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"Ask the Experts" is a regular column from MyCosmeticProcedures.com. We take questions submitted from guests and put them to one of the providers in our directory. If you have questions for our experts, you can submit them to our Web site by clicking here.

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Ask the Experts

25 June 2010

This column of "Ask the Experts" is answered by Dr. Ulysses H. Scarpidis from New York City, NY. Dr. Scarpidis is a plastic surgeon trained in the most up-to-date plastic and reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery techniques. Dr. Scarpidis offers a vast array of plastic surgery procedures for men and women in and outside of the downtown areas of Manhattan.


Q: What are the different types and best implants to get for breast augmentation?
- Mary Elizabeth - New York, NY

A: Although there is no generic 'best' implant used for breast augmentation, there is the best implant for you specifically.  There are several options in selecting your implants that depend on your preferences, aesthetic goals, and your existing breast and body shape.  Generally speaking breast implants are either saline (water filled with a silicone shell) or silicone (liquid silicone filled with a silicone shell).  Both come in different sizes and shapes and selecting the right implant for you is something that you will discuss with your Plastic Surgeon at the time of your consultation.  Some factors that are considered when deciding the right implant for you include your chest wall frame, your pre-existing breast size, and your desired breast size.  I would be happy to meet with you to further discuss your options.
- Dr. Ulysses H. Scarpidis, New York City, NY


Q: What is the difference between SmartLipo™ and Liposuction?
- Jane

A: Traditional liposuction is a procedure designed to contour the body by removing excess fat.  A cannula is inserted beneath the skin surface that sucks away the fat in the treatment area.  This procedure is often times done in the operating room under general anesthesia and requires about 1 week of recovery time.

Laser Assisted Liposuction (SmartLipo™) is a new technology that melts away your unwanted fat and tightens your skin. Using a small fiber, the thickness of angel hair pasta, the laser permanently destroys and liquefies the fat in the treated areas. A small canula is then inserted to remove the oils released by the fat cells. Simultaneously, the laser instantaneously contracts your skin from the inside and activates your skin cells to produce collagen, further tightening your skin over the next weeks and months.

SmartLipo™ is considered by many to be the evolution of liposuction.  There are several advantages to traditional liposuction.  It is a minimally invasive procedure designed to permanently remove your unwanted fat under local anesthesia in the office.  In fact many patients go back to work the next day.  SmartLipo™ is also specifically designed to tighten and improve the quality of your skin.  For these reasons, SmartLipo™ has gained considerable popularity in the last couple of years.  I recommend you visit a Plastic Surgeon in your area to further discuss your options and the role SmartLipo™ can play in sculpting your body.
- Dr. Ulysses H. Scarpidis, New York City, NY

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Ask the Experts

18 June 2010

This column of "Ask the Experts" is answered by Dr. Mark A. Eberbach from Hudson, FL. Dr. Eberbach is a highly skilled and experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon and an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

Q: What kind of scars will I have from a breast enlargement?
- Kelly, 34 - Columbus, Ohio

A: The scars that occur from having a breast augmentation (enlargement) can vary. There are 3 common incisions used to perform this procedure, the most common incision is under the breast at the crease using a 2.5 to 3cm (about an inch) incision for saline implants and about a 4cm for gel implants. The second most common incision used is the peri-areolar (nipple) incision. The (nipple) incision works well if there is a well defined color change between the areola and skin to camouflage the scar, which can be nearly invisible. The last incision used is the axillary (arm pit) incision. This scar is located away from the breast, but is most visible to the public in sleeveless clothes. The choice depends on your preference, your anatomy, and the final implant size. I use a device called the Keller Funnel with my gel implants, which requires a much smaller incision site. No matter what you choose, scars are rarely a problem.
- Dr. Mark A. Eberbach from Hudson, FL.


Q: Do breast implants need to be replaced after a number of years?
- Jess - Croton on Hudson, New York

A: There is no absolute time when a breast implant needs to be replaced. Implants could last a lifetime. Implants are replaced when there is a need such as deflation or "failure," or a desire to change the shape or size of your breast, such as after having children. There are minor differences in failure rates between manufacturers and type (gel or saline) and there is little clinical distinction. Trust your board certified plastic surgeon to help you with this choice.
- Dr. Mark A. Eberbach from Hudson, FL.

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