“Trust Me, I’m Board-Certified.” But Which Board?

Posted on February 4, 2012 by Alex

More doctors are including lucrative cosmetic procedures among their services, but often lack the specialized qualifications required for optimal outcomes, according to a recent article in the New York Times. While there are no laws in the US against doctors practicing outside their specialities, the growing popularity of cosmetic surgery among otolaryngologists, gynecologists, and GPs has led to a rise in botched procedures, says the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

The Times article mentions Joan, a financial-services professional, who received a facelift and tummy tuck from a board-certified doctor in Beverly Hills. Unfortunately, she later discovered, her doctor was certified in otolaryngology: ear, nose, and throat. She received thick scars on her temples and a wavy abdomen that were later resolved by a licensed plastic surgeon.

“I had to use all my savings to get a real plastic surgeon to fix what he did to me. I have an M.B.A. I’m not stupid. But when the doctor has a nice clinic and all those diplomas and certifications on the wall, you think he knows what he’s doing.” ― Joan

Plastic surgeons have seen a surge in patients requesting revisionary surgery to reverse the damage caused by botched procedures, according to ASPS president Dr. Malcolm Z. Roth. Unfortunately, the issue of board certification is obscured under current laws in the US, as only Texas, California, Louisiana, and Florida require that doctors be specific about which board certifications they have in their advertising. In the other 46 states they may simply say that they are “board-certified.”

There is no legal requirement for doctors to report to any oversight authority that they are practicing beyond their specialty, and doctors performing cosmetic procedures aren’t required to report complications. Under these “Wild West” conditions, patients are advised to be wary of doctors who don’t have appropriate certifications, and to check the diplomas on the wall before committing to surgery.

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Facial-Recognition Software Overcomes Surgical Changes

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Alex

The legendary gangster John Dillinger was reputed to have received plastic surgery in order to evade law enforcement. Picture source: FBI.A team of computer scientists at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana have developed new facial-recognition software that can penetrate the changes incurred by plastic surgery. As a result, criminals using plastic surgery to conceal their identities and evade capture may soon find themselves behind bars.

The notion of using plastic surgery to conceal one’s identity dates back to the earliest days of the profession. In 1934, notorious gangster John Dillinger forced a plastic surgeon to alter his face and fingerprints to evade the authorities. Federal agents were able to finger the famous robber after his date informed on him, but it’s not hard to imagine that Dillinger could have disappeared from the pages of history with a new face.

Facial-recognition software has traditionally been thrown off by changes in lighting and position. Changes caused by facelifts, dermal fillers, Botox, facial implants, and other facial procedures can further confound these programs. This has severely limited their effectiveness, particularly in an age where cosmetic procedures are readily available.

The Notre Dame team realized that matching individual facial features, rather than the whole face, might offer more promising results. By analyzing “before” and “after” pictures, such as a mugshot and suspect photograph, and comparing it with a general database of random faces, the computer can easily discern individual characteristics. Composite pictures are created and compared. Finally, matching characteristics indicate that the faces are a match despite some differences.

The scientists indicated that their program achieved a 78 per cent success rate when comparing pre- and post-surgical photos. Although it’s unlikely to be perfectly accurate, this new software could help police identify disguised criminals by comparing contemporary photos with older mugshots.

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Dysport Better than Botox for Crow’s Feet: New Study

Posted on January 18, 2012 by Alex

Getting rid of crow’s feet can often be accomplished through a single injection of Botox or Dysport. But which product is better? According to a study published last month in the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, it seems that Dysport is more effective in treating crow’s feet than Botox.

Botox and Dysport are both created from a special substance, botulinum toxin, which can be injected into the face in order to target particular facial muscles. Botulinum causes these muscles to relax, which in turn allows other muscles to stretch and extend. As a result, wrinkles disappear as the skin is stretched by the active muscles. Botox and Dysport are slightly different variations on the same chemical and can produce different outcomes.

