Reconstructive Plastic Surgery – Thousand Oaks

Doctor Azar uses his distinct expertise in reconstructive surgery for patients affected by birth defects, injury or illness. Multi-talented, Dr. Azar performs an expansive range of reconstructive surgical procedures including burn reconstruction, hand surgery and breast reconstruction. Our staff in Thousand Oaks gain an immense amount of personal satisfaction from reconstructive surgery. Dr. Azar’s outstanding surgical skills have helped people of all ages reclaim function, form and self-confidence. Following is a list of the reconstructive surgical procedures performed by Dr. Azar:

Our Thousand Oaks team can schedule an appointment for you today.

Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is commonly performed at our Thousand Oaks facility for women who have had a mastectomy (removal of the breast due to cancer or pre-cancerous condition) or who have breast deformities. Many women feel very insecure or self-conscious about the appearance of their breasts following mastectomy. Breast reconstruction restores natural form and can drastically improve quality of life and self-confidence.

Breast reconstruction techniques are usually performed in stages and can span across six months. The first procedure, which is usually performed at the time of the mastectomy, is the longest and most complex. Subsequent breast reconstruction surgeries at our Thousand Oaks office are usually outpatient and involve minimal pain and recovery.

There are two categories of reconstruction: 1) implant-based reconstruction, and 2) techniques that use the patient's own tissue. There are many factors and variables to consider before undergoing breast reconstruction. Our expert Thousand Oaks team will develop a treatment plan that will best meet your goals and objectives.

To discuss your treatment options for breast reconstruction, contact our cosmetic surgery office in the Westlake Village area to schedule an in-depth consultation.

Breast Implant Removal

You may choose to have a breast implant removed for a variety of reasons – implants that are too small or too large, or the rupture of an implant are just two of the many possibilities. Once you have made the decision to have one or both implants removed, Dr. Azar can help you achieve your goal. Breast implant removal can also be combined with other procedures including scar tissue removal, breast lift, removal of escaped implant liquids, or breast biopsy.

For more information about breast implant removal, please contact our cosmetic surgery practice near Westlake Village today.

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Breast Reduction Surgery

Women with overly large or heavy breasts often experience physical discomforts including neck and back pain and bra strap indentations on their shoulders. Oversized breasts can make a woman feel self-conscious and embarrassed, as well as physically uncomfortable. Breast reduction is a cosmetic procedure during which the breasts are made smaller, lighter, and more proportioned relative to the body.

The breast reduction procedure begins with an incision made around the areola (the dark circle of skin surrounding the nipple) and below the natural curve of the breast. Next, excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin are removed, and the remaining skin is tightened around the newly contoured breast. The procedure may take up to three hours and is performed under anesthesia on an outpatient basis.

To learn more about breast reduction or any of our cosmetic surgery procedures, contact our Thousand Oaks office today.

TRAM Flap Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction involving a TRAM (trans-rectus abdominis muscle) flap utilizes the patient’s own abdominal muscles, tissue, and fat to reconstruct the breast. Incisions similar to those of abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck,” are made between the hips and around the belly button to allow for repositioning of the TRAM muscle and surrounding tissues to the breast area for reconstruction. An added bonus to this popular type of breast reconstruction is that it results in a “tummy tuck.” The breast that results from TRAM flap reconstruction looks and feels natural.

Burn Reconstruction

Exceptional care following a severe burn is essential. Dr. Azar has performed many complex burn reconstruction surgeries.

Following a serious burn, a skin graft is often required to cover the wound. Skin is taken from an inconspicuous donor site – usually the thighs or buttocks – and grafted onto the burn area once it has been thoroughly cleaned and non-live tissues have been carefully removed. The thickness of skin graft needed to close the wound depends on the severity of the burn. Skin grafts are characterized as split-thickness (top layers of skin only), full-thickness (all layers of skin), or composite (all skin layers and underlying fat and sometimes cartilage).

If additional skin is needed for a skin graft, a tissue expansion procedure may be performed. A balloon-like expander is placed beneath the skin and slowly inflated over time with saline solution, which causes the skin above to expand.

