More Medical Doctors Encouraging Patients to Pursue Cosmetic Surgery

Would you get Botox injections if your family doctor suggested it? According to a recent report in USA Today, many doctors are suggesting cosmetic surgery to their patients as an “extra” procedure for their next visit. Many dentists and doctors are certified to perform several simple cosmetic procedures, including Botox, dermal injections and skin tightening treatments. When meeting patients for a checkup or other procedure, some doctors are recommending other procedures and services to make an extra profit.

Unfortunately, this approach may not always be in the patient’s best financial interests. Many of today’s popular cosmetic enhancements, including Botox, dental veneers, injectables and facial rejuvenation procedures cost between $400 to $2,000 or more, and are not covered by health insurance. This means that the patient will not only be responsible for paying their co-pay for their visit, but will also be responsible for paying the high costs of a cosmetic procedure out of pocket.

According to Olivia Mellan, psychotherapist and “money coach” who interviewed with USA Today, “people mistakenly think that doctors and people in positions of authority are the voice of truth…consumers have to learn to be their own advocates.”

The increased demand for minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures, including Botox injections, dermal fillers and non-invasive facelifts is encouraging for the plastic and cosmetic surgery industry after the peak of the recession. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, demand for Botox injections increased over 500% from 2000 to 2009, and the demand was linked to the decreased demand for pricey surgical procedures, but ongoing need to maintain a youthful look. Many minimally-invasive procedures allow patients to maintain their youthful appearance for an affordable price.

Still, experts warn consumers to consider the total cost of their procedure, and make sure that they are not relying solely on the doctor’s recommendation when making their decision to undergo cosmetic or plastic surgery. Not all procedures are suitable for everyone, and a consultation with several cosmetic surgery specialists can help the consumer make the most informed decision.

Experts Suggest Makeup Instead of Surgery for Under Eye Circles

Under eye circles can be the result of genetics, poor sleep or an unhealthy diet, and there are a number of cosmetic surgery procedures that can help to lighten up the skin under the eyes and create a more refreshed, rejuvenated look. Still, some experts say that makeup can be just as effective for covering up under eye circles and may be a convenient alternative to cosmetic or plastic surgery.

According to recent surveys and commentary from Judith August Cosmetic Solutions, “For a number of years, cosmetic surgery grew in popularity as the option of choice for eliminating under eye discoloration. According to recent surveys, however, the recession has caused a shift toward women, and men, opting instead for cosmetic coverage solutions.”

Men and women who want to cover up under eye circles can use custom-blended makeup and products designed to blend and match their natural skin tone. Camouflage makeup products can be particularly effective for covering up under eye circles and darkness around the eye area. These products can be blended with liquid foundation or cream foundation to create a smooth, contoured appearance.

Concealer is another convenient alternative to cosmetic surgery for lightening up the area under the eyes. Concealer can be applied directly under the eyes to lighten up the skin, and then blended with foundation to create a natural look. Several companies have developed corrective cosmetic makeup to hide wrinkles, discoloration and other skin problems in and around the eye area. When applied correctly, these products can help to create a rejuvenated look and cover up some serious skin flaws.

Cosmetic coverage makeup may be a budget-friendly and risk-free solution for many people dealing with puffy eyes, dark under eye circles and discoloration around the eyelid. A consultation with a skincare and makeup specialist can help to determine what products are most appropriate for the individual’s skin type and condition.

Heidi Montag’s Plastic Surgeon Dies in a Car Crash

Heidi Montag has been in the media spotlight in the past few months for her plastic surgery “addiction” and slew of cosmetic procedures that have completely transformed here appreance. The reality star’s plastic surgeon was recently killed in a car accident after becoming trapped in a vehicle and suffering major head injuries. His Jeep veered off the Pacific Coast Highway and the Ventura County Fire Department attempted to pull him out of the car using a helicopter, but had to call it off. Dr. Ryan was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to entertainment website TMZ.com, Dr. Frank Ryan performed a total of ten cosmetic procedures in one day on Heidi Montag. Newsweek reports that Heidi Montag has undergone a nose job, breast implants, collagen lip injections and several other procedures before she turned 21. Heidi told People Magazine that she is completely obsessed with plastic surgery and has no problems going under the knife again.

