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Joseph A. Mele, III, MD, Inc, 130 La Casa Via, Ste. 206, Walnut Creek, CA (2026)

03/10/2026

I am proud and humbled to receive the 2026 Talk Award for Service Excellence again this year. Awarded for excellence in patient satisfaction as rated online by The Talk Awards, we have received 5 stars for fifteen years in a row.

The plaque says it all:

“Fifteen consecutive years of service excellence presented to Joseph A. Mele, MD, FACS, Cosmetic Plastic Surgery. Award category: Plastic Surgeons | Walnut Creek, California. Five stars awarded for excellence in patient satisfaction as rated online by the Talk Awards.”

If you would like to experience Personalized Plastic Surgery from an award winning Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Team, call (925) 943-6363 today. My team and I are motivated to give you a five star experience. More information about specific procedures is available here on the San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog and on my main site DrMele.com.

You can read more about the award here:

https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/2026-talk-award-winner-joseph-a-mele-iii-md-facs/

02/23/2026

The Tummy Tuck remains one of the most frequently requested cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. About 175,000 Abdominoplasties are performed in the US each year, making it the third most popular cosmetic surgery. 98% Tummy Tucks are performed for women, with 2% performed for men after weight loss. If you are considering a Tummy Tuck, what do you need to know? Today, I am answering the top 10 frequently asked questions about Abdominoplasty.

Read all about it here:

https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/abdominoplasty-and-tummy-tuck-frequently-asked-questions/

02/09/2026

The clinical management of children and adolescents presenting with gender dysphoria or gender incongruence has undergone rapid change, and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) wishes to offer guidance to members providing gender surgery services for this population. This position statement discusses the views of ASPS on breast/chest, ge***al, and facial gender surgery for individuals under the age of 19.

Today’s release is very similar to guidelines issued two years ago, and has been reinforced with continued clinical research into the well being of our patients.

It should be noted that ASPS members do the vast majority of gender affirming surgery for men and women, cis and trans. This position takes into consideration both the benefits and harms that irreversible medical decisions have, specifically for the treatment of patients below the age of 19.

https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/gender-surgery-for-children-and-adolescents/

02/02/2026

Plastic Surgery includes a large variety of elective procedures designed to enhance appearance. Procedures like, Liposuction, Facelifts, Eyelid Lifts, Breast Enhancement and Tummy Tucks can improve self esteem, but how do you pick the best Plastic Surgeon? One that listens to your concerns and helps you achieve your desired results.

The Gold Standard organization certifying qualified Plastic Surgeons is the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This ABMS certified board certifies the Plastic Surgeons have: 1) The proper prerequisite training by checking training programs 2) The proper knowledge base through written and oral examinations 3) Continued learning through CME requirements and yearly testing 4) Patient safety by requiring all certificate holders to operate in certified centers

But that's just the first step. For information on how to successfully choose your Plastic Surgeon check today's San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog:

https://www.sanfranciscoplasticsurgeryblog.com/what-should-i-look-for-in-a-plastic-surgeon

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

09/03/2025

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/

Joseph A. Mele, III, MD, Inc

03/10/2026

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