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SkinCeuticals Pigment Regulator Featured in Allure
March 8th, 2010 by editorPlastic Surgeon Skeptical of Facial Acupuncture Treatments
March 1st, 2010 by editorTo temporarily reduce the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles, some people are spending their time and money on acupuncture, the ancient Chinese therapy long believed to bring relief from many physical ailments and emotional imbalances.
In this recent ABC News segment Philadelphia plastic surgeon Dr. Bruce Genter says he’s skeptical about acupuncture for wrinkle treatment, pointing to the lack of supporting scientific evidence for that purpose. Still, some people claim that it works; are they seeing real results or perhaps letting optimism cloud their judgment?
Julia Engstrom, who says she has used Botox and laser treatments in the past, believes facial acupuncture has improved the texture of her skin and reduced the appearance of wrinkles. Nearing the end of 10 treatments, she says her improvements have come through improved sleep and relaxation. “I’ve noticed that my skin is a lot smoother, [there’s] a lot less red pigment in there and the wrinkling seems to be a lot less,” Engstrom said. “I [also] have a lot less darkening under my eyes and I’ve been getting a lot of compliments.”
Acupuncture, a process during which tiny needles are placed strategically into the body, is said to bring improved health and well-being. In an article for Prevention magazine, licensed acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner Phyllis Olson asserts that acupuncture can indeed lessen the appearance of wrinkles. She attributes this to a core premise of acupuncture – that health is reliant upon the healthy flow of chi (energy) in the body, which can be disrupted for a myriad of reasons. Acupuncture treatments are believed to break up energy blockages that prevent optimal blood flow to certain places in the body, improving circulation.
Beata Maslanka, acupuncturist in Philadelphia and author of the “Art of Wellness” acknowledges that acupuncture doesn’t yield visible results that compare to Botox or other facial fillers, but claims that beauty actually comes from within; looking good comes from resolving internal imbalances.
Olson agrees, noting that the treatments foster relaxation of facial muscles, thereby reducing wrinkles. “Aside from the light, momentary stings, acupuncture is really quite relaxing,” she adds.
The results Ms. Engstrom points to are hard to discern from the video, but one can wonder about the salutary effects of relaxation and optimism, not to mention the natural human tendency to see (and believe) what we want to see.
If acupuncture does have a wrinkle-relaxing effect, how long could this last?
NYC dermatologic surgeon Barney Kenet, MD tells Prevention: “If acupuncture relaxes the muscles, it might reduce wrinkling temporarily. As for the increased blood flow, at most it will probably give you a temporary rosy complexion–something you don’t want if you have an inflammatory condition such as acne or rosacea,” he warns. “Otherwise, cosmetic acupuncture is relatively harmless.”
Maybe so, but then you may want to consider the cost of acupuncture. The average price is about $60 to $100 per session, with 10 sessions recommended by Olson, followed by monthly maintenance procedures.
In contrast, the average Botox treatment in the US costs $472 and a single treatment will last 3-6 months. By comparison, this makes acupuncture wrinkle treatments appear costly as well as unproven. Dr. Genter, whose patients are proof that Botox and other facial fillers visibly reduce the effects of aging on the face, says: ”If it increases your well-being that’s great, I just don’t know that it can make your face look younger.”
Migraine Headaches May Be Treated With Botox: New Study
February 21st, 2010 by editorIn the future, Botox could be approved as a treatment for migraine headaches. New research published in Archives of Dermatology documents the recent clinical studies of Botox as a headache treatment, finding that certain patients experienced less frequent migraine attacks: “patients who responded to Botox reported their migraines were reduced to fewer than 1 day a month from almost 7,” said Bloomberg news.
Botox manufacturer Allergan Inc has applied for FDA clearance to market Botox as a headache treatment. However, researchers say they cannot fully explain how Botox works to relieve headaches. One co-author of the study, Rami Burstein says, “it may block the signals in sensory nerves located on the outside of the head.”
Abdominoplasty: A Procedure For Men?
February 15th, 2010 by editorBecause tummy tuck surgery is often discussed in the context of women trying to 
improve their figure after pregnancy, many potential patients remain unaware of the surgery and how it may benefit them. Men are often part of that group and therefore, often hesitate to speak with doctors about this procedure.
One patient who documented his tummy tuck experience online said he perceived a “stigma or shame associated with male tummy tucks,” saying he was “initially embarrassed” when he first made inquiries about the operation.
A good plastic surgeon will be able to give you specific advice about abdominoplasty on a male patient. One man on RealSelf asks about skin laxity on his abdomen due to weight loss:
I’m dealing with loose skin after a 50 lbs weight loss in my teens. I’ve totally transformed and I’m very athletic with well-defined abs, but have laxity mostly below the navel and around the lower back. The problem areas are very localized and I hide it under the belt line with no one suspecting I was obese. But I feel “unfinished.” The front skin is very thin and hangs, the back is mostly smooth. Is there a tummy tuck technique that would excise the abdominal skin and provide modest tightening in the lower back?
Dr. Chris Hess, a Fairfax plastic surgeon, answers: “Even though we tend to have better skin tone than women, we can still end up with excess skin due to skin memory. It sounds like you could undergo a mild excision of the excess tissue — less than a mini tummy tuck.”
Some cases are more severe. When a man has experienced a greater weight reduction, the full tummy tuck may be recommended. Dr. Cuzalina of Tulsa Surgical Arts writes “Do not hesitate to use a full abdominoplasty for a male patient with extreme skin laxity. Men tend to heal better than women after abdominoplasty.”
A comprehensive approach such as this may be necessary to provide satisfactory results. Dr. Alan Matarasso, scientific editor of Aesthetic Surgery Journal tells Modernmedicine.com “you really need to treat [men] circumferentially, all the way around, because if you ask most men what bothers them, it’s the ‘love handles,’ and that goes all the way around to the back.”
Clearly, many plastic and cosmetic surgeons can offer specific advice for men considering abdominoplasty. So if you think you might benefit from the procedure, ignore any perceived “stigma” and ask a qualified surgeon for more details.
Related Links
New Juvederm XC Touts Benefits of Anesthetic
February 8th, 2010 by editorJust a week after we posted about the benefits of using of lidocaine during cosmetic 
injections, 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.
Factors That Affect The Natural Feel of Breast Implants
February 1st, 2010 by editorHow 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.
Cosmetic Injections: Can They Be Comfortable?
January 25th, 2010 by editorIf you’ve considered getting a little cosmetic work done, but find yourself hesitating 
because 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.
Fraxel Restore Laser Donated to Global Burn Foundation
January 18th, 2010 by editorSolta 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.
Tummy Tuck Surgery: Making a Well Informed Decision
January 18th, 2010 by editorToday, 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.
Before and After Photos Teach Kids About Drug Use
January 7th, 2010 by editorFor 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.
