Head to Toe BBL
Okay. Your first question is likely, “What is BBL?” And then maybe you’re wondering why you would need this mysterious acronym from head to toe.
First, BBL stands for broadband light. And in this case, it applies to hair removal. Second, you may not need it head to toe – unless you have embarrassingly hairy toes. (No judgment.)
The point is, you have the option to do head to toe BBL, should you so de-sire.
How Does Head to Toe BBL Work for Hair Removal
Intense pulsed light systems destroy multiple hair follicles in specifically targeted areas of the body.
The light pulses penetrate the skin and are absorbed by the hair follicles. Then the heat targets the hair follicles to obliterate the regenerative matrix that encourages pesky regrowth of the hair. Heat is applied evenly to help eliminate the possibility of missed spots.
Worry not, though.
The heat doesn’t burn or hurt the skin. In fact, the skin is continuously cooled before, during, and after the treatment with a thermoelectrically-cooled sapphire crystal hand piece. Think of it as an aesthetician’s magic wand.
Will BBL Work for You?
Once upon a time, BBL was only effective on fair-skinned individuals trying to remove brown or black hairs. That meant that patients with darker skin types or who had a tan found it ineffective. This was also the case for those who wanted to remove fine white or gray hairs.
So yeah. That left out a sizable chunk of the population.
Since that time though, BBL hair removal technology has advanced. The Sciton Forever Bare BBL hair removal method emerged to address those issues and is now available on the Sciton JOULE platform.
This advanced technology allows hair removal specialists to target not only the usual areas such as armpits, legs, and bikini lines, but large areas such as the back, shoulders, arms, and abdomen.
It’s equally effective for facial areas including the lip, chin, and beard so you can feel more confident on those FaceTime calls with faraway friends and relatives.
So Much Hair, So Little Time
So now you might be wondering how much of your time will be occupied with these light pulses. The answer is, surprisingly little!
Depending on the area being treated and the type of procedure performed, your BBL hair removal can take anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour. That’s it.
There is one caveat though – it’s not a one then done procedure. It typically takes from three to seven appointments before you start noticing permanent hair loss. And in between those sessions, you’ll have weeks and weeks of smooth skin.
Best of all, you can strike your shaving ritual right off your “to-do” list for good.
Leave the Shaving, Tweezing, and Waxing Behind
You may not be able to smooth out every part of your life, but you can get smoother skin with head to toe BBL.
It’s easy, painless, and takes almost no time.
So contact us today to speak with a hair removal specialist to set up your first session. You’ll be so glad you did.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Plastic Surgery
Nearly every plastic surgeon has been posed with the question, “Can plastic surgery help with body dysmorphic disorder?”
There is no simple answer. The relationship between body dysmorphic disorder and plastic surgery is complicated.
This is due to the complex nature of this condition. So much of it depends on the severity of the disorder.
What Is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
It’s safe to say that the vast majority of people have some aspect of their body that isn’t their favorite. It could be an uneven smile, a nose that’s too big, maybe a skin condition, or some extra weight around the middle.
Many patients feel enough dissatisfaction around these imperfections to seek out plastic surgery. For folks with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), however, the imperfections can feel larger than life. Even when they’re comparatively minor.
Those suffering with severe BDD might become so obsessed with their flaws – which in some cases are merely perceived and not even real – that they miss school or work and isolate themselves out of fear that they’re unpresentable or even hideous.
No matter how often they’re told that nothing is wrong they cannot see it and refuse to believe it. In severe cases, they cannot control their negative thoughts and fall prey to emotional distress and an inability to function in society.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Plastic Surgery
The causes of BDD are unclear and can be wide and varied. In most cases, there are certain biological and environmental factors that contribute to its development. For example, biological factors can include things such as genetic predisposition and malfunction of serotonin in the brain. Meanwhile, life experiences involving trauma or abuse may contribute on the environmental level.
Because there is such a strong psychological component, plastic surgery was for a long time contraindicated for BDD. The belief was that BDD was essentially a body image problem and that cosmetic procedures will yield little to no improvement in the patients’ perception of themselves.
Indeed, patients with severe BDD who exhibit avoidant and obsessive behavior, delusional thinking, and impaired global functioning are not likely to benefit from plastic surgery.
In these cases, psychological treatment is typically recommended – as those with severe BDD are working with flawed perception and therefore making a purely physical change will not change their outcome.
But What About Patients With Mild to Moderate BDD?
This is where treating body dysmorphic disorder with plastic surgery is starting to make some headway.
In cases where BDD is mild or even moderate but the patient is actively working with the psychological component of the disorder, plastic surgery could potentially improve their outcome.
The key is in the patient’s ability to gain the tools that help them to see that their perception is flawed, and then to have realistic expectations from the surgery. In other words, they have an understanding that plastic surgery is not a cure for their condition.
Thus, for patients with a low level of BDD who are doing the psychological work and are functioning in society, a plastic surgery procedure could move the progress along.
It’s still tricky though.
Plastic surgeons have to take extra measures in working with BDD patients. Validated preoperative assessment tools and management of post-procedure expectations are crucial for the welfare of both the patient and the physician.
Hope for Those With BDD?
Obviously, the issue of body dysmorphic disorder and plastic surgery is far from cut and dry.
But with an ever evolving understanding of BDD, there is new hope for those with mild or moderate cases to include plastic surgery as a part of their broader treatment plan.
Contact us today to find out more about how plastic surgery could improve your health and change how you feel about yourself for the better.
How Plastic Surgery Affects Self-Esteem
There are multiple reasons people seek out plastic surgery procedures. As such, there are myriad different procedures available from butt lifts to rhinoplasty to breast augmentation.
While there are those who think plastic surgery is something only the most vain among us engage in, there is something to be said for how plastic surgery affects self-esteem.
Patients who seek plastic surgery often feel self-conscious about certain aspects of their physical appearance that stand out and don’t fall in line with their personalities. If such features are very pronounced or draw negative attention, they can have deep emotional consequences.
Plastic Surgery Affects Self-Esteem
And for the better!
Studies show that the vast majority of patients are satisfied with the results of plastic surgery. However, it’s crucial that patients go in with realistic expectations. When approaching their procedure from this mindset, they not only notice improved self-esteem, but improved body image which adds to their quality of life.
And because they feel better about themselves, many report feeling less shy and more confident in how they deal with relationships at both work and at home.
Of course, not all surgeries are equal. Generally speaking, the more impactful the surgery, the bigger difference it’ll make. For example, patients who have rhinoplasty or breast augmentation procedures are likely to report a bigger boost in self-esteem than those who have more restorative procedures such as a facelift or Botox.
Even so, although such procedures have more subtle results, that doesn’t mean there is no noticeable difference in self-esteem. It’s just often commensurate with how much of a change occurs as a result of the procedure.
What the Studies Further Say
Studies have shown that people report increased satisfaction with body image after the procedure, with many reporting that plastic surgery boosts their quality of life and self-confidence in the long term.
In fact, when David Sarwer, PhD was an Associate Professor of Psychology at the Center for Human Appearance at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 2005, he found that 87% of patients reported satisfaction with their overall body image (and especially with the body part that was altered) a year after receiving plastic surgery. They also noted feeling less negative about their body image in social situations. The study was supported by the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation.
These days, Dr. Sarwer is Associate Dean for Research and Director of the Center for Obesity Research and Education at the College of Public Health at Temple University. He maintains an active program of research on the psychological aspects of physical appearance.
With the ever increasing popularity of plastic surgery procedures, his findings have prompted him to question whether more psychologists will begin to examine the link between improving appearance as a means to address psychiatric disorders such as eating disorders, social phobia and sexual functioning.
“Scientifically, we’re just starting to catch up to the popularity of [plastic surgery] in the population,” he says. Whatever the case, it seems clear that plastic surgery is so much more than plumping lips and shrinking bellies. With its positive impact on self-esteem, it could just have far-reaching psychological benefits as well.
And that’s saying a lot.
Could You Use a Boost in Self-Esteem?
If there’s some aspect of your physical appearance that leaves you feeling overly self-conscious and is zapping your confidence, why struggle with these emotional consequences?
It’s obvious that plastic surgery affects self-esteem in a really positive way. So contact us today for a free consultation to discuss the area(s) you’d like to target.
It could be the difference between simply living, and living your fullest and happiest life.
How Often Should I Get a Facial?
Once you get your first facial, you’ll be amazed by the results. While there are at-home treatments that can help to maintain your skin in between facials, nothing can take the place of a regular professional facial.
Yet even though a facial can leave your skin feeling refreshed and renewed, it’s not something you should be doing every week. So then you may be wondering, how often should I get a facial?
Before we explore that, let’s first take a look at what happens during a facial.
A Facial Can Include Many Components
There is a wide range of facial treatments. They can generally be broken down into the following treatments:
- chemical peel
- HydraFacial
- extraction
- lymphatic drainage
- LED facial
But it isn’t so simple as just choosing one of these items. Many facials will incorporate multiple types of these treatments. For the sake of simplicity, we’ll look at two different facial treatments and what they entail.
- The “Classic” Facial
At one time, there was only one kind of facial. This is now known as the classic or traditional facial. And it’s still effective in bringing a youthful look and glow to your face.
With this sort of facial, you are fitted with a customized mask that cleans your pores, exfoliates dead skin cells, and addresses other concerns you might have.
It begins with a skincare specialist removing any traces of makeup and dirt by gently massaging cleanser into your face and neck. After that, the cleanser is removed with warm water and a soft cloth or cotton pad. The specialist then utilizes a scrub or exfoliating cream to buff away dead skin cells.
Once that is complete, excess oil or dead skin skills that are clogging pores are removed through an extraction process. In most cases, the facial concludes with a massage that aims to improve the lymphatic drainage.
- HydraFacial
A light acid peel is applied to dissolve damaged and dead skin cells. Excess oil, dirt, and other detritus is then removed with an extraction nozzle that helps to open up the pores.
Finally, a tool is utilized to infuse a special serum formulated to address your specific skin type and issues. The serum also serves to increase elasticity and boost hydration. The entire non-invasive process takes 30 – 45 minutes.
Once again, there aren’t just two single facials – classic and HydraFacial. You’ll find once you enter the world of facials that there are many different combinations and options.
Choosing the Right Treatment
How do you know which facial is right for you? Well, talking with your skincare specialist is the first step. He or she will ask you about your objectives and goals and guide you from there.
For example, if you’re looking to shrink your pores and address deep wrinkles, he or she may suggest a facial that includes glycolic or enzyme peels. By contrast, if it’s a brighter complexion you seek, a treatment with Vitamin C will likely be on the menu.
Which FINALLY brings us to the question:
How Often Should I Get a Facial?
As with nearly everything else in life, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.
Generally speaking, the rule of thumb is to not exceed one facial per month. But depending on the treatment you choose or what your skincare specialist recommends, you may want to draw it out to every three months. This is often the case where chemical or acid peels are involved.
In addition, there’s a wide variation in skin types and concerns. So at the end of the day, it comes down to speaking with a professional who can help you lay out the best plan for your needs and complexion.
Interested in Regular Facials?
Now that you have a clearer answer to the question of “how often should I get a facial,” why not take advantage of regular facials? Contact us today to talk to our highly skilled experts who will help you find the right combination of treatments.
Facials will keep your skin clean and clear of dirt, makeup and other “gunk” to reduce the likelihood of blemishes and acne.
The icing on the cake? You’ll see your face age more gracefully while your skin stays bright and appears more youthful.
How Plastic Surgery Extends Life Expectancy
You’d be hard pressed to find anyone that doesn’t know that the benefits of plastic surgery include increased confidence and a more youthful appearance.
But it turns out that in some cases, plastic surgery extends life expectancy too. Because there are many occasions when plastic surgery also leads to to a healthier body and lifestyle.
And improved health along with making better choices can mean a longer and more fulfilling life.
How Plastic Surgery Extends Life Expectancy
Decades ago, plastic surgery was often considered a luxury that only the rich could afford. The image was of wealthy people discussing who’d had “work” done and then attempting to one-up each other.
This is no longer the case.
For example, patients who seek out plastic surgery due to excess skin and fat often complain of back pain. This is the result of a weaker core and poor posture that come with the extra weight. In addition, carrying extra weight requires the heart to work harder and increases the risk of diabetes.
