Plastic Surgery | Manhattan | New York City

PIP Breast Implants – Issues and Recommendations

editor — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:39:56 +0000

PIP breast implants are manufactured by a French company named Poly Implant Prothèse, which was shut down in 2010 due to unacceptably high rates of implant rupture. PIP implants were made at significantly lower cost by using a cheap industrial grade silicone rather than the standard medical grade silicone used in other breast implants. Rupture rates of PIP implants are reported as twice those of other breast implants. Of the 30,000 women in France who have the implants, about 1,000 have had a rupture or leakage of their implant. Unfortunately, approximately 80% of the implants were exported outside France to the UK, Spain and Latin America (Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Venezuela). Although the implants were never sold in the US, it is possible for American women who traveled abroad for breast augmentation to have received them in another country. It has also been reported that silicone breast implants under the brand name “M” implants, distributed by a Dutch company in Germany, and possible other European countries, may also be PIP implants that were rebranded as “M” implants.

Health risks associated with PIP breast implants and those resulting from ruptured implants are undetermined at present. The Ministry of Health in France has recently issued a mandatory removal of all PIP implants regardless of their condition. Other countries have yet to follow suit on recommending all PIP breast implants to be removed. There are an estimated 400,000 women worldwide who may have PIP breast implants. Breast implant removal may require additional procedures such as capsulectomy, and implant replacement with silicone or saline breast implants or breast lift (mastopexy) may be considered for optimal aesthetic results.

Photo source: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery “PIP Breast Implants Under Scrutiny in Europe and South America” http://www.surgery.org/consumers/plastic-surgery-news-briefs/pip-breast-implants-scrutiny-europe-south-america-1035970

If you have any questions about breast augmentation, please contact our office or call us at 212 452 1400 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Olivia Hutchinson. Dr. Hutchinson is a board certified female plastic surgeon in private practice in NYC and New Jersey, and has over a decade of experience with aesthetic breast surgery including breast augmentation with saline and silicone breast implants, breast implant removal and revision surgery.

Plastic Surgery – Beyond the Age Barrier

editor — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:17:41 +0000

As the population ages, and increasing numbers of people are staying healthy, maintaining active lives and living longer, so too the number of older patients who are considering plastic surgery is on the rise. Many persons in their 60′s, 70′s and 80′s feel and act younger than might be implied by their age alone. And so for some looking as young as they feel is a valid and tangible goal. Patients often wish facial rejuvenation with facelift, necklift, eyelid lift or fillers. Others are interested in body contouring with liposuction, arm lifts or tummy tucks. Some women choose breast enhancement such as breast lift or reduction, whereas men opt for gynecomastia correction.

There is no absolute cutoff age when a patient is no longer a candidate for plastic surgery. Many plastic surgery procedures today may be performed under minimal anaesthesia and require short operating times. This leads to minimal downtime and quicker recovery. Minimally invasive techniques may be combined with modified surgical procedures in this patient population. The pre-operative assessment is extremely important, including a complete medical evaluation and necessary bloodwork and any required testing. Nutritional factors, skin quality and wound healing must all be taken into consideration when assessing the older patient for any plastic surgery. A thorough and comprehensive discussion with your plastic surgeon and establishing realistic expectations are also critical.

If you are considering undergoing an aesthetic plastic surgery procedure, Dr. Olivia Hutchinson will be happy to discuss your interests and all available options. Please call our office at 212 452-1400 or contact us to schedule an appointment in NYC or Englewood, NJ.

The Art of Fat – Its Uses and Advantages

editor — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:30:42 +0000

Much of what is discussed relating to beauty today involves removing and minimizing fat, but this extremely important component of the human body has some wonderful and unique properties. Fat under the skin acts to add volume and plumpness, and both these qualities are associated with a youthful appearance. Babies and children have more fat relative to adults, and as we age we continue to lose volume from our faces. An aged look involves not just skin that is thin and wrinkled, but also an underlying scaffold that has flattened.

Fat injections or autologous fat grafts are a terrific way to counter some of the loss of volume that occurs with aging. When performed artistically and correctly, it restores a person’s youthful appearance without causing an unnatural or over-filled look. In essence, the procedure involves harvesting a person’s own fat, purifying it, and injecting it into areas to re-establish the contours associated with a younger, fuller look. The fat is usually obtained with a technique similar to liposuction with minute, imperceptible scars, and often more extensive liposuction can be combined with fat harvesting and grafting in a single operative session. One of the advantages of fat is that it comes from the patient him/herself. Fat also contains the highest concentration of adult stem cells, which themselves are being researched for their involvement in facial rejuvenation. Finally, fat injections tend to have longer lasting results, and some of the cells may survive permanently.

If you are wondering about what procedures are best suited to your face, or are interested in any number of possible techniques to reverse the signs of aging, Dr. Olivia Hutchinson will be happy to discuss autologous fat grafting and all the alternatives currently available. As a board certified plastic surgeon with specialized training in aesthetic plastic surgery, Dr. Hutchinson practices the full spectrum of surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation. Please call our office at 212 452-1400 or contact us to schedule a consultation in our NYC or Englewood, NJ office.

Fresh Is Best – Risks from Canned Foods

editor — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:53:04 +0000

Eating canned foods has been shown to significantly increase the level of a chemical called bisphenol A (BPA) in a person’s body. Elevated levels of BPA have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes in some studies. BPA is a byproduct of the interior epoxy resin lining used to prevent corrosion, and is found in the lining of food and beverage cans as well as in some plastic containers. Interestingly, in Canada BPA has been declared a toxic chemical, but in the US the FDA is currently supporting further study rather than any new regulation of the chemical.

The health risks of ingesting large amounts of BPA from canned foods have not been fully elucidated. Children of pregnant women who had demonstrated higher concentrations of BPA had a higher risk of behavioral issues such as hyperactivity, anxiety and depression. The main concern is the potential effect of BPA on the brain and endocrine systems of fetuses, infants and children, since these are still developing. BPA functions as an endocrine disruptor that can mimic the body’s hormones, primarily estrogen, although possibly also testosterone and thyroid hormone. Other endocrine disrupting compounds include the dioxins, PCBs, DDT, the plasticizers known as phthalates and diethylsilbestrol (DES). Many of these have been shown to cause serious health issues including cancer.

To read more about this issue, refer to the New York Times article, the story in Bloomberg News, and the study in Journal of the American Medical Association. The issue was also covered by NBC Nightly News, ABC World News, CNN, the Washington Post, Boston Globe and WebMD among others.

Dr. Hutchinson strongly believes that inner health is extremely important to a person’s well-being and outward appearance, and is committed to helping her patients achieve their goals by making healthy food and lifestyle choices. Please contact us or call us at 212.452.1400 or 201.871.0600 to schedule a consultation.

Effects of Alcohol on Breast Cancer

editor — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 17:38:21 +0000

A new study in the Journal of the Amercian Medical Association (JAMA) reports an increased risk of breast cancer from moderate alcohol consumption. (1) Since multiple studies have linked alcohol consumption with the risk of breast cancer, this study was designed to evaluate the association of breast cancer with alcohol consumption during adult life, including quantity, frequency, and age at consumption. Over 100 000 women participated in the Nurses’ Health Study between 1980 and 2008, during which time 7690 cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed. Alcohol consumption of as low as 3 to 6 glasses of wine per week was associated with a 15% increased risk of breast cancer. For women who had at least 2 drinks per day, the risk was 51% higher. In contrast, there was no difference in breast cancer risk for women who consumed less than three glasses of wine per week and those who did not drink alcohol at all. There was no difference in terms of type of alcohol consumed (beer, wine or liquor). A key component was how much alcohol the women consistently consumed over time.

Although the exact mechanism for the association between alcohol consumption and breast cancer is not known, one probable explanation involves alcohol’s effects on circulating estrogen levels. Other studies have also found a stronger correlation with the development of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers.

In another study, moderate alcohol consumption including red wine has been shown to have health benefits, such as protection against heart disease.(2) Resveratrol, a compound found in red wine, can mimic the effects of consuming a very low calorie diet, which may prolong longevity. The effects on metabolism included lowering the metabolic rate, cutting the accumulation of fat in the liver, reducing blood sugar, blood pressure, triglycerides and inflammation and boosting the efficiency of muscles. The mechanism may involve an increase in proteins called sertuins which could produce the beneficial effects. In women, postmenopausal obesity has been correlated with an increased risk of breast cancer, possibly via elevated levels of circulating estrogens.(3)

Prior to undergoing plastic surgery on the breasts, whether breast augmentation, breast lift or breast reduction, patients should be aware of associated risk factors for breast cancer, such as noted in the study above. Pre-operative evaluation with breast exam and imaging studies may be performed prior to surgery. Optimizing your health is advisable before surgery. Dr. Hutchinson will be happy to discuss all aspects of your breast plastic surgery with you and address any concerns you may have. Please contact us or call us at (212) 452-1400 or (201) 871-0600 to schedule your consultation.

1. JAMA.2011;306(17):1884-1890. doi:10.1001/jama.2011.1590

2. Cell Metabolism, Volume 14, Issue 5, 612-622, 2 November 2011

3. JNCI J Natl Cancer Inst (1995) 87(17): 1297-1302. doi: 10.1093/jnci/87.17.1297

Silicone Injection and Health Risks

editor — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 19:32:26 +0000

There have been several reports of patients who have undergone silicone injections to enhance various areas of their bodies. One recent story describes how large volumes of silicone have been injected illegally into faces, lips, cheekbones, chins, breasts and buttocks in order to achieve fullness in these areas. However, the silicone used in these instances – administered by non-physicians in places such as hotel rooms – is not the medical grade, sterile material available only to physicians for medical purposes, such as in ophthalmology. Often it is merely a commercially available silicone from a hardware store, is not sterile and is fraught with complications. Injecting a foreign material into the body can cause a host of inflammatory and allergic reactions, and non-sterile technique may lead to serious infections. In addition, silicone can migrate inside the body to the lungs and brain, and resulting in “silicone embolism syndrome”, which may be fatal. Some individuals have died from this complication, others have been hospitalized with serious health issues. Choosing to undergo a procedure based solely on reduced cost is fraught with hazards, and it is imperative to research the credentials of the persons performing the treatments prior to proceeding.

Saline and silicone gel filled breast implants, by contrast, are strictly regulated in their production, surgical implantation, and post-operative outcome. In 2006, the FDA allowed reintroduction of silicone breast implants after the 1992 moratorium, under very distinct conditions for use. The silicone material used in the shells of both saline and silicone filled implants is a solid silicone polymer, and is structurally different from liquid injectable silicone. In addition, the silicone used to fill breast implants is made according to strict medical standards. Augmentation of lips, cheekbones, chins and buttocks may be accomplished with a patient’s own fat, injectables such as Juvederm or Restylane, and solid silicone implants.

When choosing a plastic surgeon to perform any cosmetic surgery procedure, it is extremely important to verify their professional credentials. Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and membership in the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery are indications of the surgeon’s qualification.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hutchinson, please contact us or call us at (212) 452-1400.

The Patient – Plastic Surgeon Partnership

editor — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:48:26 +0000

Open communication and constant dialogue are extremely important in the patient physician relationship. When considering any plastic surgery procedure, from an extensive combination of full body contouring to minimally invasive surgery to non-surgical rejuvenation, patients should feel comfortable expressing their desires and expectations to their plastic surgeon. Aesthetic considerations are extremely important when deciding on a course of treatment, and ensuring optimal results depends on a strong collaboration, mutual respect and a true partnership between patient and physician.

Trust your surgeon insofar as he or she has your best interests in mind. Always be forthright about your medical issues and any related aspects, such as homeopathic and herbal medicines. Take good care of yourself in preparation for plastic surgery, and respect the instructions you are given for pre- and post-operative care. Proper nutrition, along with avoidance of stress and anxiety, are paramount for a smooth recovery.

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a board certified female plastic surgeon in NYC. She is personally involved with all aspects of her patients’ medical care related to their plastic surgery and all other procedures. Please contact us or call us at (212) 452-1400 to schedule an appointment.

Anti-aging Skin Care – More Than Skin Deep

editor — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:04:39 +0000

Healthy skin comes from a myriad set of factors. Some things, such as our genetic blueprint, are inherited and at this juncture there isn’t much that can be done to change that. This is an area of active research, however, and will most likely represent the way of the future in terms of medical therapy for a large variety of conditions and ailments. Other factors, such as environmental exposure and smoking, may be altered to our benefit. There are clear benefits to be derived from avoiding sun exposure, UV light irradiation and tanning beds in order to keep our skin from aging prematurely and developing wrinkles or sun damage. Similarly, smoking has been shown to cause a plethora of unwanted effects such as skin wrinkling, and of greater concern it increases the risk of many cancers.

