We want patients to have a great experience, whether they need standard facial rejuvenation surgery, some type of mini-lift, or enhancement with injectables such as Juvaderm, Restylane or Botox.
We recommend you do your homework. Ask about certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Otolaryngology (with Certificate of Added Qualifications in Facial Cosmetic Surgery) for surgical procedures. Ophthalmologists should also be experienced around the eye area.
Recently, doctors from all unrelated specialties have been attracted to cosmetic surgery (ie. Emergency Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Internal Medicine, General Surgery, etc.). When you find a "Medical Spa" or "Cosmetic Medicine" practice, inquire about the board certification and experience of the physician. If other personnel will be performing your injections (nurse[RN], nurse practitioner [NP-C], esthetician [non-medical] or technician [un-licensed]) you need to know even more.
Dr. Graham and Janice Sarrer NP-C have excellent background and specific additional injectable training.
The Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety was set up by reputable organizations to promote public safety. See their site at http://www.injectablesafety.org/. They have videos and quality information. There is additional info on our site http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/injectables.html
Monday, June 29, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Dysport is new Botox alternative. More news
Since my recent post (June 13th) about the new FDA approval of Dysport as an alternative to Botox, I found another media mention in the Washington Post. My website discussion of neurotixins applies equally to Botox and Dysport. http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/injectables.html#botox
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/22/AR2009052202257.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/22/AR2009052202257.html
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Magic Wand Analogy (laser or injection): Check out the Witch or Wizard (plastic surgeon) using that thing! (copyright)
Wrinkle treatments, newest lasers, latest filler injections. We regularly get calls and we welcome questions about new developments. We are constantly looking at the many offerings of companies to find the best to offer our patients. Each new "Botox-alternative," "non-surgical facelift," "minilift" or "new laser wavelength" is a potential benefit, but quality studies are often lacking.
The "magic wand" analogy occurred to me recently. Potential patients need to ask the question posed by Glinda in the Wizard of Oz, "are you a good witch or a bad witch?" You don't need to know so much about the wand as the one waving it. The witch or wizard using the magic wand is the person who will determine the quality of your outcome.
Expert surgeons can obtain similarly excellent facelift results using a variety of techniques (SMASectomy, SMAS plication, MACS lift for example). Quality "injectors" using Botox at different concentrations or Juvaderm Ultra Plus versus Perlane can obtain superior results. The most important questions are questions about the doctor or nurse's skill, training and experience. You are not just buying a uniform product (25 units of magic neurotoxin). You are buying their medical experience.
So, my advice is don't worry so much about the wand, seek quality witches and wizards; you want the good ones.
The "magic wand" analogy occurred to me recently. Potential patients need to ask the question posed by Glinda in the Wizard of Oz, "are you a good witch or a bad witch?" You don't need to know so much about the wand as the one waving it. The witch or wizard using the magic wand is the person who will determine the quality of your outcome.
Expert surgeons can obtain similarly excellent facelift results using a variety of techniques (SMASectomy, SMAS plication, MACS lift for example). Quality "injectors" using Botox at different concentrations or Juvaderm Ultra Plus versus Perlane can obtain superior results. The most important questions are questions about the doctor or nurse's skill, training and experience. You are not just buying a uniform product (25 units of magic neurotoxin). You are buying their medical experience.
So, my advice is don't worry so much about the wand, seek quality witches and wizards; you want the good ones.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Reloxin approved by FDA (Dysport in Europe) - Botox alternative
An alternative to Botox will be available later in 2009. Medicis Corporation, which markets Restylane and Perlane as well as other dermatologic products, announced recently that the FDA has approved its application to market an alternative botulinum toxin in the USA. Medicis has licensed the product known as Dysport in Europe from Ipsen Corporation there.
The new toxin Reloxin will work similarly to BotoxCosmetic, but with different dosages due to different activity of the product. Doctors will need to evaluate its effects on patients and adapt correct dosages.
Dr. Graham has been aware of this alternative neurotoxin for many years due to it's overseas use, and will evaluate it's benefits and risks for our patients when available here. We are one of the most active Botox users in the area, and will certainly offer proven benefits to our patients.
For a press announcement see www.nytimes.com/2009/04/02/fashion/02SKIN.html?_r=1
For more information on our practice and botulinum toxin seehttp://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/injectables.html#botox
We hope Reloxin will be a less expensive alternative to Botox!
The new toxin Reloxin will work similarly to BotoxCosmetic, but with different dosages due to different activity of the product. Doctors will need to evaluate its effects on patients and adapt correct dosages.
Dr. Graham has been aware of this alternative neurotoxin for many years due to it's overseas use, and will evaluate it's benefits and risks for our patients when available here. We are one of the most active Botox users in the area, and will certainly offer proven benefits to our patients.
For a press announcement see www.nytimes.com/2009/04/02/fashion/02SKIN.html?_r=1
For more information on our practice and botulinum toxin seehttp://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/injectables.html#botox
We hope Reloxin will be a less expensive alternative to Botox!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Silicone Facial Injections: Avoid
On National Public Radio this morning a reporter discussed the controversial subject of having silicone liquid injected into various areas of the body as a filler.
The procedure is rarely done by qualified plastic surgeons, and thought of as a poor choice of filler material by most. Some of the people injecting silicone are not physicians and lack appropriate medical training. Some of the material is not medical-grade silicone.
We have seen some patients at The Aesthetic Center who have had injections of an unknown permanent material, who developed undesirable hardening, scarring and distortion.
Our recommendation is to avoid injectable silicone. Hyaluronic acid fillers are excellent, well-tolerated, and reversible. Juvaderm and Restylane are best for most patients.
The procedure is rarely done by qualified plastic surgeons, and thought of as a poor choice of filler material by most. Some of the people injecting silicone are not physicians and lack appropriate medical training. Some of the material is not medical-grade silicone.
We have seen some patients at The Aesthetic Center who have had injections of an unknown permanent material, who developed undesirable hardening, scarring and distortion.
Our recommendation is to avoid injectable silicone. Hyaluronic acid fillers are excellent, well-tolerated, and reversible. Juvaderm and Restylane are best for most patients.
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