NorCal Plastic Surgery

Generally, the recovery from buttock augmentation is around one week. Depending on the demands of your job, we recommend taking work off during this time. If fat has been transferred, you will be wearing a compression garment twenty-four hours a day and will need to avoid directly sitting on your buttocks during recovery. We also recommend sleeping on your stomach or side and using a buttock augmentation pillow (BBL pillow) that helps alleviate any pressure on your buttocks. You may only drive after two weeks of recovery, so you should have a close family member or friend help you with transportation initially. Some discomfort and swelling are normal after having a butt augmentation. You may also feel that your buttocks are hard. Pain control consists of “Multi-modal therapy,” which means that we use a number of different medications to keep you comfortable, while minimizing the use of narcotics that can make you nauseous, groggy, and constipated. Over time, the buttocks will become less uncomfortable to sit on, and the results will begin to settle and appear more natural. After a butt augmentation, your results will be immediately visible and permanent. Over the first few months, you will see the implants soften and improve with final results of your buttock augmentation expected at one year. The tissues in your buttocks need to settle along with your implants before you will see your final shape. As you heal, your incisions will continue to fade all the way up to a year after surgery.

Before your butt augmentation procedure, an anesthesiologist will put you under general anesthesia. Dr. Rankin will make an incision in between your butt cheeks in order to ensure that the scar will be hidden even in the most revealing outfits. . He will then insert the implants within the buttock muscle in order to provide the safest, most natural outcome. He will position the implant so that it compliments your unique buttock volume and shape. During the surgery, sizers are used to ensure the implant is the correct size and fit to create the desired enhancement.

Butt augmentation is a procedure that uses implants to increase the size of the buttocks. Butt implants use a type of stable silicone that is different from breast implants. Sometimes, people like to combine both a Brazilian butt lift and butt implants, called a composite augmentation. In some cases, this can create a more natural curve to the buttocks, and maximize projection. Dr. Rankin will determine if you should have both procedures to achieve your desired results. Implants come in various sizes and profiles to fit your anatomy. Dr. Rankin will talk to you during your consultation about which shape and size will work best for you and your proportions.

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, can address several problems in your abdominal area, such as stretch marks, skin laxity, scars, fat, and muscle separation (Diastasis recti). The incision is typically lower than a C-section scar, and Dr. Rankin can make the incision in a location where it is well hidden by a bikini or similar garment. Many women who have been previously pregnant opt for a tummy tuck to help tighten the abdominal muscles and their abdomen’s loose skin. Tummy tucks are often part of a mommy makeover, a procedure that aims to help women achieve their pre-pregnancy bodies again after birth. Tummy tucks are also commonly performed on men and women who have undergone dramatic weight loss and now have excess skin. The procedure is also beneficial for those who naturally have a more protruding or sagging belly area. Dr. Rankin also performs mini tummy tucks for patients who have less skin laxity or fat to remove. During an initial consultation, we can help determine if you need a full tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck, or Renuvion®.

How much liposuction costs depends on the surgeon you go to and the area or areas you want to treat. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of liposuction in 2020 was $3,637. The average cost is not all inclusive – there can be many different factors contributing to the total price. Some of those factors include the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fees, the length of time you spend in the hospital, etc. We will help determine a final cost for your individualized liposuction procedure during your consultation.

People who want to remove stubborn excess fat from their bodies may be a good candidate for liposuction. We remove fat from several different areas of the body, including the stomach, upper arms, back, chest, under the chin, neck, and buttocks. Ideal candidates should: Be an adult within 30% of their ideal weight goal Have good muscle tone Have firm skin – while liposuction has a modest skin tightening effect, firm skin is ideal to have for the best results – If you have loose skin, then you may be a candidate for Renuvion®, or another body contouring procedure Be a non-smoker Have specific, realistic goals about what liposuction can do for you

While the time it takes to recover can depend on where we perform liposuction, recovery can generally take four to six weeks. Pushing yourself to return to your usual activities too fast can hinder your recovery. Most people can go back to work within five to seven days after surgery. Using a compression garment is key to promoting the best recovery. We will give you a compression garment to wear on the area(s) where you received treatment. This will also help reduce swelling, bruising, and redness at the surgical sites. Seeing your final liposuction results can take a few months as the swelling goes down. Larger areas of fat removal can take a bit longer due to the extent of the procedure. If you are preparing for an important event, we recommend having liposuction no less than three months before. We will discuss your recovery timeline with you more in-depth during your initial consultation.

Liposuction works by removing fat from the areas you want to target. Often, your body stores fat in specific areas that can be hard to get rid of. Liposuction can be used on any body part to enhance the body-contouring you desire. Small incisions around 5 millimeters long are placed in strategic, discrete locations. The location of the incisions is important for both promoting the best possible healing and minimizing the appearance of scarring. One of the biggest benefits of liposuction is that it permanently removes stubborn fat from the body. It is best to be at a stable weight before having the procedure, as the remaining fat cells can still expand if you gain weight after liposuction.

Liposuction is a permanent surgical procedure that involves suctioning excess fat out of targeted areas of the body through a thin tube, otherwise known as a cannula. A surgical vacuum will remove the fat through the cannula, and then we will dispose of the fat unless you plan to undergo a fat transfer procedure, such as a Brazilian butt lift or fat transfer breast augmentation. A common misconception about liposuction is that it is a substitute for weight loss. In actuality, liposuction is a body contouring procedure for stubborn areas of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction has a modest skin tightening effect, but firm skin is ideal for the best results. If you have loose skin, then you may be a candidate for LipoTyte™ a revolutionary treatment only offered at NorCal Plastic Surgery. During a LipoTyte™ procedure, Dr. Rankin combines liposuction with Renuvion®, a minimally invasive treatment that uses radiofrequency technology and cold helium plasma to improve the appearance of skin laxity. LipoTyte™ can allow patients with poor skin elasticity to enjoy the benefits of a liposuction treatment and improve their skin firmness in the process. At NorCal Plastic Surgery, we use general anesthesia for liposuction to make sure you are comfortable during the procedure. Liposuction is an outpatient procedure, so you will be able to go home the same day as your surgery.