After the skin graft has been sutured into place, it is left to heal. During the healing process, scars may develop and require additional surgery to minimize their appearance. Burn reconstruction is typically done in phases spanning weeks or months. Dr. Azar welcomes your questions about reconstructive plastic surgery for burns. The doctor addresses your concerns and expectations during a pre-surgical consultation.

For more information, please contact one of our cosmetic surgery staff in the Westlake Village area.

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Cleft-Lip and Palate Repair

Surgical reconstruction for a cleft lip/palate deformity is Dr. Azar’s forte. This very common birth defect affects the upper lip or roof of the mouth (palate), causing a vertical gap or separation. A cleft lip or palate often interferes with a newborn’s ability to feed properly and with speech development. Reconstructive surgery is recommended as soon as possible, typically at three months of age. Corrective surgeries are usually done in stages to repair a cleft lip or palate.

Dr. Azar’s knowledgeable cosmetic surgery staff can provide you with additional information about cleft lip and palate reconstructive surgery and schedule an in-depth consultation.

Down Syndrome

The physical characteristics of children with Down Syndrome can impede physical functioning as well as deter social development. The physical manifestations of Down Syndrome are most commonly noted in the facial features – an elongated tongue that protrudes, slanted eye openings known as “slanted palpebral fissures,” excess eyelid skin called “epicanthal folds,” a pronounced flattening of the nasal bridge or mid-facial region, and a lower lip that turns downward. Reconstructive surgery addresses the physical concerns associated with Down Syndrome, allowing those afflicted with this condition to overcome their aesthetic challenges. Dr. Azar is adept at facial reconstruction.

For more information about reconstructive cosmetic surgery for Down Syndrome, contact our Westlake Village area office.

Facial and Hand Trauma Repair

Traumatic injuries to the face or hands can cause serious emotional strain, making you feel self-conscious, and even interfering with everyday activities that most of us take for granted. Dr. Azar considers hand and face repair surgery to be one of his first priorities. Please contact our cosmetic surgery office for if you have suffered a trauma to the face or hands.

General Reconstruction

Reconstructive plastic surgery is intended to repair injuries, deformities, developmental abnormalities, birth defects, and reconstruct body areas affected by the ravages of cancer, infection, and other diseases. General reconstruction can increase a person’s self-confidence and add to one’s feeling of being whole. Dr. Azar is well-versed in general reconstructive techniques and experienced in performing such surgeries. His goal is to return proper form and function to people seeking general reconstructive plastic surgery.

Hand Surgery

Hand injuries, birth defects, and other disorders of the hand including carpal tunnel syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis can be effectively treated with reconstructive hand surgery. Skilled in the nuances of reconstructive hand surgery, Dr. Azar helps his patients regain the use of their hands following a traumatic injury or caused by a birth deformity or defect. Prior to recommending reconstructive surgery, Dr. Azar discusses each patient’s goals and expectations during an in-depth consultation, during which a treatment plan is crafted to suit the patient’s unique needs.

For more information about reconstructive hand surgery, please contact our cosmetic surgery staff in Thousand Oaks.

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Head-Neck Cancer Reconstruction

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, skin cancer most commonly affects the head and neck. Reconstructive surgery is often needed to remove the cancerous growth and to restore a balanced and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Dr. Kouros Azar is adept at reconstructive surgery for skin cancer of the face and neck.

Skin cancers such as melanoma, basal cell, or squamous cell can be surgically removed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. For larger areas, or when the cancer has spread beyond the skin, more complex surgical procedures may be necessary such as Mohs surgery, during which individual layers of cancer are shaved off. Reconstructive surgery after Mohs surgery is commonly recommended.

Doctor Azar uses a variety of reconstructive techniques to repair the damage done by cancer. He performs scar revisions and also complex surgical procedures involving skin grafts or the transfer of skin flaps to reconstruct the face and neck areas.

Doctor Azar believes that a comprehensive evaluation should precede any surgery.

To schedule your private consultation appointment , contact our cosmetic surgery staff in the Westlake Village area today.

