Going Bigger? Learn More About Your Breast Implant Options Today

4 Minute Read: 

Many women who decide to undergo breast augmentation are unaware of the complexities involved with this procedure. 

Because breast implant materials and surgical techniques have improved over the years, more options are now available. 

Educating yourself about these advances is wise before scheduling a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon.

Create a List of Questions for Your Doctor 

A consultation is an essential part of the plastic surgery experience. During this initial meeting, you’ll have the chance to discuss the breast implant’s size, shape, position, and material options, as well as where and how large the incisions will be. 

Most importantly, you’ll learn the best approach according to your body type and cosmetic goals.

While your plastic surgeon will have a list of questions to ask you about your goals and desires for breast enhancement, this is also the time for you to ask questions of your own. Some helpful ones might include:

1. Should I choose saline or silicone implants?

Breast implants are available in saline (sterile saltwater encased in a silicone shell) and silicone (cohesive gel encased in a silicone gel). There are pros and cons to both.

The benefits of saline implants are that they are usually less expensive and require smaller incisions (as they are filled during surgery), leading to less scarring.

However, saline implants are more prone to rippling, which is when the edges of the implant can be seen or felt through the skin. Additionally, some women feel as though saline implants are not as “real” looking as silicone implants.

Alternatively, the benefits of silicone implants are that they typically look and feel more natural — or more like actual breast tissue. However, women with silicone implants have a higher risk of developing capsular contracture, a hardening of the scar tissue that naturally forms around breast implants.

Leaks are easier to detect with saline implants than silicone, with MRI imaging typically needed to diagnose a ruptured silicone implant.

2. Do I have enough natural breast tissue to accommodate a large breast implant?

Women with very small breasts may not have enough natural tissue to cover a large implant and tend to do better with a more subtle increase in size. Placing the implants under the muscle (submuscular placement) is often a good option in these cases.

3. Will breast implants interfere with my physical performance?

If you are physically active, such as an athlete or dancer, you may be advised not to attempt a dramatic size increase, and submuscular placement may also be recommended. One exception to submuscular placement in athletes is for bodybuilders, as pressure on the muscles can displace the implants.

4. What happens if my breast implant ruptures?

If you have saline implants, you should be able to spot a rupture easily, as the breast will essentially deflate. If you see changes in the shape of a silicone implant, call your surgeon to discuss obtaining an MRI and exam.

In either case, you will need breast revision surgery to correct this complication. 

5. Will I still be able to breastfeed in the future?

If you plan to have children soon, now might not be the right time to have breast augmentation surgery, as pregnancy and nursing may adversely impact the quality of your results. 

However, if you plan to start a family later down the road, discuss these plans with your surgeon. Most skilled surgeons can preserve the milk ducts by using the appropriate techniques.

6. Why are gummy bear breast implants textured?

Anatomically shaped gummy bear, or teardrop implants, are made of a super-cohesive silicone gel and come in a variety of natural breast shapes. Texture is added to the shells of these implants to help prevent them from rotating in the breast pocket and becoming distorted. 

7. What are my breast implant incision options?

Depending on the size and type of implant you choose, the following incision techniques may be used:

• An inframammary incision runs along the bottom of the breast in the crease and can accommodate larger implants.
• A periareolar incision is made along the lower half of the areola and may conceal scars well, but is not always advised for patients considering breastfeeding in the future.
• A transaxillary incision is made within the armpit and is generally reserved for saline implants (since the implant is tunneled through to the chest).

Breast Augmentation in Pasadena and Newport Beach, CA

Dr. Vincent Hung is a board-certified plastic surgeon providing a wide range of personalized breast procedures, including breast augmentation in Pasadena, California. To learn more, call his office at (626) 623-7135.

Dr. Vincent Hung is also committed to customizing breast augmentation procedures for his patients in Newport Beach! Call us today at (949) 415-5195.

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 6th, 2022 | Posted in Uncategorized.

4 Minute Read: 

Despite the name, facelift surgery does not address issues on the entire face. Instead, a facelift only helps to correct issues (such as tightening and smoothing skin) on the lower two-thirds of the face (from the cheeks to the neck). 

That still leaves the upper one-third of the face untreated. 

To address issues in the upper portion of the face (from above the cheeks to the hairline), either eyelid surgery or a brow lift must be performed. However, many patients do not quite understand the difference between these two procedures. 

While they are not interchangeable, both of these surgical procedures are extremely helpful in revitalizing a patient’s facial aesthetic. 

Below, we will explore these two procedures and discuss how each can help you achieve the facial look and feel you desire. 

What Is Eyelid Surgery, and How Can It Help You?

Eyelid surgery (known as blepharoplasty) is a surgical procedure that helps to correct cosmetic issues within the upper and/or lower eyelids, including wrinkles, excess skin in the eyelids (sometimes to the point of impairing vision), and the presence of bags under the eyes. 

Blepharoplasty is one of the most common and rejuvenating facial procedures available, which is demonstrated by the 325,000 patients who underwent eyelid surgery in 2020. 

One of the reasons for this popularity is the fact that blepharoplasty helps to correct issues around the eyes. And since the eyes “are the windows to the soul,” eyelid surgery can help your soul shine through even more beautifully.

You can choose to have upper blepharoplasty (which corrects issues in the upper eyelids), lower blepharoplasty (to correct issues in the lower eyelids and the area below the eyes), or both. 

• For an upper blepharoplasty, an incision is made in the natural creases of your eyes. Dr. Hung then removes or repositions the muscles in and around the eyelids and then surgically removes any excess and drooping skin. 
• For a lower blepharoplasty, the incision is made just below your lower eyelashes. Then, Dr. Hung repositions or removes any troublesome fat deposits and/or skin. 

Blepharoplasty can give you a more naturally beautiful appearance to your whole face, especially the area around the eyes. 

No longer will you need to worry about puffiness or bags under the eyes that make you look older and more tired than you actually are. Instead, wrinkles (including dreaded crow’s feet) can be smoothed and your eyelid skin tightened to help you see better and look your best.

What Is a Brow Lift, and How Can It Help You?

While eyelid surgery is relegated to the eyelid skin and the area immediately beneath the eyes, a brow lift (also known as a forehead lift) helps to correct issues (such as sagging skin) in the eyebrows and forehead, including creases in the skin, heavy and drooping eyebrows, and the presence of frown lines. 

With this procedure, either local anesthesia or general anesthesia is used. Once the anesthesia has been administered, a small incision is made in the target area. 

Dr. Hung then uses an endoscope (a small tool with a camera at the end of it) to remove or reposition any subcutaneous tissue, including moving the muscle to a more natural position. Lastly, Dr. Hung tightens the forehead skin to give you a more natural appearance. 

After your brow lift, you can look forward to a more youthful appearance. Many men and women in need of a brow lift tend to look angry and tired due to the lines and wrinkles on their forehead. However, you can expect to have a calmer and more settled quality to your entire facial aesthetic after your forehead lift procedure. 

How Can You Get the Most Out of Your Eyelid Surgery and Brow Lift?

While each of these procedures offers stunning and transformative results for your entire face, combining eyelid surgery and a brow lift is the best option for men and women looking for a complete adjustment to their upper face. 

And, for patients who are looking to transform their aging facial appearance, combining these procedures with a facelift can assure a brand new you!

Interested in Learning More? 

If you have questions about eyelid surgery, brow lift surgery, or any of the other procedures we offer in Southern California, please feel free to contact Dr. Hung at 626-432-5032 (Pasadena) or 949-574-8292 (Newport Beach). 

This entry was posted on Friday, September 23rd, 2022 | Posted in Brow Lift, Eyelid Surgery.

3 Minute Read: 

Some couples who choose to undergo plastic surgery together may schedule their procedures a few weeks or a month apart so they can take turns caring for one another. 

Others decide to have their surgeries close together so they can recover together.

If you and your partner are both considering plastic surgery and want to undergo your procedures simultaneously, you may be surprised at some of the benefits you might experience.

Under the right circumstances, sharing this time can not only help you both improve your physical appearance and gain confidence, but it can also be a wonderful bonding experience.

It all comes down to choosing the right time and planning carefully to ensure you are both well-prepared.

Choosing Couple’s Plastic Surgery Procedures and When to Schedule

Young couples might choose to plan their preferred cosmetic procedures in advance of their wedding, so they both look great in their wedding pictures or just whenever their schedules allow for a few weeks off work.

