Welcome to the Blog of Dr. Brian S. Glatt, a Premier Plastic Surgeon based in Morristown, New Jersey

What is capsular contracture?

By drglatt on May 28, 2009

The body normally forms a thin layer of pliable scar tissue around any foreign substance placed into it.  This occurs whether the device is an artificial knee, artificial hip, a prosthetic joint or a breast implant.  This process is beneficial because it keeps the implant in the space created for it – the pocket made at  the time of surgery.  Sometimes this scar layer, or capsule, will contract around a breast implant and render the breast hard in consistency.  This is a biological and not a surgical cause of breast hardening and essentially represents an over-reaction by the immune system.  The shape of the breast may change if this process becomes more advanced.  In extreme cases the condition may be painful enough to require surgical correction by complete removal of the scar capsule and replacement of the implant.  This treatment is usually successful although recurrence of dense scar tissue around the implant can happen in some women, particularly those in whom the process affects both sides.  The cause of excessive capsule formation, or capsular contracture, is not known.  Fortunately, capsular contracture requiring additional surgery occurs in only about 5 percent of` women.  This rate is even lower in Dr. Glatt’s practice and he takes all measures to avoid the formation of capsular contracture.

Posted in Breast Surgery |

Latisse in Northern New Jersey to create natural longer eyelashes

By drglatt on May 8, 2009

Latisse works!  That is what our patients are saying.  We already know the science:  Latisse will produce darker and thicker eyelashes within 4-6 weeks and natural looking,  longer lashes within 4-8 weeks.  Now that Latisse has been available for almost 3 months we have seen an overwhelming response from our patients who got on the bandwagon early.  We were among the first plastic surgery practices in northern New Jersey to offer Latisse to our patients from our Morristown, New Jersey office. 

What is Latisse?  Latisse is available only by prescription or in a doctor’s office.  In its former life, it was an eyedrop used to treat a condition of the eye that involves increased pressure of the eyeball.  Patients were noticing that their eyelashes were growing longer and getting thicker and darker!  The active ingredient was isolated and formulated as thick liquid gel.  The company supplies Latisse in a small eye-dropper like bottle with small brush applicators.  The product is applied to the upper eyelid margin along the lash line (just the upper lid, not the lower lid) each night at bedtime.  It is that easy!  Within 4-6 weeks, your eyelashes will be thicker and darker.  Within 4-8 weeks, you will notice natural longer eyelashes as well!  If Latisse is discontinued, the effect is reversible, so nothing permanent is happening to you.  Latisse is safe, easy to use, and quite effective.  Come see for yourself and schedule a consultation with Dr. Glatt to discuss Latisse.

Posted in Eye, Special Topics |

Breast augmentation or lift after pregnancy

By drglatt on May 3, 2009

     Numerous scientific studies have proven that breast implants are safe and effective for improving breast aesthetics.  Most women experience loss of volume as well of stretching of the skin of their breasts after having children, especially if they breastfed.  Breast implants can help with both of these issues, although you may need a breast lift at the same time if the changes are more severe.

     A breast implant provides volume to make up for the loss of tissue and can also help to fill out the stretched out loose skin envelope.  For some women, though, implants alone are not enough to provide enough fill to fully correct the excess skin envelope and to reposition the breast higher on the chest.  In these situations, a breast lift (mastopexy) will be needed in addition to an implant.  A breast lift will remove the excess skin and reposition the nipple and areola to a higher and more central location on the breast mound.  The areola is also most often reduced in size as well.

     Women undergoing breast augmentation now have the option of choosing to utilize silicone gel breast implants or saline filled breast implants.  While saline has traditionally provided excellent results and still does, patients are usually quite surprised when they hold a silicone gel implant in one hand and a saline filled implant in the other.  The silicone gel implants do feel much more soft and natural and in the right patients, can provide a superior result.  I spend a lot of time talking to my patients about this decision as there is not wrong answer – every women must make their own decision regarding implant choice and my job is to provide enough information for you to do that comfortably.  

     Breast augmentation and breast lift surgery, especially after pregnancy, can lead to renewed self-confidence and self-esteem by correcting unwanted changes which occur from childbearing and breastfeeding.

Posted in Breast Surgery |