We’ve been noticing a concerning trend among some of our patients: they first receive surgery from an in-network surgeon and then come to Dr. Deschamps-Braly for revision surgery after getting poor results. This should not be your plan when considering gender-affirming surgery because it can leave you at risk for complications and later problems. Here’s what you need to know when choosing your plastic surgeon.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Surgeon

The “right” surgeon is someone with the knowledge, training, and experience necessary to perform a specific surgical procedure safely and effectively. Gaining an immediate sense of trust in your surgeon’s abilities is also a great sign. Dr. Deschamps-Braly is a double board-certified plastic and craniofacial surgeon and a world-renowned leader in facial gender confirmation surgery who has helped invent many of the commonly used techniques of facial feminization and masculinization procedures. He has genuine care for his patients and is fully invested in each person’s individualized treatment plan.

Why Do People Choose In-Network Surgeons First?

While there are some fantastic surgeons in-network, patients should never rush to get their surgery done. The main concern is that patients will first choose an in-network surgeon and then schedule revision procedures with Dr. Deschamps-Braly to save money. Unfortunately, this results in more costs than choosing Dr. Deschamps-Braly first and it can lead to unsatisfactory results. Patients should always plan for one surgery.

It can be helpful to understand the benefits or possible setbacks of choosing an in-network surgeon. These are some of our patients’ main considerations when choosing their facial gender surgeon:

Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Money is an understandable concern among patients. Dr. Deschamps-Braly is not in-network, meaning he does not take insurance and patients pay out-of-pocket. To reduce these expenses, people might choose an in-network doctor even if that surgeon has less experience. Unfortunately, this can lead to “bad” surgeries and unsatisfactory results that will have to be corrected with revision surgery. Instead of paying for two surgeries, it’s a much safer and cheaper option to spend the money upfront and know that you will be cared for by a reliable and highly skilled surgeon like Dr. Deschamps-Braly.

Long Wait Time

Dr. Deschamps-Braly has a longer waitlist than other practices because he is the only surgeon at our clinic. However, we and many patients believe that the wait is worth it, which is an additional reason for the long wait time and a testament to our work. Dr. Deschamps-Braly and our team take a personalized approach and get to know each patient when planning their individualized surgery. Patients who do not want to wait can still enjoy quality care from non-surgical treatments with board-certified aesthetic nurse Jennifer Fick. Non-surgical dermal fillers can be used to subtly alter your appearance and give you some idea of what surgical results will look like.

Emotional Well-Being

Patients wait their whole lives for FFS or FMS surgery and they put a lot of planning into it. Emotions surrounding gender-affirming procedures are high; patients are understandably excited but anxious. When their results don’t match their expectations after weathering the entire recovery process, it can be devastating. Choosing a highly experienced surgeon like Dr. Deschamps-Braly will set patients up for success so that they can focus on the excitement and joy that facial feminization and masculinization brings.

Risks of Revision Surgery

Planning for one procedure with an experienced surgeon will set you up for the best possible results and a much higher chance of achieving your ideal look. After the initial surgical procedure, the facial structure will have already been altered and resculpted, which can make it difficult or even dangerous to reset the bones and underlying anatomy a second time. Another possible complication is that the first surgeon took too much tissue away, making revision and correction even more challenging. Because of these complications, Dr. Deschamps-Braly or other doctors may not be able to accept patients for a revision. To learn whether you are a candidate for revision facial surgery, please schedule a consultation at our office.

Schedule a Consultation

Dr. Deschamps-Braly and our team are committed to safety and exceptional care at our San Francisco clinic. When it comes to your face and a life-changing procedure like gender confirmation surgery, you don’t want to settle for anything but the best. To learn more about your options for facial feminization and facial masculinization surgeries, schedule a consultation today with Dr. Deschamps-Braly.

If you’re considering getting fillers, you’ve likely come across many different brands during your research. If it feels overwhelming to pick one, you’re not alone! It’s normal to feel like there’s a “best” choice when it comes to choosing your filler brand, but it might be helpful to know that the answer is a little more nuanced. Here are some things to keep in mind as you explore your options and meet with Jennifer Fick, M.S.N., F.N.P-C, C.A.N.S during a consultation.

