What To Ask Your Surgeon During a Consultation

Posted on January 21, 2013 by Chris

A handy guide to that first step

Many of the posts in this blog, be they regarding something non-invasive like Botox, or something more surgical, like breast augmentation, end with a recommendation to seek out a consultation with a plastic surgeon as your first step towards that new look you’re after. Some of you might wonder, though; what do I do once I’m there? It’s not just as simple as the doctor telling you what the procedure is like – prospective patients should be prepared to go in with informed questions they want to have answered.

To that end, here’s a guide to some questions you may want to ask your plastic surgeon at your consultation.

“Am I a Good Candidate for this Procedure?”

You may have your heart set on a face lift or liposuction, but it may not be the right procedure for you. One cannot simply walk into a plastic surgeon’s office and place an order for a given procedure – multiple factors must be taken into account, such as your overall health, potential risk factors, and environmental factors. Furthermore, what you want may not be the best procedure for your desired result. Go in telling the doctor what effect you are after, rather than what procedure you want.

“What Are The Realistic Results I Can Expect?”

Most anyone who is in the market for plastic surgery can, understandably, have an idealized result in mind; basically, the perfect you. But while plastic surgery can help you get closer to that goal, it’s not a perfect solution. Scars can, and depending on the procedure, will occur, and any given procedure can only do so much. Find out whether or not the results you’re after are realistic, and what kind of results your desired procedure can realistically offer. Here’s a tip: ask to see some before-and-after pictures of your surgeon’s past cases.

“Are You Qualified To Perform This Procedure?”

In many states, doctors who aren’t specially trained in plastic surgery can still perform it legally. In order to guarantee the best possible results, check to see if your plastic surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Members of such groups as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons are board certified, and have spent years specifically training in the field of plastic surgery. Furthermore, check to see how familiar they are with your desired procedure. You’ll want to go with a surgeon who has loads of experience in the procedure you want to undergo.

Asking these questions and more will help ensure you’re plastic surgery experience is in the best possible hands for the job.

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What’s In Store for Plastic Surgery in 2013

Posted on January 18, 2013 by Chris

Projected trends for the new year.

The new year is right around the corner. After the world’s finished singing Auld Lanf Syne, economists, doctors and analysts won’t hesitate to posit what the coming year’s trends might be in the world of plastic surgery. Here’s an early round-up of what the experts expect to see down the line.

Botulinum Toxin Type A

Botox is the number one non-invasive procedure by far, and that’s unlikely to change anytime soon. Botox is as synonymous with its main ingredient, botulinum toxin type A, as Kleenex is with tissue paper. That kind of brand recognition doesn’t come along every day.

That said, with products like Dysport and the relatively recent introduction of Xeomin on the market – both of which are derived from botulinum toxin – Botox will face more competition than ever in its 10-year history. This may mean good things for you, though – more competition on the market will mean these products could go down in price in order to compete with each other, which makes them all the more affordable for you.

Well, at least until topical use of Botox is given the go-ahead by the FDA. Studies are being conducted as we speak testing the viability of a topically-applied version of the popular treatment. Preliminary reports are showing good signs that it works, and if all goes well, we could be seeing it this coming year. If so, expect topical Botox to become very topical in the plastic surgery community.

Plastic Surgery for Men

Another trend experts are expecting to continue is the rise of male patients booking consultations with plastic surgeons. Their numbers have been growing steadily in the last few years, to the tune of 750,000 men in 2010 according to the ASAPS, and we can expect that amount to grow even further as it becomes less and less taboo for men to seek out cosmetic procedures.

So far, treatments like Botox and other injectables, liposuction, and rhinoplasty have been among the top choices for dudes looking to look a little more dapper.

Of course, no one can predict the future – who knows what might come along in the next year that will shock and surprise the plastic surgery community? The next big thing may be just around the corner!

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Could You Battle the Blues with Botox?

Posted on January 14, 2013 by Chris

A new study suggests it’s possible

Botox is well known as an effective treatment for minimizing the appearance of frown lines, but could it be possible it could also treat the frowns themselves? Researchers at the Chevy Chase Cosmetic Centre in Maryland suggest that Botox could be used to treat depression.

In a story in Time Magazine, the study’s researchers have found correlations between our outward physical expressions and how they effect us on an emotional level. The idea isn’t a new one; Charles Darwin connected frown muscles to feelings of melancholy, and dubbed the muscles “grief muscles.”

“We feel sorry because we cry; we feel angry because we strike [out], and not vice versa,” said Dr. Eric Finzi, medical director of the Chevy Chase Cosmetic Center.

The study looked at 84 participants, all of whom had severe clinical depression for a period of an average of two years. Some participants received injections of Botox, while the remainder were given a placebo. Up to six weeks later, all the participants were assessed. Over a quarter of those who received Botox reported a near complete remission of their symptoms of depression. Only seven per cent of the control group reported such results.

