Are breast implants safe?

The FDA’s longstanding position is that implants are safe as long as women understand they can have complications, including scarring, pain, swelling and implant rupture. However, the FDA has been grappling with how to manage a recently confirmed link to a rare cancer. FDA regulators said it is “impossible” for them to determine how frequently the cancer — a form of lymphoma — occurs because the U.S. does not track the total number of implants on the market. Estimates of the frequency of the disease range from 1 in 3,000 women to 1 in 50,000+. As of July 2019, the FDA requested that Allergan voluntarily recall certain breast implants and tissue expanders from the market. Get more information about breast implant removal here. Most confirmed cases of the disease, known as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), have involved a particular brand of textured implant that we do not use. The disease is not breast cancer, but a form of cancer that attacks the immune system and usually forms in the scar tissue surrounding implants. It grows slowly. Doctors can successfully treat this disease by removing the implants.

What are the risks associated with breast augmentation?

Smoking, vaping and nicotine use increase the risk of complications after any surgery, including breast augmentation. As such, we strongly urge discontinuing the use of tobacco products one to two months prior to surgery, and one month after surgery, to ensure optimal healing and results. Some of the possible complications associated with breast augmentation include: Anesthesia risks Bleeding Blood clots Asymmetry Infection Changes in nipple or breast sensation Unfavorable scarring Wrong or faulty position of the implant Implant leakage or rupture The formation of tight scar tissue around the implant (capsular contracture) Fluid accumulation (seroma) Wrinkling of the skin over the implant Pain, which may persist Possibility of revision

Do you offer financing or special pricing?

At Fox Valley Plastic Surgery, we offer multiple discounts for cosmetic procedures: 15% off the surgeon’s fee for your second cosmetic procedure, and 30% off the surgeon’s fee for the third procedure. We also discount the operating room fee 50% for your second procedure and any that come after, while anesthesia charges by time. We also partner with reputable companies like CareCredit® and Alphaeon® Credit, which offer low or zero-interest financing to make your transformation more manageable. If you have any questions about payment or financing, don’t hesitate to contact our office. Our team will be happy to guide you through the available options to help you get the look you want with convenient monthly payments that fit your budget.

When can I return to work after my breast augmentation?

The ability to return to work depends on whether the implant was placed under or over the pectoral muscle, and the patient’s pain tolerance and motivation. If your implants are placed over the muscle (subglandular), you can expect to take two to three days off before returning to desk work. If your implants are placed under the muscle (submuscular), you should plan to take off five to seven days, by which time you can comfortably discontinue the use of pain killers. Lifting is absolutely forbidden for the first seven to 10 days, so an early return to work is not advised for patients with active jobs. Avoid strenuous activity for the first two weeks, and do not lift anything heavier than 10 pounds before for the first six weeks (this includes small children and pets). While it is important to rest frequently during the first week, we recommend walking 15-20 minutes four times a day to help prevent blood clots from forming.

Are breast implants right for me?

Breast implants can help you achieve a fuller, more proportional figure, but there are several things to consider before undergoing breast augmentation, such as: Breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime, and future surgery may be required to replace one or both implants Pregnancy, weight loss, and menopause may influence the appearance of augmented breasts over the course of your lifetime Breast augmentation patients require regular examinations to ensure the health of their breasts and the condition of their implants Patients who are considering implants should carefully weigh the risks and benefits of breast augmentation and make the decision that is right for them. Download booklets from the Patient Forms page to learn more. Specifically, please read at least one of these booklets: Mentor® Breast Implants Patient Education or Sientra® Breast Implants Patient Education.

Are Medical-Grade Skincare Products Worth It?

Date March 7, 2019

Categories Medi Spa

The term medical-grade skincare is commonly used to describe professional skincare products sold through medical practices, dermatology offices, and medical spas. These products may contain specialized formulations, carefully selected active ingredients, or delivery systems designed to improve stability and skin absorption.

However, “medical grade” is not a category formally recognized or approved by the FDA. A product is not automatically more effective simply because a physician developed it or because it is sold in a medical office. The ingredients, formulation, packaging, supporting research, and suitability for your skin matter more than the label.

What Makes Professional Skincare Different?