How Do Dermal Fillers Work?

Understanding how your injector will select a dermal filler can be helpful in knowing what to look for. Dermal fillers, like Restylane, are made with hyaluronic acid, a molecule naturally found in your skin. This ingredient is responsible for keeping your skin moisturized. When it’s injected into the skin as a dermal filler, it attracts water and creates volume to plump the skin or fill in deep wrinkles and facial folds.

Different formulations of fillers attract different amounts of water and have different consistencies. Some options are smoother, thinner in consistency, and have very small molecules that allow for great flexibility. Other types of fillers are thick and robust, allowing them to provide substantial volume. In this regard, the thickness and consistency of a given filler is often more important than the brand. Therefore, it’s always best to select a qualified and board-certified provider who you can trust, like master cosmetic injector Jennifer Fick. She can help you select the ideal formula, regardless of brand. These are a few other considerations that she will have in mind when selecting the best filler for your treatment:

What’s Your Treatment Area?

The treatment area is one of the most important considerations in selecting the right filler. For example, if you’re looking to enhance your lips, you’ll need a different filler than if you’re looking to contour your jawline. More delicate areas like the lips or under eyes will require a thinner, more flexible formulation. The thin skin around these areas could be easily over-plumped with a thick filler. For jawline or chin contouring, you will need a very stable and supportive gel that holds its shape when injected. When looking at your filler options, start by having a good idea of your treatment area and what you want to achieve.

What Are You Looking to Treat?

In some cases, you may even need different fillers for different goals in the same treatment area. The lips are a great example – for some patients, fine lines and wrinkles are their top concern, meaning a thinner, softer formulation will smooth the skin without creating too much projection. For other patients, a more stable formulation is needed to change the shape of the lips or create a more notable enhancement.

The cheeks are another example – you may need more supportive volume for deeper facial folds, which requires a dense, stable formula. If smoother, glowing skin is your goal, a thin formula with hydrating properties is a better option. Keep in mind what effect you want to achieve with fillers in your treatment area as different formulations will create different results.

Is This Your First Time Receiving Fillers?

Whether you are a first-time patient or are looking for a touch-up will also impact the choice of filler. If this is your first time receiving fillers, Jennifer Fick will focus on creating a foundation, which could mean thicker, more stable products. At your first appointment, deep facial folds will be filled in and more definition can be created in the jawline, cheeks, and chin, depending on your individual goals. As the hyaluronic acid filler is gradually absorbed into the skin, you might start to notice the return of fine lines and wrinkles. Additional appointments can be scheduled to touch up your results; at these touch-up appointments, different fillers than were originally used might be necessary since the quality and texture of the skin have changed.

How Long Do You Want Results to Last?

Some patients seek long-term rejuvenation with dermal fillers while others use fillers to visualize the results they can expect from a surgical procedure. First-time patients might also prefer fillers that dissolve quickly in case they are dislike the way their fillers look. While some fillers can last up to 12 months, others only last an average of six months.

For permanent results, patients might also consider fat injections. A fat transfer is a minimally invasive procedure that harvests body fat from the abdomen and transfers it to the lips or cheeks. This procedure is performed by Dr. Deschamps-Braly. Sometimes patients start with a fat transfer, but it might be a good idea to first start with temporary dermal fillers.

Schedule a Consultation

At Deschamps-Braly Clinic, patients can choose from a full range of injectables and dermal fillers under the expert guidance of our Aesthetic Nurse Specialist, Jennifer Fick. As a master cosmetic injector with over two decades of experience in aesthetics, she can help you select the ideal option for your needs during a consultation. To learn more, contact our San Francisco office by calling or filling out our online form.

Adam’s apple surgery is a popular procedure for transgender men because it creates a seamlessly masculine appearance between the face and neck. However, it’s important to recognize that no procedures are required for gender confirmation surgery. If you are considering facial masculinization surgery, this is what you should know about Adam’s apple surgery so that you can determine whether it is right for you.

What is Adam’s Apple Surgery?

