Aesthetic Surgery
A candidate for aesthetic surgery is an individual who recognizes a specific area in which his or her appearance could be improved and has a strong personal desire to make a change. Whatever your reasons for choosing aesthetic surgery, it is important to have realistic expectations. Improving a feature of your face or body may give you greater self-confidence and add to your sense of well-being, but it is not a guarantee of happiness or better relationships with others. Surgery can enhance your appearance; the rest is up to you.
Fees and Insurance. Fees for aesthetic surgery are paid prior to surgery. Costs vary widely and depend upon the complexity of the operation, where the surgery takes place and which anesthetic is administered. As a rule, aesthetic plastic surgery is considered "elective surgery" and is not covered by most insurance plans.
Risks and complications. Although some of the procedures appear to be relatively simple operations, it is essential for you to understand that aesthetic surgery, like all surgery, has risks. The risks and benefits of each procedure are discussed in detail by Dr. Sasaki and his staff. It is important to remember that aesthetic surgery molds and reshapes living tissue, and the results are not absolutely predictable. Even the best surgeon can not offer risk-free surgery or guarantee a perfect result.
Recovering from surgery. Dr. Sasaki will inform you of any restriction to your normal activities following surgery. It takes time for the visible signs of healing to subside, so plan your social activities to allow sufficient time for recovery. Do not expect to see the final results of your surgery right away.
Discuss your goals, expectations, and concerns. Dr. Sasaki's most important responsibility is to help you achieve good health and satisfaction with your appearance.
Dr. Sasaki and his staff will personalize your care and spend dedicated time to meet your needs.
Dr. Sasaki is always available to answer any questions you may have.
Our aesthetic services are performed both at local area hospitals and in our office. Technically-demanding surgical procedures are scheduled in the safety and convenience of selected hospital outpatient settings under the supervision of board-certified anesthesiologists. Since many of our patients combine a number of aesthetic surgical procedures at one time, a twenty-three hour over-night stay is recommended for your comfort and safety. Examples of hospital-based procedures include endoscopic forehead lift, face and neck lift, laser-assisted blepharoplasty, breast augmentation or reduction procedures, abdominoplasty, and turnescent suction-assisted lipectomy.
The hospitals in which we have privileges are:
Methodist Hospital of Arcadia, California
Huntington Memorial Hospital of Pasadena, California
The Aging Process
Aging affects everyone over time, allowing the forces of gravity to affect body structures. Skin gradually loses its collagen and elasticity; fatty layers are diminished or accumulated in selected locations; muscles weaken and lose their tone, and wrinkles develop. Nowhere does aging leave its imprint more noticeable than on the face. Sun exposure, skin color, heredity, and your lifestyle, such as smoking and diet, directly influence the degree and rate of facial aging.
Facial rejuvenation involves first an effective skin care program to cleanse, stimulate, and restore the collagen and elastic content of damaged skin. Facial surgeries may involve procedures of the scalp, forehead and brow areas, eyelids, face and neck, and nose. Chemical, and laser resurfacing offer other methods to reduce fine skin wrinkles and to refine the skin itself.
These procedures can often be done at the same time or can be carried out in separate sessions. The procedures that may be recommended for you depend on your personal objectives and the advice of Dr. Sasaki. His staff will be attentive to your needs in the pre-and post-operative period.