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Mother’s Day in San Francisco
Mother’s Day celebrates motherhood and maternal figures in life from mothers, grandmothers, and great aunts to other caregivers we’ve learned from since adolescence to adult hood. At the San Francisco Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center, Dr. Usha Rajagopal and staff want to honor and celebrate Mother’s Day.
There are many ways to compliment your gift by spending the day on a cruise or quiet dinner together. Listed below are the top five ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in San Francisco!
The Hornblower offers four different cruises to celebrate Mother’s Day, all of which include gorgeous San Francisco views. Champagne brunch includes a buffet, bar, and live jazz music on the Hornblower yacht. The Mother’s Day dinner cruise includes a seated four course meal and live entertainment under sparkling lights! Day or night, your mom will love this fantastic event spent to cherish and celebrate such a remarkable woman.
The Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar at The Fairmont offers a fun and relaxing alternative way to celebrate Mother’s Day! Enjoy the live band and tropical atmosphere as you kick back and enjoy some quality time with your mom!
Does your mom have a sweet tooth? Treat her to a cupcake tour around San Francisco! The tour takes place in the Pacific Heights neighborhood and visits some of the finest dessert boutiques in the city. The tour includes a visit to Kara’s Cupcakes, SusieCakes, Pacific Puffs, Caffe Dolci, and La Boulange!
Want to enjoy some quiet, quality time with your mother? Spend some time reconnecting at the Japanese Tea Garden. Originally built in 1894, this garden has been cared for and taken care of for years and remains beautiful and tranquil.
Enjoy a good chuckle with your mom this Sunday at the Beach Blanket Babylon! This muscial features singers poking fun at current events and pop culture. What better way than to end a Sunday evening with a good laugh? Happy Mother’s Day, mom!
Hollywood & Cosmetic Surgery
The key to having a good operation is finding the right surgeon, that has the knowledge and experience in his or her field. In previous years, there has been a stigma around cosmetic surgery. Now, it is common for mothers to consider cosmetic surgery and have mommy makeovers. At the San Francisco Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center, Dr. Usha Rajagopal has 20 years experience in cosmetic surgery. Dr. Rajagopal uses techniques such as fat transfer and fat grafting to create a more natural aesthetically pleasing appearance. We love that society is more accepting of fuller figured women who look natural. Dr. Rajagopal also performs procedures such as Brazilian butt lifts instead of butt implants to create a more natural figure. We want to acknowledge celebrities who support cosmetic surgery in society and the benefits of it.
Voluptuous actress, Scarlett Johansson has recently told Marie Claire – 2015 that she definitely believes in plastic surgery. Johansson is an example of a talented and beautiful individual who supports cosmetic surgery and we admire her honesty.
Actress and comedian, Sophia Vergara openly supports cosmetic surgery. Vergara has told Redbook that in the future she may see what procedures may benefit her as she ages. We admire Vergara’s open-mindedness and the fact that she acknowledges the benefits of cosmetic surgery.
Sweetheart and playboy model, Holly Madison has told E! News -2009 that she has undergone breast augmentation and rhinoplasty. Years later, she looks gorgeous as ever and her results are an example of what cosmetic surgery has to offer in the long run.
Eye Spy: 3 Ways to Un-Age Your Peepers
- By Corrie Shenigo
- April 7, 2015
- as posted on Smart Beauty Guide
If your shut-in winter status has left you with even more time to fixate on the ravages that Father Time is inflicting on you, you may have noticed that your eyes — once merely the windows to your soul — are now a reflection of the true digits on your driver’s license.
Your facial structure, genetics, the damage done from years of sun exposure and a too-lax skincare regimen all play a part in how the eye area ages. Fine lines and wrinkles, discoloration undereye baggage, and drooping eyelids are all common symptoms of eyes that may be giving away more info (read: your age) than you necessarily want them too.
If you believe that your eyelids are making you look sad, tired, or older than you really feel, cosmetic eyelid surgery (also called blepharoplasty) may be the right choice for you. Eyelid surgery by Doctor Usha Rajagopal at the San Francisco Plastic Surgery & Laser Center can remove the drooping skin and excess fat of the upper eyelids, minimize bags under the eyes and tighten the lower eyelid skin. The result is a more alert and rested appearance.
Todays Trend: Thigh Gap
as posted on Smart Beauty Guide
It is interesting to see how trends have changed over time. Society’s idea of what we find attractive consistently changes. For example in the 1950s, the full-figured look was desired. Through the ’60s and ’70s the ideal body was very thin. The ’80s were characterized by an athletic shape. Most recently women have been striving for a very natural look.
