Angelina Jolie recently went public about her decision to undergo a preventative double mastectomy with hopes of helping women at risk and empowering those who are uncertain on which path to take.

Dr Moradi (who works as a reconstructive surgeon at the Breast Care Institute (BCI) at Westmead hospital and Royal Hospital for Women) urges women who are considering preventative mastectomy to understand that most breast cancers are survivable, and all woman are candidates for breast reconstruction. If you have the luxury, take your time in coming to a decision.  Remember, knowledge is power: before you remove a breast, be sure you are fully informed and have discussed every reconstructive option with your surgeon.

In his work at the Royal Hospital for Women and BCI Westmead, Dr Moradi deals with many gene positive women but also a large percentage of high-risk women that undergo mastectomy and reconstruction. These women, like Angelina, are in the best situation because they won’t need radiotherapy so their reconstructive options become easy.

According to Dr Moradi, Jolie would most likely have had an infra-mammary crease incision to perform a nipple sparing mastectomy with biological lower pole mesh and tissue expanders placed. They would have then inflated her tissue expanders over several weeks to her desired size and then changed over to permanent silicone implants. Jolie says “It is reassuring that [my kids] see nothing that makes them uncomfortable. They can see my small scars and that’s it. Everything else is just Mommy, the same as she always was.”

When embarking on their breast reconstruction journey, a patient needs to be treated holistically in a multidisciplinary clinic that specialises in all aspects of the patient’s care, not just the operation. These clinics have specialist breast care nurses, oncologists, radiotherapists, cancer surgeons, physiotherapists and reconstructive surgeons all focusing their resources to ensure the best outcome for the patient.

According to Dr Moradi, women who are considering the procedure as a preventative method should be seen in a cancer multidisciplinary clinic so they understand all the options available to them. In every case, Dr Moradi’s goals for breast reconstruction are to provide women with renewed confidence by giving them better breasts after cancer than they had before.

To find out more about breast reconstruction after mastectomy please visit our website at www.breastsurgery.net.au/natural-looking-breast-reconstruction-surgery/ or contact us on 93873900

At Silkwood we recognise that there isn’t one simple secret for ageing gracefully. Our specialists recommend combining modalities for achieving the best possible results for your skin. Here are our top 5 tips for caring for older skin:

1. Protect your skin from UV light

Much of our skins ageing is caused from light damage. You only have to compare the skin on the top of your arm to its underside to see the visible effects. There are lots of things you can do to help minimise your skins exposure to harmful UV light. Wearing protective clothing, seeking shade wherever possible and including a moisturiser with high SPF protection are all simple ways you can protect your skin daily.

2. Have regular facials

There is nothing quite as good as a professional facial massage for stimulating circulation and toning up your skin. A massage soothes tense muscles and can do wonders for our skin’s overall appearance especially on our face where stress and the aging process can cause wrinkles, puffy eyes, dry or sagging skin, and dark spots.

3. Look out for active ingredients

Keep an eye out for products such as the Silkwood bioactive skincare range which contain one or more of the following ‘actives’:

• Vitamins A, C ,E
• Beta Carotene
• B5
• Niacinamide (B3)
• Pycnogenol
• Co-enzyme Q10
• Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (Matryxl)
• Alpha lipoic acid
• Copper Peptides
• Idebenone

4. Consider collagen induction therapy

Performed professionally, this treatment creates multiple piercing of the skin under a local anaesthetic. Your skin’s natural response to this process is to produce collagen and elastin fibres over eight to 16-weeks, lending more support and elasticity to the skin and making it look smoother.

5. Eat and drink healthily

There is a lot of truth to the saying you are what you eat. Ensure you drink at least four glasses of water a day and are getting an adequate daily intake of antioxidants and essential fatty acids. Avoid trans fats by avoiding processed foods – go back to cooking and baking from scratch. East plenty of nuts, seeds, fruit and vegetables. If you can no longer chew nuts, you can eat ground nut and seed mixes sprinkled on to porridge!

To find out more about the Silkwood essentials bioactive skincare range click here or call us on 93873900!

The importance of skin care in facial aesthetics has not been lost on Dr Nettle. Throughout his time as a facial plastic surgeon the dramatic potential to limit the signs of aging through good skin care has become undeniable.

