More Consumers Getting Cosmetic Surgery Information Online

March 2nd, 2012 by editor2

cosmetic surgery information A new survey shows that more consumers are using online resources for getting information on cosmetic surgery.

The survey, from the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, found that 42 percent of patients receive most of their information about cosmetic surgery from social media, such as Facebook and Twitter. It is a significant increase from 2010, when only 29 percent used social media as the primary way they learned about cosmetic surgery.

While almost half of patients (48 percent) still get information on cosmetic surgery mainly from their friends, this is down from 63 percent in 2010.

While social networking sites offers prospective patients a way to connect with other cosmetic surgery patients, consumers should be cautious and make sure they are getting their information from a reliable source.

Social Sites for Cosmetic Surgery Information

If you’re not sure where to start, try the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery’s Twitter feed, which often links to stories about surgeons and cosmetic surgery in the news.

RealSelf is another popular cosmetic surgery social networking site where users can find patient reviews of various procedures, and patients can connect with each other. In addition, many surgeons are active on the site and often answer users’ questions.

Dr. Heffernan is on RealSelf and has answered several questions on topics that include eyelid surgery and Botox. You can also follow Dr. Heffernan on Facebook, where he posts specials and news of interest.

Take advantage of what social media has to offer about cosmetic surgery, but be sure to schedule a consultation with a surgeon before you make any decisions, as a discussion with a qualified physician is crucial before undergoing cosmetic surgery.

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Facial Cosmetic Surgery Will Take About Seven Years Off Your Age

February 27th, 2012 by editor2

how to make your face look youngerFacial cosmetic surgery can turn back the clock about seven years, according to a new study.

The study found that not only does a facelift make your face look younger, but those who had multiple facial procedures saw even greater results. On average, the study found the following:

  • Patients who had a face and neck lift looked 5.7 years younger.
  • Patients who had a face and neck lift and eyelid surgery looked 7.5 years younger.
  • Patients who had a face and neck lift, eyelid surgery and a forehead lift looked 8.4 years younger.

Researchers from the University of Toronto had 40 medical students estimate the ages of 60 cosmetic surgery patients in before and after photos. The patients were mostly women, between the ages of 45 and 72.

The goal was to “see if we can effectively quantify how much we can turn back the hands of time with certain rejuvenation procedures,” said Dr. Nitin Chauhan, who worked on the study.

There were some limitations with the study. Only one surgeon did all of the surgeries, the study size was small, and the study only included a few cosmetic surgery techniques.

The study could help surgeons better communicate with patients about what they can expect from facial cosmetic procedures, in terms of how much younger they can reasonably expect to look after surgery.

“Nothing we do is magical,” Chauhan said. “We do certainly get 60-year-old patients who want to look 40, and this will help us when we discuss expectations.”

Patient expectations often include more than just looking younger. “Patients want to look rejuvenated, more refreshed, less tired,” Chauhan said. “The biggest message we get is that they don’t want to look operated on or unnatural.”

Sources: Reuters Health, Time

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More Patients Choosing to Have Tattoos Removed

February 20th, 2012 by editor2

laser tattoo removal procedure As tattoo removal has become easier with the increased use of Q-switching laser technology, more people are choosing to have their tattoos removed, reports ModernMedicine.

The tattoo industry has grown in recent years, which in turn has increased the demand for tattoo removal.

Tattoo removal revenue has risen about 21 percent over the past five years, market analysis firm IBISWorld reports. Analysts believe that the tattoo removal business will continue to grow over the next five years, although at a slower rate.

As tattoos have gained more social acceptability, more people have gotten them, resulting in more potential consumers who may later want to have their tattoo removed.

There are a number of reasons for tattoo regret, which the Chicago Tribune recently highlighted, such as a tattoo that commemorates a former flame. Others hope that getting rid of a tattoo will increase the chances of getting hired.

For instance, 23-year-old Mollie Linn received a tattoo-removal session for her birthday from her parents. She has a peace sign tattooed on her wrist, and they worried about what kind of first impression it makes on prospective employers.

Laser Tattoo Removal Procedure Basics

The easiest tattoos to remove are those that are:

  • Fresh or very faded
  • Done by amateur tattoo artists (the ink does not penetrate as deeply)
  • Done in black and dark blue ink

Tattoos with multiple pigments or ink colors are harder to remove and may require different laser treatments to address each color.

