Metro Detroit Plastic Surgery
Dr. Bruce Chau and Dr. Barak Tanzman are board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons in Metro Detroit, Michigan. Both Dr. Chau and Dr. Tanzman are dedicated to providing patients with personalized treatment plans and custom-designed plastic surgery procedures. Dr. Chau has been performing plastic and reconstructive surgery for 30 years and he ranks as one of the top plastic surgeons in the state of Michigan. Dr. Tanzman has been performing plastic surgery and reconstructive procedures for over a decade. With their years of experience, Dr. Chau and Dr. Tanzman are both well-seasoned surgeons who offer their services to men and women throughout the Metro Detroit Area. In addition, both surgeons are honored to perform plastic surgery and reconstructive procedures for out-of-town patients who visit Metro Detroit.
Plastic Surgery Services
Chau Plastic Surgery provides all the traditional cosmetic surgery procedures such as breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and liposuction, and facelift. If you are not ready for surgery or are looking for non-surgical options, we also offer non-invasive procedures such as Botox, dermal fillers, and Profound Lift. Not sure what you need? Contact us for a complimentary cosmetic consultation.
Facial Plastic Surgery, Enhancements, and Rejuvenation Procedures Available in Metro Detroit, MI
Traditional Facelift/Rhytidectomy
At Chau Plastic Surgery, Dr. Chau and Dr. Tanzman perform traditional facelifts to address the natural signs of aging that develop on the face and neck. Traditional facelifts can provide patients with more refreshed and youthful facial characteristics, thus, eliminating the worn out, tired look that frequently results with age.
Common signs of aging addressed with a traditional facelift include:
- Fat deposits and folds around the neck.
- A slack jawline, which results in the formation of jowls.
- Deep creases that develop between the nose and the mouth (i.e., nasolabial folds, smile lines or laugh lines).
During a traditional facelift, the patient receives either twilight or general anesthesia. Any incisions that the surgeon makes during this procedure are created in such a way so as to ensure they remain well hidden. Typically, this procedure requires that an incision be made at the temples (above the hairline), continuing to behind the earlobes and then slightly into the lower scalp. The surgeon may also make an incision beneath the patient’s chin.
While numerous facelift plastic surgery techniques exist, outcomes are similar, it is usually the length of time the results will last that varies.
During a patient’s facelift, the surgeon may:
- Perform liposuction to address fat deposits in the neck and on the jawline.
- Remove and/or lift some of the muscle and fat beneath the skin.
- Tighten the facial muscles.
- Reposition or remove lax skin.
- Use sutures to close the incisions.
Traditional facelifts can be performed alone or with additional procedures (e.g., eyelid surgery, a brow lift, laser surgery, etc.).
Cheek Augmentation
Prominent cheekbones are an extremely attractive facial feature because high cheekbones add natural contours to the face, which enhances the eyes and other facial characteristics. Some people are not blessed with prominent cheekbones, whereas, others are, but they lose their high, full cheekbones as they age. During a cheek augmentation, the surgeon uses a medical-grade silicone implant to improve the patient’s facial contours. Once this procedure is complete, the patient’s results are permanent.
The surgeons at Chau Plastic Surgery perform cheek augmentations for individuals residing in and around the Metro Detroit Area.
Blepharoplasty/Eyelid Surgery/Eyelid Lift
This procedure can dramatically improve the appearance of an individual’s eyes. When a patient chooses to have a full blepharoplasty, the surgeon addresses the upper and the lower eyelids. During this combination procedure, droopy upper eyelids, puffiness around the eyes and lower eyelids that sag are addressed.
When addressing under-eye bags, the surgeon performs a transconjunctival blepharoplasty.
Lower Blepharoplasty vs. Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty
The difference between a lower blepharoplasty and a transconjunctival blepharoplasty is the location of the incision. While performing a lower blepharoplasty, the surgeon places the incision directly beneath the eyelashes on the outside of the lower lid, whereas, a transconjunctival blepharoplasty requires the creation of an incision just inside the lower lid. It is through this inner-eyelid incision that the surgeon removes the fat that has accumulated beneath the eye.
