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Surgical Scar Revision at The Breast Place with Secret RF

2/3/2021

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Life can leave us with many different scars. The visible scars left behind from surgery or accidents can be unwanted, leaving you feeling self-conscious or they can serve as a constant reminder of what the scars are connected to. Today, we are going to be talking about our scar revision services, Secret RF. 

Hello readers! Welcome back to the blog! How has your new year been going so far? Now that we're a month into 2021, the new year feels much more solidified. How have you been doing with your personal goals and resolutions for the new year? Are you still holding on and working on a game plan to keep up with them? We believe in you, and know you can do it! Don't forget that resolutions and goals can be trying something brand new or finally permitting yourself to try something you've been wanting to try. Make 2021 your year of yes, your year of trying something new, your year of taking a step into the unknown, and your year to let yourself try some new things you haven't yet! In our last blog, we talked about the realities of laser hair removal treatments in our office, in this blog we will be discussing the realities of surgical scar removal in our office. 

Carrying scars that people can and cannot see is something we all battle with that can be incredibly difficult to deal with. They all have their own weight, memory, and story connected to them. Physical scars left behind due to surgery or accident can be unwanted, due to the memories connected to them or just how they make you feel. We have integrated laser technology into our offered services that break down the texture and appearance of scars and improve the cosmetic outcome for our patients. Coupled with top of the line products to enhance your results, a scar revision can decrease the appearance of unwanted scars. From accidental scars to surgical scars, everyone has a scar they wish they could get rid of. If you have ever wanted to improve the appearance of your skin, don't hesitate to contact us for a consultation and customized treatment plan for you. We would like to introduce you to Secret RF. 

What Is It & What We Do

Secret RF is a micro-needling device paired with fractional radiofrequency designed to stimulate and remodel collagen and address the common signs of aging. Using micro-needles that can be adjusted to penetrate at various depths, Secret RF can deliver energy at the necessary levels of the skin to promote anti-aging by addressing fine lines and wrinkles but also to correct the appearance of scars and stretchmarks. Not to be confused with at-home micro-needling rollers that only go to a depth of 0.3 mm MAXIMUM, Secret RF can penetrate up to 3.5 mm below the skin's surface with minimally invasive micro-needles to spare the epidermis and reduce downtime. One of our skilled medical providers will do a full assessment to provide an accurate treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. Actual results may take up to 3 months to be fully appreciated.

A Little More Background Information
Similar to our laser hair removal procedures (truSculpt ID) Secret RF falls into the noninvasive category of treatment that doesn't give a patient any downtime needed to recover. Non-surgical procedures in the aesthetic world have become very popular, and rightfully so. Who wants to go through a potentially dangerous and painful procedure that takes time to go through and recover from when you don't have to? When it comes to aesthetic procedures, it's hard to justify carving out time in a busy schedule to make anyone happy, especially if it isn't a pleasant experience. Thankfully that is one of the many benefits of Secret RF, it is a non-surgical aesthetic procedure with little or no pain that is followed by little to no down time. 

According to Cutera, more than 70% of patients are bothered by signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. Secret RF is described as a novel functional radiofrequency micro-needling system for "tissue coagulation and homeostasis designed to stimulate and remodel collagen and address signs of aging" according to Cutera. It is a great tool to also help with the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and scars left behind from acne. How does it work? Sterilized needles are used to create microscopic wounds at precise levels of the dermis while not affecting the epidermis. The heating of the dermis causes collagen production and derma thickness and causes the body to naturally heal around the microscopic wound area. According to Healthline.com, collagen is the most common protein in the body and it creates the framework of your skin and gives the skin its firmness. The production of new collagen can help smooth out unwanted wrinkles and lines in your skin.

The microneedles used in the treatment can be adjusted so it can deliver energy at different depths to the skin, so every treatment is tailored to every patient's treatment area and skin type. The microneedles used and the ability to tailor the depths they go into the skin helps keep it as noninvasive as possible, helps spare the skin, and reduces the patient's downtime after the procedure. There are two different types of needles used in a Secret RF treatment, non-insulated and semi-insulated. Having these options allows treatment on all skin types and treatment in challenging areas to be possible and successful. Patients can receive treatment on both the face and the body, and it is a treatment that you can receive all year round. 

Advantages Of Secret RF
  • Secret RF allows the treatment to be focused entirely on the damaged area, and not the entire surface of the skin. 
  • The tissue surrounding the treated areas that are left intact after treatment help the entire healing process of the treated area. This helps reduce recovery time and leaves the patient with very few side effects. 
  • Secret RF micro-needling was created as a device especially focused on skin revitalization, helping signs of aging, scars, and much more. 
  • It is a tool and treatment created for all skin types.
  • Secret RF has a very small risk of hyperpigmentation. 
  • Secret RF is reliable and very safe.
  • According to Cutera, treatments can last between 15-20 minutes or 30-40 minutes depending on the area you are working on, and only requires as little as three months to begin to see the final results. 
  • The radiofrequency used in the treatment can result in mild skin tightening, which helps with the treatment of wrinkles. 
  • Secret RF helps leave your skin looking rejuvenated, healthy, restored, and refreshed. 
  • Secret RF can also help with the tone and texture of your skin, uneven skin tones, blackheads, excessive sweating, crepey skin found across the body, large pores, dull complexion, helps add luminosity to the skin, helps with the treatment of scars, and much more! 
  • There is rarely swelling that comes with treatment, the patient will usually only experience swelling on the day of their treatment. 
  • Secret RF has even less downtime than that of micro-needling due to the heat used in the procedure. The heat seals up the bleeding caused by the micro-injuries the micro-needling creates. 
  • You can return to your schedule, skincare routine, and wearing makeup the day after your treatment. 
  • After your treatments, it is highly recommended that you continue or begin wearing sunscreen every day. Immediately after your treatment, please refrain from wearing makeup and using strong cleaning agents or other products that have retinol or acid in them. 
  • There is little to no risk of burning, scarring, or pigment issues from the treatment. 
  • It is a safe enough procedure to do around your eyes and lips. 
  • The needles used leave such micro holes in your skin that without help, they can't be seen by the human eye. 

The Con's 
With all the good, there can be a few things that you need to be aware of with this treatment, and any treatment available to you. 
  • A topical pain cream is used in the treatment to help with the patient's comfort, which is very important to us. However, patients could experience a feeling of pinching or discomfort during treatment. 
  • You must only receive treatments from very experienced and trained individuals like ourselves. If you are in the hands of someone inexperienced it can cause more of what the procedure is trying to remove and can hurt during the process. 
  • It is not a one and done treatment, you will need a few treatments to get the desired outcome and the results won't be overnight. 

The benefits and realities of Secret RF are so vast that we couldn't recommend it more to our patients. It is a treatment for everyone! If you want to help ease signs of aging, stretch marks, acne scars, and many other benefits, Secret RF is the perfect treatment for you. Calling all warriors, blog readers, friends, and patients! Is 2021 your year for Secret RF? Let's get started! Give us a call, we are ready to go on this journey with 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! 

To see real examples of patient's experience and success with Secret RF follow the link below: 
https://www.thebreastplacesc.com/scar-removal.html

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Beauty Regimes During Treatment [Part 2]

7/29/2020

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Continuing with the second part of our Beauty Regimes During Treatment blog, we want to touch on care for your hair, your nails, and beauty product options. 

We are back with the second part of our Beauty Regime blog, with tips and suggestions on how to make yourself physically feel better during and after treatment. In the first part of this blog, we talked about mental health, skincare, and beauty products that can make a world of difference. They can help you feel more comfortable, more at ease, and feel more like you. For this blog, we are going to be adding a few more tips for makeup, regrowth of your hair, and caring for your nails. Your hair and nails are sometimes the two biggest factors during treatment where you will see effects before anywhere else in your body. Depending on how you react to treatment, as you know, you can begin to lose hair all over your body, not just on your head. It is already difficult to lose your hair, but attention needs to be drawn to the difficulties of losing your eyebrows, your eyelashes, and even your arm hair. It's a hard adjustment and can make you feel a little out of touch from your own body.

The same goes for your nails. Unless you're within the circle of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorhood, how chemo and treatment affect your nails can come as a big surprise. It can be a painful process for your nails. They can become very brittle, begin to crack and flake, and even fall out. This can happen to both your fingernails and toenails, making everyday tasks difficult and making shoes very painful to wear. Taking time to care for your scalp, skin, and nail beds during and after your treatment can help with encouraging healthy hair regrowth and healthier nails.

[Makeup Tutorial]
One of the first things we wanted to mention is that there are so many amazing outlets available to you to help your survivorship journey. While planning this blog, we stumbled across many important resources but wanted to share one in particular. We found an amazing channel on YouTube called "Breast Cancer Care". Not only do they have videos on how to give self-breast exams, but they also have tons of different videos on how to care for and create eyebrows, eyelashes, skin care, lip care, and more for those going through chemo and beyond. Visit their channel by following the link below. This channel and their website is an incredible resource and a huge comfort for those going through treatment and recovery!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwjuAw12CWanY-8BOp24Vfw

[Regrowth]
Being kind to your hair, even if it's not so kind to you during treatment, is key. Using mild shampoos and conditioners can help care for your skin and hair while it's going through so much during treatment. There are also many other head covering options available to you. You can add a wig into your wardrobe if you'd like. A lot of insurance companies, according to Everyday Health, will cover the cost of a wig for medical purposes with a prescription for a cranial prosthesis. Soft and gentle head scarfs are also an option to keep your head warm and protected from the sun and other natural elements. Keeping your head covered can help regulate your body temperature, which is key in keeping you healthy. Please do not forget sunscreen if you're going to be outside. We also encourage you to invest in a deep healing lotion for your skin. After your treatment has ended, there are wonderful all-natural growth options to help stimulate your hair, eyelashes, and nail growth. After treatment, as your hair begins to regrow, it will be very fragile. Be kind to it in every way possible. Keep it short until it becomes stronger, and avoid dying or getting it permed or chemically straightened during this regrowth process. 

[Nails]
The focus on hair loss often overshadows the effect that chemo and treatment can have on your nails. Using a cuticle cream and moisturizing hand lotion can strengthen your nail beds. Keeping your nails short and trimmed neatly can avoid painful tears, cracks, and infection. Avoid using acrylic and other similar nail techniques, as they can lead to infection. If you want to use a polish, use all-natural and water-based polish brands. Avoid going to the nail salon if you can, but if you have to go, bring your own sterilized equipment, polish, and tools. Make sure all spaces that your nails are worked on are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before you get your nails done. Avoid chewing on your nails and cuticles, as opening up your skin or creating an irritation can also lead to infection.  

[Conclusion]
Please remember that you can visit us through your treatments and survivorship journey. We provide scar revision, body contouring, facial rejuvenation, and laser hair removal, among our many resources. How you define and feel beautiful in your skin is whats important. No one has the power to take that from you or define how you should be doing this for yourself. Be bold, be strong, and continue to fight beautifully. If you have any questions about this any of our services, don't hesitate to reach out. During these continued difficult times, we encourage you to take extreme caution protecting yourself and your loved ones from the pandemic. Please stay safe and be well. 
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Healing from Emotional Scars

6/2/2020

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Breast cancer and its treatments leave behind scars of many kinds. Healing from your physical and emotional scars are a part of your healing process. Both need to be looked after with equal amounts of care. 

