Procedures


	BREAST PROCEDURES
	CHIN/CHEEK PROCEDURES
	EYE PROCEDURES
	FAT TRANSFER
	LIFTING PROCEDURES
	LIP ENHANCEMENT
	NOSE PROCEDURES
	SCAR REVISION

BREAST PROCEDURES

BREAST AUGMENTATION

IS BREAST AUGMENTATION FOR YOU?

As with all plastic surgery, good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites.
Breast augmentation is a procedure to enhance the size or the shape of your breasts by using breast implants. Drooping and sagging breasts sometimes can be corrected partially by implants. Not every woman may feel the need for breast augmentation, but many women find that the procedure has helped improve their appearance and the personal satisfaction.

UNDERSTANDING THE SURGERY

This procedure can be performed as an outpatient under general anesthesia in our accredited surgical facility. In a breast augmentation procedure, the incision can be placed under the breast, under the arm, around the areola, even around the naval. The areola incision method offers the major advantage of a less noticeable scar and it also keeps the incision away from the implant. The operation consists of developing a pocket behind the breast tissue. Then implant will be placed in this area between the breast and the chest wall or beneath muscle behind the breast. Finally, the incision will be closed with stitches. A breast augmentation can take between one to two hours depending on the extent of the procedure.

TYPES OF BREAST IMPLANTS

The implants come in many different shapes and sizes. Some implants are round, and some are anatomical. The most commonly used saline-filled breast implants share some standard features, like a silicone rubber shell or a valve for filling with saline solution.
The breast width, breast shape, cup size, height, and also amount of existing breast tissue coverage determine the size of implant. You will choose the right implant size and shape for you after discussing your personal preferences with your surgeon.

AFTER SURGERY

Some degree of swelling and sensitiveness on your breast is unavoidable following surgery. You may also experience a feeling of tightness in the breast area as your skin adjusts to your new breast size. Even though pain is normally minimal, the surgeon will still prescribe pain medication. Permanent stitches will be removed within ten days after surgery. Routine activities can be resumed within seven to ten days and any strenuous activities can be resumed within a month.

BREAST

CHIN/CHEEK PROCEDURES

CHIN/CHEEK IMPLANTS

IS CHIN/CHEEK IMPLANTS FOR YOU?

Beauty is skin deep and ugly goes to bone deep. For centuries well-defined facial features have been considered beauty. Prominent cheek and strong chin provide balance and definition, now, thanks to modern technology there is a safe, permanent method or correct a receding chins and provides high cheekbones. Chin augmentation or mentoplasty and cheek implants or malar augmentation are surgical procedures designed to provide a more vibrant and attractive look of distinction. Chin implants are recommended to achieve better facial balance. Cheek implants can improve the midfacial contour and restore sagging midfacial soft tissues, thus postponing the need for a facelift. If you would like to improve your self-confidence, you should schedule a consultation with our surgeon.

UNDERSTANDING THE SURGERY

This procedure can be performed as an outpatient under general anesthesia in our accredited surgical facility. In a chin and cheek implants procedure, the surgeon will place small incisions either in natural crease lines or inside the mouth. The implants are placed through the incision and into position. The incisions are then closed using tiny sutures. Following the surgery, the surgeon will apply a dressing to protect the entire area where the incisions have been made. A chin and cheek procedure can take between one to two hours depending on the extent of the procedure.

AFTER SURGERY

Following chin and cheek augmentation, you can expect some discomfort. There will be minor amount of swelling and this can be kept minimal by elevating your head and applying cold compresses. Even though pain is normally minimal, the surgeon will still prescribe pain medication. Chewing food and brushing your teeth might be a little uncomfortable for a week. A dressing or bandages will be removed within one to two days.
Permanent stitches and/or staples will be removed within ten days after surgery. A soft food diet may be required for a few days as chewing may be limited. Routine activities can be resumed within seven days and work can be resumed within a week. Healing process is gradual. You will feel comfortable with make-up among strangers two weeks after surgery and you will feel completely normal in about ten weeks. In fact most people actually look better a few months after surgery than they do a few weeks post-operatively.

CHIN/CHEEK REDUCTION

IS CHIN/CHEEK REDUCTION SURGERY FOR YOU?

