The Cosmetic Surgery Blog

When it comes to choosing a dermatologist for a medical problem, such as psoriasis or acne, we expect we'll be put in the doctor's schedule at some point in the next week or so. We'll sit in the waiting room forever, and finally get called to the examination room where we'll sit or lie on a paper covered table. The dermatologist will come in, maybe a little distracted or harried due to their busy schedule, examine us for five or ten minutes, give us a prescription, then send us on our way. They'll tell us to call them if there are any problems, or if we need our prescription refilled.

However, if we call a dermatologist for a cosmetic issue, such as Botox or Juvederm, the dermatologist will probably be able to see us in a day or two. We may even be told about the valet parking spaces available to us, and other cosmetic procedure-seeking patients like us. Rather than sitting in a Spartan waiting room, we may be ushered into another room with spa-like amenities. The staff will be attentive to our needs, as will the dermatologist. After our Botox treatment, we may be ushered out with all sorts of niceties, and someone will call us the following day to see how we're feeling.

Does this sound fair? Think hard about your answer, because this is the reality with some of the nation's dermatologists these days. While many of them got into dermatology with the misguided notion of wanting to help people with sometimes problematic skin conditions, some of them are now only seeing the lure of money tied into making people look better for six months to a year. In a sense, they're still helping people, but at what cost?

Changing Role or Aberration?

In the second installment in of a series called "The Price of Beauty" the New York Times is doing, this is one of the ideas examined. The dual nature of what it means to be a dermatologist these days, when cosmetic surgery is exploding and the economic benefit can be incredible, as well as still trying to function as a medical professional, such as examining someone whose mole seems to be growing and they're worried about melanoma, seems to be one of the main ideas. The Times also brings up that many skin patients are left waiting while dermatologists cater to those looking for some kind of temporary youthful appearance.

However, they note that though there are millions of cosmetic skin treatments done every year, only a tiny minority of dermatologists give those seeking beauty over medical issues preferential treatment. Be that as it may, those who have separated their medical practice into two different ways of treating patients do give the cosmetic patient the best possible care. These dermatologists have separate office numbers: one that goes straight to voicemail for the medical patients, and one that is answered by a staff member for the cosmetic patients. They give the cosmetic patient better treatment because "they expect that," according to Dr. Donald Richey. He adds, "We are a little bit more sensitive to their needs."

Reasons

One reason this is going on, and one that has been alluded to here, is the money issue. While most, if not all healthcare providers, won't pay for a cosmetic treatment, that hasn't stopped people from reaching into their pockets to pay. The Times article states that while a dermatologist might be reimbursed $60 to $90 for a cancer check that will take ten minutes, a Botox treatment might pay $500 for a ten minute treatment. Not only that, but the dermatologist will get paid that same day. It is also noted that Allergan, the makers of Botox, state the annual net income for a dermatology practice that focuses solely on skin diseases might be $387,198. Those that focus on cosmetic procedures might net $695,850 annually. You can almost see the mindset change of once stalwart physicians happen when presented with these numbers. And giving a 50-something-year-old a youthful appearance is so much more fun than looking at some poor kid with horrible acne, or giving someone a malignant melanoma diagnosis.

Of course, while money is one thing, there is also the fact that this is what the good people seem to want. Melanoma, psoriasis, and acne will always be a part of life. And, yes, these people deserve and require medical care. But more and more people are seeking cosmetic treatments, and they are often repeat customers. For some, money is no object, and they demand certain things, like looking perpetually 30. And we can't fault certain doctors who see this as an opportunity to retire early. Isn't that what we all want? But if that melanoma could have been prevented if the victim could have gotten an appointment just a few days earlier to save them, then that dermatologist needs to rethink why they got into medicine in the first place.

If you are interested learning more about Botox or other injectables, please contact an experienced cosmetic surgeon in your area.

