Cosmetic surgery has been no stranger to controversy through the years. As certain procedures have become more popular, they have also become more criticized and debated over. When boob jobs (aka breast augmentations) gained popularity in the 90’s they were the center of a controversy and a common topic, not just in the media, but in social circles. More recently when butt lifts and butt enhancements became more popular, guess what happened? Yep. They became a highly talked about and debated topic and even became the center of some Twitter wars. Now, especially in the San Francisco Bay Area, Mommy Makeovers are rapidly gaining popularity. Just as you may have guessed, with an increase in popularity came an increase it opinions both for and against.

The heat is rising on this big debate now “Do mommy makeovers make for bad mommies?” We turned to Melissa Chapman at SmartBeautyGuide.com to help address the controversy over mommy makeovers possibly having a negative effect on our kids. Here’s a preview of Melissa’s article:

“If anyone knows a thing or two about others’ needs before their own, it’s a mother. As one myself, I basically sacrificed my body when I decided to take on the completely awesome responsibility of being pregnant. I did everything I could; swore off coffee, shellfish, I only slept on my side, I quit wine, and well, I essentially became the most anxious and crankiest version of myself for the 10 months of pregnancy and the six months following because I chose to breastfeed. If you don’t believe me, just ask my husband, who had the unenviable task of keeping me company during those long, exhausting months as I admonished him for “getting me in this situation in the first place.” Ultimately, I just wasn’t cut out to be one of those happy-go-lucky pregnant ladies.

I, for one, feel that any mom who has the desire to get cosmetic surgery to change what pregnancy may have altered should do so and apparently Dr. Mark Solomon agrees. In fact, Dr. Solomon, a board-certified plastic surgeon based out of New York, believes that women who want to get cosmetic surgery post pregnancy should, first and foremost, free themselves of any guilt.

“I tell patients that cosmetic surgery is a gift to themselves and that there should be no guilt if they have earned it,” says Dr. Solomon.”

Read the full article HERE and decide for yourself, do mommy makeovers send the wrong message to kids.

We tend to agree with Dr. Solomon. First of all, and to put it simply and frankly, it’s none of anyone else’s business. Mother’s make so many sacrifices for their families, especially their children. Of all people, they have earned the right to do something for themselves. The beauty of a mother choosing to treat themselves to any number of mommy makeover procedures is that if the procedures bring happiness to the mom, this will inevitably make their families and their children happy as well. Like almost anything in life, what we chose to do in our own lives and to our own bodies should not be up for debate. We know what’s best for us, and we should not be made to feel guilty for making the right decisions for ourselves. If mommy makeovers make women happy, then more power to them.

If you are considering a mommy makeover procedure, we’d love to be there to answer any of your questions. The San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center is in the business of helping people. Dr. Usha Rajagopal and her all female staff provide a welcoming and comfortable environment in their Union Square clinic located in beautiful downtown San Francisco. Dr. Usha brings a woman’s insight and sensitivity along with more than 20 years of experience to her patients. She believes that an informed patient is the best kind of patient. Click here to learn more about the different Mommy Makeover procedures on offer. Remember, only you know if the procedure is right for you and if the plastic surgeon is right for you.

Head here if  you want to know more about other various procedures, offered by Dr. Usha Rajagopal at the San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center.

If you have more questions or would like to schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Usha Rajagopal, give us a call at (415)392-3333.

Dr. Usha Rajagopal may be one of San Francisco’s leading cosmetic surgeons, but that doesn’t mean she can only help you if it requires a surgical procedure. There are all kinds of non-surgical cosmetic procedures on offer at the San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center. Anti-aging skin and eye treatments are quite popular. In our constant pursuit to keep our past, present, and potential future patients informed, we found this great article by Melissa Chapman talking about some options for dark circles and those pesky wrinkles surrounding our eyes.

Here’s a preview of Melissa’s article:

When I think about a person’s beauty, I immediately look at one’s eyes and the skin surrounding them. Unfortunately nothing causes a person to show their age quite how like wrinkles and dark circles in the eye area do. Case in point, my stunning mother-in-law passed her genes to my husband, who just like she did, now displays sunken-in, dark-colored eye sockets which magnifies the aging skin under his eyes. While my husband currently refuses to enhance his eyes with any cosmetic procedure – I figured it wouldn’t hurt to see what anti-aging eye treatments are available in case my family decided to gift him with a new “look” for his sixtieth birthday, which happens to be fast-approaching!

So just what non-surgical remedies are there to combat wrinkles, crow’s feet, “elevens”, bags, and dark circles under the eyes? While most of us know about Botox and other neuromodulators as well as collagen fillers to help aging eyes, in addition to the use of lasers and radio frequency techniques. The question is – how do all of these procedures work when it comes to our aging eyes? Dr. Heather Furnas shares some insights into the latest developments in anti-aging eye treatments, and how we can all get that youthful look without surgery – or at least potentially stave it off for a wee bit.

Read the full article HERE.

