Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon Before A Facelift | Los AngelesThe face is a complex area of the body from a cosmetic point-of-view. Therefore, only a highly trained and experienced plastic surgeon should undertake a significant procedure such as facelift cosmetic surgery.

The patient should identify a well-qualified surgeon and ask relevant questions at the time of the pre-op consultation to garner clarity on the surgery.

plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides facelift to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.

 

Informed and Independent Decision

The decision to undergo a significant procedure such as facelift surgery should be made by the patient independently, and without under any pressure or influence from external sources such as magazines or their peer group.

The patient will need to sign legal consent forms before the surgery which will state that the patient is making the decision out of their free will and are aware of the potential risks of facelift surgery.

 

Questions to Ask

 

Other Suggestions

The patient should ideally review as many facelift before and after images as they can to develop a clear understanding about the procedure and form realistic expectations. If the patient wishes to get more information about the surgeon’s reputation, they can ask them for testimonials from previous patients.

Today patients can easily seek more information, reviews, and feedback about the surgeon and their practice online. They may also reach out to the state medical board for surgeon verification. Reliable cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for facelift.


For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim. 
 Click here to contact us today.

Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and surrounding areas.

Your Facelift Surgery Consultation | Beverly Hills | Los AngelesOver the past decade, the facelift has become one of the more popular plastic surgery procedures helping patients restore a youthful facial appearance.

The pre-operative consultation is a vital part of the facelift procedure, which constitutes the basis of a customized facelift surgical plan. Reliable plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides facelift to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and other suburbs and neighborhoods in this section of the southwest.

 

Establishing Candidacy

The surgeon will determine the patient’s candidacy for the facelift and review their medical records as well as inquire about their present health status. The surgeon may also adjust any present medications that the patient uses, if necessary.

On top of this, the surgeon may order some medical or allergy tests for certain patients. They will assess the patient’s age, skin laxity in the face, and body profile before determining if they require facelift as a standalone procedure or along with other treatments such as upper face procedures or nonsurgical procedures such as Botox.

 

Patient Education

A clear understanding of the procedure will enable the patient to arrive at the right decision and feel more reassured throughout the process. At the time of the consultation, the patient should openly ask any questions that they may have about the facelift cosmetic surgery procedure or the surgeon’s practice.

A committed surgeon will offer the patient accurate answers and ensure that they have complete clarity about the procedure.

In case the surgeon recommends procedures such as an eye lift, neck lift, or brow lift or some nonsurgical treatments with the facelift, they will offer the reasons for their recommendations and enable the patient to make an informed choice.

 

Discussing Patient’s Goals

The surgeon’s comprehension of the patient’s reasons for seeking facelift surgery as well as the areas of the face that the patient is unhappy about form an essential aspect of the consultation process.  

Only the patient can provide accurate feedback on this aspect. They should unhesitatingly provide the surgeon with details about their inherent cosmetic needs and desires.  

After the surgeon garners a complete understanding of the patient’s needs, they will incorporate this feedback into an individualized facelift surgery plan.

A dedicated surgeon will not adopt an off-the-rack approach to facelift surgery. They will customize the procedure according to the unique needs and facial anatomy of the patient.

 

Evaluating Health and Facial Anatomy

A facelift is an invasive surgical procedure. The patient should be in decent overall health to withstand the surgery and anesthesia. The surgeon will evaluate the patient’s health records and ask questions regarding any pre-existing medical conditions.

The patient should honestly disclose this information to the surgeon. In case the surgeon detects any untreated skin infections in the neck or face area, they will require such infections to be treated prior to scheduling the surgery.

Moreover, the surgeon will assess the patient’s age, weight, measurements, facial fat deposits, amount of skin laxity, skin type, and the anatomy of the face, skin, and jaw. On this basis of this assessment, they will determine a suitable facial surgery technique or a combination of facial procedures.

Compassionate cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and other towns and communities in this area of California for facelift.


For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim. 
 Click here to contact us today.

Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and surrounding areas.

Are You a Suitable Candidate for a Facelift? | Beverly HillsFacelift plastic surgery (rhytidectomy) is a procedure meant to mitigate facial signs of aging and wrinkles. This surgery aims to enhance the appearance of the face and the jaw in a comprehensive manner.

Facelift surgery can help the patient appear more youthful by countering the adverse effects of stress, aging, and time.

A sagacious and well-trained plastic surgeon will perform the rhytidectomy in an artistic way paying close attention to the nuances of the face to ensure that the patient accomplishes beautiful and natural looking results with minimal scarring.

Other than traditional facelifts, patients can also consider various other types of facelifts to treat specific areas of the face. Caring plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides facelift surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities across the landscape.

