Skinplistic » Cosmetic Procedures

Hyperbaric hype?

Barbra Schroeder — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 19:12:19 +0000

This is quite interesting…From Daily Beauty:

"You may have heard that some cosmetic surgery patients are being prescribed sessions in a hyperbaric chamber after their operation, as it can increase oxygen flow, possibly helping to reduce swelling and speed up recovery time. However, this is not a post-op norm.

A hyperbaric chamber is a treatment where compressed oxygen helps to speed healing of specific diseases and disorders. While this treatment is purported to speed healing, there is no medical evidence to support its use following cosmetic surgery. This is a costly treatment that is unnecessary and not a standard of care."

New Technologies Tighten Skin From Head To Toe Without Surgery

Barbra Schroeder — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 05:30:49 +0000

MedicalNewsToday.com

If sagging skin is getting you down, recent advances in skin-tightening technologies can lift your spirits and your skin in a matter of a few office visits to your dermatologist. The beauty of these non-invasive procedures is their ability to treat loose skin virtually anywhere on the body without the risks and downtime associated with surgery.

Speaking today at the American Academy of Dermatology’s Summer Academy Meeting 2007, dermatologist David J. Goldberg, MD, JD, FAAD, clinical professor of dermatology and director of laser research at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, N.Y., discussed the rapidly expanding area of skin-tightening techniques and how they can safely and effectively treat sagging skin on the jowls, neck, arms, and stomach, as well as cellulite.

"The monopolar radiofrequency (RF) technology, which was introduced five years ago and which is credited as the first non-surgical skin-tightening device, has been the catalyst for what is now an explosion in non-invasive skin tightening with different technologies and areas of the body that we can treat," said Dr. Goldberg. "Originally used to lift the eyebrows, monopolar RF was found to be effective in tightening the jowls and neck area with its unique approach of cooling the outer layer of skin while heating the deeper layers to cause tightening. This basic principle is what shaped many of the latest skin-tightening technologies." Read More

Three Patients Sue Inland Plastic Surgeon

Barbra Schroeder — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 23:57:47 +0000

ThePressEnterprise.com
"She was minus a belly button because he forgot to put one in," Brandt said. "He needs to stop."

Three patients have sued an Inland plastic surgeon accused of dishonesty, unprofessional conduct and negligence by the state medical board. The lawsuits, filed in Riverside County and San Bernardino County superior courts, state surgeries that Dr. Borko Djordjevic performed in 2006 left patients permanently disfigured. The lawsuits accuse Djordjevic of negligence, battery and fraud. Two of the surgeries were performed after the Medical Board of California filed its accusation against Djordjevic on July 21, 2006.

"This guy’s trouble," said Upland attorney Brian Brandt, who filed lawsuits against Djordjevic and the now-defunct Beverly Hills Surgical Institute in Upland on behalf of patients Gina M. Chaney, of Rancho Cucamonga, and Patricia Gross, of Claremont, in San Bernardino County. "And he’s out there still operating." Read More

Have you noticed how unattractive most plastic surgery advertising is?

Barbra Schroeder — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 23:36:15 +0000

AdvertisingIsGoodForYou.com
You would think people who are promoting a service related to aesthetics would know enough to insist on communications materials that are exceptionally well designed and attractive. Yet, that’s usually not the case with advertising for plastic surgeons’ offices.

This is a charming exception.

These cups are impeccably designed and even witty — one wouldn’t assume wittiness would be appropriate for a service that requires cutting one’s face open, yet it works very well here. Read More

The Endoscopic Advantage

Barbra Schroeder — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 05:46:17 +0000

DaillyBeauty.com
A mid-facelift can be achieved through incisions of 1 to 2 cm in length using endoscopic technology. Endoscopes allow surgeons to view and reach distant anatomies through very small incisions and require very specific training, as your surgeon will be relying on a camera and screen. Among the pioneers in endoscopic plastic surgery is Salt Lake City plastic surgeon Renato Saltz, MD, who explains, “Endoscopy is minimally invasive surgery. It may take a three- to four-hour procedure down to one hour, with less trauma and ultimately less recovery time." For a mid-facelift, Dr. Saltz favors endoscopic methods. “The results can be much better, as the endoscope allows us to reach deeper or more contained pockets of fat we otherwise could not.”

New Treatment Hopes to Erase Wrinkles- Claims to be Permanent

Barbra Schroeder — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 05:07:50 +0000

abc7news.com

A new wrinkle filler is creating quite a buzz for those trying turn back the clock. For the first time, a product is claiming it can erase certain lines permanently. Patti Cook, Facial Filler Patient: "What I don’t like are the wrinkles and creases in my face." Patti Cook is typical of many women, looking for a more youthful appearance without surgery. Patti Cook: "It would be nice to be 5 or 10 years younger." She’s especially interested in erasing the creases going from her nose to her lips. In the last several years, there’s been an explosion of facial fillers receiving FDA approval. Products like Juvederm and Restylane could help Patti plump her creases. But typically these fillers last only six to eight months and that means the user needs to get shots once or twice a year to maintain that effect. But that may all be changing with a new filler called Artefill which claims to be permanent. Read More / Watch Segment

Is Your Plastic Surgeon Accredited?

Barbra Schroeder — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 00:30:05 +0000

We all want to trust the white coat but all doctors are not trained in plastic surgery and some do not have the proper credentials. Based on a poll conducted by the American Association of Plastic Surgeons, many of you do not know if your doctor is accredited nor have you done any research on the procedure at hand.

According to the poll, only 28% of patients checked their doctors’ credentials. While 91% of patients were aware of what to expect prior to the surgery, less than 50% knew of the side effects that could occur do to plastic surgery like, blood clots or nausea. Remember, there are regulations for staff and facilities as well as equipment but it varies from state to state. Do your homework to ensure yourself safety and a satisfying experience.

Although 80% of the patients polled were in fact pleased with their results, 40% did say they wish they had done more research! While there are very few cases of major deformities, minor injuries can affect you deeply especially if you could have done more research and possibly prevented any mishap.

[ Via RealSelf.com ]

New Beauty suggests when choosing your surgical facility, during your consultation be sure to get the answers to these five essential questions:

1. Is the facility where my procedure would be performed accredited and in good standing with one of the four accrediting organizations listed below?
2. Is this where you regularly perform procedures such as the one I am having?
3. In the event of an emergency, what is the emergency plan?
4. What hospital would I be taken to, how far away is it and do you have privileges at the hospital for the procedure you will perform on me?
5. What is the date of the facility’s most recent accreditation review?

Accrediting Organizations:
The American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities
(800) 545-5222
The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
(630) 792-5800
The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care
(847) 853-6060
The American Osteopathic Association
(800) 621-1773

Botox for Migraines?

Barbra Schroeder — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 00:58:14 +0000

Dr. Jeffery Janis a plastic surgeon from UT Southwestern Medical Center has been performing an innovative surgical technique that uses the ‘anti-aging’ drug Botox to diminish the severity and frequency of migraines. For patient Sharron Schafer Bennett the procedure proved to be life changing. Her headaches had been so sever they limited her participation in family events and other daily activities. After undergoing this new procedure, Bennett’s migraines were reduced in intensity and frequency, from 2 or 3 a week to one every few months.

The technique uses “Botox to pinpoint which of several specific muscles in the forehead, back of the head or temple areas [that] may be serving as "trigger points" to compress, irritate or entrap nerves that could be causing the migraine.” Botox is usually effective at paralyzing the muscle for approximately three months. During this time, doctors can determine if the headaches go away or become less intense. Based on the specific injection locations, the doctors would then be able to successfully target the muscle [causing problems] which can then be removed, resulting in long-term or even permanent relief.

Not all doctors, however, are take this systematic approach. Dr. Janis states, "Many neurologists are using Botox to treat migraines, but they are making the injections in a ‘headband-like’ circle around the forehead, temple and skull. They are not looking at finding the specific location of the headache’s trigger point. While patients may get temporary relief, after the Botox wears off they will have to go back and get more injections or continue medications for migraines.”

Not only is Botox one of the most popular anti-aging treatments available but it’s now also a potential cure for sever migraines. Although this new procedure is still in its infancy, the results have proven Botox to be effective at preventing migraines [and wrinkles].

If you suffer from migraines or would like more information please visit: UT Southwest Medical Center

Jeffery Janis, M.D.

[ Via MedicalNewsToday.com ]

Dermal Fillers: Promoting Collagen Production

Barbra Schroeder — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 07:14:54 +0000

According to a recent article in the February issue of Archives of Dermatology, “dermal fillers” containing hyaluronic acids seem to promote collagen production. Hyaluronic acid is a natural compound found in skin and connective tissue. When injected, its molecules bind to water in the skin “hydrating and firming” its structure.

NASHA (non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid) injections promote collagen production through several mechanisms:

• Stimulation of growth factor
• Inhibition of collagen breakdown
• Mechanical stretching of fibroblasts (cells that secret collagen)

The physical streching of fibroblats will induce production of compounds which promote collagen production and suppress chemicals that breakdown the skin’s cell structure thus, over time will repair and prevent further damage to the skin.

Note: hyaluronic acid rapidly diminishes as we age, and is directly associated with dehydration and wrinkles.

Archives of Dermatology

[Via MedicalNewsToday.com]

FDA Warning: Dangerous Anesthetic Creams

Barbra Schroeder — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 07:34:47 +0000

The FDA is warning consumers about certain products widely used to numb the skin during or after common cosmetic procedures. Topical anesthetics in gel or cream form are usually applied to lessen a patients discomfort during these common procedures. These seemingly harmless topical numbing creams may actually be life threatening if administered incorrectly, two young women have already died.

Look out for: lidocaine, tetracaine, benzocaine, and prilocaine. Some of these products are prescribed and some are available over the counter, specific doses do in fact numb the skin, however; an overdose can become toxic and may cause seizures, convolutions, comatose and even death. If you are currently using any of these products you should consult with a doctor to prevent possible misuse.

FDA Public Health Advisory [ Via KVUE.com ]