It is a common misconception that the Adam’s apple will grow naturally with testosterone therapy. Transgender men who want to achieve a more masculine look with a visible Adam’s apple will require Adam’s apple surgery, a groundbreaking procedure developed by Dr. Deschamps-Braly. During the procedure, a small piece of cartilage is taken from the ribs to create a natural implant. Next, small incisions are made under the chin to fit the custom-made implant around the existing Adam’s apple. The implant will be carefully positioned to augment the size of the existing Adam’s apple and increase its projection.

Why Choose Dr. Deschamps-Braly?

Adam’s apple surgery or Adam’s apple augmentation is an innovative procedure designed by Dr. Deschamps-Braly and Dr. Douglas Ousterhout: two world leaders in facial masculinization surgery. Dr. Deschamps-Braly trained for many years with Dr. Ousterhout and other pioneers of facial gender confirmation surgery and craniofacial surgery. His extensive experience has equipped him with a deep understanding of facial anatomy and the intricate differences between a feminine and masculine facial structure. Dr. Deschamps-Braly’s goal is to create natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing results so that his patients can feel confident in their appearances.

Is Adam’s Apple Surgery Required?

Your appearance does not define your gender. Adam’s apple surgery is not required with facial masculinization surgery; it is simply an option for those who want to augment the appearance of the Adam’s apple to achieve a more masculine appearance. If you are unsure whether this procedure is right for you, there are non-surgical alternatives that will help you achieve the look of a pronounced Adam’s apple until you are ready for surgery. Our office is here to answer any questions you might have to help you on your gender confirmation journey. We also encourage you to check out patient testimonials and our video series for more information about facial masculinization.

Am I a Candidate?

The ideal candidates for Adam’s apple surgery are people undergoing female-to-male gender confirmation or cisgender men who desire a more masculine appearance. Patients should be in overall good health with realistic expectations for their surgery outcomes. Depending on your individual goals, Adam’s apple augmentation can be performed in combination with chin augmentation or jaw contouring to masculinize the entire lower face and neck area. These procedures, and other facial masculinization surgeries, can be discussed in greater detail at your consultation.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about Adam’s apple surgery and how you can benefit, schedule a consultation today at The Deschamps-Braly Clinic in San Francisco, CA. Our office is easily accessible to local and traveling patients who desire exceptional care for their facial masculinization surgery.

When we first meet our patients, many are already taking hormones or have considered hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as part of their transition. Whether patients can receive surgery while on hormones is a common question and an understandable concern. Luckily, most patients can safely receive surgery without delaying their hormone treatment, and the addition of surgery can even offer added benefits to one’s treatment process.

Understanding Hormone Therapy 

HRT is often one of the first steps in gender-affirming treatments and it can help transgender individuals express their gender identity in a way that matches how they feel on the inside. Feminizing hormone therapy increases estrogen in the body, leading to the development of female sex characteristics and a decrease in male sex characteristics. Results will vary but may include some degree of breast growth, fat redistribution, loss of muscle mass, thinning facial and body hair, and more.

Masculinizing hormone therapy increases testosterone in the body to develop male sex characteristics and minimize female sex characteristics. Potential changes may include increased growth of facial hair and loss of hair on the top of the head. Fat redistribution and increased muscle mass are also potential changes, in varying degrees.

Does Hormone Therapy Impact Surgical Candidacy? 

Although there is ongoing research on the correlation between HRT and surgical outcomes, Dr. Deschamps-Braly has not found that hormones pose a surgical risk for his patients. He helped pioneer the latest techniques used in facial feminization and masculinization procedures and has successfully treated many patients taking hormones at the time of their surgery. For this reason, and the differing role that hormones and surgery have in a patient’s transition, HRT typically does not affect his surgical decisions. 

Understanding how HRT and surgery affect facial appearance (and aid in gender transition) is an important consideration. Hormones can redistribute facial fat, leading to minor alterations in a person’s appearance, but they do not change the bone structure of the face. About 80% of the surgical procedure focuses on the skeletal structure, allowing for more fundamental and dramatic changes to the facial features.

How Long Should I Be on Hormones Before Surgery? 

Patients just starting HRT or those who have been using hormones for many years can all benefit from gender-affirming procedures. In fact, HRT in combination with surgery can be especially helpful for feminizing procedures. Most of the changes seen with feminizing hormone therapy only offer subtle changes to the face. Surgery is often needed to adequately feminize the face and give patients the best possible results.