 

Ideal Candidates

The following are some factors that will establish the candidacy of an individual for facelift surgery.

Skin Elasticity

Appropriate facelift candidates have some degree of elasticity and suppleness in their skin.

Strong Bone Structure

An ideal facelift candidate will have a strong bone structure to be able to support the results of the facelift and contribute to beautiful outcomes.

Sagging Facial and Neck Skin

In general, facelift candidates want to remove excessive skin from the neck and face area. A facelift can simultaneously provide such patients with tighter skin and a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles.

 

Facelift Surgery for Men

Both women and men can receive dramatic results from facelift cosmetic surgery. Males may choose this surgery to mitigate aging signs and attain a younger and rejuvenated look.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) highlights that within a five-year period beginning in 2010, the number of men undergoing facelift surgery has gone up by 44 percent. The procedure steps remain the same for men as well as women.

 

Candidates for Different Types of Facelift

Traditional Full Facelift

A full facelift offers patients more comprehensive results. This surgery treats deep wrinkles underneath the eyes, sagging skin in the cheeks, lines around the mouth, excessive fat and skin in the chin area, and jowls among others. This surgery involves a more significant incision that usually goes from the temple, around the ear, and down to the neck region.

Mid Facelift

A mid facelift is meant to lift and tighten the underlying tissues in the cheek and eye area. The surgeon places incisions that are similar to a full facelift in this surgery. But the incisions go deeper allowing the surgeon to lift the muscles that a traditional facelift cannot address.

Mini Facelift

In a mini facelift, the surgeon places smaller incisions and the recovery period is also shorter. It is known as the “weekend facelift” for this reason. Just like the mid facelift, the mini facelift targets a smaller area such as the neck, lower cheeks, and jaw.

This surgery is suitable for working professionals and busy moms who want to attain facial improvements with less downtime or for younger individuals seeking subtle enhancements.

Accomplished cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and other towns and neighborhoods in this region of the nation for a facelift.


For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim. 
 Click here to contact us today.

Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and surrounding areas.

The decision to undergo breast augmentation is a big deal for many patients. In addition to researching the right surgeon and deciding implant type, the size of the implant is another important question patients must answer in preparation for their treatment. While many follow the mantra, “go big or go home,” others choose a conservative size for their procedure. Those that choose smaller implants, however, often feel underwhelmed with their results and end up back at their surgeon’s office for larger implants.

Why Women Go Too Small

At BHPS, we’ve heard multiple reasons why women feel underwhelmed by their augmentation size. Some of the most common include:

Concerns Over the Results

While breast augmentation is among the most popular cosmetic surgeries, there is still a sense of taboo for many patients over getting work done. For these women, fears of going large are compounded by worries that if they go too large, their new breasts will look unnatural, overdone, or fake. These concerns are often compounded with negative feedback from friends and colleagues about breast augmentation to the point where once-confident patients start second-guessing their choice in breast size and even reconsider surgery. As a result, many breast augmentation patients choose conservatively sized implants only to feel underwhelmed with their results.

Underestimating the Results

From a surgeon’s perspective, procedures are more than just changes to your appearance. They present an important opportunity to improve self-confidence. We have seen time and time again how dramatic breast augmentation can change a patient’s mindset and outlook – the trouble comes with helping patients recognize the full potential of their procedure beforehand. Often, patients underestimate the long-term mental benefits of the procedure and end up choosing smaller sizes only to realize that they’d feel even better if they had they gone larger. Many of our breast revision patients are women who have come to this conclusion and are ready to turn their self-confidence to the max.

Clothing Fit

When women choose breast augmentation as a way of improving their appearance and ability to wear certain clothing, even a small jump can make a big difference; going between 325CCs and 350CCs can cause a significant impact. Whereas some women may be worried that going too large will make them too top heavy, women who choose too small implants may find that their figure looks proportionally off or that they still haven’t achieved their dream of filling out their favorite tops and dresses. After going through the mental, physical and financial investment of surgery, this realization can be especially underwhelming.

Finding Your Right Size at BHPS

At our Beverly Hills surgical practice, our experts understand how life-changing cosmetic surgery can be, especially the concerns associated with breast augmentation. Luckily, amending too small implants is an easy procedure. Also called secondary breast augmentation surgery, breast revision can be performed to correct the results of prior augmentations. For women left unsatisfied with their results, this treatment is an excellent way of restoring lost self-confidence.

Whether you feel dissatisfied with your prior treatment or are still weighing if breast augmentation is right for you, our team is here to help. To learn more about breast revision surgery, call (310) 746-5475 to schedule your consultation with our Beverly Hills surgeons today!

