FDA Approves New Silicone Breast Implant

One of the most note-worthy pieces of cosmetic surgery news this week is the FDA-approval of a new cohesive silicone breast implant called Natrelle 410. This new cohesive gel implant from Allergan was approved based on a seven-year study involving 941 female participants. The FDA gave the product the green light with the expectation that Allergan conducts post-approval studies related to Natrelle 410’s safety and effectiveness.

The last time the FDA approved a silicone-based implant was March 2012. In applying these silicone implants (also called gummy bear breast implants) in their breast enhancement surgeries, the board certified plastic surgeons of We Know Beauty have experience very positive results. These form-stable implants from Sientra retain shape but strike a great balance between firm and soft for natural-looking (and feeling) breasts. These implants also demonstrate an extremely low chance of rupture/leakage.

In performing flawless breast augmentation, the medical professionals of We Know Beauty only utilize the safest products. There must be a high assurance of safety associated with an implant before it is considered for use. The health and well-being of the We Know Beauty client is of paramount significance. All surgeries are conducted by highly-skilled plastic surgeons with FDA-approved products that have been heavily researched.

If you are currently considering a breast augmentation with saline-based breast implants, have a look at the plastic surgery before and after pictures on the We Know Beauty website. The beautiful results delivered by We Know Beauty are evident in the before and after gallery. To learn more about breast augmentation by We Know Beauty, contact our office to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Post Valentine's Beauty Slump?

We hope, of course, that everyone reading this had a wonderful day yesterday. However, it's possible that some of you might not feel that "wonderful" is the best word for how things went.

As top plastic surgeons here in Southern California, we see a lot of interesting patterns when it comes to when people decide to come into our offices or to actually have work done. While you have to plan ahead pretty far with most plastic surgeries if you're thinking ahead to Valentine's Day, or another holiday or major life event where people want to look their best, it's very often a factor in patients' planning.  Sometimes, it's just possible that maybe a little too much work goes into getting ready for these events.

It's only natural that people who are contacting the best plastic surgeons are interested in trying to time their recovery to coincide with a holiday primarily dedicated to romance with their significant other. Still, we've found that it's a good idea to tamp down expectation for these kind of big days.

The problem is that people sometimes seem to expect all their problems to disappear, and that doesn't happen. Even as first-rate board certified plastic surgeons, we can tell you that happy and/or contented people nearly always look better than disappointed people.

So, keep your expectations as realistic as possible before a big day -- a bit too low is maybe better than a bit too high. That way, you have a chance of actually enjoying yourself and not frowning about it afterwards.

Do women come around to plastic surgery as they age?

Recently, We Know Beauty on Facebook discussed a recent interview with Mariska Hargitay. In it, she was quoted as saying "I used to be against [plastic surgery]...But now that I'm older I think women should do whatever they want to make themselves feel good." As some of the top plastic surgeons in Los Angeles, the doctors here at We Know Beauty feel like many women come around to plastic surgery later in life—or at least are less judgmental about it.

You can see this on the testimonial page in reference to We Know Beauty's best plastic surgeons. One woman writes, "Plastic surgery always scared me...But then I saw something that terrified me even more—the fate of my face due to [heredity]." So, she decided to come visit Dr. Hodnett and was glad she did. She states, "It has boosted my confidence so much and now I love to smile, all thanks to Dr. Hodnett!"

Plus, with many older celebrities—like Jane Seymour and Jane Fonda—coming clean about some of their own procedures, a new casual attitude about plastic surgery is emerging. The board certified plastic surgeons at We Know Beauty keep this in mind, always meeting their patients where they feel comfortable. For example, a woman may want a face lift, but non-surgical procedures may be more appropriate (or vice versa). This will be openly and comfortably discussed at a complimentary consultation with one of our doctors. Call We Know Beauty at 800-832-0510 to schedule one of your own!

Can a Cosmetic Surgery Help you Lose Weight?

A report released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) declares that a recent study shows abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is linked to long-term weight loss for many patients. The release states that out of a sample group of 20 women who were once obese, 14 women dropped weight following tummy tuck and maintain a normal BMI a year later. The other 6 experienced weight loss after the procedure but had not kept the weight off. After reporting these findings, the ASPS proposed an interesting question: Can a ‘cosmetic’ procedure help patients lose weight?

