We all get older; it’s a fact of life. But, you can fight the facial lines, wrinkles, and other visible signs of aging through various types of injectable facial rejuvenation treatments.

At the cosmetic and reconstructive surgery practice of Dr. Kenneth Bermudez in San Francisco, BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, and collagen treatments are just a few of the many options you have for effective and beautiful facial rejuvenation. With these injectable treatments and others, such as Restylane® and fat injections, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles can be reduced and areas such as the lips, forehead, and cheeks can be enhanced for a more sensual, contoured aesthetic.

• BOTOX® Cosmetic
• Dysport®
• Fat Injections
• Collagen
• Restylane®

To help you combat the appearance of frown lines between the eyes, crow’s feet, and other signs of aging on the face, Dr. Bermudez offers BOTOX® Cosmetic, one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the world.

Muscle contracture in certain areas of the face causes lines and wrinkles to form. BOTOX® Cosmetic is a purified protein that temporarily paralyzes these muscles, effectively stopping them from contracting. By paralyzing the muscles, you will reduce the appearance of these lines and wrinkles.

The entire BOTOX® procedure typically only takes about 15 to 30 minutes to complete. After you and Dr. Bermudez decide on which area to target to provide optimal results for your facial rejuvenation, the procedure can be performed in a quick visit (even during your lunch hour).

Treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic can be an excellent alternative for patients who desire facial rejuvenation without undergoing more invasive plastic surgery procedures such as a facelift or brow lift.

One of the chief benefits of BOTOX® Cosmetic is that the results are often noticeable within two to five days of treatment. Results typically last from three to six months, and the injections can be repeated to maintain the effects. Patient satisfaction with the results of BOTOX® injections is very high. BOTOX® Cosmetic can smooth out signs of aging and stress in your face quickly and effectively, and has been one of the most frequently requested cosmetic treatments for the last decade.

San Francisco cosmetic surgeon Kenneth Bermudez, M.D. will discuss the procedure with you in detail during your initial BOTOX® Cosmetic consultation at our facility.

To learn more about treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic, or to schedule an appointment for BOTOX® injections, contact our Bay Area cosmetic surgery office today.

For years, when it came to paralyzing wrinkles, BOTOX® Cosmetic was the only treatment available. Now you have another option to fight facial lines and wrinkles: Dysport®. Originally used outside of the United States to treat neurological disorders, Dysport® has been approved by the U.S. F.D.A. (Food and Drug Administration) to treat wrinkles.

Dysport® and its results are so similar to BOTOX® Cosmetic that it has been referred to as the injectable treatment’s twin or first cousin.

Although BOTOX® Cosmetic shows results within days, some studies indicate that Dysport® may visibly reduce wrinkles in as little as 24 hours. Also, Initial studies seem to indicate that the results from Dysport® injections may last longer than BOTOX® results. While BOTOX® Cosmetic results may last up to six months, early indicators suggest that Dysport® results may last as long as a year.

Also, over time, some patients develop antibodies to BOTOX® Cosmetic, making the injections less effective. To help you combat this, you can switch to Dysport® to see the results you used to see with BOTOX® Cosmetic.

Cost is another factor in the growing popularity of Dysport®. The new facial rejuvenation injectable costs about one third of the price of BOTOX® injections. However, it is not necessarily the money saver some may think. The new treatment tends to be about only one third as potent as BOTOX® Cosmetic, so three times the number of treatments is needed, making the treatment price about the same.

In order to give you more options, Dr. Bermudez offers both Dysport® and BOTOX® Cosmetic at his San Francisco practice. During your initial facial rejuvenation consultation at our facility, Dr. Bermudez will discuss the differences between the two treatments and help you to decide which will be more beneficial for you.

To learn more about Dysport® and BOTOX® Cosmetic, or to schedule your initial consultation, contact our San Francisco cosmetic surgery office today.

Usually when you think about fat and cosmetic surgery, you think about removing fat, not putting it into your body. However, when it comes to fat injections for facial rejuvenation at our San Francisco practice, we do both.

Fat injections are a remarkable way of augmenting the lips and/or filling in facial lines and wrinkles by using a substance from your own body. In the procedure, fat cells are taken from one area of your body and injected into targeted areas on the face. Since the fat is from your own body, there is no possibility of an allergic reaction.

Results are typically long lasting, and repeat injections can help maintain results for as long as you desire. Fat injections are a wonderful alternative to dermal fillers that are animal-protein based, and they provide effective results for patients wishing to add contour to facial features or reduce the signs of aging on facial skin.

To learn more about lip augmentation and other facial rejuvenation treatments with fat injections, contact our skilled San Francisco cosmetic surgeon today.

Wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s feet, and acne scars can all detract from the overall beauty of your face. You can combat these signs of aging with collagen injections.

The collagen treatments available at our San Francisco practice can help treat the effects of aging on facial skin and other minor facial imperfections. Collagen is also useful for lip augmentation to provide new contours to the lips, which can give the face an entirely new aesthetic.

The most common type of collagen used in this treatment is bovine, which requires an allergy test before treatment. However, there are human-based collagen treatments available that provide a minimized risk of an allergic reaction.

During the procedure, which is performed in much the same way as a BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® treatments, collagen is injected in targeted areas of the face. Collagen treatments typically take about 30 to 60 minutes, with full results apparent within two days after the injections.

The results of collagen treatments can last from six weeks to six months depending on the type of collagen being used. Although collagen injections do not provide permanent results, you can maintain the effect with follow-up treatments. Collagen injections can help you achieve fairly quick facial rejuvenation or aesthetic improvement without invasive surgery. Recovery time is negligible, and there is little pain associated with the procedure.

Please contact our cosmetic surgery office to schedule a collagen consultation with our qualified San Francisco physician.

Restylane® injections are another option at our San Francisco office if you are seeking facial rejuvenation without invasive procedures.

Restylane®, made of a substance that occurs naturally in the human body, reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines in a variety of facial areas, including the cheeks, forehead, chin, and around the mouth. This dermal filler can also be used to add volume to the lips, plumping them up for a more sensual, youthful aesthetic.

Similar to other injectable facial rejuvenation treatments at our Bay Area cosmetic surgery practice, Restylane® treatments typically take about 30 minutes, and there is no extended recovery time, which means you can resume your normal daily routine immediately.

Results of a Restylane® treatment generally last about six months, and, in many cases, may last a year. Follow-up injections can help maintain results. Restylane® can be an effective facial rejuvenation treatment on its own, or it can be used in conjunction with other cosmetic treatments for a more complete cosmetic makeover.

With numerous injectable facial rejuvenation treatments available at our San Francisco cosmetic and reconstructive surgery practice, including BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport™, and fat injections, you can choose the option that best meets your needs. Using his expertise, Dr. Kenneth Bermudez will help you with this decision. Schedule a facial rejuvenation consultation with Dr. Bermudez today.

Are unwanted hair and skin damage taking away from the natural beauty of your skin? Restore your skin to a youthful, smooth, and healthy appearance with laser skin resurfacing and laser hair removal at our San Francisco cosmetic surgery practice. Dr. Kenneth Bermudez provides these technologically advanced, minimally invasive treatments to address a number of skin conditions and rejuvenate and revitalize your skin.

