New Juvederm XC Touts Benefits of Anesthetic

February 8th, 2010 by editor

Just a week after we posted about the benefits of using of lidocaine during cosmetic juvederm_bay_areainjections, the FDA granted clearance to the new Juvederm XC – a  filler with 0.3 % lidocaine. The new formula is the most recent addition to the list of “more comfortable” hyaluronic acid fillers.

Manufacturer Allergan Inc posted data about patient comfort obtained during clinical trials, reporting that over 90 percent of the 72 participating subjects said they experienced less pain with Juvederm XC.

That data is crucial, because some people have questioned the value of anesthetic contained in a dermal filler: Is it just for the sake of marketing? When Prevelle Silk came out in 2008, Dr. Joe Niamtu said this to Cosmetic Surgery Times:

“The issue with a hyaluronic acid filler with lidocaine is that it doesn’t work until you actually start injecting patients, and these injections are so quick, by the time the lidocaine takes effect, you’re almost finished”

I wouldn’t expect plastic surgeons to abandon the already effective methods of pain management, but if the Juvederm XC formula acts quickly enough and you get a more comfortable treatment, that can’t be a bad thing.  We’ll know more when the filler comes to San Francisco.

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Factors That Affect The Natural Feel of Breast Implants

February 1st, 2010 by editor

How can I get a natural results from breast augmentation? Although breast implants are all designed to closely mimic natural breast tissue, this is a very common question.

Most plastic surgeons agree that silicone implants mimic natural breast tissue more closely than saline. However, natural results can be achieved with either implant. If you’re concerned about getting a natural look or feel in your breast implants, there are a few factors to consider:

  • The amount of tissue covering the implant will affect the way it looks and feels, so you make sure you discuss implant placement options (sub glandular, sub-muscular or partial sub-muscular) in breast implant placement.
  • After breast augmentation with saline implants, the breasts may be very firm but soften over time.
  • Patients with a thin body and thin breast tissue will often be advised to choose silicone implants because of the possibility of visible wrinkling caused by a lack of adequate soft tissue coverage.
  • Choosing the proper breast implant size is critical for achieving a natural result that matches your body size.

Read more about breast augmentation in San Francisco

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Cosmetic Injections: Can They Be Comfortable?

January 25th, 2010 by editor

If you’ve considered getting a little cosmetic work done, but find yourself hesitating botox_stratbecause of needles and potential pain, you’re not alone. Prevelle, Juvederm, Hydrelle, and Restylane are just a few of the products out there designed to restore facial volume and correct wrinkles. Many people are interested in the benefits but have to ask, “Just how much is this going to hurt?”

Lidocaine helps control discomfort and swelling

Today, a number of non-surgical facial procedures can be done with little or no discomfort, thanks to local anesthetics that numb one or more areas of the face beforehand. Lidocaine is the one most frequently used by plastic surgeons, and there’s no doubt it makes an injectable procedure more comfortable for the patient.

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Fraxel Restore Laser Donated to Global Burn Foundation

January 18th, 2010 by editor

Solta Medical Inc., a global leader in the medical aesthetics field, has this week announced that it is donating one of its Fraxel re:store laser systems to the Grossman Burn Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Grossman Burn Center.

The Fraxel system will be used to reduce the appearance of scarring caused by traumatic thermal damage. The Burn Center is a worldwide leader in innovative treatment and care for burn patients and their families.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, the Grossman Burn Center (GBC) is the largest plastic surgery-based burn practice in the western United States. But the work of the Foundation does not stop on the US border. The Grossman Burn Foundation provides burn care and medical resources in developing countries all over the world, including a burn center in Kabul and a physician triage training program for doctors in underdeveloped countries. The Foundation is also involved in the development and distribution of satellite based telemedicine equipment to doctors and first responders all over the globe.

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Tummy Tuck Surgery: Making a Well Informed Decision

January 18th, 2010 by editor

Today, I want to talk about the importance of making a well-informed decision when you are considering cosmetic surgery. Specifically, let’s focus on one of the most requested procedures – the tummy tuck – and how you can determine which procedure might be best for you.

Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty is one of the top 5 plastic surgery procedures performed each year in the U.S. The traditional abdominoplasty involves removing a significant amount of loose, sagging skin, tightening the abdominal muscle wall, and reshaping the upper and lower abdomen. In the process, stretch marks in the area are eliminated and the navel is repositioned to accommodate the new contours of the body. The result is often dramatic, with the mid body restored to a taut, firm condition and a more youthful, attractive appearance.

Mini Abdominoplasty

A mini abdominoplasty (also known as a partial abdominoplasty or “mini tummy tuck”) is a variation on the full abdominoplasty, but designed to remove excess fat and loose skin only on the lower abdomen, below the navel. If you are within 10% of the ideal weight for your age and height and have relatively good skin tone and muscle tone on your upper abdomen, you may benefit from this procedure.

A mini abdominoplasty typically consists of removing excess fat and loose skin to correct a sagging lower belly. In some cases, the procedure includes tightening the lower abdominal muscles and/or doing liposuction to further sculpt the abdomen into an aesthetically pleasing shape and contour. Mini abdominoplasty will not eliminate stretch marks on your upper abdominal area, and the navel is left intact.

