Top Five Non Surgical & Minimally Invasive Alternatives to Popular Plastic Surgery Procedures

When it comes to cosmetic enhancements, the method of choice has significantly shifted from surgical to minimally invasive options. These procedures have grown in popularity because they are cost-efficient and associated with less downtime. The majority of these patients may resume most activities within a matter of days. And with the holiday season quickly approaching, these procedures may be ideal for the active patient who is seeking an excellent aesthetic result without the downtime and risks associated with invasive surgical procedures. During the past four years, Dr. Lewis Obi has spear headed the development of many of these minimally invasive techniques.

Hermaphroditus, Compliments of Obiarts Inc.

The following are the top five non surgical or minimally invasive procedures requested.

1. Rejuvenation of Forehead, Brows, Face and Neck

Sometimes a surgical face lift may be the only option to restoring youthful looks and repairing long term damage. But for most patients, there are minimally invasive options that may restore their youthful appearance. Through the use of Botox, a patient may smooth forehead creases while lifting their brow line. Adivive fat grafting utilizes unwanted fat from the body and refines it to a durable large volume filler for the face. And finally, the LJO Brow Lift is a minimally invasive proprietary brow lifting procedure that can be performed in half an hour with little-to-no residual scarring.

Downtime Required for Botox: None

Downtime Required for Adivive Filler: Three to seven days.

Downtime Required for LJO Brow Lift: Five days.

Patient received Adivive fat transfer to increase facial volume.

2. Liposuction and Body Sculpting

Certain areas of fat may not always respond to exercise and dieting. Traditional techniques for the removal of this fat are associated with long periods of recovery, general anesthesia, greater risks and less than optimal results. However, with the introduction of SlimLipo laser lipolysis four years ago, fat removal and skin tightening has never been so easy. An added benefit is that skin tightening continues for several months so that any subsequent weight loss is synergistic. One of SlimLipo’s multiple benefits is that patients immediately see visible results following their procedure and continue to see volume loss and skin tightening up to six months. During the actual procedure, patients do not require general anesthesia and may typically return to work within the following day or two. All of these benefits also results in a lower cost for the patient.

Downtime Required for SlimLipo: One to two days. Patients may resume work in one to two days and may resume physical exercises within five to seven days.

SlimLipo fat removal and skin tightening.

3. Breast Augmentation

Autologous fat grafting is not new to the world of cosmetic surgery. As a matter of fact, the use of fat as a filler has been utilized in cosmetic practices for over 30 years. Until the recent advent of the Adivive Fat Processing Unit, fat transfer results have never been as reliable. Through the Adivive system, fat is removed via SlimLipo, centrifuged and filtered into a more viable fat transfer. This process may be used to increase a woman’s breast size by one full cup without the use of implants. Post-lumpectomy and breast reconstruction patients immensely benefit from this procedure as well.

Downtime for Adivive Breast Augmentation: Five days.

Post-lumpectomy patient received Adivive fat transfer in
left breast, SlimLipo tightening in right breast.

Patient increased breast by one cup size with Adivive
fat transfer to breasts.

4. Non Surgical Nose Job (Rhinoplasty)

Whether it’s from trauma or ethnicity, some patients have deficient nasal bridges or dorsal humps that may be unsightly. With the use of particular fillers, such as Radiesse or Coapatite, these deficiencies may be corrected non surgically. It’s extremely beneficial to patients that have been considering permanent cosmetic surgery but aren’t sure if it’s the right choice. This procedure gives them the opportunity to “test” their new look before a more permanent procedure.

Downtime for Non Surgical Nose Job: One day or less.

5. Chin Augmentation

Just as a non surgical nose job, fillers may used in augmenting the chin without permanent surgery. Sometimes a combination of SlimLipo neck tightening in conjunction of a filler to enhance the chin may be performed for an optimal result.

Downtime for Non Surgical Chin Augmentation and/or SlimLipo Neck Tightening: Two to four days.

Patient received SlimLipo neck tightening to enhance chin.

Men and women alike are seeking new and less invasive ways to enhance their appearance without having to take a leave of absence at work or lose important time with their family. If you have been considering plastic surgery, contact Dr. Lewis Obi at 904-399-0905 to see if you’re a candidate for non or minimally invasive cosmetic enhancements.

