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ASPS Chooses Partner for Plastic Surgery EMR

Sunday, January 15th, 2012

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recently announced a partnership with an EMR company called eClinicalWorks. A 3-year initiative stemming from partnership will give ASPS members a chance to obtain customized electronic medical record systems.

The partnership brings together the world’s largest group of plastic surgeons with a leading provider of healthcare technology. Strengths of both organizations, they hope, will advance the specialty of plastic surgery practices around the nation.

The ASPS has been at the forefront when it comes to delivering practice management solutions, especially in the realm of information technology. For example, the society has a journal with a new iPad application, endorsed companies for website design, and now a collaboration with an EMR provider.

“ASPS has a long history of innovation in providing our members with practice management solutions,” said ASPS President Malcolm Roth MD, “including emerging information technology tools. Through collaborations like this, we can help transform the delivery of healthcare throughout the specialty of plastic surgery…”

About the Partnership

“eClinicalWorks and ASPS share the vision and the entrepreneurial spirit that evolution demands,” said Sameer Bhat, co-founder and vice-president of sales for eClinicalWorks. “This partnership further strengthens our leadership with specialties.

We are excited to collaborate with this leading medical specialty society and are confident our proven track record of product innovation will meet the needs of plastic surgeons.”

Plastic surgeons will get access to a variety of eClinicalWorks systems, helping to facilitate tasks like:

  • Management of patient flow
  • Accessing patient records (in house or remotely)
  • ePrescribing
  • Secure communication with referring physicians
  • Secure communication with patients
  • Clinical and financial analysis

ASPS chose eClinicalWorks after an 18-month evaluation led by a taskforce of ASPS members. 111 plastic surgeons responded to an ASPS survey regarding Health Information Technology and Electronic Health Records (HIT/EHR). The survey found that plastic surgeon’s use of the technology was “lighter than expected.” The ASPS task force has encouraged more plastic surgeons to embrace EMR and its associated technology.

Surgeons who responded to the survey listed their 5 most valuable EMR functions.

  • Computerized physician order entry (CPOE)
  • Web-based system (cloud computing)
  • Patient web portal
  • Ability to check or advise on evaluation and management coding levels based on fields entered
  • Ability to use a tablet in the office.

Through the survey, ASPS was able to understand practice profiles as well as different EMR/PM vendors to assess software features and functionality. By choosing eClinical Works, the society says it will help members find a cost effective entrance into an electronic medical record system.

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Documentary Explores the World of Modeling and Plastic Surgery

Thursday, January 5th, 2012

The new film About Face by portrait photographer Timothy Greenfield-Sanders takes a peek behind the modeling industry and the quest to continue looking young.

Through candid interviews, the film documents the experiences of models from the 70s and 80s.

“The divergent attitudes among the women about everything from the business of modeling, to aging and plastic surgery, are fascinating and priceless. ”

- The Sundance Film Guide

An excerpt from the film trailer asks Carmen Dell’Orifice: “What is it about plastic surgery and facelifts – what is your sense of that whole world?”

She says “Well, if you had the ceiling falling down in your living room,would you not go an have a repair?”

About Face has several screenings at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival, January 19 – 29 in Park City, Utah.

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In Spain, Beauty Industry Thrives in Tough Economy

Wednesday, December 14th, 2011

A segment from PRI’s The World comes from Spain, where the European debt crisis has impacted a variety of industries. But not the beauty industry, which seems to be thriving.

Why would healthy and beauty be growing, while other industries remain flat in the country?

Inexpensive Ego Boosts Are Popular

It could be that people simply need a boost. When unemployment is nearly 23 percent, “inexpensive ego-boosts go a long way” reports PRI’s Marco Werman.

Salon manager Patricia Marquez explains, “a person needs to feel handsome to feel comfortable with themselves, she says. “If they don’t look good it doesn’t matter what they do; you have to feel comfortable in your own skin.”

“The well-groomed will be well positioned when opportunity knocks.”

The Salon Index as Spain’s Economic Indicator on PRI’s The World Listen Here

One theory says that during an uncertain economy, women take refuge in beauty products, especially lipstick, according to Leonard Lauder, chairman of Estee Lauder.

In 2001, Lauder claimed that sales of lipstick go up whenever the economy goes down. During times of distress, women skip the clothes and shoes, finding satisfaction in simpler beauty enhancements like lipstick.

Analda Santano, who works at the busy Cinema Nails salon, agrees with Lauder’s theory. She explains that people want to be prepared when the economic crisis finally ends and jobs become available. “The well-groomed will be well positioned when opportunity knocks,” she said.

In America, A Similar, But More Expensive, Story

The Daily Beast reports this week on a similar trend back home. “We might be cutting back on basics, but we’re pouring money into our looks,” writes Rebecca Dana, who offers some peculiar statistics about the cosmetic surgery industry:

Between 2009 and 2010, Americans spent 3.8 percent less on food, 2 percent less on housing, 1.4 percent less on clothes, and 7 percent less on entertainment. At the same time, we spent 1.3 percent more on breast augmentation, 5.1 percent more on lipo, 8.1 percent more on eyelid surgery, and a whopping 24.4 percent more on butt lifts.

