Blog| Dr. Joel Studin | Webplastics.com

Roundabout Discussion: Breast Implant Projections

Dr. Studin — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:01:08 +0000

Size is not everything – at least not when you�re dealing with breast implants. Sure, the size of the implant itself plays an important role in a person�s appearance, but there are other factors at play when it comes to the overall shape and feel of the breast. We�ve discussed teardrop vs round in the last blog. �Projection is also important.

High Profile Implants

Implants come in varying degrees of projections. High profile implants are a bit narrower and higher than the same size implants in a lower profile. This choice is really easy to understand. Since a high profile implant is a bit narrower, you will lose a bit in cleavage. The space between your breasts will be slightly bigger. However, the benefit with high profiles is that they result in a more youthful, perkier breast. If someone has a little bit of a hanging breast, this can even give some lift. Many people simply prefer perkier breasts.

Low Profile Implants

Lower profile implants are wider. Therefore they will give you slightly better cleavage, less space between your breasts, however, more breast will stick out on the side under your arm. While it seems that the automatic reaction would be to opt for better cleavage, the increased volume out under your arm, is a consideration.

In my practice, we choose the size and shape of the implant by placing sizers in your bra. This makes it very easy to not only choose the size that you would ultimately like your breast to be, but the projection of the implant as well.

Find out more

For more information on high and low profile implants and to schedule a consultation to find out which size and projection works best for you, please visit us at:

http://webplastics.com/procedure/breasts/breast-implants/

Make the Breast Choice

Dr. Studin — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 04:43:03 +0000

Like bodies, breast implants come in all shapes and sizes. From small to large, narrow to wide, implants vary just as actual breasts do. The range in shapes and sizes afford patients a look that�s both natural and suitable for their individual body types. There are several choices to make. In this series of blogs, I will explain them so you can make the best choice for you.

Breast Implant Shapes

Teardrop (Also Called Anatomical Breast Implants)�� The name says it all. A teardrop implant is larger at the bottom than it is up top, resembling the look of a droplet. While I�m open to using this type of implant if requested, it is not necessarily a shape I recommend due to the lack of volume at the top of the breast. Gravity will eventually make the breast sag and lead to stretching. The discrepancy in size at the top and the bottom of the breast could lead to further complications, such as deflation and a higher rate of fold failure. The reason for this is that the top is almost empty when you start. A little stretching from the weight of the teardrop implant at the bottom and the top becomes totally empty.
These teardrop implants can also rotate out of position making a breast that looks distorted.Often patients are under the impression that teardrop implants will make a more natural looking breast but that is not the case. Round implants placed beneath the muscle usually look just as natural as your own! If they are under the muscle they take on the shape of your chest and you do not see an artificial round breast at all.

Round���By far the most commonly administered breast implant today is round. These are typically smooth, as the spherical shape of the implant allow them to move naturally without causing any change in appearance. While the implant is round, patients need not fear they will look like round breasts. Artificial-looking breast results from poor placement rather than the shape of the implant. Round implants placed beneath the muscle provide the most natural-looking result of all.

Next Blog To Follow…. Implant Projections: High Profile, Moderate Profile and Low Profile

The Perks of Implants

Dr. Studin — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 05:05:28 +0000

While recent studies cite injectables as the leading noninvasive procedure�in 2010 eight out of 10 procedures were nonsurgical�breast augmentations continue to be one of the most sought after cosmetic surgeries. The number of patients choosing to get implants grew by 39 percent last year alone. Fueled by this growing popularity, breast augmentation surgeries continue to evolve too.

One of the most lauded advancements is for breast implants placed under the muscle. This innovative technique, is advantageous on a number of levels. The actual surgery only lasts about thirty minutes and is performed at a private surgery center�a plus for anyone with an aversion to hospitals. The short time and relatively small amount of anesthesia needed for this surgery helps you get up and about faster and feel better. Special postop techniques in medication make pain very unlikely!

Patients seeking to improve their appearance without much sacrifice to their social life or professional careers will benefit from the short recovery periods afforded to them by this under the muscle procedure. Patients can return to work in less than one week and resume exercise in two. With a rapid recovery ahead, patients are bound for a swift improvement in self-image.

Not every surgeon employs this short-procedure, rapid recovery under the muscle technique. It makes a difference in the experience, and the results are excellent.

Excess Baggage

Dr. Studin — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 18:06:42 +0000

Overweight patients seeking a quick fix with weight loss surgery might find the road to slender to be anything but speedy. For many obese patients who go under the knife, plastic surgery is the next step in achieving the body they desire, as most are left with loose sagging skin post surgery. Yet, according to a study conducted by plastic surgeons, most of the 220,000 people who go through weight loss surgery every year are oblivious of the follow-up procedures available to remove any excess sagging skin they may have. Removing the loose sagging skin typically renders further weight loss for patients, as sagging skin can clock in at anywhere from two to 20 pounds.

A combination of bariatric weight reduction surgery and skin contouring is the key to achieving full results. A great example of the latter is an armlift, which eliminates the dreaded bat wings caused by sagging skin around the arms. To remove the loose skin, a linear incision is made on the inside of the upper arm, opposite the armpit. The entire procedure lasts about an hour and recovery is brief. This surgery can make all the difference in a patient�s appearance and boost their self-esteem.

Smells Like Teen Spirit

Dr. Studin — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:59:05 +0000

Just when you thought a facelift was the only way to take years off your age, doctors are discovering other popular procedures could actually have the same anti aging effect. A recent study from the January/February issue of the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery revealed that rhinoplasty may make patients appear, on average, one and a half years younger.

The study asked a group of observers to browse photographs of patients who had undergone plastic surgery and estimate their ages. Patients who had rhinoplasty were said to look younger. (Those who had dorsal humps removed ranked even younger.) Further findings indicate the rejuvenating effects of rhinoplasty are truer for patients middle-aged and older.

Now, plastic surgeons won�t go as far as performing rhinoplasty with the intention of making a person look younger. Yet, because the procedure achieves symmetry and balance of the face, it consequently improves it’s overall look and harmony.

Despite collective agreement over the restoring abilities of rhinoplasty, a facelift or injectables, such as Botox or Restylane, should not be discarded. The positive anti aging effects of a proper facelift are nothing to wrinkles one�s nose at. Visit our Procedures page to learn more about Rhinoplasty and Injectables.

Reveal the New You for the New Year! (And a Free Giveaway!)

Dr. Studin — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 21:38:38 +0000

Dr. Studin and his staff would like to spread some holiday cheer this season to you and your friends!� During the whole month of December, come in with a friend and both of you will get an injectable procedure at half price. �The holidays are a busy time; come take a minute to pamper yourself. This offer is only valid at the Great Neck office for candidates suitable for the procedure and you must come in with a friend for both people to receive the discount. See below to learn which procedure is best for you.

BOTOX Cosmetic�- Injected with a tiny needle with results showing within 10 days and lasts for up to 6 months. Best for forhead wrinkles, crow�s feet, and frown lines.

Sculptra- Best for sunken cheeks, and building cheek bones. This injectable helps your body build its own collagen in the area. Thus, a minimum of 3 treatments is recommended and results last for up to 2 years.

Juvederm, Prevelle Silk and Restylane- These are fillers made from Hyaluronic Acid, a substance that is naturally found in our bodies and therefore well tolerated and with minimal side-effects. These fillers are clear, long lasting and very forgiving. Since they take on the color of the skin, they are also great for lip enlargements. Radiesse is also available for a longer-lasting result.

FACEBOOK EXCLUSIVE OFFER-�Do you �like� Dr. Studin�s Facebook page? December is the month to do it!� Every new Fan this month will automatically be entered for the chance to win one FREE injectable procedure. �You must be a New York resident to be eligible.

https://www.facebook.com/drjoelstudin

Seasons Greetings,

Dr. Studin and Our Team

Beauty: Buying A State of Mind?

Dr. Studin — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:56:27 +0000

Is the beauty industry selling a state of mind not just a product? That’s what psychotherapist Brooke Miller said in a recent post on CNN.com. Sure, we all know that the tube of lipstick on the shelf or the face cream to hide wrinkles won’t make us look like the models in the ads, but are we addicted to the process of beauty?

Certainly a good point made by Ms. Miller, and one that industry executives seem to agree on, is that this quick transformation can be addicting. “Its human nature” one cosmetic industry expert said.

Do you agree with Miller and industry executives - Are you buying a state of mind? Should advertisers use the “human nature” factor to grab your attention? Even more interesting… do you care? Looking good and feeling good have always been intimately connected.

Whether it is a super-quick fix with makeup or a little less quick fix with cosmetic surgery, looking good is just another way to help you feel great. Make it happen!

Parts of the original post featured on CNN.com.

Seeing a lot of C-Sections!

Dr. Studin — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 13:57:54 +0000

By Joel R. Studin, MD, FACS

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon

As a new Grandpa! I had the incentive recently to look at the rate of C-Sections. While my daughter did not need one, I was surprised to learn how common they have become. According to a New York Times article by Denise Grady, in 2007 the rate of C-Sections in the U.S. was 32%. That means 1.4 million sections were performed that year. The same article reported that rates have soared to 40 percent in some developing countries in Latin America, and the rates in Puerto Rico and China are approaching 50 percent. That is a very large number of very large scars.

While there is no doubt that C-Sections are creating a lot of scars, one could ask, that since they are often hidden under clothing, are they really a problem? One study of cesarean section scars (2) found that 23.5% were bothered by the result. If you are lucky enough, strong-willed enough and have the right metabolism, you may find yourself back in a bikini. Even if you don’t see a bikini in your near-future, without clothes no one wants to see an unsightly scar. So is there anything that you can do?

Exercise and diet are important... Sometimes a little tuck will help too.

Multiple studies (3) have shown that the type of skin closure used by the doctor did not make a significant difference, so that is not the key. However, it is well-established (4) (5), that treating a scar during the time that it matures does help a lot. So what are the best treatments?

First of all, remember that the research talks about treating a scar, not a wound. The wound should be completely healed before starting scar treatment. This is usually two weeks or so after the section, but can vary individually. You should ask your doctor when you can begin.

Many products have been shown to help a scar. Decades of experience as a plastic surgeon have taught me that some really work well, while a few are total nonsense. I personally recommend Scarguard as it is one of the products that works and is cosmetically nearly invisible. In fact, it has been the most widely dispensed product by plastic surgeons for scars. Start treating your scar as soon as the wound heals and see less of a scar for life! If your scar is old and raised, Scarguard will help shrink it.

What about the loose skin and muscles? Many husbands and other “expert” critics will tell you that you are not doing enough with diet and exercise. The fact is, that loose skin and damaged muscles from pregnancies are usually not helped with just diet and exercise. The skinnier you get, the more the extra skin hangs! Mommy Makeovers include tightening the muscles, removing the extra skin and sometimes lifting and firming the breasts. This should be done after all your planned pregnancies are behind you. The procedure takes an hour or two, depending on what is needed and recovery is usually about 10 days.

So treat the scar, either early or later, certainly pay attention to diet and exercise and, if you still need tightening to get you back into your skinny jeans, don’t feel its a failure. In most cases, people will have no clue that you had help… they will just see your skinnier shape.

(1) New York Times Health Section: March 23, 2010
Caesarean Births Are at a High in U.S.
Denise Grady(2) Anaesth Intensive Care. 2009 Sep;37(5):748-52.
Incidence and risk factors for chronic pain after caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia.
Sng BL, Sia AT, Quek K, Woo D, Lim Y.

