Resting “B!+CH” Face? turn that frown upside down with a corner lip lift

Corner Lip Lifts elevates the drooping outer corner of the mouth. Patients often complain of constantly looking angry which can worsen as they age. Young patients can also have downward turning.

Candidates for a corner lip lift often include:

1. Patients who want a more permanent result than temporary fillers to improve corner mouth drooping,

2. Lips that are thin, shapeless or inverted,

3. Lips that make you appear angry.

A depressor anguli oris-dao releases maybe an option to help improve your frown. The procedure is done in the office under local anesthesia. The surgery divides a small muscle through an incision on the inside of the cheek. The procedure takes 30 minutes and all sutures are dissolvable.

This is reserved for younger patients or for those with drooping outer lip corners but no folding, wrinkling or skin sagging below the corner of the mouth. The surgery divides a small muscle through an incision just inside the cheek. All sutures are dissolvable therefore none need be removed. All healing and scarring are not visible because the procedure is performed inside the mouth.  Contact our office for a free consultation to see if a corner lip lift is right for you, 858-255-1538.

Chemical Peel

Chemical peels are great for treating melasma, fine lines, aging skin, large pores, acne scars, sun damage, and dull, uneven skin. The peel exfoliates your skin, stimulates your cellular function, enhances collagen at a deep level, and reduces and repairs skin damage. Peels can be done on any area of skin: neck, arms, legs, chest and hands.

Every chemical peel is different, but most peels included ingredients such as lactic acid, TCA, salicylic acid, and retinol. 

The chemical is applied to the desired area in the office. This application usually takes about 10-15 minutes.  By day three or four, your skin will start to feel dry and deal skin will begin to slough off. After all the dead skin has fallen off, we will provide you with a moisturizer to help keep the new skin hydrated. By day seven, you should have a new, rejuvenated facial skin. Your skin will start to feel tighter, brighter and smoother after just one peel. Some patients desire a second or third treatment depending upon the severity of their problem area. 

Dr. Chen offers complimentary consultations to discuss if a chemical peel is right for you. Please contact our office at info@charliechenmd.com, or 858.255.1538.

What you need to know about calf implants

Calf implants are used to increase the size and improve the shape of the calf. Patients seek calf implants to provide a toned and defined lower leg.  Many people have difficulty achieving calf definition with exercise alone.

When to seek calf implants? Both men and women are candidates for calf implants. Implants can range from more refined shape to more muscular sizes. Both are used to improve anatomical proportions of leg to thigh relationship.  Both men and women turn to calf implants to also improve lower leg appearance due to injury or birth defects.

What are the pros and cons of calf implants? The advantages of calf implants are to reshape, add definition, and provide improved leg proportions with one single procedure. Things to consider when seeking calf implantation is temporary swelling, bruising and discomfort following the procedure. Also, full physical activity should be refrained for 4 weeks after surgery.

What happens during the procedure? The day of surgery you will be put under anesthesia. Dr. Chen would make a small incision behind the knees and place a silcone implant into the space above your existing calf muscles. He would then close the incision with absorbable sutures.

You can see improvement in shape and definition immediately after surgery.  Dr. Charlie Chen is a board certified plastic surgeon and one of the few surgeons in Southern California with the training and expertise for safe placement of male implants. Schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Chen to discuss if calf implants are right for you. We can be reached at info@charliechenmd or 858.255.1538.

The labiaplasty experience

Labiaplasty is a reshaping or resizing the vaginal lips or labia. Labiaplasty modifies the size, shape or symmetry of your labia. In addition, it can help reduce discomfort from clothing, exercise or intercourse.

Is Labiaplasty right for you? If you feel the size or shape of your labia affects your confidence or causes discomfort during your daily activities, then labiaplasty may help improve those symptoms for you.

What to expect from your consultation with Dr. Chen? During the consultation, Dr. Chen will exam the structure of your labia and determine your goals and expectations. He will then tailor a treatment plan to assist with the process.

What should you expect during the procedure? Labiaplasty is a procedure that can be performed in the office under local anesthesia or in a surgery center under general anesthesia. There are two areas that can be addressed during a labiaplasty. A labia majora reduction reduces the size and shape of the outer lips of your vagina. A labia minora reduction reduces the size and shape of the inner lips. One or both procedures can be done safely as a same-day procedure. During the procedure, you may also add vaginal tightening treatments. This may be discussed with Dr. Chen during your consultation.

After the procedure, Dr. Chen will prescribe medications to help manage pain and discomfort. Recovery varies from person to person, but most women are able to return to sexual intercourse 4 weeks after your procedure.

Avoid exposure - emergency laceration repair services

Amid the current COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals and emergency departments are overwhelmed by the influx of sick patients. We would like to do our part in offering emergency services to the community by providing plastics laceration repairs at our facility. We want hospitals to focus on COVID-19 patients and keep healthy patients from being exposed to the virus during this time.

