Archive for the ‘Human Interest’ Category

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New & Improved Liposuction Techniques Reduce Risk of Complication Study Says

Wednesday, September 8th, 2010

Like other medical and cosmetic surgery procedures, liposuction has come a long way. Developments in techniques have allowed doctors to remove excess fat more efficiently and safely shape the body through fat removal.

Now, a new study in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal examines what works and what doesn’t.

Over the last three decades or so, technologies and tools used in liposuctions have drastically improved. To see what’s improved and what still needs improving, an analysis of 26,000 liposuction procedures over a period of 25 years was conducted by a team of four plastic surgeons in Cali, Colombia.

These surgeons found that tumescent liposuction and laser-assisted liposuction (LAL) techniques have drastically improved the safety of undergoing a liposuction, mainly by reducing the risk of anemia, while still providing the best aesthetic results.

As with any cosmetic surgery procedure, there are still some risks. Tumescent liposuctions for example have been shown to increase post- operative seromas – a mass or swelling caused by the localized accumulation of serum (a yellowish fluid) within a tissue or organ.

The surgeons’ survey and study found that while 90% of patients reported post-operative pain, 82% of them were generally satisfied with the results of their procedure…results were similar for the other liposuction procedures covered in the review.

As always, discuss all options with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon before making any decisions. While safety has improved dramatically, there is still some risk of complication but with the right planning and information, you can be assured it’s safe to undergo a liposuction.

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See Examples of Prior Plastic Surgery Procedures in our Before & After Photo Section

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

Reading about plastic surgery procedures like a breast augmentation, facelift or liposuction at our Florida clinic will naturally get you wondering about how others look after undergoing one of many plastic surgery options we offer at our Gainesville clinic.

To help you get an idea of how a breast reduction can reduce overly large breasts or how a tummy tuck can rejuvenate your midsection, many prior patients have graciously agreed to take before & after photos to post on our site.

You can easily get a first-hand look at how a wide variety of plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive procedures have helped people of all ages and walks of life restore their appearance – either cosmetically or following a major accident or medical condition.

Take a moment and visit our Florida plastic surgery before & after photo center to see more. You can easily choose a procedure on the left side of the page and learn more about those procedures by visiting our plastic surgery learning center today.

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‘Botox Bandit’ Arrested for “Stealing” Aesthetic Services in Florida

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

Police in Miami Beach recently nabbed Maria Elizabeth Chrysson, also known locally as the “Botox Bandit,” for not paying for over $4000 worth of liposuction treatments at a south Florida plastic surgery center.

According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Chrysson was writing bad checks to cover for the treatments and even walking out of the office without paying on a couple of occasions. She was arrested at a Latin café in Miami Beach…complaining about a “bad hair day,” Chrysson was especially worried about how her mug shot would appear.

Chrysson’s lawyer, Daniel Lurvey, says “We were in the process of making restitution when the arrest occurred. We will continue to attempt to resolve the matter of the alleged victim.”

The infamous “Botox Bandit” has been charged three counts of grand theft and one count of scheming to defraud.

In addition to the arrest, Chrysson is also being investigated for a similar situation at a plastic surgery center in Ft. Lauderdale where it’s alleged she walked out and neglected to pay a $3300 bill for 50 Botox injections.

A Miami-Dade judge has ordered Chrysson to remain under house arrest and wear and ankle monitor until her trial.

The “Botox Bandit” was notoriously more concerned with appearances than with the seriousness of the charges according to officers. She inquired several times about logging into her Facebook page to see if anyone knew she had been arrested.

Of course, we do like to help women like Chrysson look and feel their best but please, we do prefer customers who pay their bill and are upfront with us. We hope Ms. Chrysson can seek help for her troubles and the legal system is able to obtain compensation for our colleagues’ services.

Interested in learning more about the various aesthetic services we offer at our Florida clinic? Contact Florida aesthetic and plastic surgeons at Accent Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics today.

