With summer right around the corner, we all want to look our best—which is why we turned to board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael K. Newman of South Bay Plastic Surgeons in Torrance, California. SBPS offers a range of cosmetic and reconstructive breast enhancement procedures, surgical body contouring, and facial rejuvenation performed by an experienced and qualified team of board-certified plastic surgeons and professional staff.

Dr. Newman took the time to answer our most pressing questions, from the most popular enhancement procedures to tips for those considering getting plastic surgery for the first time:

What are some of the most popular enhancement procedures at the moment?

Botox remains the most popular procedure at our spa and it has dominated the market for years. Botox is unique among aesthetic treatments since it actually prevents aging rather than trying to reverse the aging process. Most treatments try to turn back the clock by repairing skin damage from aging. Botox stops the aging process in its tracks so it is best to start Botox at a relatively younger age. Other popular treatments include fillers, laser treatments such as photofacials, microneedling, Coolsculpting, and threadlifts.

Are there any recent innovations in enhancement procedures?

There is a new Botox alternative called Jeaveau that will be released later this year that should offer a more affordable alternative with similar effectiveness. That will definitely lead to some big changes in the market. Also, there are several companies releasing new products that can be used for threadlifts, mostly for the face and neck. These products can lift the face and neck while adding volume. This is an exciting new alternative for patients that want some improvement with minimal downtime. Small threads can be placed under the skin to lift the tissue while the client is awake.  Clients can return to work or social events within a few hours with a refreshed appearance that lasts months to years.

What enhancements would you recommend to clients looking to get summer beach body-ready?

For all of us getting ready for the summer, now is the time to get Coolsculpting performed. The treatment reduces fat through an in-office 30-minute procedure that is performed while the client is awake. Common treatment areas include the abdomen, flanks, and thighs. Swelling after the procedure can last one to two months, so best to come in now in order to get that body beach-ready by summer!

What is the average downtime on these different procedures?

Most spa procedures have a downtime of a few minutes to a few days. We offer evening and weekend hours for those clients with busy work days. You can have a procedure in the evening and be ready for work the next morning. For more involved procedures, you can have a treatment on Friday and then take the weekend to recover.

Are there any risks/side effects to getting any procedures?

There are always risks to any procedure and some of the risks can be very serious, so make sure you go to a provider that you trust with a good reputation.

Do you have any tips for those who are considering getting plastic surgery for the first time?

Our strongest recommendation is to see a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon regarding your treatment options.  Or be sure to go to a medical spa with supervision by a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon. Don't cut corners with your health. If you have a limited budget, it’s better to have fewer quality treatments rather than going to a discount provider and taking a chance. Don't put yourself in a situation where your health or care could be compromised—it often costs much more to fix a problem than it does to have it done right in the first place.

For more information and to book your next procedure, visit plasticsurgerysource.com and follow them on Instagram: @southbayplasticsurgeons

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk