Combining Cosmetic Facial Surgery With the Croton Oil Peel for Better Results!

3 Minute Read: 

It’s an old saying that “Two are better than one,” and this can be absolutely true with cosmetic procedures. While so many plastic surgery procedures and cosmetic treatments can offer stunning results, the most dramatic transformations are often achieved by combining different procedures.

Our faces are the most visible parts of our body. This means that aesthetic concerns cannot be easily covered up or hidden. Because of this, there are numerous facial options (both surgical and non-surgical) to help you look and feel your absolute best. 

This blog will look at the benefits and details of combining trusted plastic surgery procedures for the face with the croton oil peel to give you the best results possible.

What Surgical Procedures Are Available for the Face?

Whether from age, sun damage, lifestyle, or life events, wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin can make you look older and more run down than you want. 

Men and women who struggle with these issues can feel self-conscious and even embarrassed to show their faces in social settings. And while you can hide yourself away, and miss out on important parts of your life in the process, surgical procedures can help you regain control of your facial appearance. 

Some of the most important and effective surgical procedures for the face are facelift surgery, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), and brow lift surgery (forehead lift). 

While a facelift addresses the lower two-thirds of the face (from the cheeks to the neck) and tightens the facial skin to offer patients a more youthful appearance, blepharoplasty and brow lift surgery help men and women achieve a more youthful and attractive appearance around the eyes and on the forehead. 

Any number of these facial plastic surgery procedures can be combined to give you a dramatic transformation.

What Is a Croton Oil Peel?

Chemical peels are not new cosmetic procedures by any means. However, different peels are being developed to better help patients achieve a more rejuvenated appearance and healthier skin. 

The croton oil peel is an exfoliating treatment that can be performed as a standalone treatment to address and correct facial wrinkles (especially around the mouth) and revitalize the skin’s health. 

For this treatment, a solution made of croton oil is applied to the skin. This oil exfoliates the skin (removes the upper layer of skin) to allow for newer and healthier skin to show. 

This exfoliation process happens gradually over the next several days. Not only is new skin now exposed, but the croton oil peel helps to promote collagen production, which is important since collagen is responsible for the overall health and strength of our skin. This means that the new skin will be tighter, firmer, smoother, and clearer. 

Why Should I Combine Surgical Treatments With the Croton Oil Peel?

While you can achieve fantastic results with just surgical procedures or just a chemical peel, by following your facial surgery with the croton oil peel, you will be able to target both the external skin and internal tissue. The increased collagen production can allow for long-lasting rejuvenation to your skin, which will only enhance the results achieved from the surgical procedure(s). In this sense, you will be able to achieve the very best results. 

If you choose to combine procedures, it is important to understand that you will not be having both the surgery and chemical peel at the same time. 

Instead, it is necessary for the surgical procedure to be completed and for your face to begin healing from the surgery before exfoliating the skin. Because of this, the croton oil peel will be scheduled about six weeks after your facial surgery. By this time, you should be returned to most (if not all) of your normal, daily activities, and your skin will be in a healthier state for the rejuvenation process of the peel. 

Interested in Learning More? 

If you have questions about cosmetic facial surgery, chemical peels, or combining these procedures 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 Thursday, January 12th, 2023 | Posted in Chemical Peels, Facial Rejuvenation.

4 Minute Read: 

While “cancer” is one of the scariest (if not the scariest) words out there, the good news is that with medical advancements, many cancers can be successfully treated, and this is particularly true for skin cancers. 

However, that doesn’t mean that your road to recovery with skin cancer will be easy or should be taken lightly. In fact, it means the opposite. 

It is of the utmost importance that you take your skin cancer diagnosis seriously and begin your journey toward health and peace of mind immediately. You need to understand the details of skin cancer, and the first (and often most important) decision you need to make is which surgeon you should trust with your cancer surgery. 

There are really three different options for men and women who have been diagnosed with skin cancer. Patients can have their cancer treated by a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or surgical oncologist. Below, we will explore these different options to help you understand who you should trust with your specific cancer treatment.

How Is Skin Cancer Treated?

Skin cancer is treated by surgically removing the cancerous tissue and skin, and one of the most effective methods for treating skin cancer is Mohs surgery. Mohs surgery is trusted and popular because it only removes the affected tissues, preserving as much of the healthy skin and tissue as possible. Additionally, Mohs surgery can help ensure complete removal of the cancer. 

Mohs surgery is often performed by a trained dermatologist or plastic surgeon. For this procedure, your doctor will use a scalpel to remove the visible portion of the tumor, along with a very thin amount of tissue surrounding the tumor. The thin layer of removed skin will be evaluated to see if it contains any cancer. If it does, then an additional portion of skin will be removed and then analyzed. This procedure is repeated as many times as needed until the removed skin shows no cancerous cells. This process allows the cancerous skin to be removed completely without disturbing much of the healthy skin tissue.

When Do I Need to Contact a Surgical Oncologist?

