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Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm

Joseph A. Mele, M.D. , F.A.C.S., 130 La Casa Via, Ste 206, Walnut Creek, CA (2026)

01/26/2026

Patients increasingly prefer more proportionate implants that fit active lifestyles and leaner athletic body proportions over dramatic sizes. This includes popular taglines like "yoga b***s" and "ballerina breasts" for subtle enhancements. Big, bold looks are declining in favor of individualized outcomes. Many opt for modest sizing based on chest width, tissue thickness, and shape rather than cup size alone.

Hybrid approaches are also becoming more popular. Combining smaller implants with fat transfer (autologous fat grafting) for a more organic feel, shape, and modest volume increase, often avoiding overdone, rounder results.

On the other hand, much larger breast implants have also been approved by the FDA, primarily to match larger breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, with the maximum size currently set at 1445 cc.

For information about the recent advances in Breast Implants, read the latest San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog post here:

https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/whats-new-in-breast-augmentation

12/22/2025

Infant Cured of Previously Incurable Disease with Gene Therapy

I’ve written about gene therapy in the past. Two years ago, I posted an article about the first FDA approved therapies to treat sickle cell disease. These therapies are aimed at preventing the severe complications of sickling and work by altering the hemoglobin inside red blood cells. For sickle cell, the therapy is ex vivo, the cells are edited outside the body and then returned.

A lot has happened in the field of gene therapy in the last two years. This year, gene therapy has become more personal, quicker to develop, and it is done in vivo, with the editing infused directly into the patient.

Earlier this year, an infant with a previously incurable and deadly genetic defect was cured by personalized gene therapy treatment. The infant was diagnosed with carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) deficiency. This enzyme is required to detoxify the byproducts of protein metabolism. Without CPS1, ammonia levels climb causing severe damage to the liver and brain.

Treatment of CPS1 deficiency includes a low protein diet until old enough for a liver transplant. While waiting, however, there is a significant risk of organ failure, brain swelling, irreversible brain damage, coma and death.

One of the most amazing aspects of this treatment is the speed with which it was administered. The in vivo CRISPR therapy was developed and delivered in just six months. This opens the door for early intervention for genetic diseases that lead to rapid decline early in life.

https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/infant-cured-of-previously-incurable-disease-with-gene-therapy/

12/15/2025

Earlier this year, a federal court delivered a clear victory for patient safety and transparency by rejecting an attempt to overturn California’s Truth-in-Advertising law. California has a 90-year-old statute, which prohibits the use of the title “doctor” in a health care setting by anyone other than licensed physicians. The law has been attacked many times, but it has stood the test of time.

Healthcare providers are required to clearly state their licensure (e.g. MD, DO, RN, PA, NP) alongside their title in all marketing and patient communication to comply with the law. The intended goal is that patients can understand that “Doctor” in California’s clinical setting means an MD or DO. You should ask about a provider’s specific license and training if you’re unsure. These can also be confirmed on the California Medical Board’s website.

https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/in-california-doctors-are-mds-and-dos-only

11/03/2025

The Benefits of Breast Reconstruction

Breast Reconstruction benefits patients physically and emotionally. The physical benefits are obvious. The ability to fit comfortably in clothing is taken for granted, until after a mastectomy. While external padding can work for some patients, these can be hot and sweaty against the skin, and do not permit the showing of cleavage.

The emotional boost after Breast Reconstruction is undeniable. It provides women with a sense of control and the ability to take back their body. While some patients are very happy without reconstruction, the majority deserve to have this option to help them get past cancer and on with their lives.

Advancement in Breast Reconstruction

Over the last 25 years, the laws have not kept up with science. Medical advancements are not always covered, and patients are losing access to excellent choices. Even when access is available, insurance companies often unnecessarily prolong the process with denials and delays designed to demoralize.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is working hard to update legislation to improve access to breast reconstruction for all. More information, and how you can help, is available on today's San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog here:

https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/asps-is-expanding-your-access-to-breast-reconstruction

10/20/2025

Losing Weight and Losing Hair

There is no direct evidence that GLP1s are toxic to hair follicles; however, this class of medications can cause rapid weight loss, which can cause telogen effluvium (TE). TE is not male pattern hair loss, in fact there is no pattern to it. TE is global. It affects the entire scalp.

How to Recognize Telogen Effluvium (TE)

Normally 5-10% of our hair follicles are resting (in telogen). These are the follicles which shed, and at 5-10% we usually do not notice. In TE, defuse shedding occurs as a result of a much larger percentage of hair follicles go to sleep. Typically this occurs a few months after a trigger.

Telogen Effluvium from GLP-1s typically occurs two to three months after starting, or significantly increasing, the dose of the medication. You may notice more hair in the shower or on your brush. The loss is diffuse, and not in spots or a pattern like along the anterior hairline or the vertex of the scalp.

Today we discuss weight loss associated hair shedding and how to treat it.

https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/is-your-glp-1-medication-causing-hair-loss

10/06/2025

Gynecomastia is the medical term for the enlargement of male breast tissue. It is a common condition that affects millions of men worldwide, regardless of age or body type. The enlargement can be caused by hormonal imbalance, certain medications, genetics, or other medical factors. While not typically dangerous, gynecomastia often causes significant emotional distress, embarrassment, and self-consciousness.

Male Breast Reduction Surgery, or Gynecomastia Correction, is a procedure designed to flatten and firm the chest by removing excess glandular tissue, fat, and sometimes skin. Regardless of the technique, the goal is to create a more masculine, contoured chest that looks natural both in and out of clothing. Today’s post reviews the most common procedures, and why they are selected, but first let’s review the causes of Gynecomastia.

https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/male-breast-reduction-and-gynecomastia-re

09/17/2025

What is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that improves the appearance or function of the eyelids. It can be done on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. While many patients choose it for cosmetic reasons (to look younger or more refreshed), it is also performed for functional purposes — such as improving vision if drooping eyelids block your vision.

Today, we discuss who gets Blepharoplasty and details about the procedure. Read all about eyelid surgery here:

https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/blepharoplasty-is-cosmetic-and-functional-eyelid-surgery

09/03/2025

Otoplasty is Cosmetic Ear Surgery designed to change the shape, position, or to a lesser extent the size of the ears. It’s most commonly performed to correct ears that stick out too far (also called Protruding Ears) or to address irregular shapes due to genetics, injury, or prior surgery. Prominent Ears are corrected via Ear Pinning.

Today, the San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog details some helpful facts about Otoplasty including who, what, where, when, why and alternatives too. Read more here:

https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/otoplasty-and-ear-pinning-for-children-and-adults

08/11/2025

Choosing whether to have breast augmentation — and which method to use — requires a clear understanding of goals, lifestyle, budget, and medical factors. Important steps are outlined in today's post.

Breast Augmentation can be life-changing for those seeking enhanced curves, restored volume, or improved symmetry. It offers customizable, often long-lasting results and high patient satisfaction rates. However, it also carries risks, requires maintenance, and may not be the right choice for everyone.

The key is making an informed, personalized decision in consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon. In the San Francisco Bay Area call (925) 943-6353 for a personalized and private Breast Augmentation Consultation. A thoughtful, well-researched approach ensures the safest path toward a result that aligns with both your body and your confidence.

https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/breast-augmentation-pros-cons-and-alternatives/

07/28/2025

After weight loss, skin laxity is a common and undesirable problem. In my San Francisco Bay Area Plastic Surgery clinic, many patients seek to complete their weight loss journey with the removal of excess skin. Whether their weight loss is due to bariatric surgery, GLP-1 treatment or diet and exercise, all patients desire the same outcome – to eliminate the burden of loose, saggy skin.

Tummy Tucks are the most common post-bariatric plastic surgery with Breast Enhancement coming in second. The extremities are next with Arm Lifts or Brachioplasty leading Thigh Lifts.

My weight loss patients often express that they have done the work, but want to tighten up the results and eliminate the reminders of their former selves. That’s where I, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, can help. After a thorough in person consultation, a treatment plan is developed to address the most troublesome areas – the arms, belly, breast, face and thighs. Today, we will focus on Brachioplasty also referred to as bat wing surgery or more commonly an Arm Lift.

https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/lift-your-arms-for-a-fitter-look-after-weight-loss/

07/14/2025

The Mission of the American Board of Plastic Surgery Inc., is to promote safe, ethical, efficacious plastic surgery to the public by maintaining high standards for the education, examination, certification and continuous certification of plastic surgeons as specialists and subspecialists.”

Directors of The American Board of Plastic Surgery are actively engaged in the practice of plastic surgery. Importantly, unlike other medical boards, these members volunteer to serve without remuneration.

If your surgeon is well trained, and has sufficient experience, then the chances of a good result are enhanced. Board Certification is one way to check on your chosen surgeons training. It is not the only way, but it might be the easiest way. You should check your surgeon’s board certifications and state medical license status on-line. It’s quick and it’s easy. I've included the links in today's San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog post.

https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/american-board-of-plastic-surgery-certification-continues

06/30/2025

Every year the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) publishes their procedural statistics. This year, 2024, the numbers are up again. All procedures by ASPS members show modest increases of up to 3%.

The top five cosmetic plastic surgeries of 2024 are:

Liposuction
Breast Augmentation
Abdominoplasty
Breast Lift
Blepharoplasty

These procedures are the most requested cosmetic surgeries year after year, and in 2024, they were requested a little more.

In today's San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog post I breakdown the 2024 plastic surgery stats by areas: Breast, Body and Face. I have included details like the numbers performed and the percentage change compared to 2023. I also provide the stats for minimally invasive procedures like botox and fillers.

https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/american-society-of-plastic-surgeons-announces-2024-stats

Joseph A. Mele, M.D. , F.A.C.S.

01/26/2026

12/22/2025

12/15/2025

11/03/2025

10/20/2025

10/06/2025

09/17/2025

09/03/2025

08/11/2025

07/28/2025

07/14/2025

06/30/2025

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Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm