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Gynecomastia – Large Breasts in Males

Thursday, July 18th, 2019

When males of any age develop large breasts, it can be very damaging to their self-esteem. Though large male breasts are actually quite common, often the result is social isolation. This creates a distressing and debilitating body image that most males try to camouflage with tight upper garments and very loose clothing.

Many of our male patients who suffer from excessive breast tissue, express their inability to really enjoy life. They are embarrassed to take their shirt off.  It constricts their willingness to be social and participate in sports. They are unable to enjoy vacations at the beach and most summer related activities.  Most importantly, it changes their ability to interact within key relationships in their lives.  Many males find it difficult to feel masculine during intimate moments with their partner. They find that it even inhibits the way they interact or play with their children.

Male breasts are the result of increased volume of both fat and glandular breast tissue.  At Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center, our patients learn that male breast tissue is indeed an occurrence in 100% of males. However, this tissue is vestigial, that is, it is present in very small amounts in most males  For reasons associated with hormones, genetics, diet, medications and environmental factors, the amount of both fat and breast tissue can increase in the breast area of males of all ages (aging men, young men, children alike…).

The treatment for this problem is both effective and simple.  Very often patients ask me, “Dr. Castillo, can this problem be solved with liposuction only?”  The answer is a sometimes. Sometimes the case is such that liposuction is all that is needed to reduce the size of the breast and deliver a great result.

The treatment is more often two-fold.  It involves the removal of fatty tissue from the pectoral area through liposuction with very small cannulas. We do this using traditional tumescent liposuction techniques and ultrasonic-assisted liposuction.Then we create a small, invisible incision in the nipple- areolar region. This incision is utilized as a window. With special, delicate instruments, we use this window to remove a significant portion of breast tissue which in most individuals is not accessible for removal through liposuction, because it is very thick, fibrous, glandular tissue.  It is removed by dissection with special instruments that create no injury to the surrounding tissues.  The entire procedure takes two hours, and cleanly and effectively removes all of the enlarged breast and fatty tissue from the area.

A fitted garment is worn underneath normal clothing for the first week after surgery. Very small sutures are removed within six days after the procedure.The patient is allowed to do routine light physical activities within three days after the procedure.  This procedure, known as excision of male Gynecomastia will help to resolve the lack of self-confidence that can occur after years of teasing and scrutiny. It will reveal a more masculine male contour of the chest. It has been universally successful and rewarding procedure. The changes in self-esteem and positive personality reinforcement are seen immediately.  It has been a most satisfying way of correcting a rather disturbing problem for our patients.

If you would like further information on this subject, call our office to schedule a consultation. During consultation, we can discuss your desires and concerns. You will be able to view before and after photos of other patients who have undergone this procedure.  We will answers any questions you may have and give you the information needed to help you decide if this procedure is right for you.

Dr. G.D. Castillo, Triple-Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon

G. D. Castillo, M.D., FACS
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

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800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

HERE IS THE NEW COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO OUR BEST SELLING MAKE-UP BRUSHES

Monday, September 3rd, 2018

Figuring out which make-up brushes you really need can be over-whelming whether you are a professional make-artist, or purchasing your first set of brushes. My first bit of advice is to splurge a little and invest in quality brushes.  So, I have put together a  comprehensive guide to all the make-up brushes available here at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center to help you figure out which brushes your just can’t live without. Check out my blog on A Comprehensive Guide To Our Best Selling Make-Up Brushes For Eyes for an in-depth explanation on eye brushes.

FOUNDATION:

Flat Top Kabuki:

The design of this brush allows for applications of both pressed mineral powder foundation or liquid foundations (though you should have one dedicated to each product rather than one brush for both products so that you do not transfer unwanted ingredients into your powder). It’s expertly designed “flat-top” as apposed to a rounded top, is perfect for buffing (in circular motion) mineral powder into a smooth, radiant finish. It provides light to medium coverage, depending on your layering preferences.

