George W. Commons, MD, FACS Plastic Surgery

09/25/2016

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/25--off-all-office-treatments-.html?soid=1123122896163&aid=TPjhIBFEO3Q

09/13/2016

Happy Birthday to you ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ Happy Birthday to you ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ Happy Birthday DEAR GEORGE♫• *¨ * •.¸¸¸¸.•* ¨ *•♫♪ ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪...Happy Birthday to you

02/29/2016

Three Things Women Need To Know Before A Mommy Makeover

Ask any woman who has given birth and she will say that having a baby is the biggest and best event of her life, but also one that takes a huge toll on the body. Breastfeeding can turn a full C cup, into an A cup and let’s not talk about what happens to the washboard abdominal section after popping out a couple of kids. For many moms even die hard months in the gym and steady dieting won’t get rid of the sagging stomach. For these women, its a mommy makeover to the rescue. Dr. Camille Cash takes at look at Three Things Women NEED TO KNOW as they consider this cosmetic cleanup.

by Dawn Tongish
and Camille Cash, MD

MOMMY MAKEOVER IN DEMAND
Today’s mothers are a new generation. They want to stay youthful-looking and that’s why the mommy makeover is growing in numbers. Simply put. It’s a series of plastic surgeries that restore and repair the damage done by child birth. The postpartum redo has attracted the interest of a lot of moms looking for a way to reshape their bodies, according to Dr. Camille Cash. “Women are concerned about their bodies after having children and nursing. Cash says women have their ‘priority areas’ of the body. “They are concerned most about the breast and the tummy and sometimes the flanks or the thighs.” Cash is a plastic surgeon in Houston, where she says the mommy makeover is a popular trend because women realize they don’t have to “settle” for a mom-shape after having children.

Typically women may have their breasts augmented, so women are getting the volume restored after nursing. She says the tummy tuck is also a popular procedure to shape up the ab area after child birth.

NEED TO KNOW: REASONABLE EXPECTATIONS
With any cosmetic procedure, it’s wise to have reasonable expectations about the outcome. Dr. Camille Cash says it’s her first tip and one women NEED TO KNOW before considering a mommy makeover. “Patients need to understand what we can do and what we can’t do.” Cash says that a woman can’t expect to get her “old shape” back. It won’t happen. Think about getting a new shape, that is better, firmer and fitter and looks good in the clothes that you wear. Cash says the procedure will help to restore confidence. She advises women it’s important to remember the surgery has some limitations.

“We can remove skin and lift tissue, but we can’t remove cellulite and stretch marks. We can’t take a magic wand and change you back to how you looked at 18-20 years old. We can enhance how you look in your lifestyle right now and that will be a big, positive change.”

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NEED TO KNOW: BE AT YOUR IDEAL WEIGHT
Before embarking on postpartum plastic surgery it’s important to know the numbers on the scale. Cash says women NEED TO KNOW it’s important to be at your ideal weight before a mommy makeover. “It’s really important to be at your ideal weight for a lot of reasons,” says Cash. If you aren’t happy with your weight Cash recommends pushing off the procedures for a few months until you can drop a few pounds and get back to a prepartum weight. She says the operation will go more smoothly if your weight is lower.

“A lot of patients don’t think about their weight before seeking a consultation for a mommy makeover, but it’s really important. You don’t have to be at high school weight, but just an appropriate weight for your age.”

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NEED TO KNOW: RECOVERY WILL TAKE SOME TIME
You may think there is an “S” beneath that blouse, but be advised even SuperGirl would need some downtime to get back on her feet after a surgery involving multiple areas of the body. Most women underestimate the amount of time it will take to fully recover. Cash says women NEED TO KNOW that recovery will take some time. “It’s really important to understand, that although this is an elective procedure, it’s still surgery and you do have to respect the time it takes to heal.” Be prepared to take time off work or have some extra help at home for a few days after the procedure.

“You will need downtime from being the primary care giver for small children. You must have someone who can take care of the small children and someone who can take care of you as you recover.” This is a procedure that will continue to gain popularity and for good reason. “As women we really give everything literally, our bodies, our time and our energy to our children. This (procedure) is an opportunity for women to reclaim themselves and to get their self confidence back and to like the way they look and feel in their clothing,” says Cash.

02/26/2016

George Commons
Shared privately - Feb 22, 2016

It is important that surgicenters and hospitals assess and regrant privileges every 2 years to the physician staff. This process just involves looking at the doctors record over the previous 2 years, checking the health and general status of the doctor, and assuring the doctor keeps up with continuing medical education. Keeping personnel up to date and in tip top shape is important. My Best Dr George Commons

02/20/2016

http://epmonthly.com/article/treating-a-nation-of-anxious-wimps/

Until we start educating patients about what really affects their health and what a doctor is capable of fixing, we will continue to waste a large portion of our healthcare dollar on treatments which just don’t make any difference. Emergency departments are distilleries boiling complex blends of tra…

02/17/2016

Purchase a 5mL bottle of Latisse for $125 (regularly $175) and receive a voucher for a FREE 3mL bottle

(valid until February 29th or while supplies last)

