Monday, October 29, 2012

Breast Augmentation

Are you really tired of having to buy a fully padded bra in order to have some shape?    There are few really cute padded bras out there.    And then there are times that wearing an even beautiful, sexy bra isn't appropriate--or desireable ( You know what I mean)   Breast augmentation can give a woman a new confidence and feeling of being sexy and beautiful with or without that bra.  Implants come in a myriad of sizes and we work really hard to fit you with the exact size that will balance your hips to your upper body and give you a lovely balanced profile, which actually makes you look thinner.   Clothes fit better.   Clothes are more comfortable and you actually have more choices when you have that  balanced shape.   Swim wear becomes a whole new world.   If you've ever thought about it, you ought to at least get your questions answered and find out if Breast Augmentation is appropriate for you.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Women's cancer reconstruction rights

Did you know that in 1998, the United States Legislature passed the Federal Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act.  It stipulates that insurance companies must pay for breast reconstruction post mastectomy for breast cancer.  It also provides that the insurance must pay to bring the contralateral breast in to symmetry with the reconstructed breast.   Also, all complications associated during all steps of the mastectomy and reconstruction process including lymphodema must be covered.   What a great thing this is for women's health.  Prior to this legislation, insurance companies sometimes refused to pay for the reconstruction deeming it cosmetic in nature.  And  even now many women are unaware that this option exists.  You can google "The Federal Woman's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998" if you want more details. 

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

No sunshine and sun screen?

Don't forget.   Even though we're entering that time of year when we can go days without seeing a sun beam, it is still impertive to apply sunscreen every day.   Think of it as your daily medicine.    Don't argue with yourself about whether there's really enough UVB and UVA rays to worry aobut, just put the sunscreen under your makeup and go.   It really will make a huge difference in your skin. 

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Breast Reductions and Insurance

Did you know that things have changed in the insurance world in relation to breast reduction surgery?    Twenty years ago it was fairly uncommon for an insurance company to pay for this surgery--almost all of them considered it cosmetic and refused to pay for it.   Most insurers have modified their stance in the last few years.   Most now recognize that for many women who suffer from huge, pendulous breasts with their myriad of associated discomforts and problems the only solution is breast reduction.   And it's a wonderful solution.  I don't think I've ever heard a post breast reduction patient have anything but high praise for the surgery.   Gone are the back, neck and shoulder pains--gone are the headaches and expensive, industrial strength bras (which do little to actually help the problem).  So, if you've needed breast reduction, but have been concerned that the insurance wouldn't pay for it, or if you may have been denied authorization several years ago, you might try applying again.    Perhaps your insurance company is one of those who have changed their position on breast reductions.  You never know unless you ask!

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Breast Cancer and Reconstruction Options

I don't think that there's anything more frightening and life changing for a woman than to be diagnosed with breast cancer.    It seems that we are in the midst of an epidemic.     With very few exceptions, everyone is affected in one way or another by this terrible disease.   Whether it's a teacher, Mom, Sister, Friend, relative or zumba instructor, we all know some one who has gone through treatment for beast cancer.   I feel for anyone that is facing this challenge in their life.   

One thing I would suggest though, after a decision has been made about lumpectomy vs. mastectomy, etc. that you take a deep breath and take the opportunity before the surgery to consult a board certified plastic surgeon about your options for reconstructive breast surgery.     It is often done at the same time as the cancer surgery.   There are a myriad of options.   Though this is a time of almost mental paralysis, you owe it to yourself to find out what options are available to you.   Some procedures are easier and more aesthetic if done at the same time.   If you are having chemo and /or radiation treatment, they can sometimes affect the timing of the reconstruction.   Your plastic surgeon will work with your oncologist to make your health and reconstruction work together to get you the best, safest , most optimal result. 

To anyone facing this challenge, good luck to you.  Hopefully, someday soon they'll have a medication or treatment that will spare anyone else from having to go through the challenges of  a breast cancer diagnosis.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Full Face Laser Resurfacing

Is your skin dull ?  Do you have a lot of unevenness and discolorations?   Are you starting to get some fine lines and crepiness in your cheeks?   Is there a network of fine lines around your mouth and eyes?  If you are experiencing any of these aging changes in your face you might look into laser resurfacing.   There are a thousand different lasers out there.   Many tout no down time or discomfort.   Those lasers also give minimal result.  If you really want to have the dramatic change in your skin that makes it smooth, even and young again, then you need the big gun.   The CO2 laser resurfacing does require down time.   We say that you need about 2 weeks to recover enough to put on some good cover-up makeup and get back in to life.  You have to weigh the down time against the result.  And the results are amazing! Many of the lesser strength lasers require little or no down time, but several treatments are required and the result will never even begin to equal one treatment with the CO2 laser.   Come in and get some answers to your questions and find out if a CO2 laser resurfacing treatment would benefit you.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Facelifts and violins

I love the sound of a well played violin.   It is so beautiful and moving.   A gifted artist can make almost make you weep with the emotion they can emote from that instrument.  However, there is nothing more painful than listening to someone who plays poorly.  I know everyone has to start somewhere, but it's painful for the listener none the less.  Facelifts are like violins.   A faelift that is done skillfully  is a masterpiece.   The improvement is subtle yet noticable.    It looks natural and youthful.  A facelift done poorly by someone with limited training or experience can be overdone and "windblown".   Yes, the skin is tight and the wrinkles are gone, but the result is not aesthetically pleasing.   Most 55 year old women don't want to look 20,  (that's a little freaky) they just want to look radiant and youthful and the best that they can look for being  50'ish.  A facelift needs to be enough, but not too much.   It needs to be a change, but not make one unrecognizeable.  It takes a surgeon that is well trained and experienced.  ( a certain artistic ability is a real plus)   Look for someone that is board certified and  a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.   Then you know that they have been trained in all aspects of cosmetic surgery and have spent years perfecting their skills.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Skin Care Products

All women use some kind of products on their skin.   It is amazing the difference that one can see in the quality of a person's skin that has been well cared for and protected and someone who has just let nature take it course.   Genetics influence a lot of things about us, but, how we care for our skin can also have a huge influence on how our skin looks as we age.   Everyone (men included) should have a good regimen of cleansing, moisturizing and sunscreening.    This is just a bare minimum.   There are lots of other products for different problems such as acne prone skin, extra dry skin, discolorations etc.  It's never too late or too early to start.    There are some wonderful products now that have retinol, glycolics, peptides, etc.   Drug store products have limitations on how strong they can be.   Dr. Sellers carries the Skinceuticals line of skin care products.   When you meet with one of our aestheticians, they can analyze your unique situation and recommend product that will help you reach your goals.   You're going to spend money on a product anyway, why not get something that is prescription strength.   You will be so glad as time goes on that you took care of your skin.   Don't forget the sunscreen!   Use it every single day.   Think of it as you would your diabetes medicine.   Don't even think about it---just put it on every morning--no matter what the weather is.   You'll be glad you did.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Breast augmentation

Most women are rather conservative and would prefer not be famous for their bust size.   They don't want to be "that woman ...you know, the one with the great big chest".   Most women just want to balance out their hips and have that hourglass shape. n    Many women who have had children just want to have their breasts back--the ones they had before childbirth and nursing.  Whatever your goals, breast augmentation with or without a breast reshaping is a wonderful option.  Lets face it, padded bras and even bra inserts are a nusance.    And sometimes it's very freeing and confidence boosting to not have to be wearing your bra to have some shape.  This surgery can give your self esteem a real boost.  It's worth looking in to. 

Monday, October 1, 2012

Thinner thighs and world peace

Isn't it the most discouraging thing ever to have lost  10 pounds and be almost at your ideal weight and still have your thighs rubbing together when you walk?    Still have those saddlebags on the outsides of your thighs?  It's enough to  make one want to weep.   That's why liposuction is my favorite cosmetic surgery.   When you take the fat from a specific target area even a very small amount, like a pound or two, can make a HUGE difference.   If you lost 2 pounds on a diet, no one would ever be able to tell.   But if you take that same two pounds off your inner thighs--WOW--the change is amazing.   It's worth looking in to.   At least come get your questions answered.   (I  have no answer for the world peace thing....)