« Older Entries Newer Entries »

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

Sculptra® Aesthetic Patient Testimonials

“Sculptra® Aesthetic has been a life saver for me! With Sculptra® Aesthetic, the youthful shape and contour of my face has been preserved and results subtle, natural and real! It has been my non-surgical salvation!

- Dr. Christine Petti, Plastic/Aesthetic Surgeon, Torrance, CA

“Sculptra® Aesthetic is the BEST thing that I have ever done to my face!”

- M.S. Torrance

“I always get compliments about my skin. Trust me I had very problematic skin and have been working on my skin for 20 years. Dr. Petti in consultation discussed Sculptra® Aesthetic with me showing me how and where I needed the volume put back into my face, not to mention in time the texture as well in my face would improve. She was very thorough educating and informing me.

As a result after having Sculptra® Aesthetic twice, my observation is that my bilateral lower periorbital area looks soooooo much better, not to mention the lower area of my face. (I now try not to sleep on my face). The texture of my skin as I had active Acne skin in the past, looks so much better! The volume put back into my face has given me a much more youthful appearance. Remember as we sleep at night, we always favor one side of our face. Our skin is material and when we sleep on one side year after year after year, we tend to get laxity on one side more than the other.

I always heard people saying they hated their Jowls/Marionette lines and under their eyes, because they suddenly notice one day when looking in the mirror and become horrified to see how much they aged. That was me!!

Giving my face the volume it has lost with Sculptra® Aesthetic not only brought back my youthful appearance I once had, but it continues to work over time stimulating collagen and improving the texture of my skin.

I have had Sculptra® Aesthetic twice and saw results immediately! Dr. Petti also educated me about great medical skin care with consistency being key to great looking skin. So as I maintain my cosmetic skin treatments with Dr. Petti in her medical office, then at home under her recommendation I am doing my medical skin care regimen, like physical fitness it is Skin Fitness!!

I am happy with the beautiful results of Sculptra® Aesthetic! Along with the consistency of great medical skin care that I have been diligently keeping up on.

Thank You Dr. Petti for giving me back my face that is not only youthful and beautiful now, but also the education about maintaining and preserving my skin for the present and future!”

- S. T. Mission Viejo

Posted on February 14, 2011 in From Our Patients

Sculptra® Aesthetic

Posted on February 1, 2011 in Video Transcripts

The Doctors Video of Tricia’s Results

Tricia underwent a chin augmentation. See the amazing results and learn how the procedure is performed.

Posted on December 2, 2010 in "The Doctors" Television Appearances Media Appearances News from our Practice

The Doctors Video of Tricia’s Double Chin Surgery

Tricia, 30, hates her double chin, and undergoes a chin augmentation.

Click Here To View The Doctors Video of Tricia’s Results

Posted on in "The Doctors" Television Appearances Media Appearances News from our Practice

Tricia’s Double Chin Surgery

Dr. Christine Petti has offered her expertise as a plastic surgeon on “The Doctors” twice before, and has now made her third appearance on the Emmy Award-winning  daytime talk show that discusses vital and valid current medical topics from sound and expert medical resources.

Introducing “The Doubles”

During the episode, “Solve Your Biggest Double Dilemmas”, Dr. Petti was asked to evaluate and correct a “double chin”.  Tricia,  the patient chosen by Dr. Petti, is a 30 year old model, actress and bride to be!  She has had a double chin all her life, despite the fact that she had been in perfect physical condition.  She thought about having it corrected all her adult life, but with the wedding coming up-she now had a timely motivating factor.

Tricia’s Treatment Plan

Dr. Petti performed a combination of procedures which included placement of a silicone implant along the chin and jaw line to create a very natural augmentation of her weak chin and mandible.  Dr. Petti also performed Smartlipo TriplexTriplexSmartlipotrade;trade;trade; ™ of the neck to remove a congenital pocket of fat under her chin,  which was always there, despite the patient’s ideal body weight.  She also performed SmartSkin ™ fractional CO2 laser resurfacing of the skin of the neck for further tightening and contouring of the neck skin.  The surgery was remarkable for being minimally invasive-as the silicone chin/jowl implant was placed through an incision hidden in the lower lip of the mouth and the Smartlipo TriplexTriplexSmartlipotrade;trade;trade; ™ was done with small incisions behind the ear.  Tricia had tears of joy when she saw her result!  She was ready to hold her head high and her chin up for her October wedding on her family’s Texas ranch!

Back to Top

Tricia’s Before and After Photographs

As Seen on “The Doctors” Tricia is pictured before and 15 days after Chin augmentation with Silicone Chin/Jowl Implant (medium size), Smartlipo TriplexTriplexSmartlipotrade;trade;trade; of Neck, SmartSkin/Affirm Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing of the Neck.


Back to Top

Exclusive Behind The Scenes Video Footage From Our Office

Click on the play button below to view exclusive video footage from Tricia who discusses her dramatic transformation.

Back to Top

A Third Time Star on “The Doctors”

In her last appearance, in 2009, Dr. Petti was featured on  “The  Doctors-The Biggest Makeover Show Ever” as she revealed the aesthetic enhancement she performed on Debra, who flew in from Washington state for a facial makeover which included the surgical procedures-rhinoplasty, Smartlipo TriplexTriplexSmartlipotrade;trade;trade;  ™of the Neck and SmartSkin ™ of the face and neck, along with nonsurgical enhancement using Botox and Juvederm facial dermal filler in the postoperative recovery phase.  The year before in 2008, Dr. Petti performed Smartlipo TriplexTriplexSmartlipotrade;trade;trade; ™ of the abdomen on a young mother, who was challenged by fat in her tummy that was resistant to diet and exercise!  She was awake for the surgery and it was one of the first demonstrations of Smartlipo TriplexTriplexSmartlipotrade;trade;trade;™ to the pubic in the entire country.

Whether focusing on plastic surgery procedures, or less invasive procedures such as dermal fillers and laser skin resurfacing in Los Angeles, Dr. Petti says she is very excited about the makeover results, and is looking forward to unveiling another transformation achieved through the combination of procedures available through both her plastic surgery practice and her medical day spa in Los Angeles.

Back to Top

Posted on in "The Doctors" Television Appearances Media Appearances News from our Practice Testimonials Video Transcripts

Dr Petti – Watch Her on The Doctors!

Stay tuned for the air date of Dr. Petti’s 3rd appearance on The Doctors!

Posted on September 14, 2010 in "The Doctors" Television Appearances News from our Practice

A “Must Read” Makeover Story

“There are so many different ways that I can tell my story because this was not only a medical procedure but it was truly a life change. I will try and sum it up although my story is so amazing. I truly hope that my story will help other women that are just like me…

Mothers are beautiful people we run around doing all we can for your children, and always putting our children first. We do this day in and day out for years! In the end, our children go off to college and one day we look down and find this pouch hanging from our body’s. For years we have ignored it and in fact we have grown to accept it. I thought I would be wearing it the rest of my days. I was one of those women that had always admired the beautiful panties and lingerie we all see in the magazines that arrived at my home and I thought that they were only for young women.

That was until I met Dr. Petti. The thought of writing this letter still brings tears to my eyes because of what she was able to do for me. My husband and I found ourselves alone both our two children went off to college without a second thought. I wondered how the transition of going from a full house of children and their friends to an empty nest would be and all of a sudden that ugly pouch scarred me. I was not a person that had ever given any serious thought of going through such a procedure but, suddenly I begin to consider what if?

After researching what life might be like I decided to come in for a consult. I want all women to know it was not easy for me to make this visit. I took my husband with me and asked him to be there for moral support and to help me not talk myself out of it. In the end, when I now look down at my body I no longer see an ugly belly. My belly is flat yes flat like it has never been before. It is not the body of a 55 year old women. I am now wearing the beautiful lingerie the very same one’s I use to admire in the magazines that were arriving ever so often. In fact, I now own almost every color you can buy. Oh, and by the way the fear I had about the empty nest that’s is all gone now too. How funny now that I look back my husband and I are enjoying our time together. The women that I use to look at that would go by my table at a restaurant with the flat bellies well, that’s now me going by. The result are better than I dreamed they be. I have no regrets and I have never been happier. To all the women that are thinking about doing this……. I offer one bit of advice stop thinking about it and do it! I only wish I could have made one minor change, I wish I would have done this 20 years sooner. For now I am enjoying the rest of my life with my husband and he too jokes around and says “thank you Dr. Petti”. ”

- Smartlipo TriplexTriplexSmartlipotrade;trade;trade; Patient

Thank you for trusting me with your life and your body!

This is the most beautiful letter I have ever received. I am very privileged to have you as my patient. As a woman, mother and wife, I can truly understand everything that you wondered wished for and questioned. I congratulate you for having the fortitude to pursue your dreams. I am lucky to be the one to make them come true. I am very respectful of you, your safety and your dreams. I feel rewarded not only by your physical outcome, but also, your heightened psyche and return of self esteem. I know you will maintain your new figure-and I am happy you and your husband think of me, as you enjoy your new figure. Again, thank you for the privilege.

Respectfully and gratefully,
Christine
Christine Petti, M.D. F.A.C.S.

Posted on June 22, 2010 in From Our Patients

Visia – Our Computer Looking Glass

Everywhere we turn, it seems as though another new beauty product or treatment emerges and touts itself as the newest anti-aging miracle. The question: Is it marketing hype or do they really work? Well, maybe. As Los Angeles plastic surgeon and Spa Bella Medical Spa Director Christine Petti, M.D. explains, “The real secret is knowing how to select the right things for your specific skin type. And not just what you see on the surface – when it comes to skin damage, what you see isn’t always what you get.”

But thanks to a breakthrough technology found in the computerized Visia Complexion Analysis System, it is now possible to capture images of skin surfaces and assess issues like sun damage that are invisible to the naked eye. The results aren’t always pretty, but they are telling of how the skin will eventually show the signs of aging. The good news is early intervention can often reverse many of these undesirable characteristics. Using the results of your Visia screening, Dr. Petti’s licensed medical aestheticians can custom tailor a skin care regimen for your specific skin and help you achieve the glowing skin you desire just in time for summer.


Posted on June 1, 2010 in Monthly Showcase Specials News from our Practice Spa Bella Specials

Bizymoms.com Spider Vein Therapy Q&A Forum with Dr. Christine Petti

In a recent interview conducted by the popular, work-at-home community, www.Bizymoms.com , our Medical Director Dr. Christine Petti, addresses  questions from forum members in regards to the treatment of varicose or spider veins. Dr. Petti  is committed to helping her patients combat the unsightly effects of varicose veins by utilizing advanced technology and techniques to achieve maximum results. For more detailed information on cosmetic dermatology or cosmetic surgery procedures by Dr. Christine Petti, please visit our Vein Treatment page. For more personalized feedback, contact us to schedule your discreet personal consultation.

(click on the article below to enlarge)

Posted on April 12, 2010 in Media Appearances News from our Practice

« Older Entries Newer Entries »