Physicians Recommend Facial Implants Plus Facelift for Better Results

While facelift surgery can help to eliminate deep wrinkles and fine lines while sculpting the face and neck area, plastic surgeons may be able to get better results by adding facial implants to the surgical procedure.

A recent study presented at the American Association of Plastic Surgeons points out that simply tightening the loose skin by pulling it back is not enough to create the youthful appearance many patients want.

Since the underlying structure of the face is not modified with the facelift procedure, it may be necessary to add facial implants or use soft tissue fillers to create a contoured, streamlined appearance that appears more youthful.

Physicians at the University of Rochester Medical Center, and researchers from Harvard and Stanford Universities, have been taking a close look at the bone structure of people as they age, and have stated that loss of definition in the lower area of the face is what contributes to an older appearance. As a result, it’s important for plastic surgeons to focus on recreating a more defined jawline, and in some cases, extended the length and width of the jaw bone using various surgical techniques.

According to Howard N. Langstein, MD, professor and chief of plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Rochester Medical Center, measurements show “a significant decline in the jaw’s volume as a person ages, and therefore less support of soft tissue of the lower face and neck….though we have always known that bones change over time, until now, the extent to which it causes an aged appearance was not appreciated.”

Researchers that conducted the study believe that plastic surgeons must find other ways to restore the underlying structure of the face when performing facelift surgery, in order to achieve the most contoured and sculpted appearance. Facial implants may offer promising results for hundreds of men and women considering facelift surgery.

(Source: eMaxHealth.com)

Facial Plastic Surgeons Report Increase in Demand for Less-Invasive Procedures

According to a new survey released by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), the number of non-invasive cosmetic procedures rose approximately 47 percent last year, a significant increase when compared to the demand for non-invasive procedures in previous years.

Many plastic and cosmetic surgeons agree that the economy played a key role in what types of procedures consumers were willing to pay for out of pocket, and for some people, job security and staying competitive in the work place was the primary reason to head to the doctor’s office.

The AAFPRS reports that the increase in non-invasive procedures administered by facial plastic surgeons included an increased demand for poly-l-lactic acid treatments, chemical peels, hyaluronic acid fillers, and Botox. The survey also reports that about 77 percent of physicians found that patients are becoming more educated about their plastic surgery options, and that they are now taking the time to research different treatment options and meet with several surgeons before making their final decision.

Daniel Russo, MD and President of the AAFPRS, states “We are excited to see patients making educated choices. They are now open to newer, novel treatments and are making smart decisions that are tailored to their needs…the overall rise in these procedures also shows that more patients are trusting their face to facial plastic surgeons who are trained and focus solely on the face and neck. Because of this, patients are seeing better outcomes.”

Women continue to be the prime candidates for facial plastic surgery procedures, accounting for about 84 percent of all surgical and non-surgical procedures of the face and neck. Procedures with the largest increases in 2009 were ablative skin resurfacing and facelifts. Procedures that had a decrease in demand were lip augmentation and rhinoplasty.

Another interesting finding of the physician survey was that many physicians expressed concern over procedures performed at a medical spa. Over 75 percent of facial plastic surgeons said that they knew of medical directors that were not actually on site for certain types of medical treatments, including cosmetic procedures.

Tanda At-Home Light Therapy Featured on “The Doctors” Show

Light therapy has been used to restore the skin after trauma, and even to open up fatty cells to assist with the fat removal process in recent years. “The Doctors” show recently showcased the Tanda at-home light therapy device, an anti-aging treatment that promises to deliver results similar to the fractional devices used in physician’s offices.

The Tanda device makes use of low-level light therapy to stimulate collagen and elastin growth, and rejuvenate the appearance.

Tanda’s device delivers infrared light deep into the skin’s layers to trigger the production of collagen and tighten up the skin. Over time, this process helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and can also help to improve the overall skin tone.

The Tanda at-home light therapy system costs about $275, and is suitable for most skin types. This is a significantly lower price than fractional resurfacing treatments and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy that can cost thousands of dollars, depending on the level of treatment required. The home-care tool has been approved by the FDA, and comes with two treatment heads. One is designed to treat acne, while the other is designed for wrinkles. Each treatment head can be used for up to 10,000 treatments, and the portable device comes with a recharging unit that can be plugged into any wall outlet.

The restorative light in the Tanda Red light treatment is designed with a 660nm red LED light source. This type of light has been proven to accelerate the skin’s natural healing process, and also stimulates the production of collagen for skin rejuvenation. When the light penetrates deep into the skin tissue, it synthesizes the fibroblasts and releases collagen, which in turn results in smoother, younger-looking skin. Scientific studies show that this particular device can accelerate healing by up to 40 percent.

Over 10 Million Americans Had Cosmetic Surgery in 2009 Despite Recession

Even amidst a recession and market trends that indicated Americans were spending less on luxury purchases, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons reports that over 10 million Americans had cosmetic surgery in 2009.

Demand for plastic surgery is expected to increase as the economy improves, and recent survey results show that approximately $10.5 billion was spent on cosmetic procedures in 2009, $6 billion was spent on surgical procedures, and approximately $4.5 billion was spent on nonsurgical procedures.

The most popular non-surgical procedure was Botox, and the top five surgical procedures were breast augmentation, liposuction, blepharoplasty (eyelid lift surgery), tummy tucks and a facelift. Other popular non-surgical procedurs were laser hair removal, microdermabrasion, chemical peels and hyaluronic acid fillers.

Over 2 million per year undergo Botox treatments to erase fine lines and wrinkles, and rejuvenate their appearance. For some people, fear of job loss was the primary reason to undergo a cosmetic or plastic surgery procedure, and more men opted for both surgical and nonsurgical procedures in 2009.  The ASAPS reports that the baby boomer generation was among the top market for plastic and cosmetic surgery procedures, and that the majority of procedures were performed in an office-based facility.

Over 900 board-certified physicians participated in the survey, and the group consisted of plastic surgeons, dermatologists and otolaryngologists.

Some physicians reported that repeat patients and individuals that put off more pricey procedures until they could afford it were among the majority that opted for non-surgical procedures such as Botox, microdermabrasion and injectables. Many people who couldn’t afford more extensive procedures such as facelift surgery, liposuction and body lifts opted for less-invasive procedures such as Thermage skin tightening treatments and VelaShape body contouring treatments to achieve desired results, even if results were only temporary.

Cynosure Launches SmartLipo Patient Website

Men and women interested in undergoing the SmartLipo laser liposuction procedure can now learn more about the latest technologies and advances in laser liposuction by visiting Cynosure’s own informational website, www.smartlipocynosure.com.

The SmartLipo procedure is designed to melt the fat cells before removal, making it easier for the surgeon to remove large amounts of fat while sculpting the body into the desired silhouette.

SmartLipo also helps with skin tightening, and works at a deeper level to increase collagen production and tighten up the dermis to improve results. Another benefit of laser liposuction is that the healing process is much faster than traditional liposuction, and most patients can wear a foam vest or compression garment for a few weeks and then resume exercise and other activities in order to support the healing process.

The Smart Lipo website explains the entire procedure, and provides information on target areas that can be effectively treated with the surgery, and what patients can expect from the entire process. Smart Lipo is particularly effective for getting rid of “love handles”, and other problem areas that are not responding to diet and exercise. Since the procedure does tighten the skin when the fat is removed, the patient does not need to worry about dimpling or sagging of the skin.

Most people can get the SmartLipo procedure under local anesthesia, and the incision is about the size of a pen tip. A laser fiber is inserted through a small tube into the body, and when fired, ruptures the fat cell membranes. The fat cells are destroyed permanently, and the liquefied fat is suctioned out. The body then produces collagen as it coagulates the skin tissues, which in turn has a tightening effect. Only one treatment session is needed, and results vary depending on the treatment site. Most people see results within a week, and continued improvement over the course of three to six months.

