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New and Improved: Plastic Surgery Reconstructed

It’s all over the tabloids.

Celebrities uncovered who need “a little work done.” Or have had said “work” done in an obvious manner. Or, worst yet, the ones who looked better before.

Plastic surgery. With the “education” that the tabloids give us about it, should we even wonder why people hesitate to permanently correct their flaws?

However, researchers and healthcare professionals are discovering many new and exciting factors about nutraceuticals and the cosmetic surgery industry. Not only are botox and plastic surgery safer than they used to be, but they also produce better results. Your risk of coming out looking like a goldfish is not only greatly diminished, but the procedure itself is healthier for you than it has ever been.

The Methodist Hospital reports through a recent study that dietary supplements of zinc and phytase prior to Botox®, Dysport®, or Myobloc® injections increased the effectiveness 93% of the time. 44 patients who had not responded positively to botulinum toxin injections were once again being treated for a blepharospasm condition, a rare form of eyelid spasms, hemifacial spasms, and cosmetic wrinkles. Each of the patients took zinc and phytase for four consecutive days prior to surgery, and 41 of them had more success than they did the first time.

Before the plastic surgery, the patients took 50 mg of zinc citrate, along with 3,000 PU of phytase and 10 mg of zinc gluconate or placebo supplementation. The researchers evaluated the patients based on their individual experiences with cosmetic surgery prior to taking the dietary supplements as a baseline.

As a result of this remarkable study, Dr. Charles Soparkar, an oculoplastic surgeon at The Methodist Hospital, is offering a zinc and phytase supplement to his patients. “Surprisingly, the results showed in more than 90 percent of the patients studied, the zinc/phytase combination improved responsiveness to treatment of blepharospasm using the same amount of botulinum toxin as previously used,” said Soparkar. “The toxins seemed to have greater effect and last longer. Potentially, this could mean using fewer toxins, offering patients financial savings, greater safety and more consistent results.” Dr. Soparkar will present this dietary supplement at the American Society of Opthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery’s 41st Annual Fall Scientific Symposium on October 14 in Chicago.

Because of this remarkable study, botox and plastic surgery are safer and more effective practices, building confidence in patients and allowing for safer and more effective results.

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The Botox Training Industry is Still Booming

The Aesthetic Medicine Sympsium is one of the only true courses that gives doctors and physicians alike a fantastic chance to be taught by board-certified dermatologists about the specific techniques and training requirements for injectable cosmetics. The injectable botox training is done in a legitimate, sterile medical environment and does not allow spectators giving doctors more free time for education.

The doctors that come to the Symposium can take a second look at the training they gain by using their 3 medical training DVD’s, which offer training on: botox instruction, dermal filler instruction, and microdermabrasion instruction. The DVD’s are hosted by the IAPAM’s member Dr. Marc Scheiner, who covers the aforementioned training regimens.

Each member who attends the Sympsoum will gain a total of 19 DVD’s relating to cosmetic practice. These will allow doctors and physicians alike to recall the training that they received whenever they see fit.

Scheiner heralds study classes like the IAPAM’s, mostly because they offer real, live injection patients to practice on. This, he continues, is necessary to build the confidence needed to start to immediately offer the procedures. Jennifer Lidner, another member of the IAPAM Symposium had this to say: “In order to perform Botox treatments well, one must understand the medication and how it specifically works. Physicians must know how to appropriately dilute the product and how to safely and effectively administer it. Training should provide an in-depth discussion of facial anatomy and how to evaluate muscle movements to decide on product placement. One must understand the details of how Botox interacts with the muscles, the natural variations of the musculature of the face, as well as how to achieve beautiful aesthetic results by decreasing muscle contraction in a designed and organized fashion.

Effective training programs, like the IAPAM’s Symposium should prepare doctors to effectively handle any adverse events from both a medical standpoint, as well as helping the patient to understand the situation. Marketing assistance is also very valuable, and good training seminars, like the IAPAM’s Aesthetic Practice Start-Up Workshop, discuss how to market services.”

The seminar has grown to be quite popular, and is growing equally with the demand by doctors for professional and knowledgeable training staff.

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Feel Happier Automatically with the Use of Botox

The use of the anti-wrinkle product Botox is said to help those feel better about themselves because they do not frown even when they are sad. This then feeds the idea back into their brains, and can help reduce the feeling of sadness. Theoretically, scientists claim that if a person can’t physically frown, the brain then feels as if there is nothing to be sad about- the equivalent of acting happy even if you are not, therefore tricking your brain into thinking you really are.

