I often get asked by patients which is better saline or silicone implants? I generally tell my patients silicone…why? The new silicone implants are gel-filled, not the old liquid filled implants. They will not leak throughout ones body, since they are not liquid. Silicone implants feel more natural, less like the water balloon feel of a saline implant. The new silicone implants have been approved since 2006 by the FDA. Saline implants life span is around 10 years, then they will break and have to be replaced. Silicone implants should last longer than that, since the old liquid filled silicone implants have lasted 20-30 years in many cases. So if the lifespan is longer with silicone, they would be a better value and less out of pocket expense versus saline implants.
Saline vs. Silicone Implants
December 26th, 2011Rhinoplasty Costs
December 14th, 2011Costs for rhinoplasty surgery can vary in a great range from approximately $2,500.00
up to $13,000.00. The factors that affect costs are many, including:
1. Geographic location
2. Complexity of the procedure
3. Amount of existing cartilage
4. Anatomy of bone structure
5. Surgeon’s expertise
6. The facility choice such as a hospital or
office based facility
7. The overhead expenses of the office
8. Staff members participation in care
9. Type of anesthesia which may be general
anesthesia, regional or local anesthesia and sedation
A Primary Key to
Understanding the Impact of Training and Cost
It is understandable that costs may vary and the basis for a decision on the price to pay should begin with an investigation of the surgeon’s background. Often, in the case of rhinoplasty, the surgeon may have
more than one type of board certification. In addition, the years of education that plastic surgeons undergo for rhinoplasty training vary. Plastic surgeons will usually undergo one or more years of participation in residency programs that may focus on general surgery, plastic surgery or otolaryngology. They may participate in more than one residency program in order to feel that they obtain adequate training to perform rhinoplasty. Plastic surgeons may participate in additional training through continuing education courses provided by organizations such as the American Academy for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
The Evolution of Liposuction: Radio Frequency Liposuction on the Horizon
December 14th, 2011The Drive for Improved Liposuction Methods
Clearly, the manufacturers of
liposuction technology are dedicated to improving technology. Both women and
men are interested in finding improved ways to improve skin tone,
elasticity and lose weight in the most troublesome areas. In fact, the
technology of yesteryear did not provide for the needs of the obese which are
provided in technology today. But why we would need radio frequency liposuction
may be the question that still remains.
Radio frequency liposuction
couples the advantage of today’s small cannulas that allow for smaller
incisions and less trauma with energy based treatment that is targeted to
contract the skin. In addition, radio frequency liposuction is said to hold
promise for the treatment of large areas which might otherwise require
additional treatment sessions. Finally, radio frequency liposuction may result
in less pain, bruising, and swelling which helps to speed the wound healing
process. Studies to support the efficacy of radio frequency liposuction are
just beginning to surface. Yet, the technology may present another viable
liposuction method in years to come.
5 Things You Must Know Before a Breast Augmentation
December 7th, 2011Five Things You Must Know Before a Breast Augmentation
by Christopher Costanzo MD, Thousand Oaks, CA. www.doctorcostanzo.com
Know Your Doctor
I rank this as number 1, because picking the right Plastic Surgeon will assure you a great outcome and happy results.
Some tips on getting to the right Breast Augmentation Surgeon are: Ask around, I’ve found the best referrals come from nurses who work with different doctors and can compare their surgical skills.
Also, make sure your Breast Augmentation Surgeon is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Most persons don’t realize that there is “NO” recognized Board Certification for Cosmetic Surgery by the American Board of Medical Specialties or the State of California. This is important, because only Plastic Surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery learn how to perform Breast Augmentation surgery while in hospital residency training prior to starting private practice.
An additional factor to help find the right Plastic Surgeon is to inquiry of about length of time in practice. An experienced surgeon is a valuable asset.
Understand if a Breast Lift is Necessary for a Good Shape
This is important because breast implants look the best if you have good shape to your breasts. If your breasts have stretched out or fallen, then a shaping lift may be necessary before or at the same time as a Breast Augmentation. Go to the Breast Lift page on my website for information on the Breast Lift.
Understand the Limits of the Size and Shape Implant for Your Body
The more detailed in your discussion with me, the easier it is for me to match the breast implant size and shape to your new look. Specific things I find important include, a cup size, whether you want to be on the fuller or smaller side and photos of women who have already had Breast Augmentation.
Ask if You Should Have a Submuscular or Subglandular Implant Placement
If your nipple position is high and your breasts have not stretched out, then I will place the implant under the muscle. This places an additional layer over the implant to reduce visibility. However, if your breasts have dropped somewhat, your skin is loose and you are not very thin, then I will place the implants on top of the muscle. This subglandular placement of the implant may mean you can avoid a Breast Lift.
Find Out Which Implant, Either Saline or Silicone is Right for You
Here are some of the differences:
Saline implants have the following advantages;
Lower cost, ease of replacement, less interference with a mammogram reading and the most important of all, overfill and adjustability. Overfill means I can add more saline if you’re petite and want more fullness. Adjustability on the other hand gives me the ability to add more saline to one implant, if one of your breasts is smaller that the other.
Silicone implants have these advantages;
Sometimes a softer and more natural feel, less chance of visibility of the implant edge and better durability. Silicone implants on average last longer than saline implants.
Giuliana Rancic to have double mastectomy
December 5th, 2011The word mastectomy is a very scary word for many women. Today, however, there are many more options and much better cosmetic results for reconstruction in the face of breast cancer. Many women choose bilateral mastectomy. The cometic results can be quite good. Please see the attached video in the news.
Plastic Surgery Over The Holidays
December 2nd, 2011December is traditionally our busiest month here at Rodeo Drive Plastic Surgery. At first it might seem unusual for people to have procedures over the holidays. Certainly that is how it seemed to us at first. But in some ways it does make sense. People have time off so there are no scheduling issues. There is plenty of time for recovery. They have family around to help them during their recovery.
In our case, many people travel to us for Beverly Hills plastic surgery. This is even moreso during the November and December. While usually about twenty percent of our patients are from out of state or abroad, during the holiday period this goes up above fifty percent. Our warm weather location is also part of the draw for people in the colder winter months.
While procedures done over the holidays are typically very rewarding for patient and their families, good planning is called for. Following a procedure such as rhinoplasty Beverly Hills, for example, there will be some restrictions on activities. No running, swimming, sunning, or contact sports should be done for at least a few weeks after surgery. If someone wants to have big New Year’s Eve celebrating, it may be best to postpone things until after the festivities are over. But with good planing, care in communication between doctor, patient, and family, this is typically a great time to go ahead and plan for a change.
