Dr. James Barber - Cosmetic Surgery Blog

Friday, April 25, 2008

About Implant Types

In addition to differences in size, shape and textures, two types of materials are used for breast augmentation surgery: silicone gel and saline. Both are encased in a shell made from a silicone material, but the "inside" material differs in several ways. Although breast implants created from both materials have been used for a while, questions do remain regarding them.

Silicone Implants
Although the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) banned silicone as an implant material for many years, now they are considered safe and are used throughout the world. At one time, many adverse health conditions were suspected to be linked to the use of silicone, but research over the years has proven these concerns medically unfounded. The major benefit of silicone implants over saline implants has to do with the way they feel: Silicone is softer and to many, more realistic-feeling.

Saline Implants
Saline, being a natural element of the body, is very safe. Due to the past concerns regarding silicone, some doctors continue to recommend saline implants over their silicone counterparts. In the event an implant filled with saline ruptures, no injury occurs because the saline is dispersed harmlessly throughout the body. The only drawback most find when comparing saline to silicone lies in the somewhat harder feel of saline.

Better Implants, Lowered Risks
Both types of breast augmentation prostheses carry risks, but better manufactured implants and more comprehensive medical follow-up have lowered those risks significantly. To learn more, visit Dr. Barber's web site or call and schedule an appointment for a confidential consultation to find out more details and discuss the pros and cons of both silicone and saline breast implants.

posted by Patti at 10:35 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Erase That Angry Look With a Brow Lift

People can send the wrong message by having certain expressions on their face they may not be able to control or even be aware of. An angry look, appearing tired or disgruntled, or even having a forehead that appears too small can keep people away - and it's just not necessary any longer! Now you can regain a fresh, friendly and inviting appearance that not only makes people more attracted to you, but makes you feel so much better about yourself.

A brow lift can be done alone or with an eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) to alleviate forehead lines, open up the eyes and to give your face the rested, happy look that shows the "real you" to the world.

Not all brow lifts are the same. Dr. Barber uses different techniques and combinations of methods as determined by certain criteria to select the best type of brow lift for you. Brow lifts are determined by such things as your existing hairline, how your forehead is shaped and the look you wish to achieve.

To learn more about the different brow lift procedures and what they can do for you, fill out the contact form on Dr. Barber's Web site or please feel free to give us a call. We'll be happy to schedule an appointment for you to come in for a confidential and in-depth discussion.

posted by Patti at 4:09 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Brow Lift Techniques

Brow lifts can get rid of drooping skin at the outside corners of your eyes, put a nice arch in your eyebrows, and soften forehead and between-brow wrinkles. These three surgical techniques are most commonly used:

Coronal
The coronal lift technique entails altering the skin from an incision made across the head from one ear to the other just above the hairline. After removal of one to two centimeters of the scalp, Dr. Barber then sews the incision back together. A tried-and-true technique, this method?s major disadvantage is a numbness of the area lasting up to six months.

People with high foreheads, those who wear their hair brushed back or those with receding hairlines may not be the best candidates for this type of brow lift due to the location of the scar. The advantages to a coronal forehead lift include its lasting effectiveness and usually well-hidden scars.

Endoscopic
Several short incisions are made into which an endoscope is inserted. The endoscope's tiny camera is used by Dr. Barber to view and work in the area. No skin is removed; instead, it is shifted toward the back of the head. Deep, horizontal wrinkles may not be removed, but can be softened. Endoscopic brow lifts do not cause numbness.

Subcutaneous
Subcutaneous brow lifts are least commonly performed. A hairline incision is made that causes numbness like the coronal method, but unlike the coronal, a scar is usually apparent unless the hair is purposefully worn forward over it.

These lift techniques (or variations of them) are used depending upon criteria Dr. Barber will discuss with you. However, a brow lift should not be confused with eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). If you are interested in getting a brow lift, please contact Dr. James Barber to set up an initial consultation.

posted by Patti at 4:35 PM 0 comments

Monday, April 14, 2008

Are Breast Implants Good for Anyone?

The number of women seeking breast augmentation has increased year after year, and the age of those interested seems to be getting younger. Getting a procedure of this nature should be a carefully thought out decision. Seeking advice from a qualified cosmetic surgeon, such as Dr. Barber, is one of the first things you should do. Before you decide to get breast implants, there are a couple questions you might want to think about:

Am I relying on this surgery to change my life?
Breast augmentation may provide certain beneficial changes that include an increase in self-esteem associated with body image. However, good body image does not automatically immunize against nor does it "cure" someone suffering from an emotional illness, such as depression. If you have been diagnosed with depression or any other psychological illness, take special care before making a decision to have breast implants.

Can I get breast implants if I'm under 18?
There are two major reasons why very young women should wait before deciding on breast augmentation:
  1. The human body does not complete development at any certain, set age. One 19-year-old had implants, for instance, only to discover her natural breasts continued to grow.
  2. Teenagers do not truly realize the difference breast augmentation will make in their bodies, nor do they fully understand the risks involved in this (or any other) type of surgery.

For the majority of women seeking breast implants, the rewards far outweigh the risks. And making these decisions in a healthy emotional state and with the maturity to make an intelligent, informed decision is part of this process. Many women report satisfaction with their breast implants, including renewed attraction from their partners, a much better fit in clothing and better proportions for their bodies.

For questions about whether or not you would make a good breast augmentation candidate, and are in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, please contact Dr. James Barber to set up an initial consultation.

posted by Patti at 5:05 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

PAINLESS INJECTIONS?

New cream eases discomfort

We are happy to announce the use of a new topical numbing cream for Restylane, Perlane, collagen and Botox injections. Most patients are reporting less discomfort allowing us to provide a more complete treatment.
  • Enhance your lips
  • Soften facial lines

Less pain, better results....what could be better?

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posted by Kristi at 2:29 PM 0 comments