Fat grafting or fat transfer is a procedure that uses fat from one area of a patient’s body to add volume and contour to another area. Fat transfer is a three step process: Harvesting- Your surgeon will select a site for fat removal and will inject it with a local anesthetic. A small incision will be made in the area and fat will be extracted. Purification- Once enough fat is obtained from the donor area, your surgeon will process it to prepare the fat cells for transfer. A centrifuge is used to filter out impurities before being injected back in. Placement-The area designated to receive the transfer will then be prepared. Your surgeon will insert a needle or cannula into the incision point of the…
For centuries, humans have been losing their hair. For much of recent history, there has been intense interest in finding out why hair loss happens to some and not to others. In our quest for answers (and solutions), we have come to some fascinating conclusions about the potential causes of hair loss. The thing is, we’ve got to know what is valid and what is a mere theory if we want to address this issue successfully. Here, we point out a few ideas about what causes hair loss that are nothing more than myth. My Mom’s father is balding, so I will go bald, too. It is true that we inherit physical traits from our family. A prevailing theory is that hair color and texture,…
The breasts may be a functional aspect of a woman’s body but we also know that most women associate breast shape and position with a sense of youthful femininity, too. At Ong Institute, we enjoy helping women feel amazing about their body. We have seen first-hand that, when the breasts are shaped in proportion to the body frame, a woman’s sense of confidence and personal satisfaction tend to be generally good. Before surgery, though, most do want to know if the results of their breast lift will last. They can, especially when the factors that cause breasts to sag are understood and managed. Why Breasts Fall Breasts sit nice and high on the chest wall when a woman is young. They don’t fall because a…
For much of the history of cosmetic surgery, the way to reverse the signs of facial aging has been to surgically reposition the tissue beneath the skin’s surface. Today, we’ve got a virtual smorgasbord of treatments that are capable of tightening and lifting and plumping and then some. These choices present us with more opportunity to meet our needs. They may also make it difficult to decide which approach is best. We offer an in-between: the Silhouette InstaLift™. Not everyone needs a full lift. In fact, many of the men and women who seek more information about facelift surgery are smack dab in those years we call mid-life. Between the ages of 40 and 60, the degree of aging that has occurred varies quite a…
Approximately 5 to 10 million women worldwide have breast implants. Silicone breast implants are also the most studied device by the FDA with years of clinical research and long-term follow up that continues to be done. Based on those studies, there are constant improvements made to the implant options available. Currently, 7th and 8th generation silicone implants are being developed. In recent news, attention has been brought to a rare type of lymphoma that has been linked to breast implants. BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma) has been a topic of concern for patients, physicians, and implant companies. Being committed to your care, we feel it is important that we provide our patients with this information. The seriousness of the existing cases, including nine…
Diet, exercise, and cosmetic surgery go hand-in-hand for many people. This is true even if the procedure that is being considered focuses on the face instead of the body. In instances of body contouring, most patients who seek surgical intervention have tried to achieve the toned, slim physique they want by eating well, losing weight, and exercising regularly. As we have come to know, these strategies are great for general health and wellness but may not help us attain our desired appearance. For the final touch, surgery may be needed. Whatever your interest is, whether related to body contouring or facial rejuvenation – what you do after surgery matters. Here, we discuss the issue of exercise after cosmetic surgery and offer tips on how to…
If you’re interested in preserving the youthful nature of your skin and want to avoid the common irritation that occurs in the winter months, moisture is the name of the game you want to start playing. Because we still have a few months of cooler, drier air ahead, there is no time like the present to give your skin some special attention. Our experienced staff can help. Moisture and Nutrients Need a Pathway One of the primary tips suggested to offset the dryness that may occur as temperatures drop is to moisturize the skin differently. Those light and airy lotions we used during the summer? They should have been tossed weeks ago. Instead, our skin will retain its glow and softness if we apply emollient…
Breast surgeries are a common component of Mommy Makeover procedures, understandably so. Pregnancy alone changes the body in numerous ways. Adding months of breastfeeding after childbirth may result in dramatic deflation and sagging once the body has returned to hormonal balance and normal weight. For the woman who wants to regain a sense of satisfaction with her breasts, mastopexy may be an excellent option. What is a Breast Lift? Often, when women consider how they can improve the way they feel about their breasts, it is augmentation with breast implants that comes to mind. There is value in this approach, but it is also critical for women to obtain care from a board-certified plastic surgeon who understands how tissue laxity may affect the outcome of…
Navigating sexual intimacy after breast reconstruction Dr. Ong writes about one of the struggles affecting women after breast cancer in Breast Reconstruction: A patients guide to understanding her treatment options, a supplement to Plastic Surgery News published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) during breast cancer awareness month. Are you struggling with intimacy after breast reconstruction? You are not alone! Many women share intimacy challenges after cancer treatment. A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine reported that 70 percent of the 994 cancer-treated patients who were sexually active at the time of diagnosis reported that they were still experiencing sexual difficulties two years after cancer treatment ended. (“Sexual Function After Breast Cancer, “2011) Unfortunately this topic of sexuality and intimacy may be one…
For women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, your oncologist may prescribe an aromatase inhibitor as part of your cancer treatment. These medications are most often prescribed to postmenopausal women after surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back. Aromatase inhibitors stop the production of estrogen by blocking the adrenal enzyme called aromatase. Aromatase turns the hormone androgen into estrogen in women. This lessens the available estrogen in the body to stimulate the growth of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cells. As with most medications, there are some side effects associated. It is important to discuss and understand all the possible side effects with your doctor before starting. One of the side effects is that it can decrease bone density over time causing women to…