The main factor to consider regarding how much a mommy makeover costs is how many procedures you want. Other factors include the experience of your surgeon as well as your location. The average price of a mommy makeover is estimated to be $12,775. We will help you determine the final costs of your procedures since a mommy makeover will not receive insurance coverage.

Dr. Rankin will discuss your surgeries extensively with you to make sure you are a good candidate for your desired procedures

How long recovery takes after a mommy makeover will depend on how many procedures you have and which ones you have chosen. Many patients take one to two weeks off work to heal more smoothly, especially if they have physically demanding jobs. We recommend no cardio for 2 weeks, no heavy lifting for 4 weeks, and full recovery will depend on the procedures performed. Often, having these combined procedures can lead to an eight-week recovery. If you have an event, or family reunion where you want to be photo ready and at your best, we recommend a full 12 weeks between surgery and your special day. At NorCal Plastic Surgery, we recommend taking adequate time to recover. We also recommend avoiding strenuous activities that include heavy exercise for several weeks. Light walking to maintain circulation is a must; getting up as much as possible can also help decrease the chance of blood clots forming.

During your initial consultation, Dr. Rankin will help you choose which procedures will work best for you and your goals. Customized plans will emphasize your safety by focusing on procedures that can be performed simultaneously as well as recovery protocols that allow you to still be “Mom”. Below, we will discuss how these procedures can fit your desired body goals. Liposuction Liposuction is a procedure that gets rid of excess fat from different areas of the body. Dr. Rankin will make small incisions in discreeet areas to insert a small cannula, which will use suction to remove excess fat. Areas that can benefit from liposuction include the arms, bra roll, abdomen, buttocks, and more. Tummy Tuck Many patients who want a mommy makeover choose to have a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck, also called an abdominoplasty, is a procedure that involves repairing the abdominal muscles and removing excess skin and fat from your lower stomach after pregnancy or weight loss. Breast Augmentation After your pregnancy, you may feel that your breasts have become smaller than they were prior to your pregnancy. Breast augmentation can help increase breast volume and make the breasts look full and perky again. Breast Lift A breast lift is best for those with sagging breasts and stretch marks. Dr. Rankin will lift the areola and tighten the appearance of the breasts to help them look youthful and lifted. The areola may have become larger during pregnancy as well, and the size and shape can be contoured to your desires during a breast lift. Labiaplasty After giving birth, many women feel that their labia minora has increased in size or has contributed to sexual dysfunction. A labiaplasty can help reduce the overall size of the labia minora for both cosmetic purposes and as a form of vaginal reconstruction.

A mommy makeover is a customizable collection of procedures that address different concerns that commonly occur after pregnancy. With a mommy makeover, many mothers will choose procedures that will rejuvenate their body. There are several different procedures that you can choose from, including: Liposuction Tummy tuck Breast augmentation Breast lift Labiaplasty

How much a Brazilian butt lift costs can depend on your surgeon’s experience, surgical center and anesthesia fees, and your location. The average cost for a butt lift with liposuction is $4,807, but this price does not reflect the added factors that influence the cost.

Many people can be a good candidates for a Brazilian butt lift. Ideal candidates should: Be at their goal weight or close to it Have enough excess fat in the stomach, thighs, and other areas that store fat Be overall healthy Have an asymmetrical butt, flat butt, or hip dips If you are fairly skinny but still healthy, sometimes your surgeon may ask you to gain up to twenty more pounds to ensure enough excess fat to have the best results from your BBL.

As you recover from surgery and your body heals, you will typically lay on your sides and stomach for one or two weeks after the procedure. You can stand or lay flat but not sit on your butt directly for about 4 weeks. Depending on the type of work you do, you will be ready to return within one week. If your job requires sitting for long periods, we recommend using a BBL recovery pillow that places pressure on your thighs rather than the buttocks. Compression garments are an important part of the recovery process as they will help minimize swelling. Garments after BBL are specialized to ensure that areas treated with liposuction are compressed while grafted areas have no compression. After any procedure, there can be an increased risk of developing blood clots, and therefore, it is important to get up and walk around the house from day 1. Two weeks after the procedure, you can resume cardio. Four weeks after surgery, you can begin resistance training, but all movements should be slow and controlled. Six weeks after surgery, swelling will be dramatically reduced and you will begin to see the new shape of your body, which will continue to improve for up to one year after surgery. If you have an upcoming event, we recommend giving yourself about 12 weeks between surgery and your event to ensure that you are photo-ready and back to feeling 100%.

Brazilian butt lifts are a two-step procedure. First, a Brazilian butt lift works by using liposuction to gather excess fat from your stomach, thighs, back, or flanks. Then, the fat from unwanted parts of your body will be injected by Dr. Rankin into the buttocks and hips, adding fullness and smoothing the overall body figure. Small, flat buttocks will become rounder and more defined. Generally, a BBL procedure will take anywhere from two to four hours. At NorCal Plastic Surgery, an anesthesiologist will put you under general sedation while Dr. Rankin performs the procedure. After the liposuction procedure, Dr. Rankin will cleanse and purify the fat. Then, it will be strategically injected into different parts of the buttocks. These injections will not go into the muscle but rather the layer of fat just under the skin. How much fat Dr. Rankin injects into the butt will be determined during surgery. Generally, a minimum of 250-300 cc can be injected during a Brazilian butt lift.

Before the increased popularity in the United States, a shapely butt was prized in many warmer climates. A Brazilian butt lift is a procedure that emphasizes the curves of the butt using your unwanted fat from other areas of the body. The procedure’s namesake accents the butt, but one of the more dramatic aspects of the procedure is eliminating the “bra roll,” reducing flank and waist size and smoothing transitions between the lower back, waist, and thighs.

