San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog

Breast implant rupture, whether it’s saline or silicone, is a potential risk following breast augmentation with implants. During your personal consultation with Dr. Mosser before the surgery, it is best to learn everything there is to know about breast implant rupture, particularly when it comes to detecting the early signs. After all, a well-informed decision is one of the key factors in achieving desired outcomes.

When Saline Implants Rupture

Rupture of saline (saltwater) implants are easy to detect because it deflates quickly, resulting to a sudden change in size or shape of the breasts. When this happens, the saline solution is absorbed into the body which is typically harmless unless there is bacteria or fungus that developed within the implant and potentially cause an infection.

When Silicone Implants Rupture

In contrast to the sudden deflation of saline implants, a silicone implant rupture is quite subtle. For this reason, cases of silicone implant rupture go unnoticed during the initial period. In some cases, the rupture is only detected once the silicone implant is removed.

Two things can happen in silicone implant leaks: the silicone will stay within the capsule (intracapsular) or the silicone filling can leak out of the capsule and make their way via the lymphatic network to neighboring organs such as the lungs.

Ways to Find Out Implant Rupture

A saline implant rupture is recognizable for its sudden deflation and a succeeding abrupt change in the size and shape of the breasts.

With silicone implant ruptures, there could be swelling, pain, tenderness, numbness, tingling or a burning sensation. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is considered the most accurate test for detecting rupture in silicone implants.

“Overall, MRI was 94 percent accurate in detecting ruptured implants, compared to 72 percent accuracy for ultrasound. Magnetic resonance imaging also had a lower “false-negative” rate: five percent, compared to nine percent with ultrasound. Thus MRI was less likely to miss a ruptured implant, compared to ultrasound.

However, both tests performed well in correctly indicating when implants weren’t ruptured. The “negative predictive value” was 94 percent with MRI and 85 percent with ultrasound.”

Conclusively, breast implant ruptures are rare. However, being vigilant of the signs of rupture is still important following surgery. For more information on possible risks and complications following breast augmentation, call 415.398.7778 to schedule an appointment today!
The word chemical in chemical peels often leads to assumption that this popular skin care treatment is incredibly harsh on the skin, prompting those who are mildly interested in peels to avoid the treatment altogether. But is it really?

The reality is that chemical peels have been used since the days of Cleopatra!

Now that we’ve cleared the air on whether or not chemical peels are abrasive, below are 4 common skincare issues that can be effectively addressed with chemical peels.

1. Wrinkles and creases

Chemical peels containing phenols penetrate deep into the superficial and middle layers of the skin. When these two layers are effectively treated with peels, the appearance of wrinkles and folds are reduced.

Phenol peels should only be performed by a highly experienced provider such as Dr. Mosser and his highly-skilled staff, and may not be repeated as frequently as more superficial peels.

2. Acne scars

While the acne itself may disappear, acne scars are another story altogether. They’re just simply there, making it way too obvious that your face was once dotted with acne.

The good news is chemical peels such as salicylic acid can lighten acne scars or any lingering skin pigmentation issues caused by acne.

3. Sun damage such as the appearance of sunspots, melasma, freckles, and blotchiness

Superficial peels like glycolic acid are ideal for sun damage issues. These peels can be done as a series of six treatments with minimal downtime.

Individuals with actinic keratoses (the appearance of crusty or scaly lesions from too much sun exposure) also benefit from Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels. This type of peel is best suited for skin issues requiring deeper peel penetration.

4. Rosacea

Beta hydroxy acid (BHA) or salicylic acid peels are ideal for those with extremely sensitive skin. At our practice, we highly recommend BHA peels to clients with mild to moderate cases of rosacea. Often, it’s best to experiment with a product containing salicylic acid first before deciding on a BHA peel if you have rosacea.

Your Trusted Chemical Peel Provider in San Francisco

Although chemical peels are undoubtedly effective, you need to find a chemical peel provider who has your best interest to heart. Look for a team who is genuinely concerned for your safety and would make chemical peel recommendations based on your current skin care issues, skin tone, and skin sensitivity.

Do you suffer from the skin problems we just mentioned? Call (415) 398-7778 to schedule an appointment with us today or get in touch with us over at our Facebook page! We look forward to helping you choose the best chemical peel!
Making the decision to have breast augmentation involves a lot of micro-decisions. You will have to choose which breast implant type suits you well, the type of incision, and implant placement. A subglandular placement is commonly performed at Dr. Mosser’s practice. Read on to learn why!

