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

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

Got Cellulite?

Oh, the dreaded lumps! The cottage cheese dimples! And the complete unfairness that 80% of women—even thin women—get cellulite, yet men rarely do! Why?

What Is Cellulite?

On the surface of the skin, cellulite looks like dimples and bumps. In places where the skin’s connective tissues are stretched to their limits by fat cells beneath the skin, cellulite appears. The "dimples" occur at the points where the surface of the skin connects to the tissues beneath, and the "bumps" are where the fat cells are pushing outward on the skin.

What Causes Cellulite?

A genetic predisposition, hormone levels, hydration, diet, exercise, stress, habits, and some medications can all contribute to the development of cellulite. Estrogen will cause the fat cells to clump together, for unknown reasons. 

Why Don’t Men Get Cellulite?

Actually, men do get cellulite. You just can’t see it as well as you can on a woman! Cellulite is more visible on a woman’s body than on a man’s body because men’s body fat is concentrated inside the belly and abdomen, while women’s body fat is located nearer the skin. Further, women’s skin is thinner, making the cellulite more visible. And, last, women carry more fat than men.

Does Anything Eliminate Cellulite?

There are many cellulite reduction creams on the market today that claim to eliminate cellulite, but the truth is that cellulite is much too deep beneath your skin’s surface to be eliminated by mere creams. Cellulite removal requires more than a cream!

Unfortunately, that dimpled skin on your thighs, hips, and buttocks is very resistant to diet and exercise, although avoiding exercise and prolonged sitting (like at the office) can certainly increase your propensity to develop cellulite.

VelaShape™ is an Effective Cellulite Treatment! 

Our Atlanta cellulite patients love VelaShape™, an FDA-cleared nonsurgical solution to cellulite. A combination of 4 technologies (infrared light, radiofrequency, massage, and suction) reduces the appearance of cellulite and smoothes the surface of your skin. VelaShape™ actually reduces the amount of fat under the surface of your skin by increasing both blood flow and lymphatic drainage. VelaShape™ is the best cellulite treatment for a noticeable reduction in the fat layers in the treated areas.

Dr. Kavali is a VelaShape™ Pro!

Dr. Kavali was the first physician in the state of Georgia and one of the first in the Southeast to offer VelaShape™! We have performed hundreds of VelaShape™ treatments. Further, Dr. Kavali was a Principal Investigator in two FDA studies of VelaShape™, making her one of the nation’s true experts in the procedure. Experience counts, because it is very possible to complete a series of incorrect treatments and see zero results.

How is VelaShape™ Done?

Over a series of five weekly treatments in our Atlanta plastic surgery office, you’ll enjoy what feels like a hot massage. There’s no pain, no need for anesthesia of any kind, and the treatment can be done over your lunch hour. In a few weeks you’ll notice an improvement in the texture and tone of your thighs, buttocks, abdomen, arms, or neck. Results are maintained with 3 or 4 treatments each year thereafter.

Schedule an appointment to check out VelaShape™ and get rid of those bumps and lumps!

To your health and beauty,

Dr. Carmen Kavali

Atlanta Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Do You Need to Change Your Breast Implants?

I’d like to talk to you about the “shelf life” of breast implants. Atlanta TV commercials tell us that “diamonds are forever,” right? Unfortunately, breast implants aren’t.

Why Replace Breast Implants?

There are several reasons you might wish to switch out your implants in a procedure called a breast implant revision. Here are a few of them:

1.    A desire to change implant size (larger or smaller)

2.    A desire for a change in shape or projection

3.    A wish to switch from saline-filled to gel-filled or vice versa

4.    A capsular contracture

5.    Deflation of saline implants (one or both)

6.    Visible wrinkling, rippling, bottoming out or the presence of the “double bubble”

7.    Breast sagging that requires implant changes during a breast lift. It’s not always necessary to replace the implants in a breast lift performed long after breast implants were inserted. Much depends on the age of the implants and whether or not my patient is satisfied with the size of her breasts, not withstanding her dissatisfaction with the sagging of them.

How Long Do Implants Last?

While most women are told that their implants will last about ten years, some women will have no need or desire to change implants for 20 years. In other words, it varies among women.