When using this the Flat Top Kabuki to apply liquid foundation, you can expect a soft, flawless, airbrushed finish with medium to full coverage. This brush also comes in a travel-friendly version for quick touch-up and on-the-go applications. Perfect purse size!

Pro Kabuki:

This is a tightly packed, round top, mineral powder foundation brush. Choose this brush when you are looking for the full coverage of a pro! Its brush head is packed with very dense, soft bristles for a full, radiant coverage.

 

CAMOUFLAGE / CONCEALER:

 Dual Foundation / Camouflage Brush:

This is a dual-ended, double duty brush. It is suitable for both liquid and cream concealers and foundations. One end offers the precision needed when applying camouflage and other end provides the ease an expert liquid foundation application.

Full Coverage Camouflage Brush:

This is a flat-domed shape brush with a somewhat pointed tip. This brush is commonly used to cover blemishes, facial redness, brown spot etc. It is intended for cream camouflage formulations. It is easy to blend and perfect. For a more fluid application, try misting the end of the brush with setting mist or water. Blot the fibers between paper towels to remove access. Then you are ready to begin applying your camouflage.

Precision Camouflage Brush:

This is a smaller version of the full coverage camouflage brush. It works well with cream camouflage, concealers or primers for smaller, detailed areas.

 

HIGHLIGHT / CONTOUR / BLUSH / POWDERS:

Contour / Highlighter Brush:

Make no mistake about it, when it comes to make-up brushes, the right contour brush is a girl’s best power tool! It is the key to changing your look from everyday to runway!! It is a dual-head brush. One end contours while the other end highlights. The contour end is tapered with a nice apex for more precise placement. I like to pinch the bristles together to accentuate the apex ,which give me more control when shading. It’s ideal for both highlighting and shading to create dimension, chiseled jawlines, nasal narrowing and prominent cheek bones.

Powder Brush:

Typically an extra full, soft, rounded brush designed for translucent powders, bronzers, finishing powders. Distributes sheer to medium coverage. Tap off any access powder before using a circular motion to buff the product on the skin.

Tapered Powder Brush:

A tapered powder brush is typically a soft brush with a pointed end for delicate placement of setting or finishing powders.

Powder Blush Brush:

These brushes can be rounded or angled and intended to apply blush, bronzers or highlight powders.

Dual-Fiber Blush Brush (a.k.a – Texture Brush):

I must own 4-5 of this brush. They are made from a blend of synthetic, soft, flowing fibers, which makes for a luxurious experience. The feathery, flat-top head delivers a light-weight applications of powders, shimmers, and cream blush. Perfect for layering and building.

 

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

Ask Our Expert: What type of surgeon should I consult with for micro-fat transplantation to my face?

Thursday, April 10th, 2014

Question:  What type of surgeon should I consult with for micro-fat transplantation to my face?

Answer:

Dear reader,

There are a few important factors to consider when choosing a surgeon:

  • Board certification – It is always important to have surgery and/or procedures done by a physician who is board-certified in the specialty associated with that procedure.  For fat transplantation to the face, you would look for a surgeon who is board-certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.
  • Experience – Once you locate a board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, the next step is to find out how much experience the surgeon has with fat transfer procedures and particularly, micro-fat transplantation to the face.  Experience of greater than 20 cases would be essential.
  • Real Patient Photos – I would ask to see some pictures of patients in his or her practice who have had this procedure done by him or her.  Surgeons who are experienced in this area should have a collections of before and after photos to show their work.

 

G.D. Castillo,M.D., FACS
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center

 

 

 

 

 

Ask Our Expert: CO2 Micro-Fractional Laser Resurfacing Of The Upper Lip…

Friday, March 28th, 2014
Question: With the CO2 Micro-Fractional Procedure above the lip, would there be any anesthetizing, of the area for pain? Also, does it peel or just turn red?  And Lastly, what days of the week does Roxanne do this procedure?
Thanks,
Karen
Answer:
Karen, when we perform more aggressive CO2 Micro-Fractional Laser Resurfacing to on lines around the mouth, we utilize three forms of discomfort control:
    1.  We administer a Tylenol with Codeine upon your arrival to the appointment so you will need a driver.
    2.  We apply a topical numbing ointment.
    3.  Once the above two forms have taken effect (about 30-40 minutes) Dr. Castillo will do a regional nerve block., which would be similar to having your mouth numbed at the dentist. 
REDNESS AND SWELLING: You can expect redness and swelling of the upper lip.  Typically after day 3, the swelling will start to resolve.   If we would only be treating the upper lip instead of the whole face, your swelling will likely be minimal.  You can expect to be red then fade to pink then you’ll return to your normal skin tone.  A light pink color may last a few weeks depending on a few factors.
PEELING: You will begin to peel within 3-4 days and the peeling typically lasts about 48 hours. You will be able to cover with make-up within 4-6 days after treatment. 
I typically perform this procedure Tuesday – Friday.  Please let me know if you have further questions.
 
Yours Truly,
Roxanne Hammond, RMA
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G.D. Castillo, M.D., FACS
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY CENTER
Become a Facebook Fan of CPS @  <span >https://www.facebook.com/DrCastilloCosmeticPlasticSurgery
<span >https://www.cosmeticplasticsurgery.com
800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

Options For The Aging Face

Thursday, March 6th, 2014

During the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Meeting in San Diego, it was stated that the AAFPRS had recently released a new study that found 39% of women were most worried about sagging cheeks or under eye bags, while 33% of women were most worried about lines and wrinkles.  28% of women were most worried about the “turkey neck” effect.

Being a women (and working with an incredible mentor and internationally-renown facial plastic surgeon for years; G.D. Castillo, M.D.) these stats come as no surprise to me.  Of course we women worry sagging cheeks, under eye bags, wrinkles, and the dreaded t-t-t-turkey neck.  It’s normal to want to be the best version of ourselves!  Stop for a minute and think about the women in your life who make a real effort to look their best, exercise, eat healthy.  Those people get things done!  They enjoy life! They are advancing in their careers, moving forward in their personal lives, involved in the community. They are movers and shakers. Looking good and feeling good about how you look is a true life motivator.

I cannot think of single women I know who is excited about the arrival of the next sign of aging. We are always scanning the mirror at home or in the car to make sure we look good – checking for lettuce in our teeth, smeared lip stick, dark circles that might need camouflaging… you know the drill.  For those  who say that’s simply being vain, well, maybe, but in my opinion a little vanity is a great thing. I think it means you care about how you represent yourself.  To me that is self respect.  Something we should all have because we all deserve it.  After all, if we don’t respect ourselves, who will?

I remember when my youngest daughter was about four years old.  She always had a way put a positive spin on things, always encouraging and complimenting others. We were on the floor playing a matching game when she looked at me and said “Wow mommie, the hair right here on the top of your head is shiny white.  Mommie, you are doing a great job at that!”  Cute as that was, you better believe my head was covered in chocolate expresso hair color with in the hour!

We all know aging is inevitable but that doesn’t mean we have to accept it gracefully with no attempt to slow the process.  This blog is called “Anti-Aging” with Grace after all.

Well not to worry (besides worrying just causes frown lines and then everyone thinks your angry all the time).  With the advances in technologies and the growing experience in plastic surgery and skin rejuvenation at your disposal, you have both surgical and non-surgical options available to wash your worries and your wrinkles away!  

SAGGING CHEEKS:

  • Non-surgical options

1. Dermal fillers can be used to restore volume loss in sagging cheeks.

  • Surgical options
  • 1.  A facelift – Fortunately, today facelifts are really customized for the individual’s needs.  There are Mini-facelifts, which is a limited facelift generally indicated in someone with early signs of aging (late 30’s to late 50’s) and are most effective in people with facial aging rather than neck aging.  Mid-facelifts, which elevate of the mid portion of the face. This type of facelift is needed in patients that have either facial sagging or lacking facial volume in the second 1/3rd of the face. Traditional facelifts are the treatment of choice for those who have of both the sagging of the cheek and the neck area.***Keep in mind that when sagging tissue is present, non-surgical results will not compare to the results of surgical removal of tissue, which is the hallmark of any kind of surgical facelift.

