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The Most Popular Plastic Surgery Procedures

Discover the top plastic surgery and non-surgical cosmetic treatments : from eyelid surgery and liposuction to Botox and fillers.

Top Surgical Procedures

  • Eyelid surgery
  • Liposuction
  • Breast augmentation & enhancement
  • Scar revision & skin surgery
  • Rhinoplasty

Top Non-Surgical Procedures

  • Botox®
  • Dermal fillers
  • Laser & RF skin rejuvenation
  • Microneedling with radiofrequency
  • CoolSculpting® & ultrasound fat reduction

Caveat Emptor: Buyer Beware :

Considering plastic surgery : Learn why “buyer beware” is crucial and how to choose a safe, qualified board-certified plastic surgeon.

Safety Over Price
Choosing a surgeon based on price alone is risky. Ensure your surgeon is ABPS board-certified, experienced, and operating in accredited facilities. Safer, cost-effective alternatives exist in teaching hospitals and outpatient centers.

Care & Support After Plastic Surgery :

Recovering from plastic surgery : Emotional support, patience, and realistic expectations are as vital as medical care during healing.

Smooth Recovery Tips

  • Choose a supportive caregiver
  • Expect emotional ups and downs
  • Follow post-op instructions
  • Give yourself grace

Breast Implant Innovations :

Learn about the latest breast implant options : FDA updates, and what patients should know about safety, longevity, and new technology.

Key Updates

  • Highly cohesive “gummy bear” gel implants
  • Lighter-weight implants
  • Advanced shell technology
  • Expanded size and shape options

The True Cost of Medical Tourism :

Medical tourism may offer cheaper surgery abroad, but the risks often outweigh the savings. Learn the true cost : before considering overseas procedures.

Hidden Risks

  • Infections, contour deformities, delayed healing
  • Non-FDA-approved implants
  • Limited follow-up care once home
    Safer alternatives exist in U.S. teaching hospitals, minimally invasive treatments, and financing plans with certified surgeons.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and Plastic Surgery :

BDD is a growing concern in cosmetic surgery. Learn how board-certified surgeons identify and manage BDD : for safe, ethical patient care.

What Patients Should Know

  • Signs include excessive preoccupation with minor flaws, repeated consultations, and unrealistic expectations
  • Surgeons may delay procedures or refer to mental health professionals

Smoking and Plastic Surgery: A Bad Combination :

Smoking, vaping, and nicotine use increase risks of plastic surgery complications. Learn why quitting before surgery is crucial for safe healing and results.

Key Risks

  • Reduced blood flow, poor healing, higher infection risk
  • Nicotine via any method is harmful
  • Surgery may be denied if smoking continues

Updated Guidelines for Avoiding Skin Cancer :

Skin cancer remains the most common cancer in the U.S. Updated 2025 guidelines stress daily sun protection and early counseling to reduce risk.

Prevention Tips

  • Daily sunscreen SPF 30+
  • Protective clothing & hats
  • Avoid peak UV hours
  • No tanning beds

Women Under 50 Benefit Most from Maintenance Facelifts :

New research confirms younger patients see higher satisfaction and more natural results with maintenance facelifts. Learn what this means for you.

Key Insights

  • Maintenance facelifts restore youthful contours early
  • Shorter recovery, longer-lasting results
  • Techniques: LiteLift™, hybrid facelifts, energy-assisted skin tightening

The Importance of Choosing a Qualified Plastic Surgeon :

Unlicensed cosmetic procedures are on the rise :. Learn why board-certified plastic surgeons are the safest choice for your health and results.

Safety Matters

  • Verify ABPS certification
  • Avoid underground clinics & social media scams
  • Safe care = investment in health, appearance, and confidence

Liposuction and Heart Health: 2025 Research Insights


New research suggests liposuction may offer metabolic and cardiovascular benefits beyond body contouring. Learn the latest findings:

Key Findings

  • Patients with high triglycerides may see 35–45% reductions post-liposuction
  • Not a substitute for weight loss or heart disease treatment
  • Only board-certified surgeons should perform liposuction for safety and optimal results

Stretch Marks, Pre-Wedding Procedures & Fat Reduction: ASPS Update

Stay updated with ASPS 2025 highlights, including stretch mark treatments, pre-wedding cosmetic procedures, and new ultrasound fat reduction technology.

Highlights from ASPS

  • Stretch mark laser treatments are increasing, especially for men post-weight loss
  • Pre-wedding procedures like Botox®, fillers, and CoolSculpting® are trending
  • FDA-approved ultrasound fat reduction targets small, stubborn fat pockets

Exparel®: Longer-Lasting Local Anesthetic for Comfortable Recovery

 Exparel® provides long-lasting pain relief after surgery—up to 72 hours—helping patients recover more comfortably without the need for pain pumps.

