The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery produced this educational video, and is devoted entirely to advancing the field of cosmetic plastic surgery through education and research.  See our breast augmentation page or the ASAPS procedure page for more information on breast augmentation.

Today’s advances in chemical peeling have made the results outstanding. Now, peels can actually tighten the skin as they peel away layers and “brighten” even sun-damaged skin. Yes, you do need to be prepared to undergo some tingling upon application (less discomfort than waxing), outlay some money and be out of action for three days, but the results will be worth it - your skin will never look better!

Everyone will comment that you glow. Your skin will look dewy and soft, because let’s face it people, at age 50 your skin doesn’t look dewy without doing something! So if you’re not ready for surgery this is the best place to start by trying a safe and effective treatment under medical supervision.

To prepare for the peel and get the best results, you should begin using a range of day and night medical grade skin care products. They can stimulate collagen production and cell turnover and put some elasticity back in your skin.

Plan ahead and be ready to hunker down for three days (post-peel) with some wine, old movies, TIVO or DVR some of your favorite shows, catch up on some good books or magazines and have some great food in the fridge – be prepared not to answer the door unless you know who it is. By day five, you should be wearing makeup again and be resuming your normal activities.

Here are some of the best peels on the market, that we provide at Boston Plastic Surgery.

• Glycolic acid peel
• MicroPeel® Plus
• Booster peels
• Lactic acid peels
  

See our anti-aging peels page or contact us for more information.

Those interested in cosmetic and facial plastic surgery should first go through a sort of ‘lifestyle makeover,’ modifying their habits until they have reached a satisfactory state of health.  At Boston Plastic Surgery, we want our patients to have the best surgical experience possible, so we ask them to focus on being healthy first.  The ideal patient refrains from smoking or using illegal drugs, has a stable weight, and realistic expectations about cosmetic surgery.

For more specific information on health and surgery outcomes, contact us for a consultation.

Keeping an open mind to new networking possibilities while focusing on the core responsibilities of your profession can be quite a juggling act. The overwhelming stream of information so characteristic of our age has led some people to shun networking tools that have become trendy, with Twitter perhaps being the most obvious example. For what professional purpose would a physician send out 140 character tweets? Well, there are a few reasons:

The value of social media for our surgical practice (this blog for example) is found in education, and in opening the channels for further correspondence. We want to let the community know what we’re doing and how we might be of service.

Dr. Christian Sinclair, who maintains a blog about palliative care, tells the NYTimes, “I can help to inform the public, I can put the knowledge I have out there. And if there are patients or families who need this knowledge, I can help them because of this network.”

Last month, we wrote a story about surgery consultations being done through video chat services and email correspondence, which was a perfect example of how surgeons and other physicians can use internet tools to connect with patients. When you’re seeking a physician with the right amount of expertise, getting out the yellow pages just won’t cut it anymore; it’s more convenient, and probably wiser, to get to know the doctor’s areas of expertise and surgical portfolio before scheduling a consultation, which in some cases may require traveling.

When it comes to the medical profession, the point is to provide a service, and for surgeons that service is actualized in the operating room. But that doesn’t mean surgeons shouldn’t augment the service they provide by using all the latest networking and communication tools this generation is so fortunate to have.

As the warmer weather is upon us and we wear less clothing, it’s time to reveal the skin that has been hidden under our clothes all winter and spring.  Is that a frightening thought? Don’t despair: we’re with you on this - you don’t need stretch marks to ruin your summer. 

Here are some simple solutions to get your skin in warm weather shape, so you too can be comfortable enough to enjoy all the warm weather activities.

Laser Resurfacing has become more precise in recent years and can reduce the appearance of stretch marks after a series of treatments.  The laser zaps the top layer of skin and stimulates collagen production deep within the skin’s layers. This helps remove uneven skin tone, scars and other skin problems on the skin’s surface and restores your skin to a much healthier state.

Fractional Non-ablative Laser Most doctors agree that once stretch marks are white, a fractional non-ablative laser is a very effective treatment. It feels like rubber band snaps on the skin, your doctor will either recommend prescription-strength ibuprofen, acetaminophen and/or topical anesthetic. Most patients will need 4 or 5 treatments, every six to eight weeks. You can expect to improve the texture of stretch marks by nearly 50% after completing a series of treatments. 

Microdermabrasion Treatments are another effective method for treating stretch marks. This procedure buffs away the top layer of skin and also stimulates collagen production. Most patients need between 3-6 treatments to see a noticeable difference, but it is still cost effective and the results are pretty stellar.

Prescription Retinoids are the only topical products that have been demonstrated to be effective for treating and improving stretch marks in the early stages. For red stretch marks, a retinoid cream applied daily for six months has been shown to improve the appearance by about 14%. For white stretch marks, color will not be restored but a prescription strength retinoic cream can help even out texture. As always, talk directly to your doctor about the benefits, the method of use and any risks. For example, you shouldn’t be using retinoids while either pregnant or breastfeeding. 

Other non-invasive skin treatments, such as chemical peels and/or prescription topicals used in combination with microdermabrasion treatments, can help improve the texture and tone of your skin. Consult with us further about skin care so you can get that body ready for this summer’s season.

If your skin is in need of rejuvenation, a few microdermabrasion treatments each year can make a big difference.  Microdermabrasion removes the top layer of skin to reveal a fresh, healthy layer underneath. It also stimulates collagen production, which improves skin elasticity.  It’s an easy procedure, and it can reduce the appearance fine lines, wrinkles and even some forms of skin damage.  If you use skin care products (we recommend medical grade), it can increase penetration, so your daily skin care regimen is more effective.  For many patients, this combination of at-home skin care and microdermabrasion is all it takes to achieve smoother more silky looking skin. 

If you exhibit age spots, zap them away with a laser or Chemical Peel. Rejuvenate your skin while reducing or removing age spots. 

Therapeutic Facials are another great way to remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, and they feel great! If you don’t need an intensive treatment but want to freshen up your look, a facial may be the right treatment choice.

Sunscreen is important any time of year, but especially during these hot summer months. Choosing the right sunscreen for your face - one that addresses your skin type and skin conditions - is not always easy.  Use a sunscreen every day. For days spent mostly indoors, use a foundation with an SPF15 or higher. For outdoors you want at least an SPF45 that is waterproof or water-resistant. The right sunscreen can prevent sun damage, skin problems, and even skin cancer.  Harmful UV rays can damage skin cells deep within the skin’s surface, making your cells vulnerable to toxins (free-radicals) in the environment. We can help you select the right sunscreen for your skin.

Self conscious about unwanted facial or body hair? Laser hair removal can erase excess hair to keep your skin looking smooth and buff, reducing the need for shaving and waxing. 

Let us help you maintain the health of your skin. Come visit us at Boston Plastic Surgery to find out which treatment will work best for your skin type; then look forward to looking hot all summer long!

What optometrists labeled a ‘complication’ or side effect of using prostaglandins was “hypertrichosis,” a condition characterized by darkening, thickening, and lengthening of the eyelashes.   

 Allergan offered the topical prostaglandin Lumigan in 2001, a drug that contained the active ingredient bimatoprost. Two important precursors to Latisse occurred after the FDA gave clearance for Lumigan.

• Jan Marini Skin Research Inc had over $2 million worth of product seized by the Food and Drug Administration.  The product, Age Intervention Eyelash, evidently contained bimatoprost, which was unapproved for cosmetic use at the time. Allergan later filed a patent infringement suit against Jan Marini and several other companies that had tried to market bimatoprost in their eyelash enhancing drugs.
• Some doctors started prescribing Lumigan off-label to enhance eyelashes.  Knowing the desirable side effects it could produce. But Lumigan wasn’t formulated for cosmetic use and many believed more research was needed to confirm the safety of topical prostaglandins for cosmetic use.  

Clinical trials and further research is exactly what Alllergan Inc did.  278 healthy adults with minimal to moderate eyelash prominence applied bimatoprost or a placebo to their lash line.  The results were favorable; researchers observed that the average patient’s eyelashes were 25 percent longer, 106 percent fuller, and 18 percent darker, while only 3.6 percent experienced itchy eyes and redness, and only 2.9 percent experienced skin hyperpigmentation.  

Latisse received FDA approval late last year for the treatment of ‘inadequate’ eyelashes.  Allergan now owns the patent on use of bimatoprost for eyelash enhancement.

For more information on Latisse in Boston, Massachusetts, contact us.

The SkinMedica product line is designed to supplement the skin’s healing abilities. To counteract the loss of skin elasticity that comes with age, SkinMedica products contain restorative ingredients like vitamins C and E, retinol and NouriCel-MD®.  SkinMedica products also contain a patented blend of ‘growth factors’ like soluble collagen, antioxidants, and matrix proteins. 

Environ skin care products use intensive vitamin therapy to nourish and protect your skin.  These exclusive products are made from high quality ingredients that are free from fragrance, preservatives, colorants, and animal extracts.  Daily treatments with Environ products really can reduce the signs of aging.  

Contact us at Boston Plastic Surgery for more information on these exciting skin care products!

According to news sources in the UK, Ms. Halep complained that her large (34 DD) breasts have slowed her reaction time on the court and caused discomfort. “It’s the weight that troubles me – my ability to react quickly”, she told The Sun.

In 2008, Halep won the junior French Open. She is now ranked 317th in the world.

Women pursue breast reduction surgery for a several reasons, increased mobility being just one of them. One breast reduction patient stated, “Before I didn’t want to run anywhere. Even across the street if something happened I would not run. It was painful and embarrassing” (Klassen 2009).

Beside issues with physical activity, many women hope to alleviate irritation around their bra strap and underneath the breast, pain in the back and neck, and discomfort during sleeping.

The procedure can be described as a ‘normalizing’ experience for women. Once the surgery is complete, patients often say they are less self-conscious, they fit into more ‘regular’ sized clothes, and that they typify what is perceived as ‘the norm’ of the female body.

While a full summary of the results can be accessed (via MS Word document) here; some of the noteworthy findings are as follows:

 - Most respondents described themselves as healthy individuals. 95 percent said they incorporated exercise into their lives, and 78 percent cited healthy eating habits.
 - Nearly 70 percent of the respondents who had been treated with Botox also opted for dermal filler treatment.
 - Within the respondents, the most common patients were married, working mothers between the ages 41-55 with a household income of under $100,000.
 - 66 percent of the respondents said they received Botox treatment 2-3 times per year.
 - 72 percent of the respondents chose Botox to treat glabellar lines – the vertical lines that appear between your eyebrows.
 - 63 percent of the respondents chose dermal fillers to treat facial wrinkles and folds, mostly the nasolabial folds or ‘smile lines’ that travel from the nose to each side of the mouth.
 - 87 percent reported that they discussed their treatments with others, and 70 percent said they received support from the people they told.

The piece raises some interesting ethical questions: While the procedures could certainly be beneficial to individual nurses in the short term, would such a practice harm the nursing profession as a whole?  

According to reporter Dan Bilefsky, nurses in the region “insist they are under enormous pressure to look good in a society where attractiveness is often as highly prized as clinical skills.”  Critics argue that the incentives could promote an idealized body image for nurses, in a profession already suffering from misconceptions about technical competence.  A spokeswoman from the Czech nurses association suggests that nurses are still perceived as “low level workers” with little to offer besides manual labor.  Nurses after all, aren’t intended to be models, but caregivers that provide an enormous benefit to the medical profession and the public they serve.  A misplaced emphasis on their physical appearance could undermine public perceptions of their competence and value.

Still, others may not see any problem with offering incentives through procedures like breast augmentation or rhinoplasty; perhaps they’re analogous to employee discounts at a retailer, vacation packages, or other career perks.  

The supposed ethical problems brought by these surgical incentive programs probably aren’t a product of the programs alone, but rather an objection to the sexism and discrimination that underlie them.

3 concerns women often express about their skin include:

 - Wrinkles

 - Age Spots

 - Sagging Skin

All of these conditions indicate premature aging due to sun damage. If you don’t address sun-damaged skin quickly it may lead to undesirable skin conditions later in life – conditions like uneven skin tone, sun spots and severe wrinkles.

Fortunately, we now have decades of research available on cell rejuvenation, skin health and the ways in which certain ingredients aid this process. It is a proven fact that products containing the three key antioxidant vitamins - A (Retin, Retinyl, Retinoic Acid or Retinol); C (Ascorbic Acid); and E (Tocopherol), as well as the nutrient Niacin, accelerate cell turnover.

Vitamin A is beneficial in multiple ways; the most important benefit is probably the stimulation of collagen growth.  Vitamin C and E are super-charged rejuvenators, and the nutrient Niacin acts as a sort of damage control.  Together these components naturally rejuvenate by ‘turning on’ the cells that make collagen and elastin. When combined in a product, they can effectively treat signs of premature aging.

The TODAY SHOW recently featured the NIA24™ product line, which contains several of these potent ingredients. 

 One of the most important factors in skin health is retaining moisture and replenishing the water in our skin. NIA24™ deeply hydrates skin while also protecting against the environment.  It also reverses pre-existing skin damage by aiding body’s natural repair mechanisms.  The ‘power ingredient’ in NIA24™ is NIACIN.

Niacin prevents melanin production from reaching the skin to reduce unwanted pigmentation.  Once you start using NIA24™ new sun spots will stop appearing the next important step in the process will being  - gentle exfoliation. You will shed off those brown spots and sun damaged areas revealing healthy, clear skin underneath. 

For more information on NIA 24 and other skin care products at Boston Plastic Surgery, see our homepage here.

These type of services are becoming more popular as more internet-savvy patients choose to research surgery procedures online.  CNN reports that some surgeons have gone as far as implementing a “virtual consultation” using live chat services like Skype or iChat.  These platforms are known for being user-friendly.  One East coast surgeon claims that roughly 15 percent of his patients opt for the virtual consult.

Surgeons in foreign countries have also capitalized on new technology, which has allowed them to reach a wider clientele.  For patients, it’s a great way to gather information or determine if they are comfortable with a surgeon.   Michael Boeckle, who helps schedule surgery “vacation packages” for patients, says “patients usually do not pick their doctor by price, but by how comfortable they feel with the information they have received.”

If you decide to contact us, we can ensure your privacy. We’ll also do our best to address your questions in a timely manner.

Rather than rebranding the drug ‘Reloxin’ as planned, Medicis decided to retain its original European name, Dysport

The April 30th announcement coincided with a 3 percent drop in Allergan’s (maker of Botox) shares, and a 14 percent increase of Medicis shares.  Analysts and industry professionals expect Dysport to carry a slightly lower price tag, and possibly capture as much as 30 percent of the botulinum toxin market.

