Recent posts

Gummy Bears, Sientra, Where are YOU?

Last March the FDA approved the new "high-strength silicone gel implants" AKA "Gummy Bears" made by the company Sientra.  We posted a blog about it, the cosmetic surgery world was all a buzz about, but since then, where are they?   Like kids in a candy store, women are seeking out these implants because they are supposed to look and feel more like natural breasts, and are safer then other implants because they have a lower rupture rate.  Well, if this is true, let us try them out. Since the news of the approval, we have not heard hide or hair from Sientra or any of their representatives.  I take that back, the CEO of the company did send an email to "Nightline" stating that they do not condone the use of the term "Gummy Bear" and that equating a medical device to a piece of candy trivializes it.  Maybe so, but the term sure has become pretty popular, so if it isn't broke, why fix it?

Breasts are big business these days, with about $1 billion spent on cosmetic breast surgery a year.  According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 300,000 American women undergo cosmetic breast augmentation every year- up 45 percent since 2000.  So, with the improvement of breast implant technology, and the huge impact it has on the market, don't you think Seintra should be out there somewhere, marketing something, talking to someone?

For years, this type of implant was only available to patients who where involved in a clinical trial, but now many women are inquiring about having a second breast augmentation, with the intent of replacing their saline filled implants with the cohesive gel implants.  Cosmetic surgeons who have patients with realistic expectations and are good candidates for a secondary surgery are willing to perform the surgery, but you have to have the implant first, don't you think?

I am not trying to talk badly about Sientra,  their "gummy bears" seem to be exactly what women have been waiting for.  I have recently thought of having the surgery myself, and if these implants were available, it would give me more options to choose from, so on a personal note, SIENTRA WHERE ARE YOU?  I hope to be blogging soon about the availability of these new implants, and can offer some first hand knowledge of how they feel, but until then, whether you are considering the "gummy bears" or something else, the bottom line is to find a doctor you trust.

Danielle

A Wrinkle in Time

A Wrinkle in Time

Webster defines the word wrinkle as a small ridge or furrow on a smooth surface, a change from the regular or something new or different. Having worked with the wrinkles on the face or body for the last 30 years I have had the opportunity to see lots of changes (wrinkles) that “appear over night”.  These wrinkles are an inevitable part of the natural aging process.  As we become older our skin gets thinner, drier and less elastic.  Our skin’s ability to protect itself from damage is also reduced as we age.Eventually wrinkles, creases and lines form on our skin.  A person’s genetic makeup also influences how wrinkly we become, and when and where wrinkles start appearing.  How many times have I heard “I look in the mirror and see my mother”?   Even though wrinkles can give people an aspect of wisdom, most people do not welcome them.  Billions of dollars are spent globally on treatments (some good, some not so good) to get rid of them.

Most wrinkles tend to appear in the parts of the body which receive the most sun exposure, including the: backs of the hands, face, neck and chest. The factors that are known to promote wrinkles are: SMOKING –Decreases the blood supply to the skin,
SKIN TONE – Lighter skin tones experience higher levels of sundamage.  HAIR – Body parts that are shaded by hair have less sun damage.  EXPOSURE TO UV – Body parts that are covered by clothing, hats, glasses, and sunblocking agents are less likely to wrinkle. Finally GENETIC FACTORS – If your parents developed wrinkles earlier than other people, your chances of also doing so are significantly higher than somebody whose parents developed wrinkles later than others.  FACIAL EXPRESSIONS – People who repeatedly frown and squint will develop fine lines and wrinkles earlier than others who do not.  Each time we use a facial muscle a groove forms under the surface of the skin. When you are young the skin springs back, but as it gets older and loses its flexibility springing back becomes harder and less frequent, resulting in more permanent grooves.

Treatments vary from over the counter (no prescription) creams whose effectiveness is questionable in comparison to medical procedures and surgery.  Some “OTC” products make great claims with slight to modest results. If there are any results it usually does not last long.  Prescription strength products that address overall skin health is more effective with more lasting results.  Medical procedures such as Microdermabrasion that removes the outer most layers of skin cells and stimulates new skin cell growth.  Repeated treatments are necessary to maintain a smoother appearance to the skin. Laser (light source)
resurfaces the epidermis that is destroyed by a beam of light while the underlying dermis is heated up to stimulate new cell growth.  Botox blocks the chemical signals that cause muscles to contract.  It is injected in small doses into targeted muscles.  If
the muscles can no longer tighten the skin flattens.  Repeated injections are required. Effects last about three to four months.
Chemical peels are chemical solutions applied to the skin surface to cause the affected skin to slough off and peel creating a smoother skin surface.  There are varying levels of chemicals used, thus a varied result.  Soft tissue fillers such as hyaluronic acid (Juvederm) are injected into deeper face wrinkles smoothing them out, giving the face more volume. Ultimately, surgical intervention removes the excess skin creating a tighter smoother face. Facelift, Brow lift and Blepharoplasty preformed by a board certified plastic surgeon (Dr. Conkright) can provide more satisfying results for more severe wrinkles and folds. How good the results are, depends on several factors, including where the wrinkles are, as well as their depth.  There is no current treatment that can stop the ageing process.

