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Howard Gross, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
1722 State Street, Suite 201, Santa Barbara, California
4.8 | 18 Reviews
12 Questions Answered
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Before and After Photos

QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Coolsculpting is a very safe and effective treatment.  Since fat freezes at a higher temperature than water, freezing of the skin is difficult with this procedure.  Plus there are safety procedures built into the system that helps reduce the risk of freezing the skin.  Hundreds of thousands of safe treatment have been done with the Coolsculpting system.

provider-Howard Gross, MD, FACS-photo

Howard Gross, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.8 | 18 reviews
With a grade 4 capsule, total capsulectomy is usually required.  Once that is done, it is important to try to improve your likelihood of a good result going forward.  If your implant is not under the muscle, the new one should be placed submuscular.  If the implants are smooth, consider textured.  If the implants are old, new ones are best.  Finally, you may consider saline implants which may encapsulate less in some people.
provider-Howard Gross, MD, FACS-photo

Howard Gross, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.8 | 18 reviews
From your pictures it doesn't appear that you need to lose any more weight before surgery.  It is just important that you are nutritionally able to heal well.  Generally we like to see your weight stable for three months prior to a surgery.  Eat healthy and you will be fine.  It certainly looks like you are a great candidate for a tummy tuck.  Good luck! 
provider-Howard Gross, MD, FACS-photo

Howard Gross, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.8 | 18 reviews
The goal of liposuction is to re-contour your body.The fat cells remaining, both in the area that was treated and other areas, are now in a better proportion to each other. Weight gain (or loss for that matter) will be from all areas in proportion to where the remaining fat cells are.  You will not get back the problem areas that were suctioned.
provider-Howard Gross, MD, FACS-photo

Howard Gross, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.8 | 18 reviews
First you need to communicate to your surgeon how large of a final result you would like.  In my practice I tend to use moderate profile implants for smaller sizes and then use higher profile implants as the base diameter becomes too wide for a patient's chest wall.  
From your photos I don't think that a "doughnut" lift would work nearly as well as a superior pedicle vertical lift.  I know that there is an added vertical scar, but it heals very well and is worth it to get a better shaped breast.
provider-Howard Gross, MD, FACS-photo

Howard Gross, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.8 | 18 reviews
Lowering the infra-mammary crease is a common and necessary maneuver when doing some breast augmentations.  This is important when the starting nipple to crease distance is too short.  If the crease isn't lowered then postoperatively the implant will appear too high and the nipple will be on the bottom portion of the breast.
The crease you are seeing is the old fold and where the natural breast tissue begins.  This old landmark will fade over time as swelling reduces and the breast folds over at the new crease.  It is possible that you will always be able to identify that area in some position, but it is generally minor not bothersome.
provider-Howard Gross, MD, FACS-photo

Howard Gross, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.8 | 18 reviews
Of course you should ask your doctor what he/she advises.  In general, you should be able to walk around the next day after your surgery and it is beneficial to do so to prevent blood clots and other complications.  As you recover you can move around more and more.  Usually the abdominal portion of the mommy makeover is the part that will determine your activity.   You should be back to full activity and exercise in 4-6 weeks.
provider-Howard Gross, MD, FACS-photo

Howard Gross, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.8 | 18 reviews
It does appear that your nose has a bulbous tip.  This can definitely be addressed by rhinoplasty.  In my experience an "open" rhinoplasty technique would be best to sculpt the tip into a more refined shape.   There shouldn't be any problem with the nose looking too narrow when you are not smiling. And hopefully you will be smiling a lot!
provider-Howard Gross, MD, FACS-photo

Howard Gross, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.8 | 18 reviews
From your photos it appears that you have a great starting point.  You likely do not need a lift and the breasts have a nice shape.  It is impossible from photos to tell exactly how many cc's you will need to get the result you want.  I would guess somewhere between 350 and 450 for a full D result.   When you have the consultation you will be able to try on various sizes and see how they look.   Gel is a good choice.  Probably placed submuscular.  Either of the standard incision approaches will work well.  
provider-Howard Gross, MD, FACS-photo

Howard Gross, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.8 | 18 reviews

What kind of lift do I need? (photos)

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)
   From your photos it is clear that you would benefit from a mastopexy (breast lift) .  A vertical mastopexy (also called superior pedicle) would be best.  The resulting scar pattern would be the "lollipop" pattern with the possibility of a short horizontal scar in the infra mammary crease under the breast.
  A "doughnut" mastopexy, in my experience, leaves an oddly shaped breast and a starburst scar that tends to stretch out over time.  
  The use of an implant is mainly to add volume.  So, if you want to be larger as well as lifted, I would place an implant under the muscle.  The implant would also enhance the shape of the breast, but only get it if being larger is one of your goals.
provider-Howard Gross, MD, FACS-photo

Howard Gross, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.8 | 18 reviews

Howard Gross, MD, FACS reviews

Howard Gross, MD, FACS

RATING DETAILS

4.8
18 reviews

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Howard Gross, MD, FACS
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10 Results
Eyelid Surgery

Nice3161

I have had nothing but positive experiences with Dr. Gross

I have had nothing but positive experiences with Dr. Gross and his office. I started with a few treatments of Botox and finally decided to go forward with an eye lift and I'm so happy I did. Dr. Gross is patient and thoughtful, he answers all questions and takes care to make certain you are comfortable with the procedure. The staff is very responsive and helpful as well. I still continue with Botox and I'm considering a lower face lift. I would not see anyone but Dr. Gross.

