Most people feel a desire to gain a flatter, more toned belly in order to enhance their silhouette and boost confidence, especially after pregnancy, weight changes, or the effects of aging. Unfortunately, the factors that often cause the stomach to bulge outward — such as reduced skin elasticity, stubborn fat buildup, and stretched out musculature — are not corrected with dieting and exercise alone. For this reason, Santa Barbara plastic…

Premature signs of aging not only make you look older than your actual age, but they also tend to communicate feelings that may belie your true emotions. It’s not uncommon for men and women to take on a stressed, fatigued, or angry visage due to reduced collagen and elastin production negatively affecting skin quality. These emotions are often communicated unintentionally through the development of: Frown lines Sagging or drooping skin…

Cleavage refers to the visible space between your breasts, typically seen when the breasts are pushed together. It’s most noticeable when the breasts are fuller and closer together, often accentuated by specific outfits, bras, and swimsuits. Patients can lose cleavage over time due to several factors related to aging, hormonal changes, and lifestyle. As women age, the skin and ligaments that support the breasts (Cooper’s ligaments) lose elasticity, causing the…

Pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or simply the effects of aging can leave behind a “pooch” of excess skin and fatty tissue in the abdomen. Despite living a healthy, active lifestyle, many patients find that this shelf of excess tissue is resistant to exercise, dieting, and other efforts to tone and tighten the belly. This aesthetic concern is not uncommon, but Santa Barbara plastic surgeon Wesley Schooler, MD understands how unflattering contours…

There are many factors that can cause the look and feel of the breasts to change over time, from genetic predisposition and weight gain to menopause and pregnancy. Eventually, patients in Santa Barbara and beyond may notice their breasts beginning to flatten, or observe early signs of ptosis (breast drooping). While Dr. Wesley Schooler — our board-certified plastic surgeon — understands that the loss of your youthful breast contours can…

As you get older, you may notice a more fatigued or exhausted expression in the face due to signs of aging around the eye contours. Loose skin, dark circles, under-eye bags, and “hooding” — wherein excess drooping tissue obstructs a patient’s line of sight — can cause you to look more tired and aged, even when you’re feeling perfectly rested. To reclaim a more youthful and rested appearance, men and…

Losing weight can be an uphill battle, but the confidence of improving your health and achieving your aesthetic goals is incomparable. When it comes to cosmetic procedures after weight loss surgery, comprehensive research before your procedure(s) is vital. While finding the right plastic surgeon to achieve your goals can be daunting, we encourage you to follow these tips to help narrow down your potential options: Select an extensively experienced board-certified…

Large breasts can pose significant issues for patients burdened by the stressors of a heavy, dominating breast size. On top of aching pain in the shoulders, neck, and back, excessively large breasts can also cause skin chafing and “shoulder-grooving” — which refers to uncomfortable bra strap indentations in the skin. In light of the aesthetic and functional concerns often associated with overly large breasts, many women wonder whether dieting, exercise,…

Among the most popular cosmetic procedures in the country is a Mommy Makeover — an advanced treatment plan consisting of aesthetic procedures designed to reverse the changes caused by pregnancy and breastfeeding. While the exact details of the process vary from patient to patient, a Mommy Makeover is usually quite extensive. Due to the complex nature of treatment, selecting the right plastic surgeon to make your goals a reality is…

Having children can cause a range of unfavorable changes in the body and excess abdominal skin is a common concern experienced by patients following pregnancy. For most patients, pregnancy reduces skin elasticity in the abdomen and the skin is unable to “snap back” to their original body shape. As a result, there is often an apron of loose skin left on the lower abdomen that cannot be corrected with dieting…