The Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Denver

Breast Augmentation: What Size is the Right Size?

Breast augmentation is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures requested by our patients. During their consultation, they frequently ask, "how do I determine the best implant size for me?"

Although many patients arrive at our consultation with a request for a "C" cup, it's important to understand that a "C" cup varies across the many bra manufacturers. In other words, there is no "standard" C cup.

We want to help you, as well as your friends and family members considering breast augmentation, to understand the best way to get the results you seek when considering breast implants.

Imaging Software

Several national companies have created imaging software to attempt to fill this need digitally. During the consultation, the surgeon takes a picture of your chest and then the software manipulates your image after plugging in a number of variables, such as your height, weight, and desired implant size. The computer then creates an image of the potential results after augmentation.

We do not use this software in our practice, and here's why: the accuracy of the imaging is only as good as the software. We've reviewed all of the options at various plastic surgery meetings, and although the software is constantly being improved, it still does not produce an accurate simulation of the results. Unfortunately, it's unrealistic to expect any software to effectively consider all of the variables that come into play in determining the final result, such as your tissue density, skin quality, etc. Although it can be rewarding and fun to see an image of the postoperative result, these predictions may be misleading.

Sizing Kits

Another approach used by some surgeons is to offer sizing kits to patients prior to their consultations. These kits are a reasonable starting point for many women, as it allows them the opportunity to try out a limited array of breast implant sizes in the privacy of their homes before coming in for an appointment. However, it does not replace the comprehensive sizing process that happens during a consultation at The Center for Cosmetic Surgery.

Our Solution

Our solution to this dilemma is this: once we've discussed your specific goals, you'll be examined to understand your unique anatomic considerations, after which we will offer the entire spectrum of implant options for you to try on "for size". This process gives you a realistic idea as to the appearance of different implant sizes on your body. In our experience, this is the most accurate and reliable method. Our patients report a very high satisfaction with their implant choices and rarely wish to make a change in their size after their initial surgery.

We are also happy to have you bring in pictures of breasts that appeal to you. You can easily find these in magazines or on the Internet. Both Drs. Vath and Wolfe are experts in sizing for breast augmentation. Photos are another way for them to understand your end-goals for size, contour, and the final "look" of your breast augmentation procedure.

Nothing can replace good communication between you and your surgeon at your consultation. Bring all the questions you have. We're happy to answer each and every one to your satisfaction.

Correcting Solar Damage with Intense Pulse Light (IPL)

By Sara Donlin, RN

After spending the summer in the sun it is time to think about what solar damage you have done to your skin. Photo-damage results from the long-term deleterious effects of sun exposure. Photo-aging affects all races and skin types. Signs of photo-aging may begin at an early age, as evidenced by freckles. However, the clinical manifestations of photo-damage may differ in lighter skin types compared with darker skin types.

When thinking about your treatment options one might consider Intense Pulse Light (IPL). IPL therapy is a procedure requiring virtually no downtime to rejuvenate the skin and restore a youthful glow. IPL stimulates new collagen to form in the skin thereby reducing fine lines, minimizing pore size and acne scars, and increasing skin elasticity. Intense pulsed light also diminishes flushing or redness of the face associated with Rosacea, reduces brown spots, erases broken capillaries, and smoothes roughly textured skin.

Before starting your treatment it is always good to prep your skin for at least 2 weeks with hydroquinone based products from Obagi. The Nu-Derm System is the physician-dispensed, prescription-strength skin care system that can transform your skin at the cellular level. By addressing the signs of photo-damage and restoring the healthy function of your skin cells, this system is clinically proven to result in younger and healthier-looking skin. Obagi is offering a $50.00 rebate with the purchase of a Starter Kit of The Nu-Derm System.

Protecting your skin from the sun is essential. After IPL therapy, it is especially important to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen and a hat to avoid sun exposure and prevent discoloration or recurrence of sun damage, brown spots, and lines.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

When October arrives, it means that fall is in full swing and winter is soon on its way. It also signals the arrival of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. There is no better time than now to schedule a breast cancer screening and encourage all the women in your life to take advantage of the available resources to increase breast cancer detection.

The walk for Making Strides for Breast Cancer in Denver is October 4th. Follow the link to register or to locate a walker to support. If you'd like to donate $5 from your cell phone as a gesture of support, text the word DENVER to 90999 to give $5 from your mobile! When prompted, reply with YES to complete your one-time $5 gift. A one-time $5 donation will appear on your next mobile bill as a separate line item, recognized as a tax-deductible donation.

Health and Fitness Tips from Heather at Armbrust Gym

Heather, I’m suffering with Thunder Thighs! I’m otherwise thin but the little fat I have goes to my thighs, which forces me to buy larger pants, and then the waist is too big! What can I do? Suzie B.

Suzie, here are some ideas to reduce your thunder thighs. Keep in mind, however, that “spot reducing” isn’t really what happens with cardio, which helps burn calories and reduce fat all over the body. However, lifting will help tone specific muscle groups, resulting in a more trim physique.

Here are some exercises for you to try out at the gym:

Squats: Using either a squat bar or two dumb bells (one in each hand, same size/weight), place your feet shoulder-width apart. Keep your toes and eyes forward and hands at your sides. Bend your knees to a 90-degree angle, being careful not to bend your back. Straighten your knees and repeat 9 times. Wait 30 seconds and do another set of 10. Adding more weight over time will create a greater challenge.
Lunges: Using the same equipment as above, keep eyes and toes facing forward while you lunge-walk from one side of the room to the other. Do 3 sets of 15 each.
Leg Extensions: Your gym undoubtedly has a leg extension machine, where you sit on a chair with your knees bent and ankles behind a padded bar connected to a weight stack. The exercise involves extending your legs until they are straight by lifting the padded bar. This strengthens your quadriceps and creates a beautiful front thigh area.
Leg Press: Leg presses work both the front and backs of the thighs. Your gym likely has a seated leg press, with an upright sea attached to a weight stack. Place your feet shoulder-width apart on the footrest, making sure toes point forward. Push all the way out until your legs are nearly straight, keeping a slight bend to avoid joint problems later on. Try to move the legs back and forth as slowly as possible to get the best results. Once this becomes easy for you, try out the angled leg press machine, which will provide even greater results. Doing 3 sets of 10 will work you out nicely.
Leg Curl: This is great for the hamstrings, the muscles at the back of your thighs. Most gyms have seated, standing and lying leg curl machines. Start with the seated leg curl machine, which looks like a chair facing a padded bar attached to the weight stack. This is similar to the leg extension machine but this time you’ll push your legs downwards instead of upwards as on the leg extension.

When you can’t get to the gym, you can do both wall or traditional squats, which basically look as if you are trying to sit in a chair (which isn’t there!). In other words, with feet shoulder-width apart, eyes and toes facing forwards, either leaning against the wall or standing away from it, lower yourself as if sitting down and hold for 20 seconds before standing back up. Do 10 repetitions, rest, and do 2 more sets.

Another great exercise for the thighs is bicycling, either on a stationary bike or a regular bike. Plies are also effective (like in ballet school).

Get going on these exercises and you’ll be surprised how quickly you go from Thunder Thighs to Thrilling Thighs!

Your fitness friend, Heather

Heather Armbrust
IFBB Professional Bodybuilder
CO Owner of Armbrust Pro Gym
www.heatherarmbrust.com
www.armbrustprogym.com

Your Style Advisor: Milena Joy

Image Consultant Milena Joy is passionate about transforming the way people feel about themselves through a distinctive image that underscores their best features. A member of the Association of Image Consultants International, she assists clients in Denmark, Canada, New York, Ohio, Minnesota, Nevada, California and Colorado. A University of St. Thomas honors grad with a B.A. in Business, Milena was recently featured in Denver Life Magazine. She donates her time and services to the Junior League of Denver, as well as to Girls Inc. Alliance, where she is a board member. We've invited Milena to share her fashion and style tips with our readers! To learn more, visit Milena Joy's website.

Do you have 50 different shade of eye shadow? How many do you use? Most of us only use a fraction of our makeup. We all make impulse purchases, which often end up sitting in the bottom of our makeup bag.

Old or expired makeup can cause skin irritations, including breakouts, which is never flattering, so it's best to say goodbye to these products before you invite unwanted flare-ups in your skin. Here are some guidelines:

Liquid or Cream Foundation: 3-6 months
Concealer Powder, eye-shadows, blush: 1 year
Mascara: 3 months
Lip gloss & Lipstick: 1 year
Eye/Lip Pencils: 1 year
Eye and lip pencils: 1 year or more
Facial Cleansers & Moisturizers: 6 months
Facial Toners: 1 year
Natural Cosmetics: 6 months
Cosmetic Sponges: Wash after every use and toss when they begin to tear
Brushes: Wash synthetic brushes once a week and natural brushes once a month

Keep in mind, these are just guidelines, as there are no FDA rules about posting expiration dates on makeup. Note that preservative-free products are even more susceptible to bacterial growth. The minute you open a product, its effectiveness begins to decrease and bacteria begins to grow. If you see changes in color, texture or smell, discard it immediately.

Here are a few tips to prolong the life of your makeup: