Want Plastic Surgery? You May Want to Rethink Your Smoking Habit!

3 Minute Read: 

When planning for plastic surgery, one of the requirements almost every board-certified plastic surgeon will mandate is that patients refrain from using all nicotine products for three to six weeks before and after surgery. 

There are very good reasons for this near-universal stricture. Nicotine and other chemicals found within cigarettes damage the lungs, yellow the teeth, and age skin, but these factors are unlikely to directly impact plastic surgery operations. What will affect these procedures is nicotine’s vasoconstriction effects. 

What Are the Effects of Nicotine on Your Body?

Nicotine causes veins and arteries to contract, restricting the amount of blood that can pass through them. This dramatically increases the risk of complications during surgeries, especially plastic surgeries that affect a broad area of surface tissue like facelift surgery (rhytidectomy) or tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty). When a plastic surgeon removes a section of tissue on the surface, it is kept alive through blood vessels in nearby tissue. If a patient has nicotine in their system, these blood vessels are too constricted to provide adequate blood flow. 

This means that patients who do not stop smoking are at a much higher risk of tissue necrosis during plastic surgery.  

What Is Tissue Necrosis?

Tissue necrosis is when tissues die while still attached to the body. This condition can be dangerous and, in some cases, lead to gangrene—a potentially lethal condition. The effects of nicotine and the risks of tissue necrosis do not go away during the recovery period. Even if patients who smoke make it through the surgery without complications, there is still a higher risk of tissue necrosis and excessive scarring during recovery. 

What Are Other Smoking Risks?

• In addition to the vasoconstriction effects, smoking also decreases blood’s ability to carry oxygen by adding carbon monoxide to the bloodstream. This increases the risks mentioned above. 
• Nicotine inhibits collagen production, causing the skin to age faster and heal slower. This can make recovery times longer and increase the risk of complications.
• Smoking can increase the risk of certain skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. 
• Smoking also causes wrinkles and other skin concerns that are difficult to reverse while toxic chemicals continue to do more damage. 

How Should I Prepare for Surgery?

If you plan to undergo a plastic surgery procedure, it is vital that you honestly discuss your smoking habits with your surgeon. You should have a frank discussion about your ability to refrain from smoking before and after your operation. 

It is critical that you do not lie to your surgeon about your nicotine consumption, as this may endanger you.

If you truly feel unable to quit smoking for at least 12 weeks, you should not undergo surgery. If, for any reason, you consume nicotine during that window (before or after your surgery), you should contact your surgeon right away. 

Want to Learn More? 

If you are interested in more information on the risks of smoking regarding your plastic surgery procedure, please contact Dr. Hung at his Pasadena office at 626-432-5032 or his Newport Beach office at 949-574-8292.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 | Posted in Facelift, Plastic Surgery Safety, Tummy Tuck.

3 Minute Read:

You might be surprised—or comforted, depending on where you stand—that nearly 50 percent of all men experience gynecomastia at some part in their lives.

So, what is gynecomastia?

More commonly found in young teens and older men, gynecomastia is the presence of excess or enlarged tissue that mimics the appearance of female breasts.

Gynecomastia is not caused by being overweight, but rather, an imbalance in hormones that causes the development of excess tissue. This is why losing weight through exercise may only partially solve the issue. This is also why more men are considering gynecomastia surgery to resolve the issue permanently.

Am I a Good Candidate for Gynecomastia Surgery?

Many young men start to develop gynecomastia during their teenage years. While adolescents may benefit from the surgery, in most cases involving young men, the issue is resolved by the time of adulthood.

The ideal candidates for gynecomastia surgery are men who are experiencing extreme discomforts such as chafing or rubbing of the skin, suffer from a lack of confidence, and men who have tried less invasive methods and failed.

Gynecomastia may also be associated with hyperthyroidism, low testosterone levels, or other health complications. Be sure to speak with your primary physician to ensure you are not experiencing symptoms of other medical conditions.

Great candidates are also those who have realistic expectations, good physical health, and a relatively healthy weight.

How Is Gynecomastia Surgery Performed?

Intravenous sedation and general anesthesia are options for providing complete comfort for patients, and your doctor will suggest the best option for you.

If your gynecomastia is more like pseudo gynecomastia (excess fat), then liposuction will be used to eliminate fat deposits around the chest.

