At his Kinston, NC plastic surgery practice, Dr. Richard Cummings is announcing an extension to a special for patients considering an upgrade from saline breast implants to MENTOR

Marina Plastic Surgery Associates (http://marinaplasticsurgery.com/) now offers VECTRA 3-D imaging in Los Angeles so plastic surgery patients can have a better idea of what their results will look like.

More than 3 million Americans undergo some type of cosmetic surgery each year to change the way they look. From nose reshaping to liposuction, breast reductions and breast enlargements, plastic surgery has become the surgical procedure of the people. Plastic surgeons have become America?s confidants, and in many cases the Internet has become the patient?s first source for information as well as reassurance.

“One giant leap of technology that?s stepping in to help is VECTRA 3-D imaging, which allows patients to see a predicted image of their results before a treatment,” says Dr. Grant Stevens of Marina Plastic Surgery Associates.

The compact and portable table-top design offers an elegant 3-D image for popular procedures in Los Angeles like breast augmentation and facial surgery, as well as non-surgical treatments such as injectables, laser treatments, resurfacing and facial contouring.

Powerful visualization and simulation tools add a new dimension to aesthetic consultations, allowing practitioners to clearly communicate the patient?s treatment options.

“Clients can now put to rest their fears of not communicating effectively or eloquently, as this revolutionary system allows the medical professionals to do a virtual procedure showing results,” says Los Angeles plastic surgeon Dr. Michelle Spring. “Now you can see the before-and-after in seconds to communicate your ideal desires.”

Typically, before-and-after photos are key reasons why patients go from thinking about cosmetic surgery to doing it. Historically, the biggest obstacle for cosmetic surgery patients was the inability to visualize their results. Now, with the help of VECTRA 3D imaging, patients go into surgery with realistic expectations and come out more satisfied.

Mary, a 38-year-old mother of two, echoed that sentiment and said before-and-after photos had the greatest effect on her decision to go through with Mommy Makeover surgery.

“I knew what I wanted but couldn?t really visualize how I?d like to look,” she said. “It was reassuring to see instant photos of me illustrating my desired outcome. Plus, not all surgeons are alike, so it was good to see their results and be able to choose the one I felt would give me the results I wanted.”

The VECTRA technology grew out of surgeons? need to better educate cosmetic surgery patients about procedures and prepare them for the change following surgery.

?These images allow the consumer to visualize how they might look following an elective procedure,? says Dr. Stevens. ?This is a perfect fit for today?s aesthetic practice, as VECTRA delivers extraordinary performance in an advanced 3-D imaging solution.”

Dr. Grant Stevens is medical director of Marina Plastic Surgery Associates (http://www.marinaplasticsurgery.com) in Marina Del Rey, CA. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a fellow of The American College of Surgeons and The International College of Surgeons. Dr. Stevens is the director of the USC Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship and Aesthetic Surgery Division, on the editorial board of The Aesthetic Surgery Journal and on the board of directors of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. An international traveling professor, Dr. Stevens was recognized by his peers as one of America’s Best Physicians in The Guide to Top Doctors. A former fellow of Dr. Stevens, Dr. Michelle Spring offers a unique set of skills and experiences as a female board-certified plastic surgeon at Marina Plastic Surgery Associates. Having traveled around the world through volunteer organizations, Dr. Spring is committed to developing a personal connection with each patient to achieve beautiful and natural looking results.

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Dr. Christopher Chung, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Riverside, CA, recently released a new website for his practice to provide in-depth patient education and an interactive communication hub. Focusing on a wide range of procedures from breast augmentation to liposuction in Riverside, Dr. Chung says he is excited about the new website and the opportunity to reach more patients and continue his pursuit of the highest quality patient care in the online medium. He also says the new website will provide patients with an extensive database of information on aesthetic treatments and procedures.

Featuring drop-down tabs that link to thorough procedure information as well as an expansive layout, Dr. Chung?s website offers patients the chance to educate themselves about plastic surgery and cosmetic enhancements before an initial consultation. Dr. Chung says he hopes the site will give patients preliminary information so they can make responsible, educated decisions regarding their aesthetic needs. With the addition of a blog and contact form, he also says patients will have the opportunity to communicate directly with his practice through a facilitated and modern channel, enhancing the level of patient care available.

Through collaboration with Rosemont Media, a San Diego-based medical website design firm, Dr. Chung says he custom-created his site as a way to reiterate his commitment to his patients? comfort and satisfaction. He says he is excited to enhance doctor-patient interaction and give people a more integrated role in the plastic surgery process.

About Christopher Chung, MD

Dr. Christopher Chung graduated from the University of California, San Francisco Medical School. He completed a General Surgery with Fellowship Training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of California, San Diego Medical Center. Dr. Chung has been the recipient of the United States Special Congressional Recognition, the California Legislature Assembly Certificate of Recognition, the State of California Certificate of Recognition, The Character and Ethics Project award, as well as several other distinctions for his community service, character, and ethics. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Located at 2815 S. Main Street Suite #110 in Corona, CA, Dr. Chung?s practice, Renaissance Aesthetic Surgery, can be reached at (951) 278-8385. It can also be contacted online via the website drchungplasticsurgery.com.

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Dr. Gustavo Galante, who specializes in a variety of facial rejuvenation and plastic surgery procedures such as breast augmentation at his Indiana practice, is making time to help the community this holiday season. To give back to those less fortunate, Dr. Galante and his staff are collecting items to be donated to the St. Jude House in Crown Point, Indiana.