The appropriate laser for removal depends on the ink color. Here are some possible lasers that may be used for various ink colors:

  • Black and dark blue ink – q-switched Alexandrite or Nd:Yag lasers
  • Red, orange, pink, yellow and green (which are more difficult to remove and may require more treatments) – q-switched Ruby or Nd: Yag lasers
  • CO2 lasers may also be used for tattoo removal

Contact Dr. Heffernan to find out more about non-invasive laser procedures.

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Study Examines Swelling After Dermal Fillers in Under Eye Area

February 13th, 2012 by editor2

dermal filler side effect Dermal fillers, including Juvederm and Restylane, are a safe and effective way to add volume to the face. However, a new study reminds doctors and patients to be aware of potential side effects.

The study examined the incidence of edema, a potential side effect of dermal fillers, after hyaluronic acid injections. Published in the American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery, the study looked at cases of swelling for injections done to the under eye area. According to the authors, there has been an increase in the use of hyaluronic acid fillers for under eye rejuvenation during the past decade.

The study reviewed medical records of 51 patients who had received hyaluronic acid gel under the eyes between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2011. Edema was defined as a clinically significant degree of swelling that lasted a month or more following the injection.

The study found that 12 patients (24%) had prolonged periorbital edema following the procedure. The average duration of the swelling was about 6 months, and Juvederm was the injectable used for the majority of patients (45 of the 51).

According to the authors, there were no signs prior to the injection that “consistently identified patients susceptible to the edema.”

The authors concluded that prolonged swelling occurred in a significant minority of patients. Because it is difficult to identify which patients might be most susceptible to periorbital edema, the authors stressed the importance of doctors discussing this potential complication with patients who are considering getting hyaluronic acid injections under the eyes.

The doctor’s injection technique also plays a role, so it is very important to find a physician who is experienced with the dermal filler.

In addition to filling under eye depressions, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers can also correct nasolabial folds, marionette lines, upper lip wrinkles (i.e., “smoker’s lines”), and deep frown lines. They may also be used for lip augmentation and acne scar correction.

During February and March, save up to $360 on Restylane. Visit www.restylaneusa.com for more information on the promotion.

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Only a Quarter of Teens Report Using Sunscreen Regularly, Study Finds

February 2nd, 2012 by editor2

When a group of Massachusetts eighth graders were asked about sunscreen habits, only 25 percent said they wore it regularly, according to a new study.

The study, published in Pediatrics, tracked 360 U.S. kids’ sunscreen and tanning behaviors for three years. The participants were first surveyed in 2004 as fifth graders, and they were surveyed again in 2007 as eighth graders.

Researchers found the following about kids’ sunburn and tanning experiences:

  • More than half (53 percent) had suffered at least one sunburn by the age of 11.
  • Half used sunscreen at the beginning of the study, but only 25 percent still did three years later.
  • The proportion of kids who admitted to “liking a tan and spending time outside to get a tan significantly increased” as they got older.
  • Two out of 10 went outside just to tan when they were in fifth grade; 4 out of 10 did by eighth grade.

According to the authors, the years of “periadolescence” (ages 11 to 14) seem to be “a crucial period” when kids and teens “increase or decrease their use of sun protection, obtain sunburns, or change their tan-promoting attitudes.”

“I think especially at this age, and in general, there are a lot of forces that promote tanning,” said lead researcher Dr. Stephen Dusza, of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

Dr. Sophie Balk, a pediatrician, said the study highlights that many kids aren’t protecting their skin.

“The problem is if you sunburn in childhood, you raise your risk of developing skin cancer later on,” said Balk.

According to Dusza, the next step is to figure out how to effectively promote sun protection in pediatric offices and community settings, like beaches and sporting events.

In addition to wearing sunscreen, Balk recommends protecting your skin with sun-protective clothing, hats and sunglasses.

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Cosmetic Surgery Technology Expands Options for Facial Rejuvenation

January 28th, 2012 by editor2

facial rejuvenation procedures A facelift used to be the only cosmetic option for fighting facial aging. But thanks to today’s cosmetic surgery technology, patients have a number of options, with varying degrees of invasiveness, according to the Miami Herald.

