Proffitt Plastic Surgery Blog

Plastic surgery can be a life-changing experience. But covering the cost is a challenge for many patients.

Unless you’re getting reconstructive surgery to treat an injury or illness, it’s unlikely that your insurance will cover even a small portion of your procedure.

“Consumers should be aware that cosmetic surgery is not covered under insurance, so all of the expenses must be paid out of pocket,” says Kevin Kautzmann, a certified financial planner.

Fortunately, when you can’t technically pay out of pocket, there are options, as explained in this popular article by Fox News Business.

If you’re willing to shop around, a credit card can end up being a savvy choice. Health care or medical credit cards, which can only be used to cover medical expenses, have seen a recent surge in popularity for people getting plastic surgery.

Some cards have 0% interest promotions, as well as reasonable interest rates and payment plans. They also give lenders “a sense of control if they tend to overspend,” because they are limited to medical purchases, says Billy DeFrance, an El Paso financial planner.

You could also consider taking out a personal loan to cover the cost of plastic surgery. Bank loans often have fixed interest rates as well as fixed repayment periods. This can add up to less interest, and build your credit at the same time.

Though most plastic surgeons require full payment before the day of surgery, it doesn’t hurt to ask if you can setup a payment plan. In some cases, the practice can provide you with repayment plans that offer more flexibility than other payment methods.

If all else fails, saving up the cash for your procedure is the smartest choice. “It may not be sexy, but the best answer for most people is to save each month until you have the bill covered—then get the procedure done,” says financial adviser Michael Masiello.

Photo credit: Personal finance by Alan Cleaver, on Flickr

ASAPS Members Discuss Long Lasting Facial Rejuvenation

A face lift can make you look 10-12 years younger, but how long will the results last? Members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery gathered last weekend to discuss facial rejuvenation techniques and their longevity.

A panel discussion called “How Long Will My Facelift Last, Doctor?” investigated factors which affect longevity of a face lift, enabling the participants to educate their patients about what to expect. Panelists included Chris Inglefield, MD, Mark L. Jewell, MD, Brian M. Kinney, MD, and W. Grant Stevens, MD. The discussion was moderated by Leo R. McCafferty, MD.

Questions were posed, such as:

• Which face lift techniques achieve enduring results?
• Do anatomic factors play a role in face lift longevity?
• How do secondary face lift procedures compare to primary ones?

"Plastic surgeons would like to offer rejuvenation procedures that last forever," said Dr. Grotting of Birmingham, "and most patients would like this as well! This panel will give us an opportunity to try to reach some consensus on what we should be telling patients about how long they can expect to benefit from the investment they are making."

The Clock Keeps Ticking

Face lift results can last a decade or longer, but each patient varies, with genetics and lifestyle playing a major role. Aging doesn't stop after surgery, it continues to change a patient's appearance in varying ways.

Minor Procedures Yield Short Term Results

Many patients today want a face lift with a short recovery period and a low cost. This approach often indicates a less aggressive face lift, which may not last as long as a traditional face lift. Patients need more frequent touch-ups in these cases.

“Instead of the classic facelift with a variable recovery time, most patients prefer a shorter procedure that can be maintained over a number of years," said Dr. Javier De Benito. If required [patients undergo] retightening in the surgeon’s office under local anesthetic, allowing for an immediate return to work." Read more on surgery.org

In a recent interview, Jenny McCarthy, former Playboy playmate and star of the NBC show Love in the Wild, revealed her simple beauty routine to Life & Style Magazine.

Apparently she's into fixing her frown lines with Botox every few months.

How does Jenny still look so great? "I'm an obvious Botox user," she tells the magazine. "I tell everyone." With a little shot in the forehead and a little help from a professional makeup artist (her sister), McCarthy looks fabulous at age 39.

The latest issue of Life & Style has more about more about celebrities and Botox.

Photo Credit: Jenny McCarthy by duncan arsenault, on Flickr

Choosing the right breast implant size can be challenging. Fortunately, there are many new ways to visualize the expected results of breast augmentation.

You could choose to buy Allergan's Natrelle implant sizing kit, or undergo Vectra 3D imaging to see a picture of what you might look like after surgery.

Or you could try the inexpensive, do-it-yourself approach shown in the video below, created by a plastic surgeon in Colorado.

How to Make Breast Implants Sizers with Rice and Other Household Items

Read more about breast augmentation in Mobile, AL.

Plastic surgeons performed more than 20,000 chin augmentation procedures last year, according to new statistics released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

The statistics show that chin augmentation is the fastest growing trend in plastic surgery, across all major patient demographics. The society says the trend may be driven in part by increased usage of video chat technology, which is being used by aging baby boomers who want to maintain success in the workplace.