Similarly, transmasculine individuals who desire dramatic changes in their appearance may want to consider surgery early on in their hormone treatment. While some patients are satisfied with the results of hormones alone, surgery is necessary to develop a more chiseled jawline, broader forehead, and larger chin.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are considering gender-affirming surgery, the best way to plan your treatment is to meet with an expert, like Dr. Deschamps-Braly. He can discuss your individual concerns in more detail to help you determine the best course of treatment with HRT and/or surgery. Schedule your consultation today by calling our office or filling out an online contact form.

Reference:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0193953X16300727?via%3Dihub

Facial feminization surgery describes a variety of procedures that can help transwomen achieve a more feminine look. Rhinoplasty is a key component of feminization surgery, and there are several techniques that Dr. Deschamps-Braly considers to achieve the best possible results.

Male vs. Female Anatomy

Differentiating male and female features is essential when considering rhinoplasty for facial feminization or masculinization surgery. The male nose typically has more bone and cartilage, giving it a larger appearance. Women typically have a narrower nose with a sharper tip and smaller nostrils. Since the nose is central to the face, it has a significant impact on overall facial harmony and whether patients’ features look feminine or masculine.

Feminization of the Nose

Facial feminization typically involves a reduction of the nose, forehead, and jaw to soften the facial features. The following rhinoplasty techniques will be taken into consideration during your surgery:

Feminized Profile

An important aspect of rhinoplasty for feminization is the removal of excess cartilage and bone from the dorsum (nasal bridge). This will reduce its projection and create a slope where the nose meets the forehead (the radix) for a softened look. In many men, the radix noticeably protrudes and must be reduced to avoid a “shelf” at the base of the nose, which can reduce the impact of a more feminine curve on the bridge. If patients have a dorsal hump, this can also be removed during surgery. Dr. Deschamps-Braly will carefully remove enough tissue to effectively reduce the nose while ensuring that enough cartilage is left to support the nose and prevent collapse.

Narrowing of the Bridge

Similar to lowering the nose, excess bone and cartilage is removed from the sides of the nose to narrow its frame. This often requires the nasal bone to be fractured on both sides. To create support, spreader flaps or grafts can be placed between the septum (the wall that separates the nostrils) and the upper lateral cartilage.

Tip Refinement

A lifted or upturned nasal tip can help create a more feminine look that blends seamlessly with your narrowed nose. To lift the tip, a strip of cartilage will be removed, and a graft will be placed to support the remaining tissues and create an attractive projection.

Shortening of the Nose

To reduce the length of the nose, a portion of the septum close to the nostrils is removed. This not only shortens the nose but also helps rotate the tip. This can also enhance the look of a newly lifted tip.

Additional Facial Feminization Procedures

Several procedures can be combined with rhinoplasty to simultaneously enhance patients’ overall facial structures with only one surgery and one recovery.

Forehead Reduction with Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty combined with forehead reduction can significantly change the appearance of the face. Like the male nose, men have a larger forehead that projects further outward. This creates an angular look where the nose meets the forehead. During forehead reconstruction, the frontal bone between the eyebrows is reduced and reshaped to soften the brow and balance the look of a more delicate nose. This is most often recommended to be combined with rhinoplasty to achieve the best possible result.

Lip Lift with Rhinoplasty

A lip lift is also easily combined with rhinoplasty since incisions can be positioned to simultaneously access the interior nasal structures and lift the upper lift. A lip lift requires an incision to be made directly beneath the nose and a strip of skin and tissue will be removed to subtly pull the lip up. This increases the visibility of the pink vermillion on the lips and gives the lips a fuller look for a beautifully feminine aesthetic.

Schedule a Consultation

Dr. Deschamps-Braly is a leading expert in plastic and craniofacial surgery. To discuss your rhinoplasty options in more detail, schedule a consultation today at our office in San Francisco and get started on a personalized facial feminization procedure.