In his search for products which omit the use of harsh detergents and fragrances and that include active ingredients to promote cellular growth and repair whilst protecting the skin from the harsh environmental pollutants and shielding it from UV damage, he found he would only be satisfied by creating his own skincare range that addressed all these requirements.

By combining a unique blend of ‘bioactive’ ingredients, Silkwood Essentials has taken the complication out of skin care. It is a simple as A, B, C.

Please do not hesitate to contact our rooms and make a time for a free skin analysis with our paramedical aesthetician, Maureen Cole. Using the latest 3D Vectra imaging technology we can develop a personal skin treatment plan to suit your skins needs. Contact us on 93873900.

“A” ‘Reprograms’ changed skin cells.

Vitamin A is one of the most powerful ingredients to fight against and reverse the signs of ageing in the skin. It has the ability to normalise all cell functions in the skin and to increase the density of the dermis while smoothing and refining the texture of the epidermis. It reduces the signs of ageing and can also prevent acne breakout.

USE – Apply at night beginning a few times a week and building up to using more regularly. Lightly massage into skin avoiding eye area.

Product Features:

·         Strengthens the skin barrier and immune function by increasing the natural emollients that protect and condition the skin

·         Prevents moisture loss, leading to dehydration

·         Evens skin tone by preventing melanin transfer

·         Reduces inflammatory conditions such as: acne, rosacea and flushing

“B” The ‘bodyguard’ for the skin.

This serum uses vitamin B3 and peptides to strengthen the barrier of the skin, protecting the skin from environmental irritants such as pollutants and bacteria and keeps the skin hydrated. Vitamin B3 also helps to prevent pigmentation and balances oil production. It strengthens the skin’s immunity and prevents inflammatory conditions such as acne, rosacea and flushing.

USE – Apply morning and night by smoothing 1 pump over skin and pressing it in to allow best penetrations

Product Features:

·         Evens skin texture and tone

·         Brightens skin colouring

·         Stimulates collagen synthesis

·         Antioxidant protection preventing cellular damage

·         Boosts the effects of sunscreens by preventing UV damage

“C” The ‘shied’ to protect the skin.

This serum contains a stable form of Vitamin C to provide antioxidant protection and shield against UV damage in the skin while promoting collagen synthesis. This serum lightens, brightens and evens out skin tone while preventing dark spots and sun induced pigmentation – the perfect serum to protect against the elements and harsh Australian climate.

USE – Apply in the morning by smoothing 1 pump over skin and pressing in to allow best penetration

Product Features:

·        Regulates cell functions

·         Smooths lines, wrinkles and open pores

·         Reverse UV damage

·         Balances oil production

·         Addresses ageing and acne

“ZINC” The ‘reflective sunshade’ for the skin. 

A daytime moisturiser with a ‘chemical free’ physical SPF. Providing broad spectrum coverage from harmful UVA & UVB rays. This lightweight non-greasy moisturiser gives all day sun protection without breakouts. A high percentage 18.6% zinc oxide absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a thick white residue.

USE: Use in the morning. Apply last on the skin.

Product Features:

·       Lightweight non-greasy daytime moisturiser

·         Physical Block protecting against UVA & UVB rays

·         SPF 15

·         Contains high quality zinc oxide that absorbs without leaving a residue

·         Soothes and heals the skin, perfect for a sensitive skin

About Dr. Alexander Phoon – MBBS BSc (Med) MS(Plas) FRACS:

Dr Alexander Phoon is a fully qualified Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgeon with the Royal Australian College of Surgeons and the Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.  As a fourth generation surgeon of Eurasian background, the essence of excellent surgical care, attention to detail and sound communication skills were imparted upon him from a very early age. Being born and raised in Sydney into such a medical family provided a never ending source of inspiration and there were few surprises when he chose to pursue a career in plastic surgery.

“When I was growing up, I was inspired by my father’s commitment to his patients. They were much more than patients to him. He treated them all as if they were part of his own family. That deep commitment to his patients underpins the basis of that special relationship that exists between a patient and their treating doctor”.

He commenced his medical training at the University of New South Wales almost 20 years ago but it was a placement in the infamous Baragwanath Hospital (Johannesburg, South Africa) that finally cemented his decision to become a plastic surgeon. “Amid all this confronting trauma and reconstructive work, I had finally found my calling” says Dr Phoon. “The dedication to a life serving those in need of medical help and it was with plastic surgery I found true purpose.”

“People forget the origins of plastic surgery. The profession was born from within the ashes of the First World Warand it came to embody the pinnacle of care, skill and innovation in modern surgical practice. The excellence in aesthetic surgery today is a direct result of the excellence in reconstructive surgery that preceded it.”

Dr Phoon was awarded best Surgical Resident and Surgical Registrar multiple times and credits those awards to an understanding of the value of hard work, treating others as your equal and above all care of his patients. He is still active in surgical teaching and mentoring younger surgeons. He is appointed at the University of Sydney where he was also was awarded a Master of Surgery in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in 2005 for his work using lasers in microsurgery. At the same time he developed the skills of non-surgical rejuvenation and founded a biotechnology company in 2006 which he still operates today.  He built from the ground up Australia’s only ongoing microsurgical course and continues to teach microsurgery at master’s level at the University of Sydney.

As part of his overseas fellowship he spent seven months visiting New York, including time at the prestigious Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Care Centre, The Manhattan Eye Ear and Throat Hospital and numerous other world leaders in the field of aesthetic and reconstructive Surgery around the New York and Tri-state area of USA. 2011 saw Dr Phoon spent a year in Cambridge United Kingdom where he was the Senior Microsurgical Fellow undertaking a tremendous volume of challenging reconstructive work without suffering a single failed reconstruction. He has recently been appointed a Consultant Plastic Surgeon at the prestigious Royal Prince Alfred Hospital specialising in all aspects of plastic surgery.

Dr Phoon has lectured both nationally and internationally and continues to push the boundaries of plastic surgical innovation at home and at the famous Mayo Clinic in North America. Ongoing projects both home and abroad are aimed at pushing the boundaries of what is possible for the next generation of plastic surgeons.

Alex has worked with Dr Warwick Nettle and Dr Pouria Moradi for well over two years and they share a common philosophy towards patient care and excellence in Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery.

About Dr Pouria Moradi – MBBS BSc (Med) MRCS (Eng) FRACS (plas)

Dr Pouria Moradi is a fully qualified consultant plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon who works as a visiting medical officer at the Prince of Wales, Royal Women’s and Westmead Hospitals and is an associate lecturer for UNSW Medical School.  Having studied medicine at UNSW as a Sam Cracknell Sport and Academic Scholar, Dr Moradi was awarded his surgical membership under the auspices of the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 2005, and his fellowship in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic surgery through the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

Dr Moradi spent the better part of four years working in some of the largest units across England, Scotland, Belgium and Sweden. ‘The clinical and technical skills I acquired by working in these health systems have been invaluable but the greatest value has been the friendships with some of Europe’s great surgical minds. To this day we stay in touch developing new ideas, research projects and exchanging information to improve patient care and outcomes.’

Dr Moradi’s clinical interests include microsurgical reconstruction and cosmetic surgery, with the majority of his operative experience spent performing these two disciplines. After receiving his fellowship in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic surgery Dr Moradi undertook formal postgraduate subspecialty training in London and Stockholm.

“I love the broad and magical subspecialty skills plastic-surgery requires. Just the other day I saw a post-operative rhinoplasty patient, a patient that had amputated his finger completely and I performed microsurgery to reattach it, another lady that had breast cancer and needed a 5 hour microsurgical reconstruction to make a new breast and to finish the day a woman requiring a breast lift and augmentation after child birth. No other specialty can offer such a rewarding subset of operations. You never know what patient will walk in through the clinic door.”

Through working at POW and Westmead Hospitals, Dr Moradi has become actively involved in educating and training future plastic surgeons in both reconstructive as well as cosmetic plastic surgery. His non-clinical academic interests include patient outcome improvement and clinical leadership. He was fortunate enough to be selected for the Clinical Excellence Commission’s (CEC) clinical leadership program in 2012 and is currently working on a project that involves objectively quantifying and improving the experience of all plastic surgical patients waiting for emergency operations.

His philosophy as a surgeon is to continuously improve the care provided to patients based on the best available scientific evidence. As such, Dr Moradi is dedicated to ensuring the surgical outcomes of each treatment entirely patient focused, not surgeon focused.

At Silkwood, we understand the hesitation many patients experience before deciding to undergo any skin treatment. In the past, patients have had to rely solely on verbal communication to outline their expectations and describe their desired treatment results. But not anymore! Now, with the use of the latest virtual imaging software you can accurately visualise the possibilities of your anticipated non-surgical procedures before booking them.

VECTRA 3D is a revolutionary advancement in skin imaging, which allows for the most detailed analysis and evaluation of your skin’s health and facial contours. Before you undergo any treatment, your Silkwood specialist can accurately examine the areas of your face requiring treatment and discuss your options in improving them. Non-surgical treatments to address skin texture, sun damage, brown spots, redness, fine lines, wrinkles and loss of volume can be previewed and treatment options compared.

A Vectra 3D skin analysis can reveal damage and signs of ageing on and beneath the surface of the skin that are not visible to the human eye – so you can treat them before they become visible signs of ageing. Feel confident that you will get the results you want! Book a Vectra 3D imaging consultation at Silkwood today.

To find out more about Vectra 3D, and its uses for surgical treatments click here.

To book a VECTRA 3D imaging consultation for any surgical procedure offered at Silkwood please contact us on 93873900. At your consultation we can discuss your exact needs and recommend a plan of action to help you to reach your goals.

Silkwood’s monthly Q&A session took place on Tuesday!  Here are our specialists’ answers to your questions:

1. When can I resume my normal activities after rhinoplasty?

It is suggested that you rest for 10 days after rhinoplasty. That is in order to prevent you from knocking you nose accidently or being around to many people that could do the same. It is also advised that you avoid exercise for approximately 4 – 6 weeks. If you think of it this way, your nose regains 10% of its strength each week, in 10 weeks it will have regained its stability.

2. I have read that patients will require revision surgery every 10 years after having a breast augmentation. Is this true?

It is always best to consult a respected professional in the field you are enquiring about.  You can read our web site and blog for information about breast augmentation or organise a consultation with one of our fully accredited plastic surgeons. It has never been our experience at Silkwood Medical that a revision was required every 10 years.

3. Does the scarring from surgery ever completely disappear, or will it always be slightly visible?

The skins reaction to surgery always differs slightly from person to person. As surgical techniques improve so too does the scaring from the incisions made during the procedures. Most procedures have aimed at placing the incisions within the natural folds of the skin or in areas not easily visible. The darker your skin the more the scar is visible, however over time all scaring fades. In addition to this there are various treatments available that can improve the appearance of your result.

4. What are your acceptable means of payment?

We accept all major credit cards, eftpos and cash.  All invoices are to be settled prior to surgery.

5. I read on your blog that you offer non-invasive wrinkle reduction treatments. Are these effective? And how long will my results last?

We have a variety of non-invasive wrinkle reduction options.  These range from medi grade facials, ipl, profractional, microlaserpeel, ultherapy and Venus freeze.  The effectiveness and length of results are dependent on each person. A skin analysis is always recommended by our paramedical aesthetician , Maureen Cole, who will through her extensive experience be able to organise a treatment plan for you that will have the optimal results in wrinkle reduction.

6. I’m not sure what I need done to my nose, there isn’t anything overtly obvious that could be done to improve it I just don’t like it. Am I still a good candidate for rhinoplasty?

Dr Warwick Nettle would be more than happy to discuss any queries you have during a consultation in our rooms.  During the consultation photos are taken from many different angles and a series of questions would be asked of you. This will help identify what areas are of concern and what options are available to you.

Miss out on asking us a question during this months Q&A? Don’t worry! We are always open to your questions. Send us a message via our Facebook page, or, email us at newsletters@silkwoodmedical.com.au

Although Valentine’s Day has now passed, the Silkwood Valentine’s Day Mix Tape competition is still running! This means there is still a chance for you to get your hands on one of three great beauty prizes. You’ve got nothing to lose and entering only takes a couple of minutes! Just visit our Facebook page and click on the app at the top right hand side of our timeline, or click here: http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/312664

You can check out all the best entries on our Facebook page! We have created a photo album to showcase our favourite song choices and answers. Here are our top picks from the third week of entries:

SUZANNE: Years from now by Dr Hook – “Knowing that you’re loved years from now as much as you did the first time you met.”

CATHERINE: Settle Down by Kimbra – “It describes feelings of wanting to get married and have a baby with someone you love – and after having our first bub after a year of being married that’s where I’m at.”

BROOKE: Everything I do I do it for you by Bryan Adams – “As Romantic as a rare candle lit dinner, this Bryan Adams song is definitely the winner. I would add it to my romantic mixed tape, and listen with my husband while watching the moonscape.”

WENDY: Amarantine by Enya – “Amarantine means everlasting or immortal. To me this is what real love is. We played this song as I walked down the aisle at our wedding. ”

Thank-you to all our followers who have already entered! We will continue to add entries to the album and the Spotify playlist for you to all enjoy at home! To listen to the full playlist on Spotify visit: http://open.spotify.com/user/silkwoodmedical/playlist/7vZ6rzqbNFMqftRicb9hN2

According to the Australian Cosmetic Surgery and Beauty Magazine, Botox is Australia’s most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedure. Used mainly to treat fine lines and wrinkles (as well as a range of other medical issues), Botox works by preventing muscle movement and thus causing the disappearance of skin creases.

When we raise our eyebrows, naturally we all have fine horizontal lines that occur across our forehead. As we reach our mid 30′s, these lines can become more prominent due to repeated muscle action, which can lead one to appear older and also can give a mean or tired look to the face.

In terms of “down time” and efficacy, Botox is superior to any form of surgical treatment for treating these lines. So if you’re thinking about getting rid of some of those wrinkles, read on to find out more about Botox and how it works:

What is Botox?

‘Botox’ (short for Botulinum Toxin) is a neurotoxic protein that has a wide variety of clinical uses. Initially, it was used to treat people who have problems with spastic muscle disorders or an imbalance in eye muscles, as well as to treat hyperhidrosis and excessive sweating. It was as a result of using BOTOX for other problems on the face that its efficacy in reducing wrinkles was noted.

How does it work?

Botox works to relax the contraction of muscles by blocking nerve impulses, which causes facial wrinkles to relax and soften. It normally takes anywhere between 2 – 5 days to see a cosmetic improvement and the results last from four to six months. Combined with other cosmetic skin procedures such as chemical peels, dermal fillers or microdermabrasion, Botox works not only to reduce existing facial creases but to prevent the formation of new lines and wrinkles.

How much does it cost?

The cost of Botox varies significantly from case to case. To find out more about our prices please contact Silkwood today on 9387 3900.

Happy Valentines Day!

We hope you take the time today to make your special someone realise how important they are to you. Steer clear of high-priced flowers, tasteless chocolates and stuffed bears. Show that Valentine’s Day means more than romance and gifts by reminiscing on your favourite love songs and adding them to the Silkwood V Day Mix Tape!

The competition is in its 2^nd week and we are thrilled with the responses we have been receiving. With three prizes still up for grabs (a $400 beauty package and 2 x $100 vouchers) there is still time to get your entries in, and it only takes a couple of minutes!

Thank-you to all our followers who have already entered! We have dedicated a photo album to all our favourite entries. We will continue to add entries to the album and the Spotify playlist for you to all enjoy at home! Here are our top picks from the second week of entries:

NICOLE: What a wonderful world – Louis Armstrong – “A classic song that most people can relate to and enjoy as it symbolises love, happiness, family, beauty and romance and life!”

KAYLA: Ain’t no other man – Christina Aguilera – “It speaks the truth of love in words.”

SHERI: How do I live? Trisha Yearwood – “This song touches my heart. Listening to the angelic voice and beautiful lyrics gives me goose bumps each time and tears of lost love roll down my face.”

ILKA: All I want is you by U2 – “It was my wedding song and we have been married for 17 yrs on the 10th February”

There is still time to get involved. Competition closes on February 28! To make an entry please visit our Facebook page and click on the app in the top right hand side of our profile. Or, if you are on a mobile click on this link: http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/312664

To listen to the full playlist on Spotify visit: http://open.spotify.com/user/silkwoodmedical/playlist/7vZ6rzqbNFMqftRicb9hN2