In 2011, chin augmentation grew more than breast augmentation, Botox® and liposuction combined. A significant increase in procedures were seen in both men and women. The largest increase (77 percent) was seen in patients age 40 and older.

As a manager for a major software company, Lizette Stephens often finds herself face-to-face with people all over the world. And while she loves how technology keeps her in touch, she didn't always like how it made her look.

"I do a lot of video chats and I'm in a lot of photos and noticed that my double chin was very pronounced. It really, really bothered me. I wanted to do something about it to get a more profound profile and more definition in my chin area," said Stephens.

ASPS Surgeons Comment on Chin Augmentation Trend

"The chin and jawline are among the first areas to show signs of aging. People are considering chin augmentation as a way to restore their youthful look just like a facelift or eyelid surgery," said ASPS President Malcolm Z. Roth, MD. "We also know that as more people see themselves on video chat technology, they may notice that their jawline is not as sharp as they want it to be. Chin implants can make a dramatic difference."

Lizette Stephens (seen in the video) had chin augmentation with Darrick Antell, MD, based in New York City. Dr. Antell has reportedly studied the facial profiles of successful people. "We know that CEOs tend to be tall, attractive, good-looking people," he comments." We now know that these people also tend to have a stronger chin. As a result, people subconsciously associate a stronger chin with more authority, self-confidence and trustworthiness."

Read more about Chin Augmentation in Mobile, AL.

The Mayo Clinic recently announced results of a study that shows an alarming rise in skin cancer rates among young women. Melanoma in particular, one of the most dangerous types of skin cancer, is eight times higher than it was 40 years ago.

Instead of national cancer databases, the researchers looked at a "well-defined population" of Olmsted County, Minnesota. According to dermatologist Dr. Kurtis Reed, this method improved accuracy.

"Those large databases are known to have some under-reporting bias," he reportedly said, "and so the true incidence is hard to estimate from those databases."

During a 40-year period, 256 melanoma cases were found among Olmsted County residents age 18-39. The overall rate was 16.9 skin cancer cases per 100,000 people. Young adult women showed a surprisingly high rate of 23.2 per 100,000, while men showed 10.8.

Why are skin cancer rates rising?

The burning question for researchers is….. why are rates of skin cancer rising? Most assume that there must be a change in the behavior of people that has led to this dramatic rise.

If young women are known to have a higher rate of melanoma, one would assume that a difference in behavior exists between genders. But the study revealed nothing about subject behavior, so a conclusive link cannot be made between skin cancer and any behavior, including tanning.

Screening for Skin Cancer

The traditional advice for skin cancer screening is to see your dermatologist if you suspect that a mole you have is changing, growing or bleeding.

If you believe that you are at a high risk for skin cancer, ask your primary care physician if you should be screened for skin cancer, and if you should be screened on a regular basis.

Read more

• Mayo Study: Skin Cancer Rates Rising Rapidly Among Young Adults

Barbara Walters Sits Down with the Queen of Plastic Surgery

During an interview with Barbara Walters last month, Joan Rivers was candid as usual talking about her experience with plastic surgery.

Joan says she has undergone two face lifts, numerous injectable filler treatments, a breast reduction and a tummy tuck.

Her main motivation for doing so is the desire to hear the words : "You look amazing for your age."

Nothing seems taboo for Joan, especially the quest to look beautiful. "I just want women to know: It's ok- do it," she says in the interview.

How to Find a Good Surgeon, According to Joan Rivers

If you're looking for a good plastic surgeon, ask your hairdresser. Joan suggests that hair dressers have a valuable point-of-view, since they may see the scars from facial procedures. Also: check the doctor's reputation and make sure he or she has a personable bedside manner.

ABC 6 News in Columbus recently told the story of Yvonne Melendrez, a woman competing in the Arnold Fitness Expo who says she chose a breast augmentation to achieve balance.

She tells reporters that although she feels great and has been training for years, she doesn't have the same chest or the support anymore. A breast augmentation would help her feel better about herself, while helping her compete in shows.

Columbus plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Donaldson says that in addition to breast surgery, he has seen demand from the fitness crowd for procedures like liposuction, Botox and Restylane.

Breast Augmentation for Balance and Proportion

Proportion is an important factor for image-conscious athletes like Ms. Melendrez. The problem is that breast size may decrease over time, especially with intense physical training.

"In the case of a female athlete who loses breast volume while she's training to increase her musculature, then it may be appropriate to recreate that breast that's been lost," Dr. Donaldson said to ABC 6 News.

