Amazing Advances in Facial Rejuvenation Techniques

Posted on February 4, 2012 by Alex

Cosmetic procedures have come a long way over the past decade. Fat implants, dermal fillers, Botox, and laser therapies have increasingly supplanted traditional facelifts and chemical peels. Today’s plastic surgeons have a whole range of options available to them, as profiled recently in the Miami Herald.

The new spectrum of facial rejuvenation

  • Injectable fillers. Juvederm and similar products are able to add volume to the face, remedying sunken features and deep folds.
  • Botox. This classic alternative to surgery works by relaxing certain muscles while allowing others to stretch, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
  • Laser therapies. From tightening sagging skin and destroying fatty deposits to removing hair and unwanted blemishes, lasers have become increasingly important tools for plastic surgeons across the country.

Other procedures that are starting to make waves include injections of stem cells or fat into the face. These injections, which can target the lips, nasolabial folds, hollows of the eyes, or the jaw line, can create a more youthful appearance in many patients. However, further research is needed to determine the longer-term effects of stem cell injections, which aren’t harmful but are scientifically unproven, according to a spokesman for the American Society of Plastic Surgery.

In the coming decade, cosmetic patients can look forward to further developments in youth-enhancing technologies, as dozens of devices are currently in development, testing, or awaiting approval from the FDA. According to Dr. Leslie Baumann, a cosmetic dermatologist, it’s important for patients to do some research and find qualified practitioners with extensive experience in facial rejuvenation techniques. “It’s an art, so you have to find a doctor that is an artist,” Baumann told the Herald. “When you see someone with big lips or big cheeks, ask who their doctor is — and then don’t go to that doctor.”

Posted in Botox Cosmetic, Chemical Peels, Cosmetic Injections, Facial Surgery, Facial plastic surgery, Injectable Facial Fillers, Juvederm | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

British Plastic Surgeons Calling for Tighter Regulations

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Alex

Source: Wikimedia Commons, Arpingstone.A plastic surgeons’ group in the UK is calling for tighter regulations on the country’s “Wild West” industry in the aftermath of the PIP breast implant scandal. Roughly 40,000 British women received breast implants manufactured by the now-defunct company, which used industrial-grade silicone in its breast implants. Amidst public outrage, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) has called for a six-point plan to combat industry excesses.

According to BAAPS president Fazel Fatah, who recently spoke out in an interview with the Independent, the plastic surgery industry has been marred by a rogue attitude:

“We have warned against the unrealistic expectations set by reality ‘makeover’ shows and against crass competition prizes promising ‘mummy makeovers’ and body overhauls. In no other area of surgery would one encounter two-for-one offers. The pendulum has swung too far.”

The association has proposed a six-point plan to counter these rogue practices:

  1. Ban all advertising for cosmetic procedures. Prescription medications in the UK may not be advertised and Fatah argues that this should also apply to cosmetic medical procedures.
  2. Establish an implant registry to track all types of silicone implants.
  3. Reclassify dermal fillers as medicines and limit their usage. While only about a dozen fillers are approved in the United States by the FDA, British authorities have approved over 100 different types of fillers.
  4. Compulsory registration of practitioners in all aspects of aesthetic medicine and lasers.
  5. Mandatory annual safety audits.
  6. Revalidation and mystery shopping.

These proposed measures have met with significant support, although some groups are calling for a more measured response. The Independent Healthcare Advisory Service, an industry body, says that it opposes a wholesale ban on advertising, arguing instead for responsible and ethical advertising.

Posted in Body Surgery, Body contouring, Botox Cosmetic, Facial plastic surgery, In The News | Tagged , | Leave a comment

6 Tips for Breast Augmentation Recovery

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Alex

After breast augmentation surgery, there are a number of strategies that can help you make a comfortable and healthy recovery. Here are the top six tips that every post-operative augmentation client should hear.

1. Post-surgical healing foods. Nutrients such as vitamin C, protein, and zinc are excellent promoters of wound healing, according to Lippincott’s Nursing Center. You can enhance your natural healing process by eating citrus fruits, green vegetables, meats, and milk products, or through multivitamins and nutritional supplements.

2. No strenuous activity. Rest and relaxation are essential for your recovery. No exercise for at least three weeks, and no heavy lifting. Driving should be avoided for the first week, or at least until you can make an emergency stop without discomfort.

3. Proper wound care. Moisture can aggravate the incision site and slow the healing process, so avoid getting your wounds wet for one week after the surgery. Don’t sleep on your stomach. If necessary, prop yourself up with pillows to remain comfortable.

4. Be on the lookout for complications. Alert your GP or plastic surgeon immediately if you experience unexpected symptoms. These include severe pain; intense burning sensations; unusual, unexpected or excessive swelling; deflated breast; a smelly or coloured discharge from your wounds; a high fever; or lumps or aching.

5. Sports bras are your friend. Too much movement can cause bruising and discomfort in the weeks following your breast augmentation. Many plastic surgeons recommend that their patients wear tight-fitting sports bras to minimize potentially harmful movement.

6. The art of deception. There are some tricks you can use if there are people you’d prefer not to tell that you’ve had breast augmentation. People will recognize that your appearance has changed, but you can deceive and misdirect them by dying your hair, changing your hairstyle, or using different makeup. Different fashion choices can also draw them off the scent.

Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon about these and other tips that can help you during your recovery period.

Posted in Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Breast Surgery | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment