Gynecomastia is a condition where men have enlarged breast tissue. This can develop during puberty or in later years as a result of hormonal changes in male physiology. You can get rid of gynecomastia with our help at Mentor Plastic Surgery. It can also be the result of taking prescription medications, steroids, or marijuana. For years, the only treatment was surgery by direct excision through large incisions. But today, I can very successfully treat Gynecomastia with the minimally invasive options of VASER Liposelection and Renuvion.

VASER LipoSelection is an advanced body contouring procedure that selectively removes unwanted body fat using state-of-the-art ultrasound technology. VASER LipoSelection can differentiate targeted fat from other important tissues, such as nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. Innovative VASER ultrasound technology breaks up fat while preserving these other important tissues to promote smooth results and rapid healing.

Once the excess breast tissue and fat are removed, especially for men who have a larger amount of it, there is a good amount of sagging skin. That’s where Renuvion is utilized, using a combination of helium plasma and radiofrequency energy to tighten skin without additional incisions or longer recovery associated with surgical skin excision. The Renuvion energy causes the skin to tighten while stimulating the production of collagen.

For many men, this condition of having excess breast tissue causes anxiety about their appearance, which can lead to lasting insecurities in their self-image and confidence. It may lead some men to shy away from social or intimate interactions. Through this modern non-invasive technology, I can help men have a firmer and flatter chest with less scarring and a faster recovery. Please contact my office for a private and confidential consultation. You can get rtid of gynecomastia. We will discuss all of the options you have at the consultation and how we can best help you.

Schedule Your Consultation today.

Learn more about gynecomastia here.

My initial recommendation is, if you are not having any issues with your implants, leave them be. This is as individualized as the original decision to have breast augmentation. If you have issues that cause concern, I recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), there are about 300,000 breast augmentations annually. Fewer than 15% of this amount have implant removal surgery, so these numbers strongly indicate that the majority of women having breast augmentation are happy with their results.

Before you hastily decide, you should consider the pros and cons. Besides the cost of having implants removed, probably the main reason not to remove implants relates to your personal confidence, which likely was one of the reasons you initially had breast augmentation. Removing the implants that gave your chest perkiness and a full look will not only return you to your original shape, but your breasts will likely sag more than they did before, along with significant loose skin. Loose skin and low nipple position after implant removal may lead to you not being satisfied without undergoing a breast lift.

Also, while we minimize as much scarring as possible, there will always be some at the incision site and with any major surgery, there are risks associated with anesthesia and possibility of infection.
On the other hand, if you are experiencing breast capsule pain, or if you have noticed a breast shape change that seriously affects your appearance, you should see your plastic surgeon to discuss all possible remedies, and review the reasons for whatever you are experiencing.

Definitely! This is a fairly common condition, mostly caused by weight loss, aging or genetics. For many years, we could only reduce or eliminate this excess skin surgically, with a procedure known as Brachioplasty. This was done under general anesthesia, and typically took 3-4 weeks for bruising to disappear, 3-6 months for swelling to go away, and 6-24 months for scars to fade.

With the recent technological advancement of Renuvion, this procedure can be performed more efficiently, with minimal downtime and scarring. While Renuvion works on loose, saggy skin almost anywhere on the body, it offers especially dramatic outcomes tightening lax skin of the upper arms. Renuvion utilizes cold plasma, which is produced when helium gas is energized by radiofrequency energy and delivered via the Renuvion device. Helium gas is quite stable so it can be ionized at very low energy to enable a targeted, predictable and flexible delivery. Since cold plasma is cooler than laser energy, the Renuvion arm lift procedure is less cutting, so less chance of damaging the tissue. The degree of skin revitalization and improvement from cold plasma energy is unmatched compared to other available technologies, such as laser, ultrasound or radiofrequency.

The Renuvion procedure is performed in my office using local anesthesia. The outcomes, skin tightening, shrinking, and rejuvenation from within, are instant and continue improving as your body recovers. The upper arm area usually feels slightly tight or sore after the treatment, so I can prescribe mild pain medications for minor discomfort. Your decision about your skin laxity and your response to this energy is best reviewed in consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who routinely does both procedures.