Reduced Risk of Motion Deformity

Implants placed via the subglandular positioning means that the implant is placed on top of the pectoralis (chest) muscle and behind the breast gland. Many prefer this implant placement because it prevents motion deformity or animation of the implants, a common occurrence where the implants appear too obvious, particularly during arm movements that involve chest muscle contraction.

Easier Detection of Capsular Contracture

Furthermore, subglandular positioning makes capsular contracture easy to detect. Ideally, a breast implant is surrounded by a thin or transparent capsule, allowing the implant to move freely. However, a capsular contracture occurs when the capsule tightens and thickens within the implant resulting to an odd-looking, constricted look.

A Natural Lift

Apart from producing a more natural-looking outcome, placing implants above the pectoralis chest muscle and beneath the breast tissue gives the breast a significant amount of boost. This is ideal for women who have a considerable amount of drooping in their breasts.

Let us help you figure out if a subglandular placement is ideal for your breast enhancement surgery, Call 415.398.7778 to schedule an appointment today!
What Makes Forever Young BBL Different From Other Laser Therapies?

Sure, almost everyone knows that prolonged sun exposure is the root of all skin aging evils — from deep forehead lines to uneven skin tone. Yet, spending more time outdoors is also one of the genuinely beautiful ways to relax and regain focus, whether in your career or personal life.

So, how do you maintain that healthy, youthful glow without having to say no to invitations from friends and family to relax the outdoors? Of course, there’s sunscreen. But its protective capabilities are short-lived.

You need something more reliable that will give you stunning results in the long haul! You need to look for treatment that does more than peel the skin’s superficial layers or help the skin generate more collagen.

You need Sciton’s Forever Young BBL!

The Broadband Light Difference

Unlike other laser skin rejuvenation treatments that repairs aging skin, Sciton’s Forever Young BBL halts and prevents further skin aging down to the gene level. Stanford University researchers found out something remarkable in their study of Broadband Light treatments and its effects on skin aging.

Here’s an excerpt of the press release:

The study supports the hypothesis that regulators of aging can be altered in human skin using BBL technology to provide a functional change, rather than just a cosmetic mimic of youthful appearance. BBL treatments promote the appearance of youthful skin. This study reveals that the appearance of younger skin may be due to the differences observed in gene expression patterns of aged skin becoming more like young skin. Treatments from the study were performed on the FDA-cleared Sciton Joule using the BBL module.

The takeaway from the abovementioned research is Sciton’s BBL unique way retaining your skin’s youthfulness. Interestingly, it triggers a series of events that help change gene expression.

In a nutshell, it’s not just your skin’s structure that gets a makeover but there is also a significant functional change in how your genes that regulate skin aging express themselves.

Which skin care problems respond extremely well to Broadband Light treatments?

The BBL treatment is your best light-based skin rejuvenation option if you’ve tried every possible remedies out there but still not getting the results you want with the following skin concerns and woes:
- Texture problems: fine lines, deep lines, wrinkles, large pores
- Uneven skin tone
- Sun-damaged skin (freckles may be sexy but brown and red spots aren’t!)
- Vascular lesions: facial veins, rosacea, hemangiomas, angiomas
- Acne, rosacea
- Unwanted hair loss
Other Extraordinary Benefits of BBL Treatment
- You can resume your normal activities immediately post-treatment.
- You get long-lasting results.
- It’s an ultra-fast treatment: Average treatment time of 12-15 minutes for a full face.
- It’s effective on all body areas: Face, neck, chest, arms, and hands.
- A safe and effective non-medication treatment for active acne in skin of all ages.
- Predictable outcomes due to advanced, more controlled precision.
- Safer due to controlled precision. Each skin condition has its own corresponding wavelength.
Curious if BBL is the right treatment for your skin aging problems?

We’d be delighted to help you discover and weigh in if BBL works well for you. Call us at (415) 398-7778 and look for Anna and Joie, our two exceptionally helpful nurses who knows the ins and outs of BBL!
Silicone implants have been employed for a while now in plastic surgery such as breast augmentation and buttock enhancement. Currently, fat grafting in lieu of implants is slowly taking the center stage. Fat transfer is nothing new in cosmetic surgery though. It has long been used in filling in hollowed cheeks and pitted scars. At our practice, fat grafting is now in demand for breast augmentation and buttock enhancement too.