Eventually everybody will have wrinkles and lines that become more prominent over time. Remember the saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”?  The best we can do is to slow the wrinkling process down by adhering to the following rules: Get plenty of sleep.  Protect your skin from the sun (UV rays).   Don’t smoke.  Don’t sweat the small stuff.  Drink lots of water.  Use products on the skin that promote a healthy glow.  Exercise.  And SMILE because each day is a gift.   All
advice given to me over my lifetime from my mother (pictured below) Lorene Vincent Williams, whose radiant skin was a shining example of what good genes and good skin care could do.

I look in the mirror and say “I am my mother?”  I hope so……

Martha

 

Skin Cancer Awareness

 

Did you know that May is skin cancer awareness month? Well, it is, and I have found some helpful tips that might protect you from this indescriminate disease.  I will begin with this, skin cancer is a lifestyle disease, affecting young women, older men and everyone in between.  But, because it is chiefly a lifestyle disease, it is highly preventable.  Unfortunatly, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime; 13 million Americans are living with a history of nonmelanoma skin cancer, and nearly 800,000 Americans are living with a history of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, so obviously the proper precautions to prevent it are not being taken.  Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun is the cause of about 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 65% of melanoma cases, and this can be prevented, heres how...

1. Shade.  Seek the shade between 10 AM and 4 PM, this is when the sun is stongest.  Also, try the "shadow rule".  If your shadow is shorter then you are, the sun's harmful UV rays are stronger; if your shadow is longer, UV radiation is less intense.

2. Do Not Burn.  A person's risk of melanoma doubles if he or she has had five or more sunburns at any point in life.

3. Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.  UV radiation from tanning machines is known to cause cancer, and the more time a person has spent tanning indoors, the higher the risk.  Four visits to the tanning bed in one year can increase the risk of melanoma by 11%,  and increase the risk for the two most common forms of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, by 15%.

4. Cover up.  Clothing can be the most effective form of sun protection, so make the most of it with densley woven and bright-or-dark-colored fabrics.  Wear a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses. The more skin you cover, the better.

5. Sunscreen.  Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.  Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours or immediatly after swimming or excessive sweating.

7. Keep newborns out of the sun.  Babies six months of age and older can use sunscreen, but they should still be protected by shade or sunscreen.  Exposing your child to just one severe sunburn in childhood doubles their chances of developing melanoma later in life.

8. Examine your skin head-to-toe  every month.  A self-exam should not replace an annual skin exam performed by a physician, but it does offer the best chance of detecting early warning signs of skin cancer.  If you notice any change in an existing mole or discover a new one that looks suspicious, see a physician immediately.

9. SEE YOUR PHYSICIAN EVERY YEAR FOR A PROFESSIONAL SKIN EXAM!

In honor of May being Skin Cancer Awareness month, Conkright Aesthetics is offering 20% off of all our sunscreens this month!  Call or stop in today to purchase your HEALTHY SKIN PROTECTION!

Healing Foods For Surgery

 

Scheduling your cosmetic surgery can be so exciting!  The date, time, and place are all planned, but did you ever think about what foods you should be eating to prepare your body for the healing process. Food choices both before and after your procedure are essential to a speedy recovery.

Before Surgery: It is best to eat high quality proteins such as fish, poultry, eggs, nuts and seeds a few week before surgery.  This will  build up your strength and tissue fibers.  Consuming high-fiber foods such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits and legumes; calcium-rich foods such as nuts, fruits, and leafy greens and essential fatty acids such as nuts, seeds, or vegetable oils are also helpful.  Certain amino acids seem to help wounds heal faster, so before- and especially after- surgery, make sure your meals and snacks feature brown rice, walnuts, almonds, and sunflower seeds.  Vitamin C and zinc also assist your body to heal.  A glass of OJ and eating the daily recommended amount of fruit and produce should provide all the vitamin C you need, while a fortified breakfast cereal is an easy way to get zinc.

It is best to avoid dairy products, sweets, fried foods, and cured meats as these are high in saturated fats and can slow the healing process.  Lighten your diet a few days before surgery; emphasizing fruits, vegetables, ans liquids to help ease the stress on your digestive system.  Also, avoid stimulants such as coffee and alcohol as they can inpair the natural healing process of your bo

After Surgery:  Try to eat small, light, low-fat meals throughout the day when recovering from your procedure.  Examples being; whole-wheat toast, yogurt, pudding, fruits, soup, and small sandwiches and fortified shakes.  If a soft liquid diet is recommended, consider protein and/or nutrient powders, broths, fresh juices, light soups, and pureed fruits or vegetables such as carrots, squash, mashed potatoes, bananas, or applesauce.  Protien is particularly important as it will help build your tissues.  A protein-rich multivitamin shake may be a good way to start getting more protein after surgery.  Constipation is common after surgery due to pain medications, eating fiber can help prevent this from occuring.  Good natural sources of fiber include prunes, prune juice, figs, apricots, berries and other fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.  Aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses of fluids a day when recovering from most sugical procedures.  This will help prevent dehydration, helps fiber work well, and flushes out the bladder.   Also, olive oil is an excellent and natural way to ease inflammatin following surgery.

Try to avoid drinking caffeinated beverages, if you must, do so sparingly.  Junk food, and especially  foods that contain processed fats such as hydrogenated oils should be elimated from your diet while recovering.

These are some great guidelines to adhere to, however, asking your certified cosmetic surgeon is always best when you have any questions about your cosmetic surgery.