(3) Scar appearance of different skin and subcutaneous tissue closure techniques in caesarean section: a randomized study.
Gaertner I, Burkhardt T, Beinder E.
Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2008 May;138(1):29-33. Epub 2007 Sep 6.

(4) Clin Plast Surg. 1992 Jul;19(3):733-43.
Pressure techniques for the prevention of hypertrophic scar.
Carr-Collins JA.

(5) Plast Reconstr Surg. 2002 Aug;110(2):560-71.
International clinical recommendations on scar management.
Mustoe TA, Cooter RD, Gold MH, Hobbs FD, Ramelet AA, Shakespeare PG, Stella M, Téot L, Wood FM, Ziegler UE;International Advisory Panel on Scar Management.

Stem Cells To Grow A New Nose!

Dr. Studin — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 23:53:55 +0000

We have all seen science fiction movies where a scientist rivaling Dr. Frankenstein puts a stem cell in a petri dish and miraculously grows a new body part. In fact, there is a fair amount of stem cell research going on around some types of illnesses and skin for burn reconstruction. As far as stem cells regrowing your youthful skin, fat and collagen, that is another story.

A lot of advertising hype has appeared lately about a “Stem Cell Facelift”. At our big yearly Aesthetic Surgery meeting in Boston, Dr. Peter Rubin reviewed the literature on the so-called Stem Cell facelift. He noted that there is no consistent technique for this method. The”stem cell facelifts” being advertised are simply regular facelifts with regular fat grafting and don’t involve any special stem-cell work at all. He also stressed that there is NO DATA that this technique is superior to a regular facelift with standard fat grafting.

So, as of now, there is “marketing hype” but no miracle lift to regrow your youthful skin. While we await the real-life Dr. Frankenstein to grow new body parts, the relatively easy mini facelift or laser resurfacing are still the gold standard. Sometimes you have to look at advertising claims carefully to see that while someone’s nose may be growing as they speak, it won’t be yours!

What the new FDA sunscreen regulations mean to you!

Dr. Studin — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:06:23 +0000

The FDA has reigned in a little of the “Wild West” practices of advertising and labeling sunscreens and made some very important changes. This will change what you will look for when you pick up the can or bottle from the shelf.

The Food and Drug Administration is ordering sunscreen manufacturers to change the way they label their products to prohibit the use of some marketing terms and clarify others. The rules are designed to clear up confusion about “sun protection factor,” SPF, and other terms like “waterproof.”

SPF measures a sunscreen’s ability to prevent sunburn. However, this only measured ultraviolet B (UVB) light. Scientists now know that ultraviolet A (UVA) is a major cause of both aging and contributes to skin cancer.We need to take not of both types of the sun’s rays. The new FDA regulations will help by requiring any sunscreen that calls itself “broad spectrum” to protect against both UVB and UVA.

Many would also like a sunscreen that did not wash off in the water.

The FDA now says there’s no such thing as a waterproof sunscreen. They all wash off in the pool, or with sweat. Starting next summer, the best a label will be able to claim is that a sunscreen is water resistant.

So how do we avoid cancer-causing rays while manufacturers change sunscreens and their labels?

Tan Wisely!

A- While a SPF of over 30 should be good enough on the UVB side, you should read the label and look for UVA protection as well. Next year, you will just look for “Broad Spectrum”

B- Look for current products to claim at least “water resistant”. Even with that claim, reapply at least every two hours.

C- Wear sun-protective clothing. Especially a brimmed hat.

The new labeling will say on the products that sunscreens labeled as both “Broad Spectrum” and “SPF 15” or higher not only protect against sunburn, but, if used as directed with other sun protection measures, can reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. For these broad spectrum products, higher SPF values indicate even higher levels of overall protection. Sunscreens not labeled as “Broad Spectrum” or that has an SPF value between 2 and 14, has only been shown to help prevent sunburn.

Of interest is that the FDA proposes to limit SPF to 50, an indication that they may feel that higher numbers are not a realistic measure of effectiveness.

There is no doubt that less sun exposure will leave you looking younger longer. Tan wisely!