February 21st, 2012
On Friday Feburary 10, 2012, Dr. Alexander supported the Las Vegas Wrangler Hockey Team to promote their “Pink in the Rink” fundraiser. This event was held to help raise awareness and gain proceeds to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure of Southern Nevada and the St. Rose Dominican Hospitals Health Foundation for breast cancer research and treatment. It was also a time to honor the women and the families that have lost their battle to breast cancer.
Establishing a good relationship with a primary care physician can keep you on the right track to the best breast health. Short of a doctor’s examination, there are self breast exams that you should perform each month to stay in tune with your body and watch for any abnormal lumps or changes.
The following are some of the warning signs of breast cancer.
- Lump, hard knot, or thickening in the breast or underarm area
- Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast
- Change in size or shape
- Puckering or dimpling of the skin
- Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
- Pain that does not go away
Although it may be normal body changes, it is always best to seek a doctor’s recommendation if you experience any of the above. Contact board certified platic surgeon, Dr. Alexander’s office for more information on your options to restore your breast shape after mastectomy.
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February 10th, 2012
Dermabond Advanced is a topical skin adhesive usually used in conjunction with, but not in place of, deep dermal stitches that provides a secure wound closure and protective microbial barrier over a wound. In other words, it adheres the last layer of skin tissues together just like “super glue” without adding any additional stitches or steri-strip. Dermabond was also shown to add 75% more strength to the wound closure than sutures alone. The unique design and patented formulation has been shown to significantly improve patient comfort, after care and satisfaction.
Dr. Alexander uses dermabond routinely for breast surgeries such as breast augmentation, lift, and reduction. As a cosmetic plastic surgeon he stays current on using products that offer the most precise surgical outcome. Dr. Alexander has found that with normal healing using dissolvable sutures on the tissues inside and dermabond for the closure of the incision site has improved the outcome of the scars and long term result. In one study, patients rated their scar comfort significantly greater at 6 weeks and 6 months versus patients with suture alone. This included patient ratings of pain, itchiness, stiffness, scar irregularity, discoloration and irregular scar thickness.In addition to the cosmetic result of using dermabond, it also provides a microbial barrier that offers greater than 99% protection for 72 hours against the organisms most commonly associated with surgical site infection.
For many types of surgery, DERMABOND ADVANCED can help make that recovery easier and more comfortable. Schedule your consultation appointment with Dr. Alexander for recommendations specific to your anatomy!
Click here for before and after photos.
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February 7th, 2012
After you have scheduled breast augmentation with Las Vegas Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Alexander, you will be assigned a specific pre-operative appointment to review pre and post-operative care instructions. At your pre-operative appointment our nursing staff will review recommendations that will prepare you for a smooth recovery. Below is a timeline that lists some of the general things to expect before and after surgery.
1-2 Weeks BEFORE Surgery: It is very important to let Dr. Alexander know of any medications that you may be taking. Several herbal supplements, over the counter and prescription medicines contain ingredients that may increase some surgical risks. Depending on the type of medicine and your ordering doctor’s judgment, you may be advised to discontinue some of the medications that you may be taking. If you are a smoker, now is the time to quit! Minimizing your cigarette intake can improve surgical healing and outcome tremendously!
Week 1-2: Try to plan on spending the first 7 days at home as the first week of healing is the most significant! While discomfort level varies from patient to patient, most can expect to feel some tenderness, fatigue, muscle tightness and small amounts swelling. Minimizing arm activity, placing a light cold compress to the area, and sleeping at a 45 degree angle will help reduce some of the post op soreness.
Week 3-4: Patients tend to look and feel “more normal” at this point after breast surgery. Keep reminding yourself that even though you may feel good, you are still not healed! Although you can start to resume light work duties or daily activities, you will still have some restrictions. Breast massage techniques may be introduced around this time.
Week 5-6: With normal healing and upon examination, your incision and tissues are strong! Now is the time to advance to an unrestricted activity level. Most women notice that their stamina is not what it was prior to surgery and it may take a few weeks easing into your normal routines. Anytime after 6 weeks you can go bra shopping! Have fun! 