Some professional skincare companies invest heavily in product development, stability testing, ingredient-delivery systems, and clinical evaluation. These efforts may improve how well an active ingredient remains stable, penetrates the skin, and performs over time.

When evaluating a skincare product, consider:

The type and concentration of active ingredients
The stability of those ingredients
How the product is packaged
Whether the formulation can deliver the ingredient effectively
The quality of the supporting research
Whether the product is appropriate for your skin type and concerns

An impressive ingredient list does not guarantee impressive results. A product may advertise a popular ingredient but contain an ineffective form, an insufficient amount, or a formulation that allows the ingredient to degrade before it reaches the skin.

Peptides in Medical-Grade Skincare

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that serve as building blocks for proteins such as collagen and elastin. Different peptides are used in skincare products to support concerns such as fine lines, texture, hydration, and the visible effects of aging.

For a peptide product to be effective, the specific peptide, concentration, formulation, and delivery system all matter. Simply stating that a product “contains peptides” does not explain whether it contains a meaningful amount or whether the ingredient can remain stable and reach its intended target.

Peptide research is promising, but results vary considerably between formulations. Product selection should be based on more than the presence of a fashionable ingredient.

Vitamin C: Formulation and Stability Matter

Vitamin C is a popular antioxidant that may help brighten uneven pigmentation, support collagen production, and protect the skin against free-radical damage. It is available in several forms, each with different strengths and limitations.

L-ascorbic acid is the most extensively studied form of topical vitamin C, but it can be unstable and may irritate sensitive skin. It generally requires an acidic formulation and protective packaging to remain effective.

Vitamin C derivatives, including tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, are often formulated to improve stability or tolerability. Although these derivatives may offer benefits, the quality and amount of clinical evidence vary. No single form should automatically be described as the most effective for every patient.

Packaging is also important. Because vitamin C may degrade when exposed to light, heat, and air, well-designed products often use opaque or air-restrictive containers.

Are Medical-Grade Products Clinically Proven?

Some professional skincare products undergo laboratory studies, consumer testing, or clinical evaluations. However, the phrase “clinically proven” does not necessarily mean that the FDA reviewed or approved the product or that it underwent the same level of testing required for a prescription medication.

Cosmetics sold at medical practices, department stores, beauty retailers, and drugstores generally operate under the same federal cosmetic framework. Companies must make truthful, nonmisleading claims, but cosmetic products do not ordinarily receive FDA approval before being marketed.

Prescription products and certain over-the-counter drugs, such as sunscreens and acne treatments containing regulated active ingredients, follow different requirements.

Rather than relying on the words “medical grade,” look for transparent ingredient information, appropriate packaging, realistic claims, and evidence supporting the finished formulation.

Are Expensive Skincare Products Always Better?

Price does not guarantee effectiveness. An expensive department-store product may offer attractive packaging, texture, or fragrance without providing the best active ingredients for your concerns. Conversely, a professional product may justify a higher cost through specialized formulation, stability testing, or supporting research.

The best value comes from choosing products that address your skin’s actual needs. A less expensive product used consistently may perform better than a costly product that irritates your skin or does not target the right concern.

Why a Professional Skincare Consultation Matters

The most important question is not whether a product is labeled “medical grade.” It is whether the product is appropriate for your skin.

Using an active ingredient you do not need can waste money, cause irritation, or interfere with other products in your routine. A professional skincare consultation can help identify concerns such as:

Sun damage and uneven pigmentation
Fine lines and changes in skin texture
Acne and clogged pores
Redness and sensitive skin
Dryness or a weakened skin barrier
Loss of firmness
Post-procedure skincare needs

At the Fox Valley Plastic Surgery Medispa, we use the Canfield VISIA® Skin Analysis System to evaluate features beneath the skin’s surface and develop a personalized skincare plan. We may recommend products from different professional brands rather than limiting every patient to a single skincare line.

A customized plan helps you understand which ingredients you need, how to layer your products, and how long you should use them before evaluating your results.

Schedule a Professional Skincare Consultation

Effective skincare does not require the largest collection of products. It requires the right products used consistently and in the correct order.

Contact the Fox Valley Plastic Surgery Medispa at 920-233-1540 to schedule a skincare consultation in Oshkosh or Appleton. Our team can evaluate your skin and recommend a personalized regimen based on your concerns, goals, and budget.