Over the past twenty years, one of the most dynamic areas of cosmetic medicine has been injectable dermal fillers.

According to an article in Forbes, dermal fillers have risen in popularity by 110% over the past three years. Both men and women seem drawn to their relatively low level of commitment, expense and recovery time. Though results vary for each case, many people who have these dermal fillers experience almost no recovery period, and are able to immediately return to their normal schedules.

Different Dermal Fillers for Different Purposes

These facial fillers come in many different types and brands, which are used for different cases as a result of their unique benefits. Some provide results for a longer period of time, while others are specifically targeted to address individual forms of treatment.

One of the most common types of these dermal fillers is hyaluronic acid fillers, which include a substance that occurs naturally in the body, making it an excellent filler. These hyaluronic acid fillers include Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm and Prevelle Silk.

Other types of dermal fillers include collagen fillers, which are a natural protein substance, particularly useful for filling facial hollows. Calcium hydroxylapatite, which includes Radiesse and Radiance, is another type of popular dermal filler, and is made of microspheres in a water-based gel. Other synthetic types of facial fillers include Polylactic acid and PMMA fillers.

Muscle relaxants such as Botox or Dysport, which each have their own set of benefits and results timeline, are often used with dermal fillers. Discussing your goals and schedule during your consultation will help make sure that you receive the best filler for your situation. For more significant adjustments, a surgical procedure such as a face lift or neck lift may be the best option.

Photo by liber on Flickr.

More new mothers are now choosing mommy makeover and skin treatment procedures, thanks to improved techniques and results.

Ranging from the full mommy makeover surgery to non-invasive treatments such as Botox or dermal fillers, these cosmetic procedures are helping to treat the effects of childbirth on a woman’s body. The three main areas of concern that these procedures focus on are the breasts, the stomach, and the skin.

Breast, Stomach, and Skin Procedures for New Moms

When the glow of childbirth lessens after a few months, many new mothers begin feeling that they are being unfairly portrayed by the changes in their body. Cosmetic treatments, whether small or large in scope, may help them to feel that they are taking back control of their bodies.

Many new mothers chose to have skin treatments to restore the glow they remember from pregnancy. These skin treatments range from chemical peels and microdermabrasion to laser treatments. They may also involve medical-grade skin care products for the best possible long-term results.

The most common surgical procedure for women who have recently been through childbirth is the mommy makeover, which includes a tummy tuck and breast surgery. The tummy tuck portion of the procedure tightens and reshapes the muscles that become stretched and damaged during childbirth. It can also remove excess tissue and fat deposits in the process, giving a smoother, more youthful stomach contour.

The breast surgery portion of the mommy makeover provides dramatic changes in the breast appearance, addressing one of the main complaints of women after having children. Drooping breasts, loss of volume, and changes in symmetry are common concerns of mothers, particularly with those who have had multiple children. With a breast lift or breast augmentation, the breasts may be returned to a younger appearance.

Photo by Robert Whitehead on Flickr.

Darshan Shah, MD, FACS is a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon practicing in Malibu, Bakersfield and Fresno, CA.  As Medical Director for Beautologie Medical Group, one of the top 10 practices in California, he strives to provide compassionate care and excellent results for all of his patients.  Dr. Shah trained in Plastic Surgery at the world renown Mayo Clinic, and has had national media recognition in the New York Times, the Today Show and Dr. Phil.  He has also been awarded numerous accolades, including Best/Favorite of Kern for the last 8 years in a row.

Many of us (up to 40% of the population) will suffer from some degree of hair loss in our lifetimes.  Although genetics has a large role in the problem (did your mother’s father have a good head of hair?), there are many other causes that hasten the process.  Diet, mineral deficiencies, environmental pollution, stress, even wearing helmets can cause early and profound hair loss! Knowing is half the battle, so read on for some simple tips to minimize bald spots nad receding hairlines.

