THE SUBTLE SIDE OF PLASTIC SURGERY

By Plastic Surgeon Andrew Ives

 

 

Plastic surgery has undergone an extreme makeover in its own right. Years ago people wanted to turn back the clock twenty years. Unfortunately the results were far from acceptable. An old saying is true for cosmetic surgery… “Too much of a good thing is bad for you”. We’ve all seen the pictures in magazines, on the telly, and the internet of celebrities and socialites who have ‘overdosed’ on plastic surgery, thinking to ourselves “my god what were they thinking” and even “my god what was their surgeon thinking, or even drinking’ before they started work on them. Well, it may come as some comfort to know that plastic surgeons also look at these same pictures and think these same thoughts. Today plastic surgery and cosmetic treatments are considered to produce a refreshed look, rather than a wind tunnel appearance.

Fortunately in Australia we are blessed with a sense of style and good taste, and this is reflected in the surgical appearance of postoperative patients. Patients want friends and work colleagues to say they look refreshed and enquire if they’ve been away, as they look healthy and vibrant. They don’t want people to know they’ve had surgery whereas in the United States the opposite is true, where having had surgery is seen as a status symbol.

Botox is used to reduce wrinkles and fine lines: to freshen the face and not freeze it. Dermal fillers, both permanent and temporary, can be used effectively to enhance lips both their outline and body without the need to make them look like the rubber lips of a Mike Jagger cartoon, or a couple of marauding hot dog sausages. Most women requesting breast augmentation surgery want a more natural look, rather than a couple of breasts that walk in the room five minutes before they do. Liposuction is now called liposculpture for a reason. It’s more about fine-tuning the body’s shape rather than a procedure to suck enough blubber out of you to make you the equivalent of ninety nine percent fat free.

So in Australia, you can trust that when you walk out of a plastic surgeons office, you will look like you have returned from an island holiday as opposed to having just walked out of the Freak Factory.

JAMES BARRETT RN MEDICAL AESTHETIC NURSE JOINS OUR TEAM!

Exciting News! The much loved James Barrett RN Medical Aesthetic Nurse is going to be offering Cosmetic Injectables from Fletcher Brown Skin Clinic! James is from the highly reputable Endless Solutions Cosmetic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine practice.

James will be regularly offering treatments on the weeks our wonderful Cosmetic Injectables Nurse Donna Phillips is interstate. Injectables at Fletcher Brown are very popular, so we have felt the push to offer more days to our loyal clients. But don't worry, Donna is not going anywhere! Donna will still be offering treatments, as always every 2nd week

Donna has a close working relationship with Endless Solutions, and recommended that this would be the place to find another exceptional second nurse.

Since then I have spoken to a number of people in the field who tell me that James is brilliant. Patients absolutely love him and he gets fantastic natural looking results. He is warm, friendly and cares about his patients.

James completed A Bachelor of Nursing and Bachelor of Health Science in 2002 majoring in Health Education & Health Promotions. In 2003 he commenced work at the Alfred Hospital Emergency & Trauma Centre and in 2007 James achieved a ‘Nurse Clinician’ position with the Mobile Assessment Treatment Service (MATS) performing medical assessments and treating clients in the community for Alfred Health. James has over ten years experience providing professional Nursing services over Melbourne as well as internationally, both in public and private sectors. With a passion and talent for injecting and a drive to helping people achieve natural looking and excellent results, he looks forward to meeting and consulting with you.

James conducts a thorough 45 minute consultation before beginning any treatment - to ensure you are receiving the best treatment for your needs.

James' first day treating at Fletcher Brown will be Tuesday 23rd of July.

Just call 97496261 if this time suits you!

Paula :)

GOING NATURAL: THE CHANGING FACE OF BREAST ENLARGEMENT

By Plastic Surgeon Mr Andrew Ives

Breast enlargement. Of all plastic surgery procedures, it seems to be the most often discussed—who has had it, who wants it, who doesn't, and why.