When it comes to balance and proportion of the body, a breast augmentation can make a big difference. Breast enlargement can improve overall body proportion, and also help correct a size discrepancy between a patient's breasts.

The Ethics of a Fitness Competition

Is it fair for competitive bodybuilders to undergo cosmetic surgery? According to Ms. Melendrez, it is fair if they undergo "minor surgical changes that won't be judged." Anything beyond that would be unethical.

People have the right to enhance their body to feel better about themselves, but once they enter the competitive arena, they have to abide by certain rules.

Several major cosmetic procedures have been developed that go beyond restoration of normal shape. Procedures that use body implants like pectoral, calf or deltoid augmentation would likely be considered a breach of the competitive bodybuilder's ethical code. After all, bodybuilding is about taking the time to train your body to enhance both physical performance and muscular physique. A sedentary person who has implants would not be considered a bodybuilder.

Sources

• Arnold Sports Festival
• ABC 6 News: Plastic Surgery for the Arnold Fitness Expo
• Bodybuilding.com: Is cosmetic surgery ethical in bodybuilding?

Last night at the 84th Academy Awards, a documentary called "Saving Face" took home an Oscar for best documentary short.

The film is about women in Pakistan who survived acid attacks. With the help of a plastic surgeon, they are now moving on with their lives. Most women who experience this type of trauma aren't as lucky. According to the film, more than 100 acid attacks occur every year, and the majority are perpetrated against women.

To make matters worse, they have little or no access to reconstructive surgeons who can repair the damage. While the victims are emotionally traumatized and physically scarred, their assailants receive minimal punishment.

Saving Face documents the stories of Zakia and Rukhsana, two acid-attack survivors who are seeking justice. Meanwhile, they undergo reconstructive surgery with a plastic surgeon named Dr. Mohammad Jawad. The film sheds light on the situation of Pakistani women who are struggling against a vexing issue.

The film was directed by filmmaker Daniel Junge and Pakistani director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, who were both present to receive the Oscar. Saving Face will be broadcast internationally in 2012, beginning with HBO in North America.

The ASPS statistics for 2011 confirm a trend that has been building in the industry for years. Minimally invasive procedures like Botox, lip enhancement and laser hair removal top the wish list of many patients in America.

Of the 13.8 million procedures performed by plastic surgeons in 2011, nearly 12.2 million of them were classified as "cosmetic minimally invasive."

The figure seems to be increasing every year. The numbers for 2011 were 6 percent higher than 2010, despite economic woes affecting the American economy.

According to the ASPS, these 5 minimally invasive procedures are the most popular:

• Botulinum toxin type A (5.7 million procedures, up 5 percent)
• Soft tissue fillers (1.9 million procedures, up 7 percent)
• Chemical peel (1.1 million procedures, down 3 percent)
• Laser hair removal (1.1 million procedures, up 15 percent)
• Microdermabrasion (900,000 procedures, up 9 percent)

Injectable fillers like hyaluronic acid (Restylane®, Juvederm, Prevelle etc.), calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse®), and fat grafting procedures showed significant growth during 2011.

Surgeons performed more than 1.3 million hylauronic acid filler procedures in 2011 - 9 percent more than last year. They performed 286,000 calcium hydroxylapatite procedures - 36 percent; more than last year. Fat grafting increased by 19 percent, at 68,000 procedures.

Read more about our non-surgical procedures in Mobile, Alabama.

ASPS Report Shows Second Year of Consecutive Growth in Plastic Surgery Market

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons released their annual statistics report last week, and it shows that Americans chose 1.6 million procedures last year.

When combined with minimally invasive procedures like Botox or Laser Treatment, the total comes to a much greater 13.8 million procedures.

Based on the latest statistics, the society is reporting a 5 percent increase in procedures for 2011.

With consumer confidence rising across the board, the demand for plastic surgery is rising as well.

"Consumer confidence was up and auto sales rose 10 percent," said ASPS President Malcom Roth, "so it is not surprising that we would also see increased demand for plastic surgery procedures," he concluded.

Procedures in cosmetic surgery increased 2 percent. For the first time since 2004, facelift surgery is among the top five cosmetic surgeries.

The number of tummy tucks decreased during 2011, while chin augmentation nearly doubled. Here are the top 5 for 2011:

• 307,000 Breast augmentation procedures
• 244,000 Rhinoplasty procedures
• 205,000 Liposuction procedures
• 196,000 Eyelid surgery procedures
• 119,000 Facelift procedures

Surgeons also reported a sharp increase in lip augmentation procedures; at more than 25,000 procedures performed, they were up 49 percent from 2010.

