Did you know that healthy patients  – with a stable weight, who don’t smoke – are far more likely to have successful surgery outcomes?  Patients with unhealthy lifestyles face greater risks and complications when they undergo surgery, so in most cases it is wiser for the surgeon to simply decline the procedure.

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.

Since we’re writers of a blog that pertains to specific Boston Plastic Surgery practice, we are certainly poised to take part in the discussion started by Dr. Pauline Chen in the New York Times. She writes, “I blog, I tweet and I use Facebook,” saying they are “enormously useful” tools for her work. Blogger Tara Parker-Pope responds by asking, “Do you think more doctors should be using social media?”

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.

If your body weight has fluctuated significantly, you might notice stretch marks around your thighs, hips, stomach, or breasts.  These may be permanent, but thanks to medical advances there are treatment options available to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.  

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.

Summer in Massachusetts is lovely.  It’s when we hit the beach, take the kids to the pool, barbeque with our friends, and enjoy the warm weather. Meanwhile, protecting your skin from the sun and choosing the right treatments can prevent premature aging and keep you healthy and looking your best. If you’re heading out for some fun in the sun this summer, here are some skin management tips and rejuvenation methods that can keep you looking hot while you’re out in the hot sun.  

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!

Many drugs make their way to the market inadvertently, becoming hugely popular for uses that were never intended, and such is the case with Latisse.  The hot new eyelash enhancer was born out of a group of popular medications called topical prostaglandins, drugs frequently used to decrease intra-ocular pressure in glaucoma patients.

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.

SkinMedica is a California based company that specializes in prescription dermatology products.  The philosophy of SkinMedica is that “everyone deserves to have naturally radiant skin.” 

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!

In an effort to improve her physical mobility and game, Romanian tennis star Simona Halep announced plans to undergo breast reduction surgery next fall.  

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.

Researchers associated with the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) recently gathered information on 687 patients who had received Botox and/or dermal filler treatment.

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.