Plus, being overweight makes it harder to engage in exercise.
But liposuction, a tummy tuck or a breast reduction, for example, can help patients strengthen the core, improve posture, and decrease back and even neck pain. And lowering weight can be the difference between being able to exercise and engage in more mindful eating and getting diagnosed with diabetes or heart problems that could cut life short.
Better Seeing and Breathing Through Plastic Surgery
It’s not just about extra weight though.
Eyelid surgery is usually recommended for those who find that their eyelids have drooped with age. Such drooping can interfere with vision and make people more prone to accidents or falling.
Meanwhile, patients with a deviated septum frequently have difficulty with breathing. They may experience trouble with drainage and experience snoring – all of which can lead to serious health risks. Plastic surgery restores breathing and thereby improves health.
Even a Facelift Can Make a Difference
It might seem unlikely that even a facelift can increase life expectancy. But ask yourself this – how old do you feel?
Most of us feel younger than we look. And the older we get, the larger that chasm between how we feel and how we look grows. Repeatedly glancing into the mirror each day to find an older face staring back can zap us of our confidence and leave us feeling unsatisfied. But a facelift can restore self-esteem.
And it’s now widely accepted that improving appearance through plastic surgery can make a sizable difference in one’s life that goes beyond vanity.
In fact, a research study published in Clinical Psychological Science found that people who undergo plastic surgery are actually happier. In feeling better about their bodies and their appearance, they experienced increased confidence, improved self esteem, and a greater sense of satisfaction. All of this equals a higher quality of life.
And a happier person is a healthier person.
Improve Your Health with Plastic Surgery
It’s surprising to know that among its many benefits, plastic surgery extends life expectancy. But it also makes perfect sense.
After all, there’s a proven mind and body connection. So when we look better, we feel better. And when we feel better, we’re likely to live a healthier, happier, and more productive life.
To find out how plastic surgery could boost your confidence and ultimately help you to live a longer life, contact us today. And get ready to be amazed.
What to Look for in a Plastic Surgeon
Are you ready to take the next step on your journey to increasing confidence and looking younger? If so, you may be wondering what to look for in a plastic surgeon.
Making the decision to have a surgical procedure is a big deal and not one to take lightly. So just as you probably took time in picking your family doctor or other healthcare professional, you want to be sure you find the plastic surgeon who will serve you best.
Finding the ideal surgeon who understands and connects with you is crucial in having the best plastic surgery experience possible.
What to Look for in a Plastic Surgeon
Once you start researching the possibilities, here are the steps you’ll want to take.
- Check out the Facility
Maybe you’ve been recommended several doctors and are ready to set up an appointment. Before you do that, check out the facility where you’ll have the procedure you’re considering.
Because your surgery will more than likely take place in this facility, you want to ensure it meets the same high standards of safety, quality, and patient care that a hospital does.
The facility should have AT LEAST ONE of the following certifications:
- State licensure
- Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)
- American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAASF)
- Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC)
- Title XVIII Medicare participation
In other words, do the necessary footwork to ensure you’ll be in an accredited and accommodating facility. Any plastic surgeon worth his or her salt will ONLY perform in such facilities.
- Insist on a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Aside from an accredited facility, you’ll also want a plastic surgeon who’s board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Regard any doctor without this certification as a red flag.
Certification through the ABPS means your potential surgeon has completed a rigorous board certification process by the only plastic surgery board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
A surgeon who’s also a member of the the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) or the the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) is a huge bonus. These aren’t certifying organizations. But they require that members follow a strict set of training and patient safety standards to qualify for and maintain membership.
All of these credentials indicate that you’ve found a highly-trained and skilled surgeon who’s qualified to perform your procedure.
- Take Advantage of Free Consultation
Once you’ve done your homework and found a doctor that meets all of the above credentials, you’ll want to actually meet with him or her.
The vast majority of plastic surgeons offer a free consultation so you can sit down with the doctor in question and get a feel for his or her work.
Consider the following questions:
- What are your aesthetic goals?
- Can the surgeon tailor your treatment to meet these goals?
- Will he or she be understanding of your specific needs?
- Does his or her artistic vision align with yours?
In sitting with your potential surgeon and having him or her answer these questions, you’ll begin to get a feel for whether you’ll have the proper rapport with him or her. This is something you won’t be able to find by merely doing a search on the internet. The right provider will also deliver a realistic timeline for your recovery based on the medical history you provide.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for photos of the surgeon’s work, as well as case studies and patient testimonials. Any surgeon that refuses to do this is not worth your time.
Are You Considering Plastic Surgery?
Now that you know what to look for in a plastic surgeon, you can begin your search.
Don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons in our accredited facility.
He or she will answer your questions and address your concerns, so you can walk away feeling confident about your procedure.
What Is the Permanence of Plastic Surgery?
If you’re pondering getting some “work” done, you may be wondering… what is the permanence of plastic surgery?
We could go all philosophical and tell you that nothing is permanent. Just as you may get work done on your house – such as a new roof – you know that over time, you will need another.
Even so, there are some plastic surgery procedures that have far more staying power than others. And there are even a few that, under the right conditions and with proper maintenance, could be permanent.
At least for the span of a person’s life. (Which, let’s face it, is also impermanent.)
The Permanence of Plastic Surgery Based on Procedures
We’ll take a look at some of the most common procedures and what you might experience in terms of how long it will last.
Liposuction
Most people get liposuction to eliminate fat in undesirable areas. Yet, while the research is inconclusive, the generally held belief is that while you can permanently remove fat from one area, it may find its way back to another area with weight gain. So why bother with liposuction?
Well, here’s why.
When done correctly by a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon, even if there is a return of fat, liposuction can result in a more shapely figure.
For example, getting liposuction to remove belly fat could result in curvier hips if new fat finds its way there. While this may not be the exact scenario, if fat does return, you can be assured it’s going to be more evenly distributed across the body and not to the problem area.
Breast Augmentation
Given the right set of circumstances, breast augmentation can last up to 25 years. Even so, some patients get updates before that time.
The main reason? Most have second thoughts about the size once they’ve had their implants for a while. They may want them larger, smaller, or removed altogether.
Which brings us to our next procedure…
Breast Reduction
This is one of the few procedures that typically garners permanent results. There are two factors that determine this though. First, the procedure must be done after puberty. And second, patients cannot experience any major weight fluctuations after the surgery if they want permanent results.
Tummy Tuck
Like a breast reduction, a tummy tuck can be permanent. But also like a breast reduction, there are factors involved.
First, and most importantly, any major weight gain (anything over 20% of the patient’s weight) will render the tummy tuck ineffective. So what a patient does post-surgery makes a huge difference in terms of how long a tummy tuck will last.
Furthermore, for a woman, it’s important that she is done having children.
And a second tummy tuck is not an option, since there isn’t enough loose skin to perform the procedure (unless, of course, the patient loses a VERY significant amount of weight).
Facelift
While a facelift can leave you looking 10, 15, or even 20 years younger, it cannot stop you from continuing to age. In most cases, a complete facelift will need to be updated in ten years; with mini face lifts coming in at more around two to five years.
There are occasions though where patients find that the initial face lift surgery sets up their face to age in a such a way that they find much more satisfying. This is particularly true for those with good genes and healthy skin. For them, no updates are required.
Brow Lift
As you age, the brows can begin to droop and result in a heavy appearance around the eyes. This can also lend to deep creases in the forehead.
Much like with a full facelift, a brow lift surgery will not stop the aging process. The natural breakdown of skin and tissues will continue even after the procedure. So the brow lift will also need updating in around ten years.
Rhinoplasty
As long as a “nose job” is successful, the bone structure in the nose is unlikely to change over time. Thus, rhinoplasty is generally considered a permanent procedure.
It’s important to note though that natural changes due to aging will still occur. Once folks hit their 60s, their noses get bigger. So it’s possible a rhinoplasty procedure done very early in life may need a revision in later years.
Get the Most From Your Plastic Surgery Procedure
If you’re still curious about the permanence of plastic surgery and are on the fence about having a procedure performed, we invite you to contact us.
During your free consultation, we’ll talk with you about what you can expect, how long your results will last, and what your role will be after your surgery.
From there, you can make a truly informed decision.
