Durham Plastic Surgery Blog

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Angelina Jolie underwent preventive double mastectomy

 

In the media, the voluptuousness of a woman’s breasts can often be associated with sexuality and aesthetic appeal. This is the case for sultry 37-year old actress, Angelina Jolie. Jolie is recognized for her leading roles in such films as Salt and Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Off the movie screen, she is known for being the fiancé of actor, Brad Pitt, and a mother of six.

To ensure her longevity in her most valued role as mom, Jolie recently went public about having a preventive double mastectomy. She had this surgery after learning that she carried a mutation of the BRCA1 gene. This gene increases a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Jolie’s doctors estimated that she had an 87 percent risk of breast cancer and a 50 percent risk of ovarian cancer prior to her mastectomy. In 2008, actress Christina Applegate had a similar procedure due to a mutation of the BRCA1 gene.

Preventive mastectomy is the surgical removal of one or both breasts in an effort to prevent or reduce the risk of breast cancer. Preventive mastectomy involves one of two basic procedures: total mastectomy and subcutaneous mastectomy. In a total mastectomy, the doctor removes the entire breast and nipple. In a subcutaneous mastectomy, which Jolie had, the doctor removes the breast tissue but leaves the nipple intact.

Jolie contributed an Opinions article entitled, “My Medical Choice” to The New York Times elaborating on her decision to have a preventive double mastectomy:

“Only a fraction of breast cancers result from an inherited gene mutation. Those with a defect in BRCA1 have a 65 percent risk of getting it, on average. Once I knew that this was my reality, I decided to be proactive and to minimize the risk as much I could.”

Since having the surgery, Jolie’s chances of developing breast cancer have reduced from 87 percent to less than 5 percent. Jolie wrote the Opinion article as an effort to encourage other women to be proactive in determining their likely hood of contracting breast cancer and preventive measures:

“I wanted to write this to tell other women that the decision to have a mastectomy was not easy. But it is one I am very happy that I made. . . I can tell my children that they don’t need to fear they will lose me to breast cancer.”

Nine weeks after Jolie’s mastectomy she had breast reconstruction with an implant. Dr. Coan is the only plastic and reconstructive surgeon with privileges to perform the breast reconstruction procedure at the Alamance Regional Medical Center. There are three methods of reconstruction of the breast: 1) reconstruction using implants, 2) reconstruction using the patient’s tissue only, and 3) reconstruction using the patient’s tissue combined with an implant. If you’d like to schedule a consultation please call us at 919-484-4884 to discuss your options and never be afraid to be PROACTIVE!

-Pictures from Google Images

-”My Medical Choice” by Angelina Jolie The New York Times May 15, 2013

http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/05/15/angelina-jolies-my-medical-choice/

What do moms want for Mother’s Day? A “Mommy Makeover,” of course!

Can’t think of the perfect present for your mom or wife this year? Forget the nail salon certificate and the Ruth’s Chris gift card. Instead, give your mom or wife her pre-baby body back. Give her what she really wants: a “Mommy Makeover.”

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) conducted a survey two years ago showing that 62 percent of mothers said they would consider a “Mommy Makeover” if cost wasn’t an issue. Numbers don’t lie, nor do results. Here at CARE, the number of Dr. Coan’s “Mommy Makeover” patients is growing fast.

A “Mommy Makeover” isn’t confined to one age group, but mothers in their young 30s are one of the main groups interested in the surgery. It seems like the older a female is at the time she gives birth, the more difficult it is for the body to recover. As you age, your skin loses elasticity, so it comes as no surprise that women are waiting less to undergo “Mommy Makeovers.”

During pregnancy and during breastfeeding, breasts lose their shape. Skin around the stomach often stretches as weight gain typically accompanies pregnancy. Exercising during, before, and after pregnancy does help, but the quickest way to regain a pre-baby body is a “Mommy Makeover.” Even celebrities who have personal chefs and five-star trainers struggle to restore their pre-baby body. Recently dubbed “Most Beautiful Woman” by People Magazine, Gwyneth Paltrow admits to having breast implants after her breasts changed from nursing. Demi Moore also had a “Mommy Makeover.” Hollywood A-listers aren’t alone in their desire to restore their pre-baby body, though. Doctors say their most common clients are middle-class mothers. It’s no wonder mom of eight, Kate Gosselin, opted for a tummy-tuck after having kids. Now, she has a bikini bod that most 20-year-olds would love to have. What a lucky mom!

In essence, a “Mommy Makeover” restores what breastfeeding and childbirth may have taken away. A “Mommy Makeover” combines a breast lift (and often breast augmentation) with a tummy tuck and liposuction to contour the body and restore volume and shape. What mom wouldn’t want that?