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January 27th, 2012
Myth: Breast size causes chest creases and cleavage wrinkles
Fact: While women with larger breasts do experience more movement and breast positional changes while sleeping throughout the night, cleavage wrinkles can equally affect women with A – D cup sized breasts.
Creases between the breasts can occur due to a number of reasons:
- Age- As women age, collagen starts to break down, oil gland production and estrogen levels may decrease. Add many years of unprotected sun exposure to the equation and now you have a perfect formula to create chest wrinkles.
- Sun Damage- The skin on the neck and chest gets almost as much sun and weather as the face, and yet it is thinner. Brown spots, crepe like texture or wrinkles that linger may be due to sun damage over many years. It is important to protect the area from the sun and apply sunscreen to the area daily.
- Skin & Tissue Integrity- A woman who has thicker chest skin, the amount of subcutaneous fat in the chest region, is less likely to experience wrinkles in the chest because it maintains good underlying structural support.
- Daily Behavior- The lines can also be caused by sports or push-up bras, which compress the breasts together and are often worn for long hours at a time.
- Sleeping- Many people think these chest lines are only due to the way our breasts flop and lay for hours while we sleep, but it is actually a combination of all of the above that make those lines remain while we are awake during the day. You can try to arrange supportive pillows in a way that softens those lines or lreduces the chance of them developing for your stomach, side or back sleeping habits.
As a board certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast procedures, I often get asked how to prevent cleavage wrinkles or to alleviate some of the existing wrinkles a patient may already have. The most important piece of advice for preventative measures is to apply a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, good UVA and UVB blockers. Also, getting started on the Obagi ELASTIderm Décolletage Wrinkle Reducing Lotion will help replenish elasticity and build collagen from increased skin strenth and resilience.
Contact Las Vegas, NV Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Alexander, to learn how to revitalize your décolletage skin with the Obagi ELASTIderm Décolletage System for flawless, younger-looking skin.
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January 20th, 2012
Myth: All breast implant patients should avoid chest exercises
Fact: As long as you were able to do chest exercises prior to breast surgery (not everyone can do a pushup ), then you should have the physical ability to do it after surgery. However, it is recommended for aesthetic reasons that patients that have implants placed under the chest muscle to eliminate or reduce chest exercises. The reason for this is that when you contract the muscle over time it can compress against the implant and cause it to drift away from the midline. Since most women appreciate the enhancement implants have to the cleavage area, the drift is usually something women dislike. There are exercises that work out multiple muscles including the chest muscle that may be ok as long as the chest muscle is not the primary muscle being toned. Dr. Alexander has found that most of his athletic Las Vegas patients have been successful changing their weight lifting regimen to include lighter weights and higher reps to accomplish this new work out restriction.
Myth: Tanning beds and heat can melt my implants
Fact: For one, doctors don’t typically encourage tanning due to the associated risks of skin cancer. From a plastic surgery stand point, sun damage, whether it is from the sun or artificial light, can also cause premature wrinkles, brown pigmentation age spots, actinic keratosis, or cause scars to darken. However, to bust the myth, the answer is no. Saline and silicone breast implants are high in integrity, FDA approved and considered safe. Some patients have noted that a warm or cool temperature may linger in implants slightly longer than the rest of the body, but they do not freeze or cause burns.
We are always open to new suggestions and ideas! If you would like to tell us more about your work out regimen to share with others, click here!
Wanting to know how to correct the tanning bed damages on your skin? Click here
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January 13th, 2012
Dr. Alexander’s breast augmentation provides women with small or unevenly sized breasts a fuller, firmer and better-proportioned look that can improve self confidence. Many women appreciate the natural-looking contours after implant surgery. Dr. Alexander’s patients are well informed of the options, risks and potential outcomes of breast implant surgery prior to the procedure. One of the facts is that breast implants may not last a lifetime. There are FDA and manufacture recommendations for each type, saline and silicone, to detect if there is a deflation or rupture. Due to the unpredictability of an implants’ life span, we disclose that a patient who selects breast augmentation surgery may need to have a breast implant exchange surgery in the future. However, not all reasons for selecting breast implant exchange are due to an implant deflation or rupture. Other motivating factors could be simply cosmetic desires. Here are some reasons why patients seek breast implant exchange surgery:
- Deflation or Rupture –This experience is not a medical emergency, but for aesthetic reasons it is recommended patients have surgery sooner rather than later.
