Vashe Wound Therapy Helps Heal Chronic Wounds

Current post-operative care methods for skin grafts and burns involve the application of bandages, administration of vitamins and topical agents to the skin, and protection from sunlight. One company has developed a proprietary solution that may help to speed up the wound healing process while killing off infectious pathogens. PuriCore, a life sciences company that specializes in developing various types of skin solutions, has been performing randomized clinical trials with a product called Vashe Wound Therapy.

Vashe Wound Therapy is a medical device designed to support the wound healing process. The treatment has been used successfully and without any adverse side effects in more than 100,000 treatments, and is proving to an effective and economical alternative to common wound irrigation solutions.

The clinical trials were conducted by the Co-Director of the Arizona Burn Center of the Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona and results show that the treatment is just as effective as the 5% Sulfamylon® solution, a synthetic agent that is commonly used for the post-operative care of grafts for burns. Infection rates for the Vashe Wound Therapy and the Sulfamylon® solution were equivalent, but Vashe Wound Therapy boasts a greater than 50% cost savings.

Dr. Foster points out that, “Vashe Wound Therapy is an exciting new alternative technology that demonstrates clinical efficacy for post-operative skin graft irrigation while offering significant overall cost savings…this trial also suggests that Vashe has further potential for pain improvement opportunities.”

PuriCore’s CEO Greg Bosch also indicates that the clinical results prove that Vashe Wound Therapy is very effective for wound care and offers an additional boost to the body’s own defense system, making it much easier for the body to heal after burns or different types of surgery. The treatment is biocompatible, non-mutagenic and non-cytotoxic, and offers a safe and effective alternative to many solutions used to treat infected wounds and post-operative surgical sites.

(Source: MedicalNewsToday)

St. Louis Law Firm Files Lawsuit Over Botox Overdose

A St. Louis resident experienced partial respiratory paralysis after receiving an overdose of Botox at the St. Louis University Hospital recently. He was being treated for muscle spasticity, and Botox was being used for one of its off-label purposes in this particular case.

The patient Richard Hart suffers from a medical condition that affects his neck, and reportedly received 300 units of Botox on August 20, 2007, 200 units on September 20, 2007 and 400 units on October 5, 2007. By the middle of October that same year, Hart reported breathing problems and difficulty swallowing. The effects continued, and resulted in blurred vision, muscle weakness and the partial paralysis of his respiratory muscles.

The lawsuit alleges that the doctor who administered the drug was negligent and did not accurately monitor Hart’s Botox doses. If the doctor had maintained the recommended dosage schedule, Richard Hart may not have experienced any of the side effects or had to deal with the eventual partial failure of his respiratory system.

Mr. Hart’s case is being represented by the Lowe Law Firm based in St. Louis, a firm that handles a variety of personal injury, medical malpractice, product liability and commercial cases throughout the United States. According to Jeff Lowe, one of the attorneys representing Dr. Hart, “Botulism is one of the most toxic substances known to man. My client suffers from botulism poisoning, a painful and terminal illness.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has already taken a stand on the potential risks and dangers of Botox, requiring that a warning is added to the packaging of all botulinum toxin products. The FDA requires that the Botox warning label explains that toxins can spread from the injection site to other areas of the body, and that they may also be the cause of many symptoms associated with botulism.

(Source: MedicalNewsToday)

Elsevier Releases Illustrated “Aesthetic Plastic Surgery” Book

Elsevier is the world’s leading publisher of scientific, technical and medical information, and has recently produced a comprehensive book about aesthetic plastic surgery. The book is full of illustrations and has been created by international contributors to provide a broad view and up-to-date perspective on aesthetic surgery procedures and the state of the industry.

In addition to outlining what the various outcomes of cosmetic surgery procedures are, the text lays out various techniques and innovative tools used to perform advanced procedures including the MACS lift,  endoscopic facelifts, cohesive gel breast augmentation, lipoabdominoplasty and suture suspension threadlifts amongst others. The book also covers, in detail, the procedure and outcomes of Sculptra, Restylane, Botox and Radiesse.