Benefits of Adivive Autologous Fat Transfer for Breasts

Dr. Lewis Obi is frequently asked questions regarding his use of Adivive autologous fat transfer on patients and its benefits. The following is one of the most commonly asked questions.

What are some of the benefits of Adivive fat 

transfer for breasts? 

Dr. Lewis Obi explains: "I have had mixed results and find this technique most useful for smaller volume fat grafting (100-150cc per breast) than most of my colleagues are performing. I have experienced better results in patients requiring perhaps one cup size enlargements such as in the lumpectomy/irradiation patients, breast lift patients and for cosmetic patients with moderate asymmetry of the breasts."

Dr. Lewis Obi Discussed His Interest in Gummy Bear Implants with Allergan

For several years, Dr. Lewis Obi has urged Allergan to help finalize the FDA approval of their style 410 “Gummy Bear” breast implants which have been used in many countries world wide for almost a decade. As a pioneer in many areas of plastic surgery, Dr. Obi has been on the frontier of breast surgery early in his practice. He was one of the first American plastic surgeons to adopt the use of saline implants during an era when the Silicone Gel implants were not considered safe for his patients. “The current silicone breast implants in use have been proven to be safe by the FDA,” states Dr. Obi. (Read the 5 Myths About Breast Implants blog) Coincidentally, Dr. Lewis Obi has been actively involved with the FDA’s breast implant tracking program for the past 20 years.

Gummy Bear Breast Implants

His interest in Natrelle™'s Gummy Bear implants is primarily for patients with recurring capsular contracture difficulties with currently available implants. Also, patients seeking reconstruction after mastectomy are potential candidates for these implants. As noted in our September Newsletter, Dr. Lewis Obi was also the first plastic surgeon in the U.S. to acquire the FDA approved Adivive™ stem cell fat processing unit used for breast reconstruction. Also in our September Newsletter, an article in the Australian publication “Cosmetic Surgery and Beauty Magazine” quoted Dr. Obi’s experience with the Adivive system for breast augmentation. As with the introduction of saline implants in the 1970’s and stem cell fat grafting procedures more recently, Dr. Lewis Obi has been on the forefront of breast surgery.

Courtesy of Bella Media, Cosmetic Surgery and Beauty Magazine

Why Are They Called "Gummy Bear" Implants?

Made with cohesive silicone gel, the implants have a consistency that was previously unavailable in any breast implant. Most silicone breast implants have a silicone gel that feels like honey, while the 410 is more like jello. For this reason, people have nick-named them "gummy bear implants."

The current silicone gel implants, which have a round shape, are filled with silicone that has a consistency like honey. The gel "flows" in the implant, so when the implant is in the vertical position, the gel flows to the bottom and the top/upper pole of the implant collapses. This leads to loss of upper pole fullness and rippling which may be visible and/or palpable.

The style 410 implant is made with silicone that has 3% more cross-linking and it is thus more viscous. The silicone does not flow, it is form stable and has an anatomic (tear-drop) shape. This anatomically shaped implant maintains its shape in all positions. The shell does not fold. Thus the upper pole remains full even in the upright position and there is minimal rippling.

Allergan NatrelleTM 410 Silicone Breast Implants

The new style 410 implants from Allergan are most advanced generation of silicone breast implants available today. The silicone in these implants is form stable, does not flow, and the implant maintains it shape. These implants were developed to address some of the short-comings of currently available silicone gel implants.

Gummy Bear Implants: What’s The Difference?

All silicone gel breast implants used today are termed "cohesive." This is because they are more cohesive than the older silicone implants. However, a truly cohesive silicone implant is form stable. Only the Allergan NatrelleTM 410 Silicone Breast Implants and the Mentor CPG are truly cohesive silicone implants and thus have the associated benefits.

The Allergan NatrelleTM 410 Silicone Breast Implants are more cohesive than implants used in the past, as well as the currently available silicone gel breast implants.

This difference brings several benefits:
• Early study results show a reduced incidence of leakage rates
• Less capsular contracture
• Less rippling
• The implant maintains its shape, the shape is reflected in the breast, it is not deformed by gravitational forces

Breast Implant Options with the Allergan NatrelleTM 410 Silicone Implant

Allergan NatrelleTM 410 Silicone Breast Implants come in 12 different models, each with varying width, height and projection. All implants come with an anatomical shape to match your natural body characteristics.