However, the latest obsession in the female figure is the “thigh gap.” The thigh gap is the desire to have a separation between the upper inner thighs.
At the San Francisco Plastic Surgery & Laser Center Dr. Usha Rajagopal counsels her patients about balance and achieving a natural look. The goal of any contouring procedure should be to bring out the best shape for that individual. When evaluating someone for plastic surgery there is no “generic body image”. Contact us to set up a consultation to discuss our procedures aimed at improving the appearance of your body.
Chinese New Year – Year of the Ram
The first day of Chinese New Year is February 19, which is the year of the ram in 2015. Some speculate that 2015 is specifically the Green Sheep or Wooden Sheep year. San Francisco celebrates Chinese New Year with one of the world’s largest parades on March 7th at Market and Second Street. The parade began in 1860 to educate various communities of the Chinese culture and is the biggest celebration of Asian culture outside of Asia. During the parade floats, lions, and firecrackers fill Chinatown’s atmosphere. Many dancers and Chinese acrobats entertain the community as a team of 100 men and women work together to carry the 268 foot golden dragon “Gum Lung” through the city of San Francisco.
Many Chinese say goodbye to the previous year with sweet rice cake and animal sacrifices such as chicken, fish, duck or pork. The sacrifices are offered to a Buddhist alter in exchange for health and longevity as well as good luck for the New Year. Chinese dishes offered at dinnertime also represent longevity, reunion, perfection, good luck, health, diligence, satisfaction and promotion.
At the San Francisco Plastic Surgery & Laser Center we like to enhance the longevity of our health and beauty in the New Year wit
h skin treatments. Dr. Usha Rajagopal offers the latest in chemical peels, mechanical peels, and a number of treatments to improve skin texture, acne issues, scarring, wrinkle reduction and melasma. Skin care products offered at the San Francisco Plastic Surgery & Laser Center include Obagi, which transforms skin at the cellular level to look and act youthful and healthier. Our skin care product, Refinity is an at home peel treatment used to improve skin color, texture and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen and elastin can also be safeguarded with our skin care product, Neocutis from environmental aggression. Skin care treatments are a fantastic way to keep looking fresh, healthy and rejuvenated in the New Year!
Lovely Lacquer
These lacquers are making an unforgettable statement with names such as Psychocandy, Porn-A-Thon, Honey Hush and many more. Celebrities such as Mindy Kaling have been spotted wearing the latest trend and are gushing over Smith & Cult. The brand reflects the persona and who each individual strives to become.
San Francisco is a city known for individuality and self expression, as well as chic fashion and raw beauty. Here at the San Francisco Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center we value individuality and self expression. Something as small as the color of your nails can give you just the confidence you need, or the beauty you want to display. Dr. Usha Rajagopal consciously helps patients reflect their beauty and individuality inwards out, and San Francisco is a perfect city to show off. Beauty products such as Smith & Cults nail lacquer is another outlet of self expression and we’re in love with it!
American Board of Plastic Surgery
Dr. Usha Rajagopal, MD has been Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery since 1997.
What is the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is one of 24 medical specialty boards that make up the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). These boards work together through ABMS to establish common standards for physicians to achieve and maintain board certification. The purpose of the boards are to protect the public by assessing and certifying doctors in their specialties who meet specific educational, training and professional requirements.
What does Board Certified mean?
Is my doctor Board Certified?
Click the image below to go to the ABMS “Find Out if Your Doctor is Board Certified” link.
California Society of Plastic Surgeons
Dr. Usha Rajagopal, MD is an active member of the California Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Are you looking for a plastic surgeon in California?
When looking for a plastic surgeon it is easy to be overwhelmed. Choosing a highly trained and qualified plastic surgeon is of utmost importance in making your cosmetic goals successful.
The California Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest state society of plastic surgeons. The Society’s mission is to promote the highest standards in plastic surgery, to provide our membership with continuing medical and professional education and to advocate for patients and plastic surgery.
Find a California Plastic Surgeon
All California Society of Plastic Surgeon members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and must adhere to strict guidelines, ethics and continuing education requirements. Click the image below to go to the CSPS “Find a Cosmetic Surgeon” Finder.
How to Choose a Surgeon
Top 10 Qualities to look for when you go to choose a Plastic Surgeon
Have confidence when you go to choose a plastic surgeon. Here are the top ten qualities your aesthetic plastic surgeon should have:
- Board Certification
- ASAPS Membership
- Experience
- Facility Accreditation
- Hospital Privileges
- Reliable References
- Thoroughness
- Rapport
- Follow-up Care
- Reasonable Cost
- Board Certification
- A doctor’s board-certification is the best indicator of his or her training in a particular medical or surgical specialty. In the USA, look for certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the only Board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) to certify doctors in the specialty of plastic surgery. In Canada, look for certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCSC). International plastic surgeons should be board certified in their country of origin and a member of ISAPS and IPRAS.
⬆ Back to top - ASAPS Membership
- ASAPS membership ensures that in addition to certification by the ABPS or RCSC, a doctor also has significant experience in cosmetic surgery. ASAPS membership is by invitation only. Plastic surgeons who are not citizens of the United States or Canada who meet the high professional and ethical standards required for ASAPS membership may become ASAPS international active members. To ensure that your doctor is a member of ASAPS, search for them with our Select a Surgeon tool.
⬆ Back to top - Experience
- Experienced aesthetic plastic surgeons generally perform a wide range of cosmetic surgeries on a regular basis. Patients should ask about the surgeon’s experience with the particular procedure being considered. If considering a “new” technique or technology, patients should inquire whether results that substantiate safety and effectiveness have been published in a peer-reviewed journal.
⬆ Back to top - Facility Accreditation
- Cosmetic surgery can safely be performed in a hospital, a surgicenter or an office-based surgical facility: Current published data show that accredited office-based facilities have a safety record comparable to that of hospital ambulatory surgery settings. However, the majority of office-based surgical facilities are not accredited. Another advantage of selecting an ASAPS member is that all ASAPS surgeons operate in accredited, state-licensed or Medicare-certified facilities.
⬆ Back to top - Hospital Privileges
- Before granting operating privileges, hospital review committees evaluate a surgeon’s training and competency for specific procedures. Wherever the surgery will be performed, be sure that the surgeon has operating privileges in an accredited hospital for the same procedure being considered.
⬆ Back to top - Reliable References
- Asking your primary care doctor for recommendations is a good place to start, and friends may offer suggestions, but the surgeon’s board-certification should always be verified independently by contacting the American Board of Plastic Surgery (www.abplsurg.org). Free referral information to board-certified plastic surgeons with significant experience in cosmetic surgery can be found using the Select a Surgeon tool.
⬆ Back to top - Thoroughness
- The consultation is an important opportunity for questions to be asked and answered. It should include a candid discussion of risks as well as benefits of the surgery. A thorough consultation also involves a review of medical history including any existing medical conditions. All these factors help the surgeon to custom-tailor the operation to best meet the needs of each patient.
⬆ Back to top - Rapport
- Even the most experienced surgeon is not the “right” surgeon for every patient. Any successful relationship depends on good communication. Patient satisfaction is enhanced when surgeon and patient candidly discuss goals, agree on realistic expectations, and plan the course of the surgical journey together.
⬆ Back to top - Follow-up Care
- Good surgical care does not end with the surgery. For most surgeries, plastic surgeons want to see the results and monitor your progress. Nonsurgical procedures usually require a consistent schedule, so you can maintain your results. You should inquire about follow-up visits and about the doctor’s policies should surgical revisions be necessary.
⬆ Back to top - Reasonable Cost
- National averages for surgeons’ fees can be found here. Keep in mind that costs may vary considerably depending on geographic region, surgeon experience and individual patient factors. Not all patients can be treated with the same technique, and the complexity and length of surgery affect cost. Patients should note that cosmetic surgery is not usually covered by insurance.
You should feel confident when you choose a plastic surgeon, both in their abilities and how comfortable you feel with them. Don’t be shy to shop around until you find exactly what you want. Only you can choose a plastic surgeon that will be best for you.
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Dr. Usha Rajagopal, MD is an active member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Credentials, Training, & Certification
Membership in the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) is by invitation only. Membership is designed to be limited only to formally trained and experienced plastic surgeons who concentrate their practices in performing cosmetic plastic surgery of the face and body.
Only about 25% of all American Board of Plastic Surgery certified surgeons have been accepted into ASAPS membership.
Requirements for membership include:
- Be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
- Participate in accredited Continuing Medical Education to stay current with developments in the field of cosmetic plastic surgery and patient safety
- Document the performance of a significant number and variety of cosmetic surgical cases to demonstrate wide experience
- Be sponsored by 2 member plastic surgeons to help ensure that the applicant’s professional reputation meets the high standards required by ASAPS
- Adhere to current ethical standards for professional conduct
- Operate in accredited surgical facilities
- Be elected by at least 80% of the Active Membership.
Find a Surgeon
Search the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery database to locate a plastic surgeon in your area. You can be assured that any surgeon you select is qualified to perform a wide variety of procedures. Click the image below to go to the ASAPS “Find a Plastic Surgeon” finder.
