Renaissance Plastic Surgery

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July 2008

July 29, 2008

Youth 101

Botox_4 Like a lot of women, I devour every lifestyle, health and fashion magazine I get my paws on. Every issue seems to offer us the lowdown on the latest and greatest in methods sure to help us avoid the unavoidable: aging. In fact, we're given so much information that I often wonder if there is any woman out there who still needs to hear the basics. Haven't we heard it all before?

So when I see a post written with the sole purpose of providing a basic primer on Restylane and Botox it reminds me that most of us still need a primer. Forget fancy techniques and the latest advancements. Let's start with the basics on these non-invasive procedures.

The Makeup Girl (one of my favorite beauty bloggers) had the opportunity to sit down with Manhattan dermatologist Dr. Lisa Donofrio for in interview on just that. The basics. In a span of just 40 minutes Dr. Donofrio lays it out in the simple terms some basic information about today's common injectibles. She also hits on some controversial topics we'd all like to learn more about.

Here's a preview:

Lianne:  There have been so many “bad” or “injectible nightmares” that have popped up over the years.  How does one go about choosing a doctor that will have their best interests in mind and not have their eyes on making $$ instead a la reality show?

Dr. Donofrio:  I would take a look at their credentials and ask to see their work, if they don't have either or their work looks crazy keep looking.

Whether you're just curious or are considering treatment, the information she reveals is still helpful. While you're there, be sure to read this post as well.

Posted at 06:10 PM in Angie Betlach RN, Anne Strate BSN RN, Spa Services | | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

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July 26, 2008

Did She or Didn't She? Does it Matter?

Picture_1I'm really astonished that there's this much focus on Sarah Jessica Parker's rumored (or has it been confirmed?) mole removal. If she had it removed (and I hope she did), good for her. It was distracting, seemed large enough to be dangerous (if not painful) and at the end of the day - it is her face to do with as she wishes.

Thankfully, most of us won't face the paparazzi and thousands of fans at Yankee Stadium to notice subtle changes in our appearance. Even so, it is SJP's visage, and she should be free to do with it as she feels comfortable. For all we know, she was advised to have it removed for medial reasons. It seems unlikely that an actress this deep in her career would opt to change such an iconic feature of her appearance if it weren't deemed necessary (think Lauren Hutton's iconic tooth gap). Fans and casual observers shouldn't have the right to criticize Sarah for removing what may have been bothering her for a number for reasons.

I'm glad to see that Plastic Surgeon Tony Youn agrees:

Moles are rarely cancerous...However, if you have any concern about a mole, have your dermatologist or plastic surgeon take a peek at it. This would be bigger news if it was Cindy Crawford's signature mole.

Posted at 07:04 AM in Plastic Surgery | | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

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July 23, 2008

Free Movies Everywhere

Ever since the post on free movie night in Edwardsville, I have heard about other locations that offer the same kind of fun, family-friendly, free entertainment.  Free movies are great.  Choices for a free movie, even better.

New Town in St. Charles shows a variety of different movie genres, from classics to cartoons, every Friday night at the Amphitheater.  Check out their event calendar for show details.

The Westport Plaza amplifies the free movie experience with some free pre-screening kids activities, like face painting, balloon making, popcorn, cotton candy.  Their calendar of events shows only one more movie this summer, August Rush, on Tuesday, August 12.

I saw in the St. Charles Journal that Frenchtown has Friday Night Flicks with music, food and drinks starting at 8pm at 1800 N. Second Street.

Wehrenberg Theatres in the St. Louis and St. Charles areas, offer Family Summer Series 2008 on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10am and noon through August 14.

Regal St. Louis Mills Stadium 18 has their Free Family Film Festival at 10am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through August 6.

Posted at 02:51 PM in Current Events | | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

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July 21, 2008

Laser Liposuction: The Hows And The Whys

Lipo There are currently three laser assisted lipolysis machines on the market.  Smart-Lipo, Cool-Lipo, and Pro-Lipo.  All of these lasers (with their associated wavelengths and the fibers that deliver the laser energy) have been around for many years.  The companies promoting and selling these lasers have redesigned the systems and received FDA approval for the destruction of fat with the laser.  This has given them the opportunity to market their lasers to physicians as a "new" way to do body contouring.

So how do these work? 

As with liposuction, a small (3-4 mm) incision is made in the area of concern and fluid is injected to numb the area and decrease bleeding.  Once the fluid has taken effect, the laser fiber specific to the system is placed in the incision and passed through the fluid filled fat area many times, heating and destroying the fat cells.  The liquefied fat will then be liposuctioned out.  In small areas, the liquid fat may not be removed; instead, it would be left to be absorbed by the body.

