Cosmetic Surgery Blog

How do you choose the “RIGHT” Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon?

2011-09-14T16:32:00.001-07:00

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There are so many options to choose from when choosing a provider for your plastic surgery needs. How do you choose? How can you be sure you’re getting a qualified, competent plastic surgeon? There are several things you should look for:

Check Board Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)

A doctor’s board-certification is the best indicator of his or her training in a particular medical or surgical specialty. Certification by the ABPS means that the plastic surgeon has graduated from an accredited medical school, that he has completed 4 to 7 years of surgical training and 2 to 4 years of plastic surgery subspecialty training, and has passed comprehensive written and oral examinations. You can search for a prospective physician to see if they are board certified, and if so, in what specialties.Dr. Richard Lee, Renaissance Plastic Surgery, is Board-Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery; Certified, United States Medical Licensing Examination; Advanced Trauma Life Support

Membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons

This is a symbol of excellence in the field of plastic surgery. Its members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), are peer reviewed, and meet continuing education requirements. Dr. Richard Lee is a Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Hospital privileges at reputable hospital

The hospitals thoroughly credential the physicians before approving their application to the medical staff. Check to make sure that the surgeon has plastic surgery privileges at the hospitals that they are on staff at. Dr. Lee is on staff and has privileges at both Saddleback Memorial and Hoag Hospital. He operates out of Laguna Hills Surgery Center and Newport Beach Surgery Center. Both have excellent board certified anesthesiologists.

Check reliable sources

There are popular review websites like vitals.com where you can learn firsthand what patients think of the surgeon, their surgery and the staff. The surgeon’s board-certification should always be verified independently by contacting the American Board of Plastic Surgery (www.abplsurg.org). ASAPS’ web site, www.surgery.org also offers extensive information about cosmetic surgical procedures.

Check Thoroughness

The consultation is an important opportunity for questions to be asked and answered. It should include a candid discussion of risks as well as benefits of the surgery. A thorough consultation also involves a review of medical history including any existing medical conditions. All these factors help the surgeon to custom-tailor the operation to best meet the needs of each patient. Dr. Lee can spend up to an hour with every new patient. Dr. Lee explains technique in detail and educates with pictures and examples. He gives honest expectations.

Artistic Results

Many overlook the importance of artistic skill in the field of plastic surgery. Ask to see more examples at the office. Website photos are a reliable source. www.newportbody.com

Check Experience

Experienced aesthetic plastic surgeons generally perform a wide range of cosmetic surgeries on a regular basis. Patients should ask about the surgeon’s experience with the particular procedure being considered. Dr. Lee graduated from John Hopkins, the number 1 hospital in the United States. Dr. Lee specializes in full Body Lifts, Tummy Tucks, Breasts, Face, Arms, Thighs as well as non-surgical injections for aesthetic purposes.

Dr. Richard Lee

Renaissance Plastic Surgery

351 Hospital Rd.

Suite 218

Newport Beach, CA 92663

949-548-9312

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GET THE SKINNY ON LIPOSUCTION

2011-07-11T11:49:00.001-07:00

July 7, 2011

If you want to remove unwanted excess fat you may be a candidate for liposuction. Most of our patients say they diet and exercise but can’t get rid of that stubborn area. Now that it is summer and bathing suit season it’s the perfect time!

Dr. Lee uses Power Assisted Liposuction. PAL, or (power assisted liposuction), uses a special cannula which uses tiny, rapid vibrations to break up fat cells so they can be removed from the body. Doctors can remove more fat in a shorter period of time, which leads to enhanced results, a safer procedure, and faster recovery. PAL is performed using the tumescent liposuction technique, in which an anesthetic liquid is injected into the treatment area for a smooth fat transfer through the cannula and out of the body. In PAL (power assisted liposuction), the tip of the cannula vibrates to loosen fat cells which is gentler on the body’s tissues. The vibrating tip allows for a smaller incision with precise motions so the doctor does not need to use as much force.

