Plastic Surgery Santa Barbara: Advice from Santa Barbara Cosmetic Surgeon Terry J. Perkins, M.D.

Santa Barbara Medical Spa - Evolutions - Open House Event

2012-01-19T10:11:00.000-08:00

Evolutions Medical Spa is celebrating six successful years with an Open House event! Dr. Perkins and Evolutions would like to invite their loyal clients and the community to celebrate this milestone event on Wednesday, January 25th, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Guests will enjoy:

Complimentary Mini-Treatments
Free Coloresciene Mineral Make-up application
Games and raffles (with over $5000 worth of prizes)
Gift bags (for the first 50 guests)
Interactive skin care education
A *live demo* of Dr. Perkins doing Dysport injections on a client.
Products and services will be discounted too!

Thank you to the following companies for their generous contributions to make this event fun and fabulous: Revitalash, Neova Skin Care, AFA Amino Acid Skin Care, NuCelle Skin Care, Radiesse, Elure, VitaMedica, NanoPro Superfood, and many more!

Evolutions is located at 1309 State Street, the same block as the Arlington Theater, in downtown Santa Barbara.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Neck Lifts: Santa Barbara Cosmetic Surgery Highlight

2012-01-12T10:33:00.000-08:00

January's Surgical Highlight from Santa Barbara cosmetic surgeon Dr. Terry Perkins is the Neck Lift.

What makes a neck look "old"?

Sagging skin, muscle banding and local fat accumulation can contribute to deconstruct the "contour" your neckline once had.

Can an "old" neck be reversed?

Restoring the "contour" can be done through cosmetic surgery with incisions behind the ears and one small incision under the chin. Muscles are often tied to help create a "sling effect" for better support. A suspension suture is often used to give more long-lasting support to the neck.

A minimally-invasive version can also be done using special support sutures and limited undermining behind the ears, but the results will usually be less dramatic and don't usually last as long.

Schedule a neck lift consultation with Dr. Perkins by calling 805.563.0000.

Cosmetic Surgery Center Wishes You a Happy New Year and New You!

2011-12-31T07:00:00.000-08:00

A New Year is around the corner and this is a great time to start off 2012 with a New You! When we say "New You" at Cosmetic Surgery Center in Santa Barbara we don't mean drastic plastic surgery that will leave you looking unrecognizable to your loved ones. Dr. Terry Perkins, founder of Cosmetic Surgery Center, has been practicing cosmetic surgery in Santa Barbara since 1978 and has always used his surgical skill and expertise to transform patients into a new and improved version of themselves, without leaving them with an "operated" look. He knows that each person is a unique individual and does not perform "cookie cutter" surgeries because one size does not fit all!

If you are looking to recapture some of your youthful appearance or re-shape body areas that have stubborn fat, Dr. Perkins can help you. An overview of our surgical services are provided below, but call our office at 805.563.0000 for a personal appointment with Dr. Perkins to review your needs.

Face Lifts by Dr. Perkins offer facial rejuvenation while maintaining or creating a natural (un-operated) appearance. Dr. Perkins can perform full face lifts or minimally-invasive cheek/neck lifts depending on the patient's needs and desires. Dr. Perkins has also developed a non-surgical face lift called the Layered Liquid Lift that can be done in about 90 minutes using Botox or Dysport and a layering of dermal fillers. Results can last up to 18 months. Eye lifts and forehead lifts are other options that offer a rested, rejuvenated look. Since each person ages differently, it is best to determine the most appropriate surgical procedure with the guidance of Dr. Perkins.

Liposuction by Dr. Perkins removes and contours the fat beneath the skin to re-shape a body area. It can be done alone or in conjunction with skin removal if excess skin is involved (such as after a large weight loss). Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure, but instead is designed to give the body shape where it may have been lost. Common problem areas that can be treated include the upper arms, the abdomen ("muffin top"), and the legs (especially the inner and outer thighs).

As 2011 comes to a close, all of us at Cosmetic Surgery Center wish you a very Happy New Year and look forward to seeing you in 2012.

Out with the old, in with the new . . . YOU!

Cosmetic Surgery for Couples

2011-11-30T20:31:00.000-08:00

Aesthetic treatments and cosmetic surgeries were once only done by movie stars and wealthy individuals. Nowadays, with the affordability and availability of non-invasive cosmetic treatments like Botox and dermal fillers, many women are able to have these treatments done to help them refresh their look, "turning back the clock" so to speak, making cosmetic procedures more status quo. Cosmetic surgeries, such as eyelid lifts, face lifts and rhinoplasty (nose jobs), have also become more popular amongst the general public for those who have wanted to fix an imperfection or erase the permanent look of tiredness that can happen as we age.

As more women embrace procedures such as Botox and cosmetic surgery, the stigma once associated with these procedures has fallen to the wayside, and we are learning that men, too, are seeking out cosmetic procedures whether it be to fix an imperfection or to make them look younger for an increasingly competitive job market.