UNDERSTANDING THE SURGERY

This procedure can be performed as an outpatient or inpatient under general anesthesia in hospital setting. Prior to procedure the surgeon ordered the X- ray to determine the size of the bone. In a chin and cheek reduction procedure, the surgeon will place incisions either in hairline or inside the mouth. The bone can be reduced through the incision. The incisions are then closed using tiny sutures. Following the surgery, the surgeon will apply a dressing to protect the entire area where the incisions have been made. A chin and cheek procedure can take between two to three hours depending on the extent of the procedure. Contrast to many people's belief this procedure is safe and can be done without any significant complications.

AFTER SURGERY

Following chin and cheek reduction, you can expect some discomfort. There will be moderate amount of swelling and this can be kept minimal by elevating your head and applying cold compresses. Pain can be controlled with continuous dripping of pain medication. the surgeon will still prescribe pain medication. Chewing food and brushing your teeth might be a little uncomfortable for a week. A dressing or bandages will be removed within one to two days.
Stitches will be dissolved and no need to remove it. A soft food diet may be required for a few days as chewing may be limited. Routine activities can be resumed within seven days and work can be resumed within a week. Healing process is gradual. You will feel comfortable with make-up among strangers two weeks after surgery and you will feel completely normal in about ten weeks. In fact most people actually look better a few months after surgery than they do a few weeks post-operatively.

CHIN

EYE PROCEDURES

BLEPHAROPLASTY (EYELID LIFT)

IS BLEPHAROPLASTY (Eyelid Surgery) FOR YOU?

As with all facial plastic surgery, good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites.
Eyelid surgery removes the excess fat, muscle and skin from the eyelids. By correcting the bulges and wrinkles around the eyes, resulting in a more refreshed and youthful appearance

UNDERSTANDING THE SURGERY

The eyelids procedure can be performed as an outpatient under "twilight anesthesia" in our accredited surgical facility. In upper eyelid surgery, the surgeon first marks the individual lines and creases of the lids in order to keep the scars as invisible as possible along these natural folds. The surgeon places fine incisions in the crease above each eye. Then excess fat, muscle, and loose skin are removed. Fine sutures are used to close the incisions thereby minimizing the visibility of any scars. In lower eyelid surgery, the surgeon places incision in an inconspicuous site along the lash line. After excess fat, muscle, and skin are removed, the incisions may be closed with fine sutures. Eyelid puffiness caused primarily by excess fat, not by excess skin may be corrected by a transconjunctival blepharoplasty. The incision in this case made just inside the lower eyelid, then excess fat is removed. When sutures are used to close this kind of incision, they are self-dissolving and leave no visible scar. Under normal conditions, the procedure can take between one and two hours.

ABOUT LASER EYELID SURGERY

In laser eyelid surgery, the surgeon first marks the individual lines and creases of the lids in order to keep the scars as invisible as possible along these natural folds. The surgeon places fine incisions in the crease above each eye with laser. Since the laser seal the blood vessels when it touches the tissue it stopped the bleeding quickly thus reduce the bruise and swelling compare to conventional surgery. Then excess fat, muscle, and loose skin are removed. Fine sutures are used to close the incisions thereby minimizing the visibility of any scars. Due to accurate nature of the laser surgery postoperative scaring will be much finer than conventional surgery.

AFTER SURGERY

Blepharoplasty may cause some postoperative discomfort. It is extremely rare for anyone to have to take pain medication. A certain degree of swelling and bruising is normal immediately after surgery, but most of this will disappear within one or two weeks. Cold compresses, as well as head elevation when lying down, will enhance healing and relieve discomfort. Though patches and bandages are not recommended, antibiotic eye cream will be prescribed to each patient to apply over the incision lines. Patients cannot wear contact lenses for approximately two weeks. Light make-up may be worn after about two to three days after surgery to help hide them. Permanent stitches will be removed in five days after surgery. Most patients resume routine activities within one or two days after the surgery and return to work within seven days.

LOWER BLEPHAROPLASTY(LOWER EYELIFD LIFT)

IS A BLEPHAROPLASTY(Eyelid Surgery) FOR YOU ?

UNDERSTANDING THE SURGERY

The eyelids procedure can be performed as an outpatient under "twilight anesthesia" in our accredited surgical facility. In lower eyelid surgery, the surgeon places incision in an inconspicuous site along the lash line. After excess fat, muscle, and skin are removed, the incisions may be closed with fine sutures. Eyelid puffiness caused primarily by excess fat, not by excess skin may be corrected by a transconjunctival blepharoplasty. The incision in this case made just inside the lower eyelid, then excess fat is removed. When sutures are used to close this kind of incision, they are self-dissolving and leave no visible scar. Under normal conditions, the procedure can take between one and two hours.