Researchers found that 30 percent more fat was removed with PAL than with manual liposuction which makes PAL useful for treating areas that are notoriously difficult to sculpt. So have the dramatic results you are looking for this summer with minimal risk or downtime.

Call now for our new summer discount of $500 off any surgical quote if you book in July or August!

Richard Lee, M.D.

Renaissance Plastic Surgery, Inc.
(949) 548-9312 (tel)
(949) 548-9623 (fax)
www.newportcosmeticsurgery.com

Time to freshen up your skin for Spring

2011-05-03T11:44:00.001-07:00

Are you satisfied with your complexion? We are now offering the Dermasweep MD and our patients Love it! The Dermasweep is a particle free resurfacing system made for all skin types. Your skin will instantly be smoother and you will notice a vibrant glow after the first treatment with little to no down time. Your skin will not only appear fresher but the hydration levels from the infusion will leave your skin looking plump hydrated and radiant! The Dermasweep Microdermabrasion device helps to improve skin's appearance and reduce wrinkles and sun damage without lasers or surgery. This month only we are offering an amazing introductory price so call today to schedule your treatment or to inquire!

Happy Mothers Day!

2011-04-19T11:03:00.001-07:00

What better way to celebrate Mother's Day than giving a present to yourself with a “Mommy Makeover.” We invest a lot of time and money in “things” but don’t realize we are our own best investment! You should not have to sacrifice your body just because you’ve had children. So give yourself a gift this Mother’s Day!

At Renaissance Plastic Surgery, Dr. Richard Lee specializes in Mommy Makeovers! Surgeries are usually performed on patients in their 20s, 30s, and 40s who have had children and can’t seem to get that “flat” stomach back. Surgery usually includes a tummy tuck, with liposuction of the flanks for contour with a breast lift. On occasion we will add a breast augmentation to restore volume lost during pregnancy.

We take many steps to assure minimal pain and maximum safety. Dr. Lee has the patient stay overnight with this procedure. You can either stay at the surgery center or at Camilla’s Cottage (a private bed and breakfast atmosphere with a 24 Hour Nurse). He also always uses a pain pump which keeps you very comfortable the first three days, along with an oral pain medication. Our surgery centers are fully-accredited with board-certified anesthesiologists that treat all patients like they were admitted to a hospital. Safety is our number one priority.

More information about these procedures is available on our website. www.NewportBody.com We offer complimentary consultations Monday through Friday. You can also email us at info@newportcosmeticsurgery.com Call us today! (949)548-9312

Fresh Face for Winter!

2010-11-23T17:34:00.001-08:00

* Botox Injections for Forehead Lines is our most common procedure. The upward motion of the Brow muscles cause horizontal forehead lines. Using Botox, we can relax the muscles, restoring a smooth, natural appearance to the forehead.

*The Famous "11" (Between the Eyebrows or Glabella) Turn that frown upside down by injecting Botox into the vertical lines that are caused by frowning or squinting your eyes in bright sunlight. These wrinkles start at the edge of the eyebrows and move downward toward the nose. When these wrinkles are addressed, it can smooth your expression to make you look younger and happier, as the frown lines disappear.

*Crows Feet Wrinkles around the outer eye appear when we laugh and smile, and are caused by the contraction of the facial muscles in the upper cheeks. These "crows feet" lines are dramtically softened when these muscles are relaxed with Botox.

Juvederm Winter Special

2010-11-23T13:11:00.001-08:00

Juvederm Winter Special

2010-11-23T13:07:00.001-08:00

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Product of The Month

2010-11-10T13:33:00.001-08:00

Renaissance Product of the Month
Vital C Serum

Winter can drastically change the texture of your complexion, leaving your skin dehydrated and dull.

Treat yourself with our pharmaceutical grade Vitamin C Serum that immediately minimizes

and soothes the visible effects of environmentally damaged skin.
Voted BEST IMAGE product!
Ideal for all skin types.

