Warren M. Lent, MD, FACS

Having Too Many Procedures At Once

Plasticsurgeryconsultant — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 23:34:34 +0000

I was reading People Magazine the other day, and I came across the article of a certain celebrity going through ten plastic surgery procedures at once. I can not imagine how long she was under general anesthesia, but I am certain it was unsafe. It is best to prioritize and determine which procedure is most important to you. Dr. Lent also looks at the person’s age and past medical history. Safety is his primary concern. In a later issue, I saw her results after healing. I personally thought she looked ridiculous with enormous, fake looking breasts. I believe that a women’s breast is the most feminine part of her body and to create an unnatural image, one that is overdone is defeating the purpose of doing the surgery in the first place. The natural look is always the prettiest.

Having Too Many Procedures At Once was originally published by the office of Dr. Warren M. Lent, MD, FACS - your source for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Beverly Hills.

Some General Thoughts on Breast Augmentation

Dr.WarrenLent — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:22:44 +0000

Here in Beverly Hills, breast augmentation is extremely popular. Breast Augmentation is a surgical procedure designed to increase the size and enhance the shape of one’s breasts. Not only can this procedure enhance your appearance, it can possibly help build your self-confidence and self esteem. Also as a result of the procedure, many women have found it easier to dress in certain styles of clothing. Breast Augmentation, when done correctly will not only enhance your breasts, but make your entire figure better. Women have different reasons for undergoing breast augmentation. The best candidates for breast augmentation are:

Women who feel their breasts are too small and looking to improve their figure.

Women who have lost breast volume and shape as a result of pregnancy and nursing.

Woman whose breasts have lost volume and shape as a result of aging.

There is a significant difference in the sizes of both breasts.

Weight loss has changed the shape and or size of your breast.

For any reason a woman might have for wanting breast augmentation, ultimately the individual should be in good physical condition and have realistic goals and expectations in order to be considered a good candidate for the procedure. The breast augmentation procedure involves the surgical placement of an implant within a woman’s breast. A breast implant is a silicone shell filled with either a saltwater solution known as saline, or filed with a silicone gel. If the saline-filled implant leaks, the fluid is absorbed into the body. This is the same as if the saline were given as an IV fluid and your body is made up of mostly saline. Currently the FDA approves both saline-filled implants and silicone gel-filled implants. Information regarding implants is discussed with the patient during consultation and at the time of surgery. The incision can be placed in a number of different locations including around the areola, in the armpit, or underneath the breast and just above the crease. The doctor takes every effort to assure that the incision is placed so the resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible. After the incision is made, a pocket is created either under the breast tissue or under the pectoralis muscle. This pocket is made just large enough to accommodate the implant. The implant is then positioned to give the best cosmetic result. The method of inserting and positioning an implant is dependent upon factors based on the patient’s anatomy that are discussed with Your doctor at the time of the consultation. Remember that the single most important feature of Breast Augmentation is the surgeons’ skill at creating this pocket. This is where the difference between an excellent, Board certified surgeon, and all other doctors really shows. Following surgery, detailed instructions are given to the patient as to postoperative care and activity. It is important for a patient to follow these instructions in order to minimize any complications and to help achieve the best results. The surgeon will also advise the patient as to when they can return to their normal activities. Most patients are able to return to work within a few days, and more strenuous activities in about two to three weeks following surgery. Breast massage after surgery is very important for the maintenance of good shape and soft breasts. Please see my blog of March 9, 2010 on how best to perform breast massage following the placement of implants. Patients can see before and after photos by visiting my website at www.mybestplasticsurgeon.com

Some General Thoughts on Breast Augmentation was originally published by the office of Dr. Warren M. Lent, MD, FACS - your source for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Beverly Hills.

Breast Massage After Breast Augmentation

Dr.WarrenLent — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:04:33 +0000

Remember that scar tissue can form not just outside on your skin but also inside, where the surgery was performed. This occurs both as a normal consequence of any surgery but also is part of the body’s recognition that it now has something foreign inside it. That scar tissue, also known as a capsule, can squeeze and distort the implant, if it gets too thick. Massage has long been known to soften and decrease scarring and this concept can be applied to the breasts as well. Think of the old spy movies where the hero was trapped by the villain in a room with walls that are slowing moving in, attempting to squash the protagonist. The hero fully extends his arms and legs to hold back the wall from its drive to crush him, and of course, the hero was always able to save himself. Well just like our hero, breast massage can be used to push back at any encroaching scar tissue keeping the breast soft and natural. The easiest way to perform proper breast massage is to use the implant to do the work. Here in Beverly Hills, breast augmentation results have been dramatically improved by the use of massage in the year after surgery.