For many years, I have had patients ask me if I could help with their hair loss and hair thinning, but until recently, I was unable to find a solution that I knew would be effective.  I am pleased to say that I now provide “KeraFactor” programs to assist with men and women in need of better scalp and hair health. 

I perform an in-office pre-treatment which uses radiofrequency microneedling technology to create a microscopic channel in the scalp. This rejuvenates the scalp, while also opening areas for the KeraFactor treatment serum to effect both the scalp and hair health.  To give the best results, I strongly recommend a schedule of six treatments every two weeks.  

In between office treatments, patients apply a KeraFactor Scalp Stimulating Solution at home.  This solution has double the concentration of the same growth factors as those in the in-office treatment serum. This product was designed to be used daily, to micro-dose your scalp and hair. Patients also use a KeraFactor scalp exfoliating and conditioning shampoo daily, which should be massaged in vigorously to help remove dirt and debris, and enhance scalp circulation.  This in-treatment and in-home regiment maximizes the total quantity of the patented KeraFactor Peptide Complex used.  Patients can expect to start to see improvements in multiple areas, including the scalp, hair quality and thickness starting at between 6 to 8 weeks after the first treatment.

For anyone showing any signs of hair loss, I welcome you to contact my office to see if KeraFactor can be a viable solution for you.

For those who may not know what you are referring to, banana rolls are the crescent-shaped strips of fat that accumulate just under your buttocks. This is usually caused by carrying a little extra weight, but very often it is more related to your genetics.

Dieting probably won’t help once you have developed a banana roll, because diets can’t target specific areas.  There are a few exercises that may help, such as single-leg deadlifts, donkey kicks, the gluteal bridge dance, and the lunge-to-squat.  If these sound exhausting and difficult, they admittedly are, which is why more and more patients are coming to me for assistance.

My personal recommendation is Renuvion cosmetic technology, which is the result of extensive scientific research and clinical development. Because of its proprietary balance of helium and RF energy, Renuvion as ideal for medical procedures where precision and control are key to an effective treatment. Renuvion delivers even, controlled energy to defined areas with exceptional precision.  I can apply energy beneath your skin, causing a contraction effect that’s gentle on tissue. Renuvion can help to remove the fat, contour the body, and tighten the skin, all in the same procedure. This will give you the most toned result and can also help shape the calves.  While most people see some improvement quickly, some of my patients have told me that thy continue to see effect of the treatment over time.  

I can better explain how this works in person, so I suggest that you make an appointment for a full consultation on how this can help you.  Maybe best of all, I now can perform Renuvion procedures in my new offices without patients paying extra hospital or clinic costs.   

truSculpt flex is the latest noninvasive (nonsurgical) muscle sculpting technology from Cutera that can be customized to each person’s fitness level, goals and body type. It is effective for people who want a refinement to their fitness program, or it can provide some benefits of a workout without the work. Trusculpt Flex works!

Only truSculpt flex with Multi-Directional Stimulation deploys a unique method of electrical deep muscle stimulation to target specific muscle groups using three treatment mode options, covering the largest treatment area in the body sculpting industry. Prep Mode creates a twisting motion to warm up, stretch the muscles, and slowly build a tolerance to muscle contractions. Then Tone Mode contracts the muscles, holds it to the point of exhaustion, and then relaxes it to increase strength and enhance endurance. Finally, Sculpt Mode creates fast, deep, sequential contractions of the muscles to build muscle mass and increase basal metabolic rate. Up to eight areas can be treated in one 45-minute session.

As for patient comfort, truSculpt Flex delivers heat to the entire fat layer to optimize clinical efficacy while maintaining a comfortable skin temperature. Patients initially feel a gentle contraction sensation and, as the intensity slowly increases, muscle contraction intensifies but remains comfortable.

truSculpt flex requires no recovery time, and patients can immediately return to normal activities afterwards. Some patients notice tingling in the treated areas for up to a few hours and/or slight muscle soreness or tenderness for a day or two. Amazingly, muscle tone and contour often continue to improve for weeks and even months after treatment.

