Breast Implants: Silicone or Saline?

Over the past couple of years, we have had the opportunity to discuss
Breast Augmentation with hundreds of women and it seems to us a few
questions are asked by just about everyone. One of the most common
questions is “What’s the difference between saline and silicone
implants?”

Ultimately, the choice of saline or silicone implants is yours. Many
women feel silicone implants look and feel more natural. However,
there are other important considerations as well: body type, implant
placement (over or under the pectoral muscle) and fill volume.
Typically, thin women with small to moderate natural breasts with
above muscle placement are going to prefer the look and feel of
silicone. In the long term, silicone implants weigh less than saline
and will cause less sagging. On the downside, silicone implants cost
more and require a slightly larger incision. Also, in the rare event that
a silicone implant leaks, it is difficult to
detect.

Size and placement of the incision is understandably a common concern
among patients. There are several different surgical approaches
including periaerolar (around the nipple), tranaxillary (through the
arm pit) and inframammary (the bottom of the breast where the breast
tissue meets the chest wall). Each approach has its advantages and
disadvantages. Size of incision varies. Saline implants are placed
“unfilled” and typically can be fit through a 2.5 cm incision.
Silicone implants are “filled” and incision size depends on the size
of the implant and the ability to safely compress it. Larger silicone implants
can require incision up to 5-6cm. Here at GLOW we principally use the
inframammary approach as we find it is well hidden, heals well and
allows us the necessary access for proper implant placement. With the
recent addition of the Keller funnel to our practice, we have reduced
silicone incision size to 3-4 cm and as a result seen an increase in
the number of women choosing silicone implants.

The decision to undergo breast augmentation is a personal one and
women understandably spend a great deal of time researching their
options. If you would like more information regarding what to expect
during and after your procedure, please visit our web page atwww.glowskinrevived.com

Summertime sun and the skin 'blues'

Those great summertime feelings seem to be slipping away as we contemplate shorter days, changes in the tree leaves, and major congestion around schools mornings and afternoons.  Summertime sure is great here in the Bay Area.

I’m sure we all spent a lot of time outdoors, taking in all there is to see and do here.  Hopefully, you were able to take some steps to help protect your skin:  reduced exposure during the brightest times of the day, a good quality sunscreen, perhaps a hat or light, SPF style clothing.

Despite reasonable efforts, we all get sun exposure.  Healthy amounts are good for the spirit and for body.  Prolonged exposure over time, along with normal aging, can lead to some of the hallmarks of sun damaged skin:  redness, pigmented areas (brown spots or freckles), fine lines, and wrinkles.

Good skin care starts at home, with a simple, effective routine that cleanses, nourishes, protects and renews your skin.  Following a routine that works for you can yield great benefits over time.

Laser treatments can be an effective way to restore sun damaged, aging skin to a more youthful, even toned, and unblemished appearance.

 IPL (intense pulse light) treatments target pigmented areas lurking near the surface, causing them to break down and flake off.  A gentle laser skin rejuvenation does wonders for fine lines, redness, and enlarged pores.  For a more intensive treatment, consider a Fraxel or Smartskin C02 skin resurfacing treatment.  These are particularly effective at restoring sun damaged skin, and can take years off of one’s appearance.

While there is no magic bullet in cosmetic surgery or treatments, the use of carefully selected laser treatments for sun damaged skin is effective, safe, and accessible.  At GLOW, we offer a range of laser skin treatments, including all of the ones mentioned here, and would be glad to discuss your concerns or goals.  To learn more, please visit www.glowskinrevived.com.

Is liposuction for me?

Have you been thinking about having liposuction done?  Do you have problem areas that just don’t respond to diet and exercise?  If so, liposuction may be a smart choice for you.

Liposuction involves removing unwanted fat from defined areas using a variety of techniques.  Most commonly, a dilute anesthetic solution is infused into the treatment areas to stiffen and anesthetize the tissues.  Once this is done, the fat layers are manipulated with instruments to disrupt, alter, and remove fat cells and lipids.  After the fat is removed and a smooth contour has been obtained, a compression garment is fitted over the areas and the recovery begins.

At GLOW, we use Smartlipo laser lipolysis to disrupt and alter the fat lying in between the skin and the deeper muscle layers.  This powerful laser heats the fat cells and surrounding tissues, making them easier to remove.  It also imparts a heat stimulus to the overlying skin, which can lead to gentle skin tightening.  In addition, we have found that there is less bruising, less swelling, and an easier recovery after using the Smartlipo laser.

Immediately after using the laser, small cannulas (thin tubes) are used to remove (through suction) the fat cells and lipids in the treatment area.  This important step often defines the final contour and outcome of the procedure, and requires careful attention to detail. 

As for the original question….is liposuction for you?  It may be.  If you have a positive body self image, lead an active lifestyle, make smart eating choices, and are of good health….yet have bothersome areas (the stomach, love handles, arms, thighs, or hips), then it likely is a good alternative.

The best way to find out for sure is to visit with an experienced liposuction surgeon.  At GLOW, liposuction using the Smartlipo laser lipolysis technique is one of our most popular procedures.  We offer free consultations, and would be happy to visit with you, discuss your concerns, and offer any assistance we can.