Super model Tyra Banks came clean years ago on her show about her battle with bulge on her backside.  Diet and exercise alone don’t always target those dimples that can show up on the legs and thighs. Millions of women around the world deal with the dreaded reality of cellulite. Fact: no one is exempt!

A popular treatment currently on the market is the recently FDA-approved Cellulaze, a minimally invasive, laser-assisted procedure performed by a qualified physician, to increase your skin’s natural thickness for a smoother, healthier look.

With many machines and expensive treatments currently on the market, it can be difficult to decipher what works and what doesn’t to really target and banish cellulite. Cellulaze, done under local anesthesia, works through a small laser tube that is inserted under a patient’s skin. The laser heats up to melt lumpy pockets of fat and cuts through the fiber bands that pull the skin and cause dimples. The laser then heats the skin to trigger new collagen growth, leading to better elasticity and thickness.

• Cellulaze can be effective in as little as one treatment with most patients seeing results that last up to a year.
• There is very little pain associated with the procedure and patients can resume normal activity in as little as one to two days.
• This procedure is recommended for patients who are not significantly overweight and have moderate cellulite.

View this video on the Cellulaze treatment featured on The Doctors:

Additional resources and reading:

New Treatment Cellulaze May be Permanent Solution for Cellulite

Promising new procedure to treat cellulite

Contact Dr. Stevens for a consultation and learn more about your options for cellulite reduction procedures.

Dr. Leslie H. Stevens is a board certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills and co-director of the renowned Lasky Clinic, known for its extensive celebrity clientele. Dr. Stevens specializes in facelifts, eye lifts, breast augmentation, tummy tucks, labiaplasty, liposuction and body contouring.  His practice is located in the Los Angeles area at the Lasky Clinic in Beverly Hills.

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Every patient aspires to have  a pain-free plastic surgery procedure. Surgeons alike hope for the day that they can eliminate downtime and decrease the risks of post-surgery complications and concerns for their patients. While that day isn’t here as of yet, science has brought that day a little closer with flash recovery breast augmentation, a new technique that many surgeons, including Dr. Stevens are exploring and offering to patients.

Flash recovery breast augmentation can be performed safely, with shorter downtime and nearly a painless post-op. The technique is done by using heat to cauterize the tissue (as opposed to cutting and tearing) to place the implant in the pocket and avoid strenuous trauma and lessen the amount of time patients are dealing with pain post-surgery.

Learn more about Dr. Stevens breast augmentation procedures and schedule a one on one consultation to learn more.

Dr. Leslie H. Stevens is a board certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills and co-director of the renowned Lasky Clinic, known for its extensive celebrity clientele.  Dr. Stevens specializes in facelifts, eye lifts, breast augmentation, tummy tucks, labiaplasty, liposuction and body contouring.  His practice is located in the Los Angeles area at the Lasky Clinic in Beverly Hills.

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Moms of all ages may enjoy brunch at her favorite restaurant, breakfast in bed or even a card and flowers, but according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, what many moms (that is 320,000 patients in 2010) want is to feel good about their bodies long after they’ve given birth.

While the experience of carrying and giving birth to a child can be a wonderful one for many women, the lasting effects and toll that bearing children can have on a woman’s body can be damaging to a woman’s self-esteem.

Typical mommymakeover procedures that assist in helping women achieve their pre-baby body include tummytucks, liposuction, and breastlift/augmentation. Each of these procedures can dramatically enhance and restore a mom’s body image and can typically be performed at the same time.

If you’re considering a mommy makeover (tips from ASPS)

• Wait at least six months to a year after having your last child before undergoing mommy makeover procedures.
• Be specific about your post-baby body goals so that your plastic surgeon can recommend the best procedures for you.
• If you are trying to lose weight, do so before undergoing the procedures.

Contact Dr. Stevens to learn more about your options for a mommy makeover and to find out which procedures are best for you.

Dr. Leslie H. Stevens is a board certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills and co-director of the renowned Lasky Clinic, known for its extensive celebrity clientele.  Dr. Stevens specializes in facelifts, eye lifts, breast augmentation, tummy tucks, labiaplasty, liposuction and body contouring.  His practice is located in the Los Angeles area at the Lasky Clinic in Beverly Hills.

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With the rising increase of women undergoing breast augmentation surgery many questions may arise for patients who are concerned about breast cancer detection, reconstruction and risks. Patients, whether pre- or post-surgery should know and understand all of the factors that can affect their health when considering an elective procedure such as breast augmentation.

Implants and Early Detection

Contrary to popular belief, breast implants do not get in the way of traditional breast cancer screening and early-detection. Patients are still encouraged to conduct regular self-exams and report any changes to their doctor immediately. According to the MD Anderson Cancer Society, noticing breast changes can sometimes be easier for women with implants because the implants push the natural breast tissue to the outside of the breast, making a lump easier to feel.

Women with implants don’t need to fear their implants rupturing during a traditional mammography exam as this is typically rare. However, if cancer is detected, patients may have to have the implant removed as radiation treatments can lead to scarring, pain, shape changes and possibly infection.

Breast Augmentation After Breast Cancer

Breast reconstruction is an important surgery for many women who undergo a mastectomy for breast cancer treatment. Patients can elect to have immediate or delayed reconstruction post radiation treatments or mastectomy procedure after discussing with their doctor and plastic surgeon about the best options. See also Dr. Stevens’ post on choosing the right size implant after a mastectomy.

Implant & Cancer Link

Last year the Food and Drug Administration began looking into the possible link between breast implants and breast cancer. After learning about 60 cases of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) out of 5 to 10 million women with breast implants, a disease that normally attacks the lymph nodes and the skin and has been reported in the scar tissue which grows around an implant, the FDA is working with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to study patients with the cancer and conduct more definitive research. The risk of ALCL is extremely rare and the recommended treatment is to remove the capsule around the implant.

Additional resources

Breast Implants: Do They Affect Mammograms?

Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy

Learn more about your breast augmentation options by scheduling a private consultation with Dr. Stevens.

Dr. Leslie H. Stevens is a board certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills and co-director of the renowned Lasky Clinic, known for its extensive celebrity clientele.  Dr. Stevens specializes in facelifts, eye lifts, breast augmentation, tummy tucks, labiaplasty, liposuction and body contouring.  His practice is located in the Los Angeles area at the Lasky Clinic in Beverly Hills.

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Lines, wrinkles, sagging and pre-mature aging aren’t only the concerns of mature women looking to turn back the hands of time. Women in their 20’s are starting to pay attention to how they can fight against early signs of aging and they’re not finding it in the latest anti-aging cream. They’re turning to Botox and thermage treatments to stop wrinkles in their tracks.

Treating wrinkles and bothersome lines is a completely different concept than actually preventing wrinkles. Botox treatments may be a necessity for young women who are concerned about fine lines that are already appearing but this is not to be abused.

Doctors argue whether early treatments are necessary or if our youth-obsessed culture is pressuring young women to stay young by starting the round of injections early.

Dr. Stevens recommends avoiding invasive procedures at too young an age.  Rejuvenating procedures should be used judiciously as needed for the best results. He sees another trend emerging with the advance of Botox.  “We can literally prevent wrinkles from occurring for many years.” For women in their 20’s looking to keep the age demon from showing its face too soon, here are a few anti-aging habits that don’t involve injections or expensive treatments:

• Wear sunscreen to prevent sun damage and pre-mature aging
• Avoid tanning beds
• Avoid smoking and excessive drinking
• Speak with a qualified surgeon about preventative treatments that fit your current needs and concerns

Schedule a one on one consultation with Dr. Stevens to speak further about anti-aging treatments and options.

Dr. Leslie H. Stevens is a board certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills and co-director of the renowned Lasky Clinic, known for its extensive celebrity clientele.  Dr. Stevens specializes in facelifts, eye lifts, breast augmentation, tummy tucks, labiaplasty, liposuction and body contouring.  His practice is located in the Los Angeles area at the Lasky Clinic in Beverly Hills.

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With the joys of motherhood come dramatic changes in a woman’s body which may include the onset of unsightly stretch marks and loosened abdominal muscles. For patients looking to get their pre-baby body back with failed attempts at just the gym, yoga class or diet changes, a tummy tuck can be the best option for removing excess skin and revealing their bikini body.

What it is
A tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty) is a procedure that removes excess fat and skin and restores weakened or separated muscles to make a patients “tummy” tighter, smoother and firmer. During the procedure, a horizontal cut is made between the pubic bone and the navel. The skin is pulled back, fat is removed and over-stretched abdominal muscles are repaired.

Can I have One During a C-Section?
While many moms may want to speed up their recovery process and opt for a tummy tuck after a c-section Dr. Stevens recommends that new mothers wait at least a few months and consult a surgeon to make sure that the procedure would be safe.

What’s the recovery time?
Most patients will be back on their feet  well within two weeks. Post-surgery, a thin tube may be placed under the skin to drain excess fluids during the first week.

What are the risks?
Like in all surgical procedures risks like infection and necrosis (which is much more common in smokers), can occur. To minimize your risks speak with your surgeon about your health history and how to prepare pre and post surgery.

To learn more about your post-pregnancy tummy tuck options or to address your concerns, schedule a private consultation with Dr. Stevens.