Here is an overview of some of the facial rejuvenation procedures available today.

Facelifts

Targeting the signs of aging in the lower part of the face, a facelift can erase imperfections through lifting and removing excess skin.

Even the facelift itself has evolved. For instance, the Mid Facelift, a modification on a traditional facelift, is less extensive and therefore has a shorter recovery.

Injectables

It is hard to imagine a time when dermal fillers, such as Restylane and Juvederm, and botulinum toxins, such as Botox and Dysport, weren’t an option for filling lines and smoothing wrinkles on the face.

The options for injectables continue to grow. Fat grafting and stem cells are the latest innovations. With fat grafting, fat is removed from one area of the patient’s body and is then used as an injectable to add volume to areas such as the lips, nasolabial folds or hollows under the eyes.

Lasers & Ultrasound

For tightening up facial skin, lasers, such as Refirme, are now a popular option. The laser heats the collagen underneath the skin, making the skin tighten and stimulating the growth of new collagen.

Devices using ultrasound waves are another new technology for tightening. The ultrasound waves shrink collagen, making the skin tighter.

The Future of Facial Rejuvenation

Dr. Leslie Baumann, chief executive of a cosmetic institute in Miami, says there are more new facial rejuvenation procedures on the horizon in the next few years, including new injectables, lights and lasers.

Your cosmetic surgeon can help determine which facial rejuvenation procedures will give you the results you desire. For more information on facial rejuvenation, contact Dr. Heffernan in Seattle.

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Bro-tox Trend: More Men Are Getting Botox

January 20th, 2012 by editor2

ABC News recently spotlighted a growing cosmetic procedure trend: Bro-tox, as in Botox for men.

Actor Johnny Markoudakis told ABC that he got Botox injections in his forehead and around his eyes, and a week later people told him he looked more refreshed.

But Bro-tox patients include more than just actors, models and metrosexuals, according to ABC.

For instance, Marc from Detroit is 38 and works at a chemical company. “I do a lot of industrial type work, getting dirty. … And I restore old cars,” Marc told ABC.

When he started noticing that he had some wrinkles and that he was looking older, his wife decided to get him Botox for Christmas.

“The card was very nice,” Marc said. “But then there was a little note that said … ‘Botox’ on it, and I was a little shocked. … It’s just not anything I thought I would do for myself.”

Marc used the gift and now has less noticeable crow’s feet thanks to Botox.

Cosmetic Procedures Becoming More Popular for Men

ABC News reports that over 300,000 men got Botox last year, a 10% increase from the previous year. Men are getting more cosmetic procedures in general — one in eight cosmetic surgery procedures is now performed on men.

According to the report, from 2010 to 2011, eyelid surgeries increased by 15% for men, facelifts by 14% and liposuction by 7%.

The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) says the five most popular procedures among men are Botox, hair transplantation/restoration, laser hair removal, microdermabrasion and liposuction.

A consumer survey by the AACS found that 12% of men plan to have cosmetic surgery at some point in the future and that 83% of men believe that personal appearance plays a role in their professional success and advancement.

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Study Ranks Best Cosmetic Surgery Procedures Based on Safety & Effectiveness

January 14th, 2012 by editor2

best cosmetic surgery procedures Today’s consumers looking to have cosmetic work done have many procedures to choose from, but some have been shown to be more safe and effective than others. A new study has named what it considers the best cosmetic surgery procedures.

Study author Murad Alam, MD, chief of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, reviewed existing research to identify which procedures have proven to be safe and effective and which ones need more evidence.

“Many treatments gaining popularity are novel techniques that use complex devices, such as lasers and ultrasound, but there is sparse research evaluating their long-term effects,” said Dr. Alam. “We need more prospective studies comparing different treatments for the same problem head-to-head, so doctors and consumers know what’s best and safest.”

After reviewing 98 studies, Alam concluded that the following cosmetic procedures are among the most effective, proven procedures when performed by a trained, board-certified physician:

  1. Injectable botulinum toxins, which include Botox, Dysport and Xeomin, for smoothing wrinkles
  2. Liposuction for fat removal
  3. Lasers for treating broken blood vessels, port wine stains and rosacea
  4. Lasers for removing brown spots and hair

Of ranking Botox and other botulinum toxins first, Alam said, “These have been around for 20 years and during that entire period, when an approved pharmaceutical product in approved doses is used for cosmetic purposes, there have not been any instances of serious reactions.”

As for liposuction, Alam said that tumescent liposuction has shown to be an especially safe liposuction technique. “The main potential complication, excessive bleeding, simply doesn’t occur with that form of liposuction when appropriate rules are followed because the anesthetic used in the procedure prevents bleeding,” he said.

Some procedures are safe, but more studies are needed on their effectiveness, such as low-level laser light for fat removal, according to Alam.

Others, such as fat freezing, work, said Alam, but it will take several more years to determine if the fat removal is permanent.

Patients should be aware that there may be more than one type of procedure to treat a cosmetic concern. That’s why it is so important to have a skilled cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist. “Experienced physicians can help patients select the treatments that are best for them,” Alam concluded.

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Tips for Fighting Dry Skin in Winter

January 6th, 2012 by editor2

winter dry skin tips The Associated Press surveyed dermatologists to get their best tips for protecting skin during the winter. Read on for their advice.

Winter Dry Skin Tips

Avoid hot showers. Dr. Neil Sadick, a dermatologist in New York City, says to avoid hot showers. Even though they may be comforting when it’s cold out, hot showers further dehydrate your skin, says Dr. Sadick. “Make showers as tepid as you can tolerate,” he said.

Be sure to use a moisturizer. Dr. Alicia Zalka, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale, recommends an old standby: Vaseline. She says that if you’ve already got very dry skin it can be good to use it for a few days as a sealer and a protectant. Plus, if your skin is already cracked, it doesn’t sting, she says.

Also wear sunscreen to protect skin from sun damage, even in the winter. Dr. Sadick recommends applying a broadband sunscreen once a day.

Think before you drink. Drink beverages with alcohol or caffeine in moderation, as they can be dehydrating, says dermatologist Dr. David Orentreich.

Do drink water to stay hydrated, but don’t rely on it to keep your skin healthy while it’s cold.

Use a humidifier. Dr Orentreich also recommends using a humidifier in your house, especially in your bedroom. That way “healing and repair can take place while you sleep,” he says.

In addition to your skin, also take special care of your hair and nails during the winter, as they can crack and split like the skin does, according to Dr. Zalka. Try B vitamin supplements to improve hair and nails, she says.

Dr. Sadick also suggests using a conditioner more frequently during the winter to keep hair from getting too dry.

Learn about the medical grade skin care products available from Dr. Heffernan.

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New Study Compares Dysport & Botox for Crow’s Feet

December 28th, 2011 by editor2

Dysport for crow’s feetA new study compared botulinum toxins Botox and Dysport for treating crow’s feet and found Dysport may be more effective.

Researchers at the Maas Clinic in San Francisco treated crow’s feet on 90 patients with Botox on one side of the face and Dysport on the other. Patients were seen two, four and six days after injections. Patients and doctors rated Dysport as more effective at reducing crow’s feet, when patients were smiling.

Researchers concluded that Dysport had a trend toward greater improvements at day two compared to Botox and “statistically significant greater improvement at days four and six.”

However, though Dysport resulted in greater improvement, both showed statistically significant changes two days after injection.

ABC News spoke with doctors about the results of the study. Physicians agreed that both Botox and Dysport have positive results, and that the skill and experience of the doctor administering the injection is more important than which botulinum toxin is used.

Botox Maker Questions Study

Allergan, maker of Botox, responded to the study by saying that is was funded by Dysport’s maker Medicis. A spokesperson for Allergan, Kellie Lao, pointed out that the study, published in the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, only reported data out to 30 days after the injections, so “the long-term comparative efficacy is unknown.”

Medicis spokesperson Kara Stancell wrote Cosmetic Surgery Times, “These findings resulted from an independent, physician-initiated study that was funded by a grant from Medicis, but not designed or conducted by Medicis. The study investigators are well-regarded, and the study speaks for itself.”

Dr. Corey Maas, lead author of the study, said, “It’s good for us to know that we have good, quality options out there for patients. When we have choices and there is good competition, it helps both the doctor and the patient.”

Dr. Heffernan offers both Botox and Dysport at his Seattle practice.

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