How much a tummy tuck will cost depends on a few factors, including whether you get a mini or full tummy tuck, your surgeon’s experience, and your surgeon’s location. The average cost of a tummy tuck is $6,154. This average cost does not include the factors listed above. Abdominoplasties are not typically covered by insurance, but at NorCal Plastic Surgery, we can help determine the final price of your procedure during your consultation.

A tummy tuck may be for you if you are unhappy with having excess skin, stomach fat, or abdominal muscle separation. Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck should be at a stable, healthy weight, overall physically healthy, and non-smokers. Tummy tucks are not a drastic weight loss surgery, though you will lose some weight through the procedure.

You will be given a compression garment for a week after the procedure that you must wear all day except when you shower. There will be some discomfort after the procedure, so a long lasting local anesthetic is used that lasts for 3 days and pain medication is essential to keep you comfortable. After your tummy tuck, Dr. Rankin will give you aftercare instructions to maximize your healing. Swelling and bruising should subside over the next few weeks of your recovery. Most patients report feeling a tightness in the abdomen while recovering from an abdominoplasty. Tummy tuck recovery requires about one week of downtime. We recommend taking one week off of work, to best recover from a tummy tuck. Some jobs are more physically demanding and Dr. Rankin will provide specific instructions to keep you safe after surgery. No sutures need to be removed as they will dissolve independently. During the first week, you will feel like your stamina has been reduced, but you should still aim to stay active with day-to-day activities. For example, walking around the house and short walks around your neighborhood help recovery and minimize the risk of blood clots (Deep vein thrombosis). From weeks two to four, you can return to light cardio. After four weeks, you can begin to reintroduce light weights as long as all activities are slow and controlled. If you have a major event, vacation, or photo opportunity, we recommend a full 3 months between surgery and your big day to ensure you feel and look amazing.

Before your tummy tuck, an anesthesiologist will use general anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Dr. Rankin makes an incision just below the bikini line. Through this incision, he repairs and tightens the abdominal muscles. Next, he removes excess fat and tightens any loose skin. During this process, you keep the belly button you were born with but Dr. Rankin creates a new position, where it will look natural and youthful. An abdominoplasty can take up to 3 hours to complete, depending on whether you choose a mini or full tummy tuck. The whole procedure can be longer if you choose to pair your procedure with Liposuction or as part of a Mommy Makeover.

Often after bariatric surgery or drastic weight loss, patients can have loose, excess skin. At NorCal Plastic Surgery, a body lift involves two simultaneous procedures – An abdominoplasty and a butt lift. During both procedures, Dr. Rankin removes excess skin and fat from these areas for a more tightened appearance. A body lift can be a permanent solution to excess skin and boosts the confidence of someone who has had loose skin. If you maintain and are happy with your weight, Dr. Rankin can perform a body lift on you.

Multiple procedures are required to address the excess skin in most patients. While they tighten or remove excess skin and involve general anesthesia, these procedures have variances. Abdominoplasty An Abdoimnoplasty involves Dr. Rankin creating incisions hidden along the lower aspect of the stomach where the incisions can be hidden by a bathing suit. He will contour the tissue to fit your desired thigh shape. An abominoplasty surgery can take anywhere from two to three hours for Dr. Rankin to complete. Butt Lift With a butt lift, Dr. Rankin will create an incision that will extend across the top of the buttocks, between both hips. Then, he will remove excess fat and tighten the excess skin. This surgery can take up to three hours as well. Overall, when he performs the two surgeries together, the time it takes to finish them can take approximately six to eight hours. He will use dissolvable stitches to close the incisions.

After a body lift, we recommend you have someone drive you home because you will have just been under general anesthesia. A trusted family member or friend will need to also help you with daily activities for the first days of your recovery. Dr. Rankin will give you a recovery timeline after your procedure, but a body lift can generally take anywhere from two to three months to recover from. Many of our patients will take one to two weeks off work to ensure they properly recover from their body lift. This will depend on the demands of your job. We also recommend you avoid strenuous activities such as intense exercise for four weeks after a body lift. This is because exercise can inihibit proper healing during the early recovery period. Early results are noticeable almost immediatly due to the fact that skin will be removed. The full results of a body lift can take a few to six months to see visibly because your body will still be swollen after the procedure. Your skin will need time to recover and settle into the new shape that Dr. Rankin has contoured for you. The results are permanent, as long as you do not gain weight drastically afterward. Not maintaining your weight can alter your appearance once again and reverse the results of your body lift.

Good candidates for a body lift have excess skin either because of bariatric surgery or weight loss in general. Ideal candidates should be at their ideal weight to have the best outcome. You should be within ten pounds of your weight goals or at least stabilized at your weight for six months or longer.

The average cost of a body lift will depend on the number of procedures you have, your surgeon’s experience, and your location. The average cost of a body lift, including some procedures, is $15,425. We will finalize the cost of your body lift during your consultation.

Renuvion® is a less invasive alternative to skin excision surgery. Using radiofrequency technology and cold helium plasma, Renuvion® causes precise tissue contraction to firm the skin. Renuvion® works immediately to improve the skin’s appearance, and results continue to improve over the following months. Renuvion® can be performed as a stand-alone procedure for people with mild to moderate skin laxity. Many patients also choose to have Renuvion® treatments combined with a surgical procedure such as liposuction, which removes unwanted fat deposits but does not address loose skin.

Renuvion® can be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia, depending on your unique treatment plan and whether you choose to undergo an additional procedure simultaneously. During the treatment, Dr. Rankin will make small incisions around the desired treatment area(s), hidden in inconspicuous locations. The Renuvion® device is then inserted under the skin, and radiofrequency energy is used to safely heat the subdermal tissue and cutaneous ligaments. In less than a second, helium plasma cools the treated area. As a result, the collagen fibers in the skin contract, and the body’s healing process stimulates more collagen production. The protein collagen provides structure and support to the tissue and leads to increased firmness and elasticity. A Renuvion® treatment takes at least 30 minutes to perform, depending on the size and number of areas that Dr. Rankin is treating. If you pair your Renuvion® treatment with an additional procedure, surgical times will increase. You will notice a difference in skin quality immediately after the treatment, but results will continue to improve over the following months as collagen levels increase.