For years, breast enlargement has suffered from the Jordan effect: the perception that breast implant surgery results in disproportionately large, strangely-shaped breasts that appear patently false. But the results of breast enlargement can be noticeable without being obvious. Increasingly, patients are looking for breasts that appear natural and complement their overall appearance, rather than breasts that become a focal point.

Of course, there are still women who desire a very obvious change but in recent years, I have noticed more and more women seeking a natural looking result. One of the fastest growing categories of breast enlargement patients I see is made up of women seeking to restore their breasts after having children. Suffering a loss of volume following pregnancy and breastfeeding, these women have become dissatisfied with the size and appearance of their breasts. They aren't necessarily looking for large breasts; they simply want to go back to what they once had. Anecdotally, I have heard that this type of breast enlargement has become a hot topic during school drop-off and pick-up, with the procedure becoming more acceptable and no longer solely the domain of celebrities and the housewives of Beverly Hills.

But how can you ensure that your breast enlargement surgery will give you a natural looking result? Well, like any plastic surgery, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to breast enlargement. Achieving a natural look depends on a combination of factors:

• Body shape – Obtaining natural looking results depends first and foremost on assessing the patient's body. A good surgeon will take into account a patient's breast and body shape when considering implant sizes. Some patients may like the results they see on a friend and request the same sized implants, hoping for a similar look. But if that friend has a very different body shape, the same sized implants can look unnatural and may even cause complications.
• Shape – In my opinion, teardrop shaped implants more closely mimic the natural shape of a woman's breast, creating a gentle slope from the upper chest and becoming fuller in the lower part of the breast. Round implants create a fuller appearance overall, with an emphasis on the upper breast, which may be more appropriate for some patients.
• Composition – Implants composed of silicone gel feel and look more natural than implants composed of saline, which are firmer to the touch and can produce visible rippling beneath the skin.
• Profile – This refers to the way the breasts project from the body. Some types of implants offer a lower profile while others have more projection. The type that will give you the most natural appearance depends on the volume of breast tissue that you have to start with.
• Placement – Implants can be placed on top of or behind the pectoralis major muscle, the main muscle on the front of your chest. Placing the implant behind the muscle can help to create a smoother appearance but may not be suitable in every situation.
• Incision – Incisions are typically made in one of three different places: armpit, areola or under the breast. The incision location can impact how well the implant is placed as well as scar visibility and must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Most importantly, it is vital to be open to discussion with your surgeon about different options for achieving your desired results: it could be the difference between becoming a Pamela Anderson clone or having the breasts you want.

For more information please visit http://www.andrewives.com.au/plastic-surgery-procedures/breast-surgery

NAIL SALON NIGHTMARE!

Ok, so I had never been to a ‘nail salon’ until 2 weeks ago.

I have always worked in amazing beauty salons, skin clinics, beauty colleges and day spas, so I have always have access to the best beauty therapists this way, and have always had my nails done in-house.

At my engagement party 4 months ago, I stubbed one of my big toenails and it went black and fell off.    By the time my wedding came around I still only had a 3^rd of a toenail on this toe.  So I decided to go to a local nail salon who could add an acrylic tip to my toenail, so I would be all ready for my wedding day. 

Now listen, I had heard that some nail salons could be a little dirty or un-hygienic, but didn’t really believed it – I thought this may have been a bit of a media “beat-up?”.

When I arrived I was initially pleasantly surprised at how well groomed the staff were – although the decor did leave a little to be desired.  This is where the pleasant surprises end...

This is how my experience went:

·         My ‘therapist’ showed me to her manicure table?– which I thought was odd because I was having a toenail done – but I was new to this, so who was I to question?

·         I noticed a thick covering of nail dust all over the manicure table – ALL OVER!  I am not one to run a finger over things to see how clean things are – not at all.  This dust was completely obvious!  Already I started wondering why there are people actually having their nails done here – and why they haven’t all walked out because of the un-hygienic state of things...  but then I was still there – I didn’t want to offend anyone.