Good news if you live in New Jersey and are looking to get a little work done - the hotly-debated tax on cosmetic procedures signed into law in 2004 is going to be repealed.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie signed a bill to phase out the six percent tax on cosmetic procedures in three stages.

The tax will be reduced to four percent this year, down to two percent next July, and finally eliminated altogether by July 2014.

Initially conceived as a way to generate additional revenue for the state, the legislation has come under fire by the New Jersey Society of Plastic Surgeons (NJSPS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) for being counterintuitive and costing more money than it brings in.

The tax adds a little over $10 million a year in revenue, but that number falls far short of the numbers legislators expected to rake in.

Furthermore, the tax loses money by encouraging what Allergan CEO David Pyott calls "surgical flight." Potential patients chose to travel to neighbouring states for surgery to avoid taxes, and some practitioners followed suit and relocated their practices out of state. Independent reports found that between 2005 and 2008, for every dollar made from taxes, three were lost.

The bill was almost rescinded in 2006, but then-Governor Jon Corzine vetoed the legislation. The president of the NJSPS, Dr. Chris Godek, is pleased that the tax is finally being abolished. "We're happy to finally have erased a tax that was unfair on several different levels – including bias against women – and which caused major unforeseen problems, such as the flight of residents across state borders for procedures," says Dr. Godek.

According to Plastic Surgery Portal, a procedure like breast augmentation costs an average of 4000 dollars. At the current rate of six percent, an extra 240 dollars are added to that cost in NJ. Under this new legislation, that number will drop to $160, and then $80, before it is finally waved entirely. The bill also applies to dermatological and ophthalmological procedures, in a time of financial difficulty for many Americans.

More women are considering earlobe repair surgery to correct stretching that comes from years of wearing earrings, reports Britain’s Daily Mail.

Why Earlobe Repair?

Whether from wearing heavy earrings or just the natural aging process, earlobes can stretch and droop, aging a woman. Some are choosing to have this corrected either in combination with a facelift or just the lobes on their own.

“It is no secret that more women are having what could be called a ‘lobe job’,” says Wendy Lewis, cosmetic surgery adviser and editor of a beauty news website. “Gravity takes its toll on earlobes — they droop like chins and breasts do, and can make you look older.” Lewis says that heavy earrings can stretch the earlobe out of shape and sometimes even tear the earlobe, when the hole from a pierced ear gets so stretched that it tears the lobe open and needs to be stitched back together.

big earlobes all round by kurisuuu, on Flickr

Alternatives for Ear Rejuvenation

In addition to surgery, some surgeons are experimenting with other ways to rejuvenate the ears. A representative of a London-based clinic reported using radio-frequency energy to tighten the skin of the ears.

She also said fillers are sometimes used to plump up the ear and make them look younger and fuller without surgery. If you’re interested in earlobe rejuvenation, talk to a plastic surgeon about the best approach. If you have cosmetic issues beyond stretched lobes, ear surgery can correct issues such as protruding ears, disproportionate ears and overly large or misshapen ears.

How It Works: Earlobe Repair Surgery

Earlobe repair surgery is a relatively simple surgical procedure to repair a torn, stretched or split earlobe. Usually performed under local anesthesia, your plastic surgeon will remove the skin surrounding the split to create a clean edge, and then sutures are used to close the split earlobe.

Sutures are typically removed within two weeks of surgery, and patients can usually wear earrings again within six months.

A New Study Explores Eyelid Ptosis Repair

A new study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology takes a closer look at ptosis repair, a surgery that has functional and aesthetic benefits – improving the patient's vision, appearance, and quality of life.

Ptosis, a condition characterized by drooping upper eyelids, can interfere with vision, cause discomfort and detract from your appearance. Through upper eyelid surgery and blepharoptosis repair, these problems may be corrected.

Multiple Studies Confirm Outcomes

The new study published in Ophthalmology journal analyzed the results of 13 other studies, looking at the reported outcomes of these surgeries.

“As oculoplastic surgeons, we see the visual improvement and comfort that patients obtain from the surgical correction of upper lid ptosis and dermatochalasis," said Kenneth V. Cahill, MD; "this study was performed to analyze the scientific data available to substantiate this.”

An Elective Procedure?