Young couples often seek corrective surgery for long-standing concerns such as: 

• Large ears – otoplasty
• Gynecomastia – male breast reduction
• Small breasts – breast augmentation
• The residual effects of significant weight loss – tummy tuck

Mature couples who want to rewind the clock and restore a more youthful appearance may choose plastic surgery around a significant anniversary, when they become grandparents, or soon after retiring. 

Some popular procedures for these couples include:

• His and her facelifts 
• Eyelid surgery or a brow lift
• Breast lift or augmentation
• Liposuction or tummy tuck surgery

Planning Your Couple’s Cosmetic Surgery Procedures

You may elect to have the same cosmetic surgeon or different doctors, but be sure you both choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who is well-experienced in your procedure of choice. 

If you plan to recover together, you should consider this time as a couple’s plastic surgery vacation. 

Options include:

• Traveling for your procedures and recovering at a hotel that caters to plastic surgery patients
• Booking time at a plastic surgery retreat 
• Staying local and recovering at home with sufficient support

Preparing for Couple’s Surgery

Whichever option you choose, keep the following recommendations in mind:

• Have enough time to recuperate from your specific surgeries. This means you both should have little to no demands on you during this period. Downtimes typically range from two to four weeks.
• Arrange for help. Loved ones can be a great support, but when going through recovery together, allowing yourself and your partner to be pampered can improve your recovery experience tremendously. If you can afford it, hiring help, especially for the first week, may be well worth it.
• Ask your surgeon(s) for resources. They may be able to help you make arrangements for hotels or caregivers, especially if you are traveling for surgery.
• Make the most of your time together. Have a list of fun things you can do to pass the time. This might include reading a good book together, binge-watching a classic television series, getting massages and facials if approved by the surgeon, or anything not requiring much physical effort that you both enjoy. Above all, rest comfortably together.

Couple’s Plastic Surgery in Pasadena or Newport Beach, CA

Dr. Vincent C. Hung is board certified in both plastic surgery and dermatology. He offers his and her cosmetic surgery procedures, and his helpful staff can help you make your couple’s plastic surgery vacation enjoyable and as comfortable as possible.  

Call Dr. Hung’s plastic surgery practice in Newport Beach at 949-574-8292 or Pasadena at 626-432-5032 to learn more!

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 24th, 2022 | Posted in Preparing for Plastic Surgery.

3 Minute Read: 

If you have recently given birth to your last (anticipated) child and want to restore your pre-baby body, a Mommy Makeover can be customized to meet your unique needs and deliver the desired results.

Scheduling Your Mommy Makeover Consultation

The best time to decide on exactly which procedures you want to include in your Mommy Makeover is during your cosmetic surgery consultation. 

Follow these guidelines to ensure the time is right to schedule this visit with your plastic surgeon.

• The ideal time to undergo a Mommy Makeover is when you are finished giving birth, and your expected pregnancies are complete.
• Waiting for six months after nursing your baby will allow your surgeon to accurately assess your breasts and help them create an appropriate surgical plan.
• Anticipating the ability to recover from surgery and having some help for the first few days/weeks after surgery should be part of your plan.

Your Mommy Makeover Options

When you are ready for a body makeover, you have several options to restore, recontour, and enhance your figure. These traditionally include two or more of the following procedures. 

• Breast lift (mastopexy): Maintain your cup size, but restore your breasts’ youthful perkiness. This surgery removes excess skin and tightens tissues to elevate the breasts.
• Breast implants (mammaplasty): Receiving implants or breast augmentation will enhance the size and shape of your breasts. The implant size is entirely customizable to achieve your desired fullness.
• Liposuction surgery: Remove stubborn pockets of fat that resist diet and exercise. This can be performed nearly anywhere on the body.
• Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty): This procedure can reduce fat, tighten abdominal muscles, and remove loose skin for an improved waistline and smoother, flatter tummy.

Additional surgical or non-surgical options may also be recommended or desired as part of this process. If there is an area you wish to address that will not be targeted with the above procedures and techniques, ask your plastic surgeon for other options. 

Learning more about these procedures can help you understand the Mommy Makeover process better and can allow you to make informed decisions during your consultation.