According to the study performed by the US Association for Psychological Science, it applies even for those who have received the Botox injection to stop wrinkles. These injections are a temporary solution that causes the paralysis of the muscles. It is done by tiny amounts of the toxin being injected into the muscles that are mainly responsible for frowning.

Research performed at the University of Wisconsin used 40 volunteers who allowed small doses of Botox to be injected into their foreheads. Afterward, the volunteers were asked to read from statements that ranged from happy, sad and angry, which they had already done before the treatment began. Those who received the treatment took more time to read off the more negative statements than before they had received their injections. David Havas, a researcher involved in the project, explained that while the time delay was small, it was significant, suggesting that a person’s brain can take longer processing the emotion found in the statement.

According to Mr. Havas, “There is an idea in psychology called the facial feedback hypothesis. Essentially, it says, when you’re smiling, the whole world smiles with you. It’s an old song, but it’s right. Actually, this study suggests the opposite: When you’re not frowning, the world seems less angry and less sad.”

Another Research professor, Mr. Arthur Glenberg, also discussed the study. “Normally, the brain would be sending signals to the periphery to frown, and the extent of the frown would be sent back to the brain”, he stated. “But here, that loop is disrupted, and the intensity of the emotion and of our ability to understand it when embodied in language is disrupted.”

It is important to be careful when you have Botox injections, because you may get the opposite effect. Botox injections in the bottom part of the face may prevent smiling, making a person feel sad, according to research done by Barnard College in New York

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The Secret of Cosmetic Treatments

Do you ever wonder why Brad and Angie always look beautifully put together and ready for the red carpet? Some say it’s genetic, that their beauty is the reason they are famous in the first place, and that their money will allow them to go “under the knife” to preserve their youth.

But only a few know the secret of Hollywood. And now they are letting us in on it.

The Dermaroller

Although the Dermaroller resembles an instrument of torture, people with youthful skin swear by it because it produces healthy, supple, bright skin. It also eliminates the need for many different cosmetic and plastic surgeries. The Dermaroller is a small roller covered in tiny needles, designed to prick the skin and stimulate the body’s natural production of collagen.

Does it Work?

Dr. Sach Mohan of Transform clinics says, “It’s the latest thing on the block, and it is phenomenal…it harnesses the skin’s ability to repair and regenerate itself.”

Although this “torture method” causes people to grimace, it is wildly popular. Therapists apply topical anasthetic over the area prior to use, completely bypassing the risk of going under general anasthetics. This minimizes any pain and discomfort associated with the Dermaroller.

Does it Bleed?

It does cause minimal bleeding, but the therapists immediately apply a second cream to treat the bleeding. The patient generally looks pink and sunburned immediately after the surgery. A day after the procedure, the patient’s skin looks smooth and healthy. Healthcare professionals recommend having six consecutive monthly treatments for lasting effects.

A Growing Trend

The Dermaroller is a rapidly increasing trend. This is a breakthrough technology that prevents patients from having to undergo risky systemic anasthetics, invasive treatments, and long recoveries. Facelifts are becoming a thing of the past.

And facelifts have never completely taken care of rough, scarred, and stretch marked areas. Or skin that’s not on your face. “As people grow older the skin in the back of the hands becomes crepey,” says Mohan. “We’re now using volumising injections. They involve a single injection in the back of the hands.”

What’s Next?

The Dermaroller is the hottest breakthrough in cosmetic treatments. However, cosmetic advancements are already underway: topical botox without a needle. “topical application of botox which can penetrate the skin into the muscle,” explains Mohan. “In the future it’s going to be all about minimal discomfort and minimal bruising. That’s the holy grail.”

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Cosmetic Surgery On the Rise

In recent years, plastic surgery has slowly been on decline in the United States. However, botox shots and other wrinkle softening beauty treatments are on the rise in Europe. German citizens in particular are taking advantage of advances in cosmetic surgery, according to the Düsseldorf based Gesellschaft für Ästhetische Chirurgie Deutschland (GÄCD).

Studies and polling data show that 171,000 German citizens have undergone cosmetic procedures in the last year, a rise of twenty percent. Comparatively, cosmetic surgery in the United States is down two percent from the previous year. The most substantial increase was seen in the use of wrinkle filling agents such as Botox. Approximately 100,000 patients used botox in 2008, a number which leaped to 146,000 in 2009 according to a survey done by the GÄCD.

GÄCD general secretary Matthias Gensior cites affordability as the primary reason for the rise in botox injections, mentioning that the economic crisis as a potential catalyst. While botox injections are still relatively expensive, they are generally cheaper than more invasive surgeries.

Most female patients sought Botox treatment in order to diminish the appearance of frown lines and crow’s feet. Male patients favoured laser treatments, according to the statistics released by the organisation. In total 130,000 women underwent Botox or needle related treatments, compared to just 14,000 for men. Meanwhile 43,000 men underwent laser surgery to even skin and smooth lines. Women, on the other hand, logged only 38,000 of these treatments. According to the GÄCD, a plurality of patients were new to cosmetic surgery. Moreover, the median age of these patients had also decreased significantly from previous years.

Non-facial related surgeries also remained popular. Liposuction remained a popular treatment for overweight women, with close to 17,000 surgeries performed last year. Corrective rhinoplasty was popular among men, with approximately 3,500 surgeries logged by doctors. Other popular cosmetic surgeries included tattoo removal and eye lifts. According to Gensior, men were far less likely to undergo more drastic surgeries due to the stigma often associated with plastic surgery. Women, he noted, undergo treatment not only for cosmetic reasons but practical ones as well. Droopy eyes, for example, make it difficult to apply make-up.

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Botox Injected Practitioners Half Days Training

Botox, made from Botulinum Toxin, is a protein generated by a bacterium. When administered in minute doses, it paralyzes muscles by blocking messages sent from the brain to the muscles. Traditional medicine uses it to treat uncontrollable muscle spasms and cosmetic medicine uses it as a beauty treatment. As a beauty aid, it smoothens out wrinkles from 3 to 6 months, and it only takes a half-hour to complete.

Unfortunately, due to its efficacy in facial rejuvenation and its profitability, the Independent Healthcare Advisory Service (IHAS) has cautioned that numerous medical firms are allowing employees to inject Botox into the faces of patients after only some rudimentary training, consisting of injecting oranges. In fact, staff members like administrators, are injecting patients after only a few hours of training. Moreover, many of the trainers have no medical background or qualifications.

The IHAS warns that this lack of proper regulation is putting patients at risk. Botox injections are even being given by hairdressers and beauty therapists, who are storing the Botulinum at the wrong temperature. These unhygienic conditions are causing medical complications. In Britain, one million people get Botox or facial filler injections, and 1 out of every 20 clients suffers complications, with those injected with Botox suffering droopy eyelids and those injected with facial fillers developing lumps under the skin.

A famous example about complications arising from improper treatment is the story of actress Leslie Ash. After a liquid silicone lip injection by a plastic surgeon at the house of a friend, the silicone set around the muscles creating a disfiguring “trout prout,” which surgeons have not been able to remove.

In an attempt to sort out the mess, the IHAS has launched a website called treatmentyoucantrust.co.uk that exclusively lists those who are medically qualified practitioners trained to provide injections. This industry-regulated website is also backed by the Government.

Dr Andrew Vallance-Owen, a surgeon and the Chairman of the IHAS Working Group, which is responsible for the website said, “We are appalled by the sheer volume of bad practice within the industry but there is also a lot of good clinical practice and we are convinced that the great majority of providers are 100 per cent behind improving patient safety.”

However, the website is regarded with skepticism by Niger Mercer, a consultant plastic surgeon and President of The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, who said, “It is evident from the information circulated by the IHAS to the profession that the scheme is being used as a marketing tool, its regulation appears rudimentary and their ‘Quality Mark’ is not recognised by the British Standards Institute or any other regulatory body. “

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Secretive About Botox

Although an estimated 2.6 million Americans receive Botox treatments every year 75% of patients are secretive about it. In Britain, secrecy about treatment runs high as well, with 72% of women and 81% of men not saying a word about their treatments. Usually, when complimented on their improved appearance, patients make up a cover story, sometimes attributing their sudden youthfulness to the use of a sunblock or a moisturiser.

In a recent survey in southern California, plastic surgeons estimated different percentages to the level of secrecy. The average estimate is about 45%.

Dr. Edward Domanskis, a plastic surgeon in Newport Beach, estimated it to be from 60% to 70%. Dr. Ashkan Ghavami, a plastic surgeon in Beverly HIlls, approximated it to be about 60%. Dr. Val Lambros, a plastic surgeon in Newport Beach, guessed it to be from 30% to 40%. Dr. John Di Saia, a plastic surgeon in San Clemente and Anaheim, reckoned it to be less than 10%. And Dr. Michael Persky , a plastic surgeon in Encino, made an educated guess at about 15%, with 99.9% for celebrities.

Doctors are asked to keep the treatments a secret. Patients ask doctors to only call them on their mobile phones within a certain time frame. Women might only come for treatments while their husbands are out of town on a business trip to allow for enough time for the bruising to heal. Some of these women get all their treatments done all at the same time. Others spread them out; for instance, lips one month, Botox the next month, and so on.

Sculptra, a new, slow-acting dermal filler, is especially popular with secretive patients. During their research, the manufacturers learned that a certain population wanted gradual, rather than a sudden improvement in their appearance. Consequently, doctors usually ask patients if they would prefer a slower transformation in their features. With Sculptra injections, it may take from 6 to 10 weeks for the full effects to show. For secretive patients, this is a perfect solution. However, the effects of Botox and other even fillers are also easy to hide. According to Dr Val Lambros, “If you fill nasolabial folds it’s pretty easy to hide, but more advanced uses of fillers in other parts of the face, like around the lower lids can bruise and be harder to hide. Of course the chance of bruising is higher the more you want to avoid it.”

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Acne 102 Available Acne Treatment

In this article, we will take a more in-depth look at what Acne Treatment options are available to help those who are suffering from acne scars.

Laser resurfacing is one treatment option that should be considered and it works in a way that is similar to dermabrasion. CO2 and Erb: Yag lasers are the types which are the most often used in laser resurfacing treatments. What the laser does is basically destroy the epidermis as well as the top dermal layer. The affected skin is taken off and the damaged tissue is given time to heal in a process similar to dermabrasion. The skin will eventually heal completely and the texture of the affected region will be improved.

As this Acne Treatment kills cells, it has risks that are close to those of dermabrasion. As a result of using this Acne Treatment, those who have a darker complexion face the risk of developing further scars or hyperpigmentation.

For atrophic scarring, it is possible to insert a needle under the scar in order to release the scar tissue. This procedure is called subcision and has shown a lot of effectiveness, as it only targets scar tissue that is under the skin, allowing new and healthy skin to regenerate itself and replace the tissue that was damaged. This treatment is quite simple and only requires a local anesthesia.

If you have deep ice pick scars, one of the available treatment options for you is punch excision and grafting. The scar is excised with the help of a device called a punch. The wound will then be sewn together by using a suture. While this procedure does actually cause some scarring, the new scar that is formed will be a lot smaller than the original. This new scar can also be removed by using other methods. If the scar is too large to be effectively removed with punch excision, a further possibility is getting a skin graft.

In certain cases it is possible to add fillers which will give more volume to the skin. While this procedure will make acne scars flatter, it is not permanent. It will require periodic injections of the filling material in order to maintain its efficiency. While it may not be an ideal choice to use fillers as a primary treatment, this method can be combined with other treatments in order to achieve its desired effect.

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The Cosmetic Treatment Registry

Amid growing concerns over cosmetic treatments being done at inappropriate settings, the Independent Healthcare Advisory Services (IHAS) is launching a voluntary register of injectable cosmetic treatment providers for botox and dermal fillers.

After its start in the early 90’s for cosmetic purposes, Botox has continued to be in use by people from all walks of life, such as celebrities and regular folk. It works to reduce wrinkling when people make facial gestures by paralysing nerves in the upper face. Dermal fillers on the other hand, fill in imperfections on the lower face and can also produce a lip pout or bigger cheeks.

Despite undoubted risks, many still continue to turn to these treatments. Currently in the UK, there are over 5,000 providers carrying out nearly 200,000 treatments each year. Some of the fillers offer temporary solutions, while others are permanent. With so many providers, it’s about time more regulation was put in place for the safety of consumers.

The new register requires treatment providers to pay registration and annual fees, in addition to promising a face-face consultation with all clients prior to any treatment. Providers must also ensure that the treatments take place in a safe and sterile environment by either a doctor, dentist, or registered nurse. The IHAS has yet to disclose where the collected fees will go and how they will be put to use.

Though some say it’s an attempt by the industry for self-regulation, heavy criticism has already started coming from plastic surgeons. A recent poll of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons concluded that only 4% would consider signing up. However, the consensus is that a separate set of new European regulations that are being discussed currently are said to likely be more robust and not disguised with other small changes not as widely known.

This registry begs the question for both providers and consumers, is it really worth it? The providers profit off consumers who wish to attain immortality in looking young, but the technical process for providers to keep their business in accordance with the law now seems quite tedious for the upkeep of such practices. Though it is pro-consumer by demanding more in standards, the future looks dim.

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