Edward Jonas Domanskis, M.D.

Mommy Makeovers

2010-10-22T09:54:00.000-07:00

Mommy Makeovers: Plastic Surgery After Pregnancy Giving birth often results in body changes that may adversely affect the body image of the new mother. Unlike decades ago, when women just had to deal with post-partum figure changes, today there are several exciting options in cosmetic surgery to help you get back (or even improve) your pre-pregnancy body. Fortunately, for today's busy new mother, many plastic surgery procedures can be done on an outpatient basis, which means you are back at home with your newborn that same day. Many new mothers worry that breastfeeding may alter the shape of their breasts. Actually, breast changes occur during pregnancy in preparation of nurturing your child. Milk gland s in the breasts swell and replace fatty tissue, and after childbirth, the milk glands shrink causing the breasts to sag and lose volume. Plastic surgery offers implants that give your breasts a youthful contour. Breast augmentation can be done on an outpatient basis with local or general anesthesia; and patients can be back to their normal activities, usually within days. Sometimes a breast lift is needed to help correct the sag. It can be as little as removal of a small amount of skin above the nipple & areola, and can be combined with breast implants. Stretch marks and C-section scars usually linger long after childbirth, so stomach tightening procedures may be what you are looking for to remove the excess skin below your navel. The stomach tightening procedure is called an abdominoplasty. If there is only a small amount of excess skin to tighten, you may be a candidate for a mini-lipectomy, which is a less extensive procedure often done under local anesthesia. Liposuction is another commonly-requested cosmetic procedure after pregnancy. Many new mothers complain that they just cannot lose the fat in areas such as the thighs, buttocks, and upper arms. Fat can removed in those troublesome areas. Finally, a labioplasty can repair the damage done to the labia that often occurs during a normal vaginal delivery. This procedure can be performed as outpatient and in conjunction with other procedures. Recovery only takes a few days, typically. You may not totally recover your pre-pregnancy body but you can come close!

How Informed Should You Be About Plastic Surgery

2008-02-29T08:13:00.000-08:00

Some plastic surgery centers promote cosmetic or plastic surgery as a "quick-fix" and overlook the potential issues involved. At our practice, we believe that a fully informed patient more qualified to make positive cosmetic surgery choices and will be happier and more satisfied with them in the long run.

Procedures, like breast augmentation and liposuction, are increasingly popular among average Americans, and cosmetic/plastic surgeons have an inherent obligation to ensure that their patients are well informed of all the risks, benefits, and potential results before consenting to have any surgery performed. It is important for you to have realistic expectations of what plastic surgery can do for you, and to understand the limitations with every procedure. Read below for more tips on how you can be more proactive about your cosmetic procedure decisions.

The Consultation
Although my staff and I do our best to inform you about all the details of your procedure, we also rely on you to ask questions and communicate your comfort level. If you are unsure or clear about any particular step in your surgery, nervous about the anesthesia process, or want clarification about the post surgical process and healing, please make a point to discuss your feelings with us.

Our goal is to answer all of your questions thoroughly, and reduce your anxiety by arming you with accurate, detailed information. During your initial consultation, you will not only get valuable information, but a true feel for our practice and the level of personal care we provide.

Support
The decision for having cosmetic surgery is a personal one. It is important to have close emotional support while you proceed through it. Our plastic surgery patients are encouraged to share all the important pre- and post-operative information with a close friend or family member. This can provide you with an added sense of confidence.

Having someone to support you and help work with your surgery team after the procedure, while you are still recovering, can be a real benefit, particularly regarding post-operative instructions that need to be communicated. The support is also helpful when adjusting to something as dramatic as a change in your appearance. You will also need a friend or family member to drive you home and help during your recovery period, when you may be significantly limited in your movements or ability to do everything yourself.

