Indian Americans Have Special Rhinoplasty Needs

Posted on March 7, 2012 by Alex

The United States is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world, and American plastic surgeons are continually adapting to trends among minority populations. Certain procedures must be geared towards the specific needs of a minority group, such as with eyelid surgery for Southeast Asians or laser hair removal for African Americans. A new report in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery has highlighted the issue of rhinoplasty among Indian Americans. Due to the unique needs and desires of Indian Americans, there are a number of important surgical, cultural, and aesthetic considerations that surgeons must bear in mind.

The Indian American population has grown rapidly over the last 10 years and now exceeds 2.5 million. Thanks to the rising Bollywood industry and influence of American culture, many are starting to move away from traditional norms and beginning to favor cosmetic surgery. “Most Indians living in America are immigrants or first generation Americans and thus present an emerging population for aesthetic rhinoplasty,” according to study authors Dr. Sejal M. Patel and Dr. Rollin K. Daniel.

The most common complaint among Indian Americans seeking rhinoplasty was a bump on the nose, followed by feeling that the nose was too big, or that the tip of the nose was drooping. Although despite desiring modifications to their appearance, the patients wished to preserve their ethnic identity. The researchers developed different approaches, including the use of Photoshop to create “after” photos, to show their patients the potential results before committing to surgery.

“It is important that plastic surgeons in the U.S. realize that Indian American rhinoplasty is a distinct entity as these patients have specific criteria for preserving their ethnic identity,” Drs. Patel and Daniel write. Indian Americans have particular facial characteristics and expectations that plastic surgeons must understand in order to provide the best results.

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

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Growing Medical Spa Industry is Loosely Regulated

Posted on February 28, 2012 by Alex

With the rising popularity of non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as wrinkle fillers and Botox, many states are grappling with medical spas and facilities that have stepped into this burgeoning market. According to the Boston Globe, these spas offer cosmetic procedures, such as injections and laser treatments, but there have been questions about their safety.

The Globe reports that the number of medical spas has grown by 80 percent over the last two years, with an estimated 4,250 nationally. Massachusetts has been embroiled in an ongoing debate about the safety of the spas, with many advocating for tighter regulatory controls. The state has roughly 250 medical spas.

“A lot of people assume that the person treating them in a white coat is a physician, and they don’t ask,” said Dr. Matthew Avram, the director of the dermatology laser and cosmetic center at Massachusetts General Hospital. Staff members at these spas are not required to be licensed and regulated by the state, as long as the facility is owned by or associated with a licensed physician. However, the doctor is not required to be physically on-site, which means that there is often no physician present while staff performs cosmetic procedures.

While the possible complications associated with injectable wrinkle fillers such as Juvederm, Radiesse, and Restylane are quite minor when compared to surgical procedures, there are risks of infection, bruising, swelling, and other unwanted outcomes. These risks can be minimized by a qualified plastic surgeon who is familiar with the art and science of wrinkle-filling.

The Globe article points out that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration received 930 reports regarding dermal filler injuries over a five-year period. Many of these were caused when the practitioner was untrained and operating in a facility that was not a health clinic.

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Facelifts Make People Appear 7 Years Younger On Average: New Study

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Alex

facelift, facial rejuvenation surgery, appear seven years younger, youthful appearance with faceliftFacial plastic surgery is often touted as a means of turning back the clock. However, since questions of beauty and appearance are often subjective, the extent to which a facial surgery can make someone look younger has largely been in the eye of the beholder. However, based on the results of a recent study published in the latest issue of Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, it seems that patients undergoing facial surgery can appear about 7 years younger on average.

The study, headed by University of Toronto plastic surgeon Dr. Nitin Chauhan, involved asking medical students to estimate the ages of patients in before-and-after pictures. These photos were of 54 women and 6 men, aged 45 to 72, who had undergone facial cosmetic surgery. The photos were scrambled and given to the medical students, who were asked to estimate the age of the person in each photo.

Combined Facial Procedures Provide the Best Results

  • On average, patients who had undergone facial surgery appeared 7.2 years younger than their before photo.
  • Multiple procedures resulted in significantly better results. Patients who underwent facelift and neck lift surgeries looked 5.7 years younger than before the surgery. Additional eyelid work removed nearly two more years, while a forehead lift took off roughly another year.
  • People who had a facelift, neck lift, blepharoplasty, and forehead lift appeared 8.4 years younger than their before photo.
  • Since the after photo is usually taken months or even years after the surgery, the average age that the students assigned to the after photos was about 9 years lower than the patients’ actual age when the photos were taken.

Unfortunately, as this was a small study limited to photos of Chauhan’s patients, these results may not apply for all surgeons. “In different surgeons’ hands, results may vary,” he told Health.com contributor Matt McMillen. He still values the results, however, since they offer the basis of an objective measure that can be used to manage patient expectations.

“Nothing we do is magical,” he told McMillen. “We do certainly get 60-year-old patients who want to look 40, and this will help us when we discuss expectations.”

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Celebrity Plastic Surgeon Talks Shop with L. A. Health Directory

Posted on February 11, 2012 by Alex

Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, Andre Aboolian, body contouring, California plastic surgeryBest known as the surgeon who helped “The Biggest Loser” winner Erik Chopin by performing a full body lift, Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Andre Aboolian is no stranger to the glitz and glamor of the Hollywood scene. The post-bariatric “body expert,” renowned for his skills in body contouring, liposuction, and butt lifts, recently took some time to reflect on his career and profession with the Los Angeles Health Directory.

The fine art of plastic surgery

When asked about the creativity involved in plastic surgery, Dr. Aboolian told the LAHD that each patient he treats is different. Is plastic surgery an art form? “Be it fine art or craftsmanship, both require certain amount of know-how to get things just right and in both cases, there is some creativity involved. I like that.”

The good, the bad, and the ugly

Plastic surgery is about vanity, Dr. Aboolian says, “but so is putting on makeup in the morning, coloring hair, applying nail polish and so on. It’s all about making you look better. It is very subjective.” He’s disturbed by the common media portrayal of plastic surgery:

“I want people to know that there is a lot of GOOD plastic surgery and the good plastic surgery is the one you don’t see and don’t notice because the outcome is so natural and flattering. The difference should be visible only when you compare the before and after pictures of the patient. That’s good plastic surgery. If you can’t tell that the person’s undergone plastic surgery and looks great, that’s a plastic surgery well done. Unfortunately, the media portrays one bad plastic surgery after another.”

A conscientious surgeon

You hardly ever hear about plastic surgeons turning down a potentially lucrative celebrity client, but like any great doctor, Andre Aboolian knows when to say no. In 2007, Donda West, Kanye West’s mother, had approached Dr. Aboolian for plastic surgery, but Aboolian declined because she hadn’t obtained clearance from her physician. Unfortunately, another LA plastic surgeon was found to perform the surgery, and Mrs. West later died from complications.

“The most important thing to know is that plastic surgery is no different than any other surgery. There is the misconception that plastic surgery is somehow different (safer) than a surgery performed in a hospital… I’m no different than any other doctor, be it a heart doctor, or an urologist. I’m a physician. It’s about the human body; it’s no different; it’s not risk-free.”

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“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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