​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!

Hello, Warriors! We hope you’re doing well and thriving! Welcome to The Breast Place blog, where we cover a range of topics from breast cancer management to skin care treatments to women’s health. We’re committed to sharing the best health practices and treatment options with you! Check out our previous posts about mask-related acne and teach your daughters how to perform a self-exam! Be sure to check back in for more information you need to live your best life!
 
Today, we’ll be detailing the effect of water on your skin. Whether you’re drinking water or washing your face with it, water plays a vital role in allowing our bodies to function properly. We’ve all been inundated with “remember to drink water’ posts and perhaps you’ve even started to incorporate water consumption into your daily routine. However, the type of water you drink and use on your body can have effects on your skin you didn’t intend for. We’ll go over the benefits of drinking an adequate amount of water, as well as which types of water you should avoid to keep your skin looking youthful and healthy!
 
Benefits of Drinking Water
 
According to the ‘Natural Mineral Waters: Chemical Characteristics and Health Effects,’ a scientific paper studying the benefits of mineral water on the body, “water is involved in many body functions, since it serves as a carrier of nutrients and substances in the circulatory system. Furthermore, it is a vehicle to excrete products, eliminate waste and toxins, and it also lubricates joints. However, there is no efficient mechanism of the body's water storage; therefore, a constant supply of fluids is needed to keep water content.” (Quattrini). 
 
Drinking an adequate amount of water can help to tighten skin, maintain your body’s natural pH balance, flush toxins, retain skin elasticity and prevent wrinkles, as well as reduce breakouts and the appearance of dark circles. All of that, you say? Yes! And more. 
 
Allowing your body to become dehydrated is detrimental not only to your skin, but also all of your other body functions. Now you’re aware of the importance of drinking plenty of water daily, the next question is...
 
How Much Water Should You Drink A Day
 
How much water you consume on a daily basis varies depending on a set of personal factors, including: metabolism, weight, height, and daily activity. While some medical professionals recommend an all-encompassing five to eight glasses a day, others ask you to do a bit of math to determine the appropriate amount of daily water consumption. The formula takes your weight in pounds and divides it in half. The resulting number is how many ounces of water you should consume per day. For example, a two-hundred pound man would drink  one-hundred ounces of water per day. 
 
Different Aspects of Water and How They Affect Your Skin
 
Water may seem simple at first glance. Water is water, right? Well, not quite. 
 
Consider the water aisle at your local grocery store. There are multiple different brands and all manner of different kinds of water available for consumption. We’re here to tell you some of those types are better for your skin, both orally and topically.
 
Let’s begin with the one most of us have access to in our homes--tap water. Tap water is cheap and widely available, making it the most convenient option for the general population to both drink and wash with. However, as we’ve seen on the news in past years, tap water may not always be the best to drink. Tap water can contain plastic particles, lead, pesticide residue, aluminum, and other contaminants we don’t want circulating through our systems. Extra toxins can and will have an effect on our skin. Therefore, you might want to consider investing in a filtration system to filter out the microscopic contaminants present in tap water. Purified water—water which has been chemically treated to be safe to drink—may be an option for your drinking water as well, but we’ll discuss later why it may not be the best option for your skin. 
 
As well, tap water has a pH of about 7, which is considered neutral. Tap water can run more alkaline, in certain areas. Our skin has a natural pH of about 5 (ideally, 4.7), which is slightly acidic. When our skin is left unwashed for at least twenty-four hours, it generally dips below a 5 on the pH-scale. This pH contributes to what’s known as our acid mantle, which is essential for our skin’s health and health. The acidity of our skin allows resident bacteria to continue living on the skin, but makes the skin inhospitable to other types of bacteria. Breakdowns in the acid mantle can lead to acne and infections. Alkaline soaps and water (such as tap water) can raise the pH of your skin for a temporary period and potentially interrupt the acid mantle. Skin that’s too alkaline is dry, tight, and dull. Meanwhile, skin that’s too acidic is greasy, irritated, and overly sensitive. 
 
As an alternative to tap water, you might choose to drink and wash your face with distilled water. Distilled water is tap water that has been boiled and had its steam collected. This steaming process leaves behind contaminants and is a great option if you don’t trust your tap water. Distilled water, lacking minerals, can sometimes pull minerals from your body and teeth. However, its pH is close to 5, meaning distilled water won’t bring up the pH balance of your skin. That’s why it’s recommended you use distilled water for your skin and drink mineral water instead. 
 