Results
While it is your responsibility to clearly communicate your ideal beauty goals with us, it is our job to use the many years of experience to give you a realistic idea of what to expect. No surgeon can predict your exact results, but we can show you the results we've helped others achieve, and give you an approximation of what you might look like after your full recovery. No two patients are the same, and no two will have the exact same results with the same procedure. Also, complications can occur and choosing a surgeon with experience should be part of avoiding them, as well as resolving them when they occur.

For more about our experience, click on my credentials, or schedule a consultation.

Dr. Domanskis

Childhood Obesity and Liposuction

2008-01-30T11:33:00.000-08:00

Most people are aware of how liposuction can help adults reduce areas of unwanted fat, but can it be used to help children with weight problems? Extra weight can be dangerous, especially in children. While some children overeat, others have physical conditions like thyroid dysfunction that prevents them from burning off excess fat normally. The liposuction procedure may be a suitable solution for teenage children who need help with fat reduction, but it would be recommended only after a thorough examination and health history evaluation.

While liposuction is typically not recommended for obese individuals, it can be used to remove small to moderate amounts of fat in targeted areas. In fact, having the liposuction procedure to combat excess weight in teenage children can give them a head start on a healthier adulthood. Parents should be informed of all the potential risks of liposuction, and the risks that are specific to children. Liposuction typically is not performed on young children.

The Mini Tummy Tuck

2007-12-31T08:20:00.000-08:00

Most men and women over age 30 are familiar with the unwanted belly "pouch" - the area of the lower abdomen that protrudes and may exhibit sagging skin. While this area is especially prone to laxity (as many mothers will tell you!), there is a cosmetic contouring solution that is affordable and effective. The mini tummy tuck, or partial abdominoplasty, is a great alternative for patients who want a less invasive procedure than the full tummy tuck but desire a firmer, more toned stomach.

The "mini-tuck" is also ideal for those who have some but not an excessive amount of loose skin on the belly area, but also have excess belly fat. Based on your unique needs, the mini tummy tuck may include a combination of liposuction contouring, tightening of the lower abdominal muscles, tightening of the upper abdominal muscles, limited skin excision, and slight repositioning of the belly button. In the mini tummy tuck, I use a smaller incision to redrape and reshape the abdominal muscle tissue and surrounding skin tissue. The result is a taut tummy with highlighted abdominal muscles and firm, even skin.

More comments from patients

2007-12-21T11:06:00.000-08:00

Dr. Domanskis,

Both my husband and I believe you are truly an artist at what you do. The many things you have done for me, the face lift, brow lift and ears all contribute to making me look many years younger than I looked previously. I totally love what all that did for and my husband loves it too. And now the lips too make me look even younger, and I am quite hopeful and confident that by the time a year has come and gone that they will look even better. Also, I would imagine that raising lips like that is probably one of the most difficult surgeries that a doctor could undertake, and I admire your talent in this most difficult surgery.

So please feel 100% appreciated, because you really are, not only for your great talent and for what you do, which is totally awesome, but even better than that, because of the person that you are.

Lois

Dear Dr. D., Rachelle and Pam,

Thank you so very much for the beautiful flower arrangement. It was the first thing I saw when I arrived back at the hotel yesterday. It was such a beautiful splash of color, it certainly raised my spirits! You have been so supportive during this whole process, beginning to end. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Gayl

Dr. Domanskis,

I felt so much better after your telephone call on Thursday. Thank you for all you do for me. You are the best!

L. Z.

Dear Ed,

Thank you so much for taking care of me. I hope you know how much I appreciate the great job you have done. My breast has healed beautifully and life is becoming normal once more. You have a beautiful family.

Sincerely,
Jennylyn

More from our patients

2007-12-07T07:09:00.000-08:00

A couple of days ago, I shared some comments from some of our patients. My staff gets messages and comments from our patients all the time, and wanted to share a few more. I think patients' experience says the most about our practice.
Dr. Domanskis
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Dear Dr. D., Rachelle and Pam,

Thank you so very much for the beautiful flower arrangement. It was the first thing I saw when I arrived back at the hotel yesterday. It was such a beautiful splash of color, it certainly raised my spirits! You have been so supportive during this whole process, beginning to end. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Gayl
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Dr. Domanskis,

I felt so much better after your telephone call on Thursday. Thank you for all you do for me. You are the best!