Microsurgery

Microsurgery entails the use of a microscope to assist the surgeon while operating on very small body structures. Other specialized instruments also aid in performing microsurgery. This type of advanced wound care is employed during intricate reconstructions for which precision is essential to recovering full function. Microsurgery is used during procedures such as reattaching limbs or moving a skin flap to close an open wound.

Skin flaps are categorized as local, regional, musculocutaneous, bone/soft tissue, or microvascular free flaps. Local flaps consist of skin and tissue beneath the skin. A local flap lies close to the wound with one end attached to keep it nourished by the body’s blood supply. A specific blood vessel attaches a regional flap of skin and tissue to the body for nourishment. Often utilized during breast reconstruction, a musculocutaneous flap consists of skin and muscle that remains attached to the body’s blood supply. A bone/soft tissue flap includes bone and also remains attached to the body’s blood supply at one end. A microvascular free flap is a skin and tissue flap that is moved from one site and transplanted to another site.

Dr. Azar is well versed and experienced in performing microsurgery. His outstanding microsurgery skills are frequently called upon to repair wounds or to reattach limbs, or fingers. For additional information about microsurgery or to schedule a comprehensive consultation, please contact our cosmetic surgery staff in Thousand Oaks.

Port-Wine Stain Removal

Birthmarks can make a person self-conscious or embarrassed. Port-wine stains, or reddish to purple birthmarks, are commonly found on the face, neck, and upper chest. According to the National Institutes of Health, port-wine stains affect three out of every 1,000 people. Plastic surgeon Dr. Kouros Azar can improve the appearance of these birthmarks through surgical or laser techniques.

Scar Revision

Many factors determine the severity of scarring such as the size of a wound, its depth, the area’s blood supply, the direction of the scar, and your skin tone. While no surgeon can completely remove a scar, the appearance of most scars can be greatly improved with scar revision surgery - even scars that have not responded to cortisone drugs, steroids, or skin gels. During scar revision surgery, the scar may be removed and the area closed with tiny sutures to minimize its appearance, or the scar may be repositioned in order to more easily blend into natural creases and folds, a technique called Z-plasty. Skin grafts or flaps may also be utilized during scar revision surgery to make them smaller or less conspicuous. At your consultation, Dr. Azar will discuss your concerns, goals, expectations, and treatment options.

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Skin Cancer Reconstruction

Skin cancer lesions come in differing forms and severities. The most common and least dangerous type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma. In most cases it does not spread outward, but grows down into the skin, tissue and bone. Squamous cell carcinoma is life-threatening without treatment and commonly appears on the lips, face, or ears. It can spread to lymph nodes or other internal organs. Malignant melanoma is the least common. It spreads rapidly and can be deadly.

Doctor Azar recommends surgical excision (removal) by a plastic surgeon who can then send the tissue to be examined under a microscope by a pathology specialist to determine whether it is cancerous and whether or not further treatment is necessary. Contact our cosmetic surgery practice for further details.

Surgery for Congenital Defects of the Hand

When a child is born with a congenital hand deformity, he or she may find it difficult to properly use that hand. Congenital defects of the hand may also inhibit proper growth. Syndactyly is a common defect in which two fingers or more are fused together. Plastic surgeon Dr. Kouros Azar can correct this problem by separating the fingers and then using skin grafts to replace missing skin, tissue, or even bones. Plastic surgery of the hand for congenital defects should take place as soon as possible in a child’s life, typically during the first three years for best results. Dr. Azar also performs surgery for other hand defects, including short, malformed, or missing fingers, non-functioning tendons and abnormal nerves.

From hand repair to breast reconstruction, our practice in Thousand Oaks has a steadfast commitment to provide our reconstructive surgery patients with the best care possible. We invite you to schedule an appointment at our cosmetic surgery clinic near Westlake Village to speak in detail with Dr. Azar about the many options available to you.

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If you would like more information on reconstructive surgery including breast reconstruction at our cosmetic surgery facility in Thousand Oaks (near Westlake Village) complete the form below.





American Society of Plastic Surgeons