The Cosmetic Surgical Center Blog

Abdominoplasty

Posted Date: 
Thu, 10/06/2011

 

An Abdominoplasty, also called a tummy tuck, is a procedure to remove excess fat and skin around your abdomen to restore a toned, attractive waist line.

During your abdominoplasty, Oakland plastic surgeon Dr. Gabriel Patino will make an incision at your bikini line from one hipbone to the other. Excess skin between your belly button and pubic area will be removed, and the skin on the upper part of your abdomen will be stretched downward. If your abdominal muscles are loose, they can be tightened during this step. Your belly button will then be repositioned, and a dressing will be applied. For the first one to two weeks after surgery, small tubes will be positioned to drain excess fluid.

Everyone’s recovery period is slightly different, and your healing will depend on your health and your body. Dr. Patino will typically tell you to refrain from heavy lifting and vigorous activities while you are recovering. Light exercise will aid your healing when you are ready, and it can also reduce swelling and blood clotting. Dr. Patino will discuss this with you when he provides you with your after-care instructions.

Your abdominoplasty will leave you with a slimmer, more toned waistline. In order to ensure that you maintain optimal results for years to come, it is important to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.

Please contact Dr. Patino today to schedule your free initial consultation. The Cosmetic Surgical Center of El Cerrito serves patients in Oakland, El Cerrito, Berkeley, and Emeryville, California.

 

What is Laser Body Sculpting?

Posted Date: 
Wed, 10/05/2011

 

Despite a healthy diet and exercise regimen, there are certain areas of unwanted fat that can be difficult to get rid of. If this is the case for you, laser body sculpting can help. This procedure offers a method of reshaping your body by using a special laser light to liquefy and eradicate fat cells. Laser body sculpting offers a safe alternative for permanently removing areas of stubborn fat, leaving you with a smooth new body contour.

Much less invasive than standard liposuction, laser body sculpting is quick and efficient, providing a shorter recovery time. There are also fewer risks and side effects associated with this procedure.

In September of 2010, the Food and Drug Administration approved the Zerona laser for use in reducing fat in the waist, hips and thighs. Treatment consists of three 40-minute sessions, where Dr. Patino will apply the laser to the front and back sides of the treatment region. No heat is applied, so you will experience no discomfort and can return to your regular activities immediately.

Please contact the Cosmetic Surgical Center of El Cerrito today to schedule your free initial consultation. Dr. Gabriel Patino serves patients in Oakland, El Cerrito, Berkeley, and Emeryville, California.

What is a Mommy Makeover?

Posted Date: 
Tue, 10/04/2011

 

Pregnancy and childbirth can take its toll on your body. Breasts can begin to sag, your abdomen may appear stretched out, and it can be difficult to lose the excess baby weight. If you have been struggling to regain your pre-pregnancy figure, Dr. Patino can perform a mommy makeover to help you look and feel as young and vibrant as you were before having children.

A mommy makeover consists of a series of procedures designed to reverse the signs of aging caused by childbirth. The result is a more rejuvenated, youthful body that will take years off of your appearance. Many women find their mommy makeover to be a life changing experience.

This is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. Pregnancy affects all women in different ways, and the issues you experience may be different from those experienced by other women. Dr. Patino will customize your mommy makeover to address your aesthetic goals. Depending on your unique individual needs, he may recommend a combination of:

You’ve worked hard at being the best mother you can be, and the rewards are certainly immeasurable. There is no greater joy than watching your children grow into exceptional young adults. But you also deserve to treat yourself once in awhile. Your mommy makeover can help you feel refreshed, so that you can continue being the dynamic, caring parent that your children have come to love and admire.

Please contact the Cosmetic Surgical Center of El Cerrito today to schedule your free initial consultation with Dr. Gabriel Patino. We serve patients in Oakland, El Cerrito, Berkeley, and Emeryville, California.

