Joseph A. Mele, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Breast Augmentation Revision Surgery restores and enhances the results of Breast Augmentation. Breast Implant Revision Surgery is used to change implant sizes, improve implant position, soften capsular contracture and improve the overall shape of the breasts. As an experienced, Board Certified San Francisco Bay Area Plastic Surgeon for over 20 years, I have seen just about every breast implant problem there is. Today, on the San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog I am discussing ...a few of the most common reasons for Breast Revision Surgery. Today's video presentation from KRON 4’s Body Beautiful is illustrated with multiple Breast Implant Revision Before and After Pictures. Many of the images used in the television show can be viewed in this recent Breast Augmentation Revision blog post. The images are censored. The censoring can be removed by clicking on the images, revealing the fine details not allowed during the daytime broadcast. https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/breast-augme

I am honored to have been invited to the Aesthetic Everything Aesthetic and Cosmetic Medicine Awards Banquet, and humbled to receive the 2021 Top Plastic Surgeon West and Top Aesthetic Doctor Awards. https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/2021-aesthet

Breast Augmentation sometimes requires maintenance. Breasts change over time, especially with pregnancy and fluctuations in weight, and your breast augmentation may need an occasional touch up to maintain optimal aesthetics. Common reasons for Breast Augmentation Revision include, changing the size of your breast implants, repositioning implants that have moved, treatment of capsular contracture and replacing implants that have broken. This week on the San Francisco Bay Area’...s News Station’s KRON 4’s Body Beautiful I discuss Breast Augmentation Revision, Liposuction, Brazilian Buttocks Lifts and Arm Lifts (Brachioplasty). Be sure to tune in or DVR this Wednesday at noon to learn about the latest in cosmetic plastic surgery. https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/breast-augme

Liposuction is one of the most versatile of all Plastic Surgery Skills. It can reshape the soft tissues of the body from head-to-toe. Liposuction can divide a double chin in two, thin bulky arms, smooth bra line bulges, flatten muffin tops, remove saddlebags and debulk chunky inner thighs. Liposuction is extremely useful, but it also has its limits. Read my latest blog post to learn more. https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/liposculptur

The Brazilian Buttocks Lift (BBL) continues to be the fastest growing cosmetic plastic surgery procedure, no pun intended. During the BBL, fat that would normally be disposed of after Liposuction, is used to enhance the contours of the buttocks. https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/brazilian-bu

Flabby arms are a frequent concern among my patients, especially those who have lost a significant amount of weight. Weight loss reduces the volume of fat throughout the body. It’s a healthy pursuit and can enhance one’s appearance. Unfortunately, reduced fat under the skin means reduced support, akin to the loss of stuffing in a pillow. Excellent skin elasticity allows the skin to shrink to the new shape; however, when the skin is overstretched, shrinkage is minimal and the... result is loose, flabby folds of skin that are a constant reminder of previous weight struggles. The Arm Lift removes excess skin and tightens the arms, enhancing the appearance of the arms and the confidence of the patient. https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/arm-lifts-fo

Last week, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) unveiled the society’s 2020 plastic surgery statistics, including the effects of the COVID-19 and the impact that a pent-up patient demand has had on the industry’s current post-pandemic boom. The ASPS is the world's largest plastic surgery organization, representing nearly 8,000 members. I am proud to have maintained my active membership in the society for over 25 years. Last week they released the 2020 results of the organization's annual procedure survey coupled with national consumer research reflecting trends during the COVID-19 era to help predict what 2021 will bring. https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/2020-asps-pl

Joseph Mele Sun, May 2, 10:19 PM (8 hours ago) to me... Global cases of COVID-19 passed 152 million last week. The US death toll has passed 576,000. This represents over one sixth of the 3.2 million worldwide COVID-19 deaths. In Brazil, the death toll has reached 400,000. While India has over 200,000 deaths, it is also in the midst of a surge which is outstripping its national resources. Although there is still much pain to be felt in battling COVID-19, there is also light upon the horizon. https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/covid-19-cor

Joseph Mele Sun, Apr 25, 7:19 PM (11 hours ago) to me... I am proud to share that Joseph A. Mele, III, MD, Inc. received the Business Hall of Fame’s 2021 Best of Walnut Creek Award. Business is not something taught in Medical School, but it is something that you either learn quickly in solo practice or you don’t practice solo for long. In fact, twenty-five years ago, at the annual national Plastic Surgery Chief Residents’ meeting, I was told by one of the lecturers that solo practice was a dinosaur. I am happy to tell you twenty-five years later there is still room in medicine for a private, solo practice, and for me, it is the only way I want to practice. This is the seventh year in a row that we have received the Best in Walnut Creek award for Cosmetic Plastic Surgery. It is an honor I do not take lightly. Every day I get to treat patients is another day to earn this award. https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/business-hal

The Tummy Tuck is the foundation of most abdominal rejuvenation. It is the only procedure which reliably corrects the three main problems associated with a stretched out belly: Loose skin Lax muscles Extra fat... Today’s Abdominoplasty Video Presentation reveals the details of the procedure and illustrates actual results with Tummy Tuck Before and After Photos. We also go beyond the Tummy Tuck with combination procedures such as Abdominoplasty with Liposuction and Brazilian Buttocks Lift, and Tummy Tuck with Thigh Lift, for post-bariatric plastic surgery patients. https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/tummy-tuck-l

Gynecomastia, the enlargement of male breast tissue, can lead to disproportionate and embarrassing feminization of the masculine chest. Gynecomastia Reduction, also known as Male Breast Reduction, is an outpatient surgical procedure that corrects the enlargement. Today’s Gynecomastia Video Presentation provides information about the procedure and illustrates the results with actual patients’ before and after pictures.... More information about Gynecomastia and other cosmetic plastic surgery options is available via the link in my bio. https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/gynecomastia

Otoplasty Video Presentation Ear Pinning is the most common type of Otoplasty. Today’s video presentation is all about Otoplasty and the correction of prominent ears. In this video segment from KRON 4’s Body Beautiful, I discuss how prominent ears are corrected and narrate the Otoplasty Before and After Pictures with host Janelle Marie. Prominent Ears can be a source of embarrassment and preoccupation. When we look in the mirror, we see both of our ears. It is the only view t...hat allows us to compare our ears. If you have prominent ears, it is also the view that is the most bothersome. Fortunately, Otoplasty is an option if your ears stick out. https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/otoplasty-co

All Tummy Tucks are not created equal. Today we focus on Heavy Weight Tummy Tucks. These Abdominoplasties are not only rewarding, but also life changing when performed for my most successful weight loss and bariatric surgery patients. https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/heavy-weight

The combination of Tummy Tuck with Brazilian Butt Lift has become increasingly popular. There are advantages and disadvantages to combining these procedures, and that is what we are talking about today. Combining the Tummy Tuck and Brazilian Butt Lift is very rewarding, because flattening the abdomen and filling out the buttocks defies the normal aging process. The ability to remove and repurpose disproportionate abdominal wall fat is very satisfying and has provided me with ...many happy patients. Now, the Brazilian Tummy Tuck isn’t a thing. I’m coining the term for today’s blog post, so if you are consulting with another Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for a Brazilian Tummy Tuck, they are not going to know what you are talking about. For today’s San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog‘s purposes, the Brazilian Tummy Tuck is the combination of Abdominoplasty, Liposuction and Fat Grafting to the Buttocks. During the Brazilian Tummy Tuck (BTT), we are: Tightening loose abdominal wall muscles Collecting abdominal wall fat for use in the BBL Removing excess abdominal wall skin Fat Grafting to the buttocks to enhance their size and shape Possible harvesting of additional fat to further maximize the BBL results (e.g. back, flank, thigh or arm fat) More information is available in this week's San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog post: https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/brazilian-tu

Winter is a great time for Breast Reduction. You can recover while covered up and enjoy the results this summer as the weather warms up. While Breast Reduction is performed more often for women, today I present four examples of Male Breast Reduction, also known as Gynecomastia Reduction. Each example explores four common situations in which men seek Gynecomastia Reduction: Gynecomastia Reduction for global enlargement of the breasts... Gynecomastia Reduction for Tubular Breasts Male Breast Reduction for Bodybuilders Gynecomastia Reduction for Breast Asymmetry https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/gynecomastia

