Blog Archives
Rival Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Filler Gets FDA Approval
The FDA has approved a new hyaluronic acid dermal filler produced by Merz Aesthetics, according to empr.com.
The new hyaluronic acid dermal filler, which is called Belotero Balance, has been approved to treat moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. This includes nasolabial folds, the lines that run from your nose to the edges of your mouth.
Belotero Balance joins Merz Aesthetics family of non-surgical injectables, including Radiesse. Radiesse is a popular filler comprised of calcium-based microspheres in a water gel that works to restore lost volume in the face. Though its uses are similar to Belotero Balance, the new hyaluronic acid dermal filler works differently.
Like similar hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, Restylane and Juvederm, Belotero Balance works to restore lost volume to your skin by increasing its hydration. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring hydrating component in your skin and these dermal fillers work to mimic it. When injected into the skin beneath the site of a wrinkle, a hyaluronic acid dermal filler provides a sort of scaffolding for depressed areas of skin, supporting them and improving the appearance of youth on the face.
To test the effectiveness of Belotero Balance, it was compared in a split-face study with a collagen-based filler. Using a scale that rates wrinkle severity, Belotero Balance was shown to provide a greater reduction in the appearance of nasolabial folds over 24 weeks. In fact, at the six-month mark, Belotero Balance still showed a greater correction of the wrinkles than its counterpart.
To learn more about your hyaluronic acid dermal filler options in Denver, please email plastic surgeon Dr. Mouchantat.
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UK Plastic Surgery Tax to Be Implemented?
UK plastic surgeons are worried that a new tax on plastic surgery could have a negative impact, according to WebMD.
Currently in the UK, a plastic surgery tax only exists on non-surgical treatments like Botox, fillers and laser treatments, a fact that plastic surgeons take no issue with. (In the UK, a VAT tax or “Value Added Tax” is somewhat similar to sales tax in the US in that consumers must pay it on top of the price for a good or elective service.)
Lawmakers in the UK, though, may soon examining whether a plastic surgery tax should apply to elective cosmetic surgeries, like breast augmentation. In the US, patients already pay sales tax on elective plastic surgeries, but not medically-necessary procedures, which are often billed through insurance.
Some plastic surgeons in the UK are beginning to speak out against a possible review in the application of VAT, which may cause patients to have to pay a plastic surgery tax when they previously did not need to.
Current laws regarding VAT tax stipulate that procedures are tax exempt when the “protection, maintenance or restoration” of health is the main goal. A handful of plastic surgeons argue that changing any of these tax laws could put many patient’s surgical desires in a gray area.
Former president of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. Douglas McGeorge says the common image of plastic surgery is mega-celebrities casually undergoing elective procedures. Rather, he argues, it is members of the general public who choose plastic surgery to improve small aspects of themselves for a positive result.
McGeorge uses the image of an older worker undergoing facial rejuvenation to help make themselves more competitive in the workplace. He sees the difficulty in distinguishing between what is a functional improvement and what is purely cosmetic.
In response to the worry of some plastic surgeons regarding a new plastic surgery tax, the UK government says they currently have no plans to revise the VAT for cosmetic surgeries.
“Medical treatment for purely aesthetic reasons has been, and continues to be, liable to VAT at the standard rate,” it said in a statement.
To learn more about options for financing your plastic surgery in Denver, please contact plastic surgeon Dr. Mouchantat.
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Topical Botox Research Yields Positive Findings
(229/365) Daily injection by Sarah G..., on Flickr
What Makes People Look Older and How to Reverse It
Depending on many factors, most important among them your skin type, you might age differently than a friend the same age. This aging can appear in various ways. So, the question remains, what makes people look older?
A recent New York Times article delved into this question and distilled how people of differing skin types and colors show age in different ways.
For plastic surgeons, what makes people look older can be grouped into a “holy trinity” of changes. These include wrinkles and age spots, a general loss of volume and an overall sagginess of the skin.
Generally speaking, those with darker skin tones aged more slowly. As dark skin has more pigment in it, it is better protected against the aging effects of the sun. Dark skin also tends to be oilier and thicker, making it more resistant to the signs of aging. Additionally, round faces, as many people with dark skin may have, show the signs of aging more slowly that those with thinner faces as more youthful volume is preserved.
Another cause of what makes people look older is how, over time, the skin has lost volume and begins to droop. This leads to bagginess around the eyes and the appearance of jowls, among other issues. To correct loose skin around the eyes, eyelid surgery can be performed, while a facelift can diminish jowls in the lower face.
Excessive frowning and other extreme facial expressions can add to what makes people look older, as well. These actions can cause lines to form in areas of the face like the brows and nasolabial folds, but both can be easily corrected. For forehead lines, Botox limits the movement of the muscle, causing the wrinkle to smooth out. In the case of laugh lines, injectable fillers can diminish their appearance, restoring a more youthful smoothness.