Breast Reduction

Posted Date: 
Mon, 10/03/2011

 

If your large breasts have been causing you pain, discomfort, and social anxiety, you are not alone. Many women regularly experience these issues due to having breasts that are proportionally larger than their body frame can manage. Fortunately, a breast reduction can easily help you alleviate the burden you feel from your large breasts, helping you enjoy life to the fullest.

Oakland plastic surgeon Dr. Gabriel Patino regularly performs breast reduction procedures to help women find relief from the following problems associated with overly large breasts:

  • Back, neck, and shoulder pain
  • Posture issues
  • Grooves in the shoulder from digging bra straps
  • Diminished ability to engage in athletic activities
  • Embarrassment in social situations
  • Difficulty finding comfortably fitting clothing

During your breast reduction procedure, Dr. Patino will make an incision around the areola, extending down the breast to the fold. Excess fat and skin are removed, and your nipple will be repositioned to accommodate the new size and shape of your breast. The result is smaller, attractive breasts that you can feel good about.

After your procedure, Dr. Patino will provide you with detailed instructions regarding how to care for your breasts while they heal. It is important to follow these instructions closely to ensure a smooth recovery and excellent results.

Please contact Dr. Patino today to schedule your free initial consultation. The Cosmetic Surgical Center of El Cerrito serves patients in Oakland, El Cerrito, Berkeley, and Emeryville, California.

Proper Placement for Breast Implants

Posted Date: 
Sun, 10/02/2011

 

There are two potential breast augmentation placement options. Your breast implants can either be placed below the muscle (submuscular placement) or above the chest muscle (subglandular placement). At your initial consultation, Oakland plastic surgeon Dr. Gabriel Patino will review these options with you and recommend the ideal placement based on your aesthetic goals and unique body type.

Submuscular placement is best if you:

  • Have little breast tissue to cover the breast implant
  • Want a softer, more natural draping of the implant
  • Have little or no breast drooping
  • Want to conceal any implant ripples
  • Want to reduce your risk of capsular contracture

Disadvantages of this placement option are that you may experience a longer recovery time with greater pain.

Subglandular placement is ideal for breast augmentation patients who:

  • Want a faster recovery
  • Have plenty of natural breast tissue to cover the implant
  • Suffer from drooping breasts and want larger breasts without undergoing breast lift surgery

Disadvantages of sublgandular placement are that your results may not look as natural, and there may be more visible signs of sagging or rippling. You may also experience a greater risk of capsular contracture.

Please contact Dr. Patino today to schedule your free initial consultation. The Cosmetic Surgical Center of El Cerrito serves patients in Oakland, El Cerrito, Berkeley, and Emeryville, California.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

Posted Date: 
Sat, 10/01/2011

 

There are a number of factors that take a toll on your abdominal region, including weight loss and pregnancy. A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure to remove excess fat and skin around your abdomen and restore weak or separated muscles. The outcome is a smooth, firm and attractive waistline.

While the outcome of your tummy tuck will be permanent, the quality of your results will decrease by substantial fluctuations in weight. Keep in mind that tummy tuck surgery is not a substitute for weight loss. If you intend to lose a significant amount of weight, Oakland plastic surgeon Dr. Gabriel Patino may recommend that you wait to undergo the procedure until after you have achieved your desired weight loss. Also, if you plan on having children in the future, it is best to wait until giving birth to have a tummy tuck, since the results of your procedure can be undone during pregnancy.

Because pregnancy often places a great deal of strain on the abdominal muscles, many women struggle to regain a flat stomach after childbirth. As a result, tummy tucks are often an integral component of a mommy makeover.

Please contact The Cosmetic Surgical Center of El Cerrito today to schedule your free initial consultation. Dr. Patino serves patients in Oakland, El Cerrito, Berkeley, and Emeryville, California.

Breast Augmentation

Posted Date: 
Fri, 09/30/2011

 

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that uses silicone or saline breast implants to improve the size and shape of your breasts. If you are unhappy with your cup size, have asymmetrical breasts, or would like to restore lost breast volume after pregnancy, breast augmentation may be the ideal procedure to achieve your aesthetic goals.

