For many people, a great source dissatisfaction with their bodies is not any particular part, but in an unattractive scar. Whether it be from surgery, an injury, wound, or burn, a poorly healed scar can cause one much distress and even embarrassment. Scaring is also a significant factor for patients deciding to undergo cosmetic surgery. They suffer concerns over the appearance of their scars after surgery, and whether or not the scars will be noticeable to others. Dr. Savalia can greatly improve the appearance of an unsightly scar through a variety of methods.

Scar revisions are generally performed on scars that have had adequate time to heal; usually one year later. Dr. Savalia uses several methods to improve a scar, including the injection or topical application of steroids, or through a surgical procedure known as Scar Revision.

Depending on the type of scar, a combination of methods may be utilized. The types of scars that can be improved include: keloid, hypertropic, contractures, and generally any type of injury or surgical scar. For keloid scars, that have a high tendency to return even if surgical removed, Dr. Savalia uses steroids to help combat the reoccurrence of the offending scar. For many scars, the treatment is to simply cut out the excess scar tissue, and close the wound using smaller stitches. It is also possible to reposition the scar so that becomes less noticeable. For larger scars such as contractures from burns, often a skin graft or flap is needed to revise the scar, although it is a more involved procedure and often requires more healing time for the patient.

Facial scars are always of great concern to a patient, as the scar lies on the most visible portion of the body. There are various methods of highly effective treatments. Dr. Savalia often, simply cuts the scar from the face and closes the wound using tiny stitches, which leave a thinner and much less visible scar. Facial scars can also benefit from being repositioned so that they may run parallel to the natural lines in the face.

There are many factors that can have an effect on the severity of one’s scars: the size and depth of the wound, blood supply to the area, the thickness and color of the skin, and the direction of the scar. Although there is no procedure that can entirely remove a scar, patients can expect a great deal of improvement and satisfaction in the overall appearance of their scars after treatments for revision.

Elaina Hollis

Patient Coordinator

Breast augmentation is a procedure that is undergone for a wide variety of reasons. Many women feel uncomfortable with the current look of their bodies and seek breast augmentation to help improve their self-esteem, while others may just want to fill-out their clothing and swimsuits better. Regardless of the reasoning behind the decision, a constant factor amongst breast augmentation patients is the importance of size selection. Breast augmentation is not about how large a woman can go; rather it is finding a balance between size and proportions.

Women seeking breast augmentation often request to be a certain cup size after surgery, however, breast implants, whether silicone or saline, are measured by the amount of product in the implant, in cc’s, not cup size. So how does one select a size? Dr. Savalia assists his patients in selecting implants that not only fulfill their expectations of size, but also look natural and in proportion to the rest of their body. While taking into account the patient’s pre-surgical breast size and width, as well as some additional measurements, Dr. Savalia is able to make a size recommendation, although the final decision is up to the patient.

It is of the utmost importance to select the right size so that after surgery patients are not left lamenting the fact that they wish they had gone bigger. It is also important to avoid selecting too large a size that would weigh heavily on the breast, causing it to drop egregiously over time. Dr. Savalia allows his patients to take their time in selecting an implant size. He recommends bringing to the office bras in the size that the patient wishes to fill post-surgery, as well as several tops. Then, using sample implants, patients are able to try on their desired size, and can get a general idea as to how they will look after surgery.

Despite the prevalence of breast augmentation surgery, it is still a major decision to the individual patient. By taking one’s time in determining implant size, the patient almost ensures that they will end up with a breast size that they are happy with for many years to come.

Elaina Hollis

Patient Coordinator

Unsightly ears are a problem for many people of any age, sex, or race. Whether they are protuberant or malformed, the individual can suffer great cruelty due to the appearance of their ears. As children, the taunting begins early and can turn to staring and snide comments as adults. The otoplasty procedure can reposition or reform the offending ears, making them more aesthetically pleasing. It is a fairly simple procedure that Dr. Savalia performs at a surgery center. The procedure can be performed on children as young as five years of age, which is a great comfort to parents seeking to spare their children the added difficulties that having unsightly ears may afford.

Ear deformities can come in many forms; for some they merely protrude too far from the head, while others may suffer a range of other conditions. Several other common conditions are: Lop ear, where the tip folds down and forward; Cupped ear, which is usually a very small ear; Shell ear, where the curve in the outer rim as well as the natural folds and creases are missing. Ear surgery is not limited in treating only these conditions, however, other individual and unique deformities can be treated, as well as large or stretched earlobes.

Otoplasty incisions are generally well hidden, as they are often placed on the back of the ear, or hidden within the folds if placed in the front. Often, the cartilage is sculpted to create more natural curves in the lobe, and the ear itself is repositioned. The recovery after ear surgery is quite simple and straightforward, with the most important aspect being to not bend the ear. Children can return to school after one week, though parents may find it prudent to request additional supervision during times of physical activity. Adults can return to work after five days, while remaining mindful of not putting any added stress upon the ear.

For such a small thing as an ear, so many people may suffer copious amounts of distress. Adults may have suffered for years the unfortunate, yet seemingly unavoidable consequence of unsightly ears, while a child’s troubles are just beginning. No matter what stage a person is at in their life, it is important to recognize that there is a solution to the problem. Ear surgery is not highly invasive, is very affordable, and can make a huge impact upon a person’s life.

Elaina Hollis

Patient Coordinator

For women with Breast Cancer, reconstruction is an extremely important part of the process. It is an exceedingly personal decision, though most women do in fact decide to undergo reconstruction. They want to look and feel like a whole and complete woman again; one who is still feminine and sexy. Although reconstruction through implants is the choice for many women, a large number of women prefer to undergo reconstruction using muscle and soft tissue flaps. They are seeking breasts that feel more natural and are created through their own living tissue.

There are several ways in which this type of reconstruction can be performed. One is known as the TRAM Flap method, and is done in two ways. The Free Flap method involves an area of skin, fat and muscle being removed from the abdomen; freed from the rest of the blood supply and tissue. It is then placed in the chest area and reconnected to the blood supply using microsurgical techniques. The other possibility with this method is using a Pedicle Flap. The Pedicle Flap method does not require that the flap of muscle and soft tissue be removed completely; rather, it is tunneled up through the chest wall while remaining attached to the blood supply. The breasts often feel much more natural and the process includes a tummy tuck, resulting in a flatter, more streamlined abdominal area.

Several other methods of reconstruction using soft tissue flaps are available, although they are not used as frequently. DIEP and SGAP flaps are two other methods that do not use muscle; only skin and fat, and the tissue is removed from either the abdomen or the buttock. A Latissimus Dorsi Flap uses muscle, skin and fat from the back. The muscle and tissue is left connected to the blood supply and tunneled from the back to the mastectomy site, creating the new breast. Often times with this method, an implant is also required to achieve a fuller breast, as there is not enough of the donor tissue to reach the desired size.

Breast reconstruction using muscle and soft tissue flaps unfortunately does not leave the patients with much sensation in the new breasts, although they look and feel very natural. The surgical process is also longer and much more involved. In turn, the recovery process can be much more arduous.

Breast cancer patients have many options when considering their reconstruction. Dr. Savalia helps guide his patients through the decision making process by making a recommendation on the method that he feels is best suited to that individual. However, the decision is ultimately the patient’s. It is important that the breast cancer patient knows that there are many options available to her, each one with the possibility of a beautiful result.

Elaina Hollis

Patient Coordinator

The Mommy Makeover is a combination of surgical procedures that often includes a tummy tuck, a breast lift or augmentation, liposuction, buttock and thigh lifts. The tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, removes loose skin and stretch marks, as well as tightening the underlying muscles in order to maintain a smooth, flat appearance to the abdominal area. Breasts can be lifted in order to achieve a more youthful appearance, while implants can be added to gain more fullness, as many women experience a loss in volume after delivery and breast feeding. As many mothers are left with stubborn areas of fat that can be resistant to diet and exercise, liposuction is used to remove these, leaving a more svelte, streamlined figure.

The Mommy Makeover targets areas that have not improved over time with diet and exercise, after a woman delivers. The ideal candidate for the Mommy Makeover is in good overall health, has successfully lost weight, but is left with stubborn areas of fat, as well as loose, sagging skin, and stretch marks. It is important to maintain realistic goals and expectations, as with any surgical procedure, and have enough time to devote to healing after surgery.

For most people, men and women alike, their face is the foremost area of concern. Much time is spent worrying about deepening laugh lines, or crow’s feet; about ever shrinking lips, drooping eyelids, and frown lines. The primary focus being from the chin up and they apply their skin care regimen accordingly. However, unbeknownst to them, their necks may be adding years to their overall appearance.

As one ages, the delicate skin of the neck becomes much less elastic and begins to loosen. Band lines may form, the jaw line becomes less defined, and fat is deposited throughout; including the dreaded “double chin.” A neck-lift is a procedure performed by Dr. Savalia, to restore a more youthful appearance to the neck area; in turn, refreshing one’s overall appearance. Utilizing a variety of techniques, tailored to the individual’s needs, Dr. Savalia essentially takes years off of one’s look.

Depending upon the patient’s individual vexation, Dr. Savalia will treat the area using one or several techniques. Liposuction is used to remove unwanted fat from the neck and chin, contouring the area to provide a more well-defined jaw line. Cervicoplasty is a technique that removes the excess, loose, and sagging skin. However, it is not only the surface tissue that needs work to restore the neck; the underlying neck muscles that have stretched over time also need to be tightened. This is accomplished through a procedure known as a platysmaplasty, and it is used to eliminate the much despised band lines. Dr. Savalia can also perform various other procedures in conjunction with the neck-lift, such as a facelift, forehead lift, or eyelid surgery.

The recovery period for a neck-lift procedure is generally two weeks. In which Dr. Savalia advises limited movement to the head and neck, while maintaining an elevated position. Bruising and swelling can also be expected during this time period.

The neck is an area that, for many years, goes neglected and unnoticed, and it is generally not of great concern until a problem arises. Patients may take great care in treating the skin on their faces, while all but ignoring the tender skin on their necks. Once elasticity is lost however, even the most expensive repair creams cannot hope to have an effect. This is why so many patients benefit from a neck-lift. Dr. Savalia is able to repair years of neglect, simply and with minimal downtime; improving not only patient’s appearances, but their livelihoods as well.

Elaina Hollis

Patient Coordinator

There are several crucial questions one must ask of their prospective surgeon, the first of which being “Are you board certified?” Dr. Savalia is double board certified in general, as well as plastic surgery, placing him among the foremost physicians in the plastic surgery industry. The American Society of Plastic Surgery recommends that you select a physician with at least six years of surgical training and experience, with at least three years in plastic surgery. Your physician should operate only in accredited medical facilities and adhere to a strict code of ethics. It is important to ask your doctor if he or she has hospital privileges, and where.

Regrettably, any licensed physician can represent themselves as a “plastic surgeon” and it is of the utmost importance that you select a properly trained and certified physician. Your surgeon should: answer openly any and all questions regarding your procedure, clearly discuss their professional qualifications, honestly review the risks involved, all the while illustrating realistic expectations of your results. Ultimately, the surgeon must leave the decision up to you, without applying any pressure or undue influence upon that decision.

Plastic surgery is no longer a taboo topic in society today; it is discussed publicly among friends, family, and all forms of media outlets. With such wide publicity, prospective patients are bombarded with tales of success as with celebrities such as Ashlee Simpson and Ashley Tisdale, whose lives were vastly improved by their plastic surgery decisions, as well as tales of regret, i.e. Kathy Griffin and Lisa Rinna. Whether the experience be positive or negative, the underlying moral is that one must be extremely selective in choosing a surgeon; be critical of every aspect of their history, training, and experience. At Finesse Plastic Surgery we pride ourselves on being with the patient every step of the way, from the initial consultation, to your post operative follow up visits, and beyond. Dr. Savalia recognizes that such personal care is imperative to your success in carrying you through this life-altering experience.

Liposuction is an elective cosmetic procedure designed to reduce the amount of fat in targeted areas of the body, such as the stomach, hips or thighs. If you are considering the liposuction procedure, you should talk to an experienced Orange County cosmetic surgeon to get an idea of what the procedure can and cannot do for you.

Maintaining Your Results

Liposuction has proven to be a very effective option for men and women looking to minimize areas with excess fat. Through the removal of fat cells in specific areas, you are decreasing the chances that fat will accumulate in that area in the future. But liposuction is not a quick fix procedure that eliminates fat for good. Liposuction patients will need to be prepared to focus on maintaining liposuction results with a healthy lifestyle. Choosing foods that are good for you and integrating regular physical activity into your day is a must.

