At Bay Area Plastic Surgery, Dr. Leonard Gray has performed countless liposuction procedures on patients around San Francisco. His power-assisted liposuction method creates seamless, long-lasting results that will keep you looking fit for years to come. Read on to learn some helpful tips to prepare for your liposuction procedure that will help you heal faster and maintain results.

Tips To Prepare for Liposuction

1. Reach Your Goal Weight

Liposuction, while a great tool in your weight loss journey, is not to be considered an alternative method to exercise and diet. Liposuction is based on your current weight and body composition. Therefore, it is best to be at or near your goal weight at the time of your surgery to avoid seeing your liposuction results reduced if your weight changes again.

2. Work On Building Lean Muscles

Liposuction targets stubborn fat pockets and can often reveal muscles hidden behind these layers of fat. Muscles also help to burn fat even when the body is at rest, which can help to achieve your desired results. Besides helping you achieve your desired look from surgery, building muscle will also enhance your strength and speed up your recovery.

3. Have A Nutritional Plan

Your diet is critical when preparing for any surgical procedure, especially liposuction. A healthy, balanced diet composed of nutritional foods heavy in vitamins and proteins will help to enhance the elasticity in your skin and give your body the necessary energy to heal faster after surgery. As you prepare for your liposuction treatment, remember to drink plenty of water and eat foods high in antioxidants, vitamins, lean fats, and protein to keep your body in top shape.

4. Kick the Nicotine habit

Nicotine in cigarettes and many vape pens restricts blood vessels resulting in a vast reduction of blood flow throughout the body. This can negatively affect your body’s ability to heal and lead to serious infections around the incision sites. By quitting smoking, your body can increase its blood flow to the incision sites, provide more oxygen to damaged tissues, reduce the risk of blood clots, and accelerate healing.

5. Prepare Your Home

To help make your recovery faster and more comfortable, you must organize your home in advance. Recovery after liposuction is relatively quick, but your home should be a place of rest and relaxation for the first week.

You can prepare your home by:

• Having essential items nearby, including a remote, book, water, and charging chords
• Have all your washing done and comfortable clothes ready
• Buy or prepare foods that are easy to heat up or make
• Make arrangements for children and pets with someone you trust

Target Hard to Reach Areas with Bay Area Liposuction

Are you ready to say goodbye to subcutaneous fat in hard-to-target areas with liposuction? Now that you’re more prepared, recovery from your liposuction procedure should be a breeze. At Bay Area Plastic Surgery, we’ll help to make your procedure as smooth as possible so that you can focus on loving your new shape and contours. To learn more about this body shaping procedure, simply schedule your consultation online or call (628) 215-1671, where a member of our staff will be happy to assist you.

We look forward to meeting you soon!

At Bay Area Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Leonard Gray can specifically focus on the areas that bother you with liposuction, restoring your youthful appearance in places that you wouldn’t expect.

How Liposuction Is Performed

Dr. Gray has spent years improving his liposuction techniques. Always seeking perfection, Dr. Gray is known throughout San Francisco for his contouring abilities and lasting results. While there are a variety of types of liposuction on the market, Dr. Gray chose power-assisted liposuction for its many benefits. This technique uses a cannula with a vibrating tip that breaks apart fat deposits for easier and quicker removal and recovery time.

Liposuction procedures are performed under general anesthesia at Bay Area Plastic Surgery’s accredited surgical center. Dr. Gray will first make an incision in the targeted area where the cannula can be inserted. Next, he’ll add a tumescent solution comprised of saline, a local anesthetic, and a vasoconstrictor that will reduce bleeding. The cannula is then moved back and forth to lose unwanted fat deposits while simultaneously suctioning them away.

5 Unexpected Areas That Can Be Targeted with Liposuction

1. The Jawline

Fatty deposits along the chin and jawline also referred to as the double chin, aren’t always the result of weight gain due to poor diet. Genetics, hormones, and age can all play a part in developing a double chin. With Dr. Gray and liposuction, you can slim your jawline, under the chin, and through the upper neck, creating a thinner facial appearance and taking years off of your face.

2. The Back

It can be difficult for many people to target areas of their back with exercise without hurting or damaging their spine. Liposuction removes the risk of accidentally injuring yourself while trying to target stubborn pockets of fat behind the arms or around the hips.

3. The Ankles

Typically, the calf and ankle transition is slender and elegant, except if you have “cankles.” An ankle that is consumed by excess fat can be shaped with the assistance of leg liposuction.

4. The Breasts

Scarring can cause many women to be hesitant about surgical breast reduction. Fortunately, with liposuction, scarring is significantly less while still able to remove excess fatty tissue for a more comfortable, graceful-shaped chest. It’s important to note that liposuction is best for patients needing light reduction to the breasts.

5. The Male Chest

Women aren’t the only ones concerned about the appearance of their chests. Many men suffer from gynecomastia, where breast tissue develops more prominently in some men. In some cases, liposuction can enhance muscle definition and create a firmer, tighter masculine torso.

Schedule Your San Francisco Liposuction Consultation

If you are satisfied with your overall body appearance but are stuck on some stubborn fat area, it may be time to consider a consultation with Dr. Leonard Gray at Bay Area Plastic Surgery. Contact our office online or by calling (628) 265-0220 today! We encourage you to learn more about liposuction by visiting our informational liposuction webpage.

The winter months are perfect for hibernation, but our social calendars suddenly fill up once the weather gets warmer. Summer is the peak season for social engagements like weekend BBQs, weddings, pool parties, and trips. You deserve to look and feel your absolute best for all of them.

At Bay Area Plastic Surgery, Dr. Leonard Gray understands that summer is about adventure and fun. That is why he has a number of cosmetic options for you to help you look your best without missing a beat. Here are five of the best procedures that won’t cut into your beach or vacation time.

Body Sculpting

Body sculpting, also known as body contouring or body shaping, is a type of treatment that removes fat deposits under the skin. Many different methods fall under the body sculpting umbrella, but some can be more invasive than others. For instance, liposuction is a surgical procedure that permanently removes fat cells to reveal impressive new contours. Liposuction provides outstanding results, but it involves a bit more downtime to recover. Fortunately, other body sculpting alternatives involve little or no downtime so that you can squeeze in more beach time.

SculpSure is a convenient process that can treat multiple trouble areas of the body in a matter of minutes. Cooling plates are placed on the targeted site to keep the skin cool and comfortable. Then, the SculpSure applicator targets the fat region with concentrated heat, bringing the temperature of the fat cells to an unsustainable degree. This disrupts the unwanted fat cells in a process called controlled hyperthermic lipolysis. Your body will then naturally filter out the disrupted fat cells. No sutures, no compression bandages, and no downtime. 

Dermal Fillers

Injectable dermal fillers are soft tissue fillers that restore volume and smooth out fine lines to replenish the youthful radiance of your skin. They work quickly to reduce the signs of aging and have minimal downtime, lasting anywhere from six months to two years.

While there are several different types of dermal fillers, the most prevalent are composed of hyaluronic acid, which your body creates naturally and is responsible for keeping your skin firm, plump, and smooth. The dermal filler is injected into the targeted areas you choose, helping to restore volume loss and smooth lines and wrinkles.

Botox

Similar to dermal fillers, Botox is another non-invasive method to smoothing out lines and wrinkles. Botox, also known as a neuromodulator, works by temporarily paralyzing the facial muscles that cause lines and wrinkles. There is no downtime associated with Botox, and sun exposure will not affect it. However, wear sunscreen to help prolong your results.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Dr. Gray uses the most versatile and advanced CO2 laser features, the Cynosure®SmartSkin, that can even out skin tone, smooth skin texture, tighten skin, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Fractional laser resurfacing harnesses precise laser technology that targets irregularities in the skin texture and tone by inducing the production of collagen and elastin, both of which are agents that help keep our skin plump and firm.

Non-Invasive Rejuvenation in San Francisco

As a board-certified plastic surgeon with over twenty years of experience, Dr. Leonard Gray is a genuine master of rejuvenation and reformation. His patient-centered practice will ensure that you are not only satisfied with your results, but you’ll enjoy the process along the way.

For more information about any of the services offered to help rejuvenation your skin this summer, contact us by phone at (415) 434- 8858 or online to schedule your consultation today.

Life-altering events like having children and losing a significant amount of weight are things that should be relished and celebrated, except sometimes these things can leave the body feeling foreign and not your own. Stretch marks, loose skin, stretched abdominal muscles, amongst other troublesome issues, can have lingering effects both physically and mentally. At Bay Area Plastic Surgery, a tummy tuck procedure with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Leonard Gray you can restore a tight, youthful, contoured midsection.

If you’re considering this life-changing procedure, here are 6 questions you absolutely need answers to:

1. What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?

The first things you should consider are the benefits of the procedure. While tummy tucks are a procedure offered by many plastic surgeons, Dr. Gray’s experience and attention to detail have helped him craft unique techniques to deliver stunning results. He strives to give each patient a more contoured midsection, the shortest, lowest, and most hidden scar possible, and a natural-looking belly button. An added benefit is the weight loss from the excess skin removal, which can help alleviate back pain.

2. What Does A Tummy Tuck Address?

The most prevalent issues that tummy tucks address are:

• Loose skin
• Extra fat
• Stretch marks
• Stretched or splayed abdominal muscles
• Bulging or protrusions in the abdominal region

3. Who Makes A Good Candidate for A Tummy Tuck?

Keep in mind that a tummy tuck is not a form of weight loss but rather a type of body contouring. It is preferred that you be at or close to your goal weight when considering this procedure. That being said, typically, patients who are considering having a tummy tuck are women who have had children and men or women who have recently lost a significant amount of weight.

It is also important, though not paramount, that you are done having children; a pregnancy does have the potential to interfere with your tummy tuck results. However, having a tummy tuck should not interfere with your pregnancy in any way.

4. How Is A Tummy Tuck Performed?

Each tummy tuck that Dr. Gray does is customized specifically to each patient’s needs and desires. During your consultation, Dr. Gray will carefully go over every detail of the procedure to ensure that you feel confident about the benefits and the results.

5. What to Expect During Recovery?

For the next few months, you should avoid any strenuous activity that involves the abdominal muscles. Light, flat walking is advised, and after four months, most of the swelling should have dissipated. You’ll begin to see the full results of your operation at this time.

Dr. Gray will be available to call at any point for any issues, concerns, or questions that you might have.

6. Does Liposuction Leave a Scar?

As with any surgery, there will be some scarring. However, Dr. Gray will expertly place the incision in a spot that will be well hidden. You can discuss exactly where this location will be during your consultation. Also, scars can be helped with creams, and be sure to keep sunscreen on it to keep it from becoming more prominent, even if it never sees the sun.

Tummy Tuck in the Bay Area

During your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Gray, he will take the time to fully explain the procedure, educate you on any details, and answer any questions that may occur. He is passionate about empowering his patients and guiding them to make the best decision while ensuring they’re confident in the procedure they choose.

If you would like to learn more about how this procedure can help you, contact Bay Area Plastic Surgery today!

With summer quickly approaching, it’s time to get started on the bikini bod. After several months of quarantine when at-home workouts turned into Netflix benders and afternoon cat naps, you may be struggling to sculpt and contour in time to fit into that itty-bitty bikini. Have no fear; Bay Area Plastic Surgery offers several procedures to help you get ready for bikini season and look and feel your absolute best.

Here are five of their most popular body contouring procedures:

1.     Liposuction

Having trouble targeting pockets of unwanted fat or cellulite? Sometimes it doesn’t matter how much we diet or exercise. There are still parts of our bodies that fat just naturally clings onto. Liposuction has been patients’ procedure of choice for years because of its ability to remove fat from various areas of the body, even those hard to target areas that no amount of squats or lunges can help smooth.  

2.     Tummy Tuck

Perhaps a slimmer, trimmer abdomen is on your summer list. This can be achieved with a tummy tuck, which targets excessive, loose skin, and stretch marks to provide a tightened appearance. A tummy tuck is an excellent solution for anyone who is finished having babies or has recently lost a significant amount of weight and would like to remove the unwanted loose skin associated with either of those life events. The procedure also tightens stretched abdominal muscles that may create bulging in the abdomen. You’ll gain the confidence back to wear that polka dot bikini with pride, but without the wasted hours lying on the gym floor.

3.     Brazilian Butt Lift

A supple, pert derriere is a must this bikini season. If it’s a fuller, more shapely buttocks you’re in search of for this summer vacation beach trip, a Brazilian Butt Lift is a must. What is so great about this procedure is that there is no need for implants; the lift is done through fat transfer. By using your own fat from a secondary location, you’re not only removing unwanted fat from another location, but you’re getting the curvy buttock that you’ve always wanted.

4.     SculpSure®

Another non-invasive procedure is SculpSure, the first FDA-approved laser procedure to safely and effectively dissolve fat. Boasting an almost total patient satisfaction rate, SculpSure is gaining popularity because of its ability to help shape the body without complicated surgery. Stubborn fat deposits, like the ones found in love handles, flanks, and abdomen, are hard to target with diet and exercise alone. SculpSure is a permeant way to remove fat cells from those stubborn areas and help you achieve your body goals.

Ready to Enjoy Your Beach Ready Body?

Dr. Gray is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience conducting surgical procedures of the body, breast, and face. His passion for patient education and perfectionistic mindset have helped him to deliver highly contoured and lasting body contouring results. Dr. Gray will conduct a thorough consultation to see how you benefit from any of these offered procedures.

Learn more about any of these popular procedures by contacting Bay Area Plastic Surgery to book a consultation today!