Mineral water is collected from select springs and contains a host of beneficial minerals. Defined as “microbiologically wholesome,” mineral water must be absent of the main contamination factors (e.g. parasites, E. Coli, fecal matter) at the time of collection and marketing. Below is a list of some minerals found in mineral water and how they benefit your body: 
 
            Calcium

• Bone development, regulation of muscle contractor and myocardium activity, blood clotting, nerve impulses transmission, regulation of cell permeability. 
• Plays a major role in the firmness and elasticity of our skin. Calcium-rich foods deter acne. Calcium deficiency can result in thin skin, brittle nails, and hair loss. 

 
            Chlorine

• Hydrochloric acid formation (digestive juices for digestion process). 

 
            Phosphorus

• Protein synthesis, ATP synthesis and transport of energy in biological systems.

 
            Magnesium

• Bone formation, nervous and muscular activities, lipid metabolism and protein synthesis, CVD protection.
• Magnesium keeps our nervous system running with problems. A deficiency of magnesium can speed up skin aging. Drinking excessively can deplete the magnesium stores in our bodies. 

 
Potassium

• Muscles and myocardium activities, neuromuscular excitability, acid-base balance, water retention and osmotic pressure. 
• Potassium helps regulate the amount of water held in our cells. Therefore, being deficient in potassium can lead to dry skin (and other skin ailments). Potassium is also an electrolyte. 

 
            Sodium

• Fundamental regulation of cell permeability and body fluids.

 
            Sulphur

• Essential amino acids, cartilage, hair and nail formation, enzyme activity in redox processes and cellular respiration, intestinal peristalsis. 

 
            Cobalt

• Constituent of vitamin B12; growth factor, nucleic acid synthesis, hematopoiesis.

 
            Chromium

• Enzymatic reactions involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. 

 
            Iron

• Blood and muscle tissues; hemoglobin, myoglobin. 

 
            Fluoride

• Protection and prevention of tooth decay, bone development; diseases related to excess. 

 
            Iodide

• Essential for the synthesis of hormones that are involved in the growth process and body development. 

 
            Manganese

• Synthesis of several enzymes involved in the metabolism of proteins and sugars, bone development. 

 
            Molybdenum

• Production of enzymes associated with uric acid. 

 
Copper

• Functionality of several enzymes in blood and muscles.
• Copper promotes the production of collagen and elastin--two essential proteins which give skin its strength and elasticity. Copper also boosts the effectiveness of antioxidants (such as Selenium) and protects skin from oxidative damage. 

 
            Selenium

• Protection of the muscle membrane integrity, antioxidant. 
• Selenium is an antioxidant and can protect your skin against potential damage from UV rays. It is essential for maintaining skin elasticity. 

 
Many of these minerals aid in digestion. Digestion plays an important role in the appearance of our skin. Good digestion helps eliminate toxins from the body and reduce inflammation. When our digestive system isn’t operating effectively, our bodies struggle to absorb nutrients and toxins can reintegrate into our systems, then express through our skin. 
 
Not every bottle of mineral water will contain all of these macro and micronutrients. As well, mineral water can be expensive. As well, you should be able to acquire the necessary quantities of these nutrients through a balanced diet. The alternative, spring water (which also contains minerals) isn’t always tested and may contain health risks. Therefore, a combination of drinking mineral water and using distilled (reverse osmosis) water on your face should give you everything you need—both inside and out—to keep your skin looking its best. 
 
Remember to tone after using an acidic or alkaline cleanser to restore your skin to its natural pH balance. Additionally, avoid spending too much time in chlorinated water. 
 
            Hardness
           
Another important factor you need to consider is the hardness of your tap water. Hard water contains soap scum—dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium—which leaves a thin layer of residue on the skin even after washing with soap. This residue can clog pores and lead to breakouts, as well as worsen skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Hard water can dry skin out and prevent our natural oils from doing their job of conditions and softening our skin. All of this drying can lead to premature aging. If that wasn’t bad enough, those impurities present in hard water can form free radicals which damage healthy skin cells, causing the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.  If you have an irritated scalp or dandruff, hard water may be making the issue worse. Hard water has been found to be an environmental trigger of eczema. 
 
Soft water, on the other hand, lacks these mineral deposits. Therefore, soft water is gentler on your skin and won’t trigger skin condition flare-ups. Soft water won’t give you the telltale “squeaky clean” feeling hard water will give after a shower, but that’s a positive. Clean skin should feel slick and slippery, not tight. Hard water actually has a difficult time bonding to soap and forming a lather, which makes it less effective when cleansing the body. 
 
If you suspect your water is too hard, you can do a water hardness test to confirm your suspicions. Then, if you were correct, invest in a new showerhead which filters hard water or applies a softening agent. As well, rinsing your skin with acidic water (i.e. ionized water or heavily diluted apple cider vinegar) can remove some of the residue from hard water still present on your skin after washing. 
 
Temperature
 
Though you may love hot showers or extol the benefits of a cold shower, the optimal temperature for extended exposure to water is lukewarm. Water that’s too hot can irritate and strip the skin. There’s no harm in splashing your face in cold water or taking a cold shower every once in a while. In fact, we’re sure you’ve read about the benefits of doing this. However, the safest bet every time is lukewarm water. 
 
 
There you have it! Everything you need to know about how the water you drink and use can affect your skin, in a nutshell. We hope this information leads to noticeable improvements in your skin. And, one last time, drink your water!
 
Here at The Breast Place we offer a list of facial rejuvenation services, including Excel V+ (vascular laser), Secret RF (micro-needling with radio frequency), dermal fillers, and Botox. Facial rejuvenation can address concerns such as excessive redness, uneven texture, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. We also have Dr. Des Fernandes, a skincare expert and founder of Environ Skincare, on-hand to help you with any other skin concerns you may have. Reach out for a consultation. We look forward to helping you achieve your best skin! Until next time, thank you for reading!

When you visit our website, one of the first things you'll notice is a button that says EMPOWER at the top of your screen. The idea behind the creation of The Breast Place was to help empower women who have been challenged by all aspects of life, to help boost their confidence, and to restore their sense of normalcy. Today, we are going to be talking about the importance and self restorative power of self-confidence as an adult. 

Watching as your body changes over the years, seeing your body change due to cancer treatments and surgeries, and sitting in front of the mirror after a hard week can be incredibly difficult, make it hard to feel like yourself, and can be a blow to your self-confidence. It's no secret that every media outlet and our smart devices that we are glued to also add a decent amount of weight to our everyday moods, decisions, how we see ourselves, and how we feel about ourselves. As we grow older, it's hard to keep up with being your own hype woman and keeping your self-confidence up. As a woman-run and owned business, we understand that completely.

We opened this clinic as a way to empower women who have been challenged with various aspects of life and encourage them to find beauty in all things. We cherish our survivors and want them to feel loved, respected, and beautiful. We hope that by offering services like skin rejuvenation and scar revision that we can boost their confidence and restore their sense of normalcy in life. After challenging life events, we offer total wellness through skin resurfacing with the latest laser technology, dermal injections to subtly address fine lines and wrinkles, body contouring to tackle unwanted areas of fat with non-invasive treatment, and much more. These services include truSculpt iD, secret RF, excel V+, Botox, and products from Environ and Cutera to help with loose skin, stretch marks, and scars caused by acne. We are dedicated to helping you feel your best. Today, we want to talk about celebrating and nurturing your self-confidence! 

What Is Wellness? 
Wellness goes beyond waking up without a cold, having bad allergies, or a runny nose. Wellness goes into how your feeling mentally and emotionally, all of which can be helped by caring for yourself and taking advantage of all of our empowering services. According to the Global Institute of Wellness, it is defined as the active pursuit of activities, choices, and a lifestyle that leads to a state of holistic health. It is an active pursuit towards a healthy lifestyle and state of mind. It is also an individual pursuit. While it is important to surround yourself with supportive and loving people, you have to make these choices and accept what you need to achieve wellness on your own. Making that uphill climb will be worth the outcome. Wellness is also not a one-dimensional thing, it is a six-part dimensional way of thinking and living! It includes: 

• Physical - Keeping a healthy body with activity, exercise, plenty of sleep, and a good diet. 
• Mental - Supporting your creativity, continuing to learn, problem-solving, and much more. 
• Emotional - Being in touch with your emotions, understanding your emotions, knowing how to properly and healthily express them, and how to return the favor with other's feelings. 
• Spiritual - Having your personal understanding and belief for the meaning and purpose of life. 
• Social - Interacting, connecting, and giving back to others and your community. 
• Environmental - Putting yourself in a safe and healthy environment that is beneficial to your overall health and the health of your loved ones. 

The pandemic and many personal struggles that are out of our hands have and will continue to make working towards wellness that The Breast Place offers and what you can do for yourself a challenge. However, we are here when you're ready and believe in you that you can reach a very healthy and happy balance of wellness and self-confidence.

What are some of the ways you can work towards your overall wellness? 

• Greet the day with a routine and moments of joy. If you are working at home or the office, take a moment for yourself in the morning to meditate, exercise, journal, eat a good breakfast, wait to look at your phone, or think about what you're thankful for. Keeping a routine can also be very beneficial for your wellness, organization, and to help you be more productive. 
• If stress is getting to you, practice a few breathing techniques. Or, just take a moment away from what you're working on to take a few deep breaths or get some fresh air. 
• Stay active! While the pandemic has changed what that looks like for many of us, keep that blood pumping! Ride your bike, dance around the living room with your loved ones, or try that new workout app you've been eyeing. 
• A good diet can help you from the inside out. It can help with how you feel, think, operate, and it can help you stay in great physical shape. A good diet helps boost your immunity and cutting out those unhealthy foods can help reduce inflammation, help with focus, and much more. 
• Introduce the practice of mindfulness to your wellness journey. Surround yourself with positive and loving people, stay in touch with family and friends, and take the time for positive affirmations and gratitude. Even a few moments of reflection can improve your whole day. 
• Make time to do the things you love to do. You need time away from work and the responsibilities of your life to pursue and spend time doing what you love. 
• Invest in sleeping well and getting enough sleep every night. This might mean putting down your phone, putting down your book, and turning off Netflix much sooner than you would like. 
• Don't be afraid to try new things. Try that new hobby, that new workout class, that new recipe, or go and sign up for that class or even that new degree! 
• Like we mentioned above, do these things for yourself and no one else. While feeding and nurturing yourself can nurture your relationships, it's because you're nurturing your relationship with yourself, not with or for someone else. 
• Invest in time management tools, hacks, apps, and dedicate your time back to what you want and need to use it for. Use it to focus on the important things in your life and not on the things that cause worry and what you have no control over. 

How do you nurture self-confidence? 
Self-confidence is a difficult thing to maintain and have a healthy relationship with as an adult. However, it doesn't have to be something you are constantly fighting against. This is also hard for everyone, not just women. As you go through life, be gentle and kind with those you come in contact with, you don't know what they're going through. To nurture your self-confidence, you will have to put the work in yourself, and please don't rely on others to provide it for you. This is for you by you. 

• First off, acknowledge and realize what in your life is giving you any doubts in your confidence. Too much time on social media? A stressful job or work relationship? Issues at home or with a friend or family member? Ask yourself if the negative things that you are telling yourself connected to these situations are true, and remember that if a loved one would never say these things to you, do not say them to yourself. 
• Forgive yourself for the smallest and biggest mistakes. Just because you've made mistakes does not mean you're a bad person. Everyone makes mistakes, that's what people do. 
• Get off of those social media apps and put down your phone more often. 
• Remove yourself from negative situations and don't be afraid to say no. You can put space between yourself and negative individuals or situations, and you can say no without explaining yourself. 
• Focus on the positive things in your life and consider everything you've learned throughout your life. Focus on the new and positive skills you've learned due to everything you've been through and how that has made your life so much better. 
• Exercise! Keeping active helps boost your self-esteem and will improve your mental health as well. 
• Giving back and doing unto others as you would wish to be treated in kind can also boost your self-esteem. Even the smallest acts of kindness can have the biggest impact. 
• Take time to do activities that show off and use your special unique skills and abilities. 
• Invest in good hygiene and keep up with your yearly doctor's exams. Taking charge of how you feel and your health is very empowering. 
• Keeping learning new things and challenge yourself to learn a new skill, or improve upon the skills you already have. 
• Make time and space for yourself, who you are, and know that it is okay to celebrate yourself, forgive yourself, care for yourself, and be kind to yourself.  