Now we are finding that some couples are seeking the fountain of youth through cosmetic surgery. A recent segment on the Today Show highlight a couple who had received non-invasive treatments together and said that it is also not uncommon for couples to undergo cosmetic surgeries together as well. Having surgery in the same time period can be a bonding time for spouses - a time that they can support each other, recuperate together and reclaim their youth - together!

Watch the video below to see the entire segment from the Today Show:

The Difference Between Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Surgery

2011-11-26T16:42:00.000-08:00

The term "plastic surgery" is the most commonly used phrase to describe elective surgical aesthetic procedures such as rhinoplasty (nose jobs), breast augmentation, tummy tucks and liposuction. The term "cosmetic surgery" is less commonly used and some people think that "plastic surgery" and "cosmetic surgery" are interchangeable terms when, in actuality, they are refer to two different categories of surgery.

Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty dedicated to reconstruction of facial and body defects due to birth

disorders, trauma, burns, and disease. Plastic surgery is intended to correct dysfunctional areas of the

body and is reconstructive in nature.

Cosmetic surgery is dedicated to enhancing appearance through surgical and medical techniques. Cosmetic surgery can be performed on all areas of the head, neck and body. Cosmetic surgery is elective, whereas, for some, plastic surgery (that is reconstructive) is done out of necessity.

Dr. Terry Perkins is a double board certified cosmetic surgeon in Santa Barbara. Dr. Perkins has been performing cosmetic surgeries for over 30 years and specializes in giving patients an end result that looks natural and rested and not "over done".

Dr. Perkins performs facial rejuvenation surgeries at Cosmetic Surgery Center in Santa Barbara such as face lifts, forehead lifts, eyelid surgery, chin surgery, and neck lift surgery to address aging face issues. He also performs nose surgery (rhinoplasty) and ear pinning surgery (otoplasty) to help appearance or function (in regards to the nasal surgery).

Body contouring through liposuction and, if needed, surgery can also be done by Dr. Perkins. Liposuction can be performed on the arms, abdomen and flanks, hips and legs (most commonly the inner and outer thigh areas).

For some patients, the hardest part about cosmetic surgery is scheduling the first consultation. Dr. Perkins makes it a priority to educate his clients on their options so that they will feel confident in the cosmetic surgery choices they make. Dr. Perkins shares with you how a consultation may go in his office:

Dr. Perkins can help you look your best - naturally! Schedule an appointment with Dr. Perkins by calling 805.563.0000. Dr. Perkins has cosmetic surgery offices in Santa Barbara and Oxnard.

Thigh Liposuction in Santa Barbara at Cosmetic Surgery Center

2011-11-21T21:10:00.000-08:00

November's Cosmetic Surgery Center highlight focuses on inner and outer Thigh Liposuction. Fat accumulation in the inner and outer (saddlebag area) thighs can almost always be treated with liposuction. The incisions are hidden in the pubic hair and in the buttock creases so that they cannot be seen even when you are wearing a bathing suit. The goals are decreased bulk and a uniform thin fatty layer.

Patients who are good candidates for this procedure are typically extremely happy with their results. View before-and-after pictures of thigh liposuction performed by Dr. Perkins at Cosmetic Surgery Center.

Call Cosmetic Surgery Center in Santa Barbara at 805.563.0000 to schedule a Santa Barbara liposuction consultation appointment.

Otoplasty - Ear Surgery - by Santa Barbara Cosmetic Surgeon

2011-10-25T13:01:00.000-07:00

October's cosmetic surgery highlight is otoplasty - more commonly known as ear surgery, ear pinning or an ear tuck. At Cosmetic Surgery Center in Santa Barbara, we perform otoplasty on a patient of almost any age, even children, as the relationship between the ear and the head will not change as a person ages.

The most common problem related to ears is that they are too prominent, or stick out, from the side of the head. Treatment involves reshaping/repositioning the tissue so there is symmetry of the two sides as well as a more normal relationship of the ear to the face and side of the head. The ear should roughly parallel the plane of the cheek. Too close to the head is no better than too far out.

Another problem that bothers many people is having earlobes that are too large. This can be readily treated in most cases by removing the "extra" earlobe tissue and hiding the incisions under the ear and against the cheek.

Patients who are good candidates for ear surgery are typically extremely happy with the results. See our Before-and-After Picture Gallery of Dr. Perkins' ear surgery patients.

For an appointment with Dr. Perkins, contact Cosmetic Surgery Center at 805.563.0000.

Non-Surgical Skin Tightening in Santa Barbara: Special Event

2011-10-17T13:53:00.001-07:00

Santa Barbara cosmetic surgeon Dr. Terry Perkins has formulated a unique protocol that utilizes the top two technologies in skin tightening - without surgery - to effectively tone, tighten and lift your skin! Are you thinking that you would like to know more . . . see before-and-after pictures or that you have questions for Dr. Perkins about anti-aging treatments?