Latisse has been available since 2008 to improve the thickness, length, and density of eyelashes. It contains bimatoprost, the same active ingredient in an ophthalmology eyedrop used to treat glaucoma (Lumigan). Patients using Lumigen for glaucoma found that their lashes were fuller, darker, and longer. Which is very noticeable if you only have glaucoma in one eye!

The active ingredient in Latisse, bimatoprost, is a synthetic prostaglandin that prolongs the growth phase of the eyelash hair cycle and increases the number of eyelash hairs that grow, making lashes thicker and longer. When applied along the base of the upper eyelashes, Latisse gradually improves the appearance of the lashes by making them longer, thicker, and darker over time. Most patients begin to see results after 8-12 weeks of daily use, with full results visible after 16 weeks.

Latisse can also be used for the eyebrows! Anywhere hair follicles are present (except in cases of alopecia or other hair loss conditions) Latisse can stimulate hair growth. Many of my patients are using Latisse to stimulate their brow hairs as well. That said, it is imperative to be quite specific about where you place it, as ALL hair follicles will be stimulated where it is placed!

It’s essential to follow the application instructions provided by your healthcare provider carefully to achieve the best results and avoid potential side effects such as redness, itching, or darkening of the skin around the eyes. There is no need to apply Latisse to the lower lash line, as transference will happen when the product is placed along the upper lash line. I typically recommend patients use Latisse every other day for the first two weeks to acclimate to the product and to reduce the potential irritation that can result from the initial use.

While there are over-the-counter products purportedly claiming to create lash growth, the active ingredient used is not FDA-approved and their safety and effects are not well documented. Latisse is only available by prescription, so must consult with a licensed healthcare provider before using it. Additionally, if you have other eye issues and are being supervised by an ophthalmologist, you should have their clearance before using Latisse.

We carry Latisse in our office, so contact our office at 415-624-3922 to schedule a consultation with Jennifer Schaefer-Fick, FNP to discuss starting Latisse today!

So you’ve gone to great lengths to research and purchase quality skin care products.  You made sure to purchase from your medical skin care provider or a legitimate retail vendor. Now that you’ve assembled your skin care routine, how do you apply everything, and in what order to ensure you are maximizing the benefit of each product?

There are a few basic principles to applying skin care products to maximize the benefits, and also to allow each product to shine! Not all of these steps apply to every skin care routine depending on what products you use.

First step: Cleanse

Cleansing the skin before applying other products removes surface impurities, including makeup, sunblock and moisturizer, dirt, and oil that can build up on the skin. Certain cleansing products such as those with glycolic or salicylic acid can also exfoliate dead skin cells, preventing them from clogging pores and causing acne breakouts. Most importantly, the skin is now prepared to receive and absorb the skin care products you use next.

Second step: Tone/Exfolliate

Using a toner may or may not be necessary, depending on your skin, the products you are using, and any skin conditions you may have. Some toners work to restore the skin’s natural pH levels, while others may contain glycolic, salicylic, or liphohydroxy acids that dissolve oil and sebum reduce the appearance of blackheads, and improve acne.

Third step:  Active/AntiAging

Active products, including serums and other treatments, should be applied when the skin is fully clean and prepped. This allows them to penetrate active ingredients more evenly and effectively, thus enhancing their action. These products are used to treat specific skincare concerns. It is important to allow these products to penetrate before applying moisturizer and sunblock.

Fourth step: Hydrate

Moisturizers hydrate the skin and can prevent or reduce transepidermal water loss. This is a measure of the water that is lost from our skin and can cause flakiness, and dryness, and increase the appearance of fine lines. Moisturizers can be in the form of a cream, lotion, or serum and contain various humectants, emollients, and ceramides to hydrate and create a barrier to retain your skin’s moisture and prevent water loss.

Fifth Step: Protect

Sunblock, sunblock, sunblock! Its importance cannot be overemphasized to protect your newly exfoliated, anti-age serum-covered skin. Sunblock prevents the UV rays from penetrating and causing sun damage, freckling, and premature aging. Sunblock also is a preventative agent to reduce the risk of skin cancer. The best sunblock contains a physical blocking agent, such as titanium or zinc. These molecules actively block the sun like a small shield, reflecting the UV rays off of the skin.

