounder rather than teardrop shaped. Over the course of several months, inflammation decreases while the muscles and skin gradually adjust to the new additions through a process surgeons and patients alike refer to as the “drop and fluff.”

While the name is amusing, this condition is common among breast implant patients. Usually occurring in the first few months after surgery, drop and fluff starts when the breast skin and muscles start to stretch and relax to accommodate the new implants. No matter how the implants are placed, or the types of implants used, they all begin to slowly shift down the chest and point outward. As the implants gradually move into their final position, they naturally begin to fill out the bottom portion of the breast or “settle” into the pocket they’ve created. Known as the “fluff” phase of implant recovery, this second step is what provides the natural-looking teardrop shape rather than a high and tight appearance common in the first weeks following surgery.

Ultimately, the drop and fluff process is what provides patients with a natural-looking augmentation.

What to Expect During Drop and Fluff

The first thing patients should know about this recovery step is that every patient heals from surgery in their own way. While some face shorter recovery time and a longer period of descent, other individuals can spend months healing from the initial surgery and several more months waiting for their breasts to achieve their final position. Every patient’s journey is unique and therefore should be carefully planned with each individual’s specific concerns in mind.

Similarly, everyone’s unique recovery timeline also determines when their breasts will start their journey south. Gravity, surgery and how well your body heals also determine when the breasts completely drop and fluff. As such, it is important for patients to stay patient in the weeks and months following surgery. On average, it can take up to three months for the breasts to complete the entire recovery plus drop and fluff process.

How to Help Your Breasts Settle

During each follow-up appointment with our Beverly Hills surgeons, our team will examine and check your recovery to ensure the implants are on their way to correctly settling into their final position. Dr. David Kim may also recommend at home solutions to help encourage proper settling. This can include breast bands or compression bras and massaging techniques.

Schedule Your Consultation Today!

At BHPS, our surgical team is your resource for understanding the immediate and long-term impacts of plastic surgery. To learn more about comprehensive cosmetic care, call 310-746-5475 today and schedule your consultation with our Beverly Hills surgeons!

 

 

How much does Juvederm Dermal Filler Cost? | Beverly Hills Medical SpaJuvederm dermal injectable treatment has remained of the most sought-after treatments in recent years for people seeking to improve signs of facial aging without cosmetic surgery.

The treatment provider will explain various aspects of Juvederm filler injections to the patient during the pre-treatment consultation, including its estimated costs. The main goal of the injection provider will be to enable the patient to make a well-informed decision which includes deliberation on the financial implications of this treatment as well.

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, led by successful plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim, provides Juvederm filler treatment to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.

 

Price Tag Comparison

In comparison to facial cosmetic surgery and other procedures involving ultrasound or laser, the Juvederm dermal filler is a more cost-effective procedure for facial skin rejuvenation. The time taken to administer Juvederm injections is around 20 to 30 minutes.

In addition, this procedure does not usually involve anesthetic, lab tests, prescription drugs or other expenses before or after the treatment. Relative to other filler injectable treatments, Juvederm offers longer lasting outcomes.

The results of most filler injectable treatments sustain for nearly six months. In comparison, Juvederm outcomes have a longevity of up to one year. This allows the Juvederm dermal filler injections to be more cost-effective in relation to other filler procedures.

 

Financial Factors

Juvederm costs typically vary between patients and practices. The geographical location of a specific practice also impacts Juvederm costs. While main urban centers and busy metropolitan areas usually have higher real estate and operational costs, such costs are lower in small interior towns.

This aspect affects the costs of goods and services in different areas, including the cost of cosmetic procedures such as Juvederm. On top of this, the qualification, skill, and experience of the treatment provider also impact the treatment costs as different practices offer varying standards of service and quality to patients.

 

Cost Evaluation

Juvederm injections are available in different syringe sizes to address the unique requirements of various facial regions. Smaller facial sites require less gel which reduces the overall treatment monetary amounts. For instance, for the treatment of smile lines surrounding the lips, the patient may need one or two Juvederm syringes.

