Newest “Gummy Bear” Breast Implant Approved by FDA

Atlanta breast augmentation patients may want to now that one of the two larger breast implant manufacturers, Mentor Corporation, announced on June 14^th that its style of “gummy bear” silicone gel implants was approved by the FDA for cosmetic use in women 22 years of age and older, and for reconstructive use for women of any age. 

A 6-year study of nearly 1,000 women was undertaken to ensure reasonable safety and effectiveness of the new implant. Similar to other “gummy bear” implants, the risks of capsular contracture, asymmetry and wrinkling do exist, though Mentor states that the consistency of this implant will minimize wrinkling and rippling two complaints often made by thinner women with other implants. As with all other gel implants, the FDA will require post-approval studies focusing on long-term safety. 

What does “Gummy Bear” Mean?

The term, “gummy bear implant,” indicates that the consistency of the gel inside is similar to a gummy bear candy than is the gel inside other implants. The texture of the gummy bear implant is tighter and thicker, reducing the potential for capsular contracture, and maintaining a consistent shape.

Although I prefer Allergan's Natrelle 410 implants, I hope knowing your options is helpful to all my Atlanta breast implant patients! 

To your health & beauty,
Dr. Carmen Kavali
Board Certified Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Study Shows Daily Sunscreen Slows Skin Aging, Even in Middle Age

Although we’ve been told for many years that the use of sunscreen will prevent skin aging, until a study was performed at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research at the University of Queensland in Australia (where, you can imagine, they get lots of sun), there was no scientific evidence to prove it. According to an article posted on CBS News’ website, this study shows that the daily application of sunscreen can hinder skin aging (aka photoaging), even for those already in middle age! This is great news for all my Atlanta plastic surgery patients who are exposed to high levels of the sun’s UVA and UVB waves.

The study involved 903 individuals up to the age of 55. At the end of the 4-year study, those who applied sunscreen daily had 24% less skin aging compared with those who applied sunscreen irregularly (whenever they thought about it), even though the “daily” group actually used it only 3-4 times a week!

"It has been a source of frustration for us that for some sections of the community, the sun-safe message does not seem to be getting through," said Dr. Adele Green, a professor at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research at the University of Queensland in Australia and head of the study group. "We now know that protecting yourself from skin cancer by using sunscreen has the added bonus of keeping you looking young."
 

Broad spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays cause aging and wrinkling; while UVB rays are responsible for sunburns. Both, however, increase your risk of skin cancer.

So, now you have an additional reason to slather on that sunscreen: not only to prevent skin cancer but to stall your facial aging process! Come into our Atlanta cosmetic surgery office and see Tina, our Aesthetician for sunscreen. She will help you choose the one that’s best for your skin!

To your health and beauty,

Dr. Carmen Kavali

Board Certified Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

All That Glitters...Gold Causes Aging

There are numerous skincare products on the market that contain gold, including Oro Gold and La Prairie, among others. La Prairie claims that its gold-infused products "instantly 'erase' imperfections, producing smooth, radiant, line reduced skin." However, a new study claims that gold not only fails to accomplish the above claim, but isn't even good for your skin!

Researchers at Stony Brook University charged with developing skin tissue for burn victims and various wound therapies, conducted a study that was recently published in the journal, Nanotoxicology.  Inasmuch as nanoparticles of gold are often included in various over-the-counter skincare products, the researchers wanted to see if gold's properties might speed healing, as claimed by skincare manufacturers whose products contain it. Unfortunately, gold wasn't a winner. It appears that gold nanoparticles essentially speed the aging process and increase the appearance of wrinkles by inhibiting cell division, motility (ability to move) and collagen growth.

According to the researchers, the most disturbing finding was that the particles interfered with genetic regulation, RNA expression, and impaired the cells' ability to mature.  “Reductions caused by gold nanoparticles can result in systemic changes to the body,” said Professor Mironava, one of the researchers. “Since they have been considered inert and essentially harmless, it was assumed that pure gold nanoparticles would also be safe. Evidence to the contrary is beginning to emerge.”

Further, the gold particles were shown to inhibit adiponectin, a protein involved in regulating glucose levels and fatty acid breakdown, which helps to regulate metabolism. 

This appears to be an obvious challenge to, if not a warning about,  using skincare products that contain gold. Our Atlanta plastic surgery practice offers both Obagi® and SkinMedica® because we've found both lines extremely effective and yet safe for our cosmetic patients.

To your health & beauty,
Dr. Carmen Kavali
Board Certified Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Kim Kardashian's Vampire Face Lift

Have you seen this photo of Kim Kardashian's Vampire Facelift? It honestly looks more like a laser skin resurfacing treatment like those performed here at our Atlanta plastic surgery office, but she claims to have had a Vampire Facelift.

