Newport Beach Plastic Surgery | Dr. Hendrick's Blog

Body Areas Treated By SmartLipo

2010-07-03T10:47:00.000-07:00

SmartLipo is an innovative type of laser liposuction that works best on small areas of fat that can be quickly liquefied. SmartLipo treatment is commonly performed when patients are standing up, making it easier to gauge the final results.

At the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center in Orange County, California cosmetic surgeon Douglas Hendricks, M.D. cares about your appearance and he cares about you. He is committed to delivering the highest quality of plastic surgery to each patient so you can have the vibrant appearance you desire.

Fat Removal

During the SmartLipo procedure, a maximum of 10 to 15 pounds of fatty tissue can be removed. This fat removal will be permanent, providing that you maintain a healthy lifestyle after the procedure. Any substantial weight gain can cause fat to return to the treated areas, in addition to any untreated areas.

Commonly Treated Areas

Because the SmartLipo cannula is so small, this treatment can be performed on virtually any trouble area where traditional liposuction can be used, including your:
Abdomen
Buttocks
Back and bra strap area
Neck
Hips and thighs (saddle bag area)
Male breasts (gynecomastia)
Cheeks
Chin
Face
Hips
Knees
Upper arms
SmartLipo can also be performed on any area of loose and flabby skin. Aside from removing the fat, SmartLipo also tightness your skin and develops your body shape.

If you are interested in how SmartLipo can help benefit you and you live in the Orange County area, please contact the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center today for a consultation.

SmartLipo Risks and Complications

2010-07-02T10:45:00.000-07:00

As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated with laser liposuction. Choosing an experienced, reputable doctor like California cosmetic surgeon Douglas Hendricks, M.D will greatly decrease the possibility of any side effects, while providing optimal results that you will feel great about.

Potential Complications and Limitations of SmartLipo

Complications with SmartLipo are extremely rare, although there is a small risk of infection. Some patients also experience minor swelling and bruising that subsides within a few days typically.

After laser liposuction, some patients experience:

Skin dimpling
Discolorations
Numbness
Lumpiness
Scarring
Sagging skin

SmartLipo cannot reach the fat deep in your body that surrounds your internal organs. It is only designed to remove up to 15 pounds of fat, so if you wish to have more than that removed, SmartLipo is not for you.

This procedure is performed under local anesthetic which eliminates the risk associated with general anesthesia. Patients with diabetes, heart disease, liver disease or a history of blood clots have an increased risk of complications from this liposuction procedure. Dr. Hendricks will discuss your medical history in detail during your consultation to evaluate your health and candidacy for SmartLipo.

If you are interested in how SmartLipo can help you, please contact the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center today to arrange a consultation.

SmartLipo Candidacy

2010-07-01T10:42:00.000-07:00

If you have localized fat deposits and are in good health, you may be a candidate for SmartLipo. SmartLipo, short for smart liposuction, is a laser liposuction procedure that effectively removes fat from stubborn areas of your body.

At the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center in Orange County, California cosmetic surgeon, Douglas Hendricks, M.D. uses the latest techniques and technological advancements to provide you with the body you have always wanted.

Areas Treated By SmartLipo

SmartLipo is ideal for treating your:

Hips
Saddle bag thigh area
Inner thighs
Buttocks
Love handles around the waist
Excess fat in the stomach area

SmartLipo should be combined with a lifestyle of good diet, exercise and proper eating habits. If you commit to a healthier lifestyle, you will notice the best results following your procedure.

Who Should Not Have SmartLipo?

If you fall into one of these categories, you should pursue another option for eradicating excess fat:

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you have an infection in the area you wish to be treated
Any man or woman who is obese
Anyone who is on anti-coagulants (blood thinners)
Anyone who suffers from heart failure, severe kidney disease or liver disease

If you live in Orange County or Newport Beach, California, and would like to learn more about how SmartLipo can help you achieve your desired body shape, please call or email our cosmetic surgery office to schedule your consultation.

Liposuction Risks

2010-05-27T09:20:00.000-07:00

If you have ever had some type of surgery done, you know that there is always a risk. We will explain the liposuction risks to you and the possible complications that could arise. Surgery also has side effects, which are not the same thing as complications. Side effects are minor and temporary and mostly part of the healing process.

Complications are typically unexpected, more severe, and sometimes life-threatening. The good news is that most people who have liposuction at Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center have excellent results with straightforward recovery periods. That is partly because Dr. Hendricks is a top quality liposuction surgeon, partly because of good patient education, and partly because people have followed Dr. Hendricks' instructions well.

However, sometimes there is an unexpected event and a complication arises. Most often, we can address it and prevent anything more serious from developing, especially if you contact us immediately after noticing anything untoward during your recovery period.

Minor complications include:

Uneven skin surface - Dr. Hendricks can do a follow-up procedure to correct it
Numbness - when a nerve is compressed by temporary swelling, numbness resolves along with the swelling
Seroma - a seroma is a build-up of fluid. Fat tissue has been removed, which means the area must adapt to the new tissue arrangement and sometimes tissue detaches from the skin. If fluid accumulates in that space, Dr. Hendricks can drain it out.
Scars not fading - Some people do not scar as well as others and may not achieve a thin, flat little scar. Liposuction uses very small incisions, so these scars, even if not well shrunk, will be very small. But if necessary, Dr. Hendricks can do a scar revision surgery.

Major complications include:

Burning - Occasionally, if you have UAL (Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction), the ultrasound probe can become hot. However, Dr. Hendricks can prevent any burns by moving the probe and keeping it far enough away from the skin.
Infection - you will have antibiotics after your liposuction procedure but if you do notice any redness, tenderness or fever, please contact us immediately. It is important to treat infection as soon as possible.
Blood clots - without some walking soon after your liposuction procedure, leg veins can sometimes form a blood clot.
Pulmonary embolism - A particle of fat can sometimes detach and travel in the bloodstream to the lungs. If it lodges there, you will notice breathing problems, so please contact us immediately.

For more information, please see our page on Liposuction Risks and Complications.

If you would like to set up a personal consultation with liposuction surgeon Dr. Hendricks, please call or email our Orange County office today.

Liposuction Treatment Areas

2010-05-25T07:36:00.000-07:00

After you have lost most of the weight you would like to lose, liposuction procedures can be done for fine-tuning. Most people have stubborn body areas that retain the extra fat despite best efforts with diet and exercise.

The most typical of such areas is the abdomen. As we age, it becomes more difficult to lose extra weight from the abdomen - either from the full area from ribs to pelvis, or from the lower abdomen, from navel to pelvis. If you have finished childbearing, you may well have extra abdominal weight and a liposuction procedure can be exactly right for you.

Aside from childbearing, many people tend to retain fat in the thighs, love handles, hips and/or buttocks. This whole lower body area can be successfully treated with liposuction to give you a more svelte outline.

For some people, the back is an area that retains excess fat, especially the upper back. That can make bra straps uncomfortable. A liposuction procedure can remove any extra bulk on the upper back that gives the body a top-heavy and ungraceful silhouette.

There are several ways that liposuction procedures can be done and one approach is SmartLipo, which is designed to treat smaller body areas. Those areas can be sculpted with SmartLipo's laser beam which melts the fat, making it easy to remove. In some cases, the emulsified fat can be reabsorbed by the body and excreted rather than being suctioned out.

If you have extra fat below the chin or around the throat, SmartLipo can remove it very precisely and give you a cleaner jawline. SmartLipo is also a good procedure for the upper arms, back of the neck, cheeks, knees, and mons pubis. Recovery is faster than from traditional liposuction procedures.

If you are in Orange County, California, and would like to learn more about the ways liposuction could help you achieve your desired body shape, please call or email our cosmetic surgery office for a private consultation with Dr. Hendricks.

Am I a Candidate for Liposuction?

2010-05-20T07:32:00.000-07:00

To be a good candidate for a liposuction procedure, you need to have already lost most of your excess weight. Liposuction is not designed to be a weight-loss procedure. Rather, it is a fine-tuning procedure for those areas that retain more fatty tissue than you would like, and do not respond to diet and exercise.

So if you are no more than about 20 pounds overweight, you could be a good liposuction candidate. You would also need to be in good general health. Dr. Hendricks will assess your health history and determine whether you have any conditions that could interfere with your successful recovery. An example might be diabetes - if it is well-managed, you could be a good candidate.

As with all cosmetic surgery, realistic expectations are important. We would want you to know that you cannot be made to look like someone else, nor can a liposuction procedure necessarily give you a Hollywood-perfect shape.

Dr. Hendricks offers SmartLipo as well as more traditional liposuction procedures. SmartLipo is for those who have small overweight areas like the neck, face and upper arms. Use of a laser to break up fat cells for removal gives you the added benefit of tighter skin over your slimmer shape. SmartLipo is a very precise procedure and if you are looking for this kind of detailed improvement, you could be a good candidate for it.