02/09/2016

patient put on Yelp

Saratoga, CA
0 friends
2 reviews
5.0 star rating 11/21/2015
I am 9 days out of a neck and facelift and I look great already. This is the second lift he has
done for me. The man is an artist and I wouldn't trust anyone else to do this. When you read
the unhappy post, remember some people are chronic malcontents and are not happy with
anyone or anything. Dr. Commons is a superb surgeon, is proud of the work he does, and
has taken excellent care of me. I almost chickened out on the morning of surgery, I am so so
glad I didn't. Dr. Commons did nothing that morning to try to convince me to go through with
it, he reassured me that the decision was mine to make. I only hope he doesn't retire before
the next time I need a facelift. Can't say enough good things about his work, and no, I am not
related nor am I an employee, which is what one of the posts suggests about other posters.

02/05/2016

Consultations are complimentary. Call 650 941 2600
1515 El Camino Real Suite C
Palo Alto, Ca 94306
You will learn what can and cannot be accomplished in Plastic Surgery.

01/08/2016

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12/23/2015

Most Common Surgical Procedures for Gen Xers (When Did We Get So OLD?)

by Jenny

I’ve been called a Gen X-pert. I’ve hosted shows based on Generation X and been a guest on talk shows as a representative of my generation. Personally, I think we tend to see ourselves as adults who never really grew up. We’ve got an unusual tendency to be nostalgic of our youth while still feeling youthful. I kind of love that about us. What I don’t love is when I look in the mirror and realize what I see in my mind doesn’t match what I see in my reflection.

It seems we Gen Xers are not going down (or going up in years) without a fight. Our generation is getting over 40% of all surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures combined, which begs the questions: Are we just getting to the age that we need them and the older folks have given up or are we, as a generation more apt to try to block those punches aging is trying so desperately to land? I’ll check back in with you guys when we’re 60!

Until then, these are the top surgical procedures we Gen Xers ages 35-50 are opting for according to the 2014 Cosmetic Surgery National Data Bank and The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (and my take on why).

% of Women Who Had this Procedure
in 2014 Who Were Age 35-50

1. Liposuction 46.4%
Childbirth, hectic schedules, and slowed metabolism mixed with the option of liposuction makes this an obvious place for Gen Xers to turn to for a fresh look or a throwback to our younger days when we convinced ourselves Snackwells were diet fare. Thank goodness our metabolism rates were higher then. Liposuction improves our bodies’ contours while removing excess fat deposits.

2. Breast Augmentation 37.3%
Different from the breast lift, though sometimes done together. Gen Xers who’ve given birth may find themselves looking at less than they started with or may just be over that hump and wanting to reward themselves with some new bras and something to put in them.

3. Tummy Tuck 52.6%
The ultimate betrayal of the low fat sugar snacks, baked potatoes and bottomless bread baskets — is that they catch up to you. Add in the ever expanding and “shrinking” baby belly and you may have some extra fat/skin you weren’t banking on. If those sit-ups aren’t giving you that perfect, taut tummy, consider this your next option. Oh how avoiding the belly button ring seems like dodging a bullet.

4. Breast Lift 51.1%
Some women don’t need more volume; they simply need to stop their b***s from blocking their belts. Yes, breast feeding and childbirth can cause this slack, but let’s not forget that lovely phenomenon that keeps us from flying off into outer space. Gravity.

5. Breast Reduction 43.6%
Maybe you were one of the lucky ones who kept some of the perks of pregnancy b***s. I have friends that grew 2 cup sizes. I simply grew a half size in one of my feet, making shoe buying nearly impossible (thanks). That said, lucky might not be the right word as you may not have needed the extra girth or maybe your aching back wasn’t making you seem as spry as you were at 18.

6. Eyelid Surgery 30%
This one I hate to see, because it snuck up on me. I’ve already written extensively about my obsession with my uneven eyelids. Yep, car windows, sun damage, pulling, rubbing, gravity, sleep positioning and a gazillion other things can make your eyes uneven or droopy over time. I’ll probably be opting for it in the future — I can’t let all my good shadows and mascaras go to waste.

As you can see our generation is at the forefront of this battle against bulge, time, gravity and aging — here’s to hoping we make some headway.
About the Author
Jenny Isenman

Jenny Isenman AKA “Jenny From the Blog” a pop culture obsessed, card carrying Gen Xer, and the humorist behind the award winning site, The Suburban Jungle.co

12/22/2015

After Undergoing a Tummy Tuck, Here are the Top 9 Tips for Your Recovery
After Undergoing a Tummy Tuck, Here are the Top 9 Tips for Your Recovery
Certainly a part of anyone’s fantasy body makeover over the age of 30 probably involves a tummy tuck. Cut out our seemingly impossible-to-eliminate belly fat and do it now! But as miraculous as the results may be, it is still surgery and there’s some careful prep and post-surgery considerations for the best possible recovery (and results!)