The Benefits of Microneedling
Looking for a way to make your skin look younger by smoothing over fine lines and wrinkles, while simultaneously improving tone, treating scars, and minimizing pore size?
While it may sound like a large order, microneedling does just that.
In fact, given the many benefits of microneedling, it could just be the solution you’re seeking for your particular skin problem.
What Is Microneedling?
In a nutshell, microneedling is a safe and effective way to treat scars and fine wrinkles while improving overall skin quality. The main concept behind the process is to create micro-injuries to the skin that stimulate the body’s response to heal the wound naturally.
The wound repair involves three important phases:
First, the skin is pierced to create inflammation. The immune system is then triggered to increase blood flow to the area in order to disinfect the wounds and remove debris. This, in essence, creates new tissue.
Second, the area is proliferated with new skin cells that rebuild the wounds and a fresh network of blood cells is built.
Finally, newly created blood vessels and dermal tissues replace the wounds. The turnover of skin cells increases production of elastin and collagen – which are beneficial in multiple ways.
The Benefits of Microneedling
Collagen and elastin strengthen and add structure to the skin.
Therefore, boosting production of both of these compounds is a highly effective way to prevent and even reverse signs of aging including wrinkles, crow’s feet, sagging, and age spots or other discoloration. Plus, microneedling also improves the effectiveness of topical treatments; enabling anti-aging treatments to sink deeper into the dermis.
This is also the case when using microneedling with topical treatments for acne and other scarring. And because the procedure stimulates collagen production that plumps up the area around the pores, it shrinks them. This lessens the likelihood of further acne outbreaks.
Microneedling also works wonders on reducing the appearance of stretch marks that can show up after periods of rapid growth.
And it’s also a top choice in treating the ruddiness and thickening that comes with rosacea – a skin condition that hastens the breakdown of collagen. Stimulating the growth of collagen to counter the breakdown results in skin that’s less inflamed and irritated.
How the Procedure Works
During this relatively easy procedure, an instrument with microneedles that reach a maximum size of 3mm is passed over the skin numerous times. This creates hundreds of tiny needle pricks.
In some cases, a numbing cream may be applied beforehand. But contrary to how it sounds, most microneedling patients don’t find the procedure particularly painful. Depending on the treatment site and reasons for getting the procedure, it can take up to a half an hour.
While generally done on the face to generate firmer, toned, and smoother skin, microneedling is utilized on other parts of the body as well. It can also be combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) hair restoration to promote hair growth. The addition of PRP appears to make microneedling even more effective, since both treatments stimulate collagen growth.
After a treatment, your skin specialist may recommend a serum containing vitamin C, hyaluronic acid or other ingredients to further improve the results of the procedure while healing, soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
When all is said and done, microneedling’s effects are comparable to laser and chemical peel treatments. The distinct advantage with microneedling is there is no long downtime – with patients noticing results within 24-72 hours after the procedure.
Tired of Dull, Scarred, or Ruddy Skin?
Then it’s time to embrace the many benefits of microneedling!
Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our skin specialists. And take advantage of this relatively simple procedure to brighten, smooth, tone, and rejuvenate your skin.
Choosing the Appropriate Breast Implant
Are you considering breast augmentation? If so, you may be turned off by those who have very obviously gotten a “boob job.”
This is why it’s so important to do the research and find a board-certified plastic surgeon who will guide you in choosing the appropriate breast implant for your body type.
There are several considerations.
The Proper Profile
The appropriate breast implant is going to give you the cleavage you desire. Thus, the base diameter of the breast is the most important measurement for breast implant fitting.
Once you choose the volume, then the surgeon will choose the implant profile based on that along with the base width.
To break it down, a low implant profile is going to be wider and have less projection. A moderate implant profile will be a little more narrow and have a slightly higher projection. A high implant profile means it will be even narrower and with more projection.
For patients who select a very full volume, there are also extra high profile implants that increase projection while narrowing the width so the implant can fit in the patient’s anatomical base width.
Choosing the Appropriate Breast Implant
If you’re confused, that’s okay. We’ll clarify it further.
Say that you choose a 300 cc (cubic centimeter) implant. That would be the volume portion of the equation. So that 300 cc implant is going to be available in a low profile, medium profile, and high profile. The higher or taller the profile, the narrower the width will be.