Modern Pain Management


Exparel® delivers continuous pain relief through a single injection for up to 72 hours, eliminating bulky pain pumps and reducing reliance on opioids. Ideal for procedures like tummy tucks and breast augmentation.

Key Benefits

  • Pain relief for up to 3 days
  • No pain pumps required
  • Supports faster, comfortable recovery

Women’s Rights for Breast Reconstruction Following Mastectomy

Under the Federal Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act, women are entitled to breast reconstruction benefits following mastectomy. Learn your rights :

Your Rights Under Federal Law
The 1998 Act requires insurance coverage for:

  • Reconstruction of the removed breast
  • Surgery on the opposite breast for symmetry
  • Prostheses as needed
  • Treatment for physical complications, including lymphedema

Coverage Details
Benefits follow your insurance plan’s terms: deductibles, coinsurance, and exclusions apply.

Dr. Larry Nichter Receives Boston University Alumni Achievement Award

Dr. Larry Nichter was honored with the Boston University CGS 60th Anniversary Alumni Achievement Award and inducted into the Collegium of Distinguished Alumni, BU’s highest alumni honor.

Honored by Boston University

On September 29, 2012, Dr. Nichter received BU’s CGS 60th Anniversary Alumni Achievement Award and was inducted into the Collegium of Distinguished Alumni, the university’s highest recognition.

Distinguished Career of Service

  • Clinical Professor at USC
  • Chairman, Department Plastic Surgery at Hoag Hospital, a major hospital department
  • Founder of Mission Plasticos (renamed Mission Plasticos)
  • 110+ medical missions worldwide
  • Recognized by UVA, UCLA, and BU, with humanitarian work documented in award-winning films including The Story of Healing Academy Award documentary

Mission Plasticos Featured in Boston University Article

Mission Plasticos and Dr. Larry Nichter were highlighted in a Boston University feature for their life-changing reconstructive surgery mission in Laos, transforming lives through healing and training.

Transforming Lives in Laos

We’re honored that Dr. Larry Nichter and Mission Plasticos were featured in a Boston University article. The story highlights a mission to Laos where a 14-year-old girl regained mobility thanks to reconstructive surgery provided by our team. Beyond physical recovery, the mission restored dignity, opportunity, and hope to children and adults facing social exclusion due to disfigurements or birth defects.

Global Impact

During our January 2009 mission, 95 surgeries transformed lives in Laos. Mission Plasticos has served countries like Cuba, India, Armenia, Cambodia, Vietnam, and more. Our approach emphasizes training local medical teams to continue this life-changing work long after our visits.

Continuing the Mission

Stories like this reflect why Mission Plasticos exists: expanding access to reconstructive surgery, empowering local providers, and giving patients the chance for a new life. Learn more and support our missions at Mission Plasticos.

Dr. Larry Nichter Recognized with the Patients’ Choice Award

 Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Larry Nichter of Newport Beach has been recognized multiple times with the Patients’ Choice Award for his consistently outstanding reviews and compassionate care.

Honored by His Patients

Dr. Larry Nichter, a board-certified plastic surgeon at the Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, has been honored multiple times with the Patients’ Choice Award, a recognition based entirely on patient reviews.

While many physicians receive positive feedback, only about 5% of doctors nationwide earn this award. It highlights Dr. Nichter’s unwavering commitment to:

  • Delivering exceptional surgical outcomes
  • Maintaining a compassionate, patient-centered approach
  • Building trust through transparency, education, and support

What the Award Means

The Patients’ Choice Award, issued by PatientsChoice.org, represents the highest level of appreciation: the collective voices of satisfied patients.

Dr. Nichter’s recognition reflects not only his surgical expertise but also his ability to listen, connect, and provide individualized care tailored to each patient’s unique goals.

A Legacy of Excellence

In addition to the Patients’ Choice Award, Dr. Nichter has consistently been named in other peer- and patient-recognized honors, including:

  • Compassionate Doctor Award
  • America’s Top Doctors® by Castle Connolly
  • Best Doctors in America®
  • Super Doctors®

These honors underscore his dual reputation as both a highly skilled surgeon and a trusted advocate for his patients.

Dr. Larry Nichter: Trusted Expertise in Newport Beach

Dr. Larry Nichter of Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery continues to be recognized among the best plastic surgeons in Orange County, thanks to his patient-first care, innovative procedures, and global humanitarian work with Mission Plasticos.

Honored as One of Orange County’s Top Plastic Surgeons

Dr. Larry Nichter has consistently been recognized as a leading plastic surgeon in Orange County. This reflects his dedication to patient care, innovation, and surgical excellence.

At the Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, Dr. Nichter offers the most advanced breast augmentation options available :

  • SERENE Structured Breast Implants® (formerly IDEAL Implant®): Safe saline filler, natural look and feel, low complication rates, and no silent rupture risk.
  • Motiva® Implants: FDA-approved silicone implants with advanced surface technology for a soft, natural feel, available exclusively through board-certified plastic surgeons.