Here procedures cost over $30,000, and she reportedly spent ten hours in the operating room. Statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery show that cosmetic surgery procedures performed on teens have nearly doubled in the past decade. Teens under the age of 18 do need parental consent to undergo Botox injections, breast implants, liposuction and other types of procedures – and many do. While Heidi has worked hard to conform to a male standard of beauty and hopes that her new looks will help her career, many plastic and cosmetic surgeons warn against following in the heels of their favorite celeb just to improve their lives.

All board-certified plastic and cosmetic surgeons are required to do complete a face-to-face consultation with their patients and find out if the patient is mentally healthy. Those that show any signs of obsession or have very low self-esteem may be referred to a psychiatrist.

Plastic Surgeons Warn Against Following Celebrity Plastic Surgery Trends

Even though many celebrity worshippers change their wardrobes, color their hair and update their makeup to look like their favorite Hollywood star, plastic surgery may be an extreme measure for many. According to Dr. Michael Fiorillo, a board-certified celebrity plastic surgeon in New York City, patients who want to look exactly like their favorite celebrity may be taking their admiration too far. (Source: FoxNews.com).

All plastic and cosmetic surgery patients undergo a face-to-face consultation with their doctor to determine what their goals are, and if they are in a mentally healthy state to undergo a procedure. In some cases, the patient is suffering from body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), or has very low self-esteem. Plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures will not correct these deeper issues, and for many, psychiatric help is the best solution. Dr. Fiorillo points out that these types of patients, “need a psychiatrist, basically. You are not going to make somebody look like someone else. It is an unattainable goal.”

Still, many men and women undergo cosmetic procedures in hopes of attaining some of the most sought-after features – many that are inspired by Hollywood. Breast augmentation, lip augmentation, facelift surgery, Botox and liposuction continue to be some of the most popular procedures, especially for those who want to undergo a complete makeover and dramatically change their looks.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that 12.5 million people underwent cosmetic and plastic surgery in 2009 alone, and the numbers have increased steadily for the past decade. An increase in plastic surgery reality TV shows, more media coverage about certain procedures, and less stigma associated with getting plastic or cosmetic surgery may have spurred demand.

Many celebrities say that they will not ever consider going under the knife, and that it is important for people to appreciate their natural beauty. Still, fans continue to line up at the doctor’s office for a nip and tuck that will help them achieve their Hollywood-inspired ideal.

New Law Requires Hospitals to Share Options for Breast Reconstruction

Many women who get a mastectomy don’t realize that they are eligible to get a breast reconstruction procedure at no cost. These women are simply not told that they are good candidates for breast reconstruction after mastectomy, and that insurance will pay for the procedure. Doctors are now required to inform patients about their options under a new law, A10094B/S6993-B/Information and Access to Breast Reconstruction Surgery.

Many insurers in New York do cover breast reconstruction procedures after a mastectomy, but less educated, poor and minority women are often unaware that they can get this procedure without paying any out of pocket expenses. According to Evan Garfein, MD, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Montefiore Medical Center, “a disproportionate number of women who are at a socioeconomic disadvantage do not get breast reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy for one of several reasons. Either they are unaware of it as an option, they do not know it is covered by Medicaid and Medicare insurance programs, they do not know where to gain access to the procedures, or it is never mentioned to them by their doctors.”

Dr. Garfein authored a bill that was signed into law to change this trend. He hopes that the new law will ensure that hospitals inform patients that they are eligible to have breast reconstruction procedures with insurance coverage. This may help dozens of women who are being treated for breast cancer have some hope of improving their appearance after mastectomy surgery.