While a dermatologist or plastic surgeon can often be used to treat skin cancer (especially basal and squamous cell cancers), there are certain situations when a surgical oncologist is required. 

These situations include more advanced cancer, including melanoma. 

For these advanced cancers, lymph nodes near the tumor may need to be removed to minimize the risk of the cancer spreading to the surrounding tissue. Your dermatologist or plastic surgeon will notify you if a surgical oncologist is needed for your specific treatment.  

Why Is It Beneficial for a Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon to Treat Your Skin Cancer?

As long as your skin cancer is not advanced, it can be a smart choice to have your tumor treated with Mohs surgery by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. There are several reasons for this. The first is that dermatologists and plastic surgeons who are specifically trained in Mohs surgery tend to place more focus on saving healthy skin while minimizing any unsightly results to your skin as possible. Additionally, a plastic surgeon can offer reconstructive options for skin that has undergone Mohs surgery. 

For skin reconstruction procedures, skin and cartilage grafts can be used to minimize the appearance of surgery, which can help you feel more confident and comfortable with your entire procedure. 

Why Choose Dr. Hung for Your Skin Cancer Treatment?

Dr. Vincent C. Hung is not only a specialist in Mohs surgery, but he is also one in only a handful of doctors in the world who is triple-board certified in Internal Medicine, Dermatology, and Plastic Surgery. 

With Dr. Hung, you are truly in the very best and most capable hands. Dr. Hung takes pride in each of his procedures and puts his patients’ health and results first and foremost. In particular, Dr. Hung has extensive experience in successful Mohs surgery procedures. Dr. Hung realizes that cancer is a scary ordeal for men and women, which is why he and his excellent staff at Pasadena Plastic Surgery Center , his Newport Beach office, and his Pasadena office are dedicated to helping patients through each step of their skin cancer treatment.

Interested in Learning More? 

If you have questions about Mohs surgery or skin cancer treatments 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 Thursday, December 15th, 2022 | Posted in Skin Cancer.

3 Minute Read:

If you are thinking about undergoing liposuction to sculpt one or more areas of your body, you might wonder exactly how the fat will be removed.

First, let’s talk about the many benefits of lipo.

Why Should I Consider Liposuction?

Liposuction is a highly versatile cosmetic procedure that can remove stubborn, diet and exercise-resistant fat from almost any part of the body, including:

• Under the chin
• Upper arms
• Tummy & waist
• Back
• Hips
• Buttocks
• Thighs

Lipo permanently removes unwanted fat for a smoother, more fit appearance. However, it can’t prevent you from regaining weight in the treated areas, so a healthy diet and exercise are recommended after the procedure.

How Has Liposuction Changed Over the Years?

Liposuction was invented by an Italian physician in 1975 and was first performed in the United States in 1982.

Liposuction initially faced a somewhat bumpy road, as some unqualified individuals offered cheap liposuction services and delivered less-than-ideal results in addition to risking patients’ health.

The procedure uses a thin tube (cannula) inserted into the fat through tiny incisions in the skin. A medical vacuum attached to the cannula sucks fat cells from the area, but before this, the surgeon must loosen the fat to prepare it for removal.

Originally, the only way to prepare the fat was to move the cannula back and forth repeatedly, and this process is still in use.

Fortunately, techniques have improved significantly, and today, liposuction is one of the safest cosmetic surgeries. It is less invasive than other fat-reduction procedures, and more advanced options are available to prepare the fat for removal.

Advanced Liposuction Fat Preparation Options

While traditional liposuction still uses the cannula to break up the fat, this method often leads to more bruising and post-operative discomfort.

The following advanced liposuction options may result in an easier recovery and better results:

• Tumescent Liposuction Technique

The tumescent technique involves an anesthetic liquid being injected into the targeted areas of fat which causes the fat to swell and liquify, making it easier to remove.

• Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty (UAL)

Ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL) uses high-frequency sound waves to loosen the fat before removal. The surgeon inserts a specially designed cannula to deliver thermal and vibratory energy deep into the fatty tissue to allow larger amounts of fat to be removed.

These advanced techniques help patients achieve better-looking results with less discomfort and faster recovery times.

How Else Can Liposuction Be Useful?

The benefits of liposuction aren’t just limited to fat removal. This technique is also useful when used for fat transfer. Fat is a natural augmenting material, and it can be used to increase volume throughout the face and body. Fat can also be used in reconstruction procedures to fill in divots left from Mohs surgery or other skin cancer removal treatments.

This multi-step treatment first removes the fat with gentle liposuction techniques, purifies the removed fat, and injects that fat into the desired body or face area.

Want to Learn More About Liposuction in Pasadena, CA?

If you want to learn more about your available advanced liposuction techniques in or near Pasadena, California, please contact our office at 626-432-5032.

Dr. Hung Also Offers Liposuction in Newport Beach, CA

You can also reach Dr. Hung at his Newport Beach, California, office to ask questions about liposuction or schedule a consultation at 949-574-8292.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 1st, 2022 | Posted in Liposuction.

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.

​​

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.

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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.