In case of finer lines around the lip line, the patient may need smaller and more inexpensive syringes. During the initial consultation, the patient should openly ask the injection provider any questions that they may have regarding the procedure’s financial details or other aspects of Juvederm.

On top of this, the patient should compare the dollar amount involved in other injectable treatments with Juvederm costs to make a judicious decision.

The patient may be eligible for some rebate if they choose to undergo Juvederm along with another cosmetic procedure, depending on the practice’s policy. At times, the Juvederm manufacturer may also offer promotional rates which could be advantageous to patients.

 

Insurance and Financing

Juvederm is commonly undertaken as an elective cosmetic procedure. This means that the patient will likely not be eligible for insurance coverage for this treatment.

However, they can explore various avenues to finance the treatment such as private loans, credit cards, bank loans, and financing via medical care finance companies.

Committed cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and other cities and neighborhoods in this part of the state for Juvederm.

What is Juvederm Dermal Filler used for? | Beverly Hills Medical SpaThe face is the most prominent area of the body, and facial signs of aging can make a person appear older than their real age.

Juvederm dermal filler injections are an effective cosmetic dermatology treatment for people seeking to reduce moderate to severe facial wrinkles and lines in a non-surgical manner.

Juvederm dermal injectables can instantly add fullness to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines restoring a tauter, firmer, and more youthful appearance. Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, led by judicious plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim, provides Juvederm dermal filler injections to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

 

Treatment Sites

Juvederm filler can reduce wrinkles and lines on any area of the face such as the mouth, nose, and forehead. This non-cosmetic surgery procedure can also mitigate the appearance of nasolabial folds and enhance the lips and nose.

Juvederm injections can improve facial contours and soften the appearance of acne scars. The FDA approved injectable treatment can be administered in-office and does not involve the use of general anesthesia or sedation.

 

Customized Treatment

The patient can undergo Juvederm treatment along with Botox or another type of plastic surgery or non-surgical procedure to reduce facial aging signs for more complete results.

Juvederm is available in multiple formulations which make it a versatile treatment making it customizable according to the patient’s unique requirements. This dermal filler can plump the lips, add volume to depleted cheeks, mitigate fine lines and wrinkles, and restore rounder contours in the face.

 

Lip Enhancement

In addition to reducing signs of facial aging, Juvederm can also help women acquire plumper, more voluptuous lips. Plump and well-defined lips can help a woman appear more desirable. Juvederm can also successfully be used to create more symmetry in the lips.

 

Improving Laugh Lines

Laughing is an expression of joy. However, repetitive motions in this region around the mouth make the laugh lines more visible. At times, these lines can even become static which means that they are visible even when the muscles in this area do not move.

Juvederm can reduce and soften laugh lines in a completely nonsurgical manner. Sometimes Juvederm and Botox are used in combination to address laugh lines and smile lines depending on the health of the skin and depth of these lines.

 

Nose Reshaping

In recent times, nonsurgical nose reshaping has become a very sought-after procedure. Nonsurgical rhinoplasty may include dermal fillers (typically Juvederm) as well as Botox.

Targeted Juvederm injections can correct minor nasal imperfections such as reducing a nasal bump and enhancing the nostrils and nose tip.

 

Eye Bag Reduction

The correct time to undergo Juvederm filler treatment to reduce under eye bags is right when the puffiness begins to sets in. Juvederm dermal filler will make the skin in the under eye area smooth again reducing the patient’s reliance on makeup to hide the puffiness.

Juvederm dermal fillers enhance facial appearance in a subtle way making the face appear firmer and more youthful looking. Experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and other towns and cities in this region of the nation for Juvederm.

