Recent Innovations in Plastic Surgery

The technology used in plastic surgery procedures is constantly evolving. That is why it is important for those pursuing cosmetic surgery to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who stays abreast of advancements in the industry. San Diego cosmetic surgeon Dr. Abhay Gupta is committed to being at the forefront of innovations in plastic surgery and offers the latest treatments at Gupta Plastic Surgery. The following are three recent innovations in plastic surgery that Dr. Gupta is proud to offer at his practice.

Cellulaze

Cellulite appears when the connective tissue bands underneath the skin become rigid and inflexible, trapping pockets of fat cells between the bands. When this happens, some of the localized deposits of fat begin to push up on the skin above while the rigid tissue bands pull down on other areas of the overlying skin. This leads to the visible dimpling of the skin known as cellulite.

In the past, the only cellulite treatments available on the market were topical creams and ointments, none of which effectively improved the look of cellulite or provided long-lasting results. In 2012, however, the FDA approved a revolutionary new cellulite treatment: Cellulaze.

Dr. Gupta administers local anesthesia before starting treatment. During Cellulaze treatment, he makes a miniscule incision in the area to be treated and inserts the small Cellulaze laser fiber under the skin. The Cellulaze laser delivers thermal energy into the deeper tissue layers of the skin. As the targeted area heats up, three things happen: the fibrous bands are divided; the trapped fat is liquefied; and the body’s production of collagen (a protein essential to healthy, elastic skin) is reactivated, thus tightening the skin. Although patients may see some aesthetic results immediately after treatment, the results continue to improve over the next three to 12 months, as the body produces more collagen.

Gummy Bear Implants

In 2012 and 2013, the FDA approved the newest generation of silicone gel breast implants, which are produced by three manufacturers in the United States. These implants are comprised of a highly cohesive, form-stable silicone filling material, as opposed to the slightly more viscous silicone filling material used in traditional silicone breast implants. Due to their gummy-like consistency, this new generation of silicone implants is often referred to as “gummy bear” implants.

One of the main advantages of gummy bear implants is that they are less likely to fold or ripple within the implant pocket. Also, the form-stable filling material found in gummy bear implants stays together, even when cut in half. This means that, if the implant ruptures, the filling material will stay intact either within the implant pocket or very close to the pocket, for easier removal during surgery. Finally, gummy bear implants are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, including a more anatomically correct teardrop shape. Gummy bear implants are often an appropriate option for women undergoing breast reconstruction surgery.

Experience the Innovations in Plastic Surgery for Yourself

If you are as excited by these plastic surgery innovations as we are at Gupta Plastic Surgery, it is time for you to experience them for yourself.

To schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Gupta to learn more about the revolutionary cosmetic surgery procedure of your choice, please contact Gupta Plastic Surgery by calling (858) 408-6100

Fun Fact of the Month: In the 1940s, Japanese prostitutes had their breasts injected with foreign substances — including sponges, paraffin and non-medical grade silicone — to enhance their busts. Then, in 1960, two Texas plastic surgeons, Drs. Frank Gerow and Thomas Cronin, invented a much safer form of enhancement: silicone breast implants. In 1962, Timmie Jean Lindsey, also from Texas, became the first woman to undergo breast augmentation surgery with the silicone implants…We’ve come a long way since then!