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  •  Fat Transfer

    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!

  • Plastic Surgery Cosmetic Technology 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!

  • Mini Brow Lift 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!

  • Tummy Tuck 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!

  • Brazilian Butt Lift 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!

     

  • Botox

    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!

  • Brazilian Butt Lift Although the Brazilian butt lift (buttock enhancement via fat transfer) is nowhere near the popularity of liposuction and breast augmentation, recent figures by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery revealed that the number of buttock-enhancement procedures has grown leaps and bounds in the past year. Specifically, buttock augmentation enjoyed an 86 percent increase in 2014 according to ASAPS.

    Killing Two Birds With One Stone
    At Dr. Mosser’s practice, women are turning to fat transfer for buttock augmentation rather than implants mainly because the procedure is like killing two birds with one stone. In this procedure, our highly experienced Brazilian butt lift team will obtain excess fat in the abdomen, thighs, or flanks via liposuction. The harvested fat is purified and reinjected into the buttocks to boost volume and shape in the area. Generally, it’s like killing two birds with one stone — slimmer waist or thighs and a shapely derriere.

    It’s Not Just the Women
    The desire to improve the appearance of non-existence butts is not limited amongst women. We have also noticed than an increasing number of male clients are displaying interest in buttock enhancement via fat transfer. During personal consultations, our male clients would often lament about how endless hours spent at the gym are not giving them the posterior they want. Often, their muscles all over the body are ripped except for the gluteal (buttocks) region.

    In a nutshell, fat transfer in buttock enhancement is now preferred by many over traditional butt implants because of the following reasons:

    • fat transfer results are more natural-looking than implants
    • zero risk of capsular contracture which may happen in butt implants
    • no need for additional surgeries in case of implant displacement

    For more information on the Brazilian butt lift at the San Francisco Bay Area and neighboring cities, call 415.398.7778 to schedule an appointment today!

  • Tummy Tuck Reality TV star Kim Kardashian was recently spotted in a body-hugging mesh crop top and pencil skirt revealing a well-toned midriff at Studio City, California. Kim credits her hourglass look to the waist training that she and her sister Khloe have been obsessing with since last year. The makers of the modern-day corset claim that the slimming device significantly cuts down water retention and reduces inflammation in the uterus following childbirth.

    Do these waist cinching devices really work? Yes they do but only temporarily. Many women use waist trainers days or weeks before they are about to wear a body-hugging dress for a party. Also, the corsets promote positive body image which in turn encourages them to eat healthy and exercise regularly.

    If you’re looking for permanent results, there’s no reason to fret! You can give Kim’s corset training a try and couple it with the following surefire ways to permanently achieve a firmer, healthier, and shapelier midsection:

    Assume the role of sleeping beauty!
    Getting enough sleep do not just help boost the immune system and make you appear naturally glowing the next day. A study has found out that a slimmer waist is not just about eating less and moving more but also about getting enough sleep. A 2012 study revealed that one’s sleeping habits play a significant role in losing weight. Additionally, the researchers found out that chronic sleep deprivation is a risk factor of obesity.

    Strengthen your core.
    The core is comprised of your muscles in the abdomen, back, pelvis, sides, and buttocks. Functionally speaking, a strong core enhances your body’s balance and stability. The real world benefits of having a strong core include having a healthy back, good posture, excellent balance and stability, and less difficulty in performing household chores. Aesthetically speaking, a slimmer waist is also a consequence of a strong core. Planks, squats, lunges, and kettlebell swings are excellent core exercises for beginners.

    Explore your body-contouring options.
    Liposuction is currently the most frequently performed body contouring procedure in America. This is not a surprise at all because such treatments really deliver their promise in shaping and sculpting the body’s natural contours. Additionally, the introduction of new techniques has made body-contouring procedures less invasive with shorter recovery periods.

    Let us help you find out which body-contouring procedures are ideal for your specific needs and cosmetic goals! Fill out this contact form or call 415.398.7778 to schedule an appointment today!

  • Here’s the Injectable to Watch Out For in 2015!
    It looks like the double chin woes of many will be gone for good sooner than most people expect. An injectable which is currently called as ATX-101 has just been unanimously recommended for approval by an FDA (Food and Drug Administration) advisory committee last month. By and large, ATX-101 is just one final approval away before it becomes available for the general public.

    Currently, there is no injectable in the market that has shown to be truly effective in eliminating the unsightly, excess fat under the chin. Men and women who want to get rid of their double chins usually resort to surgery. The surgical approach itself is even complex. First, liposuction is performed to get rid of the excess fat. Once the issue on extra fat has been addressed, there’s a huge chance that excess skin will remain. Therefore, another type of surgery is needed to trim or remove extra skin. In some cases, chin implants may be necessary to fully improve the appearance of the chin’s natural contours.

    On the other hand, non-invasive procedures such as Ulthera and Thermage to help reduce fat in the chin area has been shown to not give patients their desired outcomes all the time.

    How ATX-101 Works
    In a nutshell, ATX-101 primarily contains deoxycholate, a naturally occurring compound in the body which dissolves dietary fat. With repeated injections, the fat below the skin’s surface is slowly and gradually eliminated.

    Known side effects of the injectable include slight bruising, swelling, numbness, and redness in the area.

    The final approval of ATX-101 from the FDA is estimated to come out in May this year. Like with previous cases as before, the FDA usually approves what an advisory committee unanimously recommends.

    Dr. Mosser and the rest of the team are looking forward to the approval of ATX-101 this year! For more information on injectables to help you get natural-looking results, call 415.398.7778 to schedule an appointment with us today!

  • A vampire facial may sound appalling but before you cast your judgment on the facial rejuvenation procedure, did you know that the queen of selfies Kim Kardashian routinely treats herself to the treatment?

    First of all, there are no vampires involved in a vampire facial. Generally, a vampire facial involves two major processes: micro-needling and a PRP (platelet-rich plasma) treatment. A patient’s blood sample is obtained and quickly spun in a centrifuge to separate the plasma from other components of the blood. The yellow plasma contains potent growth factors that will be re-injected into the dermal layers of the skin through micro-needling.

    The pen used in micro-needling will create microscopic channels in the skin for the plasma to easily penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin. Once the plasma has penetrated into the skin, the potent growth factors help stimulate cellular regeneration and consequently soften the appearance of fine lines, fill in volume-deficient areas, and lightened darkened spots. No wonder the Queen K looks consistently flawless.

    Unlike other injectables, the vampire facial has minimal to zero risk of allergic reactions because one’s own blood is used. A series of 3 to 4 treatments may be done a month apart from each other.  Results can be immediately noticed within 10 days to 3 weeks of the treatment and can last for roughly 12 to 18 months.

    The PRP and micro needling combination treatment can also be used to improve the appearance of the neck, jawline, chest and decolletage, skin around the eyes, and the back of the hands and arms. It can also be used to stimulate hair growth.

    Would you like to learn more about the vampire facial? Call 415.398.7778 to schedule an appointment with us today!