Image Central

When it comes to sexual attraction, the topic of men’s preference about a women’s breast size often comes up and is controversial. There are those who argue that women should be happy with what they are born with and not change their bodies for the sake of pleasing others. On the other hand, there are also those who argue that women should not be judged if they want to change their body to make themselves more desirable to the opposite sex. As a plastic surgeon, I have always advised women to make their decision regarding breast augmentation and breast implant size based on what they would like to see for themselves. I encourage patients not to make decisions based on others opinions. However, it is undeniable that for some women, the decision regarding breast size is influenced by the preference of their male companion.

In a study from the February 2013 issue of Archives of Sexual Behavior, researchers analyzed men’s preference on women’s breast size. The focus of the article was the male psychologic attitude toward women. However, the data that I found most interesting and relevant to my practice was what breast size men found most attractive. The data revealed that 32.7% of the men in the study found medium sized breasts to be attractive, 24.4% preferred large breasts, and 19.1% preferred very large breasts. In comparison, only 15.5% of the men in the study found small breasts to be attractive, and 8.3% preferred very small breasts. That means that an astounding 76% of men prefer breast sizes ranging from medium to very large, and only 23% of men favored small to very small breasts.

My patients often ask me if there is an optimal breast size. I always advise my patients to try on the various implant sizes to see what they feel comfortable with. In my practice, I believe first and foremost that the breast size should be ultimately the women’s decision and what she is comfortable with. However, I also recommend that if their spouse or boyfriend’s opinion is important, they should also include their significant other during the breast sizing consultation.

For more information on Breast Augmentation , Dr. Peter Newen and Image Plastic Surgery visit ImageCenter.info or call (714) 230 – 2430.

Breast implants are one of the most researched medical devices in the industry. According to an online article United States health officials have tried repeatedly to establish a registry that would keep track of breast augmentation patients. Ideally the registry would compile information concerning complications over time including rupture and infection. Currently no such registry exists, although we have the largest healthcare market, which serves as a model for regulatory practices. Some specific countries in Europe have made attempts but their attempts have been futile. After the alarming scandal that began with France’s PIP breast implant scare which resulted in the company using industrial grade silicone instead of medical grade silicone implants surgically implanted in over 300,000 women worldwide, a registry became the focus.

The French government advised that 30,000 breast implants be removed. Without a registry it is virtually impossible to know with certainly which women have been implanted with the tainted breast implants. “If we had had registries, we would have known years ago if it’s true that PIP implants break sooner,” said Diana Zuckerman, president of the National Research Center for Women & Families. “We would have known if Mentor ones break sooner or later than Allergan’s,” she said, referring to the two largest makers of breast implants.

Close to 400,000 breast enlargement or breast reconstruction procedures were performed in the United States in 2010 according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The FDA relies on company funded initiatives to track the safety of breast implants since allowing the silicone breast implants back on the market in 2006. The approval given to the largest breast implant manufacturers Allergan, and Johnson & Johnson Mentor unit was a conditional one based on the companies following 40,000 women who have received the implants for 10 years as well as extending smaller preapproval studies. Both companies failed to meet the conditions of the approval. Both companies addressed the low response rate by pointing out the cumbersome and time-consuming requirements for patients. Even with cash incentives patients were not compliant. The concept of one registry is a great idea but manufacturers say that it is complicated and virtually impossible.

Dr. Newen explains to each patient that breast augmentation is not without risk and complications. Although silicone implants are FDA approved patients are required to receive specific information concerning the implants and their risk and complications. Patients who choose silicone implants have been overwhelmingly pleased with their results. Dr. Newen offers both saline and silicone implants and patients who are considering breast augmentation are encouraged to contact image plastic surgery and schedule a consultation.

At Image Plastic Surgery we incorporate an array of dermal fillers like Juvederm Ultra™, Radiesse™ and even Bolotero™ to our treatment plans to plump folds and reduce lines while smoothing away wrinkles.