For glandular tissue and excess skin, a series of excisions will be made to remove tissue and reposition and contour the body to its most natural and flattering angle.

What Are the Benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery?

For many men, masculinity is often defined by how you look. Restoring your self-image to the one you once had or the one you desire can have an exponential impact on your lifestyle and confidence.

Surgery may also improve your ability to enjoy the clothes you wear and correct your posture. Feeling comfortable in your skin is just one step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life, and gynecomastia surgery can help you remove the ‘man boobs’ that might be holding you back.

What Are My Alternatives to Gynecomastia Surgery?

Because a hormonal imbalance causes gynecomastia, hormone balance treatments may fight against male breast development or at least minimize its visibility.

In turn, removing anything in your life that might cause this hormonal imbalance may be beneficial. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Steroid use
• Obesity
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Antibiotics and medications
• Lack of exercise

Now that you have considered what causes gynecomastia, take time to research these non-surgical items that might prevent its formation:

• Hormone Therapy or Testosterone Replacement Therapy
• Breast reduction medication (please ask your doctor for more information on FDA-approved medication)
• Herbal supplements, yoga, acupuncture, and other holistic treatments ( these have said to have been able to cure gynecomastia by restoring hormonal balance to the body)
• Proper diet and exercise that promotes testosterone stimulation

Want to Find Out More About Gynecomastia Surgery in Newport Beach?

To learn more about the causes of gynecomastia and how to prevent it or to see if gynecomastia surgery is right for you, contact Dr. Hung by calling his Pasadena office at (626) 432-5032.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 3rd, 2020 | Posted in Gynecomastia Surgery.

3 Minute Read:

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), nearly 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, making it the most common form of cancer in the United States.

While these statistics encompass all forms of skin cancer—including basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma—they also include melanoma, a severe form of cancer that can spread throughout the body and have serious, if not deadly, consequences.

What Is Melanoma?

Melanoma is the cancer of the melanocytes—the cells that produce melanin. Melanin is responsible for giving our skin its tan or brown color.

Every person has a different level of melanin, making some patients more susceptible to melanoma.

Even though melanoma can occur in anyone, Caucasian men over the age of 50 are thought to be at the highest risk.

What Causes Melanoma?

The most common cause of skin cancer—including melanoma—is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. These rays damage your skin cells and affect the way that your melanocytes grow and divide.

But while sun damage is the primary cause, it is not the only cause of melanoma.

Additional causes include:

• Your skin type: Fair-skinned individuals are at a higher risk
• Use of tanning beds: Like natural sun damage, these beds deliver a dangerous amount of UV radiation
• Your moles: Individuals with a higher number of moles are more likely to get skin cancer.

What Are the Signs of Melanoma?

Since melanoma is often painless, it can go unnoticed if you are not vigilant. The most common sign of melanoma is a visible change to the appearance of your skin or moles.

Every person has moles on their bodies, and more often than not, these moles are harmless. A normal mole is:

• Evenly colored (brown, black, or tan)
• Round or oval
• Smaller than six millimeters
• Flat or raised (but consistent)

However, a potentially cancerous mole is:

• Shaded with various colors
• Irregular in shape
• Larger than six millimeters
• Changing in shape or color

When you are on the lookout for melanoma, consider your A.B.C.D.Es and your E.F.Gs.

• A: Asymmetry (moles that have one half that is larger than the other)
• B: Border (moles that have a ragged or uneven border and shape)
• C: Color (moles that have more than two shades)
• D: Diameter (moles that are larger than six millimeters)
• E: Evolution (new or changing moles

• E: Elevated (newly raised moles)
• F: Firm (moles that are hard to the touch)
• G: Growing (moles that are growing and changing rapidly)

Melanomas can have all of the above irregularities or only have one or two. You want to be careful and mindful of your moles.

How Is Melanoma Treated?

Melanoma is a quick-spreading cancer, and you need to act fast if you notice any irregularities in your moles or skin.

You have several treatment options for melanoma, including Mohs surgery.

Mohs surgery is a tissue-conserving method that removes cancerous cells layer by layer. While this approach eliminates the visible tumor as well as a thin rim of tissue around the cancer, it is a conservative approach that preserves more healthy tissue than traditional skin cancer treatments.

