Want bigger breasts?

Yesterday I attended a very interesting session with Dr Yap in Prince Court Medical Center. It was a small group of women discussing about breast implants and breast augmentation. Dr Yap is a very experienced plastic surgeon who use to practice in UK, but decided to come back to Malaysia to be nearer to his family.

What was interesting in this session was it was attended by all ages of people ranging 30s to 60s of multiple races and nationality. It was more of an informal Q&A session after Hi-Tea sponsored by Allergen, which was the company that supplies high grade silicone implants.

The session started with Dr Yap showing the breast implant and the two common shapes i.e. round or tear drop. Then he called a volunteer from the audience to stand on one of the implants with all her weight (shoes off of course). The lady who stepped forward could be around 80kgs or more perhaps, and the best things was, the implant did NOT break. It feels natural and appears natural too. (We had a live model showing us her results).

Dr Yap then explained about the different types of implants in the world, and so far the best is still high grade silicone implants which if the implant is well-manufactured, and inserted properly without any damage to it, would well last a long time. The other popular implant in the market was the saline implant which he does not use anymore. It came about during the ban on silicone implants in the states in the 1970s. Although some would feel safer with saline implants, the fact is, the lining of the implant was still made of silicone. As for durability, it has a high leakage rate of up to 25% within a year of the procedure and subsequently more. Another problem was the sound of water with every movement which sometimes causes sea sickness in some women.

Other things asked during this session:

1. What size of implants are there?

Anything from 120ml to 600mls or even custom made for the individual.

2. What size should I put in?

Depends on the time done and the measurements taken based on the individual cavity.

3. Will I get cancer from it?

There is no risk for Cancer with silicone implants except for a small minority Dutch race that develops CA with silicone implants (i.e. 2% of the world population). They believe it to be a hereditary factor involved.

4. Will the implant break when I go on a plane.

No

5. Will the implant break if I fall on it?

If undefective - No.

6.How long after putting in my implants can the breasts be handled?

At least 1 month - 6 weeks. (Note to the men)

7.How often do I need to change them?

Up to the individual. Ideally, if you want to change size at least 1 year from original operation. Otherwise, it even lasts more than 20 years.

8. When I grow old and start sagging, will the breasts with implants sag too?

You would expect some degree depending on skin laxity.

9. How long should I wear the support garment?

At least 6 weeks.

10. How long does the scar take to heal? 

Usually the outer part about 6 weeks, but for complete scar maturity about 1 year.

Interested to know more - You can contact my Consultant Sister Kay at sisterkay@meditourmalaysia.com .

Disclaimer: I don't do surgical breast implants.

Radiofrequency Tightening - RF

I think a lot of us are aware about radiofrequency devices which are used for tightening and contouring. Beauticians and doctors alike are fascinated by the discovery of what these machines can actually do. However, in the past a lot of misconceptions have been translated to patients and customers by over promising results and also lack of understanding of what it actually does. 

So what is the science behind radiofrequency treatments? The idea of radiofrequnecy is tissue heating. We all believe that when our skin tissue is heated to temperatures between 40-45 degrees Celsius, the collagen remodelling cascade will start and correct the damaged collagen strings to give us tighter skin.Whether this is completely true or not, or how long should the heat be administered, there is no hard and fast rule, but most believe more than 1 minute. Histological cross sections of skin treated with heat does show a realignment of the collagen fibres and a better structure is formed but whether this applies to all machines that produces heat to the body, it is still unknown. As for fat reduction, most slimming centers would say that the radiofrequency will liquidify the fat due to the heat, but this is not true at all. Heat from the radiofrequency device, or whatever device that increases the tissue temperature merely increases vasodilatation of the small capillaries surrounding the fat cells hence allows more free fatty acids to enter the bloodstream and be used up by the body. What about the instant tightening and slimming effect? I guess the best explanation would be cell dehydration and shifting of fluids into other spaces. Also our elastin fibers recoil to the heat, thus giving a more tighter look.

After reading the technical details behind the technology, you would start wondering whether it would really work. From my observations and trying out many radiofrequency devices in the market, I do believe that they do give significant improvement, but it will be dependent on:

1. The machine as to how much energy does it really transmit to the body and how deep does it go.
2. The ability to achieve the temperature of  >41° and duration it can be sustained.
3. The technique of the user to achieve and overall tightening or slimming effect.
4. The frequency of treatments that shouldn't lapse too far apart from each other to get a cummulative effect. Once a week is ideal, and not more than 1X a month. Too frequent may run health risks instead.
5. The cooperation from the patient to also help maintain the effect via home products for tightening or good diet and exercise.

There are many radiofrequency devices in the market from the lux brand once like Thermage, to others like Relax-F, Accent-RF, Thermacell, etc. Some RF devices are used by beauticians in salons which gives pretty good results but temporary because the energy allowed in their machines are not as advanced as the ones sold to doctors. Yes, there are differences, that is why the price differs greatly as well.

In my clinic, I use a Relax-F and after experimenting on the machine a lot, I find that the best results can be achieved when the treatments are done on a weekly basis with a minimum of 4 sessions. Subsequently, the result can last as long as 6 months given a proper diet and exercise. Otherwise, a maintenance session once a month has proven to benefit the patient to have a better result. It is non-invasive, not painful and most patients say it feels like going for a hot-stone massage. It is also extremely good for post-partum ladies who have loose skin and water retention post pregnancy to tighten up their abs if they are not keen for tummy-tucks. 

Other benefits of Relax-F:

     * Skin tightening and rejuvenation

     * Improvement of scar appearance (also stretch marks)

     * post liposuction treatments for smoother skin 

     * Acne treatment

     * Long-lasting body contour

     * Cellulite reduction

Currently we are having radio-frequency promotions for tummy - kindly refer to Spring Promotions post at http://faceworksclinic.blogspot.com/2012/02/spring-promotions.html . For more info or appointment please contact us at 03-21440080 or info@faceworksclinic.com

Spring Promotions.....

New Service from Faceworks.... Milk Peel

We are proud to introduce our latest peel from Dermaceutics - Milk Peel. Milk Peel is a much stronger peel than the classic glycolic peel of 20% because it combines 50% glycolic with 10% lactic acid + salicylic acid making it penetrate deeper but with less pain. In combination with our whitening Intense C serum, you can see how it instantly lightens superficial pigmentation and even the deeper ones. Look closely at the picture and you will also notice an improvement in texture and reduction of fine wrinkles and this is just immediately after. Some people may experience some redness which normally subsides within the day. As for peeling? Well, some may have some peeling which I describe like having dry glue on your face and peeling it off, otherwise most are fine. The trick to a better lasting results is applying lots and lots of moisturizers and serums immediately after and up to a week since the penetration of products will be superb during this period. Oh.... And do not forget sunblock as it is a must. This short procedure only takes 40 minutes to complete with the given results.

Feel your skin dull and non-radiant, starting to see those big pores and fine wrinkles forming, No time to take off from your busy schedule?? This is definitely the right peel for you. Don't settle for any peel, Choose MILK PEEL - the immediate solution with minimal downtime.

To know more or to book appointment, do call us at 03-21440080 or email to info@faceworksclinic.com

Valentine Specials......

It's February again... and Valentine is just around the corner. Looking for that perfect gift for your loved ones? Faceworks Clinic has come up up with a few interesting gift ideas: 

Information about the gift sets:

1. Neostrata Skin Active Set - For sensitive and aging skin.Also good for those you want a more natural way of reducing fine lines especially around the eyes. Contains apple stem cells and glucosamine to help plump up your skin. Long term use has shown to help reduce wrinkles and rosacea. Now promo price at RM 488 only (Normal Price: RM 575/=)

2. Ideal Gift for your mum - This gift set combines 3 important elements - Vitamin E with placenta oil from Norefal is a wonderful moisterizing serum to help return the supple softness of your skin. Nectifirm from Revision is an advanced neck firming cream to help reduce those neck wrinkles. And the set will not be complete without Heliocare Sunblock Gel - SPF 50 UVA/UVB protection that is suitable for this tropical climate. Promo price RM 550/= only. (Normal Price RM 688/=)

3.For Eyes & Neck Rejuvenation - Obagi Elastiderm is clinically proven to improve fine wrinkle appearance around the eyes. The decolletage set is a wonderful kit to reduce sunspots on the neck as well as other pigmentation around neck and chest area. Promo price: RM 580/= only. (Normal Price RM 840)

4. The Beautiful Eye Set is the complete set for maintenance of younger eyes. The elastiderm is in gel form thus reduces risk of oil seed formation around the eyes with heavier creams. ElastiLash helps to condition the eye lashes to be stronger, and grow faster and longer. And what more to flaunt the look with KISS mineral make-up mascara to enhance your healthy eyelashes. Promo Price: RM 480 only. (Normal Price: RM 657/=).

5. Whiten Me Supplements. A complete 2 month supply of White Beaute melano blocker combined with Tiox-C glutathione and vitamin C tablets to get that overall lightening of your skin tone. Promo price RM 735/= only (Normal Price RM 918/=).

6. Something For the Men - Foltene Men Hair Care System. Complete set with shampoo, conditioner and treatment for 1 month. Promo Price RM 300/set. (Normal Price RM 400/set)

7. Something For Her - PK24 Female Esteem - Natural 24 hour tightening cream. Rekindle those honeymoon moments with this natural cream that tightens up instantly and lasts up to 24 hours. Because of its long lasting effect, adding this to your shower routine daily is simple and easy. Promo Price: RM 500 only (2 tubes) - (Normal Price RM 590/=)

8. Caviarlieri Love Sets - Get this super supplement at RM 3500 for 3, RM 6600 for 6, and RM 12,000 for 12 boxes. Caviarlieri is the only supplement you would need to boost up your vitality, increase your energy and mood, improve your skin texture and glow, and make you look younger by the day. (NP per box: RM 1300/=)

9. Kiss & Blush Set from KISS Mineral Make-Up. Get this cool make-up set for your sister or your girlfriend. Choose 2 from our 5 different lipstick colours together with our cheek blusher in pink rose and get a FREE lip plumper worth RM 99/=. Whole set promo price at RM 240/= only.

So what are you waiting for? Call us today to book your gift hamper at 03-21440080.