L. Z.
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Dear Ed,

Thank you so much for taking care of me. I hope you know how much I appreciate the great job you have done. My breast has healed beautifully and life is becoming normal once more. You have a beautiful family.

Sincerely,
Jennylyn

Comment From Patients

2007-12-05T15:41:00.000-08:00

We are always happy when our patients are willing to share some of their thoughts and comments with us. The following are just some of the experiences our patients have had with cosmetic surgery and our staff.
Dr. Domanskis

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Dr. Domanskis,

You are the greatest! Thank you for everything.

Carolyn
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Dr. Domanskis,

Thank you again. I am enjoying wearing my earrings in my cute, little custom ears. You are not only a wonderful doctor, but also a good friend.

Lois
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Dear Dr. Domanskis and Staff,

Thank you for your thoughtfulness. P.S. Thank you again for your responsiveness and caring. Happy New Year 2007.

Fondly,
Marie
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Dr. Domanskis,

Thank you so much for all you have done for me.

L. A.
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Dear Dr. Domanskis and Staff,

Thank you for doing a wonderful job on my surgery and all of your assistance in my post surgery care! Thanks again.

Karen
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Dr. Domanskis,

Thank you again. I am enjoying wearing my earrings in my cute, little custom ears. You are not only a wonderful doctor, but also a good friend.

Lois
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Dear Dr. Domanskis and Staff,

Thank you for your thoughtfulness. P.S. Thank you again for your responsiveness and caring. Happy New Year 2007.

Fondly,
Marie
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Dr. Domanskis,

Thank you so much for all you have done for me.

L. A.
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Dear Dr. Domanskis and Staff,

Thank you for doing a wonderful job on my surgery and all of your assistance in my post surgery care! Thanks again.

Karen

Growing Old Gracefully?

2007-11-29T15:18:00.000-08:00

While the old adage "growing old gracefully" traditionally meant accepting what Mother Nature intended, my cosmetic body contouring team and I feel it is high time to redefine it for the twentieth century!

Grace can be defined as "elegance and beauty of movement or expression." We think the negative connotation of the phrase "growing old" should be thrown out the window, and that aging does not have to mean sacrificing aspects of your appearance that you find beautiful. In fact, we feel that, through innovative cosmetic solutions, we are helping patients find that true elegance that exists internally and allowing them to express themselves by enhancing their appearance.

At our cosmetic body contouring practice, we encourage you to choose procedures that will boost your self-confidence and complement your uniquely wonderful personality. As we age, we adjust accordingly – we kick up our exercise levels to combat a slower metabolism, we take vitamins and supplements, and we pledge to enjoy each passing day. So, in keeping with the philosophy that life changes and so do our bodies right along with it, the new definition of "growing old gracefully" is hereby officially rewritten to include anything that makes us look and feel better about ourselves, and gives us the confidence to tackle whatever comes our way!

Before & After - Preparing for Your Cosmetic Surgery

2007-10-26T14:11:00.000-07:00

While the period before cosmetic surgery can be nerve-wracking, my body contouring team and I will do everything possible to put you at ease by making sure you know exactly what to expect before, during and after your procedure. During your surgical consultation, you'll be given a general overview of the procedure. After a thorough health history and examination, I will help you fill in all the blanks with the personalized information you need to move forward with confidence.

You'll be given in-depth information about the procedure's risks and benefits, and about the side effects of surgery. I'll walk you through your surgery day and make sure you are comfortable with the after-care instructions and limitations. You will also have the opportunity to look at many before and after photos. While we can't predict your exact results, we can show you similar cases of patients with your body type. We'll show you success statistics too.

We are constantly striving to improve the overall patient experience. If there's anything my team can do to make your cosmetic surgery procedure stress-free, please don't hesitate to ask.