Will There Be More Scars if I Replace My Breast Implants?

Usually no. Unless the scars are hypertrophic, the same incisions are used as were used in the initial breast augmentation procedure.

How Do I Know If My Breast Implants are “Too Old?”

Unless you have one of the problems noted in the list above, if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. If you have any concerns about your implants, however, set an appointment to see me. Remember, in saline-filled implants a rupture is obvious, but a gel-filled implant failure isn’t. If you’re experiencing “women’s intuition” about your implants, come in and I’ll examine you. If I think you need an MRI to identify a possible gel-filled implant failure, I’ll tell you. If we aren’t sure, you can decide if you want to have an MRI. But be seen and put your mind at rest about it.

To your health and beauty,

Carmen Kavali, MD

Atlanta, GA Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Myths About Liposuction

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Myth #1:You must be within 10-15 pounds of goal weight.

While it’s great if you’re at your ideal weight and just want a liposuction procedure to eliminate some tough-to-slim-down areas, you don’t have to be within 10-15 lb of your ideal weight. In fact, those who aren’t find the results of liposuction to be the most amazing! Furthermore, the fat from liposuction can be repurposed to fill in wrinkles, create a better bum or a multitude of fat-transfer needs! Life-changing results are accomplished everyday at my Atlanta plastic surgery practice through my GPS Liposuction technique, also known as LipoControl.

Myth #2: Liposuction is for small, localized areas only.

While liposuction is great for small, localized areas like the thighs, chin, or tummy, it can be performed anywhere on the body and on multiple areas during one liposuction procedure. You can have liposuction performed on your entire abdomen, your back, your love handles, you inner and/or outer thighs, your hips, your calves and ankles, your neck and just about anywhere else you have concerns about fat. There’s only one reason that some surgeons will tell you they can’t do liposuction in a certain area of concern: lack of experience!

Myth #3: Liposuction causes the skin to sag after the fat is gone.

Another falsehood. This one is sometimes used by surgeons who want to sell you a tummy tuck when a liposuction procedure can give you the results you seek. The truth is, if your skin is tight enough, it will bounce back after liposuction and not sag afterwards. Having said that, it does depend on your skin’s resiliency. You are not a good candidate for liposuction if your skin is showing significant signs of aging and won’t likely “bounce back” after the fat is removed. Secondly, if you have stretch marks, liposuction won’t remove them. So, if you have poor skin resiliency and/or stretch marks, a tummy tuck will give you better results than liposuction. After a consultation at my Atlanta cosmetic surgery office you’ll know for sure if you’re a good candidate for liposuction.

Myth #4: You’ll gain all the weight back after liposuction. 
Studies show that fat cells don’t reproduce. They shrink or swell based on whether you’re gaining or losing weight. Liposuction removes the fat cells. The cells that are removed cannot swell or shrink because they are no longer there. Of course, some cells are left and those will shrink or swell as you gain or lose weight. However, it’s logical that you’ll find it more difficult to gain weight in the area that undergoes liposuction because there are significantly fewer fat cells in that area.

Myth #5: It takes weeks to recover from liposuction.
In the early years of liposuction, this was true. However, with the user of laser-assisted liposuction and certainly with GPS Lipo, we can both “target” the fat cells better, giving you more “hits” and fewer “misses,” and because liposuction, especially with a laser, is gentler. Yes, you will have some soreness after your liposuction procedure, so you won’t want to go to the club and dance the night away the same day as your procedure but, within 1-3 days most of our Atlanta liposuction patients are back to their schedules, although they will wait about two weeks before returning to the gym.

While it might be true that ideal candidates for liposuction get ideal results, the other 98% of people that get liposuction receive dramatic, life changing results. If you have excess fat that’s resistant to diet and exercise, liposuction is likely to be the procedure to give you the results you’re seeking. If you’d like to know more, schedule a consultation with us and find out! 

To your health and beauty,

Dr. Carmen Kavali

Study Shows Green Tea Extract Shrinks Tumors

According to an article recently published in the journal Nanomedicine, a laboratory study at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland, showed that 40% of human skin cancer tumors disappeared using a compound based on green tea.

