Are Gummy Bear Implants Worth The Extra Money?

In March of 2013, The FDA approved a new type of silicone gel implant. This highly cohesive gel implant, called the gummy bear implant because it is squishy like a gummy bear, is a very interesting product. I have used about a dozen already, and wanted to share my early experience.

The advantages of this new implant are maintenance of upper pole fullness, meaning the implant keeps the top part of the breast filled over time, less feeling of rippling, and less hardening over time. All great benefits.

They also come in 4 different height and projection combinations to create more choices in shaping and sizing a breast with a specific measurement or volume. This is a little bit of a slippery slope, as the learning curve of figuring out what you will get with each takes time. Despite requiring a training program before ordering, you need to be careful about the experience of your plastic surgeon with these devices.

My patients have all been very pleased so far with the results. I personally find them a little too firm, but will reserve judgment until at least 6 months to a year have passed. The upper pole fullness and lack of rippling have been great.

Are they worth the extra money? I feel I can achieve beautiful results with saline and traditional silicone as well. I think that if a patient feels it is worth it, and understands all the limitations, it is a very personal decision. My patients vote yes, and that is what matters. If that changes, I will be sure to update you.


Taking My Daughter to the Dentist

Like all parents, my children need to be seen by doctors and dentists. I try to stay out of there way, and do not mention I am a doctor unless they ask. I am not objective when it comes to my children, and cannot act as their healthcare provider. You should have complete faith in the Local Dentist of your child. After all, you did choose them! If you are not convinced of your dentist’s capabilities, then it is time to find a new one. You may like to visit https://www.durhamdental.net/ to see what they could offer you.

One of my children had dental issues requiring a procedure. All of my children have very good oral health, as we make sure they clean their teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly. Generally, they see the dentist once every six months to keep on top of things and they haven’t had any problems. I guess in some ways they have been lucky because accidents always happen with kids and it’s so easy for them to hurt their mouths. Our friends’ child fell over not long ago and chipped her tooth, bless her. She had to have an emergency dental appointment to fix it, although our friends said CareDash made finding an emergency dentist easy. Anyway, this time one of my children did need some extra attention. The recommendation of the dentist was to give a little nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, to make it easy for her. After thinking about it, I decided it was ok. I also decided to go with my wife and child.

Sitting in the waiting room, I reflected on the experience my patients have. My child chose me to go in with her, “since you are a doctor, daddy, and mommy might get scared.” I sat silently in the corner while the dentist did her work.

I thought she was fabulous, and had a great way with patients. I thanked her very much and followed the post op instructions. The office called later to check on how we were doing. It was very professional.

I’m glad that most places are providing a professional and caring experience to their patients; one of my friends visited a Fort Wayne Dentist and couldn’t praise them highly enough. It’s fantastic to see that people are being treated as they should be.

Although at Yager Esthetics I have always been careful to insure a great patient experience, it was nice to see the whole process from the other side for once. I am more convinced than ever that we provide one of the finest Plastic Surgery experiences anywhere. I will remember that day at the dentist, and remain mindful of the parents and spouses who are waiting while I am in surgery.


Back To Class

As the summer winds down, thoughts of the new school semester are once again upon us. Our teachers are getting in there last procedures before the school year starts, and are already thinking about the winter break for surgery. Families are coming back from vacations and time at the beach, and college students are gearing up for the new semester.

For me at Yager Esthetics, I always take this time to reflect on the advances of the past year, and plan any seminars or conferences to attend so I can stay on top of the latest advances in cosmetic plastic surgery. I want my patients to get the benefits of any new technology, but only after it is fully evaluated by me as being safe for Hispanic skin.

I thought this year, I would start a new tradition that I hope you all will join in with me as well. The September start of the school year, I will choose something new to learn for the year. It can be a sport, language, topic, hobby, or course on any subject.
This year, I will resurrect my knowledge of painting and drawing. Seeing the great work in Y Gallery, the free art space in Yager Esthetics, has inspired me. I will visit museums, read and actually try my hand at art. Hopefully, I can share the results with all of you soon.

So, I hope we can remember that school and learning are lifetime events. I promise to keep expanding my horizons to help my community, and hope my community joins me.


Wrinkle, Wrinkle Little Star

Wrinkles are a natural part of the aging process. They can form by the repeated action of the muscles under your skin over time, or the drooping of tissues from changes in weight and gravity. They are not a disease, you will not die from them, and you do not have to do anything about them. Unless they bother you.

Preventing wrinkles is always smart. Avoiding smoking and sun exposure, drinking plenty of water, and treating your skin well by using only water based make up and adequate sun screen are they basics. If you are very expressive with your face, you are more likely to form wrinkles as well. It is often impossible to change this, but being mindful of it helps.

Wrinkle treatments have not changed much, as we still use muscle relaxers and fillers. There are some newer products to use for superficial lines, and the combination of products has been helpful in achieving artful results.
Over the last year and a half, my Nurse Injector has been handling the great majority of these treatments with outstanding results. This has increased the flexibility of scheduling for patients, so thast even if I am in surgery, you can get your treatment.

I encourage you to start the evaluation process early, so we can treat and maintain you before the wrinkles get out of control.