Mohs surgery not only causes less unnecessary trauma, but it also ensures the best aesthetic result. Following Mohs surgery, the area may only require the closing of the area, or it may require a skin graft.

How Is Melanoma Detected?

A melanoma diagnosis is achieved through a biopsy. This takes a sample of tissue and tests that tissue for cancerous activity.

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?

Melanoma is very dangerous when it is not identified but very treatable when it is found early.

To ensure that you get the earliest treatment possible, perform self-skin checks every three months. During these checks, you should examine all of your moles.

Some individuals find it beneficial to make a map of their moles.

Watch out for any change in the size or look of your moles and get treatment as soon as possible, if necessary.

Are You Interested in Learning About Mohs Surgery?

If you are interested in learning more about skin cancer or Mohs Surgery in the Los Angeles or Orange County area, contact Dr. Hung by calling our Pasadena office at (626) 432-5032, our Newport Beach office at (949) 574-8292, or by filling out our online contact form.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 3rd, 2020 | Posted in Mohs Surgery.

4 Minute Read: 

With the new decade beginning, more than one of you is likely thinking about improving your physique. Looking fit and sculpting your body always tops the list of New Year’s resolutions. For some, this means plastic surgery.

Body contouring allows men and women who are close to their ideal weight trim, sculpt, and enhance their physical contours. 

Liposuction and tummy tuck surgery are popular body enhancement surgeries. And while many people know the names of these procedures—through media or word of mouth, they do not always know what they can actually accomplish. 

While there is so much that these procedures can do, there are also certain things that they cannot. It is beneficial to understand what these treatments are and how they work so that you have realistic expectations.

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes a targeted amount of excess fat from various regions of the body. 

Some of these regions include the:

• Abdomen
• Hips
• Thighs
• Back
• Buttocks
• Arms
• Chest
• Under the Neck

Various techniques can be implemented during a liposuction procedure. Two of the most common methods are the tumescent technique and the ultrasound-assisted technique (UAL).

Tumescent Liposuction

1. Small incisions are made in the area of desired fat reduction.
2. Sterile fluid is injected through those incisions that cause the fat cells to swell
3. A hollow tube is inserted into the incisions, and a rapid back-and-forth-motion breaks up the fat.
4. This tube is attached to a vacuuming device that permanently suctions out the fat

Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction

1. Small incisions are made in the area of desired fat reduction.
2. Ultrasound energy is applied to the treatment area to liquefy the fat cells.
3. The liquified fat is suctioned out through a hollow tube.

What Is Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, sculpts the midsection by removing excess fat and skin and tightening loose or separated abdominal muscles.

An incision is made across the lower abdomen from hip to hip. This incision is placed low enough that it can easily be covered by underwear or bathing suits. 

What Can Liposuction and Tummy Tuck Not Do?

Liposuction and tummy tuck surgery are incredibly beneficial when they are chosen for the right reasons. These procedures are designed to be about body sculpting, not weight loss, and the combination of these procedures can provide optimal results for patients who have excess pockets of fat and loose abdominal skin.

Neither of these procedures is an alternative to weight loss or a healthy lifestyle. Instead, they should only be performed on those who already work out and are close to their ideal weight.

Liposuction cannot address skin laxity, and tummy tuck surgery does not remove fat in the regions surrounding the lower abdomen.

When Are Body Contouring Procedures Appropriate?

Did You Lose Weight?

When you gain weight, your skin thins as it stretches over your expanding contours.

Unfortunately, even though it can expand, it cannot always contract after the weight is lost. Its inability to do so often results in loose, hanging skin that is only eliminated through a surgical procedure like abdominoplasty. 

Tummy tuck surgery eliminates the abdominal skin laxity that resulted from significant weight loss while liposuction removes the localized fat deposits that remain. These procedures are often the final step in a substantial weight loss transformation.

Did You Have a Baby?

Pregnancy and childbirth create lasting abdominal damage and the development of fat pockets across the body. This is due to the rapid fluctuations in weight and hormone levels. 

Body contouring like liposuction and tummy tuck surgery can help restore your body after pregnancy.

Do You Have Age-Related Laxity?

Some people who develop loose skin on their abdomen or excess pockets of fat on their abdomen do not fall into either of the above categories. This is because skin laxity and excess fat is another side effect of aging. 