Cellulite Reduction Products Featured on Rachel Ray Show

Cellulite affects more than 90% of women of all sizes and body weights, and physicians believe that women get cellulite when the connective tissue of the skin forms a net around fatty tissue, creating a ‘lumpy’ appearance on the surface of the skin.

There are now several cosmetic procedures on the market that promise to help reduce the appearance of cellulite and can even help take off a few inches. Procedures including VelaShape, VelaSmooth and Thermage skin tightening treatments may help some women achieve a shapelier, slimmer appearance.

A Rachael Ray Show segment that ran in early March revealed three over-the-counter cellulite reduction treatments that promise to diminish the look of cellulite and improve the texture and tone of the skin. The show featured the Nutra Luxe Infrared Body Shaping Massager Lipo Reduction Set, the Totally You Seaweed Body Wrap Kit, and the Solidea MicroMassage Magic Pantie, a textured hosiery shaper that promises to increase circulation and tone up the skin.

While these products sound promising, experts recommend undergoing a cosmetic procedure that uses radio-freuqency energy and vacuum manipulation to help tighten and tone up the skin. One of the latest devices is the Reaction by Viora, a handheld device that increases circulation and strengthens skin tissues using radio frequency energy. VelaShape works in a similar way, and may help to stimulate collagen growth while tightening and toning the skin.

Most people need to undergo a series of six to eight treatments in order to achieve results, and the procedures feel like a warm, deep tissue massage. VelaShape, VelaSmooth, Thermage and the Reaction by Viora system are available at many medical spas, aesthetic surgery centers and cosmetic surgery centers around the United States, and cost between $200 to $500+ per treatment session. Some medical professionals do offer a discount when the individual purchases a package of products.

Stem Cell Breast Augmentation Offers Promising Results

Even though fat transfer for breast augmentation has been available since the 1980s, the procedure was eventually banned because of safety reasons. Today, the ban has been lifted and many plastic surgeons around the country are offering autologous fat transfer options for breast enlargement, and the latest stem cell technologies are making it easier for many women to achieve natural-looking breasts with their own fat cells.

Dr. Todd Malan is the first doctor in the United States to perform the stem cell breast augmentation procedure, and recently interviewed with American Health and Beauty to discuss the benefits and process of the procedure.

Dr. Malan uses a combination of body jet water liposuction and traditional liposuction to remove the fat and reduce the risk of tearing the surrounding tissues. As long as the fat transfer involves pure, uncontaminated fat, Dr. Malan is able to separate the fat cells from the regenerative stem cells, and then create a concentrated stem cell injection that will be injected directly into the breasts.

Once these cells are injected into the breasts, the breast tissues grow new blood vessels to feed the fat, and an anti-inflammatory substance is produced to help with the healing process. Within a few days and weeks, the skin over the breast tissues begins to tighten and the breasts appear firmer, larger and more sculpted.

Results are permanent, and most patients can go up at least two breast sizes shortly after the surgery. Dr. Malan states, “At its inception in the U.S., fat transfer was only effective 50% or less of the time and was fraught with many complications which eventually led to the procedure being abandoned…a patient may want to remove fat from stubborn areas because even with diet and exercise, it’s the last place they lose weight and the first place they gain weight.”

Maryland Legislation Prohibits Indoor Tanning for Minors

The state of Maryland has initiated new legislation to protect minors from melanoma that prohibits teens from using any type of tanning facilities, and prohibits tanning bed companies to market directly to this market segment.

The legislation is based on scientific evidence that indoor tanning before the age of 30 is undeniably linked to an increased risk of developing skin cancer, and health organizations including the American Academy of Dermatology Association, the American Cancer Society, the Center for a Healthy Maryland, and dermatology professionals are in firm support of this new direction.

Senator James Robey and Delegate William A. Bronrott represent a broad-based coalition of 20 legislators in the Senate and House, and Senator Robey is the originating sponsor of Senate Bill 718. He stated, “My district of Howard County, MD, has already led the nation in teen and adolescent safeguards from the well documented cancer risks and irreversible skin damage caused by the UV-radiation of indoor tanning. The legislation will firmly place Maryland in lockstep with a broad coalition of health professionals, organizations, national agencies and the international community to protecting our youth.”

