Dr. Ritu Chopra
PLASTIC SURGEON
Beverly Hills, CaliforniaOffice Location
310.777.3438
“I combine eastern wisdom with         
           cutting-edge western medicine.”
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NewBeauty Expert since:

Services Offered

  • Abdominoplasty
  • Aesthetic Injectables
  • Blepharoplasty
  • Body Contouring
  • Body Lift
  • Breast Augmentation / Reduction
  • Breast Lift
  • Breast Reconstruction
  • Browlift
  • Facelift / Mid-Facelift
  • Facial Implants
  • Necklift
  • Rhinoplasty

Expert Insight


Facial Evolution

Early on, in the 20s and early 30s, it’s about prevention—investing in a good cleanser, exfoliant, sunblock and moisturizer. “In the late 30s and into the 40s, we start to see sun damage on the skin and the amount of collagen we produce drops so it’s important to use nutrient-rich serums in your beauty routine to replenish it,” he says. Later in the 40s, textural changes in the skin might warrant a facial peel or CO2 laser treatment, which helps stimulate collagen production. Also, injectable fillers may be needed to address volume loss in the face or developing lines. “Once we get into the 50s and later, neck laxity and jowling and also crepiness around the eyes become apparent,” Dr. Chopra says. “That’s when surgeries including facelifts and blepharoplasties are options, but every patient is individual, and we look at the face as a whole to create comprehensive beauty.”

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Two Worlds—One Skin-Care Line

Based on the idea of perfect balance inspired by nature, RATIO products use formulations that blend Eastern and Western medicine. “There are so many homeopathic ingredients that aren’t being featured in skin care today,” says Dr. Chopra. “There are things such as Japanese mushrooms, prickly pear and turmeric that people have been using for centuries that clearly work with skin. We’ve included them in our line, as well as modern peptides, vitamins and antioxidants for a more complete product.” For more information, visit ratioskincare.com. 

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Philosophy

Board certified in plastic surgery and fellowship-trained in plastic surgery at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine in New York, Dr. Ritu Chopra incorporates an East-Meets-West philosophy when treating patients.

Expert Insight

Two Worlds—One Skin-Care Line

Based on the idea of perfect balance inspired by nature, RATIO products use formulations that blend Eastern and Western medicine. “There are so many homeopathic ingredients that aren’t being featured in skin care today,” says Dr. Chopra. “There are things such as Japanese mushrooms, prickly pear and turmeric that people have been using for centuries that clearly work with skin. We’ve included them in our line, as well as modern peptides, vitamins and antioxidants for a more complete product.” For more information, visit ratioskincare.com. 

Facial Evolution

Early on, in the 20s and early 30s, it’s about prevention—investing in a good cleanser, exfoliant, sunblock and moisturizer. “In the late 30s and into the 40s, we start to see sun damage on the skin and the amount of collagen we produce drops so it’s important to use nutrient-rich serums in your beauty routine to replenish it,” he says. Later in the 40s, textural changes in the skin might warrant a facial peel or CO2 laser treatment, which helps stimulate collagen production. Also, injectable fillers may be needed to address volume loss in the face or developing lines. “Once we get into the 50s and later, neck laxity and jowling and also crepiness around the eyes become apparent,” Dr. Chopra says. “That’s when surgeries including facelifts and blepharoplasties are options, but every patient is individual, and we look at the face as a whole to create comprehensive beauty.”

Philosophy

Board certified in plastic surgery and fellowship-trained in plastic surgery at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine in New York, Dr. Ritu Chopra incorporates an East-Meets-West philosophy when treating patients.

About my practice:

How do you educate the public?
I've been on multiple news programs and the doctors as a guest. It gives me a chance to share with a wide audience. I like being a go-to guy for health and beauty locally and internationally.
Is there a treatment that fades scars from cosmetic surgery procedures?

We use pulse dye laser treatments in conjunction with silicone-based adhesive strips. Silicone in gel or tape used for 6 to 8 weeks post-op dramatically decreases incision scars or wounds. 

What is a useful beauty tip for our readers?

Don't underestimate the power of natural remedies. Whether it's a honey-based mask or an exfoliator made with pineapple, there are plenty of things you can do at home.

How do you educate the public?

I've been on multiple news programs and the doctors as a guest. It gives me a chance to share with a wide audience. I like being a go-to guy for health and beauty locally and internationally.

About me:

How do medi-spa services complement your practice?
The same way a sculptor may sand or paint his art to finish it, we use spa and skin-care services to put the finishing touches on our work.
How does your background influence your approach?
My family is from India, and I'm familiar with ayurvedic medicine, which helped when we were in the process of developing ratio. Being raised that way has given me a more holistic perspective.
How does the dynamic between you and dr. Andrew Ordon benefit patients?
We have such a wide range of experience to offer patients. Dr. Ordon has been practicing for decades and has incredible depth of knowledge, and I bring new and cutting-edge techniques to the practice. Patients receive multiple perspectives with two generations of surgeons.
Describe your relationship with your patients.
I care about my patients, especially after I operate on them. I follow up with them and I'm in constant contact with them because I want to know how they're doing.
What is your beauty philosophy?
I never push a procedure on a patient. I would rather the patient be happy than give them something they don't need. Also, I believe beauty goes hand in hand with proper diet and exercise. It's that total package of combining health, skin care and aesthetics that is going to provide the best results.

Education & Credentials

EDUCATION:

Residency:

  • Cedar-Sinai Medical Center, General Surgery

Fellowship:

  • Fellowship, Albert Einstein School of Medicine Montefiore, Plastic Surgery

BOARD-CERTIFICATION:

  • American Board of Plastic Surgery

AFFILIATIONS:

  • American Society of Plastic Surgeons
  • American College of Surgeons
  • American Medical Association

Q&A

Narrow by treatment:

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    • Body Lift
    • Breast Augmentation
    • Breast Implants
    • Breast Lift
    • Breast Reduction
    • Injectables And Fillers
    • Liposuction
    • Mommy Makeover
    • Skin Tighteners
    • Tummy Tuck
liposuction

LIPOSUCTION

How do I get the best results with liposuction?

It’s not really the machine that matters but the practitioner that matters. Someone who has been doing liposuction for a long time knows what to do for good results. Don’t get lured into doing something for the novelty of a new kind of liposuction treatment because technology is only as good as the person wielding it.

What should I expect in terms of recovery after liposuction?

I think it’s key that after the procedure you use the compression garments. I consider it 50 percent of the treatment. Many people don’t wear them all the time or long enough. I like my patients to wear them 24 hours a day for three weeks and then at night (about 12 hours) for an additional three weeks. It is uncomfortable, but it’s a huge part of liposuction. The results are definitely gradual, meaning they get better over time. Patients should know that immediately after the procedure they are going to be a little swollen and puffy. It’s not until they shed all that water weight that the results really start to be visible. Patience is important.

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BODY LIFT

How do you get rid of sagging skin on the body?

It’s important to look at why the skin laxity is there. Is it weight loss? Is it aging? For minor skin laxity, there are some noninvasive things that we like to use such as Thermage that can help if you’re in the right demographic. Obviously, in cases of massive weight loss or significantly stretched skin post-pregnancy, the skin needs to be excised with body contouring to address the issue properly. This is when Dr. Ordon and I can work together to get a lot of procedures done in a short amount of time. Having two surgeons working on different body parts, we can do two surgeries in the time it takes to do one.

breast_lift

BREAST LIFT

Can I breastfeed after a breast lift, augmentation or reduction?

Any time you operate on the breast there is a chance for the inability to breastfeed. Generally about 20 to 25 percent of women who undergo a breast procedure will have to supplement breast milk with formula.

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BREAST REDUCTION

What type of scarring is there with a breast reduction?

With a breast reduction, you can use similar incisions to a breast lift. You can do it around the areola; around the areola and down the breast in a lollipop shape; or in a Y pattern, which goes around the areola, down the breast and along the crease. We typically reserve that last more invasive incision for much larger breasts.

Can I breastfeed after a breast lift, augmentation or reduction?

Any time you operate on the breast there is a chance for the inability to breastfeed. Generally about 20 to 25 percent of women who undergo a breast procedure will have to supplement breast milk with formula.

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BREAST AUGMENTATION

What kind of recovery should a patient expect after a breast augmentation?

They are generally sore for the first couple of days if implants are placed sub-pectoral; so expect 4 days of discomfort. There is a little pain the first day. We give patients a muscle relaxant, pain meds and antibiotics to help. 

Can I breastfeed after a breast lift, augmentation or reduction?

Any time you operate on the breast there is a chance for the inability to breastfeed. Generally about 20 to 25 percent of women who undergo a breast procedure will have to supplement breast milk with formula.

What kind of recovery should a patient expect after a breast augmentation?

They are generally sore for the first couple of days if implants are placed sub-pectoral; so expect four days of discomfort. There is a little pain the first day. We give patients a muscle relaxant, pain meds and antibiotics to help.

breast_implant_main_GS326088

BREAST IMPLANTS

How do I know what size, shape and type of implant is best for me?

It’s really based on breast diameter and the distance from the sternum to the nipple. There are formulas for this.  They should be symmetric from the shoulder to the hips. 

Can I breastfeed after a breast lift, augmentation or reduction?

Any time you operate on the breast there is a chance for the inability to breastfeed. Generally about 20 to 25 percent of women who undergo a breast procedure will have to supplement breast milk with formula.

tummy tuck

TUMMY TUCK

What is a pain pump and when is it used? When and how is it removed?

We use pain pumps for some abdominoplasty. It gives a little bit of local anesthetic to the area placated with a tummy tuck.  It numbs your muscles for a couple of hours.  The jury is still out on them.  A lot of doctors use them and a lot don’t.  I use them with breast reconstruction or mastectomies. Any surgery where there is a lot of pain. The problem is that often times if a patient is in a lot of pain it notifies us there could possibly be blood under the flap, a pain pump can mask symptoms. 

What is the difference between a full, modified and mini tummy tuck?

You have to address the laxity of the rectus muscles caused by pregnancy. There is nothing a personal trainer can do to take out the laxity without sutures. 

What kind of recovery should a patient expect after a tummy tuck? Are there drains?

I always tell my patients that after a tummy tuck you need a good 7 to 10 days off of work and help at home.  Not because it is that painful, but you are sore and you have drains. In 12 to 14 days you can go back to work and back to walking; and in about 6 weeks you can get back to regular exercise.

SKIN_TIGHT_Shutterstock_2675108

SKIN TIGHTENERS

How do you get rid of sagging skin on the body?

It’s important to look at why the skin laxity is there. Is it weight loss? Is it aging? For minor skin laxity, there are some noninvasive things that we like to use such as Thermage that can help if you’re in the right demographic. Obviously, in cases of massive weight loss or significantly stretched skin post-pregnancy, the skin needs to be excised with body contouring to address the issue properly. This is when Dr. Ordon and I can work together to get a lot of procedures done in a short amount of time. Having two surgeons working on different body parts, we can do two surgeries in the time it takes to do one.

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MOMMY MAKEOVER

What does a “mommy makeover” accomplish?

A mommy makeover clearly involves anything you can do to get a woman’s body back after she has had babies. It can be liposuction alone, to a breast lift and a tummy tuck. It rejuvenates the breasts and tummy to what they had before they were pregnant.  

Injectables & Fillers

INJECTABLES AND FILLERS

What are the best nonsurgical ways to rejuvenate the face?

It all depends on what age demographic the patient is in. When they are younger, we’re getting rid of wrinkles with products like Botox and hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm. For restoring more volume we like Radiesse and Sculptra. If the patient needs more volume, we like to use the patient’s own fat and stem cells as fillers. There is a lot more research that needs to be done but we are on the cutting edge of using fat as a facial filler. Everything is done under the guise that we’re picking the right treatment for the right patient. You see some older celebrities who look overfilled because they are trying to get a lift with product alone. When patients are older we have to take that into consideration so minimally invasive options may not give them the results they want.

Videos

Beauty Trends at BeWell Expo 2012
Dr. Ritu Chopra
Hundreds of visitors attended the 2012 BeWell Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center to learn about the biggest trends in beauty, plastic surgery, skin care, products and more. That's where NewBeauty caught up with brands like Coola Suncare and Osmosis to find out how to best fight signs of aging and avoid sun damage. We also saw new nail polish colors from CND Shellac and makeup colors from Jane Iredale. We spoke with doctors like Beverly Hills, CA, plastic surgeon Ritu Chopra, MD, who presented revision rhinoplasty information on stage, as well as Beverly Hills, CA, plastic surgeon Garo Kassabian, MD, who talked about his product line Lift MD, while Beverly Hills, CA, cosmetic dentist Laurence Rifkin, DDS, shared the latest trends in dentistry. Watch the video to learn about the biggest beauty trends from these brands and more!

Testimonials

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Contact

Locations

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Primary Location
465 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite #1001
Beverly Hills, CA, 90210
Ph: 310.777.3438
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Secondary Location
71-949 Highway 111, Suite #300
Rancho Mirage, CA, 92270
Ph: 760.568.2211

Doctor Q&A

What is a pain pump and when is it used? When and how is it removed?

We use pain pumps for some abdominoplasty. It gives a little bit of local...

What are the best nonsurgical ways to rejuvenate the face?

It all depends on what age demographic the patient is in. When they are...

What does a “mommy makeover” accomplish?

A mommy makeover clearly involves anything you can do to get a woman’s...

What is the difference between a full, modified and mini tummy tuck?

You have to address the laxity of the rectus muscles caused by pregnancy....

See all

The Doctor Speaks