Plastic Surgery FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions – Dr. Stephen Bresnick
Welcome to the practice of Dr. Stephen Bresnick, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Encino, California. Choosing plastic surgery is a significant decision, and our goal is to help you feel confident and informed before you take the next step. Whether you’re considering breast augmentation, breast lift surgery, facelift and neck lift surgery, tummy tuck surgery, or liposuction, these FAQs bring common questions into one easy-to-navigate resource for patients throughout the greater Los Angeles area.
If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, call (818) 981-3333 or send us a message.
Main FAQs
Stephen Bresnick, M.D. is located at 16633 Ventura Blvd, Suite 110 – Lobby Level, Encino, CA 91436.
Dr. Stephen Bresnick is a board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced training that includes craniofacial surgery. Patients often seek him for detail-driven planning, a natural aesthetic, and a consultation style that prioritizes education and realistic expectations.
Dr. Bresnick specializes in facial rejuvenation, breast surgery, and body contouring. Some of these include breast augmentation, breast lift, facelift and neck lift, tummy tuck, and liposuction.
Most procedures on this page are cosmetic and are typically paid for out of pocket. If your consultation includes a functional or reconstructive concern, our team can explain what to expect for documentation and planning.
Financing options may be available, and our team can review payment options and next steps when you schedule.
Yes. Virtual consultations may be available for select patients and early planning, and our team will guide you on what photos or information are needed.
We welcome patients from Encino and communities throughout the greater Los Angeles area.
Your consultation is designed to be thorough and personal. Dr. Bresnick will discuss your goals, review your medical history, examine your anatomy, and recommend a plan that fits your priorities and timeline.
Patients often value a surgeon-led experience that emphasizes meticulous technique, individualized
Breast Augmentation FAQs
Breast augmentation enhances breast volume, projection, and shape using implants. It is commonly chosen to improve proportion, restore volume after pregnancy or weight loss, or correct asymmetry
Good candidates are generally in good health, at a stable weight, and want improvement in volume or shape with realistic expectations. Your consultation also focuses on skin elasticity and existing tissue support.
Dr. Bresnick offers silicone gel implants, highly cohesive silicone (“gummy bear”) implants, and saline implants so that your plan can match your goals for feel and appearance.
Silicone gel implants are known for a soft, natural feel. Highly cohesive “gummy bear” implants are form-stable and tend to be a bit firmer, which can be helpful for certain shaping goals.
Sizing is based on your chest width, tissue characteristics, skin elasticity, and your preferred look in and out of clothing. The goal is an implant that complements your proportions and supports a stable long-term result.
Many patients choose round implants for upper and lower fullness. Contoured (teardrop) implants can mimic a natural slope, and the right choice depends on your anatomy and desired contour.
Common incision options include periareolar (around the areola), inframammary (in the breast crease), and transaxillary (in the underarm). Dr. Bresnick will always recommend the best approach based on your anatomy, goals, and surgical plan.
Dr. Bresnick uses advanced techniques and specialized instruments that can reduce infection risk, support smaller incisions, and help recovery feel more comfortable compared with older methods.
Most patients experience swelling and tightness during the first week. Many patients feel comfortable driving and returning to work within about 5 days, while heavy lifting and strenuous activity are typically restricted for several weeks.
Many patients can breastfeed after augmentation, but it cannot be guaranteed. Nipple sensation changes can happen temporarily, and risk varies based on implant size, tissue stretch, and your anatomy.
Planning ahead reduces stress and helps you follow restrictions consistently:
- Arrange a driver and support for the first 24 hours
- Prepare front-opening tops to avoid overhead strain
- Set up a comfortable rest area with pillows for elevation
- Keep medications, water, and essentials within easy reach
When your home setup is ready, it is easier to rest, manage swelling, and allow implants to settle smoothly.
Breast Lift FAQs
A breast lift (mastopexy) corrects sagging by removing excess skin, reshaping breast tissue, and repositioning the breasts higher on the chest wall. It can also reduce enlarged areolas when that is part of the concern.
Dr. Bresnick may recommend a breast lift if the nipples sit below the breast crease, point downward, or if the breast looks deflated with loose skin. During your consultation, he will take measurements to confirm what approach will be most effective.
A breast lift improves position and shape, but it does not add volume. Some patients feel slightly smaller because the breast becomes firmer, more compact, and supported.
A lift addresses sagging and nipple position, while augmentation adds volume. If you want both elevation and fullness, Dr. Bresnick may recommend combining a lift with implants.
Yes. Many patients prefer a lift without implants when they like their natural size but want a firmer, more youthful breast shape.
For select patients with mild sagging, Dr. Bresnick may discuss a peri-areolar (“doughnut”) lift, or a crescent lift when the areola position is the primary issue and overall breast shape is less of a concern.
Breast lift surgery is performed at the Encino Surgicenter, located adjacent to the office, so patients can recover close to the care team and follow-up schedule.
Most patients go home the same day. You will wear an elastic bandage or support bra as incisions heal, avoid heavy lifting early on, and gradually return to normal activity as swelling improves.
Recovery is progressive. Many patients feel steadily better week by week, with full recovery commonly around 8 weeks depending on your procedure plan and how you heal.
Yes. Breast lift surgery is often combined with breast augmentation or included as part of a broader body contouring plan when it is safe and recovery demands are realistic.
A simple plan helps protect results and reduce early stress:
- Arrange help at home for lifting limits and daily tasks
- Plan time off work and keep your schedule light early on
- Wear your support bra exactly as directed
- Begin scar care only when you are cleared and protect scars from sun exposure
When aftercare is consistent, swelling typically resolves more evenly and scars tend to mature more favorably over time.