Preventing Weight Gain

Liposuction does offer immediate results for all patients. However, factors like gender, age, habits, time availability, and the environment can all affect the long-term results of surgical fat reduction. While liposuction removes a certain number of fat cells, your existing fat cells can increase in size and even signal the creation of new fat cells if your body is imbalanced.

Consuming many more calories than you expend in a day can still cause weight gain. Eating foods high in fat and sodium can lead to weight gain, too. If you put on pounds after liposuction, you should talk to your doctor about ways you can reach your target body weight, including diet restrictions and increased exercise. To keep the weight off, follow the golden rule: Reduce food intake, improve the quality of food, and increase your energy output through exercise.

To tighten or tone additional body areas, you may want to consider other cosmetic procedures, such as the tummy tuck, body lift, thigh lift, or arm lift. For more information about liposuction and weight reduction, please contact Dr. Nirav Savalia at Finesse Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery.

— Lindsey Kesel, Cosmetic Surgery Consultant

Liposuction is an elective cosmetic procedure designed to reduce the amount of fat in targeted areas of the body, such as the stomach, hips or thighs. If you are considering the liposuction procedure, you should talk to an experienced Orange County cosmetic surgeon to get an idea of what the procedure can and cannot do for you.

Maintaining Your Results

Liposuction has proven to be a very effective option for men and women looking to minimize areas with excess fat. Through the removal of fat cells in specific areas, you are decreasing the chances that fat will accumulate in that area in the future. But liposuction is not a quick fix procedure that eliminates fat for good. Liposuction patients will need to be prepared to focus on maintaining liposuction results with a healthy lifestyle. Choosing foods that are good for you and integrating regular physical activity into your day is a must.

Preventing Weight Gain

Liposuction does offer immediate results for all patients. However, factors like gender, age, habits, time availability, and the environment can all affect the long-term results of surgical fat reduction. While liposuction removes a certain number of fat cells, your existing fat cells can increase in size and even signal the creation of new fat cells if your body is imbalanced.

Consuming many more calories than you expend in a day can still cause weight gain. Eating foods high in fat and sodium can lead to weight gain, too. If you put on pounds after liposuction, you should talk to your doctor about ways you can reach your target body weight, including diet restrictions and increased exercise. To keep the weight off, follow the golden rule: Reduce food intake, improve the quality of food, and increase your energy output through exercise.

To tighten or tone additional body areas, you may want to consider other cosmetic procedures, such as the tummy tuck, body lift, thigh lift, or arm lift. For more information about liposuction and weight reduction, please contact Dr. Nirav Savalia at Finesse Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery.

— Lindsey Kesel, Cosmetic Surgery Consultant

Only moms know how the birth of a child can affect so many aspects of the body. From stretched abdominal muscles to sagging breasts, pregnancy, labor, and breastfeeding can take an incredible toll on a woman’s figure. And the time demands of raising children leave little extra for daily workouts. Thankfully, the mommy makeover cosmetic procedure is helping mom’s get back into shape.

The great thing about the mommy makeover is that it can be fully customized based on your unique needs. Several surgical techniques are performed in one procedure in order to tighten, tone, and rejuvenate your look. You save time and money by combining body contouring options, and the results are surprising and dramatic! Here are some of the cosmetic enhancements that can be done as part of the mommy makeover:

• Liposuction – Get rid of unwanted pockets of fat in the stomach, thighs, arms, and other areas.
• Breast surgery – With breast lift, reduction, or augmentation, your cosmetic surgeon can reshape your bust to get just the right proportions. Breast lift is one of the most popular mommy procedures, as it can help combat the effects of breastfeeding and aging simultaneously.
• Tummy tuck – The abdominal area can be repaired after childbirth with techniques to tighten the tummy muscles and remove skin and fat.
• Thigh lift – The thigh lift targets upper and lower thigh, removing excess skin and fat for a more toned appearance.
• Body lift – Multiple body contouring techniques can be combined to help tighten and firm the body through the removal of loose or sagging skin.

The confidence and empowerment that can come from doing something wonderful for yourself is priceless. Mommy makeovers are recommended only for women who do not plan on having additional children.

If you are interested in learning more about the mommy makeover and its incredible benefits, contact experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. Nirav Savalia at his Orange County practice.

—Lindsey Kesel, Cosmetic Surgery Consultant