The Implant-Free Breast Augmentation: Join the Conversation!

Have you ever contemplated getting a breast augmentation but were hesitant about surgery?  Or perhaps you’re put off by the idea of implants?  Then you may want to consider the hottest new trend in cosmetic and reconstructive breast enhancement: the revolutionary Adivive™ Fat Transfer, from Palomar Medical, which uses your own excess fat to create fuller breasts that look and feel 100% natural--because they are!

How Does it Work?
In fat transfer or “fat grafting,” fat is taken from one part of the body, such as the upper arms, abdomen, back, flanks or thighs, and injected into an area where more fat is desired, such as the breasts, buttocks or face. Traditional fat transfer methods have been viewed as unpredictable and often lead to disappointing results. The new Adivive Fat Transfer method is groundbreaking in that its all-in-one system removes excess fluids and oils from the donor fat, creating higher quality fat grafts that deliver more long-lasting volumes. In studies, Adivive delivers a 70-80% fat survival rate for a long-lasting outcome.


One of the most attractive aspects of the Advive Fat Transfer to the Breasts is that it can be combined with SlimLipo body sculpting. So if you are also seeking a firmer abdomen, contoured thighs or a tighter butt, you can get that as well--a two-for-one goal instantly achieved.

Three Adivive Fat Transfer Candidates, ages 36, 43, 56

Cheryl, 36:  I love being a new mom, but I am very disheartened about my new body. I just stopped nursing. My breasts are all stretched out, and so is my belly. I have always been happy with my small breasts and don’t want a major boob job, but I would love if I could get the look of my old breasts back and get rid of my bigger tummy all in one swoop. My main concern is that I am very busy with my new baby, and don’t have time for any sort of cosmetic procedure.

“I often use the Adivive Fat Transfer as part of my “Mommy Makeover,” said board-certified plastic surgeon James. R. Lyons, MD.   “This procedure is great for restoring a sagging breast by filling the “empty” skin envelope that often develops once a woman has stopped breastfeeding and her milk supply is depleted."

The Mommy Makeover may combine Adivive Fat Transfer to the Breasts with either a mini tummy tuck or full tummy tuck. SlimLipo and stretchmark treatments are often added as well.  Since the appearance of the breasts is as much affected as the abdomen in pregnancy, this technique is clearly a global improvement for moms who are looking to restore their bodies to their pre-pregnancy appearance.

Andrea, 43: I am a newly divorced mother of two. I need to dive back into the workforce and want to start dating. But when I look in the mirror, I am not that psyched about my body. I have always wanted bigger breasts but am just not the type to go for implants--I like a more natural look. I am very curious about Adivive Fat Transfer to the Breasts and want to know more of what’s involved.

“Fears of general anesthesia are removed since the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, with oral sedation,” said Dr. Lyons. “The patient is  awake during the 1-hour procedure but completely comfortable.  As with breast augmentatiion with implants, the Adivive results are immediately apparent.  Since the fat is a true graft of tissue, the “take” status affecting the breast volume will be fully realized after 3 months. For this age group, this gentle, more conservative improvement in breast aesthetics by using fat is usually what I see my patients wanting."

Sandy, 56 - I take pride in the fact that I work out regularly at the gym. But ever since menopause, my body has undergone changes that are beyond my control. My breasts seem to have shriveled to a smaller size. And no matter what exercises I do, I have developed stubborn spots--my upper arms have developed “bat wings.” My husband and I were invited to a black-tie event in a few months, and I would just love to wear my favorite low-cut, sleeveless red gown.  I have always been hesitant about going under the knife, but am curious about less invasive treatments.

“The Adivive Fat Transfer is a perfect choice for a woman who wants improvement in her breasts, and has folds in her arms that occur with age,” said Dr. Lyons.  “We can improve and slenderize the arms with SlimLipo and then use the fat to reshape the breasts to be more youthful and perky.”

Is Adivive Fat Transfer to the Breasts Right For You?
In figuring out if the Advive Fat Transfer system is right for you, you’ll want to contemplate a few things. First off, this procedure can increase your breast size by approximately 1-cup size per session. If you are seeking a larger enhancement,  than a traditional breast augmentation with an implant or another transfer of fat procedure may be necessary. Ultimately, you’ll want to schedule a consultation with an experienced physician who is skilled in both techniques to help you achieve the results you desire.

Plastic surgeon Dr. James R. Lyons (go here for complete bio)  has carried out 1000s of breast augmentations using  traditional breast implant surgery and more recently, fat transfer.  He is considered Westchester and Connecticut’s leading expert on the Adivive system. Go here to read more about Fat Transfer with Adivive at Bellava and to view  Dr. Lyons’ amazing Fat Transfer Before and After Pictures.

Join the conversation! What comments or questions do you have about Adivive Fat Transfer to the Breasts? Post your comment below!

How To Turn Back The Clock in 2013: Trends In Cosmetic Surgery

Today people are not only living longer, but also looking younger, thanks to many innovations in the field of cosmetic surgery. Here’s a sampling of some of today’s most popular anti-aging procedures. Not only are they minimally invasive, but are also less risky and much less pricey than cosmetic surgeries of the past–and most important, have better results.

 

1. SlimLipo Body Contouring: When diet and exercise alone won’t do the trick

Let’s face it. No matter how much you diet and exercise, some body fat just won’t budge. But there’s a solution. On a recent segment of his highly regarded daytime show, Dr. Oz highlighted one of today’s most amazing cosmetic medical breakthroughs: FDA-approved “Shrink Wrap” or SlimLipo laser liposuction. In the segment, LA plastic surgeon, Dr. Raffi Hovsepian, explained how this minimally invasive procedure combining liposuction and laser technology has resulted in body-transforming results for his patients, most of whom have dropped 2-4 dress sizes after the procedure, while avoiding the hip-to-hip incision of a tummy tuck.
A SlimLipo laser liposuction treatment is safer and far less painful than traditional lipo, plus it is a much more elegant procedure that can be customized for each patient. Rather than suctioning fat that’s still intact like old-fashioned lipo, SlimLipo uses a laser to melt fat before it’s removed. The second part of the SlimLipo laser treatment involves tightening skin to create a smooth, contoured surface. This innovative technology is effective on many targeted areas, including the abdomen, back, buttocks, chin and neck, love handles, male chest, inner thighs and upper arms. Lastly, SlimLipo is minimally invasive and performed under local anesthesia, has a recovery time of 1-3 days and is affordably priced.

2. Brazilian Butt Lift: The J-Lo Effect:

Thanks to stars like JLo, Sophia Vargas and Niki Minaj, size zero is out and curves are back in, making fat transfer to the buttocks–the “Brazilian Butt Lift”–one of the hottest cosmetic medical procedures available today. For those who want that full curvaceous look, Adivive, the first FDA-approved LipoTransfer System, can transfer large volumes of fat to the butt, thus achieving the desired “bubble butt” look. Traditionally, the amount of fat that survives in fat transfer procedures has been unpredictable and led to disappointing results. However, Adivive’s all-in-one system removes excess fluids and oils for higher quality fat grafts that deliver voluminous and smooth results with a 70-80% fat survival rate for a long-lasting outcome. Plus it all can happen with an in-office procedure, no anesthesia required, and minimal recovery.

3. Mini Facelift or “Weekend Lift”

After a certain age, some surgery is almost always required to restore a youthful-looking face, especially in the jowl area. The Mini Facelift or “Weekend Lift” restores the natural contour of the jaw line and tightens sagging, loose skin in the mid and lower face regions, softening deep nasolabial folds at the sides of the nose and mouth and marionette lines that extend from the mouth to chin area. The Mini Facelift procedure is less invasive than a traditional facelift, and because of the advanced techniques utilized also results in a refreshed and softer look rather than a “pulled” appearance with very minimal scarring. And like the other procedures mentioned above, it can be performed in-office with local anesthesia –and-costs you only 1-2 days of downtime with no pain, bruising or swelling.
Taking into account all of the benefits tied to the procedures listed above, it’s no wonder more and more people are turning to cosmetic surgery to recapture their most youthful appearance.

This article was written by Stephanie Susnjara, PR Consultant and Content Writer for Bellava MedAesthetics. For more info, you can reach a Bellava consultant at 914-864-214

Dr Oz: Shrink Wrap “SlimLipo” Liposuction – Drop 4 Dress Sizes!

Dr. Oz shared incredible medical breakthroughs on his show today. Dr Raffi Hovsepian explained that Shrink Wrap Liposuction combines traditional liposuction with laser technology to eliminate body fat. Dr. Oz’s medical breakthrough is in the field of plastic surgery, and more specifically liposuction. The procedure is called Shrink Wrap Liposuction and the results have been dramatically amazing. Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Raffi Hovsepian, explained that Shrink Wrap Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that combines liposuction and laser technology. He said that by combining the two together, he is seeing body-transforming results in his patients, with most dropping 2-4 dress sizes after the procedure, while avoiding the hip-to-hip incision of a tummy tuck.

Dr Oz: Shrink Wrap Liposuction Technology: In the past, liposuction and laser surgery have been used to basically chip away at unwanted body fat. Shrink Wrap Liposuction is unique in that it can be personalized to each patient according to their skin type and volume of fat, according to Dr. Hovsepian. He goes on to explain that the lasers used in this procedure are at a level specific to treating fat cells, so none of the surrounding tissue is damaged during the treatment.
Dr Oz: Shrink Wrap Liposuction vs. “Regular” Liposuction: In an on-stage demonstration Dr. Oz showed the difference between using liposuction on its own and using Shrink Wrap Liposuction, which combines traditional liposuction with laser technology. Dr. Oz explained that our fat cells are hard, similar to a stick of butter, so when liposuction is performed it is often difficult to suck out the fat, which causes a lot of bruising and long healing time. In the case of Shrink Wrap Liposuction, the laser works first to melt the fat, so that the doctor can then easily suck it out using liposuction, which will be way less uncomfortable for the patient. Dr. Raffi Hovsepian explained that he can then adjust the laser wavelengths in order to stimulate the collagen under the skin and over time, this will cause it to shrink to the contour of the body.

One-time procedure
Takes 30 minutes to 4 hours
Cost: $2,000-$9,000

Dr Oz: Shrink Wrap Liposuction Results: Dr. Raffi Hovsepian said that the results with Shrink Wrap Liposuction have been amazing and his patients have been pleased, especially because there is no large incision involved.

For more information on "ShrinkWrap" SlimLipo click here. 

A Doctor's Tips For Healthy Holiday Drinking

The most social time of the year is here again, a time when we look forward to celebrating the holidays at office parties, small dinner parties, and family gatherings.  The consumption of alcohol is often the celebratory part of the festivities with jewel-toned colored drinks such as the luscious red Pomegranate or Glittery Golden Ginger Bread Martinis (Penny’s favorite), the Champagne Toast, Rum-Buttered Brandy “Hot-Toddie” and of course, a bottle of good Wine with our holiday dinner.

While we imbibe with good celebratory intent, the sudden increase in alcohol intake over a period of a couple of weeks can contribute heavily to the dreaded POST-HOLIDAY weight gain and the reason gyms are mobbed come January 2nd!  How great would it be to wake up on January 2nd and have no regrets?

So just how do you partake in the holiday spirit (no pun intended) and still take good care of your body, respecting your health and paying homage to your safety?  The key is to recognize that liquid calories have a direct effect on fat production.  Calories delivered in food must be metabolized in the body before they are either deposited for storage (fat) or excreted.  I have heard people say, “liquid calories (liquor) go straight to your hips.” Liquid calories are not necessarily digested prior to absorption in the stomach.  This explains the high that one experiences after a single glass of champagne.  The digested alcohol (sugars) are rapidly absorbed and produce a dramatic insulin spike.  The body then shunts the sugars into storage (fat) to keep blood sugar at an even level.

The good news is that there are ways be vigilant and enjoy the season at the same time.  Here’s what to focus on:

Water.  Hydrate well before you go out for the evening.  It will give you a fuller feeling and you’ll drink less.  Before ordering your second drink, chase the first with a tall glass of water.  The main cause of that “morning after” feeling is dehydration  While this does not diminish calories or increase metabolism, it may make the next day more enjoyable.

The Bloody “Merry.” This drink has become a tradition in the Lyons Household – every year it’s our signature drink on Christmas mornings.  A marriage of protein, nutrition, flavor, presentation, and low calorie vodka, our recipe redefines this classic drink for the holidays with a doctor’s stamp of approval.  That means you can enjoy it without the guilt!  (The key is that even though liquid calories turn right into fat, the fiber in the drink slows down digestion, so caloric intake is less.) 

RECIPE CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE DRJAMESLYONS.COM/THE-BLOODY-MERRY/

The Pomegranate Martini.  Delicious they are, and we hand one to all who  arrive at our home on Christmas Eve.  Mixed drinks involving sugary fruit juices and sodas pump even more sugar into your bloodstream.  So we mix our drink with sugar-free pomegranate juice, add a twist of lime, and sprinkle pomegranate seeds (for an added boost of anti-oxidant).  No pomegranate liquor here — use Voli vodka, the low calorie vodka that contains 80 calories for every 1.5 fluid ounce.  That’s 25 percent fewer calories than other vodkas that can contain 200 or more calories per drink alone.

The Champagne Toast is big with my family.  We toast everything! We like to serve champagne at the end of our Christmas Eve meal to the 25 family members and guests who gather at our home each year.  We go around the room and each person says what they are thankful for.  And we are definitely thankful for the 90 calories per flute and low-carb content.  The low alcohol content makes this a preferable choice for responsible drinking.

