No matter our skill level, plastic surgeons cannot stop the aging process. Some surgeries do a good job of turning back the clock, and certainly with a neck lift that can be the case.
It is important to keep in mind that the results of a neck lift can only be achieved surgically.
Non-surgical skin rejuvenating treatments may help delay the time before surgery becomes the best option. Often too, non-surgical rejuvenating treatments will complement or help to maintain the results of neck lift surgery.
No matter if you are seen for a surgical or non-surgical neck lift consultation, all risks, all benefits and all alternatives should be thoroughly explained to you.
I get asked all the time to see patients for surgical neck lift consultations. At this point in my career I am not ready to add surgical neck lifts to the list of aesthetic surgeries I offer. As with other my other cosmetic surgeries, I’d first like to spend some time learning from the best surgeons, before I start doing these procedures solo here in Medicine Hat.
As for non-surgical, and non-invasive neck treatments we have two options: the PicoWay laser or the Morpheus8 microneedling/radio frequency device. Our certified laser technician, Dalyce S., provides skin tightening treatments with the PicoWay Resolve Laser by Candela. The PicoWay can effect the texture of your skin and fine lines, but if you are looking to address more sagging or lax skin, we recommend a consultation with our registered nurses for a treatment with the Morpheus8. When either the picosecond laser or the microneedling/radio frequency device (Morpheus) treatments are paired with a second modality like a medical grade firming cream (with proven results from clinical trials) our patients are getting great results without undergoing surgery.
A bit about the PicoWay System:
Picosecond lasers have been demonstrated to build collagen and elastin, resulting in skin tightening.
PicoWay with it’s high peak power and the shortest pulse duration, delivers a photo-acoustic effect that transforms the skin.
The PicoWay Resolve treatment acts at the dermis without breaking the epidermis, transforming the skin with low to no downtime.
PicoWay is a true 3-wavelength platform for the treatment of wrinkles, acne scars, benign pigmented lesions (dark spots) and tattoos.
A bit about the Morpheus8:
Microneedling with Fractional Radio Frequency has been widely studied and the results show improvement in skin laxity and adipose fat. Morpheus treatment can achieve about 1/3 of the results as a face lift can achieve.
Morpheus8 downtime after treatment is significantly less than a treatment with an ablative CO2 laser. Makeup can be applied 3 days after treatment.
Combining treatment with PRP resulted in higher patient satisfaction.
Patient satisfaction very high for over 90% of patients.
If you have tried it all and believe you are ready for a surgical neck lift, my office staff or I can recommend board certified plastic surgeons in Alberta who would be willing to meet with you in consultation about your neck lift.
https://drtrevorbrooks.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG-0006.png20482048adminhttps://drtrevorbrooks.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Dr.Trevor-Brooks-black.pngadmin2019-12-03 01:04:002021-02-06 19:08:57Do you do neck lifts? Not yet.
In news reports you may have recently heard of a cancer that has been associated with breast implants called Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). It is a T-cell lymphoma that is not a cancer of the breast tissue itself, but a type of cancer that develops around the scar tissue which forms around the implant. In rare cases it may spread to other areas.
For the cases reported to date, it has been seen most often in patients with Allergan textured implants. The company has voluntarily removed them from the market while more studies are being performed.
Your estimated chance of getting BIA-ALCL from textured implants is 1 in 3,817 – 1 in 30,000 or 0.03% to 0.003%.
In my medical practice I have never implanted textured implants.
If you have breast implants, there is no need to change your routine medical care and follow-up.
You should follow standard medical recommendations, including regular medical examinations as scheduled by your family doctor. If you notice any changes to your breasts, please contact your health care provider promptly to arrange an appointment with your original plastic surgeon for continuity of your care.
Information excerpts are from Allergan’s Patient BA FAQ handouts (sent to all plastic surgery clinics with Allergan accounts)
https://drtrevorbrooks.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Dr.Trevor-Brooks-black.png00adminhttps://drtrevorbrooks.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Dr.Trevor-Brooks-black.pngadmin2019-06-18 19:07:182019-06-18 19:07:20A Note From Dr. Brooks on BIA-ALCL
After a surgery you will develop scar tissue. Dr. Brooks will see you for your follow ups and suggest when to start doing your scar massage. He will instruct you (or a family member) in the proper scar massage technique. Why a family member? Scar massage doesn’t feel pleasant. Patients will often go easy on themselves, but a loved one can help by applying the firm pressure needed, while the patient focuses on something distracting.
Proper healing must have taken place before scar tissue massage can begin.
Massaging a scar that is not fully healed can cause damage to the developing scar tissue which can delay healing, or worse it may open the incision and lead to infection. It is very important to wait until your surgeon says it is safe to start scar massage.