Dr. Garfein notes, “breast reconstruction has been repeatedly shown to improve the quality of life and overall well-being of women who have been treated for breast cancer. This new law will ensure that breast cancer patients from all socioeconomic groups are informed about their options regarding breast reconstruction and about where to get the procedure.”

(Source: Medical News Today)

AAFPRS Launches Medical Protective Insurance Program

The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) has developed the AAFPRS Medical Protective Insurance Program to underwrite members who are performing more than 20% facial plastic surgery in their class.

Mark Wittel, VP of Agency Sales of Medical Protective, states, “As the nation’s leading healthcare liability insurer – with three times the longevity of our nearest competitor – Medical Protective looks forward to working with AAFPRS members and continuing to deliver the nation’s strongest defense of assets and reputation…not only for today, but for the long-to-resolve claims that arise years down the road.”

Members who qualify within their class receive a 5% credit, and members who are also certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery board receive another 5% credit on services and products.

By teaming up with Medical Protective, facial plastic surgeons may be able to enjoy more efficient insurance claims processing, and also ensure patient safety education.

Medical Protective is the leading company for medical malpractice insurance and the country’s strongest medmal carrier. The company offers several types of insurance coverage programs for physicians, hospitals and plastic surgeons, along with a suite of services, including risk management, practice software and provider enrollment and credentialing services. The company serves over 70,000 healthcare providers nationwide, and is owned by General Electric.

The MedMal coverage program offers several solutions for healthcare professionals, including plastic surgeons, who are looking for independent coverage options. Some of the benefits of this program include more control over the coverage selection with expanded coverage options and  a defense attorney that represents the insured healthcare professional. The company creates customized, tailored programs for different organizations, agencies and entities. The partnership with the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery means that the members can enjoy several insurance coverage benefits while maintaining the organization’s high standards.

VaserShape Device Contours Body Without Surgery

Sound Surgical Technologies, the company behind Vaser Liposelection the Vaser ultrasound device, has developed the VaserShape system, a non-surgical device that helps reduce cellulite and inches in certain areas of the body. The VaserShape device is a non-invasive body contouring system powered by ultrasonic laser. The device is designed to disrupt fat cells beneath the skin by delivering ultrasound energy deep into the skin’s tissues.

Unlike other cellulite reduction systems, the VaserShape procedure uses two ultrasound heads positioned next to each other, and the ultrasound energy penetrates deep into the skin tissues to disrupt the fat cells. The power setting is low enough to cause minimal damage to the skin tissues, and most people see results right away.

Most patients will need to undergo at least five to seven treatments in order to see significant results, and many will require maintenance treatments every few weeks. Each treatment session is about 30 minutes long, and can be performed once per week. The VaserShape device is designed for those who are of average weight, but can be effective for those who are slightly overweight and are following a weight loss plan.

The painless procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, and there is no downtime involved. Patients can resume regular activities immediately after the procedure, and for many, it feels like a deep tissue, soothing massage. As of August 2010, the VaserShape treatment costs approximately $500 per treatment, and some doctors are offering discounts on treatment packages. Most packages cost between $2,500 to $4,000 depending on the number of sessions required and the doctor performing the procedure.

VaserShape offers a convenient, non-surgical alternative to liposuction and invasive cellulite removal treatments, and may soon be available at many medical spas, cosmetic surgery centers and plastic surgery offices around the country.

Bra Line Back Lift Helps Eliminate Excess Fat on the Back

Many women who eat healthy, exercise regularly and are otherwise in great shape still have a few extra pounds and inches located under the bra line and around the back. Those extra few ounces and pounds of body fat can be eliminated completely with the help of the bra line back lift procedure, an innovative plastic surgery procedure that helps eliminate the unsightly rolls of fat and skin underneath the bra line to create a smooth, contoured appearance.

