Dr. Shafa is a highly-skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon in Santa Monica, CA, who delivers personalized, natural-looking outcomes to patients. He is committed to staying ahead of the curve when it comes to advances in the cosmetic field and offers a wide array of aesthetic solutions using cutting-edge techniques and a finely honed artistic eye.
What Is Plastic Surgery? A Quick Primer for Santa Monica Patients
Plastic surgery is a broad surgical specialty that covers two distinct goals: reconstructive procedures, which restore form and function after injury, illness, or congenital conditions, and cosmetic procedures, which reshape healthy tissue to change appearance.
Dr. Shafa’s Santa Monica practice focuses primarily on the cosmetic side by helping patients enhance their shape, correct the effects of pregnancy or major weight loss, and feel more confident in their bodies — while drawing on the same reconstructive training and board certification that plastic surgery as a discipline requires.
Breast procedures in Santa Monica
Dr. Shafa specializes in customized breast procedures that enhance the physique and elevate self-confidence. Whether you are looking to increase your cup size, reduce discomfort from heavy, pendulous breasts, or undergo a gender-confirming procedure, Dr. Shafa possesses the compassion, artistry, and skill to make your surgical journey successful and stress-free.
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation can help improve balance in the figure by enlarging the chest through implants or fat transfer. Women report enhanced self-confidence and enjoy a wider array of clothing and swimwear choices after surgery.
Breast Lift
Breast lift surgery can correct breast ptosis (sagging) and improve nipple position. The surgery is often performed after pregnancy, massive weight loss, or the onset of aging.
Breast Reduction
If heavy, oversized breasts are causing discomfort, self-consciousness, and fatigue, breast reduction surgery can be performed to restore your quality of life. The surgery often leads to increased stamina and vitality.
Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction can be performed after a mastectomy to restore harmony and peace of mind. The surgery can help recreate the silhouette while boosting self-confidence.
Gynecomastia Surgery
For men struggling with excess breast tissue, gynecomastia treatment can be transformational. The surgery restores a flat, sculpted upper body profile, which can lead to a more positive self-image.
Top Surgery
Gender-confirming surgery can lead to a surge of self-confidence and security for transgender individuals. Top surgery for MTF or FTM patients enhances alignment between the inner and outer selves.
Additional Breast Surgeries
Dr. Shafa offers nipple and areola surgery, as well as procedures to correct tuberous breasts. His goal is always to deliver elegant, natural-looking outcomes tailored to the individual.
Body procedures in Santa Monica
Many of Dr. Shafa’s patients are committed to a healthy lifestyle and follow a strict diet and exercise regimen. However, this is not always enough to produce their ideal physique. Stubborn fat can be next to impossible to eradicate without cosmetic intervention. Thankfully, Dr. Shafa performs an array of strategic body contouring procedures to help patients achieve their goals.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a cosmetic staple and among Dr. Shafa's most popular procedures. It is an excellent solution for trimming stubborn, excess fat in the arms, belly, thighs, chest, flanks, or hips.
Learn More About Liposuction in Santa Monica
Lux Lipo
Lux Lipo epitomizes advanced body contouring, seamlessly combining Vaser, Renuvion, and traditional liposuction techniques.
Learn More About Lux Lipo in Santa Monica
Brazilian Butt Lift
A Brazilian butt lift can help to enhance and redesign the silhouette, creating a more balanced and attractive figure. The procedure involves extracting fat from areas of excess and then injecting it into the buttocks for beautiful, natural-looking curves.
Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty strengthens the midsection, removing excess skin, fat, and tissue for a more youthful appearance. This surgery is often sought out after pregnancy, childbirth, or massive weight loss.
Learn More About Tummy Tucks in Santa Monica
Diastasis Recti Treatment
This procedure addresses weakened or separated abdominal muscles, which often occur after pregnancy. It may not only improve one’s appearance but can also ease discomfort and hernias.
Body Contouring
Body contouring is a cosmetic procedure aimed at reshaping and sculpting the body's contours for a more desirable and proportionate appearance. This comprehensive approach often combines surgical and non-surgical techniques to eliminate excess fat, address loose skin, and enhance overall body shape.
Learn More About Body Contouring in Santa Monica
Arm Lift & Thigh Lift
Arm and thigh lift procedures target loose, sagging skin due to aging or massive weight loss. Dr. Shafa delivers transformative results, slimming, toning, and refining the silhouette.
Learn More About Thigh Lift in Santa Monica
Labiaplasty
Enlarged labia lips may be distressing both aesthetically and physically. Labiaplasty can be instrumental in elevating a woman's self-confidence, comfort, and quality of life.
Learn More About Labiaplasty in Santa Monica
Lipoma Removal
Dr. Shafa can remove benign fatty tumors, also called lipomas. These growths sometimes cause not only aesthetic issues but physical discomfort as well.
Why choose Dr. Brian Shafa for plastic surgery in Santa Monica?
Dr. Shafa is a family man who treats every patient as he would his closest kin, carefully guiding them to make thoughtful, well-informed decisions that lead to successful and satisfying aesthetic outcomes. His medical training was obtained at among the most prestigious institutions in the country, including the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and the University of Illinois - Chicago (UIC.)
He received the elite Golden Heart Award for his selfless commitment to service during medical school. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Shafa is passionate about excellence and safety and goes to great lengths to provide outstanding care at every phase of the surgical journey.
Hospital & Academic Affiliations
Dr. Shafa’s training and affiliations include:
- Henry Ford Hospital (Detroit, MI) — completed plastic surgery residency training at this nationally recognized academic medical center.
- University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) — earned his medical degree and additional surgical training.
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center — volunteers regularly.
- Johns Hopkins / Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health — completed his degree in Biology.
- Wayne State University — his medical school
Dr. Shafa also received the Golden Heart Award for his commitment to service during medical school, and is a board-certified member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).
How to Choose a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in Santa Monica: A 5-Point Checklist
Choosing a plastic surgeon is one of the biggest decisions in the process. Here's what to check before you book.
- Confirm board certification with the ABPS, not just any board. Not all "board-certified" claims are equal. Several boards certify "cosmetic surgeons" without requiring plastic-surgery-specific residency training. Look specifically for certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and verify it yourself before your consultation.
- Review a substantial before-and-after gallery of your specific procedure. A surgeon who performs your procedure regularly should be able to show a range of real patient results, not just a highlight reel. Ask to see cases with a starting point similar to your own.
- Insist on an in-person consultation before committing. A phone quote or online estimate can't account for your anatomy, skin quality, or health history. A comprehensive consultation should include a physical exam and an honest discussion about realistic expectations.
- Confirm the surgery will take place in an accredited facility. Whether it's a hospital or an accredited outpatient surgical center, the facility should meet recognized national standards for equipment, staffing, and emergency protocols. If this information isn't provided, ask directly.
- Get clear answers on cost, financing, and recovery before you book. A reputable practice will explain the total cost, financing options, and a realistic recovery timeline in writing before requesting a deposit.
Ready to get started? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Shafa, or learn more about Dr. Shafa's training and credentials.