Breast Augmentation

adrienne320

Amazing results! Went from basically just nipples to a natural looking big b cup w/ 275cc silicone

Dr. Gross did an umbilical hernia repair, breast augmentation, and armpit lipo for me in May 2018. He did an AMAZING job and I really could not be happier with the results. Everyone in the office and his OR is top notch as well. If you are looking for a surgeon to give you straight answers/feedback, great instincts on what will be a natural (but awesome!) looking breast aug, he's your guy. I really cannot say enough good things about my results and all of the patient care he provided.

Breast Augmentation

Mychuck0

so happy

Dr. Gross is amazing. His staff is top notch, very professional, helpful, and knowledgeable about the procedures that they preform in his sugerical center. I am so happy with my new breasts. Thank you!!!!

$7,600Mentor Breast Implants

mhd1999

490cc Memory gel Implant

Hi! I had my surgery 3 days ago on June 20th. I got 490cc memory gel moderate profile implants under the muscle. I wanted this procedure done for what feels like forever. I first met with Dr Gross about a year ago and he was really awesome at answering all my questions and recommending a size that he thought would look good with my frame. Originally I was going to go for the 385cc memory gel round smooth moderate profile implants, but after about a year of waiting and thinking about it I went up 100cc (huge jump I know!) to 490cc. The reason I did this is because I kept reading online how so many girls wish they had gone bigger! I wanted to be really really happy with my results so I did a bunch of research and stuck with 490cc. The surgery team was awesome. Dr. Gross came in before and answered any more questions I had, the nurse jackie was awesome and I barely felt the IV go in (which is amazing because that was what I was most scared of! Lol) and then the anesthesiologist came in and talked to me to tell me exactly what was going to happen and how his job was purely to make sure I was going okay the whole surgery and how he was never going to leave my side! After talking to him I felt ready to go. I went into the opporating room and the last thing I remember is them telling me sweet dreams. I woke up in the post op room and immediately started crying and freaking out just because I have really bad anxiety and I was confused about what was happening to me. When I woke up nurse Jackie and the anesthesiologist were both at my side. They gave me some Valium and pain meds to help me feel better and calm down. The first night the pain wasn’t that bad. I was just so excited I wasn’t even thinking about it. The first time I looked in the mirror I started crying because I was so happy. I didn’t take the sleeping pill they prescribed me the first night because I had taken the Valium after the oppration and they advised me not to mix them. I woke up around 6am the next morning in a lot of pain, mostly because of sleeping upright. I took another pain med and slept in till 10am. The second day I was already able to lift my arms but it still hurt to stand up for too long. I went into dr gross’ office for my post op appointment and he asked me how I was feeling and replaced the gauze. I have an appointment with him next Thursday the 28th to get my stitches removed. Today is day three and they said day three is the worst! I feel really tight and swollen. I have a lot of bruising and am very swollen on the sides under my armpit even though the incision is through my nipple but the doctor told me that was normal. I’ll upload some pictures of my experience so far and also keep you guys updated. I’m so excited because I get to shower today but also nervous because I haven’t let my hair air dry in a really long time so it’s going to be interesting lol. Updated on 25 Jun 2018: Hey guys! I’m 6 days post op right now and I am starting to think I went to big. I love my boobs and I love trying on clothes with them... but I think I’m just in shock. I went from being completely flat chested to huge! Do you guys think 490cc is too big? I’m 5’6” 135 pounds. I’ll upload a picture from last night. I’m still really bloated from the meds but it’s starting to get a little better. I’m not in too much pain. I only take pain medication before bed to help me sleep. I haven’t taken any more of the sleeping pills they gave me just because they freak me out a little. After driving or standing up for too long they start to hurt. My doctor lowered my “Underboob” (I don’t know the actual name” so I think my body is just getting used to it because that’s where it hurts most and has the most bruising.

Lower Facelift

SixtySomethingElse

I'm so glad I did it! - Santa Barbara, CA

A great experience, from beginning to end. I was nervous about getting a facelift from anyone until I spoke with a couple of Dr. Gross' patients, and looked at their before and after photos. Six months after the surgery, my results are just as good as theirs. And I am just as enthusiastic in my praise for Dr. Gross as they were. I look younger, better, and totally natural! I'm so glad I did it!