Only your liposuction surgeon can really determine your candidacy for the procedure. We encourage you to call or email our Orange County office for a private consultation with Dr. Hendricks.

Buttock Augmentation and Exercise

2010-04-28T15:06:00.000-07:00

Buttock augmentation involves the insertion of artificial implants into the buttocks with the goal of achieving a more pleasing size and shape. Buttock enhancement can be very successful and has helped many patients achieve the sensuous curves they desire.

A good candidate for buttock augmentation is an adult in good general health and psychologically stable who wants to improve their appearance and has realistic goals and expectations. You may look like Jennifer Lopez after your surgery, but you may not be able to dance like her or sing like Beyonce.

Most buttock augmentation surgery is performed in an out-patient setting and you are able to return home, with the assistance of someone to drive you, to rest and recover, within hours of your procedure.

When you leave the surgery center you will be wearing a compression garment to support and encourage healing of the buttocks. You will also be prescribed pain medication to control any pain connected with the surgery and you will be encouraged to drink fluids and follow the surgeons' instructions to speed your recovery.

Intense physical exertion should be avoided for several weeks, but you may be able to resume your normal exercise routine and physical activities within a month or two of your surgery. These times vary from case to case, so Dr. Hendricks is best qualified to guide you in the proper timing of your return to normal physical activity.

Does the idea of buttock augmentation surgery appeal to you? Please contact Dr. Douglas L. Hendricks of Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center today to learn more about this procedure.

Buttock Augmentation Recovery Time

2010-04-24T15:04:00.000-07:00

Buttock augmentation surgery usually lasts two to three hours. The time necessary to complete this surgery depends on the technique used, the placement of the implants, the anatomy of the patient and the type of anesthesia used. Most buttock augmentation surgery is performed as an out-patient procedure, and many patients go home within hours of their procedure.

Buttock augmentation can be somewhat painful because of the stretching involved of the tissues. The pain improves with each passing hour and is relieved by pain medication prescribed by Dr. Hendricks.

A compression garment is worn after surgery to provide support and a companion is needed to drive you home and help pamper you for a day or two after your procedure. It is also important to rest after your surgery to speed the healing process. Drinking adequate fluids, taking your prescribed medications and following Dr. Hendricks' instructions will also assist you in your recovery.

Your stitches will be removed within one week to ten days, and swelling will continue to subside over several weeks. You can normally resume your exercise routine and regular physical activities a month or two after your surgery. Of course, recovery times vary from patient to patient. Intense physical exertion should be avoided for several weeks, but you may be able to return to work in several days providing your job does not entail strenuous physical activity.

If you live in Newport Beach, Orange County, California and you are interested in learning more about buttock augmentation, please contact Douglas L. Hendricks, M.D., FACS of Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center today.

Buttock Augmentation

2010-04-20T15:08:00.000-07:00

Buttock augmentation surgery involves the insertion of artificial implants into the buttocks to enhance their size and shape for those who are not happy with the ones Mother Nature gave them.

Thanks to celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez and Beyonce, who revel in their voluminous buttocks, some women feel they have been deprived of a sensuous and more appealing shape.

Buttock enhancement surgery is usually quite successful and has helped many achieve a more rounded and sensual appearance and increased their self-esteem and confidence as well.

During your initial consultation you should discuss your expectations with Dr. Hendricks including just how large and shapely you want to appear. It is a good idea to bring photos of what you think your ideal shape would look like to the consultation, and ask to see recent before and after photos of the surgeons' most recent cases of buttock augmentation. Along with a buttock augmentation, Dr. Hendricks may suggest a buttock lift be performed at the same time to enhance the outcome of your procedure.

Only Dr. Hendricks can advise the correct procedure for your own personal needs. Learning all you can about the procedure will assist you in making an informed decision you will feel confident with.

If you wish you had buttocks like Kim, Jennifer or Beyonce, please contact Dr. Douglas L. Hendricks in Newport Beach, California and make your wishes come true.

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2010-04-19T13:48:00.001-07:00

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Breast Reduction Surgery and Scarring

2010-03-25T16:00:00.000-07:00

Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia in a surgery center or hospital in about two to four hours and you may return home following your procedure. There is no need for an overnight stay. Post-surgery discomfort is considered to be moderate and is well-controlled with pain medication.

Any bruising or swelling encountered will improve in two to four weeks with the bandages being removed in one to seven days and stitches are usually the dissolvable kind so they don't need to be removed. You can resume your exercise routine in two to four weeks and return to work in one to three weeks.

Breast reduction surgery does result in some scarring. Fortunately, the scars can be limited to areas hidden with undergarments. The scars will fade after surgery, but in some cases, will take many months to do so.

Some risks involved with breast reduction surgery are infection, bleeding, an appearance of unevenness and healing problems. These risks can be reduced if you are in good general health and follow Dr. Hendricks' instructions. It is always advised to stop smoking two to four weeks before any surgery to minimize healing problems.

If you have given some thought to breast reduction surgery, but still have questions that have gone unanswered, please contact Dr. Hendricks of Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center in Newport Beach, California today to schedule a consultation to address those concerns and allow you to make a well-informed decision about breast reduction surgery.

Breast Reduction Surgery and Breast Feeding

2010-03-18T13:26:00.000-07:00

Women with large breasts often suffer chronic pain involving the neck, back and shoulders and suffer from headaches and rashes under the breasts. The ability to exercise and engage in physical activity are diminished in a women with large breasts, as is her feeling of self-confidence diminished.

Breast reduction surgery is done under general anesthesia in approximately two to four hours and you may return home following your procedure. There is no need for an overnight stay.. Moderate discomfort is to be expected for three to seven days after surgery that is easily controlled with pain medication.

In general, breast reduction surgery is more likely to interfere with nursing than breast augmentation surgery. However, there is an excellent chance you will be able to nurse if your nipple and areola are still attached to breast tissue. Damage to the nerves, milk ducts and breast tissue may limit your milk flow and diminish sensation in your nipples. The ability to nurse is usually retained because only the skin surrounding the nipple is manipulated, not the nipple itself.

Bruising or swelling improves in two to four weeks with the assistance of a sports bra or ace bandage and you will be able to return to work in one to three weeks if your job is not physically demanding.

Residents of Newport Beach, California who are interested in breast reduction surgery may contact Douglas L. Hendricks at Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center today to obtain more information about this procedure from a highly trained and qualified surgeon.

Breast Reduction Surgery

2010-03-16T07:51:00.000-07:00

Large breasts can cause many problems, such as neck, back, shoulder pain, shoulder-grooving, headaches, posture problems, nerve problems, rashes under the breasts, interference with exercise and physical activity and the inability to find proper fitting clothing and problems with self-image.

Women with large breasts are often in chronic pain, have no energy and are sometimes overweight because they are unable to exercise. Even weight loss does not guarantee a solution for large breasted women. Men are also victims of this problem, although less noted, the damage to their self-image can be just as devastating.

In breast reduction surgery, the breast tissue and excess breast skin are removed and your nipples are moved to a higher position on your breasts. This is usually accomplished without the necessity of removing your nipples and then replacing them. The nipples stay attached to the breast and only the surrounding skin is manipulated, so the ability to breast feed is usually retained.

Are you considering breast reduction surgery? If you live in Newport Beach, Orange County, California, please contact Dr. Douglas L. Hendricks of Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center today to schedule a consultation and learn more about this procedure. Dr. Hendricks and his staff are ready to answer your questions and any concerns you may have about your particular problem.

Recovery from Tummy Tuck Surgery

2010-02-28T14:43:00.000-08:00

Abdominoplasty, (tummy tuck surgery) is one of the most frequently requested cosmetic plastic surgical procedures in the United States. Men and women with excess fat and sagging skin in the abdominal area can benefit substantially from this surgical procedure.

A tummy tuck tightens abdominal muscles and greatly improves the contours and appearance of the abdominal area, which has a great effect on your confidence and self-esteem.

Tummy tuck surgery usually takes between one to three hours to complete under general anesthesia. The discomfort experienced with this procedure is described as moderate, and is controlled with pain medication or a device called a pain pump that uses catheters to drip small amounts of numbing medicine under the skin in the area of the surgery for several days. Bruising is not usually noted, but there may be numbness in the abdominal area. Bandages are removed in one to four days and stitches are usually not necessary after seven days. You may return to work in seven to ten days if no vigorous physical activity is required with your job and driving may be resumed in seven to fourteen days. Of course, Dr. Hendricks will advise you on the resumption of your schedule based on your individual circumstances.

