It sometimes seems that every week the public is exposed to a new technology promising a breakthrough in a particular area. While significant advances come much less frequently, the majority of “innovations” do not live up to their promise. The appetite for new technology in the field of cosmetic surgery is insatiable and both the media and the public fan the hype.

Breast implant innovation

A rather “low tech” innovation in silicone breast implant surgery has proven quite helpful and may yet show longer term promise for women with silicone breast implants.
The Keller Funnel is an ingenious yet simple device conceived by Dr. Kevin Keller, a plastic surgeon in SC and first introduced to the market in 2009. The concept of the funnel comes from the use of a pastry funnel. This clever device is utilized during breast implant surgery to allow easier insertion of the implant through a smaller incision. This minimizes trauma to the implant and to the breast tissues during insertion and as well minimizes handling of the implant. Minimal handling of the implant has long been advocated and touted as a “no touch” technique.

Capsular contracture

Capsular contracture is one of the most difficult and unpredictable problems associated with breast implants for which treatment options may require surgery and recurrence is common. A predominant causal theory is that bacterial or other particulate contamination of the implant during surgery may lead to a higher incidence of contracture. If contamination can be minimized at surgery, this may lead to lower rates of contracture.

“Low tech” shows promise

A recent study in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal (February 2012) seeks to validate the manufacturer’s claims. I have been using the Keller funnel for nearly 2 years and along with many other plastic surgeons have found it to be a great innovation, albeit “low tech”. Time will tell if the claim of lower incidence of contamination leading to potential lower incidence of capsular contracture bears true.

Survey results

According to the survey, nearly 74 percent of respondents were unaware that skin cancer is currently the most common form of cancer in the U.S. Another 53 percent were unsure of how to examine their body for early signs of skin cancer. While 30 percent of respondents were unsure or did not know if skin cancer could be treated easily, if caught early.

SPOT Skin Cancer

In order to shine a public spotlight on the issue, the American Academy of Dermatology has initiated a new SPOT Skin Cancer public awareness program.

“Unlike other types of cancer that can’t be seen by the naked eye, skin cancer shows obvious signs on the surface of the skin that can be easily detected by properly examining it,” said board-certified dermatologist Daniel M. Siegel, MD, FAAD, president, American Academy of Dermatology. “The goal of SPOT Skin Cancer™ is to help save lives by educating the public on how to protect themselves from the sun and how to examine their skin for suspicious spots.”

Recognizing Skin Cancer

Warning signs of skin cancer can often be detected using the A-B-C-D-E method. If you notice any of the following irregularities, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your physician:

• Asymmetrical differences
• Border irregularities
• Color changes
• Diameter changes
• Evolution in size, shape or color

If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer, contact a plastic surgeon to learn more about treatment options. Find out more about skin cancer surgery in Coral Springs.

Unless you’re seeking out reconstructive surgery following a traumatic accident or illness, it’s unlikely that your insurance will cover even a small portion of your procedure.

“Consumers should be aware that cosmetic surgery is not covered under insurance, so all of the expenses must be paid out of pocket,” says Kevin Kautzmann, a certified financial planner.

Fortunately, when you can’t technically pay out of pocket, there are options, according to Fox Business.

If you’re willing to shop around, a credit card can end up being a savvy choice. Health care or medical credit cards, which can only be used to cover medical expenses, have seen a recent surge in popularity for plastic surgery patients.

These cards often come with 0% interest promotions, as well as reasonable interest rates and payment plans. Additionally, these cards often give lenders “a sense of control if they tend to overspend,” because they are limited to medical purchases, according to Billy DeFrance, a financial planner in El Paso.

Taking out a personal loan to cover expenses related to your procedure may also be a good option. Bank loans often have fixed interest rates as well as fixed repayment periods. This can add up to less interest, and build your credit at the same time.

Though most doctors request payment in full prior to surgery, it doesn’t hurt to ask if you can setup a payment plan. In some cases, doctors provide patients with repayment plans that offer more flexibility than other payment methods.

If all else fails, saving up the cash for your procedure may just be smartest choice. “It may not be sexy, but the best answer for most people is to save each month until you have the bill covered—then get the procedure done,” says financial adviser Michael Masiello.

Are you considering plastic surgery? Learn more about financing your plastic surgery procedure in Coral Springs.

While silicone breast implants are often considered more natural looking than their saline counterparts, the potential risks associated with silicone leakage or migration deter some from going the silicone route.

This may about to change with latest breakthrough in breast enhancement technology– “gummy bear” breast implants:

What exactly are “gummy bear” breast implants?