Botox and Dysport both perform the same basic function - neuromuscular blocking to relax and prevent wrinkles. Dysport however, is said to be more diluted than Botox and thus more cost effective for providers.  The recent FDA approval of Dysport also came with a unique warning label describing the risks associated with the botulinum toxin.

For more information on wrinkle treatments in Boston, see our homepage.

Latisse is FDA approved for the treatment of hypotrichosis, i.e. inadequate eyelashes.  It is available by prescription only.  If you are interested or would like more information, contact our Boston plastic surgery office. 

Many doctors use Botox to treat headaches, and their basic procedures are hardly different than those of wrinkle treatment.  It isn’t entirely clear how the Botulinum toxin provides relief; it may work to inhibit certain pain-transmitting nerves.  But evidently, many people suffer from fewer headaches after being treated with Botox.

As reported in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, researchers from Allergan Inc. conducted surveys about sweating, revealing that almost 3 percent of the U.S. population (7.8 million people) believe their sweating to be excessive.  At the time of the survey (in 2004), less than half of the respondents had sought medical help for the problem.  Botox blocks the localized release of a specific chemical that stimulates sweating, and so the FDA approved it for this use years ago.

Last March, the New York Times published a story on the off-label use of Botox to help those who have suffered a stroke and have trouble relaxing certain muscles.  According to the experts, “only about 5 percent of the stroke patients who could benefit from its use ever get it.”

Patients with even more obscure conditions have found success using Botox. In Feb 2008, USA Today reported that radio personality Diane Rehm (of National Public Radio) had received routine off-label treatments of Botox for a vocal disorder called spasmodic dysphonia.

Aside from these therapies, surgeons and dermatologists are finding even more cosmetic uses for Botox. Dr. Lawrence Reed recently told an ABC news affiliate that “we’re at the tip of the iceberg where Botox is going to be used.”  Reed has apparently been pioneering some interesting new cosmetic applications.

For acne, Dr. Reed injects Botox just below the skin:  “It decreases the muscle pump and blocks the production of oils, so we use it for acne,” he claims.  Other patients of Dr. Reed found success using Botox to relax certain muscles and actually make their eyes appear larger, and to supplement laser skin resurfacing.

If you’re considering Botox for any off-label use, make sure you choose a qualified physician.  Despite the optimism surrounding Botox as a ‘wonder drug’, there have been complications and side effects associated with off-label use and inexperienced providers.  For more information on Botox in Boston, Massachusetts, see our homepage or contact us.

This video is a recent episode of ‘The Doctors’ which features Dermatologist Jessica Wu showcasing Allergan’s new eyelash enhancement drug, Latisse.

Dr. Wu claims (or rather boasts) that Latisse can give you “crazy long spidery lashes” in just 4 months. You apply Latisse to the base of upper eyelashes once each night, “just like liquid eyeliner.”  According to The Doctors, the results should yield lashes that are 25 percent longer and 100 percent thicker!

See the video for a before & after photo; it is quite impressive. If you are interested in learning more about Latisse in Boston, call 617-786-7600 or email our office.

Finlo Rohrer of BBC news speculates that media - especially the tabloid scrutinization of celebrities - has popularized the concept of ‘man boobs.’ Tony Blair and UK conservative party leader, David Cameron, were pictured shirtless during the summer of 2006, which led several media outlets to “comment on their moobs.”

The weblog www.manboobs.uk, which according to one reader, has “plumbed the depths of poor taste,” pokes fun at the concept, but further popularizes it.  American television sitcoms like Seinfeld and Friends have done the same.  According to Rorher, this popularity could lead to “more men making their way through the surgeon’s doors.”

So what is the deal with male breasts?  Here are a few things you might not know:

• Gynecomastia that forms breast tissue in males, is a relatively common condition that is often mistaken for simple excess fat. It can affect newborns, pubescent boys, and adults.  While it isn’t serious (unless it is a sign of something else), it can be painful and embarrasing.

• While obesity can cause a condition of excess breast tissue, real gynecomastia is caused by a hormone imbalance.  In either case, surgery can alleviate the symptoms.

• Medications, or illegal drugs like marijuana and anabolic steroids can cause gynecomastia. Particular drugs that are used during treatment for prostate cancer are to blame.

• Gynecomastia can also be caused by genetic conditions like Klinefelter’s Syndrome.

• Surgery isn’t the only option: in cases of pubertal gynecomastia, the condition will often disappear over time or when puberty is over.  Other cases have shown improvement without any interventions; one case published in the June 2008 issue of Endocrine Practices documented a rare case of bilateral gynecomastia in a 60 year old man. The patient’s examination results were normal, but he reported a daily intake of 3 qts soy milk.  Once the patient ceased his intake of soy milk, his condition improved and his hormone imbalance was resolved.

