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Robert G. Aycock, MD, FACS · Plastic Surgery

San Francisco Cosmetic Surgery Blog

Choosing Your Ideal Breast Implant

November 20th, 2011

Body contouring offers many different ways you can reinvent your shape, including breast enlargement, a surgical method for enhancing breast size and creating a more voluptuous figure. If you are considering this procedure, Dr. Aycock would like to help you understand the differences between your implant options before you make a final decision.

The type of breast implants you choose will affect the final result in both appearance and feel. Viewing a variety of breast enlargement before and after photos can help you see how saline an silicone differ from an aesthetic standpoint. Rest assured that Dr. Aycock will thoroughly review your choices and explain the benefits in detail, while also recommending which implants will help you meet your appearance goals.

Saline or Silicone?

Saline and silicone are the two most prevalent types of implant materials available today. Both options come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and textures, and both are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the body. Various profile options (low, moderate, moderate plus, and high profile) affect the implant’s projection and determine how high the implant protrudes from the ribcage. When you visit us for your breast augmentation consultation, we’ll show you the various implants and further explain the advantages of each.

Your New Implants

Your ideal implants should be chosen based on several factors, including the volume of your natural breast tissue, your desired final appearance, your skin elasticity, and your frame size. Dr. Aycock will show you results of breast augmentation procedures using various volumes and help you get an idea for the affects of the different styles and textures. Special “sizer” bras can also be worn to help you envision the various implants’ final appearance.

Physician Guidance

As you approach your decision, Dr. Aycock can be a strong resource. During his many years of performing breast augmentation, he’s helped countless Bay Area women achieve the breast improvements they’ve always dreamed of, and he will direct you to the implant options that complement your figure.

Dr. Aycock dedicates a large percentage of his time to the art of breast surgery: He currently serves as Medical Director of the Breast Center of Northern California and was given the honor of NOVO-2008 “Distinguished member of the National Council of Leaders in Breast Aesthetics.”

San Francisco surgeon Dr. Aycock would like to meet with you to discuss your breast implant options. Please contact our office to schedule your personal breast augmentation consultation.

Combining Surgical and Nonsurgical Procedures for Dramatic Results

November 6th, 2011

If you’ve been tossing around the idea of cosmetic surgery, you most likely have a specific procedure in mind already. At the office of Dr. Robert Aycock, we like to take the first consultation as an opportunity to present you with your wide range of options for surgical and nonsurgical enhancement. Often two or more procedures performed during the same visit or around the same time can give you dramatic results by accentuating features you like and downplaying those you don’t.

Designing Your Makeover

Dr. Robert Aycock is an expert at helping patients choose the combination of procedures that can deliver the results they seek. We have a state-of-the-art plastic surgery facility that is equipped with the most advanced technology and serves as an ideal, comfortable location for both cosmetic and nonsurgical outpatient treatments.

With everything you need for a beautiful makeover, including the skills and resources of a highly-skilled plastic surgeon, our center can help you find the combination of procedures to achieve beautiful and natural-looking results.

Winning Combinations

For example, you may choose to improve the tone and texture of your skin with laser resurfacing to enhance the results of a face lift. Or, get smoother skin instantly with advanced, long-lasting laser hair removal on your legs after a thigh lift. You may also wish to achieve a slimmer appearance with VelaShape,™ a nonsurgical body contouring treatment, after you have enhanced your breast appearance with a breast enlargement or breast lift. Whatever you choose, affordable patient financing is available to help you fit your combination of treatments into your budget.

The possibilities are endless. To design a strategic combination of surgical and nonsurgical procedures that will help you reach your body goals, please meet with our experienced contouring surgeon today. If you are ready to schedule your personal consultation, please contact Dr. Robert Aycock at your convenience.

What Before & After Photos Can Reveal About Your Surgeon

November 1st, 2011

When searching for an ideal cosmetic surgery center to perform your face, breast, or body contouring procedures, make sure you look closely at the surgeon’s before and after images before making a decision. These photos can reveal a lot about a doctor’s skill and artistry and help you better understand what is possible with each procedure.

Dr. Robert Aycock offers extensive photo albums of his past work, including online albums of the following procedures:

Whether you are interested in surgical body or facial recontouring, or nonsurgical enhancements, before and after photos are a valuable resource for helping you choose both your procedure and your surgeon.

Every step of the surgical process plays a role in the patient’s final appearance, from the pre-operative exam and screening to the post-operative recovery process. When you look through his extensive collection of before and after photos, it becomes clear that Dr. Aycock’s perfect combination of skill and artistry are products of his careful attention to detail and extreme precision during each step. Dr. Aycock’s 20+ years of experience and his continued commitment to learning new techniques have also helped him achieve a distinct level of surgical mastery.

Keep in mind that each patient’s results can vary and that your individual results will depend on a number of factors including your age, skin condition, and incision placement. Although reviewing photos of our San Francisco plastic surgeon’s past surgeries delivers some insight into his capabilities, Dr. Aycock will be able to give you a more personalized summary of what you can expect during your comprehensive cosmetic surgery consultation.