- Size – To go larger or smaller
- Visibility – Implants may develop rippling, especially if a patient has lost a large amount of weight
- Shape – Alter projection and/or width
- Capsular Contracture – Undesirable hardening of scar tissue around the implant
- Displacement – An implant that never dropped, or moved from the original position
- Sagging- Due to lifestyle changes, weight loss, pregnancy, genetics and gravity
- Type – Change from saline to silicone, or silicone to saline
- Firmness/Movement – Desire a different palpability to the breast, or requires some adjusting of the inner implant pocket to accentuate cleavage
- Asymmetry
Regardless of the reason, any patient dissatisfied with her current implants may be a potential candidate for breast implant exchange surgery. A consultation appointment with Las Vegas board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Alexander, will provide you with all the information you need to make safe and confident decisions.
Click here to view before and after photos of Dr. Alexander’s Breast Implant Exchange patients.
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December 23rd, 2011
- The average breast weighs 1.1 lbs. and contains about 4-5% of our body’s fat
- 15 years go the average breast size was 34B, now it is a 36C
- In the middle ages wide set breasts were the most attractive, Now days more patients like them full with an accentuated mid-line
- In 2010, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported 296,000 patients selected breast augmentation surgery.
- Since 2006, breast augmentation has been ranked as the top cosmetic surgical procedure
- Initially surgeons tried many types of ways to increase breast size that lead to disastrous results such as sponges, ivory, ground rubber, ox cartilage, polyester, paraffin & silicone injections
- At one point Sheyla Hershey held the Guinness Book of World Records of the largest implants at 10,000cc
- Bra garments have existed since the 7th Century BC, but large scale production didn’t occur until the 1930’s
- Although women can be charged by public nuisance laws, women can legally go topless in 5 states in the U.S.: Texas, Hawaii, Ohio, New York, Maine
- Women who go topless in Dubai are subject to 6 months of jail time
- The chemicals in cigarettes can break down the elastin in your breast and cause them to sag
- Breast milk is healthier than cow’s milk, it contains more iron, fatty acids, vitamin E and less sodium
- The first breast implants date back to 1895.
Interested in enhancing your breasts? Click here to visit our website to review information and photos of Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon Dr. Alexander’s breast augmentation, lift and reduction procedures. Like what you see? Contact our office 702-242-6776 to schedule your consultation appointment at our Summerlin, Las Vegas practice!
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December 16th, 2011
On a night out to town in our Las Vegas City of Sin, there is nothing sexier or attention grabbing than cleavage! Dr. Alexander specializes in breast surgery such as breast augmentation, lifts, and reductions. After surgery whether opting to go larger or smaller or desire a change in breast shape, one thing remains the same- women are highly interested in accentuating their new bosoms! Below is a short beauty cheat sheet including bodacious bra maneuvers and make-up tricks to enhance that mid-line.
- Crisscross your bra straps. Some bras have convertible bra straps for a convenient style change to match your clothing. Crossing the bra straps in the back, may provide a slight lift to the front while helps pushing your breasts together for a longer period of time without having to do much adjusting.
- If you do not have a bra with a convertible strap, trying purchasing a bra strap clip. This can be handy when your favorite bra doesn’t come with removable straps. The clip brings the straps together in the back for some extra support and lift. The higher you place the clip in the back, the more it will pull your breasts together in the front!
- Trying to find something strapless? The Nubra has adhesive bra cups that are attached separately and clasped, pulling the breasts together. This bra comes in many styles such as the padded or push up that can help add a few inches to your cleavage!
- Wear a halter top! Halter tops whether in shirts, dresses, or even bikinis are the best choice for maximum cleavage! Add one of the bra tips above and you should be very satisfied with your get up!