Renuvion® requires significantly smaller incisions than traditional skin excision surgery and therefore has a shorter recovery time. Most patients can expect a few days of rest and recovery after Renuvion®. Patients may experience some soreness and swelling in the treated areas, which can last up to a few weeks. If you choose to have Renuvion® in conjunction with a surgical procedure like liposuction, downtime may increase. For a combined Renuvion® and liposuction surgery, recovery times range from one to three weeks.

Renuvion® may be a great minimally-invasive option for people with mild to moderate skin laxity who are considering a tummy tuck. Renuvion® can also be used on other areas of the body, including the following: Face Under the chin Neck Breasts Back Abdomen Arms Thighs If you have loose skin and are in generally good health, you may be a candidate for Renuvion®. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Rankin at NorCal Plastic Surgery to find out if Renuvion® is right for you.

The cost of Renuvion® treatments can vary depending on the number of treatment areas and whether you choose to have additional procedures. The price is also influenced by surgical center fees and anesthesiology fees, which may vary depending on what kind of anesthesia is used and your geographic location. On average, according to RealSelf, Renuvion® treatments cost $5,350.

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a procedure that tightens loose skin on the arms. It can also remove some excess fat on the arms. Drastic weight loss, aging, and genetics can all play a role in excess arm skin and fat. Despite diet and exercise, many patients find that they cannot tighten the appearance of their arms. Sometimes patients want an even more sculpted look and will combine liposuction with an arm lift. This can depend on whether a patient has more fat, skin laxity, or both. If excess fat is a more prominent concern, liposuction may be a good option.

An arm lift can take up to three hours for Dr. Rankin to complete. Before your brachioplasty, an anesthesiologist will use general anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable and Dr. Rankin can perform the procedure safely. He will then make an incision that will start at your armpit and stop just before your elbow. For patients with less laxity, a short scar option exists as well. The short scar arm lift hides the incision in your armpit. During the surgery, Dr. Rankin will remove the excess fat and skin. He will determine how much needs to be removed to best tighten the appearance of your arms and ensure that you have enough skin to close the incision.

After your arm lift, you can go home the same day.Down time is typically 1 week though, full recovery can take up to six weeks after your surgery. You will be able to use your arms and perform daily activities, though you should minimize extreme stretching or heavy lifting while you recover. We recommend you do not put your arms above your shoulders for about four weeks after the brachioplasty. Dr. Rankin will wrap your arms in a compression bandage or sleeve to help enable your healing. If he uses bandages at first, you must keep them on for the first two days. Afterward, you will wear the compression sleeves or compressive shirt for about a month. Dr. Rankin may also use drains in order to accelerate the healing process and remove fluid that may accumulate while you are swollen. He generally removes these drains about a week after your procedure. After a couple of weeks, your dissolvable stitches will reabsorb into your body. During your recovery, we recommend that you do not perform cardio for 2 weeks, and heavy lifting for 4 weeks. You will visibly notice your results after your procedure. The full results will take some time to show, about one to two months, as swelling decreases. Maintaining your body weight after surgery will maximize your results. Your results can last over a decade with a consistent diet and exercise routine.

We consider patients with an excess of skin on the upper arms to be good candidates for an arm lift. Ideal candidates should be at a healthy and stable weight, are nonsmokers, and have no medical conditions that can pose a risk during surgery.

How much an arm lift costs can vary. Several factors can be considered, including your surgeon’s experience, surgical center fees, and anesthesiology fees. The average cost, not including these factors, is $4,861. During your consultation at NorCal Plastic Surgery, we will go over the full cost of your arm lift.

Your hand rejuvenation treatment will be customized to best suit the condition of your hands and your unique concerns. If you have sun damage on your hands due to aging and prolonged sun exposure, Dr. Rankin will likely recommend that you undergo a laser treatment to improve the appearance of the skin. Volume loss in the hands, which commonly leads to a bony or veiny appearance, can be addressed with a fat grafting procedure.

Dermal fillers are a temporary, minimally invasive injectable that plumps the skin and softens wrinkles. We use them for various reasons, but the main benefit is filling areas of volume loss. Over time, the face naturally loses the layer of fat called subcutaneous fat, which leads to age-related volume loss. Often, volume loss is most apparent in the cheeks, but it can occur almost anywhere on the face. Dermal fillers are temporary, lasting a few months to a year depending on the location within the face and they are not as long-lasting as a surgical procedure to correct facial volume loss, such as facial fat grafting. Dermal fillers can, however, offer a minimally invasive solution and can help you decide if you want a more durable solution to facial aging. Cosmetic surgery such as a facelift or facial fat grafting can provide longer lasting results naturally.

Dermal fillers often contain Hyaluronic Acid (HA.) HA is one of the most popular types of dermal fillers, and for a good reason. It plumps and hydrates the skin underneath to help fill in the desired areas. Because HA is an acid that your body naturally produces, there is little to no chance of an allergic reaction. Some of the most popular brands of dermal fillers that contain HA are Juvederm® and Restylane®. Several different formulas within these brands can address different areas of the face. Juvederm® Ultra XC, for example, is a thinner formula that is used to plump the lips. Restylane® Defyne is a thicker formula that fills in deeper wrinkles in the face. The amount of time that dermal fillers last does depend on the formula and location injected. Generally, dermal fillers that are thinner formulas last for around six months, while thicker formulas last for over one year. An alternative to HA is poly-l-lactic acid. At NorCal Plastic Surgery, we offer a dermal filler with this formula called Sculptra®. It is a longer-lasting, temporary filler that works slightly differently than HA. Sculptra® interacts with your body to create new collagen and can be used on the face to add volume or even into the buttocks for a non-surgical alternative to a buttock augmentation. Unlike HA fillers, with Sculptra® the volume in your skin will not be seen immediately. It can take up to 12 weeks for the body to create the new collagen that provides the desired volume. The results, however, can last up to 2 years. In general, dermal filler placed in areas of the face that don’t move as much will last longer. Dermal filler used under the eyes for under-eye bags may last twelve months, while lip filler may last four to six months.

While there is no recovery after dermal fillers, you may see some side effects, such as slight bruising or tenderness at the injection site. More often than not, these side effects start to fade away in a few days. We recommend using ice packs on the injection sites or massaging them gently to help alleviate any discomfort from the treatment. One to two days after a session with dermal fillers, you may feel as though you have an ‘over-filled’ appearance. As the dermal fillers settle or incorporate, the results will become more subtle and natural.

Almost anyone can be a candidate for dermal fillers. Ideal candidates are those who have: Facial volume loss in the cheeks or midface Hollowness in the temples Fine lines and wrinkles Thin lips Deep smile lines or “marionette lines” Undefined facial features

How much dermal fillers will cost can depend on the experience of the injector and your location. Most of the time, dermal fillers are priced per syringe. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost is between $684 to $853. The average reflects the cost per syringe of dermal fillers containing HA and poly-l-lactic acid respectively.

Hand rejuvenation treatments vary depending on each person’s unique concerns. The preferred approach for hand rejuvenation is to eliminate the sun spots with a laser treatment and perform fat grafting to reduce the appearance of veins and tendons. BBL™ (BroadBand Light) BBL™ laser treatment uses light in the visible spectrum to target red spots, brown spots and sun damaged areas of your skin. When the laser shoots out light energy, it is absorbed by the skin, causing the elimination of pigmented skin cells that cause hyperpigmentation and redness. The laser treatment also causes your body to start producing more collagen and elastin in the treated skin, improving the overall appearance and smoothing away imperfections. This treatment can be performed in the office and the sensation is warm, but there is no pain. You will see improved consistency of skin tone within 5-7 days. This treatment can be repeated periodically in order to maintain youthful appearing skin. Halo™ Laser Halo™ laser resurfacing can also be used in conjunction with fat grafting in order to improve the appearance of your hands. The Halo™ laser is a hybrid laser treatment that uses both ablative and non-ablative technology to improve skin tone and texture. The innovative technology targets the surface of the skin, removing the top layer of dead and damaged cells. It also heats the deeper layers of the skin to promote the production of collagen and elastin. The Halo™ laser is minimally invasive and can be performed in the office. During the treatment, you will be able to feel warmth from the laser, but you will not experience pain. After a Halo™ laser treatment, you can expect to see improved skin tone and texture within 5-7 days. Maintenance treatments can be done periodically to preserve youthful-looking skin. Fat Grafting Fat grafting is a surgical procedure that can be done under local or general anesthesia. During the procedure, small incisions are made in order to remove fat from an unwanted area, such as the flanks, tummy, hips, or thighs. This fat is cleansed and processed, and then a small, blunt needle called a cannula is used to gently place the fat into the back of the hands. Fat grafting restores lost hand volume caused by aging and softens the appearance of the veins, bones, and tendons in the hands. Fat grafting also helps to add volume beneath skin that has lost its elasticity, improving the appearance of crepey skin and wrinkles.

After BBL™ or Halo™ laser treatment on the hands, there is no downtime, though we do recommend that you protect your hands from the sun. You may experience some slight skin sensitivity or redness after your treatment, which should dissipate over the first few days. Fat grafting requires 1-2 weeks of recovery time on average, though this can vary depending on the person. Patients will typically experience some swelling and bruising on the hands and in the areas where fat was harvested.

Good candidates for hand rejuvenation are people who have aesthetic concerns related to the aging of their hands, including: Sun damage Dark spots and hyperpigmentation Lack of skin elasticity and wrinkles Prominent veins and tendons A thin, bony appearance Since BBL™ laser and Halo™ laser are minimally-invasive, most people make good candidates for these treatments. Candidates for fat grafting should be in good general health and should have excess fat that can be harvested and transferred.

The price of your hand rejuvenation treatment will depend on the method used to address your concerns. Generally, laser treatments are less expensive than surgical fat transfer. If you choose to undergo both procedures, costs will increase. According to RealSelf, the average hand rejuvenation treatment costs $1,975. This price can be further influenced by anesthesia and surgical center fees if you choose to undergo fat grafting. If you are interested in learning more, please give us a call. One of our patient coordinators can answer most of your questions including procedure details and pricing.

Most people know about the Botox® brand, and there’s no secret why. Botox® has several uses but is most known for its ability to treat deeper lines and wrinkles. When injected into the muscles, Botox® causes temporary weakening or paralysis in the facial muscles. The temporary paralysis caused by Botox® prohibits signals from being sent from nerves to facial muscles directly, causing the muscles to relax. In addition to Botox®, you may be a good candidate for Dysport® or similar neurotoxin. Botox® injections are usually quick and relatively painless. At NorCal Plastic Surgery, we clean the area and inject the Botox® directly into your muscles. You may feel a slight burning or stinging sensation during the injection, but this goes away quickly.

Once the nerves in the face are silenced temporarily by Botox®, the muscles relax and cannot move. This reduces the tension and creasing of the overlying skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and preventing the development of more wrinkles. You will see years of dynamic wrinkles gradually start to fade away. For deeper lines, it may require multiple treatments. Botox® can take three to seven days to start to notice the effects. Larger muscles often take longer to relax from Botox® than smaller muscles. Most people enjoy the results of Botox® for three to four months. Sometimes Botox® lasts for slightly longer, at six months. How long Botox® lasts can depend on your body’s chemistry and how it absorbs Botox® over time.

There is minimal downtime involved with Botox®. We recommend that after your Botox® injections, you should not lie down for 4 hours and you should avoid strenuous exercise for the rest of the day. You can resume all of your regular activities 24 hours afterward. After receiving Botox® injections, the treatment will take effect in 3 to 7 days. You should also avoid rubbing your face 24 hours afterward, as that may cause the Botox® to move and settle in a different area of your face than intended.