Those of you living in Port St. Lucie, Florida can finally breathe a sigh of relief. After nine days on the run, 23-year-old Kellie Thomas, aka the "Botox Bandit" has been captured. No more will this degenerate seeker of perpetual youth sully your city's good name. No longer will you have to wake up having to endure another day while she-of-the-paralyzed-under-eyes sits in her apartment laughing at society. But, how, you ask, how was this criminal mastermind caught? Before-and-After pictures.

Kellie Thomas, using the alias Ashley Parker, visited the Porlaro Hair and Cosmetic Surgery center on June 10^th. Before she had Botox injected into her lower eyes, Dr. Porlaro snapped a picture of her. Then, after a picture was taken. In all honesty, you can't really see a difference. Actually the best part is her orange braces on her teeth. But we digress.

What Thomas then did was tell the receptionist that she was going out to her car to get her credit card to pay the $1225 bill. Shocker of shockers, she never returned. Dr. Porlaro, obviously furious, decided that the best thing to do was release her Before-and-After shots to the media. She was recognized by lots of people who called in tips. Upon her arrest, Thomas, still with black eyes from the Botox procedure, said she "intended on paying the doctor later." No later date was specified.

From Before-and-After to mugshots. One wonders why these people do it. Thomas is not the first, nor will she be the last, to Botox and dash. It's happened in Arizona, Nevada, and Florida. And so far only women are the suspects. Perhaps because we live in a society where youthful looks rule, and one in which stars behaving badly gets them a slap on the wrist, or maybe it's that people will sacrifice freedom and comfort as long as they can look good during their layoff. Whatever the reason, things like this are sure to keep Botox in the minds of people worrying about wrinkles everywhere. However, while you're imagining what you might look like with wrinkle-free foreheads and eyes, remember the pathetic tale of Kellie Thomas and how she was caught.

If you are interested in Botox, please contact an experienced cosmetic surgeon in your area.

While it's inevitable that the shaky economic market would eventually affect cosmetic surgeons and their patients, some surprising things have popped up due to this. For example, we hear more and more stories of people skipping out on their Botox treatments. We also hear about people who are willing to give up more things in life before they give up their monthly injectable fillers. And now we have the latest turn in the annals of the Great Recession of Ought-Eight: Procedures for the jobless.

The rational thought pattern goes something like this: Those without jobs are turning to cosmetic surgery to look good in the job interview. However, because they're now jobless, they aren't getting facelifts like they may have a few months ago. They're focusing on the cheaper procedures like, again, Botox, laser therapy, and other fillers.

In a study by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), the want for simple procedures is on the rise, even though the US seems to be in a recession and the good people keep losing their jobs. And, while these procedures may be on the rise, cosmetic surgeons who took part in the online study, said their patients are more concerned now than they used to be about how much the procedures cost.

Call it the Great American Going Out of Business Sale, but at least some people will look good.

If you have lost your job and would like to find out which cosmetic procedures might give you an edge over the other one hundred applicants, please contact an experienced cosmetic surgeon in your area.

Few and far between are the people who claim the truly don't like parties. Even the wallflowers like to go to parties to be "The Wallflower." However, the type of party one person attends is vastly different from what another might attend. Besides the run-of-the-mill kegger the college kids are still fond of, other party fads have come and gone. There was the fondue party; the Tupperware party; parties to celebrate various celestial objects (Halley's Comet and Hale-Bop come to mind), and a litany of others (Disco parties?). Perhaps the latest trend is that of the Botox party.

Aimed primarily at women, a Botox party is where a group gets together for food and gossip in the social setting of the local Botox dealer (a.k.a. cosmetic surgeon) to get injections at the same time. Due to the cost of Botox injections, this isn't like plunking down five bucks at the door, or bringing something for the pot luck. This is for those who like their friends, but might like their friends better without wrinkles. (How do you RSVP "I will not attend" when all your friends are going?) By being injected with the botulinum toxin as your friends gather, is that not friendship? These parties have reportedly spread from the major cities into minor hubs and then into the suburbs as Botox injections become more socially acceptable.

