Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, Michiana and the Southern Michigan area, and Chicago
March 27th, 2012
With summer quickly approaching, it’s time that we are reminded of the dangers presented by over-exposure to the sun. We all like to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather, but we also need to be proactive and pay attention to what could be dangerous moles on our skin.
Limiting your exposure to sunlight and using sunscreen when you’re going to be out in the sun are both protective measures, but examining your moles can help early detection of melanoma and other dangerous forms of skin cancer.
While most moles are benign, or non-cancerous, catching a suspicious mole early on can potentially save your life. The most concerning moles are those that look differently that the other, existing moles. You should examine your body once a month and if you notice changes in a mole’s appearance, you should have your doctor examine it. Also, if your moles bleed, are tender, or itch, you should have them examined.
When examining your skin for moles, pay close attention to areas of your body that are often exposed to sunlight. These areas include your hands, arms, face, neck, and scalp. Follow the ABCDE’s of mole screening when examining yourself. If you find that your moles have any of the following characteristics, consult with your doctor.
Asymmetry – mole is not symmetrical or both sides of the mole do not match
Border – the border or edges of the mole are blurred or irregular
Color – the mole has different colors or has shades of multiple colors
Diameter – the diameter of the mole is larger than the eraser of a pencil
Evolving – the mole has changed in size, shape, or color
Start your summer out right by beginning your monthly mole screenings today. Make sure to wear sunscreen, and enjoy the beautiful weather!
The Centre, P.C. offers the latest plastic surgery procedures for skin cancer patients in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, Michiana and the Southern Michigan area, and Chicago. Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our cosmetic surgeons.
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March 5th, 2012
Every year swimsuit season comes and goes and every year millions of men and women find themselves envying the beach-built bods of the person in the lounge chair next to them. We all know that in the warmer months, it’s just not that easy to cover up the parts that we’re not so proud of and still enjoy the season. All too often we find that people are avoiding activities that they enjoy all because they feel self-conscious about their body. The truth is you deserve the best™. There are many ways to achieve the body of your dreams.
If diet and exercise just won’t seem to produce the results that you’re expecting, there are more options for you. Consider, for example, SmartLipo™ a minimally invasive procedure that is safer than traditional liposuction and melts those stubborn fat deposits that you can never seem to shed – literally.
Another possibility is Vaser® LipoSelection. Vaser® LipoSelection allows for more predictable results than traditional liposuction. With Vaser® LipoSelection, the surgeon is able to more specifically target the stubborn fatty areas without disturbing the surrounding areas. Vaser® LipoSelection is less invasive which promotes a shorter recovery time, ensuring you’ll be on the beach in no time.
If cellulite is the source of your worries, Endermologie® Cellulite Treatment is a service to consider. Endermologie is the first non-invasive FDA approved process to reduce cellulite. It uses a series of rollers and suction to redistribute the skin and minimize dimpling.
If you’re reaching for that bikini ready stomach, consider a tummy tuck. While a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is an intense surgical procedure, the results are undeniable. The tummy tuck helps to reduce the appearance of a protruding “tummy” area.
Whatever the case may be, the board certified plastic surgeons at The Centre, P.C. specialize in the latest surgical techniques. If you are considering body contouring surgery, call or e-mail our cosmetic surgeons at The Centre, P.C. to schedule your free cosmetic surgery consultation.
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February 27th, 2012
A little fat in the right place is sometimes a good thing. You may not want to pack on the pounds on your hips and thighs, but a little fat in your face is beneficial to you. Fat adds volume and helps to support the face in order to avoid wrinkles.
Your facial fat will deplete over time beginning in your twenties and many factors can expedite that process such as hormonal change or weight loss. The loss of facial fat equals loss of definition in facial features. Meaning you might begin noticing differences in your facial features that signify a loss of facial fat. For example, you might notice that your temples appear to be sunken, that your cheeks don’t appear to be as plump, or that you’re beginning to develop wrinkles around your mouth. You might say to yourself “this is part of getting older”, and it is – but you can achieve healthier, plumper looking skin in many ways.