These implants are an excellent option for our patients needing:
• Revision augmentation or mastopexy/augmentation
• Revision of augmentation for leaking silicone implant or deflated saline Implant
• Revision of augmentation for capsular contracture
• Breast reconstruction

HOPEFULLY THESE IMPLANTS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR THE PATIENT’S OF DR. LEWIS OBI THIS FALL.

Five Myths About Breast Implants

In 2011, breast augmentation was the 2nd most popular cosmetic surgery procedure (according to ASAPS) with approximately 316,848 implant procedures performed.

Eternal Moment, Daniel
Courtesy of Obiarts Inc

 Among the women that received breast augmentation in 2011: 

• 4, 830 were 18 and under 
• 155,256 were 19-34 
• 125, 710 were 35-50 
• 27, 852 were 51-64 
• 3,199 were 65+ 

Whether it’s for aesthetic purposes or to reconstruct, there are various reasons why a woman chooses to have a breast augmentation. There are also many worries that come along with implant surgery. Here are the top five concerns addressed during consults.

1. Breast Implants Can Cause Cancer and Other Diseases

There is NO evidence that implants cause cancer or other diseases. The FDA has conducted several studies on implants to see if there are any links between implants and diseases. Some studies have even concluded that there is a slightly lower incidence of cancer in patients with long term implants.

2. Nursing is not Possible with Breast Implants

Women with breast implants can do most anything women without implants do – including breastfeeding. The majority of women who receive implants are able to nurse with no complications. Troubles with breastfeeding and implants are very rare and this is also true in patients with peri-areolar (nipple) incisions.

3. If a Silicone Breast Implant Ruptures, it Will Travel Through the Body

In recent years, major revisions and advancements have been made to silicone breast implants to make them safer for women. It is rare that a silicone implant ruptures, but in the case that it does, the gel tends to stay in its molded position. In 2006, the FDA announced their decision to reintroduce silicone gel implants to the market.

4. Breast Implants Need to be Replaced Every Couple of Years

Implants do not typically need to be revised nor replaced if there are no problems. In rare cases, women may need to remove implants due to health issues or the fact they do not want implants anymore.

5. The Bigger the Implant, the Better

Bigger is not always better when it comes to breast implants. Depending on a woman’s size and shape, larger implants may be nuisance or even cause injuries. Breast implants will stretch breast tissue that may cause the implant to be visible to the naked eye. Very large implants can cause the chest wall to become deformed as well. A reputable plastic surgeon will discuss size options and help you choose the best option based on your size, height and frame.

For women who don’t want silicone or saline implants, stem cell adult fat transfer may be a viable option. Transferred fat is also used in the reconstruction of breasts after cancer. This revolutionary technique is used to restore or increase volume in the breasts. One’s fat is removed from donor areas, through SlimLipo, centrifuged and filtered to produce pure adult stem cells for transfer to the breast. Breast volume retention is much longer than traditional fat transfers to the breast. 

Dr. Lewis Obi featured in Australia's CS&B Magazine and his work with
implant-free breast enhancement. Click image to read the article in its entirety.

STEM CELL BREAST RECONSTRUCTION UTILIZED BY CELEBRITY SUZANNE SOMERS

In January of 2011, Dr. Lewis Obi became one of the first surgeons in the United States to utilize the Adivive autologous fat grafting procedure, the first FDA-approved fat processing unit pioneered by MediKahn and Palomar Medical Technology.

The Adivive system is especially ideal for breast cancer patients and the reconstruction of breasts for women avoiding the use of breast implants or complicated flap procedures. Using one’s own stem cell concentrated fat for reconstruction is a viable alternative and can often times be performed without general anesthesia. Obviously the complexities of flap/implant reconstruction and their inherent risks are also avoided.

Dr. Katora Yoshimura & Dr. Obi

Recently, actress Suzanne Somers revealed that she received a stem cell breast reconstruction procedure after her battle with breast cancer. After refusing the typical pre- and post-cancer treatments, Somers held series of meetings with Dr. Yoshimura, Dr. Lewis Obi’s Adivive colleague, and became of the first women in the U.S. to receive this breakthrough procedure. L.A. plastic surgeon Joel Aronowitz performed Suzanne Somers' stem cell concentrated  fat grafting procedure. On her series “Suzanne Somers Breaking Through” she revealed not only her story, but also a video chronicling her surgery.

