Posted on February 23, 2010 in Breast, Breast Reduction
Breast reduction surgery is one of the top five reconstructive procedures in the U.S. according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. It can have a dramatic effect on the lives of women who are embarrassed by the large size of their breasts as well as those who have physical discomfort because of them.
Like many plastic surgery options, the specific technique selected for breast reduction will depend on individual factors, but the most common method involves making incisions, and removing excess breast tissue, fat and skin through them. While it is impossible to perform a breast reduction safely without any residual scarring, at our office we are careful to help minimize scarring by making the smallest incisions possible and removing the majority of excess breast fat through liposuction.
You may be a good candidate for breast reduction if:
- Your breasts are too large in proportion to your body frame
- You have back, neck or should pain caused by the weight of your breasts
- One breast is larger than the other
- You are embarrassed by the size of your breasts, and the attention they get
- Your breast size restricts your ability to perform certain physical tasks and/or exercise
If you are considering breast reduction surgery, the first step is a detailed consultation. At our office, we will ask about your desired breast size as well as anything else about your breasts that you would like to be improved. We evaluate by taking measurements as well as photographs. The size and shape of our breasts, the quality of your skin, and the placement of the nipples and areolas are carefully evaluated before we determine the exact surgical procedure that will be used.
Breast reduction can be performed at any age but I usually recommend waiting until breast development has stopped. Childbirth and breast feeding can also have significant effects on the size and shape of breasts, so that is also something I routinely discuss with patients who may want to undergo the procedure before having children. If someone also plans on losing a significant amount of weight, I may recommend putting off breast reduction surgery until that weight goal is achieved since breasts sometimes become smaller with weight loss.
Posted on February 12, 2010 in Laser Skin Resurfacing, Skin Care
The ability to remove one’s wrinkles is a great way to reduce the signs of aging. There are a variety of safe and effective procedures for reducing wrinkles including:
- BOTOX® injections
- Restylane® injections
- Collagen injections
- Dermabrasions
- Chemical peels
All of these reduce wrinkles in some form or another. However, for some the effectiveness is limited (BOTOX® cosmetic, Restylane®, collagen) while for others the procedure is fairly painful and abrasive (dermabrasions and chemical peels). That is why cosmetic scientists worked to developed laser skin resurfacing–a treatment designed to provide you with new and fresh skin without any harsh or invasive chemicals.
How Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Work?
Laser skin resurfacing has multiple types of treatments, many of which work in different ways. For example, some lasers break up and remove top layers of skin so more youthful softer layers may flourish. Other lasers do nothing to the top layer of skin, but rather stimulate growth in the bottom layers to provide extra softness and consistency. Which you choose depends on your ultimate goal.
Laser skin resurfacing is not just for wrinkles either. It can also be used for acne removal as well as removing scars and odd pigments.
What are the Risks of Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Though the procedure is fairly safe, there are some side effects that may be caused by skin resurfacing, as well as some unusual risks as well. Scarring and pigmentation issues are always a risk when putting lasers to one’s skin, though these risks are minimal. Burning and irritation are also a concern. Perhaps more interestingly, however, is that this type of procedure has the ability to release viruses that may have been kept silent beneath your skin, such as causing a dormant herpes virus to suddenly be released. Still, these affects are fairly rare, and you must have a dormant virus in order for it to surface.
Overall, laser skin resurfacing is a generally safe procedure with a variety of benefits over the alternative options. Though it costs approximately $1,500 (depending on type of laser), it lasts for several years and has very noticeable benefits.
Posted on in Microdermabrasion, Non Surgical Procedures
Microdermabrasion – What to Expect from Non-Surgical Cosmetic Treatments
Microdermabrasion is a process of sloughing off dead layers of skin by non-allergenic microcrystals. No chemicals are used in microdermabrasion. It is a non-invasive procedure accomplished by polishing facial skin with a spray of the microcrystals. Microdermabrasion is a quick and painless method of revealing healthy skin underneath damaged outer layers. It is a popular form of cosmetic enhancement. Microdermabrasion takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes by a cosmetic dermatologist or in an aesthetic clinic.
Microdermabrasion is suitable for adults who have minor skin imperfections, such as fine lines, uneven pigmentation, poor skin texture or oily skin, enlarged or clogged pores, and mild acne scarring. Patients should be in good health and avoid tanning or waxing for two weeks prior to the procedure.
Microdermabrasion will not eliminate deep scarring, wrinkles, or lines. Patients with an autoimmune condition, active rosacea, facial warts, lesions, herpes, unstable diabetes, or who are pregnant are not viable candidates for microdermabrasion. In addition, candidates who have undergone recent cosmetic facial plastic surgery procedures, including facelift and eyelid surgery, should wait three weeks before microdermabrasion.