Each recommendation is tailored to a patient’s anatomy, goals, and safety priorities, ensuring confidence and long-lasting satisfaction.

Excellence at the Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery

Dr. Nichter has built a practice known for:

  • Personalized patient care in a warm, family-like environment.
  • Pioneering advancements such as the LiteLift®, a minimally invasive lower facelift that delivers natural, rejuvenated results with faster recovery.
  • A full range of surgical and non-surgical procedures tailored to individual aesthetic goals.

A Passion for Humanitarian Work

Beyond Orange County, Dr. Nichter is globally recognized for his humanitarian efforts through Mission Plasticos, the nonprofit he founded.

  • Over 110 international surgical missions providing reconstructive surgery to underserved patients worldwide.
  • Training local medical teams to continue providing care long after each mission ends.

This work emphasizes that plastic surgery is not only about aesthetics—it’s about restoring function, dignity, and hope.

A Legacy of Trust and Innovation

Dr. Nichter’s career is defined by:

  • Surgical artistry and technical precision
  • Innovation in safer, less invasive procedures
  • Compassionate, patient-centered care
  • A lifelong commitment to education, global service, and advancing the field of plastic surgery

Dr. Larry Nichter Named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor® for the 20th Consecutive Year

 Dr. Larry Nichter, Orange County plastic surgeon, has once again been recognized by Castle Connolly as one of America’s Top Doctors®, an honor reserved for the top 1% of physicians in the U.S.

A Legacy of Excellence in Plastic Surgery

Dr. Larry Nichter of Mission Plasticos and Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery has been named to the prestigious Castle Connolly Top Doctors® list for the 20th consecutive year.

This distinction places Dr. Nichter among the top 1% of physicians in the nation, reflecting his exceptional skill, leadership in global humanitarian surgery, and decades of service to patients in Southern California and worldwide.

How Top Doctors® Are Selected

Castle Connolly’s selection process is peer-nominated and physician-led, ensuring only the most respected doctors earn this recognition. The process includes:

  • Peer Nominations: Tens of thousands of physicians nationwide recommend colleagues they trust.
  • Rigorous Evaluation: Each nominee’s education, board certifications, awards, honors, and professional reputation are thoroughly reviewed.
  • Comprehensive Review: Disciplinary history and contributions to the field are evaluated to confirm excellence.

Castle Connolly CEO Dr. John Connolly explains:
“Being selected for inclusion in America’s Top Doctors is a very significant achievement given to only 1% of American physicians. Each year we evaluate tens of thousands of nominations, but only those who truly stand out in expertise, integrity, and patient care are honored. Congratulations to Dr. Nichter for his continued excellence.”

Recognized by Patients and Peers

In addition to Top Doctors®, Dr. Nichter has earned recognition from multiple peer-reviewed honors and patient-selected awards, including:

  • Compassionate Doctor Award
  • Patient Choice Award
  • RealSelf Top Doctor

This combination of peer respect and patient trust reflects Dr. Nichter’s ongoing commitment to delivering world-class results with compassion and integrity.

SERENE Structured Breast Implant® Feels More Natural, New Study Confirms

A new study highlights the natural feel and safety of SERENE Structured Breast Implants®, formerly IDEAL Implant®. Learn why SERENE and Motiva implants are shaping the future of breast augmentation

A Better Option for Breast Augmentation

For years, women faced a choice between:

  • Saline implants – offering peace of mind but sometimes lacking a natural feel
  • Silicone implants – praised for softness and a natural look but carrying the risk of “silent rupture” and the need for regular MRI monitoring

The SERENE Structured Breast Implant®, formerly IDEAL Implant®, offers a groundbreaking alternative. By combining the safety of saline with a natural look and feel, SERENE gives patients confidence without compromise.

Innovative Design = Natural Results

SERENE implants feature a double-lumen, nested shell design that controls fluid movement, reducing rippling and mimicking the natural feel of silicone. Long-term studies and clinical trials continue to demonstrate:

  • High patient and surgeon satisfaction
  • Low rates of capsular contracture
  • Low rupture rates compared to traditional saline implants

Dr. Larry Nichter, who participated in FDA assessment studies, emphasizes that SERENE implants provide women with a reliable, natural-looking option without the concerns associated with silicone gel implants.

How SERENE Compares :

  • SERENE Implants – Safe saline filler, natural feel, no MRI needed, low complication rates
  • Motiva Implants – FDA-approved in the U.S., featuring advanced surface technology and a soft, natural feel

These two options represent the most advanced, patient-focused breast implant choices available today.

Patient Safety Comes First

SERENE and Motiva implants are available only through American Board of Plastic Surgery–certified surgeons, ensuring patients receive care from highly trained professionals. At the Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery, Dr. Nichter offers these implants, tailoring recommendations to each patient’s unique goals, anatomy, and priorities.