A tummy tuck is a very popular surgical procedure designed to correct the contour of the abdomen. While it is common for women to consider this surgery after birthing children, it can benefit both men and women when they have loose, sagging abdominal skin after significant weight change. 

Tummy tucks are relatively easy to have done and is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. While each tummy tuck is unique, it generally takes about two hours. The surgery involves an incision in the lower part of the abdomen, often below or in line with the waistline.  Skin is released from the lower part of the abdomen up to the belly button. Then an incision is made around the belly button and the skin is released to the top of the abdomen. This access allows tightening of the muscles in the middle and restoration of the flat contour of the abdomen. The skin is gently re-draped and trimmed and the belly button is delivered through the skin before the incision is closed. 

Two drains are usually placed before the skin is closed. These remain until the fluid they are draining is effectively gone. Drain removal is painless and accomplished quickly. During recovery, patients wear a series of surgical girdles over about an eight week period. Most people can drive and return to work in about two weeks if their job is not too physical. After about two months, they should be back to their regular routines. 

My patients are really happy with their tummy tucks.  Please contact my office and we can together determine if it is right for you.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]By Olivia Bloom

Dr. Paul Vanek knows beauty—in his life, in his music, and certainly in his profession as a plastic surgeon. Dr. Vanek recognizes the beauty that dwells within every patient—beneath the skin, waiting to be uncovered.

When he recently had the opportunity to see his dream come true, with his new Mentor Plastic Surgery & MedSpa location in Concord, Dr. Vanek contacted professional designers to be assured that his new state-of-the-art facility would be both beautiful and functional.

“We knew that we would more than double the size of our previous space,” says Dr. Vanek. “But it wasn’t enough to be bigger or better. We wanted space with elegance, safety, privacy and efficiency for every patient to experience their treatments and services. It all had to be the very best.”

In addition to being a double board certified general and plastic surgeon with extensive expertise in body, facial and breast surgery, Dr. Vanek is also a biochemist and researcher who knows how the body works, and how to manipulate its structures to unlock and reveal his patients’ beauty. So, he decided to dedicate half of his new facility as space to provide beauty and surgical procedures, and added a new med spa on the other side, with a variety of services and treatments that complement his procedures, as well as many that can be enjoyed any time, in a safe, clean, medically-supervised environment.

Here are some of Mentor Plastic Surgery & MedSpa’s latest techniques and treatments in body and facial rejuvenation to help you discover your most beautiful self:

Visia Complexion Analysis
As part of his Grand Opening, Dr. Vanek is offering a complimentary Visia Complexion Analysis to evaluate the overall health of facial skin. This analysis allows him to develop a custom skincare rejuvenation plan to specifically address what each patient’s skin needs.

HydraFacial
This treatment cleanses, exfoliates and extracts impurities and dead cells while replenishing vital nutrients, antioxidants, peptides and hyaluronic acid. It uses laser energy to smooth, tighten and calm skin, and to immediately benefit skin that has been damaged from acne, smoking and sun exposure with no downtime or irritation.

OxyGeneo 3-in-1 Super Facial
Using gentle exfoliation and natural skin oxygenation, this facial infuses the skin with essential nutrients to elevate a topical facial to a treatment-based facial. It uses devices that stimulate the skin’s ability to repair itself, resulting in even-toned and smoother skin.

Ashiatsu Massage
In Ashiatsu, a licensed medical therapist walks on the client’s back with the aid of bars suspended from the ceiling for support, allowing for varied pressure and weight on precise body points. An Ashiatsu massage provides immediate pain relief and improved flexibility.

TruSculpt 3D
TruSculpt 3D treatments deliver non-invasive, highly-targeted sculpting to common problem areas of the flanks and abdomen through radio frequency technology. Averaging 24% effectiveness in decreasing circumference and eliminating fat cells, the treatment also tightens the skin.

TruSculpt Flex HD
This non-invasive muscle sculpting device helps clients get more out of their workouts by strengthening, firming and toning muscles of the abdomen, buttocks and thighs by inducing muscle contractions using electric current. Treatments can be performed on two clients at once, so bring a friend or family member for a price reduction.