If you live in Newport Beach, California and you have made the decision to have tummy tuck surgery, but still have concerns about certain aspects of the surgery, please contact Douglas L. Hendricks, M.D., FACS of Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center today to have your concerns addressed.

Tummy Tuck Surgery and Exercise

2010-02-18T14:41:00.000-08:00

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) can successfully accomplish what no amount of dieting and exercising can, removing loose sagging skin and excess fat, and tightening the abdominal muscles to give you a flat and taut tummy area.

Dieting and exercise can tone your muscles and help you lose weight, but they cannot remove that loose sagging skin, excess fat or tighten abdominal muscles.

Tummy tuck surgery is one of the most common cosmetic plastic surgery procedures performed nationwide. Both men and women can, and do, benefit from this surgery.
The ideal candidate for this procedure is a person in good general health, but one with excess skin and fat in the abdominal area that has not responded to diet and exercise.

Others who are good candidates for a tummy tuck are those who have successfully lost a great deal of weight only to be left with substantial amounts of loose, sagging skin. A tummy tuck in this case will greatly improve your body contours and your self-esteem.

You can return to your normal exercise routine between two and four weeks after your tummy tuck surgery or on the advice of Dr. Hendricks.

If you have been struggling with loose, sagging skin and the excess fat that diet and exercise just will never correct, please contact the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center in Newport Beach, California today and learn more about this procedure from Dr. Douglas L. Hendricks.

Tummy Tuck

2010-02-08T14:38:00.000-08:00

Abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens underlying muscles, leaving a flatter and smoother tummy area.

Unfortunately, diet and exercise alone cannot produce the same result. The aging process, pregnancy and fluctuating hormones can take a trim and taut abdominal area and turn it into a sagging, soft and doughy mass. Tummy tuck surgery provides a long-lasting solution to this problem.

During your initial consultation with Dr. Hendricks, learn all you can about what tummy tuck surgery can do for your particular problem, ask to see before and after pictures of the surgeon's most recent patients, and discuss the risks and benefits involved with this procedure and how they may affect you. As with any surgical procedure, you may encounter scarring, bleeding, swelling and anesthesia related problems.

If you eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and keep your weight constant with no great weight gains or losses, you can expect great results from your tummy tuck surgery. However, tummy tuck surgery will not change the person you are or allow you to eat whatever you desire with no consequences.

If you want to regain the trim and taut tummy you had in the past, or never had but always wanted, please contact Dr. Douglas L. Hendricks of Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center today.

Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon

2009-10-26T15:01:00.000-07:00

The ultimate success of your plastic surgery procedure will depend largely on choosing the right plastic surgeon. In the hands of a highly skilled surgeon, your plastic surgery results will help augment your appearance without drawing attention to your cosmetic enhancement.

Orange County plastic surgeon Dr. Douglas Hendricks believes that earning the trust and confidence of his patients is crucial to establishing a proper patient/doctor relationship. This strong relationship will enable Dr. Hendricks to better understand your cosmetic goals so that he can provide you with the best possible results for your plastic surgery procedure. When you evaluate potential surgeons, make sure to work with someone whom you trust.

I heard something interesting on the radio the other day. It was a commercial for a LASIK surgeon but they said “you wouldn’t go to the cheapest brain surgeon !” The same is true for Plastic surgery. This is an important decision that hopefully you will only have to make one time, so you want to be sure that quality and experience is at the top of the list when you make your choice.

I always tell my patients you want someone with a few grey hairs but not too many ! In other words, surgical skill is gained by extended experience… sometimes 10 or 15 years refining the techniques to what works and what doesn’t. You don’t want someone neccesarilly fresh out of residency, but at the same time I wouldn’t choose somebody who is at the far end of their carreer and really isn’t up on the latest and most up to date techniques

It is important to come to your initial consultation prepared to ask your potential surgeon a variety of questions about your desired procedure and about his professional experience. If the surgeon does not answer your questions to your satisfaction, you should keep looking.

Choosing a board certified plastic surgeon is very important. It ensures that your doctor has completed the highest levels of training in the field and has a great deal of experience performing your desired procedure.

Your plastic surgeon should also thoroughly explain all of the risks involved in your procedure. If he doesn’t offer to show you before and after photos of patients who have received the same surgery you desire, ask to see them. This will give you a good idea as to the type of work your plastic surgeon performs. Your initial consultation is also an excellent opportunity to talk about financing options for your desired procedure.

Ultimately, you must feel confident that you have made the right choice. If anything about a plastic surgeon or his staff makes you uncomfortable, you should continue your search. If you have any questions as you conduct your search, Dr. Hendricks will be happy to discuss them with you.

Please contact our Orange County plastic surgery office today to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Hendricks. We serve patients in Orange County, California.

Am I a Candidate for Breast Enhancement Surgery?

2009-10-21T14:56:00.000-07:00

Choosing whether or not to undergo breast enhancement surgery can be one of the largest and most important decisions you will ever make. For many women, breast augmentation helps boost their self-confidence, helping them to achieve their ideal breast size and shape once and for all. It also helps balance the upper trunk to be proportionate with the lower trunk (hips, in this case).

However, breast enhancement is a surgical procedure that, like all surgery, is accompanied by some possibles risks. Therefore, it is important to think through your choice very carefully before you make your final decision. It is important to have your spouse-boyfriend-family on-board. They will be the ones that will support you during your recovery and through the process of undergoing a change in your body shape. You want to surround yourself with these type of people to ensure a positive experience and a smooth recovery.

Breast enhancement can correct a number of problems you may have with your breasts so that you are more satisfied with your appearance. In general, you may be a good candidate for breast augmentation if you are interested in:

Balancing uneven breasts
Adding size or volume to your breasts
Correcting sagging issues caused by weight loss, age, or pregnancy or breast feeding

Age and lifestyle choices play an important factor in deciding whether or not you are an ideal candidate for breast augmentation. Orange County breast surgeon Dr. Douglas Hendricks will not recommend breast enhancement for women under the age of 18, and it is generally wise to wait until your mid 20s for the procedure since your breasts may continue to develop well into your 20s.

Child birth is another factor affecting your candidacy for breast augmentation. If you are planning on having children in the future, you may want to wait until after child birth for your procedure, since breast enhancement can affect your ability to breast feed in some circumstances, although most woman in his experience are able to breast feed after augmentation and the breasts return for the most part to a shape mostly similar to the pre-pregnancy appearance..

At your initial consultation, Dr. Hendricks will discuss all of these factors with you to help you make an informed decision about your desired breast enhancement procedure.

To learn more about your breast enhancement options, please contact our Orange County breast surgery office today to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Hendricks. Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center serves patients in Orange County, California.

How does Restylane® differ from BOTOX® Cosmetic?

2009-10-15T14:52:00.000-07:00

Lines and Wrinkles in the face suggest aging, stress or both. To maintain a youthful appearance, there are many cosmetic treatments available that add volume and smooth out fine lines.

Restylane® and BOTOX® Cosmetic are very popular treatments that each has its own distinct advantage. Restylane® is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved non-animal, biodegradable, clear gel based on hyaluronic acid that plumps up fine lines, fills depressions and shapes lips, chins and cheeks.

BOTOX® Cosmetic is another FDA approved treatment that is derived from the bacterium clostridium botulinum. BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected into the targeted area with a fine needle and inactivates those muscles that cause wrinkles. BOTOX® Cosmetic smoothes fine lines and is used mainly to remove frown lines, laugh lines and forehead lines. In essence, any wrinkle produced when a muscle moves is a good candidate for Botox.

Static wrinkles or Creases (Ones that are present at rest) respond better to injectable soft-tissue fillers , such as Hyaluronic Acid Gels or some of the newer semi-permanent fillers.

Although both treatments are FDA approved, Restylane® is a natural substance and contains no animal ingredients. The effects of Restylane® last up to one year, while the effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic last from three to six months.

Both treatments produce good results, but vary according to the patients’ requirements, condition and circumstances of treatment. Dr. Hendricks is the only one qualified to recommend which treatment is best for you.

Perhaps you need questions answered about which treatment is best for you? Please contact Dr. Douglas L. Hendricks of Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery today to schedule a consultation that could start you on the road to a more youthful and fresh appearance.

Restylane® Results

2009-10-07T14:48:00.000-07:00

Restylane® simulates the body’s own production of hyaluronic acid to plump up and add volume to the targeted areas. Hyaluronic acid found naturally in the human body helps skin resiliency and resistance to damage. The most common areas treated are the nasolabial folds, lips, cheeks and chin, between the eyebrows and the backs of the hands. Restylane® is very successful at treating fine lines and even deep furrows in these areas.

Restylane® treatments take very little time, usually only around thirty minutes, depending on the amount being administered, and the procedure is performed in an out-patient setting.

Improvement is seen immediately at the time of treatment. Although there may be some mild temporary discomfort from the injection, side effects are rare, but may include redness, a temporary feeling of numbness and bruising and swelling at the injection site.

Restylane® results are immediate and last from six to twelve months, with your age and severity of the wrinkles and lines treated dictating the longevity of the results. However, if you receive Restylane® treatments for lip augmentation, you will most likely receive follow-up treatments more frequently than those who use Restylane® for only lines and wrinkles.

There is no recovery time associated with Restylane® treatments. The redness or bruising sometimes seen with the treatment can be covered with make-up and will resolve itself in only days.

If you would like to learn more about Restylane®, please contact Dr. Hendricks at Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center today.

Restylane®

2009-10-01T14:44:00.000-07:00

Hyaluronic acid have become extremely popular as soft tissue fillers and wrinkle reducers in Plastic Surgery today. Although there are several manufacturers of Hyaluronic Acid gels, thay are all basically a natural substance in your skin, besides collagen and elastin, whose purpose is to provide fullness and elasticity. With the passage of time, your skin’s naturally occurring hyaluronic acid diminishes, and as it diminishes your skin loses its’ youthful, dewy, fresh appearance.

The synthetic hyaluronic acid in Restylane® replenishes your skin in a non-surgical, long-lasting, well tolerated treatment. Restylane® is unique because it binds with the moisture in your skin to maintain volume over time, lasting on the average from six to twelve months.

Restylane® has been in use for over a decade worldwide and has been proven to be both safe and effective. Restylane® contains no animal proteins which limits the risk of allergic reactions or animal-based disease transmission.

Restylane® is injected into the skin in tiny amounts using a very fine needle in a quick procedure. Treatment benefits are commonly seen instantly. Restylane® can be used to smooth facial lines, create fuller lips and improve cheek and chin lines subtly.

There is a slight risk of redness, swelling, pain, itching, burning and tenderness at the site of the Restylane® injections that commonly resolve themselves in one to two days.

Are you ready to have the Restylane® experience? If so, please contact the office of Orange County, California cosmetic surgeon, Douglas L. Hendricks, M.D., FACS of Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center today.

Breast Lift Surgery and Exercise

2009-09-30T12:09:00.001-07:00

Breast sagging is an unfortunate result of breast size, age, gravity and the effects of pregnancy and nursing. These factors contribute to the stretching of breast tissue.

Breast size is the greatest factor in determining if breasts will eventually droop. Large breasts are pulled down by the force of gravity, and the skin then stretches and loses its elastic properties.

After breast lift surgery, you may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising for about two weeks. Commonly, after this swelling and bruising disappears, you may restart your exercise program gradually, limiting the intensity of the exercises.

Usually, you must avoid overexertion and pressure on the breast area. Aerobics or jogging is normally discouraged for approximately three to four weeks after surgery, but walking and lighter exercises can be resumed two weeks after surgery. Of course, Dr. Hendricks is the one to guide you and will advise you when to return to your past activities full time.

Residents of Newport Beach, Orange County, California, who are contemplating breast lift surgery, should contact the highly qualified breast lift surgeon Douglas L. Hendricks, M.D., FACS of Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center in Newport Beach, California today for a comprehensive consultation to address any issues you have concerning this procedure.

Breast Lift Surgery Recovery

2009-09-23T12:07:00.000-07:00

If you are an informed and knowledgeable person when it comes to what to expect from the results of your breast lift surgery, the chances of a good outcome increase dramatically.

Breast lift surgery is a procedure used to lift sagging breasts that lose their skin elasticity and shape with aging and the effects of gravity.

Most breast lift surgeries are accomplished without serious complications or side effects, but like any other surgical procedure, there are some risks involved. After breast lift surgery you may experience some discomfort, swelling and bruising, which may last two to three weeks. Pain medication is commonly prescribed for the first week of breast lift surgery recovery time, but the pain and discomfort are minimal. You will be advised to sleep on your back for the first two weeks following your procedure and to wear a support bra.

You may return to work one week post-surgery if your job is not physically demanding. Sutures are usually removed two to three weeks after the procedure. It may be one month before all swelling and bruising disappears and the final dramatic results of your breast lift are truly apparent. Scars will be noticeable for a few months, but will continue to fade into thin white lines.

Does the idea of breast lift surgery appeal to you? Please contact the experienced breast lift surgery specialist, Douglas, L. Hendricks, M.D., FACS, of Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn more about the benefits of this procedure.

Breast Lift Surgery

2009-09-16T12:06:00.000-07:00

A breast lift elevates and reshapes sagging breasts. A breast lift will reshape or remove excess skin, elevate the remaining tissue and skin, and reposition the nipples. When the physical aspects of a breast lift are accomplished, the result also has an effect on your feelings of self-esteem and confidence.

There are different types of breast lifts you should be aware of if you are contemplating having this procedure done. A full breast lift requires multiple incisions and has the most dramatic outcome. A modified breast lift uses only one incision on the areola, which results in less scarring, but also has a less dramatic outcome.

Breast lift surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis in one to three hours. The time it takes varies case by case. The side effects of breast lift surgery include temporary discomfort, some bruising and swelling, and the healing skin may feel dry. The scarring associated with this procedure will lessen over time.

Breast lift surgery results can be permanent, but aging, gravity and weight changes sometimes create a need for breast lift revision surgery.

Have you been contemplating breast lift surgery? Please contact the highly trained cosmetic surgeon, Douglas L. Hendricks, M.D., FACS of Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center today to schedule a comprehensive consultation to learn more about this procedure.

SmartLipo™ Recovery Period (Down time)

2009-08-31T15:46:00.000-07:00

A SmartLipo procedure, which is a less-invasive technique alternative to traditional liposuction, is an extremely safe out-patient procedure that is among the fastest growing cosmetic surgery options today.

Although traditional liposuction can be associated with long, painful recovery periods, SmartLipo patients fully recover seemingly in less time, with less pain or bruising and leave the procedure with band-aids instead of stitches.

The goal of SmartLipo is to come away from the procedure with the best result while minimizing the risk of complications. The laser that is used is quite accurate at directing the enrgy to reduce fat in the specific target area while sparing adjacent areas from damage. Using SmartLipo, the risk of post operative irregularities is reduced thanks to cutting-edge technology.

With SmartLipo, you are able to return to normal activities after only days of recovery time with minimal discomfort and bruising. Recovery begins the moment your procedure is completed with less risk of the nausea and disorientation encountered with the general anesthetic used in a traditional liposuction procedure. Patients are commonly released within one hour of the completion of their procedure with a prescription for pain medication, if needed, and a compression bandage, which encourages healing and prevents damage to the procedure site.

Residents of the Newport Beach, Orange County, California area contemplating liposuction should contact the highly skilled cosmetic surgeon Douglas L. Hendricks, M.D., FACS of Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center today to learn more about SmartLipo the safe and painless alternative to traditional liposuction.

SmartLipo™ Risks and Complications

2009-08-29T15:45:00.000-07:00

SmartLipo is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional liposuction. SmartLipo is a very safe alternative method to remove fat that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2006. There has never been a report of a serious life-threatening complication with the SmartLipo procedure since that time. SmartLipo is an outpatient procedure that has become one of the fastest growing and minimal-risk cosmetic surgery options available today.

A SmartLipo procedure is performed in forty-five minutes to one hour with no discernable side effects. A laser enclosed in a thin cannula (tube) is inserted through a tiny incision, which causes the fat cells to liquefy, and the liquid debris is removed from the area being treated with minimal blood loss and damage to the surrounding tissue.

If you have struggled repeatedly with diets and exercise programs with little or no results in those areas of stubborn fat deposits, you may be a candidate for a SmartLipo procedure. SmartLipo is not intended to reduce body weight; instead, it will remove fat cells from small targeted areas of the face, arms, thighs, and neck.

If you would like to learn more about the SmartLipo procedure and you live in the Orange County, California area, please contact Dr. Douglas L. Hendricks of Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center today.

SmartLipo™ vs Traditional Liposuction

2009-08-28T15:44:00.000-07:00

SmartLipo is a minimally invasive and safe procedure that is an excellent alternative to traditional liposuction. Traditional liposuction is associated with longer recovery periods, some scarring, and sometimes less-than-perfect results. The SmartLipo procedure involves the use of an advanced laser under the surface of the skin, offering advantages over the traditional liposuction method.

Traditional liposuction requires larger incisions to vacuum out solid fat, which is very traumatic to the surrounding tissue. Using the SmartLipo procedure the fat cells are liquefied, which causes less trauma, less blood loss, and less bruising. The SmartLipo procedure is more often performed under local anesthesia, thereby reducing the risk of complications of general anesthesia, and smaller cannulas are used to remove the liquefied fat cells, so no stitches are required to close the tiny incisions.

In the past, traditional liposuction required weeks and even months of painful healing and often limited activity. The recovery time for SmartLipo seems to be more rapid with less bruising and discomfort, with patients returning to normal daily activities within a few days following the surgery.

If you are a resident of the Newport Beach, Orange County, California area and you are contemplating liposuction, please contact the Newport Beach office of Douglas L. Hendricks, M.D., FACS of Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center today to learn more about SmartLipo in a personalized, comprehensive, consultation to discuss the easy and affordable self-improvement options available to you.

Downtime After Skin Laser Treatment

2009-07-30T13:33:00.000-07:00

Many patients who enter the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center looking and feeling more tired and older than they would like, walk out with a whole new outlook on life. Best of all, the process is quick, virtually painless and highly effective.

What is the secret to our success (and our patients’ happiness)? Laser skin renewal treatments. Our Cynosure® Affirm™ CO2 LaserSkinRenewal system helps to reverse the normal signs of aging and sun damage by minimizing skin discolorations, wrinkles and photo aging. The lasers help stimulate the production of collagen on the skin to aid in tissue tightening and helping the skin appear more youthful.

How long does the process take?

Laser skin renewal treatments can take 15-30 minutes, depending on the area(s) to be treated. Some patients may only require one treatment, while others may need additional treatments to achieve the desired results.

What is the downtime after treatment?

One of the best aspects of laser skin renewal treatments is that normal activities can be resumed immediately after treatment. Because each patient is unique, some patients may experience some swelling or redness 1-2 days after treatment. Positive results can be seen immediately after treatment.

Laser skin renewal makes it easier than ever to erase the signs of aging and the harsh effects of the environment. If you would like to learn more, please contact Orange County cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center for a free consultation.

Skin Lasers

2009-07-21T13:21:00.000-07:00

Time, the environment and heredity have a way of leaving visible marks on a person’s face, neck, hands or body. While invasive cosmetic surgery is a viable alternative for many people to help alter their appearance, non-invasive laser skin renewal is an excellent option to help people who have:

• Loose skin
• Wrinkles
• Uneven skin tone
• Dark under eye circles
• Enlarged pores
• Sun damaged skin

Laser skin renewal is a fast, safe and effective way to smooth and vaporize the skin and stimulate new collagen growth. While the patient will begin to see positive results immediately after treatment, the skin will continue to improve over time. It is important to realize that there may be some redness and swelling in the days following the treatment, but this is temporary.

Most of Dr. Hendricks’ patients who have inquired about laser skin renewal feel that they appear older and more tired than they actually are. Dr. Hendricks utilizes the Cynosure® Affirm™ CO2 LaserSkinRenewal system to bring new life and vitality to his patients.

Please contact Orange County cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center for a free laser skin renewal consultation to determine if you are a good candidate for this treatment.

Combining Cosmetic Surgeries

2009-07-09T13:18:00.000-07:00

Many people who wish to improve their outward appearance have more than just one trouble spot or areas that may require more than one procedure to produce the desired results. Combination surgeries are gaining popularity among patients and surgeons alike because the procedures are effective and safe (when performed by a qualified, knowledgeable and experienced surgeon like Dr. Hendricks).

Examples of surgery combos

• Tummy tuck and liposuction, also called lipoabdominoplasty
• Breast augmentation or lift, tummy tuck and liposuction, sometimes referred to as a “mommy makeover”
• Breast augmentation and breast lift
• Eyelid lift and forehead lift
• Forehead lift and facelift
• Facelift and skin resurfacing
• BOTOX® and dermal fillers
• Cheek, jaw chin implants

It is important to remember that any type of surgery has the potential for risks and complications. Healing times will vary with each patient and will depend on the patient’s overall health before surgery, medical history and what type of procedure(s) were performed. Patients should follow the surgeon’s instructions before, during and after surgery in order to achieve the best results.

If you are interested in altering your appearance through one or a combination of cosmetic procedures, please contact Orange County cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center to schedule your confidential consultation with Dr. Hendricks today.

Types of Tummy Tucks

2009-06-29T14:21:00.000-07:00

When considering a tummy tuck procedure, also known as abdominoplasty, it is important to understand that there are varying degrees of surgery that can be performed. Because each patient’s body is completely unique, Dr. Hendricks will provide a thorough examination of your current body shape, taking into consideration your medical and family history as well as your expectations in order to determine which surgery is right for you.

Mini Tummy Tuck

Mini tummy tucks are performed on trouble spots located below the belly button. Both excess fat and skin is removed during surgery and the abdominal muscles tightened. Generally a mini tummy tuck will require a smaller incision area to correct the problem areas, and the belly button may not need to be repositioned on the abdominal area.

Complete Tummy Tuck

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your entire abdominal area, both above and below the belly button, it may be necessary to undergo a complete tummy tuck procedure. In this procedure, a larger incision is made just above the public line to allow for the proper amount of excess fat and skin to be removed. Depending on the amount of skin removed, the belly button may need to be repositioned to create a natural-looking midsection.

To learn if a tummy tuck procedure would benefit your appearance, please contact Orange County cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center to schedule your confidential consultation today.

Gynecomastia

2009-06-21T14:20:00.000-07:00

While many women wish for large breasts, large mammary glands in men are generally not a desirable physical trait. This enlarged breast condition, known as “gynecomastia,” can occur in men at any age and can occur for a number of reasons, including:
• Genetics
• Disease
• Hormonal alterations
• Medications
• Recreational drugs
• Age
• Weight gain

Because gynecomastia can have a devastating effect on a man’s self-esteem and confidence levels, many men are now turning to male breast reduction surgery. This surgical procedure may include one or a combination of the following procedures:
• Removal of excess fat with liposuction techniques
• Removal of breast tissue and/or excess skin
• Repositioning of the nipple and/or reduction of the areola

After surgery, the chest will appear more contoured and masculine. Because incisions are required, there will most likely be some scarring on the chest that may be hidden by the chest’s natural lines or body hair.

If you are a generally healthy male who is suffering from gynecomastia, we may be able to reshape your chest and give you a new outlook on life. Please contact Orange County cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center today to request an initial consultation to discuss your specific situation and learn if you are a candidate for breast reduction surgery.

Tummy Tuck Candidacy

2009-06-09T14:15:00.000-07:00

A tummy tuck or “abdominoplasty” can help both men and women achieve firmer, flatter abdomens by removing excess fat and skin and tightening the muscles of the abdominal walls.

Good candidates for abdominoplasty procedures are those who:

• Set realistic expectations for the results of the surgery. This should be discussed in detail with Dr. Hendricks prior to any decision to undergo surgery.
• Maintain a healthy body weight and follow a healthy diet and exercise regimen but continue to have excess fat and skin in the abdominal area.

There are specific types of people who can benefit greatly from abdominoplasty.

• Many women who have had children opt to have the abdominoplasty procedure to help reverse the effects that pregnancy can leave on the midsection. However, this procedure is not advised for women who plan to become pregnant in the future.
• Over time, a person’s skin becomes less elastic and the abdominal muscles can become weaker, creating a less than smooth midsection. People who experience this effect can achieve excellent results with abdominoplasty.
• Those who inherit the unfortunate genes for abdominal fat deposits may find that abdominoplasty is the best way to attain the midsection they always wanted.
• People who have experienced significant weight loss can have loose abdominal skin tightened.

Abdominoplasty is not for everyone, but Dr. Hendricks has performed wonderful results on hundreds of patients. For your complimentary abdominoplasty consultation, please contact Orange County cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center

Exercise After Breast Augmentation

2009-05-29T07:50:00.000-07:00

Breast augmentation surgery is an invasive procedure that requires patients to get the appropriate amount of rest after surgery to allow for proper healing. It is common for women to experience post-operative sensations in the breasts, such as firmness and swelling. The breasts may also appear slightly high after surgery. By following Dr. Hendricks’ specific post-operative instructions for your unique situation, these sensations should subside within a month after surgery.

What about exercise?
Generally, one of the most important instructions after breast augmentation surgery is to avoid strenuous or straining activities during the first full week after surgery. Exercise should be avoided for 2-4 weeks after surgery; however, leisurely walking is encouraged to keep blood circulation moving in the body to avoid blood clots. To allow the incision areas to heal properly, it is also important to avoid sweating.

Studies show most women can resume full activity within 3-6 weeks after breast augmentation surgery. It is important to keep in mind that every woman is different and will experience her own unique healing process.

Dr. Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center is committed to helping each breast augmentation patient have a positive experience during every aspect of this surgical procedure, from initial consultation to follow-up appointments. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Orange County cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center.

Candidacy for Breast Augmentation

2009-05-19T07:48:00.000-07:00

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), in 2007 surgeons performed nearly 12 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, which is up 7 percent from 2006. More than 1.8 million surgical cosmetic procedures were performed in 2007, with breast augmentation leading the top five. In fact, 348,000 patients chose breast augmentation surgery in 2007, up 6 percent from 2006.

With so many women choosing this elective surgery, how do you know if breast augmentation surgery is right for you? The following lists may help you make the initial decision to pursue conversations and a professional breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center.

Good candidates for breast augmentation

A good candidate for breast augmentation will be a woman who:
• Has good overall health
• Is physically and mentally mature (teenagers may not be good candidates)
• Is not pregnant or breastfeeding
• Is making the decision for herself, not another person
• Understands the potential risks and complications
• Has realistic expectations of how the breasts will look
• Has realistic expectations of how the new breasts will make her feel

Breast augmentation surgery can give women renewed self-confidence if done for the right reasons. If you would like to learn if you are a candidate for breast augmentation, please contact Orange County cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center.

Breast Augmentation Risks and Complications

2009-05-12T07:45:00.000-07:00

Whether you have always wanted larger breasts or want to regain a larger breast size after pregnancy and breastfeeding, breast augmentation is a popular and effective way to achieve the upper body you desire. When performed by a knowledgeable, trained and qualified board certified cosmetic surgeon, breast augmentation surgery is generally a safe procedure. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are always risks and complications that can arise. It is important to ask questions about breast augmentation and be aware of these risks before undergoing any surgical procedure.

Possible risks and complications
• Infection (causing breast inflammation, fever, tenderness, etc.)
• Capsular contracture (when the implant pocket shrinks, squeezing the implant and making it feel hard)
• Bottoming out (when the implant falls on the chest, making the nipple too high)
• Rupture, leaking or deflation of the implant
• Sensation changes in the breast or nipple
• Mondor’s cord (a blood vessel inflammation that will heal itself)
• Symmastia (when the two implants merge on the chest, making the two breasts look like one “uniboob”)
• Rippling or wrinkling (when the skin appears wavy due to saline shifting)
• Scarring
• Blood clots

During any consultations with Dr. Hendricks, he will discuss all of the benefits and risks associated with breast augmentation surgery so you can make an informed decision. To arrange for your free breast augmentation consultation, please contact Orange County cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center.

Longer-Lasting Fillers

2009-04-29T08:47:00.000-07:00

Dermal fillers have made it possible for both men and women to erase the signs of aging: facial lines, wrinkles, creases and folds that appear courtesy of heredity, sun exposure and time. In the past, it was common for the effectiveness of these fillers to last approximately 6 months or longer. Now, with advances in technology, dermal fillers last longer and work more effectively to help smooth the face and provide a more youthful appearance.

Below are several hyaluronic acid dermal fillers that may last up to 1 year. Hyaluronic acids are naturally-occurring substances in the body.

• Restylane®
• Juvederm® – actually FDA-approved to last 1 year
• Perlane®
• Radiesse®

There are other types of dermal fillers that may last longer than one year including:

• Sculptra® – a synthetic polymer filler that produces progressive results over time, results that can last up to 2 years
• Radiesse – Hydroxyapatite is a white gel consisting mainly of calcium. When used for soft tissue enhancement, it provides a soft filling of deeper lines and wrinkles that can last for years. IT has also been used as an alternative to chin implants or cheek implants where highlighting of this area is desired but surgery can be avoided.
• ArteFill® – synthetic polymer microspheres suspended in cow collagen; because the microspheres do no reabsorb, the results can last up to 5 years –not currently available from the US manufacturer.

If you live in Newport Beach or anywhere in Orange County, California and are interested in exploring the various non-surgical cosmetic techniques to reduce the signs of aging, please contact Dr. Hendricks at Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center for a consultation to determine which treatment might be right for you.

BOTOX® and What’s on the Horizon

2009-04-25T08:45:00.000-07:00

In 2002 the FDA approved BOTOX® Cosmetic injections for the treatment of wrinkles on the face for both men and women. These diluted botulinum toxin injections are highly effective in erasing creases that appear between the eyes, on the forehead and around the eyes (the “crow’s feet”). The muscles that cause the deep wrinkles are weakened with the injections causing the injected areas to become smooth and relaxed.

BOTOX® injections are quick, virtually painless and provide results in just a couple of days after treatment, and those results can last in some cases up to 6 months.

What are future competitors of BOTOX®?

• Reloxin is a new botulinum toxin injection that is expected to become FDA-approved sometime in 2009. This new treatment claims to work faster than BOTOX and provide longer-lasting results.
• PurTox is another botulinum toxin injection that is working toward FDA-approval.
• Revance claims to be a botulinum toxin that can be applied directly to the skin, without injections, to provide the same results as BOTOX. This product is still awaiting FDA-approval.

As technology continues to advance in the field of cosmetic injections, patients will have more and more options from which to choose. If you would like to discuss the different FDA-approved options available today, please contact Orange County cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center for a consultation.

Restylane® and Other Hyaluronic Acids

2009-04-21T08:42:00.000-07:00

Lines and wrinkles on the face are inevitable as we grow older. Some experience these signs of aging more quickly than others because of sun exposure or heredity. Regardless of when the lines appear, more and more people looking for non-surgical ways to erase these lines from their faces.

Dermal fillers have gained popularity over the years to help people restore fullness and youthfulness in their faces. Restylane® is one such product that provides immediate results. Restylane is made of a hyaluronic acid, a substance that naturally exists in the body. When injected into wrinkles and folds in the mid-to-deep dermis region of the face, Restylane delivers nutrients and binds to water in the body to plump and smooth the facial lines and provide long-lasting results. Most patients will see visible benefits of a Restylane treatment for 6 months or longer.

Are there other hyaluronic acid treatments available?

Yes, there are other hyaluronic acid treatments available, including:
• Hylaform® - this is an animal-based product that comes from rooster combs
• Captique® - this is a plant-based product
• Juvederm® - hyaluronic acid that is “cross-linked” to form a gel

If you are considering non-surgical methods to reduce the signs of aging on your face, please contact Orange County cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Douglas Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center for a free consultation to determine which treatment might be right for you.

Common Mommy Makeover Procedures

2009-03-25T13:09:00.000-07:00

While most women find motherhood to be a rewarding, joyful experience (at least most of the time), the same feelings do not always ring true about the ways their bodies change after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Troublesome excess fat deposits, changes in breast size and firmness, sagging skin and stretch marks are just a few of the reasons many women turn to Dr. Hendricks for a mommy makeover.

Mommy makeover procedures

• Breast augmentation: Especially helpful after breastfeeding, this procedure will actually increase the size of the breasts and balance the size and shape of the two breasts.
• Breast lifts: This procedure helps saggy or droopy breasts look more youthful and perky without the use of silicone or saline implants.
• Tummy tuck: By removing excess skin and firming the abdominal muscles, this procedure can restore a flatter tummy that cannot be achieved through diet and exercise alone.
• Liposuction: Stubborn fat deposits after pregnancy often remain despite diet and exercise, and this procedure aids in contouring the body to its desired shape.

One or more of these mommy makeover procedures can help a mom feel sexier and more confident.

If you are an Orange County mom interested in cosmetic surgery, please contact Dr. Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center for a free consultation.

Microdermabrasion

2009-03-21T13:17:00.000-07:00

Deciding to undergo any cosmetic surgery procedure, whether invasive or non-invasive, is a big decision and one that should not be taken lightly. At Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center in Orange County, California, triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Hendricks and his team offer a variety of surgical and non-surgical physical enhancement treatments, and they are eager to sit consult with you to discuss the procedures you are interested in and how they may or may not achieve your aesthetic goals.

One of the most popular topics of conversation lately has been the popularity of what’s called “microdermabrasion,” which is a treatment intended to minimize wrinkles and improve the texture and color of your skin by removing the outermost layer of your skin leaving a more supple and vibrant appearance. Who would not want this??

We all know that aging and environmental factors such as sun exposure can take a devastating toll on your skin’s health and appearance, leaving you with lines, wrinkles, and skin dullness. Microdermabrasion is a quick, painless procedure that can reduce the effects of aging on your skin. If you have heard your friends talking about the “lunch-time peel,” they are talking about microdermabrasion, the highly effective alternative to laser or chemical peels that requires no down time following treatment.

If microdermabrasion sounds like something that you may like to try, or if you just want to come in and see some before and after pictures, please contact us at Pacific Cosmetic Surgery Center, serving patients in Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and Irvine, California today to schedule your initial appointment.

