MRI Scans for Silicone Breast Implants

The generation of silicone gel implants currently available in the U.S. is highly advanced and widely researched. This latest generation is also highly durable, and unlike saline implants, when a rupture or tear to a silicone implant occurs, it may not be immediately noticeable to the patient. These so-called “silent ruptures” can be detected through periodic MRIs, which I advise for all of my Los Angeles silicone gel breast implant patients.

Because a rupture in silicone gel breast implants is hard to detect, patients need to take an active role in monitoring their implants. When a rupture occurs, the silicone gel contained within the implant tends to stay in the pocket (the space that surrounds the breast implant) and the outward appearance of the breast often does not change at all. The FDA recommends that patients have an MRI performed 3 years after their breast augmentation, and then every 2 years after that continuously.

Symptoms

While some women do not notice any change after a silicone breast implant rupture, patients may experience symptoms such as knots or lumps surrounding the implant, change in shape or size of the implant, swelling, pain, numbness, or hardening of the breast. Although these symptoms of a rupture are possible, they are not always present, which is why it is critical to have an MRI performed as recommended by the FDA.

Tags: los angeles breast implant
Posted in Breast Implant,Breast

Healing from Rhinoplasty

When considering a rhinoplasty procedure, my Los Angeles patients typically ask about recovery. When discussing this subject, I often hear misconceptions about recovering from nose surgery, such as the length of time it takes to fully heal, or how long bandages or splints need to be worn. In actuality, healing from a rhinoplasty procedure is not as intense as some believe.

After Surgery

Rhinoplasty is typically performed in 1 to 3 hours, and patients can typically go home a few hours after their procedure. Most often, a split will be taped to the nose to help support its new shape, and should be worn for about a week after surgery. While there may be some bruising or swelling after this initial period, it will reduce significantly as tissues adjust to the new shape of the nose.

Misconceptions

There are several misconceptions that a bandage or splint needs to be worn for up to a year after the procedure to keep the nose in its proper position, and this could not be more false. While it is true that it may take up to a year for a patient’s nose to fully adjust to its new size or shape, a bandage or splint is unnecessary after the initial period after surgery. The best way to heal fast from a rhinoplasty is to follow the surgeon’s instructions carefully and religiously.

Tags: rhinoplasty los angeles
Posted in Rhinoplasty (nose surgery),Facial Cosmetic Surgery

RADIESSE® May Turn Back the Hands of Time

Besides the face, our hands are one of the first places to show signs of aging. Even people with beautiful facial skin and youthful body contours can still give away their age by the appearance of their hands. With age spots, sun damage, wrinkles and veins, our hands and fingers eventually show wear and tear. Now with different Los Angeles skin care treatments, patients can enjoy younger looking hands with the use of wrinkle fillers such as RADIESSE®.

Plump up the Volume

A major reason why the hands appear aged is because skin loses elasticity and volume, exposing veins, tendons and joints. RADIESSE is injected below the skin to replenish volume. Not only does RADISSE work to plump the skin for a rejuvenated appearance, it also works to stimulate collagen growth for a naturally enhanced fullness. Through the use of this particular wrinkle filler, results are seen right after treatment.

The great part about RADIESSE for hand rejuvenation is that it gives the hands a soft, natural look and feel. Many patients at my practice have been very pleased with their RADIESSE treatment for aging hands, and have also considered the treatment for their facial rejuvenation.

Tags: los angeles skin care treatments
Posted in Radiesse,Skin Care