All of us at Dr. Graham's Aesthetic Center are finding joy in the holiday season, having the opportunity to spend time with family & friends, and celebrating the opportunities we have.
We hope each of you get to enjoy some happy times as well. And we hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Friday, December 5, 2008
See our article in TALK Magazine
"Super-charged Anti-agers," is the title of an article featuring Dr. Graham and three other area physicians, in the Beauty & Style section. Dr. Graham represented the specialty of plastic surgery. In addition there were two dermatologists and a family practitioner.
All of them discussed their opinions on specialized skin care, non-surgical treatments, new technologies, Botox, fillers, demographics, celebrities, etc. Click on the title above for the link to TALK Magazine, December, 2008.
For more: http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/injectables.html#botox
All of them discussed their opinions on specialized skin care, non-surgical treatments, new technologies, Botox, fillers, demographics, celebrities, etc. Click on the title above for the link to TALK Magazine, December, 2008.
For more: http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/injectables.html#botox
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Save on Injectable Filler Restylane
Our regular users and new patients can save on their regular injectable fillers Restylane and Perlane.
The manufacturer of these products is offering rebates to patients. You can save $100 on a typical two syringe treatment session, or $50 on single syringe treatments. Restylane / Medicis company web site has their details. See our web site for more information on non-surgical, minimally-invasive, or injectable treatments: http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/injectables.html
The manufacturer of these products is offering rebates to patients. You can save $100 on a typical two syringe treatment session, or $50 on single syringe treatments. Restylane / Medicis company web site has their details. See our web site for more information on non-surgical, minimally-invasive, or injectable treatments: http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/injectables.html
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Fall 2008 Special Packages
BROW OR LASH ENHANCEMENT
If you've never tried this, it very popular. Between now and the end of the year, when you have a facial with Erin or Stacy you may have a complimentary tinting of your eyelashes or brows. You'll have the chance to learn about lash extensions and permanent makeup techniques. www.ExpertPlasticSurgeon.com/html/skin.html
UNDERARM HAIR REMOVAL
Since breast surgery and hair removal are both very common procedures, we thought we would give our surgery patients a little something extra. If you had breast augmentation or breast lift (mastopexy) since July 1st you are entitled to a complimentary initial treatment for underarm hair. Patients who have those procedures between now and December 31st are also eligible. Please call and schedule before the end of the year. www.ExpertPlasticSurgeon.com/html/laser.html
www.ExpertPlasticSurgeon.com/html/augmentation.html
If you've never tried this, it very popular. Between now and the end of the year, when you have a facial with Erin or Stacy you may have a complimentary tinting of your eyelashes or brows. You'll have the chance to learn about lash extensions and permanent makeup techniques. www.ExpertPlasticSurgeon.com/html/skin.html
UNDERARM HAIR REMOVAL
Since breast surgery and hair removal are both very common procedures, we thought we would give our surgery patients a little something extra. If you had breast augmentation or breast lift (mastopexy) since July 1st you are entitled to a complimentary initial treatment for underarm hair. Patients who have those procedures between now and December 31st are also eligible. Please call and schedule before the end of the year. www.ExpertPlasticSurgeon.com/html/laser.html
www.ExpertPlasticSurgeon.com/html/augmentation.html
Friday, October 17, 2008
Busy Fall Season: Breast, Face & Body
Now is the time to plan your fall and winter season cosmetic surgery procedures. At this time of year we begin to hear from new and established patients who want to schedule a consultation. They are making their plans to have various operations. The want to coordinate them with plans to travel, and to gather with family and friends.
Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years provide holidays from work that many patients use to recover with minimal down-time. Many of our patients have seasonal businesses that slow in December. Every individual has reasons for choosing this time of year that work for them. We are glad to accommodate and assist your plans. Call our office or e-mail. Find the contact information at out website: http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/index.html.
Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years provide holidays from work that many patients use to recover with minimal down-time. Many of our patients have seasonal businesses that slow in December. Every individual has reasons for choosing this time of year that work for them. We are glad to accommodate and assist your plans. Call our office or e-mail. Find the contact information at out website: http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/index.html.
Eyelash and Eyebrow -- Enhancement With Tattoo and Lash Extensions
We have ways to improve your appearance in addition to quality surgical and minimally invasive procedures. Our two full-time skin care specialists are experienced in simple and dramatic options to bring more attention to your eyes.
Eyelash extensions are synthetic fiber individually added to your own eyelashes. They last for 1-2 months, increasing your lashes length and fullness.
Micropigmentation, tattoo or permanent cosmetics describe methods to give more definition and visual appeal to the eyelashes (eyeliner) and eyebrows. Similar techniques are also used for lip enhancement and color.
There are a variety of other techniques we offer to help you emphasize your eyes. See our website Skin Care pages at http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/skin.html.
Eyelash extensions are synthetic fiber individually added to your own eyelashes. They last for 1-2 months, increasing your lashes length and fullness.
Micropigmentation, tattoo or permanent cosmetics describe methods to give more definition and visual appeal to the eyelashes (eyeliner) and eyebrows. Similar techniques are also used for lip enhancement and color.
There are a variety of other techniques we offer to help you emphasize your eyes. See our website Skin Care pages at http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/skin.html.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
After-Summer Skin Care
Young and old, we have all come to understand the importance of sun damage. Sun (UV) exposure causes injury to our cells the can lead to several types of skin cancer, and to accelerated aging. The aging changes include blotchy pigmentation, surface texture, dry appearance, and loss of elasticity and firmness.
Cosmetic surgery procedures like facelifts, browlifts and blepharoplasty remove some of the lax skin. They offer deeper benefits by resuspending and recontouring underlying structures. However, they still leave behind your natural skin with its sun damage changes.
Our Skin Care Specialists have various ways to improve your skin's appearance. We offer careful, experienced evaluation and important education. There are both occasional procedures we perform and daily care each individual can do to get the best appearance.
Now that summer is over and sun exposure is decreasing, call us to learn more.
Cosmetic surgery procedures like facelifts, browlifts and blepharoplasty remove some of the lax skin. They offer deeper benefits by resuspending and recontouring underlying structures. However, they still leave behind your natural skin with its sun damage changes.
Our Skin Care Specialists have various ways to improve your skin's appearance. We offer careful, experienced evaluation and important education. There are both occasional procedures we perform and daily care each individual can do to get the best appearance.
Now that summer is over and sun exposure is decreasing, call us to learn more.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Interest in Cosmetic Procedures in a Down Economy
In addition to general reporting on the US economy, many national media reports mention the impact on cosmetic surgery and cosmetic medical procedures.
Greenville and Upstate South Carolina appear to have several advantages. Our regional economy is stronger because of our exporting sector. We continue to have employers expanding and investing. We have not seen the dramatic home price inflation of other areas. Our region remains attractive to families moving from many parts of the country.
In our practice, as summer winds down, Skin Care clients return to continue their routines and minimize the effects of past sun exposure. Minimally invasive procedures (BotoxCosmetic, Restylane, Juvaderm, MicroLaserPeels, laser hair removal, etc.) continue being popular. Breast and facial cosmetic surgery procedures continue to be the most sought after, followed by body contouring (tummy tuck and liposuction). We expect to be busier as fall season approaches.
Greenville and Upstate South Carolina appear to have several advantages. Our regional economy is stronger because of our exporting sector. We continue to have employers expanding and investing. We have not seen the dramatic home price inflation of other areas. Our region remains attractive to families moving from many parts of the country.
In our practice, as summer winds down, Skin Care clients return to continue their routines and minimize the effects of past sun exposure. Minimally invasive procedures (BotoxCosmetic, Restylane, Juvaderm, MicroLaserPeels, laser hair removal, etc.) continue being popular. Breast and facial cosmetic surgery procedures continue to be the most sought after, followed by body contouring (tummy tuck and liposuction). We expect to be busier as fall season approaches.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Breast Enlargment Using Fat?
It's an intriguing idea, since grafting one's own fat cells is established for other areas of the body. We use it regularly to enhance women's lips, cheeks, and buttocks. Can you achieve breast augmentation without an implant using only you own fat?
This idea is not new, but its been in the news lately. One recent variation on the technique has included processing some of the removed fat to try to increase its proportion of cells capable of developing and specializing (stem cells). This procedure is being tried in Japan using US-based technology. There is not yet FDA approval or even trials, so its wide-spread use is a few years away.
This idea is not new, but its been in the news lately. One recent variation on the technique has included processing some of the removed fat to try to increase its proportion of cells capable of developing and specializing (stem cells). This procedure is being tried in Japan using US-based technology. There is not yet FDA approval or even trials, so its wide-spread use is a few years away.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Office-Based Plastic Surgery Safety
Over 1 million (1.1) procedures were reviewed by the AAAASF (American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities) between 2001 & 2006. Data reveal mortality rates similar to hospitals (0.002%). You can learn more at: http://www.plasticsurgery.org/media/press_releases/July08-PRS-PatientSafety.cfm.
We are accredited by AAAASF and undergo yearly re-evaluation. Fortunately for our citizens, South Carolina is one of the minority of states that require accreditation. All members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons only perform surgery in accredited facilities.
For your safety, if you are considering a procedure ask your doctor which organization accredits their facility.
We are accredited by AAAASF and undergo yearly re-evaluation. Fortunately for our citizens, South Carolina is one of the minority of states that require accreditation. All members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons only perform surgery in accredited facilities.
For your safety, if you are considering a procedure ask your doctor which organization accredits their facility.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Recycling: From Cardboard Boxes to Breast Implant Packaging?
Our facility proudly provides cosmetic surgery, non-surgical cosmetic medicine, and professional skin care for several hundred patients per year.
Doing this entails many shipments, plenty of packaging materials, innumerable containers, not to mention soda cans and bottles for our staff and patients, etc. We contracted with an office recycling company since we didn't' like seeing this going to our landfills. Now cartons, plastic bottles & aluminum cans, and yes, even plastic containers from breast implant packaging are recycled.
We also have routine trash disposal. Otherwise, we have unique waste disposal requirements. Documents with personal information are shredded. We utilize a separate regulated medical waste hauler for those materials.
We are glad to be reducing and recycling.
Doing this entails many shipments, plenty of packaging materials, innumerable containers, not to mention soda cans and bottles for our staff and patients, etc. We contracted with an office recycling company since we didn't' like seeing this going to our landfills. Now cartons, plastic bottles & aluminum cans, and yes, even plastic containers from breast implant packaging are recycled.
We also have routine trash disposal. Otherwise, we have unique waste disposal requirements. Documents with personal information are shredded. We utilize a separate regulated medical waste hauler for those materials.
We are glad to be reducing and recycling.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Evolence - New Injectable Filler Material
Johnson & Johnson has just obtained FDA approval to market Evolence, an injectable collagen used to treat facial wrinkles.
This will be interesting for several reasons. First, J&J is the first large pharmaceutical corporation to enter a market populated by smaller specialty companies like Allergan (Juvaderm) and Medicis (Restylane & Perlane). Their marketing will, no doubt, be superb. Second, the new product is made of porcine collagen derived from pig tendon. J&J emphasizes the source as "naturally sourced", rather than synthetic like established fillers. Finally, bovine (cow) collagen has been declining in popularity for 10-15 years. It was the first available filler, but fell out of favor because of rapid disappearance and the need for skin allergy tests.
Evolence has been used in Canada and some European countries, but there is little US experience. We will evaluate its risks and benefits over time before incorporating it into our selection of products.
This will be interesting for several reasons. First, J&J is the first large pharmaceutical corporation to enter a market populated by smaller specialty companies like Allergan (Juvaderm) and Medicis (Restylane & Perlane). Their marketing will, no doubt, be superb. Second, the new product is made of porcine collagen derived from pig tendon. J&J emphasizes the source as "naturally sourced", rather than synthetic like established fillers. Finally, bovine (cow) collagen has been declining in popularity for 10-15 years. It was the first available filler, but fell out of favor because of rapid disappearance and the need for skin allergy tests.
Evolence has been used in Canada and some European countries, but there is little US experience. We will evaluate its risks and benefits over time before incorporating it into our selection of products.
Oncoplastic Surgery: What Does That Mean To You?
Oncoplastic Surgery is a new and developing subset of breast cancer ("oncologic") surgery which incorporates plastic surgical reconstructive techniques. Breast skin incisions are planned as they would be in breast lift or reduction techniques, rather than simply directly over a lump to be biopsied. Going a step further, internal repositioning of remaining breast gland tissue may be done to avoid dents or contour defects. You may also be offered reshaping surgery on your other (uninvolved) breast, if this will improve symmetry.
When a woman learns she has breast cancer, she will first determine if she is a candidate for lumpectomy or mastectomy. If your surgeon offers oncoplastic surgery, ask whether she/he operates simultaneously with an experienced plastic surgeon. If your surgeon does not, she/he should have had significant additional reconstructive plastic surgical training. Optimum breast shaping, reconstruction, lift or reduction all require substantial plastic surgery experience.
When a woman learns she has breast cancer, she will first determine if she is a candidate for lumpectomy or mastectomy. If your surgeon offers oncoplastic surgery, ask whether she/he operates simultaneously with an experienced plastic surgeon. If your surgeon does not, she/he should have had significant additional reconstructive plastic surgical training. Optimum breast shaping, reconstruction, lift or reduction all require substantial plastic surgery experience.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Botox, Browlift, Blepharoplasty: How Do I Choose?
How do I tell which procedure or combination will give me an improved appearance around my eyes? Well, during an in-person consultation, we would demonstrate on your face and help you decide, but here are some hints:
1. Frown lines and squint lines or crow's feet respond to Botox treatments. A browlift may give longer lasting improvement in frown lines, but more motion will usually remain. Only the Botox will reliably improve the squint lines.
2. Excessive active lines crossing the forehead do not go away with typical browlift. Instead the entire forehead unit moves up a little (gravity has pulled it down). Botox can diminish the lines, or make them go away if they're mild.
3. Be careful about using Botox for too much forehead treatment. You may have either no natural forehead expressions (people wonder about you) or you may have drooping brows (we use our forehead muscles to lift our brows).
4. If your eyebrows are slightly too low, a little Botox beneath the inner and outer corners can give a little lift, without surgery.
5. If your eyebrows and thick skin just under the brows closes-in around your eyes, that responds best to surgical browlift. In addition, that procedure may improve your upper eyelid appearance.
6. Hooding of the eyelid skin over the lid or lashes improves with blepharoplasty (eyelid lift, tuck)
7. Puffy, thick upper eyelid folds respond to blepharoplasty.
8. Finally, a laser peel can greatly improve the texture of the eyelid skin. Sometimes that would be enough, without skin removal.
Obviously, some or all of these techniques may work together to enhance your appearance.
1. Frown lines and squint lines or crow's feet respond to Botox treatments. A browlift may give longer lasting improvement in frown lines, but more motion will usually remain. Only the Botox will reliably improve the squint lines.
2. Excessive active lines crossing the forehead do not go away with typical browlift. Instead the entire forehead unit moves up a little (gravity has pulled it down). Botox can diminish the lines, or make them go away if they're mild.
3. Be careful about using Botox for too much forehead treatment. You may have either no natural forehead expressions (people wonder about you) or you may have drooping brows (we use our forehead muscles to lift our brows).
4. If your eyebrows are slightly too low, a little Botox beneath the inner and outer corners can give a little lift, without surgery.
5. If your eyebrows and thick skin just under the brows closes-in around your eyes, that responds best to surgical browlift. In addition, that procedure may improve your upper eyelid appearance.
6. Hooding of the eyelid skin over the lid or lashes improves with blepharoplasty (eyelid lift, tuck)
7. Puffy, thick upper eyelid folds respond to blepharoplasty.
8. Finally, a laser peel can greatly improve the texture of the eyelid skin. Sometimes that would be enough, without skin removal.
Obviously, some or all of these techniques may work together to enhance your appearance.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
"Water Bottle Lips" Instead of "Smokers Lines"
Friends tell me that the national news ran an amusing item. It seems someone has decided that sucking from the spout of sports water bottles on a regular basis may cause wrinkles in the skin around the lips. Hydration is good for the skin, so don't stop drinking plenty of water.
Smoking was a problem in two ways. It seemed to accelerate skin aging chemically and smokers pursed their lips while sucking in the smoke.
If excessive lines develop, we offer a variety of solutions:
Smoking was a problem in two ways. It seemed to accelerate skin aging chemically and smokers pursed their lips while sucking in the smoke.
If excessive lines develop, we offer a variety of solutions:
- Obagi skin care
- Fillers such as Restylane or Juvaderm
- Skin Tightening, minimally invasive
- Laser Peels
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Sagging versus Wrinkles
I recently heard a great analogy comparing facial skin to fabric. If the surface isn't smooth you need to iron it (surface treatments such as Obagi skin care or laser peels). If the fabric hangs too much you need to take away the slack (necklift, facelift, browlift, etc.).
I'm sure many readers can relate!
I'm sure many readers can relate!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Beauty for Life Update
In my first post, I said everyone should be aware of this concept: appropriate procedures (minimally-invasive and surgical) are available at different stages of life. Our national societies have published a new website www.beautyforlife.com.
It starts with good skin care in your teens. Botox may help maintain softer expression lines. Breast lift & tummy liposuction or tuck are known as the mommy make-over, after having children. Eyelid lifts and facelifts compliment the later changes in our faces. If you're interested, look at our practice website and the beauty for life site.
It starts with good skin care in your teens. Botox may help maintain softer expression lines. Breast lift & tummy liposuction or tuck are known as the mommy make-over, after having children. Eyelid lifts and facelifts compliment the later changes in our faces. If you're interested, look at our practice website and the beauty for life site.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Cosmetic Procedures Increase 7%
Here are the highlights from 2007 from ASPS:
Facelifts up 14 %
Breast Implants up 6%
Slight increase for eyelid surgery
Injectables increase
Ethnic patients up 13%
Mild inc. in breast reduction & reconstruction
Liposuction steady
Decreases in rhinoplasty
Steep drops in collagen and hair transplants
The biggest news was that facelifts, that had decreased in the last few years, now returned as more commonly requested by patients. This may be due to realization of the limits of Botox and Hyaluronic acid fillers (Restylane, etc.). They don't correct laxity, sagging, drooping skin & deeper layers.
Breast augmentation remains the most popular procedure, and its popularity increased. It remains popular in 2008 at our office.
The TOP FIVE surgery procedures were: Augmentation, Liposuction, Rhinoplasty, Eyelid, and Tummy tuck. The TOP FIVE non-surgical procedures were: Botox, Hyaluronic fillers, Peels, Laser hair removal, and Microdermabrasion.
We thought you would like to know!
Facelifts up 14 %
Breast Implants up 6%
Slight increase for eyelid surgery
Injectables increase
Ethnic patients up 13%
Mild inc. in breast reduction & reconstruction
Liposuction steady
Decreases in rhinoplasty
Steep drops in collagen and hair transplants
The biggest news was that facelifts, that had decreased in the last few years, now returned as more commonly requested by patients. This may be due to realization of the limits of Botox and Hyaluronic acid fillers (Restylane, etc.). They don't correct laxity, sagging, drooping skin & deeper layers.
Breast augmentation remains the most popular procedure, and its popularity increased. It remains popular in 2008 at our office.
The TOP FIVE surgery procedures were: Augmentation, Liposuction, Rhinoplasty, Eyelid, and Tummy tuck. The TOP FIVE non-surgical procedures were: Botox, Hyaluronic fillers, Peels, Laser hair removal, and Microdermabrasion.
We thought you would like to know!
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Breast Augmentation in South Carolina
Everyone looks forward to Spring and Summer. Some of the best things about those seasons are shedding winter clothes and enjoying the out-of-doors. In South Carolina we have great weather, beautiful beaches, extensive lakes, mountain trails, roadways for motorcycling and bicycling, golf courses, tennis courts and plenty of swimming pools.
Perhaps that's why breast implant / augmentation is our most popular body contour procedure. We perform this more frequently than tummy tuck (also common) or liposuction (most common in national surveys). Contact us and you'll find many other ways in which we are different form other medical practices you've encountered.
Patients seek breast surgery during the Spring & Summer to enhance their looks. Its a very popular time of year.
You can find more details on our website, http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/ or our link http://www.breastaugmentationcarolina.com/.
Perhaps that's why breast implant / augmentation is our most popular body contour procedure. We perform this more frequently than tummy tuck (also common) or liposuction (most common in national surveys). Contact us and you'll find many other ways in which we are different form other medical practices you've encountered.
Patients seek breast surgery during the Spring & Summer to enhance their looks. Its a very popular time of year.
You can find more details on our website, http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/ or our link http://www.breastaugmentationcarolina.com/.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Office Plastic Surgery & Anesthesia Safety
The safety of both anesthesia care and surgical procedures has improved greatly in the past 25 years. The number and complexity of out-patient surgery across all surgical specialties has increased several fold. All surgery involves risks, but risk reduction is accomplished in many ways.
In 2007, according to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, 54% of all cosmetic procedures were performed in office surgical centers, and another 28% in out-patient surgical centers. That leaves only 17% having been done in hospitals. Surgical procedure statistics showed 8% increase from the prior year. (http://www.surgery.org/)
National accreditation is one important assessment of the dedication and quality of a office surgical facility. The American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities evaluates our facility(http://www.aaasf.org/). We undergo annual assessment requiring 100% compliance, including periodic inspection. The criteria are numerous, but include preoperative medical screening, availability of emergency equipment and medications, and advanced life support certification. These address some of the questions raised by recent media & public concern over safety issues in Florida, California, and NYC.
We offer full-time board-certified physician anesthesiologist care, in addition to our board-certified plastic surgeon. All our anesthesia is personally done by the anesthesia doctor. Dr. Graham concentrates on your surgery and is not responsible for also supervising a nurse anesthetist. Safety is an attribute of our practice. For other ways in which our practice is different, read our new website.
Update July 16, 2008. See the link http://www.plasticsurgery.org/media/press_releases/July08-PRS-PatientSafety.cfm
In 2007, according to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, 54% of all cosmetic procedures were performed in office surgical centers, and another 28% in out-patient surgical centers. That leaves only 17% having been done in hospitals. Surgical procedure statistics showed 8% increase from the prior year. (http://www.surgery.org/)
National accreditation is one important assessment of the dedication and quality of a office surgical facility. The American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities evaluates our facility(http://www.aaasf.org/). We undergo annual assessment requiring 100% compliance, including periodic inspection. The criteria are numerous, but include preoperative medical screening, availability of emergency equipment and medications, and advanced life support certification. These address some of the questions raised by recent media & public concern over safety issues in Florida, California, and NYC.
We offer full-time board-certified physician anesthesiologist care, in addition to our board-certified plastic surgeon. All our anesthesia is personally done by the anesthesia doctor. Dr. Graham concentrates on your surgery and is not responsible for also supervising a nurse anesthetist. Safety is an attribute of our practice. For other ways in which our practice is different, read our new website.
Update July 16, 2008. See the link http://www.plasticsurgery.org/media/press_releases/July08-PRS-PatientSafety.cfm
Sunday, March 9, 2008
New Office Seminar - April 8th
SKIN CARE, MAKE-UP, MINIMALLY INVASIVE SKIN REJUVENATION
We'll cover all these great topics in morning and evening sessions on Tuesday, April 8th, 2008. The first session will be 11am-1pm. The second will be 6-8pm. We welcome patients, their friends, and others with interest to register by e-mail or phone. Contact info available on our website http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/
Presenters will be our Skin Care Specialists (Erin Riddle & Stacy Linder), our Nurse Practitioner (Janice Sasser), along with Karen Wiese (Obagi representative) and Shannon Kelley (Jane Iredale cosmetics). We'll feature photofacials, non-invasive skin tightening (aka Thermage, Fraxel or Titan), Botox, Restylane, Perlane, Juvaderm.
New products to improve your skin's appearance will also be featured. Seminar attendees will be offered special pricing on Obagi (10%). Contact us to register soon.
We'll cover all these great topics in morning and evening sessions on Tuesday, April 8th, 2008. The first session will be 11am-1pm. The second will be 6-8pm. We welcome patients, their friends, and others with interest to register by e-mail or phone. Contact info available on our website http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/
Presenters will be our Skin Care Specialists (Erin Riddle & Stacy Linder), our Nurse Practitioner (Janice Sasser), along with Karen Wiese (Obagi representative) and Shannon Kelley (Jane Iredale cosmetics). We'll feature photofacials, non-invasive skin tightening (aka Thermage, Fraxel or Titan), Botox, Restylane, Perlane, Juvaderm.
New products to improve your skin's appearance will also be featured. Seminar attendees will be offered special pricing on Obagi (10%). Contact us to register soon.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Web Medical Records
EMR stands for electronic medical records. The idea of having all medical information in digital format, easily searchable, and widely retrievable sounds appealing, except for the privacy and confidentiality issues. In the past individuals guarded health data so carefully. The federal governemnt, health insurance companies and large hospital corporations have been the first to adopt various systems of storing and processing your health information.
Individual physicians have been slow to adopt for various reasons. Most won't see additional revenue to cover the $50-100,000 cost. Many systems are not compatable with others. But, many are extremely concerned that stored data will be divulged to unauthorized people, used for marketing or profiling, etc. We all know that secure major data-banks have been tricked, looted, or accidentally released. Microsoft is advertising its version of a web-based health record. Google is soon to release theirs.
Our practice does not use web-based or online digital health records at the current time. We value your security.
Individual physicians have been slow to adopt for various reasons. Most won't see additional revenue to cover the $50-100,000 cost. Many systems are not compatable with others. But, many are extremely concerned that stored data will be divulged to unauthorized people, used for marketing or profiling, etc. We all know that secure major data-banks have been tricked, looted, or accidentally released. Microsoft is advertising its version of a web-based health record. Google is soon to release theirs.
Our practice does not use web-based or online digital health records at the current time. We value your security.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Most Popular Procedures - National Statistics
The ASAPS organization today published national statistics for cosmetic surgery procedures. Americans spent $8.3 billion for surgery and $4.7 billion for non-surgical procedures. Minorities accounted for 22% of patients. Tops for women were breast augmentation, liposuction, eyelid surgery, abdominoplasty and breast reduction. Major non-surgical techniques were Botox, Hyaluronic acid fillers, laser hair removal, microdermabrasion, and laser / intense light treatments. Surgical procedures increased by 9% while non-surgical decreased by <1%. We continue to notice increases in all cosmetic procedures in our practice.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Botox - Patient Awareness
The TV news and popular magazines have mentioned an intrest group's request that the FDA increase scrutiny of botulinum toxin use. The FDA records show several deaths from non-cosmetic uses of Botox. The examples mentioned include reducing muscle spasticity caused by cerebral palsy. There were no initial reports of deaths from cosmetic use.
Safety is very important. Importantly, the public needs to be reminded that they should seek qualified, experienced physicians for their treatments. They should expect adequate review of their medical history, discussion of risks, and a properly equiped medical office setting (no "Botox parties"). Board certification in Plastic Surgery, Dermatology or Ophthalmology are good starting points. Ask more questions.
Safety is very important. Importantly, the public needs to be reminded that they should seek qualified, experienced physicians for their treatments. They should expect adequate review of their medical history, discussion of risks, and a properly equiped medical office setting (no "Botox parties"). Board certification in Plastic Surgery, Dermatology or Ophthalmology are good starting points. Ask more questions.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Pick Your Recovery Time
One way to choose among the various options for facial rejuvenation procedures is tell your surgeon how long you have to recover. This will let him or her tailor your procedures to your desired "down-time." If you have no down-time: choose from Botox, Restylane of other fillers, Intense Pulsed Light photofacials, or non-ablative skin tightening. If you have one weekend: you may select the above and /or MicroLaser Peels or Periorbital resurfcing. When you have 1 week available: enhance you appearance with a endoscopic browlift or submental liposuction (under the chin). A 2 week recovery gives you plenty of options: you could have either eyelid blepharoplasty, short-scar facelift, or a combination of the above procedures. A three week recovery is best for: facelift, necklift, and combinations of procedures on several parts of the face. At our office we'll discuss these issues and the features you would like to improve, and make individual personal recommendations. Call if you're interested.
Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer
It sounds appealing to be able to enlarge a small or disproportionate breast with a patient's own excess fat. Remove it from tummy or thighs and add it to the breast. The surgical term is "autologous fat graft or transfer." The technology exists to provide this procedure. It is very commonly used for contour enhancements in the face, especially the lips. It can correct facial & body contour deformities from various causes. In those areas it is safe, effective, and often partially permanent. Some unique concerns have been raised about fat graft to the breast. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has discouraged its use until studies demonstrate its safety. At the present time, I would suggest avoiding cosmetic breast fat graft unless you are enrolled in a university research study.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
O.K. to Question Your Surgeon
Since the unfortunate death of Kanye West's mother, the media is catching on. We have advised patients to ask about cosmetic surgeon credentials and experience for a long time. The Wall Street Journal (Jan 9, 2008) ran an article "Learning to Ask Tough Questions Of Your Surgeon," emphasizing the American College of Surgeon's new patient's guidebook. (http://www.facs.org/)
In plastic surgery you can confirm board certification through http://www.abms.org/ (the American Board of Medical Specialties). We are happy to discuss our experience with patients. Just ask.
In plastic surgery you can confirm board certification through http://www.abms.org/ (the American Board of Medical Specialties). We are happy to discuss our experience with patients. Just ask.
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