Botox® Cosmetic treats facial wrinkles between the eyes, on the forehead, and in the areas commonly referred to as “crow’s feet”. Dysport® is the FDA approved alternative to Botox® Cosmetic. It can help to diminish minor lines and wrinkles that are results of stress or genetics. Both Dysport® and Botox® Cosmetic work by weakening the muscles of facial expression.
Dermal fillers such as Juvéderm®, Restylane®, Perlane®, and Radiesse®, can also help to combat the loss of facial volume. Restylane®, Perlane®, and Radiesse® are natural, long-lasting solutions that help smooth facial lines by adding volume beneath the skin’s surface to lift the skin and smooth out the wrinkle.
To learn more about your options and which will be the best for you, please contact The Centre, P.C. today to schedule a consultation at our Elkhart or Mishawaka locations.
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January 27th, 2012
Carpal tunnel is one of the most common and debilitating repetitive work injuries in Indiana today. With so many people jockeying a keyboard and wrangling a mouse for a living, it’s not surprising that many of us would suffer repetitive strain from using these muscles and tendons that have never in human history had so much persistent demand.
Surgical treatment is effective at reducing discomfort and increasing functionality in the wake of carpal tunnel, but before you get to the point where surgery is necessary, there are many nonsurgical options you can use to reduce your symptoms.
The main treatments that have been shown to provide clinical benefits for carpal tunnel are steroid injection, oral steroids, splinting, ultrasound, yoga, and wrist mobilization. Some aspects that have been studied but give unclear data include ergonomic keyboards and vitamin B6. NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen, magnets, acupuncture, exercise, and chiropractic treatment have been studied enough to determine that they give relief from symptoms, but do not seem to provide clinical benefit.
At The Centre for Working hands, we offer a comprehensive program for the prevention and treatment of workplace injuries including repetitive motion injuries like carpal tunnel using both surgical and nonsurgical techniques. To learn more about the treatments we offer, please schedule a consultation at our Mishawaka or Elkhart, Indiana location today.
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January 24th, 2012
If you have suffered serious hand injury that requires reconstruction, a plastic surgeon may be your best choice.
Make no mistake: plastic surgeons are trained in performing functional reconstruction of the hand. You may think plastic surgeons only perform cosmetic procedures, but every plastic surgeon is trained in reconstructive procedures, including hand reconstructive surgery. Many plastic surgeons also devote an extensive portion of their practice to the repair and rehabilitation of hand injuries.
Many hand injuries require significant reconstruction. This means reconstruction not just of the tendons and ligaments, but also of the surface of the hand. Plastic surgeons have extensive training and experience in performing reconstructive procedures that are more than just functional–they are cosmetic as well. A skin graft can be used to replace or improve the appearance of extensively damaged skin. You may also benefit from a plastic surgeon’s experience using fat grafting or injectable fillers to provide a natural contour to your hand.
Finally, a plastic surgeon comes from a different culture than other types of surgeons. In addition to getting care from a surgeon with a high level of training and expertise, you may be surprised at the level of personal attention you receive. Plastic surgeons do not generally run an insurance-based practice, though they may take insurance, so they don’t have the mentality that people are just numbers that pervades high-volume practices. When you work with a plastic surgeon, you are much more likely to get personal attention, which can do wonders for the non-physical injuries that sometimes accompany a debilitating hand injury or condition.
To learn more about hand surgery with a board-certified plastic surgeon, please contact The Centre, PC or The Centre for Working Hands, with locations in Elkhart and Mishawaka.
Posted in Hand Injuries, Plastic Surgery | Comments Off
January 20th, 2012
The so-called “liquid facelift” is when injectable treatments are used to rejuvenate your facial appearance. With the advances in injectable technology since the advent of BOTOX® Cosmetic, injectable treatments are better able to rejuvenate the face than ever before. And when injectables are used in combination, they can address many of the symptoms of facial aging.