Microdermabrasion by a qualified plastic surgeon is important to negate possible negative consequences. An inexperienced or unqualified skin care professional poses potential infection from unsanitary equipment, skin perforation by crystals applied at too high an intensity or eye damage from stray crystals.
Microdermasbrasion is performed with a hand held device that sprays the crystals against the skin. A vacuum effect removes the crystals and dead skin. The removal of dead skin encourages new skin layers to grow thicker and produce collagen and elastin. Usually 5 to 12 treatments at three week intervals are needed to realize optimum results.
Sun exposure should be avoided and hydrating facial cream applied to reduce tenderness from microdermabrasion treatment. A pink or red hue for the first couple of days is normal. Makeup is discouraged until the skin has healed. Results are immediate although a full course of treatments is needed before ideal results of improved color, tone, elimination of fine lines, and mild acne scars are fully apparent.
Posted on February 11, 2010 in Face, Facelift
General Information about Facelifts (Rhytidectomy)
Everyone ages at a different rate and has different feelings about the aging process. Although a facelift doesn’t stop the aging process, it may help a woman whose face looks prematurely old. In our youth-centered culture, it may also be important to slow down the aging process as much as possible for professional or personal reasons. Since all surgeries have inherent risks, however, it is important that you choose to have a facelift because you believe it will improve the quality of your life. You should never undergo the risks of surgery to satisfy someone else’s image of who you ought to be.
Having Realistic Expectations
If you are thinking of getting a facelift, consider the following questions: Are you healthy? Do you smoke? (If yes, you need to stop smoking first.) Are you generally a happy person with a positive, upbeat viewpoint? Would non-surgical rejuvenation techniques postpone or eliminate the need for actual surgery? How would you be able to deal with it if more surgeries became necessary? Since a facelift is temporary, are you at peace with that?
Facelift Types
The official name for a facelift is a rhytidectomy. The goal of a facelift is to help you look younger by removing fat and wrinkles from your face and neck. Sometimes a facelift is done in conjunction with a brow lift and eyelid surgery as well.
During a traditional facelift, the surgeon makes incisions on the edges of both sides of your face, starting at the temple and ending below and behind the ear. The surgeon works under the skin to tighten muscles and sculpt or remove fat. The surgeon removes extra skin, repositions the remaining skin, and closes the incisions with sutures or glue.
During a limited incision facelift, the incisions are shorter and start a little lower on the face. The surgeon might make additional incisions at the lower eyelids and below the upper lip.
During a neck lift, the surgeon begins the cut in front of the ear lobe and ends the cut behind the ear. This allows the surgeon to get to the fat and loose skin under the chin and on the neck.
Posted on in Body, Liposuction
Common Concerns About Liposuction (Lipoplasty)
Liposuction is a popular surgical procedure that removes unwanted fat from your body. It is usually performed on the neck, arms, breasts, abdomen, hips, or thighs. Sometimes a surgeon will combine liposuction with other procedures, such as breast augmentation, breast reduction, or a tummy tuck.
When performing traditional liposuction, a surgeon generally puts sterile fluid into the area where the liposuction is to be performed, then inserts a small tube, called a cannula. The cannula loosens the fat, and a surgical vacuum or syringe removes the fat through the cannula.
All plastic surgeries have risks. If the surgery goes badly, then the area where the liposuction was performed could look awful. At worst, you could also end up with serious medical problems. You want to be sure that you are a good candidate for the surgery, and you also want to find the best doctor possible. You may want to consider selecting only someone who is a board-certified plastic surgeon and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
The success of your liposuction really does depend on the skill of your surgeon. A lot of people will be happy to take your money, but not all of them will do a good job. Do your homework. Know what the options are, and pick the most qualified person you can to perform the surgery.
Your best, most natural alternative to traditional liposuction is diet and exercise. If you can accept your body for what it is and take good care of it, you will save money and avoid a lot of risk.
Non-surgical alternatives are not considered to be medical treatments and are not supervised by the FDA. People can advertise techniques and results, but they don’t have to back up their claims the same way they would be required to do for something that was classified as a medical treatment. Be cautious about paying good money for something that may not give you the best results.
The cost of your surgery is determined by the doctor’s skill and the location of his or her location. Expect to pay for the cosmetic surgeon based in his or her reputation, the anesthesiologist, and the facility where the surgery is performed.
Posted on in Breast, Breast Implants
Breast Implants – Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you are thinking about getting saline breast implants or silicone breast implants, it is important that you are well informed about what to expect with breast augmentation surgery. Below are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about breast implants.
What is a saline breast implant?
A saline implant is filled with sterile salt water at the time of surgery and the fullness can be adjusted. A saline implant leak will cause the implant to collapse. The leaked saline is absorbed by the body and discharged. Saline implants are approved for women over the age of 18 years.
What is a silicone implant?
A silicone implant is filled with a moveable gel that mimics the movement and feel of breast tissue. If a silicone implant leaks, the leakage may be contained within the shell or escape into the body. Silicone implants do not necessarily collapse when they leak. MRI examinations every two years are recommended to detect leaks or ruptures. Women over the age of 22 years are approved for silicone implants.
Which is better: saline or silicone implants?
In the end, the decision is entirely up to you. There are pros and cons to both types of implants. Some women feel saline implants make their breasts feel too hard, however, improved surgical techniques seem to have mainly overcome this drawback. While silicone implants feel more natural, it might not be possible to know if they leak and entail regular MRI examinations to assess their condition.
How safe are implants?
Both saline and silicone implants are considered safe, even if they leak. If they rupture, you will require further breast augmentation surgery to remove the old implants and insert new ones. Leaking implants may eventually cause pain, but they are not proven to increase the risk of breast cancer or connective tissue disease.
Can I still breastfeed with implants and is it safe?
The majority of women can still breastfeed after breast implants. However, if the implants are inserted through an incision beneath the nipple or on top of breast muscle, there is a possibility breastfeeding may be more difficult or impossible. Studies have proved that silicone cannot be passed to infants through breast milk.
Posted on in Laser Hair Removal, Non Surgical Procedures
Laser Hair Removal – Who is an ideal candidate?
It seems that women are forever to be judged, not only by men but by other women. For instance, if a woman has excess hair growing from one part of her body, she may be judged by both men and women. The simple fact of the matter is, however, that many women have excess hair growing in places that they would prefer it didn’t. This excess hair can easily be taken care of, though, thanks to laser hair removal.
Laser hair removal is a treatment that is performed in a cosmetic surgeon’s office or a cosmetic laser center. It is a treatment that uses lasers to kill the hair follicle, ensuring that the hair does not grow back again. While it may take a few treatments to work properly, this method of hair removal is probably the best way to get rid of unwanted hair once and for all.
There are many people who are great candidates for laser hair removal, as it is a very safe procedure to have done. The best candidate for this procedure, according to cosmetic surgeons, is someone who has light skin and dark hair. This is because they want to ensure that the laser sees the hair without seeing the skin. If you have any pigmentation in the hair that is going to be removed at all, you are a good candidate for laser hair removal.
Candidates who perhaps may not be ideal for this procedure include people who have white or very blonde hair. It is difficult for the laser to sense where the hair is and where the skin is. And it is also not recommended for people who are trying to get rid of hair around their eyes, such as a unibrow. These people would do better with electrolysis or waxing. Basically, anyone who has some pigmentation to their hair and who has realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure can be a great candidate for laser hair removal. Before you make a final determination, make sure you speak with a cosmetic surgeon about laser hair removal to see if you are a good candidate.
Posted on February 10, 2010 in Face, Facelift
There is no question that there has been great progress in minimally invasive and non-surgical procedures to help you look younger. But if you’ve developed jowls and a double chin, and your face is lined with deep creases, the time may be right for a full facelift.
Non-surgical rejuvenation treatments certainly have an important role: they may help delay the time at which a facelift becomes appropriate. They may also complement the results of surgery at some point. But these treatments cannot achieve the same results as a facelift.
First: a caveat. A facelift is NOT right for everyone. The first and perhaps most important criteria is a realistic attitude. A facelift will not change your fundamental appearance, nor will it stop aging altogether, although techniques we’ve perfected may last more than a decade.
The ideal candidate for a facelift has good facial skin elasticity, is in good physical health, is psychologically stable and a non-smoker.
At the Robert Zubowski MD Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, a facelift is a highly individualized procedure. Essentially, it consists of lifting skin away from the fat and muscle underneath it. Excess fat is removed, and the tissue and skin is re-secured. For some people, a facelift may also involve a combination of procedures to help erase that double chin, for example, or eliminate the bags under your eyes. Every person is different, and we work with them – and computer programs — to make sure that they know what to expect once they are fully healed.
We also take the time to help ensure that the facelift you are considering is being done for the right reason: for yourself – not to make a partner appreciate you more or to fit an idealized vision of what you should look like.
Getting a facelift will smooth out wrinkles, remove fine lines around your eyes, correct that saggy chin – results you will see in the mirror each day. If your facial features don’t reflect the energy and spirit you feel, a facelift may be the right move to turn back the hands of time and feel better about yourself.