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ASPS and other Medical Organizations Offer 8 Lawnmower Safety Tips

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

Now that summer is in full swing, we’re all watching our lawns blossom and keeping a regular schedule for trimming them. Since kids are out of school, it’s a natural chore for them to keep them busy.

In 2009, approximately 247,000 people were treated for lawnmower accidents…18,000 of these incidents involved children under the age of 19 according the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Since 2008, lawnmower related injuries have increased by 7%.

Since the summer mowing season is upon us, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery, American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons are teaming together to educate homeowners, especially those with kids, the importance of lawnmower safety.

Many lawnmower injuries require specialists from several areas including plastic surgery, microsurgery, pediatrics and orthopaedics to name a few.

“Lawn mower injuries often include deep cuts, loss of fingers and toes, limb amputations, broken and dislocated bones, burns, and eye injuries,” said ASPS President Michael McGuire, MD. “Most are caused by careless use and can be prevented by following a few simple safety tips.”

Continue reading for 8 tips on preventing lawnmower injuries at your home this summer.

  1. Only let kids 12 and older operate a push mower – 16 and up for a riding mower
  2. Never have children ride as passengers on a riding mower
  3. Wear sturdy shoes when mowing, not sandals
  4. Keep young children away from the area you’re mowing
  5. To prevent injuries from flying objects, pick up stones, toys and any other debris before mowing
  6. Wear eye and hearing protection when mowing
  7. Only use a mower that has a control that stops it from moving forward if the handle is released
  8. Only pull backward or mow in reverse if it’s absolutely necessary and make sure no one is behind you if you must do it

Following these tips when mowing your lawn will ensure your summer will be safe, happy and healthy. While helping accident victims regain their natural looks after an accident is very rewarding work in one respect, we’d rather not have to do it in the first place, saving people from the trauma and hassle of undergoing several surgeries.

If you’re looking for reconstructive surgery to help restore your pre-accident condition, consider contacting Florida reconstructive surgeons at Accent Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics today for a free evaluation.

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Jerusalem University Manufactures Collagen from Genetically Modified Tobacco Plants

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel have successfully produced a replica of human collagen from genetically modified tobacco plants, potentially having tremendous commercial implications for use in various medical procedures.

Collagen is the most prevalent protein in the human body and provides texture, resiliency and shape in human’s skin. It is found throughout the body in skin, muscle, tendons and bones. Collagen fibers weave together like threads in fabrics to form a framework where new cells can grow.

Today, collagen is commercially produced from cows, pigs and even human cadavers (but poses different health and ethical issues). It is used in a variety of surgical implants and wound healing devices. The commercial collagen market in the U.S. currently exceeds $30 billion annually.

Creating human recombinant type I pro-collagen requires the coordinated expression of five different genes. Dr. Oded Shoseyov of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has the only laboratory in the world that has been successful at this co-expression. His findings have been patented and the scientific findings behind it were recently published in the Biomacromolecules journal.

The new collagen has also seen a lot interest among investors and commercial producers – already raising $15 million to bring it to market.

This discovery could potentially revolutionize various aesthetic treatments we offer at our Gainesville plastic surgery clinic. Dermal fillers like these are a great way to smooth out wrinkles and lines on your face that appear over time. Weather, time, gravity and other factors cause your face to lose its fullness as you age.

Synthetic collagens like Cosmoplast, Cosmoderm, Artefil and this newest discovery help restore your youthful look with minimal invasiveness.

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Posted in Cosmetic Treatment, Human Interest, Skin Care | 1 Comment »

Peruvian Woman Bed Bound Because of Massive Breasts

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

Just when you thought you’ve heard it all, down comes another story that’s beyond belief…a 29-year old mother of three in Peru was bed ridden for over 6 months because her breasts had grown so large she would literally faint because of the massive stress of carrying N-cup breasts.