What is fat grafting?

In a nutshell, fat grafting refers to using your own fat in one part of the body to augment or improve the appearance of other areas in the body. The harvested fat is consequently spun, filtered and purified through a centrifuge.

Who is the ideal candidate of fat grafting?

Like all types of surgery, anyone considering fat grafting should be physically healthy and free from health issues that could possibly hinder healing or increase the patient’s risk for post-surgical complications such as pneumonia and infection. In addition, there should be sufficient amounts of fat to successfully augment a body part.

Quitting smoking weeks prior to surgery is also advised because cigarette smoke can significantly slow down healing. Lastly, having realistic expectations of the procedure is a must.

Which cosmetic procedures employ fat grafting?

Fat injections may be used in the following cosmetic procedures/ treatments:
- Facial fat transfer – Fat fillers can fill in laugh lines and hollowed tear troughs. Acne scars can benefit from fat transfer too.
- Breast enhancement – Women can choose to improve the size and shape of their breasts via fat injections alone or decide to combine fat transfer with breast implants. In some cases, fat is also used in breast reconstruction after lumpectomy (removal of a portion of the breast) or mastectomy (removal of the entire breast).
- Buttock augmentation – This procedure is also known as the Brazilian butt lift and has soared in popularity for the past year or so among women who desire bigger, fuller, and firmer buttocks.
- Hand rejuvenation – Hands with prominent tendons and veins due to advancing age can also benefit from fat transfer.
For more information on the aforementioned fat grafting procedures, call 415.398.7778 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mosser today!
After making the decision to have breast augmentation, you also need to make micro-decisions specific to the procedure. Choosing which breast implant type, size, and shape is one of these micro-decisions. An overview of the different implant choices below can help you figure out which ones will suit your aesthetic goals and preferences.

Saline Implants

These implants are made of saline with an outer silicone shell and are approved by the FDA for women who are over 18 years of age. They only require tiny incisions (which is actually an advantage due to less likelihood of obvious scarring) as the saline is only injected once the implant is put into place. An implant rupture from saline implants does not pose any health risk because the sterile saline solution will be naturally absorbed by the body.

Other advantages of saline implants include the following:
- generally expensive than silicone implants
- typically has a firmer feel than their silicon counterparts
- available in various projections to suit different breast shapes
Silicone Implants

Approved by the FDA for women who are 22 years of age, silicone implants are preferred by many because they have a more natural feel and look than their saline counterparts. These implants are pre-filled with silicone gel which requires larger incisions than saline implants.

Silicone implants also have the added benefits:
- breast implant rupture and rippling rarely happen in silicone implants
- silicone implants give the upper breast a more normal sloped appearance which makes it look more natural
- silicone implants typically last longer than saline implants
Gummy Bear Implants

These implants are also known as cohesive gel silicone implants and are approved by the FDA for women who are 22 years old and above. The silicone in these implants have a gummy bear-like consistency and are usually thicker than traditional silicone implants. The firm nature of gummy bear implants can either be perceived as a benefit or a drawback. It becomes a benefit because it provides for a more natural feel while it becomes a drawback because it requires larger incisions to be inserted.

Teardrop vs. Round Implants

Teardrop implants offer the most natural look and feel because they create a sloped appearance similar to that of natural breasts. However, they require the skills of a surgeon who have lots of experience in placing teardrop implants. If the pocket in which the implant is inserted is not correctly done, the implant will most likely flip resulting to a misshapen-looking breast.

On the other hand, round implants are ideal for women who want to have soft, fuller, and well-proportioned breasts which can emphasize cleavage. However, they can look more artificial than teardrop implants.

Talking To Your Breast Augmentation Surgeon

If you live in San Francisco and neighboring areas and would like to learn more about your breast implant options, call us at 415.398.7778 or fill out this contact form today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to your visit!
Here at our practice in San Francisco, we wholly support patients who want to opt for non-surgical treatments for permanent fat reduction. For these patients, we generally recommend CoolSculpting, an FDA-approved procedure which gets rid of unwanted fat safely and effectively.

