Nevada Board of Medical Examiners Adopts Emergency Botox Regulations

The Nevada Board of Medical Examiners has adopted a new regulation to stop medical assistants at medical spas and cosmetic surgery centers from administering Botox injections to patients.

The regulation was enforced after recent controversy about unlicensed medical assistants administering Botox, dermal fillers and other procedures that are meant to be administered only by a licensed physician.

Many medical spas and aesthetic surgery centers around the country deliver a range of treatments that are not always administered under the direct supervision of the doctor. For example, medical spas that offer Botox http://www.locateadoc.com/surgery-guide.cfm/cosmetic-surgery/botox-injections-treatment , Restylane and other injectable fillers typically work with a licensed physician or medical director who may or may not be at the facility when the injection is being administered.

A recent report in the Las Vegas Sun states that the regulation in Nevada will be in effect or 120 days and is effective as of the middle of September. The new rules prohibit a medical assistant from administering Botox and other cosmetic fillers, as well as any type of anesthetic that would leave the patient unconscious or semi-conscious. Medical assistants in Nevada are also not permitted to administer any anti-inflammatory drugs or chemotherapy of any kind.

Louis Ling, the Executive Director made a statement to the press recently, indicating that “there was confusion in the press [and] it was disrupting patient care.” The issue will be presented to the 2011 Nevada Legislature to determine exactly what an appropriate role is for medical assistants working for physicians and plastic surgeons, and what type of regulations would be most effective to ensure patient safety.

Currently, unlicensed medical assistants are not permitted to use lasers of any kind to get rid of wrinkles (laser reserufacing procedures), or perform laser treatments to get rid of moles, scars or blemishes. Only a licensed physician is permitted to perform these skin rejuvenation procedures, and may work with a medical assistant who is a licensed esthetician to perform standard facial treatments or follow up with the patient.

(Source: LasVegasSun.com)

RealLipo Technique Now Available in Louisiana

Many men and women interested in losing a few pounds around the waistline have been turning to laser liposuction and Smartlipo procedures that promise to melt the fat and deliver better results than conventional liposuction. However, many plastic surgeons who met at the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery meeting in Las Vegas this year pointed out that many patients did not achieve the most desirable results and that even the latest technologies have not been able to deliver exceptional results.

A new procedure by the name of RealLipo has recently been unveiled in Louisiana and is a step above conventional laser lipo and Smartlipo procedures. This liposuction procedure has been developed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Simeon Wall, Jr. of The Wall Center for Plastic Surgery, and is deisgned to correct and refine the results of patients who have already undergone liposuction and were not satisfied with the results.

RealLipo works by correcting unevenness of the skin and removing excess fat without leaving any bumps behind. Dr. Wall, Jr. points out that this technique involves the use of specialized cannulas that help to separate the excess fat from the skin before removing it, so there is little pain and bruising involved. There are no lasers involved that may damage the skin tissues, and the procedure is performed in an efficient manner to minimize downtime.

Dr. Wall states, “In addition to producing more dramatic and smoother results than traditional, ultrasonic, or laser liposuction procedures, RealLipo usually results in little to no bruising and requires minimal downtime. RealLipo does not involve the use of heat-generating lasers or ultrasonic devices that can burn and melt the body’s tissues and cause severe scar contractures or other problems for my patients.”

The procedure is currently available only at The Wall Center for Plastic Surgery, a center that has over 50 years of combined experience in plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery.

U.S. Senate Considers Imposing Federal Tax on Plastic Surgery

In the wake of the 1 trillion dollar healthcare reform initiatives developed by the Obama administration,  the U.S. Senate is discussing the idea of imposing a federal tax on cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures. The U.S. Senate is considering a tax of up to 10% as an excise tax on procedures that are “not deemed medically necessary.”

For the most sought-after surgeries such as liposuction, breast augmentation and facelift surgery that often cost upwards of $10,000, consumers would be paying over $1,000 to cover the cost of the tax. Plastic surgeons worry that the additional cost could prevent many people from undergoing surgery, and that the tax would affect the middle class population the most.

Dr. William Strinden of Lufkin Plastic Surgery recently interviewed with KTRE.com about the tax discussions underway and states: “I think that like most additional expenses it will most likely impact the amount of cosmetic surgery that is done.”

StopBotax.org has been set up to encourage people to petition against such a tax, and points out that the burden of this type of tax would fall on the shoulders of women, the middle class population and medical professionals. Women account for 86 percent of cosmetic surgery patients each year. The middle class population earns an average household income of $30,000 per year, and may also feel the pinch from this type of tax. In some cases, they may simply fore go plastic or cosmetic surgery all together because the price is beyond their budget. Finally, medical professionals may end up closing their doors because of a decline in business, and find it difficult to market their services to their target markets.

Individuals who want to petition against the plastic surgery tax can fill out the form on StopBotax.org with some basic personal information, and indicate whether they are a patient or medical aesthetic professional.

FDA Approves Celution 700 System to be Regulated as Medical Device

Celution 700, a device designed by Cytori Therapeutics to fill out soft tissue voids and for body contouring, has recently been cleared to be regulated as a medical device by the United States Food and Drug Administration. This means that Cytori must submit a formal marketing application to the FDA to determine if clinical evaluations will be needed in order for the product to be used in services for the consumer market.

According to Christoper Calhoun, CEO of Cytori, “This important decision provides greater clarity of our regulatory path in the U.S. and is consistent with our interpretation of current device regulations. We are preparing for the next steps in the process of working with the FDA to determine the specific device marketing application to submit, including whether clinical evaluations will be necessary.”

The Celution system harvests adipose tissues, separates the fat cells into a concentrate, and then returns the cells into the patient to begin the reconstruction process. It is designed primarily to promote bone healing and tissue regeneration, and the system is one of the latest advances in reconstructive plastic surgery.

Cytori received a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office related to the use of the Celution system for treatment bone-related disorders in early July 2009. Other patent claims have been filed, but it the system is now under review by the FDA review boards and committees. According to Cytori’s website, “The Celution® Technology has been developed as the first bedside device to enable real-time, adult stem and regenerative cell processing. This innovative technology automates and standardizes the separation and concentration of a patient’s own (autologous) adult stem and regenerative cells from body fat (adipose) for real-time redelivery to the same patient.”

The FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research will conduct further investigations to determine if the device meets all Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) regulations and standards.

(Source: MedCompare.com)

Covidien Unveils New Devices for Minimally Invasive Surgery

The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) annual meeting took place on June 21 to June 26, 2009 in Grapevine Texas, and featured several major medical supply and equipment vendors from around the globe. Covidien was among them, a leading global provider of healthcare products, and showcased several innovative devices for minimally invasive surgery and soft tissue repair.

Covidien has been providing some of the most-commonly used surgical instruments to physicians around the United States for several years, and recently unveiled a set of devices that could improve the results of procedures such as lap band surgery and the effects of various lapaoroscopic instruments. These devices are designed to improve the effects of tissue manipulation, tissue recovery and may even reduce the effects of scarring and tissue damage that occurs from various types of treatments.

Some of the featured products included the:

LigaSure Advance – a multifunctional laparascopic instrument that allows the surgeon to control tissue fusion and monopolar dissection with their fingertips.

Valleylab Solid Lap Electrodes – an electrosurgical accessory that allows surgeons to customize their laparascopic procedures and reduce the risk of burns at the treatment site

Parietex ProGrip – a compound made with monofilament polyester and a resorbably polylactic acid gripping system that can be positioned and placed without sutures.

Force TriVerse – a single-use electrosurgical instrument that gives the surgeon more control when manipulating tissues, and features three different settings including the traditional coagulation mode.

ForceTriad – an energy platform that delivers tissue fusion through one software-driven unit. The software is updated remotely through the Internet, so it is always up-to-date.

