Textured Breast Implants January 3, 2014 - Rhys Branman, MD One of the issues to consider with breast augmentation is preventing capsular contraction. Researchers and manufacturers of breast implants are constantly experimenting to help reduce the incidence of capsular contraction. It is natural for the body to form scar tissue around any device placed into it. In the case of breast implants, the breast forms a capsule of scar tissue around it. Capsular contraction is when that capsule tightens and squeezes the implant. Researchers continue to investigate why this may happen to one woman and not another. One variable is the individual woman's autoimmune system, of course. Another variable is the...
Weight Loss in the New Year January 1, 2014 - Rhys Branman, MD It's that time again when we make the classic New Year's resolution to lose weight. Many people make this resolution year after year and yet just cannot seem to keep it. Many people make this resolution with an eye to later having liposuction or a tummy tuck or other cosmetic procedures. Some people want to lose weight before a facelift. This is actually a very good idea. As you know, liposuction is not a weight control method but is to remove tough pockets of fat that you cannot lose through diet and exercise. If you have had bariatric surgery or lost...
The Look You Want With Your Breast Augmentation December 30, 2013 - Rhys Branman, MD Some women prefer the "done" look. You might wonder why this is so. As one of the identifiers of gender, women have historically drawn attention to their breasts. Unlike other primates, the human breast looks full and prominent even when not nursing. Evolutionarily speaking, there is no need for the female human breast to be any particular size to nurse. Yet somehow human males seem hardwired to respond not to the size of the female breast, but the waist to hip ratio and breast symmetry. It's true, research shows that we find people who are generally symmetrical more attractive than...
Winter is a Good Time for a Facelift December 27, 2013 - Rhys Branman, MD Winter is possibly the best time for cosmetic surgery. Many patients opt for a facelift at Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery at this time of year. Those of you who have planned ahead, good thinking! Those of you debating upon when to have your facelift or any other procedure this month, let me tell you why now is a good time. There are cosmetic and physical reasons for choosing the winter months for surgery: You wear more clothing in the winter, so if you are undergoing a body procedure such as a tummy tuck or liposuction, it's easier to hide incisions or...
Risk Factors for Cosmetic Surgery December 26, 2013 - Rhys Branman, MD When seeking cosmetic surgery at Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center, it is imperative to be aware of the risk factors that you as a patient may present with. Some of these risk factors are obesity, anemia, diabetes, being a smoker, and others. The September issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery has published the data researchers had analyzed from over 10,000 patients who had cosmetic or reconstructive surgery in order to ascertain what factors statistically caused complications that required re-admittance to the hospital. The study reported that patients with the most complications required re-admittance most frequently. This makes sense. Interestingly, patients...
Cosmetic Surgery, Self Esteem and Flying Reindeer December 23, 2013 - Rhys Branman, MD by guest blogger Circe Santaniello I bet you know the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Rudolf is famed for his red nose and leading other reindeer on a particular foggy night thus saving a doomed Christmas for all the children in the world! What you might not know, is about Rudolf's siblings, Rodney, Robert, and Rebecca. All born with the genetic flaw of a bright glowing red nose, Rudolf's unfortunate siblings were not among the North Pole reindeer chosen for the annual job of hauling Santa's sled. This intervention by Santa undoubtedly compensated for the teasing Rudolf had experienced...
The Mind Body Connection Part III: Ethnicity December 20, 2013 - Rhys Branman, MD Part of one's identity of course, is ethnicity. Identification with an ethnic group is often very important to our identity. One of the controversial subjects being discussed in the field of cosmetic surgery these days is where the line between self improvement and altering ethnic identity blurs. At Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center, we believe the choice to have surgery is up to the individual, and each individual has unique reasons for seeking cosmetic surgery. However, it is important that I understand the patient's situation and motivations because I want every surgery to be successful. You may remember a little...
The Mind Body Connection Part II: Identity December 18, 2013 - Rhys Branman, MD Our faces are our foremost identifiers. Pictures on your passport, driver's license, and photographs focus on the face. From a social point of view, you are represented by your face. Because your facial expressions reflect your life experience, some have called the face the "personification of one's soul." Patients seeking procedures such as rhinoplasty, a facelift or other cosmetic facial surgery do well to consider how it may affect your sense of self. Rhinoplasty in particular has been found to affect identity the most. This is why we cosmetic surgeons are always reiterating that a patient should have realistic expectations....
The Mind Body Connection Part I December 16, 2013 - Rhys Branman, MD Cosmetic surgeons often talk about patients having realistic expectations. Aspects of realistic expectations include not only what can physically be achieved, but also how the results of cosmetic surgery will affect your life. By now many of you are familiar with the concept of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). This is a psychological disorder that impairs an individual's self image. Much like other mental health disorders that primarily influence the mind/body connection (anorexia nervosa would be another I could mention), BDD distorts a person's perception of the reality of his or her body. People who have mental health issues that distort...
The History of Botox December 13, 2013 - Rhys Branman, MD A new book on the history of drugs includes BOTOX® as one of the important milestone discoveries in pharmaceutical history. In the past decade we have continued to witness the amazing uses for BOTOX®. From treating facial wrinkles to incontinence to profuse perspiration, BOTOX® has shown itself to be a new miracle drug. At Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center, BOTOX® is used to smooth the deep, persistent lines between your brows, on the forehead, crow's feet, and around the lips as well as severe underarm sweating. The bacteria BOTOX® is made from was noted in 1987 for treating eye disorders,...