The first question to answer is:  do YOU have accelerated hair loss? Accelerated hair loss is a condition where you are losing hair faster than you should, and should get evaluated by your doctor for thyroid issues, other hormonal disturbances, or GI malabsorption.  Try the “tug test”.  Take a small amount of hair in your between your thumb and index fingers (about 20 hairs) and pull slow and firm.  If you have more than 6 hairs in your hand, you may have a problem with accelerated hair loss and should schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor.

The most common reason for hair loss is genetic.   This is called androgenic alopecia, which most of us refer to as male or female pattern baldness.  Although it is impossible to completely halt nature’s genetic forces, there are steps you can take to slow the process for years.    Here are some simple tips to keep your hair healthy and where it belongs- on your head!

1. Keep chemicals off your hair.  Hair dye can be a major chemical irritant to your hair follicle.   Limit hair dying to once every 8 weeks to keep your scalp healthy.
2. Heat weakens your hair and makes it brittle.   Minimizing the use of hair dryers, hot curlers, and straighteners will help keep your hair from losing it’s protein composition.
3. Avoid constant pull on your hair.  “Traction alopecia” is caused by excessively tight hairstyles or using hair rollers. Minimizing the amount of pull will maximize the time your hair stays anchored to your scalp.
4. Don’t brush your hair while wet.  Hair brushes cause “breakage” which can permanently damage hair.  This occurs with more frequency when your hair is wet.
5. Take care of your hair.  Wash regularly with a gentle shampoo to keep your scalp clean and to avoid scalp infection.
6. Decrease stress in your life, increase your exercise, and get enough sleep.   Having an unhealthy lifestyle can cause accelerated hair loss, so take care of your body to have a healthy scalp.
7. Modify your diet to include “hair healthy” vitamins and minerals: iron, vitamin C, Zinc and Omega 3 fatty acids all have a role in preventing hair loss.  Load up on these minerals in your diet or with supplements.
8. Avoid foods that can accelerate hair loss.  These include soda and raw egg whites.

Recent medical advances have resulted in the development of two “breakthrough medications” that can help if the above techniques fail.  These include Rogaine (Minoxidil) and Propecia (Finesteride).  Minoxidil stops hair loss, while Finesteride can actually help grow new hair in almost 50% of men that take it.

If it is too late and you have lost most of your hair, then you can consider Hair Transplant Surgery, which can be done either by removing a strip of hair and re-implanting it or FUE transplantation which is hair transplant one follicular unit at a time (which leaves no scar).  Hair transplant is done under local anesthesia and works almost 99% of the time.

Luckily, we live in an age where medical and surgical treatments are available. But if you reduce your stress level, eat right and take care of you hair, you may be able to postpone or stop hair loss indefinitely avoiding potential medication side effects and the knife!

Famous worldwide for impeccable taste and a keen eye for detail, Martha Stewart takes a similar approach to her daily beauty routine.

In the most recent issue of Allure Magazine, the 71-year-old former model turned business woman revealed some of her most intimate beauty tricks, including the secret behind her blemish-free complexion:

“I rarely get blemishes now, but if perchance I’m starting to get one, I extract it with my old-fashion fingers, unless I’m getting a facial later that week. I don’t like metal on my face.”

“I’ve tried Botox…”

Martha also wasn’t afraid to admit she ops for the occasional Botox and Juvederm touch-up:

“I haven’t had facial surgery yet, but I did get Juvederm filler after my dog bashed my lip and split it open. I tried Botox. It works for certain things, like for skin under the chin, but I don’t want a taut jawline and a quizzical look.”

As for her more conventional beauty tricks, Martha says she cleanses her face with a hot, steamy cloth every night to loosen up her makeup. She also uses some of her expertly crafted DIY skills to formulate her very own beauty products:

“I’ve made all kinds of things. For instance, I love salt. So I use sea salt, grated lemon peel and sesame seed oil (but not hot sesame oil). That’s s a very good scrub. Sesame oil is the best oil for your skin. It has no smell and dries like a powder.”

