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Robert G. Aycock, MD, FACS · Plastic Surgery

San Francisco Cosmetic Surgery Blog

Sun Damage: The Risks and Remedies

May 22nd, 2011

A nice, even tan is a coveted feature, creating a “healthy” glow and boosting self-confidence. But in reality, below that sun-kissed skin may hide irreversible sun damage.

Risks of Sun Exposure

The sun’s rays contain the harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation waves, notorious for defiling clear, youthful skin with sunspots, discoloration, and wrinkles. Both types of UV rays, UVA and UVB, can directly cause premature aging and skin cancer. When you endure prolonged sun exposure, you’re risking your appearance and your health. Despite the prevalent warnings regarding too much sun, sunblock and protective clothing are not a priority for most people. However, taking measures to shield your delicate outer layer from the sun today can prevent some of the severe consequences of sun damage.

We encourage all of our patients concerned about sun damage to visit a dermatologist for a full body skin assessment annually.

Sun Damage Remedies

While prevention is the best defense against sun damage, there are ways you can improve the appearance of early aging due to sun exposure. After a personalized skin care evaluation, Dr. Robert Aycock can design a treatment program to minimize the appearance of sun damage on your face and body. With advanced laser technology and patented skin solutions, his skin care team is able to reduce freckles, photo damage, wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation issues. You may even be able to use these treatments to prevent sun-related appearance issues that may become apparent many years down the road.

The following state-of-the-art cosmetic treatments can promote smoother skin, improve tone and texture, encourage skin regeneration, tighten pores, and minimize blemishes.

Don’t let the cumulative effects of sun damage sneak up on you. If you would like to learn more about the cosmetic technology used to combat early aging due to sun exposure, please contact Dr. Robert Aycock.

The Artistry Involved in a Rhinoplasty

March 14th, 2011

Rhinoplasty is a popular procedure for anyone looking to change the appearance of their nose. Many different types of alterations can be performed, including size reduction, shape change, nostril size or shape adjustments, and reshaping to improve airflow. Whether you were born with a nose you don’t like, you suffered a nose injury, or you have a nasal birth defect, Dr. Robert Aycock can help you get the nose you want with his skillful and artistic hands.

Your Rhinoplasty Artist

Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Aycock takes great pride in creating beautiful reshaping results that complement each patient’s unique natural beauty. Dr. Aycock is a very talented rhinoplasty surgeon renown for his ability to combine the plastic surgery skill he possesses with a great deal of artistic license. Dr. Aycock is wholeheartedly dedicated to achieving results that his patients desire, and he accomplishes this with the application of extreme mindfulness and carefully honed skill during surgery. He has also designed his pre- and post-operative care protocol for the utmost safety.

Elements of a Successful Nose Surgery

Here are some of the ways skill and artistry combine for a successful rhinoplasty.

  • Most often, incisions are inconspicuously placed on the inside nostril area. If external incisions are required, they are placed in the creases where the nose and cheek meet.
  • Excess cartilage is gently removed and the skin must be redraped carefully for a normal final appearance.
  • Size reductions must be calculated precisely to achieve a result that looks natural and attractive.
  • In some cases, Dr. Aycock will add tissue to fill in skin deficits. Tissue addition requires a very delicate hand as well as a good eye for what looks best.
  • Any protruding or uneven bone tissue must be carefully reduced to create a smooth final result.
  • Dr. Aycock must perform all alterations so that the blood flow to the nose tissue is healthy.
  • All alterations must be performed in a manner that allows for uninhibited breathing.
  • Dr. Aycock must consider the steps to improve the form and function of each segment of the nose, as well as the final overall appearance.
  • Dr. Aycock must manage the healing process in a way that optimizes final appearance and encourages healthy recovery. Splints and stitches should be applied and removed very strategically.

It is Dr. Aycock’s ability to combine all these elements in such a deliberate way that produces an ideal final appearance that doesn’t just look symmetrical, but looks great with the patient’s unique features. For a peek at how an artistic nose reshaping procedure can improve your facial appearance, please visit Dr. Aycock’s before and after rhinoplasty photos.

If you’d like to learn more about rhinoplasty and the unique surgical experience offered here, please. contact Dr. Robert Aycock to schedule a consultation. You can also visit Dr. Aycock’s Facebook page under Bay Area’s
Premier Aesthetic Surgery and Laser Center.

BOTOX® Cosmetic: Why Should I?

November 21st, 2010

Why would anyone consider getting BOTOX® injections? Shouldn’t we embrace growing older and view wrinkles and other signs of aging as evidence of wisdom?

As unfortunate as it may sound, our society thrives on judging people by their physical appearance, especially during first impressions. Aging gracefully means accepting your physical self, but it can also mean enhancing your features when they seem to be working against you.