On October 26th you will have the opportunity to address all of the above! Mark your calendars for a special evening dedicated to Tightening and Lightening at Evolutions Medical Spa with Dr. Perkins on Wednesday, October 26th, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

The evening will include information on:

Dr. Perkins' Total Tightening: a treatment that utilizes the ReFirme and Titan technologies to achieve the maximum result.
The FotoFacial RF: a great treatment that significantly improves brightness and luminescence of the skin while removing unwanted pigmentation.
Sublative Rejuvenation: one of the most popular fraction skin resurfacing treatments that improves fine lines, pigmentation issues and acne scarring.
SpaWhite Express Teeth Whitening: remove stains and whiten several shades in under 30 minutes.

Attendees will be able to purchase these treatments at special promotion pricing! We also will have a raffle, refreshments and other exclusive specials.

RSVP to Evolutions Medical Spa at 805.687.0212.

Elure Skin Lightening in Santa Barbara

2011-10-10T13:10:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a quicker way to reduce skin pigmentation, Elure Advanced Skin Lightening therapy is the answer for you!

Clinical studies showed that 82% of subjects demonstrated a significant decrease in their melanin and 91% of subjects showed an overall improvement in fairness and skin tone in just 28 days (when used twice a day)! This is much quicker than other methods of skin lightening available on the market today.

Elure FAQs:

What is Elure?

Elure is a topical cosmetic only available from a physician's office that reduces dark-colored pigment (sun damage, liver spots, hyperpigmentation) on your skin.

How does Elure work?

Elure's patented natural enzyme, Melanzyme™, destroys the melanin accumulating on the skin's surface.

How is Elure different than other lightening products (such as hydroquinone)?

Other lightening products address dark spots by blocking the production of melanin deep within the skin, eventually causing the discoloration to fade over time (which can take many months). Elure targets the melanin that has already accumulated and breaks it down.

What Elure products are available?

Advanced Skin Lightening Lotion: a rebalancing lotion to brighten, soften, soothe and replenish the skin.
Advance Lightening Night Cream: a recovery hydration complex for a brighter, softer tone.
Foaming Facial Wash: use Elure's Advanced Skin Lightening Technology in combination with the Advanced Facial Wash to remove dirt and dead skin debris for a radiant skin appearance.

Have you heard the buzz on Elure?

Featured in Allure magazine as "Top New Product of the Year". Featured on the Today Show with Hoda and Kathy Lee as a "real game changer".

Where can I buy Elure in Santa Barbara?

Elure is only available in Santa Barbara at Evolutions Medical Spa located at 1309 State Street, on the same block as the historic Arlington Theater. Contact Evolutions at 805.687.0212.

Santa Barbara Liposuction Highlight: Abdomen (Muffin Top) and Thighs (Saddle Bags)

2011-09-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

Is your "muffin top" preventing you from wearing sleek fitting outfits? Do your "saddle bags" keep you from wearing bathing suits or shorts? The worst part about these "bulges", for many people, is that they are resistant to a healthy diet and exercise. No matter what you do, the stomach fat ("muffin top") and outer thigh fat ("saddle bags") stay put.

The good news is that these areas can almost always be treated with liposuction. Liposuction done by Santa Barbara cosmetic surgeon Dr. Terry J. Perkins removes the fat evenly so that the patient is left with a thin fat layer instead of a fat bulge. Small incisions are made in areas that are hidden such as the navel, pubic hair or under the bikini line. A mini "tummy tuck" is often sufficient if skin removal is needed to remove the "muffin top". Skin removal is almost never necessary in the hips.

View before and after pictures of Dr. Perkins' patients who had thigh liposuction and abdomen liposuction procedures.

Evolutions Medical Spa Event Focuses on Acne and Rosacea

2011-09-27T19:32:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow evening, at Evolutions Medical Spa in Santa Barbara, Dr. Terry Perkins and Evolutions Medical Spa will be hosting an event that addresses the skin issues of acne and rosacea.

Acne, unfortunately, does not end when the teenage years are over. Acne is one of the most common skin problems and affects over 70 million people. For many people, it is a matter of "controlling" acne, instead of curing it. At tomorrow's event, Dr. Perkins will educate the audience on various types of acne, what causes acne, the various treatments of acne and the professional procedures that can help the skin function more normally.

Dr. Perkins will address another skin disorder, rosacea, that affects over 13 million Americans. Rosacea is not acne but it can produce facial redness and blemishes similar to acne. Like acne, there is no "cure" but there are ways to keep rosacea maintained. Dr. Perkins will discuss the various stage / subtypes of rosacea, the theories about what causes rosacea and the triggers that made lead to flare-ups of rosacea. Dr. Perkins will also discuss treatment and management including home care and professional procedures.

Attendees will be able to purchase packages (such as acne facials and packages, Isolaz Deep Pore therapy series, FotoFacial series, FotoFacial/Genesis series) and acne and rosacea products at a special pricing for the event only. Raffles and refreshments will be served. RSVP to Evolutions at 805.687.0212 to reserve your seat today.