If you’ve been considering a non-surgical alternative to reduce excess pockets of fat, here’s what you need to know about CoolSculpting.

What is CoolSculpting?

By and large, CoolSculpting utilizes the principle of cryolipolysis in which fat cells are destroyed through controlled cooling techniques. What makes this treatment different from other liposuction techniques is that the surrounding tissues are left undamaged. The target fat cells are naturally eliminated by the body days or weeks following treatment.

Results are permanent and visible differences will be noticeable on the third week following treatment. The most dramatic CoolSculpting outcomes will most likely be visible on the second month post-treatment.

Can I have CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is ideal for individuals who have tried both diet and exercise to get rid of excess pockets of fat and bulges. Plus, one should be within 10 to 15 pounds of their ideal body weight and should be within that weight for the past 6 months. Bodybuilders with muscular physiques may be an exception.

If you still have a significant amount of weight to lose, we recommend that you hold off the procedure until you are within 10 to 15 pounds of your ideal body weight.

Women who are trying to become pregnant, already pregnant, or currently breastfeeding may be advised to put their CooolSculpting plans on hold.

What should I expect during and after the procedure?

During the procedure, target areas will be marked and covered with a gel pad. A hand-held applicator vacuum applicator will be applied to the marked skin and will eventually cool the fat cells. The length of time of the cooling process varies depending on the target area. Discomfort during the procedure is rare. In fact, many of our patients multitask during CoolSculpting — they read a book or even tweet about their experience.

Downtime is minimal to non-existent and temporary side effects may include redness, cramping, bruising, and tingling/numbness in the affected area.

Call us at 415.398.7778 or fill out this contact form today to learn more about CoolSculpting. We look forward to your visit!
Let’s face it, nothing is far more attractive than skin that naturally glows!

However, the chronic war against enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, and age spots make the quest for healthy, radiant skin a struggle for many of our wonderful clients at our San Francisco laser rejuvenation practice.

Often, no matter how much preventive measures you’ve done to keep those imperfections at bay — from getting enough sleep to skin-nourishing diets to seaweed creams, the occasional sign of premature skin aging will almost always resurface.

Good thing there’s Halo Hybrid Fractional Laser for patients looking for optimum results but would love to have least amount of downtime possible!

Optimum Results with the Shortest Downtime Possible

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of Halo’s specifics, let’s take a quick look of what laser facial rejuvenation is like before Halo was introduced in the laser rejuvenation scene.

In a nutshell, laser skin rejuvenation can either be ablative or nonablative.

The ablative type eliminates blemishes by removing your skin’s superficial layers, and triggering collagen (the primary component of supple, youthful skin) production in the process. You can expect a dramatic difference from ablative laser but downtime may be longer due to swelling post-procedure. You may have to skip work for a couple of days to a week to allow your skin to properly heal.

In contrast to its ablative counterparts, the non-ablative laser treatments provide less dramatic outcomes but its downtime is not as long as ablative. There is less redness and swelling involved because it’s relatively less invasive. In hindsight, a boost in collagen production is still in the works but unlike the ablative type, the majority of the upper layers of the skin remains unharmed. The best part though is you don’t have to apply for a quick vacation leave at work.

Between the two, there is no best laser. By and large, it mainly depends on the specific skin issues you’re experiencing.

Ablative lasers work wonderfully for deep wrinkles and acne scarring while non-ablative treatments are the best choice for your pigmentation woes, rosacea, and unwanted spider veins.

Now, imagine reaping the full benefits of ablative laser but with the minimal downtime of non-ablative treatments.

So you think it’s impossible? This is what Halo is all about!

Why Not Have the Best of Both Worlds

What used to be done separately (deciding between ablative or nonablative) is now easily accomplished with Halo’s Hybrid Fractional Laser technology. In an interview with the lovely folks from Examiner, Dr. Mosser succinctly explains the powerful technology behind Halo.

“It sounds simple but it requires a huge amount of advanced technology to get a great result with a minimal recovery. HALO is actually two different lasers that are activated at the exact same moment. One laser creates the changes in the tissue and the other laser actually creates hundreds to thousands of microscopic band-aids out of one’s own skin to make healing much more rapid. Every laser spot from the first laser gets one of these tiny coverings from the second laser,” says Dr. Mosser.

