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Dermatological Scarring

Many individuals suffer the lasting effects of severe acne outbreaks. Dermatological scarring can lead to emotional and psychological trauma. Medical science is continually developing treatments to alleviate the physical aspects of the condition. These interventions provide dramatic and lasting results.

Nodular or cystic acne leaves severe scarring but dermatologists can treat the problem. Laser treatments were once the standardized option for treating this type of scarring, but are not effective in diminishing severe scars. Presently, the chosen remedy for treating scarring is with cosmetic fillers.

Silicon Fillers

Following 30 years of research in treating acne scars with various fillers, Dr. Jay Barnett and associate, Dr. Channing Barnett found that silicone fillers are the only means to soften acne scars. The doctors found that five patients with severe scarring had amazing results with silicone injections following one treatment. These patients were studied for 30 years.

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

In addition to silicone fillers, severe scarring treated with hyaluronic acid fillers showed promising results. But, while the results were impressive, they only lasted six months. Fillers like Perlane have been studied and approved by the Food and Drug Administration for deep skin folds, but not scarring on various areas of the face.

Calcium Fillers

The Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy contains a report where scientists studied a filler made with calcium hydroxlapatite to correct severe acne scars. Scientists used the filler on different types of scarring from deep round scars to pitting scars. They found that in ten subjects, only rounded scars responded well to treatment. Some of the test subjects experienced results that lasted up to a year.

Selecting the Correct Filler

Cosmetic fillers are not an inexpensive treatment. Treatments that last the longest are the most expensive. Filler injections run from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand per treatment. Additionally, a trained and qualified physician must administer the filler properly to achieve maximum results.

If considering cosmetic fillers, locate a physician who has gained expertise in minimizing severe acne scars using this type of treatment. The filler injections cannot be used on acne that is not controlled. The treatment cannot be provided in skin that has inflammation or discomfort caused by continual acne outbreaks.

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Plastic Surgery Decline – A Boost for Botox and Fillers

Women are not as eager to have cosmetic surgery as they once were as recent statistics show that procedures have declined by almost 20% in the previous year. Breast augmentation, facelift and tummy tuck procedures are not occurring as frequently.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports that in 2005, 2.1 million procedures were performed whereas in 2009, 1.9 million were done. Surgeons feel the largest factor is the current economy. The luxury industry in general has suffered a blow as consumers exhibit more frugal behavior. Health insurance in most cases does not cover the cost of rhinoplasty or breast augmentation and procedures typically run thousands of dollars.

In the last ten years, the cosmetic surgery industry experienced a surge. Procedures once procured by celebrities and the affluent were being acquired by women of lower class status. The topic was commonly discussed in various forms of media and popularized by such TV shows as Nip/Tuck and Dr. 90210. Reality TV shows, The Swan and Extreme Makeover chose everyday citizens to undergo head to toe transformations to the delight of the viewing audience. These shows are no longer broadcasted.

In recent years, celebrities and others opting to have elective procedures have been the subject of ridicule and gossip. Procedures are scoffed at as being too noticeable or individuals are accused of being addicted to personal appearance and cosmetic surgery.

Heidi Montag, a reality show actress, received criticism from peers, the public and family when she admitted to undergoing 10 cosmetic procedures within a year. Miami Beach plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Hall believes that society’s desire for luxurious excess is coming to a close. People are exercising common sense when it comes to surgical cosmetic procedures.

Though cosmetic surgery is declining, non-surgical procedures are on the rise, which may merely reflect a more conservative choice in treatment. Botox injections, filler injections and laser treatments are less expensive, quicker and patients forfeit long recovery times associated with traditional surgery. Individuals are opting for procedures that are less invasive.

Physicians are noticing cultural as well as economical redirection. The size of breast implants has reduced along with the economy. Washington plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Baxter cites that while at one time one third of his patients chose B cup sizes, currently one half of the patients choose the smaller size.

The industry now wonders what the long term effects will be. Opinions differ, but most concur that while individuals may opt for other procedures, the vanity of humanity will continue to feed the desire for change.

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Botox Clinics

For the first time ever, an attempt has been made to monitor and control places that provide Botox treatments and “filler” injections. With 5,000 clinics performing approximately 200,000 Botox treatments for wrinkles and filler treatments designed to plump lips and sagging skin each year in the United Kingdom, the industry is in dire need of regulation. Although there are plenty of legitimate practitioners working in the industry, there are also far too many rogue practitioners administering treatments they are not qualified to give. To combat this, only doctors, dentists and nurses will be invited to participate in this attempt at regulation, along with organizations that provide Botox and filler injections. Once accepted, these practitioners will receive certificates of approval proving the quality and safety of their service.

The main problem with this proposed system is that it is voluntary. The charity Action Against Medical Accidents declared that if the Government does not make this system statutory, many people will be left at risk because an industry cannot be trusted to regulate itself properly – especially an industry that is as large and prosperous as the cosmetic industry. The Government requires any major cosmetic surgery to be regulated, but as Botox and filler injections are relatively minor non-surgical procedures, they can be offered by just about any business. Peter Walsh, the chief executive of Action Against Medical Accidents declares that his charity will continue “using our experience and influence to make this scheme as robust as it can be.”

One of the best reasons to create a regulated cosmetic industry is to help reduce the amount of botched cosmetic procedures. The most high profile examples of cosmetic treatments gone wrong are usually celebrities. For example, in 2003, Leslie Ash, the star of the television show Men Behaving Badly, had filler injections on her lips. The procedure went wrong, resulting in a look known as the “trout pout.” It is hard to determine exactly how many people have suffered from cosmetic treatments gone wrong or adverse side effects since many people are extremely embarrassed as to what has happened to them and would prefer to keep it quiet rather than raise a national ruckus. Also, without strict guidelines, many practitioners may turn to shady and dangerous treatments. For instance, in 2005, two government reports were published detailing how several practitioners supplying filler injections were using material from both animal and human corpses – material that could have been infected with hepatitis and other deadly diseases.

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