If you naturally have narrow breasts and choose a larger cc implant, your board-certified plastic surgeon will choose a higher profile with a narrower base width to fit the implant on the breast. This is because a low profile is shorter in projection and wider in width for that same volume. A low implant profile would likely hang off the side of the chest in a narrow patient.
On the flip side, if you tend to have wider breasts, the surgeon would choose a low or moderate implant profile so there is not a large gap between the breasts that would be created from a high profile narrow implant. In this case, the implant would fill the base width appropriately.
Now that you’ve got a grasp of implant profiles, the other consideration will be material.
Silicone or Saline?
Fortunately, you don’t have to decide between too many different options when it comes to material. You have either silicone or saline. And there is little to no discernible difference between the appearance of breasts augmented with silicone implants over those with saline implants.
They both involve a silicone shell that is either smooth or textured.
With silicone implants, the shell comes already filled from the manufacturer and the implant is then placed. With a saline implant, the silicone shell is first inserted into the body and then filled with saline to meet the desired volume. Each one requires the same size incision.
Choosing between silicone and saline implants is easier once you have a thorough examination and then sit down with your surgeon to discuss which option is better for you.
It should also be noted that because breasts continue to develop in women until they are in their late teens or early 20s, the FDA requires that women be at least 18 years old to get saline implant breast augmentation and at least 22 years of age to receive silicone implants.
Don’t Think of It As a Boob Job!
Breast augmentation can be a life-changer.
Choosing the appropriate breast implant comes down to working with an experienced and caring staff that will see you through every step of the process.
So contact us today to discuss the best options for your breast augmentation. And experience the confidence that comes with full and natural-looking breasts.
Could You Benefit From a Lip Lift?
If you feel that your lips are smaller and lacking some of the kissable fullness from your youth, you’re not imagining it. It’s among the drawbacks of getting older.
As we age the upper lip gets thinner from fat loss. Meanwhile, the upper jaw bone continues to slowly erode. The space between the lips and nose gets longer. All of this can result in an undesirable caved-in appearance in the middle of the face.
But before you start researching face lifts, you may find your solution with a lip lift.
What Is a Lip Lift?
As the name implies, a lip lift involves lifting the tissue below the nose and above the upper lip to restore a balance between the upper and lower lips. It’s an outpatient procedure that’s typically performed under local anesthesia since there is only minimal pain associated with this type of cosmetic surgery.
During the procedure, an incision is placed under the nostril sills and around the alae (“wings” of the nostrils). The plastic surgeon then removes a few millimeters of skin below the incision until the desired lift is obtained. The scar is hidden inside the nasal sill and crosses the columella at the base – creating a very inconspicuous scar.
A lip lift decreases the length from the base of the nose to the lips known as the philtrum. (This area is also known as Cupid’s Bow because the double curve of the upper lip resembles the bow of Cupid, the Roman god of love.)
In addition, the procedure also unfurls the upper lip to make it more voluptuous, while increasing how much of the upper central teeth show when the lips are in repose. All of this lends to a more youthful and pronounced appearance of the lips.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
If you’re looking to only add volume to your lips, you may find all you need from a cosmetic solution such as a filler. But when you want to add height AND volume, you’ll get way more from a lip lift. And unlike fillers, a lip lift requires no upkeep and provides much longer-lasting results.
A lip lift is often performed on older people who want to reduce that aforementioned space that has increased with age between their lips and nose.
Yet younger people who aren’t able to achieve their desired look from fillers alone also benefit from a lip lift. And patients of any age who don’t react well to the substances in fillers may also opt for a lip lift.
And it’s often a choice for patients seeking facial rejuvenation as part of feminization or masculinization procedure.
In addition, there are those who simply want more “tooth show” than their lips currently allow. A lip lift will resolve this.
Could You Benefit From a Lip Lift?
Your lips say so much – even when they’re not speaking!
So if you’re dissatisfied with the lack of fullness in your lips, self-conscious about the space between your nose and lips, or struggle with a caved-in appearance of the middle of your face, contact us today for a free consultation.
You could be the perfect candidate for a lip lift.