*Don't miss out on our special promotion

Retail : $54.92

You save 10%

*Now only $49.00

Orange County Newport Beach Plastic Surgery after Gastric Bypass / Bariatric Plastic Surgery

2010-11-05T14:29:00.001-07:00

Weight loss plastic surgery is one of the most rewarding aspects of my practice. Early in my career, I had the opportunity to work exclusively with a premier bariatric surgery practice in Newport Beach. From this experience, I became an expert in contouring the body after massive weight loss. What I learned from this was that plastic surgery after massive weight loss is an entirely different subspecialty, and plastic surgeons who do not perform this kind of plastic surgery on a regular basis just cannot match the results of those who do.

Everything is different in bariatric plastic surgery. The skin moves differently after weightloss so you cannot just do the same kind of procedure on these patients as you do on non weightloss patients. It just will not work. The problem is that lots of plastic surgeons will do just this and create bad results. Here is one example of many that I have come across.

In patients who have lost a great deal of weight, they will often have a fold of skin that is right above the pubic area. Often, plastic sugeons will make the incision right at the level of this fold. The problem with this is that the scar will end up being just too high because the tightened skin from above the fold will end up pulling the incision upward. The other problem with this is that the pubic area often hangs down like a pouch with a bulge. If the incision is made lower and into the hair-bearing area of the pubic area, it will not only lift this area up to make it look flat and tight but also the scar will evetually end up at the right spot even if it is pulled up by the tightened skin above.

As I remind my patients, tummy tucks are a dime a dozen, meaning tummy tucks are done all the time in the community. But, only a handful of tummy tucks are done well. I believe that my tummy tucks stand out among the rest. This is why I have had the blessing of having referrals from the people I work with. Nurse, scrub techs, and anesthesiologists have all referred their loved ones to me for this procedure. Even another plastic surgeon asked me to do a tummy tuck on her. I considered this a high honor and also a validation that I am doing good work!

Call today for your complementary consultation with Dr. Richard Lee, Newport Beach plastic surgeon. (949) 548-9312.

The Price is Right

2010-10-21T12:54:00.001-07:00

It is very common for most Plastic Surgery offices to never include the price of a procedure on their website. The reason for this is based on the fact that every individual has a different height, weight, age, skin elasticity and medical background. These varying factors can directly affect what type and combination of surgery is best, and how long the actual surgery will take in the facility.

At Renaissance, we encourage you to call our office and ask for our prices. Although we cannot promise an exact quote until you actually come in for your consultation, we can still give you a very honest expectation for the price range of your desired procedure. We understand that the cost of a procedure may be the biggest reservation for patients. We also know our patients want their surgery to be done in the safest environment with credentialed specialists that have years of expertise. You don’t need to have $30,000.00 in the bank for a Mommy Makeover….which believe it or not, some surgeons actually charge. Just because one surgeon charges $30,000.00 and Dr. Lee may charge $13,500.00 for the same procedure, it does not indicate that the first surgeon is “better” or will give you the “best” results. However, at the same time, we are not saying that a surgeon who offers $5,000.00 for a full Mommy Makeover is the best choice either. This would be a huge red flag in regards to your safety. You need to remember that you do “pay for what you get” in this elective surgery choice, and it is never smart to “bargain shop” when it comes to your body. As long as you have all your ducks in a row: A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with a Board Certified Anesthesiologist and a fully accredited surgery center, you have done your homework, and will find a common price thread when these three things are in place. Dr. Lee promises his patients the best of both worlds: a commitment to safety while also offering the BEST competitive prices in his industry.

While taking the current economic environment into consideration, we have greatly lowered our prices to accommodate more of our patients’ financial needs. We are also open to price matching and cash discounts depending on your individual situation. We offer financing options and unique cosigning opportunities to help people get approved for low monthly payments and dedicate ourselves to making the financial burden as easy as possible. We can also suggest applying for a personal loan at your bank. The APR’s at most credit unions can be as low as 6%! Give us a call today to find out the price range you can expect and gain the financial confidence that you can make this happen.