UNDER EYE BAGS:

  • Non-surgical options –
  1.  Try cutting out salt and preservatives from your diet for one month.  Observe over the month whether or not the bags disappear or reduce to a tolerable state. Salt / preservatives are found in prepared foods such as those you purchase from a deli or restaurant and in canned or boxed foods and can be responsible for puffy under-eye bags. If you see considerable improvement, you may be able to avoid partaking in the options below just by avoiding salt and preservatives.
  2.  Dermal fillers Hyaluronic acids (Restylane, Perlane, and Juvaderm) can be used fill in depressed curves that form between the cheek and the bag to provide a more natural, youthful contour.
  3.  CO2 Micro-fractional laser resurfacing can help to tighten the lower eyelid skin but it will not improve excess fat deposits.
  • Surgical options

       1.   Lower Eye Lid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) – This may include the removal of fat from the lower lid area or the transplant of fat to the area depending on the needs of the patient.

FINE LINES AND WRINKLES:

  • Non-surgical options
  1. CO2 Micro-fractional laser resurfacing is a minimally invasive treatment that typically produces the best non-surgical results for fine lines and wrinkles.  It will also remove brown spots and other pigment and texture changes that often present along with lines and wrinkles.
  2. Botox® can be used to smooth out lines and wrinkles of the forehead, between the brows, and around the eyes.
  3. Dermal fillers such as Juvederm®, Perlane®, Restylane®, orRadiesse® can be used to replace volume and fill in lines and wrinkles.
  • Surgical options
  1. CO2 full face laser resurfacing, (not to be confused with CO2 Micro-Fractional Laser resurfacing) can smooth out lines, wrinkles, tighten the skin, increase collagen, improve poor texture and pigment issues, and unwanted spider veins. If you are experiencing structural sagging a facelift or cheek lift may be done simultaneously.
  2. Facelift– As individuals age, they tend develop lines an wrinkles caused by loose skin and lax underlying muscle structure. A Rhytidectomy or facelift is designed to remove loose skin and tighten lax underlying structures which result in a lasting, more youthful appearance.
  3. Fat Transplantation can sometimes be used to replace volume loss of the face, relieving the lines that have developed due to loss of facial fat that can happen during the aging process.

TURKEY NECK:

  • Non-surgical options –
  1. Beyond managing your weight and avoiding the yo-yo weight effect along with protecting your skin from UV radiation to preserve collagen and elastin, your best bet is a trip to the O.R.  Once you develop a turkey waddle, there is not much in line of non-surgical options that provide true improvement.
  • Surgical options –
  1. Neck lift – This procedure is often combined with a cheek lift. The typical neck lift or neck/cheek lift consists of a modified type of facelift in which the main emphasis is to tighten the muscle structure and remove as much excess neck skin and fatty tissue as possible, resulting in a smooth, youthful contour of the neck, jawline, and lower face.
  2.  Chin implant surgery – also known as a mentoplasty is needed when a patient has a short mandible or recessed chin. The lack of adequate bone structure tends to accentuate jowls and loose, sagging skin around the neck.
  3. Neck liposculpture – This may be all that is needed to correct a double chin or turkey neck.  During this procedure, fatty tissue is removed via liposuction and the musculature of the neck is tightened to create a defined jawline. In some instances, neck liposculpture may be combined with a chin implant to correct a recessed chin. Patients can return to work within 3 to 4 days.

Yours Truly,

Roxanne Grace Hammond

Skincare and Laser Specialist

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

 

 

 

 

 

Roxanne Hammond, RMA
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY  

https://www.cosmeticplasticsurgery.com

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK:

http://www.facebook.com/DrCastilloCosmeticPlasticSurgery
800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MEDICAL CREDIT CHARGERS – DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR RESOURCES PROTECTED?

