
Expert Insights by South Coast Plastic Surgery
Your guide to holistic beauty and well-being—from the inside out.
Face Articles

Why Patients Choose To Have An Asian Eyelid Surgery
Asian eyelid surgery creates a natural eyelid crease, making eyes appear larger and more alert while preserving Asian features. This procedure removes a small amount of skin and fat, with hidden incisions for minimal scarring. Dr. Song in Irvine, California, provides consultations and personalized surgical plans.

Discover A Natural-Looking Face And Neck Lift Procedure
Learn about advanced options for natural-looking facial rejuvenation, including traditional facelifts, laser lifts, and liposuction. See how Dr. Song in Irvine, CA customizes procedures to deliver a refreshed, youthful appearance tailored specifically for your goals.

Dr. Song Now Certified By The American Board Of Plastic Surgery
Dr. Kyle Song has earned Board Certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery, reflecting his expertise, ethical standards, and commitment to outstanding patient care. Certification requires an extensive vetting process and continued involvement in advancing the field of plastic surgery.

Top Plastic Surgery Procedures In 2013
A summary of the top surgical and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures in 2013, including breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, liposuction, and facelift. Notable trends included a significant rise in cheek implants and Brazilian butt lifts. Data is sourced from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Facial Rejuvenation Through The Ages
This blog explores lifelong facial rejuvenation, highlighting treatments appropriate for each age: acne and hyperpigmentation care in teens, preventive injectables in the 20s, peels and lasers in the 30s, and surgical options like facelifts and brow lifts for those 40 and over.

Reduce Protruding Ears
Otoplasty reduces protruding ears by reshaping and repositioning them closer to the head, often through well-concealed incisions behind the ear. Suitable for children and adults, the procedure can boost self-confidence and is performed under anesthesia with minimal downtime.

Restore Lost Volume With Facial Fat Grafting
Facial fat grafting restores lost facial volume caused by aging, providing fuller cheeks and improved contouring. The procedure involves transferring fat from areas like the hips or abdomen to the face. Conveniently offered in-office, it delivers long-lasting, youthful results with minimal downtime.

Get Rid Of Undereye Bags
Undereye bags are caused by weakened lower eyelid muscles and excess fat, leading to a tired, puffy appearance. Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) removes this fat and tightens muscles, resulting in a refreshed and more youthful look. It is often combined with other facial procedures for overall rejuvenation.

Are You A Good Candidate For Rhinoplasty?
This blog outlines key considerations in determining if you are a good candidate for rhinoplasty, including issues like bumps, a wide or flat bridge, a bulbous tip, and breathing difficulties, with solutions offered by Dr. Song at Song Plastic Surgery in Irvine, CA.

How Can I Treat My Prominent Ears?
Otoplasty at Song Plastic Surgery in Irvine addresses prominent ears, restoring balance and proportion through surgical reshaping. Suitable candidates are healthy adults with concerns such as macrotia, protruding ears, or dissatisfaction from previous surgeries. Recovery involves a compression garment and typical results are seen in three months.

Can Lower Eyelid Surgery Be Done Without An Incision?
Lower eyelid surgery can be performed without an external incision, using a technique where the incision is made inside the eyelid, resulting in no visible scar and a natural, youthful look. Dr. Song in Irvine specializes in this method, offering conservative skin removal and customized care for ideal candidates.

Is A Non-Surgical Chin Augmentation Possible?
Non-surgical chin augmentation uses fillers to reshape the chin without surgery, offering temporary results lasting 12–24 months. Traditional chin surgery with an implant provides longer-lasting enhancement. A consultation with a plastic surgeon determines the best approach for your facial goals.

How Long Will I Be Swollen From Fat Grafting?
Fat grafting involves harvesting fat from areas like the stomach and transferring it for facial or body enhancement. Swelling at the donor site lasts 4–6 weeks (mostly resolved by 3–4 weeks), while swelling in the treated area resolves within 2–3 weeks. Fat grafting offers natural, long-lasting results without implants or repeat fillers.