This is accomplished by placing your hand under the breast as close to the chest wall as possible and firmly squeezing the breast tissue between your thumb and index finger while forcing the implant (depicted in red in the diagram) up and out of your hand. This causes the implant to push out against any forming capsule, creating an internal massage of the breasts. This should be done several times to each breast, at least twice a day, for one year after breast augmentation. Good breast massage, coupled with good surgical technique can leave women with soft and natural looking breasts.

Breast Massage After Breast Augmentation was originally published by the office of Dr. Warren M. Lent, MD, FACS - your source for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Beverly Hills.

Self Esteem Improves With Plastic Surgery

Plasticsurgeryconsultant — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:24:34 +0000

I always notice changes when an individual has plastic surgery. I notice these changes in our patients, as it is evidenced by a change of hairdo, buying new clothes, or achieving the confidence of getting that boyfriend/lover or job. One patient even changed her name. I believe this occurs because when you look good, this contributes to feeling good. Self esteem is hard to measure, however after having plastic surgery, that confidence is evidenced by the way we carry ourselves in public does change as we get the confidence we need and deserve. I find this response to be great and it is very gratifying to Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Lent and myself, his long time office manager.

Self Esteem Improves With Plastic Surgery was originally published by the office of Dr. Warren M. Lent, MD, FACS - your source for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Beverly Hills.

Tummy Tuck-The Ultimate Sexy Makeover

Dr.WarrenLent — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:19:01 +0000

Pregnancy is the ultimate cause of confusion in women. On the one hand is the intense love for their children coupled with the pride and satisfaction as they grow and develop. On the other hand they don’t like the change it brings to their bodies. They yearn for those days of the youthful, sexy silhouette. Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Warren Lent says that there is “nothing like the change in attitude that women feel after undergoing a tummy tuck.” Women tell him all the time after Tummy Tuck’s, how free and uninhibited they now feel now that their stomach’s are flat again and they don’t feel the need to hide there abdomen’s from their husband’s and boyfriends. In Los Angeles, Abdominoplasty, also know as a Tummy Tuck, has led many women to comment that they feel they have obtained the best of both worlds, the pride and joy of motherhood and the self-confidence their new shape gives them. The basic goal of a Tummy Tuck is three-fold: 1. Get rid of the stretched out, excess skin of the lower Abdomen, 2. Tighten the Abdominal muscles, and 3. Improve the shape of one’s waist and restore the ‘hour-glass’ figure. Perhaps the most important benefit though, is the psychological one; when we improve our self-image, we improve our self-confidence. Strong self-confidence leads to success in all areas of life, be it our love-life, social life or professional life.

Tummy Tuck-The Ultimate Sexy Makeover was originally published by the office of Dr. Warren M. Lent, MD, FACS - your source for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Beverly Hills.

The Right Place for Cosmetic Surgery

Dr.WarrenLent — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 01:10:17 +0000

Price vs Safety? That always seems to be what the question comes down to when choosing where to have cosmetic surgery. If you choose to have a procedure in a hospital, this offers the environment with the most resources should anything go wrong, but is often so expensive that it is cost prohibitive for most people. The other end of the spectrum is having a procedure in the doctors office which, offers the lowest cost but often without full resources. Perhaps the best compromise between these two extremes is an outpatient surgery center. In Beverly Hills, cosmetic surgery is most commonly performed in freestanding surgery centers. It can be difficult for prospective patients to decide where to have their procedures, so when considering having it in an outpatient surgery center, be sure that you are going to a facility that is fully accredited. There are several different accrediting organizations, with Medicare and State certification usually being the most stringent. The other question to ask is does the facility have a “Transfer Agreement” with a local hospital. This will offer patients the assurance that should a problem develop they can be immediately transfered to the local hospital where full resources are available. Here in Los Angeles, Cosmetic Surgeons should be asked about their credentials as well as the credentials of the facility where the planned procedure is to take place. Not only should your doctor be fully trained, accredited and properly board certified, but so should your surgery center.

The Right Place for Cosmetic Surgery was originally published by the office of Dr. Warren M. Lent, MD, FACS - your source for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Beverly Hills.