Gummy bear breast implants are composed of high-strength silicone gel, which means they are capable of holding their shape, even in the event of rupture. The risk of leakage is minimal, especially in comparison to traditional silicone implants.

Do gummy bear breast implants look and feel natural?

The appearance and texture of gummy bear breast implants also set them apart from competitors. They feel similar to gummy bear candies – soft, squishy and semi-solid. The material holds it soft natural shape, unlike liquid-filled or tradition silicone implants which can wrinkle, fold or ripple over time.

Where can I get gummy bear breast implants?

Gummy bear implants have been popular in Europe and Canada for several years, but were only approved for testing in the U.S. in 2002. Gummy bear breast implants are currently being studied for mass market use in the U.S. but are yet not FDA-approved. However, approval for these cohesive gel implants in the U.S. may be fast approaching.

Are you considering breast implants? Remember to seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon for breast surgery. Learn more about silicone breast implants in Coral Springs.

Source: Huffington Post

Chin augmentation was equally popular among both men and women in 2011, with approximately 10,593 men and 10,087 women electing to undergo the procedure. Also referred to as mentoplasty, chin augmentation is a cosmetic procedure designed to reshape the chin. It is frequently sought out by those who are wishing to achieve a more harmonious balance of their facial features.

Chin augmentation also has undeniable anti-aging benefits, which may have contributed to its surge in popularity, especially among those over 40 according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

“The chin and jawline are among the first areas to show signs of aging. People are considering chin augmentation as a way to restore their youthful look just like a facelift or eyelid surgery,” said ASPS President Malcolm Roth.

The digital age of video-chatting may also be a contributing factor. Men and women who are connecting with other people both socially and professionally on Skype and other popular video-chatting technologies are seeing themselves more often and in a more animated manner.

“We also know that as more people see themselves on video chat technology, they may notice that their jawline is not as sharp as they want it to be. Chin implants can make a dramatic difference.”

The increased interest in chin augmentation follows a more gradual growth in the plastic surgery industry. Cosmetic procedures saw roughly a 5 percent increase across the board in 2011.

Sources: Fox News and the ASPS

Originally discovered for its cosmetic use by husband and wife team, Drs. Jean and Alastair Carruthers, Botox (previously known as Oculinum) was at the time only being used to treat patients with severe eye spasms or crossed eyes.

Following an interaction with one of her patients, Jean – an ophthalmologist – got the idea to use Botox injections as a treatment for forehead wrinkles. She then suggested to her husband Alastair – a dermatologist – that he use Botox to treat his patients. After a successful test run with his receptionist, they were convinced that Botox could dramatically treat signs of aging on the forehead.

Botox Injections Used to Treat Various Medical Indications

Botox injections work by blocking certain nerve impulses, mostly those that cause the muscles to contract, making it an ideal therapeutic treatment for conditions that involve chronically tight or spastic muscles. Ten years after its discovery Botox injections are now being used to treat various medical conditions including:

• Overactive bladder
• Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
• Migraine headaches
• Chronic neck pain
• Muscle stiffness

More popular than ever, Botox injections have made their mark in both the cosmetic and therapeutic treatment industries. In another ten years, it is likely that we will see Botox being used as the standard therapy for many other chronic and debilitating medical conditions.

Learn more about Botox injections in Coral Springs.

Source: Fox News

Of the patients of evaluated, approximately 60 percent elected to undergo liposuction alone, while 35 percent underwent a combination of liposuction and abdominoplasty. The remaining 5 percent underwent abdominoplasty alone.

Lead researcher, Eric Swanson, MD, found that patients who elected a combination surgery of both liposuction and abdominoplasty, felt the most satisfied with their results. Over 99 percent of these patients expressed satisfaction with the outcome of their procedure, with an average score of 9 out of 10, compared to 8 out of 10 for liposuction only patients. Additionally, when asked if they would undergo their surgery again, 98 percent of those who underwent combination surgery said yes.

Overall, 86 percent of the 360 patients surveyed stated they felt improved self-esteem following their procedure, while 70 percent also felt their quality of life had improved. This was especially true for individuals who underwent combination surgery.

Few studies have been able to capture the satisfaction rates of patients following liposuction and abdominoplasty, alone or in combination. Through additional research, Dr. Swanson hopes that doctors will be able to more effectively communicate post-surgical expectations to patients undergoing widely performed cosmetic surgery procedures.

Learn more about tummy tucks and liposuction in Coral Springs.

In a country still greatly affected by extreme poverty, free Botox injections, laser hair removal and other cosmetic procedures might seem gratuitous, but not according to Dr. Nelson Rosas of The Brazilian Society of Aesthetic Medicine in Rio de Janeiro.

“What’s a wrinkle? Something minor, right? Something with precious little importance, but when we treat the wrinkle, that unimportant little thing, we’re actually treating something very important – the patient’s self-esteem.”

The Brazilian government is also involved in the allocation of free or discounted plastic surgery procedures. State-funded health care covers the cost of several surgeries to repair congenital deformities, as well as reconstructive procedures following injury. The senate is also considering covering the full cost of breast reconstruction after cancer.

While plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures may improve self-esteem, many experts worry that free or discounted procedures coerce patients into procedures and surgeries without weighing the actual risks versus benefits. Free or discounted surgeries are often performed by young doctors looking to refine their skills.

“The word ‘beauty’ in Brazil kind of obscures the fact that you’re talking about real surgery,” Alexander Edmonds, an anthropology professor at the University of Amsterdam and author of “Pretty Modern: Beauty, Sex and Plastic Surgery in Brazil.” “The problems and risks of surgery are often minimized, and these operations tend to be seen like a ‘beautification’ like any other, which of course they’re not.”

Risky or not, long lines of low-income Brazilians form every year outside of hospitals eager to apply for free or discounted plastic surgery. Once approved, individuals may wait several months, or even years before undergoing their procedure.

Learn more about plastic surgery in Coral Springs.

Source: The Washington Times

We live in a culture obsessed with youth and beauty, so it should be no huge surprise that women in their 20s are already contemplating anti-aging cosmetic enhancements. According to an article recently published by ABC News, preventative Botox injections, as well as other cosmetic procedures are on the rise for a much younger demographic.

“If you know you’re somebody who’s going in the direction of cosmetics and you know that you’re going to care about lines, then I say it’s better to do it earlier than to wait and do it once these lines have etched into the skin,” said New York dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman. “So if you’re in your 20s and you start to see lines coming, then why not do it early and prevent it? And to me it’s just like exercise.”

According to Jaliman, facial rejuvenation procedures such as Botox injections as well as thermage treatments which increase collagen production have become increasingly popular at her Fifth Avenue dermatology office. And while Jaliman is definitely for preventative cosmetic procedures, she encourages women to view proper nutrition and adequate sleep as the best way to fight signs of aging.

“I can’t tell you all the people who come to me to correct problems they wouldn’t have had if they followed those simple rules,” Jaliman said. “They would save thousands of dollars if they did those simple things.”

Avoiding excessive sun exposure, especially from tanning beds is also something Dr. Jaliman recommends to prevent early signs of aging. “We know sun exposure is cumulative. Even five minutes a day is enough to give you cancer, but it’s also enough to break down the collagen.”

If you’re concerned about preventing the earliest signs of aging, speak with your plastic surgeon. Learn more about Botox injections and other anti-aging cosmetic procedures in Coral Springs.

Breast cancer affects the lives of nearly 1 in 8 women in U.S. alone. Following a mastectomy, breast reconstruction is a vital component to the recovery process. While the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (1998) mandates that insurance companies, group health plans and health maintenance organizations cover the costs of breast reconstruction following a mastectomy, many states do not have legislation required to remind patients of their rights.

In an effort to raise awareness, Vancouver, Wash., plans to launch a day dedicated specifically to breast reconstruction advocacy according to Mayor Tim Leavitt. The event, deemed Breast Reconstruction Advocacy Victory Event (BRAVE) Day, is the first of its kind, but many, including American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) member Allen Gabriel, MD, hope that it will catch on in cities across the country.

“We would like all ASPS members to wear pink on March 21 to help us celebrate BRAVE Day,” he says. “Our goal is to bring attention to the advocacy efforts that are needed to counteract the lack of meaningful legislation targeting breast reconstruction rights.”

To show their support, Alaska Airlines employees will wear pink BRAVE Day bracelets all day on March 21^st. Alaska Airlines also plans to display banners at hubs across the U.S. to bring national attention to this important event.

A nationwide event for Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) is also being launched by the ASPS. The observance is planned for October 17^th, during Breast Cancer Awareness month. Events organized by the ASPS will be launched across the U.S., Canada and 20 other countries.

You can learn more about local and national breast reconstruction awareness events by visiting myreconstructionrights.org.

Find a breast reconstructive surgeon in Coral Springs.

Source: Plastic Surgery News Extra