The event is from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Evolutions Medical Spa, 1309 State Street, downtown Santa Barbara.

Liposuction May Benefit Health, Study Finds

2011-09-24T11:17:00.000-07:00

People may opt for liposuction to better their aesthetic appearance, but recent findings show that they may also be improving their internal body. An article in the LA Times on Friday suggests that liposuction has additional benefits that may help to improve cardiovascular health.

Plastic surgeon Dr. Eric Swanson from Leawood, Kansas, conducted a study of 229 people that found that those who started out with triglycerides and had liposuction saw a 43% reduction in triglycerides three months after the liposuction procedure. Those who had normal levels saw no difference.

In addition to that, he also found that white blood cell counts fell 11% after liposuction. White blood cells are linked to inflammation in the body and associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. It is unknown whether the lower triglyceride levels will remain. The article also noted that the reduction in triglyceride levels from liposuction is twice the reduction that people who are taking cholesterol-lowering medications usually get.

At Cosmetic Surgery Center in Santa Barbara we always stress that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure, but is a body sculpting procedure. Liposuction, with or without skin excision, can be done for those places in your body where stubborn fat persists, especially after a dedication to healthy eating and a steady exercise program.

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Terry Perkins has been performing body-sculpting liposuction in Santa Barbara for many years and has refined the technique so that it can be done comfortably with local anesthesia plus sedation instead of under general anesthesia. This makes the recovery time for patients faster as they do not experience an anesthesia "hangover" the days following the procedure.

Contact Dr. Perkins at Cosmetic Surgery Center for a Santa Barbara liposuction consultation at 805.563.0000. Click here to learn more about your visit with Dr. Perkins.

Santa Barbara Cosmetic Surgery "Mommy Makeover" Procedures by Dr. Perkins

2011-09-18T19:01:00.000-07:00

With the kids are settled back in school, and the holidays are still a few months away, now is a good time to have cosmetic surgery procedures done. Many women have inquired about a "Mommy Makeover" package by Santa Barbara cosmetic surgeon Dr. Terry Perkins. Essentially it is a series of cosmetic surgical procedures to help women restore their post-pregnancy body. The "Mommy Makeover" usually consists of a breast lift and/or breast augmentation, abdominal surgery to remove excess skin and/or fat (commonly known as a "tummy tuck") and/or body sculpting with liposuction.

After childbirth many moms find that they are left with unwanted bulges or excess skin in the areas of the abdomen hips and/or thighs that are very hard to shed, despite intense exercise and a conscientious diet. The weight gain from pregnancy can cause the skin to be overly stretched out which often times can only be corrected through plastic surgery where the skin can be excised and the fat can be removed.

If you are getting a "Mommy Makeover", you are probably going to get two or more of the following procedures, most likely done at the same time, under general anesthesia:

Tummy Tuck: Excess fat bulges in the abdomen and flanks can sometimes be treated with liposuction alone. If the doctor decides to remove excess abdominal skin, the procedure known as a "tummy tuck", an incision is made along the upper edge of the pubic hairline. The incision may be as small as a C-section scar, a "mini tummy tuck", or may be from hip to hip. The doctor may choose to sew together the abdominal muscles that sometimes split during pregnancy to further flatten the abdomen. Whether a person has a "mini" or a regular tummy tuck, plan for plenty of downtime to allow for proper healing.

Breast Lift and/or Breast Augmentation: Breast augmentation is usually done with silicone or saline implants. This is primarily done to restore volume in the breasts that often become "deflated", especially in the mothers that nursed their babies. Breast augmentation can also increase the breast size, and this is left to the discretion of the patient. A breast lift can be done, with our without augmentation, to correct sagging breasts. At Cosmetic Surgery Center in Santa Barbara, we do not do a breast augmentation with implants. Dr. Perkins does a natural breast augmentation using the patient's own body fat that was removed through liposuction. The fat that is removed can be strategically placed in the breast area, allowing the doctor to fill in certain spots or to correct unevenness. Sometimes enough fat is obtained, allowing the patient to go up one cup size.

Liposuction of the Hips and Thighs: Not always necessary for all "Mommy Makeover" candidates, liposuction can be done to reduce the circumference of the thighs and the hip area. Liposuction body contouring can also be done in the knees, calves and ankles, but the surgeon must be skilled in this area because over-treatment can result in problems that are difficult to correct. Some moms may take their treatment further and address the stretch marks that developed during their pregnancy, most commonly on the abdomen and the back from the rapidly growing baby. Stretch mark reduction is something that can be done at Evolutions Medical Spa in Santa Barbara, utilizing Dr. Perkins' exclusive Stretch Mark Therapy protocol that yields results.

A "Mommy Makeover" can offer wonderful results but a mother has to be fully prepared for what it entails such as being able to get plenty of rest and down time after the surgery. Women who have gone through the "Mommy Makeover" often feel a great boost in their body-image confidence, resulting not only in a positive effect for themselves, but also for the children that they are caring for.