We offer free complimentary consultations Monday through Friday from 9 to 5pm. Call today! (949)548-9312

Moms and dads, here she comes...

2010-10-19T15:32:00.001-07:00

As my children reach the age at which they play sports, my wife and I have found ourselves around a soccer field or a baseball diamond on any given Saturday sometimes cheering for hours on end. And sure enough, at just about every game, whether it be a friend or relative or mom of a player on our team or the opposing team, there is always that one woman who wears the tighest and flashiest clothes revealing as much of her skin and cleavage as she can, with large fake breasts and bloated lips. And there is a thought that comes to mind while trying not to be impolite by staring for too long. I say to myself, "wow, who did her plastic surgery and why did he or she think that this woman looks better as a result of it?" Let's face it. We all think it. We don't dare talk about it except in whispers to our spouses or close friends.

A wise plastic surgeon once said, good plastic surgery will always create more demand. Bad plastic surgery will do the opposite. Well, whenever I come across one of these women who have undergone such drastic change in their breasts or lips, I shake my head because I know people will be turned off from plastic surgery by it. How many women look at Heidi Montag and think, "wow! I want to look just like her!". Not many.

You can't put a price tag on good taste. And your plastic surgeon has to have good taste. Otherwise, his plastic surgery results won't be in good taste as well. (BTW, checking out the decor in your plastic surgeon's office will go a long way towards whether that surgeon has good results or not.)

At Renaissance Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, we try to give the patient a chance to express exactly what she wants. More often than not, women don't want over-the-top large breasts that will be a source of unwanted attention. Most women want to look good in a swimsuit or a dress, and a good number just want to fill out their dress size. One woman wanted a natural and yet "slightly fake" look. What I found from talking to her at length was that what she really wanted was a nice fuller look especially in the upper pole of her breasts. I told her, "yes, we can do that!" To me, the results of cosmetic surgery should be natural, meaning you can hide it if you want to and show it off when you want to. Plastic surgery should fit your life and your style. My goal is to make that happen. I do more breast surgery, tummy tucks, and all around mommy makeovers than just about any surgeon around. Call us for your individualized consultation. It's complementary!

Want Longer Lashes?

2010-10-18T15:39:00.001-07:00

Why patients choose us.

2010-10-15T16:07:00.001-07:00

It may be presumptuous of me to say why I think patients choose our office for their plastic surgery needs. I want to say that it is the warm and caring voice that answers the phones when prospective patients call. I want to say that it is our patient coordinators who really go the extra mile to make you feel at ease. But when it all boils down to it, I think these things are just a reflection of who we are as indiviudals who work at Renaissance Plastic Surgery. There are so many plastic surgery offices in Newport Beach and Orange County. Newport Beach offers the very best and Orange County is nationally known for its plastic surgeons. But what makes us different from all the rest? It really is the people who work to make sure that you are well taken care of. It is the people who work to make sure that our own loved ones like our wives, husbands, friends and loved ones wouldn't be taken care of any differently.

There are things that I never tell patients about but I do things in a certain way because I feel that my patients deserve the very best. For example, I never drink alcohol, not a sip, on the evening before surgery. I never stay up late the night before surgery. I start my preparation for surgery the night before, going over the plans in my head as to what I need to do for a particular patient. I always arrive on time on the morning of surgery. I do these things not because it is easy. I do these things because I feel that my patients deserve nothing but the best from me.

I probably do more breast augmentations, tummy tucks, liposuctions, and mommy makeovers than just about anyone in Orange County and Newport Beach. It can be a matter of routine for me. But I know that to each patient, it is not a matter of routine. The decision to have plastic surgery is a huge decision, possibly a key moment in that person's life. So I cannot approach surgeries as a matter of routine. Every patient deserves the very best. So I have to show up at the time of surgery with my game plan in hand and ready to operate. This is the only way I approach surgery. My patients deserve that.