Although downtime can vary from one client to another, depending on the issue being treated and the extent of laser treatment, Halo has the shortest recovery time among laser rejuvenation procedures. By days 3 to 5, your skin will lightly flake, making way for the healthy and even-tones skin underneath.

The 3 S’s of Halo Laser Treatment

To help you figure out if you should opt for Halo, a quick rundown of its benefits through the 3 S’s:
- best for Sun-damaged skin
- significant improvements in acne Scarring and uneven skin tone
- it has the Shortest downtime possible
Your Halo Laser Treatment Consultation

As always, Dr. Mosser is a staunch advocate of making informed decisions before trying out treatments for the first time. We’re thrilled to help you discover and weigh in if Halo is the ultimate treatment of choice to bring out your natural glow!
Deciding on a Brazilian butt lift requires thorough assessment and evaluation both on your end and your surgeon’s. Once you have scheduled the exact date of your operation, taking steps to be physically and emotionally ready for the surgery should be a priority. In plastic surgery, how you prepare for the procedure plays a crucial role in helping you achieve optimum outcomes.

Below is an outline of what it means to be sufficiently prepared for a Brazilian butt lift:

Have a diet revamp.

If you’re eating Chinese takeout almost every night, you might want to rethink your eating habits while you’re preparing for the Brazilian butt lift. By and large, it pays to consume majority of your diet from whole food sources that are nutrient dense rather than go for highly processed foods that consist mostly of empty calories and artificial flavoring. Eating mostly from whole foods will ensure that you are properly nourished while recovering from surgery.

Quit smoking.

There’s more to cigarette smoke than increasing your risk of various types of cancer, cardiovascular issues, and respiratory illnesses. Smoking causes blood vessel constriction which in turn limits the amount of oxygen supply to other tissues in your body. This has a profound effect on the rate at which you heal after surgery. In a nutshell, going cold turkey before your Brazilian butt lift reduces your risk of infection, anesthesia complications, and longer hospital stays during recovery.

Stock up on supplies that you will most likely need during recovery.

Preparing for your surgery also means stocking on things that will help you heal and recover well. It may be best to purchase compression garments, ice packs, and a donut-shaped chair (for you to sit on after surgery) ahead of time. You might also want to have someone stay with you for the first two weeks post-surgery and help you with the household chores such as preparing your meals and assisting you with personal hygiene.

Let us help you plan and prepare for your Brazilian butt lift! Call 415.398.7778 to schedule an appointment with us today!
Patient education is one of Dr. Mosser’s priorities in his San Francisco plastic surgery practice. We have noticed over the years that a well-informed patient is most likely to be satisfied with the outcomes of surgery than those who didn’t take the time to ask questions and carefully evaluate their plastic surgery options.

Like all types of cosmetic surgery, a Brazilian butt lift has its own cluster of risks and possible complications too. Yet with the right combination of surgeon’s skills and the patient’s physical readiness for the procedure, the best Brazilian butt lift results possible can be achieved.

The Pros
Buttock enhancement via fat transfer offers the advantage of natural-looking results in comparison to butt implants. Furthermore, there is no allergic reaction or any form of rejection because fat from your own body will be used. Also, since excess fat is harvested in other parts of the body, there is also the advantage of achieving more than just fuller and firmer buttocks but also a slimmer waistline, flanks or thighs.

The Cons
Sitting or any activity that applies direct pressure on the gluteal region should be avoided for roughly 3 to 4 weeks. If you sit sooner as recommended, there’s a huge chance that the fat grafts will not be properly absorbed by the body. Moreover, a Brazilian butt lift is not for everyone. Generally, there should be enough body fat to be harvested and transferred for buttock enhancement. Women with insufficient fat may choose to have implants.

Planning for Your Brazilian Butt Lift with Dr. Mosser
The soaring popularity of butt enhancement via fat transfer has unfortunately led to cases wherein the procedure is performed by inexperienced surgeons. If you’re thinking of having the procedure, finding a skilled practitioner like Dr. Mosser is crucial.

Explore your buttock enhancement options at our practice by calling 415.398.7778 to set up an appointment with us today. We look forward to your visit!

1. Wrinkles and creases

2. Acne scars

3. Sun damage such as the appearance of sunspots, melasma, freckles, and blotchiness

4. Rosacea

Your Trusted Chemical Peel Provider in San Francisco