Anti-Aging Regimen: Strategies and Techniques

Injectables, fillers, Botox®, creams, treatments…what is all of this and how does it work? Anti-aging is not a one-shot solution. Battling the signs of aging is a multi-stage, multi-level effort.

As we age, environmental factors cause skin damage; sunlight, airborne pollution, cosmetics and other factors all take a toll on skin. The basis of an effective anti-aging routine includes using a good, high quality cleanser every night to insure that your skin is clean.

Masks and facials are treatments typically administered at a spa that provide deep cleaning and de-stress the skin, important for keeping lines and wrinkles at bay. Skin can also be rejuvenated and dead or damaged skin removed via microdermabrasion, chemical peels and/or laser resurfacing, all of which actually remove the top layer of skin, promoting healing and skin regrowth.

Many anti-aging creams and serums also help counter signs of aging by reversing the damage done to skin. These products use a variety of natural elements to replace collagen and restore elasticity and strength to the skin. There are general creams for daytime and nighttime application as well as specialty serums that treat specific areas (i.e. under the eyes).

Eventually–despite our best efforts–gravity, age and genetics result in lines, wrinkles and folds that simply can’t be eliminated or even minimized to your satisfaction. At this point many people turn to injectables and fillers, the most popular of which are Botox®, Juvederm®, Restalyne® and Sculpra Aesthetic®. These products may be used individually or in a combination, depending upon the results you are trying to achieve and your specific situation. Botox relaxes the muscles and is often used for severe frown lines in the brow and crows feet around the eye area. Fillers use a variety of elements found in the skin to replace lost volume and “plump up” areas of the face. This is particularly effective for deep folds such as those that stretch from the edge of the nose down around the mouth area.

As you can see, anti-aging skin care is really a process, and there are a variety of options which may be right for your skin. The professionals at Amae Plastic Surgery Center can work with you to discuss what you hope to achieve, and help determine the best regimen to keep your skin and healthy and as youthful as possible.

Does Insurance Cover Breast Reconstruction for Cancer Patients?

Many breast cancer patients are not aware that breast reconstruction is a viable option–both financially and physically–after a mastectomy.

Since 1998, the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) has helped women with breast cancer who wish to have breast reconstruction surgery following a mastectomy. The WHCRA mandates that insurance companies that offer mastectomy coverage must also cover:

  • Reconstruction of the breast(s) on which the mastectomy was performed,
  • Reconstruction of the other breast to produce a symmetrical appearance (if only one breast underwent a mastectomy), and
  • The actual breast implant(s) used in the reconstruction of the breast.

WHCRA applies to group health plans for plan years starting on or after October 1, 1998, when the WHCRA was passed. However, the WHCRA is a complex law. It does not apply to Medicare and Medicaid, and several states have their own laws surrounding health plans and mandated coverage for mastectomies and reconstructive surgery. It is recommended that you contact your insurance company, your state’s insurance department and/or the US Department of Labor for more information.

If you are considering post-cancer breast reconstruction, contact Dr. Ali to discuss your options and learn more. Dr. Ali is highly recommended by oncologists and frequently gets involved with patients pre-mastectomy so that the reconstruction can be planned for.

For more information, download Dr. Ali’s free white paper, Introduction to Breast Reconstruction: Understanding Your Options.

What Are BRCA Gene Tests?

Recent media concerning actress Angelina Jolie and her decision to undergo a bilateral mastectomy after discovering a BRCA gene mutation has a lot of women wondering: What is the BRCA gene? What does a BRCA gene test reveal?

BRCA1 is a human caretaker gene that produces a protein called breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein. BRCA1 can be found in the cells of the breast and other tissues, where they help repair damaged DNA and destroy the cells in which DNA cannot be repaired. However, if BRCA1 itself is damaged this increases one’s risk for various cancers, because it cannot help repair damaged DNA.

 

BRCA2 (breast cancer type 2 susceptibility protein) is also a protein found in cells, although this protein belongs to the gene family that help suppress tumors through the repair of chromosomal damage. Similar to BRCA1, if this protein is damaged itself and not helping to support repair, one’s risks for various cancers are increased.

Several different types of BRCA gene tests are available. Some are tests that look for a known mutation that has already been identified in another family member, while others can check for all possible mutations in both genes. A blood or saliva sample is needed to provide the laboratory with DNA for the mutation testing. Upon arriving at the lab it is analyzed and you are then provided with the results/findings.

In Angelina Jolie’s case, she decided to undergo the test, and tested positive for BRCA gene mutations. She made an individual decision about how to manage her diagnosis. But, a celebrity speaking out on their own choice and diagnosis does not make it the right option for everyone. Every woman is different, and any woman considering a BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene test should consult with their primary caretaker.