The new study, headed by University of California otolaryngologist Dr. Kenneth C. Y. Yu and his colleagues, recruited 77 women and 13 men with moderate to severe crow’s feet. It was a split-face study, which meant that the researchers injected 10 units of Botox on one side of each patient’s face and 30 units of Dysport on the other. A double-blind evaluation of the results involved participants and investigators ranking the results on a five-point scale.

Dysport Provides Better Results

Both products achieved good results within two days, but Dysport began to pull ahead by day four. The results of the Dysport injections remained superior to Botox on the sixth day. None of the participants experienced any adverse effects or complications. Yu and his colleagues concluded that Dysport was superior to Botox in addressing the common problem of crow’s feet.

Of course, like all new studies, these results should be taken with a grain of salt. More research is necessary to compare the products’ effectively in other muscle groups. As well, while it’s normal to use different amounts of Botox and Dysport to achieve similar results, other researchers may disagree with the specific ratio used by Yu and his team.

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Body Contouring Desired After Major Weight Loss

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Alex

Massive weight loss brings a variety of mental and physical health benefits, but can also pose new problems. Fortunately, body contouring procedures can help bariatric patients complete their journey towards the body they desire. A recent study in Clinical Research has found that the vast majority of people who have experienced massive weight loss are satisfied with their new appearance. However, most patients also describe issues with excess skin and say that they would like body contouring surgery.

Excess Skin from Massive Weight Loss

Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery to promote massive weight loss are often surprised and pleased with their new appearance. The study, “After Massive Weight Loss: Patients’ Expectations of Body Contouring Surgery,” involved sending a questionnaire to patients who had gastric bypass surgery between 2003 and 2009. It found that 90 percent of women and 88 percent of men rated their appearance as satisfactory, good, or very good.

However, 96 percent of all patients developed excess skin, which often results from massive weight loss. This is because the skin has a limited ability to contract after being stretched. These excess folds of skin can cause inflammation and itching. Patients also find it hard to play sports and find clothes that fit them properly.

Body Contouring Surgery

Excess skin can be removed by various targeted procedures, such as tummy tucks, body lifts, arm lifts, thigh lifts, and butt lifts. Most of the study subjects reported that they desired body contouring surgery: specifically, 75 percent of women and 68 percent of men. They believed that surgeries to remove their excess skin would result in an improved appearance, greater self-confidence, and a better overall quality of life.

The journey to a new body doesn’t need to end with massive weight loss. Many patients experience issues after bariatric surgery that can be resolved through an operation. The results, and the self-confidence, can last a lifetime.

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Ptosis Repair Surgery Improves Visual Function and Quality of Life

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Alex

ptosis repair surgery, drooping eyelids, blepharoplasty Ptosis, or drooping of the eyelids, isn’t just a cosmetic problem: it can cause visual impairments and affect one’s quality of life. Fortunately, according to a new report from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, plastic surgeries aimed at correcting upper eyelid ptosis are highly effective, with significant improvements in vision, peripheral vision, and daily activities.

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is usually targeted at correcting ptosis or other imperfections around the eyes. Precise incisions are made in the natural creases of the eyelids and a small amount of tissue is either removed or relocated. After this relatively minor surgical procedure, some swelling and feelings of tightness are normal, and patients usually look and feel normal after two days.

The report, entitled “Functional Indications for Upper Eyelid Ptosis and Blepharoplasty Surgery,” was written by Ohio ophthalmologist Kenneth V. Cahill and a team of colleagues. It involved an extensive literature search of major medical databases and an evidence analysis of 13 studies. By evaluating patients’ preoperative impairments and postoperative results, the report aimed at determining how effective blepharoplasty and blepharoptosis repair were in addressing patients’ complaints.