Stubborn pockets of fat can be difficult to target, even with an intensive workout regimen and a great diet. Individuals who find themselves in the boat of being close to achieving their dream figure but are blocked by these stubborn bumps find liposuction to be a great option – and for good reason. While the treatment may best be known for removing stubborn fat from the abdomen, liposuction is among the most versatile plastic surgeries available. Furthermore, the treatment’s versatility makes it possible for patients to recontour almost any part of the body, from the neck to the thighs. In recent years, certain areas have emerged as the most popular liposuction treatment areas:

Waist, Hips, Abdomen

For men and women alike, a smooth, flat stomach or washboard abs can be a source of pride once finally achieved. However, if you find yourself with love handles or a muffin top, no number of crunches or carb cutting can completely remove these lovingly named pockets of excess adipose tissue (fat cells).

Using liposuction to help remove extra fat and smooth out these areas is a popular option for men and women, especially in the months leading up to summer vacations. By removing the unnecessary layer of fat tissue from the abdomen, lips, and waist, patients feel more confident in their appearance, whether preparing for a beach trip or wearing form-fitting clothes that show off their physique.

Abdominal liposuction isn’t just ideal in the months before an upcoming trip. Many women turn to lower abdominal liposuction as a way of restoring femininity to their bodies after birth and incorporate this surgery as part of their larger mommy makeover.

Chest and Back

For many men, the ideal physique is one with a broad, well-defined chest and back. However, age and diet can lead to pockets of fat developing in these areas, creating a flabbier, less toned appearance that can quickly derail your self-confidence. As more men have embraced the benefits of plastic surgery, more are turning to liposuction in these areas as a way of enhancing their gym results while looking natural.

Among women, liposuction of the back and chest are also quickly becoming incredibly popular options for removing unpleasant bra rolls that can appear beneath clothes. When liposuction is used on the chest, it can add greater definition and offers results like a breast lift.

Upper arms

Do you avoid wearing tank tops or lifting your arms more than necessary due to excess fat? If so, you are not alone. Using liposuction to improve definition of the upper arm is an increasingly popular treatment option among men and women. In addition to helping create greater tone in the arm, using liposuction in this part of the body allows individuals to reap the benefits of an arm lift without the impacts of major plastic surgery.

Legs, Thighs, Buttocks

Aside from the abdomen, the lower body is perhaps the most popular treatment area for liposuction. For many, fat collects at different parts of the thighs and around the buttocks. The inner thighs, outer thighs, the front of the thighs and area below the buttocks are popular areas that can all be recontoured with the help of liposuction.

Achieve your Dream Appearance

You don’t need major plastic surgery to achieve your dream figure. For many who are struggling with removing the last few lumps and bumps from their appearance after sticking to an effective workout routine, liposuction is an excellent, minimally invasive option adapted to your needs. At Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, our experienced surgeons can create the personalized treatment strategy you need to achieve your dream appearance. Call today to get started!

 

Venus Viva is a proven, perspicacious, and effective treatment to attain smoother, more youthful looking skin by reducing signs of aging and sun damage, such as enlarged pores, rosacea, stretch marks, wrinkles and various other skin issues that impact the texture of the skin.

Venus Viva can be customized depending on the patient’s unique requirements. The procedure is considered very safe and the FDA has cleared Venus Viva for skin resurfacing without involving cosmetic surgery.

and considerate plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides Venus Viva skin tightening and resurfacing treatment to suitable candidates in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and other towns and neighborhoods in this part of the southwest.

Technology

Venus Viva treatment is a combination of SmartScan technology and NanoFractional Radio Frequency (RF). This comprehensive technique helps achieve skin tightening, reduction in wrinkles, soft tissue ablation, and skin resurfacing for the patient, all in a single system.

Radio Frequency (RF) produces thermal energy to bring about changes in the skin, promote new collagen and elastin production as well as prompt the generation of fibroblast to remodel the tissues of the skin.

How it Works

Venus Viva for skin resurfacing uses very small pins that can deliver energy (through NanoFractional Radio Frequency) to the skin in a safe manner. This produces tiny micro-dermal injuries which the body is capable of healing by itself through natural processes.

