Posted by Dr. Hardesty

Click here for a Free Online Breast Augmentation Self Evaluation

For women who are considering the impact of breast enhancement before and after it is done, the expectation is to look and feel remarkably different.  That is why many focus on the cost of breast implants and wonder if the cost will outweigh the tremendous physical and emotional benefits.  In the end, you are your own best judge on whether or not you can afford the cost of breast implants.

You will put your fears about cost of breast implants aside when you see how affordable they can actually be.  In fact on average the cost of breast implants have come down since 2010.

The Breast Augmentation Process

Feel free to discuss financing options with our office for the cost of breast implants. Check out warranties and what is covered by the warranty. This is crucial just to make certain there are no unforeseen costs of breast implants or issues that may arise before and after breast implants.

The cost of breast implants is but one element of the process.  Look over breast enhancement photos to become more familiar with how you expect to look after the procedure is complete.  Please review many of our photos here on our website, and we have even more examples of breast enhancement before and after photos available in our office.

WATCH PROCEDURE

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In your consultation with Dr. Hardesty can help you choose a saline or silicone gel based breast implantation, where to place your incision, and what to expect with surgery.

Dr. Hardesty performs the “No pain breast augmentation” to minimize your discomfort and get you back to your routine as quickly as a few days. After the procedure your recovery should not be too difficult.  Actually days after the surgery you should be engaged in many of your regular daily routines and activities.  If you do encounter some difficulties there are several aids that can assist you such as muscle relaxant medication or a compression garment or pain pump.

Your Breast Augmentation Results

Just imagine the excitement your friends, co-workers and family members will show when they notice the dramatic difference in your before and after breast appearance.  Like most women who have undergone a fabulous transformation as a result of Dr. Hardesty’s work you will enjoy the benefits for many years to come.

Seriously consider a consultation with Dr. Hardesty and be open about discussing the cost of breast implants. Allow them to explain the easy no risk surgery and recovery process.  Age is never a restriction to wanting to look fabulous.  Whether you are 18 or 75, having an appealing figure that has been transformed by breast augmentation will keep you the center of attention. Take that next step and create a new you and be pleasantly surprised how stunning you have become with the simple cost of breast implants. You deserve it!

Posted by Dr. Hardesty

There is no doubt that buttocks cleavage is a rage in 2014. Otherwise why would celebrities, like Kim Kardashian, Niki Minaj and Amber Rose, be such a buzz? If you yearn for youthful and full buttocks that you are proud of, the best way forward is butt augmentation. It will give you an amazing reverse cleavage that you will have no qualms of showing off!

Why Buttocks Augmentation?

You are good candidate for a buttocks enhancement if you have the following symptoms:

• Sagging buttocks
• Flat buttocks
• Extreme weight loss resulting in the loss or change of buttock shape. While you can opt for butt implants, most women love the Brazilian Butt Lift, as it makes their buttocks look sensual and prominent without using anything artificial. Thick is In!

WATCH PROCEDURE

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What is a Brazilian Buttocks Lift?

Brazilian butt lift does not make use of butt implants. Instead the cosmetic surgeon harvests fat from your own body. This fat is then processed and injected into designated areas of your buttocks. The end result is a fuller, rounder and more prominent behind. The reason why women don’t go in for butt implants is these implants cannot give the rear end a natural appearance. Though there are many cosmetic surgeons and patients who will disagree with this statement. When done correctly, this method of butt augmentation can last a lifetime. Above all, it is a safe procedure without any side effects.

While it may take up to 6 weeks for the swelling to disappear, you will be able to resume normal activities 4 weeks after undergoing  a Brazilian butt lift. Now there is an option to get enviable buttocks like all those famous celebrities.

Posted by Dr. Hardesty

If you suffer from trouble with man boobs, gynecomastia, you don’t have to live with the condition forever. You can take a proactive step with male breast reduction surgery. The operation will flatten out your chest so that you no longer have to live with enlarged breasts. Beyond the physical change, you’ll also feel much more confident and comfortable in your own skin. Let’s take a look at what gynecomastia surgery involves and why it’s worth your consideration.

WATCH PROCEDURE

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Male Breast Reduction Surgery: Simple, Safe And Effective

Posted by Dr. Hardesty

Archeologists have found evidence that makeup started with the ancient Egyptians. Many paintings show eyeliner around one eye, and many statues confirm that they used eyeliner around both eyes.

The cosmetics the Egyptians used were 100% natural, because there was no other alternative back in those times. Cleopatra’s eyes were outlined with an eye cosmetic called “Kohl”, which was made by grinding minerals, crushed copper, burnt almonds, and ash.  The eyes were given an almond shape.