Being kind to yourself in the process of wellness, self-confidence, and empowerment can be the hardest battle. It's easy to make fun of and downplay the importance of each of these elements in your life, but there is nothing like permitting yourself to go after the wellness and self-confidence you deserve. We are here to help you start that journey and inspire you along the way. We believe in each of you and know that you deserve this kindness. If you have any questions about our services, empowerment, self-confidence, survivorship, or anything else, we are here for you! Dear readers, please know we are always here for you with your best interests at heart. Please stay safe, make smart decisions, and be kind to yourself in 2021! 

While we offer so many different kinds of services for our warriors and anyone who comes into our offices, skincare and body care is a big part of what's important to us and what we give to our patients every day! 

Hello to all of our warriors, friends, supporters, and readers! We are so thrilled you're back reading the blog and here to read more about the many different ways The Breast Place can make you feel better, look better, and how you can enjoy a little more out of your everyday life. In our last blog, we debunked some of the top myths about botox, and it got us thinking about all of the products, services, and merchandise we offer here at The Breast Place for all of our patients and patrons. It also got us thinking that we needed to remind all of our readers that everyone is welcome to come visit and work with us. Our offices aren't limited to a certain age group, and we are open to anyone who wants to make their bodies feel and look better. We are here for those incredible warriors who are fighting every day against that tyrant silent killer, breast cancer, and for those who are looking to support their body's natural health to make them feel better with a multitude of skin and body care. So, that inspired us to give a little blog overview on some of our many services and why they are both important and beneficial to those who get them! 

1. Laser Hair Removal

Sometimes hair doesn't always grow where you want it to. It certainly can have a mind of its own and appear wherever it chooses to! Hair in unwanted places can affect self-confidence and mental well being, both of which are very important to us and we fight hard to help our patients keep healthy and strong. Treatment can also sometimes affect where and how your hair grows. The Breast Place is now offering laser hair removal in the office with the latest laser technology. What are some of the other benefits of laser hair removal on top of adding to a strong mental health foundation and good self-confidence? There might be a few more than you realize. 

• One of the biggest reasons why many of our patients get laser hair removal is the cleanliness it offers, and that it helps avoid ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs can appear in some very inconvenient places, can be very painful, and can lead to some pretty serious infection.
• If you are someone who has very sensitive skin and has difficulty with shaving due to the pain and irritation that shaving and waxing can cause you, this is an excellent option to have the smooth skin you want without the irritation and pain. 
• Waxing can come with an array of pros and cons. One of the most difficult is that to get a well done and beneficial wax, you need to let your hair grow out all the way in between waxings, which seems a little counterproductive. This can land you back into some awkward situations dealing with hair on your extremities that you didn't want to have in the first place. With laser hair removal, you can shave as often as you'd like in between treatments. 
• After every treatment, your hair will grow back thinner and softer than it was before! So thick patches of hair will be a thing of the past. The effects also last much longer, and your skin will stay smoother and hair-free longer. 
• The actual process of treating multiple different size areas can happen relatively quickly and can lead to permanent hair loss in your chosen lasered areas after only a few sessions. Those dark and coarsely difficult hairs can be targeted and taken care of without any damage done to your skin 

2. Body Contouring 
No matter how hard you work out, no matter how much you diet, and after going through some very big life changes like having a baby, your body will always decide what it wants to do with the fat in your body. Somehow, it always tends to stay in the places we hate the most, and no amount of push-ups, crunches, mountain climbers, or burpees can chase it away. After any life challenge or natural challenge, unwanted fat can hang around no matter how hard you work. In as little as 15 minutes per treatment, you can target those unwanted areas on your lunch break with no downtime and resume your daily activities right away! The muffin top, love handles, lower abdomen, and "bra-fat" can be treated with our non-invasive body contouring done in the office. Outside of these wonderful benefits, what are some other benefits that body contouring can give you? 