How Do I Get A Natural-Looking Facelift?
A natural-looking facelift addresses both tissue laxity and volume loss. Dr. Song uses a comprehensive approach, making small, hidden incisions and restoring facial volume with your own fat grafts, resulting in a youthful, refreshed appearance without the “overdone” look.

Brow Lift Vs. Face Lift: Which One Is Right For Me?
This blog compares brow lift and facelift procedures, discussing what each addresses, recovery times, and optimal candidates. Brow lifts are great for sagging brows and minimal downtime, while facelifts offer more dramatic results for overall facial rejuvenation. Consult with a specialist to determine which is best for you.

How Long Will Facelift Results Last For?
Facelift surgery results can last over 10 years, with many patients appearing 10 to 15 years younger after the procedure. Maintaining healthy habits, such as skincare and avoiding smoking, can help prolong results. Facelifts address sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and drooping eyelids, offering dramatic, rejuvenating changes.

What Are The Benefits Of A Neck Lift?
A neck lift offers immediate, dramatic reversal of aging signs by removing sagging skin and wrinkles. The procedure is safe, with short recovery time, minimal pain, and helps improve self-esteem, providing long-term youthful results and increased comfort in your appearance.

How Long Is The Downtime For A Mini Facelift?
A mini facelift rejuvenates the lower face with less downtime than a full facelift. Most patients need about two weeks off, with swelling and bruising largely gone by then—full recovery may take up to a month. Plan ahead if you have social events, allowing eight weeks for optimal healing.

Am I A Good Candidate For Chin Augmentation?
Chin augmentation uses a custom implant to correct a weak or misshapen chin, improving facial symmetry and self-confidence. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, with recovery usually taking about a week. Ideal candidates are those unhappy with their chin’s appearance or jawline proportion.

What Is The Recovery Time For Eyelid Surgery?
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) typically requires 3-5 days off from normal activities, with most swelling and bruising subsiding within two weeks. Many people return to work after 7-10 days and resume social activities by 14 days. Individual recovery varies and follow-up with your surgeon is recommended.

How Does Facial Fat Grafting Work?
Facial fat grafting restores lost facial volume by using your body's own fat, reducing allergy risk and providing long-lasting, natural-looking results. The process removes fat from areas like the tummy, purifies it, then injects it into the face, and can be done alone or alongside a facelift.

What’s Different About The Asian Eyelid Lift Procedure?
The Asian eyelid lift is a specialized blepharoplasty that enhances eyelid appearance while respecting ethnic features, creating a natural eye crease without erasing heritage. The procedure differs from Caucasian eyelid lifts due to distinct eyelid structures and crease placements, aiming for a bright, natural look.

What Is Recovery Time For Neck Lift?
Most patients can expect to return to work after one week and resume normal activities within two weeks following a neck lift. Swelling and tightness may persist for several weeks, but dramatic improvements appear within 2–3 months. The procedure has a straightforward recovery and average costs around $6,000.

What Exactly Is A Mini-Facelift?
A mini-facelift involves smaller, less noticeable incisions than a traditional facelift, focusing on the mid-to-lower facial regions such as the jawline. It is more affordable and is ideal for those with moderate skin laxity. Traditional facelifts can address broader aging concerns. Consultations are recommended for personalized advice.

How Much Does A Neck Lift Cost?
A neck lift can improve sagging skin and wrinkles, but costs vary depending on factors like surgeon experience, location, and related surgical fees. The average cost in 2018 was $5,242, but a personal consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential for an accurate estimate.

How Long Is Recovery From A Facelift?
Facelift recovery usually takes one to two weeks off from work, with bruising and swelling most prominent in the first week. By two to three weeks, most patients can return to all usual activities. Rest, support, and following your surgeon’s plan are key for optimal healing and results.

Mini Facelift: What’s The Difference?
Learn the key differences between a traditional facelift and a mini facelift, including what each procedure addresses, candidate suitability, benefits, and recovery times. Dr. Kyle Song can help you determine which facial rejuvenation treatment is right for your sagging skin concerns.

Should I Get A Neck Lift With My Facelift?
This blog discusses when to combine a neck lift with a facelift, explaining key indicators for each approach and alternative treatments. Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon is recommended to ensure the most natural and effective results.

Welcome To The SCPS Blog
The South Coast Plastic Surgery blog provides detailed information about plastic surgery, cosmetic enhancement news, and patient care, offering support and answering community questions, but it is not a replacement for professional advice. Individual consultation is always recommended for personalized treatment plans.

What Is The California Lift?
The California Lift is a minimally invasive facelift offered by South Coast Plastic Surgery, designed with small incisions to minimize visible scarring. This procedure refreshes the appearance and reduces sagging with less bruising and faster recovery compared to traditional facelifts. Ideal for those with moderate sagging.

What Is The Best Procedure For Firming The Neck?
The California Lift is a surgery-focused alternative to the traditional facelift for firming the neck and jawline, featuring minimal scarring, less bruising, and reduced swelling. Performed at South Coast Plastic Surgery in Irvine, it is ideal for addressing skin laxity and achieving a more youthful neckline.

What Is The Best Incision For A Chin Implant?
Chin implants can be placed through the mouth or underneath the chin, each with specific benefits. Dr. Song prefers the under-chin approach for better placement, less pain, and minimal scarring. Consultations help choose the best incision for your needs and facial structure.

What Are The Best Questions To Ask My Plastic Surgeon Before Undergoing Facial Rejuvenation?
Learn the essential questions to ask your plastic surgeon before undergoing facial rejuvenation, ensuring safety and the best results. Topics include provider qualifications, certification, experience, portfolio, and recovery expectations. Seek expert care from board-certified specialists.

What Are The Benefits Of Facial Liposuction?
Facial liposuction targets stubborn fat on the chin and jowls for a more contoured, youthful appearance. The quick procedure offers short downtime, and is often paired with other facial surgeries for enhanced results. Ideal for patients with good skin laxity, it helps achieve a refreshed look when diet and exercise fall short.

Does A Facelift Leave Visible Scarring?
Facelift scars are typically placed behind the ears, along the hairline, and sometimes beneath the chin to minimize visibility. Over about a year, scars fade and often become nearly imperceptible. Talk with a surgeon about scar placement and healing during your consultation for best results.

Mini Facelift Vs. Facelift: Which Is Better?
This blog compares mini facelifts and traditional facelifts, explaining their differences, benefits, and which might suit individual aging concerns. It discusses scar differences, targeted areas, and offers guidance on choosing the right procedure for optimal, natural-looking results.

Choosing Between A Facelift And Fillers
Explore the differences between facelift surgery and dermal fillers for facial rejuvenation. Learn the benefits, longevity, and considerations of each treatment to help you make an informed decision. Personalized consultations ensure tailored solutions that align with your unique aesthetic goals.

Can A Facelift Change Your Earlobe?
A facelift can lead to changes in earlobe appearance, such as elongation or attachment to the face, but these effects are often preventable or correctable. Choosing an experienced surgeon is key to achieving natural, balanced facelift results and preserving the look of your earlobes.

Revitalizing Your Look With The Mini Facelift: A Solution For Early Signs Of Aging
A mini facelift is ideal for people in their 30s or 40s seeking to address early signs of facial aging, such as drooping cheeks and jawline. This less invasive procedure offers minimal scarring, lower downtime, and long-lasting natural results, making it a great option for achieving a refreshed appearance.

Facelift Vs Mini Facelift
Explore the differences between a facelift and a mini facelift, including their goals, recovery, risks, costs, and effectiveness. Learn how to choose the procedure that's right for your needs based on your degree of aging, lifestyle, and preferences. Both enhance youthfulness, with different scopes, downtime, and longevity.
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