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Common Myths About Breast Reduction Surgery

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Breast reduction in San Francisco

                            Before and After Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery rates as one of the highest in patient satisfaction for elective plastic surgery. Surprisingly, there are several myths about the procedure that discourages many women from proceeding with surgery. Dr. Miguel Delgado, M.D. states that is unfortunate because most women who have undergone the procedure wish they had done it sooner as it significantly enhanced their quality of life.

Some of the inaccuracies that you should be aware of are:

Losing weight will reduce your breast size

•  Breasts are composed of both breast tissue and fat. Losing weight may affect the breasts a bit but won’t reduce breast tissue. Also, when you lose weight, you can’t know where you will lose fat. The ratio of fat to breast tissue is different for all women. For those women that do have a high percentage of fat, losing weight may help if you could count on the fat loss coming off your breasts. Otherwise, liposuction is a good alternative for these women.

You can’t breastfeed after breast reduction surgery

•  If you select an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, the chances are good that you will still be able to nurse if the nipple and areola are still connected to breast tissue. However, in some breast reduction cases, it is necessary to reposition the nipple/areola complex, and the ability to breastfeed may be somewhat compromised. With the passage of time, sensation may start to return, and lactation may be possible.

Women can choose their breast size.

•You can have a general goal for the desired breast size. However, some factors influence the final result, such as variations in surgery, and how the breasts heal. Showing your surgeon pictures of what size you are aiming for can be a big help, but results cannot be guaranteed.

Women should be happy with large breasts

•  Some men and women with small breasts don’t understand why a large breasted woman would want a reduction. Having breast reduction surgery is a very personal decision. Many women suffer from back and neck pain, shoulder grooving from bra straps, rashes, not to mention difficulty exercising, and shopping for clothes that will fit them. For many women, surgery is medically advised.

Call today!

If your breasts have been causing you discomfort and you have wondered about breast reduction surgery, call for an appointment now (415) 898-4161, and consult with Dr. Delgado, to learn what options are available to you.

Gynecomastia In the News With Dr. Miguel Delgado

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gynecomastia on Dailymail onlineDailymail.com recently interviewed Dr. Miguel Delgado, M.D. for an article they published on “My Struggle with Moobs” also known as gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is the development of female type breasts on men and is a psychologically devastating condition that affects men worldwide. The article was picked up by the Deccan Chronicle which is the most popular English newspaper in South India. There are many inquiries about male breast reduction from men from India and many other countries through such sites as www.gynecomastia.org and www.RealSelf.com.

Dailymail.com reached out to Dr. Delgado, a San Francisco Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes in gynecomastia, for insights into the causes and solutions.

Gynecomastia, Causes and Solutions

Dr. Delgado explains the major cause for breast development is when boys go through puberty, and they have an increase in estrogen. The majority of boys will find their chests will return to normal after puberty. However, for some unfortunate few the condition remains and can only be corrected by surgery.

Another major cause of gynecomastia is the use of steroids by athletes and bodybuilders. Dr. Delgado provided excellent before and after pictures of some of his patients. You can see the article in its entirety here.

Severe Gynecomastia is Done in Stages

Some cases are very straight forward, while others that are more extreme may need to be done in stages. Dr. Delgado’s goal with male breast reduction, as with all his cases, is to be as minimally invasive as possible but ultimately will do whatever necessary to achieve the best aesthetic result.

Before and after gynecomastia surgery

Dr. Delgado treats gynecomastia patients in the San Francisco Bay Area. However, his reputation has gone beyond the borders of California and even the United States. To accommodate his out of town and out of country patients, Dr. Delgado offers a travel package and a consultation by phone, email or Skype. For your appointment, call today at (415) 898-4161.

 

Social Media, the Latest Trend for Plastic Surgery Information

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social media and plastic surgery in San Francisco

Social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have become a forum for the younger generations to get information on multiple topics including plastic surgery! Many patients share their surgery experiences by posting their journal. Included in their post are before and after pictures. Many describe why they sought cosmetic surgery. Patients share how their goals were met, and their opinion of the surgeon and the staff.

Do Your Homework!

Social media should not be the only source for information. Patients should still confirm the surgeon of choice is board certified in plastic surgery. They should view the surgeon’s website, look at before and after pictures, and read online reviews.