For many patients, surgery is the right choice.  It can restore the proper masculine appearance that people expect. If you are interested in learning more about male breast reduction, contact us for a consultation.

Allergan recently announced the ‘Latisse Wishes” campaign at a star-studded Hollywood charity event, featuring celebrities like Brooke Shields, Marisa Tomei and Mandy Moore. The campaign pledged support for Make-A-Wish, the non-profit organization that aims to grant wishes for suffering children.

Latisse is Allergan’s latest offering and the first drug to be approved by the FDA for the treatment of hypotrichosis, a condition characterized by inadequate eyelashes. The Latisse Wishes campaign was launched by Allergan with a $500,000 initial contribution to Make-A-Wish.

Hollywood beauty expert and participant Anastasia Soare enthusiastically expressed her support, saying “I constantly work to help make women’s beauty wishes come true, and now we can help children’s wishes come true through the LATISSE™ Wishes campaign.”

It’s no coincidence that the Make-A-Wish foundation was chosen as a beneficiary for Allergan’s campaign; the superstitious “blowing on an eyelash to make a wish come true” provides a clever marketing strategy, backed by philanthropy.

The campaign is encouraging consumers to help double the donation amount by visiting www.Latisse.com and registering their support. From now until the end of the year, Allergan will donate 5 dollars for each new registration, up to one million dollars.

Latisse is now available at our office in Boston; give us a call for more information.

Spokespersons from Medicis Pharmaceutical say they expect to receive FDA clearance for Reloxin later this year. When this occurs, it could bring the first real Botox competitor to the U.S. market - a market which helped Allergan Inc. net about 1.3 billion in revenue last year.

One Los Angeles dermatologist spoke to Bloomberg news about the study, saying “the side effects are the same as Botox” and “many of our patients liked it even better.”

Reloxin, like Botox, is composed of a particular botulinum toxin that has been proven to relax the muscles that cause wrinkles in the face.

While Reloxin has been sold outside the US for over 15 years under the name Dysport, Botox has still managed to claim over 80 percent of the worldwide market for the neurotoxin.  One analyst speculates that “Reloxin may be priced 15 percent lower than Botox” which could allow it to take a significant share of the market.

The reports reveal that 355,671 breast augmentation surgeries were performed in 2008, compared to 341,144 liposuction procedures.

In a recent press release, ASPS President Alan Gold, MD comments that “for the first time in the twelve years these statistics have been collected, liposuction is a runner up in popularity to breast augmentation. There is no doubt that this turnabout will generate discussions in the medical community and the public at large.”

Dr. Gold theorizes that “changes in fashion, i.e. décolletage baring styles, might be a factor behind this change.”

Of the 10.2 million cosmetic procedures undergone in America in 2008, 92 percent were had by women.

The top five surgical procedures in 2008 are as follows:

1. Breast Augmentation
2. Liposuction
3. Eyelid Surgery
4. Rhinoplasty
5. Abdominoplasty

The top five non-surgical procedures in 2008 include:

1. Botox
2. Laser Hair Removal
3. Hyaluronic acid wrinkle fillers (Juvederm, Restylane)
4. Chemical Peel
5. Laser Skin Resurfacing

Complaints about skin blotches are common and you will be happy to know that we carry a viable solution - the entire Obagi® therapeutic skin care line.  Most people have heard of Obagi® but not everyone is aware that it is the #1 Skin Care sold line exclusively to physicians.

Obagi® is known for its corrective and effective Nu Derm® System, also known as Corrective and Enhance®, which smoothes fine lines and fades brown spots and other skin imperfections in just a few months.

Most people have relatively different skin characteristics that change throughout the aging process.  Dark spots, uneven tone and even a ‘mask’ over the nose and cheek area may appear after pregnancy or use of birth control.  Obagi’s, Clear™, uses prescription strength Hydroquinone to correct discoloration and equalize skin tones to enhance color uniformity.  Its active ingredient has ‘fading properties,’ which proactively correct the early signs of damage by regulating the production of cells responsible for pigment in your skin.

There is a reason why Obagi® is #1 with physicians - It actually works!  Many popular skin care product lines don’t deliver results, especially o.t.c. products.  Prescription products are carefully formulated to achieve visibly dramatic results. Obagi® is a medical grade skin care program so you will need to speak with Dr. Samaha before purchasing.

If you’re interested in lightening those dark spots on your face, chest and hands or are interested in other Obagi® products give us a call at (617) 786-7600 or request a free consultation here. You will look better and then feel so much better about your one and only face.

Even if you have a friend with persistent pigmentation problems, put them in touch with us. We now know if this type of pigmentation problem goes untreated, and if you continue to over expose your skin to the sun, darkening can occur to the point where even make up won’t cover it up.

If you have saline implants, you’re not in any danger, although it will certainly look and feel strange. If you have silicone implants, the only way to know if there is damage is by MRI.

Your breast implants may be under warranty, which helps with the cost of replacement.

Breast implant failure can be caused by a variety of problems. In some cases, the problem occurs when the implants are filled above or below the manufacturer’s recommended fill range. Other times, texturing of a saline implant can result in excessive wrinkling and premature wear, causing the implant to fail.

Sometimes the implant itself may have a defect in its valve or seam. Isolated sutures placed inside the pocket for implant positioning may also inadvertently wear and breach implant integrity over time.  Even regular wear and tear can cause breast implant deflation, and your lifestyle can also play a role in how long your breast implants will last.

A deflated implant can be safely and successfully removed and replaced surgically in a procedure similar to the original breast augmentation surgery. Typically your same breast augmentation incision is used to approach the deflated implant.

Recovery from breast implant repair surgery is usually easier than the original surgery, since the pectoralis muscle has already been stretched.

When it is applied to the base of the lashes, Latisse keeps hairs in their growth phase, producing longer,thicker and darker lashes. The effects are not permanent;the patient must keep using Latisse to maintain the look and eyelashes return to normal after discontinued use.

Latisse was developed almost by accident. Like many new drugs in recent years, positive side effects noticed during clinical trials prompted further research. In this case, a drug called Lumigan was being developed for glaucoma patients and during its third phase of trials, researchers noticed an interesting effect - significantly longer, fuller eyelashes. The active ingredient (bimatoprost) was reduced, and now Latisse is available for consumer use.

Call us at Boston Plastic Surgery for more details about Latisse!

Fraxel laser manufactuerer, Reliant Technologies was purchased last year in a cash and stock deal worth 87.5 million.

The new stock ticker symbol will be recognized as “SLTM” on the Nasdaq.

In a press release, President and Chief Executive Stephen J. Fanning announced, “the name and ticker symbol changes are a great start to the New Year and a key milestone in the integration of the acquisition of Reliant Technologies Inc.”

The brand new design of both websites (Fraxel and Thermage) offer more color, more user-friendly features which is a noticeable departure from their previous, more ‘clinical’ designs.

About 10,000 medical and cosmetic surgery practices have received the product, an achievement that defines Radiesse as one of the leading dermal fillers on the international market.  The only comparable products that have reached such a pinnacle are fillers composed of collagen or hyaluronic acid, which have both been on the market longer.

Radiesse has been available for cosmetic use in Europe since 2002, but in 2006 the United States FDA expanded its approved use to include  facial cosmetic applications, as well as reconstructive and therapeutic uses.

At Boston Plastic Surgery, Dr. Samaha uses Radiesse for deep wrinkles, smile lines, non-surgical nose reshaping, and to fill scars.

While no personal information has been released about the patient, news reports state that the operation was the “most complex face transplant in the world.”  Nearly all the structural and functional facial components were replaced.  Surgeons precisely integrated facial structures like the nose and lower eyelids, while restoring different tissues like veins and nerves.

The revolutionary process was largely made possible by the team leader, Maria Siemionow, who has spent a great part of her career on research and development for such procedures.  Siemmionow was able to lead a group of professionals from a variety of disciplines, including bioethics, dentistry, anesthesia, transplant and others.

In a related Wall Street Journal article, Siemionow stated,”patients with facial disfigurement have very difficult challenges in society. We hope that one day we may be able to help the tens of thousands of patients who are quietly suffering.”

To boost their image, Mentor intends to not only supply breast implants, which is currently about 90% of its revenue, but also plans to launch a new set of products called PurTox – a neurotoxin that will fight facial wrinkles.

Mentor already competes with Allergan in the breast implant industry and now with the estimated FDA approval for PurTox to begin in mid to late 2010, Allergan’s Botox will no longer be the only wrinkle paralyzer on the block.

CNN News aired a segment this week on the controversial new breast augmentation method that is gaining ground in Japan and worldwide; stem cell assisted lipotransfer uses a patient’s own fat and cells to successfuly perform breast augmentation.

Dr. Kotaro Yoshimura of Tokyo, appears in support of his method, as well as cancer survivor that was one of his patients. She says “I hope women are able to choose this type of surgery.” According to the news program, clinical trials are underway in America.

Products like Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse and others that continue to flood the market will be a focus.  Over the last six years, the FDA has received roughly 900 reports about complications related to injectable wrinkle-fillers.  Is this a reason to be concerned?

It might sound alarming, but the complications and side effects associated with fillers are still extremely rare.  Demand for wrinkle reducers like Botox and fillers like Juvederm has exploded in recent years, leading many improperly trained persons to administer them in non-medical settings.

The majority of industry professionals will attribute most of the reported complications to situations like these.  There are also well known, labeled problems that can occur on an infrequent basis, like minor swelling or allergic reactions, with the latter being a subject of greater FDA interest.

According to a recent MSNBC news article, Allergan spokeswoman Caroline Van Hove said “no serious problems were seen in clinical trials of Juvederm, and the most common complaint since its approval was swelling in 0.4 percent of patients.”  Also, Food and Drug Administration officials noted that the “reports had several limitations such as failing to say when the problems started.”