Public Public The COVID-19 vaccines are important tools to end the COVID-19 pandemic. Safe, effective, no-cost COVID-19 vaccines will be available to everyone in California. This week they are available to everyone age 65 or older and all healthcare workers. The vaccine paired with other daily preventative health measures, such as wearing face coverings and social distancing, will slow the spread of COVID-19 so businesses and schools can fully reopen and we can return to a mo...re normal way of life. https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/contra-costa

Earlobe Reduction is used to create an earlobe which is proportionate to the rest of the ear. Large earlobes can be a source of embarrassment for patients, and they are excited when they learn that Oversized Earlobes can be surgically reduced. When performed by itself, Earlobe Reduction can often be accomplished in the office, under just local anesthesia. Since earlobes continue to grow as we age, Earlobe Reduction Surgery is frequently combined with facelift surgery. Earlobe Reduction is also frequently used during Otoplasty (ear pinning), when the earlobes are disproportionately large or stick out. https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/earlobe-redu

Today’s Breast Implant with Breast Lift Video is from last week’s episode of Body Beautiful. This segment originally aired on the SF Bay Area’s New Station, KRON 4, on December 9th. Several Breast Augmentation Lifts are illustrated with before and after pictures. Examples of small and large Mastopexy Augmentations are shown, as well as the correction of severe asymmetry and pectus excavatum (an indented sternum). https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/breast-augme

For the best cosmetic result, sometimes Breast Enhancement requires both enlargement and lifting. When performed together, the procedure is known as a Mastopexy Augmentation. Today’s San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog reviews the details and provides before and after pictures to illustrate typical results when Breast Augmentation is combined with a Breast Lift. Breast Augmentation and Breast Lifts are two of the most commonly performed breast enhancement procedures. When both... are needed, they can usually be combined into a single operation that both lifts and enlarges the breasts. If you are considering a Breast Lift or Breast Augmentation in the San Francisco Bay Area, call (925) 943-6353 and schedule a private consultation appointment. If you are home this Wednesday, I will be discussing Breast Augmentation Lifts, Mommy Makeovers, Facial Augmentation (Cheek, Chin and Nasal Implants), Breast Implant replacement and more on my television show Body Beautiful. The show airs Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at noon on KRON channel 4. I will also be posting segments from the show here, on the San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog in the coming weeks. https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/breast-augme

The Mommy Makeover rejuvenates both the breasts and the belly. After pregnancy, or weight loss, the breasts and the belly may lose their youthful contours. A Mommy Makeover is a combination of procedures such as Breast Augmentation and Abdominoplasty designed to restore a more aesthetic appearance and help the way clothes fit. The Mommy Makeover is a combination of both Breast Enhancement and Tummy Flattening. The most common combination includes Breast Implants to restore lo...st breast volume, and a Tummy Tuck to repair the abdominal wall, but other combinations are used whenever needed. Possible Tummy Tightening Procedures: Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Mini Tummy Tuck Liposuction Possible Breast Enhancing Procedures: Breast Augmentation (Breast Implantation) Breast Lift (Mastopexy) Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammoplasty) Today's blog post includes examples of Mommy Makeovers, illustrated with before and after pictures. https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/mommy-makeov

Gynecomastia literally means female chest, and when men have it, they often come to see me. Today’s post illustrates what Gynecomastia Reduction can achieve for the motivated patient. A safe and predictable outpatient procedure, Male Breast Reduction improves the masculine contour of the chest and elevates the confidence and self-esteem of the man. https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/sculpting-th #gynecomastia #gynecomastiasurgery #gynecomastiabeforeandafter #ma...lebreastreduction #malebreastreductionsurgery #PlasticSurgery #CosmeticSurgery #PlasticSurgeon #CosmeticSurgeon #CirugiaPlastica #CirujanoPlastico