“Selfies” Lead to Plastic Surgery

The influence of social media is tremendous. A decade ago the younger generations rarely sought plastic surgery. Now with Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, etc. plastic surgeons are in bigger demand than ever. Potential patients see themselves with “selfies” from all angles, and many are not happy with what they see. There are “social media stars” that many patients can relate to, more than traditional celebrities, that they hope to emulate.

It has been reported that the increase in overall cosmetic procedures has increased 115% since the year 2000. The majority of patients are 30 years old and under. With the rise of Instagram, the Brazilian Butt Lift, (where fat is transferred from the thighs, and abdomen to the butt), has increased each year by more than 100%. Also, the numbers have increased tremendously for tummy tucks and breast augmentations.

Choose a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

There is a downside to the plethora of information available on the internet and social media, and that is the incidence of misinformation. Dr. Miguel Delgado, M.D. encourages patients to educate themselves on potential cosmetic surgery procedures. However, he emphasizes the necessity for patients to rely on the expertise of a board certified plastic surgeon.

Call today (415) 898-4161 for a personal consultation with board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Miguel Delgado.

Why Choosing a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon May Save Your Life!

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Marin Cosmetic Surgery Center

Another Plastic Surgery Patient Dies in Florida

Earlier this month there were reports in the news of deaths in South Florida either during or following cosmetic surgery procedures. A 30 year old woman came to Florida from Chicago for her cosmetic procedure; she stopped breathing while on the operating table. The procedure she was having done has not been revealed at this time. However, the medical center in Doral where the procedure took place has 3 previous complaints filed for seriously injuring patients while having Brazilian butt lift and liposuction performed.

This was the third death in just over a year for out of state patients traveling to the Miami area for cosmetic surgery.

Non-certified Plastic Surgeons Put Patients at Risk

The Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal has reported that for every 100,000 outpatient cosmetic surgical procedures, 2 patients usually die within a few days after their surgery. While that number is considered infinitesimal, the number jumps to an unacceptable ratio of 1 in 11,000 when non-certified plastic surgeons are taken into account.

All surgeries come with some risk and possible complications, and some are unavoidable even under the best conditions. Doctors who practice cosmetic surgery who are not board certified do not have the extensive training for medical care in different emergency situations that can arise during and after surgery.

Pulmonary Embolism Requires Expert Treatment

The Journal also published a study that shows 13 out of 23 deaths were caused by pulmonary embolisms making it the most common cause. A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that clogs an artery in the patient’s lungs which if not managed immediately may result in death. Additionally fat can cause an embolism, for example, fat transfer during a Brazilian butt lift.

Treating a pulmonary embolism takes great skill as it can happen very suddenly. Board Certified Plastic Surgeons have received extensive training in treating surgical emergencies such as these which may need anti-coagulants or if necessary surgical intervention.

Check Your Anesthesiologist’s Credentials

Anesthesia overdose is another cause for plastic surgery death. Dr. Miguel Delgado, M.D. teams up with Dr. Randy Gaynor who is a Board Certified Anesthesiologist, assuring his patients of the utmost in safety for their surgery. Some non-certified plastic surgeons may not use highly trained anesthesiologists putting their patients at further risk. Using the wrong combination of drugs can be lethal as in one case where a patient died 12 hours after surgery due to being given a lethal dose of narcotic drugs during surgery followed by Oxycontin pain pills.

Dr. Gaynor consults with all patients before surgery taking their medical history and getting information about all previous surgeries. He explains what they can expect before, during, and after surgery. Patients are encouraged to ask any questions about concerns they may have.

Another risk for surgery are patients who are not in good health, especially any heart or lung conditions. Patients may be required to get clearance from their primary care physician or cardiologist.

As an additional safeguard, check that your surgeon has hospital privileges at a nearby hospital in case of an emergency. Dr. Delgado has privileges at Novato Community Hospital that is adjacent to his office and only a short gurney ride down the hallway from his private “Marin Cosmetic Surgery Center.”

Do Your Homework!

It can’t be emphasized enough that when choosing your cosmetic plastic surgeon that you confirm that he or she is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery and check with the state medical board to see if there are any outstanding complaints on file. It is your health and your life, be safe and choose wisely! Do your homework!

Dr. Miguel Delgado, M.D. is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery and has been practicing since 1989; view his many before and after pictures of some of his surgery patients here. Call (415) 898-4161 now to discuss any cosmetic concerns you may have.

Ivanka Trump, the New Look in Plastic Surgery!