Dermal fillers are substances that are injected into the skin to physically lift and sculpt it, correcting wrinkles, folds, scars and asymmetries of the face and even jawline. Dermal fillers are non-permanent gels made from hyaluranic acid (a carbohydrate) or calcium hydroxyapatite ( a calcium ). Because both hyaluranic acid  and calcium hydroxyapatite are naturally present in the skin and facial tissue but decline with aging, fillers made from these substances are an ideal choice for rejuvenation.

Fillers such as Juvederm Ultra™, Bolotero™ or Restylane™ will take care of those really deep lines and those around your mouth, nose and chin. These treatments often last 6 to 9 months so you want them done well to make you look fabulous.

Juvederm Voluma ™ is used for restoring lost volume. It is especially effective in the cheek area, a procedure known as cheek augmentation and is great for replacing the lost volume in the face that occurs due to weight loss or ageing.

Volumizers like Radiesse™ and Sculptra™ are known as collagen enhancers and will give a longer lasting result. They are often nicknamed “the liquid facelift” or “the facelift in a bottle” as the products are used to restore lost volume, lifting jowls and folds in the process.

Dermal fillers are the next best thing. If you are looking for a temporary, less permanent alternative to a more evasive surgical procedure or if you are possibly just looking to maintain your youthful glow with preventative treatments, dermal fillers and a personalized treatment plan built by an educated physician is the way to go. At Image Plastic Surgery every patient has the opportunity to let their beauty shine through with an elite team of surgeons,  nursing staff and coordinators offering the best products, treatments and services a person could ask for. Schedule a personal consultation today and begin the path to a younger and more refreshed you.

REMEMBER: Follow THE IMAGE CENTER on Facebook for monthly specials/incentives on treatments and services.

Breast enhancement surgery offers remarkable benefits for women, yet those who are dissatisfied with the shape and size of their breasts may not immediately recognize the advantages that implants provide.

Instead, they may believe that padded bras – which are worn underneath clothes for support – are a better choice because they can give the illusion of a fuller, more balanced chest without surgery.

However, women who want to restore confidence and correct the size, shape or asymmetry of their breasts may want to opt for a better, more permanent solution – like augmentation.

Breast augmentation improves self-esteem
The kind of poise and elegance that breast implants bring to women can have a significant impact on confidence.

According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, in 2010, more than 318,000 women underwent breast augmentation, making it the most popular cosmetic enhancement of the year.

The news source also notes that breast augmentation was the most popular surgery in 2011 for women between the ages of 19 and 34 as well as women between 35 to 50 years of age.

Choosing breast augmentation
Breast augmentation surgery can bring you one step closer to the way you really want to look by enhancing your appearance and improving your confidence, but it requires some preparation.

Talking with a cosmetic surgeon can help you find out if you’re a good candidate for breast implants and learn more about the possible outcomes of the procedure. If you feel like your figure is disproportionate because your breasts are not the ideal size, or that your chest size keeps you from leading the happy, fulfilled life you crave, having breast augmentation could be the perfect choice for you.

In addition, if you’ve noticed that your breasts have changed as a result of pregnancy, weight loss or aging and you’re eager to reclaim your former figure, breast implants are a better choice than padded bras because they can fully restore your look and provide lasting results.

Whether you want to correct asymmetry problems or you simply want to have the body you’ve always dreamed of, plastic surgery offers distinct advantages over padded bras and other non-permanent solutions because it provides tangible results that you can enjoy for years to come!

Choosing your surgeon and surgical team

Dr. Peter Newen and the team at Image Plastic Surgery and Huntington Surgery Center make sure that every patient is comfortable and confident with their decision to undergo a breast augmentation procedure.

All patients can expect one-on-one care with their surgical coordinator beginning with their initial hour long consultation. During each consultation patients are provided with all their procedural information, including the pros and cons of different techniques and products, which help to determine the best procedures and products for their own procedure. Image Plastic Surgery patients are sized using The MENTOR^® Volume Sizing System. This system, built with customized gel sizers, more accurately resembles a woman’s natural shape and in turn can give you a more accurate glimpse of your end result.