Body contouring counteracts the physical changes that occurred due to the aging process.

How About More Information?

If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of body contouring or if you would like to set up a consultation with Dr. Hung, contact his office by calling his Pasadena office at (626) 432-5032 or his Newport Beach office at (949) 574-8292. You can also fill out his online contact form. 

Dr. Hung offers plastic and reconstructive procedures for men and women in Pasadena and Newport Beach.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 3rd, 2020 | Posted in Body Contouring, Liposuction, Tummy Tuck.

Mohs surgery treats skin cancer by carefully removing the affected area and a thin rim of tissue around it. The procedure is designed to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible.

This approach requires less reconstruction than other types of skin cancer surgery.

However, the affected skin must often be remodeled, and a scar will form.

What Is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is a complex and highly effective skin cancer treatment that includes the following steps:

Diagnosis and Evaluation

The process begins with a comprehensive examination and biopsy to identify and confirm the presence of skin cancer. The dermatologist or surgeon evaluates the type, size, and location of the cancerous lesion.

Anesthesia and Preparation

The patient is usually administered local anesthesia to numb the area where the skin cancer is located. Once the area is numb, the surgery site is prepped for the procedure.

Tissue Removal and Analysis

The surgeon removes the visible tumor and a very thin layer of surrounding tissue. The excised tissue is mapped and divided into sections, then processed and examined under a microscope in an on-site lab.

The surgeon thoroughly examines these sections to determine the pathology of the tissue. This process allows the immediate and precise evaluation of margins to detect any remaining cancer cells.

Layer-by-Layer Removal and Preservation of Healthy Tissue

If cancer cells are detected in the margins, another layer of tissue is meticulously removed. This process continues until no cancer cells are observed under the microscope.

During Mohs surgery, the surgeon preserves as much healthy tissue as possible. This technique minimizes scarring and maximizes the removal of cancerous cells, ensuring the best possible cosmetic and functional outcome.

Closure of the Surgical Site and Reconstruction

Once the cancer is completely removed, the surgeon determines the best option to close the wound, whether through direct closure, a skin graft, or allowing it to heal naturally.

Skin or cartilage grafts are used to reconstruct the areas affected by skin cancer and its removal, whether the growth was on the face, ears, arms, back, or legs.

This type of graft will depend on the area of skin cancer and how much skin needs to be removed to ensure that all of the cancer cells are eliminated.

Skin grafts are either full-thickness or split-thickness. While both techniques move the skin from a donor area (usually a place that is easy to conceal with clothing), they require a different amount of material.

• A Full-thickness graft removes a full layer of epidermis and dermis from the donor region.
• Split-thickness grafts require a complete layer of the epidermis but only a partial thickness of the dermis.

These donor samples are then processed and spread over the open wound.

Postoperative Care

Following the surgery, the patient is advised on wound care and provided with instructions for postoperative care. Proper care is essential for optimal healing and to reduce the risk of infection or complications.

What Kinds of Scars Develop?

Your Mohs surgery scar will depend on the size, location, and shape of the tumor, as well as the types of reconstruction techniques required.

In certain situations, when the cancer is small, the skin can be pulled together and sutured closed. This technique usually results in a minimal, linear scar that tends to fade nicely on its own but can still benefit from scar reduction techniques.

In other situations, when a skin or cartilage graft is required, the resulting scar may be round or rectangular and more visibly pronounced.

How Can You Reduce the Appearance of Mohs Scars?

While scars are a natural part of the body’s healing process, these seven tips can help reduce their appearance and promote a smoother, more aesthetically pleasing outcome.

1. Follow All Postoperative Instructions

It’s essential to follow your surgeon’s post-surgical instructions carefully. Keep the surgical site clean and protected according to their directions and follow the recommended wound care routine to aid in proper healing.

2. Stay Out of the Sun

Skin grafts are more susceptible to sun damage than the surrounding skin and burn easily. This exposure also causes scars to take on a dark brown color.

To prevent your scar from darkening, protect the healing incision or graft by keeping it covered and out of the sun and using a high-SPF sunscreen when your doctor clears you to do so.