Laser lipolysis has potential advantages: less bruising and swelling and a theoretical advantage of skin tightening.  The decrease in bruising and swelling may be due to the heating of the small blood vessels during the treatment, which seals them.  The other, theoretical advantage of skin tightening may be from the stimulation of the heat, causing an increase in collagen production and a contraction of the skin in the treated area.

Traditional liposuction has always resulted in contour improvements and skin tightening.  Also, liposuction has the advantage of completely removing the fat so that it cannot be re-distributed elsewhere.  For this reason liposuction and laser lipolysis are now frequently combined.

There are no scientific studies that show adding the laser energy will improve the long term outcome.  As with any procedure, you should be aware that there are some down sides and possible complications, including an increased risk of injury to the surrounding structures, such as nerves or other organs from the laser heat or the penetrtion with the laser fiber.  There is also an increased cost associated with the laser.

The most important factor in seeing a good result from any liposuction or laser lipolysis procedure is choosing a surgeon who is trained and experienced in body contouring, regardless of the tools used.  Anyone can hold sculpting tools; make sure the person holding them for you is a fully trained plastic surgeon, who will use them to create beautiful results, safely.

Posted at 08:33 AM in Dr. Mark Boschert | | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

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July 15, 2008

Botox: Should You Or Shouldn't You?

There's a fine line between vanity and beauty, a slender thread that ties narcissism and self-confidence together, while tying up our feelings about guilt, aging, and the desire to look and feel our best.  When it comes to surgery, we often find patients looking to find out that it's okay to use our services, as they worry about how other people will perceive them for "getting some work done." 

It may seem strange for us to admit it, but a cosmetic surgery practice is not the place to go to get advice on whether you should try cosmetic surgery.  We're the people you go to for the best results and the best experience once the decision is made.  Pressuring a patient to make a decision is a poor ethical choice, and so we focus on what we do, instead of what you should do. 

Our job is to perform the best service we can, in a manner that gives you the best results but with the least amount of risk.  We're doctors - our job is to perform the procedures for which we are trained.  We can counsel, give advice on surgical and non-surgical procedures. We set expectations, and can even ease your fears, but we find that elective surgery of all kinds, whether it's a Botox injection, breast enhancements or hand surgery, is one that had to be made individually.

The choice on whether to engage in plastic surgery has to be a personal one.  It's a decision that should be made for the right reasons, based on confidence and not fear, and performed because it's the right choice for the patient.

Continue reading "Botox: Should You Or Shouldn't You?" »

Posted at 12:08 PM in Mom Blogs | | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

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July 11, 2008

Good Genes... or Good in Jeans?

Kimkardashian05Any woman who has ever discussed the merits of an 'apple' figure versus a 'pear' figure will quickly assure you that the grass is greener on the other side. Let's face it, if you've got great legs but a soft stomach you find yourself longing to look great in a bikini. Likewise, those with a pear shape won't waste a moment telling you that they would gladly trade their fabulous torsos for glorious legs.

But not everyone is aware that the more bootylicious of us actually have the upper hand when it comes to long term health. Yes, it's true. Those hips are actually good for you:

"A new study has come to the conclusion that subcutaneous fat around the hips is actually beneficial. It’s the visceral fat of the pot bellies that is bad and which is likely to cause type II diabetes and heart disease."

But let's be fair. Just because it is beneficial to my health doesn't mean I'm apt to enjoy it. Our apple shaped sisters can always conceal their abdomen with clever styling. Tunics and babydoll dresses work wonders. But how do you manage an ample bottom?

The answer for many is a healthy diet and a good routine of cardio and lunges. Weight training works wonders for every woman's figure, but those of us who have been 'blessed' with a more voluptuous lower body really need to adhere to a fitness routine to keep things firm.

And in all honesty, some of the best looking 'pear' bodies I've seen have been on women who've added liposuction or other lower-body trimming procedures to the mix. Sure, that Kim Kardashian-worthy booty might be good for your health... but is it doing the same for your self esteem? It depends. In the case of Kim, her fame is due in large part to her phenomenal good looks and - yes, that recognizable behind.

But even Kim isn't immune to pressure to look a certain way. In one episode of her celebrated show on E! she underwent a body sculpting treatment in an attempt to smooth away cellulite. And she has freely admitted that she is not opposed to cosmetic surgery if she feels her appearance will benefit from it.

