Expert Insights by South Coast Plastic Surgery

This blog explains ideal candidates for breast reduction surgery—those with pain, discomfort, skin irritation, or difficulty exercising due to large breasts. The procedure removes tissue, excess skin, and repositions nipples to relieve symptoms. Most patients see immediate improvement and quick recovery.

A Mommy Makeover is a customizable combination of procedures such as breast augmentation, breast lift, abdominoplasty, and injectables, tailored to restore your pre-pregnancy body. At Song Plastic Surgery, Dr. Kyle Song creates a treatment plan based on your unique goals and needs, starting with a personalized consultation.

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.

Most patients can return to work 10 to 15 days after a tummy tuck, though manual labor jobs may require a longer break. Recovery continues after returning, so strenuous activities should be avoided initially. Consultations ensure a tailored recovery plan.

The blog discusses factors that influence the longevity of breast implants and offers tips to help them last longer, such as proper post-op care, quitting smoking, and thorough consultation. There’s no definitive answer on whether silicone or saline lasts longer, but both types typically do not last a lifetime.

A Mommy Makeover combines surgeries like breast lift, augmentation, tummy tuck, and liposuction to help women restore their pre-pregnancy bodies. This customizable procedure addresses issues such as drooping breasts and stubborn belly fat that cannot be fixed with diet or exercise alone.

Breast lift incisions vary based on sagging: donut (around areola), lollipop (around areola and down to breast crease), and anchor (around areola, vertically to and horizontally along the breast crease). Your specific incision depends on your needs, and techniques can minimize scarring.

Tummy tuck recovery generally takes three to four weeks. Most can return to work within a week (two if work is physical) and resume light fitness after the first week. Final results are seen after about six months. Following Dr. Song’s personalized post-op instructions ensures a smooth recovery.

This blog explains the difference between a plastic surgeon (board-certified and rigorously trained) and a cosmetic surgeon (may not have equivalent accreditation), highlighting why board-certified plastic surgeons are recommended for cosmetic procedures.

Mommy Makeovers are increasingly popular due to shifting attitudes toward plastic surgery, moms wanting to feel comfortable post-baby, and highly customizable options that address individual goals like breast changes and tummy tightening. Consult with a specialist to determine if it's right for you.

Learn the top five reasons to consider breast augmentation, from affordability and natural-looking implants to increased comfort, better warranties, and shorter recovery times. Discover how these advances can help you achieve your desired look with greater ease and confidence.

This blog explains who makes a good candidate for a Brazilian butt lift, outlining desired physical criteria and what to expect during your consultation with a surgeon. It encourages scheduling a personalized evaluation to determine candidacy for this procedure.

This blog explains how Mommy Makeover packages are tailored to individual needs, offering tips on selecting the best combination of procedures to achieve your post-baby goals. It encourages research, goal setting, and consulting a plastic surgeon for personalized recommendations.

This blog reviews the safety of breast augmentation, the risks involved, and who qualifies as a good candidate. It emphasizes the importance of consulting a board-certified surgeon and discussing all risks before proceeding.

Learn how to get natural-looking results from breast augmentation by choosing the right surgeon, viewing patient results, selecting appropriate implant types and sizes, considering a breast lift, and following post-operative scar care. These steps help ensure your results look proportionate and natural.

A mommy makeover is a fully customizable set of procedures to restore a woman's body after pregnancy, including tummy tuck, liposuction, and breast enhancement. Dr. Kyle Song tailors each plan to your individual needs for natural-looking results and quicker recovery.

Combining a breast lift with implants can enhance breast shape and volume in a single surgery, minimizing procedures and optimizing results. It’s ideal for those wanting both a lift and increased fullness. Consult a board-certified surgeon to see if this option meets your goals.

Large breasts can cause chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain, restricting daily activities and comfort. Breast reduction surgery, often covered by insurance, removes excess tissue and skin, providing immediate relief and improving quality of life for many women. Consult Dr. Kyle Song to learn more.

This blog explains how breast implant sizes are measured and chosen, emphasizing that selection is based on individual body proportions and goals, not just cup size. It describes typical size ranges, the importance of a personalized approach, and what patients can expect during their consultation.

Most patients need about two weeks to recover from breast augmentation, with the first few days being the most intensive. Gentle activity is allowed soon after surgery, but strenuous tasks should be avoided initially. A front-opening bra is needed for four weeks. Consult your surgeon for full details.

Kybella can permanently reduce a double chin by destroying fat cells, but lasting results depend on maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise since remaining fat cells can still enlarge. Skincare and professional advice can enhance your outcome. Consult Dr. Kyle Song in Irvine to see if Kybella is right for you.

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.

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.

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.

Most patients can return to work about one week after rhinoplasty, especially if their job is not physically demanding. Those with strenuous jobs may need two weeks off. Social activities can typically resume within two to three weeks, and gym activities should be postponed for at least a month to ensure optimal healing.

This blog explains that most women can breastfeed after a breast lift, as skilled surgeons preserve milk ducts and nerves. However, minor risks remain, and it’s best to wait until after having children. Candidates should be healthy and nonsmokers. Consultation with a qualified surgeon is recommended.

Breast implants do not last forever. Modern implants typically last 20–25 years, significantly longer than older versions. Signs you may need replacement include hardness, changes in shape, or a long lifespan. Most implants come with warranties. Consult your surgeon to learn more about long-term care for implants.

Recovery from a Mommy Makeover usually requires one to two weeks off from work for intensive recovery, followed by an additional two to four weeks. Following post-op instructions, not rushing your recovery, and arranging help can support a smoother, faster recovery process.

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.

A tummy tuck can be included in a Mommy Makeover, which is a customizable combination of procedures designed to address post-pregnancy cosmetic issues like a tummy pooch, saggy breasts, and excess skin. The package is tailored to your needs and may also involve breast surgery, liposuction, and more.

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.

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.

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.

This blog discusses the differences between round and shaped (teardrop) breast implants for augmentation. It covers appearance, suitability, and when each type may be preferable, advising a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine the best choice for individual goals.

A tummy tuck removes excess abdominal skin and fat while tightening muscles for a toned look. The incision is made low and scars fade over time. Recovery includes some bruising, swelling, and limited activity for several weeks. Choosing a board-certified surgeon can help improve results and the overall experience.

South Coast Plastic Surgery offers a thorough facial enhancement process with expert assessment, injectables for issues like wrinkles or volume loss, and personalized treatment plans, ensuring natural results and ongoing maintenance for optimal appearance and skin health.

Botox treats hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) by inhibiting sweat gland activity for up to six months. FDA-approved for underarms, it’s also used on hands, feet, and other areas. Side effects are rare, and insurance may cover treatment costs. It's a safe, effective solution when over-the-counter products fail.

Botox can be injected under the eyes but requires an experienced provider to avoid unwanted side effects like puffiness or muscle weakness. Only 1-2 units are generally advised for this area. South Coast Plastic Surgery’s expertise ensures safer, natural-looking results for those seeking smoother, younger-looking eyes.

South Coast Plastic Surgery now offers Kybella, an FDA-approved injectable for reducing under chin fat, in Orange County. It provides a non-surgical solution for double chin reduction with visible results in as little as two to four treatments, and no repeat sessions are expected once results are achieved.

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.

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.

HydraFacial MD is an all-in-one skincare treatment available at South Coast Plastic Surgery in Irvine, CA. Using a serum delivery system, it cleanses, exfoliates, and infuses the skin with nutrients, addressing issues like lines, texture, and pigmentation. Results are immediate, customizable, and require no downtime.

South Coast Plastic Surgery in Irvine offers advanced micro-needling and PRP therapy to address wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and scarring. These treatments work by boosting collagen production for smoother, younger-looking skin. Multiple sessions may be needed for optimal results.

CO2 laser resurfacing at South Coast Plastic Surgery in Irvine reduces wrinkles, fine lines, and brown spots with minimal downtime. By targeting dead skin cells gently, it offers a brighter, more youthful complexion within a week. Recovery includes sun protection and mild side effects such as redness or swelling.

Scar revision surgery uses CO2 laser resurfacing to minimize the appearance of scars. The ideal waiting period before treatment is generally four to six months after surgery for severe scars, or up to a year for other scars, depending on healing. Sun protection is essential after treatment for optimal results.

This blog compares breast augmentation using implants versus fat transfer, outlining the benefits, risks, and safety considerations of each method. It concludes that breast implants are typically safer and more reliable than fat grafting for those seeking consistent and predictable results.

A full abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) removes excess skin and fat from the stomach and can repair abdominal muscles, creating a flatter profile. The procedure involves incisions below the underwear line and may include liposuction. Recovery takes 2-4 weeks, and it’s ideal for those near their target weight, not planning future pregnancies.

Worried about tummy tuck scars? Learn why scars form, how surgeons minimize them, and advanced techniques like platelet-rich plasma injection for better healing. Scars are placed below underwear lines, and most patients are satisfied, prioritizing a smoother stomach over scar concerns.

The blog explains the differences between thigh liposuction and thigh lift. Thigh liposuction removes excess fat but does not address skin laxity, making it best for those with good skin elasticity. Thigh lift removes fat and tightens skin but has a longer recovery. The most suitable procedure depends on individual needs and goals.

Learn what to expect during recovery from an arm lift (Brachioplasty), a procedure that removes sagging skin and excess fat from the upper arms. Most patients recover at home in three days and can return to desk jobs in five days, with more activity restrictions for the first month for optimal results.

Radiesse is an FDA-approved dermal filler that treats volume loss and signs of aging in the hands. It minimizes the appearance of veins, tendons, wrinkles, and lines, resulting in smoother, younger-looking hands. Effects last 12–18 months, with minor, brief side effects. Available at South Coast Plastic Surgery in Irvine, CA.