In a recession economy, looking good appears to be a high priority for Americans and Europeans alike. Perhaps it is important to remember the multitude of other ways you can reinvent yourself during uncertain times. You can get an “inexpensive ego boost” from a class, a book, or a new venture.

Honing your skills as well as your looks will keep you competitive in the job market.

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On TODAY, 73-Year-Old Jane Fonda Reveals That She Had Cosmetic Surgery

Friday, December 9th, 2011

Jane Fonda recently appeared on TODAY to discuss exercise, plastic surgery, marriage and more.

Her decision to undergo plastic surgery was simple: “I decided I wanted to look more like how I feel,” she explains to Matt Lauer.

On her TODAY appearance, she explains that she wasn’t overly concerned with her body image. She just wanted to look like herself.

“I just decided I wanted to buy myself some time,” she explains, admitting that she had plastic surgery on her chin, neck and beneath the eyes.

Fonda is a well known actress, political activist, fitness guru and feminist.

Along with Gloria Steinem and Robin Morgan, she founded the Women’s Media Center in 2005, a non-profit organization dedicated to “making women visible and powerful in the media.”

With a new fitness video, she’s still enthusiastic about the role of exercise for optimum health, but this time she’s focused on helping baby boomers achieve their goals.

View the TODAY interview with Jane Fonda online.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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Plastic Surgeon Explains Procedures After Biggest Loser Show

Friday, November 4th, 2011

After achieving weight loss success on “The Biggest Loser,” how do the winning contestants deal with loose skin on their bodies? Loose skin is a common problem for people who lose a large amount of weight in a short amount of time. It causes irritation, issues with the fit of clothing, as well as cosmetic concerns.

Olivia Ward lost 129 pounds on the program, and turned to Dr. Jennifer Walden for body contouring with a tummy tuck and breast lift. In this KXAN news segment, Dr. Walden talks about the procedures and how they worked to address the problems faced by the contestant.

She says she performed a tummy tuck and breast lift to complete Ms. Ward’s transformation, removing the redundant skin and soft tissue. During the tummy tuck, the doctor lifts up the abdominal skin, removes the apron of extra skin and then tightens the stretched abdominal muscles. To address deflation and loose skin in the breasts, she performed a breast lift.

Body contouring after weight loss is “a reconstructive surgery” Dr. Walden explains.

Read more about body contouring in Savannah, GA.

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New Study Examines Cosmetic Surgery and Psychological Effects

Monday, September 26th, 2011

Research released this month by The Journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons will examine cosmetic surgery and the psychological effects of this type of procedure. The study examined patients who elected to have cosmetic procedures performed, both immediately after their procedures and five years later. The research was the first of it’s kind to evaluate patients so long after surgery, and will help to eliminate some of the myths about plastic surgery causing lasting psychological damage.

Evaluating Psychological Effects After Surgery

cosmetic surgery psychological effectsDuring the research, scientists observed that the patients, overall, showed improved body image after surgery, as well as increases in confidence and self esteem. These patients had sought out a doctor to modify a specific problem they observed with their body, and were generally happy with the result. So while, cosmetic surgery did have psychological effects, they were generally positive.

The pre-release abstract of the study also notes, however, that patients underwent cosmetic surgery and experienced mental health issues had somewhat different results.

These patients still had body image issues five years later, and remained unsatisfied with their appearance even after undergoing surgical correction.They were unhappy that the surgery had not fixed their problems, when, in reality, the issue was not one of appearance but one of perspective.

This research demonstrates that while cosmetic surgery can, indeed, improve one’s physical appearance, it is not a cure all. The researchers advise that surgeons note the mental health of their patients during the initial consultation. A referral to a mental health practitioner may be necessary in some cases before cosmetic surgery can be attempted, to be sure that the patient is satisfied with the results and has no underlying psychological issues.

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Pros of Plastic Surgery Explained by Dear Abby

Monday, August 15th, 2011

The syndicated advice column Dear Abby recently fielded a question about plastic surgery. A reader explains that she “dislikes the prevalence of plastic surgery and Botox in today’s society,” arguing that it gives young people an unhealthy perception of body image.

In response, “Abby” educates her about the pros of plastic surgery. But the exchange does beg the question: how should you explain your procedure to your children or family members?

Children May Not Understand the Pros of Plastic Surgery

Most adults can understand the way that appearance can affect one’s self-esteem. They should also be able to distinguish between a reasonable aesthetic concern and an insecurity that distorts the way they see themselves.

Children however, without a fully developed sense of reason, will have difficulty making these distinctions.

If you’re a mom or dad considering a procedure, it could be challenging to explain the pros of plastic surgery to your child. Family disclosures about cosmetic surgery are personal matters that patients decide for themselves. However, you’d be wise to take the advice of Dear Abby, and refrain from any public boasting about your results.