3. Use Moisturizers to Massage the Scar(s)

Post-surgical massages are performed to promote wound healing and reduce the appearance of scars. Massaging these scars breaks up scar tissue and can reduce the size and profile of the wound. By adding moisturizing lotions or oils, you can soften the scar tissue further and improve the appearance of healing skin, but be sure to consult your doctor before massaging the area and about the moisturizer you want to use.

When massaging, gently rub the scar and adjacent areas to soften the scar tissue, stimulate collagen production, and promote skin remodeling. Scar massage should be performed two or three times a day for five to ten minutes at a time,

4. Use Scar-Reducing Creams or Gels Containing Silicone

Dermatologists and plastic surgeons often recommend silicone-based gels, creams, or strips to minimize scarring.

• Silicone strips are reusable bandages that should be worn 12 hours daily for at least three months.
• Silicone creams and gels are applied directly to the scar to reduce the pigment.

These products should be applied to the healing wound according to the provider’s instructions and typically can be used once the incisions have completely healed.

5. Consider Laser Treatments

Some individuals opt for laser therapy or other non-invasive procedures to minimize the appearance of scars. These treatments can help flatten and fade scars to improve skin texture.

6. Maintain a Healthy Diet and Hydration

Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients and staying hydrated can support the body’s natural healing process. Vitamins, minerals, and proper hydration are a vital part of optimal wound healing.

7. Consult a Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon

If concerned about scarring, consult a dermatologist or plastic surgeon who specializes in scar revision. They can recommend additional treatments or techniques tailored to your individual needs.

Minimizing Mohs surgery scars involves a combination of proper wound care, protection from the sun, and, at times, additional treatments to maximize the skin’s ability to heal.

Give Your Scars Time to Fade

Scar healing is a gradual process. After doing all you can to minimize your scarring, be patient and allow sufficient time for the scar to mature. Initially, scars may appear red or raised but tend to improve and fade over time.

Find Out More About Mohs Scar Reduction in Pasadena, CA

To learn more about how to reduce scars or to find a surgeon who performs Mohs surgery near Pasadena or Los Angeles, California, call Dr. Vincent Hung at (626) 432-5032 or fill out our online contact form.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 3rd, 2020 | Posted in Mohs Surgery.

3 Minute Read:

Skin grafts are used to cover and repair the wounds left by skin cancer treatment when the surrounding skin is not healthy enough to heal by traditional wound healing.

Reconstruction of skin cancers can be difficult on the lower legs because of the tight skin, the presence of spider and varicose veins, and the necessity of that skin to stretch and expand when walking or exercising.

Since men and women often expose their lower legs, especially during the hot Southern California summers, reconstruction of skin cancers on the legs is essential.

How Do Skin Grafts Work?

A skin graft takes skin from a healthy area of the body and transfers it to a different area that cannot repair itself.

While skin grafts are almost always used after skin cancer surgery, such as Mohs surgery, it can also be used to treat burns, large wounds, and infections.

There are two types of skin grafts available to treat these injuries: full-thickness and split-thickness skin grafts.

Split-thickness skin grafts are commonly used to cover skin cancer wounds on the lower legs.

How Is a Split-thickness Skin Graft Performed?

The difference between a full-thickness skin graft and a split-thickness skin graft is the amount of skin taken from the donor site.

A split-thickness skin graft removes the epidermis (the top layer of the skin) and only a portion of the dermis (the deeper layer of the skin).

A full-thickness skin graft, on the other hand, removes the epidermis and the dermis.

The split-thickness technique is used to cover large areas, which makes it ideal for the legs.

Full-thickness skin grafts are usually reserved for smaller areas, such as the face and hands, because they blend better with the surrounding skin.

Full-thickness skin grafts also heal very well, but they are not able to cover the same amount of tissue space as a split-thickness graft.

Split-thickness Skin Graft Procedure Steps:

1. The donor site is marked depending on the size and depth of the wound that the skin will be transferred to. While split-thickness skin grafts can be taken from any area of the body, the skin is commonly removed from the inner thigh, where the donor site is easy to cover.
2. From the donor site, the epidermis and some of the dermis is gently and carefully removed. Some epithelial cells, like the sweat glands, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands, are left at the donor site so that they can assist in the reepithelialization (healing) of the donor site.
3. This donor skin is transferred to a skin graft carrier so that it can be meshed. Meshing is a step of the grafting process that creates small slits in the donor skin so that it can stretch to cover a larger recipient area.
4. The meshed donor skin is then prepped, sterilized, and applied to the wound. During the healing process, new skin cells will develop and fill in the “holes” created by the meshing process.
5. Both the donor sites and the recipient sites are wrapped and dressed in sterile bandages and gauze.