Safety and proper training is of the utmost importance with almost any cosmetic procedure, so we recommend that all patients seek a knowledgeable plastic surgeon with the right qualifications.

For more information on the FDA panel discussion, the briefing is located here.

The topic Dr. Samaha will discuss is titled The Evolution of Body Contouring and it is scheduled to begin at 7:50 p.m.

Medical professionals, social workers and other interested persons are expected to attend.  After attending the seminar, participants will possess better understanding of a variety of topics including: risk status of obese patients, the impact of weight loss on the metabolism, surgical treatment of obesity, exercise, lifestyle importance and much more.

Registration is at 6 p.m. at the Marriott Hotel in Quincy, Massachusetts. For more information call 617-472-1000.

A Florida plastic surgeon recently described the status of modern breast cancer treatments and the efforts of the medical community to minimize its adverse effects through reconstruction and prevention.

Dr. Richard Bosshardt writes that society’s recognition of the breast is an ancient phenomenon since historically, many people have viewed them as symbolic of “femininity and desirability.” In light of this observation, it isn’t difficult to understand why the possibility of breast removal or disfigurement can be so frightening.

Many women know to focus on prevention and are aware of the breast cancer statistics, but aren’t informed about positive developments on the horizon. New information shared by Dr. Bosshardt in the Orlando Sentinel suggests that ‘genetic markers’ have become excellent risk indicators, narrowing the search for a definite cause. Breast implants, bras and high-fat diets have not been shown to increase the risk of cancer.

And finally, doctors have begun practicing “breast conservation” rather than outright breast removal. Reconstruction has become more sophisticated than ever and patients often look better as an end result.

Art Caplan is the Director for the center of Bioethics at the University of Pennsylvania. Last summer, Caplan delivered a lecture at the Chautauqua Institution about living longer and enhancing our bodies through the use of advanced medical technology.

Caplan argues against people he calls “new puritans” who present moral objections against the medical technology which enables us to live longer and look better. In reference to cosmetic enhancement, he remarks, “not everybody is reading these scientific advancements with joy.” One person in his audience had spoken of a family member having a face lift, and a younger woman responded with criticism saying, “that’s terrible. It’s unbelievable that you would do that, you should simply accept the changes [of aging] as they come - it’s basically unethical.”

That is the “puritanical” attitude Caplan rejects. Various arguments come from the right wing and the left, with objections to medical technology that are just not convincing, as he would argue.

His argument in favor of embryonic stem cell research is this: we’ve already doubled our lifespan since ancient times. There is no “natural order of things” when it comes to how long we should exist or how good we should look during that time. Stem cell technology need not come from new sources, but embryos that we already use for other purposes.

What we use to repair disease, we can also use to enhance ourselves. There might be whole body rejuvenation, including the mind, with the help of this technology. Skin, organs, hair and everything in between could be enhanced with regenerative cells. Similar things have successfully been done to small organisms. If we fund it now and conquer these frivolous (and perhaps not so frivolous) arguments now, real anti-aging can become a reality.

If you are interested in hearing more about Caplan’s take on anti-aging or you’ve pondered the moral implications of cosmetic surgical enhancement, you should listen to the lecture at Minnesota Public Radio.

A Florida resident recently made news headlines for her “misplaced heart” and unconventional medical use of breast implants.  Fox News reported that a woman named April Pinkard actually had breast implants to correct a rare heart condition.

When she was only four years old, Pinkard had a lung removed due to disease present at birth.  30 years later, Dr. Mohammed Choudhury discovered something very strange during a physical examination of Ms. Pinkard.  Her heartbeat was virtually absent.

She recalls that day, saying “he listened [for] my heartbeat one day and it just wasn’t there.” Closer medical exams led doctors to conclude that her heart had shifted or “floated” out of its proper position.  An operation was immediately necessary.

At the Jacksonville Mayo Clinic, surgeons found that the heart had moved considerably.  The immediate solution was to fill her chest cavity with water, then float the heart back into its natural position.  But something had to be done to prevent the condition from re-occurring. To fill the void left by her lung and immobilize the heart, doctors placed implants in her chest.  She told one reporter, “you can hear it move.  If I push on my chest you can feel the squishes.”

Ms. Pinkard still faces health related problems, most notably, the possibility of a lung transplant in the near future.  But she is a strong-willed lady and apparently has some talented, innovative medical professionals on her side.

The theory behind introducing stem cells to the procedure predicts that the regenerative properties of the cells will help prevent the body’s rejection of transplanted tissue.  A stem cell-fortified fat product should promote the formation of new blood vessels, bonding the reintroduced tissue to its surroundings.  The results would be nothing short of a natural implant.

New York plastic surgeon Dr. Sydney Coleman was published in the medical journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery for his innovative breast augmentation technique, which employs a controversial fat grafting/transplant method.