Proper diet before (and after)
As much as we may think we’re going to be instantly skinny post-surgery, we still have to pay attention to what we’re putting in our body, before and after. “I recommend a normal diet beforehand. There should not be any significant attempts to lose weight immediately before surgery,” says board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Antonio Gayoso. “We also advise our patients to be off of medications and over-the-counter supplements that are blood thinners,” he notes.

Avoid infections
With all surgeries, there are risks. But we can lessen those risks by prepping right. “Before surgery we ask patients to bathe with a chlorhexidine solution in order to decrease bacterial counts and therefore decrease the chance of infection,” explains Dr. Gayoso.

Avoid constipation
It's a good idea for patients to start an over-the-counter stool softener before surgery in anticipation of some constipation after surgery, which is usually related to their pain medications. “We do give our patients their prescriptions well ahead of surgery so that they can have them filled and ready at home,” notes Dr. Gayoso.

Down and out
“More often than not, patients can return to work after just one week, but in some cases additional time may be required. I advise my patients that they may not feel like returning to work after one week, but they will be able to. Two weeks is a nicer amount of time and three weeks would be a luxury,” explains Dr. Gayoso. “A lot does depend on what type of work they do and what type of transportation they require to get to work.” (i.e. do they have a ride, or do they have a physical job?)

Mobility
Expect to need help getting up from a reclined or lying down position, every time you need to go to the bathroom for the first few days, and also help getting up and down from the commode. “Patients will need to shuffle at first and will not be able to walk quickly or easily for a few days. Mobility is significantly decreased. Despite this, we ask patients to pump their legs and walk as many times during the day as possible to prevent any blood clot formation,” says Dr. Gayoso.

Restricting activities
“Activities are restricted to ones that will not require straining of their abdominal musculature,” explains Dr. Gayoso. “This includes exercise such as calisthenics or weightlifting and no running or Boot Camp-style exercise. They may walk as much as they feel comfortable with and they may climb stairs. I ask them to refrain from strenuous activities for a total of three months so as to preserve the internal corset-like effect of the operation.” What must be avoided in the recovery process is an inadvertent release of the muscle tightening sutures, which will result in a bulge in the abdomen. This could end up requiring a secondary surgery for correction.

Pain
Pain can be an ongoing issue because of the tightening of the abdominal musculature that occurs and also because these operations are commonly accompanied by some liposuction of the waistline on the sides and in the back. “Patients will typically have pain in the front and in the back of their torso, which makes it difficult to get comfortable. This pain and tenderness will last at least a couple of weeks, although in the second and third week it is significantly more manageable,” explains Dr. Gayoso. “I tell my patients that that as long as they have tenderness and some pain they're probably going to reduce in size further. The full resolution of swelling and tightness from an abdominoplasty will take a few months.”

Recreational activities
Anyone who has just undergone a tummy tuck should definitely avoid mixing alcohol, recreational drugs, and strong prescription pain medication. “After you are off of the strong pain medications, then it might be acceptable to have a moderate amount of alcohol,” notes Dr. Gayoso.

Manage your expectations
“I think expectation management is a great tool for helping patients recover from an abdominoplasty. I do not try to sell this procedure as simple or easy. It is an operation that has great power to produce dramatic changes that patients absolutely love. I show my patients before and after pictures of an abdominoplasty so they can see the changes that it produces; but I also explain that it will cost them weeks of difficult recovery, and a few months of restrictions on activity. Knowing this in advance automatically primes them for a smoother recovery,” notes Dr. Gayoso.

These tummy tuck recovery tips are an important reminder to consider the risks, recovery and rewards before any procedure. Tummy tucks can change your life in a major way, but are you ready to make the major life changes necessary in order to achieve the best results? Be sure to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

12/16/2015

SPECIALTIES
Dr. Commons has extensive experience in plastic surgery including aesthetic surgery of the face, nose, eyes, ears, breasts, tummy, and body, including liposuction and body contouring. Dr. Commons offers the most innovative surgical techniques for lasting and natural results. He offers a complimentary consultation which includes viewing of before and after pictures of his own patients having had the procedure you are seeking. A consultation with Dr. Commons is and educational experience where you learn what can and cannot be achieved. He will answers all of your questions and give you his professional opinion. In addition to surgery, Dr. Commons offers a menu of noninvasive treatments including Botox, dermal fillers, and other solutions for problem areas of the face and body.
HISTORY
Dr. Commons is board certified in Plastic Surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has a long established private practice in Palo Alto, CA. Throughout his career he has made many contributions as an educator of plastic surgery teaching Stanford residents and he has an array of published professional papers in Plastic Surgery literature. Safety is the number one priority in his practice and excellent results is the reputation he has earned.
MEET THE OWNER
Dr. Commons graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and trained in Plastic Surgery at Stanford University. He is now an adjunct associate professor of plastic surgery at Stanford University. He served as a major in the Air Force as a plastic surgeon in the Philippines before establishing a private practice in Palo Alto. He operates at the Plastic Surgery Center of Palo Alto, a private certified ambulatory surgery center adjacent to his office. Dr. Commons’ interest in educating patients is apparent in his regular activity answering questions on realself.com. Dr. Commons says, “My mission is patient safety and providing exceptional aesthetic results.”