Commonly Asked Questions
What is unique about Dr. Lehfeldt’s practice?
In addition to world-class surgical services for the breast, body, and face, our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Max Lehfeldt, is the owner and medical director of Radiance Medical Spa – one of the “Top 20 Medical Spas in the Country” and “4th Largest Medical Spa in California”. Our mission is to provide comprehensive aesthetic services and treatments at an affordable price with great value for our patients.
Dr. Lehfeldt is one of the few practices in the Los Angeles area to offer state-of-the-art 3D Canfield Vectra photography for breast augmentation, breast lifting, rhinoplasty, body contouring, and facial rejuvenation. Patients really appreciate the added benefit that real-time accurate 3D simulation can provide! Nothing compares to being able to visualize your results BEFORE you even have your procedure!
What is the most common procedure Dr. Lehfeldt performs?
Dr. Lehfeldt performs a large volume of breast procedures – augmentation, lifts, reductions, and complex breast reconstructions. He also specializes in complex, revision aesthetic breast procedures that require the use of specialized soft tissue supports to prevent repeat implant-based complications – scar tissue, skin stretching, or breast distortion. Complicated breast revision surgery can be very challenging and demands a surgeon with extensive experience, impeccable surgical technique, attention to detail, and a honed aesthetic.
What is the one piece of technology that is transforming the practice of Dr. Max Lehfeldt?
The Cynosure Laser! With this astounding laser-based platform, Dr. Lehfeldt is able to offer laser-liposuction, permanent cellulite reduction, and lower face/neck tightening. This revolutionary system allows patients to experience significant improvements with reduced downtime, less pain, and faster recovery. These procedures can be performed IN THE OFFICE with a local anesthetic. Patients often resume their normal activities in only a matter of days. These procedures are less costly than more invasive surgical procedures that need the operating room and anesthesia. The Cynosure Triplex system is the perfect balance of lower cost, faster recovery, and dramatic results!
What new NON-surgical treatment should patients know about?
Aesthetic medicine has an increasingly greater emphasis on NON-surgical, NON-invasive, and minimally invasive treatments that yield dramatic results with little downtime. Many patients are familiar with BOTOX® Cosmetic, fine line fillers, and medical grade skincare, but there is a very exciting and effective new, non-invasive technology – ULTHERAPY – that can produce stunning results with NO downtime. Ultherapy is the only FDA-approved device for soft-tissue LIFTING of the face. Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound waves to gently and safely heat and stimulate the collagen in the face, neck, and brow. Many patients who don’t want surgery enjoy the rejuvenation benefits that Ultherapy provides. It can be done in a single treatment – also known as the “Lunchtime Lift”– in less than an hour and the results can last several years!
What characterizes a great facelift?
A great facelift is characterized by restoration of natural contours where skin is repositioned delicately and precisely. The key to a great facelift is in understanding the delicate surgical adjustments that will help restore lost youth. Facelifts should never result in a “pulled” or “wind-swept” appearance. The skin is designed to cover the aesthetic structure of the face — it should never be pulled tightly. Many surgeons erroneously over tighten the skin and the result is often a distorted “surgical” appearance. Dr. Lehfeldt always stresses the importance of a “natural” result that will be pleasing and lasting for years that does not depend on the skin being pulled tightly.
How would Dr. Lehfeldt describe his approach to patients?
Dr. Lehfeldt’s approach to patients is compassionate and meticulous. He is absolutely dedicated to great patient outcomes and believes that a great result starts with a humble surgeon that appreciates, listens, and understands where the PATIENT is coming from. Compassion for a patient’s suffering, disfigurement, and concerns is absolutely essential. Compassion for Dr. Lehfeldt’s patients leads to an enhanced doctor-patient relationship, greater trust, and ultimately – excellence.
What is plastic surgery?
Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty dedicated to two main areas – reconstruction and enhancement.
Reconstructive plastic surgery is involved with repairing, restoring, or improving body defects that are due to birth disorders, trauma, burns, or disease.
Cosmetic enhancement surgery involves surgeries such as facelifts, breast augmentations, and liposuction – it melds the world of art and science.
Why the word “plastic” in plastic surgery?
The word “plastic” comes from the Greek word plastikos meaning “to mold or to shape.” Many of the first plastic surgeries were developed to close a complex wound or to replace tissue that was lost to injury or to cancer. These procedures often involved the formation of a skin flap to reshape tissues and to make them resemble the original form.
What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?
Cosmetic surgery is any elective procedure designed to reshape structures of the body to enhance a patient’s appearance and self-confidence. As it is not considered medically necessary, cosmetic surgery is generally not covered by health insurance.
Reconstructive surgery is typically performed to help repair damage due to congenital defects, trauma, infection or disease, or developmental problems. It is designed to restore or improve functionality of the treated area, though it can also be utilized to enhance the patient’s appearance. Most insurance policies offer coverage for reconstructive surgery; however, the amount of coverage provided and specific procedures included will vary.
There are many factors an insurance carrier will consider to determine whether a plastic surgery procedure is cosmetic or reconstructive. For instance, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is typically performed as a cosmetic procedure, but it may be covered by insurance if the patient’s symptoms include vision impairment due to excess skin. Similar “gray-area” treatments will require pre-authorization by the insurance company. We are happy to assist you in verifying whether your insurance carrier provides coverage for a specific procedure.
What should you know about the safety of outpatient plastic surgery? *
When considering plastic surgery, it is natural to focus more on the expected result than on the surgical process. However, to be fully informed, it is important to learn about the safety of the procedure as well as the expected outcome. Although thousands of people have plastic surgery every year without complications, no surgical procedure is risk-free. To maximize safety, please ensure that:
- The facility where your surgery will be performed conforms to strict safety standards
- Your surgeon is informed of any drugs you are taking and your full medical history – especially if you have had any circulation disorders, heart or lung ailments, or problems with blood clots
- The surgical facility will use skilled, licensed personnel to administer and monitor your anesthesia
Extra safety measures are taken if you are having a more extensive procedure
*Provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.