See the list of anti-aging eye treatments and facial treatments (both surgical and nonsurgical) offered by Dr. Usha Rajagopal at the San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center HERE

Perhaps one of today’s best known non-surgical cosmetic procedures is botox. From celebrities to the neighbor down the street, everyone seems to be getting a little here and a little there. Botox can help alleviate wrinkles and can be applied to number of areas on the face. Botox procedures can be done in a 10-15 minute visit to a doctors office and results can start to be seen in just 3-7 days while results can last for up to 4 months!  Botox is relatively safe and easy procedure to bring a fresh youthful look back to your face.

Before having a botox procedure performed, it’s important you know what botox is, how it works, where it can work and how much a general procedure should cost!

Here’s a preview to an article and quick reference guide on the basics of botox:

“Botulinum toxin (Botox) is the most popular nonsurgical procedure performed in the U.S. Botox is very safe when it is performed by a certified plastic surgeon.”

CLICK HERE for the full article.

Follow these links to learn more and get all of the important information about the Botox procedures performed by Dr. Usha Rajagopal at the San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center.

Did somebody say earlobe reduction?

When you think plastic surgery, ears probably aren’t the first thing that cross your mind…unless you happen to be one of the millions of people unhappy with their ears. While it may not be a “sexy” procedure, it sure is a common one. There are a lot more people out there mending their ears than you may think.

As with all procedures, big or small, you’ll want to find the right plastic surgeon for you. An earlobe reduction may seem like a minor procedure, it requires experience, finesse and understanding to obtain the aesthetic outcome you’re hoping for. Dr Usha Rajagopal is a leading San Francisco Bay Area cosmetic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience. She believes that an informed patient is the best patient.

Odds are, if you’re unhappy with your earlobes (wether you’ve experienced damage to them or you think they’re too big), you have a number of questions. In order to help you be as knowledgable as possible, we found this article about earlobe reduction by Nancy Weinberg Simon. Nancy’s article should help you get some useful and insightful information about a common procedure known as earlobe reduction. It’s a great read for anyone unhappy with the appearance of their ears or considering earlobe reduction surgery. Here’s a little preview of the article:

“‘Do Your Ears Hang Low?” is a song that you recall from your childhood. Though this tune is intended to bring on laughter, it’s not as funny if you’re one of many who are displeased with their ears. Being dissatisfied with your appearance can greatly affect self-esteem, confidence, general attitude towards life and the way you deal with other people in your day-to-day life.

If your earlobes do hang low or are not how you would like them and you find yourself hiding them by styling your hair to attempt to cover them or even just wishing they were different, it may be time for you to consider earlobe reduction surgery.’

Find out more about earlobe reduction surgery in the full article HERE.

Remember, it is important to find an experienced plastic surgeon whom you feel confident and comfortable with. Be sure to get recommendations and to check their credentials. It doesn’t hurt to meet a few surgeons in person to make sure they’re right for you.

Follow one of these helpful links to learn more about earlobe reduction performed by Dr. Usha Rajagopal at the San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center. If you have any questions regarding earlobe reduction or any other procedures offered by Dr. Rajagopal,  or want to schedule a consultation feel free to contact us.

When it comes cosmetic surgery, there are always options. When it comes to the choice between liposuction vs CoolSculpting ™, the decision can be tricky. Both procedures are safe and effective if performed by a certified plastic surgeon and both can have long lasting results. In this article by Heather J. Furnas MD for smartbeautyguide.com she lays out how each procedure is done as well as the advantages and disadvantages of both procedures.

Here’s a preview of that article addressing liposuction vs coolsculpting:

“There are many easy ways to temporarily camouflage small bumps such as Spanx, tunics, and jackets, but when clothing is no longer enough to hide those excessively fleshy areas, liposuction sounds like a good option. But so does CoolSculpting™. They both sound good, but what’s the difference and which one is better?

The quick answer is while they are both effective for people who have proven to be good candidates, for some patients, one option is better than the other.”

Read the full article HERE.

To learn more about procedures or for a consultation to help you make your choice between liposuction vs Coolsculpting,  Dr. Usha Rajagopal at the San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center can help. Don’t hesitate to contact us. 

Squatting is the most fundamental movement on the planet. Squats were performed before humans even knew what the purpose of the movement was. Cavemen and women were squatting to sit and poop. In later years, squats were performed by strongmen to showcase insane feats of strength. Eventually, squats became main stream – body builders used them to build great physiques, while power lifters and Olympic weight lifters used them to become as strong as they possibly could.

In present day, everybody from athletes, mothers, fathers, daughters, sons in every occupation possible can benefit from squats for different purposes. Many variations of squats can be used to build strength and muscle, cut fat and lean out, relieve stress or assist in active recovery for those who have suffered past trauma or injuries. At the San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center, we approve of anything that can help us look and feel better in every way!

Here are our Top 3 Reasons to squat:

1) Endorphins
Exercise, such as squats relieve stress by creating endorphins! Endorphins are chemicals in your brain that creates positive feelings. A clear mind and positive thoughts will also allow you to make better decisions in life! Endorphins are one of the best ‘drugs’ out there and squats are a simple way to get them!

