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.

Enhancing Breasts Without Implants

Dr. Lewis Obi is Asked to Share his Adivive Expertise with of Australia’s Cosmetic Surgery and Beauty Magazine. 

Active involvement and contribution to medical studies and education is an important factor in the success of Dr. Lewis Obi and is reflected in his patient care.

As an internationally recognized plastic surgeon, Dr. Lewis Obi was recently interviewed as an authority on Adivive Breast Enhancing by Australia’s leading health and beauty magazine “Cosmetic Surgery and Beauty.” In the article, written by Jenni Gilbert, Dr. Obi is quoted regarding his use and success of the Adivive Fat Transfer System to date. Coincidentally, Dr. Obi acquired the first FDA approved unit in the United States in January of last year.

“In my experience, the Adivive Fat Transfer System provides a cleaner, more concentrated fat of extraordinary quality,” says Dr. Lewis Obi of his 25 years of experience with fat grafting.

Dr. Obi was also the first plastic surgeon in Jacksonville to utilize the Adivive Fat Processing Unit and has performed over 100 successful fat grafting procedures – anatomically this includes the face, neck and breasts.

Incidentally, Dr. Lewis Obi will be presenting at a major Australian symposium via Skype in September after a similar presentation on site in Chicago.

Be sure to read the upcoming September Obi Plastic Surgery Clinic newsletter for details of the article.

Virgo Victorious

CELESTIAL HARBINGER opus 84 - 1978 - Daniel
courtesy of Obiarts Inc

(Zeus' favorite daughter Athena the light in the dark, the messenger of hope, the Celestial Harbinger. - DANIEL)

In astrology, the sun currently transits the constellation of Virgo from August 23rd to September 22nd. Individuals born during these dates may be called Virgos or Virgoans. Virgo is seasonally associated with the end of summer and the onset of autumn when nature - having borne its fruit - recedes into conservation. Because its period indicates a change of season, it is known as a 'mutable sign', which indicates an instinct towards changeability and an easy ability to let go of past situations in preparation for future needs. This gives an ideal balance between ingenuity of mind, and sharp intellect, and the strength of will needed to see creative ideas through to completion.

Dr. Lewis Obi, his white Scottie Sterling and two of his children are Virgos. Therefore in celebration of the change of season and preparation for future needs, the Obi Plastic Surgery Clinic is sharing their creative ideas with their patients. “Plastic Surgery in the New Age - SlimLipo, Adivive, PRP & More” is the title of Dr. Obi’s presentations to be delivered in Chicago and Sydney, Australia during the Virgoan period.

SlimLipo, Adivive and PRP procedures performed during the month of September will be performed at a reduced fee. For details regarding this offer, contact Carole Tindell at 904 399 0905.

The Importance of Maintenance and Touch-ups Following Facelift

The longevity of most facelifts is between five to 10 years and depends on the surgical technique utilized. Maintenance of results is important and includes avoidance of sun damage, good skin care and a healthy life style.

Aging is a dynamic process and through the years, it may be necessary to maintain results with various touch-up procedures. Facelifts are one of the most sought-after cosmetic surgery procedures for significant facial rejuvenation.

OPERA Lift Plus Patient

As with any plastic surgery, it may be necessary to revise and touch-up several years following a facelift procedure. In fact, maintenance and touch-up following a facelift may even enhance a patient’s results. Laser resurfacing, fillers and a healthy skin regimen may help delay the aging process but will not prevent the inevitable.

Recent advances in medicine have made revision procedures after facelifts much easier and virtually non invasive. There are many post-facelift options available to enhance and rejuvenate your looks.

• OPERA Lift: The OPERA Lift Minor is an ideal technique for patients with minimal sag, deep folds and soft tissue deficiency.
• Adivive: Is a more natural filler derived from one’s own fat. It’s filtered then used in rejuvenation. When enhanced with PRP, longer lasting results are incurred.
• SlimLipo: Can remove unwanted fat and sag in the neck and is particularly effective after a facelift. Its skin tightening effects result almost instant and the patient enjoys practically no down time.
  
• PRP: Platelet-rich Plasma is derived from one’s own blood which is centrifuged and filtered into a clear solution. PRP is utilized in both surgical and non-surgical procedures to enhance results and prevent bruising.
• TCA Peel (35% TriChlorAcetic Acid): Dr. Lewis Obi is one of the few plastic surgeons still utilizing this technique of skin resurfacing. In select patients, this technique is more effective and longer lasting than laser resurfacing. 
• Icon Laser: Fractional (Fraxel) resurfacing reduces wrinkles, sun damage and loose skin non invasively. Three treatments are usually required but there is minimal down time. 
• Photofacial Rejuvenation: Photofacials assist in maintaining skin clarity and firmness. 
• Botox and Fillers: These injectables either smooth any creases and wrinkles as well as restore facial volume. Both are ideal for patients seeking touch-ups several times a year.

SlimLipo of the neck

It is especially important for more mature patients to maintain their skin after a facelift as it becomes increasingly difficult to correct damage and wrinkles during one’s golden years.

Visit our Growing Old Gracefully blog to follow a patient of over a 35-year period that received facelift touch-ups and has maintained her phenomenal looks.