For More Information

To learn more about skin grafts or reconstruction after skin cancer, contact Dr. Hung by calling (626) 432-5032 or by filling out our online contact form. Dr. Hung performs Mohs surgery and reconstruction after skin cancer treatment in Pasadena, California.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 3rd, 2020 | Posted in Mohs Surgery, Reconstructive Plastic Surgery.

3 Minute Read: 

Almost all men and women want to fight the aging process, which is why the cosmetics and anti-aging industries are so massive. Unfortunately, there will come a time when over-the-counter creams and lotions are not strong enough to get the job done. Fine lines, wrinkles, laxity, volume loss, and skin irregularities all occur due to age, sun damage, harsh environments, and lifestyle choices.

There are many different anti-aging cosmetic procedures available today, ranging from non-invasive treatments to surgery. Two of these are chemical peels and facelift surgery.

Potential cosmetic patients are often interested in learning about which procedure will give them the best results in the least invasive way. While non-surgical procedures are preferred by many, they are not always, if ever, able to match or rival the results provided by cosmetic surgery. 

What Is Achieved With Facelift Surgery?

Facelift surgery addresses aging and laxity on the lower two-thirds of the face. This procedure can reduce or eliminate fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and jowls on the face and neck. Facelift surgery makes incisions in the hairline that start at the temple and continue down and around the ear. Loose skin is trimmed, underlying tissues are lifted and tightened, and the remaining skin is redraped over the new contours. 

Facelift surgery restores smoother, tighter, and more youthful skin.

Why Should Patients Still Consider a Chemical Peel?

Just because a chemical peel cannot achieve that same level of correction as a facelift, it does not mean that chemical peels do not have significant benefits. Like facelift surgery, chemical peels have the power to address common signs of aging such as fine lines around the mouth, crow’s feet, and forehead furrows. However, unlike facelift surgery, chemical peels also have the power to restore and improve the overall tone and texture of the skin. Some of the tone and texture issues that can be addressed by a chemical peel include dark spots, acne scars, and uneven pigmentation.

There are different levels (or strengths) of chemical peels. This not only determines your recovery period and length of peeling, but it also determines the quality of your results. Light chemical peels are surface-level peels that improve the texture of rough or dry skin. Medium intensity peels target texture irregularities as well as fine lines and minor skin imperfections. Deep peels penetrate deep into the skin and allow for the most significant correction. Unfortunately, they also require the most significant amount of downtime, and some can only be applied to the face once so that there is no lasting damage.

Croton Oil Peels

The croton oil peel is a deep chemical peel that delivers noticeable improvement to smoker’s lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet. This resurfacing peel restores skin health and leaves you with a radiant, healthy-looking complexion. Croton oil peels are safe and effective for patients of all ages and can be performed after you have healed from facelift surgery for enhanced results.

                             Before and after image showing the results of a croton oil peel.

How Do the Recoveries Differ?

After facelift surgery, patients need to take two weeks before returning to work and any regular activities, and more strenuous activities require a longer break. Chemical peels take anywhere from five days to two weeks to recover from. The recovery after your chemical peel will depend on the depth (strength) of your peel. Light peels do not require much in the way of downtime. Most patients look sunburned; however, they can go about their regular routines with very little concern. The medium or deep chemical peels require more in the way of downtime. Deep peels can cause severe swelling around the eyes, which can make normal activities more difficult.

To find out if you are a candidate for a chemical peel or a facelift, contact Dr. Hung by calling (626) 432-5032 or by filling out our online contact form.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 3rd, 2020 | Posted in Chemical Peels, Facelift.

3 Minute Read:

Although nasal reconstruction and nasal surgery sound like they are one and the same, they are vastly different procedures. Nasal reconstruction fills defects or holes created by skin cancer treatment, while rhinoplasty, or cosmetic nasal surgery, alters and enhances the physical appearance or function of the nose.

Despite being so different, at their core, both procedures enhance nasal aesthetics. Nasal reconstruction does so by moving skin and tissue. Rhinoplasty does so by altering cartilage and bone.