There are many decisions that you will have to make about your breast augmentation procedure, including the:

You will have to decide whether silicone-filled or saline-filled implants are right for you. Silicone breast implants generally offer a more natural look and feel because the texture is similar to your natural breast tissue. Saline implants are filled with a sterile salt water solution and are easier to repair if your implant ruptures. 

For the best results, it is essential that you be in good overall health before undergoing breast augmentation. Eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and obeying Dr. Patino’s pre-operative instructions will help ensure a successful outcome and smooth recovery.  

At your initial consultation, Dr. Patino will discuss your aesthetic goals to help you determine whether breast augmentation is the right option to achieve your desired outcome.

Please contact Dr. Patino today to schedule your free initial consultation. The Cosmetic Surgical Center of El Cerrito serves patients in Oakland, El Cerrito, Berkeley, and Emeryville, California.

BOTOX® Cosmetic

Posted Date: 
Fri, 09/30/2011

 

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a simple, non-surgical treatment that can smooth deep, persistent lines and wrinkles that develop over time. One 10-minute treatment consists of a few small injections that relax the muscles that cause the formation of wrinkles.

BOTOX® Cosmetic has been approved for facial rejuvenation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and can effectively treat fine lines:

  • On your forehead
  • Around your eyes (crow’s feet)
  • At the nasolabial folds

No anesthesia is required for this quick procedure, but Oakland plastic surgeon Dr. Gabriel Patino may choose to numb the area with anesthetic cream or a cold pack before injecting the solution. Most patients experience little, if any, discomfort from the procedure. You can expect the results of your treatment to appear in three to ten days, and they will last three to four months. After that, you can undergo a simple repeat treatment to maintain your rejuvenated and youthful appearance.

BOTOX® Cosmetic is such a quick and painless procedure that you can come for treatment on your lunch break and return to work without anyone knowing you have undergone a cosmetic procedure. You may even have coworkers comment that you look amazingly refreshed once you return from your lunchtime procedure.

Please contact The Cosmetic Surgical Center of El Cerrito today to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Patino. We serve patients in Oakland, El Cerrito, Berkeley, and Emeryville, California.

Finding a Surgeon for Plastic Surgery

Posted Date: 
Thu, 09/29/2011

 

If you are seeking a cosmetic surgery procedure, you should not just consider the type of surgeon, but also determine the surgeon’s experience and breadth of services.

When choosing a surgeon to perform your cosmetic procedure, you should ask the surgeon about his or her experience and qualifications. Some questions to ask include:

  • How many times have you performed my procedure?
  • Where did you receive training to perform his procedure?
  • What is your complication rate for this procedure?
  • How many patients return after this surgery for a follow-up or revision procedure?
  • May I see pictures of your patients who have had this surgery?

Cosmetic procedures do not have to be performed by a plastic surgeon. At the Cosmetic Surgical Center of El Cerrito, Dr. Gabriel Patino has lengthy experience in cosmetic surgery, offering a wide range of procedures to his clients. He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and possesses the multidisciplinary knowledge to ensure your best cosmetic results as well as your overall safety and wellbeing.

For plastic surgery procedures in Oakland, California, please contact Dr. Patino to schedule a consultation at the Cosmetic Surgical Center of El Cerrito. 

Hair Transplant vs. Other Restoration Options

Posted Date: 
Wed, 09/28/2011

 

There are various types of treatment for hair loss, and these restoration options differ in effectiveness. Hair restoration options include:

Over-the-counter treatments do not have high rates of success, and the routine of applying these creams can be arduous. In some cases, prescription medications produce results, but not quite to the extent that some people would prefer.

Hair transplants move some of the thick, healthy hair from one area of your head to the balding area. This hair continues to grow, resulting in a thicker, more natural hair quality than can be achieved with other options.

For a hair transplant consultation in Oakland, California, please contact the experienced staff at the Cosmetic Surgical Center of El Cerrito today.