There are other skin care steps that can be integrated into your skin care program, so ask your skin care provider for guidance if you are adding products to your routine to ensure the optimal use and timing of each.

IPL (intense pulsed light) is a form of light therapy used for non-surgical facial rejuvenation. Powerful light energy is used to target a variety of skin conditions, including rosacea and pigmentation caused by sun damage and other factors. The results can last for a year or more with proper maintenance to protect the skin from future damage.

What is an IPL Photofacial?

The IPL Photofacial uses non-invasive light energy in varying wavelengths to rejuvenate aging skin on the face and body. Intense pulses of light target spots and blemishes caused by excess melanin, the dark pigmentation in your skin and hair. Overproduction of melanin is responsible for sun spots, melasma, brown spots and other forms of skin discoloration. IPL can also target broken capillaries or visible blood vessels on the skin to improve skin redness and uneven skin tone associated with rosacea.

As the light energy heats the skin, collagen production is also stimulated. Collagen is a protein in the skin that gives it elasticity, firmness, volume, and a youthful appearance. New collagen growth resurfaces the skin with healthy tissues for a smoother, glowing complexion. This makes an IPL Photofacial an effective treatment for improved skin tone and texture.

What to Expect During IPL Photofacial Treatment

Before receiving an IPL Photofacial, patients will consult with our board-certified aesthetic nurse practitioner, Jennifer Fick. We utilize the Lumenis M22 IPL system with settings customized to

each patient’s Fitzpatrick skin type and the specific concerns they wish to treat.

The IPL treatment takes 20-30 minutes, and a topical numbing cream will be applied to minimize discomfort during treatment. The handpiece emits emits pulses of light energy and you will feel a pulse of heat and see a flash of bright light. Once your treatment is completed, you can resume most of your normal activities immediately.

Maintaining Your IPL Photofacial Results

After IPL treatments, the treated spots will gradually darken and flake off about 7-10 days after treatment. To protect your healing skin and maintain optimal results, follow these recommendations:

Don’t Pick at Your Skin

As the pigmented lesions darken and flake off, you might be tempted to pick at them. Doing so could damage your skin and increase the risk of scarring. Apply a generous layer of moisturizer to prevent uncomfortable dryness and help your skin heal. Let the skin flake at its own pace and the wait will be worth it.

Avoid Sun Exposure

Sun exposure is one of the main causes of hyperpigmentation and early skin aging. After an IPL Photofacial, your skin will be more sensitive to the sun and direct exposure could cause

post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. While your skin is healing (and after), it is important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30-50 to protect your skin.

Use Medical-Grade Skincare

Medical-grade skincare products have a higher quantity of active ingredients than

over-the-counter products. This means that they are more effective for intended uses like skin brightening, firming, hydration, and other anti-aging benefits. Using medical-grade skincare after an aesthetic treatment is a great way to maintain results and preserve youthful-looking skin.

Schedule a Consultation

At The Deschamps-Braly Clinic in San Francisco, Jennifer Fick, M.S.N., F.N.P-C, C.A.N.S, offers cutting-edge technology and treatments to help our patients improve and maintain the quality of their skin. Schedule an appointment today to discuss your personalized treatment plan and learn more about how you can benefit from an IPL Photofacial.

There are many non-surgical treatment options for rejuvenating your skin – but there are fewer options that can effectively stimulate new collagen and achieve a brighter, more youthful appearance. If you’re considering your options with skin rejuvenation, then ResurFx is one technology worth knowing about. As one of the leading aesthetic experts in the greater San Francisco area and around the country, Jennifer Fick, M.S.N., F.N.P-C, C.A.N.S can help you explore the best ways to rejuvenate your look and love your skin. Here’s what to know about ResurFx and what it can help you treat.

What is ResurFx?

ResurFx is a non-ablative, fractional energy device. “Non-ablative” means that it doesn’t damage the skin but rather creates gentle heat to stimulate the deep tissues of the skin. This process is aided by a fractional pattern which means it only affects certain areas of the skin, leaving the rest untouched. The device creates tiny “channels” in the skin that allow the energy to reach the deeper layers, all while maintaining an advanced cooling mechanism to prevent damage. This reduces downtime and allows you to get back to your daily activities faster. Over time, your skin will form new collagen and elastin fibers, increasing the skin’s thickness and quality with a tightening effect.