 

How much does Facelift Surgery Cost? | Beverly Hills Plastic SurgeryFacelift surgery has emerged as one of the most sought-after plastic surgery procedures in the US over the past two decades. For this intricate procedure, patients should select a surgeon with experience and skills in performing a facelift.

During the pre-op consultation, the surgeon will inform the patient about various facets of the procedure, including its approximate costs.

Patients with clear and detailed information on the facelift surgery are able to make a more enlightened decision as well as feel more satisfied with the final outcomes of the procedure.

Prudent plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides facelift surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and other towns and cities in this area of the country.

 

Cost Factors

The costs of facelift surgery can differ between two practices and even between two patients at the same practice. Various factors impact the costs of facelift surgery, including:

 

Geographical Location of the Practice

The real estate and living costs in main urban centers and towns around the East and West coasts in the US will usually be more than such costs in small towns in the interiors.

Various factors such as median household income and local taxation laws among others also impact the living costs in an area. This also affects the costs of products and services, including the cost of a cosmetic surgery procedure such a facelift.

 

Type of Facelift

In some cases, patients may require major facial rejuvenation through a deep plane lift technique or a combination of nonsurgical facial procedures and a traditional facelift. Some patients, on the other hand, may need only a mini facelift procedure or an in-office facelift, which are less invasive.

The procedure costs will depend on the extent and type of facelift surgery undertaken in each case, and if any additional procedures such as upper face surgery or neck lift are involved.

 

Surgical Facility and Anesthesia Costs

The plastic surgeon may perform a facelift procedure at an accredited surgical center, a hospital, or a private surgical suite. The associated costs will differ in each case, and the surgeon will inform the patient of the benefits and limitations of each alternative.

In case the surgery is performed with the patient under general anesthesia, the anesthesiologist or an anesthetist nurse will charge according to their experience and qualifications.

 

Surgeon’s Fee

The surgeon’s fee typically depends on their experience, skills, and eminence in the area of facial surgery. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons advises patients to select the best surgeon possible for their needs, especially for a complex surgery such as a facelift. Considerations such as the surgeon’s fee should only be a secondary concern in this decision.

 

Financing

A facelift is elective surgery, and the patient will likely not receive insurance coverage for this procedure. However, most patients can seek third-party financing to fund this surgery.

Various medical care finance firms provide competitive loans with fast approvals, convenient monthly installments, and low rates of interest for many cosmetic procedures. Dedicated cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and nearby areas in this section of The Golden State for facelift surgery.

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim.  Click here to contact us today.

Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and surrounding areas.

For many of our Beverly Hills patients, liposuction surgery is a great way to shed stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to exercise. However, the best results come when patients are already close to the ideal weight before starting liposuction treatment. Here’s why:

Liposuction vs. Weight-loss surgery

Since its introduction, liposuction has become synonymous with beautiful figures. The surgery is known for helping patients remove stubborn pockets of fat and reveal trim figures, even helping drop a couple of pounds on the scale. However, at its core, liposuction is fundamentally a body-contouring surgery. Unlike weight-loss procedures like gastric bypass which restrict food intake, liposuction treats minor to moderate fat deposits. No mechanisms in the liposuction treatment process target the main causes of weight gain – overeating, genetics and lack of physical activity. Best results are achieved when patients are committed to their well-being and have maintained a consistent, healthy weight.

Fat Loss Does Not Necessarily Mean Weight Loss

As liposuction does not target the culprits behind weight gain, the treatment does not necessarily equate to weight loss. While some patients may see a few pounds come off following treatment, even removing significant pockets of fat won’t drastically change the number on the scale. The best way to lose weight is not by removing fat with liposuction – it’s by eating a healthy diet and replacing excess fat with strong, lean muscle.

Liposuction Is Only Effective When You Maintain Weight

Fat is unique compared to other cells in that they fluctuate in size as an individual gains weight. While the cells can shrink and can be removed through liposuction, remaining fat can become enlarged with poor health habits. Achieving your ideal weight and staying there is an important step in keeping your post-liposuction body. Substantial weight gain may require additional recontouring procedures.

Eliminating as much fat as possible through diet and exercise, before undergoing liposuction, also has a positive impact on your treatment results. Bumps and lumps of fat that linger can then be specifically removed during surgery, maximizing your results and improving overall appearance. While liposuction can certainly be used in cases where patients are still working towards a healthy weight, premature treatment may mean that patients must come back for additional liposuction once they’ve achieved their goal weight.