More specifically, a tummy tuck removes excess skin from the abdomen and repairs stretched muscles. A breast lift combined with a breast augmentation reshapes and lifts the breast and also improves fullness and size.

Sounds amazing, right? It is. There are a few things to note before having a “Mommy Makeover, though. (1) Are you (or your mother or significant other) finished having children? If not, it may be best to wait as having more children may stretch the abdomen muscle. (2) Are you (or your mother or significant other) at a stable weight and content with this weight? Being at a weight you’re content with allows for optimal results. Remember, a “Mommy Makeover” isn’t a substitution for weight loss. (3) Are you (or your mother or significant other) done breastfeeding? Dr. Coan suggests waiting until you’re finished breastfeeding before having undergoing any procedure.

Dr. Coan is a double-board certified plastic surgeon who performs a large number of Mommy Makeovers throughout the year. If you’d like to schedule a consultation for you, your mother, your wife, or significant other, please call us at 919-484-4884 to discuss your options.

Plastic surgery isn’t just for women

The plastic surgery realm isn’t as female-dominated anymore. Men, yes, men, are investing in their appearance and skincare. Whether it’s a full facelift or something less invasive like a chemical peel, men are becoming more interested.

Everyone has a goal about their appearance. Here at CARE, Dr. Coan enjoys speaking with both women and men about being proactive in the aging process. While women may seem more nitpicky about aging, what men don’t admit is that they’re equally as concerned. Men are starting to see how wrinkles, drooping eyelids, and frown lines can make them appear less competitive in the job market. Minimally invasive procedures like Botox are more appealing to men than before.

With competitiveness in the job market, undergoing plastic surgery seems to be a wise business move. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons noted that surgical improvements like a “more balanced nose, a rejuvenated face, and a trimmer waistline are [also] common goals among men.”

Actors Tom Cruise and Zac Efron have had nose jobs. Grey’s Anatomy heartthrob Patrick Dempsey admits to a nose job and says Botox helps him maintain his “McDreamy” status. He said he likes the fact that his nose doesn’t look perfect and gives him a “rugged” look.  Even Senator John Kerry said he used Botox to appear “more youthful” during his campaign.

The point of the matter is whether you’re male or female, plastic surgery options exist. If you’re like us ladies here in the office, we definitely support Patrick Dempsey’s quest to keep his skin looking youthful.

 

Rebecca, we will miss you!

We celebrated (with cake, of course) Rebecca’s last day here at CARE. As our go-to girl for IPL, facials, microderms, ViPeels, and eyebrow waxes, we’re heartbroken that she’s leaving. We’re so thankful for all of the good times and laughs we’ve shared with Rebecca. She always comes to work with a smile on her face and a kind manner for all of her patients. Known not only for her fabulous med spa skills, Rebecca makes the best salads in the land (yes, we do eat food other than dessert). We can’t count the numerous times she’s supplied lunch with one of her fancy salads. Her salads undoubtedly put the sheet cake below to shame, and you know that says a lot coming from a group of dessertaholics.

Rebecca, we wish you the best! It won’t be the same without you!

 

Botox: $50 off – ends April 30, 2013!

Need Botox?  We have some $50 off coupons here in the office.  They expire April 30, 2013 and we only have 13 left!  Call today to book your appointment before the 30th, and we’ll take $50 off your purchase.  If you don’t need Botox at this time, you can call and pre-purchase up to 20 units to be used at your convenience!

 

The perfect treat from “the girl with the skinny waist”

We hope you’re enjoying the middle of the week as much as we are. Today we received this oh-my-gosh-so-amazing fruit tray from one of our wonderful patients.

This token of appreciation and handwritten note was sent by “TG with SW,” or as we like to call her “the girl with the skinny waist.” This patient had a mini tummy tuck and liposuction with Dr. Coan…and what can we say…she looks amazing! After having kids, this patient was ready to restore her body to its pre-baby shape.

We were more than happy to celebrate her new look with her.  Not to mention, we’re all envious of her ”new” skinny waist!  Our question to her remains: does ”the girl with skinny waist” eat chocolate-covered fruit too?  We hope so.  Either way, you’re getting the nutritional value of the fruit, right?  Plus, the fruit experts at Edible Arrangements are top notch. Seriously, have you seen strawberries look this good before? Not only are they pleasing to the eye, but these strawberries, apples, and bananas are equally pleasing to the taste buds.

We had quite the time devouring these specials treats. For anyone who hasn’t tried an Edible Arrangement before, it’s a must. You won’t regret it. Flowers are nice, but you can’t eat them (ha). Chocolate-coated flower-shaped fruit? Edible…check. Delicious…check. While the chocolates likely won’t make our waistlines slimmer, we’re not passing up these to-die-for treats. Everyone deserves to splurge every now and then.

The “miracle powers” of medical-grade oxygen

What do Madonna and Eva Longoria have in common? Aside from their fabulous wardrobes and shoe collections, Madonna and Eva both have flawless skin that undoubtedly becomes the center of attention when they enter a room. The magic trick? Oxygen facials. Today’s brief blog gives you the rundown on the rejuvenating treatment celebrities are raving about.

Oxygen facials have gained popularity from celebrities like Madonna, Eva Longoria, Victoria Beckham, J-Lo, and Naomi Campbell. According to Harper’s Bazaar, Madonna loved the oxygen facial so much that she now keeps an oxygen machine in her house. Aside from celebrity endorsements, oxygen facials are gaining popularity from plastic surgeons and medical spas nationwide because of their incredible regenerative powers. We’ll discuss these “powers” below.

Spas all over Beverly Hills have added oxygen facials to their list of services, and we’re proud to say that we offer this treatment in our Durham office! No need to pack up your bags and rush to Hollywood. Oxygen facials aren’t limited to A-list celebs.

In fact, oxygen facials are perfect for all skin types: sensitive, dry, aging, you name it. Here’s how it works: at CARE, our aesthetician uses an airbrush wand loaded with pure oxygen and hydration that leaves your skin feeling radiant and cleansed. The treatment feels like a light mist sweeping across your skin. Both men and women benefit from oxygen facials. The treatments help firm the skin, soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and create a luxuriously smooth complexion.

The oxygen facial is the perfect treatment to have before a big event. Whether you’re getting ready for a movie premiere, a public appearance, or simply heading back to work on your lunch break, this rejuvenating treatment will have your skin looking red-carpet ready in less than an hour. It’s OK to apply makeup after the oxygen facial, unlike most facials.

For optimal results, consider a series of four or five treatments. It seems to be working for Eva and Madonna, right?

Zumba birthday bash! – March 15, 2013

Our friend Mariu at The M Fitness Factor has a birthday quickly approaching, and she’s hosting a Zumba party in celebration. If you live nearby, you don’t want to miss this event. The zumba extravaganza will be held at Hope Lutheran Church in Wake Forest on Friday, March 15 from 6:30 to 9:00 PM. The cost is $10 in advance and $12 at the door.

To make things even better, Mariu has set up a special drawing for the first 30 people at the door with a grand prize drawing at the end of the party and more wonderful surprises throughout the night.

We’re donating a few prizes too! One lucky person will win an Elta SPF 30 Hydrating sunscreen from here a CARE…as well as a $50 gift certificate and complimentary skin analysis from our esthetician. After the skin analysis, the giftcard may be used toward the purchase of a microdermabrasion, a peel, or a rejuvenating facial.

Dance away for this amazing price! We’d love to see YOU here at CARE!

For more information, check out The M Fitness Factor facebook page.

Tis the season for plastic surgery

It’s almost that time of year again: bikini season. Yes, the first day of summer is June 21, and spring won’t be here for another month. We’re not trying to jump the gun like the grocery stores that put out Valentine’s Day candy the day after Christmas. That’s not our goal. As a matter of fact, we’d love to add a few months in between March and May so we can hit the gym to work off the chocolate and candy we’ve been inhaling since February 14. Our goal is, however, to stay ahead of the game, especially when it comes to helping patients plan and schedule surgery.

While breaking out your bikini or swimsuit might not be a priority yet, don’t be fooled. Before you know it, May will be here. Swimsuit season always seems to come around a lot sooner than most of us expect. Unfortunately, it’s usually accompanied by bodily insecurities we weren’t noticing under our winter coats in January and February. The approaching months mean less clothing, more bathing suits, and a rise in outdoor activities. From the annual neighborhood barbecue to spur of the moment weekend getaways, enjoying the occasional summer breeze shouldn’t be something you dread. We know that trying to be in peak physique for the summer months can be taxing. Diet, exercise, and time only go so far.

If you’re considering or have always wanted plastic surgery, now is the perfect time. With warm weather on the horizon, our number of cosmetic consultations is skyrocketing. Winter and spring are the perfect seasons to schedule a procedure because most procedures require a week or more of healing time for maximum results. The colder weather of both winter and spring allows patients to conceal the healing process with additional clothing if desired.