Yet, like the concerned adult whose child is going to a party where there may be debauchery afoot, many doctors and groups, such as the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) are not happy about this trend. While Botox is a mostly safe procedure, this is the case because it is performed by qualified clinicians, and not just anyone can do this correctly.

Botox is one of the most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedures performed today. It is used to treat wrinkles around the eyes (crow's feet), nasolabial folds, and other areas of the face. The injection is delivered into the muscle of the area to block the nerve impulses delivered to that area - it's numbed. If your cosmetic surgeon is qualified, then party on. However, the ASAPS also wants you to be able to answer "yes" to the following:

• Have you been asked to provide a complete medical history?
  
• Have you been advised of alternative treatments?
  
• Have you been advised of the risks and given consent?
  
• Is the clinician or doctor qualified to administer Botox treatments?
  
• Is the setting appropriate for the treatment, including being able to handle emergencies?
  
• Do you know what you are being injected with?
  
• Are you willing and able to follow post-treatment instructions?
  
• Will you receive follow-up care?
  

Because there has been some concern about Botox in the news, you absolutely need to be aware of what you are getting into. You must also realize that there are risks involved. It's fine to party, but do it safely. And, because Botox can last for months, you can think back to that glorious day where you and your friends found out just how long party favors can last.

If you are interested in finding out more about Botox, please contact an experienced cosmetic surgeon in your area. Parties of eight or more will have gratuity included in their bill.

After the FDA announced that the side-effects of using Botox were harmful and potentially deadly, another skin care product began "flying off the shelves." This product, Dermaxin, is a topical collagen-booster and wrinkle-relaxant, which allegedly is a safe and effective way to remove wrinkles quickly. It is made by Demestetics Cosmeceuticals, who have seen their sales rise recently.

A "cosmeceutical" is a cosmetic product, often used by cosmetic companies in advertising. The cosmetic industry claims that their anti-aging creams, moisturizers, and other products, have powerful drug-like qualities that are much better than their drug equivalents, in this case, Botox. While testimonials claim these products work, the FDA has stated in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, that they do not recognize any category known as a cosmeceutical, and that that word has "no meaning under the law." Be that as it may, the botulinum scare, as well as the risk of damaged nerves or death, has pushed the public to finding new ways to get rid of unwanted wrinkles.

Dermaxin's Ingredients

• Collagen (Syn-Coll) - A synthetic collagen, which helps replenish the collagen levels in skin. As we age, collagen levels decrease and as it goes, so goes our youthful appearance.
  
• Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate) - There are many cosmetic surgeons that use products containing hyaluronic acid. This is used to hydrate, plump up and moisturize the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. It contains a high water-to-weight ratio.
  
• Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (Matrixyl 3000) - Peptides which stimulate the growth of connective tissue and collagen production. It is reported to be less irritating than some other products.
  
• Retinyl Palmitate (Retinol) - An antioxidant, which may, or may not, increase collagen, skin thickness, elasticity, and DNA. (We have no idea what they mean by increasing DNA.)
  
• Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argirline - Relaxes facial tension, which in turn decreases wrinkles.
  

Clinical results have apparently shown improvement in four weeks. However, after the first ten minutes, "your skin will become firmer by 40%."

Remember folks, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. You might as well stick with Oil of Olay if you're looking for an anti-aging moisturizer.

Yes, there are risks with Botox. After all, you're injecting a toxin into your skin. Recent scientific evidence points out that Botox may travel to the brain stem, too. But these are the risks people are willing to take in an effort to put a halt to aging naturally. If Botox isn't your cup of tea, there are other injectable fillers that your cosmetic surgeon would be happy to discuss with you.

If you are interested in Botox, injectable fillers, or other procedures, please contact an experienced cosmetic surgeon in your area.

First they came for the tattooing. Then they came for the body-piercing. Now, Queensland, Australia's authorities are pressing for a ban on giving teens' access to cosmetic surgery. While the bans on tattoos and body-piercing have been around for a while, there is no law against letting teens get cosmetic surgery. Included in this ban are breast enhancement, tummy tuck and Botox injections.

Premier Anna Bligh believes that there are some good reasons, both medically and psychologically, why young girls seek out these procedures, but worries about kids looking to them for pure, unadulterated vanity. Getting corrective surgery is one thing, but there is apparently no good reason why any Young Turk should be able to alter their appearance through cosmetic enhancement.

Freedom of Choice

While it isn't much of a stretch to say that many young women believe their appearance is of the utmost importance, and having access to cosmetic surgery gives them a wider range of options of ways to stand out, authorities believe these girls are too immature to make this kind of a decision. Getting breast enhancing surgery to impress the boys is a bad idea when you're 15. The thing is, most cosmetic surgeons would agree with this.

While the law in the States lets some people as young as 14 get cosmetic surgery, this is done for corrective reasons. It's the kids going off to college where the line is blurred between corrective and elective surgery. This is the time when society often allows these burgeoning adults more freedom to make their own decisions. Yet, impressing the boys when you're 18 or 19 is much different than impressing them when you're still asking your parents for a ride to the mall.

Vanity plays a role in any teenager's life, both male and female. In our hyper-sexualized, 24/7 media cycle, looks seem to be de rigueur on how to get ahead or get what you want. And kids want it all without the wait. No matter how often they're told by their parents to wait a few years to see if they still want something, the children are going to see this as an assault on their personal life. Sometimes the child might wait and change their mind. However, there are some parents who both get sick of the whining and the anger, and simply give in. "You want a boob job? Let me just grab my checkbook."

Maybe the question should really be who are the parents who want their children to get a tummy tuck at such a young age? Is it just up to the kids? Or is it up to the government to make these decisions for both child and parent?

If you are interested in cosmetic surgery, please contact an experienced cosmetic surgeon in your area.

Dr. Mary Dingley, president of the Cosmetic Physicians Society of Australia (CPSA), says that Australians have spent nearly $300 million on cosmetic procedures for treatment of sun damage. These procedures include minimally invasive and non-invasive treatments, such as Botox and injectable fillers. Dr. Dingley "expects this area of cosmetic medicine to grow by at least 10% this year."

Wrinkles, skin cancer and sun spots are the results of Australia's harsh climate and, just like the U.S., it isn't only women who are having these procedures done. CPSA reports an 11-20% increase in men seeking cosmetic surgery.

We're Number Two

Because of the Australian drive to smooth out their skin, the U.S. has fallen to the number two per capita spender in the world. Though the U.S. spent billions of dollars in 2007 on non-invasive and minimally invasive cosmetic surgery, Australia is beating us in per capita expenditure.

What's wrong, America? We have harsh climates, too. What makes the Australians look to Botox, Radiesse, and other types of treatments more than you? Do you want to be beaten by another country in this category?

It would seem that because we have Hollywood and a larger population that we would have outspent every country tenfold - at least. Maybe the key to winning the cosmetic surgery battle is to think outside the box. Rather than simply getting an injectable filler to smooth your wrinkles, why not use Radiesse to fill your cheeks? Go ahead and get that microdermabrasion.

And rather than simply wanting to look like some of the movie stars, look at what your own environment is doing to you. Sun, pollution, cigarette smoke, and stress; all the things that are making you look older beyond your years.

Get the cosmetic surgery. Be a patriot. Do it for you, but do it for America, too.

If you are interested in minimally invasive or non-invasive cosmetic surgery for patriotic reasons, and you've thought it through in a rational manner, please contact an experienced cosmetic surgeon in your area. Tell them you're doing it to stem the Australian tide, and you'll get it half off.

Just kidding.