• Laser Skin Resurfacing
• Laser Hair Removal
• Recovery after Laser Treatments

If your skin is marred by acne scars, sun damage, spider veins, or other imperfections, but you don’t want to undergo the somewhat invasive procedures of dermabrasion or chemical peels, you now have an alternative skin care treatment option: laser skin resurfacing.

Numerous skin conditions can be reduced, and even eliminated, with laser skin resurfacing, which is offered at our San Francisco practice. And best of all, this laser treatment is virtually painless.

Laser skin resurfacing can smooth your skin and make it appear younger and fresher by addressing various problems, including:

• Wrinkles and fine lines
• Sun damage
• Spots and blotches
• Acne/chicken pox scars
• Spider veins
• Birthmarks
• Uneven skin pigmentation

Dr. Kenneth Bermudez typically begins the laser skin resurfacing procedure with an injection of a local anesthetic in the area targeted for treatment. Then, using a precise, controlled beam of laser light, he vaporizes the damaged or wrinkled skin and tissues instantaneously. The laser beam is so accurate that surrounding tissue is hardly affected.

After the treatment, the smoother skin layers are revealed and growth of new skin cells is stimulated. Depending on the number of areas being treated, laser skin resurfacing can be accomplished in less than 30 minutes at our San Francisco cosmetic and reconstructive surgery office.

Dr. Kenneth Bermudez and his professional team can provide effective relief and comprehensive skin rejuvenation with laser skin resurfacing technology. At your initial consultation, Dr. Bermudez will describe the procedure in detail, including risks and benefits, and determine your candidacy for laser skin resurfacing. Contact our San Francisco cosmetic surgery practice today to schedule an appointment.

Are you tired of shaving or waxing unwanted hair from your body? Are the irritation and pain associated with hair removal becoming too much of a nuisance? Now, you have another option.

State-of-the-art laser hair removal by our San Francisco plastic surgeon can eliminate unwanted hair from virtually any area of your body. Using the latest laser technology, Dr. Kenneth Bermudez can remove hair permanently.

The natural color of your hair and your skin pigmentation are important factors to consider in the laser hair removal procedure. Patients with darker hair and lighter skin are ideal candidates and usually achieve the best results. Also, thicker hair can be eliminated more easily than thinner hair.

Dr. Kenneth Bermudez will begin your laser hair removal procedure by shaving the target area and testing the skin to properly adjust the laser for treatment. Dr. Bermudez will then guide the handheld laser along the area, focusing beams of light on the hair follicles targeted for removal, thereby destroying the roots of each hair. Laser hair removal generally requires several sessions over a period of weeks to achieve optimal results.

Dr. Bermudez will explain all aspects of the laser hair removal procedure at our San Francisco-area practice. During your initial consultation, Dr. Bermudez will discuss all risks, benefits, and any questions you may have about treatment.

Both laser treatments offered at our Bay Area practice have similar healing processes. However, the recovery for each does vary.

You should expect swollen, reddened skin immediately following the procedure. However, this should only last a few days, and any discomfort you feel can be alleviated with topical creams.

Your skin will eventually form a crust, which will gradually fall off within days of the laser skin resurfacing treatment to reveal the healthy layer of skin.

Laser skin resurfacing is a gentle and virtually pain-free cosmetic procedure, and you can typically resume your normal daily routines immediately after treatment.

With laser skin resurfacing, lifelong skin problems can be alleviated and your skin can have a healthy, youthful sheen!

After your laser hair removal treatment, you can expect some redness and swelling that may feel like a mild sunburn, but these side effects should fade within about a day. Ice packs, skin creams, and aloe gels can be used to control any pain or discomfort.

A series of laser hair removal treatments should result in about an 80 to 90 percent reduction in hair growth. Sometimes, an occasional touchup session is necessary to eliminate individual hairs.

Depending on the size of the targeted area and the number of areas being treated, you can typically resume your normal daily routines immediately after the procedure.

Dr. Kenneth Bermudez has successfully performed laser skin resurfacing and laser hair removal for many patients at our San Francisco practice. Find out if you can get the same positive results. Schedule a laser treatment consultation at our Bay Area practice today.

These laser procedures can also provide a more comprehensive makeover when combined with any of the other facial rejuvenation and body contouring treatments offered by Dr. Bermudez, including rhinoplasty, Dysport® injections, breast augmentation, liposuction, or tummy tuck.

Contact our cosmetic surgery office today to schedule an appointment and to learn about your treatment options. We look forward to serving your body rejuvenation needs.

Have you recently looked in the mirror and discovered an older version of yourself looking back at you? Are loose skin, lines, and wrinkles making you appear older than you feel? There is something you can do to make your outer appearance match your inner vitality and beauty.

At his Bay Area practice, San Francisco cosmetic surgeon Kenneth Bermudez, M.D. offers facelift procedures that can give you a natural, more youthful appearance. Dr. Bermudez believes that nothing should look “plastic” after your facial cosmetic surgery. Learn more about how you can get amazing and natural-looking facelift results from our skilled surgeon.

• Facelift Candidates
• Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Procedure
• Recovery after Facelift
• Facelift Risks
• Facelift Benefits

You may wonder if you are a good candidate for a facelift. Perhaps you feel that you are too young or too old, but there are several other factors more important than ages that are used when determining facelift candidacy. You may be a good facelift candidate, if you:

• Are bothered by loose or excess skin on your face and neck
• Still have good skin elasticity
• Have a strong and well-defined underlying facial bone structure
• Are in good overall health
• Have realistic expectations of the results of your procedure

You will be able to better determine if you are a good candidate for a facelift procedure or to find out if another facial rejuvenation treatment would better serve your needs when you meet with Dr. Kenneth Bermudez during your initial consultation at our San Francisco cosmetic and reconstructive surgery practice.

A facelift, medically referred to as rhytidectomy, can take years off of your appearance.

During his years as a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Kenneth Bermudez has performed facelift procedures for satisfied patents from throughout the Bay Area, including San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, San Rafael, Santa Rosa, Napa, Fremont, and Redwood City. He will use that experience to skillfully execute your rhytidectomy procedure.

Dr. Bermudez will begin your facelift procedure by making an incision near the temple that continues to behind the earlobe. He then tightens the muscles underlying the skin, and removes excess fat and skin. When this is complete, Dr. Bermudez stitches the incisions closed, making them as discreet as possible.

The entire rhytidectomy procedure is typically performed while you are under general anesthesia and takes about three to five hours to complete. A facelift can be performed on an outpatient basis.

If you have any questions or concerns about the facelift procedure, please contact our Bay Area medical practice.

You should expect significant bruising and swelling after facelift surgery. However, these will dissipate as your face continues to heal.

During the first few days following the procedure, your face will be bandaged and your head will need to be kept elevated. Any pain and discomfort can be reduced with medication.

Strenuous activities should be avoided for at least two weeks. However, you should be able to return to your normal routines after about 10 days.

Any residual scarring from a facelift is typically hidden by the hair or in the natural creases of the face and ears. The scars generally fade with time.

Any type of surgery involves some risks, and plastic surgery is no exception. Risks associated with facelift surgery include:

• Blood or fluid retention under the skin
• Nerve damage
• Skin discoloration
• Numbness or tingling around the incisions
• Infection (possible risk for most surgical procedures)
• Negative reaction to anesthesia (possible risk for most surgical procedures)

It is important to remember that many of the risks of facelift surgery are minimal and that this particular cosmetic surgery procedure is considered one of the safest. Dr. Kenneth Bermudez will discuss all risks with you at your initial consultation.