Facial folds can be filled in using dermal fillers such as Restylane. The most common facial folds that are treated with fillers are the nasolabial folds, often called “parenthesis” lines.
Facial hollows are often formed when the face loses volume as part of the aging process or with weight loss. When this happens facial fillers can be used to plump them back out to improve an aged or tired appearance.
Facial sagging can be worsened by volume lost in the face. Sometimes filling in the facial hollows can improve this somewhat.
Wrinkles that are caused by habitual muscle action can be treated by BOTOX® Cosmetic or Dysport. The most common are crow’s feet, glabellar lines (vertical lines between the brows), and horizontal forehead furrows.
A liquid facelift can be more effective when combined with a facial resurfacing treatment, such as laser skin resurfacing. But of course a liquid facelift is not a substitute for a true facelift, which is the only way to treat significant sagging of facial tissues.
To learn more about the ideal facial rejuvenation treatment for you, please schedule a consultation at The Centre, PC, with two locations near South Bend for your convenience, Elkhart and Mishawaka.
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January 18th, 2012
If you want to do everything you can to keep your skin, the best place to start is with your diet. Eating lots of the right kinds of fruit can aid your skin’s luster and strength. Here are some tips for using fruit to get the essential nutrients your skin needs.
Vitamin C is great for your skin. It’s essential in the production of collagen, one of the main structural components in skin. Fruits rich in vitamin C can help your skin maintain its firmness and elasticity. Some good fruits for getting vitamin C are: guava, papaya, strawberry, kiwi, cantaloupe, and, of course, citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit.
Antioxidants are crucial to neutralizing the toxins that can damage your skin. The level of the effect is still debated, but it’s likely that these compounds can reduce skin damage due to environmental toxins. Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and plums are the richest in antioxidants, but tomatoes are also a good choice.
Fiber can also help you get rid of toxins. A diet rich in fiber keeps toxins moving through the digestive tract without getting absorbed. Pears, dates, apples, and bananas are full of fiber, making them an excellent addition to your skin-healthy diet.
Fats are a great way to help keep your skin moisturized. During your normal cleaning routine, you remove many of your skin’s essential oils, which your body must replenish. Eating fruits and vegetables with natural fats can help keep your skin healthy. The best fat-containing fruit is the avocado, but olives also have a good amount of fat, though most of them also contain high levels of sodium, which is not especially good for you.
Eating the right diet is a great way for you to do everything you can to keep your skin healthy, before and after your visits to Centre Yourself, our medical rejuvenation spa. Eating the right diet can help you get the best results from treatments like chemical peels and facials, and may reduce your need for injectable fillers as well as BOTOX® Cosmetic injections or Dysport.
To learn more about Centre Yourself’s whole-body approach to beauty, please schedule a consultation today.
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October 19th, 2011
We all have guilty pleasure TV. Wasting time and killing brain cells is rarely more fun than when sitting down with junk TV. Bridalplasty is for many people one of the worst offenders. As long as it remains just TV, it’s fine, but our hope is that no one seriously considers plastic surgery just for their wedding day.
Remember that the results of plastic surgery are long-lasting. Unlike a wedding dress that you can take off in the evening and pack away in a closet, your plastic surgery will be with you for decades, if not the rest of your life. Don’t get plastic surgery to put on an appearance that is unnatural or unlike you. On your wedding day, you want to be the truest self you can be. If you feel that plastic surgery can help you become that truest self, that is fine, but in that circumstance, we recommend postponing either the surgery or the service for the following reasons.
Your wedding is not a good time to be undergoing plastic surgery for several reasons. First, we know generally what the timetable on recovery and final results is likely to be, but it is impossible to predict it exactly in any given case. If you have a hard deadline when you absolutely must be recovered by and something unexpected pops up, the result may be more negative than positive.
Another problem with trying to schedule plastic surgery recovery to go along with your wedding day is that the time before your wedding is notoriously stressful. Nothing is worse for your recovery than stress. If you are trying to recover from plastic surgery during a time when there are so many things to do and to coordinate, you will have a hard time getting the mental and physical rest you need, which will increase your risk for complications.
Finally, plastic surgery is as much an emotional journey as a physical transformation. Many people find they feel differently after surgery than they did before surgery. When you combine this with the dramatic emotional upheaval of your nuptials, you may find your life becomes emotionally muddled and unstable. It’s best to complete one life journey before embarking on another.
If you are considering plastic surgery, we will be happy to talk to you to help you make decisions about when is the best time to plan your surgery. At The Centre, PC, our goal is to ensure that you get not only great-looking results, but also have the best plastic surgery experience possible. Plastic surgery can be a wonderful, life-affirming transformation, but to everything there is a season, and wedding season is not the one for plastic surgery.
To find the right season for your plastic surgery, please contact us today to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon at our Elkhart or Mishawaka location.
Posted in Bridalplasty | No Comments »
October 14th, 2011
If you are considering breast reduction and weight loss surgery, you may not be sure which to have first. What order is best for you depends greatly on why you are considering the procedures.
If you are unhappy with your appearance–you feel you have a matronly or look overweight, breast reduction is definitely something to consider. If you are trying to counteract lower back, upper back, or breast pain, then a breast reduction is probably a better treatment to consider first. Overall, breast reduction is a safer, more predictable procedure, and if it is likely to give you the results you desire, then it is a good treatment to try first.
If, on the other hand, you have been told by a doctor that you are dangerously overweight and need to reduce your weight for your health, then some type of weight loss surgery may be necessary. After you have met your weight loss goals, you will likely also want a body lift and breast lift to help you reach your aesthetic goals.
During your consultation, we can talk to you about your aesthetic and health concerns to identify the benefits and risks associated with each procedure. We can also talk to your regular doctor, and, if you decide on weight loss surgery, work with your bariatric surgeon to plan a comprehensive treatment that will help you to achieve the healthier, slimmer, more attractive body you desire.
To learn more about these procedures and which will be the best for you, please contact The Centre, P.C. today to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons at our Elkhart or Mishawaka locations.
Posted in Breast Reconstruction | No Comments »
September 12th, 2011
A breast lift procedure improves the shape of breasts that have begun to sag due to age or weight loss. There are several types of breast lift procedures, each one designed to give a different amount of lifting.
- Donut or Benelli Breast Lift is appropriate for slightly sagging breasts where only a small amount of lifting is required. This procedure utilizes an incision that runs around the nipple-areola complex. Excess skin is removed, the breast mound is reshaped, and the nipple-areola complex is placed higher on the breast. After the procedure, you will have a single scar that runs around the nipple-areola.
- The Keyhole Breast Lift uses an incision around the nipple-areola that then follows the natural curve of the breast down to the inframammary fold in the shape of an old-fashioned keyhole. This allows for the removal of more excess skin, greater reshaping of the breast mound, and more elevation of the nipple-areola complex to provide more lift than the donut breast lift. After the procedure, you will have a lollipop scar, which runs around the nipple-areola complex and down to the inframammary fold.
- The Anchor Lift uses incisions similar to those in the keyhole breast lift, but also uses incisions that run along the inframammary crease to remove an anchor-shaped section of skin, more than is possible with the keyhole breast lift, and also allows for the most lifting and reshaping of the breast. The scar is similar to that of the keyhole breast lift.
During your consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons, you will communicate your cosmetic goals. Our surgeon will evaluate your skin and breast tissue to determine which breast lift technique is best for you.
To learn which is the right technique for you, please contact The Centre, P.C. today and schedule a breast lift consultation.
Posted in Breast Augmentation | No Comments »
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RiverPointe Medical Building
500 Arcade Ave., Suite 300
Elkhart, IN 46514
Phone: 574-296-9100
FAX: 574-293-1511
611 East Douglas Road, Suite 108
Mishawaka, IN 46545
PHONE: 574-233-9100
FAX: 574-233-9108