Factors like sun damage, aging, and genetics can all conspire to change the appearance of your face, whether you like it or not. Forehead wrinkles, brow furrows, and frown lines can gradually creep in, leading others to believe you are tired, irritated, or grumpy, despite your actual mood. Whether you are at work or in a social situation, the last thing you want to do is feel intimidated or discouraged by your own appearance.

BOTOX is not just a treatment for wrinkles; it is a way to escape the feeling that your personality does not match your appearance. People who choose BOTOX are not unhappy with who they are, they just may not want to be prejudged by facial characteristics that do not accurately reflect how they feel on the inside.

BOTOX patients reap many benefits, including improved youthful appearance and increased self-confidence. BOTOX patients are from all walks of life, namely men and women who want to feel good about how they look.

If you are a working mom tired of being judged by others who may think you are unhappy or grumpy, you may want to consider doing something for yourself; BOTOX sessions can promote a relaxed, energetic appearance. If you are competing for jobs with professionals who are half your age, BOTOX can smooth your facial appearance and provide that extra boost of self-confidence that can carry you far. If you are a divorced man or woman in your 40s or 50s, BOTOX may give you the confidence you’ve been looking for each time you look in the mirror and see a more youthful version of yourself. Whatever your stage in life, BOTOX can offer enhancement and help you look and feel as vibrant as you are.

If you are unhappy with those lines between your eyebrows staring back at you each time you look in the mirror you may want to consider getting rid of them.   Dr. Robert Aycock is an excellent choice for your BOTOX treatment.

To get all the facts on BOTOX and see if it is right for you, please contact Dr. Robert Aycock to set up a consultation. Also feel free to visit Dr. Aycock’s Facebook page under Bay Area’s
Premier Aesthetic Surgery and Laser Center.

Personal Interview With Dr. Robert Aycock

October 12th, 2010

What made you want to be a surgeon?

As a medical student, I had the opportunity to participate in all facets of medicine, and very early on, it seemed to me that surgeons could see a medical problem and then correct it with surgery. This approach to healing was very attractive to me, so when the time came to begin my training as a resident after medical school, I chose General Surgery. While on my General Surgery rotation, I found that I was very comfortable in the operating room and enjoyed interacting with patients in the surgery clinic. For me, surgery is more than what I enjoy doing—it’s what I am.

Why did you choose Plastics?

During my General Surgery training, I had the chance to rotate through different surgical specialties.  On my Plastic Surgery rotation I was impressed by the intricate surgeries the surgeons were performing and how much the procedures seemed to change patients’ lives.  Also, the procedures were so diverse, ranging from micro vascular surgery to surgery of the hand, craniofacial surgery, burn surgery in reconstructive surgery, and finally, cosmetic surgery.  I was attracted to the broad spectrum of ways to help patients—to really change their lives—so I applied to the Plastic Surgery program and fortunately was accepted.

What is your favorite surgery to perform?

My favorite surgery is any Plastic or Reconstructive Surgery that I am performing at the time.  Ninety percent of the surgery that I do now is cosmetic surgery of the face and body.  I do not routinely take trauma calls, but recently I had the opportunity to repair the lip of a friend’s child.  Seeing this child first with her lip torn half off and then seeing her as good as new after the repair was so very rewarding.  Seeing the relief in her parents’ eyes was priceless. It isn’t so much about the surgery as it is about the lives that are changed.

What is your biggest achievement thus far?

Professionally, happy patients are my biggest achievement. Whether they are recovering from reconstruction after trauma or from a facelift, if they have achieved a better life, then I have achieved.  Personally, my children are my biggest achievement. I don’t know of a greater joy than raising your children with the help of an excellent mother to be good, happy, healthy and productive members of society.

Check back for the continuation of Dr. Aycock’s interview in next week’s blog.

Plastic Surgery Benefits and Risks

September 20th, 2010

Improving your appearance can be easy and affordable with the right cosmetic surgery team. But before you move forward and say “yes” to surgery, it is important for you to have a realistic view of what plastic surgery can do for you, as well as what it cannot do.

Education Before Acceptance

Your first task should be to learn all you can about the procedure you are interested in. Talk to people who have had cosmetic surgery performed, and visit trusted organizations online, like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). At Bay Area’s Premier Aesthetic Surgery & Laser Center, Dr. Robert Aycock and his knowledgeable team place a high priority on patient education. They work hard to ensure every patient is well-informed regarding the benefits and risks of facial and body contouring procedures before you make the decision to schedule.

Understanding Your Surgery

As with any medical procedure, there are risks you should know about. During your comprehensive cosmetic surgery consultation, Dr. Aycock and his team will present the benefits and risks in a very detailed manner, and answer any questions you may have.