Call today to schedule a complimentary consultation with the team at Image Plastic Surgery, (714) 230 – 2430, and begin the process of becoming a more confident, more voluptuous YOU!

5 Surprising Skincare Facts You Didn’t Know..

from Ms. Nicki Zevola and The Image Center Esthetician Nikki Suhr

1. Mixing certain skin care ingredients inactivates them.

Even if you hated science classes, you have to keep in mind that skin care is the product of somewhat advanced chemistry, subject to pH imbalance, unexpected reactions, and the like. For instance, many cosmetic chemists do not recommend using products with alpha hydroxy acids, like glycolic acid, and retinol together. This is because retinol is most active at a pH of 5.5-6.0 (Journal of Investigative Dermatology), while glycolic acid has an optimized pH at 3.83 (Cosmetic Dermatology). Another problem is using a heavier skin care product under a lighter one. High concentrations of certain occlusive agents like petrolatum and mineral oil prevent the ingredients in the lighter serum from reaching your skin as effectively. Most dermatologists thereby recommend applying the lighter product first.

2. You should never apply self-tanner before going out into the sun, unless you use a sunscreen first.

Most self-tanners work by using dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as the main ingredient. According to a 2007 study published in Germany, DHA causes the skin to release 180% more free radicals once exposed to the sun. Therefore sun protection is extremely important when you have used self-tanners containing DHA within the past 24 hours.

3. There is no such thing as 100% SPF protection from a sunscreen.

According to dermatologist Dr. Rachel Herschenfeld, M.D., the percentage of protection you get is 100 – (1/SPF number)*100. I know that looks complicated, but let’s take SPF 30 for example:

Percentage of protection = 100 – (1/SPF number)*100 Percentage of protection = 100 – (1/30)*100 = 100 – 3.3 Percentage of protection = 96.6

Using that same principle, SPF 50 provides only 98% protection, and SPF 100 provides 99.9%!  Keep in mind this is the amount of protection provided when you apply a whole shot-glass full of sunscreen for your entire body and reapply religiously every 2-3 hours. As such, it’s safe to say there is no such thing as 100% sun protection from a sunscreen.

Check out two more facts you didn’t know!

4. Try to avoid apricot scrub.

Apricot granules tend to have rough, almost triangular, edges. When apricot scrub is applied roughly, it can actually rip or stretch the pores. The rough edges can also leave small scratches on the epidermal surface.  For these reasons, it is best to stick with dermatologist-administered microdermabrasion or a different scrub, like my personal favorite.

‘I am in love, love, love with the Replenix Exfoliating Scrub, I use it twice a week and it is great for rebrightening my sometimes overly dry and ignored skin. The scrub actually gets a little warm when it first is applied which helps remove the excess dry, dead skin cells on the outer layers of my skin. We offer it at our Huntington Beach location and I recommend it to everyone who wants healthier, younger looking skin!’

                                                               Nikki Suhr, Image Plastic Surgery Esthetician

5. “Hypoallergenic” doesn’t mean anything.

“Hypoallergenic” by the dictionary definition means “below normal” or “slightly” allergenic, but there is no standard in any country that provides an official certification process that a skin care product or cosmetic must undergo before being labeled as hypoallergenic. While most companies would never release a product with a high risk of allergy as “hypoallergenic”, it is still possible for the rare individual to have a reaction. I’ve fallen victim to getting hives from chamomile, limonene, and several other extracts on products marked as “hypoallergenic.” So trust your own knowledge or the guidance of a skincare professional!