To learn more about combating the common signs of aging, we encourage you to contact Denver plastic surgeon Dr. Mouchantat.
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Brow Lift Technique: Less Really Can Be More
Performing a brow lift where the brow is only lifted minimally may yield the best results for some patients.
Using special brow lift techniques, plastic surgeons are able to help a patient appear younger and open an eye area that may suffer from a descending brow. Rather than fully lifting the brow to a higher position, your surgeon may only lift part of the brow for an ideal result, as discussed in Cosmetic Surgery Times.
One way a brow lift is sometimes performed is by unilaterally lifting the entire brow, but this may not be the ideal brow lift technique. In fact, in some cases, it may make the patient appear older and create a hollow appearance above the eyes, which may later need to be corrected.
Rather, the brow should ideally be lifted in a minimal manner, which can still create a dramatically younger-looking visage. In the case of plastic surgery, oftentimes less is more.
Instead of focusing on how high the brow should be after surgery, the shape of the brow overall may be more important. In the past, what was considered a beautifully shaped brow was different than it is today. At one point, a downturned brow was desirable, and later a more upturned brow.
Today’s ideal is somewhere in the middle, where the brow is lower near the center of the face, higher near the end and with a peak above the iris of the eye.
If you struggle with a descending brow but may not yet desire one of these brow lift techniques, Botox may be used to treat some types of brow deformities. Botox works by paralyzing the muscle at the treatment site, allowing the skin and brow to relax in a more natural position.
To learn more about brow lift techniques or how your plastic surgeon may use Botox to treat an aged-looking brow, we encourage you to join our mailing list.
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Most Sunscreen Users Not Fully Able to Properly Prevent Sunburns
Those who apply sunscreen regularly when in the sun to prevent sunburns may not quite be doing enough to protect their skin, according to a new study by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
Sunscreen, the study found, was the most popular form of sun protection chosen by the 3,000 Caucasian adults who participated. In fact, 30% of those studied said they applied sunscreen when out in the sun for longer than one hour. Seeking shade was the second most popular form of sun protection with protective clothing options also being listed.
Startling is the fact that those who said they regularly apply sunscreen were at a 23% higher risk of sunburns, compared to those who rarely apply it.
While avoiding the sun, especially midday when its rays are strongest, is the best way to prevent sunburns and sun damage, applying the appropriate amount of sunscreen is key. For each body part that is exposed, like the legs or arms, a golf ball sized glob of sunscreen should be applied. This should be done half an hour before going outside so it has a chance to absorb and then be reapplied at least every two hours. If you get wet, sunscreen should be applied every 60 to 90 minutes.
People who say they regularly apply sunscreen are often likely not applying it correctly or often enough. Sunscreen should absorb at least 2mm for every square centimeter of skin. When reapplying, those who participated in a Brazilian study only used a quarter of what would be necessary for protection.
Though appropriate sunscreen application can help to prevent sunburn, other forms of protection, though less popular, may guard your skin better. Staying in the shade on sunny days is a prime form of protection from sun damage and burns, as is wearing a hat and clothing that does not leave your legs or arms exposed.
Proper sun protection, whether it comes in the form of correct sunscreen application or avoiding the sun’s rays in another manner, is important. Not only can it guard against the signs of premature aging like wrinkles and age spots, but it can prevent sunburns. Though sunburns may be uncomfortable for several days, in the long-term, they can increase your risk for skin cancer.
To learn more about products to protect your skin and prevent sunburns, as well as non-surgical treatments to correct sun damage, we encourage you to contact us or join our mailing list.
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Obagi for Dark Skin May Help Women of Color
Women of color often have trouble finding an ideal skin care routine, according to a poll released by Obagi, a leading maker of professional-grade skincare products.
The poll, which was completed by 1,000 women of varying ethnicities, from African American to Middle Eastern, Asian and Hispanic, found that nearly half of the women shared one concern: pigmentation. This may include issues with hyperpigmentation, dark spots or a generally uneven skin tone.
More startling yet, is the finding that nearly a majority of the women polled said they have difficulty finding skincare products that meet their expectations. Almost half of the women polled said their current skin care routine does not fill their needs.
In some cases, that issue may be linked to finding matching colors for makeup items like foundation or cover-up. Nude, a common color found in the drugstore aisle, will often match the skin tone of women with a more fair complexion. This issue of what constitutes a “nude” shade is a hot topic for the fashion industry, as well, as discussed by the Associated Press.
One clear positive coming out of the poll was the fact that most women asked said they wore a daily sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, which may be component in products made by Obagi for dark skin. This is good news for the women as it will help ward off sun damage and early signs of aging.