Your Health is the Top Priority

While liposuction is completed with small incisions and with the use of a thin tube that extracts fat cells, it nonetheless remains a surgical procedure. As with other procedures, the surgical process may not be suitable for overweight or obese patients due to the increased risk of complications. Rather than putting your health on the line, spend the time working with a physician to shed the weight naturally before turning the cosmetic treatments. At Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, our experienced team has worked with countless patients to provide liposuction and other body contouring solutions once they’ve reached a healthy weight.

Is Now the Time for Liposuction? Find out at BHPS

When it comes to providing exceptional care, the surgeons at Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery focus on evaluating a patient’s current needs, their expectations, and realistic results. Together, we serve as your partner in achieving your ideal appearance and figure. For patients thinking about liposuction, we recommend coming in for a preliminary consultation to explore your options and develop a treatment strategy. Call Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim at (310) 746-5475 to get started.

 

See All Facelift Surgery Before and After Photos

Today, facelift surgery (rhytidectomy) is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in the US. The surgeon will inform the patient on various aspects of a facelift and may also display facelift before and after images during the pre-op consultation.

The primary objective of a dedicated surgeon will be to enable the patient to make a well-considered choice about the facelift surgery. plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides facelift surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

What are Facelift Before and After Pictures?

Facelift ‘before and after’ pictures are a pair or groups of images of past patients who have received rhytidectomy with optimal results. These pictures are taken before as well as after the cosmetic surgery when the post-op swelling and bruising has subsided, and the final outcomes are fully established.

The surgeon will acquire these pictures with the patient’s express consent and display these images to new patients in a discreet and judicious manner.

According to standard norms, the surgeon will not reveal the patient’s identity. The sole objective behind showcasing these images is to help the prospective patient develop clarity of the facelift surgery outcomes.

Benefits

The face is the most prominent area of the body, and patients are rightly concerned about any procedure impacting the face. The surgeon can display facelift before and after images to reassure a new patient on whether a facelift is a suitable procedure for them.

Specific patients may only require limited facial correction such as a mini facelift while others may need a full facelift in combination with procedures for the upper face or a neck lift. Regardless of the scenario, a new patient can make a more appropriate choice after seeing facelift before and after photos.

What is amazing is digital technology and Internet capabilities. It would be derelict to write on this topic without mentioned these two stellar facets. There is not too many industries in this world that have not embraced this technology and the plastic surgery industry is certainly one of them.

Now people can see poignant pictures without making one phone call. Dr. Kim’s profound website allows people to grasp the situation without anyone else knowing. If that is not transparency nothing is.

Combining Pictures with Text

New patients may find it beneficial if facelift before and after images are accompanied by descriptive text explain the surgery, the reasons for which it was performed, and how it catered to the patient’s unique requirements.

The surgeon can effectively elucidate a previous patient’s journey through these descriptions. Descriptive text can be an integral part of before and after image galleries allowing patients to connect with the pictures while the text helps them remember the details more precisely.

Sharing Your Images

Surgeons can disseminate facelift before and after images to raise awareness on the procedure in the following ways:

 

 

 

 

A well-developed before and after image gallery can be an educational and promotional tool for the surgeon and their practice. The surgeon can use these images to display their skills and expertise while offering prospective patients information on complex procedures such as rhytidectomy. This is certainly the case of Dr. Kim.

Now patients can see these fantastic images from anywhere. It does not matter of the potential patient is at their work place on their smart phone or sitting on their favorite living room chair. They can be pondering this situation without even their closest friends or relatives even knowing. That is privacy and comfort that should be respected.

Committed cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and other cities and towns in this region of California for facelift surgery.

 

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim.  Click here to contact us today.

Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and surrounding areas.

What is Facelift Surgery? | Beverly Hills Medical SpaFacelift, medically known as rhytidectomy, is a popular plastic surgery procedure which helps to reduce wrinkles, lines, and other signs of facial aging, while restoring a more youthful appearance to the face and jaw.

In this surgery, the surgeon will remove extra fat and skin from the face, and tighten the underlying facial muscles.

For safe and effective facelift surgery outcomes, the patient should choose a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon. Prudent plastic surgeon Dr. Jacob Bloom provides facelift to patients in Chicago, IL, and surrounding communities.

 

Ideal Candidates

Facelift surgery is a suitable procedure for people who are displeased with the appearance of loose skin and drooping facial muscles, or those with visible signs of aging which make them appear older and tired.

Candidates with some level of elasticity and suppleness remaining in the skin can attain beautiful outcomes from a facelift. In addition, the candidate should have a strong facial bone structure for support and to obtain excellent results.

 

Procedure

In facelift cosmetic surgery, the surgeon lifts the skin off the face to tighten the underlying tissue and muscles. The skin is pulled tautly over the face after the underlying tissue and muscles are tightened. Facelift surgery is typically performed using general anesthesia or intravenous sedation and local anesthesia.

