Wrinkle Fillers!
Hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Juvaderm(Allergan) and Restylane(Medicis) have been used for some time for facial rejuvenation. These products have been subjectively thought to provide excellent results with good safety, longevity by many plastic surgeons and dermatologists. Objectively, however, longevity of these products have not been well documented.
A recent study in a major peer-reviewed journal of plastic surgery has demonstrated excellent persistence of these fillers in the tear trough area ( the depression between the lower eyelid and cheek) through use of 3-dimensional imaging.
This is an area where patients may look tired and aged with bagginess of the lower...
HERE COMES THE BRIDE!!
June is just around the corner, bringing with it the busy summer wedding season. While all brides have that special glow and look beautiful on their special day, they still worry about how their wedding photos will look when mounted in that all-important album sitting on the coffee table.
With the growing trend for couples to marry later in life rather than earlier, today’s brides often look to non-surgical cosmetic rejuvenation procedures prior to their wedding day. Some choose to diminish their frown lines or crow’s feet with Botox, plump their lips with a temporary filler such as Juvederm, or...
Choosing Breast Implants: Silicone or Saline?
A recent clinical study compared levels of patient satisfaction regarding the choice of silicone vs. saline breast implants after postmastectomy breast reconstruction. The results of this study revealed a higher level of satisfaction in those patients who chose silicone implants. In fact, the study statistically indicated a significantly higher overall satisfaction with their breast reconstructions. In addition, the patients who chose silicone implants indicated improved psychological well-being and a greater sense of physical and sexual self-esteem.
The choice, however, is not always an easy one for women. This may in part be due to the media’s past portrayal of alleged...
No “Down Time” Bargain-Basement Surgery!
It seems as though every week or two I see a patient in consultation who, having had a procedure done through some nationally franchised practice, presents to me with complaints of less then optimal results, problems and complications, or just plain bad experiences. These patients have unfortunately fallen victim to companies who generate business by making outlandish claims and promising unrealistic results regarding the cosmetic surgical procedures they offer. They lure their patients through slick marketing campaigns, high-pressure office staffing, “astroturf marketing” , and infomercials.
These practices are frowned upon by qualified, ethical, board-certified plastic surgeons. As members of the...
What Is Mesotherapy/Injection Lipolysis?
Mesotherapy (injection lipolysis) is a cosmetic procedure that was originally developed by Dr. Michael Pistor in Europe. This technique claims to reduce excess fat in localized areas of the body. Recently, here in the United States, this “therapy” has been widely advertised as a viable alternative to conventional liposuction. Conventional liposuction is a surgical procedure requiring anesthesia and the skill of a good surgeon. Injectable lipolysis, on the other hand, is the practice of injecting a chemical “cocktail” into an area of localized subcutaneous fatty deposits. The procedure must be repeated several times to attain any indication of reduced...
Botox Seminar
A Botox mini-seminar was just completed several days ago at Spascape Dayspa in Scituate. The anti-aging effects of Botox were demonstrated on several patients. The injections were extremely well-tolerated and any discomfort was thought to be minimal in all patients.
With Vancouver and the Olympics on everyone’s mind right now, it is interesting to note that it was the Drs. Carruther, who still practice in Vancouver, that played a large part developing the cosmetic use of Botox. This cosmetic treatment continues to be very popular for men and women, helping to lessen wrinkles and soften features. Although the effects are...
Do You Know Your Rights to Reconstruction Following Mastectomy?
In 1998, the federal government passed the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act.
In essence, this Act required all health insurance carriers to provide the following benefits to women following mastectomies:
–Health insurance companies must pay for all stages of reconstruction on the post-mastectomy breast/breasts.
–Similarly, health insurance companies must pay for reconstruction of the unaffected breast if such reconstruction is needed to attain a symmetrical appearance.
–If complications were to arise post-mastectomy. any corrective surgery must be covered by the health insurer.
Click here to read this all-important Act in full.
A PROPOSED VANITY TAX BEING CONSIDERED BY CONGRESS
Now that the holidays are over, the media is once again concentrating on the proposed congressional healthcare bill. One of the components of that bill is a federal surtax on cosmetic procedures—surgical and non-surgical. This is considered a “vanity tax” which allegedly will help to pay for insuring the uninsured. The perception is that only wealthy people go to plastic or cosmetic surgeons and thus it is their responsibility somehow to partially bear the burden of insuring the uninsured millions. However, information gathered by the American Society of Plastic Surgery has revealed that not only are 91% of cosmetic...
Choosing a Surgicenter For Your Cosmetic Surgery?
Many patients prefer a safe and and private facility in which to have their cosmetic surgery procedure performed. It is for this reason that many cosmetic surgery procedures are done at outpatient surgicenters or other private facilities. It is, however, important to research the facility and insist that it is certified by a national organization such as the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). Such an organization (sometimes referred to as a “quad A” facility), establishes stringent guidelines and ensures that specific procedures and protocols are in place. This ensures that all cosmetic surgical procedures done...
The Skin Cancer Epidemic!!!
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 68,000 new cases are reported each year.
Recent studies have revealed a direct link between the ultraviolet light exposure in tanning beds and the increase in skin cancers in women 15-39 year of age. This has led to many states requiring written parental permission for a minor before they can use a tanning facility. The fact that these beds are “inside” does not make them any more safe than baking outside in the bright July sunlight! Besides, there are many self-tanning cosmetic products on the...