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

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

Ear surgery, also called “ear pinning” or “otoplasty,” has helped countless adults and children avoid the negative self-image effects of protruding or abnormal ears. By gently reshaping and sculpting the ear cartilage, a skilled cosmetic surgeon can give you a more desirable, balanced ear shape and size. Even subtle ear pinning can make a big difference in the appearance of the face and head, producing very rewarding results.

Ear surgery can improve the following conditions:

• Protruding ears
• Oversized ears
• Lop ear (folding tip)
• Cupped ear (small ear)
• Shell ear (missing curves and creases)
• Stretched earlobes
• Large creases and wrinkles

Otoplasty for Children

Physical abnormalities are often pronounced on small bodies, and many kids may feel self-conscious about misshapen ears or endure teasing. Cosmetic ear surgery is commonly performed on children after age 5, or even adults, to improve the proportions and correct defects. Compared to other surgical procedures, the risks and recovery are minimal, making childhood an ideal time for ear pinning.

The Ear Pinning Procedure

Ear pinning can be performed under general anesthesia or under local anesthesia with sedation in a 2 – 3 hour procedure. An experienced plastic surgeon will use the reconstructive process to create a new ear shape that fits well with other facial features. Recovery for both adults and children averages about one week.

Is ear surgery right for you?

If you are considering ear surgery for yourself or your child, talk to an experienced Orange County otoplasty surgeon about the possibilities. Take a look at a variety of before and after photos to help you see what kinds of results are possible with this procedure. Please contact Dr. Nirav Savalia today at Finesse Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery today to set up your new patient consultation.

—Lindsey Kesel, Cosmetic Surgery Consultant

For patients battling or overcoming skin cancer, things like appearance, self-image and confidence can be deeply affected by the course of this disease. Cells of the body can be injured by the cancer itself, weakened by radiation treatments, or damaged during surgical cancer removal. In the uphill battle to beat the disease, skin cancer reconstruction offers cancer patients a way to restore dignity and improve appearance.

Especially in sunny climates like Newport Beach, skin cancer is highly prevalent. Invasive skin cancer can mean anything from minor scars to disfigurement following the removal of diseased cells.

By seeking an experienced reconstructive plastic surgeon, you may be able to restore the healthy, normal skin appearance that was lost during skin cancer treatment. Skin cancer reconstruction is most commonly performed after Moh’s surgery of the neck and facial areas, but can be used on almost any area of the body. Advanced reconstruction techniques such as skin grafting and facial flaps may be recommended to return skin altered by cancer removal to a normal appearance. Refining treatments like dermabrasion, scar revision and laser skin smoothing can be used to further repair the damage and enhance results.

If you are facing skin cancer surgery, visit with a skilled skin cancer reconstruction doctor to discuss your options. For more information on skin cancer reconstruction, please contact Newport Beach skin cancer reconstruction surgeon Dr. Nirav Savalia at Finesse Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery.

—Lindsey Kesel, Cosmetic Surgery Consultant

Torn earlobe repair is available to men and women who have separated earlobes due to piercing or other injuries. This type of facial reshaping procedure involves manipulating the thin, delicate tissue of the soft earlobe in order to recreate a normal contour. This surgery is also available for patients with ear tissue deformities.

In some cases, an immediate repair is recommended. For others, waiting until the tear heals is ideal. The reconstruction technique used will depend on the degree of tearing and tissue damage. In most cases, evidence of a tear is virtually eliminated.

After a successful earlobe repair, you should also be aware not to have the ear re-pierced for three months, and in addition, to have the location of the new piercing carefully selected by your plastic surgeon (to avoid injuring the area of repair).

Learn more about repairing torn earlobes — and what to expect during pre-op and post-op care — from an experienced Newport Beach cosmetic surgeon. And check out the affordable financing options available for this and other cosmetic procedures.

Schedule a complimentary earlobe reconstruction consultation with renowned surgeon Dr. Nirav Savalia at Finesse Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery today.

—Lindsey Kesel, Cosmetic Surgery Consultant