Bottom Line

Within the past twenty years, dermatological science has made incredible strides in developing ingredients and products to make a dramatic difference on your skin. Ingredients like retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids, antioxidants, niacinamide, and peptides all help us have clearer, brighter skin – and for many more years of life than previously thought possible. I’m anticipating even more sensational breakouts in the skin care industry! For now, though, it is important to keep in mind that not all claims are created equal, and that it is just as vital to check a scientific or medical journal in referencing labels or consult with the experts when it comes to knowing what is really going on with your skin care!

The natural look is very subjective. It has long been said that men prefer the natural look when it comes to women. But when you consider coloring, waxing, plucking, buffing, most men have no idea the hard work and effort necessary to look “natural.” According to a recent online article a new survey reported that 90% of men believe that their partners are natural beauties with less than a third believing that to be the case with their counterparts. One quarter of the women surveyed admitted to having at least one beauty secret that their partner did not know about. About 23% said that nobody including her friends knew the extent that they went to achieve their looks. Waxing or bleaching the mustache was the top most confidential beauty secret.

The other list toppers included underarm hair, hairy legs, and grey roots. The research showed that not only do these beauty rituals help women to look their personal best but also shows that it could in fact be good for the relationship. Of the 87% of British men were polled, they all had no problem with their partner keeping some beauty rituals hidden. This view was supported by women representing the 70% who believed keeping the beauty secret from their partner was the key to a great relationship. Psychologist and psychotherapist Rachel Shattock Dawson said: ‘In an age where very little remains taboo, many women still prefer to keep some things private, believing that there’s a place for a little mystery and mystique even within their closest relationships.

The top 3 rituals women prefer to keep secret included waxing or bleaching a mustache (94%), waxing the bikini line (90%), and whitening the teeth(90%).

Keeping up your best appearance is a significant builder of self-esteem. The Spa and Newen Wellness are part of our state-of-the-art facility that offers an array of procedures to enhance and maintain your best appearance. Skincare Facials performed on a regular basis using medical grade skin care products can have a dramatic effect on not only the quality of the skin but also the reduction of facial hair. Laser hair removal is another option for women who prefer to have a more permanent solution to the growth of hair in unwanted places like the legs and underarms. Besides the state-of-the-art facility and warm staff, the beauty of receiving your treatments at The Image Center is that all treatments are performed in the privacy of a luxurious spa setting. Meaning, no one needs to know which enhancements and treatments you receive to maintain the most beautifully ‘natural’ you.

Breast health and beauty is part of the overall  health of every women. Although October was designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, breast health and the prevention of breast cancer is a concern that all woman carry with them throughout the year. A recent industry article reported on a study that was published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal. The main point of the article was that the study highlighted changes in the breast as women age. The study was based on twins and assumed environmental factors over the course of their lifetime would be similar. The twins have similar breast tissue and the assumption is that the aging of the breast genetically would be similar unless there were environmental factors that contributed to a physical change. The study concluded that moisturizing the breast is as beneficial as applying moisturizer on the face. Moisturizer on the skin of the breast yielded less wrinkles. Study participants who took hormone replacement therapy after menopause had breast shapes that were more attractive, including size, projection, areolar shape as well as areolar size. The most notable result was that the study appeared to contradict the myth concerning the negative effects of breast-feeding. Researchers stated “Even though the size and shape of the areola had suffered, skin quality was better in women who breast fed.” They did concede that being pregnant has a negative effect on breast appearance, but found that women who breast-fed had a different hormonal situation which appears to mimic hormonal replacement.  A higher BMI and larger bra size appeared to also accelerate the aging appearance of the breast according to the study.

Dr. Newen explains to patients that breast augmentation is a viable solution for improving the appearance of the breast. Dr. Newen offers many different options for breast augmentation; including trans umbilical breast augmentation. Although breast augmentation is an excellent option for improving breasts that have begun to show the signs of aging, breast augmentation in younger women is a viable solution for maintaining the shape and improving the volume of the breast. During the initial consultation Dr. Newen will explain the benefits and limitations of each patients own breast augmentation procedure. As well as the benefits and differences of both saline breast implants and silicone breast implants. Patients are encouraged to maintain a

healthy lifestyle, diet, and exercise in order to maintain the best breast augmentation results and personal health throughout their lifetime. A diet high in vegetables and fruits before & after your procedure will speed up your recovery, as well promote many other valuable health benefits in the years to follow. 