• After you've spent what could be years dieting and exercising to get down to your goal weight, the number on the scale might not bring you as much joy as you expected. Sometimes, in these situations, you are left with excess skin. Being able to remove it can make you feel better and look how you want after you've put in so much work. This procedure can also improve how you feel when those stubborn areas are finally gone. It can help eliminate any unwanted jiggling, chafing, you can avoid weight interference, and everyday tasks can finally be pain-free and easier to do with that stubborn excess fat gone! 
• The results are ones that you just can't beat, for most they are long-lasting effects, if not permanent, and can finally give you the look and confidence that you've been wanting. 
• What's great about a non-invasive procedure is that it allows you to heal quicker, have an incredibly mild recovery, and it doesn't get in the way of your life. You can start looking and feeling great without having to put your life on pause before you do so. Also, it means much less risk than other weight loss surgery and doesn't put the physical stress on it that bypass and other surgeries can do to your body. It highly reduces infection, pain, ulcers, and weight gain compared to other surgery. 
• We understand that surgery isn't for everyone, and we also understand that not all bodies can go through surgery safely. With non-invasive body contouring, this weight loss procedure can be done on anyone, any shape, and for any amount of weight that needs to be lost. 
• It can help reduce the visibility of cellulite on your body in those hard to reach and hard to exercise locations. It can also help get rid of and pause any unwanted lines and wrinkles in your skin by helping promote healthy, strong, and tight skin. 

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3.Facial Rejuvination
You live your life to the fullest and through each trial and celebration that comes with it. While we all work hard to care for our skin and to let it age how we choose, our bodies and our skin makes those decisions. That's where facial rejuvenation comes into play. To keep you looking young even after the effects of treatment, raising children, menopause, or surviving life’s challenges, we now offer facial rejuvenation services, Botox/Dysport, and dermal fillers! Laser resurfacing is used to address pigmentation issues like melasma and sunspots, micro-needling with radiofrequency is to promote collagen rebuilding and with no downtime. Laser resurfacing is the newest technology aiding in rejuvenation and antiaging. If you are concerned with fine lines, wrinkles or redness like rosacea, our Cutera Excel V+ laser treatments are right for you. Paired with the best skin products for optimal results, we hope to empower you to look and feel your best at all times. Outside of all this incredible information, what are some more positive benefits of facial rejuvenation? 

• Our skin reacts and is a product of everything we do. It is affected by our stress, our diets, the sun, exercise, smoking, and much more. Each of these very natural and common practices and choices can lead to the deterioration of the skin. Facial rejuvenation can help slow this down and reverse much of that deterioration. It can also help with scars left behind from acne. 
• Ever feel like the skin on your face is never as clean as you want it to be? Even after a huge amount of product and lotion? Facial rejuvenation can help with this and leave your skin feeling much healthier and cleaner than you could imagine. 
• As you age, even with proper sun protection and doing everything by the book, your skin can begin to change color, could become discolored, and your skin tone could become very uneven. Fail rejuvenation helps with all of this! It can help reduce or get rid of age spots, broken blood vessels, age spots, and more! 
• As we age, our skin begins to weigh a little bit more than we remember, and it can begin to sag in some of our least favorite places. Facial rejuvenation helps tighten your skin around your cheeks, jawline, eyes, and more. This can help make the face look rested, refreshed, and healthier. 
• While we age, your body's amount of collagen production begins to slow down. Facial rejuvenation can help the production speed back up. It can also get rid of that "double chin" effect by eliminating the extra fat in that part of your body! 

There you have it! An insider's look into just three of our many services and products. Can you believe the number of benefits that come from just these three services? There are so many wonderful reasons why these and all of our services are incredibly beneficial for all of our patrons, warriors, and friends that come to our offices! If you have any questions about these or any of our services, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We would love to speak with you about the many ways we could help improve your life with one or all of our treatments. While this blog was dedicated to skincare and much more, we are still the best breast cancer center in Charleston! Be well out there, we know that you're fighting hard. You are not alone in this, and you never will be!

Botox has developed an interesting reputation and has been connected to a certain age group and demographic over the years. Today, we are going to break these molds by debunking the top 5 myths about botox!

Hello warriors and welcome back! We hope that Breast Cancer Awareness Month and all of October was wonderful for you and your family! Remember that it is within your power to make every month and every day Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is up to you to help spread the word, spread awareness, and help fight to find the cure faster than ever before. Stay strong, stay resilient, and keep on fighting!

In this first blog of the month, we are going to be stepping into a much different topic than our most recent blogs. While the Breast Place is dedicated to helping women navigate their bodies during their breast cancer treatments and through their survivorship, we offer so much more. Did you know that we also offer a plethora of other services including laser hair removal, facial rejuvenation, body contouring, scar revision, many different kinds of skincare treatments, tru sculpt, and Botox? A lot of people think that many of these services are for certain age groups and not welcomed or accessible to younger audiences. It might surprise you to learn that our youngest patients that we see are in their early 20s and they have had very successful treatments and experiences in our offices. Botox is one of the most popular of these services, and we see a wide range of patients from all age groups for this service.

Over time, Botox has attracted a very unique reputation and a lot of people out there believe that only older women use Botox, and it was designed for only them in mind. We are here to tell you just how wrong these connotations are! Due to all of this negativity and the bad reputation that has attached itself to Botox and those who use it, we wanted to debunk some of the top myths out there about Botox! Please note before we begin, that Botox is one of the most common and safest aesthetic treatments out there - and you will be amazed at what all it can do for you.

Myth #1 Botox will Freeze My Face and Leave Me Expressionless!
Truth: Thanks to pop culture, this idea has been solidified in our minds that if you get Botox you will no longer be able to move your face muscles and your face will be stuck in one expression forever. The only time that your face will even remotely have a slightly frozen reaction is if you get your Botox injections from someone who has poor technique and they don't truly know what they're doing. To help avoid situations like these, please visit us to get the proper treatment or make sure to do in-depth research when choosing where to get your Botox injections. Botox relaxes wrinkle-producing muscles only at the point of injection, and will not affect any other muscles that are involved or help create your facial expressions. After your Botox treatment, you will still have your full range of facial movements and responses all while looking refreshed and rejuvenated.

Myth #2: Botox Is Painful
Truth: With a trained hand and excellent expertise, the doctors and medical professionals you should be going to you for your injections will make sure that the experience is not painful, does not cause damage, discoloring, or any bruising. Skilled and expert treatment shouldn't be noticeable, meaning the treatments and injections should be done gently and gradually so no one realizes that you're even receiving injections. The needles used for Botox are incredibly thin, and only a small amount of liquid is injected into the skin. If patients feel anything at all, they describe it as a small pinch that only lasts for a few seconds.

Myth #3 Botox is Just for Wrinkles
Truth: While Botox is most commonly known for the treatment of getting rid of wrinkles and lines today, there are many other aesthetic and medical uses for Botox. As a matter of fact, it was first approved by the FDA and used to help treat a condition called strabismus, which is a flickering and spasming of the eyes. Doctors didn't know that Botox could be used for cosmetic purposes until they treated eye conditions such as this. Today Botox can be used to treat limb spasticity, excessive sweating, over reactive bladders, chronic migraines, cervical dystonia, eyelid muscle spasms, TMJ conditions, back and neck pain, and more.

Myth #4 Botox is Dangerous and Toxic
Truth: Botox has been used in the aesthetic and medical world for over 20 years. It was officially approved by the FDA in 1989 and is a completely safe treatment. The treatment for it to be used cosmetically came in 2002. The reason why so many think it's toxic is that is connected to the botulinum toxin that is related to the cause of food poisoning. What is injected into your face and body is a purified protein version of this toxin making it extremely nontoxic. To even have some kind of problem or reaction, you would have to have 100 to 300 times the accepted amount of the toxin to cause any problems.

Myth #5: Botox is Addictive
Truth: There is nothing inside the Botox injection that has an addictive property, and if you choose to stop getting treatments it will not make your wrinkles or lines worse. There is nothing that will physically or chemically make the patient addicted to Botox itself. What people do become dependent on is the results of the injects making them look younger and being so excited and thrilled about the results. The only thing close to addiction is becoming very reliant on the results and the patient's features and has nothing to do with the injection itself.

How do you feel about Botox now? For our readers, do you feel a little more comfortable with the idea of Botox? Are you excited to try it out? We couldn't blame you if you were! That's what we are hoping for you to feel! Please remember that Botox is also not just for one type of person, one age group, or just women. Botox has incredible benefits for everyone. If you have any questions or concerns about Botox, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We would love to speak with you about the many ways Botox could improve your life. While this blog was dedicated to skincare and much more, we are still the best breast cancer center in Charleston! Be well out there, we know that you're fighting hard. You are not alone in this, and you never will be!