Interested in learning more about Martha’s beauty routine? Check out her latest book Living the Good Life, a practical beauty guide for women over 40, which is due to hit store shelves late April.

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The most significant development in plastic surgery this year is the FDA clearance of cohesive gel implants from Allergan and Sientra. After years of discussion and research, the so-called “gummy bear implant” is now on the market. Here are 5 reasons to consider these new state-of-the-art breast implants.

1. A natural “anatomical” shape

The new implants come in anatomical shapes, often called a teardrop shaped implant. They also have a a flat back, which is said to improve the relationship between the implant and the chest wall. Because they are shaped, they do not rotate within the breast pocket.

2. Predictable results: the benefits of form stability

The new implants are less “liquid-like” than previous silicone implants. They maintain their integrity, while still offering a natural consistency that mimics real breast tissue.

In a 60-month study of Sientra implants by Dr. Grant Stevens and his colleagues, 355 patients had breast augmentation. The doctors found that complication rates and revision rates were comparable to the existing silicone implants, but the incidence of implant wrinkling and capsular contracture was lower.

According to the current Natrelle website, less than 1 percent of the study’s primary augmentation patients experienced wrinkling or rippling with the 410 implant.

3. Robust clinical data

Allergan received approval on their new cohesive gel implants after seven years of research that involved 941 women.

Sientra’s 10-year study enrolled 1,788 patients, with a total of 1,115 patients receiving primary breast augmentation and 362 patients getting revision breast augmentation.

4. Warranties

When you choose Sientra implants, you automatically get their 10 year warranty, offering $3600 of financial assistance and coverage for both implants, in addition to complete size range changes at no additional charge.

All patients who choose Allergan’s silicone implants get their 10 year warranty with lifetime product replacement and financial assistance in the event of rupture, with options for $1200 or $3500 of coverage for various fees involved with revision surgery.

5. You know what you want

Dr. Greg Evans, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, recently spoke to reporters for the Wall Street Journal. He suggests that cohesive gel implants are ideal for the patient who is perhaps a bit older and knows what she wants. For younger patients, Dr. Evans “says he is more likely to use saline implants” because they sometimes change their minds about breast augmentation and removing the saline implant is easier.

Some women simply know what they want from breast augmentation, or they’ve already had one and have clear goals in mind for revision. For these women, the new cohesive gel implant may be ideal.

A demonstration of Sientra’s form stable silicone breast implant. Watch as the implant, split in half, maintains its integrity under stress.

Treating deep frown lines and droopy eyes

These are all common signs of aging. Fortunately, a good surgeon can correct those pesky brow lines and sagging skin, helping you look youthful and refreshed. Sometimes, a simple office procedure can do the trick, while other times a brow lift or blepharoplasty is recommended.

Brow Lift or Botox™?

Many people know that brow lines can easily be treated using Botox™ Cosmetic or Dysport™, two injectable neurotoxins that temporarily paralyze tiny muscles that raise the forehead.

Treatment of the “angry 11s” in the central forehead area is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures today. But because Botox gets temporary results, the cost can add up for patients who want to continue looking young. In these cases, a brow lift is one alternative that can provide results that last longer and, over time, cost less.

Through small incisions behind the hairline, the doctor elevates the forehead tissue and then disrupts the muscles that cause frown lines to appear (the muscles that are so often treated with Botox™. Meanwhile, the sagging forehead tissues can be elevated.

Brow Lift or Blepharoplasty?

If a sagging brow is encroaching on your upper eyelids, a brow lift can help. However, if you have loose skin on the upper eyelids, a blepharoplasty procedure (or upper eye lift) is more appropriate. Through tiny incisions, the surgeon removes redundant skin to open up the eyes, which can often improve a patient’s vision at the same time.

A brow lift, Botox™, and blepharoplasty can all be used in conjunction to achieve a great cosmetic outcome. A personal consultation is the best way to determine which procedure, or combination of procedures, is ideal in your case. Contact our Bakersfield plastic surgery office to learn more.

