Blog Archives

Topical Botox Research Yields Positive Findings

Posted on September 26th, 2011 in Skin Care, Wrinkle Treatment

Wrinkle-smoothing results have been found in early research on topical Botox, according to HealthDay News. While patients who currently want the wrinkle smoothing effects of Botox must undergo the traditional injectable treatment, researchers are hoping to make progress in developing topical Botox. This would be a boon for patients who are needle-averse. The injectable Botox, containing a form of botulinum toxin, works when it is injected into the muscle beneath a wrinkle. After injection, it limits contraction of the muscle and over a period of several days, the wrinkle begins to smooth out. The topical Botox in development contains many of the same components, but instead may be applied to crow’s feet, for example. After sitting on the skin for about half an hour, it is then wiped off. Early results for this simple procedure have been quite good. According to researchers, nearly 90% of patients tested experienced a “clinically meaningful” reduction in wrinkles. Another study saw 40% of patients experiencing a favorable reduction in wrinkles, illustrating how the drug is still in development. And it is just that—a drug. Rather than a cream that may be applied at home by patients, the topical Botox gel would need to be administered in a plastic surgeon’s office. Though the results of this research are strictly preliminary, they may shed a little light on future wrinkle treatments and may alleviate the apprehension of the needle-averse. To find out more about non-surgical wrinkle reduction, we encourage you to join the mailing list of Denver plastic surgeon Dr. Mouchantat.

Surgical Adhesive TissuGlu Seeks FDA Approval

Posted on September 19th, 2011 in Body Surgery

TissuGlu, a new surgical adhesive, may remove the need for surgical drains after some plastic surgeries, pending FDA approval, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Most often when patients who undergo a procedure like a body lift, in which excess fat and skin are removed circumferentially around the midsection, the incisions are closed with sutures. A side effect of a surgery like this is that fluid can build up in the areas around the sutures. As such, patients must often wear surgical drains for days and sometimes even weeks following treatment. This can leave the incision open for infection and the tubes themselves can be bothersome for patients. TissuGlu, the surgical adhesive which was recently approved for use in Europe, is administered quickly and can greatly improve patient experience. The product, which does not require mixing or refrigerating, is applied by the plastic surgeon who places drops of it along the incision. The process takes just a couple of minutes and achieves a full bond in 30 to 45 minutes. In some cases, it may reduce a patient’s recovery time. In testing of the surgical adhesive in 2009, none of the 40 patients tested at three different hospitals experienced complications. The ease of use and lack of complications in this testing of the surgical adhesive may be due in part to its components. While similar to other adhesives, TissuGlu is primarily made up of amino acids. These components are absorbed by the body as water, sugar and carbon dioxide. Though European approval has already taken place, clinical testing is scheduled to take place in the US in early 2012 and the application for FDA approval is to be submitted by the end of this year. To learn more about advances in plastic surgery, like this surgical adhesive or specials on non-surgical treatments in the meantime, please join the mailing list of Denver plastic surgeon Dr. Mouchantat.

The Positive Side of "Revenge Surgery"

Posted on September 12th, 2011 in Body Surgery, Breast Surgery, Facial Surgery, Plastic Surgeon

Post-divorce, many individuals may see “revenge surgery” as a way to get back at an ex, but one plastic surgeon told FOX News he sees surgery after divorce in a positive light. According to plastic surgeon Dr. Leo Lapuerta, women and even some men who are recently divorced are turning to plastic surgery to get a new lease on life. Often, he says, these individuals turn to plastic surgeons to help them improve the way they look and their confidence as they reenter the dating pool. Rather than using the term “revenge surgery,” Dr. Lapuerta says he sees patients who are motivated to improve themselves instead of getting back at their exes. Dr. Lapuerta says he would not operate on someone who was motivated to get “revenge surgery,” but says patients should be healthy and motivated for the right reasons. He adds that patients who are recently divorced may need a bit more time to think about the reasons for undergoing a major surgery. Dr. Lapuerta says he needs to ensure that his patients don’t rush into the surgery with the wrong mindset—he wants to understand each patient’s unique motivations. The most popular post-divorce procedures he performs for women include:

• breast augmentation
• liposuction
• tummy tuck
• eyelid surgery
• facelift

Men most often look to improve the apparent age of their face and might undergo eyelid surgery or a neck or facelift. Dr. Lapeurta says that as a plastic surgeon, he sees many patients with improved self-confidence after a procedure and counts that as one of the perks of his job. To learn more about your options for plastic surgery after a divorce, we encourage you to contact the practice of Denver plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Mouchantat.

Surgery to Look Like a Celebrity—Is It for You?

Posted on September 6th, 2011 in Body Surgery, Facial Surgery

Some plastic surgeons are taking note of a new trend—surgery to look like a celebrity, according to the ASAPS. Though many patients may not say they want plastic surgery to look like a celebrity in every way possible, many patients pick out certain aspects of a star’s look they admire. You just need to look to the cover of a magazine to see the most sought-after celeb facial features. Commonly, women desire to have fuller lips, like Angelina Jolie. Plastic surgeons often use injectable fillers to create a larger kissable area on the lips. Jennifer Aniston’s body is also popular among women. To create a more toned midsection, your plastic surgeon may perform a tummy tuck to remove loose skin and liposuction to eradicate fat that will not go away despite diet and exercise. Women are not alone in their desires to get plastic surgery to look like a celebrity. Men often undergo nose surgery or rhinoplasty when they desire a profile like Brad Pitt. Male Jersey Shore fans may choose body liposuction to create a more toned stomach, as well. In addition, procedures to create a more masculine chest, like male breast reduction and even chest implants for some men, are increasingly popular.

Should I Get Surgery to Look Like a Celebrity?

If you are interested in any sort of plastic surgery modeled after a star, however, it is important to have a frank conversation with your plastic surgeon. He will help you determine what is possible and what will best showcase your natural features. Please join the mailing list of Denver plastic surgeon Dr. Mouchantat to learn more about plastic surgery options.