Ears come in all shapes and sizes. When the ears are too big, too prominent or have an unusual shape, Otoplasty is used to create a more aesthetic appearance. One common variation of Otoplasty is ear pinning. Ears that stick out can be brought in, allowing patients to feel more comfortable and confident. This video segment, taken from the San Francisco Bay Area's News Station, KRON 4, features Board Certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Joseph Mele, discussing cosmetic ear surgery,... and narrating before and after pictures of his many Otoplasty procedures. https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/otoplasty-co #Otoplasty #Otoplastia #EarPinning #PlasticSurgery #CosmeticSurgery #PlasticSurgeon #CosmeticSurgeon #AEInfluencers #CirugiaPlastica #CirujanoPlastico

The Chin is one of the main defining landmarks of the human face. Large Chins project strength, authority and confidence. Think of Wonder Woman and Superman’s jaw lines. Strong chins and jawlines equate to confidence and character. Small Chins give an impression opposite of a large chin. We call small chins weak, under-projecting and receded. A small chin gives the impression of shyness, meekness and weakness. There are several ways to enlarge a small chin, but the most comm...on way is with a Chin Implant. A small incision is made either inside the mouth or under the chin, and an implant is placed on the front of the mandible to increase the chin’s projection. Today's San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog reviews a few good examples. https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/chin-implant

Eyelid Lifts rejuvenate tired looking eyes by removing the hooding caused by excess upper eyelid skin and unpacking the bags under the eyes. Blepharoplasty, a short, outpatient surgery, can transform your appearance from sleepy and uninterested to awake and alert. Blepharoplasty can also even out the upper eyelid creases to create crisp, distinct upper eyelid folds. This is commonly performed during double eyelid surgery for the Asian eyelid surgery, but can be used to create... even, upper eyelid creases whenever the folds are indistinct. https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/eyelid-lifts #PlasticSurgery #PlasticSurgeon #DrMele #CosmeticSurgeon #CosmeticSurgery #Bleph #Blepharoplasty #EyelidSurgery #DoubleEyelid #DoubleEyelidSurgery #AsianBlepharoplasty

I last discussed COVID-19 back in March when the original shelter-in-place orders were issued for the San Francisco Bay Area. As these restrictions are being ramped up again, and promising vaccine trial results are released, it seems like a good time for a COVID-19 Update. Until we have a vaccine, there is no cure for COVID-19. Despite claims that social distancing has saved millions of lives, it has not. The truth is that until we have a cure, we have at best only postponed ...the inevitable. Since March we have learned that: Physically distancing is the most important means of slowing the spread of COVID-19. Masks help both the wearer and those around them. All mass gatherings without masks are potential super-spreader events. The virus does not care about your reasons for the gathering. Shutdowns should be used only to keep our healthcare systems from being overwhelmed. Halting elective surgery does not increase the number of available ICU beds for COVID-19 patients, and causes more harm than good. The increases in depression, anxiety, drug abuse, overdoses, child abuse, spousal abuse and suicides are significant and need to be measured. We need to measure and report accurately all negative health effects associated with the shutdowns, so we can weigh both the actual risks and the potential benefits. So what are the details of the new Pfizer vaccine? I discuss them in the latest post from the San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog. https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/covid-19-upd

How do Breast Implants stay in place? The key is the breast implant capsule. Once a breast implant is placed, the body forms a capsule of scar tissue around it. This capsule serves as a pocket that holds the implant in place. Without a capsule, it would be possible to slide the implant around under the skin. Normally, this pocket is soft and not palpable, and holds the breast implant in place. This is termed a grade I capsule. Sometimes, the capsule tightens around the breast... implant. The first sign is often firmness and immobility of the breast implant. This is a grade II capsule. When the breast is visually moved or the shape is deformed, a grade III capsule is formed. In the worst case, the capsule becomes tender or even painful. This is a grade IV capsule. Today's video narrates before and after pictures of breast augmentation revision surgery, and reviews the surgical treatment options and their results. Featuring Board Certified San Francisco Bay Area Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Joseph A. Mele, III, MD, FACS in Walnut Creek, CA, this segment originally aired on KRON 4's Body Beautiful. https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/breast-augme #PlasticSurgery #PlasticSurgeon #DrMele #CosmeticSurgeon #CosmeticSurgery