Almost anyone can be a good candidate for Botox®, especially if you have the following: Forehead/Frown Lines: Our brows make our most dynamic facial expressions. Raising your eyebrows is common in many facial expressions and can lead to forehead lines. The glabellar lines or the specific ‘11’ wrinkle can also occur between the eyebrows from excessive worry. Botox® can target these muscles and smooth the look of these wrinkles. Crow’s Feet: Crow’s feet result from dynamic muscle activity, volume loss, and the decreased elasticity of our skin from aging. Every time we smile or close our eyes, it can contribute to the formation of crow’s feet. We still need to close our eyes often, but we can selectively weaken the muscle and eliminate the appearance of crow’s feet. There are additional areas that good candidates can have treated, such as lines around the mouth, platysmal bands (necklines), and the masseter muscles, which help you chew but can cause tension and jaw pain. However, the forehead and lines around our eyes tend to be the best targets for facial rejuvenation with Botox® because they noticeably respond to treatment and do not impair function. We do not recommend receiving Botox® if you are allergic to its ingredients or similar products with neurotoxins such as Dysport®. We also advise against getting Botox® while pregnant or breastfeeding. Some patients may find they respond better to another neurotoxin, such as Dysport®.

The average cost of Botox® is usually priced around $10-$15 a unit. At NorCal Plastic Surgery, we prefer to treat by the “area” rather than by charging per unit of Botox®. For example, crow’s feet would be considered one area we treat. We believe that everyone who uses Botox® wants a more rejuvenated appearance, leaving them feeling confident. If your body requires more medication than another patient, being charged by the area is desirable.

Chemical peels are one of the most popular non-surgical treatments for the skin. A chemical peel is a skin treatment that involves using an acidic, chemical solution to exfoliate the surface of the skin. Our staff at NorCal Plastic Surgery can customize these solutions to suit your skin needs. There are several benefits to chemical peels, including: Boosting the speed of cell turnover Better collagen production Brighter, youthful skin Lessening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles Evening out the complexion Minimizing acne scarring, active acne, and sun damage

As we get older, the deeper layer of our skin, the dermis, becomes thinner and more uneven. Dull skin can also be caused by an accumulation of dead skin cells and debris on the skin’s surface. A chemical peel can eliminate that buildup and brighten up the skin and deeper peels can actually smooth fine lines and wrinkles. They help exfoliate old skin cells at a variable depth for a variety of skin benefits. Different depths of chemical peels can be achieved with different acids that we can customize to fit your skin type. The three depths of chemical peels include: Light Chemical Peels Light chemical peels only exfoliate the very top layer of the skin. Acids are at a lower strength than the other two depths, making light chemical peels ideal for patients just starting out with these treatments. Often people can have a facial along with a light chemical peel to optimize results. Medium Chemical Peels Medium chemical peels affect the top layer of the skin and the beginning of the deeper layer of the skin, or the dermis. A medium chemical peel will enter the first few layers of the dermis, treating more moderate skin conditions, such as hyperpigmentation and deeper wrinkles. Deep Chemical Peels A deep chemical peel will penetrate even further into the dermis. At this depth, this type of chemical peel will treat more severe skin conditions, such as severe acne scarring and sun damage. Deep chemical peels will require down time because of the strength of the acids used and the extent of the treatment. Usually, we use a local anesthetic to ensure you are comfortable during your deep chemical peel treatment.

Downtime following a chemical peel depends on the depth of your chemical peel treatment. You should avoid direct sun exposure after any chemical peel, regardless of depth. We recommend you do not pick at the peeling skin during recovery because this can lead to scarring. For light and medium chemical peels, the downtime is similar. Because of the redness and flaking, you will need two to four days of social downtime. Your skin will look and feel similar to a sunburn at first, and following aftercare instructions is important. Deep chemical peels require more downtime compared to the other two depths. The downtime can last up to three weeks after you have a deep chemical peel. During this time, the skin will first become red, and will require the application of a heavy ointment like Aquaphor. As the skin re-epithelializes, the fresh new skin will be smoother and more vibrant.

Depending on the depth, most people are good candidates for a chemical peel. Ideal candidates do not have skin sensitivity.

The average cost for a chemical peel is $375. The cost will depend on the depth of the chemical peel, your provider, and your location. During your consultation, we will help determine the cost of your chemical peel.

The HydraFacial® is a powerful, non-invasive treatment that uses a multi-step process to brighten the skin and improve cosmetic skin concerns. Some of the most common concerns that HydraFacial® addresses are dull skin, clogged pores, skin texture, and uneven skin tone.

CoolSculpting® works by freezing the fat cells in the subcutaneous layer of fat that is just under the skin. The frozen fat cells gradually break down over time and are eventually processed and filtered out through the body’s lymphatic system. Because CoolSculpting® only targets the fat cells, the skin, muscles, and nerves are not affected. CoolSculpting® is FDA-cleared to target nine areas of fat, including: Submental fat (double chin fat) Flanks (love handles) Stomach Upper and lower thighs Back/bra fat Upper arms Banana roll (roll of fat just under the buttocks) The results of CoolSculpting® take some time to see visibly. This is because the targeted area’s fat cells need to be processed and filtered out of the body by the lymphatic system. You will start to see results after an average of three weeks, but full results will be seen after twelve weeks. Sometimes, you may need more than one CoolSculpting® treatment for an area to achieve optimal results. If you want a CoolSculpting® treatment before a big event, we advise you have CoolSculpting® done twelve to sixteen weeks before. We want you to look your best, so you should give yourself time to see those desirable results.

There is no downtime after CoolSculpting®. You can return to your daily activities after your treatment session. Some minor side effects are redness or soreness of the treatment area. These side effects can be present for up to a couple of weeks, but that is rare. Regardless of the minimal downtime with CoolSculpting®, we always emphasize taking care of yourself after a treatment session. Drinking plenty of fluids and maintaining a healthy diet can help with side effects.