Call Dr. Perkins office, Cosmetic Surgery Center, for a consultation at 805.563.0000. Dr. Perkins operates out of a fully-accredited surgical suite just a few blocks from Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara.

Before and After Cosmetic Surgery Pictures in Santa Barbara

2011-08-30T20:26:00.000-07:00

At Cosmetic Surgery Center, Dr. Terry Perkins has done hundreds of plastic surgery procedures in Santa Barbara. Some of the surgeries are subtle changes that make a BIG difference in the overall appearance of the person. We've recently added more pictures to our Before-and-After Picture Gallery and wanted to highlight some of them so that you can experience the changes yourself.

Submentoplasty / Neck Lift:

The goal of a Neck Lift is to re-contour the tissue underneath the chin and near the midline of the neck to remo

ve sagging tissue ("turkey gobblers"). Submentoplasty may

include excision of fat, tightening of the muscle banding, liposuction and, occasionally, skin removal. In a neck lift, the face is not worked on, but often clients say that the tightening of the neck area results in a more youthful appearance overall and, for some, makes them look like they have lost weight.

Fat Grafting to the Hands:

A face may look youthful, but often the hands may show a person's "true" age. Over the years, the fullness found in younger hands diminish and what is left looks bony, veiny, and even spotted with sun damage. Fat can be grafted into the hands to re-create the lost fullness. Sun damage ("liver spots") can be treated at Evolutions Medical Spa to help reduce or remove the spots altogether.

Rhinoplasty / Nose Surgery:

Nose surgery can be done to help appearance or breathing function. Dr. Perkins specializes in cosmetic surgery that results in a natural appearance, so most changes that Dr. Perkins makes during a Rhinoplasty procedure are subtle, altering the bone and/or soft tissue to allow the nose to have a more ideal relationship within a person's face.

Forehead Lift Surgery:

Heaviness on the upper lids is caused by the relaxation of the forehead tissue. When this happens, the eyes can look smaller, tired and give the person an overall unpleasant look. A Forehead Lift repositions the forehead and brow. It is done through three small, undetectable incisions in the hairline and the frown muscles are usually partially removed (50 to 60%) so a person can still have the ability to frown, but it will be weaker. This helps to minimize from lines in the future. The result is a smoother, lifted forehead that opens up the eyes and makes the person look more approachable.

Liposuction:

Dr. Perkins performs body contouring through liposuction to various areas of the body: the hips and/or thighs, the arms, the abdomen and/or flanks and the neck area. Although treatment of the inner and outer thigh area is not a huge job, it does make a big difference in appearance for many people. Many women carry the bulk of their fat in the thigh area (often hereditary) and find the thighs to be resistant to change, no matter how much, or what, exercise is done. Slender thighs can slenderize the overall appearance of a woman's body and we often hear that it makes them feel much more comfortable in a bathing suit.

Dr. Perkins has been practicing cosmetic surgery in Santa Barbara for over 30 years. He operates out of a fully-accredited surgical suite near to Cottage Hospital. Call Cosmetic Surgery Center in Santa Barbara at 805.563.0000 to schedule a cosmetic surgery consultation with him today.

Cosmetic Surgery Highlight: Chemabrasion in Santa Barbara

2011-08-24T13:08:00.000-07:00

Our cosmetic surgery highlight this month is Chemabrasion. If you are in search of skin rejuvenation and wrinkle reduction, this treatment will give you a 70 to 80% improvement. Santa Barbara cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Terry J. Perkins, combines a strong chemical peel with a deep dermabrasion for the chemabrasion procedure. Downtime is usually 1 to 2 weeks but the results are dramatic and amazing!

Call Cosmetic Surgery Center at 805.563.0000 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Perkins.

Santa Barbara Plastic Facial Surgery: Five Reasons to Have Facial Surgery

2011-07-29T14:35:00.000-07:00

As a facial rejuvenation specialist, Santa Barbara cosmetic surgeon Dr. Terry Perkins sees many people who are seeking facial cosmetic surgery. When a new client comes in for a plastic surgery procedure - whether it be for a face lift or body contouring liposuction - we treat each patient seriously by evaluating them and educating them on the various procedures that may be a good fit for them. In turn, patients tell us their reasons for wanting the cosmetic procedure done, and we've noticed that there are about five reasons that consistently come up.