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  • Plastic Surgery and the Classic look of Ivanka Trump

According to the Hollywood Reporter, plastic surgeons from Beverly Hills to New York are finding that patients have a new “role model” they wish to emulate…Ivanka Trump!

The Classic Look of Ivanka!

Her classic look with proportionate features of her eyes, nose, and lips, along with a slim figure has many plastic surgeons switching from the Kim Kardashian or Kylie Jenner look to a more natural look of 35 year old Ivanka. However, the Kardashian look still remains popular with the 20 something age group, with the 30 to mid- 40 year olds seeking a softer more classic look.

Ivanka has fullness to her face which gives a more youthful appearance, this can be achieved for many women by fat transfer.

Top Dollars Spent on Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

USA Today has a similar report of a Houston woman who spent $30,000 and 6 hours of surgery having her nose reshaped, a breast augmentation, a butt lift with fat that was harvested by liposuction, and facial fillers.

People Magazine has an article that tells of a patient who spent 8 months undergoing multiple procedures including, a mini facelift, cheek injections, a mini eye-lift, liposuction, and 2 breast augmentations to the tune of $60,000. She is thrilled with her results and ready to compete in the business world. She doesn’t feel she looks just like Ivanka but her features were modeled after her.

Celebrity Pictures as a Guide

Dr. Miguel Delgado, M.D. says it is not unusual for a patient to bring in celebrity pictures to give an idea of what they would like to achieve. Pictures can be helpful to surgeons, as long as the patient’s expectations are realistic. However, the patient that desires to look just like someone else may be in need of psychiatric evaluation.

Call Dr. Delgado Today

Call (415) 898-4161 for a consultation today with Dr. Delgado to learn what options are available to you for any areas of dissatisfaction you may have.

ASPS Stats for 2016 Show New Trends For Cosmetic Surgery Procedures

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More choices than ever for cosmetic procedures.

Dr. Miguel Delgado, M.D. announced that The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has just released the 2016 statistics for surgical and minimally invasive procedures.

For minimally invasive procedures, Botox remains number one with an increase of 4% over 2015. Soft tissue fillers including, Juvederm, and Belotero are up 3% over 2015. Kybella, the exciting new injectable treatment for reducing a double chin increased 18% over 2015. CoolSculpting, the non-surgical treatment for reducing fat pockets by freezing the fat, is up 5% over 2015.

Fat In and Fat Out

Fat grafting with a patient’s fat is a growing trend for body shaping. The patient’s fat typically lasts longer than other fillers. Plastic surgeons take unwanted fat from areas such as the abdomen and then inject it to rejuvenate and lift other parts of the body such as the buttocks, breasts, and face. Fat grafting to the buttocks is up 26% over 2015, and breast augmentation with fat is up 72%.

Facelift in San Francisco by Dr. Miguel Delgado

This 48-year-old woman underwent a brow lift, face and neck lift, lower eyelid lift and a pre-jowl chin implant.

*Results may vary

Body procedures remain very popular, a lower body lift is up 34%, and upper arm lift is up 4%. However, 3 of the 5 top surgical procedures were for the face, those being the nose, eyes, and face. In 2015, facelift surgery was dropped from the top 5 procedures but made a comeback in 2016 with an increase of 4%. It is not surprising because a facelift performed by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon can give long lasting, dramatic results. Injectables and fillers cannot achieve the same results as facelift surgery, but for some patient’s, the need for surgery can be delayed. To see all the 2016 ASPS statistics click here.

Call now!

For a new you in 2017 call (415) 898-4161 for a consultation with Dr. Miguel Delgado.

Planning for Your Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

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Cosmetic Surgery Preparations

Marin Cosmetic Surgery Center

Marin Cosmetic Surgery Center

A frequent question that cosmetic surgery patients ask is: “What do I need to do to plan for my surgery?” Dr. Miguel Delgado, M. D. is always happy to hear patients ask this question as their participation is crucial to obtaining the best outcome for their procedure.

Understandably patients are nervous at the preoperative appointment, many times verbal instructions are soon forgotten. Dr. Delgado designed an informative booklet that is presented to all of his patients for reference. However, when in doubt the office and Dr. Delgado are just a phone call away.

The comprehensive booklet of almost 40 pages contains a table of contents divided into sections. Preparing for surgery has directions for; “Starting Now,” and “The Day Before Surgery,” and “The Morning of Surgery.”