In this process, visible signs of damage on the skin’s surface are eliminated. The wounds are tiny making this treatment more comfortable for the patient in comparison to traditional CO2 lasers while still offering dramatic skin improvements.

The treatment provider may further enhance the procedure with the DiamondPolar applicator. This reduces lines and wrinkles in a more targeted way.

This applicator makes use of Multi-Polar Radio Frequency and Pulsed Electro Magnetic Fields to deliver consistent heat beneath the skin’s surface. This process promotes the generation of collagen and elastin in the skin giving the patient a brighter, smoother, and more youthful appearance.

Venus Viva is unique in that it has the ability to address a large surface area as well as correct various skin problems in the same treatment session.

The time taken for one treatment session is around 30 minutes. While the number of sessions that a patient requires will depend on their unique skin requirements, the treatment program usually comprises three to four sessions every four to six weeks.

Estimated Downtime

The downtime associated with Venus Via is only around 24 hours or up to five days if the patient receives more aggressive treatments. The skin will appear red for the initial 24 hours. Subsequently, the patient can use makeup and continue their skincare routine as usual.

Outcomes

Venus Viva treatments for skin resurfacing offer the same outcomes as CO2 laser treatments. However, the pain and downtime with this treatment are significantly lower. Lasers work only on people with fair skin tone. However, Venus Viva can safely be administered to people of all complexions.

The outcomes are much more beautiful than with superficial procedures such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels. Careful and accomplished cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for Venus Viva.

The lull in hectic schedules that usually happens from the start of September through November is the perfect time to catch up on long-term goals and develop plans for the future. With that in mind, it’s never too early to start thinking about next year’s big summer vacation. For patients who put plans for major plastic surgery on hold until after a busy summer, the next few months are the perfect time to revisit your aesthetic goals. Here’s why:

You have the Luxury to Weigh Your Options

Planning on a tummy tuck or other figure contouring procedure? Starting as early as March, surgeons’ offices quickly become booked for major surgery as patients try to schedule their procedures before the summer months hit. Getting a head start by scheduling in the fall means you have the luxury of doing thorough research and interviewing prospective surgeons, rather than simply rushing to find a doctor who can squeeze you in. This degree of preparation not only gives you the peace of mind that you’ve done your due diligence, but it also ensures you establish the all-important relationship with a doctor you can feel comfortable going to with questions and concerns before, during, and well after the surgical process.

Peaceful Healing and Recovery

Cooling temperatures mean less time spent outside and more time indoors, relaxing. After any major surgery, having the opportunity to come home and relax for several weeks without being rushed off to a busy schedule is especially critical. Even after the initial incisions have healed, it is still especially important that patients take it easy in the weeks and months following surgery. During the spring and summer months, vacations, staycations, and outdoor events can make it difficult to continue the healing process without interruption.

In contrast, the fall transition into winter makes indoor activities much more prevalent, allowing patients to continue attending social gatherings so long as they take it easy. Likewise, warmer clothing often covers scarring and other signs of recovery, allowing patients to heal without feeling self-conscious of their appearance.

Time for You

Beyond physically changing your body, extensive plastic surgery takes a mental and emotional toll on an individual. For patients who’ve undergone dramatic weight loss or other life changes to reach the point where plastic surgery will help them achieve their final goal, the lead up to surgery and recovery can be especially overwhelming. Having the time to focus on these other facets of your health is an important and often overlooked part of the surgical process. While hectic summer schedules can keep patients out of the house, they can also be distracting and keep individuals from spending that important time focusing on themselves. Likewise, early winter schedules can involve planning in-depth family functions, again leaving little time to focus on preparing for surgery and recovery.

During the fall lull between getting back into the school and work routines, it can be easier for patients to prepare for surgery. This includes scheduling pre-surgery appointments, follow-up visits and taking time off from work to stay home and recover without trying to compete for days off with other colleagues.