Age 55-LJO Browlift, mid Facelift, and Chemical Peel

Age 68- Limited lifts and refinements of face neck, and nose

Age 75-Refinements

 

Age 85- OPERA Lift

Chicago, Sydney, Los Angeles and Beyond

Next month Dr. Lewis Obi is a primary speaker with major presentations in both Chicago and Sydney Australia.

After attending the annual meeting with the American Society of Plastic of Plastic Surgeons later this year, he then presents at another major symposium in Santa Monica, California.

At this meeting, he will also meet with the California Stem Cell Treatment Center founders Elliot Lander MD and Mark Berman MD in Rancho Mirage. Next year, Dr. Obi plans to participate with stem cell research centers in China, South Korea and Japan. In the past, he has met with Dr. Katora Yoshimura of Tokyo and Dr. He Young Lee of Seoul, both of whom are plastic surgeons at the forefront of adult stem cell research.

Breast Implant Scandal Spurs U.K. Cosmetic Surgery Review

The French breast implant company Poly Implant Prothèse (PIP) is currently the target of a mounting legal claim by hundreds of European women due to their defective and substandard implants.

PIP, which went into liquidation in 2011, is accused of manufacturing silicone implants that are comprised of industrial-grade silicone and not the accepted medical-grade silicone. Many breast implant patients have reported rupture, lumps and illness associated with this product, recently.

This overwhelming outpour of patients had led the National Health Service (NHS) in England to crack down on advertising and regulations regarding implants and products used in plastic surgery. A web site was also launched to educate the women who received PIP implants/products and encourage them to report any issues they may have: http://www.mypipbreastimplants.co.uk/

“The recent problems with PIP breast implants have shone a light on the cosmetic surgery industry,” explains Sir Bruce Keogh of NHS, in the statement. “Many questions have been raised, particularly around the regulation of clinics whether all practitioners are adequately qualified, how well people are advised when money is changing hands, aggressive marketing techniques, and what protection is available when things go wrong.”

Dr. Lewis Obi, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in Jacksonville, with his exceptional OR Team.

The Review to Consider Nose Jobs

The review will consider a range of procedures, including nose jobs, breast enlargement or reduction, facelifts, liposuction and anti-wrinkle treatments. A national implant register for products including breast implants will also be considered, the department said in the statement.

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons said it would welcome the establishment of a national register and suggested that the government consider restricting advertisements to protect patients.

To contact the reporter on this story: Kristen Hallam in London at khallam@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Kristen Hallam at khallam@bloomberg.net

Dr. Lewis Obi states that national and state regulatory agencies/societies are already in place in the United States. The American Board of Plastic Surgery regulates its members and hospitals regulate the various specialties. However procedures performed in so call “accredited” clinics which are not AHCA licensed fall through the cracks and basically are unregulated. The only AMA recognized board for cosmetic surgery is the American Board of Plastic Surgery and patient confusion arises from titles such as the board of "Facial Plastic Surgery." Patient education and awareness is an important function of the Obi Plastic Surgery Clinic website which is directed by website designer Aubrey Garner. Dr. Obi, Aubrey and his staff produce informative blogs three times a week as well as a monthly newsletter.

Obi Plastic Surgery Clinic, an AHCA Licensed Clinic

Congratulations to All of the 2012 London Olympic Athletes

USA Olympic Team

As this past weekend came to a close, so did the 2012 London Summer Olympics with a spectacular music and fire works finale. After weeks of competition, the United States celebrated the most gold medals – totaling 104 – surpassing their own record of most gold medals won in the Olympics outside of the U.S.

Of special mention is the U.S. Men’s and Women’s Basketball Teams. Noted basketball superstar Lebron James said, “This is all about USA you know and it’s not about me, it’s about these three letters on our chest. We’re happy that we were able to represent our country and bring home the gold,” about the team’s victory over Spain, 107-- 100. The U.S. Women’s Basketball Team celebrated their fifth gold medal in a row after their win over France, 86 – 50.

On behalf of everyone at Obi Plastic Surgery, congratulations to ALL of the Olympic athletes worldwide! We are truly proud to be Americans and celebrate this wonderful victory with our team!

To see a complete list of medals by country, view the chart below:

Olympic Medal Count

Dr. Lewis Obi has been celebrating the Olympics since July when he launched the Daniel Samuels web site which features Daniel’s “Olympians, Gods and Heroes” opera. To view the selected works from the collection, please visit: http://danielsamuels.com/splash.php

The Botox Trend in Men – Why More Men are Turning to Botox and Cosmetic Rejuvenation to Refresh Their Looks

Apollo and the Listening Lyre, oil on canvas
Compliments of Obiarts Inc.

As the stress of the economy takes a toll on the majority of the country, many people are now turning to Botox to erase the visible signs of stress and worry. Botox and fillers are the entry point to plastic surgery for men and their concerns parallel those of women. However, men are not as open about their true feelings as women are. This reticence emanates from the macho attitude of men based on their male upbringing. As a result, men have unconsciously avoided plastic surgery procedures.

However this attitude has been significantly altered by the recent development of less invasive procedures that go beyond Botox and fillers. Dr. Lewis Obi has been in the forefront of these new non invasive techniques that provide both genders many new options. It is notable that the population of male patients have doubled at the Obi Plastic Surgery Clinic during the past few years because of these new treatments.

One of the most common body sculpting procedures for men is the reduction of the “spare tire” around the waist and abdomen. The SlimLipo platform more effectively accomplishes this with the patient returning to work in two days. Of interest is that the same laser non surgically tightens the neck and the fat from the abdomen may be processed into a purified and durable filler for facial renewal.

 

 Botox and the LJO Brow Lift

Penny Velie MSN, FNP-C

One of the benefits of Botox is to lift the lateral brow to minimize the tired look that is age and stress related. The LJO Brow Lift basically produces similar results that are more permanent and minimally invasive. Dr. Obi confides that he periodically indulges by having Penny Velie provide him with the benefits of Botox and fillers. "Penny is one of the best and most experienced nurse practitioners that has ever treated me. I am very fortunate to have her not only treat me but also my patients." 

More severe and tired looks may need a more permanent solution such as a brow lift. Over the past 30 years, Dr. Lewis Obi has been performing a less invasive brow lift, the LJO Brow Lift, on his patients to erase deep creases and droopy brow lines. This procedure boasts a 15 to 20 minute surgical time and nearly scarless results. 

To learn more about rejuvenating procedures for men, visit the Obi Plastic Surgery Clinic web site and explore all of our cosmetic surgery procedures, before and after photos and more.

Back to School List: Top of List are Cosmetic Procedures at the Obi Plastic Surgery Clinic

Cover of “The Literary Digest” - September 1919 - painting by
Norman Rockwell.

While most teens are out shopping for clothes, backpacks and school supplies for the impending new school year, one of the growing trends in back-to-school items has become cosmetic surgery and other aesthetic procedures. With ever-growing societal pressures and the frequency of peer bullying reports, many parents have set out to discover new ways of easing their teenager’s burden of these social situations. Only this week, one of Dr. Lewis Obi’s patients who underwent a rhinoplasty 30 years ago, flew her teenage son in to schedule a similar procedure prior to his new school year.

Whether it’s a 9-year-old boy seeking ear surgery after being bullied and teased by classmates or it’s teens seeking treatment for acne scarring, unsightly noses or lop ears, parents will do just about anything to make their child’s adolescent years tolerable.

“85% of teens and 20% of adults struggle with acne that can be a troubling source of insecurity and self confidence," says Patient's Guide CEO and cofounder, Jasson Gilmore. Non-surgical medical treatments such as the Fraxel laser help smooth scarring by creating microscopic fissures deep within the skin to trigger a natural repairing process. Dr. Gregory Altshuler and his team with Palomar Medical Technology has pioneered much of this this technology which resulted in the Icon Laser System used at the Obi Plastic Surgery Center. Such a non-surgical choice is probably more acceptable to most parents than typical cosmetic surgery."

Laser Skin Resurfacing for Acne Scarring

Most plastic surgeons agree that teenagers should not have major surgical enhancements until they have reached a fully-developed and mature age. Such plastic surgery could inhibit or negatively affect their natural maturing process. That being said, cosmetic and laser treatments are less invasive and won’t negatively impact a teen’s development as would an invasive surgical procedure.

Stem Cells Extracted Via Liposuction Utilized for Facial Fillers and Most Recently Blood Vessels

Researchers from the University of Oklahoma have successfully extracted adult stem cells and used them to generate healthy blood vessels.

For nearly a decade, the researchers at UO have been experimenting with the possibility of extracting adult stem cells and creating a “vascular graft from fat stem cells with muscle cells making up the blood vessel’s wall.”

The stem cells are extracted from fat tissue via liposuction and refined to pure adult stem cells – similar to the Adivive Fat Processing Unit used by Obi Plastic Surgery Clinic. Traditionally, the researchers at UO extracted adult stem cells from patients’ bone marrow but realized it wasn’t tolerated well by patients. They turned to liposuction once they realize it was easier and it helped patients get rid of unwanted body fat.

Adult Stem Cells Suitable for Transfer

Building blood vessels from one’s own adult stem cells could eliminate most complications and infections during heart bypass surgery. Dr. Matthias Nollert explains, “About a third of the people that end up with complications after having bypass are re-hospitalized because of the donor site. By doing a tissue engineered vessel, we could really save an enormous amount of pain and suffering. You can do liposuction, which is excess tissue as opposed to pulling out a blood tissue that you really need.”

In the emerging field of adult stem cells research, medical breakthroughs to help reconstruct the body or provide therapeutic alternatives to particular diseases are constantly being made. The most recent being the Adivive Fat Processing Unit that has helped hundreds of women reconstruct their breasts after breast cancer. Dr. Lewis Obi was one of the first doctors in the United States to utilize this groundbreaking platform to reconstruct breasts and to generate a natural filler for the face. To learn more about Adivive, please visit our web site for more information.

Read the full story: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/07/26/fat-stemcells-from-liposuction-used- to-form-functioning-blood-vessels/