Spring is a season of reinvention. If you are ready to reinvent yourself, body contouring and facial rejuvenation from a skilled San Francisco plastic surgeon can help you see the incredible, positive changes you’ve been desiring. If you’re considering procedures like facelift, eyelid lift, liposuction, or breast enlargement, the first step is to choose a physician you trust with a practice that has earned a great reputation in the community.

Choosing a plastic surgeon to enhance your appearance is a highly personal decision. However, there are some general guidelines you can use to point you in the right direction. Review the tips below before you start your search.

• For amazing body contouring results, you want to choose a plastic surgeon who can show you a variety of before and after photos reflecting his or her results.

• Ask if center offers MedSpa treatments in addition to body contouring and facial plastic surgery.

• Choosing a state-of-the-art facility is an important factor in finding the right center. Remember to visit the practice and evaluate the surroundings before you make a decision.

• If you’d like to pay over time, ask about patient financing and make sure the center you choose allows flexible payment plans.

• To get a good idea of the level of care a physician delivers, ask to read several patient testimonials.

• Ask about the surgeon’s background, training and credentials. During your first consultation, you can ask the team any questions you may have about specific procedures, treatment fees, financing and experience.

If you are ready to meet with an experienced body contouring team, talk to San Francisco plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Aycock about your personal body goals. Dr. Aycock, as seen in Forbes Magazine, was voted one of “The Most Dependable Plastic Surgeons of the Western United States” and “Best Plastic Surgeon and MedSpa of the Northbay” with his center being named “Best Health Care Surgery Center in Marin County.” There’s no obligation during your first consultation, so come visit the center and learn about your many options for safe appearance enhancement.

 —Lindsey Kesel, Cosmetic Surgery Consultant

For many of people, diet and exercise alone will not be enough to help them achieve their ideal body size and shape. Body contouring is a safe and effective way to enhance your figure and create a look you can be proud to show off. The tummy tuck procedure is a popular plastic surgery option that lets you target one of the biggest problem areas for men and women — the stomach “pooch.”

The tummy tuck surgery has been performed on millions of patients worldwide. The results can be amazing, especially when you choose a highly skilled plastic surgeon who can help you reach your ideal proportions. For men, the tummy tuck can dramatically reduce the “spare tire” appearance, creating a more chiseled, toned stomach. For women, the removal of excess fat in the tummy area can not only knock off a couple of pant sizes, it can improve the chest-to-waist ratio and enhance overall proportions. This procedure is also great for patients who have lost weight and want to remove loose skin for a more youthful, solid stomach appearance. A mini-tummy tuck is available for patients who need less correction than the full tummy tuck offers.

During the tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty), the surgeon removes excess skin and tightens the stomach muscles. Liposuction may be used to remove stubborn fat tissue. Incisions are hidden in the pubic area and belly button for a smooth, flawless tummy appearance. Read more about what happens during surgery and what to expect post-operatively.

If you are interested in learning more about the tummy tuck procedure, visit the website of Dr. Robert Aycock in San Francisco. Dr. Aycock was voted Best Plastic Surgeon in Marin County for 2008 and 2009! To see what a difference this body contouring procedure can make, you can also check out a few before and after photos.

—Lindsey Kesel, Cosmetic Surgery Consultant