It’s time to Schedule Your Consultation at BHPS!

If you’ve been holding off on major plastic surgery until the time is right, now is the perfect opportunity. Call BHPS today to schedule your surgical consultation with our Beverly Hills plastic surgery team. Together, we’ll walk you through the process and ensure you have everything you need for a successful surgery.

 

A woman should carefully choose an experienced and qualified surgeon when considering breast augmentation cosmetic surgery.

She should ideally choose an ABPS plastic surgeon with years of training and experience in performing surgeries to receive the best quality of care possible.

A well-trained and experienced surgeon will significantly minimize the risk of any severe complications developing from the breast surgery. Furthermore, the right surgeon can offer more satisfying results to the patient. Dependable plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides breast implant revision surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities and cities in this area of the state.

ABPS Surgeon

The patient should ensure that her surgeon has received certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). The ABPS is a distinguished board of the American Board for Medical Specialties (ABMS). For the surgeon to become ABPS certified, they will have to meet a stringent set of criteria instated by the board.

Surgeons must have a degree from a recognized medical school along with five-year residency training. They should then have undergone specialized plastic surgery training and possess a proven record of high ethical standards. On top of this, a reconstructive or cosmetic surgeon may be chosen for this certification if their practice focuses primarily on plastic surgery.

Specialized Plastic Surgery Training

Many cosmetic or plastic surgeons have licenses to practice. But all of them may not have adequate training to undertake some of the procedures they advertise. The patient should make sure that the plastic surgeon she chooses has specialized training in various types of breast augmentation surgery.

Patients should only choose a practice that focuses mainly on plastic surgery. The board requires surgeons to undergo a specific period of training before certifying them. There are constant developments in the area of plastic surgery.

Therefore, it is important to ensure that the plastic surgeon the patient selects receives on-going training and is updated on the most advanced plastic surgery procedures.

Emphasis on Customization and Innovation

Every woman has unique breast anatomy. The most effective way to achieve ideal outcomes from breast surgery is if the surgeon customizes the procedure to suit the particular cosmetic and anatomical requirements of the woman. Patients usually attain the highest levels of satisfaction when the surgery is individualized to create more complete and natural looking outcomes.

To deliver the best possible results, it is important for the breast surgeon to constantly update their skills to incorporate the latest techniques and technologies into the breast surgery. The patient receives the most benefit with the latest solutions which are usually more effective as they are an improvement over their predecessors.

Advanced solutions and techniques will allow the surgeon to perform a less invasive and painful procedure, which warrants a shorter recovery period and involves fewer risks.

Combining Art and Science

The breast surgeon should be adept at combining the principles of art as well as science to produce results that are excellent yet safe. An individualized approach to the breast surgery will enable the plastic surgeon to develop sustainable, predictable, safe, and aesthetically beautiful outcomes.

Committed cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and nearby areas across the landscape for breast revision surgery.

No matter how strict your diet is or how intense your exercise regimen is, there still might be certain fat deposits that just won’t budge. Fortunately, liposuction can help get rid of those last bits of stubborn fat. Read our infographic below to find out why you should choose to undergo liposuction.


If you’re interested in liposuction, contact us today.

Breast implant revision cosmetic surgery, also known as breast augmentation revision, is designed to remove or replace breast implants to address any complications or accommodate the patient’s changed aesthetic preferences.

plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides breast implant revision surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

Anesthesia

In a majority of cases, the surgeon performs the breast augmentation revision surgery with the patient under general anesthesia.

The anesthesiologist will administer either IV (intravenous) or inhaled sedatives to make the patient sleep and keep them unconscious until the revision procedure is complete. The patient will be made conscious after the breast augmentation revision procedure is over.  

Implant Replacement

The procedure to replace breast implants is not dissimilar to the original breast augmentation plastic surgery. The options for implant replacement will be established depending on the type of complications the patient has with the primary implants.