$9,000Tummy Tuck

mifmysb

49, Time for a Flat Belly

Just had my TT with lipo to flanks on Wednesday. Procedure went smoothly. I came home after the procedure and was in my own bed with lots of pillows and a wedge pillow under my legs. I was pretty confused the first night. The day after was rough. Pain pills weren't working great and getting in and out of bed was horrible. I had to go for my post-op visit. Everything looked good and my bandages were taken off and I got a clean binder. My doctor doesn't use drains, so that is a relief. I got some phlegm I had to cough up last night-I thought I was going to die from the pain. I took a sleeping pill last night and woke up feeling much better. Today, two days out, I have only used Tylenol. I'm a little itchy and tired, but much better. I'm really surprised at the difference. I'm getting more bloated and gassy, but that is to be expected, I might have to take something tomorrow like Milk of Magnesia. Keeping a basket of snacks next to my bed has really helped. I just tell my husband what to hand me and it's right there. The first night I had to eat in the middle of the night before I could take a pain pill. He has been great. You really need someone right there. I had to get up once or twice to use the bathroom with his help and he got me food and pills. Updated on 25 Jan 2017: I've made it to the two week mark. I feel better everyday. Hardly ever need any Tylenol anymore-only before bed. I still can only stand up straight a short time before it becomes too tight. Been sleeping on my side with a little pillow under my side to support my belly from the stretchy feeling. I hated sleeping on my back since it made my knees start to ache. I walked around my block on Monday and wasn't sure if I'd be able to make it back home. Since then, I've had more of a pulling sensation above my navel. Probably too much too soon. I woke up early this morning because my back was so itchy. I have a tank top under the compression garment, but it still rubs. Tonight I rubbed Palmers all over myself. I think drinking tons of water (2liters or more a day) and getting up a lot from the beginning have really helped. I get tired after lunch, and definitely rest a lot, but the process is easier than I thought it would be. Updated on 8 Feb 2017: Went back to work teaching this week. The only way I'm surviving is by going to bed really early, Monday was harder than I thought it would be. I have to be on my feet a lot. I was sore and so tired by 3:00! It's gettting easier, but I'm looking forward to the weekend. I'm more swollen and I can't drink at much water as I'd like while at work, due to being stuck in classroom. I keep looking at myself in the mirror and can't believe how good I look. Totally worth it! Updated on 31 Mar 2017: I'm a little over 12 weeks now from full TT and Lipo of flanks. Went skiing today and was surprised that I didn't have any pain. I was really tired and quit early, but it was much better than I expected. I did wear my compression garment, which seems to help. I still get sharp pains when I'm in bed and I turn over. I think I pulled some muscles a couple weeks ago, or its nerve endings that hurt. Sometimes it really burns above my belly button. I guess I have no excuses for not exercising now :( Overall, I'm really happy with my results. I wish my skin was tighter when I lean over, but unfortunately, I'm not 25 anymore!

Breast Lift with Implants

gailandy

I waited twenty years for new breasts!!! - Santa Barbara, CA

I'm 56 and have always wanted a breast enhancement. On my initial visit I decided to do a lift and have implants. Dr. Gross was totally supportive, calm, and I felt like I made the correct choice in a surgeon. His bedside manner was great, my post op visits were great, Jennifer was great in answering my questions about anesthesia; it's now been 2 months and I am beyond thrilled. I've waited a long time for my lifted enhanced breasts!!! I couldn't be happier. I live in San Luis Obispo and making arrangements to stay over and even coming to my post op appointments were never an issue - I looked forward to going! Professional office; the surgery center and the staff were fabulous also. I'm so glad I picked Dr. Gross!

Breast Implants

tahliaparisp

Amazing Results

Doctor Howard Gross did my moms breasts ~ 10 years ago and she had such an amazing experience & results so I decided to get my breasts done by him, I am so happy with my results. Just about all of my girlfriends have their breasts done as well but by other doctors and they are unhappy with their results and jealous of mine! I always tell them "you should have seen Doctor Gross!" I refer him to all of my family and friends, he is AMAZING!

Breast Implant Revision

aprha

My December Miracle - Santa Barbara, CA

Dr. Howard Gross and Team were my miracle this December! Due to a previous breast implant surgery, with complications, I had pain and discomfort during upper-body workouts. I was apprehensive of ever having another surgery. Dr. Gross came highly recommended by many in my workplace and health club, so I made a consultation appointment for new implants as well as an eyelid lift! When I awoke after surgery I felt amazed-I had no pain! I'm back to full workouts with no limitations for the first time in five years! My eyes look fresh and awake, which reflect how I feel on the inside. Thank you Dr. Gross and Team for giving me a miracle.

$8,000Breast Lift

Explantnov15

Fabulous. Santa Barbara, CA

I had posted with another doctor and it all went wrong. I found a wonderful new doctor and I cannot say enough good about him. I am exactly 8 days post op and I'm extremely happy. Dr Howard Gross In Santa Barbara and his amazing staff were wonderful.. I would highly recommend him. He removed implants did a breast lift and lipo and its amazing.