Tuesday, September 10th, 2013

 

          A medical credit card (dedicated solely to health purchases) can be a handy item in our wallets.   Like most existing lines of credit, it allows us to obtain the services we want, when we want them, and separates an inconvenient outlay of cash into smaller payments made over time.  Unlike procedure-specific (one time) medical financing, once this line of credit has been established, as the debt is repaid, the line of credit is available to you for reuse according to your needs and desires.

 

Maybe you’ve been considering a procedure with Dr. Castillo, such as facelift, tummy tuck, breast augmentation or liposuction; or perhaps you’ve been waiting for the “sun season” to end and want to schedule the laser resurfacing skin rejuvenation that you’ve dreamed of.  Sometimes patients request financing options or want to take advantage of an interest-free credit offer.

At Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Clinic, Illinois Plastic Surgeon, G. D. Castillo, MD, investigated all the revolving medical credit card possibilities before choosing Care Credit as the only dedicated-medical-use card that we process.  Of prime consideration in this decision was the level of financial security for our patients built into their system.  How secure is your Care Credit purchase at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, you ask?  Extremely secure, we answer!

You’ve probably become accustomed to the cavalier acceptance of credit/debit cards and bank checks that has become commonplace.  Have you wondered why your bank check is given back to you at the time of purchase from some larger merchants?  It’s because using a check at these establishments is similar to utilizing a debit card.  The tendered amount is electronically confirmed as available at the register, and deducted from your account at the time of purchase.  The advent of immediate electronic fund transfers has all but made ID checking obsolete.  This may protect the merchant during the exchange, but how does it protect you?  When was the last time a cashier asked you for identification when you handed over your bank check or credit card for payment?  In my personal experience, it’s been rare for a very long time and that’s not a good thing.   I make it a point to say “thank you” when a cashier takes the time to look at my credit card signature or ask for additional ID.

When it comes to personal finances, purchasing convenience (although important) is not my first concern.  What is most important to me is:

 

  1. Security
  2. More Security
  3. ADDITIONAL SECURITY

Did you know that every Care Credit transaction must be done in person by an authorized cardholder and requires two additional forms of identification to be presented at the time of purchase?  Did you know that the person processing the transaction has to record the IDs utilized during this step and that the cardholder has to acknowledge via signature that this additional security step has been taken.  This process is required for each and every transaction, regardless of how familiar the cardholder is to the processor.

For these reasons, if done correctly, you should never experience over-the-phone Care Credit transactions and you should never hear “that’s okay, your information is on file.”

I know that this may sound inconvenient to some in our fast-paced, “I want it yesterday” society, but when it comes to personal finances, security trumps convenience every time – our patient’s investment in themselves both deserves and demands our protection of their financial resources.

So, when you call in a mail order and are told that we no longer have access to the credit card number you utilized yesterday, or you see me glance at the front and back of your card before processing payment, please understand that your security is our prime concern.

 

 

 

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center’s Rewards Program and Uncompromising Confidentiality

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

Did you know that a major portion of our new business is generated from returning patients and existing patient referrals?  This is, by far, the best compliment we can receive – that someone has enough faith in Dr. Castillo and the Cosmetic Plastic Surgery team to not only return to us, but also to entrust their own family and friends to our care.   This level of patient dedication obviously deserves a reward program but the very nature of our practice requires the utmost confidentiality — so how do we reward patient loyalty with an deserved thank you, without compromising what is, for many, the most private of all medical decisions?  It’s our V.I.P.  Platinum Card!  We do offer special promotions that are available to everyone, but our V.I.P. members have their very own exclusive promotions in addition to their regular card benefits.

000_0002

For the month of December, our V.I.P. members may call in to be entered into a special drawing for a Glo Mineral make-up kit featuring gloBronze sunkiss face and body powder, gloShimmer kiss face and body powder, gloCream blush-guava, gloBlush-sweet and rosebud, gloReflection cream eye shadow trio-opulence, gloEye shadow trio-envy, gloEye shawdow trio-ballerina, gloConcealer undereye in natural light and golden dark, gloCream eyeliner – slate and espresso, gloGloss in nude and rosegold, and gloLip plumper in both copper shimmer and sheer berry!  This prize collection is valued at well over $300.00 and will be given to one lucky winner whose name is drawn from our V.I.P. registered callers on December 21st – just in time for gifting or getting this year!