AFTER THE SURGERY

Blepharoplasty causes a little postoperative discomfort. It is extremely rare for anyone to have to take pain medication. A certain degree of swelling and bruising is normal immediately after surgery, but most of this will disappear with one or two weeks. Cold compresses, as well as head elevation when lying down, will enhance healing and relieve discomfort. Though patches and bandages are not recommended, antibiotic eye cream will be prescribed to patient to apply over the incision lines. Patients can't wear contact lenses for about two weeks. Light make-up may be worn after about two to three days after surgery to help hide them. Permanent stitches will be removed in five days after surgery. Routine activities can be resumed one or two days and work can be resumed within seven days.

ASIAN EYES

IS BLEPHAROPLASTY (Eyelid Surgery) FOR YOU?

As with all facial surgery, good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites.
Eyelid surgery can correct heavy eyelids and create folds. The more attractive and refreshed appearance can be accomplished by creating folds on upper eyelids.

UNDERSTANDING THE SURGERY

The eyelids procedure can be performed as an outpatient under "twilight anesthesia" in our accredited surgical facility. A fold is created in the upper eyelid. The fine incision will be created where the crease normally appears. The position of this incision may vary depending on individual preferences. There are two different techniques that are most frequently used: conventional incision technique and non-incision suture technique. Occasionally, the combination of the two methods is used. Incision technique allows removal of redundant skin as well as fatty tissue. With the non-incision suture technique, a fold is created without removing the skin or the fatty tissue. When the patient has thin upper eyelid; but has an excess fatty tissues, the non-incision suture technique is used to create the fold, and small incisions are made to remove the fatty tissue.
Both techniques have advantages and disadvantages. Incision technique gives a longer lasting result where the risk of the crease unfolding is less than 1%. However, the healing time is quite long and some scarring may occur. Non-incision technique gives a shorter healing time and a natural look immediately, but the fold is not long lasting. The chances of unfolding are well over 25%. The non-incision technique is not recommended for the patient who has thick upper eyelids or loose skin. Under normal conditions, the procedure can take between one and to two hours.

AFTER THE SURGERY

EYE

FAT TRANSFER

IS FAT TRANSFER FOR YOU?

As with all facial plastic surgery, good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites.
Fat transplantation is one of the most frequently used procedures to enhance facial wrinkles. Fat transfer can fill up the area such as cheek, chin, jaw-line, lips, and perinasal area (between nose and upper-lip). As a result you can maintain a more youthful appearance. Fat injection is not useful for superficial lines such as smile lines or frown lines. Since your own fat is taken from anywhere excess inconspicuous site on your own body such as abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, and knees, this procedure is safe, non-allergic and natural.

UNDERSTANDING THE SURGERY

Fat transplantation can be performed a simple in-office procedure.
The donor area such as abdomen or buttocks, is cooled with ice, and then numbed and the fat is harvested with a small syringe and blunt cannula (hollow tube). The fat is then processed to remove excess fluids and then re-injected into the numb recipient area, usually under the skin beneath the wrinkle area. The procedure generally takes less than one hour.

AFTER PROCEDURE

The routine activities can be resume immediately after fat injections.
Since 30% of injected fat will remain permanently, an average of three injections during six-month period is necessary for the long lasting results. Swelling and pain are normally minimal. Small stitches will be removed within five days after procedure. Cold compresses, as well as head elevation when lying down, will enhance healing and relieve discomfort.

FAT INJECTION

LIFTING PROCEDURES

BROWLIFT (FOREHEAD LIFT)

IS A FOREHEAD LIFT FOR YOU?

As with all facial plastic surgery, good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites.
A forehead lift can smooth out the wrinkles and correct drooping brows by tightening loose skin and removing the excess. The result can be a smoother brow and a more youthful expression. Forehead lifts are an option if you have a sagging brow or deep furrows between the eyes.

UNDERSTANDING THE SURGERY

A browlift can be performed as an outpatient under general anesthesia in our accredited surgical facility. Incisions can be placed just inside or behind the hairline; a surgeon then tightens loose skin and removes the excess. The incision is closed with fine sutures and/or metal clips. Following the surgery, the surgeon will apply a dressing to protect the entire area where the incisions have been made. A browlift may take between one to two hours depending on the extent of the procedure.
The procedure may be performed with the classical "open" method or with the endoscopic techniques. Endoscopic forehead lift can be performed via very small incisions in the scalp and elevate the tissue with the help of a "lighted operating scope." The surgeon performs the procedure while viewing the television monitor and manipulating the tiny instruments externally. The advantages of this operation are very small incisions and a quicker recovery. Endoscopic technique is particularly useful with young patients where the removal of excess skin is not required. Your doctor will help you decide which surgical approach will best meet your cosmetic goals.