The ASPS surgeon suggests that the fat removed during tummy tuck could be linked to a reduction in appetite, however, there is no conclusive evidence relating to the belief. Still, those who received a tummy tuck from the best plastic surgeons at We Know Beauty know that results of the abdominoplasty promote a healthy self-image. It is safe to say that if someone suddenly feels better about his appearance, then he, or she, is less inclined to participate in emotional eating, binge drinking, or late-night snacking. A positive frame of mind leads to a feeling of satiety, which the ASPS report definitely relates to abdominoplasty. In that sense, a tummy tuck can be linked to weight loss. The board certified plastic surgeons of We Know Beauty has seen this in the patients that have visited the clinics.

If you are interested in abdominoplasty to look and feel better, contact a We Know Beauty rep today to schedule a consultation with one of the top plastic surgeons, 800-832-0510.

The Beauty of Saving Lives

We stumbled over an item in today's Huffington Post by Michael Yaremchuk, M.D., the chief of craniofacial surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital, which pointed out something relating to plastic surgery that's actually kind of beautiful. In a piece memorializing the work of Dr. Joseph E. Murray, the Nobel Prize winning transplant pioneer who was also one of medical history's best plastic surgeons, Dr. Yaremchuk pointed out something that most people are not aware of.

There is an connection -- a shockingly ancient one -- between plastic surgery and the miracle of transplatation which has saved so many lives and which Dr. Murray kicked off with the first kidney transplant back in 1954. Dr. Yaremchuk notes that the history of transplantation began with the first attempted skin grafts in India circa 800 B.C. Obviously, this was long before the era of today's board certified plastic surgeons and successful skin grafts were a very long ways away, but the connection with transplantation continued when Dr. Murray used temporary grafts when working on badly burned U.S. soldiers during World War II.

As Dr. Yaremchuk points out, transplantation and plastic surgery remain closely aligned today, with the cutting edge work being largely in such areas as facial transplants. The truth is that it's simply not possible to draw a line between the important work of most surgeons and the supposedly superficial work of even top plastic surgeons. All of us surgeons are in the business of saving lives and improving the quality of life. Whether we're doing face lifts or kidney transplants, what we are doing is actually kind of beautiful.

Plastic Surgery Before and After Pictures Can Help Patients Visualize a Procedure

Here at We Know Beauty, we believe that online photos of our plastic surgery before and after work are a quick way to gauge the quality of a doctor's work. In many ways, photos allow plastic surgeons to share their aesthetic sensibilities with prospective patients, giving them a sense of how the doctor works with a person's shape to provide the most natural transformation possible. We proudly share many before and after pictures on our website from a diverse range of operations so that you can get a sense of what we do.

Below, we've posted an example of a breast augmentation from Dr. Richard Hodnett. Permission was given by the patient to share her results and it's easy to see why; the operation achieved fantastic results. Looking at successful procedures like this one can allow a potential patient to start visualizing the results of an operation, giving that person more to think about during the process.

That being said, before and after photos in an online gallery should not be the sole determining factor of getting a cosmetic or reconstructive surgery. The best way, by far, is to have a consultation with a doctor at We Know Beauty. Comprised of the best plastic surgeons in Los Angeles, the We Know Beauty team can compassionately and knowledgeably discuss the operation you're considering. If you want to see more before and after photos—perhaps of a person who shares your body type—we can happily share them with you. Furthermore, all your questions about cost, insurance, recovery, and more will be answered.

Call We Know Beauty at 800-832-0510 to schedule an appointment today!

Our New Encino Surgical Center is Now Open

The We Know Beauty plastic surgeons and supporting medical teams are pleased to announce the opening of our newest surgical center! The state-of-the-art facility is located in the heart of the San Fernando Valley in Encino, California, at 15630 Ventura Blvd. This is a prime location for patients living in various parts of the SFV, as the center is easily accessible from both the 101 and 405 freeways.

Some of our readers have already received exceptional cosmetic surgeries, courtesy of Dr. Andrew Cohen, MD, FACS. He is one of our board certified plastic surgeons, and he will continue to offer plastic surgery solutions at the new Encino site. Although Dr. Cohen is skilled in multiple areas, he is specifically commended for his talents and innovations in body contouring, liposuction, breast augmentation, and abdominal contouring. The center will also provide non-invasive treatments for a natural face lift, such as Botox and top-of-the-line facial fillers.

To schedule an appointment for consultation, contact us today at 800-832-0510. The new center is located on the corner of Ventura Blvd. and Haskell Ave. in Encino.