If you are considering facial rejuvenation, see if your reasons fall into one of our most popular five:

My forehead wrinkles and scowl make me look permanently angry or upset. Looking approachable is important to many people. Wrinkles on the forehead and a permanent scowl definitely can make a person look less friendly. A forehead lift can reposition the brow and forehead and can get rid of wrinkles (by partially removing the frown muscles). The forehead lift is usually done by excisions in the hairline that are hidden. The end result is no visible scars and a new, happy look.
My drooping eyelids make me look tired all the time. Eyes are one of the first things people notice. Drooping lids can make people look tired or upset. Eyelid surgery removes the excess skin and fat that has accumulated to open up the eyes once again.
My double chin makes my face look fat. Fat accumulation in the chin area can be genetic so even though the person may be thin overall, their chin has lost definition due to the double chin. A chin lift will give the chin a renewed definition and, if necessary, a small implant will give the chin more strength. Many patients have said that after their double chin is "removed" people remark that they look like they have lost weight.
The wrinkles and sagging skin on my neck draw attention away from my face. This can be a very true statement. The neck skin is delicate and may be more prone to sagging and wrinkles partly from genetics and partly from lack of sun protection (many people use sunscreen on their face daily, but neglect the neck and chest area). A neck lift can re-contour the neck area, leaving the skin taut and youthful-looking.
I want to look as good as I feel. As decades go by, our skin begins to give in to gravity for many reasons - cell turnover slows, the skin becomes thinner - and subsequently the skin sags and develops wrinkles, giving a person a more "mature" look. Now that we are living much longer, and practicing good habits like healthy eating and consistent exercise, many people feel like they have a youthful energy and outlook, but their face shows otherwise. A full face lift by Dr. Perkins will result in a rejuvenated face that looks rested and natural.

Schedule a Santa Barbara cosmetic surgery consultation, by calling Dr. Perkins' office at 805-563-0000. Dr. Perkins operates in his own fully-accredited surgical suite just blocks away from Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.

For FAQs about plastic surgery in Santa Barbara, visit his Cosmetic Surgery Center website.

Lip Enhancement in Santa Barbara at Cosmetic Surgery Center

2011-07-18T13:22:00.000-07:00

This month Santa Barbara cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Terry Perkins, is highlighting temporary and permanent Lip Enhancement.

Enhancement of the lips often involves adding volume that one loses in the aging process. Dr. Perkins feels that it is important to keep the lips looking natural and not overdone.

The enhancement can be done on a temporary basis with a dermal filler such as Restylane or Perlane and results can last up to a year. These treatments are done at Evolutions Medical Spa Santa Barbara (Dr. Perkins is the founder and Medical Director of Evolutions).

A more permanent solution can be done with a soft implant or by grafting your own fat or other tissue. Sometimes surgical excision of tissue near the lip line or under the nose can be combined with augmentation to further expose the lips. These surgical options are performed at the Cosmetic Surgery Center Santa Barbara by Dr. Perkins.

For an appointment with Dr. Perkins for permanent Lip Enhancement, call Cosmetic Surgery Center Santa Barbara at 805.563.0000.

Ask Santa Barbara Plastic Surgeon Dr. Terry Perkins

2011-06-30T21:03:00.000-07:00

Although Santa Barbara cosmetic surgeon, Terry J. Perkins, MD, has a very full schedule - between performing plastic surgeries in Santa Barbara and overseeing Evolutions Medical Spa - he always believes in taking the time to make his patients feel educated and informed about their surgical procedure. If you have a plastic surgery questions, email it to Dr. Perkins with "Ask the Cosmetic Surgeon" in the subject line and look for his answer sometime soon in this blog .

Q: Hi Dr. Perkins, I am considering cosmetic surgery and I want to know more about you and more about what happens during a consultation - before taking the time out to make my appointment. Is this possible?

A: Hello! Yes, this is very possible. Recently I have made several videos (available to view on my YouTube channel or on my website) to introduce myself to new patients, highlight my background, share my belief in educating the patient and speaking about technology involved in the surgical procedures that I perform at Cosmetic Surgery Center.

Technically speaking, you can "virtually" meet me this way! I've embedded a video below where I talk about what happens during a consultation:

To schedule a "live" plastic surgery consultation with Dr. Perkins, call his office, Cosmetic Surgery Center Santa Barbara, at 805.563.0000.

Santa Barbara Face Lift Surgery at Cosmetic Surgery Center

2011-06-28T08:53:00.000-07:00

This month Santa Barbara cosmetic surgeon Dr. Terry J. Perkins is highlighting Face Lifts.

Most people seek face lift surgery to address issues such as sagging skin on the face and neck, bags under the eyes and deep wrinkles.

A face lift will reposition, refine and support deep tissues like the mid-facial fat pad and the jowl as well as tighten the skin. The end result is a rejuvenated and rested appearance.

For those who do not want, or need, a full face lift, minimally and non-invasive options are also available such as a surgical cheek/neck lift or non-invasive skin tightening procedures.

See more Santa Barbara facial plastic surgery options available by Dr. Perkins. Call Cosmetic Surgery Center at 805.563.0000 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Perkins.

Santa Barbara Cosmetic Surgeon Discusses "The Beauty Advantage"

2011-06-23T10:13:00.000-07:00

Last week Newsweek published an article titled "The Beauty Advantage" that discussed how "in today's economy, looking good is no longer something we can dismiss as frivolous or vain" and "how beauty can affect your job, your career, your life".