2) Build Strong Bones
Squats prevent osteoporosis, the break down of bones! Studies show that squats can help build strong bones, even in those who already have osteoporosis! Strong bones equal better health and longevity! What a great reason to squat some heavy weight!

3) Build Muscle – Burn Fat
Squats ultimately are a whole body workout – you’re using the legs primarily to lift the weight but also your core and midline to stabilize the weight as the barbell sits on your trapezius. Squats build muscle in your glutes, hamstrings and even abdominals! Those who are interested in getting lean or ripped need to build muscle mass. Muscle will ultimately burn fat – even during rest. The best exercise to build muscle and burn fat are squats. No questions asked.

Sprinting vs Running – How can they effect what I look like?

Any and all exercise will help me obtain my body goals, right? You couldn’t be more wrong. There are very different types of bodies out there and to obtain those physiques, it takes very different types of exercise. You have to sit down and really think about what you want, then do the research, or better yet, talk to an expert to figure out what kind of exercises will help you reach your goals.

Do you dream of a muscular body like Beyonce or would you rather be long and lean like Taylor Swift? Do you want a waifey physique like Julie Bowen or do you prefer a more athletic look like Sofia Vergara? Sure, your genes will have a lot to say about this, but your workout routine might have an even bigger say. If you lift little weights for more repetitions you’re going to achieve a much leaner look than lifting heavier weights in smaller repetitions. Similarly, the type of running you do will give you totally different results.

There is a fitness myth that low intensity cardio like jogging and biking will burn more body fat than high intensity cardio. This is, in fact, just a myth! High intensity cardio like sprinting  will allow your body to burn more fat, and in a shorter amount of time. Just be careful and listen to your body!

Dr. Usha Rajagopal and her all female staff at the San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center tend to be very busy. So, when they heard they could burn more fat in less time, their time-effieciency-loving ears perked right up. We’re sharing what we learned below:

Long Distance Running
✔️ Takes time
✔️ Weakens bone density
✔️ Destroys joints

Sprinting
✔️ Fast and efficient
✔️ Increases metabolism throughout day
✔️ Increases endurance

Exercises:
✔️ Sprint Intervals
– Sprint 200m
– Rest 1minute
– Repeat 4x

✔️ Sprint For Time
– Sprint 400m
– Alternating Lunges 400m
– Sprint 300m
– Alternating Lunges 300m
– Sprint 200m
– Alternating Lunges 200m
– Sprint 100m
– Alternating Lunges 100m

✔️ As Many Sprints As Possible
– Set a 10 minute timer
– Sprint 200m
– 20 Push-ups
– Rest 30seconds
– Repeat till 10min are up!

So, in summary, sprinting is “more efficient” than jogging. It builds muscle, burns fat, and increases metabolism – all great things! Oh, and don’t forget it boosts endurance throughout the day! It all depends on what results you’re looking for, but in the sprinting vs running debate, sprinting is more efficient and easier on your joints.  The constant impact felt by long distance runners can destroy your bone density and cause a lot of joint pain – possibly forcing you into not exercising at all.

So next time you’re short on time but big on wanting to burn fat – consider a sprint workout rather than a long jog. You and your body might just thank you for this.

Is sprinting vs running isn’t your thing? Is neither working for you? If you are considering surgical options to help shape your body exactly how you want it, Dr. Usha Rajagopal has numerous procedures on offer. If you have questions or want to schedule a consultation, give us a call today — (415)392-3333.

Mad Max – Fury Road is the fourth installment of the franchise by director George Miller. It’s been thirty-six years since the orignal Mad Max was released. The film released in May 2015 already has highly acclaimed reviews for its acting, screenplay, art design, music and direction! Max Rockatansky, portrayed by Tom Hardy, is quite silent in the film. Though his presence is undeniable, his co-star Charlize Theron steals the screen as Imperator Furiosa. Mad Max also features model, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Zoe Kravitz along with a number of other strong gorgeous women.

At the San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center, we appreciate films that portray gorgeous women taking charge and approve of Mad Max – Fury Road. We hope movies like this help women feel empowered.

At the San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center, Dr. Usha Rajagopal and staff believe that everyone should deserve to make time for themselves!

Time alone or making time for activities we enjoy in life is crucial for our health and happiness.

Benefits of alone time
✔️ Mental & Physical Recovery
✔️ Creative Thinking
✔️ Self Awareness
✔️ Ability to Problem solve

Activities during alone time
✔️ Socializing
✔️ Spa Treatment
✔️ Reading
✔️ Exercise

Don’t think you have time for yourself? Set aside at least 45 minutes to an hour in the day for yourself. This can be done before breakfast, during lunch or before bedtime! If you can make this a morning or night time ritual, it will be simpler to stick to! Even a few minutes in the morning before the day begins to meditate is a great way to spend some quality time for yourself!

Don’t be afraid to tell your loved ones that you need some time for yourself! Quality time to yourself will ultimately improve relationships with others. Be communicative and let your family and friends know what fun activities you’re up to  – don’t be afraid to schedule some “me time” throughout your everyday life!