Nutrition is another extremely important contributor to our appearance and how our bodies age. Much of the specifics of the way cells respond to noxious stimuli and recover or repair themselves are still under investigation. However, there is mounting scientific evidence that “we are what we eat”, and that our nutritional intake very much influences our bodies and how we age. “Nutricosmetics” combine using both topical and oral agents to make skin look younger, and in some cases even reverse some of the damage already caused. Anti-oxidants and glycation inhibitors such as carnosine are known to have positive effects on the skin and to contribute to younger looking skin. Foods that are known to be high in anti-oxidants are tomatoes, blueberries, green tea and red wine may all contribute to youthful skin. Although the exact amounts of each of these necessary to produce optimal results have not yet been ascertained, adding them to your diet in moderation may well prove beneficial to your skin’s appearance.

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson, a board certified female plastic surgeon in NYC, will be happy to discuss your nutrition as it pertains to your appearance as well as the way it impacts any plastic surgery procedures you are considering. Please contact us or call us at (212) 452-1400 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Hutchinson.

Breast Reduction – Options for Minimal Scarring

editor — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 21:16:39 +0000

Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is an operation designed to remove excess tissue and skin from the breasts and to reposition the nipples, creating smaller, perkier and more shapely breasts. Often patients complain of symptoms secondary to the weight of their large breasts, including pain in their neck, shoulders and back, headaches, shoulder grooving from the brassiere straps, tingling in their arms, and rashes under or between the breasts. They may also suffer from poor posture, impaired ability to participate in sports activities, and difficulty finding clothes that fit their bust.

There are several surgical options for breast reduction, and although they all involve scars, these may be minimized. Liposuction of the breasts is not truly scarless breast reduction, but it produces the shortest scars. Liposuction usually requires only 2 or 3 incisions per breast, each measuring 3mm to 4mm (1/4″) in length. This procedure primarily removes the fatty component of breast tissue, and does not reposition the nipples, but it is an excellent option in some patients.

Short scar breast reduction surgery involves placing scars only around the areola (pigmented skin surrounding the nipple), or with an additional vertical component down the front of the breast below the nipple. A periareolar approach is possible for smaller reductions, whereas the circumvertical technique offers the possibility of much larger reductions in volume. The vertical short scar reduction also permits sculpting the breast tissue into a more perky shape, removal of excess skin and repositioning the nipples superiorly.

Breast reduction surgery may be combined with other plastic surgery procedures, such as liposuction and abdominoplasty, or as part of a mommy makeover.

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson, a board certified female plastic surgeon in NYC, will be happy to discuss all these options with you and determine which procedure is best suited to produce the results you wish to achieve. Please contact us or call us at (212) 452-1400 to schedule your consultation.

Why You Should Choose a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

editor — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 16:44:49 +0000

If you’re considering plastic surgery, one of the most important decisions is choosing your plastic surgeon. With all the media, marketing and internet information about cosmetic surgery, it is not always easy to identify which surgeons are qualified to perform which procedures. Board certification is one attribute to look for, but what exactly does that mean?

The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is the only board that certifies plastic surgeons. ABPS certification is an indication that the physician has satisfied a comprehensive and vigorous educational and training program, including residency and fellowship training, and has passed examinations which attest to his or her ability to practice plastic surgery. The ABPS is one of 24 medical and surgical boards recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). The ABMS is the entity which oversees the certification of physician specialists, and its mission is to show that “a physician specialist certified by a Member Board of the ABMS has successfully completed an approved educational program and evaluation process which includes components designed to assess the medical knowledge, judgment, professionalism and clinical and communication skills required to provide quality patient care in that specialty.”

As discussed in a recent report in USA Today, lack of training in cosmetic plastic surgery can have serious, even fatal consequences. Patients seeking discounted rates for elective aesthetic surgery may be having these services performed by surgeons who are not properly educated or trained, and in facilities which are not accredited for surgery, without adequate consideration for patient safety. Although complications and untoward events are always possible after plastic surgery, risks due solely to lack of physician knowledge and proper training are avoidable.

Prior to undergoing any type of aesthetic surgical procedure, be it liposuction, breast enhancement (breast implants, lift or reduction), or tummy tuck, it is paramount for you as a patient to know if your plastic surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a female board certified plastic surgeon in NYC. Please contact us or call us at (212) 452-1400 to schedule a consultation or discuss any of your concerns.