Dr. Charlie Chen is a board certified plastic surgeon who also trained in trauma surgery. He has the knowledge and training to perform evaluations and treatments for skin injuries and lacerations. At this time, he will be providing complimentary virtual evaluations of wounds via video chat. Services will be performed via appointment at our facility.

The pricing will be a flat rate fee for treatment and post-procedure care and will be determined during your virtual consultation.

Please contact our office via phone at (858) 255-1538 or email us at info@charliechenmd.com.

Let us do our part to flatten the curve by avoiding exposure and overwhelming emergency rooms. 

What to consider when pursuing male breast surgery

Gynecomastia is an increase size in male breasts. It can be a psychologically and emotionally debilitating problem for men. Many men avoid wearing tight shirts and are self conscious at the gym or swimming pool.  Gynecomastia is caused by significant weight gain, changes in hormones, body building steroids and other types of medication.

Gynecomastia correction involves liposuction of the fatty components. This method lives minimal scaring because fat is removed with a cannula in a few millimeter incision.  In more severe cases of gynecomastia the procedure includes both liposuction and direct excision of extra skin and fat. This method removes both hanging skin and fat, but will leave a longer scar. A compression vest will be worn for 6 weeks to help swelling go down. This procedure can be very satisfying and can boost self-esteem.

Contact Dr. Chen to schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss an individualize treatment plan, 858.255.1538.

Commonly Asked Questions about Liposuction

Authored by: Charlie Chen, M.D.

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Liposuction is one of the most popular procedures performed by plastic surgeons. 

1. What is liposuction?

Liposuction is a procedure that breaks down and removes the fat under the skin. It is not a weight loss procedure but a procedure that removes stubborn fat that does not diminish with diet and exercise. 

2. Where is liposuction be performed?

• Double Chin

• Back of Neck

• Bottom of Upper Arms

• Female Breasts

• Outer Thighs or Saddlebags

• Bra Strap Area

• Abdomen or Belly Pooch

• Muffin Top

• Love Handles

• Male Breasts

3. Who is an ideal candidate for the procedure?

The best candidates for liposuction are patients close to their goal weight, have good skin elasticity and are nonsmokers. These patients have subcutaneous fat between the muscle and the skin.  

4. Is liposuction a weight loss procedure? 

Liposuction is not a weight-loss treatment; it is a fat reduction procedure. It is used to remove stubborn pockets of fat and for contouring of the body. Fat itself does not hold much weight.

5. How does a patient prepare for liposuction?

It is important to enlist a supportive family member who can drive you to and from surgery. Also, it is important to have someone who is available to assist you with your postsurgical care. You may be asked to stop taking certain medications prior to surgery and to stay hydrated before and after your procedure. 

7. How is fat removed?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that involves making small incisions and inserting a cannula with a suction device to extract fat. 

8. What is the recovery like?

The most common postsurgical effect is swelling to the treated areas. Dr. Chen can provide some post-operative medication to help with discomfort. A post operative compression garment should be worn following the procedure. The patient can return to work in a few days. Activities such as exercise can resume within 2-4 weeks. It is important to stay hydrated to ensure a faster healing time and to minimize chances of complications.

9. Is there scarring?

The cannula is a small instrument so the scars are minimal as well. The number of scars is based on the number of areas treated. 

10. Can the fat be added to other areas of my body?

Yes, it is very common to put fat removed from one area of your body into another. We often put fat into breast or buttocks, and this is called fat grafting. 

What is a “Vampire Facial,” or PRP facial?

Authored by: Charlie Chen, M.D.

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

This treatment is a combination of microdermabrasion or microneedling followed by the application of PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma). PRP is the serum portion of the blood which contains platelets. The platelets are high in growth factors, which can help stimulate healthy skin cell activity. 

The process begins with a blood draw and then running the blood through a centrifuge to isolate the platelets. You'll then receive microneedling or microdermabrasion to prep and help improve penetration of the PRP. Once the platelets have been separated and the skin has been prepped, it is time to apply the PRP. Applying the PRP helps improve skin’s collagen and elasticity with its antioxidant and hydrating properties. 

PRP facial is great to prevent wrinkles and improve skin texture. It gives your skin an even tone and fresh appearance. It is great preventative option to keep your skin youthful, but it also can be used to help address current skin damage from the sun or gravity. 

Most people are great candidates for PRP facial, whether their goals are for preventative or restorative effects. However, if you have a history of blood disease, clotting or bleeding disorders, then PRP treatment may not be a safe option for you.

Dr. Chen is a board certified plastic surgeon who has years of experience performing PRP treatments. Please contact our office for a complimentary consultation to discuss if PRP treatments are right for you.