Strattice for the repair of bottoming out and rippling
Breast augmentation is a very satisfying procedure and it is one of the most common procedures Dr Alex Kim performs. Even though the procedure is quite safe, there are a few known complications/side effect of the procedure. One of the most difficult problems after breast augmentation is "bottoming out" and "rippling". Regardless of the type of the implants (saline vs silicone), a small percentage of the patients will develop such problems ---typically in a thin patient with small breast. The rippling along the lower outer side of the breast is more common than the rippling seen in the inside or upper portion of the breast. Because the skin over the implant is very thin in this part, there aren't good options to treat this condition, often patients just have to accept the rippling.
Stratttice is a new product developed by LifeCell Corporation with promising results to treat these conditions. Strattice is "acellular dermal matrix made from swine skin"---translation---a layer of pig skin processed to make into a sheet of tissue. Using this extra layer of soft tissue over the implant (under the skin), we can increase the thickness of the skin and soft tissue and firmness thus, diminishing the rippling. The same procedure can be applied to the bottom of the breast to reinforce the strength of the tissue to correct "bottoming out".
For more information, visit www.lifecell.com.
Michelle's Testimony — Breast Augmentation
LASER HAIR REMOVAL PATIENT INFORMATION
FAQ
This patient information brochure is intended to supplement, not replace, consultation with your physician regarding laser hair removal. Please consult with your physician if you have additional questions or if you have questions that may not be covered in this Patient Information document.
Hair removal works best when there is color in the hair. People with light hair may see only moderate improvement and may need a greater number of treatment sessions. Dark hair responds best and white hair does not respond at all.
Q: Is it permanent?
Treatment results may vary among patients. CoolGlide is cleared by the FDA for Permanent Hair Reduction. The FDA defines permanent hair reduction as the long term, stable reduction in the number of hairs re-growing after a treatment regime.
Q: What does it feel like?
The laser treatment may feel like a mild sting for a fraction of a second. It has a built-in cooling tip that only helps to protect the skin but also helps to minimize the discomfort.
Q: How long do the treatment take?
An upper lip and chin can be done in 5 to 10 minutes. Underarms or bikini lines usually take 15 to 20 minutes. Legs and backs take longer. Very often, follow-up treatments are shorter (and less expensive) because there is much less hair to treat.
Q: How many treatments are necessary?
This is very important to understand. Hair goes through 3 stages of development. Typically in the anagen stage, the hair will respond more effectively to treatment. At any given time, only one third of human hair is in the anagen stage. For this reason, it is necessary to treat an area at least 3 times with the treatments spaced approximately 6 weeks apart in order to see the best and longest lasting results. Darker hair will respond better, but both dark and light hair may need up to 5 treatments for maximum response and the best long-term results.
Q: Results- What should you expect?
There is often no immediate change. Your skin may get slightly red or even develop a small crust that will peel. The laser may leave small red marks on your skin. The marks clear up in a few days. The hair that has been destroyed will not start to fall out for 2-3 weeks. Many times it will get darker and thicker just before it falls out. Don’t worry if you do not see an obvious change immediately after your first treatment.