Photo by Hello Turkey Toe on Flickr

Facial Procedures Grew Most in 2012, According to American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Plastic surgery showed signs of growth last year, just like other sectors of the economy, such as auto, retail, and home sales. Stats recently released by the ASPS say that Americans had 14.6 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures in 2012, which is 5 percent higher than 2011. This figure includes minimally invasive and surgical procedures.

The above infographic is used courtesy of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Removal of Fat Cells May Affect Appetite in the Long Term

For many people, a tummy tuck can lead to “significant and lasting weight loss,” according to a study in the latest issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®.

According to Dr. Rex Edward Moulton-Barrett, the results may be caused by increased feelings of satiety after the surgery. Certain “neuroendocrine mechanisms” may also play a role in the weight loss after abdominoplasty.

The study involved 20 women who had tummy tuck surgery, a procedure that eliminates excess fat and skin on the abdomen. Through the procedure, each patient had about 5 pounds of tissue removed, on average.

After one year, 14 of the 20 patients showed sustained weight loss, decreasing in weight by an average of 4.5 percent of their original BMI. The other six patients showed some degree of weight loss after tummy tuck surgery, but regained weight later.

Sustained weight loss was more likely for women who had a greater amount of excess tissue removed during the tummy tuck. Out of the 14 patients who showed long-term weight loss, 12 of them had over 4.5 pounds of tissue removed during their tummy tuck.

How Can Cosmetic Surgery Promote Weight Loss?

The key to weight loss after a tummy tuck seems to be increased satiety. Three-fourths of the subjects reported a feeling of fulness after eating or throughout the day.

While many people around the U.S. are candidates for gastric bypass or lap band surgery, others are not morbidly obese and therefore do not meet the criteria for bariatric surgery.

More people are candidates for a tummy tuck because they want to improve the appearance of their abdomen. “Whether or not long-term weight reduction is associated with abdominoplasty has been little investigated and remained controversial,” says the study authors.

While further research would be necessary to understand the effects of tummy tuck on weight loss, the study supports the hypothesis that removal of fat cells can also make someone feel satiated with less food – especially those who were overweight or obese before the surgery.

Read more on plasticsurgery.org

Ladies look their oldest when the clock strikes 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, according to a recent study commissioned by the British tanning company St. Tropez.

The study claims that Wednesday is the day when all the common stressors – insomnia, work, weekend partying – catch up with us.

The findings say….

• 10 percent of women consider Wednesday their most stressful day of the week.
• If you enjoy a few drinks over the weekend, the effects may not show up for 72 hours (i.e. until Wednesday afternoon).
• More than 1 out of 3 women said they rarely get a good night’s sleep on Monday (which would affect them 48 hours later).

After Wednesday, your stress starts to ease as you slide toward the weekend. But when you reach Wednesday, why not proactively de-stress and prevent the tired and aged look?

Ways to Beat that Wednesday Look

Rather than hiding out and waiting for Wednesday to pass, you might try a rejuvenating facial. Schedule a visit with an aesthetician and ask about treatments that soothe and hydrate your skin (and feel good too).

If that’s doesn’t work, you could always take a nap or boost your mood through a good conversation with friends.

Photo by katerha on Flickr

Dr. Anthony Youn recently appeared on Rachel Ray demonstrating the “ouchless needle” for Botox injection. The “ouchless needle” is a product made by BellaNovus, which delivers a stream of cooling vapor to the treatment area prior to injection.

After a quick spray of the coolant, Dr. Youn covers the patient’s eyes and then performs quick injections for crow’s feet. “It was ouch less; I did not feel a thing” she says.

The ouchless needle is another alternative for doctors to provide comfortable Botox injections. More common methods include topical numbing cream, ice, and lidocaine, which is mixed with many of today’s popular dermal fillers. If you’ve never had a cosmetic injection, feel free to ask about the ways we enhance your comfort during treatment at Dr. Shah’s office.