Although a facelift can’t stop the aging process, it can improve visible signs of aging and take years off the face, improving your appearance and providing a boost to your self-confidence. Some of the benefits you may enjoy after your facelift include:

• Reduced appearance of jowls, folds, and fat deposits
• Reduced deep creases between the nose and mouth
• Eliminated excess skin and fat
• Smoothed out wrinkles and lines
• Improved facial contours
• A more youthful facial appearance

With state-of-the-art technology and medical advances, facelift procedures have become more and more effective for those wishing to achieve significant facial rejuvenation. Depending on your specific needs, you may benefit from an even greater makeover by combining your facelift procedure a brow lift, eyelid surgery, a neck lift, or some other cosmetic procedure.

Undergoing any type of cosmetic surgery procedure is not something you should do hastily. If you are wondering if a facelift is right for you, schedule a consultation at our San Francisco Bay Area cosmetic surgery office today. Dr. Kenneth Bermudez will discuss the rhytidectomy procedure with you and help you to determine if this is the right procedure for you. Put your face in good hands and let Dr. Bermudez guide you through this entire facial rejuvenation process.

We all get older; it’s a fact of life. But, you can fight the facial lines, wrinkles, and other visible signs of aging through various types of injectable facial rejuvenation treatments.

At the cosmetic and reconstructive surgery practice of Dr. Kenneth Bermudez in San Francisco, BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, and collagen treatments are just a few of the many options you have for effective and beautiful facial rejuvenation. With these injectable treatments and others, such as Restylane® and fat injections, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles can be reduced and areas such as the lips, forehead, and cheeks can be enhanced for a more sensual, contoured aesthetic.

Waking Up Your Drooping Eyelids with Blepharoplasty at Our Bay Area Practice

Are You a Good Eyelid Surgery Candidate?

Understanding the Blepharoplasty Procedure

Upper Eyelid Procedure

Lower Eyelid Procedure

What to Expect after Your Eyelid Surgery

Knowing the Risks of Blepharoplasty

Benefits of Having Eyelid Surgery

Contact Our San Francisco Practice to Learn More about Eyelid Surgery

• BOTOX® Cosmetic
• Dysport®
• Fat Injections
• Collagen
• Restylane®

To help you combat the appearance of frown lines between the eyes, crow’s feet, and other signs of aging on the face, Dr. Bermudez offers BOTOX® Cosmetic, one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the world.

Muscle contracture in certain areas of the face causes lines and wrinkles to form. BOTOX® Cosmetic is a purified protein that temporarily paralyzes these muscles, effectively stopping them from contracting. By paralyzing the muscles, you will reduce the appearance of these lines and wrinkles.

The entire BOTOX® procedure typically only takes about 15 to 30 minutes to complete. After you and Dr. Bermudez decide on which area to target to provide optimal results for your facial rejuvenation, the procedure can be performed in a quick visit (even during your lunch hour).

Treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic can be an excellent alternative for patients who desire facial rejuvenation without undergoing more invasive plastic surgery procedures such as a facelift or brow lift.

One of the chief benefits of BOTOX® Cosmetic is that the results are often noticeable within two to five days of treatment. Results typically last from three to six months, and the injections can be repeated to maintain the effects. Patient satisfaction with the results of BOTOX® injections is very high. BOTOX® Cosmetic can smooth out signs of aging and stress in your face quickly and effectively, and has been one of the most frequently requested cosmetic treatments for the last decade.

San Francisco cosmetic surgeon Kenneth Bermudez, M.D. will discuss the procedure with you in detail during your initial BOTOX® Cosmetic consultation at our facility.

To learn more about treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic, or to schedule an appointment for BOTOX® injections, contact our Bay Area cosmetic surgery office today.

For years, when it came to paralyzing wrinkles, BOTOX® Cosmetic was the only treatment available. Now you have another option to fight facial lines and wrinkles: Dysport®. Originally used outside of the United States to treat neurological disorders, Dysport® has been approved by the U.S. F.D.A. (Food and Drug Administration) to treat wrinkles.

Dysport® and its results are so similar to BOTOX® Cosmetic that it has been referred to as the injectable treatment’s twin or first cousin.

Although BOTOX® Cosmetic shows results within days, some studies indicate that Dysport® may visibly reduce wrinkles in as little as 24 hours. Also, Initial studies seem to indicate that the results from Dysport® injections may last longer than BOTOX® results. While BOTOX® Cosmetic results may last up to six months, early indicators suggest that Dysport® results may last as long as a year.

Also, over time, some patients develop antibodies to BOTOX® Cosmetic, making the injections less effective. To help you combat this, you can switch to Dysport® to see the results you used to see with BOTOX® Cosmetic.

Cost is another factor in the growing popularity of Dysport®. The new facial rejuvenation injectable costs about one third of the price of BOTOX® injections. However, it is not necessarily the money saver some may think. The new treatment tends to be about only one third as potent as BOTOX® Cosmetic, so three times the number of treatments is needed, making the treatment price about the same.

In order to give you more options, Dr. Bermudez offers both Dysport® and BOTOX® Cosmetic at his San Francisco practice. During your initial facial rejuvenation consultation at our facility, Dr. Bermudez will discuss the differences between the two treatments and help you to decide which will be more beneficial for you.

To learn more about Dysport® and BOTOX® Cosmetic, or to schedule your initial consultation, contact our San Francisco cosmetic surgery office today.

Usually when you think about fat and cosmetic surgery, you think about removing fat, not putting it into your body. However, when it comes to fat injections for facial rejuvenation at our San Francisco practice, we do both.

Fat injections are a remarkable way of augmenting the lips and/or filling in facial lines and wrinkles by using a substance from your own body. In the procedure, fat cells are taken from one area of your body and injected into targeted areas on the face. Since the fat is from your own body, there is no possibility of an allergic reaction.

Results are typically long lasting, and repeat injections can help maintain results for as long as you desire. Fat injections are a wonderful alternative to dermal fillers that are animal-protein based, and they provide effective results for patients wishing to add contour to facial features or reduce the signs of aging on facial skin.

To learn more about lip augmentation and other facial rejuvenation treatments with fat injections, contact our skilled San Francisco cosmetic surgeon today.

Wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s feet, and acne scars can all detract from the overall beauty of your face. You can combat these signs of aging with collagen injections.

The collagen treatments available at our San Francisco practice can help treat the effects of aging on facial skin and other minor facial imperfections. Collagen is also useful for lip augmentation to provide new contours to the lips, which can give the face an entirely new aesthetic.

The most common type of collagen used in this treatment is bovine, which requires an allergy test before treatment. However, there are human-based collagen treatments available that provide a minimized risk of an allergic reaction.

During the procedure, which is performed in much the same way as a BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® treatments, collagen is injected in targeted areas of the face. Collagen treatments typically take about 30 to 60 minutes, with full results apparent within two days after the injections.

The results of collagen treatments can last from six weeks to six months depending on the type of collagen being used. Although collagen injections do not provide permanent results, you can maintain the effect with follow-up treatments. Collagen injections can help you achieve fairly quick facial rejuvenation or aesthetic improvement without invasive surgery. Recovery time is negligible, and there is little pain associated with the procedure.

Please contact our cosmetic surgery office to schedule a collagen consultation with our qualified San Francisco physician.

Restylane® injections are another option at our San Francisco office if you are seeking facial rejuvenation without invasive procedures.

Restylane®, made of a substance that occurs naturally in the human body, reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines in a variety of facial areas, including the cheeks, forehead, chin, and around the mouth. This dermal filler can also be used to add volume to the lips, plumping them up for a more sensual, youthful aesthetic.

Similar to other injectable facial rejuvenation treatments at our Bay Area cosmetic surgery practice, Restylane® treatments typically take about 30 minutes, and there is no extended recovery time, which means you can resume your normal daily routine immediately.

Results of a Restylane® treatment generally last about six months, and, in many cases, may last a year. Follow-up injections can help maintain results. Restylane® can be an effective facial rejuvenation treatment on its own, or it can be used in conjunction with other cosmetic treatments for a more complete cosmetic makeover.

With numerous injectable facial rejuvenation treatments available at our San Francisco cosmetic and reconstructive surgery practice, including BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport™, and fat injections, you can choose the option that best meets your needs. Using his expertise, Dr. Kenneth Bermudez will help you with this decision. Schedule a facial rejuvenation consultation with Dr. Bermudez today.

We all get older; it’s a fact of life. But, you can fight the facial lines, wrinkles, and other visible signs of aging through various types of injectable facial rejuvenation treatments.

At the cosmetic and reconstructive surgery practice of Dr. Kenneth Bermudez in San Francisco, BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, and collagen treatments are just a few of the many options you have for effective and beautiful facial rejuvenation. With these injectable treatments and others, such as Restylane® and fat injections, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles can be reduced and areas such as the lips, forehead, and cheeks can be enhanced for a more sensual, contoured aesthetic.

• BOTOX® Cosmetic
• Dysport®
• Fat Injections
• Collagen
• Restylane®

To help you combat the appearance of frown lines between the eyes, crow’s feet, and other signs of aging on the face, Dr. Bermudez offers BOTOX® Cosmetic, one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the world.

Muscle contracture in certain areas of the face causes lines and wrinkles to form. BOTOX® Cosmetic is a purified protein that temporarily paralyzes these muscles, effectively stopping them from contracting. By paralyzing the muscles, you will reduce the appearance of these lines and wrinkles.

The entire BOTOX® procedure typically only takes about 15 to 30 minutes to complete. After you and Dr. Bermudez decide on which area to target to provide optimal results for your facial rejuvenation, the procedure can be performed in a quick visit (even during your lunch hour).

Treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic can be an excellent alternative for patients who desire facial rejuvenation without undergoing more invasive plastic surgery procedures such as a facelift or brow lift.

One of the chief benefits of BOTOX® Cosmetic is that the results are often noticeable within two to five days of treatment. Results typically last from three to six months, and the injections can be repeated to maintain the effects. Patient satisfaction with the results of BOTOX® injections is very high. BOTOX® Cosmetic can smooth out signs of aging and stress in your face quickly and effectively, and has been one of the most frequently requested cosmetic treatments for the last decade.

San Francisco cosmetic surgeon Kenneth Bermudez, M.D. will discuss the procedure with you in detail during your initial BOTOX® Cosmetic consultation at our facility.

To learn more about treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic, or to schedule an appointment for BOTOX® injections, contact our Bay Area cosmetic surgery office today.

For years, when it came to paralyzing wrinkles, BOTOX® Cosmetic was the only treatment available. Now you have another option to fight facial lines and wrinkles: Dysport®. Originally used outside of the United States to treat neurological disorders, Dysport® has been approved by the U.S. F.D.A. (Food and Drug Administration) to treat wrinkles.

Dysport® and its results are so similar to BOTOX® Cosmetic that it has been referred to as the injectable treatment’s twin or first cousin.

Although BOTOX® Cosmetic shows results within days, some studies indicate that Dysport® may visibly reduce wrinkles in as little as 24 hours. Also, Initial studies seem to indicate that the results from Dysport® injections may last longer than BOTOX® results. While BOTOX® Cosmetic results may last up to six months, early indicators suggest that Dysport® results may last as long as a year.

Also, over time, some patients develop antibodies to BOTOX® Cosmetic, making the injections less effective. To help you combat this, you can switch to Dysport® to see the results you used to see with BOTOX® Cosmetic.

Cost is another factor in the growing popularity of Dysport®. The new facial rejuvenation injectable costs about one third of the price of BOTOX® injections. However, it is not necessarily the money saver some may think. The new treatment tends to be about only one third as potent as BOTOX® Cosmetic, so three times the number of treatments is needed, making the treatment price about the same.

In order to give you more options, Dr. Bermudez offers both Dysport® and BOTOX® Cosmetic at his San Francisco practice. During your initial facial rejuvenation consultation at our facility, Dr. Bermudez will discuss the differences between the two treatments and help you to decide which will be more beneficial for you.

To learn more about Dysport® and BOTOX® Cosmetic, or to schedule your initial consultation, contact our San Francisco cosmetic surgery office today.

Usually when you think about fat and cosmetic surgery, you think about removing fat, not putting it into your body. However, when it comes to fat injections for facial rejuvenation at our San Francisco practice, we do both.

Fat injections are a remarkable way of augmenting the lips and/or filling in facial lines and wrinkles by using a substance from your own body. In the procedure, fat cells are taken from one area of your body and injected into targeted areas on the face. Since the fat is from your own body, there is no possibility of an allergic reaction.

Results are typically long lasting, and repeat injections can help maintain results for as long as you desire. Fat injections are a wonderful alternative to dermal fillers that are animal-protein based, and they provide effective results for patients wishing to add contour to facial features or reduce the signs of aging on facial skin.

To learn more about lip augmentation and other facial rejuvenation treatments with fat injections, contact our skilled San Francisco cosmetic surgeon today.

Wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s feet, and acne scars can all detract from the overall beauty of your face. You can combat these signs of aging with collagen injections.

The collagen treatments available at our San Francisco practice can help treat the effects of aging on facial skin and other minor facial imperfections. Collagen is also useful for lip augmentation to provide new contours to the lips, which can give the face an entirely new aesthetic.

The most common type of collagen used in this treatment is bovine, which requires an allergy test before treatment. However, there are human-based collagen treatments available that provide a minimized risk of an allergic reaction.

During the procedure, which is performed in much the same way as a BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® treatments, collagen is injected in targeted areas of the face. Collagen treatments typically take about 30 to 60 minutes, with full results apparent within two days after the injections.

The results of collagen treatments can last from six weeks to six months depending on the type of collagen being used. Although collagen injections do not provide permanent results, you can maintain the effect with follow-up treatments. Collagen injections can help you achieve fairly quick facial rejuvenation or aesthetic improvement without invasive surgery. Recovery time is negligible, and there is little pain associated with the procedure.

Please contact our cosmetic surgery office to schedule a collagen consultation with our qualified San Francisco physician.

Restylane® injections are another option at our San Francisco office if you are seeking facial rejuvenation without invasive procedures.

Restylane®, made of a substance that occurs naturally in the human body, reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines in a variety of facial areas, including the cheeks, forehead, chin, and around the mouth. This dermal filler can also be used to add volume to the lips, plumping them up for a more sensual, youthful aesthetic.

Similar to other injectable facial rejuvenation treatments at our Bay Area cosmetic surgery practice, Restylane® treatments typically take about 30 minutes, and there is no extended recovery time, which means you can resume your normal daily routine immediately.

Results of a Restylane® treatment generally last about six months, and, in many cases, may last a year. Follow-up injections can help maintain results. Restylane® can be an effective facial rejuvenation treatment on its own, or it can be used in conjunction with other cosmetic treatments for a more complete cosmetic makeover.

With numerous injectable facial rejuvenation treatments available at our San Francisco cosmetic and reconstructive surgery practice, including BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport™, and fat injections, you can choose the option that best meets your needs. Using his expertise, Dr. Kenneth Bermudez will help you with this decision. Schedule a facial rejuvenation consultation with Dr. Bermudez today.

When you look in the mirror, are you happy with what you see? Have you spent years wishing your nose was a little smaller or shaped better? You can fix those imperfections with a rhinoplasty procedure (nose reshaping surgery).

Often referred to as a “nose job,” a rhinoplasty procedure can decrease or increase nose size, reduce the bridge or tip of the nose, and even change the shape of the nostrils. Rhinoplasty is a special focus of Dr. Kenneth Bermudez, our San Francisco plastic surgeon, and he has a large number of rhinoplasty patients who have been extremely satisfied with the results of their facial cosmetic surgery procedure.

• Nose Reshaping Candidates
• Rhinoplasty Procedure
• Recovery after Nose Surgery
• Rhinoplasty Risks
• Nose Surgery Benefits

Technically, any healthy adult (16 years or older) can undergo the rhinoplasty procedure; however, Dr. Bermudez may determine that you are not a candidate for nose reshaping surgery if you do not have realistic expectations for the results of the surgery or if you are only considering the procedure because of peer pressure to “get a nose job.” You also need to have a nose that needs to be corrected.

Some issues that nose reshaping surgery can address include:

• Disproportionately large or small nose as compared to other facial features
• Breathing problems caused by irregularities with nasal structure
• Asymmetry caused by broken nose
• Bump on bridge of nose
• Overly wide nose
• Excessively flared or pinched nostrils
• Protruding, drooping, enlarged, or bulbous tip of nose
• Crooked nose

During your initial rhinoplasty consultation with our San Francisco cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Bermudez will discuss what type of results you should expect from your nose reshaping surgery.

When you choose Dr. Kenneth Bermudez for your nose reshaping, or rhinoplasty, procedure, you are choosing a surgeon who has spent years perfecting not only the mechanics of the procedure, but also the artistry of nose reshaping. Dr. Bermudez has performed rhinoplasty procedures for patents from San Francisco, San Jose, Berkeley, Alameda, Santa Rosa, Napa, Oakland, San Rafael, Fremont, Redwood City, and throughout the Bay Area.

During your rhinoplasty procedure, Dr. Bermudez will make incisions either along the outside or inside of the nostrils. These incisions are very discreet and there should be no visible scarring. Then, Dr. Bermudez separates the nasal bone and cartilage, and reshapes them in accordance with the desired outcome. The incisions are then closed and a splint is applied to the area so that the nose will retain its new shape.

Sometimes, pieces of gauze must be packed into the nostrils for a short time in order to keep the septum in place and to control any residual bleeding. Your nose reshaping surgery should take about one to two hours to complete and can be performed on an outpatient basis.

Depending on your needs, you may consider combining your rhinoplasty with the placement or chin implants or cheek implants to balance your facial features or with another facial rejuvenation treatment to improve the overall results.

Following your rhinoplasty procedure, you should expect swelling, bruising, and some bleeding to be present. You will need to keep your head elevated for the first day following the procedure. Pain and discomfort can be managed with medication.

Nasal packing is generally removed after a few days, and the splint and stitches are typically removed one to two weeks after surgery.

You should be able to return to your normal daily routines about a week after your rhinoplasty procedure.

It is important to remember that the desired effects of your rhinoplasty procedure may not be visible for weeks, and the final result can take 6 to 12 months to appear. Dr. Bermudez will explain all the aspects of rhinoplasty and what you can expect during recovery in your initial rhinoplasty consultation at our San Francisco cosmetic and reconstructive surgery practice.

Every surgical procedure carries some level of risk. Although problems with rhinoplasty surgery are rare, they can occur. Risks associated with the nose reshaping procedure include:

• Blood collecting under the skin (hematoma)
• Numbness
• Scarring at the base of the nose
• Bursting of small blood vessels on the skin’s surface
• Permanent nerve damage
• Under- or over-correction, requiring secondary (revision) rhinoplasty
• Adverse reaction to anesthesia (possible risk for most surgical procedures)
• Infection(possible risk for most surgical procedures)
• Excessive bleeding (possible risk for most surgical procedures)

So much more than a quick “nose job,” rhinoplasty at our San Francisco Bay area practice is a plastic surgery procedure that can significantly improve the look of your face to meet your aesthetic goals. Some of the benefits of rhinoplasty include:

• Better balance of facial features
• Correcting damage caused to the nose from an injury
• Restored symmetry
• Decreased or increased nose size
• Easier breathing through the nose
• Deviated septum relief

Rhinoplasty can solve a host of nasal problems, both aesthetic and functional. It is a procedure that has been proven effective and satisfactory many times over, and one that Dr. Kenneth Bermudez has made a special focus at his practice.

See the difference that experience can make by viewing the amazing rhinoplasty results of Dr. Kenneth Bermudez.

To learn more about the nose reshaping techniques used at our Bay Area practice or to schedule a rhinoplasty consultation, contact our San Francisco cosmetic surgeon today.

Our caring and professional staff can also answer your cosmetic surgery questions and provide you information about payment and financing options at our practice. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sometimes no matter how much you exercise or how strict you diet, you are still left with small pockets of fat. These areas of fat may be the last barrier between you and the figure you want. Thanks to liposuction, you can remove this stubborn fat and enjoy a contoured body.

At his San Francisco cosmetic and reconstructive surgery practice, Dr. Kenneth Bermudez offers liposuction options, including state-of-the-art ultrasonic liposuction, to help you and other Bay Area patients eliminate excess fat on virtually any area of the body. Learn how Dr. Bermudez can recontour your body and eliminate stubborn fat deposits with this highly effective cosmetic procedure.

• Are You a Good Liposuction Candidate?
• Problem Areas Liposuction Can Improve
• Review Your Liposuction Options
• Ultrasonic Liposuction (VASER LipoSelection®)
• Traditional Liposuction
• Recovery after Liposuction
• Liposuction Risks
• Liposuction Benefits

You may wonder if liposuction is right for you. Although the best way to know if you are a good candidate for liposuction is to meet with San Jose-area cosmetic surgeon Kenneth Bermudez, M.D. for a consultation, there are some general guidelines to help you determine if this liposuction is a good procedure for you.

You may be an ideal candidate for liposuction is you are:

Relatively physically fit

Less than 25 pounds overweight

Have excess fat in specific body areas.

Liposuction is also very effective when used in combination with abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and other cosmetic procedures to provide optimal body contouring results.

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, pockets of fat in certain areas of the body won’t disappear, even with steady diet and exercise. Liposuction is a proven, effective method for eliminating these fatty deposits and providing a more contoured look to the body. Liposuction addresses various areas of the body including:

• Legs
• Thighs
• Face
• Chin
• Neck
• Abdomen
• Buttocks
• Flanks (love-handles)
• Back

Your health, comfort, and beauty are main concerns for Dr. Kenneth Bermudez. Relying on his extensive experience and exceptional skills in performing a variety of liposuction techniques, Dr. Bermudez has selected the two safest and most effective liposuction methods for his patients: ultrasonic liposuction and traditional liposuction.

