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. If this is your first visit to The Breast Place blog, we welcome you. 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 is prepared to answer any questions you may have about your health, your breast cancer risk, and how to reach your aesthetic goals. 

At The Breast Place, we offer several oncoplastic surgical procedures, such as natural reconstruction, nipple-sparing mastectomy, Hidden Scar™, implant reconstruction, and breast lift with or without reduction. Oncoplastic surgery is distinct from both breast cancer surgery and plastic surgery–though you initially assume oncoplastic surgery to be a mixture of both. Rather, the aim of oncoplastic breast surgery is “to achieve good aesthetic outcomes for women with breast cancers who would have unacceptable outcomes with other BCS techniques, and in addition, enable breast-conserving surgery for larger breast cancers.” While breast cancer surgery prioritizes the eradication of cancerous tissue and plastic surgery prioritizes the cosmetic appearance of the breasts, oncoplastic surgery takes both of these aspects into account when planning for the final outcome. You can find out more information about what to look for in an Oncoplastic surgeon here. 

Our last article discussed the implications of genetic testing. Genetic testing is an invaluable resource for detecting those genetic mutations which leave us at an increased risk of developing certain cancers and diseases. This detection can help individuals prepare for the future, make informed decisions about their care, and preempt the actual formation of a particular cancer or disease. We also discussed different types of genes and their implications. It is important to note that not all gene mutations lead to an increased chance of developing breast cancer. If you are interested in learning more, we encourage you to go check out our last blog. 

Before we dive into today’s topic, we’d like to make you aware of a few promotions available at The Breast Place this February. Though this month is often associated with romantic love, it’s important we remember to also love ourselves. Do we feel good and strong within our own bodies? Have we been practicing self-care with consistency and intentionality? If the answer is no, now is the time to start. If the answer is yes, then continue! The Breast Place is here to help! We’re offering $150 off each syringe of Juvederm Ultra XC, so you can have extra kissable lips this month. As well, each unit of Dysport is only $3. Our Grande Bundle—which includes GrandeLash, GrandeBrow, and GrandeMascara—is only $125. All products ship free! If you haven’t received a breast screening in a while, we encourage you to schedule one. (You can perform a self-exam in the meantime using this resource.) Overall, we encourage you to use the rest of February to catch up on your sleep, move your body, eat a balanced diet and prioritize your own wellbeing. 

Today, we’ll be discussing body contouring! This is sometimes referred to as “body sculpting”, and is an increasingly popular procedure that aims to reshape parts of the body and reduce fat. By reducing fat in certain areas of the body, the body can be contoured and shaped. After having children or simply encountering challenges in life, unwanted fat can stick around no matter how hard you work. Sometimes, certain areas of the body do not respond to diet and exercise. Body contouring is a great solution for anyone looking to get rid of stubborn fat pockets. 

There are a variety of surgical methods of body sculpting, including lifts and tucks, and liposuction. Nonsurgical methods of body sculpting include injections, the use of cold temperatures, lasers, or ultrasound waves. Here at The Breast Place, we utilize truSculpt iD from Cutera, which is an FDA-approved, noninvasive fat removal device for quick fat loss. This device uses the latest body sculpting technology personalized to fit anyone, and there is almost no limit to the areas that can be treated, unlike other devices on the market. This technology is clinically proven to provide an average of 24% fat reduction. It also tailors to each patient’s individual needs. truSculpt iD kills fat cells with every treatment and addresses skin laxity with its innovative heat-based technology, known as radiofrequency heat. This targets water in the cells, so it is helpful to make sure you are hydrated before treatment. This differs from Coolsculpting, which uses cold to get rid of fat. The heat causes fat cells to die off which makes the skin tighten rather than become saggy. This can result in giving the skin a more youthful appearance. If you have a cold intolerance, truSculpt iD is a great alternative to Coolsculpting.

Body contouring is often used to make people look or feel thinner as well as to attain a certain shape. It is used to target specific unwanted areas, rather than a weight loss method. It is important to note that body contouring is not meant to serve as a weight loss solution. It is generally ideal for people who have already reached their desired weight. For people who have lost a significant amount of weight, body contouring can help get rid of excess skin. Common areas that body contouring is used on the arms, back, belly, and flanks (sometimes known as “love handles”), buttocks, neck, chin, and thighs. Body contouring can also help reduce the appearance of cellulite. Most fat-reducing procedures on the market are only approved for those with a lower body mass index (BMI). However, truSculpt iD can treat people with a BMI of 30 or above. 

When you first meet with your provider, you will discuss your medical history, including health conditions and previous surgeries. Your provider will examine the target areas, discuss options and make recommendations. Feel free to ask your provider questions about the procedure as well as ask to see photos of before and after results. truSculpt iD requires a minimum of two to four treatments, spaced four to six weeks apart. The best results are seen after completing all treatments, but proven results have been reported in as little as one 15-minute treatment. Since the best results come gradually, this will make the change in your appearance feel more natural to those around you. 

This non-surgical sculpting has no downtime, which means it can be completed during your lunch break! Cutera describes the treatment as feeling like a “hot stone massage”, and can leave some redness behind on your skin, as well as sensitivity, but you can resume normal activities immediately. 169,695 nonsurgical body contouring procedures were performed in 2016, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. With these procedures, only mild side effects such as redness, swelling, and pain were reported. There will be no scarring or discoloration. There are fewer risks associated with nonsurgical body sculpting, because there is no anesthesia involved. These procedures also tend to be less expensive than surgical liposuction procedures. After treatment, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including eating healthy and exercising. Drinking, smoking, and consuming other substances that may affect your metabolism and weight should be avoided. Overall, committing to a healthy lifestyle will help maximize your results. Women may also want to consider body contouring after they are finished having children. The major impact that pregnancy has on the body has the potential to undo results. 

As you can see, body contouring is an easy, non-invasive way to get rid of stubborn fat, excess skin, or cellulite. There is no downtime and virtually no risks, and treatment is personalized to fit each patient’s needs. If you are interested in this treatment, contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have! We are committed to empowering women, and we are proud to offer truSculpt iD to help you look and feel your 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. 
 
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!