Hello, Warriors! Welcome to The Breast Place blog and thank you for taking time out of your active schedule to visit! We appreciate our readers to the utmost degree, as we do our patients. Hopefully, you’re taking advantage of the current climate and enjoying our lovely city in autumn. If this is your first visit to The Breast Place blog, we cover a range of topics here. From breast cancer management to anti-aging skin treatments to helpful tips for maximizing your overall health and wellness—The Breast Place is committed to sharing the best health practices and treatment options with you! Our offices are open and our staff are prepared to answer any questions you may have about your health, your breast cancer risk, and how to reach your aesthetic goals. 
 
Our last article, ‘Scars and Skin Resurfacing,’ explored the various treatments available to those living with scars. From stretch marks to acne scars to burns—we detailed how different scars form within the layers of the skin. While select scars require invasive surgeries or skin grafts, the vast majority of scars can be treated with minimally invasive techniques, such as laser treatment and microneedling. We quoted research concerning the effect scars can have on our mental health, our confidence, and our day-to-day lives. Finally, we broke down just how advanced technologies like Secret RF penetrate deep within the skin to promote collagen production and stimulate healing. Skin resurfacing can improve skin texture, discoloration, and fine lines, in addition to making scars less noticeable. If you’ve been living with a scar you want gone, we suggest reading our last article to learn more about the options available to you!
 
Today, we’re highlighting another high-functioning aesthetic technology; the truSculpt iD from Cutera. Many individuals are interested in the benefits of body contouring, but are wary of mystical, “quick fix” treatments for weight loss. Well, we’re here to demystify the process of body sculpting. There’s no magic involved. Like other body contouring treatments, truSculpt is based in science. We want to explain how the treatment can help you melt off stubborn fat and tighten loose skin, giving you the results you’ve been striving for. In this article, we’ll also answer the most commonly asked questions about the procedure. What are the side effects? Does truSculpt actually work? How often should you receive treatment? Will the fat come back if you choose to stop treatment? How long will it take to see results? We’ll answer all of these questions and more, as we want you to feel fully-informed and confident about your decision to try body contouring. If you’ve been interested in this treatment for a while but weren’t totally sure you should go through with scheduling an appointment, this article is definitely for you!
 
How does truSculpt iD work?
 
Similar to Secret RF, truSculpt iD utilizes radio frequencies to achieve its stellar results. By sending low-frequency radio waves through the skin, truSculpt iD targets the fat layer underneath. The fat cells absorb the energy of the radio waves and begin to heat rapidly. When they reach a certain temperature, they become irreversibly damaged. Over the weeks following treatment, the damaged cells undergo apoptosis, or cell death. The body works to break down and eliminate the now dead tissue and, there you have it: fat loss.
 
Now, you’re probably asking yourself, how hot are these radio waves to essentially melt fat? Not as hot as you would think, actually. The radio waves are delivered uniformly to a sizable portion of skin. The skin is pressed to the underside of truSculpt iD’s applicators. These applicators constantly monitor the temperature of the patient’s skin, maintaining an ideal temperature of 43-45°C (109-113°F). While those numbers may seem quite high, keep in mind 159.8°F is the temperature at which skin burns and 145.4°F is the temperature used for hot wax in physical therapies. The temperature at which truSculpt iD operates is often compared to a heated massage. While you may sweat during treatment, you are unlikely to feel pain. 
 
So, how does truSculpt iD kill fat cells without the rest of our cells ending up as collateral damage? Simply put, the radio frequencies used by truSculpt iD are specifically designed to bypass nerves, blood vessels, and other kinds of tissue besides fat. TruSculpt iD targets the subcutaneous layer of fat, or up to 1.5 cm beneath the skin’s surface. According to clinical studies, the procedure induced fat necrosis at this level and resulted in significant fat reduction. Deemed safe by the FDA for body contouring use performed by certified professionals, truSculpt iD is a safe means for spot-reducing fat. In fact, twelve weeks post-treatment, the average amount of fat loss for truSculpt iD patients is 24% in the targeted area. 
 
Two of the best aspects of TruSculpt iD are its ease-of-use and quickness. There are numerous body sculpting or contouring technologies available on the market, such as Coolsculpting and Sculpsure, but only truSculpt iD takes a short fifteen minutes per session. Equipped with six applicators, each of which covers 300 cubic centimeters, the treatment area can include an entire abdomen or flank simultaneously. And, because the treatment time is so brief, you can squeeze multiple treatments into a single afternoon!
 
Another wonderful feature of TruSculpt iD is its skin-tightening capabilities. Fat loss—especially sudden fat loss—can lead to loose skin or even stretch marks. This is because the rapidity of the fat loss doesn’t leave the skin enough time to tighten naturally. Well, TruSculpt iD uses a type of radio frequency known as monopolar radio frequency. Monopolar basically means the radio frequencies are being emitted by a single pole. Monopolar radio frequency technologies have been approved by the FDA for skin tightening purposes. Since these waves tighten the skin, you don’t have to worry about loose skin in the areas you’re looking to sculpt. 
 
The treatment is simple and straight-forward. After a medical practitioner has prepared the targeted area for treatment, they’ll place the TruSculpt iD panels. A grounding pad will also be placed onto your back to ensure the conductivity necessary for the panels to work properly. For about fifteen minutes or so, you’ll feel like you have a heating pad pressed to the treatment area. Some people quite enjoy the feeling (especially in a cold treatment room)! Once finished, you’re done!
 
The side effects of TruSculpt iD are minimal. You may experience temporary redness around the treatment site or feel a lump. Any lump is likely to disappear with time and gentle rubbing. You may experience a bit of swelling or tenderness, but this shouldn’t last longer than twenty-four hours after treatment. Bruising isn’t common, nor is excessive soreness, therefore consult your practitioner if you experience either. You should drink plenty of water, but TruSculpt iD won’t keep you from continuing with normal day-to-day activities. There’s no downtime or recovery. After your fifteen minutes are up, you’re free to resume your life. 
 
Since all of the clinical studies regarding TruSculpt iD’s effectiveness have been based on a twelve-week period, we recommend waiting this long to judge results. Tell that to the people who say body sculpting is a “quick fix.” While some people may require the entire twelve weeks to see any changes, others find the effect of the treatment to be noticeable after five or six weeks. If you do choose to undergo a second or third treatment session, it is recommended you wait the requisite twelve weeks and consult the medical practitioner who performed your first treatment for assessment.
 
Body sculpting isn’t like laser hair treatment, which must be maintained every few months to ensure optimal results. Ideally, you’ll book an appointment to address a specific area of your body where you’re struggling to see results from eating healthily and exercising. Body contouring will help spot-reduce the fat in the targeted area. Body contouring will not, and should not, be used as a substitute for a well-balanced diet and exercise. While the fat cells destroyed by TruSculpt iD will not suddenly reappear, you can gain fat back in the areas which were spot reduced.
 

The holiday season and the new year are the most popular times to undergo body sculpting. “New year, new me,” right? But it’s never too early or late to invest in the body you want. If you’ve been struggling with a belly pouch, love handles, or any other fat deposit, and your desire is to see how your body would look sans those three to five pounds--TruSculpt iD is waiting for you! The Breast Place offers sculpting services, performed by certified medical professionals, for your body sculpting needs! Reach out to schedule your consultation, where we can discuss your aesthetic goals and share more information about TruSculpt iD with you! The Breast Place is committed to empowering women. We want you to look and feel your absolute best! Thank you for taking the time to read today’s article and we hope you’ll check back in for future posts about treatments, wellness, and more!

​Hello, Warriors! Welcome to The Breast Place blog and thank you for taking time out of your active schedule to visit! We appreciate our readers to the utmost degree, as we do our patients. Hopefully, you’re taking advantage of the current climate and enjoying our lovely city in autumn. If this is your first visit to The Breast Place blog, we cover a range of topics here. From breast cancer management to anti-aging skin treatments to helpful tips for maximizing your overall health and wellness—The Breast Place is committed to sharing the best health practices and treatment options with you! Our offices are open and our staff are prepared to answer any questions you may have about your health, your breast cancer risk, and how to reach your aesthetic goals. 
 
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and, as such, we dedicated our last post to exploring the history and meaning of this observance. NBCAM hasn’t been around for long, but its impact on women’s health cannot be understated. As we work towards a cure for breast cancer, we must also normalize regular screening and take time to listen to the stories of survivors. By doing so, we can help save lives. We included a list of ways you can help support breast cancer awareness this month, even if you’re unable to donate or join a race. If you’re interested in understanding the breast cancer awareness movement, there’s no better resource! Definitely check out our last article when you’re done here!
 
Today’s topic concerns scars. Scars can be painful reminders of the past, unsightly blemishes, or as unremarked upon as freckles. However, what most scars have in common, is their seeming permanence. Many of us resign ourselves to living with our scars for the rest of our lives, regardless of their impact on our day-to-day activities and self-esteem. We’re here to help alleviate this misconception. Not all scars are permanent. In fact, most scars can be significantly improved through focused treatment and the right regimen. From surgery scars to stretch marks to acne scars to burns—almost all scars can be helped by skin resurfacing. We’ll talk about how scars form, their effect on mental health, how resurfacing can help, and finally what we offer at our practice. There’s no need to live in discomfort, try various at-home remedies with little success, or accept the intrusive presence of scars. There are options and we’re here to help! If you have a scar you’ve been wanting to be rid of for years, this article is certainly for you. Without further ado, let’s delve into what scars are and where they form within the skin!
 
What are scars?
 
