Filipinos now have stronger and louder voices regarding their bodies and how they express themselves. However, there's still stigma regarding cosmetic surgery or enhancement procedures being done. Bashers are still rampant and in order to break this stigma, I think it's important to talk about these topics in an open-minded and honest way.

One particular procedure that people still get people chatting is breast augmentation. What many people may not be aware of is that there are many other reasons for having breast augmentation apart from a boost in appearance. There are breast cancer patients who undergo breast reconstruction after mastectomy and transgender women who wish to further their transition.

Whatever the reason, your body is your body, and you decide what to do with it. That being said, it’s still important to make sure that whatever body choices you make, always prioritize your health and safety so research is key.

For those of you who are looking into or are interested in undergoing breast augmentation, you have many options when it comes to accredited plastic surgeons and medical clinics. It is also important to think about what brand of implants to use. Here in the Philippines, there are three main breast implants that are available : Motiva Implants, Mentor and Sebbin. I will break down the features and characteristics of each brand of implant to help you make the right choice.


MOTIVA BREAST IMPLANT

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Motiva breast implants, a product of Establishment Labs, are considered to be the 6th generation of breast implants, with features that are known for their safety and innovation. Motiva implants have two main variants, Motiva Round and Ergonomix.



Motiva Round implants are designed to give fullness to the upper part of the breast creating a fuller-looking and tauter cleavage. Motiva Round contain ProgressiveGel Plus, which is their own patented silicone gel designed to maintain the round shape of the implant, while still possessing the soft feel of natural breasts.
Motiva Ergonomix are specifically designed to look, feel and move the same way as natural breasts do, whether you are lying down or standing up. Other types of implants tend to make the breasts look deformed when for example you lie down and the implants might have a tendency to rotate.


Safety Features

Safety is of utmost priority of course so, here are Motiva's have several safety features.To note, the silicone gel inside both types of implants are designed not to leak in the case of implant rupture.



SmoothSilk®/SilkSurface® - Motiva implants have a scientifically proven smooth shell surface, they call the SmoothSilk®/SilkSurface®. Developed through 3D nanotechnology imprinting creating a smooth surface design that lessens the chance of the implant attracting any formation of bacteria. This feature also makes it possible to insert the implant with a smaller incision, and lessens the risk of double capsule and late seroma.



BlueSeal Indicator - This feature was made especially for the assurance of surgeons. The BlueSeal has a bluish color as an indicator that it is in good condition with no tampering or damage before proceeding with the operation.


TrueMonobloc - Although the implant has many layers, all components of the implant are made in a way to make it one durable structure. This means that Motiva implants are more durable and can withstand more stress and pressure, and allows for easier insertion during surgery.

Q Inside Safety Technology - In order to make it easier for patients and surgeons to verify all the necessary data regarding the patient and the implants, Motiva breast implants has the Q Inside Safety Technology(the world's first FDA cleared RFID micro-transponder for use in humans and the only one with a CE-Mark when used in breast implants.) which helps patients and surgeons see necessary breast implant information without making unnecessary incisions.

Product Warranty

In spite of its low complication rate (less than 1%), Motiva still ensures the safety and satisfaction of patients, by providing a warranty program in the case of any complication. All Motiva implants are covered for replacement in case of rupture under the Always Confident Warranty for the lifetime of the implant, and a Product Replacement Policy in the case of capsular contracture, Baker grades III and IV for a period of 10 years.

For more information about their warranties please check their website : https://motiva.health/motiva-implants/product-warranty/


Note : This warranty program is applied in the Philippines only.


MENTOR BREAST IMPLANT

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Mentor, under the Johnson&Johnson Family of Companies, provides a wide range of clinical-based solutions that help women in maintaining, enhancing, and restoring their self-esteem and quality of life.

Another one of the well-known brands of breast implants in the Philippines, Mentor has been one of the leading brands of breast implants for over 30 years. They pride themselves on their commitment to producing high-quality implants for their patients incorporating innovations in order to maintain their high standards of design, testing, and safety.


Products

Mentor offers three types of breast implants: MENTOR® MemoryGel® Implants, MENTOR® MemoryShape® Breast Implants, and MENTOR® Saline Breast Implants.

MENTOR® MemoryGel® Implants gives a soft, more natural feel of breasts through its formulate cohesive gel. It provides increased projection and fullness to the breast.

MENTOR® MemoryShape® Breast Implants on the other hand creates the desired breast shape with youthful firmness. The implants’ shape creates maximum projection to the breast. It uses what they call the SILTEX™ Texture to reduce key complications in primary breast augmentation.

Lastly, MENTOR® Saline Breast Implants provides the firmest feel out of the Mentor implants. It is filled with a saltwater solution. Unlike the gel-filled implants, surgeons can gradually add fluid to Mentor Saline Implants to reach the desired breast size, making it flexible in volume.


Safety

MENTOR® Breast Implants secures its patients of the implant’s safety. The implants’ outer shells, which has been tested for strength, resilience, and elasticity, is made from medical-grade silicone elastomer. These shells are filled with either Mentor’s silicone gel or saline.

Materials used in manufacturing MENTOR® Breast Implants are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as safe and effective.


Warranty

MENTOR® Breast Implants are automatically a part of their MENTOR®Promise™ Protection Plan.

If a confirmed rupture or deflation of implants occur, the patient will receive up to two replacement breast implants of the same type, without paying for any charge.

If the rupture of the MENTOR® Breast Implants occurs within 10 years after the surgery, the patient will also be granted up to $3500 as financial assistance for surgical costs. Complications, other than implant rupture, are also covered by the product replacement.


SEBBIN BREAST IMPLANT

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Last but certainly not the least is SEBBIN breast implants. SEBBIN is a French company that has been creating, developing, manufacturing, and marketing implants and medical devices for cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries for more than 30 years.

Products

SEBBIN offers a variety of breast implant options from Smooth Round Breast Implant, Round Micro Textured Breast Implant, Textured Round Breast Implant, and Anatomical Textured Breast Implant. These implants are manufactured in the company’s factory in France. It uses a semi-traditional crafting of silicone, where the products are made by hand to ensure quality control of the implants.

Each Implant is marked by a laser with an identification code, which allows tracing of necessary implant information. This number is placed on labels accompanying the implant. and will also be present on the patient card after surgery.


Safety

All raw materials used in SEBBIN breast implants are registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The brand also adheres to the ISO 9001 and ISO 13458, which are standards for consistent, quality product manufacturing. It also has certified CE marking, which means it follows health, safety, and environmental protection standards for products.


Warranty

There are less than 1% reported cases of rupture and capsular contractions, in patients that used SEBBIN breast implants, 9 years after the surgery. In order to assure its customers the quality service of their products, the brand has its own warranty program, which is only disclosed to surgeons that use the brand.
I hope this helped you in making the right decision in choosing the best implants for your breast  surgery. I urge you to coordinate with your trusted and credible plastic surgeon when it comes to choosing the breast implants, so they can choose the right fit for your goals and your lifestyle.

It is a absolutely empowering to pursue the body you always wanted, but still keep in mind to make smart choices along the way.

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U-Part, L-Part, Lace, Human, Synthetic? Wigs - I've only ever had experience with extensions, except that one Halloween when I wanted to be a 'witch' (y'all now I didn't need a wig 'fo dat... plus it was itchy as hell... anyyyway).

Wigs essentially cover your whole head while extensions cling to hair you have. Both are used aesthetically and can be customized to fit ones needs/look etc.

Disclosure : Sponsored post but as always thoughts are all mine.

Whatever your reason might be (thinning hair/baldness/changing up your look), you want to know which wig would be better for you. Here's a little breakdown of how to choose wigs via type of construction and/or type of hair.


Wigs via construction:

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U-Part
Is a wig where there is a 'U' shaped opening where you can pull your natural hair through, creating a more natural transition from your real hair and wig.

L(lace)-Part / Lace front / Lace cap / Full lace
It has a 'see-through- lace section where your own scalp shows through creating a natural hair line or 'realistic parting'.


Wigs via hair type:

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Of course there are synthetic and human-hair ones. You might think, human-hair is obviously the right way to go but we've come a long way from really obvious 'oh you're wearing a wig' wigs. Synthetic haired wigs are looking more and more natural there's barely a difference from great quality synthetic from human hair wigs.

Yeah, I can't tell either.

If you're worried about the wig not looking like real hair, there are nice ones out there that won't break the bank.

Have you ever tried wigs? Extensions? What do you think about wigs in general or people who use them like an 'accessory' not as a 'necessity'?


xx,
CJ


Image source/s : Divatress.com, Trelogganwigs.co.uk

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So you've decided to finally buy your first hair extension because of a bad haircut, a swanky event you want to go to, a new look etc whatever it may be you've bit the bullet. So how do you start choosing which is the best for you?

Here are 3 important things to know before clicking that BUY NOW button.

1. Colour matching is a must

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Choose hair extension that is the similar shade as your current hair colour. You want it to blend as seamlessly as possible for the most natural look. The best way to do it is to match with the most prominent colour at the ends of your hair not with your roots.

2. Quality is Key

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Synthetic is definitely way more affordable compared to natural hair, but they tend to look fake. The goal of clip in extensions is for it to look like you DON'T have extensions. Splurging on natural hair or even high quality synthetic hair is a better bang for your buck if you're looking for longevity.

3. Fake hair need love too!

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Just because they're not your 'real' hair doesn't mean you just haphazardly store it wherever. They need cleaning and styling as much as your real hair.

Proper washing is to gently massage it with shampoo and conditioner free of sulfates while holding the 'base' where all the hair is sewn in. That goes the same for brushing, while holding the base, ends first, and ever so gently brush-out all the tangles. Blot with a towel then air-dry. Wait until extensions are completely dry before using hot styling tools.

Start your extensions journey here -> https://www.sheinhair.com/


xx,
CJ
Disclaimer: Sponsored post.

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You know the feeling when you're spoilt with options you don't really know where to begin or even HOW to begin? I could only imagine the people who are getting married (thanks to my FB feed) choose their rings. Engagement AND wedding rings to be precise. (maaaan getting married is expensive af)

Whilst it may be true that platinum is harder than gold in its purest form, 18k white gold is mixed with other metals, most commonly palladium, silver and copper to make it harder. This results in 18k white gold being harder than platinum alloys, which are most commonly 95% platinum. - Jogia Diamonds

So there you have it. Gold is the way to go. A tip according to jewellers is to mix both platinum and gold for durability.

Valentine's day is also coming up so spend a little something something for your other half or just treat 'yo self to a little sumthin sumthin'. You deserve a little bling ;)

Check out  http://www.myraygem.com/ for more gorgeous rings.


xx,
CJ

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Disclaimer : Sponsored post. 

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