Rhinoplasty Makes Patients Look Younger According to New Study

Posted on January 28, 2012 by Briana

RhinoplastyGetting a “nose job” might include an added bonus according to a new study published in the latest edition of Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery.  The study, which examined pictures of rhinoplasty recipients found that patients on average, looked 1.5 years younger post-surgery.

The Toronto-based study collected “before” and “after” pictures of a total of 53 patients who had undergone rhinoplasty procedures at a private clinic. 50 research volunteers were then recruited to independently estimate the patient ages, which ranged from 15 to 61.

The study was designed so that half of the research subjects were shown the “before” pictures first, while the other half were shown the “after” pictures first. A month later the volunteers were brought back in to rate the corresponding other half of the pictures.

On average, patients appeared to be 1.5 years younger following surgery. The results also suggested that the older a patient was prior to surgery, the young they appeared post-surgery. However, researchers did point out that the difference between age groups was not statistically significant.

Additionally, the degree of rhinoplasty also seemed to have an impact on age estimates. Patients who received a reduction in their dorsal hump (the convex shape to the bridge of the nose) and patients with a greater degree of nasal tip rotation appeared younger in their after pictures than other patients.

While the overall impact rhinoplasty may have on creating a youthful appearance may not be as dramatic as a face lift of neck lift, it does appear to be a surprising additional advantage to rhinoplasty.

“This is the first study to demonstrate a statistically significant decrease in apparent age after rhinoplasty,” the doctors concluded. “This decrease in apparent age is an extra positive benefit of rhinoplasty, in addition to an increase in the harmony of facial features and the improvement of overall facial aesthetics.”

Learn more about rhinoplasty in Birmingham.

Source: LA Times

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Which Season is Best for Breast Augmentation, Body Contouring and Other Procedures

Posted on January 21, 2012 by Briana

Breast Augmentation “Should I plan my cosmetic procedure according to season?” is a question plaguing many potential plastic surgery patients. The answer is often yes, according to a recent article published in the Huffington Post.

Planning by season can be an effective tool to maximize your end results from plastic surgery. Considerations such as avoiding direct sunlight or the need for additional days off from work to recuperate can all be effectively planned by season.  Below is a list of seasonal recommendations for common plastic surgery procedures.

Winter

In ideal circumstances, winter is the absolute best time to undergo any type of plastic surgery. Body contouring procedures, breast augmentation, as well  facial surgery  are all popular during this time period because the cooler weather allows patients to effectively conceal healing scars or swelling during the recovery period. Patients also are likely to have more time off from work during the holiday season to schedule and recover from surgery. Additionally, many surgical procedures require patients to avoid direct sunlight during their recovery.

Recommended Surgery:

Facelift
Rhinoplasty (nosejob)
Brow lift
Body contouring
Breast surgery
Laser resurfacing

Spring

Spring is also a great time to seek out plastic surgery. Depending upon your location, the climate may still be cool enough to conceal the healing process with additional clothing. Also, if you are prone to putting on weight during the holiday season, its best to lose it and be at your idea weight prior to undergoing body contouring surgery. Spring surgeries give patients some leeway to get back in shape.

Recommended Surgery:

Breast surgery
Body contouring
Facial surgery

Summer

Summer is not usually a recommended time for surgery, unless you have a scheduled period of time off from work or school obligations. Extreme heat or sun exposure can lead to an extended recovery period and in some cases, bleeding post-op. If you chose to undergo surgery during the warm summer months, plan on staying indoors for 1-2 weeks following surgery. Minimally invasive procedures such as Botox or dermal filler injections are the only recommended procedures during the summer.

Recommended Surgery:

Minor procedures such as Botox, Juvederm or Restylane

Fall

Similar to winter and spring months, fall can be a great time for plastic surgery, especially if you’ve been able to reach your target weight during active summer months. Thick sweaters or scarves can easily conceal swelling or bruises from facial or body surgery and the results can be ready for reveal by the holiday season.

Recommended Surgery:

Face and nose
Breast
Body contouring

Choosing to undergo plastic surgery is a decision not to be taken lightly. Make sure to do your research and plan according to season for the best results.

Learn more about breast augmentation in Birmingham, MI.

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Rhinoplasty, Breast Lifts and Liposuction: Pre-Wedding Plastic Surgery

Posted on January 14, 2012 by Briana

Bride by For_Anise, on Flickr

Planning, preparing and organizing for the big day can be a grueling experience for many brides-to-be. While most brides are scrutinizing over invitations, bridesmaid dresses and last minute workouts, other brides are adding liposuction or rhinoplasty to their pre-wedding to-do list. According to a recent story which aired on Good Morning America, bridalplasty is the newest trend to hit the bridal circuit.