After giving birth to her third child, the small framed woman began experiencing massive breast growth. “It was awful. If I tried to get up I would faint because my breasts were so heavy. My breasts became so huge my skin had sores and I had trouble breathing.”

The woman was finally able to receive help when local media paid for her to take a three-day trip to the nearest town for medical help. Once there, doctors diagnosed her with an extreme form of Bilateral Gynecomastia – or a condition where the mammary gland continues to grow. They were also concerned about the impact of this weight on her lungs.

Doctors performed a 6-hour breast reduction operation where they removed 35 pounds of flesh from her chest – resulting in a 34B cup size for the beleaguered mother of three.

“Before the operation I couldn’t do anything, I just had to live with it, it got so bad that my breast were touching my legs” says the woman.

While this is a very extreme case, oversize breasts can present problems for many women. Breast reduction surgery at our Florida plastic surgery clinic can help address this problem, giving women a new sense of confidence and relief from carrying around such a heavy load on their chests.

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Beware of Cheap Facelifts (and other plastic surgery procedures)

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

We’ve all heard the old saying “you get what you pay for.” Nowhere is this sage advice more applicable than plastic surgery, especially facelifts.

One type of cheap facelift procedure called a thread-lift has been singled out as being especially wasteful and risky. The procedure makes use of implanted metal barbed threads. While it is cheaper than a standard facelift, it does not work well at all and is discouraged by surgeons at our Florida plastic surgery clinic.

A recent study by state researchers and independent assessors in New York surveyed 33 patients and compared the results for three different procedures: thread-lifts alone, non-surgical facelift procedures, including fat injections and chemical peels and a combination of the first two.

Patients showed noticeable improvement one month into the survey but when researchers came back 12 to 31 months later, only patients who underwent the non-surgical procedures noticed a lasting improvement with their appearance.

Those who underwent the thread-lift operation showed no lasting improvement at all. In fact, improvement in skin tightness in the beginning came from facial swelling and not the barbs themselves. As the swelling decreased, so did the tightness, leaving the patient with a face full of “fish hooks.”

Researchers concluded with these findings, along with the risk of adverse affects and patient discomfort, that this cheap facial rejuvenation procedure could not be justified.

The lesson here – don’t focus on cost alone. It’s better to spend a little more and get something right the first time rather than think you’re saving a few bucks just to find out you will have to go back for more work, costing you more money.

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“Gummy Bear” Breast Implants Offer Alternative to Saline and Silicone

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010

While breast implants have been available for years now, researchers in academia and industry are always on the lookout for better materials to make implants safer and more comfortable. Cohesive silicone gel implants are one of the newest types of breast implants to hit the market.

Due to the similarities with the texture of gummy bear candy, these implants are informally known as “gummy bear” breast implants. While their use hasn’t been approved in the U.S. yet, they are taking Europe and Brazil by storm…and there’s good reason why.

First, they use a new type of silicone that addresses two of the problems with traditional saline and silicone implants – rupturing and rippling. If there’s a tear in one the new gummy bear implants, the substance inside will maintain its shape and integrity, alleviating the concern of silicone migrating to other parts of the body where it can cause problems.

Cohesive silicone gel implants also have a more natural feel than traditional saline implants. Other advantages of gummy bear implants include:

  • Lower risk of rupture and leaking
  • More natural look and comfortable fit
  • Ability to maintain their form, or “bounce back”
  • Less risk of capsular contracture, or inflammation and hardening of scar tissue

While it may seem gummy bear implants are infallible, they do have some disadvantages over more traditional options. One, they feel firmer than other implant options, which may be uncomfortable for some women. Also, a larger incision is required to insert them and they do cost more. And if the implant does move, it may cause a distorted appearance.

Unfortunately, this procedure is not available on a wide scale in the U.S. To obtain gummy bear implants in this country, women have to enroll in a clinical study that’s evaluating these implants (or travel to Europe or Brazil)

Even though there are some drawbacks, reports from patients indicate overwhelming satisfaction. In fact, they have become one the most popular breast augmentation options in Europe and Brazil.