According to Sue Hodgson, Publishing Director for Global Medicine at Elsevier, “All of the major contemporary procedures in aesthetic plastic surgery are covered and described by the experts in the field. It is a resource no surgeon who performs aesthetic procedures can afford to be without.”

The text has been edited and reviewed by several notable plastic surgeons and professors of plastic surgery. The three editors of the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery book are Sherrell Aston, MD, FACS, the past president of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and Chairman of the Department of Plastic Surgery at the Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital in New York; Douglas Steinbrech, MD, FACS, the Clinical Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery at the New York University School of Medicine and an attending surgeon at Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital in New York, and Jennifer l. Walden, MD, FACS, an attending surgeon and Program Director in Plastic Surgery at the Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital in New York.

The book is designed to serve as a practical guide for both beginner and experienced surgeons, and contains the latest information on a wide range of procedures and techniques.

UK Surgeons Demand Ban on Advertising of Plastic Surgery

The media and advertisers continue to produce persuasive ads promising the fountain of youth in an injection or with surgery, but some plastic surgeons around the globe are saying that it’s time to call a ‘time out’ on this type of marketing. Nigel Mercer, President of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) recently stated that it’s time to call a ‘halt’ on the unregulated trade of advertising cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures.

Dr. Mercer points out that many of the medical and non-medical procedures that have entered the market have been able to draw in huge profits by promoting the illusion of a perfect body – only to leave patients disappointed after they pay the high price for surgery.

He states, “We have reached a stage where public expectation, driven by media hype and, dare one say, professional greed, has brought us to a ‘perfect storm’ in the cosmetic surgical market.”

Today, many plastic and cosmetic surgeons have been able to attract more business simply by offering non-invasive procedures such as Botox, Hydrelle, laser peels and other wrinkle treatments that cost a fraction of the price of most types of surgery. Still, demand for breast augmentation, facelifts and liposuction continues to remain strong, but much of this is prompted by surgeons who are boosting business by offering two-for-one offers, deep discounts on conventional procedures, and aggressively marketing the idea of transforming the body or face with just a single procedure.

Members of the BAAPS warn that it’s every doctor’s primary responsibility to protect the patient, and to not always look out for their profit potential. However, many doctors are simply looking for financial gain, and will do everything possible to attract more patients – even if it means undertaking false advertising practices. Still, many UK surgeons are stating that surgery is simply not a ‘quick-fix’ solution, and that all patients should be advised about the potential risks and dangers associated with their procedure.

New York Plastic Surgeon Reduces Pain of Rhinoplasty with New Technique

Rhinoplasty, otherwise known as a ‘nose job’, typically involves the removal of nasal tissues and resculpting of the nose to create a more aesthetically pleasing profile. However, rhinoplasty is often associated with post-operative pain, and this pain is a common fear of rhinoplasty patients. Dr. Oleh Slupchynskyj, Director of the Aesthetic Institute of New York and New Jersey, has recently unveiled an innovative rhinoplasty procedure that does not use traditional packing methods and results in less pain.

Dr. Slupchynskyj uses a state-of-the-art plant-based biopolymer material which is easily absorbed into the tissue and helps with the clotting process.  He states that, “rhinoplasty can be performed with minimal or no bleeding post-operatively, therefore with a majority of my patients, I don’t use nasal packing…if it is necessary, I use a dissolvable packing which is much more comfortable for the patient and disintegrates over 24 hours.”

Rhinoplasty procedures continue to be among the most sought-after cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures for men and women alike, but many people refrain from undergoing this procedure because of the pain associated with it. The procedure typically takes several hours and requires several days  and weeks of downtime. Only a few surgeons use advanced techniques that can minimize pain and irritation associated with the packing process, and this may provide more options for patients.

Dr. Slupchynskyj is double board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngolgoy, and has advanced training for the head, neck and face. He has been named one of the Top Surgeons of 2009 by the Consumers’ Research Council of America, and has created a number of surgical alternatives including the “S” implant that helps create an attractive profile for African American patients.

More information about the latest rhinoplasty procedures and developments can be found here.

ASPS Confirms Liposuctioned Fat a Good Alternative to Implants

Women who do not want to undergo breast augmentation and breast reconstruction surgery may now have an attractive to silicone and saline implants. After much debate over the safety and effectiveness of fat injections, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons has confirmed that liposuctioned fat may be a good alternative to breast implants. Results of a new study were presented at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Plastic Surgery 2009 Conference in October, and research pointed to the efficacy and safety surrounding fat injections in breast tissue.

Testing was performed on 50 women between the ages of 17 to 63. Five of the women had two grafting procedures, while the others had just one grafting procedure. Fat was extracted from various parts of the body including the upper thighs, hips and abdomen, and then re-injected into the breasts. In some cases, a graft was performed so that the skin could expand easily from the extra tissue. Each patient returned for a follow up test at the 9 month, three year and five year mark, and researchers report a high satisfaction rate and an average increase in breast volume between the 6 month to 12 month mark (approximately less than a full cup size). The overall success rate for this innovative fat grafting technique was 85%. (Source: eMaxHealth.com)

While this procedure presents a number of benefits and some new options for women seeking breast augmentation, it does have some drawbacks. If the woman was to gain or lose a significant amount of weight, the effects of the fat graft would become obsolete. Researchers also pointed out that natural changes in breast volume because of hormones, stress and other issues, would result in less than desirable results.

Demand for breast augmentation procedures continues to be strong in the United States and overseas. In 2008, more than 307,000 breast augmentation procedures were performed in the United States alone.

Medical Tourism Company Reports 300% Increase in Holiday Season Bookings

As the economy continues to improve at a steady rate, medical tourism companies are noticing a gradual increase in demand for overseas cosmetic surgery. Economists are pointing out that the recession economy will change course soon, and this is encouraging more bookings of cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures.

According to Cosmetic Harmony, one of the world’s most recognized medical tourism companies, the holiday season and an improved economic outlook have triggered a “huge surge” in demand for procedures.

Cosmetic Harmony saw a 300% increase in reservations since last holiday season, pointing out that more people who held back during the credit crunch are now in a good position to pay for a relatively pricey vacation and get the cosmetic surgery they want.

Cosmetic Harmony is a medical tourism company based in Bogota, Colombia that offers cheap cosmetic surgery packages with procedures performed in a world-class facility. Anthony Giudice, Vice-President of Sales of Cosmetic Harmony indicates that “not only is our company experiencing a boom in the market, but Colombia as a country is also growing. The market is showing positive signs and there will be a progress in all the activities in Colombia. We are very proud of our surgeons who are ready to work hard this holiday season. It is due to their quality work that satisfies our patients and we are experiencing this surge in business.” (Source: Cosmetic Harmony Press Release)

Medical tourism experienced a significant boom in the early 2000s as surgeons and companies overseas offered attractively priced packages and treatment options for patients on every budget. Tummy tucks, breast augmentation procedures, body contouring and non-invasive procedures typically cost between 25% to 70% off the average price of procedures in the United States and the United Kingdom, and destinations including Argentina, Colombia, Bangkok and Thailand all offer significantly reduced pricing on several highly sought-after procedures.

Half of UK Secondary School Girls Considering Plastic Surgery

A recent report from Girlguiding UK reveals that almost 50%of girls between the ages of 16 and 21 would consider having surgery to change the way they look. The findings indicate that more than  one in ten girls between the ages of 11 and 16 would undergo gastric band or cosmetic surgery so that they could feel better about themselves, and researchers found a strong correlation between girls’ school achievement and their attitude toward their bodies.

According to the study, 43 percent of girls attending a secondary school whose performance was either good or outstanding would not consider plastic surgery, but a high percentage of girls who were getting satisfactory or poor grades would consider it.

Other research findings show that many young girls – especially those in the 11 to 16 year old age range – were simply not happy with their appearance, and that their self-esteem appeared to drop significantly during their teenage years. Some of the most common concerns about appearance of these young girls was to alter their teeth, improve their skin or hair, or make themselves thinner. Body shape was among the most important concerns for girls in this category, which is why gastric banding and other types of cosmetic surgery were considered to be a top priority for these young women.

The Girlguiding UK report concludes that, “Few girls up to the age of 16 consider using surgical methods to change their appearance, but once that becomes a genuine option at the age of 18, cosmetic surgery far outstrips all others as their procedure of choice…girls aged 16-21 demonstrate a high level of self-awareness when it comes to risky behaviors.” Even though many of these girls deal with issues surrounding alcohol, eating disorders and irresponsible sexual behavior, they are also often tackling issues surrounding their appearance and body image.

The full report from Girlsguiding UK can be found here.

Surgeon Introduces iSurgeon Apple iPhone Application

If you’ve ever wondered what you might look like if you went ahead with plastic surgery, there is now an iPhone application available to help you find out. The iSurgeon application has been designed and launched by Dr. Michael Salzhauer, the author of “My Beautiful Mommy”, a book that stirred up controversy last year because it was designed to teach children ‘deal’ with their mother’s plastic surgery.

The iSurgeon iPhone App allows patients to alter images of themselves to find out what they might look like after undergon plastic surgery. They can pick out different size implants, lip augmentation options, and see what they might look like after a tummy tuck from the convenience of their iPhone. The app will be free for the first month of its release, and can then be downloaded for a fee.

According to Dr. Salzhauer, “iSurgeon serves a dual purpose, providing those interested in cosmetic surgery treatments with a clear visual of what they would look like post-surgery, while also providing a fun entertaining game tool.” (Source: Reuters.com)

The app is capable of rendering realistic images based on a basic uploaded image, and the digital version can be stored on the iPhone for further review by the patient and their plastic surgeons

Another similar app has been developed by Dr. David Shafer of New York. The Shafer Plastic Surgery App was launched in October 2009, also for the Apple iPhone. This app features over 1,000 questions and answers about different cosmetic surgery procedures and is designed primarily for patients looking for more information about different procedures. Patients can send questions directly to the plastic surgeon from their mobile device. The Shafer Plastic Surgery App costs $2.99 for its full version.

More information about common questions and answers related to plastic and cosmetic procedures can be found here.

(Photo courtesy of Apple.com)

Plastic Surgeons Concerned About Botox Breast Lift

Breast augmentation and breast enhancement procedures continue to be amongst the most sought-after procedures by women around the globe, and there are now hundreds of breast enhancing products and ‘cleavage rejuvenation’ kits available for those who aren’t ready to pursue surgery.

One of the latest innovations in this area is the Botox Breast Lift, a treatment that promises to lift and enhance the breasts using only Botox injections, the same injectable used to treat lines and wrinkles along the forehead. However, plastic surgeons aren’t convinced that the Botox Breast Lift is a viable solution for improving a woman’s bust line.

Plastic surgeons that attended the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Plastic Surgery 2009 Conference in Seattle this October emphasized the Botox Breast Lift, cleavage rejuvenation products and other similar ‘treatments’ are more hype than reality. Cleavage rejuvenation procedures that involve injecting a non-allergenic filler into the cleavage are designed to reduce wrinkles, while Botox is used to temporarily paralyze the chest muscles and forces the patient to stand up straighter, thereby lifting up their breasts. However, plastic surgeons warn that neither of these procedures can produce the results of breast augmentation or breast enhancement surgery.

Surgeons also warn that there are a number of ‘DIY’ procedures and other marketing hype surrounding non-invasive breast augmentation procedures, and that many consumers make the mistake of investing in these because of the lure of reduced prices during the weak economy. Procedures such as Awake-Breast Augmentation where the patient is awake while getting implants is one such procedure under review by experts in the industry.

Other hyped procedures that may not produce desired results include cellulite reduction treatments, cosmetic gynecology and fillers such as Selphyl, a new blood-based injectable that promises to fill out lines and wrinkles.

(Source: ASPS Public Relations)