*Warning: There is graphic imagery in this video

Ironically, both Dr. Aronowitz and Dr. Lewis Obi were featured in Plastic Surgery Practice magazine recently. Dr. Obi was the cover story for the June 2011 PSP edition whereas Dr. Aronowitz was featured in a story for the January 2012 PSP issue. Dr. Obi is also one of the leading plastic surgeons in the United States to perform such cutting-edge procedures and continues to explore new and innovative techniques in plastic surgery. The creative environment that has been established at the Obi Plastic Surgery Clinic provides patients with many more choices both in the area of reconstructive as well as aesthetic plastic surgery. We invite you to explore Dr. Obi’s work with Adivive patients and view before and after photos of Adivive results.

DR. LEWIS OBI AND DR. JOHN MURRAY - BREAST SURGEONS

Dr. Lewis Obi and Dr. John Murray have effectively combined their diverse talents in the areas of aesthetic breast surgery and reconstructive breast surgery. Their skills are particularly beneficial to patients who are seeking breast augmentation and breast reductions. In addition, they are particularly skilled to take care of complex cases such as the mastectomy patient and patients with a history of previous breast surgery complications. Many of these cases are covered by insurance and may be treated at the Samuel Wells Surgicenter which is part of the Obi Plastic Surgery Clinic.

Adivive (Lipokit) Discussion on WJXT Channel 4 in Jacksonville

Dr. Lewis Obi and Dr. John Murray were recently invited to discuss the Adivive (Lipokit) procedure on WJXT Channel 4 morning show in Jacksonville. Watch the video to see the doctors discuss all the benefits of the Adivive procedure, the first FDA-approved autologous fat transfer system, and discover why they are the first doctors to receive this.

Dr. John Murray, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, joins Dr. Le

Dr. Lewis J. Obi is pleased to announce the partnership of Dr. John D. Murray into his practice. Dr. Murray was introduced to Dr. Lewis Obi in 2000 by his mentor Dr. John Bostwick of Emory University. The late Dr. Bostwick was a pioneer of breast reconstruction for breast cancer patients . He trained hundreds of eminent plastic surgeons, including Dr. John Murray, from the 1970ʼs until his death in 2001.

Dr. Murray served as the chief plastic surgeon at Susan Komen/University of Illinois for eight years and established the annual Susan Komen Breast Cancer Symposium. Dr. Murray will spearhead the effort to bring the Susan Komen Peoria system to the Jacksonville community of patients. To date there has been an enormous effort by the Jacksonville hospitals to provide quality care to breast cancer patients. Dr. Obi and Dr. Murray will surely complement these efforts.

In addition to continuing the legacy of quality care for all patients, Dr. Obi and Dr. Murray plan to establish a national Breast Cancer Symposium for the Jacksonville area in conjunction with Susan Komen/University of Illininois Medical College. This educational event will be a continuation of what Dr. Murray established in Peoria and will take place in Jacksonville next Spring.

Dr. John Murray is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. For seven years he was a practicing physician with Illinois Plastic Surgery and an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria. Dr. Murray received his BS from Furman University and his MD from Emory University School of Medicine. He completed residencies in General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Emory University. He is married to Dr. Paige Murray and together they have two beautiful daughters.

A welcoming reception for Dr. Murray will be held at the Obi Plastic Surgery Center in Jacksonville, in early December. For more information, please call Carole Tindell at 904-399-0905.

DR LEWIS OBI ATTENDS SUSAN KOMEN SYMPOSIA IN PEORIA

Earlier this month Dr. Obi was the special guest of Dr. John Murray who chaired the Third Annual Breast Cancer Symposium sponsored by Susan G. Komen and University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria. During Dr. Obi’s three day visit he attended dozens of functions and lectures by world famous breast cancer physicians and experts. The symposium was originally organized by Dr. Murray who is a plastic surgeon that has worked with the Komen Center and the Illinois College of Medicine for the past seven years. For the past three years Drs. Lewis Obi and John Murray have been actively collaborating in an effort to bring the Peoria model of comprehensive breast cancer care to Jacksonville. Linda Maricle, Executive Director of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, assured Drs. Obi and Murray that her organization would support their efforts on behalf of breast cancer patients in Jacksonville.