For many who seek to slow the signs of aging, non-surgical procedures, such as dermal fillers and laser treatments, are appealing as a way to retain a younger look without going under the knife. The Wall Street Journal online reports that older workers, especially, are increasingly interested in minimally-invasive procedures to help stay competitive in this economy.
“If you are a woman who has to come back to work full-time or a man who isn’t going to be able to retire any time soon, you’ve got to look like you can compete,” says Wendy Lewis, a New York–based plastic surgery and skin care consultant. “And if you are working in a field like media where everyone is really young, you don’t just want to look good for your age, you want to look good, period.”
Statistics from by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) show that for those in the 51-64 age group, the number of facelifts dropped from around 75,000 in 2008 to just under 55,000 in 2009, while, for this same age group, the number of Botox procedures jumped from 672,840 in 2008 to 734,751 in 2009.
Overall the number of facelifts in the U.S. decreased 29 percent and eyelid surgeries declined 23 percent from 2008 to 2009. Meanwhile, Botox and Dysport injections rose 3.8 percent from 2008 to 2009.
Some of the benefits of less-invasive procedures include a shorter recovery time compared to surgery and generally a lower cost than a surgical procedure. Lewis does point out that one can overdo minimally-invasive treatments. “There is a point at which you are going to have a better result and spend less money if you just have a facelift,” she says. In addition, there are some problems that can only be fixed by surgery, such as sagging jowls.
Inland Cosmetic Surgery has many non-surgical offerings, including Botox and Dysport, chemical peels, and injectable fillers.
No more shaving, waxing, painful electrolysis or razor burns. You can achieve silky smooth skin by the new technology laser hair removal system safely, gently and effectively.
Say goodbye to unwanted hair growth on all body areas including: upper lip, cheeks, chin, neck, breasts, stomach, arms, shoulders, bikini area, legs and back.
We’re proud to offer our NEW Laser Machine that uses the best technology to safely, effectively and gently remove hair of many colors and types from all skin tones. This is truly the next generation of safe and effective hair removal technology. It is virtually painless!
Achieving beautiful, silky smooth skin is now easier than ever. Contact our office today for limited time attractive Laser Hair Removal Package Specials! Call today 1-800-6-COSMETIC or 909-987-0899 and let us know you saw our blog!!
A study found that pain and recovery time are significantly decreased after tummy tuck surgery when the patient receives a combination injection of nerve blocks and long-acting local anesthetics into nerve branches around the abdomen before surgery. A nerve block is an injection of medication into a specific area of the body that numbs the nerves there.
Dr. Lu-Jean Feng, the study’s author and a microvascular plastic and reconstructive surgeon, looked at the charts of patients who underwent an abdominoplasty over a ten year period. The treatment group was made up of 77 patients who received the numbing solution, which blocks pain impulses between the abdomen and brain, and the control group included 20 patients who did not receive nerve blocks.
A comparison between the two groups revealed that the treatment group:
- Had significantly less pain following surgery
- Required significantly less pain medication during recovery
- Spent less time in the recovery room
Using recovery room data and patient questionnaires, the study also found that the those who received nerve blocks had significantly less pain at home after surgery and were able to resume normal activities, such as driving, significantly faster than the control group.
“Today prospective patients are not only looking at the aesthetic quality of results of an elective surgical procedure,” said Dr. Feng. “They are also looking at ease of recovery and shorter downtimes.” Dr. Feng presented her study at Plastic Surgery 2010, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ annual scientific meeting that was held October 1-5 in Toronto.
The study may also lead doctors to look at using the technique for other cosmetic surgical procedures, such as breast augmentation. Another possible use would be for patients getting a combination of procedures at one time.
Learn more by reading the study’s abstract: “Painless Abdominoplasty: The Efficacy of Combined Intercostal and Pararectus Blocks in Reducing Post-Op Pain and Recovery.”
A recent study from George Washington University titled “A Heavy Burden: The Individual Costs of Being Overweight and Obese in the United States” found that it costs more to be overweight, and, more specifically, it costs more to be an overweight woman than an overweight man. Researchers found that the annual cost of being obese for a woman is $4,879 and $2,646 for a man; factors included sick days, extra gasoline and lost productivity. The reason it costs more for a woman is because thinner women usually earn more than their obese counterparts, but it’s not the case for men.
Another new report, released by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, estimated that 70 percent of Americans are overweight and about a third are obese or at least 30 pounds overweight.
Bariatric surgery is one option for the obese. Patients can achieve a significant weight reduction and improvement in general health through a bariatric procedure, such as lap band. Weight loss surgery works by limiting the amount of food a person can consume.
One of these benefits is a decreased risk of gestational diabetes and cesarean section for obese women who have weight loss surgery before they get pregnant, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons. Obese women who had weight loss surgery before conceiving were three times less likely to develop gestational diabetes.
The researchers compared rates of gestational diabetes among 346 obese women who had bariatric surgery before pregnancy and 354 obese women who had bariatric surgery after delivery.