Which Procedure is Right for You?

To determine whether or not you are a good candidate for the mini abdominoplasty, it’s important for you to do your homework. If you’re reading this blog, you’re already on your way and that’s great! You’ll want to gather as much information as you need to help you make a choice that’s best for you and that you feel comfortable with.

If you know individuals who have undergone this procedure, you have the advantage of being able to learn about their experiences and ask questions you likely have. But even if you choose not to discuss it with anyone, you have a wealth of information at your disposal.

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Before and After Photos Teach Kids About Drug Use

January 7th, 2010 by editor

For plastic surgeons, before and after photos are an effective tool for documenting the benefits of cosmetic procedures. But police in California are using the same type of pictures in a different manner; they’re documenting the risks of methamphetamine use.

Using software developed right here in the San Francisco area, police officers are educating young people about the extreme premature aging caused by drug use. For those concerned at all about their appearance, the program could make a considerable impact.

ABC News reports on the program, appropriately called “Face2Face.”

The program takes one step further the anti-meth campaigns instituted in several states that use before and after photographs of real meth addicts to show how the drug ravages not only a person’s health, but also their looks.

Read more on abc news

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What Happens After a Fraxel Treatment?

January 6th, 2010 by editor

After Fraxel treatment, the most common skin reactions are redness, swelling, and a warm feeling to the skin.  People often compare it to a bad sunburn that lasts for about 3 days on average. After that, the skin starts to bronze with brown spots (the dead cells coming to the surface) and then peels. This continues for a few more days as the skin heals and becomes clearer.

Are there possible side effects?

Some adverse reactions have been documented. Darkening of the skin, also called “post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation” can occur in Asians and darker skinned individuals.  This is best prevented by pretreatment of the skin with a bleaching agent like hydroquinone.

Another side effect is hypopigmentation, where some coloration is removed from the skin. This is unfortunate occurrence is possible, but extremely rare. Personally, I have never seen this, but I do discuss this with all my patients in advance.

Read more about Fraxel laser treatment in the Bay Area

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VASER Liposuction Video with Q&A

January 4th, 2010 by editor

Q: What is the best method of liposuction?

A: There is no best method because each platform has its own benefits. For example, water-assisted liposuction can remove a large volume of fat, while VASER liposuction is good for ultra-precise body contouring.

Q: Why do I keep hearing about new liposuction methods?

A: Plastic and cosmetic surgeons are trying to set themselves apart with more effective liposuction methods. You might hear about “reduced downtime” or “reduced trauma to surrounding tissues” in the marketing for these procedures; just know that any proven liposuction technique will utilize the same basic tools as the standard tumescent liposuction technique.

Q: Can I get liposuction anywhere on my body? What is the most common area to treat?

A: Lots of people are surprised to hear that liposuction can treat many areas of the body. Areas like the abdomen and thighs are probably most common, but you can get liposuction below your chin or even around your knees.

Q: What type of doctor is most qualified to perform liposuction?

A: To get the best results, see a plastic surgeon for your liposuction.

Q: Is liposuction “minimally-invasive” like some of the advertising says?

A: The techniques have improved over time, making recovery quicker and incisions smaller, but liposuction is still cosmetic surgery. It’s not like getting a quick Botox injection.

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New Year’s Resolutions for Your Skin Health

December 22nd, 2009 by editor

In 2010, we want our patients in San Francisco to work toward better health and better skin. That means stop procrastinating, stop making excuses and follow these steps to look and feel better this coming year:

1: Get yourself a series of microdermabrasion treatments to soften those fine lines and wrinkles, minimize sunspots, stimulate collagen production and give your face a youthful glow. Go every 2 weeks or so for a quick session and you can maintain that healthy complexion.

2. Commit to using sun block to protect your skincare investment. Obagi makes a great sunblock that won’t clog pores, make the skin feel greasy or cause unwanted breakouts. To prevent premature aging, blotchy skin and decrease your risk of skin cancer, use it regularly according the directions.

3. See a professional aesthetician for instruction on how to use the right skin care products in the proper order at the proper times. Don’t buy every trendy, shiny new skin care product that comes along. Instead, simplify and do the right thing: one aesthetician, one set of products chosen just for your particular skin, and one place to return to for periodic facials and replenishing of products. We call that skin care monogamy.

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20/20 Explores Scary World of DIY Cosmetics

December 7th, 2009 by newseditor

According to this segment from ABC news and 20/20, chemical peels, diy_cosm2botulinum toxin and cosmetic wrinkle fillers are being illegally purchased online – without a prescription or a visit to a physician.

20/20 documents some of the scary experiences of a few women who purchased cosmetic products from a Texas-based website and tried to use them.

The products purchased from “discount medspa”  came in generic packaging and the contents remain somewhat mysterious.  An employee of the site had been marketing the products by posting instructional videos on how to perform do-it-yourself cosmetic procedures.

While it seems like an obvious violation of common sense to attempt these things, stories like this continue to surface in the news.  If you do any reading on RealSelf.com or on the websites of plastic surgeons, you’ll constantly be told to “see a board-certified plastic surgeon” for your treatment.  It may seem redundant, but it appears that people still need to be reminded.

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