And if a gorgeous celeb like Kim - lauded for her curves - feels this way, it's no wonder millions of women seek a bit of surgical "assistance" to ensure they look great from behind. Sure, the pear shape may mean I have less of a risk of diabetes and heart disease. But is it too much to ask that I also look phenomenal in my jeans?

Posted at 02:39 PM in Plastic Surgery | | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

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July 10, 2008

Non-Surgical Hand Rejuvenation

Hand_rejuvenation_beforeThere has recently been an increasing interest in rejuvenation of the aging hand.  No one likes to look at their hands and see multiple age spots or the skeletonized look, where the tendons are so easily seen.  Unfortunately, these changes frequently happen with aging and are difficult to prevent.

Over the last 10 years, we have corrected age spots quite successfully with the use of lasers and Intense Pulsed Light, or Broad Band Light (IPL or BBL).  However, the ability to correct the loss of soft tissue in the hand has been difficult.  Until now!

Now there are some minimally invasive surgical options which will restore the volume to the hand with essentially no down time and very little discomfort.

One option is fat grafting.  This is a technique where fat is taken from another part of the body, processed, and then injected into the hand.  Approximately 30% of the fat remains permanently, leaving a more youthful appearance.

Hand_rejuvenation_after Another great option which has worked well is injecting Radiesse, an hydroxyappetite substance which is a precursor to bone formation. When injected into soft tissue such as the hand, Radiesse does not form bone or hard nodules, but remains soft and can create a tremendous change in the appearance of the hand.  This improvement, unlike fat is not permanent, but should last on the order of 6 to 12 months, maybe even longer. 

Posted at 09:23 AM in Dr. Stefan Craig | | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

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July 07, 2008

Medical Tourism Requires Special Precautions

Imagine the opportunity to have your cosmetic surgery at a reduced cost while getting away from the stresses of home and work by recovering in an exotic locale.  Does it sound like the ideal way to have your surgery and pamper yourself at the same time?  After all, what could be better for your surgical recovery than rest and relaxation on a white sandy beach?  Unfortunately the reality of medical tourism is not always as wonderful as one could imagine.

With the rapidly growing popularity and variety of cosmetic procedures, more and more individuals are considering plastic surgery.  As a result, a wide range of providers and facilities have become available, with some even offering discount “medical tourism” packages to exotic destinations.  Though many of these packages are very tempting, patients should be wary of the potential pitfalls associated with cosmetic surgery outside the United States.  The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) recommends that you diligently research any offer for cosmetic surgery in a luxury locale and ask the following questions:

•    Is the physician qualified? Are the medical facility and equipment safe?

•    How will my post-operative care and any complications be handled?

•    Are travel and vacation activities compatible with surgery?

Although there are many qualified physicians practicing all over the world in excellent facilities, it can be difficult to verify your surgeon’s training or the status of the medical facilities and equipment.  Unfortunately not all countries have the same rigorous standards for medical care to which we have become accustomed. However, by thoroughly researching both the doctor and facility, or by selecting an ASPS Member Surgeon Abroad or an International Corresponding Member Surgeon, patients can significantly decrease the potential dangers associated with medical tourism.  Keys to remember are that all ASPS Member Surgeons have submitted to the scrutiny of the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and put patient safety first by operating only in accredited facilities.

Continue reading "Medical Tourism Requires Special Precautions" »

Posted at 10:34 PM in Dr. Paul Mills | | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

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July 02, 2008

Urban Review Made The A-List

A_list I just received the July 2008 issue of St. Louis Magazine in my mailbox and was thrilled to see one of my favorite St. Louis bloggers made the A-List........

"No one but urban gadfly Steve Patterson could write 50-plus blog posts about the McDonald’s on Grand, much less make said posts so completely compelling that we’ve clicked through them for hours on end (in our spare time, of course). The real-estate guru of Urban Review STL has written volumes about everything from farmers’ markets to building permits, scooters to city politics, averaging 28 posts per month across his blog’s 56 categories — and scarcely slowing down to acknowledge his disabling stroke this February. Honestly, we’re in awe."

This is a big deal for Steve, who has been blogging for almost 4 years. He loves to put his thoughts out there for his readers and inevitably the discussion begins. Whether it be about how we can make lasting changes to our city or how to use our resources wisely, Steve takes a critical look at urban planning and related politics in the City of St. Louis and region.

A big congrats to Steve at being named "best blogger" in St. Louis, urbanity and city living never looked so good!

Posted at 01:11 PM in St Louis Bloggers | | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

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ASPS Member