Melanoma is one of the most common cancers diagnosed among young adults, and according to Delegate Bill Bronrott, approximately 40 percent of teenage girls are using tanning beds each year.

Until the recent legislation, minors were permitted to use a tanning device at a tanning facility with a parent or legal guardian’s consent. Now, regulation prevents minors from using tanning beds altogether in an effort to reduce the risk of overexposure to UV rays that often lead to skin cancer.

Roberta Herbst, Program Manager for the Center for a Healthy Maryland, points out that “the thinner skin of children and teens is particularly vulnerable to damage from UV radiation. Recent studies show an alarming rise in the incidence of melanoma among young women in the U.S. since 1980, which may be attributable to the prevalence of tanning bed use by teens.” (Source: Medical News Today)

ASAPS Survey Says Almost 50% of Americans Approve of Cosmetic Surgery

Results of a recent study commissioned by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and conducted by Syonvate, an independent research firm, shows that almost half (48%) of all Americans, regardless of their income level, approve of cosmetic or plastic surgery and would consider a procedure for themselves.

The February 2010 report showed that 48% of respondents with an income of under $25K would approve of cosmetic surgery, and that 52% of respondents with an income between $25K and $50K would approve of surgery. About 23% of respondents that earned under $25K would consider cosmetic surgery themselves.

Renalto Salz, MD, President of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), made the following statement after the study, “twenty years ago, people thought only movie stars and rich women had plastic surgery; now people in every income bracket know someone who has had a plastic surgery procedure or would consider plastic surgery for themselves. Even in this difficult economic time, people are willing to invest in the things that improve their quality of life… feeling good about the way they look is high on the list of priorities for many Americans.”

In addition to the higher-than-expected approval rates across all income levels, the study found that among all Americans, 73% of women and 66% of men said they would not be embarrassed if others knew they had cosmetic surgery. Out of all the age groups, men and women between the ages of 35 and 40 years of age are most likely to consider plastic surgery for themselves now or in the future, and more men than women are interested in having a procedure and/or approving of any type of procedure for themselves, a significant other, friends and family members.

In 2009, more than 9 million cosmetic procedures were performed on women and approximately 900,000 procedures were performed on men. The complete statistic s report for 2009 can be found here.

FDA Approves Botox to Treat Spasticity in Muscles

Botox currently has several off-label uses including treating excessive sweating, reducing the risk of migraines and helping patients with joint or arthritic pain.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has now approved Botox to treat spasticity in the flexor muscles of adults. Spasticity of the elbow, wrists and fingers is often the result of a stroke, brain injury or the result of progressive multiple sclerosis.  The stiffness and tightness in the joints can interfere with daily activities and can affect how a patient looks.

Russell Katz, M.D. and director of the Division of Neurology Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research reports, “Muscles affected by spasticity have increased stiffness and tightness, which may lead to pain, difficulties with hygiene and other activities of daily living, and may affect how a patient looks…in clinical trials, treatment with Botox was found to be beneficial to patients with upper limb spasticity.” (Source: Medical News Today)

Botox has a positive effect on muscles that have been affected by spasticity because it blocks the connection between the nerves and muscles, temporarily paralyzing the spastic muscle. This helps relieve pain within seconds, and can help the individual enjoy improved range of motion in the joint.

While some of the side effects of Botox include spreading of the injection to an untreated site and symptoms similar to botulism, most people can benefit from the drug. According to Medical News Today, the most common adverse side effects reported by patients with upper limb spasticity were nausea, fatigue, bronchitis, pain in the arms and muscle weakness.

The side effects and overall effects of Botox are different for each individual, and the treatment must be administered by a certified and licensed medical professional. Treatment with Botox is not intended to be a substitute for rehabilitative care or physical therapy, so many patients will still need to undergo their regular treatment plans in order to achieve desired results.