Hello dear friends. We hope where ever you are while reading this, you know you are not alone. Where ever you are on your journey, you are strong enough to fight. In this blog, we will be talking about scars. Not necessarily the scars that are left behind from radiation, chemo, and surgery. We will be talking about the emotional scars that come along with fighting this battle. These scars need to be cared for and healed just as much as your physical scars do. This process can take time, but we promise it's worth it. Not dealing with these scars can make the journey into returning to the life you want difficult or even impossible. A scar is something a warrior should be proud of. You went through the fight, and you won. You are now more aware, realistic, stronger, and wiser. 

Your cancer treatments will affect your body physically, but it goes way beyond that. It can affect how you feel, think, and like to do things in your life. Treatment can even change the way your brain works. Yes, chemo brain is a real thing! You could be facing mental changes in how you learn, how well you concentrate, and how well you remember. There is nothing wrong with you, these are common effects for many people going through treatment. Also, how your treatments will affect you mentally and physically is unique to each person. It is important to be informed and educated about what is happening to your body before, during, and after your treatment. Discussing and researching how you can help yourself stay as healthy mentally and physically as possible is also key to this process. 

Long term and short term effects of treatment can affect your mental health. Depression, anxiety, and fear can develop during treatment. After treatment a lot of this fear is based on the worry and possibility that your cancer could return. Anxiety can bloom out of the initial shock of taking in all of the information you're given at the beginning of your journey. This can make it very difficult to cope or comprehend what is going on.  

While going through and working on your emotional healing, keeping an open line of communication is very important. Make sure to talk about how you're feeling. Express it, work through your emotions, and try to continue past them. Working through these emotions can help you move towards a more positive attitude, and to help you cope with life in general. Make sure to be open with your care team, a medical professional, or a trusted loved one. Holding in these emotions and feelings can be very hurtful. Feeling angry can get in the way of taking care of yourself. Sometimes, it can energize you. Use these emotions for a positive outcome, don't stew inside of them. Prioritize your mental health. You are allowed to feel how you do. They are valid emotions and you are worthy to feel this way. Allow yourself to grieve, but don't let it last forever. 

Your body could be facing many different kinds of changes, too. Some may only last for a little while, while others could stay forever. Even if you don't show these changes, you could still see them. Anger and grief are natural reactions to this situation. It can affect your sex drive. It might make you feel that your appearance has changed how your loved ones look at you, respond to you, and will act around you. These natural reactions can also cause depression, anxiety, and fear. 

Things That Can Help: 
  • Find the time to stay active
  • Control what you can, and let go or delegate what you cannot. Keeping on top of your schedule of treatments and the things you love to do can help you stay focused, positive, and help you feel more in control of your life. 
  • Ask your doctors and nurses if there are ways to care for your skin if it has been damaged, discolored, or burned during treatment. 
  • Contact us about survivorship. 
  • We can help with lactation, abnormal breast imaging, oncoplastic surgery, scar revision, body contouring, facial rejuvenation, and laser hair removal. Each of these services can help you make the process back to feeling like yourself a little easier. 
  • Make sure that any prosthetics fit properly. 
  • Ask if you can stay in touch with your doctors and nurses. Sometimes just knowing that you can have them as a contact can be very beneficial. 
  • If you need help with your mental care, ask for it. Your doctor can refer you to health care providers that are specifically trained in helping with these situations. Your mental health can get worse if it is not cared for. 
  • Continue to keep an open and honest line of communication with your partner and children. 

After treatment, it might be strange that you aren't always in panic mode. You're so used to that feeling, that it can be mentally jarring to start going back to some sense of normalcy. But that normalcy can place a lot of burden on you as well. Getting back to your sense of normal can take time. Even with the victory and empowerment that you've successfully beaten cancer. It might take time to feel like you can go back to your life again. Your normal may not be the same again, and it's difficult to adjust to that. Remember, your breasts are not who you are nor do they represent who you are. 

Healing doesn't just happen overnight and then you're better. It has many stages and steps along the way. Take the time to do what you need. We are here for you along every step of the way and are always here to talk when you need us. Never hesitate to reach out. Continue to fight, be proud of the journey you're on, and be well. 
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