The surgeon starts the procedure by placing an incision in the temple region. This incision encircles the ear, and the facial muscles and tissue are tightened through this incision. After the tightening process is complete, the surgeon re-drapes the skin over the face and seals the incisions with sutures.

An experienced plastic surgeon will ensure that these incisions are placed in discreet locations so that any future scarring remains inconspicuous. Facelift surgery may be spread across many hours depending on the extent of the procedure.

 

Surgical Techniques

The surgeon will determine an appropriate technique for the neck lift surgery according to the patient’s requirement and the extent of the surgery involved.

 

Endoscopic Facelift

This facelift technique involves inserting a camera through the incisions. This allows the surgeon to see the underlying facial structure on a screen and perform the surgery in a targeted way. The surgery usually involves placing three tiny incisions and removing the excess tissue while tightening the underlying muscles.

 

Cutaneous Facelift

This is an older technique which involves only the excision of excess facial skin. The surgeon will place a long incision inconspicuously along the hairline. They will then delicately lift the skin and suture it firmly at a higher position. The risks are reduced in a cutaneous facelift as this procedure does not cause muscular structure changes.

 

SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) Facelift

SMAS facelift is a more sought-after procedure at present at it produces more complete outcomes. In this surgery, the excess skin and removed and the underlying muscles are tightened as well. The SMAS technique offers more sustainable and natural looking outcomes.

 

Recovery

In general, the patient requires around one week of downtime following facelift surgery. However, they should take gentle walks around their home and perform light activities to maintain blood flow.

The patient should avoid vigorous activities for nearly a month. A majority of patients can resume their routine or return to work in around one week to ten days. Accomplished cosmetic surgeon Dr. Jacob Bloom receives patients from Chicago, IL, and other suburbs and neighborhoods in this region of the country for a facelift surgery.

With the holidays just around the corner, many of our patients are already looking ahead to the new year for self-improvement goals and opportunities. Most of these goals include looking for ways to improve our physiques and boost our confidence.

While a better diet and increased exercise are always options, these resolutions may not be enough to help you get the body of your dreams. If you’re just a few stubborn lumps and bumps away from achieving the perfectly sculpted physique you’ve been looking for, consider CoolSculpting. With this non-surgical fat-removal solution, you can look forward to knowing you’ve met your new year’s goal ahead of schedule. Additionally, since results are gradual, it’s best to start treatment now.

Why Diet and Exercise Aren’t Enough

A healthy, balanced diet and comprehensive workout routine are important to both weight loss and better health. Consuming fewer calories than you’re outputting and swapping carb-heavy, processed foods for nutrient-rich vegetables, fruits and meats has been the standard solution for individuals looking to lose weight.

To better understand the benefits of CoolSculpting, it’s important to look at how fat cells work. Unlike other cells in the body, fat cells grow and shrink in response to an individual’s diet and workout routine. When individuals put on weight, fat cells expand and more develop while weight loss results in shrinking cell tissue. However, weight loss does not mean fat cells are removed. Even with a vigorous workout routine and restrictive diet, it is almost impossible to eliminate accumulated fat cells (adipose tissue) without some form of physical intervention. For patients looking to eliminate the last stubborn pockets of fat and sculpt their perfect body, this challenge can be especially frustrating.

How CoolSculpting is Revolutionizing Body Sculpting

In the past, traditional body contouring procedures to remove stubborn fat cells have traditionally relied on invasive surgeries. Tummy tucks and liposuction, in particular, have been popular surgical options for patients comfortable with surgical intervention. While these procedures are very effective, the preparation and recovery timeline may not appeal to every patient. For individuals looking to avoid the lengthy recovery time of traditional plastic surgery, CoolSculpting is the ideal alternative.

Rather than relying on surgery to physically remove fat cells, CoolSculpting uses the process of cryolipolysis – the elimination of fall cells via extremely cold temperatures identified by Harvard University scientists. Through this process, stubborn pockets of fat are placed between two panels. These panels emit controlled cooling that directly targets and freezes stubborn fat cells. After treatment, your body naturally processes and eliminates the dead fat cells, leaving you with a more contoured, sculpted appearance.

Start 2019 with Your Best Foot Forward – Schedule an Appointment

If your 2019 goals include self-improvement and self-care, consider the advantages cosmetic treatments like CoolSculpting as a way of helping you achieve your ultimate dream body. To learn more about this innovative approach to body sculpting that doesn’t require surgery, call Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery and schedule your consultation with our experienced team.

 

 

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!