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Liposuction

Liposuction may be performed on various areas of the body including the stomach, hips and legs.

Posted on July 27, 2011 in Body Video Transcripts

Evening of Beauty Testimonial

“Dr. Christine Petti and Staff,

THANK YOU VERY MUCH for offering such a special exciting, wonderful Evening of Beauty tonight!

Dr. Petti you did an OUTSTANDING JOB explaining various surgical and non-surgical options that are currently available (& not just for movie stars). You and your entire staff were extremely gracious knowledgeable, professional, personable and upbeat! It was very apparent that you all thoroughly enjoy assisting others to achieve their individual goals of enhancing their appearances.

Thank you very much for surprising your guests with the very delicious and beautifully displayed food and beverages. That was very kind of you!

Thank you also for gifting me with FREE BOTOX® as one of the winners of your drawings! I’m excited!!

Dr. Petti and staff “Evening of Beauty” was wonderful so I look forward to seeing you soon!!

Best Wishes,
N.L. – Redondo Beach”

Posted on June 7, 2011 in Events From Our Patients

Los Angeles Smartlipo Triplex™ Testimonial

Procedure: Smartlipo Triplex™ of Chest

“The ability to make someone like myself comfortable with surgery is a gift; Maggie and Lisa have that gift. All three of you ladies (Dr. Petti, Maggie and Lisa) made me feel like nothing was happening with our conversations involving myself and all of you with our personal and everyday talk. Each person in that room has their own personality, yet you all mix so well. Keep it up and Dr. Petti, don’t get rid of your staff because each one of them was a treat to meet.”

Posted on May 31, 2011 in From Our Patients

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon Discusses Facial Volumizer

plastic, surgery, surgeon, los, angeles, torrance, ca

Dr. Petti discusses Minimally Invasive Facial Volumizer Sculptra

According to a recent study from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a facelift can make patients look 12 years younger. At her Los Angeles plastic surgery practice, Dr. Christine Petti discusses her patients’ desire for minimally invasive alternatives to the facelift, including the innovative facial volumizer, Sculptra® Aesthetic.

A recent study in the February issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), records that patients who have undergone a facelift rate themselves as appearing an average of 12 years younger[1]. As a board-certified plastic surgeon in Los Angeles, Dr. Christine Petti says despite this recent finding, a number of her patients still desire minimally invasive alternatives to the traditional facelift.

In light of the ASPS study, and the increasing popularity of minimally invasive procedures highlighted in the most recent statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)[2], Dr. Petti says Sculptra ® Aesthetic often provides a viable solution to her patients’ expectations. Sculptra ® Aesthetic is an innovative facial volumizer that can create a younger, more natural-looking appearance with minimal recovery time because of its ability to stimulate collagen production and smooth facial creases and wrinkles. The treatment can also be effective for adding volume to facial features, such as the cheeks or the areas surrounding the eyes, that may have taken on a hollow appearance.

Another widely used method of minimally invasive skin and facial rejuvenation at Dr. Petti’s practice is laser resurfacing. She says the Smart Skin Affirm fractional carbon dioxide laser peel is often effective at smoothing out wrinkles that surgical procedures may not address. Dr. Petti adds that she uses fractional laser peels to refresh the skin of patients that have undergone previous surgical procedures. Ultimately, Dr. Petti says determining the correct procedure requires listening to a patient’s cosmetic enhancement desires so she is able to customize the treatment to their specific goals and expectations.

About Dr. Petti

Christine A. Petti, MD, FACS earned her medical degree from the Medical College of Pennsylvania, where she also completed her general surgery residency. She then completed her plastic surgery residency at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, where she also served as Chief Resident. Dr. Petti is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. She is an avid publisher and presenter in the plastic surgery community, maintains a comprehensive plastic surgery blog, and appeared as a cosmetic plastic surgery consultant on The Doctors, an Emmy award winning daytime talk show discussing the latest medical topics.

Aesthetic Accents Cosmetic & Laser Surgery Center is located at 3400 W. Lomita Blvd., Ste. 307 in Torrance, CA 90505, and can be reached at (310) 961-2530 or found online at www.dr-petti.com or the Aesthetic Accents Cosmetic & Laser Surgery Center Facebook page.

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[1] Facelift Makes You Look 12 Years Younger: http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Media/Press_Releases/Facelift_Makes_You_Look_12_Years_Younger.html
[2] American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Statistics 2009: http://www.surgery.org/sites/default/files/2009quickfacts.pdf

Posted on March 29, 2011 in News from our Practice

Dr. Petti’s Experience with SmartSkin CO2™ LaserSkinRenewal™

I just had a SmartSkin CO2™ LaserSkinRenewal™ to my Face, Neck and Chest! My skin had sun damage that mostly presented as pigmentation, and my neck and chest were beginning to get that wrinkled look with necklace neck wrinkles, so it was time!

I am so happy that I did this, as now my skin is clear with no makeup and my neck and chest skin is tight! This is exactly what I wanted.

It is great to be a patient and experience first hand the powerful effect of the fractional skin resurfacing technology-first hand.

This definitely makes me a better surgeon, to be a “patient”. My nurse Linette and I decided on the setting, and we used the new MultiPulse technology, so I had a comfortable, and fast peel. It took approximately 5 days for ~ 90 percent of my skin to peel and before I was presentable to the public. I never used any pain medications, just Advil and our post-laser skin care regimen made it easy to heal. I got a lot of work done from my home, so I made great use of my downtime.

I am amazed at the difference between this fractionated CO2 peel and the old ablative CO2 laser peels of the 90′s. What a great technological advancement-no wonder it is called “SmartSkin”!

I am planning on using intermittent SmartSkin CO2™ LaserSkinRenewal™ laser peels to keep my skin looking clear, smooth, tight and natural.

Posted on March 28, 2011 in Product Secrets

Smartlipo Triplex™ & Smartskin™ CO2 Preceptorship with Christine Petti, MD

An Expert in Smartlipo Triplex™, Dr. Christine Petti is the Go-To Plastic Surgeon for this Quick, Effective Fat Removal Treatment

Dr. Christine Petti is one of the first board-certified plastic surgeons on the West Coast to perform the innovative liposuction treatment known as Smartlipo Triplex™, and is one area’s leading experts instructing other plastic surgeons in how to perform this effective fat removal procedure. Smartlipo Triplex™ utilizes laser energy to not only remove isolated pockets of fat from virtually any body region, but also to help tighten the skin and give the area a more contoured, fit appearance. Smartlipo Triplex™ is designed to help patients get rid of stubborn excess fat that is resistant to diet and exercise. This quick procedure typically results in little to no downtime for treatments targeting smaller fatty areas. When you receive Smartlipo Triplex™ treatment, you can expect to be back to your normal daily routines within one to two days! And since the laser instruments used in Smartlipo Triplex™ are smaller than a fine-point pen, the procedure can be performed with local anesthesia.

For effective, minimally-invasive fat reduction that can give you the shape you desire, Dr. Christine Petti is the go-to plastic surgeon for Smartlipo Triplex™ in the Torrance and Los Angeles area.

Posted on March 15, 2011 in News from our Practice

Plastic Surgery Patient Testimonial – Dr. Christine Petti

Hi Christine,
Thank you so much for thinking of me ! I think of you every time I look in the mirror …
with love … I LOVE the way I look ! Feeling great, healthy and happy and cute too!
I just know your party was great … See you next time.

As always,
CD – Rancho Palos Verdes

Posted on March 4, 2011 in From Our Patients

Los Angeles Smartlipo Triplex™ Testimonial

Procedure: Smartlipo Triplex™ of Stomach
“The staff and everyone made me feel like a VIP. They talked me through the procedure and kept me informed the whole time. They were extremely caring and thoughtful. The whole surgical staff as a whole functions as a great team. If there is any other plastic surgery that I would consider I would come back to Dr. Petti’s office.”

Posted on in From Our Patients

SmartSkin/Affirm Fractional CO2™ Laser Resurfacing and Blepharoplasty – Actual Patient Experience

“I felt that I was well covered by the number of people involved in the surgery. 3 nurses as well as Dr. Petti. Everything was explained to me.”

-C.S., Los Angeles Plastic Surgery Patient

Posted on February 24, 2011 in From Our Patients

Sculptra® Aesthetic Secrets from Dr. Petti

What is Sculptra® Aesthetic and why is it important to your patients? To your practice?

Sculptra® Aesthetic is natural volumizer used to add support to sagging tissues of the face. Sculptra® Aesthetic restores the face with a natural, full and youthful look, as opposed to the sullen, sunken and sagging look that accompanies age. It is a “secret” way for my patients (and me) to achieve their youthful appearance and still look like themselves—-just a lot better. Today I had a 50 year old female doctor tell me that after her Sculptra® treatments, when she goes to the hospital, and patients and staff discuss her age, they all think she is 35! She loves this! Patients love how Sculptra® can restore a youthful shape to their face. Patients are relieved by the fact that they do not have to resort to surgery, as their sole choice for cosmetic facial rejuvenation, viewing surgery as a choice of desperation. Sculptra® has been used for decades in Europe and had been approved by the FDA for the past several years for cosmetic use here in the United States. The administration of Sculptra® requires great skill and meticulous technique in order to achieve results that hide the changes in the face that are associated with aging, and yet restore a natural result, maintaining the unique anatomical characteristics of each person’s face.

Sculptra® Aesthetic is made of a biocompatible material, poly-L-lactic acid and it is a collagen stimulator, so it is your own collagen that restores volume and youth to the your face.

My technique for placement of the Sculptra® Aesthetic is similar to my technique for a facelift in that I use the same plane (otherwise, know as a tissue space) that I work in when I do a facelift, so it is a “sculpted face”. The difference: with Sculptra®, I use an injection technique, rather than a surgical technique. I think of a facelift, or brow lift or cheek lift, when I place Sculptra® Aesthetic in the various areas of the face, and this helps me not only technically, but also it enhances my patients’ outcomes.

List top reasons patients want Sculptra® Aesthetic, decide to go with procedure

Patients decide they want to be treated with Sculptra® Aesthetic so that they look young, yet natural and non-distorted. Sculptra® restores a facial contour that is bright, cheery, and contoured, without the risks of surgery and anesthesia. Patients often want this before special occasions like weddings, reunions, graduations, anniversaries. There is not a need to plan ahead so far in advance as surgery and, there is little to no downtime. The expense of Sculptra® is less than surgery and the results can last up to 2 years. Multiple treatments are required to get the best results. Some individuals require 1 to 2 sessions, while others require 3 or 4. It is a very appealing aesthetic procedure for busy individuals who cannot take off much time from their work and family obligations. Men and women, young and old can be treated. I have used Sculptra® Aesthetic on young individuals in their 20′s that congenitally have flat cheeks, poorly defined jaw lines and small empty facial contours. It works faster on younger patients, so patients are encouraged to have the procedure while their ability to form collagen is optimal.

How do you determine Sculptra® Aesthetic is the correct procedure for a patient?

I determine this by listening and taking a good history from the patient, to see what they want, dream of, expect, and noting their desires/tolerance for recovery time and budget. Their expectations need to be identified and clarified through the consultation process. I examine the patient’s specific anatomy, we review their photos, discuss the Sculptra® Aesthetic procedure, and make a specific plan of “attack” of the aging process or whatever we are trying to volumize and contour for that individual patient. The treatment is customized and planned. The expectations are targeted, so that they are realistic, and the risks are discussed.





Patients may be bruised in the areas of treatment and a tenderness can be present, but these are temporary. I have my patients take a medicinal form of arnica montana to prevent and decrease any swelling and bruising. I also cool the skin prior to treatment and make certain patients are off aspirin, motrin and other arthritis medications.

What other procedures can supplement Sculptra® Aesthetic and why would you suggest combining them?

Sculptra® Aesthetic is a volumizer that stimulates the patient’s own collagen production in their tissue, therefore, it takes time to see youthful changes in the shape and contour of the face. Treatment results may take 6 to 8 weeks to first appear, then the results may progress over a period of several months. If a patient wants an immediate change, I utilize other “fillers”, such as JUVEDERM™, Restylane® and Radiesse®, depending on the anatomic area and tissue texture that I am trying to augment, shape and support in the face. These fillers can be placed beneath the skin, on top of the Sculptra®, adding support to the skin at a more superficial tissue level. The Sculptra® is placed deeper in the same plane of tissue that I work within when I do a facelift The fillers are placed beneath the dermis, immediately under the skin to support areas where the skin may fold and buckle, such as the tear trough areas of the cheeks and the smile lines around the mouth. The fillers can be done at the time of Sculptra® or the procedures may be staged and performed on separate appointments. Since Sculptra® is placed deep, it is not used in the areas of the lips or mid forehead. Fillers can be used in the lips. Fillers in these areas enhance the results of the Sculptra® which is most frequently used in the cheeks and temporal forehead areas. Sculptra® has powerful and pleasing volume enhancement outcomes in the cheeks and temporal forehead areas of the face.

What are the most popular nonsurgical or minimally-invasive procedures at your practice? Explain the reason for popularity, such as superior results, lasting results, increasing safety and effectiveness?

The most popular non-surgical procedure in my practice is BOTOX® Cosmetic. It has a result that is noticeable within a week, and the result can last 3 to 6 months or longer depending on the patient and the site of the BOTOX®. When used in a medical office setting, BOTOX® has minimal risk. It is not to be used in a “party” setting, as it is a powerful medication that can have significant risk when used outside of a medical practice setting. BOTOX® can enhance a person’s appearance by giving the aging face, as well as the younger face, a very rested and soft appearance Patients that are old and young are happy to look rested and inviting, rather than angry and hard. BOTOX® is affordable and patients will come back for repeat treatments, as they often find that they cannot live without it. BOTOX® is a simple procedure that patient’s state restore a “peaceful” look to their face giving them confidence and improved self esteem.

As far as minimally invasive non-surgical procedures, I favor SmartSkin/Affirm fractional carbon dioxide laser peels. This straightforward laser, performed under topical anesthesia, can smooth out wrinkles that are not treated by surgical procedures, such as facelift,, neck lift and eyelid/forehead lifts. The laser can smooth wrinkles and tighten the skin, and the treatments can be repeated. Patients who have the procedure just around the eyelids can have results that look as good as eyelid lifts, if done at the right age, and the laser treatments are repeated over time. The downtime is much less, in the order of days to a week, with the new fractional technique of the carbon dioxide laser peel. In my experience of over one and a half decades of performing carbon dioxide and other types of laser peel, I am still confident that this technique can restore youth to weathered, wrinkled skin. In my experience, there are no other techniques that can rival the skin smoothing and tightening that is obtained with carbon dioxide fractionated laser resurfacing.

I combine laser peels with my surgical rejuvenation procedures, such as eyelid lifts, forehead lifts, face and neck lifts, to give the entire surgical result a harmonized, natural appearance. I use the laser to blend the surgical and non-surgical areas so there is a homogeneous and more blended overall facial appearance. I use the laser peels on patients that have already undergone cosmetic surgery of the face and just need a “freshening” I find that most often these patients who have already had facial cosmetic surgery, do not need to have more skin pulled, removed and tugged, giving them a look from another planet. Since my name is on the work, I want it to look as natural as possible. If the best result will be achieved without surgery, than this is the choice I feel would be the optimal for the patient. Lasers have had a bad wrap over the years, but if used in experienced hands, lasers can be a surgeon’s best friend, giving the surgeon the power to offer their patients very natural results without surgery. Lasers can achieve many things surgery can never accomplish, so they are not to be scorned, and may even be adorned when applied to properly selected patients.

Posted on February 22, 2011 in Product Secrets

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