Dr. Leslie H. Stevens is a board certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills and co-director of the renowned Lasky Clinic, known for its extensive celebrity clientele.  Dr. Stevens specializes in facelifts, eye lifts, breast augmentation, tummy tucks, labiaplasty, liposuction and body contouring.  His practice is located in the Los Angeles area at the Lasky Clinic in Beverly Hills.

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Women aren’t the only ones going under the knife for the sake of a better-looking body or to reverse the signs of aging to compete in a youthful workforce. In fact, male cosmetic procedures are rising at a faster rate than their female counterparts. More and more men are beginning to understand the benefits of cosmetic procedures not to mention the health benefits of shrinking their waist lines.
According to an article on TheDailyFinance.com, in 2010 men underwent 1.1 million cosmetic procedures accounting for almost 10% of all cosmetic procedures. So what are the top procedures for men considering plastic surgery?

Dr. Stevens lists the most popular cosmetic procedures for men and how they work.

• Face lifts – Also known as a rhytidectomy, a face lift can create a more youthful look by correcting sagging skin and muscles for a firmer and more vibrant appearance.

• Liposuction – When fat cells won’t shrink after rigorous dieting and exercising, liposuction provides the ability to slim the thighs and hips, flatten abdominals and reduce a double chin.

• Male Breast Reduction – Or gynecomastia surgery. Getting rid of the dreaded “man boob” can include liposuction, and/ or an excision to remove excess breast tissue or skin or both depending on the patient’s case.

• Nose Jobs – Rhinoplasty has been a great option for male patients impaired with breathing abnormalities or simply looking to enhance their appearance. Nose surgery can change the size, tip, dips, nostril size and overall asymmetry of the nose.

As with any type of surgery there are a variety of risks and complications that can occur. Patients should discuss pre, post and in-surgery care, risks and potential complications and create a plan to minimize them. Using an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon (not a doctor that took a plastic surgery course) should be at the top of a patients list when looking to avoid complications from surgery.

Dr. Stevens outlines resources and things each patient should know when dealing with a complication from a plastic surgery procedure.

• Discuss with your surgeon – Be honest and open about the complication and your expectations on how the surgeon can assist in fixing it. Don’t automatically assume blame. Make sure you understand the cause of the complication and take notes to reference your understanding.

• Relax – Take time to de-stress and relieve anxiety. Clear your mind and allow yourself to start thinking about potential solutions.

• Think about revision surgery – Develop a plan of action for consulting with your surgeon about a second procedure to correct the complication. Identify the costs, risks and detail an ultimate plan of action.

• Consult a new surgeon – If you are unhappy with your results and choose not to elect a repeat operation with the original surgeon, seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon that has experience with revisionary plastic surgery.

• Contact the medical board – Notify your state medical board if you feel that your surgeon was in the wrong or caused you harm.

• Litigation – A law suit should be the last resort when there is no resolution possible between you and your surgeon. However, if a complication occurred as a result of unforeseeable circumstances, it is better to consult with a new surgeon.

Protect yourself and be prepared before surgery to know how to handle any potential complications. For further information and resources on the risks and results of cosmetic surgical procedures, schedule a consultation with Dr. Stevens.

Dr. Leslie H. Stevens is a board certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills and co-director of the renowned Lasky Clinic, known for its extensive celebrity clientele.  Dr. Stevens specializes in facelifts, eye lifts, breast augmentation, tummy tucks, labiaplasty, liposuction and body contouring.  His practice is located in the Los Angeles area at the Lasky Clinic in Beverly Hills.

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Many female patients that have experienced a mastectomy to treat breast cancer may need a little more than a form or specialty bra to feel normal again. Making the decision to get breast implants and reconstructing what was lost can assist in creating a positive and emotional experience for a patient. Patients should choose a board-certified plastic surgeon that has had experience with breast reconstruction and is willing to speak with mastectomy patients about their options, concerns and plans for the procedure.
Selecting The Right Breast Implants

• Type – There are two types of ; silicone gel and saline. Patients should consult with their doctor on which type would be best suited for them.

• Size – Patients can elect to have their implants match the size of their natural breasts or increase their bust size. Silicone implants offer fixed sizes while saline implants can be filled during surgery.

• Durability – Patients that elect breast implant surgery must be aware that implants are fairly durable but there is a risk of rupturing and other complications. Most implants may need to be replaced  approximately every 10 years.

Additional resources:
American Cancer Society: Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy

To learn more about your options for breast augmentation after a mastectomy, speak with Dr. Stevens during an in-person consultation to address your concerns.
Dr. Leslie H. Stevens is a board certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills and co-director of the renowned Lasky Clinic, known for its extensive celebrity clientele.  Dr. Stevens specializes in facelifts, eye lifts, breast augmentation, tummy tucks, labiaplasty, liposuction and body contouring.  His practice is located in the Los Angeles area at the Lasky Clinic in Beverly Hills.

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