“I enjoy such gratification when I help patients to feel better about themselves through cosmetic procedures such as facelift or Iiposuction in Indiana,” says Dr. Galante, “but I still feel the need to give back to those less fortunate. This is just one way that we can support those in need in our community.”

As a tangible expression of his mission to help those less fortunate, Dr. Galante and the staff at his Indiana plastic surgery practice are collecting items to be donated to the St. Jude House in Crown Point. A shelter that houses battered women and their dependent children, St. Jude’s provides all services free of charge.

“To help us in our effort to assist those in need, we have copies of the St. Jude’s Wish List available,” says Dr. Galante. “We appreciate all donations for this cause. I’m hoping that my staff and I, our patients and the community together can make a difference for these women and their children this holiday season.”

“I look forward to working with my staff in the upcoming months to make our St. Jude’s volunteer effort a success,” adds Dr. Galante. “For more information, please visit the St. Jude House website.”

Dr. Gus Galante (http://www.galantemd.com) is a board-certified Indiana plastic surgeon providing a full spectrum of cosmetic enhancement procedures ranging from non-surgical “injectable face lifts” to breast enhancements and complex combination plastic surgery procedures. After receiving his medical doctorate from Indiana University, Dr. Galante trained through general and plastic surgery residencies at the Loyola University Medical Center and completed an additional fellowship in aesthetic surgery and reconstructive breast surgery. Dr. Galante’s offices are located in Schererville and Valparaiso, Indiana, and he serves patients from all over Northwest Indiana.

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Scheduling your initial consultation with a breast augmentation plastic surgeon may very well lead to:
The enhancement of your self-image;
A significant boost in your levels of self-confidence;
And overall improvement in the level of your physical attractiveness;
A more balanced, symmetrical figure;
Greater fullness and prominent projection of your breasts;

Breast augmentation involves the use of silicone gel or salt water breast implants to increase the volume of your breasts.  However, breast augmentation surgeries are quite different in nature than breast lifts (mastopexy surgeries).  If you have sagging, drooping breast (ptosis) then you may wish to have a breast lift performed in conjunction with your augmentation mammaplasty.

It is augmentation mammaplasty right for me?

The important thing to remember about augmentation surgeries for breast enhancement is that you should be doing it only for yourself – not because you think that you will be fulfilling somebody else’s desires.  You also should not elect to undergo and augmentation mammaplasty operation because you wish to imitate the image of another.

Before you even consider consulting with a breast augmentation plastic surgeon, you should:
Ensure that you are physically healthy and able to undergo a serious surgery;
Educate yourself about the procedure and be sure that you understand what will happen;
Be of the appropriate age level where your breasts have already fully developed;

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Be sure that your expectations concerning augmentation mammaplasty are realistic;

In addition, you may be a good candidate for breast augmentation if you:
Are tired of feeling that your breasts are just too small;
Are not satisfied with the shape and/or volume of your breasts;
Have breasts that have failed to develop in a normal fashion;

So, exactly how can I benefit from the services of a breast augmentation plastic surgeon?

* Figure enhancement:
Increasing your breast size accentuates the contours of your body.  Most women agree that augmentation mammaplasty creates a more balanced look and feel about their bodies.  The profile of your body will take on a more desirable appearance when you increase its definitive curvature through breast enhancement.

* Restoration of breast volume:
Many times after pregnancy, significant weight loss, or even through natural aging processes, the fullness of a woman’s breasts is lessened.  A breast augmentation plastic surgeon is able to restore the natural size, shape and symmetry of your breasts.

* Increased self esteem and confidence:
Most women that undergo augmentation mammaplasty agree that they experience a significant increase in their confidence levels.  When a woman feels that the size of her breasts fail to satisfy personal and societal wishes, many emotions can be stirred.  Breasts that are too small to make a woman feel inadequate and self-conscious.  In most cases, with increased confidence and physical attractiveness, women report a more exciting social life as well as increases and professional opportunities.

* A more exciting wardrobe:
Let’s face it, women love to buy new clothes and feel great about wearing them.  Undergoing an augmentation surgery for breast enhancement opens up a whole new world of fashion possibilities.  A little cleavage can go a long way to make wearing that sexy dress or new swimsuit an entirely more exciting experience!

What about the risks associated with augmentation mammaplasty?

As previously stated, the decision to undergo an operation from a breast augmentation plastic surgeon is one that is very personal and one that should be based solely on your own desires – not those of others.  As with any serious medical procedure, there are risks associated with augmentation surgery.  In most cases, the procedures go in a problem-free manner.  However, about 5% of women experience one or more of the following complications:
Unanticipated amounts of scar tissue;
Hematoma (bleeding under the skin);
Slow or poor healing;
The onset of infection;
Either temporary or permanent differences in the sensation levels of the breasts and/or nipples;
Scar tissue may form around the implant itself.  This is known as capsular contracture.
The risks that are always associated with anesthesia;
Wrinkled skin over the implant region;
Clotting of the blood;
Accumulated fluids;
Chronic pain;
Thrombosis of the deep veins;
Cardiopulmonary issues;
The need for additional surgeries;

Always make sure to address every relevant issue with your breast augmentation plastic surgeon before making the decision to undergo augmentation mammaplasty.  Breast enhancement through augmentation surgery can be a very uplifting and positive experience for you as it is for most women that undergo it.  Just take your time and be sure that breast augmentation is right for you before committing.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate health care provider.