Double Eyelid Surgery/Asian Eyelid Surgery
Asian eyelid surgery is not performed in Metro Detroit to Westernize an individual’s eyes or as a means to erase one’s ethnicity: Double eyelid surgery is merely a plastic surgery procedure that is designed to make the eyes look larger and rounder. In addition, after Asian eyelid surgery, more of the patient’s eyelashes are exposed.
During double eyelid surgery, the surgeon removes a flap of skin and some of the orbicularis muscle from the upper eyelid. Then, the surgeon uses a special suturing technique to close the incision. Many patients choose to have a lower blepharoplasty during the same surgical session as their double eyelid surgery.
Rhinoplasty/Nose Reshaping Surgery/Nose Job/Nose Surgery
At Chau Plastic Surgery in Metro Detroit, Dr. Bruce Chau and Dr. Barak Tanzman provide patients with open rhinoplasty procedures and closed rhinoplasty procedures.
During a rhinoplasty, the surgeon can:
- Reshape the patient’s nostrils to make them more symmetrical, as well as more proportionate to the rest of the nose.
- Trim or shave a bump or hump to provide the patient with a smooth, refined nasal profile.
- Enhance facial harmony by straightening, thinning or augmenting the nasal bridge.
- Repair or realign a deviated septum to help the patient breathe better through his or her nasal passages.
- Improve the appearance of the nasal tip by increasing or decreasing its size, contouring the tip to make it broader or narrower, raising or lowering the tip according to the aesthetic result the patient desires.
Open Rhinoplasty vs. Closed Rhinoplasty
The main difference between these two techniques is incision location. An open technique is used when the surgeon needs access to the cartilage and/or bone. An open rhinoplasty requires the creation of incisions within the nose as well as on the outside of the nose. The outer incision is created underneath the nostrils, at the base of the nose.
A closed technique only requires that incisions be made inside the nose.
If the surgeon needs to reposition the bones of the nose, the surgeon will carefully and precisely break the nose bones. Once the nose is broken, the bones are repositioned and set to the desired position. Once the bones are set, they will heal in this new position.
Breast Plastic Surgery Procedures Available in Metro Detroit, MI
Breast Augmentation/Breast Implant Surgery/Augmentation Mammaplasty
A breast augmentation is designed for those who have lost breast volume due to pregnancy, breastfeeding and/or significant weight loss. Breast implant surgery is also used to help women who feel as if their natural breasts are too small. Furthermore, this procedure may be utilized when a patient has one breast that is noticeably smaller than the other. With this procedure, Dr. Bruce Chau and Dr. Barak Tanzman can give women the larger, more voluptuous breasts they desire.
While creating each personalized surgical plan, the patient’s specific physical characteristics and overall aesthetic goals are used to determine which incision, implant material, pocket location and implant size will provide her with optimal results.
Once the patient’s surgical plan is complete, the surgeon and the patient will review the custom-designed surgical plan that has been created for her. In addition, the surgeon will provide the patient with recommendations.
The surgeons at Chau Plastic Surgery perform this procedure for women who reside in and around the Metro Detroit Area, as well as for out-of-town patients who visit Metro Detroit to have their breast augmentations performed by a top reconstructive and plastic surgeon. Dr. Bruce Chau and Dr. Barak Tanzman use their experience performing these procedures, their artistic vision and surgical skills to create each breast augmentation patient with the beautifully shaped, voluptuous breasts she desires.
Breast Lift/Mastopexy
A mastopexy is performed to address drooping or sagging breasts. Droopy breasts can arise after an individual loses a significant amount of weight, following pregnancy and breastfeeding, or due to overly large, heavy breasts.
With this plastic surgery procedure, surgeons can return the patient’s breasts to a more youthful-looking position on her chest. The surgeon also reduces the size of the patient’s nipple-areolar complexes.
During a breast lift in Metro Detroit, the surgeon improves the contour of the breast by removing any excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. The breast mound is moved to a higher position on the chest, the size of the patient’s nipple-areola complexes is reduced so that they are proportionate to the newly created breast mounds. The plastic surgeon then moves the nipple-areolar complexes to her new breast mounds.
Breast Reduction Surgery/Reduction Mammaplasty at Chau Plastic Surgery in Metro Detroit
Overly large breasts can lead to shoulder, neck and/or back pain. Besides causing unnecessary pain, large breasts can directly affect other areas of an individual’s life. For example, an individual with large breasts may avoid exercising or participating in activities that may make the breasts more noticeable (e.g., swimming, etc.). In addition, due to unwanted attention and the restrictions overly large breasts can cause, women with enormous breasts may begin to feel self-conscious.
During a Metro Detroit reduction mammaplasty, the surgeon creates what is referred to as an anchor incision. This incision is created around the nipple-areola complex, continuing down the center of the underside of the breast until it reaches the inframammary fold that is located at the base of the breast. Another incision is created along the inframammary fold.
With this plastic surgery procedure, Dr. Bruce Chau and Dr. Barak Tanzman are able to remove excess breast tissue and then reshape the patient’s remaining breast tissue. The size of the nipple-areolar complexes is reduced before they are repositioned on the beautifully shaped, round breast mounds that the surgeon has created higher up on the patient’s chest.
Breast Reconstruction
Most women who are diagnosed with breast cancer and then undergo a mastectomy struggle with the changes in their physical appearance, which, understandably, frequently results in the onset of an array of emotions. Whether a woman has undergone a single- or a double-mastectomy, breast reconstruction surgery can help her feel more whole and improve her self-confidence level, which is vital following these circumstances.
Women who have had or are about to have a mastectomy should contact Chau Plastic Surgery to schedule a complimentary consultation with an experienced plastic and reconstructive surgeon. The surgeons at Chau Plastic Surgery are dedicated to helping women in and around the Metro Detroit Area regain their confidence. Following a mastectomy, Dr. Bruce Chau and Dr. Barak Tanzman create these women the beautiful, natural-looking breasts they desire.
Patients have two breast reconstruction techniques to choose from:
1. An autologous tissue breast reconstruction (tissue-flap reconstruction) – During this procedure, the surgeon harvests tissue from the patient’s buttocks, abdomen, thighs or back to rebuild her breasts.
2. A prosthetic reconstruction procedure – The surgeon uses breast implants to create the patient beautifully shaped breasts.
Body Plastic Surgery & Body Contouring Procedures Available in Metro Detroit, MI
Body Lift/Lipectomy
Bariatric surgery is used to help an individual lose a substantial amount of weight, quickly. Although losing this excess weight is fantastic for the individual’s health, the stretched skin may no longer have the amount of elasticity necessary to retract. When it is unable to retract, the patient is left with loose, hanging skin.
Dr. Bruce Chau and Dr. Barak Tanzman believe that after losing a substantial amount of weight, individuals should be able to feel good about the way they look. For this reason, Dr. Chau and Dr. Tanzman perform lipectomy procedures in Metro Detroit to address the excess skin that remains following significant weight loss and/or pregnancy.
If this hanging skin continuously rests on top of another part of the body (e.g., the lower abdomen resting on top of the pelvic area, etc.), the skin-on-skin contact and subcutaneous fat in these areas causes sweating. Since this area remains moist, skin irritations such as yeast dermatitis, fissures and intertrigo frequently develop. These irritations may itch and/or cause pain. Another problem that people with loose, hanging skin experience is difficulty finding clothes that fit properly.
During a circumferential body lift, the surgeon removes fatty tissue and excess skin from the lower and middle abdominal areas. The abdominal wall is also tightened, which gives the patient a flatter, more tone-looking abdomen.
The incision for a circumferential body lift is created directly above the pelvic bone, therefore, the resulting scar remains well hidden beneath the patient’s undergarments and swimwear.
Since a circumferential body lift is considered a major surgical procedure, the surgeons at Chau Plastic Surgery perform these procedures at a Metro Detroit Area hospital.
Traditional Liposuction/ Suction-Assisted Lipectomy/Lipoplasty/Liposculpture – with VASER Included
Lipoplasty is meant to be used as a tool for eliminating fat from areas of the body that are difficult to address with diet and exercise.
During a liposuction procedure, Dr. Bruce Chau and Dr. Barak Tanzman can remove excess body fat from the buttocks, thighs, abdomen, back, arms, upper neck/chin and jawline.
A traditional liposuction procedure involves injecting a saline solution (i.e., tumescent fluid) into the areas receiving treatment. The saline solution helps separate the fat and skin from other structures before fat removal begins.
Since the surgeons at Chau Plastic Surgery use VASER technology prior to removing the fat, ultrasonic waves specifically target the fat cells and shrink them even more, thus, ensuring minimal disruption of the surrounding tissues, nerves and blood vessels as the fat is removed.
Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty in Metro Detroit
Nearly everyone wants to have a flat, well-toned abdomen, however, for some, even diet and exercise cannot achieve these highly sought-after abdominal characteristics.
Women who have carried a baby to term frequently experience issues related to their abdomen and rectus abdominis muscles. The abdominal changes that occur during the latter months of pregnancy a stretching of the right and left rectus abdominis muscles. Once stretched, these muscles separate and weaken. The only way to correct this problem is with a surgical procedure.
During an abdominoplasty at Chau Plastic Surgery in Metro Detroit, the surgeon makes an incision that runs from one hip to the other. An incision is then created around the patient’s navel (i.e., belly button, umbilicus). The skin is lifted off the rectus abdominis muscles and then pulled downward. The surgeon will then address any issues related to the rectus abdominis muscles.
Typically, the surgeon uses a stitch to bring these muscles closer together.
After removing any remaining excess skin, the surgeon closes the hip-to-hip incision using dissolvable sutures.
The navel incision may be closed using dissolvable stitches and/or sutures that will need to be removed in a week or two.
A Mini-Tummy Tuck
Individuals with a minimal amount of excess skin beneath the navel may be good candidates for a mini-tummy tuck.
This Metro Detroit plastic surgery procedure requires a shorter incision than its traditional counterpart. The mini-tummy tuck incision is created directly above the pubic area.
During a mini-tummy tuck, the surgeon does not address the navel or the abdominal muscles, therefore, patients having this procedure must already have tight abdominal muscles.
A Fleur-De-Lis Abdominoplasty
This abdominoplasty procedure is more aggressive than the traditional abdominoplasty and is reserved for patients who have lost a substantial amount of weight.
During a Fleur-De-Lis abdominoplasty, the plastic surgeon removes skin from both the mid and lower abdomen. The incision created for this plastic surgery procedure resembles an upside down ‘T’.
Excess skin on the lower abdomen and lax skin in the flank areas are excised. In addition, the surgeon uses a suture to bring the abdominal muscles closer together, the surgeon resections the skin down the midline, thus, improving the contour of the mid torso.
A Lipoabdominoplasty in Metro Detroit
Abdominal changes are common following pregnancy as well as after gaining weight and then losing it. The stretching of the skin and abdominal muscles that occurs during pregnancy and/or due to weight gain cannot be corrected via diet and exercise. Surgical intervention is the only way to correct these problems. The lipoabdominoplasty offers patients a combination procedure that includes liposuction and an abdominoplasty.
During a lipoabdominoplasty, the surgeon creates tiny incisions in the abdominal area. A saline solution (i.e., tumescent fluid) is injected into the abdomen. This solution breaks up the fat and separates it from the skin. At Chau Plastic Surgery in Metro Detroit, ultrasound energy is also used to break-up the fat and to tighten the skin. Then, using a cannula, which is a thin, hollow tube, the surgeon removes excess fatty tissue in the abdominal area via liposuction.
Following fat removal, any lax skin that remains in the patient’s mid-section is removed.
During the abdominoplasty, the surgeon tightens the rectus abdominis muscles, removes excess skin in the abdominal area and then tightens the remaining skin to provide the patient with a flatter-looking stomach.
Body Reshaping/Body Contouring
Dr. Bruce Chau and Dr. Barak Tanzman can use a variety of procedures to reshape areas of the body that a patient considers undesirable. Some of the treatments and procedures they use to improve body shape include: liposuction, a tummy tuck, and VASERshape™ Treatments.
Non-Surgical Procedures and Treatments Available at Chau Plastic Surgery in Metro Detroit
Botox® Cosmetic
Botox® is used to eliminate facial wrinkles resulting from repetitive muscle movements.
Botox® can be used to address:
- Wrinkles that form at the outer corner of the eye (i.e., crow’s feet).
- Horizontal creases that develop across the forehead.
- Vertical lines that develop above the nose, in between the eyebrows (i.e., glabellar lines, frown lines or ‘elevens’).
- Skin on the chin that resembles cobblestone.
By temporarily paralyzing the muscles responsible for creating these facial characteristics, the patient enjoys a more youthful appearance.
