The Truth About Plastic Surgery: Fact or Myth? (Part I)

By Dr. Chris Nichols, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Tacoma, WA

Aging is strictly genetic.
Truth: Genes and heredity are partly responsible for the way you will age,age; however, aging is directly related to our lifestyle, diet, exercise regimen, smoking habits, the environment and location in which we live. Excessive sun exposure, smoking and obesity are major causes of premature aging. Following a healthy diet, exercising regularly and wearing sunscreen every day will help delay the aging process.

Anti-aging creams will prevent you from aging.
Fact: Tretinoin, aka Retin-A in prescription strength, works by forcing skin cells to renew more quickly. With long-term use, it can improve fine lines and wrinkles, acne, smooth the skin and remove age spots. Sunscreen containing both UVA and UVB protection is vital in anti-aging. If used in conjunction with Retin-A, you can best minimize the visible signs of aging, however the aging process can never be completely stopped.

Silicone breast implants are dangerous to your health.
Myth: International long term studies have consistently shown and proven that both saline and silicone implants are safe and do not cause cancer or rheumatoid diseases. All breast implants have been rigorously evaluated by the FDA and are FDA approved. Both saline and silicone implants, contain a shell that is made of silicone. Both have a tested lifetime of 10-15 years. Silicone gel implants require a commitment of having a mammogram at 3 years after implantation and every 2 years thereafter for detection of leaks which may not be clinically evident in comparison to a saline deflation.

Breast implants will soon be replaced with fat injections.
Myth: At this point in time, fat injections for breast enlargement are truly experimental and have inconsistent results. Fat injections, aka fat grafting, will definitely not replace saline or silicone gel implants any time in the near future, but can be useful in making small modifications to breast size and contour. Fat injection into the breast tissue may cause changes that could confuse mammogram interpretation and are currently being evaluated in ongoing clinical research. Fat grafting can be extremely useful after breast cancer reconstruction to correct small amounts of asymmetry or rippling.

SmartLipo (laser liposuction) is different from traditional liposuction.
Fact: SmartLipoSM is a minimally invasive procedure that permanently destroys fat cells, improving overall body shape by permanently removing unwanted fat and tightening skin. Laser technology liquefies the fat cells while smoothing and tightening the skin that often remains a bit loose after traditional liposuction. SmartLipoSM is meant for areas that do not respond to diet or exercise. Different from traditional liposuction, SmartLipoSM uses a laser fiber to direct energy to fat cells, causing them to rupture and drain away as liquid. Simultaneously, tissue around the area coagulates, resulting in overall tighter skin tissue. SmartLipo is performed in our office, does not require general anesthesia and has minimal downtime compared to traditional liposuction. The most important thing to remember when considering liposuction is to choose a surgeon who has had specialized training in liposuction, as there are many unqualified physicians out there who are not trained in the anatomy or technique and are promise results and recovery that seem too good to be true.

Check back for Part II!

Breast Screening Guidelines Position Statement from Dr. Nichols

Following the recent publication of the US Preventative Services Task Force guidelines on 11/16/2009, there has been a flurry of publicity about the need for mammograms and breast self examination in the 40-49 year age-group. As a member of the local breast cancer tumor board, I wanted to comment on the local viewpoint here in Tacoma and Pierce County. Locally we have unanimously agreed with the position of many prominent national and regional organizations (including the National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, and the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance) to suggest that women continue with existing breast imaging and exam guidelines listed below. I have personally have treated many patients in the 40-49 year age-group who have had life threatening breast cancers detected on mammogram or self-exam. Also, in discussion with my radiology colleagues it is noteworthy to point out that greater than 70 cancers have been mammographically detected in members of this age group so far this year.

I would like to make this information available to patients that may be considering mammograms and self exams the existing widely recognized guidelines are:

• Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health.
• Clinical breast exam (CBE) should be part of a periodic health exam, about every three years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for woman 40 and over.
• Women should know how their breasts normally feel and report any breast change promptly to their health care providers. Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s.
• Woman at high risk (greater than 20 percent lifetime risk) should get an MRI and a mammogram every year. Women at moderately increased risk (15 percent to 20 percent lifetime risk) should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of adding MRI screening to their yearly mammogram. Yearly MRI screening is not recommended for women whose lifetime risk of breast cancer is less than 15 percent.


For additional information please refer to:

The Carol Milgard Breast Center
4525 S 19th St
Tacoma, WA 98405-1106
253-759-2622

www.carolmilgardbreastcenter.org

The American Society of Breast Surgeons
www.breastsurgeons.org

Sculptra and Obagi Event - Wed 11/18/09 from 3-7pm

Dr. Chris Nichols
and
Pearl Plastic Surgery
present
A Free Informational Seminar
Sculptra Aesthetic and Obagi Medical
Dr. Chris Nichols will present information about the latest FDA approved cosmetic filler, Sculptra Aesthetic, along with other fillers and Botox/Dysport including differences, treatment areas and pros and cons. Dr. Nichols will also provide information on cosmetic facial procedures and answer all of the questions you have may have.
This is a free event, so bring your friend! For each friend, up to 4, you bring that is a new patient to our office, you will receive a $25 gift certificate for any service we provide.
PRIZES & Discount: First 2 people to buy a kit (2 vials) of Sculptra Aesthetic the night of the Seminar, gets 1 vial free! 20% off all Obagi Medical Skin Care Products!


Where: Pearl Plastic Surgery
6002 North Westgate Blvd. Suite 160
Tacoma, WA 98406

When: Wednesday November 18th

Time: Open House from 3 – 7pm with lectures at 4pm & 6pm

RSVP: No need, just show up with your friends

*Discounts will be offered tonight only! No exceptions.


253.759.4522
Email: drchrisnichols@gmail.com
www.pearlplasticsurgery.com




Sponsored by Sculptra Aesthetic and Obagi Medical