Many people can be good candidates for CoolSculpting®. Ideal candidates are close to their target weight with only stubborn pockets of excess fat, as the treatment is not ideal for people with a BMI higher than 30. If you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, have a certain autoimmune disease or have a skin condition on the desired treatment area, you may not be a candidate for CoolSculpting®.

The cost of CoolSculpting® can depend on several factors, such as the extent of the treatment area, or if you need more than one session. The average cost is $3,200 but prices can vary by provider. We will discuss the final cost of your CoolSculpting® treatment plan during your initial consultation.

Medical-grade skin care products contain higher levels of active ingredients than the skin care products that you can buy over the counter at the drug store. These products also undergo thorough research to ensure that they are safe and effective. Medical-grade skin care is often dramatically more effective at treating specific skin concerns since the ingredients are more potent. At NorCal Plastic Surgery, we offer products by Skin Presence MD.

There are five basic skin care steps you can take for glowing skin: Cleansers Various facial cleansers can address different skin concerns, from simple daily cleansers to potent acne cleansers. There are also varying formulations of cleansers and types: Foaming Cleansers: Ideal for combination-type skin due to its thicker consistency, foaming cleanser requires lathering in your hands prior to cleaning your skin. Cream Cleansers: This type of cleanser is geared towards drier skin because it provides extra moisturization and is also gentler on sensitive skin. Gel Cleansers: These cleansers are more suited for oily skin because they often have exfoliating properties and do not strip the skin of its natural oils, which can lead to the over-production of sebum in oilier skin types. Exfoliators Exfoliators help remove dead and damaged cells from the skin’s surface, leading to a smoother skin texture. Exfoliating can also help your other skin care products penetrate the skin more effectively. One of the most popular types of exfoliators is a gel-like consistency with microbeads. We also carry exfoliating pads to unclog pores and promote smoother skin. At NorCal Plastic Surgery, we would like to note that exfoliation is a step that should only be repeated up to three times a week. Over-exfoliation can lead to excess oil production for oily skin and roughness and sensitivity for dry skin. Serums You should apply serums before putting on moisturizer. Skin care serums are more lightweight than creams and help the skin to absorb moisturizers more efficiently. Serums can also target specific skin concerns, such as fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, and uneven pigmentation. Serums often contain key ingredients of retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C. Moisturizers Moisturizers top off a skin care regimen with extra hydration. Moisturizer is important for all skin types, despite the common belief that oily skin does not need it. Moisturizers commonly include ingredients like hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and ceramides. Some moisturizing cremes can also contain stem cells or retinol for more impactful benefits. Sunscreens Sunscreen is extremely important to apply, as consistent sun exposure can lead to more visible aging, brown spots, and sun damage. We offer mineral sunscreen and chemical sunscreen to help you protect your skin. Mineral sunscreen is more surface level and can be effective immediately after application. Chemical sunscreen is effective after twenty minutes but settles deeper into the skin. Either option protects your skin from harmful UV rays.

There is no downtime associated with a typical skin care routine. Skin care regimens are noninvasive, and you should perform them daily. Some harsher products, such as exfoliators or retinol, should be used less frequently. Follow the directions on the packaging to ensure you are not over-using a product. You can also speak to one of our skin experts at NorCal Plastic Surgery to confirm application frequency

Everyone should use at least a few basic skin care products to keep their skin clean and healthy long-term. People with specific skin concerns can also benefit from a skin care routine that is optimized for their unique skin type and tone. To build a customized skin care routine, speak to a staff member at NorCal Plastic surgery, and we can help tailor your skin care to reach your personal skin goals.

How much your skin care will cost depends on your end goal, the products you choose, and how many products you implement into your routine. We can help determine which skin care products are right for you and give you exact pricing information on the products that interest you.

Laser hair removal is a treatment that can permanently reduce body and facial hair. Using light energy, laser hair removal will damage the hair follicles found under the skin. Patients most often target the hair under their arms, on the back, face, and legs. How many laser hair removal treatments you will need will depend on how thick your hair is and how it grows back. Generally, you will need six to eight sessions spaced approximately six to eight weeks apart. Larger areas tend to need more sessions than smaller areas. You should stop waxing or plucking at least two weeks before your session. Shaving is fine and even encouraged, as it can help the laser hair removal process. A day before the session, you must shave to help the laser’s light technology find the hair follicles. Avoid tanning and sunbeds while receiving laser hair removal because these practices can lead to hyperpigmentation and possible blistering.

Laser hair removal works by targeting the hair follicles with light energy. The light energy damages the body hair. When it grows back, it is significantly less coarse and thinner. At around an hour per session for larger areas, laser hair removal can save more time than waxing, shaving, or plucking. Smaller areas take even less time per session and we can target areas like the chin and upper lip in just a few minutes. During laser hair removal, you may feel some discomfort as the laser passes over the skin. However, it is not painful and more of a tingling or snapping sensation. At NorCal Plastic Surgery, we can use numbing cream to help lessen discomfort from laser hair removal. We will adjust the laser to your particular hair thickness and skin tone. There are several different laser hair removal treatments available, which you can ask about during your scheduled consultation.

After laser hair removal, the hair will slowly fall out over time. Some areas can be immediate, while others may take some time to reduce hair growth gradually. To maintain results, you will need to have occasional follow-up sessions. Overall, laser hair removal is a permanent way to reduce hair growth but will not stop hair growth altogether. After your treatment, your skin may be red similar to a sunburn. We recommend using a cold compress on the area or a moisturizer to help minimize discomfort from the laser. We also recommend using a high SPF sunscreen when out in direct sunlight. As you wait in between appointments, you should shave to maintain results but should not wax or pluck. Waxing or plucking removes the whole hair attached to the follicle and can hinder your results.

Many people can be good candidates for laser hair removal. However, ideal candidates should be people with lighter skin and coarse, dark hair. Lighter hair can be difficult to remove with laser hair removal technology, as the treatment targets pigmentation. For this same reason, laser hair removal may also damage darker skin if the wrong laser is used.

How much laser hair removal costs will depend on your provider’s experience, your location, and the type of laser technology that is used. This number can also vary with how many sessions you will need and how large of an area you are treating. The average cost of laser hair removal is $875. We will determine a final price during your consultation.

Laser vein removal is a non-invasive laser treatment that clears up the appearance of spider veins. Spider veins form from damaged blood vessels under the skin, which develop a web-like, red appearance. They can appear on the face, legs, and arms. Spider vein development can depend on several factors, including genetics, pregnancy, sun exposure, alcohol use, and more. Regardless of how they appear on the skin, they make many people self-conscious.

Laser vein removal treatment permanently destroys each spider vein. One of our providers will use a precise laser directed at the treatment areas. The laser transfers energy to the blood cells inside the vein, causing it to collapse. The vein will reabsorb into the body, and its appearance will subside over time. While this may sound intimidating, laser vein removal is safe and can have lasting results without any incisions. To prepare for the procedure, you should avoid tanning and taking aspirin for at least two weeks. Before the treatment, we will apply a topical anesthetic that will minimize any discomfort. Laser vein removal does not hurt but can feel like a slight stinging during treatment. At NorCal Plastic Surgery, we inform our patients that spider veins can reappear over time on rare occasions. Another laser vein treatment can help successfully eliminate new spider veins once again. The procedure is short and convenient, only lasting up to twenty minutes. We often use laser vein removal on the face, but it is also commonly performed on the legs and arms.

After your laser vein removal session, we will wrap compression garments around your legs or arms, depending on what areas were treated. The treatment area will appear pink from four to eight hours after treatment. During that time, you may also feel a slight stinging sensation. We recommend using an ice pack to minimize discomfort. You will also see some bruising or swelling, which is normal. There is no downtime with laser vein removal, and you can resume most of your daily activities afterward. We recommend that you take some extra precautions after your treatment session, which include: Not applying makeup or any lotion to the area for twenty-four hours Protecting the treatment area by not having a hot bath or intense exercise for a week Avoiding roughly massaging the area Not standing for long periods One of our providers will give you full aftercare instructions after your treatment session. Generally, you should use at least a 30 SPF sunscreen to protect the treatment area from having a recurrence of spider veins. Visible results can take a few weeks to see as your body absorbs the spider veins.

Generally, a HydraFacial® takes around a half-hour for one of our aestheticians to perform. The steps for a HydraFacial® are as follows: Cleanse + Peel The HydraFacial® uses a deeply penetrating cleanser to purify the skin and remove any surface oil and debris. After the cleansing, we use a combination of salicylic and glycolic acids to help exfoliate the skin. This removes the topmost layer of dull and damaged skin cells, to reveal a more glowing complexion. Extract + Hydrate Patented HydraFacial® tips are used to extract build-up from the pores and vacuum away dead skin cells and other impurities. We can choose from six different tips to customize the treatment to your skin’s sensitivity. As the pores are extracted, vortex technology simultaneously hydrates the skin with deeply moisturizing serums. Fuse + Protect The HydraFacial® concludes with an application of antioxidants and peptides to nourish your skin and seal in your healthy glow. There are several different boosters we can use to customize for treatment for your skin type and concerns. During the whole process, we will use the patented HydraFacial® applicator. The applicator gently exfoliates the skin through suction, helping your skin to better absorb the serums. Different steps of the HydraFacial® process can be emphasized depending on your skin needs. For example, we can focus more on hydration for those with dryer skin. The overall benefits of a HydraFacial® include: Reducing the appearance of blackheads Treating active acne and acne scarring Smoothing fine wrinkles and signs of aging Cleaning away dead skin cells and uneven texture Unclogging pores and decongesting skin Increasing collagen production Improving elasticity and firmness

Before your treatment ends, one of our providers will apply sunscreen to your skin to protect it. Many patients report that HydraFacial® treatments are one of the more relaxing aesthetic procedures. Some even say they can fall asleep during treatment. There is no downtime after a HydraFacial®. After your HydraFacial® treatment, you should avoid using harsh exfoliants or chemicals. Avoiding direct sunlight as well can help optimize your results. You can return to your routine after treatment and even put on makeup. The results are visible after just one HydraFacial® treatment, but we recommend having treatments with HydraFacial® at least once per month to optimize your skin results. Results will last for up to several weeks afterward.

Almost anyone can be a good candidate for a HydraFacial® because these treatments can address all skin needs and benefit any skin type or tone. A multifaceted approach may be required if you suffer from active cystic acne or if you are taking Accutane.

How much a HydraFacial® will cost will depend on various factors, including your provider’s experience and location. If you receive any HydraFacial® boosters, the cost will also increase. The average cost of a HydraFacial® treatment is $175. We will help determine the final price of your treatment during your consultation.

CoolSculpting® is a nonsurgical body sculpting treatment that works using cryolypolisis. Cryolipolysis is the scientific term for the technique of freezing fat cells. CoolSculpting® is non-invasive and requires no anesthesia or downtime. At NorCal Plastic Surgery, we will use a handheld applicator to deliver the cooling technology. We will place a gel pad on the treatment area to have a protective barrier during the session. You will feel light pressure as well as an intense cold sensation for about 10 minutes or so until the skin becomes temporarily numb. While there will be some discomfort from the intense cold, CoolSculpting® is not painful. Many patients can do other activities while their CoolSculpting® treatment is progressing, including checking their phone, reading, or even napping. After the treatment, we will massage the area to break up the targeted fat cells. Each treatment can take aroundone to three hours, depending on the extent of the treatment area.

Good candidates are self-conscious of their spider veins and want them removed from visible areas. Ideal candidates should be prepared to follow our provider’s aftercare instructions and have realistic expectations about laser vein removal. You should also be in good physical health, without any underlying medical concerns regarding your spider veins.

How much laser vein removal costs will depend on the extent of your treatment and how many treatments you need. The average cost for laser vein removal is $312. The price may not include extra fees or garments you may receive during your treatment. During your consultation, we will determine the final cost of your laser vein removal treatment and whether you will need multiple sessions.