As reported by the New York Times, medical practices in Prague are offering free surgical enhancements to nurses as an employment incentive.  One nurse opted for breast augmentation and liposuction, free of charge.  

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.

At Boston Plastic Surgery, we always put forth our best effort to educate and comfort patients during consultations.  One way that can be achieved is through email correspondence.  Prior to a consultation in person, you can contact us with questions and concerns you may have.

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.

The new Botox competitor from Medicis Pharmaceutical has received FDA approval for treating wrinkles and dystonia.  Plastic surgeons and dermatologists may have the drug available for cosmetic use in just 30 – 60 days.

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.

The April 2009 issue of People magazine featured 312 easy style updates, and one just happened to be Allergan’s new eyelash enhancement drug, Latisse.

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.