I do hear from time to time at the surgery centers that I work out of about how some other plastic surgeons who work there show up with a debilitating headache for surgery because they were partying it up in Vegas the night before. I listen to that and I am just so appalled. How can you do that? Doesn't that just scream of lack of respect for the patient who is about to have surgery? Would you want that from a surgeon about to operate on your wife or loved one?

Renaissance Plastic Surgery is truly the premier plastic surgery office in all of Orange County and southern California. We offer the very best in facial plastic surgery and mommy makeover surgery. Call us today for a complementary consultation. Dr. Lee

The Consultation Experience

2010-10-12T09:56:00.001-07:00

Choosing the right plastic surgeon can be one of the most important decisions you will make. It is very common for patients to visit numerous plastic surgery offices to familiarize and educate themselves during the consultation phase. How do you know who is best for you? Who will give me the results I want? Who will really take the time to listen to my concerns and answer my questions? The best way to narrow down your choices is focusing on the actual "experience" of your consultation. Here are some questions to ask:

Was it easy to make an appointment? Was the person who answered the phone friendly, warm, and caring? If you answered no, chances are that this will be a good indication of the customer care that you will receive down the road. Remember, it is not just the day of surgery you will schedule. You will also need to call the office and come in over the next six months for follow-up visits. If you don't like the staff and the way they make you feel, chances are you will not feel right about choosing that surgeon.

Dr. Lee and his specialized staff are committed to making your first impression of our office, pleasant and productive. The minute you walk through our doors we provide a calming, peaceful, and professional environment. We never want to make any patient feel like a "number". We schedule our appointments effectively and efficiently and never make a patient wait for an extended amount of time. We also are sensitive to the needs of our patients who have just had surgery and do not want to be seen by the other people in the waiting room. We make sure to get you right into a room for privacy. Providing excellent patient care is Dr. Lee’s gold standard for his practice.

Did you meet the actual Doctor? How much time did they spend with you? After getting feedback from some of our patients, who visited other offices, one of the major complaints was feeling very rushed when talking to the Doctor. Some had just enough time to shake their hand, before they said "You will look great!" and left. Some patients met only with consultants and were told they would meet the Doctor at the Pre-op. Dr. Lee is dedicated to the consultation, as this is the first time when trust and confidence is established. Anybody can look good on paper, but when you sit down, face to face, with the Doctor, there are major differences in patient care. The patients who have booked with Dr. Lee share the same opinion, in that he is very calming and comforting. Many plastic surgeons are known for their over-boastful attitude that they are “the best”, and give off the impression that no one is better than them. They promise the patient the world and can sometimes lead to false expectations in the end.

Dr. Lee promises to give the patient honest, realistic expectations. The amount of surgeries he does on a weekly basis, compared with the success and happiness of his patients’ final results, put him at the top of his game and one of the top surgeons in Newport Beach. What he promises, he delivers. He dedicates himself to spending time getting to know about the patients’ health history and background, so he can give you the best care and safety for your individual needs. He also spends a lot of time explaining the various options for surgery in detail. He will sit and listen, and make sure every question is addressed. Dr. Lee typically spends at least 45 minutes with each patient, educating, advising, and providing excellent “before” and “after” pictures of patients. Once you come in to meet Dr. Lee, you will agree that his bedside manner and caring personality will make him stand out among the other surgeons and help to make your decision easier. The consultation “experience” represents the care you will receive.

Please contact us if you are interested in a tummy tuck, liposuction, breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, arm lift, thigh lift, as well as procedures on for your face: facelift, eyelift, rhinoplasty, Botox, or Juvederm Injections. Dr. Lee offers free consultations. Please contact us today! (949)548-9312