Putting your best face forward (pun intended!), in past generations, has most often been associated with youth. As generations grew older, they embraced the term "grow old gracefully" by not dying their grey hair and referring to their crows feet wrinkles as "laugh lines". As the Newsweek article illustrates, this is not so much the case anymore for older people. Seeking beauty treatments may not just be out of vanity, but may also be a necessity to keeping, or finding, employment these days.

The article goes on to point out there is a "beauty premium" in today's working world. Prettier people do better - "handsome men earn, on average, 5 percent more (good-looking women earn 4 percent more)" and that in the current down-turned economy, "employers have more hiring options than ever" and looks "aren't just important; they're critical". Santa Barbara cosmetic surgeon Dr. Terry Perkins validates this in a Press Release in 2009 about how clients see plastic surgery as an investment in themselves.

This is very likely why we have seen an influx in so many people seeking plastic surgery (such as facelifts) or other non-invasive cosmetic enhancements like Botox - to smooth out wrinkles - or dermal fillers - to plump lips, rise cheekbones and restore an overall youthful appearance on a face that has succumbed to gravity and age.

Whether a person is seeking cosmetic surgery for vanity reasons or to simply get ahead in the workforce, Dr. Perkins always encourages prospective patients to research their options and find a surgeon who will listen to their needs. After all, you don't want your appearance to look "done", just naturally beautiful!

Dr. Perkins has been practicing plastic surgery in Santa Barbara - facial rejuvenation and liposuction - for over 30 years. He is an expert in performing surgeries that have a natural-looking, non-operated result. Call his Cosmetic Surgery Center office at 805.563.0000 for a liposuction or facelift consultation.

Eyelid Surgery in Santa Barbara by Dr. Terry Perkins

2011-05-17T09:18:00.000-07:00

Santa Barbara cosmetic surgeon Dr. Terry Perkins is highlighting eyelid surgery this month.

As the "window to our soul” your eyes often give other people an impression of who you are without a word being spoken. If there is sagging skin or fat bulges that make you look tired or unhappy, your first impression may not be a good one.

Blepharoplasty (eyelid) surgery can correct both of these problems. By removing excess skin and fat we give you a more rested and pleasant appearance. Incisions are hidden in the natural curves of the eyes, under the eyelashes or even made “internally” in some instances where excess skin is not an issue. Particularly in men, it is important not to “overdo”.

Dr. Perkins is an expert in facial rejuvenation including eyelid surgery and eyelid lifts. View before-and-after eyelid surgery pictures of Dr. Perkins' clients. Dr. Perkins performs all plastic surgeries in his fully-accredited surgical suite at Cosmetic Surgery Center Santa Barbara, near to Cottage Hospital. Call Dr. Perkins' office at 805.563.0000 for a cosmetic surgery consultation appointment.

Did Bristol Palin Have Plastic Surgery? Before-and-After Pictures of Bristol

2011-05-10T09:21:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot of speculation lately about whether or not Bristol Palin, former Dancing with the Stars contender and daughter of Sarah Palin, has had cosmetic surgery to refine her face - she recently appeared with a slimmer face and more defined chin and jawline.

Bristol has not commented on her appearance, but many others have, speculating on what facial plastic surgery procedures she may have had. Possibilities include a neck lift - which removes the excess fat underneath the chin through small incisions behind the ears and under the chin and may have included tying the muscles to create a "sling" for better support (although often this is done in older patients where the muscles have sagged). She may have also had a chin lift where a small implant is used to give a "weaker" chin better definition.

Whether or not Bristol has had plastic surgery to alter her appearance, we may never know, but we do think that she looks great!

Santa Barbara cosmetic surgeon Dr. Terry Perkins offers neck lift and chin lift surgical procedures as well as other facial cosmetic surgery options. View before-and-after plastic surgery procedures done by Dr. Perkins in Santa Barbara at his fully-accredited surgical suite located near Cottage Hospital.

To book a Santa Barbara plastic surgery consultation with Dr. Perkins call 805.563.0000.

Santa Barbara Facelift Without Surgery

2011-04-22T19:36:00.001-07:00

Yes, you can turn back the clock without going under the knife! Santa Barbara cosmetic surgeon Dr. Terry Perkins, in conjunction with Evolutions Medical Spa, will be hosting an educational event on Wednesday, April 27th, on dermal fillers - injectables that contain naturally-occurring substances in your body and are used to fill wrinkles, or any other depression, in the skin.

Dr. Perkins will also discuss his unique protocol of layering dermal fillers, aptly named the Layered Liquid Lift, that can take years off a person's face - all done in a procedure that takes about 90 minutes, without surgery, and with very little downtime, with immediate results that last 12 to 18 months! Watch a video of Dr. Perkins' doing a Layered Liquid Lift on a patient and see the amazing transformation for yourself:

Learn more about dermal fillers (such as Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm, Radiesse, and Prevelle Silk) and the Layered Liquid Lift at the Dermal Fillers 101 event at Evolutions Medical Spa Santa Barbara, on Wednesday, April 27th, 6:30pm - 8:30pm. See Dr. Perkins do a live filler demonstration! Refreshments, raffle and exclusive specials for attendees! Please RSVP to Evolutions at 805.687.0212.