In order to provide you with exceptional results, Dr. Bermudez offers ultrasonic liposuction, or VASER LipoSelection®, at his San Francisco Bay Area practice. Ultrasonic liposuction provides you with the same benefits as traditional liposuction and more. The technique utilizes high-pitched sound waves to liquefy fat before it is removed from the target area, allowing Dr. Bermudez to safely remove larger volumes of fat at one time.

During the VASER LipoSelection® procedure, Dr. Bermudez first injects a tumescent fluid composed of saline, epinephrine, and an anesthetic into the treatment area. This solution helps to prevent fluid loss during removal of the fat, as well as make the fat removal easier to accomplish. Then, Dr. Bermudez uses a special generator to create sound waves, which are transmitted to the thin, vacuum tubes (cannulas) used to remove the fat deposits. The ultrasonic waves break down the fat cells and liquefy them, and they are subsequently vacuumed out.

Incisions for ultrasonic liposuction are typically very small and easily hidden. Your entire procedure should take less than two hours to perform while you are under general or local anesthesia.

In some cases, traditional liposuction may be the better-suited body contouring option for you. Traditional liposuction involves the insertion of cannulas, long metal tubes used to suction out fat cells, into small incisions made in the treatment areas. Dr. Bermudez gently moves the cannulas back and forth under the skin and vacuums out fat deposits, eliminating excess fat and recontouring the area.

Like ultrasonic liposuction, traditional liposuction is also a fairly quick outpatient procedure, typically taking less than two hours to complete, depending on the size of the area being treated. Liposuction may be performed using local anesthesia in many circumstances.

Your recovery from a liposuction treatment can take two to six weeks. This is typically the same amount of time is necessary for the full results of your treatment to become apparent, depending on the size of the treated area.

Although a full recovery may take longer, you should generally be able to return to normal daily routines after about a week. There will be some residual swelling and bruising after the procedure, but this should dissipate as the area continues to heal.

Liposuction, performed in combination with a facelift, breast lift, and other cosmetic procedures can be an ideal way of achieving complete cosmetic rejuvenation.

Contact our San Francisco Bay Area cosmetic surgery office to schedule a consultation with our expert surgeon to learn how he can help you attain your aesthetic goals.

As with any surgical procedure, traditional and ultrasonic liposuction procedures are not without a certain degree of risk. Some of the risks of liposuction include:

• Fluid accumulation
• Fat or blood clots which can migrate to the heart or lungs, leading to death
• Skin injury
• Excessive fluid loss
• Asymmetry (uneven contour or shape)
• Friction burns
• Damage to vital organs
• Infection (possible risk for most surgical procedures)
• Adverse reaction to anesthesia(possible risk for most surgical procedures)

Many of the above liposuction risks are extremely unlikely to occur. Dr. Kenneth Bermudez is highly skilled and trained in performing liposuction, and will take every precaution to ensure your safety. To discuss your concerns with the risks associated with liposuction, schedule a consultation with Dr. Bermudez.

Liposuction has helped millions of patients all over the world eliminate stubborn, excess fat, and it can help you. It has been one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for decades and has a stellar track record as an effective treatment. Benefits of liposuction include:

• Fat removal in virtually any body area
• Improved health
• Minimal scarring, which can be easily hidden
• Ability to wear desired clothing

Ultrasonic liposuction provides added benefits with its ability to eliminate large areas of fat at one time, as well as tighten the skin to create a contoured, fit appearance.

If you are interested in the traditional or ultrasonic liposuction procedures offered at our San Francisco Bay Area cosmetic surgery practice, contact Dr. Kenneth Bermudez today. Our skilled plastic surgeon will be happy to discuss your liposuction goals with you, as well as all aspects of the procedure and what course of action will be best to suit your needs.

At the cosmetic and reconstructive surgery practice of Dr. Kenneth Bermudez, we are proud to provide high-quality liposuction procedures and other body contouring treatments to patients from San Jose, Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, San Rafael, Santa Rosa, Napa, Fremont, Redwood City, and throughout the Bay Area.

If you want to have a firm, tight midsection, but sagging skin is getting in your way, you may be an ideal candidate for an abdominoplasty procedure, also known as a tummy tuck, at our San Francisco Bay Area cosmetic and reconstructive surgery practice. Serving patients from San Jose, Oakland, Berkeley, and throughout the Bay Area, Dr. Kenneth Bermudez can eliminate stubborn fat and excess skin in the stomach region and provide patients with a slender, toned abdomen.

• Tummy Tuck Candidates
• Abdominoplasty Procedure
• Recovery after Tummy Tuck
• Abdominoplasty Risks
• Abdominoplasty Benefits

Are exercise and a healthy diet not getting you the tight abdomen that you desire? Your areas of diet-and-exercise-resistant stubborn fat may be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Genetic disposition
• Pregnancy
• Recent weight loss

A tummy tuck, medically referred to as abdominoplasty, is performed not only to remove excess fat and sagging skin from the midsection, but also to tighten the area and pull the remaining skin taut, giving the appearance of a fit and sculpted abdomen.

A tummy tuck is more invasive than liposuction, but it is considered more effective because of its ability to reshape and recontour the midsection.

The best candidates for the procedure are patients who are in relatively good shape but have large fat deposits in the abdominal area.

For more information on candidacy requirements, or to set up a tummy tuck consultation with Dr. Bermudez, contact our Bay Area cosmetic surgery practice today.

The abdominoplasty procedure begins with a carefully made incision from one hip to the other, along the bikini line (the scar from this incision can be easily hidden by clothing or swimwear). After making the incision, reconstructive surgeon Kenneth Bermudez, M.D. creates a skin flap to eliminate excess fat and skin and tighten the abdominal muscles. The incision is then closed.

Your tummy tuck procedure will be performed at an accredited San Francisco hospital using general anesthesia, and typically takes just a few hours to complete. Depending on your specific needs, liposuction may be performed in conjunction with the abdominoplasty procedure to achieve maximum aesthetic results.

You should plan at least one to two weeks of recovery at home after a tummy tuck, although it can take several weeks to feel completely back to normal after the surgery. Some bruising and swelling will accompany the healing process; any residual pain can be alleviated with medication.

Although you should avoid strenuous exercise or strain to the midsection for at least six weeks after your abdominoplasty procedure, our San Francisco Bay Area plastic surgeon will recommend short walks as soon after surgery as possible in order to prevent blood clots.

Scarring from the procedure will be noticeable, although hidden when wearing most clothing. The scars should fade after several months, but they will never disappear completely.

As with all surgical procedures abdominoplasty involve risks. As a qualified and patient-focused plastic surgeon, Dr. Kenneth Bermudez makes your safety his top priority. He is also firmly dedicated to making sure you are fully informed on all aspects of your operation. Risks of tummy tuck include:

• Blood clots
• Asymmetry of scars
• Slow healing
• Adverse reaction to anesthesia (possible risk for most surgical procedures)
• Infection (possible risk for most surgical procedures)

There are a number of ways patients can minimize the potential risks of your abdominoplasty procedure. Our San Francisco Bay Area plastic surgeon will discuss risks and possible complications of the procedure at your initial tummy tuck consultation.