Obagi for Dark Skin and Other Treatments
If you already struggle with photodamaged skin, however, all hope is not lost. In fact, on top of products by Obagi for dark skin, treatments in your plastic surgeon’s office can reverse these issues and an improved skin care regimen can protect it from further damage. A common way to reduce pigmentation issues is with non-surgical treatments. A chemical peel comes in varying strengths and removes the damaged surface skin cells, smoothing out your skin’s appearance. Dermabrasion or microdermabrasion work in a similar way and may be done with a course of treatments. For ongoing protection, you should ask your plastic surgeon about Obagi for dark skin. Many of the products Obagi makes are ideal for varying skin types. For dark skin, Obagi’s Nu-Derm and Obagi-C Rx treatments can clear away pigmentation problems from within. « Previous Page — Next Page »Alternative to Botulinum Toxin Injections
An alternative to Botox and Dysport is seeing early signs of success in “freezing” away many types of forehead wrinkles, according to U.S. News.
Though both Botox and Dysport are hugely popular non-surgical options for diminishing many facial lines and wrinkles, new alternatives are often being researched. This treatment, which is called cryoneuromodulation, “appears to have the same clinical efficacy and safety comparable to the existing techniques,” according to Francis Palmer, director of facial plastic surgery at the University of Southern California School of Medicine in Los Angeles, who co-authored the study.
Rather than paralyzing the underlying muscle to smooth out the wrinkle as Botox and Dysport do, this new method freezes specific nerves in the forehead using small needles. This stops the nerve from communicating with the muscle, which causes it to relax. The smoothing effect is almost immediate and lasts about as long as botulinum toxin-based methods—three to four months.
The procedure takes about 15 minutes to complete while the patient is under a local anesthetic. Patients said the level of discomfort was similar to that experienced with Botox.
Though you may want to jump at the chance to try this new wrinkle-fighting treatment, it is still in the early stages of trails and has only been tested on forehead wrinkles. In the meantime, Botox is known to beautifully treat forehead lines, frown lines and crow’s feet.
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Surgical Procedures for Men Saw a Surge in 2010
More men than ever are choosing to undergo plastic surgery in order to look as young as they may feel inside, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. In new statistics published this month, the ASPS found that the number of cosmetic plastic surgery procedures chosen by men rose 2% from 2009 to 2010. More dramatically, however, was the increase in the popularity of individual procedures for the face and body, some of which saw rises of nearly 15%.
Of the more than one million cosmetic procedures men chose in 2010, a majority of the top 10 were surgical, a change in the previous trend toward non-invasive options.
Plastic surgeon and ASPS President Dr. Phillip Haeck said this is largely because “as you age and gravity takes over, surgical procedures that lift the skin are necessary in order to show significant improvement.”
The procedure that saw the greatest spike between 2009 and 2010 was the facelift, which saw a 14% increase. This procedure tones the sagging skin of the lower face to remove jowls and deep wrinkles.
Otoplasty, a type of ear surgery that decreases the size and projection of protruding ears saw an 11% increase. Though this jump was among adult men, this procedure is often performed on children, as well.
Two body procedures that saw the greatest boost were liposuction and male breast reduction. Both of these body slimming procedures aim to create a more masculine form through the removal of excess fat and tissue.
On the non-surgical side, injectable fillers and Botox, which treat many moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds saw increases of 10% and 9% respectively. This indicates that even with a greater spike in surgical procedures, some men still choose the non-invasive route, at least at first.
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Some Tax Rebates Going Toward Surgical Tweaks and Makeovers
As tax season ramps up, refund checks are being sent out and, if the money isn’t going into savings, it’s likely to be used for an indulgence. For many, this means finally going in for a long put-off cosmetic surgery, according to abc15.com.
Plastic surgeons in the Phoenix area say they are seeing a dramatic uptick in the number of individuals who are coming in during tax season, using their tax refund check to cover all or part of a procedure.
Kristy Harris in Phoenix chose to use her tax refund to pay for part of her breast lift surgery and used some savings to cover the rest of the $8,400 procedure (cost based on patient-reported averages on RealSelf.com). The mother of two said that raising children took a toll on her body and she wanted to do something to help herself achieve a “different look.”
Another popular procedure for the breasts is breast augmentation, which costs approximately $6,600. This surgery can improve shapeliness and body proportion.
Liposuction remains one of the most sought-after body procedures and costs about $5,600. Liposuction is often performed to remove stubborn fat deposits nearly anywhere on the body.
Even if your tax refund check is a bit smaller than you would hope, non-surgical treatments are available at a fraction of the cost of surgery. The ever-popular Botox, is used to reduce lines and wrinkles on the face. Chemical peels are also non-invasive and remain one of the key facial rejuvenation treatments and work to reduce many skin imperfections like a dry, dull complexion, blemishes and pigmentation issues. Botox and chemical peels cost about $472 and $610 for full treatments, respectively.
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