If you’d like to see Dr. Aycock’s full range of talents, please contact our office today to schedule your personal consultation, where you’ll have the opportunity to view numerous before and after photos of the procedures that most interest you.

Greenbrae Surgery Center: State-of-the-art Ambulatory Care

May 15th, 2011

Dr. Robert Aycock is proud to offer his patients advanced cosmetic care in the Greenbrae Surgery Center, a fully accredited, state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery center with three operating rooms and two fully equipped Endoscopic Suites and a five-bed recovery room. A wide variety of cosmetic procedures are performed at Greenbrae, including facial plastic surgery, breast enhancement, and body contouring.

Unique Features

This Medicare-certified surgery center is a Category I Occupancy, which means it meets the same standards and building codes as a hospital. Currently, Greenbrae is the only surgery center with this accreditation in Marin County allowing overnight nursing care.

Patients are drawn to the surgery center for its location and outstanding reputation for providing excellent patient care and safety. When you enter the doors of Greenbrae Surgery Center, you are immediately greeted by the Front Desk Coordinator who also facilitates your check-in process. From that point on, you will be expertly cared for in the comfortable and relaxing environment.

The People of Greenbrae

The staff members at the surgery center have been hand-picked for their skill and compassionate understanding of each individual’s needs and concerns. It’s easy to see that every team member is in their chosen profession for a reason: to provide exceptional care to patients and enhance their cosmetic surgery experience.

Greenbrae Surgery Center is utilized by plastic surgeons, general surgeons, bariatric surgeons, ENT (ear, nose, and throat) surgeons and orthopedic surgeons including hand surgeons.

Here are some of the professionals that will be guiding you through your brief stay at Greenbrae:

  • Laura Carlos, RN, BSN Aesthetic Nurse Specialist
  • Therese Harrison RN, Director of Nursing & Patient Care
  • Joanne Jacobson, MD, Anesthesiologist
  • Robert Aycock, MD, FACS, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Comfort and Technology

Greenbrae Surgery Center is equipped with everything a patient would need to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. If there is anything you need or want during your time here, all you have to do is simply ask. The center features modern equipment, including Stryker, Steris, and Smith & Nephew technology for endoscopic, arthroscopic, and laparoscopic surgeries.

Surgeries are performed Monday through Friday beginning at 7a.m. and continue throughout the day. To learn more about all the advantages offered at Greenbrae Surgery Center, please contact Dr. Robert Aycock.

Personal Interview With Dr. Robert Aycock, Part II

October 31st, 2010

What goes through your mind at the end of each surgery?

I want to know that I have done absolutely the best that I could do to achieve the results that my patient has asked for and expects.

Did you have any mentors while you were in med school, and why were they so valuable?

I had several mentors during and after my medical training.  They taught me not only how to be a good surgeon but how to be a physician who truly cares for his patients.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I usually spend time with my family in whatever activity our children might be involved in, usually sporting activities in school.  I also enjoy traveling with my family.

If you could travel anywhere where would you go?

We presently have on our wish list a trip to Italy and the South of France.

What advice might you give to young people interested in becoming a surgeon?

Surgeons have to know their stuff, of course, but they also must have extraordinary discipline; so young people should develop disciplined study habits in school, and cultivate a strong interest in science.

At the end of the day, what makes you happy?

Happy patients and a family dinner usually make for a very good day. When I know that my patients and family have had happy days, then I can sleep well at night.

What advice do you have for perspective new patients considering cosmetic surgery?

Make sure that the surgeon that you are speaking with is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and that he or she has extensive experience in performing the surgery that you are considering.

To learn more about him and his cosmetic surgery skills, please contact Dr. Robert Aycock in San Francisco, California. You may also want to check out Dr. Aycock’s Facebook page under Bay Area’s Premier Aesthetic Surgery and Laser Center.

What makes a surgeon GREAT?

July 31st, 2010

Choosing Your Cosmetic Surgeon

There are so many cosmetic surgeons out there, all promising to make you look amazing and natural. But how can you find the perfect surgeon for you, the one that will meet every one of your needs? The answer is: Do your homework. Talk to others who have had cosmetic procedures, ask questions about everything from the surgeon’s background to the types of technology used. Don’t be shy about asking for what you want – and challenging the staff members to discover if the quality of care is not just acceptable, but exceptional.

Experience

When you hear that a cosmetic surgeon has had many years of experience and has performed many procedures, you know he or she has worked with a lot of patients. If you are considering a facelift, for example, wouldn’t you prefer a surgeon who has done hundreds or even thousands of these delicate procedures?

Experienced doctors have seen many scenarios and are often better able to handle the individual characteristics that can make each procedure unique. An experienced surgeon like Dr. Robert Aycock knows what works, and what makes patients happy.

Personal Care

It’s that special touch, that caring bedside manner that can make all the difference in your cosmetic surgery experience. Look for a surgeon who takes the time to answer all your questions, is patient and caring, and really makes an effort to see that you are comfortable, relaxed, and confident in your choice.