Abdominoplasty is a proven, effective cosmetic surgery procedure, and our patients have achieved highly satisfactory results. Some of the benefits of a tummy tuck that you will enjoy include:

• Flatter, firmer abdomen
• Decreased waistline
• Reduced appearance of stretch marks
• Tighter abdominal muscles
• Increased self-confidence

A tummy tuck procedure can often be performed in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures such as breast reduction, breast augmentation, or an arm lift to provide a more complete cosmetic rejuvenation.

Highly trained and skilled in abdominoplasty procedures, Dr. Kenneth Bermudez welcomes you and any patient who is looking to finally eliminate excess fat in the midsection and achieve a tight and toned-looking stomach. Contact our cosmetic surgery practice, serving San Jose and the entire San Francisco Bay Area, to schedule an appointment with of Kenneth Bermudez, M.D.

Our high-trained staff will be happy to schedule a consultation, provide you information about financing your cosmetic surgery procedure, or answer any of your plastic surgery questions. We look forward to meeting with you and serving your body contouring needs.

If you have lost weight or have recently been pregnant, you may have excess flaps of skin that prevent you from having a toned or sculpted body. A lower body lift, or belt lipectomy, performed at our San Francisco cosmetic and reconstructive surgery office serving San Jose and the entire Bay Area, can eliminate excess skin and fat from the lower part of your body.

With this state-of-the-art belt lipectomy procedure and other body contouring treatments, Dr. Kenneth Bermudez can remove loose, fatty skin that has been unresponsive to diet and exercise, thus recontouring the entire midsection and outer thighs.

• Candidates for Body Contouring Surgery
• Belt Lipectomy Procedure
• Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
• Thigh Lift
• Body Lift Recovery
• Body Contouring Surgery Risks
• Body Contouring Surgery Benefits

A lower body lift, medically referred to as a belt lipectomy, is designed to help men and women who are in relatively good shape but can’t eliminate flabby skin in the lower half of the body no matter how hard they try. The surgery addresses fat deposits and excess skin in areas such as the:

• Midsection
• Lower abdomen
• Flanks (love handles)
• Buttocks
• Outer thighs

A lower body lift is often particularly beneficial to women whose abdominal muscles and skin have been stretched by multiple pregnancies, as well as patients who have lost a great deal of weight. If you are in relatively good shape, but have excess skin and fat in your midsection, you may be a good candidate for a lower body lift.

The belt lipectomy procedure begins with an incision made around the belt line of the waist. The incision continues across the lower abdomen, and down the inner thighs. After making the incisions, Dr. Kenneth Bermudez removes excess fat and skin, tightens the remaining skin in these areas, and closes the incisions.

A lower body lift is performed at a certified Bay Area hospital while you are under general anesthesia. Since this is a more invasive procedure than procedures such as abdominoplasty or liposuction, you should expect to stay in the hospital at least overnight.

Not all saggy skin is found along the midsection. If you are like many people, you will notice sagging flaps of skin on your arms. For many women, this loose skin is a product of aging and losing muscle definition in your arms. However, this excess loose skin may be a result of weight loss. Some people refer to this area of skin as “bat wings” since it seems to hang between the arm and the torso as a wing would. Regardless of what you call this skin or how you acquired it, you most likely want to tighten the skin so you can have toned arms.

An arm lift is an ideal procedure for patients with sagging skin under the arms due to weight loss or the natural effects of aging. An arm lift, which is medically called brachioplasty, is performed to reduce excess fat on the arms and tighten the skin for a more contoured appearance.

To perform brachioplasty, Dr. Kenneth Bermudez makes an incision from the armpit to the elbow and removes the fat. Then he sculpts the area to create a more youthful aesthetic.

The scar from the arm lift incision is very discreet, and Dr. Bermudez will work to make it as light as possible.

To learn more about the arm lift procedure or if you are a good candidate, contact our San Francisco Bay Area practice to schedule a brachioplasty consultation.

Although a lower body lift addresses loose skin on the thighs, in some cases, you may be more concerned with the appearance of your thigh area or you may not have the same problem with your midsection. In these cases, you may benefit more from a thigh lift than an entire belt lipectomy.

Similar to an arm lift, a thigh lift addresses loose skin around the thighs and hips that is often caused by significant weight loss and/or aging.

Dr. Kenneth Bermudez performs the procedure by making small incisions in the area of the thighs and removing excess fat and tissue. He then contours the thighs to create a more toned and tight appearance.

If you are looking to eliminate flabby, sagging skin on the thighs, a thigh lift is an excellent plastic surgery option.

Before you undergo a belt lipectomy, a thigh lift, or an arm lift, you should be aware that these body contouring surgeries will produce visible and permanent scars around the lower abdomen, flanks, back, and/or arms. However, Dr. Kenneth Bermudez will work to make the scars as light as possible.

Abdominal swelling and some discomfort can be expected within the first few days after lower body lift surgery. Any residual pain can be alleviated with medication.

Although it varies by patient and procedure performed, you can usually resume normal daily routines after two to four weeks of rest and healing.

Although thousands of lower body lifts are successfully performed every year, there is always some degree of risk in any plastic surgery procedure. Some of the risks of body contouring procedures include:

• Asymmetry of scars (which can be corrected with revision surgery)
• Numbness of the abdominal skin lasting for several months
• Blood clots
• Fluid collection beneath the skin
• Adverse reaction to anesthesia (possible risk for most surgical procedures)
• Excessive bleeding(possible risk for most surgical procedures)
• Infection (possible risk for most surgical procedures)

Dr. Kenneth Bermudez will go over the risks of the procedure in detail during your initial consultation. By following the pre-operative instructions closely, you can reduce the potential for complications.

A lower body lift performed by our San Francisco plastic surgeon is a comprehensive body contouring procedure that can do wonders for creating a tight, fit-looking midsection. Particularly beneficial to patients who have recently lost a significant amount of weight and to patients who have had their abdominal skin stretched by multiple pregnancies, a lower body lift tightens the skin and eliminates excess fat in the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and flanks. This procedure contours and sculpts the lower half of the body, eliminating excess skin folds and fatty areas that have been resistant to diet and exercise.

After any of the body contouring procedures we offer at out San Francisco Bay Area practice, including a lower body lift, you will enjoy a toned, more sculpted body and the newfound confidence that accompanies it.

If you want to eliminate stubborn fat deposits in specific areas of your body, an arm lift, thigh lift, or lower body lift performed by our San Francisco cosmetic surgeon can provide you with exceptional results. Serving San Jose and the entire San Francisco Bay Area, our and state-of-the-art facility and highly-trained staff can offer a safe and comfortable experience.

Please contact Kenneth Bermudez, M.D. to schedule an appointment and learn about the surgical options available to you.

You may be unhappy with the size of your breasts, but you don’t want to look like someone who obviously got breast implants. Some women that you see on television, in magazines, and even just walking down the street have unnatural looking breasts and the first thing that pops into your head when you see them is “boob job.” However, breast augmentation does not have to result in a “fake” look.