Risks vs. Rewards

Although rare, infection, bleeding, blood clots, and slow healing are a few of the risks that may be discussed during your first visit. Dr. Aycock’s team will also inform you of all the ways they work hard to ensure the safest environment possible, and how they are prepared to keep you safe should any complications occur. Of course, many people feel that the potential rewards of plastic surgery far outweigh the risks  — which is why elective surgery is so popular among men and women. Successful surgeries that help you reach your appearance goals can have a very positive effect on your self-confidence, your self-esteem, and your personal life. Many patients report an improved overall quality of life after their healing is complete.

Choosing Wisely

Remember that choosing a highly skilled cosmetic surgeon who has years of experience and maintains safe and comfortable facilities can reduce your risks during and after surgery and improve your results.

  • To learn more, you can read about recent initiatives the American Society of Plastic Surgeons are using to promote patient safety.

If you would like to discuss the benefits and risks of facial, body, and nonsurgical cosmetic enhancements, 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

Out of Town Guests: Fly in for Cosmetic Surgery With Dr. Aycock

July 18th, 2010

If you are searching for a cosmetic surgeon you can truly trust to give you skilled guidance and great results, consider San Francisco’s Dr. Robert Aycock, a seasoned cosmetic surgeon who offers a level of care that is truly unique and highly sought after.

Tailored to Your Specific Goals

Dr. Aycock offers many great options for cosmetic improvement, including facial procedures like facelift, necklift and browlift, body reshaping procedures like breast lift and tummy tuck, and nonsurgical medspa options like laser skin resurfacing and Sciton laser treatments. Many patients choose to combine procedures for a same time recovery period. Although each patient’s results are different, to gain insight as to what type of results are possible, please take a look at Dr. Aycock’s before and after gallery.

Top-Notch Hospitality

Many of Dr. Aycock’s patients are from other areas of California, neighboring states, and even some international locations. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers easy access to Greenbrae Surgery Center, Dr. Aycock’s fully accredited, state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery center. Whether you are a high profile patient or a stay-at-home mom, Dr. Aycock’s Patient Care Coordinator will work with you on nearby hotel options that are just right for you.

From the moment you arrive, you will be taken care of and guided with a high level of personal attention and concern. After your procedure, a Certified Nurse Assistant will monitor your recovery overnight in your
hotel room and drive you to the surgery center for your post-operative visit the following day.

If you are considering cosmetic surgery, it would be worth your time to find out more about Dr. Aycock, his program for out-of-town guests, and his commitment to creating beautiful results in a comfortable setting. You may also want to visit Dr. Aycock’s media page to see how this center has received national and local recognition.

For patients considering traveling to the Bay Area for cosmetic enhancement, it’s easy to contact Dr. Robert Aycock for more information and assistance with travel arrangements. You can also learn more on Dr. Aycock’s Facebook page under Bay Area’s Premier Aesthetic Surgery and Laser Center.

ProFractional™ Laser: Great Results in Comfort

July 5th, 2010

Thanks to today’s advances in technology, there are many ways to see improvements in your facial appearance. The ProFractional™ Laser is one incredible option that is leaving a lasting impression on men and women who desire to look their best and improve their skin.

Created by Sciton, ProFractional is considered to be leaps and bounds ahead of prior laser resurfacing methods. Patients with sun spots, age spots, uneven pigmentation, wrinkles, acne scars, and even stretch marks can see a marked improvement in just a few short sessions.

Benefits of ProFractional

The state-of-the-art ProFractional Laser is one of the least invasive options out there. Your doctor or nurse specialist is able to target specific skin cells as the laser creates tiny columns in the problem areas, without affecting surrounding tissue. In the process, the treated skin produces new, healthy tissue to replace the damaged cells. Another draw: Healing time is quicker than with previous similar alternatives, and the down time is very minimal. You may need anywhere from one to three treatments, spaced four weeks apart, depending on the amount of skin damage.

What to Expect After ProFractional

Rapid results with a short recovery time sound appealing? Add in that the treatment itself is comparatively comfortable (most patients require no anesthesia) and affordable, and you’ve got a perfect way to rejuvenate your look.

Each treatment varies and is designed to fit into individual patient lifestyles, and recovery times will vary as well. Generally speaking, after treatment, you can expect some mild swelling and redness for the first four days, and pinkness for up to seven days. The risks of infection, scarring, and other side effects are extremely low. You’ll notice an improvement right away, reaching optimal results within a few months.
Are You a Candidate for ProFractional?

If you are in good health and you want a way to minimize the effects of aging or skin damage, ProFractional may be just what you’re looking for. Dr. Robert Aycock offers informative consultations to discuss the benefits of this treatment and help you decide if it is your best option.