What are the ingredients in modern makeup?

Today’s modern makeup include many chemicals derived from petroleum and other common chemicals also used are sodium lauryl sulfate and parabens, both can irritate some women’s or a man’s skin. Modern makeup may also include synthetic fragrances, which can cause you an allergic reaction. Colors used in modern makeup usually come from synthetic dyes/pigments, which are less expensive than using color from actual natural sources.

What makeup do you recommend that is safe today?

Well, what we put IN our bodies is just as important as what we put ON our bodies. This is why we carry Jane Iredale mineral make up, which is a high quality makeup brand that you can safely apply to your beautiful skin. It is made from the highest quality minerals that give your skin a natural and soft look while still providing the right amount of coverage without clogging your pores. These minerals also provide protection from the sun, which is vital to keep your skin free of wrinkles, and slow the process of aging, PLUS protect against skin cancer.

The Skin Cancer Foundation gave Jane Iredale the seal of recommendation as being safe for daily use to protect your skin from sun damage, and that is GREAT NEWS! Jane Iredale mineral make up is Free of parabens, and was allergy tested to make it safe for the most sensitive skin. Imagine Plastic Surgery loves finding companies such as Jane Iredale to confidently recommend it to all our clients. Thank You Jane Iredale!

Ready to “Go Green” with makeup?

Jane Iredale’s modern mineral makeup is Cleopatra’s choice, contact our office and we can get you started. Imagine The Difference, One Goal (YOU), many options… (our technologies/products).

Posted by Dr. Hardesty

Throughout history we have been looking in the mirror and finding imperfections in our skin.  When we see wrinkles, blemishes or other imperfections we tend to reach for products designed for each individual need.  Rarely do these products work, and we simply end up shelling out money hand over fist with no results.

When it comes to results, facials have always been the answer.  Facials actually trace back to the era of Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt through the Victorian Era. One of Queen Cleopatra’s most famed beauty regimes began with a mask of black asphalt mud from the banks of the Dead Sea.  She then used a Dead Sea salt scrub and then finished with a massage composed of essential oils.  It worked back then (with limited resources) to keep Cleopatra beautiful; it can definitely work to today o keep your skin healthy and vibrant using physician prescribed medications, medical grade compounds and state of the art technologies.

Posted by Dr. Hardesty

About Neuromodulators

There are limitless options on the market claiming to achieve a rejuvenated appearance and take the years off your face, but Botox has become the household name of non-surgical procedures. This popular injectable has become synonymous to obtaining a youthful look by ironing out wrinkles and fine lines. However, Botox is not the only product with this mechanism of action. It is actually a brand name belonging to a group of similar neuromodulators.They work by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkling when repeated facial expressions are implemented.  Specfically neuromodulators work by preventing the local  production of neurotransmitter.

 An analogy: like your car running out of fuel… The engine doesn’t start … The local nerves injected don’t work ( lack of fuel)  resulting in the muscles not contracting. These products include Botox, Xeomin and Dysport. They work by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkling when repeated facial expressions are implemented. Common treatment areas include the “11’s” aka frown lines between the eyebrows, horizontal forehead lines, and crow’s feet around the eyes.

WATCH PROCEDURE

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About Fillers

So if neuromodulators relax facial muscles to prevent and soften wrinkles, what do fillers do? Depending on the site and severity, there is a variety to choose from. They can restore volume to the mid-face along with plumping out folds and wrinkles, soften the small smile lines, fill the valleys of marionette lines, as well as provide volume and improve contouring. Some even work with the body in order to build natural collagen.

Depending on your anatomy different classes of fillers can be used:

•  Hyaluronics: Juvederm, Restylane, Voluma, etc.
•  Collagen stimulants: Sculptra
•  Calcium hydroxyapatite:  Radiesse
•  Fat: harvest, purify and inject your own fat

In the realm of facial and body enhancement and rejuvenation using non-surgical procedures, the infinite choices of products and trends can be overwhelming, but due to safety and efficacy, injectables are here to stay! Call us at (951) 686-7600 for a consultation to see which treatments are best suited for you!

Posted by Dr. Hardesty

No Needles, No Surgery, No Diet

Being overweight or having diet resistant excess body fats can be very limiting to people in terms of being unable wear certain clothes and to perform certain day to day activities at their homes or places of work. One of the most effective solutions to wearing your favorite clothes is losing the excess fat accumulation without using needles, surgical procedures or diet based fat reduction regimens but rather utilizing the scientifically and clinically proven ultrasound technology known as UltraShape. Most people generally consider increasing their exercising regimens and limiting their diets in order to get rid of unwanted body fats. Surgical procedures can produce dramatic results but require a substantial investment, often anesthesia and require taking time off work to recover Dieting and denying yourself your favorite foods in order to lose weight can still leave unwanted diet resistant fat accumulations.

Fat Physiology

We are all born with a certain number of fat cells. As we gain weight they increase in size and conversely when we loose weight the fat cells shrink. The difference between weight loss and fat reduction is that weight loss doesn’t reduce the number of fat cells while fat reduction does. In essence, fat reduction ensures that the fat cells that might gain weight are eliminated for good regardless of your weight and thus your body shape will permanently remain thinner. However if you subsequently gain weight after fat cell destruction the weight gain will appear in other areas of your body.

Fat Reduction

An average of 1.5 – 2 inches of waist measurement reduction is seen in most patients. It is one of the most effective fat eraser methods, which is not only non-invasive but also proven as a workable fat reduction procedure. This is a pain-free procedure that targets and destroys stubborn body fats permanently using ultrasonic waves that pass harmlessly through your skin and target the only the subcutaneous fat cells that are destroyed. The treated fat cells in your body are permanently eliminated because they are processed and eliminated forever by the liver.According to RealSelf ratings it had the HIGHEST patient rating of all non-surgical fat reduction technologies.

Thousands of patients who have used this machine across the world have been able to eliminate extra body fats that even diets and gym exercises can’t shed. You can start realizing visible results of fat reduction within several weeks of undergoing the first UltraShape treatment. Full results will be achieved after going through a series of three to four treatments.

UltraShape Benefits

Having a good shape and feeling generally healthy shouldn’t be a hurting quest. The treatments are fully pain-free and non-invasive hence patients can undergo the treatments and immediately return to their usual daily routines without feeling uncomfortable. Moreover, with the UltraShape product you don’t have to be subjected to heat or cold as you experience this painless pulsated ultrasound technology. The pulsed ultrasound provides a treatment that is safe, proven and comfortable. The treatment procedure doesn’t hurt, doesn’t cause numbness, and doesn’t expose patients to inflammations, as is the case with heat-based treatments or the frozen lumps that cold-based treatment patients often feel.

WATCH PROCEDURE

Video

Who is the right candidate?

• Have BMI that is below 30.
• Are realistic about your fat reduction expectations.
• Have more than an inch of subcutaneous fat in areas that can be treated by UltraShape.
• Willing to eat a balanced diet, perform regular exercise and lead a healthy lifestyle.

The UltraShape Treatment Program:

These  treatments are performed in “walk in, walk out” schedule with absolutely no down time and no pain. A single UltraShape treatment usually takes less than an hour and half.

You’re required to undergo three to four UltraShape treatment procedures that are two weeks apart. The entire three to four treatment sessions should be completed within a 6-8 week period of time. The treated fat cells in your body are permanently eliminated because they are processed by the liver.

We also include a series of VelaShape III radio frequency (RF) treatments to help shrink the skin after the conclusion of your UltraShape treatments.

Maintenance of UltraShape Results:

In order to maintain and achieve the desired results after the treatments, you should avoid gaining weight by eating a balanced diet, leading a healthy lifestyle and participate in routine exercise program.

Summary

UltraShape is the highest rated non-surgical fat reduction technology in the USA. It is non-painful, does not require heat, cold or needles to be preformed. There is no “down time” and you can return to work or your normal routine directly after a treatment. For the right candidate it will permanently reduce the number of localized fat cells with notable results and improvement of your body contour within several weeks of starting treatment.

Conclusion

We invite you not only to “imagine” the difference but to “see and live” the difference. So, take charge of your body, move forward and make a consultative appointment now and start creating the “new you”

Posted by Dr. Hardesty

The Role of Vitamin and Mineral Supplements in Health & Beauty

Boost energy, lose weight, beat stress, improve performance, and reduce wrinkles!   Do these phrases sound familiar?   These are just a few of the promises found on the labels of vitamin and mineral supplements.  But can vitamin and minerals really live up to these claims, or is it more hype than truth?   Is there evidence that a vitamin or mineral supplement really can turn a bad diet into a healthy one, melt pounds away, or revitalize aging skin?

The Real “Skinny”

Let’s begin with skin rejuvenation.  The correct/right amount of vitamin A can help diminish your appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and it can help combat your acne and dry skin which is a huge advantage.  Most people’s diets provide an fair supply of vitamin A, but if you have certain dietary restrictions, you might need a supplement to make sure of that. Before you begin taking a supplement, though, keep in mind that the daily recommended amount (combining food and supplement sources) is 700 micrograms for adult females and 900 micrograms for adult males, please see your Doctor or a nutritionist. (source: WebMD)

Vitamin C can help reduce the effects of the sun. Vitamin C can be found in many foods such as citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli and sweet potatoes. In addition you can also take vitamin C as a supplement. Depending on your age and your gender,  your recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is anywhere from 40 to 90 milligrams per day and this comes from – credit (source: WebMD)

Minerals can also be helpful to aid your skin. Studies show selenium helps to fight the effects of free radicals by protecting your cells. However, you only need small amounts of selenium each day so not to worry. A typical diet should supply all that you need. Selenium can be found in whole nuts, fresh fish, poultry and grains.

Food First, Then Supplements

Vitamins and other dietary supplements in the market are not intended to be a total food substitute for you. They cannot replace all of the nutrients and benefits of whole foods that come from soil.  Our food contains phytochemicals, fiber, and work together to promote good health for us that cannot be duplicated with a pill/vitamin.

Plastic Surgery Aesthetician

Dr. Hardesty and his staff  recommend visiting an aesthetician who works closely with a board certified plastic surgeon.  This insures you will receive expert advice and benefit from a combined platform of expertise.

Posted by Dr. Hardesty

Part 1: What does it take to become a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

I am often asked by friends, patients and those interested on how one becomes a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.  How to choose The Best/Top Plastic Surgeon and what questions to ask during a consultation. Thus, I have created a 3 part document addressing each of these areas.

I. EDUCATION/TRAINING/BOARD CERTIFICATION

The first step in becoming a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon is graduating from a accredited Medical School. This accreditation is under the auspice of the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC). The curriculum prepares the new Medical Doctor (M.D.) to:

• enter a specialized accredited training program (residency)leading to a Board Certification
• licensure by the State which requires only 1 year of post graduate (M.D.) training ( historically referred to as the “internship”)

The next step is for the Medical Doctor is to get accepted into the very highly sought after and competitive Residency in Plastic Surgery.

The following outlines why the American Board of Plastic Surgery is the “gold standard”
and why it is the ONLY Board that is universally recognized by Universities, Medical Centers, Hospitals and ALL credentialing agencies.

The American Board of Medical Specialities (ABMS) is the only universally recognized organization that sets  the standards for American Board Certification and Certificates of Added Qualification in the United States. There are only 28 such recognized Boards for all of the Specialities in Medicine and 52 Certificates of added Qualification

The ABMS work in conjunction with the American Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) in conjunction with the Plastic Surgery Residency Review Committee (RRC) which creates the curriculum and standards (both didactic and practical hands on training) in a Hospital based and Affiliated Academic Center of higher learning (most often a University)

There is only one such Board that MEETS ALL of the above criteria:

The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).

Only after completing a minimum of 6 years of post Medical Degree training at a accredited Residency Training Program and with required positive letter of recommendation from the Program Director, can the Plastic Surgery Trainee be allowed apply to the ABPS to be Board Certified in Plastic Surgery.

The  Board (ABPS) than tests the applicant with a extensive written exam (the qualifying exam). Annual average pass rate is in the mid 80% range.Only after passing this exam and presenting the ABPS a portfolio of actual patient stories, indications, pre/postoperative photos, operative reports, coding/billing information will a invitation be granted for a extensive oral exam (the certifying exam). Annual average pass rate is in the low 80% range.

Thus only after successfully completing each step ( graduating from a accredited Medical school, a accredited Plastic Surgery residency, successfully passing both a written exam and a oral exam) will a fully trained applicant be granted the prestigious Board Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons.

There are several “self designated boards” and with similar sounding names, an example being the Am. Bd. of Cosmetic Surgery. These “self appointed”  Boards may claim equivalency but NONE have been sanctioned by the ABMS or meet ALL of above standards,training, requirements, criteria, and testing (as found above) as the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)

II. SOCIETY MEMBERSHIPS and ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS

Medical Societies were initially and  usually formed for the advancement of comprehensive post residency training.

Specialized Societies were formed for those who have received additional training, Board Certification and demonstrated a continued focus, expertise and commitment. Each specialized Society requires its own additional criteria beyond just Board Certification.

Medical Society Memberships can be:

1) General: local, regional and national. These medical societies are open to any Medical Doctor. The usual and only criteria is a Medical Degree, an active state license and be in good standing within the community. Example’s are in California, The Riverside County Medical Society and the California Medical Association. The national umbrella organization is the American Medical Association.