·         Next I couldn’t help noticing the emery boards were still covered in white nail dust from the previous clients – and the buffing machine was also still completely covered in white nail dust! Yuck!  This nail dust would contain funguses and worse!

·          Still I stayed.

·         Then I noticed that all of the cleaning equipment was dirty, and covered in splashes of nail polish.  As was the fan. There were also crumpled dirty tissues on the desk.  Hmmm.  Still I stayed.

·         Ok, now this is the real kicker...  As I said I was confused as to why I was sitting at a manicure station to have my toenail done – especially when I could see there were pedicure chairs available.  I didn’t know where I would be putting my foot for my therapist to have access to it?  Would I be asked to fling it up on to the manicure station?  No...  She dragged a bin across and asked me to rest my foot on top of the lid... an actual rubbish bin!  A stainless steel flip-top bin with a bin liner in it!  And every time she had rubbish, I had to lift my foot up off the bin so she could put her rubbish in it!  FYI she did not lay down any covering over the bin.. so my skin was actually touching the bin.

·         Still I stayed   

After this I tried to tune out and pretend I wasn’t really there.

My treatment was eventually over and I got out of there.

What is the moral of this story?  Thank the heavens we have Beauty By Theresa on board!  Theresa is an absolute clean and hygiene freak!  And we love her for it!  

Now I play the waiting game to see what if any infections come up in my toe nail... I’m already feeling a little sore.

Paula :)

COLLAGEN INDUCTION THERAPY (CIT)

Relevant Information, everybody should read who is interested in CIT

Collagen Induction Therapy (also known as Skin needling) is a skin rejuvenation treatment that helps you restore collagen and elastin through a natural healing process.  Ultra fine, medical grade needles are passed across the skin vertically creating multiple skin punctures that induce a wound healing response to stimulate new collagen and elastin production. This will also assist in breaking down existing scar tissue and encourage further and better healing of acne scars and fine wrinkles so skin texture will be refined.  Skin needling also helps repair stretch marks and surgical scars.

HOW DOES CIT WORK?

Each of the thousands of tiny puncture wounds induces the release of growth factors that begin the process of wound healing. These factors stimulate new collagen and elastin growth in the surrounding skin. New collagen and elastin production is the goal of all skin resurfacing and rejuvenation treatments.

Once initiated, new collagen production can continue for up to 12 months to 2 years, resulting in an improvement in skin firmness and texture and a softening and lifting of scars and wrinkles.

WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE?

Vitamin A and C are essential for collagen production and sun damage reversal. It is impossible to achieve high concentrations of vitamin C or A in the skin by taking tablets orally. Therefore you will be recommended to use skin care products at home that contain high concentrations of these vitamins as well as Brightening Serum to enhance your results. These products must be used for a minimum of 2 weeks prior to your treatment as a healthy skin will respond better to this treatment.

The micro-fine needles are passed over the area to be treated multiple times to create an even distribution of tiny injuries. These needles will be of varying depth for different areas of the body and needles of various lengths are selected according to the condition to be treated and thickness of your skin. Numbing cream will be used to minimise any discomfort. After treatment, skin will appear red, swollen, with the appearance of sunburn or windburn.  A light graze consisting of tiny crusted areas that feel rough and look tanned may occur. Skin may feel tight and dry. Varying amounts of flaking/peeling may occur as healing progresses. During this healing stage it is important to adhere to the aftercare prescribed for the next 2-7 days. It is best to keep the skin moist during this time so apply the prescribed moisturiser as often as required. Makeup should not be worn for the next 24 hours. The use of a daily sunscreen is  recommended.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

Generally a minimum of 4-5 treatments are required to achieve improvements in skin firmness and texture. Scarring may take 6-8 or more treatments. Results accrue gradually because collagen production takes time. Most clients notice an improvement in their skin tone and texture within 4-6 weeks of each treatment. The initially triggered new collagen will eventually be turned into a more permanent type of collagen over time. Substantial results take time and are dependent on home care use and your general health and lifestyle. Treatments are spaced at 4-8 weekly intervals. The frequency of your treatment will be recommended by your practitioner.

 WHAT AREAS CAN BE TREATED?

Most areas are suitable for CIT – with great results for stretch marks achieved all over the body. Face, neck & décolletage are also treatable for firming, tightening & rejuvenating effects.

AM I A SUITABLE CANDIDATE FOR CIT?

CIT  is suitable for fine lines, dull skin, sun damaged and ageing skin,  enlarged pores, acne scars, chicken pox scars and surgical scars (more than 6mths old), as well as for tightening and smoothing of skin on the face, hands, neck and chest. CIT can be performed on all skin types and colours and on all parts of the body.

CIT is NOT suitable for those who have been on Roaccutane in the last 6 months, have active acne, open wounds, infections, psoriasis or dermatitis or permanent fillers in the area to be treated,  have uncontrolled diabetes, are pregnant or breast feeding, or who are prone to keloid scars or other abnormal wound healing.  Precautions must be taken if you are currently using prescription Retinoic Acid or had nurofen/aspirin in the last 48 hours. Smoking reduces the body’s capacity to make collagen therefore healing may be delayed. Please advise your practitioner if you have had any injectable fillers or Botox in that last 2 weeks.

WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS/COMPLICATIONS?

You may experience various degrees of redness, swelling, bruising, crusting, flaking, weeping, and oozing during recovery. Depending upon the depth of your treatment, some downtime may need to be allocated away from social and work commitments. As with any treatment that punctures the skin infection, pigment changes and scarring are remote risks.

HOW DOES CIT COMPARE WITH LASER REJUVENATION?

Although CIT and laser rejuvenation ultimately both achieve improved skin firmness and texture with minimisation of scarring, they work in uniquely different ways.  Unlike laser skin rejuvenation, CIT does not involve the removal of any skin tissue. This means that CIT  can be safely performed on all skin types (white to dark skin) and that it may be the treatment of choice for sensitive thin skinned areas such as the neck and chest. CIT is a low downtime, and often a cost effective alternative to fraxel lasering.

Collagen Induction Therapy

What is CIT (Collagen Induction Therapy)? CIT is the use of an electronic skin needling device, to re-surface & strengthen the skin. CIT is a skin clinic only therapy. The resurfacing results are outstanding, and a great alternative to laser resurfacing. A topical anaesthetic is used to make the treatment more comfortable. Amazing results are seen for acne scars, oily skin, lines, wrinkles and fine papery skin types. CIT is also very different from most treatments, as the skin directly under the eye can be treated. Call us on 97496261 to book your consult, find out about our launch special package prices & book your treatment. The results are truly exciting!

L.E.D. Photodynamic Therapy

L.E.D. (Light Emitting Diode) was first developed by NASA in the 1980’s and studies confirmed that it would regenerate human cells – in fact NASA also proved that wounds exposed to L.E.D. healed 4 to 5 times faster than usual. L.E.D. Photodynamic Therapy is now used in skin clinics to effectively treat most skin types including acne, rosacea, wrinkles, lines, fresh scarring & psoriasis. L.E.D. ...

works so brilliantly on skin because the wave length can be tailored to be delivered to the layer of skin that needs to be targeted, as well as effectively killing damaging bacteria. L.E.D. is also able to treat general tiredness & S.A.D. (seasonal affective disorder). The great news is that L.E.D. is completely pain-free! It is actually really relaxing. A course of 2 treatments a week for 5 weeks will give the best results. Call 97496261 to book your consultation, find out about our launch special package prices and to book your treatment! You are going to love your before and after photos!

Sensitive/Sensitized Skin, General

One can have a pre-disposition to sensitive skin or normal skin can become sensitized using unsuitable cosmetics or diet.  Skin treatments, skin care & diet & nutrition consultations can have a major impact on sensitive skin.  Ask if we can help with your concern if it is not mentioned here.