For more information on Sciton ProFractional and other Sciton Laser skin treatments, please contact Dr. Robert Aycock today or find him on Facebook under Bay Area’s Premier Aesthetic Surgery and Laser Center. Dr. Aycock is an International Trainer for Doctors & Surgeons for Advanced Training on the use of the Sciton Laser, a unique advantage that allows him to match each patient with the Sciton treatment that will deliver ideal results.

Breast Enlargement Plus a Breast Lift

April 6th, 2010

If you’re unhappy with your breast size and you’ve always dreamed of filling a larger cup, a breast enlargement could be your answer. And for women who experience prominent sagging of the breasts, a breast lift performed along with a breast enlargement can create incredible results.

Why the Combination Works

First of all, performing breast augmentation and breast lift allows your surgeon to address two separate issues simultaneously: size and sagging. Although getting new implants can improve the appearance of sagging for some women, the effects are usually minor when compared with what a breast lift can accomplish. Combining the two procedures also saves patients anesthesia and surgical costs, as well as recovery time.

How The Dual Procedure is Performed

Once you and your cosmetic surgeon have chosen the perfect size and style of saline or silicone implants, and discussed the results you would like to see with breast lift, it’s time to schedule your procedure. During the enlargement portion of your surgery, your doctor will make an incision either in the crease where the breast meets the chest, around the areola, or in the armpit. The breast tissue and skin are lifted to create a pocket, either directly behind the breast tissue or underneath the pectoral muscle. The surgeon then inserts the breast implants beneath your nipple.

For the breast lift portion of the surgery, the surgeon removes excess sagging breast skin in order to provide a more youthful, tightened tight appearance. Then, the nipple and areola are relocated to a higher position and sutures are placed in the incision sites. The combination procedure can take from 2 – 4 hours and is performed under general anesthesia.

Is Breast Augmentation + Breast Lift Right for You?

If you’re considering your cosmetic breast enhancement options, a skilled Bay Area body contouring surgeon can help you choose the perfect procedure or combination of procedures. To learn more about both breast enhancement options, Dr. Robert Aycock has provided an informative video guide to breast augmentation and video guide to breast lift.

Want to set up a consultation to talk to an experienced cosmetic surgeon about your breast surgery choices? Get all the answers you need, plus caring, personalized care when you contact Dr. Aycock for a personal, in-depth plastic surgery consultation.

—Lindsey Kesel, Cosmetic Surgery Consultant

How MedSpa Procedures Can Enhance Your Look — Without Surgery

December 5th, 2009

If you want to do something positive to enhance your appearance, rewarding yourself with medspa procedures is a great way to boost your confidence without committing to surgery.

Medspa, short for medical spa, is a group of aesthetic medical services offered by licensed healthcare professionals. From anti-aging skin treatments to facial fillers and laser hair removal, medspa offers a variety of convenient procedures that get great results and cost far less than cosmetic surgery.

Dr. Robert Aycock and his aesthetic team perform medical spa treatments at A Medspa, a soothing, relaxing setting with state-of-the-art technology. Here’s a list of our medspa services — combine them for an even more dramatic makeover!

If you would like to learn more about nonsurgical cosmetic procedures and find out how A Medspa services can help you achieve your beauty goals, please talk to our respected Bay Area cosmetic surgeon. You can contact Dr. Robert Aycock at your convenience to schedule your consultation and learn about patient financing options.

—Lindsey Kesel, Cosmetic Surgery Consultant

Look Younger With Neck Reshaping

November 15th, 2009

Smooth, supple skin can become weathered as the years roll by. Age, sun exposure, and loss of skin elasticity causes the neck skin to reveal wrinkling, sagging, and age spots. There is a cosmetic procedure called a neck lift that can help men and women combat these problems and regain a youthful neck appearance.

Also referred to as neck reshaping, a neck lift is customized to help you minimize signs of aging and excess fat around the neck and jawline. The neck lift procedure is often combined with facial plastic surgery for a rejuvenating look. It is important to find an experienced cosmetic surgeon to perform your neck lift to ensure the delicate neck skin is expertly reshaped for the most natural-looking results.

Benefits of neck reshaping include:

  • Rejuvenated appearance
  • Enhance facial profile
  • Minimized skin sagging
  • Reduced wrinkling
  • Thinner neck
  • Slimmer appearance under the chin
  • Improved jawline definition

How a Neck Lift is Performed

The incision is placed under the chin, behind the ears, or both, depending on your needs. After choosing the incision site, your surgeon will use the liposuction technique to remove excess fat if necessary, Then, the weakened muscles and surrounding skin are tightened. Schedule a neck lift consultation with a skilled cosmetic surgeon to get all the details on this procedure.

If you are self-conscious about aging in the neck area, take a look at a few before and after photos of neck lift results. Then contact Dr. Robert Aycock to schedule your consultation and learn about patient financing options.

—Lindsey Kesel, Cosmetic Surgery Consultant

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