Every day I hear from my patients how they hate their lower abdominal bulge. They mention that following their children, they are unable to eliminate the loose skin and fat that has developed. They see s low abdominal protuberance (pooch) in their clothes and especially in their bathing suits.

As a cosmetic surgical abdominal specialist in North Orange County, I have treated hundreds of patients with these problems. In most cases,  a minor surgical procedure is performed, called a mini abdominoplasty. In this surgery, a small scar is made low in the abdominal area (below the bathing suit line), excess skin is removed and liposuction is done to remove the fat. In some cases, the abdominal wall is also tightened. Women in my practice are thrilled with this procedure, since diet and excessive exercise does not eliminate this problem.

Liposuction is the solution. This is one of the safest procedure I perform. There is a lot of advertisements for some non-invasive procedures to correct this problem. Unfortunately, these other techniques result in minimal improvement. If a patient really wants to correct the bulges, liposuction is the only effective way to obtain excellent results. Be careful of newspaper and magazine articles proposing techniques that are not well studied and tested.

Dr. Robert Wald

Botox is the fountain of youth available today. This neurotoxin paralyzes the frown muscles of the face. It is used in the forehead, between the eyes, around the eyes and occasionally in the upper lip. This gives a smoothing effect to these areas and eliminates the scowling and tired appearance that we develop with age. These effects are immediate and last up to 4 months.

The procedure is performed in the office. It takes approximately 5 minutes. It can be done over a lunch hour. There is minimal bruising and essentially no pain with the injections. Patients who do this earlier in life before wrinkles become apparent, can minimize the wrinkles that occur later in life. The effects can last longer (up to 6 months) if the person regularly has the Botox injections. There is essentially no site effects.

Dr. Robert Wald

Nose reshaping, called rhinoplasty, can modify the bone, cartilage, and soft tissue of your nose to change its appearance in a multitude of ways. Noses can be lengthened, shortened, widened, narrowed, straightened, lifted, and the tip reshaped. Although aging can affect the nose, causing it to droop, most people who are unhappy with the appearance of their nose feel that way from quite an early age.

Rhinoplasty can be performed throughout the adult years or in adolescence. Most plastic surgeons recommend postponing cosmetic rhinoplasty until at least the age of 14, and sometimes longer for boys, because the nose may no be fully developed before then.

Dr. Robert Wald

Serving Fullerton, Newport Beach, and all of Orange County

As we age, our faces droop and we develop lines. furrows and saggy skin. Surgery can correct many of these problems, but injecting the face with fillers can also minimize some of these problems.

Today, we have many options to fill or uplift the furrows and wrinkles around the mouth, in the cheek areas and eyes. We can combine these filling agents (Radiesse, Juvederm) with Botox or minor surgery to achieve facial harmony. As a specialist in facial rejuvenation, I have found by combining a number of techniques, individuals can achieve a very youthful appearance.

Care Credit and eMedical are two financing companies that are working with my patients to finance their cosmetic surgeries. If a person qualifies, a low monthly payment plan is arranged. This may be paid over 12 to 48 months. Interest rates vary but are much lower than regular credit cards. I have found this to be a very good plan for many patients to have their cosmetic surgery in these difficult times.

Dr. Wald

Moobs!!!!! What do you do?

Excess fat or glandular tissue in the male breast is a much more common problem among adolescents and older men than its lack of publicity would indicate. An estimated 40 to 60 percent of men suffer from this condition, which can occur in either one or both breasts, at some time in their lives. The cause of gynecomastia is not well understood, but it is suspected that hormonal changes often play a role. Anabolic steroids that contain estrogen, marijuana use, and prescribed hormones are a factor in some instances. Massive weight loss can also result in hanging breasts that detract from a mans appearance.

Plastic surgery offers a solution for men who are troubled by this embarrassing condition. Through the use of liposuction and occasionally direct excision of extra mammary tissue, we can create a firmer, flatter, and better contoured male chest. Downtime is minimal with 1 to 2 days off work. As a male breast surgeon expert, I found men to be extremely pleased with this procedure.

Augmentation

“The Key to Facial Harmony”

As you look at people, one begins to notice how the chin balances the face. An individual who has a recessive chin causes the lower face to appear under developed and out of harmony with other facial features. In order to improve facial harmony, a chin implant can be placed.

As a facial cosmetic surgical specialist, I have performed several hundred chin implants. This can be done as an isolated procedure or in combination with neck liposuction or a facelift. Recently, I have performed several chin implants on younger women who are quite sensitive about their profile. The young women (in their 20’s and 30’s) also have developed neck fat. When placing an implant and performing neck liposuction, a dramatic appearance results. This procedure can be performed as an outpatient surgical procedure. Most Orange County patients can return to work within a few days.

Dr. Wald

Patients are unaware that most plastic surgeons remove and treat skin cancers and body lesions. When one considers the extensive surgical training that a plastic surgeon receives, it is obvious who is more qualified to remove these suspicious areas. Dermatologists are skin specialists that are best for diagnosing various skin conditions. Even though some dermatologists receive some surgical training, it does not compare with a plastic surgeon.

My advice for anyone who is concerned about scarring, they should seek the advice of a plastic surgeon. If their insurance plan refers them to a dermatologist, the patient should request from their primary care physician a referral to a plastic surgeon. A little bit of knowledge will save a patient the trauma of a unsightly scar.

Dr. Wald

Breast reduction surgery in Orange County is performed to minimize discomfort in the neck, back, chest and shoulders. The ability to exercise and feel normal is also accomplished with this surgery.

What patients don’t expect following this surgery is the improved aesthetic appearance of their breasts. The breasts are smaller but better shaped and uplifted. This allows patients to fit into normal sized bras and clothing. Patients consistently tell me how this surgery has changed their lives and how this has helped their self confidence and attractiveness. This surgery creates an immediate and dramatic change in their body image.

Women who have large breasts and are willing to accept scars on their breasts are excellent candidate for this surgery. As mentioned, this surgery has more beneficial effects than symptom relief.

Dr. Wald