This article from nursingschools.net is really amazing. A smile can be so powerful – go ahead, smile, see how much better you feel by simply smiling?  Check out below these 15 fun facts that will leave you grinning all day long!

Everyone loves the quote “laughter is the best medicine,” and as a nurse, you have probably even experienced the benefits of smiling and laughter with your patients. In fact, smiling can boost your mood and even your immune system. Keep reading for more fascinating facts about our smiles.

1. Forcing yourself to smile can boost your mood: Psychologists have found that even if you’re in bad mood, you can instantly lift your spirits by forcing yourself to smile.

2. It boosts your immune system: Smiling really can improve your physical health, too. Your body is more relaxed when you smile, which contributes to good health and a stronger immune system.

3. Smiles are contagious: It’s not just a saying: smiling really is contagious, scientists say. In a study conducted in Sweden, people had difficulty frowning when they looked at other subjects who were smiling, and their muscles twitched into smiles all on their own.

4. Smiles Relieve Stress: Your body immediately releases endorphins when you smile, even when you force it. This sudden change in mood will help you feel better and release stress.

5. It’s easier to smile than to frown: Scientists have discovered that your body has to work harder and use more muscles to frown than it does to smile.

6. It’s a universal sign of happiness: While hand shakes, hugs, and bows all have varying meanings across cultures, smiling is known around the world and in all cultures as a sign of happiness and acceptance.

7. We still smile at work: While we smile less at work than we do at home, 30% of subjects in a research study smiled five to 20 times a day, and 28% smiled over 20 times per day at the office.

8. Smiles use from 5 to 53 facial muscles: Just smiling can require your body to use up to 53 muscles, but some smiles only use 5 muscle movements.

9. Babies are born with the ability to smile: Babies learn a lot of behaviors and sounds from watching the people around them, but scientists believe that all babies are born with the ability, since even blind babies smile.

10. Smiling helps you get promoted: Smiles make a person seem more attractive, sociable and confident, and people who smile more are more likely to get a promotion.

11. Smiles are the most easily recognizable facial expression: People can recognize smiles from up to 300 feet away, making it the most easily recognizable facial expression.

12. Women smile more than men: Generally, women smile more than men, but when they participate in similar work or social roles, they smile the same amount. This finding leads scientists to believe that gender roles are quite flexible. Boy babies, though, do smile less than girl babies, who also make more eye contact.

13. Smiles are more attractive than makeup: A research study conducted by Orbit Complete discovered that 69% of people find women more attractive when they smile than when they are wearing makeup.

14. There are 19 different types of smiles: UC-San Francisco researcher identified 19 types of smiles and put them into two categories: polite “social” smiles which engage fewer muscles, and sincere “felt” smiles that use more muscles on both sides of the face.

15. Babies start smiling as newborns: Most doctors believe that real smiles occur when babies are awake at the age of four-to-six weeks, but babies start smiling in their sleep as soon as they’re born.

Presenting your best smile and making your beauty shine is our optimal goal at The Image Center. Through healthy smiles, radient skin and good nutrition. With the Holiday Seasons fast approaching we will be extending exclusive offers to our fans and followers to be sure that as we give to others we also remember to not forget ourselves and our health.

So there you have it – you will more successful, more attractive, and generally happier the more you smile!

Today. Don’t forget to SMILE!

Impression Dental Care is offering 25% off all KOR Whitening Treatments purchased now through the end of October 2012. This promotion is exclusively for our Facebook and Blog Followers so please mention KOR10 when booking your next appoint to receive a discounted price on your personal KOR Whitening Treatment and also receive a special gift at your scheduled appointment. Call 714.230.2410 for more details and to schedule your time with the team at Impression Dental Care.