Am I a Good Candidate for Cosmetic Surgery?

2007-10-08T16:38:00.000-07:00

While cosmetic body contouring is becoming more popular by the day, not everyone will be eligible for the procedures we offer. Chances are if you are in good general health, have a normal immune system, and have a stable health history, you will make a great candidate for cosmetic surgery. However, the only way to know whether on not a particular procedure is right for you is to come in for a thorough consultation and evaluation.

During each patient evaluation, I do more than just run through a standard checklist – I listen to your needs and concerns, carefully examine your health history, and give you a realistic view of the procedure’s risks and benefits. I will answer your questions in detail and spend as much time as necessary to make sure you are fully informed and ready to make an intelligent decision. It is important to go into cosmetic surgery with realistic expectations, as well as a post-operative plan to keep you in good health.

To Cut or not To Cut

2007-08-31T07:30:00.000-07:00

That is no longer the question; close to two million people had cosmetic surgery this past year, according to the statistics compiled by the American Society of Plastic Surgery. Another seven million had other non-surgical cosmetic procedures. The total of close to nine million reflects a 33% increase in just one year. Not only has the number dramatically increased, but the demographics have also changed. No longer is cosmetic surgery for women, the old or deformed. Increasingly, men, even teens and those with minor imperfections go under the knife for beauty's sake!

There may be several reasons for this phenomenon besides the reality television shows. Although beauty is an age-old quest, present culture has placed an extreme emphasis on appearance. One needs only to glance through any magazine or watch any movie. The stigma of cosmetic surgery has gone-the majority of patient's talk freely about their surgery or wanting and anticipating it! To look your best by whatever means possible has not only become acceptable, but actually desirable.

Hollywood and the rich are on their umpteenth nip and tuck, while your neighbor, co-worker and even teen next door are undergoing liposuction, breast enlargements and facial rejuvenation or extreme makeovers. They likely are financing their cosmetic surgery or paying with their credit cards.

The art and field of plastic cosmetic surgery has evolved with new and more effective procedures. Let us talk about some of these exciting techniques that have allowed plastic surgeons to keep the facial "clock turned back". These not only involve long-lasting surgical solutions, but also temporary ones.

One of the most common temporary solutions is BOTOX. This toxin is injected to paralyze the offending muscle, thus lessening the line it produces. The most common areas that it improves are the frown lines as well as the "crow's feet" area. On average, its effects last three to five months. Sometimes, though, it can prevent necessary movements like closing of the eyelids, which is, fortunately, temporary.

Once the facial lines are established, fillers to efface them are available. They are by-products of animals, humans or synthetics like COLLAGEN, FASCIAN, silicone (not approved by the FDA at this time), Restylane, Radience and the most recently approved Hylaform. The plethora of these products attests to their limited and transient effectiveness.

The crevices and depressions come next. One's own fat can be transferred to plump these visibly aging hollows. The fat must "attach" in the area placed. Presently, its growth and storage is only a desire for it is yet again a temporary, but helpful means of achieving a more youthful, fuller face. Complications are unusual and correctable and this procedure is easily repeatable.

Textural skin changes, primarily due to sun damage, require different solutions. Creams, lotions and potions have all been used with limited effectiveness. Products that have broken down the impenetrable skin layer have faired the best. Again, the list is long and includes acids in various dilutions, abrasive chemicals, scrubs, and dermabrasion, but most have been replaced by the laser. This has provided the plastic surgeon with a new, more precise and effective tool that, at its best, dramatically erases unwanted lines and reverses aging and sun damaged skin at any age.

The more effective lasers work by actually burning the skin. The deeper the laser penetrates, the longer and more unpleasant is the recovery, but more significant and longer lasting is the improvement. Scarring and pigment changes can occur. Other less invasive procedures like IPL (light laser), Thermage (radiofrequency) are gaining in popularity but still lacking in effect. There is some initial skin tightening which usually does not last. For, this requires real surgery! In some cases though, not so extensive surgery can yield not so subtle changes.