Facelift and Neck Lift FAQs
Facelift and neck lift surgery addresses sagging in the cheeks, jawline, and neck to restore a more youthful contour. The goal is to look like you, only refreshed and more rested.
Dr. Bresnick tightens deeper facial and neck structures so the skin can be naturally redraped. This approach is designed to avoid an over-tightened look and create a smoother contour.
Dr. Bresnick performs several approaches, including mini facelift, lower facelift, full facelift, and neck lift. Your consultation determines what best matches your anatomy and goals.
A mini facelift focuses on earlier changes and mild laxity. A lower facelift focuses on the neck, jawline, and lower cheek. A full facelift addresses the neck, jawline, and cheek area more comprehensively.
Not always, but sometimes. Some patients benefit from neck-focused treatment alone, while others need face and neck addressed together for a balanced transition. Dr. Bresnick will determine the appropriate approach during your consultation.
Yes. Improving jowls and restoring jawline definition are common goals, especially when heaviness in the lower face makes you look tired or older than you feel.
Yes. Many patients combine facelift and neck lift surgery with eyelid surgery, brow procedures, or skin treatments when multiple areas contribute to facial aging and Dr. Bresnick determines it is safe to combine.
Incisions are planned around the ears and hairline in locations designed to camouflage scars as they heal. Scar visibility also depends on healing, sun protection, and aftercare.
Facelift results are long-lasting, but aging continues. Most patients appreciate that they still look like themselves, just younger and more refreshed.
Yes. Virtual consultations may be available for early planning, especially for patients traveling in or coordinating schedules before an in-person visit.
Preparing in advance can help you feel calmer and more organized:
- Plan a quiet first week and avoid major events early on
- Arrange support for transportation and assistance the first night after surgery
- Set up head elevation for sleep and rest
- Follow medication and smoking guidance to support healing
When recovery logistics are planned ahead of time, swelling management is easier and results tend to settle more smoothly.
Tummy Tuck FAQs
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) removes excess skin and fat and tightens the abdominal wall to restore a flatter, smoother midsection. Many patients pursue it after pregnancy or significant weight change.
Dr. Bresnick repairs the lining of the abdominal muscles in multiple layers, then removes excess skin and fat to create a firmer abdominal contour.
If belly button repositioning is needed, Dr. Bresnick plans it to look natural and proportional to your new contour.
Sometimes. Stretch marks on the lower abdomen may be removed with excess skin, while stretch marks on the upper abdomen typically remain but are repositioned.
Tummy tuck surgery commonly takes about two to three hours, depending on whether additional contouring (such as liposuction) is included.
Dr. Bresnick uses an On-Q pain pump that provides local anesthetic for more than two days to improve comfort during the earliest recovery period.
Many patients return to work after about two weeks depending on job demands and how they heal. Exercise timing is staged, and some patients may resume exercise around four weeks with clearance.
Yes. Options may include a limited or skin-only tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck, or a lower body lift, depending on where laxity exists and whether muscle repair is needed. During your consultation, Dr. Bresnick will help determine the appropriate approach for your unique needs
A skin-only tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat without muscle repair, which can mean faster recovery for the right candidate. A full tummy tuck includes deeper tightening when muscle laxity is part of the issue.
Ideal candidates are non-smokers in good health who are near a stable goal weight and are bothered by loose skin or weakened abdominal support after pregnancy or significant weight loss.
A well-planned recovery setup helps you protect your repair and reduce stress:
- Arrange help for lifting, errands, meals, and childcare
- Set up a rest area with pillows for elevation and easy movement
- Place essentials at counter height to reduce bending and reaching
- Keep your schedule light so that you can rest and walk consistently
When support is in place, it is easier to follow restrictions and let swelling improve steadily as your contour settles.
Liposuction FAQs
Liposuction removes localized fat deposits to improve shape and contour. It is a body contouring procedure rather than a primary weight-loss solution.
Dr. Bresnick performs tumescent liposuction and power assisted liposuction (PAL). Your consultation determines which technique best matches your goals and tissue characteristics.
Tumescent liposuction involves injecting a solution containing saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine to soften fat and help minimize swelling and bruising during removal.
PAL uses a vibrating cannula to help remove fat with less trauma and more controlled contouring. Dr. Bresnick has extensive experience with PAL and emphasizes smooth, natural-looking results.
Common treatment areas include the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, back, and neck. Your plan focuses on smooth transitions, so the result looks balanced.
Many liposuction procedures are outpatient, and patients typically go home the same day after a short recovery period.
Liposuction removes fat but does not reliably tighten significant loose skin. If skin laxity is the main issue, Dr. Bresnick may recommend a lift procedure or a different surgical approach.
Most patients are back to regular activities quickly, with many returning to work within about a week depending on the number of areas treated. Exercise can generally be resumed gradually, often within about four to six weeks with clearance.
Yes. You will be provided supportive compression garments to help reduce swelling and support the treated areas as they heal.
Many patients notice improvement early, with continued refinement as swelling and bruising fade. Contour clarity improves significantly over the first several weeks.
Consistency matters while swelling resolves and tissues settle:
- Wear compression garments as directed and keep wear consistent
- Walk daily, but avoid strenuous activity until you are cleared
- Stay hydrated and keep sodium reasonable to help swelling improve
- Maintain stable weight so results are not masked by new fat gain
With consistent aftercare, swelling tends to resolve more evenly and your final contour is easier to maintain.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Stephen Bresnick Today
With compassion and precision, Dr. Stephen Bresnick will help you understand your options and build a plan that fits your goals, anatomy, and timeline.
Call (818) 981-3333 or send us a message to schedule your consultation today.