Concord Peel
One treatment combines the best of broadband light and a micro laser peel to target fine lines, wrinkles, texture, UV damage, and general signs of aging, with no down time.

Fillers and Injectables
Whether to minimize the effects of aging or environmental damage, or to simply change whatever aspects you would like, Dr. Vanek injects fillers and injectables precisely where they will achieve desired results.

At Mentor Plastic Surgery & MedSpa, Dr. Vanek and his professional staff now can offer a virtually unlimited variety of services, treatments and procedures from head to toe, to help you achieve your goals and bring every measure of your inner beauty to the surface. New features include a steam shower, a brine foot soak, and other relaxation treatments.

“I am so proud that we can offer beautifying solutions for every woman and man, within every budget,” says Dr. Vanek. “And every service can now be provided with the highest levels of safety, privacy and caring compassion.”

Speaking of safety, Dr. Vanek and his entire staff follow or exceed all Covid-19 precautions. This includes temperature checks and masks to full PPE when necessary, social distancing space, private treatment rooms, and much more.

Dr. Paul Vanek is double board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, and is a Fellow of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Mentor Plastic Surgery & MedSpa is located at 7537 Fredle Road, in Concord. Various payment options are available. Call 440-205-5750 or visit MentorPlasticSurgery.com or ThisCanBU.com, where all non-retouched photos are of actual patients.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Most people usually ask about the process of choosing the size and shape of your implants, which we do with you in our office on an individual basis, along with reviewing before-and-after photos of other patients. During this consultation we discuss what you can expect with recovery. Healing is an individual process but we can speak generally about when you can resume normal activities after breast augmentation. Most patients go home the day of surgery, and shower the next day. You shouldn’t drive the day you receive anesthesia, but you can drive the day after. It’s normal to feel tired and sore for a few days following surgery, so we provide you with appropriate pain relief medication or you can take over-the-counter pain medicine. You should avoid strenuous activities for about a week. The suture line is woven under the skin and absorbs itself. I remove your steri-strip dressing about a week later in my office. You will need to move your implants and massage your scars through your clothing for a few weeks after surgery. Scar management includes applying creams tailored to your skin type. You also receive three Sciton BroadBand Light (BBL) laser treatments about one month apart, to help fade scars after breast augmentation. 

I recommend wearing a front clasp sports-bra for 3 weeks after surgery, then you can go bra shopping to fit your great new look. I will monitor your recovery closely, and we are always available for questions. With almost two Summer months remaining, you will still be able to show off your curves, and then you can look your new beautiful best for the coming holiday season. 

There is a big difference, and “Hydrafacial MD” is a breakthrough product of science and skin nutrition, which is why my office uniquely offers it in our area. Hydrafacials are vortex vacuum systems that cleanse, exfoliate, extract and have glycolic peels. Hydrafacial MD gets almost instant results with healthier glowing skin by adding elements of microdermabrasion and truly hydrating the skin.  The process cleans the skin, pores, and refreshes skin texture immediately, and the benefits and appearance far outlast a traditional facial.  It can also be performed with Lymphatic drainage or Red/Blue light therapy, which can help product penetration along with anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.  Hydrafacial MD has a specialty vial called Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF), a natural protein in our bodies and skin.  You can see CTGF benefits at first glance in the mirror.  It lessens the appearance of lines and wrinkles, creates firmer skin with a more even tone, enhances quicker cell regeneration, and promotes production of elastic fibers and collagen in your skin. 

My patients love having a Hydrafacial MD. In comparison to regular facials, it feel more like a light massage to the face. They say it helps conditions like acne and improves the overall tone of their skin. Because it doesn’t cause redness and irritation, there’s very little to no downtime after a procedure.

I have an outstanding Aesthetician in my office, Betsy, who is very experienced in properly providing Hydrafacial MD.  Knowing the importance of proper skincare, we are offering these at an especially low cost.  Call Betsy today and discover why this is my favorite treatment for my own skin.