The Rum-Brandy Hot-Toddie is a comfort drink that conjures up a relaxing evening in a cozy chair by the fire.  Brandy and rum contain a mere 60 calories each for one shot, with no significant carb or protein content.  The apple cider is 120 calories per cup.  Your “hot-toddie” is about 250 calories; taking the butter into consideration (about 100 or so calories) the drink will be about 350 total calories.  If you must imbibe, a half cup or a sip or two is recommended.

The Traditional Egg Nog, though a holiday favorite, is a big uh oh, no-no unless your drink is mixed with fat-free egg nog.  This drink packs 345 calories, 35g of carbohydrates, and 19 grams of fat.  To say the very least, I strongly discourage anything but a “tasting sip” if calories are your holiday concern.

 Wine with Dinner.  I’m often asked the difference between wine vs. liquor, with respect to calories and weight gain.  The answer?  What you want to consider here is quantity.  People usually drink many more glasses of wine since the alcohol content is lower.  So, at the end of the night, four glasses of wine may equal the alcohol content of two martinis.  Be vigilant.  If you are drinking wine, you will be consuming fewer calories, fewer carbs.  The content of wines differ, but here is the deal: white wine will yield around 75-90 calories per glass.  Sip slowly.  Or ask for a spritzer.  Red wine will be slightly higher in calories.

My advice?  Enjoy your holiday, and approach indulgence with moderation, moderation, and… moderation.  Safety is number one and so are YOU  By exercising moderation, you’ll contribute to a fitter, stronger, healthier, more youthful YOU as you embark upon the New Year and usher in 2013!  Happy Holidays and a very HEALTHY New Year!

Discover the Fountain Of Youth With Photofacials

Breaking News: Photofacials Reduce The Signs of Aging Skin On A Molecular Level

Here’s some great news for everyone who dreams of defying the aging process: A new study conducted at Stanford University and published by the Journal of Investigative Dermatology demonstrates that Broadband Light (BBL) or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments--otherwise known as photofacials--not only deliver visibly brighter, more radiant looking skin, but also work on a deeper molecular level to actually change genetic patterns of aged skin to more closely resemble young skin.

“This is the closest we’ve come to discovering a Fountain of Youth,” said Dr. Patrick Bitter, Jr, MD, in a recent webinar presentation.  Dr. Bitter is the founder and developer of the first Fotofacial™ procedure. Since their inception, photofacials have been successfully used by medaesthetic practitioners to treat and reduce a wide range of conditions associated with aging skin including:

·      Rosacea

·      Facial Redness

·      Brown (age or sun) Spots

·      Fine lines and wrinkles

·      Broken Capillaries

·      Enlarged Pores

Regular Photofacials Treatments Pose No Risk And Reverse Aging Skin

In addition, a second study carried out by Dr. Bitter provides clinical evidence that patients who have received regular photofacials over a period of about a decade maintained significantly younger looking skin. “In my experience, no skin care product, bio-identical hormone regimen, supplement or vitamin can improve skin and slow down its aging better than light therapy can,” said Dr Bitter. This second study also revealed that regular long-term photofacial treatments are completely safe and may even reduce the risk of skin cancer.

 

Besides slowing down the aging process, photofacials deliver a younger, healthier appearance without downtime, pain, or surgery and are cost-effective. What’s more, photofacials can be carried out on any part of the body including the face, neck, décolleté, hands, and back.

For optimal skin rejuvenation results, a series of 5 photofacials treatments carried out over the course of several months is recommended.  At Bellava we administer photofacials with the Artisan system from Palomar, the latest generation of superior aesthetic IPL systems. Go here to read more.

HOLIDAY TRAINING TIPS TO KEEP YOU ON TRACK by Dr. James Lyons, MD

Stay ahead of your New Year’s resolution by following these holiday training tips. They’ll keep you on track and help boost your confidence this holiday season!

As the Holiday season goes full throttle, I recommend several tricks to keep in the left lane of training and not leave it “all” for New Year’s resolutions.  All this can happen while fitting into your tight clothes and dazzling those around you, as you step out to holiday parties.

1.     Do something with your body at least 5 days each week:  cardio, weight training, walking, dancing, Pilates, Yoga,  JUST MOVE.

2.     Do your workout in the morning.  This revs up the metabolism and removes the possibility of your “body time” being taken by the day’s events, especially in this busy time of year.