Ear Pinning Cosmetic Surgery on a Child Featured On "Good Morning America"

2011-04-14T09:22:00.000-07:00

Today on Good Morning America they did a segment on cosmetic surgery and kids. Featured was 7-year old Samantha whose ears stick out prominently (called "cup ears") with the right ear even flopping over. Samantha's mom said that she feels her child is shy and worries about her being bullied or made fun of because of her ears. In fact, Samantha's mom says that even adults have commented on her daughter's ears since she was a baby.

The interviewer follows Samantha and her mother to New York where her she gets cosmetic ear surgery (also known as ear pinning or an ear tuck) and, after a week of healing, her new ears are revealed.

Some may think that seven years is such a young age for any type of surgery, let alone one that is purely cosmetic. The doctor on the show pointed out that by the age of six the ears are about 90% the size of what they will be as an adult which is why this procedure can be done on children as young as six or seven. The timeout the child takes for the surgery and recovery - give or take about two weeks - is a considerably shorter time than the years the child may endure of teasing and bullying if the ears were left as is. Judging from the enthusiasm by Samantha and her mom of the results, the ear surgery was well worth it.

Santa Barbara cosmetic surgeon Dr. Terry Perkins has performed ear pinning on young children at his Cosmetic Surgery Center practice. View Dr. Perkins' ear surgery before-and-after pictures. For an ear tuck consultation, call Cosmetic Surgery Center at 805-563-0000.

Click here to watch Good Morning America's video clip on cosmetic ear surgery.

Male Plastic Surgery - FaceLifts, Liposuction - On The Rise

2011-03-28T12:54:00.000-07:00

The latest news on plastic surgery is that in 2010 it was on the rise, with men! According to a recent Press Release on The American Society of Plastic Surgeons website, cosmetic surgery rose "2 percent in 2010 compared to 2009". Two percent may sound like a small figure, until you read that 1.1 million men had minimally invasive and aesthetic surgical procedures done in 2010. Among those 1.1 million procedures, facelifts rose by 14 percent and liposuction increased by 7 percent. Top ten cosmetic procedures that saw an increase in 2010 were:

Facelift (14 percent increase)

Ear surgery (Otoplasty) (11 percent increase)

Soft tissue dermal fillers (10 percent increase)

Botulinum toxin Type A (Cosmetic Botox) (9 percent increase)

Liposuction (7 percent increase)

Breast reduction in men (6 percent increase)

Eyelid surgery (4 percent increase)

Dermabrasion (4 percent increase)

Laser hair removal (4 percent increase)

Laser treatment of leg veins (4 percent increase)

Santa Barbara cosmetic surgeon Dr. Terry Perkins has treated men and women over the years and is not surprised to see a rise in the number of men seeking cosmetic enhancements. With men and women living longer, more robust lives, Dr. Perkins understands that people want to look how they feel on the inside - vibrant and youthful. One of Dr. Perkins' plastic surgical specialities is facial rejuvenation. Dr. Perkins' goal is not about constructing a new face, instead he aims to give the person a natural, non-operated, restful look. Facial rejuvenation can vary, dependent upon what the person wants to address:

Facelifts mainly address skin laxity in the cheek and neck

Eye lid surgery (eye lifts) correct sagging skin and bulges around the eye area that often gives people an unhappy or tired appearance

Forehead lifts (or brow lifts) reposition the forehead and brow upward which helps to open up the eyes

Neck lifts re-contours the neck and chin area, helping to re-define facial features that have softened due to the extra skin and fat accumulation (often this surgery alone makes people look like they have lost weight)

Lip enhancement, which can be done with a fat graft or implant (and also on a more temporary basis with dermal fillers), adds volume and fullness

Dr. Perkins also performs body contouring through liposuction which can also be done in conjunction with skin removal (for those who have lost a significant amount of weight and are left with excess skin). Evolutions Medical Spa, a medical spa in Santa Barbara that is founded by Dr. Perkins, does non-invasive enhancements such as the anti-wrinkle treatments of Botox and Dysport as well as dermal fillers that temporarily add volume to the face by filling in lines and wrinkles. Evolutions' newest treatment that may appeal to men (although it is for both men and women) is Laser Hair Restoration - a non-surgical hair restoration process that can stop hair loss and re-grow hair.

Let Dr. Perkins help you - men and women - look your best! For more information on Santa Barbara plastic surgery procedures, schedule a consultation with Dr. Perkins at his Cosmetic Surgery Center Santa Barbara near Cottage Hospital: 805-563-0000. For more information about non-invasive aesthetic procedures, call Evolutions Medical Spa Santa Barbara at 805-687-0212 or fill out this form to request a complimentary consultation.