When Weight Loss Isn’t Enough Sometimes losing weight is only half the battle. My patient, shown above, worked hard to lose weight and tone his muscles. He has accomplished a lot. He felt great about his progress and just wanted to feel better about his results, primarily his appearance. Post Bariatric Plastic Surgery is a specialized facet of plastic surgery specifically designed to address the excess skin that often remains after weight loss, especially massive weight loss.... The patient above is feeling great about himself after Male Breast Reduction and a Tummy Tuck were performed. The combination tightened his skin, improved his appearance and helped show off his new more muscular physique. For women, this combination of procedures is commonly termed a Mommy Makeover, so can we call the male version a Masculine Makeover, Daddy Do-Over or Father Fixer-Upper. I’ll just call him a happy patient. If you like these results, more examples of skin removal surgeries are included in today’s video presentation. https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/removing-lo/ #BariatricPlasticSurgery #PostBariatricSurgery #PostBariatric #PlasticSurgery #PlasticSurgeon #DrMele #CosmeticSurgeon #CosmeticSurgery

Joseph Mele Sep 13, 2020, 9:19 PM (9 hours ago) to me... Joseph A. Mele, MD, FACS wins Top Plastic Surgeon West and Top Aesthetic Doctor in the Aesthetic Everything 2020 Aesthetic and Cosmetic Medicine Awards. Thank you Aesthetic Everything. https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/2020-aesthet

Breast Augmentation remains one of the most frequently requested cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. While Breast Implants can safely and effectively add breast volume in ways that other methods cannot, they may require maintenance from time to time. Breast Augmentation Revision Surgery is an area in which I specialize. It is not the easiest Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Procedure, but the challenge makes it one of the most rewarding. https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/breast-impla

Post Bariatric Plastic Surgery is not for weight loss, it’s for after weight loss. It is the generic term for all cosmetic plastic surgery performed to tighten skin once excess weight is lost, and the skin has lost its support. As the body deflates, at some point the skin can no longer shrink to conform to the underlying muscles, and much like an empty balloon, it loses its shape and collapses. This is where post-bariatric plastic surgery takes over. https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/post-bariatr

Beautiful Eyes are meant to be seen. When the upper eyelid skin sags, it blocks the vision of the patient and the visibility of the eyes for everyone else. Saggy upper eyelids are impossible to look through and not pretty to look. Even when vision is not obstructed, saggy upper eyelids project a tired look. Lower eyelid bags also contribute to a tired look, and tired is not sexy or mysterious. Tired is disinterested and disconnected, and we want to look alert and awake. Beautiful eyes are even more important with the mandatory face mask use required during the current COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/eyelid-lifts

Patient Safety has always been job one. With COVID-19, this year poses new challenges. In the past, Patient Safety was all about procedure safety. In the office or in the operating room, safety centered around the operation. Now, actions outside the OR are also very important. The only good thing is my patients recognize me in the pre-op area, because they have already seen me in a mask at the office. https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/mask-up-ame/

Capsular Contracture accounts for about one third of all Breast Augmentation Revision surgeries. But what is Capsular Contracture? How can it be prevented, and how is it treated? Learn more on this week's San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog. https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/capsular-con

Year after year, Breast Augmentation remains the most popular cosmetic plastic surgery procedure. The availability, safety and predictability of Breast Augmentation makes it an attractive option for women with small breasts looking for more breast volume or women who have lost breast volume after weight loss or childbirth. https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/breast-enhan #PlasticSurgery #PlasticSurgeon #CosmeticSurgery #CosmeticSurgeon #DrMele

Otoplasty is cosmetic plastic surgery for the reduction of prominent ears. Also known as Ear Pinning, the procedure involves reshaping, reducing and repositioning the outer ear into a more aesthetic shape. Otoplasty is an elective, outpatient surgical procedure which is very satisfying for patients concerned with the prominence of their ears. The amount of reduction is guided by both my patient’s wishes and normal anatomy. https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/ear-...pinning- #Otoplasty #Otoplastia #EarPinning #PlasticSurgery #CosmeticSurgery #PlasticSurgeon #CosmeticSurgeon #AEInfluencers #CirugiaPlastica #CirujanoPlastico #DrMele