I don't perform the Vampire facelift because I think the name is quite misleading, for two reasons: (1) it's not a face lift, and (2) its long term results are unproven.

Unfortunately, even my profession is not immune from the "brand name" hype that invades other fields of medicine. It's my professional opinion that Ms. Kardashian and others desiring facial rejuvenation should investigate laser skin resurfacing. She does not have drooping facial structures; she's too young. She may have skin irregularities due to sun exposure at her age, and that is best treated with either microdermabrasion, chemical peels or laser skin resurfacing.

Before you get pulled into things like a Vampire Face Lift, I urge you to visit our Atlanta plastic surgery office to get the scoop on what really works: physician-grade skin care products; hydrating with lots of water; regular sleep and exercise; laying low on alcohol and avoiding tobacco, and using the many technologies we have here in Atlanta for skin rejuvenation. 

To your health & beauty,
Dr. Carmen Kavali, Board Certified Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

When Exercise is Bad for You

 

At my Atlanta plastic surgery office, we emphasize overall good health; after all, there's no point in having cosmetic surgery to improve your looks if you have no intention to maintain those improvements. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is an essential part of maintenance. However, while we all know that working out is good for us, you may not know that the kind of work-outs you engage in could be contributing to premature aging! Since you don’t want your exercise regimen to make you look older than your years, here are some tips!

Runner’s Face

Many joggers and runners have a habit of tensing their faces while running. Do you? Habitually frowning during exercise routines can contribute to wrinkling, especially around the eyes and mouth. Further, if you don’t hydrate adequately before and after your run or other exercise, you can have increased free-radical damage to your skin. In addition, physician grade skin care products, such as those available at our Atlanta medispa, will help maintain your skin's moisture levels.

Following the Bouncing Breasts

High-impact exercises like running, either on a treadmill or on the road, as well as jumping rope, bouncing on a rebounder and other active sports, contributes to breast sagging by stretching the ligaments in your breasts. It’s essential that you have an excellent, supportive workout bra to support your breasts. Today, when you’re doing your workout, give a little check to see how much bounce your breasts are experiencing while you exercise. If it seems like too much bounce is going on, find a better bra! An additional tip: putting bras in the dryer can weaken the elastic support of the bras. Hang them on a rack to dry instead and your bras will last longer.

Sun and Exercise

While a little sun is always a good source of Vitamin D, you should never be outdoors without sunscreen. You can experience sun damage even during the winter or on cloudy days, as the rays are always there. And, please wear sunglasses if it’s bright outside, to protect your tender eye tissues. Having an occasional chemical peel or microdermabrasion treatment in our Atlanta cosmetic surgery office can help maintain your skin's condition.

Regular workouts are an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. We want you to enjoy your exercise routines and benefit from them, but please think about the tips above and incorporate them into your daily dose of health!

To your health & beauty,

Dr. Carmen Kavali

Board Certified Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

New Breast Implant Approved by the FDA

 

Atlanta breast augmentation patients now have one more choice in breast implants! Allergan, one of the nation’s top breast implant manufacturers, has received approval from the FDA to market its Natrelle 410 implants for women 22 years of age or older. The first approval from the FDA since the Sientra implants in 2012, the 410 can be inserted in women of any age for cases of breast reconstruction due to cancer, trauma or severe breast asymmetry.

The FDA approval was based on 7 years of data collected from the use of the implants in 941 women nationwide. Although a small number of women had complications such as capsular contracture (tightening of the pocket around the implant) or infection, these complications are rare and similar to problems experienced with other implants.

The 410 was designed to mimic the natural slope of a breast. Its gel both helps maintain the shape of the implant and is designed to stay soft over time.

Our Atlanta cosmetic surgery practice will be offering the Natrelle 410 "gummy bear" implants! To see some of our natural breast implant before and after photos, click this link.  

To your health & beauty,

Dr. Carmen Kavali

Board Certified Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Beware of Groupon Deals on BOTOX®

While it's normal that Atlanta cosmetic surgery patients will look for a "deal" on BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers like Juvéderm® and Sculptra®. While I also enjoy a bargain, I want you to be aware of an FDA warning that was just on TV.

According to the FDA, non-approved Botox-like products and fillers have been discovered at several med spas in the US. While less expensive than the real thing, they're also less effective and may be dangerous. According to the FOX news segment, the med spas "will dilute the injected product, making it less than optimal for what you are paying for." Translation: a deal isn't a deal if you aren't saving money, right? Old or overly diluted product won't last as long or give the best result.

The truth is, BOTOX® and fillers work best when they're injected by the same physician each time, the doctor who knows your anatomy from previous injections and who is an expert injector. Your face isn't the place to try out a discount!

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a truly blessed 2013!

To your health & beauty,
Dr. Carmen Kavali