Nasal surgery, whether reconstructive or cosmetic, is one of the most complex and challenging forms of facial surgery. The nose is a multifaceted structure composed of cartilage, muscle, mucosa, tissue, and skin and, as if that alone did not make it difficult enough, it is the central aesthetic focus of the face.

Any defect or cosmetic insecurity is heightened when it deals with the nose, and nasal surgery can be the most rewarding type of facial enhancement.

How Does Rhinoplasty Differ from Nasal Reconstruction?

Rhinoplasty involves the surgical reshaping and reconstruction of the bone and cartilage to improve nasal functionality and aesthetics. This procedure is performed to alter a nasal profile that may have large humps or bumps, structural irregularities of the nasal tip, flared nostrils, or is not in balance with the surrounding facial features.

Rhinoplasty is performed through an open or closed method; however, this only differentiates the locations of the incisions. Rhinoplasty, regardless of technique, is performed entirely on the inside of the nose. This surgery involves shaving down the cartilage to get rid of bumps or introducing cartilage or bone grafts to augment the size or shape.

Why Is Nasal Reconstruction Essential After Skin Cancer Treatment?

The nose is one of the most common locations for skin cancer on the face. While Mohs surgery is one of the best ways to ensure that the tumor will be entirely removed and will not return, it often leaves a hole or defect in the skin.

Reconstruction focuses on preserving the nasal lining, support, and coverage. This uses one of four reconstruction techniques. The chosen method will depend on the size of your defect as well as your nasal anatomy.

Direct Linear Closure

This reconstruction technique is the easiest and most common approach when repairing a defect after Mohs surgery. Here, the two sides of the wound are pulled together, and the skin is closed in a straight line. Since most skin cancers are removed in a circle with Mohs surgery, this technique often elongates the shape of the missing skin so that the surface will not pucker when it is pulled together.

Local Flaps

The local flap technique may be offered when the defect is small. This process covers the area of missing skin by stretching the surrounding skin to cover the hole. The local flap method is less invasive and requires less recovery than skin grafts because it does not take skin or tissue from a secondary region.

Full Thickness Skin Grafts

Whereas local flaps borrow tissue from the nose, skin grafts take tissue from elsewhere on the body. This technique is required when the defect is larger, and the skin on the nose cannot be stretched to cover the hole adequately. The skin used for this graft comes from various regions of the body, and that area will be determined during your consultation.

Paramedian Forehead Flap

This technique is often considered the gold standard for nasal reconstruction. The forehead offers a large amount of tissue that can be safely relocated to the nose. This technique is ideal when the nasal defect is too large even for a standard skin graft and can create some of the most natural-looking and inconspicuous reconstructive results.

If you are about to undergo Mohs surgery for skin cancer on the nose, it is time to consider your nasal reconstruction options. Contact Dr. Hung by calling his Pasadena office at (626) 432-5032, his Newport Beach office at (949) 574-8292, or by filling out his online contact form.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 3rd, 2020 | Posted in Mohs Surgery, Reconstructive Plastic Surgery.

3 Minute Read: 

There is no denying that one of the most frustrating parts of plastic surgery is the resulting scars. People choose cosmetic procedures to improve the way they feel about their physical appearance, so it seems contradictory that in order to do that, lasting marks must be made. Surgical scars are far from ideal, but when they are cared for properly they can fade and become less visible.

Plastic surgeons, like Dr. Hung, do everything they can to hide the incisions during the procedure so that the resulting scars are inconspicuous. Unfortunately, this is not always easy, especially when it comes to facial surgery. Your face is always on display, and since most people do not walk around wearing oversized sunglasses or large floppy hats every day, there is a chance that scarring will be noticeable. Even facelift scars that are initially hidden within the hairline can become visible later if the hairline recedes. It is important to start caring for your incisions as soon as you can to keep scars as minimal as possible.

Let the Incisions Rest

Regardless of whether you underwent a facelift, brow lift, blepharoplasty, or reconstructive nose surgery, there will be external incisions. The best way to start your scar minimization process is to leave them alone. The less trauma they experience, the better. Trauma does not only mean an injury; it can also be any excess movement or tension placed on the incision. During the initial stages of your recovery, you want the incisions to rest. Follow all of Dr. Hung’s post-operative instructions, such as when it is alright to wash your face or shower, and how often you should change your bandages. Proper care in the beginning will put you on the path to minimal scarring down the line.