During the Consultation

Plasticsurgeryconsultant — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:36:06 +0000

Dr. Lent is so informative during his consultation. He will answer all of your questions clearly and thoroughly. He will offer alternatives and never pressure you to consider any unneeded procedures. He will talk about the risks and expectations of your surgery. Ultimately, he will leave the decision to you and welcome any questions that you may have. Some questions to consider are, “Am I a candidate for this procedure?” What will I expect? Will I need much time off of work? How long is the recovery? The best suggestion is to educate yourself and prepare yourself.

During the Consultation was originally published by the office of Dr. Warren M. Lent, MD, FACS - your source for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Beverly Hills.

Nervous Before a Procedure

Plasticsurgeryconsultant — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:34:54 +0000

I frequently get asked the question, “Is it normal to be nervous before plastic surgery?”. The answer, of course is yes. It is normal to be both nervous and excited about the new you. Having a surgical procedure is always a bit frightening because the unknown is always scary. However, when you get all your questions answered and reviewed and know what to anticipate, then it does make the process much easier. In addition, when a positive attitude before surgery is achieved, then positive results are achieved. “Think good and it will be good!” Choosing the right doctor is essential. Always start by picking a board certified Plastic Surgeon. Don’t be fooled by the other, ’so called’ “boards”. Also, make sure that your anesthesiologist is board certified and that the procedure will occur in an accredited facility. Dr. Lent has been double board certified since 1993 and only uses board certified anesthesiologists. I have been working here for 18 years now and Dr. Lent’s patients are in such good hands. He is understanding, a great listener and a skilled surgeon. He takes pride in his work and wants to make sure that each and every patient is extremely satisfied with their results.

Nervous Before a Procedure was originally published by the office of Dr. Warren M. Lent, MD, FACS - your source for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Beverly Hills.

Facelifts Should Be Renamed Face-Necklift!

Dr.WarrenLent — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 19:53:27 +0000

There is a certain irony to the term facelift as the main focus of the procedure is actually on the neck. The most common area that people complain about as they age, is the neck. In fact, changes to the neck skin is often the first sign of aging. Folds or bands of skin form at the angle between the jaw and neck and are the cause of distress. There are three telltale areas of the face that change with the aging process, the neck, the jaw-line or jowl area and the cheek. A facelift directs correction at all three of these sites, but the neck is the spot where the most noticeable difference occurs. The best facelift techniques work to smooth the neck by creating a sling-effect under the jaw. Both the the skin and the underlying muscle, called the Platysma, are pulled up and back to the place they use to occupy when the patient was younger. As a Beverly Hills, Plastic Surgeon, I see facelift results from all over the world, many of which look pulled and unnatural. These results occur because too much emphasis was placed on pulling backwards on the cheek, without giving the neck its proper attention. My goal has always been to restore the facial tissues to their more youthful location, while keeping things looking natural. I have continuously strived to advance and improve the facelift technique to simultaneously achieve these goals and am really pleased with the current technique I am using. I refer to this method as The Powerlift, as it has had powerfully good results especially on the neck and jowls, while keeping things looking natural. So maybe it’s time to rename the facelift to include the area where help is most needed and does its best work, the neck!

Facelifts Should Be Renamed Face-Necklift! was originally published by the office of Dr. Warren M. Lent, MD, FACS - your source for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Beverly Hills.

Preparation for Plastic Surgery

Dr.WarrenLent — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 22:37:23 +0000

Proper instruction is an important element when getting people ready for plastic surgery here in Los Angeles. Several key areas of instruction include, which medications not to take and which are o.k. to take. Please see my previous blog on aspirin. We generally ask patients to stop all medications that thin the blood, such as aspirin, Motrin and Coumadin, for at least two weeks before surgery and for two weeks after. Often we will allow patients to take their blood pressure medications, with a sip of water, on the morning of surgery. Another key instruction is that patients should not eat or drink anything for at least eight hours prior to surgery that is being done with general or sedation (twilight) type anesthesia. In this situation we want the stomach empty, so that nothing can get back up into the lungs when the patient is being put to sleep. Another important instruction, that I like to give my patients here in Beverly Hills, is that they should take a shower, with an antibacterial soap, on the morning of surgery, before they come over to the hospital or surgery center. This helps reduce the amount of natural bacteria on the skin, thus reducing the risk of infection. Also patients should wear loose fitting clothes, that are easy to get on, and flat shoes on the day of the procedure. These are some of the key instruction that patients should know about. There maybe many others that pertain to your specific situation so feel free to discuss this with me when you come in for a consultation.

Warren M. Lent, MD
.

Preparation for Plastic Surgery was originally published by the office of Dr. Warren M. Lent, MD, FACS - your source for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Beverly Hills.