AFTER SURGERY

Some degree of swelling and bruising is unavoidable following surgery. For some patients this may include the cheek and eye area as well as the forehead. Even though pain is normally minimal, the surgeon will still prescribe pain medication. Cold compresses will keep swelling to a minimum, as well as head elevation when lying down, will enhance healing and relieve discomfort. A dressing or bandages will be removed within one to two days. Permanent stitches and/or staples will be removed within ten days following surgery. Routine activities can be resumed within one or two days and work can be resumed within seven days. Healing process is gradual. You will feel comfortable with make-up among strangers two weeks after surgery and you will feel completely normal in about ten weeks.

FACELIFT

IS FACELIFT FOR YOU?

As with all facial plastic surgery, good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites.
There is no ideal in a facelift. Rather, the goal is to improve the overall facial appearance.
During your initial consultation, your surgeon will discuss skin type, color, ethnic background, degree of skin elasticity, individual healing, basic bone structure, as well as your expectations, and a realistic attitude. What it can do is help your face look its best and give you a look of health and a more youthful appearance. In most cases, you will look five to ten years younger following surgery

UNDERSTANDING THE SURGERY

This procedure can be performed as an outpatient under general anesthesia in our accredited surgical facility. In a facelift procedure, the incision is placed in the area of the temple hair, just above the ear, and then continues around the ear lobe, circling the ear before returning to the point of origin in scalp. A necklift is usually performed with a facelift, but it can be performed separately. In a necklift procedure, the incision is placed under the chin and around the earlobe to tighten muscles. The skin is lifted outward before the surgeon tightens and repositions the underlying muscles and tissues. Some fat may be removed, as well as excess skin. The incision is then closed with fine sutures and/or metal clips. Following the surgery, the surgeon will apply a dressing to protect the entire area where the incisions have been made. A facelift can take between two to four hours depending on the extent of the procedure.

AFTER SURGERY

Some degree of swelling and bruising is unavoidable following surgery. Even though pain is normally minimal, the surgeon will still prescribe pain medication. Cold compresses will keep swelling to a minimum, as well as head elevation when lying down, will enhance healing and relieve discomfort. A dressing or bandages will be removed within one to two days.
You may shampoo your hair and wash as you normally do two days after surgery. Permanent stitches and/or staples will be removed within ten days after surgery. Routine activities can be resumed within seven to ten days and work can be resumed within fourteen days. Healing process is gradual. You will feel comfortable with make-up among strangers two weeks after surgery and you will feel completely normal in about ten weeks. In fact most people actually look better a few months after surgery than they do a few weeks post-operatively.

NECKLIFT

IS NECKLIFT FOR YOU?

As with all facial plastic surgery, good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites.
There is no ideal in a necklift. Rather, the goal is to improve the overall facial appearance.
During your initial consultation, your surgeon will discuss skin type, color, ethnic background, degree of skin elasticity, individual healing, basic bone structure, as well as your expectations, and a realistic attitude. What it can do is help your face look its best and give you a look of health and a more youthful appearance. In most cases, you will look five to ten years younger following surgery

UNDERSTANDING THE SURGERY

A necklift can be performed as an outpatient under general anesthesia in our accredited surgical facility. A necklift is usually performed with a facelift, but it can be performed separately. In a facelift procedure, the incision is placed in the area of the temple hair, just above the ear, and then continues around the ear lobe, circling the ear before returning to the point of origin in scalp. In a necklift procedure, the incision is placed under the chin and around the ear lobe to tighten muscles. The skin is lifted outward before the surgeon tightens and repositions the underlying muscles and tissues. Some fat may be removed, as well as excess skin. The incision is then closed with fine sutures and/or metal clips. Following the surgery, the surgeon will apply a dressing to protect the entire area where the incisions have been made. A necklift can take between two to four hours depending on the extent of the procedure.

AFTER SURGERY

BROWLIFT

FACELIFT

LIP ENHANCEMENT

IS LIP SURGERY FOR YOU?