The results attained with Botox® last anywhere from three to 12 months.
Dermal Fillers and Autologous Fat
In Metro Detroit, dermal fillers are used to plump the lips as well as to reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles. There are dermal fillers that consist of hyaluronic acid, collagen, polylactic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite. In addition, patients can use their own harvested fat to fill fine lines and wrinkles.
At Chau Plastic Surgery in Metro Detroit, dermal fillers are frequently used to address:
- Hollow-looking cheeks.
- The vertical lines that develop around the mouth (i.e., smoker’s lines).
- Hollowing around the eyes.
- The creases that run from the side of the nose to the corner of the mouth (i.e., nasolabial folds).
- The lines that begin at the corners of the mouth, extending downward toward the chin (i.e., marionette lines).
Dermal filler results usually last from 10 to 12 months.
Semi-Permanent Dermal Filler
At Chau Plastic Surgery in Metro Detroit, a semi-permanent dermal filler consisting of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is used to address the signs of aging. This filler can address medium to deep facial wrinkles. However, PMMA is not recommended for lip plumping.
The results achieved with this semi-permanent dermal filler last from 12 to 18 months.
Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing/DOT Therapy
DOT therapy can improve the texture and tone of the skin. In addition, it may be used to treat age spots, acne or wound scars, crow’s feet, sun-damaged or sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles. After DOT therapy, patients enjoy smoother, clearer and more youthful-looking skin.
This innovative skin-resurfacing method is safer and offers a faster recovery than can be accomplished with traditional laser resurfacing methods.
A Juvéderm Voluma® XC Dermal Filler Treatment
Juvéderm Voluma® XC is a dermal filler that is used to instantly add volume to the cheeks and smooth wrinkles to provide the patient with a more youthful appearance.
There is little to no downtime after this treatment and the results attained can last up to 24 months.
The Profound Lift
The Profound Lift is an energy-based microneedling treatment that can help reduce the signs of aging in the neck and the face. The energy emitted during the Profound Lift encourages the body to create collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, which are the building blocks that smooth the skin, increase its elasticity and add volume. This procedure takes around 45 minutes.
Some results become evident in about two weeks; however, full results are not visible until six to nine months following treatment. The Profound Lift can help an individual appear younger without undergoing plastic surgery.
A Sculptra® Treatment
Sculptra® treatments are ideal for individuals who would like to replenish and revitalize their skin to diminish the signs of aging.
Sculptra® consists of Poly-L-Lactic Acid, which is a compound that the body creates following exercise.
Sculptra® stimulates the production of collagen, which is the protein responsible for keeping the skin resilient.
Typically, final results become visual within six months of the treatment. The results attained can last up to 24 months.
A VASERshape™ Treatment at Chau Plastic Surgery in Metro Detroit
VASERshape™ treatments in Metro Detroit are performed almost anywhere on the body (e.g., abdomen, legs, arms, etc.).
This non-invasive procedure is used to tighten, smooth and tone the skin. During this procedure, the surgeon uses a combination of manual massage and ultrasound technology to warm the tissues beneath the skin. These actions facilitate the release of any excess fluid trapped within the fat cells.
The surgeon will then manually move this material towards the patient’s lymphatic system so that it can be removed from the body. The heat created also helps stimulate collagen production, which could help tighten the skin.
Depending on the number of areas being treated, a Metro Detroit VASERshape™ treatment can last up to 60 minutes.
Results are visible immediately, but patients can expect to see continuing improvement for several months.
As long as the patient maintains a healthy lifestyle, results can be permanent.
ZO® Skin Health Care Products
A healthy skin care regimen is crucial to maintaining youthful, radiant-looking skin. ZO® Skin Health care products are available at Chau Plastic Surgery. These products are specifically designed to protect, nourish and enhance one’s complexion.
Individuals who would like to learn more about the procedures and products available at Chau Plastic Surgery in Metro Detroit should contact the office at (248) 799-2880 to schedule a complimentary consultation. To fill out the online appointment request form, please click here. Virtual consultations are also available.
Chau Plastic Surgery is located at 27901 Woodward Avenue, Suite 100, Berkeley, Michigan.
Out-of-town patients are always welcome. To learn more about traveling to Metro Detroit for plastic or reconstructive surgery, and/or cosmetic treatments, please click here.