The bra line back lift is designed to remove extra folds of skin on the back and is performed by a plastic surgeon. The entire procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and requires making a small incision along the bra line before extracting the localized fatty deposits. The surgeon can then remove any excess skin and tissues around the back area, and reconnect the surrounding tissue using with a set of stitches. The entire procedure typically takes about an hour, and can cost up to $10,000 depending on the amount of fat that needs to be removed, and the location of the plastic surgeon’s office.

The bra line back lift is a specialized procedure, and not all plastic and cosmetic surgeons may have extensive experience performing it. It is important for patients to look at before and after photos of patients who have undergone the procedure, and ensure that they are aware of the risks and side effects associated with the procedure. The best candidates for this procedure are women who are in reasonably good shape and of good health, and who have sagging skin and excess body fat located right underneath their bra line. Some men who want a shapelier appearance and more contoured silhouette may also be good candidates for the procedure.

Bone Marrow Stem Cells Show Promise for Repairing Skin

Individuals with a rare skin disease called recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) can improve their condition with the transfer of bone marrow stem cells. A team of medical researchers has found that bone marrow stem cells can effectively treat the disease and help to repair the skin and speed up the healing process. This skin disease cannot be treated with conventional dermatology procedures.

The results of a recent study were published in the New England Journal of Medicine in the middle of August 2010, and until now, there ha s not been any treatment or chance of a cure for RDEB. The study is the first of its kind that shows how bone marrow stem cells can adapt to the skin tissues and upper gastrointestinal tract, and help to slow down the progression of the disease.

Dr. John E. Wagner of the University of Minnesota Medical School, and director or pediatric blood and marrow transplantation, as well as the clinical director of the Stem Cell Institute, states, “whether the stem cells from marrow could repair tissues other than itself has been quite controversial…but in 2007, we found a rare subpopulation of marrow stem cells that could repair the skin in laboratory models. This astounding finding compelled us to test these stem cells in humans. This has never been done before.” (Source: MedicalNewsToday.com)

The stem cells found in bone marrow are capable of traveling to the areas of injured skin, which in turn helps to trigger collagen production. Collagen production is necessary to strengthen the skin, and is particularly valuable for patients who have been diagnosed with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Patients who have this disease can now be cured with a bone marrow transplant and stem cell transfers.

Researchers concluded that further studies need to be done to test the efficacy of stem cell transfer and to assess the long-term risks involved with the treatment. Still, this recent discovery is showing very promising results.

Vaser Ultrasound Can Reduce Underarm Sweating

Men and women who are embarrassed by the effects of underarm sweating may be able to reduce sweating with Vaser ultrasound treatments. The same technology behind the Vaser body contouring device is proving to be effective for reducing the occurrence of underarm sweating, and can be performed under light sedation. The Vaser procedure to reduce sweating takes approximately 25 minutes and can be performed on an outpatient basis.

The ultrasonic waves in the Vaser device are powerful enough to damage the sweat glands and stop underarm sweating completely. This procedure is performed quickly and efficiently, and there is no risk of damage to the surrounding tissues. The dead gland tissue can be removed with a scalpel and minimal incisions, and the area is stitched back up to heal shortly afterwards.

The Vaser treatment can stop sweating permanently, and once the sweat gland is removed from the underarm area, the individual will not be able to sweat normally from their armpits. The procedure  is currently available at select cosmetic surgery, dermatology offices and medical spas around the country, and is an off-label procedure. This means that it has not been evaluated or been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The treatment is designed solely  for patients who experience severe underarm sweating, and it could be an effective alternative to Botox treatments or topical prescription products.

Vaser technology has received a 95 percent approval rating from US physicians for the removal of body fat, because it can remove significant amounts of fat without harming the surrounding tissues, nerves and blood vessels. The ultrasound waves are powerful enough to break down the tissue and heat up the surrounding tissue to create a smooth, contoured appearance. Vaser technology has been proven effective for fat transfer procedures, removing lumps in the skin caused by steroid usage, and now, for treating excessive underarm sweating.