As with all facial plastic surgery, good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites.
Lip lift is a procedure to enhance the shape of your lips by using synthetic implants or natural injectable fillers. Thin lips are developed by the aging process, smoking, and sun exposures. Correcting this type of thin lips gives you a younger, softer expression.

UNDERSTANDING THE SURGERY

Lip enhancement procedure can be performed as a simple in-office procedure.
Two of most frequently used lip procedures are the injectable method and the implant augmentation method.

The injectable options include Cymetra, Zyplast collagen, Zyderm collagen, Fat, and Dermalogen. Dermalogen is made from donated skin tissue through an accredited tissue bank. Fat Transfer also can make lips fuller using your own fat taken from inconspicuous sites on your body such as abdomen, waist, hips, thighs and knees. Though this procedure is safe, natural, only ten to thirty percent of injected fat will remain.

Alloderm is a human dermal graft, which can be used not only as s surface grafting material but also beneath the surface for the replacement of aged or damaged lip tissues.
The softform facial implant, which is made of a soft, pliable synthetic material, can provide safe and a long-lasting improvement for thin or aging lips. Your surgeon will insert the implants below the surface of your skin through small incisions. The procedure generally takes less than one hour.

AFTER PROCEDURE

Your lips remain swollen only for a few hours when one of the injectable materials is used. Routine activities can be resume on next day.
When implants are used, swelling and pain are normally minimal. Small stitches will be removed within five days after procedure. Cold compresses, as well as head elevation when lying down, will enhance healing and relieve discomfort.

LIP

NOSE PROCEDURES

RHINOPLASTY

IS A RHINOPLASTY(Nose Surgery) FOR YOU?

As with all facial plastic surgery, good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites.
It is critical to understand nose surgery. Nose surgery is usually performed to improve the appearance. The goal is to improve the nose aesthetically, making it harmonize better with other face features by changing its size or shape. It is also performed for functional reasons; the correction of the damage caused by injury or the improvement of breathing. The result of surgery is varied depends on skin type, ethnic background, and age. The cosmetic rhinoplasty should be delayed until young patient reach full growth, usually around the age of seventeen.

UNDERSTANDING THE SURGERY

The nose surgery (Rhinoplasty) procedure can be performed as an outpatient under "twilight anesthesia" in our accredited surgical facility. In nose surgery, the surgeon places incision in an inside the nose, where they are invisible, and so scarring is avoided.
Nose surgery consists of removing the excess cartilage or rearranging bone to accomplish a newly shaped structure. When the tip of nose is too large, the surgeon can sculpt the cartilage in this area to reduce its size. When the nose is too small, frequently, implants made of a synthetic material or patient's own ear cartilage may be used to augment parts of the nose to accomplish a higher nose shape. Under normal conditions, the procedure can take between one to two hours.

AFTER THE SURGERY

A certain degree of swelling is normal immediately after nose surgery, but most of this will disappear within one or two weeks. Cold compresses, as well as head elevation when lying down, will enhance healing and relieve discomfort. The surgeon places a small splint over your nose to protect it and to keep it stable for approximately a week. You may experience minor discomfort and puffiness around your face. This will be alleviated with pain medication. You will be advised not to blow your nose for seven days after surgery while the nose tissues are healing. All splints, dressings, and sutures are removed seven days after surgery. Routine activities can be resumed within seven days and work can be resumed within ten days.

NOSE

SCAR REVISION

IS SCAR REVISION SURGERY FOR YOU?

The goal of scar revision procedure is to improve the appearance of your scar by minimizing the size of the scar or by disguising it. You must understand that it is not possible to remove scars completely. You should discuss about realistic expectations with Dr. Choi before the procedure.
He will consider your skin color and type, age, and the type of scarring before suggesting a treatment plan. Occasionally, in unusual or complicated cases, Dr. Choi will refer you to a scar revision specialist.

UNDERSTANDING SCAR REVISION SURGERY

Because scars are very individualistic, often times more than one technique and treatment may be employed. For instance, dermabrasion or laser resurfacing is to be used for leveling the rough surface of the scarred area. Steroids injections is to be used for reducing the size of Keloid or hypertropic scars. Local Anesthesia or intraveneous sedation may be used to minimize any discomfort you may have.

AFTER SCAR REVISION SURGERY

Some swelling, bruising and redness should be expected following the surgery. Dr. Choi will advise you not to expose the treated area in the sun to avoid further complications. Usually scar tissues require a year or more to fully heal and achieve maximum improved appearance.

SCAR REVISION