People living with ptosis were often forced to lean their heads back in order to see properly, while others with down-gaze ptosis found it difficult to read or perform other close tasks. Discomfort and eyestrain were also commonly reported. After examining the treatment results of several different procedures, the study found that surgical repairs of blepharoptosis (drooping eyelids) and upper eyelid dermatochalasis (excess skin on the upper eyelids) were highly effective and improved vision, peripheral vision, and quality of life activities.

People suffering from the effects of ptosis may not even consider that they have surgical options. Fortunately, blepharoplasty is an effective way to resolve issues associated with drooping eyelids and help patients experience greater quality of life.

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Plastic Surgery Gifts Are Popular in 2011

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Staff Writer

Many consumers are asking Santa and family members for the gift of plastic surgery this Christmas, according to ABC News.

Though gadgets are often a hot ticket for holiday shopping, many plastic surgeons are noting an increased interest in plastic surgery gifts.

Two sisters, who note that they usually give clothing or personal items for presents, may be exchanging different items this year. Sister Tina’s #1 wish for a gift? Botox.

Though her sister feels she may not need the injectable, Tina is sure about her request for a plastic surgery gift. She says she began getting Botox treatments after a recent break-up and continues to see improvement in the appearance of crow’s feet.

While the 2011 Christmas season may see an uptick in the number of plastic surgery gifts, it’s nothing new for many consumers. In 2010 alone, patients spent more than $10 billion on cosmetic surgeries and treatments.

With the continued acceptance of injection treatments like Botox and Juvederm it may be increasingly common for people to give plastic surgery gifts, which one woman called “injectable youth.”

Though non-surgical options are the most cost-effective way of giving plastic surgery gifts this year, some gift givers may choose to help out with cosmetic surgeries, too. Popular procedures include facial rejuvenation, body contouring and breast surgeries.

To learn more about plastic surgery gifts and specials on Botox in Paramus, please email plastic surgeon Dr. Cozzone.

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VIDEO: Plastic Surgery Film Sheds Light on Hollywood

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Staff Writer

A new documentary from HBO seeks to shed some light on why patients choose plastic surgery, according to styleite.com.

The plastic surgery film, which is titled About Face, focuses on the importance of youth in today’s society and specifically discusses plastic surgery in the modeling industry and Hollywood.

In the first clip for the plastic surgery film, which is to be released on HBO this summer, several noted models and actresses talk briefly about their views on plastic surgery and aging, both good and bad.

American model Carmen Dell’Orifice seems to have a “why not?” perspective on plastic surgery.

“If you had the ceiling falling down in your living room, would you not go and have a repair,” Dell’Orifice asks in the plastic surgery film.

On the other hand, Italian actress and model Isabella Rossellini may have not chosen plastic surgery as Dell’Orifice has as she ages, but she has seen how growing older in Hollywood has changed her life.

Rossellini shares in the plastic surgery film that while her daughter receives invites to Hollywood A-list parties, she herself no longer does. While Rossellini may feel somewhat shunned by young Hollywood, she is still able to laugh about aging in About Face, adding, “As you grow old, you don’t count any more!”

Other actresses and models are profiled in the plastic surgery film and give their wide-ranging views on getting older and trying to stay youthful and healthy in today’s society.

To find out more about plastic surgery in Paramus, please email plastic surgeon Dr. Cozzone.

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VIDEO: Jane Fonda’s Plastic Surgery on TODAY

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Staff Writer

Actress and fitness guru Jane Fonda has spoken out about her decision to get plastic surgery.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Though Fonda said in the past she had no desire to get plastic surgery, she recently decided to undergo facial rejuvenation. Known for her physical health and activism, Fonda says she wanted to look as vibrant as she feels in her early 70s. After seeing a reflection of herself in a store window, Fonda settled on cosmetic improvements.

Fonda admitted on TODAY that she underwent plastic surgery on her lower eyelids, chin and neck.

Patients often choose eyelid surgery to remove small pockets of fat under the eyes, which can give the appearance of advanced age and tiredness.

Procedures of the lower face and neck, like a neck lift, work to smooth the skin and minimize the appearance of bands on the neck. Like fat beneath the eyes, these neck bands and deep lines can make a patient appear older.

Although Fonda visited TODAY to speak about her new fitness DVDs for seniors and the topic of aging and health took center stage.

While she believes exercise is “the number one ingredient for successful aging,” Fonda also shared that her choice to have plastic surgery on her face bought herself some time.

Her dedication to fitness throughout her life has helped her to feel great and rested, she said, and now the face Fonda presents to the public better reflects that.

To learn more about plastic surgery, even later in life, email Paramus plastic surgeon Dr. Cozzone.

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Benefits of a Chemical Peel Extend Beyond Ease of Use and Results

Posted on December 5, 2011 by Staff Writer

benefits of a chemical peelChemical peels remain a treatment of choice for plastic surgeons helping patients rid their faces of lines and damaged skin, according to ModernMedicine.

A chemical peel, which is a solution that can be applied to your face in your plastic surgeon’s practice, works to restore youth to the skin and remove surface impurities. By sloughing away dead and damaged surface skin cells, the chemical peel kick-starts your skin’s own rejuvenative processes. This allows fresh, clear skin cells to emerge.

What Are the Benefits of a Chemical Peel?

The many benefits of a chemical peel can apply to patients of varying ages and skin types. Patients most often choose chemical peel treatments for:

  • Facial lines and wrinkles
  • Uneven skin tone and texture
  • Acne or blemishes
  • Facial scarring

On top of these cosmetic benefits, chemical peels have added bonuses. The benefits of a chemical peel also extend to its cost-effectiveness. While injectable fillers can also be used to fill lines or depressed scars on the face, they must be retreated every six to 12 months. Meanwhile, the benefits of a chemical peel can last years on average.

Patients and surgeons understand the benefits of a chemical peel, like their ease of use. Because of the positive perception of chemical peels, they are a highly popular cosmetic treatment, following Botox and injectable fillers.

Chemical peels are prepared using different components and in varying strengths. Thus, chemical peels can be customized to meet the needs of many patients.

Unlike some other treatments, the healing time for chemical peels can be minimized, as needed. Though some other treatments may require several months of recovery, a patient can heal from a light chemical peel within a matter of several days. Medium or deep chemical peels, like those with phenol, may have healing times of several weeks.

To learn more about the benefits of a chemical peel in Paramus, please email plastic surgeon Dr. Cozzone.

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New Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Filler Approved

Posted on November 28, 2011 by Staff Writer

hyaluronic acid dermal fillerMerz Aesthetics has announced the FDA approval of a new dermal filler for facial lines and wrinkles, according to empr.com.

The new hyaluronic acid dermal filler, which is called Belotero Balance, has been approved to treat moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. This includes nasolabial folds, the lines that run from your nose to the edges of your mouth.

Belotero Balance joins Merz Aesthetics family of non-surgical injectables, including Radiesse. Radiesse is a popular filler comprised of calcium-based microspheres in a water gel that works to restore lost volume in the face. Though its uses are similar to Belotero Balance, the new hyaluronic acid dermal filler works differently.

Like similar hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, Restylane and Juvederm, Belotero Balance works to restore lost volume to your skin by increasing its hydration. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring hydrating component in your skin and these dermal fillers work to mimic it. When injected into the skin beneath the site of a wrinkle, a hyaluronic acid dermal filler provides a sort of scaffolding for depressed areas of skin, supporting them and improving the appearance of youth on the face.

To test the effectiveness of Belotero Balance, it was compared in a split-face study with a collagen-based filler. Using a scale that rates wrinkle severity, Belotero Balance was shown to provide a greater reduction in the appearance of nasolabial folds over 24 weeks. In fact, at the six-month mark, Belotero Balance still showed a greater correction of the wrinkles than its counterpart.

To learn more about your hyaluronic acid dermal filler options in Paramus, please email plastic surgeon Dr. Cozzone.

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