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New FDA Sunscreen Regulations Will Change Sunscreen Labels

Wednesday, July 6th, 2011

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced new sunscreen regulations, just as summer heats up in Georgia.

These new FDA sunscreen regulations will change sunscreen labels. All sunscreens must meet the new label standard by summer 2012, but you may start to see changes on your favorite sunscreen’s label this summer.

Jill Lindstrom M.D., a dermatologist for the FDA, says that “We encourage consumers to use sunscreens that are labeled with a broad spectrum SPF value of at least 15. These sunscreens help reduce the risk of sun burn, skin cancer, and early skin aging, when used as directed with other sun protection measures.”

What Are The New FDA Sunscreen Regulations?

Starting in 2012, sunscreens cannot be labeled with an SPF value higher than SPF 50.  Also, manufacturers will have to prove their broad spectrum protections claims.

Broad spectrum sunscreens protect from UVA rays (which cause skin aging) and UVB rays (which cause sunburns).

The new sunscreen label rules will also change the labels of sunscreens that are sweat resistant or water resistant. Currently, the labels may say “waterproof” or “sweatproof.” According to the FDA, no sunscreen is truly waterproof. All sunscreens lose effectiveness when wet and need to be reapplied frequently.

Sun Protection For Summer 2011

Even though the new labels will not go into effect until 2012, consumers can still use the FDA’s information to be better protected this summer. Keep in mind:

  • No sunscreen is truly water proof or sweat proof
  • The best sunscreens are broad spectrum sunscreens
  • Sunscreen can be combined with clothing and shade for better protection

If you feel your skin is already showing the effects of photo-aging, make an appointment at Coastal Empire plastic surgery to learn how the treatments we offer can improve the appearance of skin aging. It is important that you protect your skin from the sun following laser treatments, skin resurfacing, or any surgical procedure.

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More Couples Getting Plastic Surgery Together

Monday, June 27th, 2011

With the increasing acceptance of cosmetic procedures among men, a new phenomenon among the plastic surgery clientele has been on the rise: more couples are appearing together in surgeons’ offices across the country.

According to this article in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, America’s recovery from the recession has seen a resurgence of plastic surgery procedures. Women account for roughly 80 percent of plastic surgery patients, but the number of men has skyrocketed 88 percent from 1997 to 2010. The most popular procedures among men include Botox, liposuction, and rhinoplasty.

The article tells the story of Marsha and Mike Gavula, a couple from Evans City, PA, who do just about everything together. Recently, the 50-year-olds both stepped into a plastic surgeon’s office. Marsha has undergone chemical peels, dermabrasion, and other minimally invasive procedures, while Mike opted for Botox and wrinkle-filling injections for the first time on his fiftieth birthday.

One medical spa with three offices in the Pittsburgh area reports that it offers cosmetic procedures for nearly 30 couples annually, compared with a half-dozen couples in the mid-2000s.

What are some of the factors driving this increase in couples’ procedures?

  • Plastic surgery no longer carries a stigma among men, particularly as the baby boomer generation ages.
  • More options are available for those who don’t want a surgical procedure, as products like Botox can produce results comparable to facelifts.
  • Many men wish to have a more youthful appearance in order to compete in a younger workplace. Injectable fillers such as Restylane and Artefill are fast, effective ways to rejuvenate your appearance.
  • Recovery times for many procedures have lessened, thanks to cutting-edge techniques like VASER LipoSelection that reduce tissue trauma.
  • Couples who have surgeries around the same time can “leapfrog” their procedures, alternating care and recovery.

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Not All Elderly Patients Have Higher Risk for Facelift Complications

Monday, June 20th, 2011

How old is too old for plastic surgery? The answer may surprise you. A recent study has indicated that carefully selected patients who have facelifts after the age of 65 are not at a greater risk for facelift complications.

While no one is certain about the best age for a facelift, many doctors are uncertain about the risks of facelift complications among their elderly clients.

The prevailing wisdom is that facelift surgery in the elderly carries more post-operative risk, since this has often been the case in other areas of medicine. Slower healing times and latent medical issues often entail more complications among older patients than their younger counterparts.

However, a study by the Cleveland Clinic shows that the potential for facelift complications among the elderly can be significantly reduced through careful patient selection, so that a 65-year-old patient may be as safe entering surgery as someone 20 years their junior. The study, published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, examined consecutive facelifts in 216 women performed by a single surgeon from 2005 to 2008.

The women were divided into two groups, with 68 patients being 65 years or older, and 148 patients being under the age of 65. Elderly patients were carefully selected based on their medical history. After comparing various factors (such as co-morbidities, operative details, and overall health status) with statistical analysis, the study revealed that age was not an independent contributing factor to post-operative facelift complications.

The key to preventing facelift complications, according to the study authors, is to carefully screen patients and exclude those with significant co-morbidities (related medical conditions). While co-morbidity rates are higher among the elderly, this does not mean that all elderly patients should be excluded.

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