Mommy Makeovers

2009-03-11T13:05:00.000-07:00

The female body is an amazing vessel and a true work of art. Childbirth is nothing short of a true miracle, but whether a woman has one or many children, often her body does not snap back to its original shape once the pregnancy and breastfeeding is over. Sometimes diet and exercise simply are not enough to help moms:

• Firm loose or sagging skin
• Eliminate excess fat
• Regain their pre-pregnancy bodies
• Renew their self esteem

Mommy makeovers are an effective way for healthy moms to firm, lift, and smooth their bodies. There are a variety of cosmetic procedures that can achieve beautiful results, such as a tummy tuck, liposuction, breast augmentation or breast lift. The ideal candidate for a mommy makeover is a mom who:

• Practices healthy eating habits
• Exercises regularly with cardio and weight training
• Does not smoke
• Maintains a healthy weight for her size
• Limits consumption of alcohol
• Has a strong post-surgery support network to aid in her recovery
• Does not want to have additional children

While some new moms elect to undergo body sculpting procedures shortly after childbirth, these techniques are equally as effective for moms who have older children.

If you would like to learn more about mommy makeover cosmetic procedures, please contact Dr. Hendricks at the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center, Orange County, California location for all of your cosmetic surgery needs.

Affirm CO2 Laser Treatment Downtime

2009-02-28T16:35:00.000-08:00

One of the unusual advantages of having an Affirm CO2 laser treatment for facial rejuvenation is the ability to select the amount of downtime. A treatment plan with 4 light treatments will achieve great results with little or no downtime. To get the same result in less time one or two aggressive treatments will be needed, but there will be two to three days of peeling following each of these more aggressive treatments. . This skin laser system can be adjusted in several ways to customize your treatment:
• The depth of laser skin penetration can be made deeper or more shallow
• The intensity of laser light can be strengthened or weakened
• The duration of laser pulses can be lengthened or shortened

If you have a very busy schedule and do not want to be absent from work, you can choose to have several lighter treatments. Each will have virtually no downtime.

If you have some time to spare for recovery you can choose to have more aggressive treatments and fewer of them.

Some laser skin treatments cause vigorous peeling afterwards. They are known as ablative treatments, meaning that they remove the entire top layer of skin. Other types of treatment cause no peeling because the laser does not target the skin surface, but penetrates more deeply while the surface is kept cool with air or water. These are non-ablative treatments.

The Affirm CO2 laser uses proprietary technology called Micro Ablative technology. It does not target the entire treatment area under the laser tip, but instead leaves tiny areas untreated, interspersed with tiny treated areas. This drastically reduces peeling while still giving a deep treatment if that is desired. It can penetrate more deeply than standard laser rejuvenation, resulting in more effective Collagen stimulation and skin tightening.

Oxy-Mist Treatments
Oxy-Mist is a product sprayed on the skin after your Affirm CO2 laser treatment (or after microdermabrasion or a chemical peel). It contains over 100 ingredients designed to speed your skin’s recovery time. It works by increasing blood flow to the treated area, by stimulating new collagen growth, and by helping to activate the body’s macrophages. These are scavenger cells which engulf waste products and carry them away for excretion.

To learn more about the Affirm CO2 laser treatments and how they could help, please call us at 949-640-9570 or email us for a personal consultation with Dr. Hendricks.

Affirm CO2 Laser Treatments

2009-02-25T12:33:00.000-08:00

At the Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center we offer a variety of skin rejuvenation procedures. You can choose microdermabrasion or glycolic peels, or various laser treatments. Dr. Hendricks has also invested in the Affirm CO2 laser system to give you a highly customized skin rejuvenation with your choice of recovery periods.

The Affirm CO2 Anti-Aging Workstation is made by Cynosure, Inc. and combines three patented technologies. With two different lasers and adaptable settings that Dr. Hendricks can customize for your treatment, it delivers just the treatment you want and need for your particular skin conditions.

Using the Affirm CO2 system, Dr. Hendricks can enhance your skin in two ways in the same treatment:
• Resurfacing the skin
• Stimulating more collagen

After your Affirm CO2 laser procedure, you will notice a smoother skin texture, reduced scarring, even coloration, and an absence of keratoses (dry, scaly patches). Both fine lines and deeper wrinkles will be smoothed out and any enlarged blood vessels will be reduced.

What is Collagen?
As we age, the body produces less collagen – a fibrous connective material which gives strength and durability. The skin’s middle layer has a collagen matrix lending support to the skin surface, but as the years pass it weakens and the total amount of collagen decreases. By stimulating new collagen production, the Affirm CO2 laser gives you long-term skin rejuvenation.

The new collagen makes the skin appear fresher and more plump to the naked eye, with fewer fine wrinkles, and smaller pore size.

If you would like to know more about the Affirm CO2 laser and how it might give you a more youthful and revitalized facial appearance, please call us at 949-640-9570 or send us an email for a personal consultation with Dr. Hendricks.

Cosmetic Surgery Cost Considerations

2009-02-22T15:28:00.000-08:00

In these days of increased financial uncertainty, people are taking more care about spending. If you are interested in having a cosmetic surgery procedure but feel unsure whether now is a good time for it, please contact our office for accurate cost information. We will give you full disclosure and will never hide any associated costs. When you know your exact total cost, you can more easily make a decision about going ahead.

We work with two financing companies, both of which offer easy application process, easy terms, quick responses, low monthly payments, and many choices of timeframe. Please see our page on Fees and Financing for more details.

Cost and Benefits
When evaluating the cost of your desired cosmetic procedure, also factor in the benefits you will receive. When you talk with Dr. Hendricks you can ask about which procedures would address your needs and goals, and the options may not all be surgeries. Some may be simpler, less invasive procedures. So don’t assume that you will need a facelift, for example, because an Affirm CO2 laser treatment might do the job just as well.

As to your safety, you can be very confident about that with Dr. Hendricks, who has three Board certifications and is well-reputed as a teacher of other cosmetic surgeons. By having the job done well the first time you will not need any enhancement procedures afterwards to correct less-than-perfect results.

To learn more about your desired procedure, and to better assess its true benefits and cost, please call or email our cosmetic surgery office for a personal consultation with Dr. Hendricks.

Smartlipo- Revolutionizing Body Contouring

2007-08-05T21:18:00.001-07:00

Say goodbye to long recovery times, large incisions and higher complication rates. Smartlipo, a new advancement in liposuction technology can provide individuals with the targeted fat removal they desire without the downtime.

Smartlipo is an innovative body contouring technology that uses a small laser fiber to literally melt fat from area of the body. The incision, unlike traditional liposuction, needs to be only 1 to 2 millimeters to allow the laser under the skin. The laser disrupts the structure of the fat cells in the body causing them to be liquefied and to be excreted naturally by the body. The procedure usually last about 45 minutes to an hour for each treatment area.

The differences between traditional liposuction and Smartlipo are:

Traditional Liposuction: Most of the time, the patient is required to go under general anesthesia. The fat is vacuumed out of the body with a 4 -5 millimeter tube. Because of this, loose skin can remain in the area that is treated. Also, because the fat is being forcibly sucked from the treatment area, it is often traumatic to the surrounding tissues. Visible scars can be left behind from where the tube enters the treatment area and stitches are often needed. Recovery times vary, but are usually about a week.

Smartlipo: Smartlipo treatment areas can usually be treated with local anesthesia. Because of the laser, the procedure promotes collagen growth in the treatment area which helps to improve the unattractive loose skin that can occur with traditional liposuction. There is less trauma to the surrounding tissues, virtually no scarring, no need for stitches and a patient can usually return to work in just a few days.

Smartlipo has been featured on ABC News, and in People Magazine as a way to achieve the fat-melting fantasy.

Keep in mind that Smartlipo is not for everyone. Smartlipo is not a treatment for obesity. The best patients are those who are healthy, but have some areas that are resistant to diet and exercise.

How do you know if Smartlipo is right for you?

Contact me for a confidential consultation. I have performed hundreds of surgeries and can help you make an informed decision. For more information, visit my Smartlipo website where you can view before and after photos and read frequently asked questions.

Additional Resources:
View our Smartlipo Video
(Video link on Home Page)
View our Liposuction Myth Blog Entry

A New Surgical Technique for Breast Lifting or Reduction

2006-11-30T22:28:00.000-08:00

I have recently been enthusiastically won over by the vertical breast lift. Some call this the lollipop method, where the final scar is located around the areola and then in a vertical line down the breast from the areola extending to the breast crease. It stops there and does not extend into the crease, so the scar is relatively short and well hidden.

The vertical breast lift technique is fairly new to most American cosmetic surgeons. Most cosmetic surgeons typically use the anchor approach, which creates a much longer and more visible scar in the shape of an anchor that follows the entire breast fold. By using the anchor approach, the scar can become thick and noticeable.

European cosmetic surgeons began the march toward better breast lifting techniques more than a decade ago, but it has been slow to catch on in the United States. In fact, very few U.S. surgeons are using it.