Choosing Your Mommy Makeover Surgeon

A Mommy Makeover involves comprehensive surgical procedures, and you will want to have confidence in your plastic surgeon. Be sure they have many years of experience and have the training to back that experience up. 

Ask to see before and after photos of the procedures you have chosen to get an idea of the kind of results you can expect during your consultation, or check them out on their website.

Mommy Makeover in Newport Beach, CA

Dr. Vincent Hung is a well-respected, board-certified surgeon in internal medicine, dermatology, plastic surgery who offers Mommy Makeovers in Newport Beach, California. 

To schedule an in-depth consultation with Dr. Hung in Newport Beach, call 949-574-8292 today!

Mommy Makeover in Pasadena, CA

Dr. Hung also has offices in Pasadena to serve the San Fernando Valley. If this location is more convenient, call 626-432-5032 to get helpful answers to your questions and set up your appointment.

This entry was posted on Friday, July 1st, 2022 | Posted in Mommy Makeover.

3 Minute Read: 

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. It is estimated that about a fifth of all Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their lifetime. 

Below is a rundown of the frequently asked questions about skin cancer.

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What Is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer can be understood as an abnormal growth of cells on the skin. This issue usually occurs as a result of overexposure of the skin to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

What Are the Common Types of Skin Cancer?

There are three main types of skin cancer: squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and melanoma. 

BCC is the most common of the three. It affects the basal cells of the skin, which are essentially the cells responsible for making new cells to replace the dying ones. BCC usually develops in areas that are most exposed to the sun, including the face, neck, head, and hands.

SCC is the second most common form of skin cancer. It usually affects the outer surface of the skin in areas such as the head, face, and neck. It also occurs in areas such as the genitals and the mucus membranes.

Melanoma is not as common as BCC and SCC, but it happens to be the most dangerous — even life-threatening. It usually affects the cells responsible for making the skin pigments and can spread rapidly through the lymph nodes.

What Are the Signs of Skin Cancer?

Each form of skin cancer is associated with some unique warning signs. 

BCC is associated with signs such as:

• A small shiny bump
• A scaly, red flat patch
• A black or brown bump
• A lesion that bleeds
• A non-healing sore

Squamous cell carcinoma is associated with signs such as:

• A scaly red patch that looks like a rash
• A persistent small ulcer on the lips
• A crusted open sore
• A raised scaly lump on the scalp, hands, legs, ears, or forearm

Melanoma usually presents itself as a mole that changes shape, size, and color. The mole might also bleed, itch, or cause pain.

How Is Skin Cancer Diagnosed?

When you notice an unusual spot on the surface of your skin, you need to see a dermatologist. 

The dermatologist will examine the spot to determine if you have skin cancer. To this end, your dermatologist will remove the spot or a part of it and study it using a microscope to see if there are any cancer cells. 

If cancer cells are present, your dermatologist will write a biopsy report and highlight the kind of skin cancer you have.

How Is Skin Cancer Treated?

Skin cancer can be treated in several ways depending on the type of cancer in question and its stage of development. 

Some common treatment options include:

• Mohs surgery
• Excisional surgery
• Cryotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Photodynamic therapy

Once you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, your dermatologist or surgeon will explain your options and advise you on the best steps to take.

Can Skin Cancer Be Prevented?

Since skin cancer is often caused by overexposure of the skin to the sun’s UV radiation, the best way to prevent it is to take measures that reduce your exposure to the sun. 

Some examples of such measures include:

• Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen
• Seeking shade whenever possible
• Wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes
• Wearing hats with wide brims
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants

It is also important to keep an eye on all moles and other skin lesions to make sure they look healthy.

Need to Learn More About Skin Cancer Concerns or Treatment?

Get in with Dr. Vincent C. Hung’s practice today to learn more about skin cancer and how it is treated.

Give us a call at (626) 432-5032 or fill out our online contact form.

This entry was posted on Thursday, June 9th, 2022 | Posted in Mohs Surgery, Skin Cancer.

3 Minute Read:

The link between what we eat and cancer prevention has been well-documented, but how can diet affect our chances of getting skin cancer specifically?

While there are many ways to prevent skin cancer (most notably avoiding direct sunlight and UV damage to your skin), your diet can play a role in keeping your skin healthy and cancer-free. Several nutrients (especially antioxidants) found in food can help you prevent skin cancer.

Our body can produce many of the substances needed to keep us healthy, but not antioxidants, and the best way to get these nutrients are from the foods we eat.

Nutrients That Lower Your Skin Cancer Risk

The following nutrients are rich in antioxidants have been found to assist in the prevention of skin cancer:

• Beta-carotene – Boosts the immune system by converting itself to vitamin A, increasing its ability to fight disease.
• Vitamin C – Contains properties that are toxic to cancer cells.
• Vitamin D – Reduces cancer risk by boosting the immune system.
• Vitamin E – Helps protect cells from free radicals and UV light while acting as an anti-inflammatory. Improves the skin’s overall condition.
• Lycopene – Helps protect skin from the sun’s damaging effects. It has been linked to a lower risk of many cancers.
• Omega-3 fatty acids – Reduces inflammation while inhibiting the growth of skin cancers.
• Polyphenols – Has tumor-inhibiting and anti-inflammatory components that help repair DNA damaged by UV light.
• Selenium – Helps to reduce the risk of several cancers.
• Zinc – An effective immunity booster that helps the body fight cancer and other illnesses.

Food That Lower Your Skin Cancer Risk

You can find the nutrients you need to lower your risk of skin cancer in the following foods:

• Beta-carotene – Orange fruits and vegetables like squash, carrots, yams, cantaloupe, mangoes, peaches, and apricots
• Vitamin C – Citrus fruits, strawberries, raspberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and leafy greens
• Vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids – Fatty fish, like mackerel, sardines, herring, tuna, and salmon
• Vitamin D – Milk, cheese, and vitamin D-fortified orange juice
• Vitamin E – Almonds, peanuts, beet greens, collard greens, spinach, red bell pepper, sunflower seeds, pumpkin (also rich in beta-carotene), as well as safflower, soybean, sunflower, and wheat germ oil
• Lycopene – Red and pink foods like watermelon, papaya, guava, pink grapefruit, blood oranges, and tomatoes
• Omega-3 fatty acids – Walnuts and flaxseed also contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids
• Polyphenols – Fresh-brewed black or green tea
• Selenium – Brazil nuts, seafood, organ meats, chicken, and red meat
• Zinc – Red meat, shellfish, poultry, baked beans, chickpeas, and nuts (such as cashews and almonds) — many breakfast foods are fortified with zinc

Staying Healthy and Helping to Prevent Skin Cancer Is a Win-Win

Increasing your consumption of the foods mentioned above will help you stay healthy and is far more effective than using supplements alone.

However, getting some of these nutrients in supplement form is better than not getting them at all, especially if you work outside, spend a lot of time at the beach, tan regularly, or worship the sun in any way.

Keeping your skin healthy takes a combination of protecting your skin from sun damage with hats, clothes, and sunblock AND being sure to eat a diet that can help you fight the risk of developing skin cancer.

Keeping Your Skin Cancer-Free in Newport Beach, CA

If you have any skin concerns, you can trust Newport Beach’s own Dr. Vincent Hung. He is triple board-certified in dermatology, plastic surgery, and internal medicine and the only plastic surgeon in the country board-certified in dermatology and trained for Mohs skin cancer surgery.

Call us today at our Newport Beach Office 949-574-8292 or Pasadena Office 626-432-5032 for a consultation — we’re here to help!

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 12th, 2022 | Posted in Skin Cancer.

2 Minute Read:

Dark spots, wrinkles, and loose skin all make us look older, and cosmetic treatments to combat these signs of aging are plentiful. However, when it comes to effective non-surgical procedures, finding the right one for you can be challenging.

The croton oil peel is a simple and straightforward option that can provide dramatic results by penetrating deeper into the skin to treat a wide range of skin blemishes and flaws.

What Is a Croton Oil Peel?

A croton oil peel — also referred to as a Hetter or modified phenol peel — is a cosmetic peel that penetrates the deeper layers of the skin. This treatment provides superior facial skin rejuvenation for long-lasting results and was developed for the public after years of research and trials.

The main difference between other phenol peels and the croton oil peel is that the amount of croton oil is increased, and the phenol is decreased.

Medical science has proven that the key ingredient in effective chemical peels was the croton oil and not the phenol — this observation led to better outcomes with a shorter recovery period.

What Are the Benefits of a Croton Oil Peel?

Those interested in a croton peel can expect the following results:

• Significantly improved complexion
• Diminished sun spots and discoloration
• Tighter facial skin: 20 to 25% skin tightening
• Dramatic reduction of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, lips, forehead, and cheeks
• Less downtime than with a traditional deep phenol peel

Patients must prepare their skin for about four weeks prior to treatment with tretinoin, hydroquinone, phytic acid, or glycolic acid for the best results — ask your provider for their recommendation.

While the croton oil peel can tighten mild to moderately loose skin, a facelift may be the more appropriate procedure for you if you see significant sagging in your neck and jowls.

This Is a Versatile Deep Peel

A croton oil peel needn’t be applied to the entire face. Specific areas can be isolated and targeted without having to treat areas that don’t need it, further reducing recovery time.

How Is This Different From Typical Chemical Peels?

The peels you may receive at a spa can only treat the upper layers of skin, making them superficial.

The croton oil peel provides deep treatment and, because of this, may require general anesthesia. However, for the results it offers, it is considered a far less invasive procedure than cosmetic surgery.

Croton Oil Peel in Pasadena or Newport Beach CA

Dr. Vincent Hung is trained and board-certified in plastic surgery, dermatology, and Mohs skin cancer surgery. He offers the croton oil peel as an alternative to facelift surgery and recommends this treatment for patients with lines, wrinkles, age spots, and mild to moderate skin loosening.

Want to Learn More?

If you have any questions about the croton oil peel or other cosmetic procedures in Pasadena or Newport Beach, please feel free to contact Dr. Hung at 626-432-5032 (Pasadena) or 949-574-8292 (Newport Beach).

This entry was posted on Monday, April 11th, 2022 | Posted in Chemical Peels.

Whenever a patient undergoes skin cancer removal surgery, many worries can go through their minds. One of the first is about the success of the operation and whether all of the cancer will be removed.

But after the cancer is taken care of, patients’ worries usually move onto the lasting results and impacts on the body, including future hair growth if the skin cancer was removed on the head.

Many worry that they will be forever bald after Mohs surgery, unable to grow hair. Unfortunately, whether you will have permanent hair loss issues after skin cancer removal on your head is not an easy Yes or No answer.

The extent of hair loss depends on the size of the surgery, its location, and the method used for closure. Removing skin affected by cancer, especially when larger areas are excised, may lead to permanent hair loss. However, in many cases, hair loss is only temporary.

The specific degree of hair loss and whether it is temporary or permanent would best be addressed by your surgeon. They can provide the best insight into what you can expect regarding hair regrowth and what techniques and aftercare measures you can take to minimize hair loss related to Mohs surgery.

What Is the Most Common Skin Cancer Removal Method?

Medical science has come a long way in successfully treating skin cancer. Mohs surgery is now the most common procedure for removing skin cancer while causing as little aesthetic harm as possible.

What Is Mohs Surgery on the Scalp?

Mohs surgery is designed to preserve tissue and minimize scarring by removing the cancerous area one layer at a time. Each tissue layer is examined to check for any remaining cancer cells, and the process is repeated until none remain.

When performed on the scalp, tissue preservation is critical. This procedure follows the standard Mohs surgery technique but focuses on scalp lesions and preventing excessive scars from developing.

What Are the Methods for Repairing the Scalp After Skin Cancer Removal?

During Mohs surgery, your surgeon will remove as much of the cancerous tissue and skin as needed to make sure that you are cancer-free. While it is best to let the skin of the scalp heal itself naturally, this is not always possible.

Sometimes, skin reconstruction is necessary, especially if the surgical site is large or deep. In this case, there are two methods for repairing the scalp. The extent of the cancerous area (size of the cancer) plays a part in which repair method is best for you.

Skin Flap

A skin flap is used if the follicles are removed, but the skin cancer is contained to a smaller area on the head. A skin flap uses the tissue surrounding the Mohs surgery site to cover the surgical area and heal.

This technique often allows for a smoother healing surface with similar coloration and texture and less chance of scar contracture (shrinking). This method preserves as many hair follicles as possible, though the pattern of the hair will change.

Skin Graft

While a skin flap offers many positives, especially in allowing hair to regrow, if the cancer excision site is large, a skin graft may be required.

While a skin flap maintains blood flow (since the skin is not removed from the body and reattached), a skin graft does not have continuous blood supply because it is skin that has been taken from another part of your body, moved, and attached to the Mohs surgery site.

A skin graft allows for more significant coverage and helps protect the surgical area; however, due to the nature of skin grafts, they usually do not allow hair to regrow in the reconstructed area without further treatment.

What Causes Hair Loss After Skin Cancer Removal?

Whether or not you will lose the ability to regrow hair after Mohs surgery depends on its effect on the hair follicles.

If only a few layers of cancerous tissue and skin were removed during surgery, the hair follicles can survive, and your hair should regrow without surgical intervention.

However, if the follicles were removed or directly affected during Mohs surgery (because the cancer was deeper and more layers of tissue and skin were removed), then the hair would not be able to grow back naturally, leading to baldness in that area.

It’s important to note that the nature of Mohs surgery is to preserve as much of the skin (including the hair follicles) as possible, but some cancers grow more deeply than others.

Is Losing My Hair After Mohs Surgery Like Alopecia?

Hair loss after Mohs surgery typically occurs due to the surgical removal of skin cancer and the subsequent closure of the wound. Alopecia, on the other hand, refers to various factors that cause hair loss, such as genetics, autoimmune issues, hormonal changes, or other health conditions.

Mohs surgery-related hair loss, in most cases, is localized to the area where the surgery was performed and is not related to the conditions associated with alopecia.

How Long Is Recovery After Mohs Surgery on the Scalp?

After Mohs surgery on the scalp, recovery timelines vary widely depending on the extent of the procedure and individual healing abilities. However, you can expect the following sequence of events:

1. Immediately Following Surgery

Right after Mohs surgery on the scalp, the wound might be covered with a bandage or dressing. Mild pain, tenderness, and swelling around the surgical area are expected during the initial days.

2. During the First Week

It’s normal to experience some discomfort, swelling, and possibly bruising for the first week after surgery. Stitches and other wound closure methods will dictate the care required. Patients are typically advised to keep the area clean, dry, and protected per the doctor’s instructions.

3. The Next Few Weeks

The scalp wound will gradually heal, and if non-dissolvable stitches or sutures were used, they will need to be removed.

4. Longer-Term Healing

Complete healing after Mohs surgery on the scalp can take several weeks to a few months, with the wound improving and scars fading over time.

5. Follow-Up Visits

You will be scheduled for follow-up appointments with your surgeon so they can monitor the healing progress and address any concerns about the surgical site.

Throughout the recovery period, following your doctor’s post-surgical instructions is crucial. This includes proper wound care, avoiding strenuous activities, protecting the area from direct sunlight, and directions to ensure optimal healing.

Want to Learn More?

Feel free to call 626-432-5032 to Dr. Hung in Pasadena, CA, if you have questions about skin cancer removal or how Mohs surgery will affect your hair growth. If his Newport Beach, California office is more convenient for you, he can be reached at 949-574-8292.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 1st, 2022 | Posted in Mohs Surgery, Reconstructive Plastic Surgery.

3 Minute Read: 

The lips are one of our most important features. They are the central and focal point of our lower face, and we are naturally drawn to the lips and mouth when we talk with others. On top of that, your lips are really important — they’re responsible for nearly all actions on your face. 

But many people have damaged lips, resulting from an illness, such as skin cancer, or a previous injury. This leaves them with lips that make their face look distorted or even unnatural (a condition called the “uncanny valley effect”). 

But lip reconstruction surgery can help bring your lips back to a natural and beautiful look, allowing you to restore a more balanced facial appearance. 

Why Should You Think About Getting Reconstruction Surgery?

The driving purpose for any patient having plastic surgery is simply feeling better about the way they look. This is especially true if a life event — like skin cancer — changed any part of your appearance. 

For people struggling with this problem, reconstruction surgery is the way that they can return themselves to how they looked before that life event. And many people choose to take action and surgically correct these issues; in fact, in 2020, nearly 7,000,000 people underwent some form of reconstruction surgery. 