Covidien’s booth also featured several other state-of-the-art devices and products including the Duet TRS Reload, the Kendall SCD Sequential Compression System, the Allergan LAP-BAND AP Adjustable Gastric Banding System, and the Versaport Plus Bladeless Trocars. Representatives at the show were able to demonstrate the products, answer questions about the devices, and share website information about each innovative device.

(Source: MedicalNewsToday.com)

Survey Says 80% of Breast Implants are for C-Cups

A survey published in the March/April issue of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal suggests that more than 80% of breast implants performed for only cosmetic surgery purposes, are for a C-cup, or a 300 to 400cc size.

Many women who undergo breast augmentation choose at least one or two cups larger than their natural size to ensure that the outcome appears natural.

Choosing the right size is essential for creating the right look and silhouette, and is one the most important decisions made during the procedure selection process.

Surgeons who want to create a natural look typically use saline implants because these are easy to implement, and have fewer risks than silicone implants. According to Dr. Rod Rohrich and Dr. Edward Reece who recently led a study on the types of materials plastic surgeons prefer to use, 60% of surgeons use saline implants, and the majority prefer to use saline for first-time patients. Results of the survey were recently revealed to members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and results indicate that saline is still the favored choice, regardless of the low risk of having the implant ‘burst’ or migrate to another part of the body.

Other important considerations when selecting breast implants is the texture of the surface, and the shape of the implant.  Many doctors offer both smooth and textured surfaces as an option for patients, since the textured surface typically creates a more natural look, while smoother surfaces create an artificial appearance.

Different types of patients have different needs; for example, models may prefer a smoother implant because these look better on camera and will maintain their round shape.  Textured implants may be more appropriate for women who just want to enhance their figure and balance out their silhouette.

Whatever the case may be, studies suggest more women are interested in increasing their breast size to a C-cup, regardless of the type and shape of implant that is used.

Doctor Promises Painless Lipo with Anesthesia Cocktail

One of the most common reasons why people refrain from undergoing liposuction or other types of plastic surgery is the pain involved.  Doctors often need to use general anesthesia to numb the entire body during the procedure, and patients need to take painkillers and other drugs to manage the pain during the recovery process.

However, one doctor claims that he can help patients get the fat removal treatment they need, without enduring pain.  He promises to take away a few inches from the waistline without scarring, and with little to no pain with a unique anesthesia ‘cocktail’ he’s developed.

Dr. Iacob Marcovici claims that his patients need “about two days and they are back to work. Two days and they are back to the gym.”

How does he do it?

Dr. Marcovici uses a special technique and local anesthetic.  He makes small holes or punctures in the skin, and inserts very small needles into key areas where the fat will be extracted from.  The needles are used instead of a scalpel that often causes excessive scarring. These holes can then be used to extract the fat, and the small scars created from the punctures heal up very quickly. Since there are no extensive incisions involved, the skin does not need to be prepared with saline and other fluids that are used in the conventional liposuction procedure to limit damage to the surrounding tissues and blood vessels.

The doctor uses only local anesthetic to perform the procedures, so the patient is comfortable and doesn’t feel a thing as the procedure is performed. The doctor has named this technique ‘no pain liposuction’, and promises patients that they can resume regular activities within a few days.  This technique is very different from today’s innovative procedures including SmartLipo and VASER, and other doctors may soon follow suit.

Plastic Surgery TV Channel Offers Edutainment for Prospective Patients

While plastic and cosmetic surgery resource websites provide up-to-date information about procedures and news about the industry, many patients prefer to learn with videos and presentations.

Advances in technology have made plastic and cosmetic surgery more affordable over the past decade, and more consumers are looking for information about procedures, and want to know what to expect.

The Plastic Surgery Channel is an online television network that allows patients to learn about cosmetic and reconstructive surgery from the comforts of home. Programming includes questions and answers about common procedures, tips on maintaining results after surgery, and options to listen in on doctor’s advice and learn about the latest trends for procedures.