Credentials

One way to tell that a surgeon is up to par is if he has an educational background that is above and beyond the minimum requirements. In practice since 1988, Dr. Aycock is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who has an impressive training record and belongs to many upstanding organizations in the field. Learn more about Dr. Aycock’s credentials, or take a look at his media page. You can also visit www.plasticsurgery.org, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ website. As the largest plastic surgery specialty organization in the world, ASPS is a great resource where you can review surgeons’ credentials.

Results

The mark of a great surgeon is in the final appearance. But the goal is not just to create a more pleasing look, but also to make sure that each patient’s unique objectives are met. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so you want a surgeon who is versatile enough to deliver truly individualized results with any procedure. To see some examples of Dr. Aycock’s work, please visit the before and after gallery.

Making the Choice

Get all the attributes you deserve from a surgeon when you choose Dr. Robert Aycock to guide your cosmetic care. From the first interaction, you will see how Dr. Aycock and his staff are truly focused on giving you the very best experience and results possible. Please contact Dr. Robert Aycock to set up a consultation or ask any questions you may have. You can also learn more on Dr. Aycock’s Facebook page under Bay Area’s Premier Aesthetic Surgery and Laser Center.

Cosmetic Surgery and Today’s Safety Standards

March 8th, 2010

Cosmetic surgery, the art and science of enhancing the physical appearance of facial and bodily features, is safer than most people might expect. Cosmetic procedures are becoming more accessible and affordable, and people today are more open about sharing their cosmetic surgery experiences. Frequent improvements in technology, equipment, and safety have helped procedures like liposuction, breast lift, and facelift see a decline in complication rates and become much safer than they once were. You can improve safety, too, but choosing your procedure, your facility, and your surgeon wisely.

Surgeon Accreditation

When you choose a care provider who is an ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons) member, you can expect vast experience and focused expertise, two traits that are integral to achieving safety in the operating room. Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), he or she has endured many hours of patient care, rigorous testing, and peer evaluation.

When you choose a Board-Certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Robert Aycock, you are guaranteeing that your surgeon has received at least five years of surgical training, plus a minimum two-year plastic surgery program. ASPS members are also fully trained in the field of cosmetic surgery, meaning they have thorough knowledge of all types of plastic surgery procedures, including facial plastic surgery, body sculpting, and reconstruction. ASPS surgeons must also commit to regular continuing education training, including frequent updates in patient safety.

Facility Accreditation

When you choose a surgeon who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, you can relax knowing he or she operates in accredited facilities only. A facility receives accreditation only after it has met a wide range of qualifications set by a state or national accrediting agency. For instance, accredited centers must maintain extremely low complication rates. When considering a cosmetic surgery facility, do not be afraid to ask your doctor about the practice’s safety standards and how they reduce risk of complication in their accredited outpatient surgical center.

Your Role in Safety

Remember, you can reduce your risks by choosing your provider carefully, providing a thorough medical history, and having realistic expectations about what cosmetic surgery can do for you. To learn more about cosmetic enhancement and today’s safety standards, please contact Dr. Aycock at his Bay Area practice.

—Lindsey Kesel, Cosmetic Surgery Consultant

Why Experience Matters When Choosing a Cosmetic Surgeon

January 14th, 2010

Cosmetic surgery is not only a highly skilled science, it’s a delicate artform that requires an astute eye and a deep understanding of each individual’s needs. If you are considering enhancing your appearance with one or more of the incredible cosmetic procedures available today, make sure you count experience as one of your most important surgeon attributes.

No matter how skilled or artistic a surgeon may be, years of experience with a variety of different patients helps build a strong foundation of knowledge that no textbook can provide. By experiencing many real-world scenarios and leading patients from curiosity to positive change is a wonderful way for doctors to grasp the importance of their role and to deal with very diverse cosmetic needs.

If you’ve thought about plastic surgery, but aren’t sure where to start, talk to neighbors, friends, and family members to find out whom they recommend. You can also place a few phone calls to surgeons in your area to get feel for their service standards and ask questions about experience and other factors.

Remember, board certification is no guarantee of great results. Surgeon skill and experience can vary greatly depending on where you go. Finding a trusted plastic surgeon like San Francisco’s own Dr. Robert Aycock can mean a world of difference in the personal service you receive as well as your surgical outcome.

With more than 20 years of experience in all types of cosmetic procedures, including breast surgery, facial rejuvenation, and nonsurgical cosmetic treatments, Dr. Aycock has helped countless patients achieve beautiful, natural results. Have a look at some of his before and after photos to get an idea of his experience and his capabilities.

Dr. Aycock, in his specialty of plastic and reconstructive surgery, has held staff positions at many California facilities, including John Muir Medical Center, Marin General Hospital, Novato Community Hospital, Greenbrae Surgery Center, and the Breast Center of Northern California. He was also named the best plastic surgeon in the Northbay for 2008-2009.

Learn more about Dr. Aycock’s experience and set up a consultation to find out how he can help you reach your body goals. Please contact Dr. Robert Aycock today for your confidential cosmetic surgery orientation.

—Lindsey Kesel, Cosmetic Surgery Consultant

Call our San Francisco plastic surgery office at 925.937.8377 or contact us online.