When Is the Right Time for Couple’s Cosmetic 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.

4 Minute Read: 

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.

3 Minute Read: 

One of the greatest certainties in life is that time will never go by unnoticed, and, as we age, time leaves its defining mark on our skin in the form of sagginess, wrinkles, jowls, and loss of definition in our features. 

When this starts happening to you, you may start wondering if it’s time to get a facelift that will help you gain a more youthful appearance.

One thing you should keep in mind when considering facial restoration surgery is whether your reasons for wanting a facelift are the right ones. 

So, let’s take a look at the reasons why you could be a good candidate for facial restoration and why it might be a better idea to wait a bit.

What Are the Main Reasons Why People Choose to Get a Facelift?

While each case is different, and the final decision is ultimately your own, there are several issues common to all those who opt for a facelift to remove the signs of aging. 

To name a few:

• A facelift removes wrinkles, giving you a more youthful appearance.
• People who choose a facelift always say they want to look younger.
• A facelift helps tighten lax skin and remove jowls and sagging left behind by age or weight loss.
• Facial restoration can repair poor jaw or neck definition, which can be one of the most unsightly signs of aging.
• After a facelift, a person looks more alert and less tired, helping them achieve a more defined appearance.

Aside from the physical and aesthetic reasons for wanting to get a facelift, there are emotional ones too. As people age, the change in their appearance can cause them to feel saddened and dissatisfied with how they look. 

Getting a facelift can provide a much-needed boost to their self-esteem and the way they see themselves.

Are There Any Reasons Why I Shouldn’t Get a Facelift Right Now?

Most people who choose to have facial restoration surgery are between the ages of 40 and 60, with the best results being achieved in those around 50 years old. But, choosing this procedure may not be right for you (at least yet), especially if you fall into one of the following assumptions:

• You are not ready for surgery and need more time to consider it. If this is your case, you can talk to Dr. Hung about any non-surgical options, such as laser or chemical peel treatments that may be a better fit for your specific needs.
• You are not prepared for the time it takes to recover. We get it, life gets in the way of things sometimes, and you may be too busy at work or taking care of your family to invest the time you need to recover from a facelift. If this is the case, putting the idea of facial restoration on the back burner for some time may be the best thing for you to do.
• You are not sure if your appearance is the real issue. No matter how old you are, peer pressure is always an issue. Just because somebody you know got a facelift, it doesn’t mean you should feel pressured into getting one too. If you aren’t sure about your reasons for having facial restoration surgery, it’s always best to wait a bit before you do.

Interested in Learning More?

Are you ready to start your path to a more youthful appearance? If so, contact Dr. Hung at 626-432-5032 or fill out our online contact form to schedule an appointment today!

This entry was posted on Thursday, December 2nd, 2021 | Posted in Facelift.

3 Minute Read: 

Gynecomastia is a prevalent issue in the male population. The condition, which causes enlarged male breast tissues, has a reported prevalence of up to 36 percent. 

Notably, men with gynecomastia often feel ashamed and embarrassed over their condition. Fortunately, gynecomastia surgery can help reduce breast size in men while flattening and enhancing their chest contours. Patients who have undergone the surgery experience increased confidence as a result of their more masculine chest appearance.

While most men would agree that the results make gynecomastia surgery well worth it, a common concern is how to hide the signs they had surgery on their chest. 

Although the procedure is fast and done with minimal scarring, you may still have to accept some scars. Read on for tips on how to take care of your scars so that they become lighter and fade faster.

What Should I Expect After My Gynecomastia Surgery?

Gynecomastia surgery results take time to become visible, often finalizing within three to six months of the operation. As you recover, the satisfaction with your new image will grow as your post-surgical swelling diminishes and incisions fade. 

While surgical scarring lightens with time, there is no way to guarantee that the scars will be eliminated completely. Your plastic surgeon will do everything in their ability to place these incisions in your chest’s natural contours; however, some scarring will occur and will likely be permanent.

You can help minimize the visibility of these by following several easy steps. 

How to Minimize Gynecomastia Surgery Scars

Even with the highest level of surgical precision, it is impossible to avoid scarring around the areola or in the liposuction site. Fortunately, most scars heal to a level where they can be barely visible.

Some of the techniques to reduce the appearance of the scars caused by the surgery include:

• Higher level of hygiene: Proper hygiene on a healing wound can help keep out unwanted germs and debris to prevent risks of infections. Follow your surgeon’s instructions on washing the surgery area and how to keep it moist to prevent dry skin from suffering discoloration and redness.
• Protection from the sun: Healing incisions are more susceptible to sun damage. You can apply sunscreen to the scar to protect it from the effects of UV rays. Ensure you are using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
• Prescription medicine: Your surgeon can also prescribe medications that help fade the scars. These can include ointments, supplements, and skincare medicines that quicken the healing process.
• Silicone sheets and scar gels: You can apply silicone sheets or scar gels on the surgery area to reduce the pigmentation and the size of scars. These also help to prevent keloid or hypertrophic scars.
• Laser treatments: After the scars are completely healed, the scars can be lessened with microscopic lasers targeting the upper and middle layers of the skin. This technique is ideal for reducing or eliminating deep scars.

Don’t Suffer From Male Breasts Any Longer! Schedule Your Gynecomastia Surgery Consultation Today!

Notably, gynecomastia surgery scarring occurs in each patient uniquely. Choosing the right plastic surgeon can be the most effective way to minimize or eliminate noticeable scars from the surgery. 

At the offices of Vincent C. Hung, M.D., F.A.C.S., our highly experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon will equip you with the necessary knowledge on the most effective method to approach your healing process. 

After your procedure, our team will instruct you on treating the wound when you can resume regular activity and exercise. If you have further questions about gynecomastia surgery, contact us today by calling (626) 432-5032 or filling out our online contact form.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 2nd, 2021 | Posted in Gynecomastia Surgery.