“Starting Now” includes details on:

• Cessation of smoking,  multivitamin consumption, aspirin usage, vitamin E limitations, laboratory tests, prescription fills

“The Day Before Surgery” includes details on:

• Confirmation of surgery time, prescriptions, bathing, eating and drinking limitations

“The Morning of Surgery” includes details on:

• Special information, oral hygiene, cleansing, make-up, clothing, check in/preparation

The next three pages of the booklet list many medications, supplements and herbal remedies that must be avoided two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. The reason these must be avoided is that they interfere with healing and many slow down blood clotting which can cause complications during and after surgery. Keep in mind this is not a complete list, and any medications or supplements that you take must be cleared by Dr. Delgado. Tylenol is allowed for pain relief.

Many Medications Must be Avoided

Many patients are surprised to see some of the things that need to be avoided. For example, on the list are:

  • Alka-Seltzer, Pepto-Bismol, Vanquish, Sine-off, Sinutab, Motrin, Midol, Actifed, Vitamin E, Raw Garlic, Vitamin-boosted Drinks, Fish Oil, Ginkgo Biloba, Melatonin, Echinacea, St. John’s Wart and many more.

In the next section “Going to Our Operating Facility,” there is a description of the operating suite and the recovery room followed by post-surgery arrangements. Dr. Delgado’s patient coordinator would be happy to give patients a tour of the surgery center.

Surgical Risks and Complications

Included are general surgical risks and complications, and then risks that are specific to the procedure(s), whether it is for a face lift, breast augmentation, gynecomastia surgery or any other cosmetic procedure.

There is a copy of the surgical consent form for the patient’s record.

There are detailed post-operative instructions that include; dressings, drains, bathing, ice packs, diet, driving, follow up appointments. Additionally, what the patient can expect as they heal.

Policies regarding financial arrangements, cancellation and revision surgeries are addressed.

Directions to the surgery center with a map are included.

The Importance of Nutrition for Surgery Patients

Lastly, there is a four page guide that gives detailed information and recommendations on nutrition and the effect it has on wound healing.

Dr. Delgado believes prepared patients have an easier surgery and faster recovery. Call (415) 898-4161 or email [email protected] today for a consultation for your desired cosmetic plastic surgical procedure.

Breast Augmentation Without Implants!

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When the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) published their statistics for surgical procedures for 2015, breast augmentation remained the most popular procedure performed.

Breast Augmentation Boosts Self-esteem

In a study by ASPS, 98% of breast augmentation patients state their results met or exceeded their expectations. The study also revealed that 92% of women said it improved their self-esteem. However, breast augmentation with breast implants is not for all women seeking fuller breasts. Some women continue to develop capsular contracture no matter what precautions have been taken. Others are reluctant due to other issues such as scarring, loss of nipple sensation, wrinkling, rippling, or possible future deflation or leakage.

Not long ago women wished they could take fat from their tummy or waist and move it to their breasts, and now they can!

 

Breast Augmentation After Fat Transfer

After Fat Transfer

Before Breast Augmentation by Fat Transfer

Before Fat Transfer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Results may vary

Two Procedures in One!

Due to significant advances in fat transfer, plastic surgeons can take fat via liposuction from an area with extra fat. Impurities are removed, and stem cells are concentrated and then the fat is transferred to the breasts by dozens of small injections which allow the surgeon to shape the breasts naturally without implants. There is no risk of leakage or deflation, and there is the additional benefit of reducing an area that has excess fat.

Fat for Breast Augmentation

Purification of Fat

Twenty-five years ago, ASPS did not approve of fat transfer to the breasts because the results were unpredictable and radiologists had difficulty determining fat nodules from cancer. However, today with great advances in technology, that is no longer an issue, and ASPS acknowledges that breast augmentation by fat transfer is a viable option for many women.

Call Now!

If breast enhancement by fat transfer is something that appeals to you, call today (415) 898-4161 for a consultation with Dr. Miguel Delgado, M.D. and find out if you may be a candidate.

The Best Incision for Breast Augmentation

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There are several important decisions patients will need to make when contemplating breast augmentation surgery, such as:
• What type of implant, saline or silicone and if silicone, what type?
• Where will the pocket for the breast implant be placed? Above or below the muscle?
• What size breast implant?
• Where will the incision be?

Your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon will help you make these important decisions giving you the pros and cons of each.