The study found:
- Rates of gestational diabetes were 8 percent for those who had the surgery before pregnancy compared with 27 percent for those who had the surgery after delivery
- Rates of cesarean delivery were 28 percent for those who had the surgery before pregnancy compared with 43 percent for those who had the surgery after delivery
- Most of the women who underwent weight loss surgery did not wait the recommended two years afterwards before delivering a baby
Learn more about bariatric surgery and post weight loss surgery in Rancho Cucamonga, California.
If you’re considering breast augmentation surgery, breast size is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. One of the top reasons women go back for a second augmentation is that they want to go larger than they did with the first surgery, according to New You, a magazine of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.
Picking the right size includes taking into account your body type, frame and height, rather than just picking a cup size.
“Cup size is almost arbitrary when you’re talking about implants. Sizes aren’t consistent between bra manufacturers — there’s no universal size measurement — so it’s important to educate patients on how to choose the right size for them based on volume and fullness.”
Before a surgeon suggests an implant size, he or she should take all your measurements, including the circumference and width of your breasts, shoulders and hips.
“I look at the shoulders, chest, height and weight to dictate what type and size of implant I’ll put in. It’s what will fit a person’s body,” says Dr. Haiavy. “For instance, if the patient’s breast base width is smaller than the size of the implant diameter, I advise going down a size to avoid looking disproportionate. Reversely, with a patient who has a wider base, I’ll recommend going bigger as an option.”
Dr. Haiavy also recommends not letting outside influences — such as a partner or friend — choose your size.
“If I feel a patient is trying to please a husband or boyfriend by going up to a size she’s not comfortable with, I reiterate that the final decision is hers,” says Dr. Haiavy. “I also emphasize all the problems associated with bigger implants, including sagging and back pain, and that eventually you may need another surgery for a breast lift. If she’s still being swayed to go bigger than she wants to by her partner, then she’s not the right patient for the surgery.”
When considering breast augmentation surgery, a woman has several important decisions to make, including choosing a cosmetic surgeon, the size of the implant, and the type of implant. A recent poll at www.implantinfo.com of almost 500 women who are planning to have breast augmentation surgery revealed that more plan to have silicone implants (58 percent) compared to saline implants (24 percent). Seventeen percent said they were not sure which type of implant they would use.
While the informal poll reveals a preference for silicone, data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons shows that women who had breast augmentation surgery last year were split evenly between silicone and saline. In 2008, saline was used more often (for 53 percent of breast augmentation surgeries) compared with silicone implants (47 percent).
All breast implants are made out of a silicone outer shell; the difference between implants is what they are filled with.
Saline Breast Implants
- Filled with saline, usually at the time of surgery, which allows for a smaller incision.
- The size of saline implants can be changed over time because the implants have small valves in which a needle can be inserted to either add or remove the liquid.
- It is easier to detect ruptures in saline implants compared to silicone, because they deflate making it noticable almost immediately.
- Less expensive than silicone implants.
- Available to women 18 and older for breast augmentation.
Silicone Breast Implants
- Pre-filled with silicone gel.
- Many women feel that silicone implants look and feel more natural.
- If a different size implant is desired at a later point, a surgery must be performed to change the implant.
- Available to women 22 and older for breast augmentation.
Both types of breast implants are approved by the FDA, so they have been thoroughly researched and tested and reviewed by an independent panel of physicians for safety.
ABC News reports that reality TV star Heidi Montag is considering a breast reduction after getting 10 plastic surgery procedures in one day earlier this year—including a breast augmentation that gave her a G cup.
Buyer’s Remorse
Do plastic surgery patients sometimes have “buyer’s remorse”?
Dr. Timothy Miller, chief of plastic surgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, says it’s very rare. “Maybe I’ve seen it a few times in my practice,” he adds.
On the other hand, Chicago plastic surgeon Dr. Julius Few feels it may be on the rise. “I think [plastic surgery remorse] is actually increasing, and I think in part it’s increasing because of the drop in reimbursement by insurance companies, which is driving doctors in other specialties into the plastic surgery market,” he says.
Patients who have “buyer’s remorse” after plastic surgery are likely troubled by deeper issues, says Ann Kearney-Cooke, a psychologist who specializes in weight and body image issues. “[The surgery] changes the look, but if you have a problem that you haven’t resolved, you’ll have a temporary positive feeling, but then something else is the problem,” she says.
Communication is Key
The plastic surgeons do agree that regret can potentially be avoided if patients and doctors recognize and address the problem.
Dr. Few employs a therapist in his practice for those patients who need it. “We know in plastic surgery that if somebody has undue stress, the risk of complication is higher,” he says.
“Most plastic surgeons will tell patients to work out their problems—go talk to a psychiatrist or confide in somebody else,” says Dr. Miller.
Communication between the patient and doctor is critical. “It’s really important that both the patient and the physician understand what the motivation is behind the surgery,” said Dr. Malcolm Roth, a plastic surgeon in Brooklyn, N.Y.
According to an article published in the journal Body Image, survey participants who reported favorable impressions of reality television shows featuring cosmetic surgery were more likely to indicate interest in pursuing surgery.
Charlotte Markey, of Rutgers–Camden, and Patrick Markey, of Villanova University, did two studies to “examine the influence of media messages about cosmetic surgery on youths’ interest in altering their own physical appearance,” according to the article’s abstract.
The first study was a survey of 170 teens (average age 19.77, 59% female) about their impression of reality shows that feature cosmetic surgery makeovers and their own interest in cosmetic surgery.
Those who had favorable impressions of cosmetic surgery reality television shows were more likely to have an interest in pursuing surgery, the researchers found.
The second study of 189 participants (average age 19.84, 51% female) had half watch a TV program with a cosmetic surgery makeover and the other half watch a program with a neutral message.
The researchers found that those who viewed the cosmetic surgery show were more inclined to consider the procedure for themselves than those who watched the neutral message program, and that women were more likely to want cosmetic surgery than men.
Many people equate changing their appearance with being happier, noted Dr. Charlotte Markey, even though there is no evidence to prove this theory, she says.
“There is a cultural context to never be satisfied with our physical selves. It’s the rare person who is either completely oblivious or has developed such a strong counter message to not be affected,” said Markey.
The article, titled “A correlational and experimental examination of reality television viewing and interest in cosmetic surgery,” is available for purchase at Science Direct.
Sagging of the eyebrow and forehead—including the development of horizontal and vertical forehead creases—is one of the early signs of aging and contributor to the “tired” look. This condition can be greatly improved with endoscopic browlift (or upper face lift).
Endoscopic or minimal-scar browlift is performed using a tiny fiberoptic lens inserted through half-inch incisions placed in the hairline. The lens is attached to a camera, which is connected to a television, allowing for visualization of the surgery. Dr. Haiavy performs the procedure while viewing the television monitor and manipulating the tiny instruments externally.
An endoscopic browlift is particularly useful with younger patients where the removal of excess skin is not required. With an endoscopic browlift, loss of sensation or hair at the incision site is minimized. Since an endoscopic browlift can significantly reduce the frown lines between the eyes, it is often performed in conjunction with upper eyelid surgery to achieve optimal results.
A browlift can be performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with deep sedation, or general anesthesia, and may take 1 to 2 hours. With this method the incision is hidden just inside the hairline on the scalp and above the ears. The surgeon may lessen the appearance of wrinkles by weakening selected muscles and releasing tissues, which cause the wrinkles. Usually the tail of the eyebrows are also elevated and the forehead skin is gently re-draped, giving the entire face a rejuvenated look. With an extended browlift a stitch is also placed to moderately elevate the mid-face (cheeks).
What are the advantages of Endoscopic Browlift Surgery?
- Smaller incisions
- Minimal scarring
- Less hair loss
- Less chance of numbness
- Minimal bleeding
- Quicker recovery
As a cosmetic surgeon and Diplomate of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Haiavy performs all procedures in a safe, state-of-the-art AAAHC accredited on-site outpatient surgery center. Dr. Haiavy and his knowledgeable staff are dedicated to providing their patients with the highest standard of care coupled with personal attention and privacy in a comfortable and safe environment.. For more information on Endoscopic Browlift, feel free to contact Inland Cosmetic Surgery at 909-987-0899 for a professional and personal consultation. To view before after pictures of patients that have had the endoscopic browlift procedure by Dr. Haiavy, you can visit their website at Before & After Brow Lift Photos
The Dysport Challenge has proven to be such a huge success—it recently surpassed 100,000 registrants—that it has been extended through the end of September 2010.
Patients can take advantage of up to $150 in savings on Dysport. Those who register can save $75 when they try Dysport, which is used to treat frown lines. If they “love it” they receive a rebate for $75 off their next Dysport treatment. If they “leave it” they’ll get a $75 rebate off another botulinum toxin type A product, such as Botox.
When the challenge began in March, the New York Times noted that it is “thought to be the first time a drug maker has offered a rebate on a competing drug [Botox].” Jonah Shacknai, the chief executive of Medicis, who markets Dysport, said, “We are so confident that we are literally willing to bet our money that patients will love their Dysport treatment.”
The bet seems to have paid off: between March 1 and May 9, 2010, over 91 percent of 22,416 patients who made a selection chose “Love It,” according to Medicis; so far, only 2.6 percent of registered patients have made a selection to “Leave It.”
Dysport, which was approved by the FDA in April 2009 to treat severe frown lines between the eyebrows, works much like Botox, using botulinum toxin type A to temporarily relax wrinkles. Dysport smooths out facial lines and wrinkles by blocking nerve impulses that travel to specific muscles in the face.
“We are encouraged by the overwhelming response to the Dysport Challenge with over 100,000 patients participating, and the strong acceptance of the brand by physicians,” wrote Shacknai, in a recent earnings report.
The Dysport Challenge is open to patients 18 and older and complete details are at www.DysportUSA.com. Inland Cosmetic Surgery in Rancho Cucamonga, California offers both Dysport and Botox procedures.