The compound, called epigallocatechin gallate, is an extract from green tea leaves. In the laboratory study, 40% of tumors disappeared after a month of treatment, while an additional 30% of tumors shrank.

Previous attempts to take advantage of the anti-cancer properties of green tea were based on IV drips, which didn’t deliver a high enough concentration of the extract to the actual tumors. In the Strathclyde study, a targeted delivery system was created, which piggybacked the extract with proteins that contained iron molecules. Apparently, this was the magic bullet.  

Although clinical trials on humans may be several years in the offing, Dr. Christine Dufes, a senior lecturer at the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, and research leader, had this to say, "This research could open doors to new treatments for what is still one of the biggest killer diseases in many countries. With the targeted delivery system, it's taken straight to the tumours without any effect on normal tissue. When we used our method, the green tea extract reduced the size of many of the tumours every day, in some cases removing them altogether. These are very encouraging results, which we hope could pave the way for new and effective cancer treatments.”

Here in Atlanta, skin cancer is fairly common. We get plenty of sun and people love to be out in it. Although there are various treatments for skin cancer, the best "treatment" is to avoid it in the first place through the use of high SPF creams and even cosmetics. Come into my plastic surgery office in Atlanta and get some of the best sunscreen available on the market. You'll enjoy excellent protection and, hopefully, avoid not just skin cancer but the aging effects of too much sun exposure as well! 

To your health and wellness,

Dr. Carmen Kavali

Stem Cells--Aesthetic Miracle?

Have you seen advertisements that “stem cells” are used in all kinds of aesthetic procedures, such as breast augmentation, face lifts and wrinkle treatments? Before we all jump on the bandwagon, I’d like to share some cautionary information—not to put a damper on the exciting potential of stem cell usage, but to balance the excitement with some facts.

First, what are stem cells?

Stem cells are “undifferentiated” cells. That means that they have the potential to become any other cell type, such as skin cells, muscle cells, bone cells—you get the idea.

Where do stem cells come from?

So far, stem cells have come from one of two sources:

·           Embryos

·           Adults

Embryonic Stem Cells:

Embryonic stem cells come from labs that create embryos for in vitro fertilization. Multiple embryos are created, but only one embryo is inserted during each in-vitro cycle. What to do with the others? Throw them away? Keep them? Use them for research? There’s been an ongoing ethical debate with persuasive opinions on all sides. Fortunately, we have another source now: adult stem cells.

Adult Stem Cells:

After we’re born, we retain stem cells in the tissues of our brains, liver, blood & blood vessels, skeletal muscles, skin and liver. These stem cells are your body’s National Guard. They show up when you need them, but otherwise, they wait. If they are “activated” by disease or injury, they divide and conquer.  For example, if you cut your finger while chopping onions, your stem cells get a message to get busy and repair the tissue and skin that was damaged.

Originally, scientists thought that stem cells from the liver would only make liver cells and stem cells in bones would only make bone cells, etc, but recent studies show that most stem cells can “differentiate” to make other cell types. This is great news because everybody has stem cells, compared with the limited availability of embryonic cells, not to mention the ethical debate about using embryonic stem cells.

Stem Cell Usage in Aesthetic Medicine

There are ads all over the Internet, in magazines and newspapers and on radio & TV that you can get larger breasts through stem-cell injections instead of a breast implant; that it lasts a lifetime, is less expensive and has an easy recovery. Some doctors and centers advertise that they can plump your lips or fill your wrinkles with stem cell enriched fat instead of fillers and that it’s permanent, ie, you’ll never need to come back for a refill like you do with Juvederm.

Sounds great! So what’s the problem?

This is the problem: the marketing of stem cell treatments is way ahead of the proven safety of stem cell treatments. That creates risk for everyone who is exposed to their use before safety has been absolutely proven.

Remember what I said about stem cells’ ability to become other types of cells? Can injected stem cells become cancer cells? Can they can create a new disease? Nobody is certain yet. Scientific studies are performed over the course of several years and the scientific community simply hasn’t had those years of study to be absolutely certain whether there are side-effects of stem cell injections and if so, what those side effects might be.