According to Dr. Tenley Lawton, a board-certified plastic surgeon in California, brides-to-be are frequent customers at her clinic. While some are just seeking Botox injections, others are spending up to $15,000 on cosmetic procedures.

“It’s a whole lot of money… We want to make sure the patient is doing this for the right reasons. They’re doing this for themselves, not just for their fiancés or any other motive,”Dr. Lawton recently said on GMA.

Linsey Ray, a prior patient of Dr. Lawton’s sought out plastic surgery to improve her looks before saying ‘I do’ at her wedding. Ray, who had a long history of struggling with her weight, was able to shed pounds prior to her wedding through a healthy diet and exercise plan, but was self-conscious about the excess skin that was left behind.

“I know it sounds crazy but… it is the worst thing in the world to literally wear three tank tops to hold all your suction in, everything and so it’s worth it for me,” she said.

Ray said the pain after surgery was very uncomfortable, but she has no regrets. “I feel like everything just fits the inside now. The inside matches the outside package… I just want my day to be like… That was my special day and I got to get to feel like a princess,” she told GMA.

If you’re considering rhinoplasty, Botox injections or other cosmetic procedures to be picture-perfect on your wedding day, make sure to plan ahead. As rule, it’s best to schedule your consultation 2-3 months prior to your ideal scheduled surgery. You’ll also want to plan for your recovery period. Some procedures require almost no down time, while others like a tummy tuck, may take a couple of weeks.

Learn more about rhinoplasty and other cosmetic procedures in Birmingham.

Sources: ABC News

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Botox Injections for Overactive Bladder May Be Better Than Other Treatment

Posted on January 7, 2012 by Briana

Botox Injections for Overactive BladderOveractive bladder is an often embarrassing medical condition that affects nearly one in eleven people in the U.S. Also known as urge incontinence, this condition is typically characterized by intense and sudden urges to urinate, which are then often followed by an involuntary loss of urine.

Symptoms of overactive bladder are often linked to other medical conditions, such as neurological disorders, acute urinary tract infections or bladder irritations, as well as bladder abnormalities such as tumors or bladder cancer. In women, pregnancy and delivery can weaken the pelvic floor muscles, which is a common cause of overactive bladder. While in men, changes in the prostate gland often induce symptoms.

There are various medical treatments available for overactive bladder, but researchers believe that Botox injections may help patients when other medications have failed to relieve symptoms. According to a new study published in European Urology, patients who received Botox injections for overactive bladder experienced a decrease in both frequency and urgency.

British researcher Dr. Arun Sahai and colleagues at King’s College, observed 100 patients over the course of six years, receiving Botox injections for overactive bladder symptoms. Most patients were given between one and three injections. Injection rates varied because patients were given the choice to decide how many injections they received.

Twenty-five percent of patients discontinued their treatment after the first injection either because they did not feel relief of their symptoms or were uncomfortable with the need for self-catheterization after treatment. Of the patients who opted to continue treatment, researchers found continued improvement in symptoms of frequency, urgency and incontinence.

Researchers did note that 15 percent of patients experienced urinary tract infections (UTI) as a primary side effect of treatment. Botox injections have been seen to cause UTIs in other studies. The exact cause of this side effect is unknown, but researchers speculate that injections may cause bacteria to move deep into the bladder. Self-catheterization may also be a potential cause of these infections.

From the data collected, researchers were able to conclude that Botox injections for overactive bladder are both safe and effective for medium-term use. Long-term studies have not been conducted.

Learn more about Botox injections in Birmingham.

Source: Daily Rx

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Allergan Confirms Safety and Quality of Gel-Filled Breast Implants

Posted on December 28, 2011 by Briana

Gel-Filled Breast ImplantsAllergan Inc., a lead manufacturer in both medical devices and pharmaceuticals, has released a statement speaking out against Poly Implant Prosthese (PIP), a French manufacturer currently under investigation for faulty breast implants in Europe. Allergan, maker of popular breast implant products such as NATRELLE, McGhan and CUI, is in no way affiliated with PIP and seeks to reassure patients and surgeons that Allergan products are of the highest quality and safety.

Allergan breast implant devices have been successfully on the market for almost 50 years. The products are available in over 60 countries and are subjected to rigorous national and international quality control standards and practices.

Among the many products manufactured by Allergan every year, silicone gel-filled breast implants are by far the most favored among both patients and surgeons. The gel-filled implants have been placed in more than 1 million women worldwide.

As a result of hundreds of thousands of clinical trials, peer-reviewed journals and published reports, silicone gel-filled breast implants have become one the most studied devices in the world. Allergan’s gel-filled implants specifically, have set themselves apart from various competitors due to their more cohesive silicone gel and their stronger outer shells.

A recent report published by the U.S. FDA has again confirmed the safety and effectiveness of silicone breast implants when used as intended, however, it is important for patients to recognize that breast implants are not made for lifelong use. Patients at some point in their lives may require a removal and replacement. Breast implants should be monitored regularly by a physician.

Allergan is committed to excellence and continues to set the industry standard for breast implant manufacturing with their strong adherence to the most stringent of safety and quality standards.

Learn more about gel-filled breast implants in Birmingham, MI.

Source: News-Medical.net

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Botox Injections: This Year’s Hottest Christmas Gift

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Briana

Botox Injections

Credit: Flickr/Mulad

Christmas is nearly here, which means shoppers’ emotions are running high as they rummage through store aisles in search of the perfect last minute present. Finding the perfect present for the man or woman who has everything can be stressful, especially when time is scarce. But surprisingly enough, this year’s gift giving dilemmas could be solved with a simple call to a local plastic surgeon’s office.

More and more men and women are choosing to purchase gift certificates or surgical consultations for loved ones this Christmas. Popular procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction and Botox injections are topping many Christmas lists this year according to Tampa based plastic surgeon Dan Diaco, MD.

“It makes a wonderful present. Most girls are very, very, very, happy to get something like this under the tree,” says Diaco.

Men are also happy recipients of plastic surgery gifts for Christmas. According to Diaco, the most requested procedures for men are Botox injections, frequently referred to as “bro-tox.” Men also lean towards chemical peels which can treat a variety of superficial skin problems such as sun damage and fine wrinkles, as well as Juvederm injections which can reduce moderate to severe facial wrinkles and add volume to the skin.

Diaco insists that the end results are priceless: “Their face lights up. They get excited. It changes their lives.”

Plastic surgery may be the perfect gift for your “someone special” this year, but remember that it’s important to seek out a board certified plastic surgeon. Thorough surgical consultations and evaluations are essential to determine if a patient is an ideal candidate for plastic surgery.

If you’re planning to give the gift of cosmetic enhancement this year, it’s best to give an envelope filled with informational brochures because in most cases, you will not be able to purchase the procedure without a patient consultation first.

Source: WTSP News

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Fonda Shares Facial Plastic Surgery Experience

Posted on December 15, 2011 by Briana

Jane Fonda, successful actress and fitness expert, attributes her youthful appearance to more than just years of exercise. She recently spoke on MSNBC’s Today Show about undergoing facial plastic surgery procedures for her chin, neck and under eyes.

The actress claims that external Hollywood pressures were not to blame for her decision to get plastic surgery. “I just decided I wanted to buy myself some time and look more like how I feel,” said Fonda. According to the 73 year old actress, she’s feeling happy and confident with both her looks and life.

Fonda isn’t the only one looking to shave off a few years by seeking out anti-aging facial plastic surgery procedures. There are a multitude of procedures available on the market, which cater to the needs of an aging demographic.

Extremely popular surgical procedures such as face lifts or neck lifts specifically target visible signs of aging in the face and neck areas by reducing the appearance of loose wrinkles, folds and fatty deposits, especially around the lower face area.

There are also extremely popular non-invasive treatments such as Botox, which addresses moderate to severe wrinkles by temporarily reducing muscle activity between the brows and the forehead. This results in a smoother overall appearance. Other popular cosmetic injections such as Restylane work to reduce facial lines and wrinkles by adding volume and structure to the skin, restoring it to a softer, more youthful appearance.

Fonda’s care free and honest attitude about her facial plastic surgery choices is both refreshing and clearly indicative of her current emotional state. “I’m happier now than I was before,” Fonda stated. “That’s not exactly what I expected at 73.”

Learn more about facial plastic surgery in Birmingham, MI.

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Benefits of Chemical Peels Prevail Over Other Popular Procedures

Posted on December 7, 2011 by Briana

Benefits of Chemical PeelsWith the continual influx of new skin rejuvenation procedures flooding the market, it can be difficult to decide which procedure is best. And while there is no denying that many of these new technologies can be very effective, the benefits of chemical peels often prevail, not only in long lasting results, but also in cost effectiveness, when compared to many other options.

Like botulinum toxin (Botox) and other fillers, chemical peels remain one of the most popular wrinkle reduction tools because they are inexpensive, easy to perform and achieve significant results, according to Marina Landau, M.D., Wolfson Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Herzliya Pituach, Israel.

But unlike other popular procedures, chemical peels not only reduce wrinkles, they can also significantly improve other facial imperfections including uneven skin pigmentation, textural skin changes and deeply embedded wrinkles. Chemical peels are also better at treating all over facial wrinkles than Botox and other fillers because they require less upkeep and the results can last for several years  says Dr. Landau.

The types of chemical peels differ based on how deeply the chemical penetrates and what type of chemical solution is used. Phenol-based peels in particular, are the most powerful of chemical peels. They often yield drastic results, but if performed incorrectly, can result in severe burning.

“You have to be able to recognize and critically observe the real-time changes seen on the surface of the skin during the peeling procedure, such as blanching, edema and erythema, as these are crucial in determining how deep the peel went,” says Jean-Luc Vigneron, M.D., director of Villabianca Dermatologie Esthétique, Saint Paul de Vence, France.

While deeper phenol-based peels offer more dramatic results, they also present more significant consequences such as substantial pain, and prolonged healing time. Phenol peels typically require 10 days of healing and the skin may retain a red appearance for up to three months.

Trichloroacetic acid, glycolic and salicylic peels present less risk and work to treat various cosmetic problems such as acne, acne scarring and scar tissue. A combination of peels is often recommended to achieve ideal results for specific indications.

The cosmetic benefits of chemical peels can often outweigh the risks, but it is important to discuss your expectations with a plastic surgeon to achieve optimal results. Learn more about chemical peels in Birmingham.

Sources: Modern Medicine

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Illegal Body Contouring Injections: A Scary New Trend

Posted on November 28, 2011 by Briana

Body ContouringA dangerous new trend is popping up across the nation: illegal silicone butt injections performed by amateurs with no medical training. Alarmed public health officials and prominent physicians within the plastic surgery community are now speaking up about the dangers associated with injectable silicone.

Recent arrests in Washington, Miami and New York City have shown that not only are these body contouring procedures being performed by untrained, unlicensed practitioners, but materials commonly found at local home improvement stores such as caulk or tire repair adhesives are being injected into these paying customers.

Dr. Michele Shermak, a Lutherville plastic surgeon and spokesperson for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons has recently launched a new campaign aimed to further educate the public about the dangers of illegal cosmetic surgery performed by unlicensed practitioners.

“It’s horrible on so many levels,” Shermak was recently quoted in the Chicago Tribune. “You’re going to have a toxic reaction.”

Though injectable silicone is only approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of detached retinas, Shermock and other physicians state that have been hearing more and more about illegal silicone buttock injections lately.

Years of medical research has proven silicone to be a dangerous substance for the body, except when encased in buttock of breast implants. Injectable silicone often causes inflammatory reactions in the affected tissue areas, ultimately resulting in pain, redness and an increased risk of wounds and infections. Injected silicone can also travel through blood vessels to invade other organs within the body.

To some women, the risk of illegal body contouring may be worth it – legal buttock lifts and silicone implants are some of the most popular cosmetic procedures on the market. Buttock lifts and implants typically cost upwards of $4,500.

Health officials hope to see a decrease in injuries and hospitalizations due to illegal injectable silicone by increasing awareness and spreading education on the dangers of this growing trend.

Source: Chicago Tribune

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Attain a More Youthful Appearance Sans Botox

Posted on November 22, 2011 by Briana

botox injectionsTrying to attain a more youthful glow with Botox injections? All you have to do is smile, according to a new study published in Psychology and Aging.

The study enlisted the help of 154 young, middle-aged and older adult study participants to estimate the ages of 171 faces of young, middle-aged and older adults posing with various facial expressions. Study participants examined a total of 2,053 photographs. The expressions presented embodied anger, fear, disgust, happiness, sadness and neutrality.

The results showed that facial expressions presented a significant impact on the accuracy of age estimates across all study groups. While neutral facial expressions resulted in the most accurate age estimates, study participants underestimated the ages of smiling facial expressions by nearly two years on average.

Researchers hypothesize that happy facial expressions are particularly deceptive because smiling creates temporary facial wrinkles around the face and the mouth, making it difficult for individuals to differentiate between real or transient facial wrinkles.

The results of this study appear particularly relevant with the rise of social media platforms such as Facebook, Linkedin, Flickr and others which share photos, often with very minimal background information and may contribute to age bias.

“Although age estimates can often be based on multiple cues, there are many situations in which a picture of a person’s face is the only information immediately available,” researcher Manuel C. Voelkle of the Max Planck Institute for Human Development in Berlin, and colleagues comment.

Additionally, researchers noticed that the age of study subjects also played a role in age estimates. Older and younger adults were most accurate when assessing the ages of individuals in their own age group.

If smiling just isn’t enough, learn about Botox in the Birmingham area.

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