Creams or Oils?
A scar cream or oil is recommended for use during scar massage. The evidence for the success of scar massage is based upon the effects generated by the heat and friction of your fingers/thumbs over the scar. Think of a massage therapy appointment- it is easier to repeatedly move your hands over the skin when a lubricant like a cream/oil is used. You can use Aloe-Vera, body lotions, Vitamin E oil, or our silicone based scar cream with Vitamin C to help with your scar massage. You don’t have to use our scar cream to get a great scar. It is more important to make a point to do the massage once or twice daily. Why do we sell scar cream then? There is good evidence to support the use of silicone based creams for improved scar healing, so we sell it for your convenience, and to try to use all the evidence we have to get you the best scar possible.
Technique: Cross Friction Massage An effective method of scar massage is called cross friction massage. This involves using one or two fingers to massage your scar in small circles, or in a direction that is against (perpendicular) the line of your scar. Dr. Brooks can show or explain to you how to do the scar massage at your follow up.
https://drtrevorbrooks.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/scar-massage-backforth.png373471adminhttps://drtrevorbrooks.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Dr.Trevor-Brooks-black.pngadmin2019-04-26 23:35:302019-04-26 23:35:31Post- Surgery Scar Management & Massage Techniques
Melanoma Awareness Month Should Be Every Month –
But Officially It’s May
Plastic
surgeons are often involved in removing skin cancers as many occur on the face
in areas where the sun hits us most directly (nose, cheeks, temples and ears).
Please
don’t ignore changes seen on your skin! The
longer you wait to have a skin cancer removed, the bigger it will get, and the
more complicated the surgery will be to remove it.
Watch for ugly duckling spots – not like the others. You might find changing spots that may be more pink in colour. They may not resemble usual moles. Be especially aware of them if you find they start bleeding, crusting, itching or ulcerating (non-healing). If you see these signs on your own skin or the skin of a loved one, the next step is to make an appointment to see your family doctor to ask their opinion. Sometimes family doctors will do a small biopsy to get a diagnosis, but sometimes they are uncomfortable doing the biopsy if it is on your face. Your family doctor will then usually do a referral to a specialist like a plastic surgeon or dermatologist.
In one way or another all of us have been affected by breast cancer. Whether it be through a family member or a friend, maybe you were diagnosed with breast cancer and had to go through it on your own. Read more
https://drtrevorbrooks.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/BRA-Day.jpg6671000adminhttps://drtrevorbrooks.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Dr.Trevor-Brooks-black.pngadmin2015-08-28 17:29:032018-07-10 17:15:20BRA Day in Calgary!
I’d like to learn more about breast implant profile types. Can you explain what breast implant projection means and what profiles exist? Read more
https://drtrevorbrooks.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/mentor-silicone-breast-implant-ultra-high-e1433962893238.jpg6451200adminhttps://drtrevorbrooks.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Dr.Trevor-Brooks-black.pngadmin2015-06-06 21:11:112018-07-10 17:15:21What Is Breast Implant Projection?
Do you do neck lifts? Not yet.
/in Dr. Brooks, Scheduling Your Surgery, Skin /by adminNo matter our skill level, plastic surgeons cannot stop the aging process. Some surgeries do a good job of turning back the clock, and certainly with a neck lift that can be the case.
It is important to keep in mind that the results of a neck lift can only be achieved surgically.
Non-surgical skin rejuvenating treatments may help delay the time before surgery becomes the best option. Often too, non-surgical rejuvenating treatments will complement or help to maintain the results of neck lift surgery.
No matter if you are seen for a surgical or non-surgical neck lift consultation, all risks, all benefits and all alternatives should be thoroughly explained to you.
I get asked all the time to see patients for surgical neck lift consultations. At this point in my career I am not ready to add surgical neck lifts to the list of aesthetic surgeries I offer. As with other my other cosmetic surgeries, I’d first like to spend some time learning from the best surgeons, before I start doing these procedures solo here in Medicine Hat.
As for non-surgical, and non-invasive neck treatments we have two options: the PicoWay laser or the Morpheus8 microneedling/radio frequency device. Our certified laser technician, Dalyce S., provides skin tightening treatments with the PicoWay Resolve Laser by Candela. The PicoWay can effect the texture of your skin and fine lines, but if you are looking to address more sagging or lax skin, we recommend a consultation with our registered nurses for a treatment with the Morpheus8. When either the picosecond laser or the microneedling/radio frequency device (Morpheus) treatments are paired with a second modality like a medical grade firming cream (with proven results from clinical trials) our patients are getting great results without undergoing surgery.
A bit about the PicoWay System:
A bit about the Morpheus8:
If you have tried it all and believe you are ready for a surgical neck lift, my office staff or I can recommend board certified plastic surgeons in Alberta who would be willing to meet with you in consultation about your neck lift.
A Note From Dr. Brooks on BIA-ALCL
/in Breast Augmentation, Breast Cancer /by adminIn news reports you may have recently heard of a cancer that has been associated with breast implants called Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic
Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). It is a T-cell lymphoma that is not a cancer of the breast tissue itself, but a type of cancer that develops around the scar tissue which forms around the implant. In rare cases it may spread to other areas.
For the cases reported to date, it has been seen most often in patients with Allergan textured implants. The company has voluntarily removed them from the market while more studies are being performed.
Your estimated chance of getting BIA-ALCL from textured implants is 1 in 3,817 – 1 in 30,000 or 0.03% to 0.003%.
In my medical practice I have never implanted textured implants.
If you have breast implants, there is no need to change your routine medical care and follow-up.
You should follow standard medical recommendations, including regular medical examinations as scheduled by your family doctor. If you notice any changes to your breasts, please contact your health care provider promptly to arrange an appointment with your original plastic surgeon for continuity of your care.
For more information on BIA-ALCL, visit plasticsurgery.org/alcl
Information excerpts are from Allergan’s Patient BA FAQ handouts (sent to all plastic surgery clinics with Allergan accounts)
Post- Surgery Scar Management & Massage Techniques
/in Skin /by adminScar Tissue
After a surgery you will develop scar tissue. Dr. Brooks will see you for your follow ups and suggest when to start doing your scar massage. He will instruct you (or a family member) in the proper scar massage technique. Why a family member? Scar massage doesn’t feel pleasant. Patients will often go easy on themselves, but a loved one can help by applying the firm pressure needed, while the patient focuses on something distracting.
Proper healing must have taken place before scar tissue massage can begin.
Massaging a scar that is not fully healed can cause damage to the developing scar tissue which can delay healing, or worse it may open the incision and lead to infection. It is very important to wait until your surgeon says it is safe to start scar massage.
Creams or Oils?
A scar cream or oil is recommended for use during scar massage. The evidence for the success of scar massage is based upon the effects generated by the heat and friction of your fingers/thumbs over the scar. Think of a massage therapy appointment- it is easier to repeatedly move your hands over the skin when a lubricant like a cream/oil is used. You can use Aloe-Vera, body lotions, Vitamin E oil, or our silicone based scar cream with Vitamin C to help with your scar massage. You don’t have to use our scar cream to get a great scar. It is more important to make a point to do the massage once or twice daily. Why do we sell scar cream then? There is good evidence to support the use of silicone based creams for improved scar healing, so we sell it for your convenience, and to try to use all the evidence we have to get you the best scar possible.
Technique: Cross Friction Massage
An effective method of scar massage is called cross friction massage. This involves using one or two fingers to massage your scar in small circles, or in a direction that is against (perpendicular) the line of your scar. Dr. Brooks can show or explain to you how to do the scar massage at your follow up.
May is Melanoma Awareness Month
/in Skin, Uncategorized /by adminMelanoma Awareness Month Should Be Every Month – But Officially It’s May
Plastic surgeons are often involved in removing skin cancers as many occur on the face in areas where the sun hits us most directly (nose, cheeks, temples and ears).
Please don’t ignore changes seen on your skin! The longer you wait to have a skin cancer removed, the bigger it will get, and the more complicated the surgery will be to remove it.
Watch for ugly duckling spots – not like the others. You might find changing spots that may be more pink in colour. They may not resemble usual moles. Be especially aware of them if you find they start bleeding, crusting, itching or ulcerating (non-healing). If you see these signs on your own skin or the skin of a loved one, the next step is to make an appointment to see your family doctor to ask their opinion. Sometimes family doctors will do a small biopsy to get a diagnosis, but sometimes they are uncomfortable doing the biopsy if it is on your face. Your family doctor will then usually do a referral to a specialist like a plastic surgeon or dermatologist.
View More Images Here of the 3 main types of skin cancer:
Anyone who sunburns can get skin cancer, so take steps to protect yourself year-round.
BRA Day in Calgary!
/in Breast Cancer, Breast Surgery /by adminIn one way or another all of us have been affected by breast cancer. Whether it be through a family member or a friend, maybe you were diagnosed with breast cancer and had to go through it on your own. Read more
What Is Breast Implant Projection?
/in Breast Augmentation, Breast Surgery /by adminI’d like to learn more about breast implant profile types. Can you explain what breast implant projection means and what profiles exist? Read more