In the mean time, consider breast augmentation and lift options at our Florida plastic surgery center in Gainesville. If you’re interested in learning more, contact Accent Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics today.

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Chemotherapy Drug Fluorouracil may Improve Aging Skin’s Appearance

Thursday, April 29th, 2010

Associate professor of dermatology at the University of Michigan Dr. Dana L. Sachs, M.D. released a study that shows the chemotherapy drug fluorouracil may help reduce precancerous skin patches and improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin.

Fluorouracil is a drug used to treat cancers of the colon, head and neck, pancreas and other organs which stops the body from synthesizing thymine, a building block of DNA.

Clinicians began noticing a change in skin appearance for cancer patients who were using the drug in an unrelated study.  This led these them to develop a topical therapy to treat skin lesions that may develop into skin cancer.

Dr. Sachs and his colleagues evaluated molecular and clinical changes in the skin of 21 healthy volunteers who had skin lesions and sun-damaged skin. They applied a 5 percent fluorouracil cream to their face twice a day for two weeks. Evaluations were done at the beginning of the study and photographs were taken as it progressed. Patients were also evaluated at the end by three dermatologists not involved with the study.

The number of lesions was reduced significantly from an average of 11.6 to 1.5. Clinical evaluations found other improvements to age-related skin issues, including decreases in wrinkling, dark skin spots, hyperpigmentation (skin getting darker) and sallowness (yellow skin tone).

Skin biopsies taken soon after patients discontinued applying the topical skin cream showed increases in levels of compounds related to skin injury, inflammation and degradation of the extracellular matrix. The study’s authors also write that topical fluorouracil causes epidermal injury which improves appearance by stimulating wound healing and dermal remodeling.

Treatment was generally well tolerated with 95% of patients seeing an improvement in their while 89% said they would do it again. Patients who use this topical ointment for skin lesions will also likely see restorative effects from sun damage, providing further motivation to undergo the rigorous treatment.

However, there are some who may find this treatment cosmetically unacceptable since the standard course of therapy may last two to three weeks and the ensuing reaction may last for several more.  But there will undoubtedly be others who will choose to undergo this cosmetic treatment due to its lower cost.

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Liposuction Causes Natural Breast Enhancement Study Concludes

Wednesday, April 21st, 2010

An interesting study published in September 2007’s issue of Dermatologic Surgery shows women who have fat removed from other parts of the body through liposuction can experience an increase in one to two cup sizes.

Board certified surgeon Dr. Eric Finzi conducted the study after many of his tumescent liposuction patients returned for post-operative check-ups with the unexpected side effect of larger breasts. Finzi’s study of the matter concluded that 43% of female patients who undergo one or more liposuction procedures experience an increase in their breast size…heavier patients who had more fat removed were more likely to experience a natural breast enhancement.

“This is the first step in the development of natural breast enlargement,” stated Dr. Finzi, who has performed thousands of liposuction procedures in parts of the body that good dieting and exercise couldn’t touch.

Liposuction has become a popular cosmetic procedure since its inception in 1987. Besides the conventional benefits of safety and removal of unwanted fat without surgical scarring, women may also benefit from a natural increase in their breast size.

Up until these findings, breast implants were the only known way for women to increase the size of their breasts. Over 2 million women in the U.S. have undergone implant surgery but despite its popularity, implants continue to have frequent complications including implant rupture, hardening of the breasts, changes in sensation and more.

Data from Dr. Finzi’s study suggest an added benefit of liposuction surgery – perhaps allowing you to kill two birds with one stone.

Looking to get rid of excess skin and fat that good dieting and exercise can’t deal with, perhaps getting some natural breast enhancement in the process? Contact Florida liposuction surgeons at Accent Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics today for a free consultation.

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