000_0001 Our V.I.P. Platinum Card is our solution to rewarding the loyalty of our patients while respecting both their privacy and the confidentiality of those they refer to us.  Other exciting benefits include:  One-time $25.00 credit in our skincare suite, a FREE hydration mask during your birthday month, 10% off Botox and dermal fillers, 5% off all surgical procedures with Dr. Castillo and a FREE custom facial after any facial surgery with Dr. Castillo.   Please note that V.I.P. offers cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts, and card deactivates after one year of inactivity.

We’re very pleased with the reception our V.I.P. Platinum Card has received from our patients and look forward to extending card benefits to many more in the future.  It’s wonderful to be able to say thank you to our patients for their patronage and generous referrals without risking the one aspect of their care that is as mandatory as our surgeon’s skill – confidentiality!  Know when opportunity knocks – don’t forget to FAN US on facebook for more information on specials and upcoming promotions!

Cheek Implants, Part 2

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009

Part #2 -A patient’s story –  Mentoplasty (chin Implant),  Malar Augmetation (Cheek Implants) and Rhinoplasty (nose surgery)

I would like to share a “typical” story of one of our patients.  In the spring of 1984, a 35 year old legal secretary arrived at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Clinic for a consultation.  She said “Dr. Castillo, I don’t know what is wrong with my face, but I am not happy with it.”

In looking at her I could view the details of someone who would benefit immensely from cheek implants.  During the consultation, she went on to explain that she felt as though life was passing her by.  She came to the realization that she should be having more fun and should be more involved in life than she had been up to that point. She decided that she needed to present herself to the world in a different light.  She didn’t feel comfortable with her face and it was prohibiting her from showing the world who she really was inside.  She explained that she had been so busy with life that she had not been giving the proper value to things that had been bothering her for years, the things that were affecting the way she felt about herself day after day. She didn’t like the way life was going for her and so she decided to take charge.

The truth is that this patient was right on.  Often times when an individual feels self-conscious, they find it impossible to be who they really are around other people.  Instead of coming across as an enthusiastic, outgoing individual, they are often perceived as being closed off, shy, aloof or distant.

This young woman simply had a lack of cheekbone prominence.  The widest dimension of her face was that of her cheeks themselves, but not the cheekbones.  She desired the angular features that we are used to seeing in chisel-faces that have their widest dimension at the cheekbones. As with most individuals who have deficient cheekbone prominence, she also had a deficient or weak chin.

She underwent a relatively simple procedure where incisions are made inside of the mouth in the cul-de-sac of the upper gum area, and cheek implants were inserted in both cheeks (Malar Augmentation).  A chin implant was added to her jaw by a very small ½ inch incision right underneath her chin (Augmentation Mentoplasty)  https://www.cosmeticplasticsurgery.com/photo-gallery/results.cfm?Category=16.  In addition, this patient had a rhinoplasty to create a true balance of her facial features. https://www.cosmeticplasticsurgery.com/photo-gallery/results.cfm?Category=18 After the swelling disappeared, her flat face became a striking, welcoming face with angularity and spirit.

Gradually her personality and social involvement literally exploded.  This needed change gave her courage to go after the life she always wanted. I see this patient in the office from time to time.  She is now married with a wonderful family and remains a bubbly, exuberant, warm personality.  This hour and 15 minute surgery changed her life.

Dr. G.D. Castillo, Triple-Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon

https://www.cosmeticplasticsurgery.com/cosmetic-surgery/cheek-bone-surgery.cfm

G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY
Become a Facebook Fan of CPS @  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cosmetic-Plastic-Surgery/65943304419
https://www.cosmeticplasticsurgery.com
800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)