Programs include patient information and video features for today’s most common procedures such as breast implants, facelifts, liposuction and anti-aging treatments. Viewers can tune in any time of day to watch a newscast, learn about the procedure process, and post comments on various videos.

The Plastic Surgery Channel was founded by Craig Thompson, an IPTV expert, and Dr. William P. Adams, Jr., a world renowned plastic surgeon. Instead of presenting plastic and cosmetic surgery as a glamorous and celebrity-only process, this TV channel showcases procedures objectively and provides more accurate information.  The online program made its debut at the Aesthetic Meeting of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery this week, and will continue to feature a newscast hosted by Lindsay Hall. There are currently over 40 cosmetic procedures listed on the site, and the broadcasts are available 24/7.

Patients can leave comments for doctors who are sharing their insights about different procedures on the site, but user participation is limited. The Plastic Surgery Channel is designed to provide solid information about the industry, and present the latest plastic surgery advances and techniques in a fresh, innovative format.

Nation’s Second Facial Transplant a Success

Facial transplant procedures are gaining steam as more facial reconstruction surgeons fine-tune their skills for complete face construction procedures.

Facial transplants are an attractive option for people who have had a serious accident that has either deformed or burned their facial compartments. The nation’s second facial transplant procedure was performed by plastic surgeon Dr. Bohdan Pomohac at a conference at Brigham and Women’s Hospital on April 10, 2009. The doctor worked with a team of surgeons to reconstruct the face of a man who had suffered severe traumatic injuries after an accident.

Transplants are still a fairly uncommon procedure, but one that can offer dramatic results. It is not designed for people who simply want to improve their appearance or get rid of a few wrinkles – that’s what Restylane, Botox and facelift surgery are for.

Facial transplants are designed for people who need to rebuild key facial compartments, reposition their jaw, nose or other features, and restore much of their previous face shape. The surgeon uses real human cartilage, bone and tissues to recreate the face and ensure that the body can heal appropriately. In the most recent procedure by Dr. Pomohac, the man undergoing the surgery had his entire nose, palate, upper lip and muscles replaced. The tissue and cartilage were from a dead donor, and before the surgery, the man could not even speak, eat or drink properly.

According to Dr. Pomohac, there’s a 60 percent chance that the patient will regain their pre-accident looks, and there is no chance that the donated tissues and cartilage would look like the original donor’s.

The first facial transplant was conducted in 2005, and the woman who underwent the procedure is reportedly recovering very well (Source: DailyAdvance.com).

Facial transplants are a very unique procedure, and it may take several years of studies and testing for them to be approved by medical boards around the country. For now, this procedure offers some hope for patients who are suffering extensive injuries after an accident.

Orange County Woman Uses Fake ID to Get Breast Implants

A 30-year old woman from California has been arrested and charged for identity theft, commercial burglary and grand theft after pretending to be someone else in order to get breast implants and liposuction from a plastic surgery center.

The woman set up a line of credit under somebody else’s name at the Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery, and caused suspicion when she did not return for her follow up appointments.  According to news sources, the woman underwent surgery in September 2008 and then skipped town.

Yvonne Pampellone was a patient at the Pacific Center in late 2008 where she had liposuction, and a breast implant replacement.  She had used another person’s name and personal information to get the surgery and opened a line of credit in order to get the procedures. The surgeries were performed without any complications, and the woman returned home; however, she made the mistake of not showing up for her follow-up appointments, an important part of any extensive surgery such as liposuction or breast implants.

She turned herself into Huntington police after lying to doctors and the staff at the center about her personal information.  The staff called the police only because she did not show up for follow up appointments.  Ultimately, Pampellone wanted to trade her old breast implants for new ones and get additional liposuction.

Detectives issued an arrest warrant after discovering that the tracking numbers on Pampellonne’s old implants were linked to her case. The procedures were worth over $12,000, and the woman has been deemed the ‘OC Breast Bandit’ after managing to get away without paying for her procedures. An employee had to pick her out from a photo lineup, and she was charged with commercial burglary, identity theft and grand theft.