Does this mean Botox should be used as a treatment for clinical depression? Well, not yet. These initial findings are promising, but they’re still preliminary findings. More research will have to be conducted before psychiatrists start prescribing Botox.

However, feeling good about your outside appearance can have a positive effect on how you feel about yourself, and if Botox is what your plastic surgeon recommends for treatment of frown lines or forehead wrinkles, well, you’ll be killing two birds with one stone! Seek out a professional consultation to find out if Botox is just the thing you need to turn that frown upside down (or at least smooth it out a little).

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Q & A: What procedures are available for men?

Posted on November 26, 2012 by Dr. Lee B. Daniel

Dr. Daniel’s Answer:

Cosmetic surgeries and procedures on men are much more accepted now and hence one of the fastest growing areas of my practice.

From non-surgical CoolSculpting – “fat freezing” for love handles, to lower eyelid tucks, and even face lifts…the natural results from today’s procedures and rapid recoveries fit right in with the main requests of my male patients. Consults are always free.

Come see us!

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Allergan Acquires SkinMedica, Inc

Posted on November 24, 2012 by Chris

The company that brought you Botox is now in the aesthetic skin care products business.

Allergan Inc, the company that ten years ago put Botox on the market (and has been enjoying it’s success) announced that they will be purchasing SkinMedica, Inc, and will acquire the company’s line of topical aesthetic skin care treatments for $350 million.

“Allergan is widely recognized for our leadership in the facial aesthetics area,” said David E.I. Pyott, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, Allergan. “The acquisition of SkinMedica will nicely complement our existing facial aesthetics business, which includes products such as BOTOX® Cosmetic, JUVEDERM®,  and LATISSE®,  and will enable us to take a leadership position in the growing ‘physician dispensed’ topical aesthetics skin care category. Most importantly, the acquisition will allow us to expand our product portfolio to better meet the needs of our existing base of physician customers and their patients.”

SkinMedica touts a variety of “physician-dispensed” prescription and non-prescription aesthetic skin care products. Alongside the $350 million Allergan will pay SkinMedica for the business, the company will pay an additional $25 million if the newly acquired products meet a certain level of sales. These products include TNS Essential Serum®, TNS Recovery Complex® and VANIQA® (eflornithine hydrochloride) Cream.

The deal does not, however, include SkinMedica’s Colorescience brand of aesthetic make-up. The company plans to spin the line out in conjunction with this acquisition. The rest of the line will still be available to customers; this isn’t a loss – It’s a gain. Members of both the Allergan team and the SkinMedica team will be working together to bring the customer the best product and service possible.

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CoolSculpting in Eugene

Posted on October 19, 2012 by Jamie

Patients looking for CoolSculpting in Eugene are increasingly turning to plastic surgeon Dr. Lee Daniel. At Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in Eugene, Dr. Daniel offers this unique fat reduction treatment. CoolSculpting works by freezing fat cells, which minimizes them over a period of a couple of months.

Dr. Daniel and his team recently added a second CoolSculpting machine in their practice. This means patients can “dual sculpt” on more than one treatment site at a time, saving time and improving overall results.

To schedule your treatment of CoolSculpting in Eugene, please contact us or call the practice of Dr. Daniel today at (541) 687-8900.

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How to Recover from Botox

Posted on October 14, 2012 by Chris

Maximize your recovery

One of the things that makes Botox such an appealing cosmetic procedure to many is the promise of a speedy recovery; It doesn’t take very long at all to recover from Botox, and the recovery itself is likely to be extremely mild, comparatively speaking.

But Botox is still a medical procedure, and there are still considerations you should be aware of to best facilitate your recovery and the potential results of the procedure.

Ice The Injection Site

Bruising is one of the most common side effects of a Botox injection, but it doesn’t have to be a guarantee. By applying an ice pack or cold compress to the injection site immediately after the procedure, the risk of bruising or swelling is reduced.

Avoid Migration

This isn’t the kind of migration birds and whales are known for. The medication has been injected into target muscles that has been specifically picked by your surgeon  to have the desired result on your skin. Too much irritation or activity can, however, shift the medication around, numbing areas that were never intended to be, which can cause undesired droopiness. Avoid rubbing, massaging, or applying unnecessary pressure to the injection site, and strenuous activity for at least 24 hours, and keep your head elevated for three or four hours following your appointment. Take this day to relax, and watch your favourite movie.

Follow Up

Your recovery will more than likely not take much longer than a day, but don’t be surprised if injection site redness, swelling or bruising is still there. Full results can take anywhere between three and ten days to fully manifest. Maintain contact with your plastic surgeon in order to report any complications, and book a follow-up appointment once you’ve fully recovered in order to assure the right dosage was used, and that the desired results have been achieved.

Recovery from Botox is just as important as recovery from any other procedure. Remember these tips and make your road to recovery a quick and healthy one!

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Plastic Surgery Appeals to More Moms than Celebrities

Posted on October 7, 2012 by Chris

Mommy Makeovers are a big hit

Kelly Ripa, hostess of the much-beloved early morning talk show ‘Live! With Kelly,’ revealed that she gets a bit of Botox every now and then. You might think, “well, of course she has; cosmetic surgery is huge among celebrities.” Let’s dispel that myth.

While, yes, stardom is a line of work that relies somewhat on keeping your looks up, and those in the field would certainly make the kind of money to afford frequent visits, you might be surprised to discover that celebrities are not the biggest backers of plastic surgery in the U.S.

Rather than the Hollywood elite, doctors say that their most common clients are middle-class moms. Many moms find losing pregnancy pounds difficult, especially in certain pockets in the body, such as the stomach and thighs. Thus, Mommy Makeovers (usually a combination of breast lifts, breast implants, liposuction, and/or a tummy tuck) have become the hot-ticket item in plastic surgery.

Regional statistics suggest that California boasts no more plastic surgeries than anywhere else in the country. According to regional statistics provided by The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the Pacific states (AK, HI, OR, WA and CA) accounted for 13.9 per cent of all plastic surgeries in the U.S. in 2011. While those numbers are higher than in most other regions, they’re beaten out by the Middle Atlantic (MD, NJ, NY, PA and DC) and South Atlantic (DE, FL, GA, NC, SC, VA, and WV) states; the Middle Atlantic saw 16.2 per cent, and the Southern Atlantic saw 18.8 per cent.

So there you have it. Plastic surgery is enjoyed by more people than just those whose lifestyles could be considered rich and famous.

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Is Botox Painful?

Posted on September 28, 2012 by Chris

The truth about the injectable treatment.

One doesn’t need to attest to the popularity or the benefits of Botox. It’s the top non-invasive cosmetic procedure in the country by a wide margin, and more people are giving it a go every day, including men. However, there are those scared off by the treatment. Probably the biggest turn-off for prospective patients is the possibility that the treatment might hurt.

Botox is an injectable treatment, which means that, yes, needles are involved. However, the amount of pain reported by recipients is traditionally mild, if at all.

The needles themselves are extremely fine; if you’ve ever had a flu shot, you’ve basically experienced a Botox injection. Furthermore, the injection itself doesn’t take very long at all, so it’s in and out before you know it. A deft, practiced plastic surgeon who has lots of experience will also decrease the odds of discomfort.

Of course, pain tolerances differ, so even a mild treatment like Botox might hurt to some people. If your pain sensitivity is high, there are ways to numb the area; topical anesthetics, cooling devices, even ice, can be used to make the procedure a completely painless experience.

If you suffer from trypanophobia (fear of needles), you could consider taking an anxiety medication before a treatment, though you need to make sure your surgeon is aware of any and all medications you’re on before any procedure.

If you’ve been dying to enjoy the age-defying effects of Botox, but have been waylaid by that one hypodermic roadblock, you needn’t wait any longer. Be sure to contact a trusted plastic surgeon to set up a consultation.

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Reduce Fat Without Diet, Exercise or Surgery

Posted on September 21, 2012 by Chris

Alternatives to Liposuction

This may surprise you, but liposuction has gone down in numbers over the years. In 2011, there were just over 200,000 patients in America who underwent the procedure. That puts it at the third most common cosmetic surgery – nothing to scoff at, to be sure, but compare that to the year 2000, when 354,000 Americans underwent the same procedure. That’s a 154,000-patient discrepancy.

Why the dip in popularity? Probably the rise of non-surgical options for weight loss over the years.

The FDA has begun to approve of non-surgical fat reduction procedures for treatment in the U.S., starting with Zerona, a laser fat reduction treatment, in 2010. Next came CoolSculpting, only a month later. CoolSculpting by Zeltiq works by aggressively cooling fat, reducing its thickness. However, both of these treatments are somewhat limited in scope, since the locations on your body that they can treat is limited.

Enter Liposonix. In September of last year, the FDA approved the treatment, which uses ultrasound to reduce excess fat. Studies are promising, showing that patients lost about an inch from the circumference of their midsection. Furthermore, Liposonix can treat just about any part of the patient’s body.

While proper diet and exercise is the best option for your body, there are those that are unable to lose weight on their own, or are unable to lose weight in targeted areas no matter how much they diet or exercise. Undeniably, the most effective treatment in terms of results remains liposuction – it’s safe, tried and true, and can be as dramatic or subtle as you need.

However, if you’re not expecting a total makeover, and are instead looking for more subtle weight loss, perhaps in specific areas of your body, these non-surgical alternatives may be worth investing in.

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