Archive for the ‘In the News’ Category

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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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The Story of California’s First Hand Transplant Patient

Friday, May 13th, 2011

Luke Skywalker from the movie Star Wars recovered quickly after losing his hand, but in the real world, replacing a lost hand is a painful and long-term proposition. With the recent success of high-profile surgeries such as the country’s first facial transplant, it seems that transplant surgery has come closer to the dreams of science fiction, but it’s worth bearing in mind that fiction rarely reveals the long road to recovery. In reality, the surgeries, physiotherapy, and risk of rejection demand true heroism.

Emily Fennell, who recently became California’s first hand transplant patient, lost her right hand in a car accident in 2006, when she was a passenger in a car that was sideswiped. The car rolled and Fennell’s hand was flung through the sunroof, crushed between the car and the road. The hand was mangled and had to be amputated.

The 26-year-old single mother didn’t give up, however, and after getting home from the hospital, she taught herself to use her left hand for everything. But Fennell didn’t want to live the rest of her life with only one hand. She learned about hand transplant surgeries and was accepted to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center’s hand transplant program. She knew the risks of the surgery, which typically requires lifelong use of powerful immunosuppressant drugs and may result in outright rejection of the hand. The Center found a donor within a couple of weeks.

Fennell is now enrolled in eight-hour daily physical therapy, and waits for the day when her nerves will grow enough to connect with the nerves in the hand. The hand has no sensation, and Fennell still can’t fully accept the hand as hers. With time and effort, however, Fennell will soon get her wish: to hug her daughter “with both hands.”

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Botox Helps Migraine and Cerebral Palsy Sufferers

Wednesday, April 20th, 2011

Botulinum toxin injections, commonly known as Botox, are by far the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure on the market today, with 5.4 million procedures performed in 2010. Botox restores a youthful appearance to the face by temporarily paralyzing certain facial nerves so that other muscles are able to pull the skin tighter than before.

However, there are alternative uses for Botox that may surprise you, as its unique ability to paralyze muscles with simple injections has improved the lives of spinal migraine and cerebral palsy sufferers.

The Mayo Clinic recently discovered that Botox helped a woman suffering from a rare type of migraine when little else had worked over the course of 25 years. Low cerebrospinal fluid headaches are caused by spinal fluid leaks that cause the brain to sag within the skull. The pain caused by low cerebrospinal fluid headaches can range from slight to overwhelming, and many people who suffer from these migraines find that existing therapies don’t help. Lying down is often the only way that they have to feel better.

Botox was administered to numb the nerve after the woman and doctors had exhausted all their options, and to everyone’s surprise, she made a strong improvement. While the pain is not completely gone, it has largely subsided, and the patient finds it easier to live a normal life.

On the other side of the globe, Australian children living with cerebral palsy have been engaging in a highly successful Botox treatment program. The injections relax the leg muscles of cerebral palsy sufferers, allowing them to walk with supports, leading to a huge improvement in their quality of life. The injections have also proven useful in alleviating leg pains and cramping that afflict the children.

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Cosmetic Surgery Increasingly Popular Among American Men

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011

Recent statistics released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) indicate that the number of American men who had cosmetic procedures in 2010 increased by 2 percent over the previous year. With over 1 million cosmetic procedures performed on men last year, this means an increase of more than 20,000 procedures. The numbers also reflect the changing priorities and perspectives of American men.

There was a decline in rhinoplasty, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion, although these procedures remain among the most popular. The most popular surgical procedure is rhinoplasty, and the most popular minimally invasive procedure is Botox.

Here are the top 10 surgical procedures that increased in popularity among men last year:

  1. Facelift (14% increase)
  2. Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) (11% increase)
  3. Soft Tissue Fillers (10% increase)
  4. Botulinum Toxin Type A (9% increase)
  5. Liposuction (7% increase)
  6. Breast Reduction (6% increase)
  7. Eyelid Surgery (4% increase)
  8. Dermabrasion (4% increase)
  9. Laser Hair Removal (4% increase)
  10. Laser Treatment of Leg Veins (4% increase)

The rising popularity of facelifts lies mostly among men in their 50s and 60s. As the baby boomer generation ages, men often find that even healthy lifestyles can’t prevent sagging neck skin. The increase of breast reduction surgery means that more men under 30 are no longer willing to be embarrassed by their large breasts.

But don’t think that the growing popularity of cosmetic surgery among men comes from celebrities and elites. Dr. Stephen Baker, an ASPS member from Washington, D.C. who is quoted in the report, says that the typical male cosmetic patient is “an average guy who wants to look as good as he feels…. Most of my patients are ‘men’s men,’ the kind of guy you might not think would have plastic surgery.”

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Muscle-Derived Stem Cells Could Improve Fat Grafting

Wednesday, March 30th, 2011

Extracting and using muscle-derived stem cells may enhance the long-term prospects of fat grafting, say the authors of a recent article in Medical Hypotheses, a journal that encourages speculations about the future of medical practice and procedures.

Fat grafting is an essential part of numerous plastic surgeries, with uses in breast reconstruction as well as breast, lips, buttocks, and facial augmentation. Transferring fat from one part of the patient’s body to another can smooth wrinkles, fill out aged hands and faces, and improve the shape of breasts and buttocks.

“Autologous fat graft… gives a natural consistency, is easy and safe to harvest, exhibits no hypersensitivity or foreign body reactions, and is readily available,” the authors write. However, there may be some long-term shortcomings of fat grafting procedures, most notably the tendency for fat cells to not survive, failing to integrate with the body.

Researchers from Harbin Medical University in northeast China argue that these side effects are caused by insufficient blood flow. Without enough blood getting to the transplanted fat cells, they may wither and die. The authors explore a strategy for dealing with this problem, which involves the use of stem cells from the muscle tissue.

According to the researchers, previous studies show that best results for fat grafting occurred when fat tissue was transplanted inside muscle – because stem cells within the muscle tissue improve the formation of new blood passages in the grafted fat. Stem cells extracted from the patient’s body could be injected into the patient’s muscle tissue, along with the fat, at the site of the graft. At the same time, the plastic surgeon would cause minor damage to the muscle tissue, activating the body’s healing process. Over time, the healing muscle would interact with the stem cells to improve the formation of new blood vessels and integrate the fat tissue into the muscle.

While this is only one small study, it could be very exciting to see further research in this direction for fat grafting procedures. You can read more about this study on Pubmed.

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