The choice between saline and silicone implants for replacement should be undertaken by the women carefully after understanding the advantages and limitations of each implant type. When replacing the breast implants, the breast surgeon will try to make use of previously made incision lines to remove the old implants as well as place the new ones.

This prevents the development of new scars in the breast area. However, if the patient requires different sized or type of implants during the replacement, the surgeon may have to form implant pockets to place the new implants. This will require the placement of new incisions.

Saline Implant Removal

A woman can typically choose to replace breast implants with new ones or remove the implants altogether and undergo a breast lift surgery to restore the natural appearance of the breasts.

In the process of removing saline implants, the breast surgeon may deflate the implant prior to removal. This will lead to the placement of smaller incisions and more convenient implant removal.

In addition to implant removal, the surgeon will also eliminate scar tissue. New implant placement or breast lift surgery will be carried out at the same time after the removal of the primary implants. The procedure will take under one hour, and the patient will be under general anesthesia or IV sedation.

Silicone Implant Removal

The plastic surgeon will check the implant manually for any signs of damage before removing it which will reduce the risk associated with the process. The removal of implants is more complex than the original breast implant surgery, especially with textured implants. The plastic surgeon may also have to eliminate the surrounding muscle and tissue in addition to the implant in some cases.

The surgeon can perform implant replacement, scar revision or breast lift right after removing the old implants. The time taken for the surgery depends on the type of procedure undertaken.

Sealing the Incisions

The surgeon will carefully suture the incisions after placing the implants. While some surgeons use traditional sutures, others use dissolvable ones.

Temporary drain tubes may be placed in the incision sites to collect excess fluid. Judicious cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and other neighborhoods and towns in The Golden State for breast revision surgery.

Patients should prepare thoroughly before a major procedure such as breast implant revision surgery. For patients considering this cosmetic surgery procedure, it is advisable to take the time to make meticulous preparations for the pre and post-surgical phases.

The preparation will not only benefit the patient medically but also offer them a more relaxed and comfortable surgical and recovery experience. Reliable plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides breast implant revision surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities in this part of America.

Surgery Blood Work

Blood work is the first step in preparation for breast implant revision surgery. Prior to the procedure, the surgeon will ensure that the patient’s creatine, hemoglobin, electrolytes, and blood clotting ability (INR) are within the normal range.

If the patient is beyond 50 years of age, she will also require an electrocardiogram (ECG /EKG) to make sure that her heart is functioning properly. If there is something amiss in the blood work or the EKG is abnormal, the breast surgeon will discuss further steps with the patient.

Two Weeks Prior to the Surgery

The breast implant revision plastic surgery preparation starts two weeks before the procedure. If the patient starts the preparation process earlier, they can avoid the last minute rush. Timely preparation will also ensure that the required arrangements are made well in advance.

The patient may need to arrange for the following two weeks before the revision surgery:

The patient will also need to undertake some changes two weeks prior to the breast implant revision surgery, including:

Avoid Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol causes blood thinning which can lead to a prolonged healing period and increase bruising. Instead, the patient should drink plenty of water to keep the body hydrated and nourished.

Quit Smoking

Nicotine will extend the recovery period and increase the possibility of post-operative complications. It is advisable for the patient to stop smoking entirely to avoid any consequent medical issues in the future.

Avoid Aspirin or Ibuprofen

These medications affect the body’s ability to clot blood. In case the patient has body pain or a headache, they can use Tylenol (acetaminophen) instead of these drugs.

Discontinue Herbal Supplements

The patient will also need to discontinue herbal supplements for some time. Many herbal supplements such as ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St. John’s wort, green tea extract, and garlic can interfere with anesthesia. Therefore, the patient will need to stop the intake of herbal supplements two weeks before the procedure.

Night Prior to the Revision Surgery

In preparation for breast implant revision surgery, the patient should undertake these important tasks on the night prior to the procedure:

Experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and other towns and suburbs in this section of California for breast revision surgery.