What This Means To You As My Patient

I am a member of a professional association composed only of board-certified plastic surgeons: ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons). The ASPS and ASAPS (American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon, also all board-certified surgeons) put together a task force to study the issue of stem cell procedures.  Because both groups are committed to the highest standards of ethics and safety in plastic surgery, they are very concerned that physicians—primarily those on the “fringe” of plastic surgery, like dentists injecting Botox, OB’s doing breast augmentations—you get the idea—are pitching “the miracles” of stem cells long before their safety is confirmed.

Led by plastic surgeon and stem cell expert J. Peter Rubin, M.D., the task force poured over every study and report they could get their hands on about stem cells and cosmetic usage. They realized this: the scientific information available right now doesn’t support the marketing claims targeted to consumers seeking aesthetic procedures and treatments. It’s just too soon to know if stem cell injections are safe. Maybe they are, but what if they aren’t?

The task force position is: until it’s proven to be safe, members of the ASPS and ASAPS are asked not to inject stem cells into their patients.

I am an aesthetic surgeon but, first and foremost, I am a doctor who, like all MD’s, took the Hippocratic oath that includes these words: “I will prescribe regimens for the good of my patients according to my ability and my judgment and never do harm to anyone.” I only deliver treatments to my patients that are proven to be safe and effective. You are not my guinea pig, and you shouldn’t be a guinea pig for another physician either. The phrase, “Buyer Beware” should apply to used cars, not to human health.

For safety’s sake, please forward this blog post to everyone you know who is currently involved with, or considering, cosmetic enhancements.

To your health & beauty,

Carmen Kavali, MD

Spring Cleaning for Your Face?

Spring has sprung and while some of you are spring-cleaning your homes, many of you are coming into our Atlanta plastic surgery and skin renewal practice to spring-clean your skin, too! The dry winter weather, stress or sun damage could be to blame but as seen on The Doctors, 3 non-invasive facial rejuvenation procedures can clear the cobwebs, and buff and shine your face for a fresh, spring look.

Laser The Cobwebs (Spider Veins) Away

Facial spider veins aren’t painful but they certainly are embarrassing. Damage from the sun can cause the tiny facial blood vessels to dilate, as can aging. Spider veins can appear on any skin type but they tend to be more visible on fair-complected people. Covering them with makeup works for a few hours, but longer-term results can be gained over your lunch break with little or no downtime. Both the IPL (photo-facial) and the Alexandrite/YAG laser can be used to be treat most skin types, as they target the red blood cells, causing the vessels to collapse, shrink and in most cases, disappear. If more appear later on (a common occurrence), another treatment can zap them away!

Buff Away Dead Skin

We have lots of great chemical peels to refresh the skin: Skin Medica's Vitalize Peel, for instance. This peel addresses several skin conditions, such as hyperpigmentation, melasma and sun damage. After only one treatment you’ll see visible improvement. After a series, you’ll see more significant results. Little or no downtime is the norm with the Vitalize Peel, so come in during lunch for your peel!

       

Need some skin tightening? Known as “the lift without a knife,” Refirme lasering results in immediate lifting and firming of facial skin through a combination of radiofrequency waves with infrared light. The Refirme laser has become a favorite of our Atlanta patients who want tighter and firmer skin on the spot, without visible post-treatment marks.

The Matrix IR is a diode laser for facial lines. By heating up the deeper layers of your skin (while protecting your surface skin), it signals collagen to rebuild. It’s great for nasolabial folds, marionette lines, crow’s feet, forehead lines and those little wrinkles around the eyes. Since its energy is fractionated, more intense light energy can be placed, which means it’s highly effective.

Time To Add Some Shine

The last and final step of the spring-cleaning facial rejuvenation is laser skin rejuvenation with our eMatrix (fractionated RF) Laser. This laser treats superficial skin lesions, acne scarring and wrinkles while improving both the texture and tone of your skin. The 3 settings allow for superficial, mid-level and deep skin correction, so it’s easy to tailor for your specific needs. A series of treatments can reveal the beauty and shine that you love!

You can have any of these procedures done during lunch and return to work, looking refreshed and ready for spring! 

To your health & beauty,

Dr. Carmen Kavali