When an injury of any kind occurs, our bodies work diligently to fix the damage. Therefore, scars can be considered the side effect of our bodies performing their healing duties well. However, sometimes, our bodies can perform a little too well. In these instances, people develop what are called keloid scars—smooth, hard growths made up of scar tissue. Keloids can occur anywhere on the body, can be genetically derived, and can be difficult to get rid of. Since keloids can grow back larger than before when merely cut off, they usually require the expertise of a medical provider, who will suggest some type of dressing, injection, or removal surgery. Keloids are one of the only types of scars which will not always benefit from laser treatment or other skin resurfacing methods, as these can make the scarring worse. 
 
If you’re not prone to developing keloids, chances are you’re saddled with a run-of-the-mill scar. A cut, burn, boil, ulcer, or any other form of trauma to the skin, will trigger the body’s healing response. In order to close the cut or injured site, the body essentially “stitches” the skin together with scar tissue. Scar tissue is a collection of proteins, primarily collagen. Now, a hypertrophic scar is the scientific name for these formations of scar tissue. Hypertrophic scars will usually heal over time, leaving only a faint indentation or discoloration to prove it was ever there. However, this dissolution process can take years. Whereas, contracture scars are the scientific name for severe burn injuries. Contracture is the process certain burn scars undergo, when the skin thickens, pulling the surrounding tissue taught and preventing freedom of movement. While laser treatment is an option, for most contracture scars, a plastic surgeon will recommend removing the scar tissue entirely.  
 
Stretch marks are also a type of scar. When the skin stretches or shrinks abruptly, the underlying layer of collagen and elastin fibers rupture. This rupture is visible even through the uppermost layer of the skin, the epidermis. These can occur during pregnancy, puberty, weight loss, and weight gain. Similarly, acne scars occur when the walls of an inflamed pore rupture, causing damage to the surrounding tissue. Cysts and nodules, present in severe acne, occur deep within the dermis and can cause intense scarring. Both stretch marks and acne scars alike are aesthetic concerns which can drastically affect people’s lives. In the next section, we’ll discuss the psychological impact scars can have on us.
 
The Effect of Scars
 
A short study, titled ‘The Psychology of Scar: A Mini-Review’ by Mildred Ngaage and Mark Agius, featured in a 2018 edition of Psychiatria Danubina, noted the effect of scars on self-confidence is overwhelmingly negative. According to the study, individuals with scars can undergo “a remodeling of their emotional state and are more prone to the development of depression and anxiety,” as well as feelings of shame. Due to a sense of perceived inadequacy, those with scars can find they are unable to communicate effectively, cultivate intimacy, and resist avoidant behaviors. 
 
While most people have several scars located in various places across their bodies, those with highly visible scars report feeling “othered.” In another study in the Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, of the 573 statements collected by researchers, these were the common themes: physical comfort, acceptance from self and others, social functioning, confidence and management of condition, and emotional well-being. The majority of participants in the study felt their scars negatively affected every single one of these areas. 
 
High visibility, uncommon textures, and high contrast contribute to people’s uncomfortableness with their own scars. While there’s nothing out of the ordinary or shameful about having scars, their ability to stunt your growth and mitigate your sense of self-worth cannot be underestimated. 
 
How does skin resurfacing work?
 
There are several forms of skin resurfacing available for the treatment of scars. The most common and least invasive method of resurfacing scars in laser treatment. This method utilizes focused light therapy to increase cell turnover and rid the skin of damaged cells. The second most common and slightly more invasive technique is microneedling. This method uses thin, hair-like needles to invoke the body's healing response and increase the production of collagen (as well as new cells). The Breast Place offers the best of both worlds with Secret RF. 
 
Secret RF is a microneedling device combined with fractional radio frequency. A type of dermal remodeling, Secret RF works by causing tissue coagulation and hemostasis. Tissue coagulation is the means by which hemostasis—stopping the flow of blood—occurs. Consider our previous explanation of what a scar is and how it forms as a result of the body’s healing process. In the same manner the scar formed, Secret RF technology is able to reverse the process. Secret RF can penetrate the skin at various depths (from 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm), allowing technicians to tailor each treatment to the type of scar being treated. Once embedded, the insulated needles then deliver high-frequency radio waves directly into the skin. These frequencies, in addition to the creation of “micro wounds,” stimulate the skin to repair itself. The treatment can be done in under twenty minutes and with minimal pain, yet yields significant improvements in both skin quality and texture. 
 
 
We hope we’ve given you the information you need to make an informed decision concerning your treatment options. If a scar is currently impacting your quality of life, do not hesitate to reach out to us for a consultation. We’ll give you even more information on the procedure and how long it will take to see results. Our kind staff are here to help walk you through every step of the way. Give us a call or fill out one of the contact forms scattered around our website and we’ll be in touch! Thank you for reading and we hope you’ll return for our future articles!