What Can ResurFx Treat?

ResurFx is a great option for improving the overall look and feel of your skin. Many common skin concerns that arise from a loss of collagen, aging, or sun damage can be treated with ResurFx. Some of the most common include:

• Hyperpigmentation (discoloration)
• Age spots or sun spots
• Surgical scars and acne scars
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Loose skin
• Stretch marks

It can be an effective way to treat specific concerns, or it can be a great maintenance treatment for reducing the effects of aging. Our team can help you explore the best way to incorporate ResurFx into your skin rejuvenation treatment package.

ResurFx for Stretch Marks

ResurFx is one of our most recommended treatment options for stretch marks. Stretch marks are a natural product of things like weight fluctuations or pregnancy and tend to appear on areas like the stomach, thighs, hips, or buttocks. Stretch marks occur when the deep layers of the skin stretch and break down. They are famously hard to get rid of, despite the many products you may see that promise to fade them. ResurFx is an excellent treatment option because it stimulates collagen to repair and fade the appearance of these stretch marks – an effect that can’t be achieved using creams or lotions. If you have stretch marks that are still new (as in, reddish or purplish) ResurFx can be key in fading visible lines before they become more permanent.

Schedule a Consultation

At our world-class clinic in San Francisco, our team can help you explore many ways to achieve a higher level of confidence. Our professional aesthetic expert, Jennifer Fick, M.S.N., F.N.P-C, C.A.N.S, offers only the most advanced technologies and can help you develop a personalized treatment plan during a consultation. To schedule an appointment, contact our office by calling or filling out our online form.

Making the decision to undergo gender-affirming surgery can be exciting and daunting all at once. Although our world-class team led by Dr. Deschamps-Braly will support you and offer knowledgeable guidance at every step of the way, it can be helpful to know what to expect from the process. In order to ease any anxieties, here is a quick guide to preparing for gender-affirming surgery at our renowned San Francisco clinic.

Meet with a Facial Feminization or Facial Masculinization Expert

Dr. Deschamps-Braly is one of the world’s leading experts in facial gender-affirming surgery. As a board-certified plastic and craniofacial surgeon, he has trained under some of the foremost experts in facial gender confirmation surgery in the United States and around the world. During a consultation with Dr. Deschamps-Braly, you’ll discuss your goals for undergoing facial plastic surgery and learn more about the specific procedures that can help you look and feel like your truest self. As one of the most prominent clinics for transgender individuals around the country and the world, our knowledgeable team will help you establish a surgical plan, an appropriate timeline, and learn ways in the meantime that you can achieve a more feminine or masculine facial appearance.

Seek Support

Gender-affirming surgery can be a long process, and it’s important to have support along the way. We encourage you to partner with a mental health expert to provide support and help you along your emotional journey. Additionally, we encourage you to learn more about the gender reassignment process from our patient stories so you can understand what to expect before, during, and after surgery. Finally, because your surgery will require downtime, it’s important to speak with a trusted, responsible adult who can help you during the first few days of recovery. If you’re flying in from outside of the San Francisco area, our team can recommend the best accommodations for your stay.

Follow Pre-Surgical Instructions

Dr. Deschamps-Braly and our team will provide detailed instructions on how to get ready for gender-affirming surgery. This typically includes having any blood or lab work performed, adjusting medications, and submitting necessary paperwork. It’s also recommended to prepare for your recovery by filling prescriptions and running any errands ahead of your surgical date. Finally, if your procedure will be performed with general anesthesia, you’ll need to avoid food and drink the night before your surgery. Our surgical team will provide a detailed checklist for preparing for gender-affirming surgery and it’s essential to follow instructions for a smooth and successful procedure.

Schedule a Consultation

At Deschamps-Braly Clinic, we are the foremost experts in transitional surgery and can help ensure your experience elevates your confidence and brings you closer to your true self. We invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Deschamps-Braly where you can learn more about the unique ways to achieve a more feminine or masculine appearance using facial plastic surgery. Contact our renowned San Francisco clinic today by calling or filling out our contact form.