In fact, Bay Area plastic surgeon Kenneth Bermudez, M.D. has spent years perfecting his breast augmentation procedures to give you and patients from San Francisco, San Jose, and throughout the area beautiful, natural-looking breasts. Learn more about the breast enlargement treatments he offers:

• Breast Augmentation Candidates
• Reasons for Breast Implants
• Breast Implant Types
• Saline Implants
• Silicone Implants
• Augmentation Mammoplasty Procedure
• Combining with Breast Lift or Reconstruction
• Breast Surgery Recovery
• Breast Augmentation Risks
• Breast Enlargement Benefits

Not everyone who seeks breast augmentation at our San Francisco cosmetic surgery practice is a good candidate for the procedure, so how can you determine if this surgery is right for you? Typically, you are a good candidate for breast implant surgery if you:

• Have realistic expectations of the results of the surgery
• Hope to improve, not necessarily perfect, your overall appearance
• Are in good health (including eating a healthy diet and history of physical activity)
• Are emotionally and mentally healthy
• Have seriously and thoroughly considered the results of breast implant surgery

If you are generally dissatisfied with your body, if you have unrealistic expectations for results, or if you feel pressured into surgery by others, you may not be a good candidate for a breast augmentation procedure. Be sure to honestly discuss what you hope to achieve with this surgery with Dr. Bermudez in order to determine if breast enlargement is the best cosmetic surgery treatment for you.

Your reasons for getting breast implants are related to your own personal thoughts and desires. However, it is important that you are aware of your reasons, so you and Dr. Bermudez can be sure that breast augmentation is the right procedure for you.

Some common reasons women decide to undergo breast augmentation include:

• Addressing an unhappiness with current breast size
• Correcting a reduction in breast volume following pregnancy or weight loss
• Balancing or bringing symmetry to uneven breasts
• Rebuilding one or both breasts following a mastectomy

By openly discussing your reasons for seeking breast augmentation with Dr. Bermudez, you will allow him to better help you meet your goals and amazing results from breast enhancement treatments.

You may have heard about the banning of certain types of implants used during breast augmentation procedures. For a while, the only type of breast implant approved for use in the United States was one filled with saline. However, after an over ten year ban of silicone-filled breast implants during which time numerous investigations were performed, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A.) lifted the ban on silicone implants.

So, which type of implant is right for you? You will need to choose not only between silicone and saline breast implants, but also you need to decide which size and shape of implant is best for you. To better understand your options, you will meet with Dr. Bermudez and he will discuss all aspects of the implants and the surgery, and he will advise you on the best options for your particular needs and goals.

Some of the most commonly used breast implants, saline implants are composed of a silicone shell filled with a saltwater, or saline, solution. The safety and effectiveness of saline implants allowed women to continue to undergo breast augmentation procedures, even after the F.D.A. temporarily banned the use of silicone implants.

However, saline implants are not perfect and you should understand some of the issues associated with saline breast implants, including:

• Some saline implants may cause a rippling appearance under the breast
• There is a chance these implants can rupture and leak
• Saline breast implants can also cause capsular contracture, a condition in which scar tissue forms around the implant that makes the area feel hardened

To learn more about the benefits and risks of saline breast implants, schedule a breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Kenneth Bermudez today.

Cohesive gel-filled breast implants have been gaining popularity since the F.D.A. removed the ban on the use of silicone implants in the United States.

Composed of a strong silicone shell with several layers to prevent leaks, gel-filled breast implants tend to feel more like actual breast tissue than saline implants and are designed to remain stable if the implant ruptures. Because the silicone gel inside the implants is thick and cohesive, similar to the consistency of a gummy bear, these breast implants have earned the nickname of “gummy bear implants.”

Just like saline implants, silicone breast implants are not perfect. Gel implants require a larger incision for insertion and are typically more expensive than saline implants.

During your initial breast augmentation consultation at our San Francisco plastic surgery practice, Dr. Bermudez can provide you with more information on cohesive gel implants.

With years of performing and perfecting his breast enlargement, or augmentation mammoplasty, techniques, Dr. Kenneth Bermudez has the expertise to help create the breast you want.

Typically, the breast augmentation procedure performed by our skilled Bay Area surgeon takes between one to two hours to complete. It can be performed while you are under general anesthesia, or local anesthesia combined with a sedative.

The augmentation mammoplasty will begin with Dr. Bermudez making an incision either in the underside of the breast, around the areola (the dark-pigmented area around the nipple), or in the armpit. He will then place the implant either directly behind the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle.

Incision locations and exact placement of the implants will be decided in discussions between you and Dr. Bermudez before the breast augmentation procedure. Using skills he has honed over the years Dr. Bermudez will make every effort to make any residual scarring as discreet as possible.

Depending on your specific needs and desires, Dr. Bermudez may suggest combining augmentation mammoplasty with another breast procedure. If you are plagued by reduced breast volume due to pregnancy or weight loss, Dr. Bermudez may recommend this procedure in conjunction with breast lift surgery. If you need to undergo a mastectomy, Dr. Bermudez may be able to place a breast implant during the procedure. This will save you from having to undergo a second breast reconstruction surgery at a later time.

In addition to combining breast procedures, some of Dr. Bermudez Bay Area patients combine breast augmentation with other body contouring procedures. During your initial consultation, you and Dr. Bermudez can determine if you would benefit from combining an augmentation mammoplasty procedure with another cosmetic or reconstructive treatment.

You will most likely feel some pain and discomfort for several days after a breast augmentation procedure, but these can be alleviated with medication. Also, any bruising, swelling, or burning sensations or numbness in the nipples should subside within the first few weeks of recovery.

You should be able to resume normal daily activities within five to seven days. However, strenuous exercise and direct stimulation to the breasts should be avoided for three to four weeks after surgery. Although scars from the procedure will never disappear completely, they will begin to fade with time.

There are risks involved in any surgical procedure, and breast augmentation is no exception. Dr. Kenneth Bermudez will work to make any associated risks as minimal as possible; however, you should understand the possible risks associated with this surgery.

Possible complications that may arise from breast augmentation include:

• Capsular contracture (formation of scar tissue around the implant)
• Oversensitivity or under-sensitivity of the nipples
• Permanent nipple numbness
• Implant rupture
• Implant rippling
• Excessive bleeding following the operation (possible risk for most surgical procedures)
• Infection (possible risk for most surgical procedures)
• Reactions to anesthesia (possible risk for most surgical procedures)

You should also be aware that if you undergo a breast augmentation procedure, you will need special mammograms to properly screen for breast cancer. Dr. Bermudez will discuss all risks of breast enlargement surgery with you at your initial consultation.

Breast enlargement can improve your entire body by augmenting your bustline and giving you a more shapely body contour. Breast augmentation can also:

• Add volume and curves
• Bring the breasts into balance
• Restore lift after sagging due to pregnancy or aging
• Rebuild the breasts after mastectomy
• Increase self-confidence
• Provide more clothing options

Breast augmentation has provided satisfying, even exhilarating, results to many women all over the world, and it can give you the “perky” bustline of your dreams.

If you are seeking more information on breast enlargement with implants or if you want to schedule a breast augmentation consultation, contact our Bay Area plastic surgery practice. We proudly serve the cosmetic and reconstructive surgery needs of patients from San Francisco, San Jose, and throughout the Bay Area.

At Dr. Bermudez’s cosmetic and reconstructive surgery practice, we can also provide you with information on plastic surgery financing and the other numerous treatments we offer, including BOTOX® injections, tummy tuck procedures, nose reshaping surgery, facelifts, and liposuction. Contact our office today – it’s the first step to matching your appearance with your inner beauty.