Fat is taken from other areas of the body (just as it is commonly done during liposuction) and added to the breast.  The technique hasn’t caught on due to certain risks, such as death of, and calcification of the grafted fat and/or mammogram interference.

Surgeons in Europe and Japan have experimented with techniques and reported success. However, FDA approval of any stem cell product would be required for use in the United States and more research on the long term effects of fat grafting is necessary.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic surgery is recruiting patients for a study.  More information on the study is available at ClinicalTrials.gov

“Nicotine causes the tiny blood vessels in the skin to clamp down or constrict, which reduces blood supply to the skin,” said Dr. Darshan Shah, a plastic surgeon in Bakersfield, California. The lack of blood supply can cause poor healing, infection, bruising and scarring.

If you are interested in cosmetic surgery, Dr. Samaha is a qualified plastic surgeon in Boston. During your consultation, he will discuss your medical history. If you are a smoker, check out this government website that provides tips on how to quit smoking.

According to Dr. Alan Gold, president of American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, “This study further demonstrates that the connection between the aesthetic results of plastic surgery and the emotional, social and physical quality of life of our patients cannot be underestimated.”

If you are looking for the best plastic surgeon in Boston to perform your breast reduction surgery, Dr. Samaha is experienced at providing results that please his patients.

Like many breast surgeons, Dr. Fouad Samaha does a lot of breast implants in Boston, and relies on both Allergan and Mentor breast implants. Allergan’s products compete directly with Mentor Corporation’s line of breast implants.

Dallas cosmetic surgeon Dr. Robert True describes how tumescent fluid, normally used for liposuction procedures, is used to provide the anesthetic for this innovative new breast implant technique.

CBS 11 News in Dallas followed the patient through her surgery for the report, saying that she felt a “little pinch” and watching through her entire surgery.

Because anesthesia is not required for this procedure, it may cost less than traditional breast implant surgery, but may not be right for everyone.

Silicone implants of any kind cannot be placed through the TUBA (transumbilical) method because of the way they are constructed. They can be placed through incisions in the armpit, underneath the breast, or through the areola, although the areola method is more difficult if the size of the areola is small.

Patients with silicone breast implants love them for the way they feel and have reacted quite favorably to their natural appearance. Silicone breast implants are completely safe and are FDA approved.

This technique, pioneered in Japan, causes the stem cells to enable the fat located in the breast tissue to grow their own blood supply and become a part of the breast.

Stem cells have the potential to change into any cells in the body, and are found most often in the fat cells. According to this Fox News report, doctors in the UK find the technique “appealing” and are enthusiastic about further testing and clinical trials.

The stem cell procedure may also be used for breast reconstruction following mastectomy. The treatment relies on a scientific process developed by the California company Cytori - which has mechanized the process for extracting and concentrating stem cells from adipose tissue.

In this video, Boston Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Fouad Samaha discusses a frequently asked question asked of him by his patients. Do silicone breast implants cause cancer? This instructional video is for the benefit of those patients who are considering breast augmentation in the Boston Massachusetts area.

In this video, Dr. Samaha discusses breast augmentation and the affects it can have on breast feeding. Dr. Samaha specializes in breast augmentation in the Boston Massachusetts area. Dr. Samaha would be happy to discuss the benefits and limitations to breast augmentation with you. To schedule your consultation contact Boston Plastic Surgery today at (617) 786-7600.

In this video, Dr. Samaha discusses what the differences are between silicone gel and saline filled breast implants. He also discusses how each type will affect a woman’s breast augmentation outcome.

In this video, Dr. Samaha discusses the question of how weight gain affects breast augmentation.

Let us help you find that perfect gift - a Skin & Wellness Center gift certificate. Imagine just how special your loved ones will feel after receiving a customized facial or a relaxing therapeutic massage from one of our highly trained medical estheticians.

Our gift certificates can be purchased for any amount and used towards a specific service or any of our skin care products or mineral make-up.

Stop by our office today, to purchase your gift certificates in time for Valentine’s Day. If you are unable to stop by, feel free to call us at the office, (617) 786-7600 and we can process your payment over the phone and mail the certificates to you. And, to show you our appreciation, when you purchase a gift certificate between today and February 14, 2008, we will give you a Valentine from all of us, good for $15 off your next product purchase or service.

Sincerely,
–Debbie, Kathy, Laura, Linda, Martha, Maureen, Tracey, & Dr. Samaha

2300 Crown Colony Drive, Suite 101

We are looking forward to welcoming you to our new Surgical Suite and Skin Wellness Center! We will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the services we provide and would love to give you a tour of our new space.

Please don’t hesitate to call our office at (617) 786-7600 and schedule a time that is more convenient for you.

Dr. Fouad J. Samaha, is a board certified plastic surgeon with over 15 years experience in breast augmentation, liposuction, and other body-contouring procedures. He and his talented, caring staff are well-known for the personal bond they create with their patients, delivering a level of service that has earned them outstanding patient loyalty and a practice almost solely dependent on referrals.