3.     Since time may be at a premium right now, do short, intense workouts, no longer than 30 minutes: Sprinting for cardio, multiple reps for weight training, treadmill on high incline, stairs on high resistance.

4.     Enjoy the workout…use your IPod to dissociate from the stresses of the day and come back into the Holiday commotion refreshed and engaged in this wonderful time of the year.

5.   Work out at home with Bungee Cords (resistance bands) if you cannot find the time for the gym.

6.     Take the stairs whenever possible.

7.     Walk whenever possible, and look for opportunities to take extra steps.

8.     Drink lots of cold, ice water all day.

Onward to a healthy, lean, happy holiday season where you are not set up behind the “weight loss” eight ball on January 1, 2013!

Bellava's Holiday Gift Guide

Who doesn’t love a gift that makes them feel beautiful and pampered? At Bellava we are offering 20% off gift cards good toward any luxury spa or skin care treatments. Our offerings include invigorating body wraps, soothing massages and customized facials carried out in a tranquil environment designed to restore the body, mind and spirit.

We are also featuring beautifully wrapped gift sets at 20% off. There’s  a Bellava gift set for everyone on your list---that special someone, your boss, your mom, teens and even babies!

This holiday season make Bellava your one-stop holiday gift boutique, and you’re done with shopping!

Bellava Gift Sets

D’vine Skincare For Him: Lambrusco For Men Face & Body Cleanser, Facial Moisturizer and Body Moisturizer.  The d’vine “vinotherapy” professional skincare line is loaded with natural ingredients made from wine, grapes and potent botanicals. The Lambrusco line caters to the man who wants to take care of his skin with a focus on deep cleansing and anti-aging

D’vine Anti-aging Skincare For Her: Fume Blanc Cleanser, a soothing, milky cleanser with extracts of cucumber and lime;  Pinot Blanc Crème, a hydrating moisturizer for even the driest of skin with a soft "bouquet" of peach and vanilla


D’vine Combo/Oily Skincare For Her: Petit Sirah Cleansing Gel with white willow bark extract reduces oil on the skin and tightens pores while the raspberry extract gives off a pleasant fragrance. The Grenache Mist Toner is infused with a generous dose of cranberry and Chardonnay Gel Moisturizer regulates oil and protects against future breakouts.

D’vine Body Scrub Gift Set For Him or Her: The Zinfandel Scrub/Mask is made with a high concentration of blueberry, which has been determined to have some of the most potent levels of antioxidants of any fruit. Pinot Noir Body Polish provides superior exfoliation and skin smoothing abilities with an infusion of jojoba beads, kaolin, and fruit enzymes.

Epionce Skincare for Her: Moisturizer with FREE Full Size Cleanser from the award-winning medical-grade skin care line that is designed to optimize the appearance and health of the skin by working at the core of the skin’s own protective and reparative systems.

SpaTeen Skincare by Pevonia Botanica: Eco-friendly specially formulated spa-grade products for the unique needs of teenage skin. Includes Toner, Moisturizer and Blemish Stick.

Indie Lee Body Treatments for Him or Her: All-natural skin care line from a local purveyor contains the award-winning Coconut Citrus Body Scrub with a transporting blend of coconut, vanilla, lemon balm and lemongrass that buffs skin to its smoothest. The Lemongrass Body Lotion saturates skin with long lasting hydration.

Indie Lee Skin Care For Baby: This lovely set for baby contains high-quality products made from all-natural ingredients such as shea butter, sweet almond and olive oils. Includes Cleansing Bar, Baby Balm, Lavender Baby Powder and Baby Massage Oil.

Edward Bess Makeup Gift Sets

The very first collection from Edward Bess took the world of cosmetics by storm, and his revolutionary lip colors were quickly coveted by Hollywood actresses, makeup artists and everyday women alike. His collection blends refined style, exquisite luxury, and innovation, all while maintaining an artful, understated sophistication.

Edward Eye Palette:  Inspire intrigue as the discreet leather box slides open to reveal perfectly coordinated Edward Bess eye essentials.

Edward Bess Lip Palette: Create sexy, sophisticated lips with these 8 acclaimed shades of color.

Edward Bess Travel Palettes: Fabulous makeup kits that include all the essentials for travel: a cheek and lip stain, all-over highlighter, eyeshadow quad, and lip gloss duo complete with a dual-ended application brush (a lip brush on one end and an eye brush on the other).

Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) Gift Sets

Yves Saint Laurent reigns as one of the most influential and inspired designers in the world whose genius also extends to his makeup line.

Eye Palettes: Real makeup artist magic is made easy with YSL’s emblematic harmonies that captivate the eyes.