I have found that using the vertical breast lift technique, my patients have better breast shape, faster recovery, less swelling AND shorter, better hidden scars. The surgery is also shorter taking only about 2 hours compared with 3 1/2 hours and is much simpler to do than "the old way."

It has been really a pleasure to now offer this procedure to my patients. To find out more about the vertical breast lift, contact me to set up a confidential consultation.

Urban Myth Busters #1

2006-11-10T13:43:00.000-08:00

Today is my first in a series I want to call Urban Myth Busters. I have always wanted to collect a list of the common myths that patients ask me about when they consult with me for cosmetic surgery procedures, and comment on or correct some of the common misconceptions.

Today, I will address the common myths that relate to liposuction, since that was the last blog topic.

Urban Myth #1. “You are born with only a certain number of fat cells, and once they are removed, they are gone for good.”

Reality Check: Fat cells were once thought only to be able to undergo hypertrophy, that is, to grow larger and plumper, stimulated by an increase in circulating fat in the bloodstream. They were not thought to have the ability to multiply. Now we know that if there is enough of a stimulus (like a cheeseburger and fries) fat cells will divide and multiply. So, just because you remove fat cells with liposuction, It doesn’t mean that the treated area will be forever immune to the effects of over-eating.

Urban Myth #2. “If you remove fat cells with liposuction in one spot, you will just gain fat in other areas.”

Reality Check: Similar in concept to Urban Myth #1, Liposuction normally is done to reduce diet-resistant pockets of fat, the ones that often are determined by your DNA(genes-heredity). Once these pockets are reduced, they can still store fat again if they are stimulated to do so by taking in too many calories. The good news is that if you gain weight after liposuction, you will probably gain it more evenly over the entire body rather than in the localized areas that seemed to accumulate fat with weight gain before surgery.

Check out my before and after photos to see first hand what liposuction can do.

Next in the Myth Busters Series will be Myths about Soft Tissue Augmentation and Fat grafting.

Procedure of the week: Liposuction

2006-11-10T13:39:00.000-08:00

In the second installment of the procedure of the week series, I will be
talking about one of the more common body-contouring procedures known as
Liposuction. In 2004, liposuction was the #1 most frequently performed
procedure by doctors who are members of the American Society of Plastic
Surgeons.1

Liposuction is a procedure that is often used by both men and women.

Common places that women get liposuction are:

* Under the chin
* Hips
* Thighs
* Stomach

Common places for men to get liposuction are:

* Under the chin
* Around the waist
* Breast area (To reduce the size of their breasts - a condition known
as Gynecomastia)

Liposuction is generally reserved for the mildly overweight whose bodies
will not respond to dieting. Liposuction is also usually reserved for people
who are active and healthy and who have localized areas of extra fat.

I have three really great innovations in liposuction that make the procedure
even better. Most physicians infuse a large amount of fluid containing
adrenalin in the area to be treated, prior to liposuction. In addition to
the adrenaline, I add a special mix of numbing medications that make the
site virtually pain free for up to 24 hours after the surgery. This, I
believe, allows you to resume normal activities sooner that most people do
after this procedure.

Liposuction surgery can vary in time and degree based on your needs. Things
I have to take into consideration when talking about surgery options are the
size of the area and the amount of fat that has to be removed. The procedure
consists of inserting a small metal tube with vacuum pressure through a
small incision and suctioning out the excess areas of fat. I prefer a
power-assisted liposuction device the vibrates the metal tube and shakes the
fat loose. It comes out faster and with less trauma using this device.
Fluids are typically administered intravenously, because body fluids are
lost during the procedure.

My third innovation is sutureless closure of the entrance sites. Most
doctors will suture the openings closed, which leaves a noticeable scar. I
use a special band-aide that seals the wound and essentially leaves very
little noticeable scar.

3 weeks post op.

After the surgery you will have to wear a compression garment as to help
with the reduction of swelling. Because of the swelling, results will not
show up right away. It takes around six weeks after the procedure to see the
full effect of the liposuction. Sometimes liposuction is done along with a
Tummy Tuck. These two procedures combined can significantly change the body
shape and contour for the better.

For more information on Liposuction, please visit my Liposuction Frequently
Asked Questions page. Also check out my before and after photos of
liposuction patients.

Liposuction is not right for everyone. To determine if you are a good
candidate for liposuction, please contact me today for your confidential consultation.

1. From The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (2004 Statistics)

Facelifts - Procedure of the Week

2006-10-13T14:22:00.000-07:00

Procedure of the week: Facelifting

In a series of blogs over the next few weeks, I will be giving my view about the latest in trends on facelifting, mini-facelifting, other facial procedures, body contouring and breast enhancement procedures.

The first article in this series is about facelifting.

Age and the environment around you often affect the soft tissues of the face. Your skin will become less firm and folds and wrinkles will begin to appear. What is the solution to this problem? While some women may try skin tightening creams or lotions, the most effective solution is a facelift. A facelift can dramatically improve the deep cheek folds, jowls, and loose sagging skin around your neck. Ultimately, it can make you look decades younger.

How is the procedure done?

First of all, mini-facelift means different things to different people. In general mini-facelift equals mini result. A mini-facelift may be great if you have a small degree of skin looseness, but it will not last as long as the traditional facelifting procedures that provide fantastic improvement with long- lasting results.

In traditional facelift surgery, the incisions are made at your hairline. The incisions are made there for a few reasons. The first is that they follow the natural lines of your face. The second is by making the incisions behind your hairline, the incisions are nearly impossible to see. Once the incision is made, the skin is gently separated from the underlying soft tissue. Once the separation is complete, excess skin can be removed and repositioned for a younger, healthier look.

The next step is the muscular layers under your skin are tightened. This is done to create a more youthful appearance to your lower face and around your neck. Areas that have excess fat may be trimmed or suctioned. Once the skin is properly and carefully positioned upward, the extra skin will be removed and the incisions will be closed.

For more information on the facelift procedure, please visit our facelift frequently asked questions section or visit my facelift before and after photos.

Facelift surgery is one of the most effective ways to look years younger. Both men and women alike get the procedure and I will be able to discuss the best way to reveal a younger looking you. By simply coming in for a confidential consultation, I can help you decide if facelift surgery is for you.

Plastic Surgery in the News This Week

2006-10-06T16:42:00.000-07:00

This week was a tough week for Board Certified Plastic Surgeons everywhere.

Two main news items took place:

The first, was Govenor Schwarzenegger signing legislation to allow oral surgeons to perform facelifts, rhinoplasty, brow-lifts and other cosmetic surgery procedures.

The second was a ruling by a judge in California to force the California Medical Board to grant equivalency to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. The ABCS is a group that has not been recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. The ABMS is the agency that regulates and certifies the different medical specialties, such as Psychiatry and Internal Medicine.

These groups have not been able to qualify through the traditional route of recognition through the American Medical Association and therefore have sought legal or legislative action to allow them selves to be considered "board-certified" and equal to true board-certified Plastic Surgeons.

Individuals that have chosen to pursue the training to become Board Certified plastic surgeons have chosen to be "The best of the best" and their training is typically as lengthy as neurosurgeons and cardiac surgeons. These other specialties, such as oral surgeons, that wish to claim equivalency have simply not spent the same amount of time dedicated to being the best.

Unfortunately for the public who seek someone with the best training, the term "Board Certification" has come to mean less and less, due in part, to these rulings.

I encourage every patient that expects experience, training and skill from their doctor, to look closely at the credentials before "signing-up".

Dr. Hendricks- Personalized Care, Outstanding Results.

2006-09-18T09:28:00.000-07:00

Many plastic surgeons do not always have the patient in mind when it comes to cosmetic surgery. We believe it is of the utmost importance to find out exactly what the patient’s goal is and to achieve that goal with the patients care in mind.

At Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center, Dr. Douglas Hendricks will listen to your concerns and make recommendations based on your desired outcome. Dr. Hendricks offers a confidential consultation and he will meet with you personally to answer all your questions.

Dr. Hendricks will review all the surgery options with you and discuss the procedure, cost, and most importantly how to have a safe and speedy recovery.

If you are considering surgery, check out our before and after gallery. Dr. Hendricks many years of experience and board certification are what set him apart from other cosmetic surgeons. Contact us today for a consultation.

Welcome to the Blog of Dr. Douglas Hendricks.

2006-08-22T10:52:00.000-07:00

Dr. Hendricks has provided this content of the website for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice nor does it constitute a doctor/patient relationship. Dr. Hendricks specializes in cosmetic surgery procedures including tummy tuck, eyelid surgery, liposuction, BOTOX ® Cosmetic, breast augmentation, facelift, nasal surgery and many other body contouring and facial plastic surgery procedures.