Hide from the Sun

It can be hard to hide your face from the sun, especially during the summer months. Unfortunately, the sun is not good for a healing incision. Sun exposure on a scar that is not entirely healed can result in darker pigmentation that is more difficult to hide.

Invest in Silicone Strips or Gel

Silicone strips and silicone gel are designed to lessen the appearance of scars. They can be applied to the incision as soon as it is completely healed, usually after two or three weeks. Silicone strips are reusable adhesive bandages that are worn over the incision for the majority of the day. At night, you can remove the strip, wash it, and let it dry in preparation for the following day. Silicone gel is applied in the same way as a lotion or cream. When used correctly, silicone strips and gel can start to reduce the appearance of a scar after two or three months.

Be Patient

All scars look bad initially. They are bright red or pink, are often raised, and they stick out like a sore thumb. The appearance of fresh scars is enough to make some men and women regret their surgery. Fortunately, this state is short-lived. All scarring, no matter how bad it looks right after the procedure, will fade with time, sometimes to the point of disappearing altogether. There is no way to know the length of this process, as everyone heals at a different rate. However, you can take comfort in the fact that bright red scars will not stay that way.

For more information on how to take care of your scars or to start your plastic surgery journey, contact Dr. Hung by calling (626) 432-5032 or by filling out our online contact form.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 3rd, 2020 | Posted in Eyelid Surgery, Facelift.

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After undergoing Mohs surgery for your skin cancer, you may be left with a less-than-desirable cosmetic result. Although Mohs surgery has the unique ability to preserve more tissue than other skin cancer surgeries, skin and tissue are still being removed, and scars are not only likely but expected. During Mohs surgery, thin layers of skin and tissue are removed so that only the cancerous tissue is taken; saving a more significant amount of surrounding skin and tissue than other procedures. Unfortunately, some skin cancers are deep and extensive, and a considerable amount of tissue must be removed. While a scar is always better than the alternative of cancer, it can still be detrimental to your confidence and emotional well-being, especially if the skin cancer was on your face. For patients suffering from the emotional and psychological effects of scarring after Mohs surgery, reconstructive plastic surgery can help restore smoothness and an aesthetic appeal to many areas of the face and body.

Although skin cancers can develop on nearly any area of the body, they are most commonly diagnosed on areas above the shoulders, especially on the face. Facial features, such as the nose, lower eyelids, lips, ears, and scalp, are common places for skin cancer to develop, and it is difficult to hide scarring in these areas. Instead of trying to find creative ways to cover the scars, reconstructive plastic surgery employs a series of techniques that minimize the after-effects of Mohs surgery and other skin cancer treatments.

The Physical Benefits

Skin cancer often develops in visible areas on the face, such as the nose, lips, and eyelids. While these features are always on display, their value is not only aesthetic; all of these areas play essential functional roles in your life that can be interfered with by the results of Mohs surgery. Scarring from previous skin cancer on the nose can affect your ability to breath while scarring on the eyelids can force the lower lids to become too taut, making it difficult for your eyelids to open and close. Scarring on the lips can impede your ability to speak or eat.

The Emotional Benefits

While we sometimes try to deny it, a considerable amount of our self-confidence is interconnected with the way we perceive our appearance. Having an extensive scar on your face can not only be difficult to hide, but it can be challenging to forget about. Even if others don’t realize that the scar is there, you are aware of it, and its presence can affect the way you carry yourself. Reconstructive plastic surgery after skin cancer allows you to put your insecurities about your scar behind you so that you can embrace your facial features. If you are considering reconstructive plastic surgery, you’ve already undergone the hardest parts: the diagnosis and treatment. Instead of seeing the constant reminder of your skin cancer when you look in the mirror, reconstructive plastic surgery allows you to put your cancer behind you.

To learn more about how reconstructive plastic surgery can be beneficial to you after skin cancer, contact Dr. Hung at his Pasadena office at (626) 432-5032 or his Newport Beach office at (949) 574-8292 to set up a consultation.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 3rd, 2020 | Posted in Mohs Surgery, Reconstructive Plastic Surgery.