- Add bronze & shimmer. Adding some color about two shades darker in between your breasts and blend well with a lighter shimmer on the upper portion of the breast.
Desire fuller breasts? Contact Summerlin, Las Vegas, Dr. Alexander & Co. at 702-242-6776 to get more information about breast augmentation and schedule your consultation appointment!
Click here to be directed to our breast implant before & after photos!
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December 9th, 2011
After opting to proceed with elective breast surgery, many patients ask what they can do to promote healthy healing and optimize results. With over a decade of experience, Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Alexander, has found that a combination of a multivitamin and 1000mg or more of additional Vitamin C can help enhance your appearance. Any kind of trauma, including elective plastic surgery, can deplete your levels of vitamin C that your body stores. After surgery, blood levels of vitamin C drop rapidly and causes wounds to heal slower. Many studies have shown that vitamin C is essential for the body to produce collagen, which provides the basic structure for many tissues, including skin, bone and blood vessels.
How do you get more Vitamin C to your body? Some women scheduled for breast surgery add a Vitamin C supplement to their normal diet regimen. Others find that seeking a diet rich in nutrients and increasing their intake of natural vitamins and minerals keeps them on track to a healthier lifestyle all together. Not all foods that contain vitamin C are fruits; you can get your natural C nutrients from vegetables too! Below are some examples of foods rich in vitamin C:
- Peppers – Almost all peppers mild (bell peppers) & spicy have vitamin C.
- Strawberries – Add a combination of fruits to create a delicious smoothie
- Oranges
- Kiwi
- Broccoli
- Brussel Sprouts – Brussels are great roasted with a little balsamic vinegar!
- Sweet Potatoes
- Kale
- Peaches
- Try the exotic – Papaya & Guava
Whether you are having surgery or not, these simple lifestyle changes can make you look and feel your very best. There are also many herbal supplements and over the counter medicines to avoid prior to breast surgery! It is recommended that you speak with your doctor or plastic surgeon prior to beginning any new diet or supplements. Specific details tailored to your needs will be reviewed at your consultation appointment with Dr. Alexander at his Summerlin, NV practice. Contact us at 702-242-6776 to schedule your appointment!
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December 2nd, 2011
Bras are an important accessory for females from adolescent years to adulthood. There is a bra for every occasion, some optimizing comfort & support and others used for clothing styles & amusement. It is important that a woman has the correct fitting for their “everyday” bra to ensure there is sufficient support and avoid future complications such as shoulder grooving. As equally important as your everyday bra, is the support of a sports bra while performing simple aerobics to high impact training! Women with breast implants will find that the above statement couldn’t be more true. Adding additional volume with an implant increases the size and alters the weight slightly. Many women that had A cup sized breasts prior to surgery will find that this is a new experience for them. With so many options on the retail shelves, many get confused on the most important aspects to look for. Below is a guide to get patients who have undergone breast augmentation started on the right track to finding a good sports bra to help support their new chest!
Cup Fit: In order to minimize movement of the breasts, the bra should cover the breasts completely while still remaining snug. This means the upper portion and the sides of the breast should all fit inside the bra, but you shouldn’t select a size that is so big that you have extra slack in the fabric.
Vertical Support: The bottom band of the bra should fit up against your ribs. This portion controls the vertical motion of the breasts. Finding a band that fits too tight may be uncomfortable, but one that is too loose may cause the bra to hike up while in action!
Bra tops are a TRY ON must! While in the fitting room, do exactly what the room implies, make sure it FITS! Once the sports bra is on, try jogging in place, jumping jacks, or a common work out activity to make sure it will withstand what you are about to purchase it for. If you fall in love after days or weeks of use, go back and purchase a few more that way you have back up for the future!
If you are looking for more information about Breast Augmentation, Implants, or lifestyle changes following breast surgery, contact Dr. Alexander & Co. at 702-242-6776! Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Alexander & his entire staff specialize in creating an educated experience so you may make an informed decision prior proceeding with any elective breast procedure.
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