Many patients looking for a quick-fix will try Botox for the first time while others may opt for more invasive procedures to have their dream body for an upcoming beach trip. The Brazilian Butt Lift has gained popularity as curvier celebrities like J. Lo and Sofia Vergara flaunt their figure on the red carpet. Females of all ages schedule breast augmentations to have fuller, natural-looking breasts that enhance their beach body. Both men and women undergo liposuction to contour their physique and rid their abdomen of stubborn fat. Perhaps you’re going on a cruise and want to show off your flat stomach? Hello, tummy tuck.

Whether your goal is to fill out your swimsuit with fuller breasts, to shape your body with liposuction, or tighten your abdominal muscles, we’d love to speak with you and get to know you. The amount of confidence our patients have post-surgery is astounding, and often life-changing. If gaining confidence is something you’ve longed for, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Dr. Coan enjoys building a relationship with his patients and working to restore their confidence. The combination of a highly sought after double-board certified plastic surgeon and warm weather means our consultation spots are filling up quick! If you’re keen on being summer-ready by May, these next few months are best for booking. Regardless of what your time frame is, we’re happy to work with you to achieve your aesthetic goals. Don’t wait – give us a call today.

The secrets behind the perfect pout

Being that it’s Valentine’s Day, it seems appropriate to blog about…you guessed it…lips!  For females in particular, many of us have spent countless hours staring in the mirror applying lipstick or lip gloss. Some of us care very little about the difference between lipstick and lip gloss while some of us know our favorite brands and shades by heart.  If you’re one of the latter, it’s no surprise if you can apply a tube of lipstick without a mirror…while driving on the highway…with two kids in the backseat screaming.  Whoa. Nothing screams “desperate” like a madwoman driving down Interstate 40 penciling in her lip-line with cars passing by.  The underlying factor behind our craziness, you ask?  Here’s what we’ve found.

Manchester University did a study in 2010 that tracked the eye movements of 50 men as they were presented with images of different women.  On average, men spent more time looking at a woman’s lips than they did at any other facial feature.  The 50 men in the study deemed full lips to be the most attractive feature.  Therefore, it comes as no surprise to hear that fuller lips secured significantly greater levels of perceived attraction than thinner lips.  So ladies, should we blame men for our madness?  Probably.  Ok, just kidding.  But at least there’s consolation knowing that the effort we put into creating the perfect pout isn’t wasted.

This desire for plumper, more youthful lips seems to increase as women age.  As a result of aging, some women lose volume in their lips.  As we mature, our lips grow thinner, “less attractive,” and sometimes virtually disappear.  A camera may add 15 pounds, but thin lips may add ten years!  This loss of volume is usually accompanied by an increase in the amount of noticeable lip lines.  If you’ve experienced a loss of volume or feel like your lips just don’t look the way they used to, we have two solutions: a long-term option and a short-term option.  We offer both options in our Durham office.

The long-term option we offer is Juvederm.  Juvederm is an injectable and a filler that enhances the “structure” of your lips, giving you the fuller lips you had ten years ago.  Our patients love this treatment because of the wow factor it produces along with its natural-looking results.  With Juvederm, a little goes a long way.  Your lips can look fuller, poutier, sexier, you name it…without looking “overdone” or unnatural.

If lip filler isn’t for you, try a lip plumper instead.  A good lip plumper, like the Vivite Defining Lip Plumper, subtly adds shape and volume to your lips.  A bad lip plumper can leave your lips feeling flaky.  The Vivite Defining Lip Plumper is easy-to-use and improves the appearance of lip volume, fullness, and fine lines and wrinkles.  It gently conditions the lips, to make them feel soft and smooth.  The Vivite Defining Lip Plumper contains powerful ingredients that stimulate collagen in the lips to reduce fine lines and wrinkles while creating a fuller-looking lip.  This natural collagen stimulator also contains peptides, which help heal the skin while encouraging collagen production.  We carry this lip plumper in our office, but you might want to purchase it as soon as possible being that supplies are limited!

Both options are made by Allergan and are FDA-approved.  The important question remains: is there a dramatic difference in fillers like Juvederm XC and topical applications that promise full, pouty lips?  Yes.  The old adage “you get what you pay for” rings true.  Both the Vivite Defining Lip Plumper and Juvederm XC help create or restore your desired fullness, but Juvederm promises a much longer-lasting result than any lip plumper product ensures.  Juvederm can last anywhere from six months to a year.

If you’ve never tried Juvederm or a lip plumper, give us a call today.  We’d love to talk to you about your options and aesthetic goals!

Before you leave this page, see the photos below of celebrities who we think have “done it right.”