The growing popularity of cosmetic surgery before the big wedding day is undeniable. This comes with the not only the advancing of procedures but also with the beautiful results to last a lifetime. Brides choosing plastic surgery have become a phenomenon that has international appeal. According to recent online international article cosmetic surgery for brides- to- be has become extremely popular and for many, an automatic part of their wedding plans. Having a perfect appearance is at the top of the list for brides- to- be.  According to the article, this is not a case of brides who feel inadequate or have low self-esteem. On the contrary, these brides are confident and and want to enhance their appearance and look their absolute best on their special day. According to one of the women in the article, getting married at the age of 35 meant getting rid of laugh lines, lines around her mouth, and straightening her crooked nose. After deciding to have the surgery two months before her wedding she felt that she looked 10 years younger.  According to the article the most popular procedures preformed were chemical peels and laser treatments. These were followed by injectable treatments including Botox and dermal fillers. Giving brides instant results with diminishing the appearance of some fine lines and wrinkles. The most common plastic surgery procedures included rhinoplasty, chin implants, and breast augmentation.

Image Plastic Surgery Director, Dr. Peter Newen, explains to soon to be brides that it is important to plan ahead when considering plastic surgery procedures prior to the wedding day. Patients should always allow enough time for healing including time for unforeseen bruising or swelling. Patients who are considering liposuction or breast augmentation should also take into consideration any fittings that are due for their wedding dress and be sure that swelling is not present when final measurements are made. Injectables including Botox and fillers should not be performed too close to the wedding day or when bridal photographs are scheduled.

Skin care should be a priority for anyone who desires to maintain a youthful and healthy appearance. According to a recent online article, there are some things patients can do on their own to help improve the appearance and health of their skin.

Dark circles under the eyes are a common skin problem, but if the dark circles are hereditary, there is no remedy that will completely remove the appearance of the dark circles. However, if the dark circles are caused by allergies, emotional stress, smoking, excessive alcohol use, nasal congestion, or hyper pigmentation, it may be possible to alleviate the dark circles by addressing the cause. Getting adequate sleep is one of the best ways to combat dark circles. Eliminating the lifestyle behaviors that contribute to dark circles, such as smoking, alcohol, or treating allergies and nasal congestion, can also improve the skin’s appearance. Nettle tea is also recommended to help improve the tightness of the skin.

Another common skin condition patient complain about is stretch marks. Stretch marks occur when there is rapid stretching of the skin, most notably in cases of pregnancy or rapid weight loss/gain. Stretch marks typically appear on the buttocks, hips, thighs and breasts. Stretch marks generally fade over time, but they can be reduced by the use of Tamanu oil from the Pacific islands. It is considered to be one of the most effective topical agents for reducing the appearance of stretch marks. According to the article, Tamanu oil enhances the collagen production and renews skin.

For wrinkles, the article suggests using a loofah sponge to exfoliate skin and remove dry skin. Natural topical agents such as chamomile and alpha bisobolol are considered to be effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles on the skin. NewenSkin Smoothing Serum is the perfect addition to the mature patients regimen. This power-packed serum contains ingredients specifically designed to in improve not only a patients complexion, but also their skins overall texture. The ingredients include Retinol, Green Tea, and Hyaluroic Acid. Which together achieve a smoother, firmer and more evenly toned skin without irritation that is common with Vitamin-A products.  Organic and natural skin care ingredients can be helpful for patients who want to maintain healthy skin in between professional skin care treatments; however, patients should be aware that professional skin care treatments and products available in doctor offices are much more effective than over-the-counter products.

Newen Wellness at The Image Center offers professional medical grade skin care treatments and products to clients who want to improve the appearance and overall health of their skin. Our skincare professionals help clients reduce the appearance of aging as well as achieve even skin tone and vibrant looking skin. We encourage you to contact an Image Center Coordinator and schedule a skin care consultation so we can help determine which products and treatments are best for you and your skin.