The most recent significant advance in facial cosmetic surgery is primarily because of the endoscope. The endoscope is a hollow, rigid tube, into which is incorporated a strong light and camera which transmits magnified images to a video screen. This has allowed almost scar-less cosmetic surgery.

The plastic surgeon inserts specialized instruments through small one-inch access incisions hidden in the hair and guides them, not by direct visualization, but, indirectly, by what he sees on the video screen. Through these small cuts (Minicision lift), repositioning of the deep soft tissues of the face takes place. These tissues of the face are re-suspended upwards, exactly the reverse of their descent, rather than in a front to back direction like a traditional facelift. But, it does not replace the traditional facelift, for no skin can be removed with this minimally invasive surgery.

When excess skin is already present, forming jowls or looseness of the face and neck, then it is time for a traditional facelift with its attendant scars and recovery. Advances have been made in this area also that may shorten the length of the cuts and prolong the rejuvenating effects.

My personal techniques have evolved over many years. It has been that length of time since I have done an ear-to-ear traditional forehead lift and I anticipate the day when cutting and the resultant scars will become a thing of the past! For, plastic surgery will continue to evolve and keep pace with the demands of the ever growing and aging population striving to look better and younger.

I hope this overview has provided you with further insights into my exciting and dynamic field of plastic cosmetic surgery!

Dr. Edward Jonas Domanskis is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery(Plastic)WOC at University of California(Irvine). Recognized as Orange County Physician of Excellence in Plastic Surgery for 2005 as well as America's Top Physicians. He is in private practice and limited to cosmetic surgery. His office is in Newport Beach,California. Dr. Domanskis appears regularly on numerous television programs including the Today Show, Good Morning America, 48HRS, Inside Edition, EXTRA ,Discovery and print media world-wide including the Los Angeles Times, Family Circle, London Times, Wall Street Journal among others. You may reach him through his web site http://www.surgery-plastic.com/ or office at (949)640-6324 or 1-888-234-5080.

Mommy Makeovers: Plastic Surgery After Pregnancy

2007-06-25T09:01:00.000-07:00

Giving birth often results in body changes that may adversely affect the body image of the new mother. Unlike decades ago, when women just had to deal with post-partum figure changes, today there are several exciting options in cosmetic surgery to help you get back (or even improve) your pre-pregnancy body. Fortunately, for today's busy new mother, many plastic surgery procedures can be done on an outpatient basis, which means you are back at home with your newborn that same day.

Many new mothers worry that breastfeeding may alter the shape of their breasts. Actually, breast changes occur during pregnancy in preparation of nurturing your child. Milk gland s in the breasts swell and replace fatty tissue, and after childbirth, the milk glands shrink causing the breasts to sag and lose volume. Plastic surgery offers implants that give your breasts a youthful contour. Breast augmentation can be done on an outpatient basis with local or general anesthesia; and patients can be back to their normal activities, usually within days. Sometimes a breast lift is needed to help correct the sag. It can be as little as removal of a small amount of skin above the nipple & areola, and can be combined with breast implants.

Stretch marks and C-section scars usually linger long after childbirth, so stomach tightening procedures may be what you are looking for to remove the excess skin below your navel. The stomach tightening procedure is called an abdominoplasty. If there is only a small amount of excess skin to tighten, you may be a candidate for a mini-lipectomy, which is a less extensive procedure often done under local anesthesia.

Liposuction is another commonly-requested cosmetic procedure after pregnancy. Many new mothers complain that they just cannot lose the fat in areas such as the thighs, buttocks, and upper arms. Fat can removed in those troublesome areas.

Finally, a labioplasty can repair the damage done to the labia that often occurs during a normal vaginal delivery. This procedure can be performed as outpatient and in conjunction with other procedures. Recovery only takes a few days, typically. You may not totally recover your pre-pregnancy body but you can come close!