For the lips, many people have lasting side effects from such issues as lesions, defects left from Mohs surgery for cancer removal, or lacerations and scars from facial injury or previous lip surgery. 

All of these issues can be addressed with cosmetic surgery, allowing you to feel confident in who you are and the way you look.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Surgeon

Deciding to undergo any form of plastic surgery is the first step in attaining the look and feel you’ve always wanted. 

But the second step is just as important, and that is choosing the right plastic surgeon for your procedure(s). You want to make sure that the doctor is trustworthy and will put your safety and best interests first. Dr. Vincent C. Hung is that doctor. 

Lip reconstruction surgery is a very tricky procedure. Since the lips lack any clear fibrous framework, it can be challenging for many plastic surgeons to keep the lips symmetrical and natural looking. Additionally, the color, texture, and elasticity of the lips need to be maintained. Luckily, Dr. Hung is board-certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery, and he has years of experience with reconstruction procedures. 

With Dr. Hung, you will be in great hands and know that you will receive the results you’re looking for. 

Other Reconstruction Surgeries Offered

In addition to the lips, other parts of the face affected by previous injuries or other life events can look fresh and revitalized with reconstruction surgery. Dr. Hung is proud to offer reconstruction surgery options for ear correction and scalp reconstruction. 

Whatever your concerns with your facial appearance, there’s a corrective surgery that can help you feel comfortable with your reflection in the mirror.

Find Out More

For more information about lip reconstruction surgery, contact Dr. Hung by calling (626) 432-5032 or filling out our online contact form. 

Dr. Hung performs reconstruction surgery for patients in Pasadena and Newport Beach, California.

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 3rd, 2022 | Posted in Reconstructive Plastic Surgery.

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Skin cancer treatment on your extremities can leave your legs and arms with cosmetically unappealing marks. Scars from previous surgical procedures or injuries on your extremities can also make your skin less attractive. 

Unfortunately, these issues can hurt your self-image and self-confidence. The good news is that you can improve the appearance of your legs and arms by going for skin reconstruction surgery. 

But what does skin reconstruction surgery on legs and arms entail, and what can you expect from it?

When Is Skin Reconstruction on Arms and Legs Needed?

Treating skin cancer involves removing the affected tissue and cells through Mohs surgery. 

The primary goal of this procedure is to ensure that all affected cells (including clean margins) are removed. Unfortunately, this can leave you with large wounds that could affect your appearance.

Since going through skin cancer treatment is tough enough, you do not want these scars to constantly remind you of the ordeal. To improve the appearance of these scars, you will need skin reconstruction surgery.

Options for Skin Reconstruction on Arms and Legs

Skin reconstruction on legs and arms after removing cancer can be quite difficult because the skin in these areas is taut. 

Besides, the skin of your lower legs is under immense stress due to the weight that your legs have to carry. This means that it is not always possible to close the wound on these areas in a straight-line fashion. 

As such, your surgeon will need to get skin grafts from your thighs or other parts of the body to cover the area with lost or damaged skin. Other options include flap surgery and tissue expansion. 

The goal of all these options is to improve the appearance of the scars left after removing skin cancer surgically.

What Should I Expect From Recovery After Skin Reconstruction on Arms and Legs?

After skin reconstruction surgery, you will be left with two surgical sites to take care of: the graft site and the donor site. The wounds will remain dressed for as long as your surgeon recommends. 

You will be required to avoid strenuous physical activities for up to four weeks. 

Of course, you will experience pain for a few days after the surgery, but you will be given medication to manage it. You will also be required to avoid smoking and ensure that you visit your surgeon for follow-up visits. The donor site should heal faster than the graft site, but you should be okay to go back to your daily routine after about six weeks.

Interested in Learning More About Mohs Surgery or Reconstruction Afterward?

If skin cancer removal left your legs with unsightly scars, you can improve the appearance of the scars through skin reconstruction surgery. 

If you are looking for a Mohs surgery plastic surgeon who also performs skin reconstruction on arms and legs, Dr. Vincent C. Hung’s plastic surgery facility may be ideal for you. Contact us via 626-432-5032 for more information about skin reconstruction surgery.

This entry was posted on Monday, January 3rd, 2022 | Posted in Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, Skin Cancer.