2) Surgical Societies: The criteria include Board Certification in a surgical speciality, state licensure, peer review, and review of your case log and a interview. Example:  Fellowship in the American college of Surgeons (FACS)

3) Plastic Surgery Speciality Societies: The criteria include M.D. Degree and Board Certification in Plastic Surgery,  and formal letters of recommendation from your peers. Example: American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)

4) Plastic Surgery Sub Speciality Societies: M.D. degree, Board Certification in Plastic Surgery, additional evidence (presentation of actual case logs) demonstrating  experience expertise in Aesthestic/Cosmetic Surgery, and formal peer generated letters of recommendation. Example: the American Society of Aesthetic Surgery (ASAPS)

Positions of leadership: committee members/chairmanship, Board Membership and officers signify a professional peer respect and approval that is earned by participation, contributions and reputation and only over time.

Academic appointments:

Full time “academic practice”: usually refers to a individual who works full time for a University Medical Center and duties include teaching medical students and residents in training, and performing research. Their academic rank is based on meeting certain criteria: research contributions, scientific presentations, scientific publications and teaching. This usually starts as instructor to full professor.

Clinical or volunteer “academic appointments” are bestowed to usually part time or private practice Plastic Surgeons who have demonstrated a commitment to to participate  in the part time training of medical students or residents in a Plastic Surgery training program.

Part 2 in this 3 part series will cover “How does a Plastic Surgeon become credentialed to perform plastic surgery”.

Part 3 is how to choose “A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon”.

The bottom line is:

1. Do your research.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask any question.
3. Be specific about your needs, wants and desires.

I hope you find this information helpful. If I can improve upon, bring greater clarity or make absolutely anything more understandable, please email me at drhardesty@www.imagineplasticsurgery.com.

My best wishes and may you choose wisely.

Robert A. Hardesty M.D., F.A.C.S
Certified and Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

1. 9 years of post graduate M.D. Degree residency/fellowship training
2. General Surgery (obtained Bd. Cert) full residency
   Plastic Surgery (Bd. Certified) full residency
   Crainofacial Fellowship Training
3. As a Plastic Surgery Residency Training Program Director/ Division Chief (having help train over 30 Board Certified Plastic Surgeons/fellows).
4. 17 years in full time academic medicine at Loma Linda University resulting in attaining the rank of Professor.
5. 12+ years in private practice to the present (focusing on Aesthestic/Cosmetic Plastic Surgery)
6. Leadership positions:
7. Past  president of the Medical Staff at Loma Linda University. 
8. Positions within organized Plastic Surgery:
9. Past President of the Ca. Soc. of Plastic Surgeons (CSPS)
10. Past Bd. Member of the Am. Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
11. Officer (Historian) of the Am. Ass. of Plastic Surgeons (AAPS)
12. Chairman of Plastic Surgery Research Council (PSRC)
13. Clinician of the year 2003
14. Physician of the year 2015
15. National (Peer voted/selected)  Awards and patient voted Awards:
16. Top Doctors Award:  peer voted/selected (Castle/Connoly, Inc.)
17. Best Doctors Award: peer voted/selected ( Best Doctors, Inc.)
18. Top Doctors Rating Award: peer voted/selected (The Center for Study and Service)
19. Compassionate Physician Award: patient voted/selected (Vitals Rating)
20. Real Self Top 100 Award

REFERENCES

Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (http://aaahc.org)
American Association of Plastic Surgeons http://www.aaps1921.org/
American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (http://aaaasf.org
American Association Medical Colleges(http://www.aamc.org)
American Board of Medical Specialists(http://abms.org)
American Board of Plastic Surgery, Inc. (https://www.abplsurg.org/ModDefault.aspx
American Council of Graduate Medical Education(http://www.acgme.org)
American Medical Association (www.ama-assn.org)
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (http://surgery.org)
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (http://www.plasticsurgery.org)
BBB Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.com)
Best Doctors, Inc (http//wwwbestdoctorsinc.com)
California Department of Consumer Affairs (www.dca.ca.gov)
Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services (http://cme.gov)
Federation of State Medical Boards(http://www.fsmb.org)
Top Doctors, Castle and Connolly (http://wwwcastleconnolly.com)
Top Doctor Ratings:The Center for the study of Service (http://www.checkbook.org)

The Staff of Imagine Plastic Surgery serving many of the communities of the greater Inland Empire including but limited to Riverside, CA and Inland Empire, Redlands, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Corona, Upland, and Chino Hills.