I would like to address the placement of the incision and explain my preference. There are three popular locations preferred by most surgeons. The main goal is to have the scar be as inconspicuous as possible, with the least amount of complications.

The Three Main Breast Augmentation Incision Sites

The first incision is the periareolar incision that is a half-moon shape around the lower areola. The scar is well hidden due to the change of skin texture and color of the areola. For many years this was the approach I favored, and once healed was well hidden. With the incision site so close to where the implant will go, the surgeon can easily control the bleeding, and the placement of the implant is quite precise. The incision site can be used again in the future should breast revision be necessary.

Some studies show that this incision may be responsible for higher incidence of capsular contracture because dragging the implant through the breast may contaminate the implant with bacteria in the breast, the same bacteria implicated with capsular contracture. There is a higher risk of loss of nipple sensation, and the milk ducts may be compromised leading to difficulty with breastfeeding. The size of the areola may limit the size of the implant. Even though my complication rate was very low, I now favor the inframammary incision.

The inframammary incision is located at the crease under the breast where it meets the chest wall. The incision is just slightly above the fold so that it is not visible if a bathing suit top should ride up. The scar is further hidden by many women who have a mark from wearing a bra. Since the breast gland is not cut with this incision, it has the least amount of swelling. All implant types can be used with minimum trauma. Also, this incision can be used for any type of breast revision surgery.

The third popular incision is the transaxillary incision, an incision in the armpit. Tunneling to the breast is usually done with an endoscope but will increase surgery time. It is possible for this incision to be visible, depending on how it heals, any time a woman should raise her arm while wearing a sleeveless top. If revision surgery is needed, it can be very challenging and sometimes may require a new incision. However, this approach is some surgeon’s preference, but they may find limitations in trying to insert silicone implants, especially large ones.

There is one other approach that remains controversial, called trans-umbilical breast augmentation (TUBA). With this approach, the surgeon tunnels to the breast through the belly button. The main advantage is there is no visible scar. However, the disadvantages are many, only saline implants can be used, and the surgeon is dissecting the breast pocket blindly making it difficult to position the implant correctly, leading to higher rates of complications.

Dr. Miguel Delgado, M.D. states there are pros and cons to each approach. The decision is a personal one for each individual, and he will spend a great deal of time with each patient to assist in making all the decisions related to breast augmentation.https://dr-delgado.com/contact/

If you have been struggling with important breast augmentation decisions, call (415) 898-4161 to discuss all of your concerns with Dr. Delgado.

NewsBrief June 2016

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June 2016 Cosmetic Surgery for Men

Cosmetic Surgery Increases for Men!

There is growing interest in cosmetic plastic surgery for men as reported by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Miguel Delgado, M.D. states that he has seen an increase in surgery for men in his practice.

Men make up 10 percent of surgical procedures for 2015, however, the increase for men is over 325% since 1997.

Masculine Results Spur Popularity

Men usually do not discuss their desire for cosmetic surgery. However the statistics for 2015 by ASPS showed an increase for many procedures such as;
• Liposuction (the number one procedure for male and female) male breast reduction, increased more than 25% last year
• Eyelid Surgery up to 14%
• Facelifts and Rhinoplasty has increased 26%
The popularity for men is attributed to the masculine results that Board Certified Plastic Surgeons have attained.

Non-surgical Options Offer Alternative to Surgery

However, some men may not be ready for cosmetic surgery. There are many non-surgical treatments available that can turn the clock back and would make an excellent Father’s Day gift,
such as; injectables including:
• Botox for smoothing out wrinkles
• Fillers to replace lost volume and restore masculine facial features
• Kybella to get rid of the double chin
• CoolSculpting to freeze unwanted love handles
• Palomar Icon Laser for skin treatments
to treat unwanted facial vessels, sun damage, scars and unwanted facial (ears, nose) and body hair (back, neck)

Does Dad Complain About His Love Handles?

Consider a CoolSculpting treatment to freeze and reduce his annoying fat deposits.

Groom your Groom Special!

Bring that special man in your life to the office for a Kybella, IPL, or a CoolSculpting treatment and receive 10 units of Botox free!

Men… Never had Botox before?

Schedule your appointment with us and receive 10% off!
*Specials expire June 30, 2016

Why not schedule a consultation?

Schedule an appointment for that special man in your life today (415) 898-4161 with Miguel Delgado, M.D. and let him discuss the procedure of his choice.