Archive for January, 2011

Botox, Facelift Among the Most Popular Facial Procedures of 2010

Sunday, January 30th, 2011

popular facial cosmetic proceduresFacial plastic surgery data from 2010 revealed that the most common non-surgical facial procedures last year were Botox and hyaluronic acid injections, such as Restylane, and the most popular facial surgical procedures were rhinoplasty, face lift and eyelid surgery.

The survey, which came from the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), also found that three fourths of all the facial cosmetic procedures performed last year were non-surgical, highlighting a trend toward less-invasive treatments.

The survey also showed that over the last two years there was a 45 percent increase in the number of facial procedures performed annually and a 16 percent increase in non-surgical facial procedures.

“Non-surgical procedures are an excellent option for some people, with the added benefits of lower costs and shorter recovery time; two things that are consistently important to those considering facial plastic surgery,” said Dr. Jonathan M. Sykes. “We have been seeing a trend over the past few years that people who want to look and feel younger and rejuvenated are turning to non-surgical, less invasive procedures to obtain the refreshed look they want.”

Women received the majority of all surgical and non-surgical facial procedures (83 percent), and there was some variation on the top procedure for women, depending on age.

For women between 35 and 60, the top surgeries were brow lifts, face lifts and eyelid surgery, while a nose job was the top surgical procedure performed on women under 35.

For men, Botox, hyaluronic acid injections, nose jobs and hair transplants were the most common facial procedures performed last year.

The survey also showed there were more ethnic patients getting facial procedures: two out of five surgeons said they had an increase in their Asian American and Hispanic patients in 2010.

For more on the survey results, visit www.aafprs.org.

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Minimally-Invasive Procedure Helps Facial Paralysis Patients Smile Again

Thursday, January 20th, 2011

Minimally-Invasive Procedure Treats Facial ParalysisA minimally-invasive procedure can help in reanimating the lower face after paralysis and can help facial paralysis patients smile once again.

The study, published in the current issue of Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, says the technique involves only one small incision and no major modifications to bone in order to transpose a tendon.

The researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine reported a case series of 17 consecutive patients with facial paralysis who underwent the minimally invasive temporalis tendon transposition surgery for dynamic facial reanimation between 2006 and 2008. “The primary goal of all facial reanimation protocols is to restore facial movement that is controlled, symmetrical and spontaneous,” the authors wrote.

The authors reported that all the patients tolerated the procedure well and none developed complications from it. “All the patients achieved improved symmetry at rest and voluntary motion of the oral commissure [corners of the mouth],” they wrote.

The authors said that for best results, physical therapy is needed as well. “The visible movement gained from dynamic muscle transposition does not translate into a spontaneous controlled smile without intensive neuromuscular retraining,” they wrote.

In order to achieve desired facial movement, the authors concluded that “intensive physiotherapy and a motivated patient” are required in addition to the procedure.

The abstract of the study, titled “Minimally Invasive Temporalis Tendon Transposition,” is available online.

Learn more about the facial reconstructive procedures performed by Dr. Heffernan.

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Could an Injectable Reduce a Double Chin?

Saturday, January 15th, 2011

double chin injectableThe future might hold a non-surgical cosmetic procedure to rid us of the dreaded double chin. Pharmaceutical company Bayer has launched tests into an injectable drug to combat the fat deposits that lead to a double chin.

In a statement, Bayer said that it’s conducting clinical trials into ATX-101, an injectable drug “for the reduction of localized fat under the chin (submental fat).”

“There is a huge demand for a safe, effective and approved injectable treatment for localized fat reduction,” said Jean-Paul Ortonne, a French dermatologist involved in the trials.

The clinical trial will include about 720 people from Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, Spain and Italy with a goal of launching a product in Europe, Asia and South America in 2014.

How does the procedure work? Yvonne Moeller, a Bayer spokeswoman, compared it to “something like a tattoo.” Between 40 and 70 tiny injections are administered into the fat cells over several sessions, with the amount depending on the size of the double chin and the person, she said.

Patients should start to see noticeable results after about 16 weeks, she said.

Early tests are said to have found the drug “safe and tolerable.”

The U.S. is not mentioned in their current trials, but if it proves to be a safe and effective procedure, ATX-101 may eventually be tested for use in the States.

In the meantime, some surgical options do exist that may help with the reduction of a double chin, such as liposuction, chin surgery or a neck lift.

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A New Year Calls for a New Look

Saturday, January 8th, 2011

new year, new lookSome women are planning ahead and getting their cosmetic procedures done this winter so they’re ready once summer arrives. A recent article in the Boston Herald reported on this trend, and Dr. Steven Margolis, a cosmetic surgeon in New England, said some clients turn to liposuction in January, after a frustrating year of not losing weight.

Another surgeon, Dr. Gregory Antoine, said that women come in January to get liposuction so that they look good for summertime.

Timing cosmetic procedures early allows for plenty of recovery time, as well as time to shop for new swimsuits to show off the results of procedures. For instance, Dr. Heffernan offers Velasmooth, a non-invasive cellulite reduction treatment. While there is no downtime after treatment, a commitment  to a regular treatment regimen of 1-2 procedures a week for a certain length of time is recommended for optimal cellulite reduction. Therefore starting this winter will allow your body to look its best by summertime.

The article also reported that cosmetic surgeons and spa owners said that men are increasingly giving the gift of a cosmetic procedure for their wives or girlfriends who want to start off the New Year with a fresh face or body.

“It’s the same reason health clubs are busy in January,” said Cheryl Clarkson, who owns spa centers in the Boston area. “They get up their resolve and they say this is the year they want to do it, and, of course, they want it done right away.”

Dr. Heffernan offers a variety of cosmetic procedures to satisfy those who want a makeover for the New Year. Surgical procedures include face lift and brow lift, and he also offers an array of non-surgical procedures, including Botox, Fraxel laser treatments, cellulite reduction treatment and laser hair removal.

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