Sometimes, Dr. Cahill says, patients are denied functional blepharoplasty and ptosis repair surgery by third party payors because of “arbitrary and/or incorrect policies regarding the functional indications for these procedures.” Although eyelid surgery is frequently performed as an elective cosmetic procedure, ptosis repair improves vision and should be characterized as such. The procedure helps address problems such as:

• Ptosis, drooping of the upper eyelid due to paralysis or disease, and
• Dermatochalasis, loose, redundant skin on the eyelids

Dr. Tamara R. Fountain, an American Academy of Ophthalmology clinical consultant, was not involved in the study. But said she is always amazed at how life-changing the surgery can be for patients who suffer from ptosis. “For my patients who have been denied coverage and then choose to pay out of pocket, they often tell me it was the best investment they’d ever made and only wish they’d done it sooner,” Dr. Fountain said.

Read more from Medscape Medical News or view the abstract from ophsource.org

The new film About Face by portrait photographer Timothy Greenfield-Sanders takes a peek behind the modeling industry and the quest to continue looking young.

Through candid interviews, the film documents the experiences of models from the 70s and 80s.

"The divergent attitudes among the women about everything from the business of modeling, to aging and plastic surgery, are fascinating and priceless. "

- The Sundance Film Guide

An excerpt from the film trailer asks Carmen Dell’Orifice: "What is it about plastic surgery and facelifts – what is your sense of that whole world?"

She says “Well, if you had the ceiling falling down in your living room,would you not go an have a repair?”

About Face has several screenings at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival, January 19 - 29 in Park City, Utah.

Society Hopes to "Advance the Specialty" with Updated Technology

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recently announced a partnership with an EMR company called eClinicalWorks. A 3-year initiative stemming from partnership will give ASPS members a chance to obtain customized electronic medical record systems.

The partnership brings together the world's largest group of plastic surgeons with a leading provider of healthcare technology. Strengths of both organizations, they hope, will advance the specialty of plastic surgery practices around the nation.

The ASPS has been at the forefront when it comes to delivering practice management solutions, especially in the realm of information technology. For example, the society has a journal with a new iPad application, endorsed companies for website design, and now a collaboration with an EMR provider.

"ASPS has a long history of innovation in providing our members with practice management solutions," said ASPS President Malcolm Roth MD, "including emerging information technology tools. Through collaborations like this, we can help transform the delivery of healthcare throughout the specialty of plastic surgery..."

About the Partnership

"eClinicalWorks and ASPS share the vision and the entrepreneurial spirit that evolution demands," said Sameer Bhat, co-founder and vice-president of sales for eClinicalWorks. "This partnership further strengthens our leadership with specialties. We are excited to collaborate with this leading medical specialty society and are confident our proven track record of product innovation will meet the needs of plastic surgeons."

Plastic surgeons will get access to a variety of eClinicalWorks systems, helping to facilitate tasks like:

• Management of patient flow
• Accessing patient records (in house or remotely)
• ePrescribing
• Secure communication with referring physicians
• Secure communication with patients
• Clinical and financial analysis

ASPS chose eClinicalWorks after an 18-month evaluation led by a taskforce of ASPS members. 111 plastic surgeons responded to an ASPS survey regarding Health Information Technology and Electronic Health Records (HIT/EHR). The survey found that plastic surgeon's use of the technology was "lighter than expected." The ASPS task force has encouraged more plastic surgeons to embrace EMR and its associated technology.

Surgeons who responded to the survey listed their 5 most valuable EMR functions.

• Computerized physician order entry (CPOE)
• Web-based system (cloud computing)
• Patient web portal
• Ability to check or advise on evaluation and management coding levels based on fields entered
• Ability to use a tablet in the office.

Through the survey, ASPS was able to understand practice profiles as well as different EMR/PM vendors to assess software features and functionality. By choosing eClinical Works, the society says it will help members find a cost effective entrance into an electronic medical record system.

Patients under 50 may benefit from maintenance facelifts

People with early signs of aging can achieve good results and high satisfaction 10 years or more after their face lift, according to a new study in the latest issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

A previous study found that older patients were more likely to have lower satisfaction scores, with varying facelift results. This new study by Doctors Liu and Owsley (at California Pacific Medical Center) involved comparisons of long-term and short-term patient satisfaction scores, combined with analysis of long-term results using photo analysis. Three age groups were selected: younger than 50, 50 to 60, and over age 60.

"Remarkable Maintenance of Youthful Appearance"

Patients who had a facelift before age 50 showed "remarkable maintenance of their youthful appearance," according to the authors. At both short and long-term follow-up, younger patients reported higher satisfaction scores. Their scores were further supported by photo analysis.

The study results support the idea of performing "maintenance" facelifts for patients who don't have significant signs of aging. "Younger patients who have facelifts (<50 years old) have longest lasting results with less noticeable postoperative changes," Drs. Liu and Owsley say. Because at 50, the visible signs of aging represent "the tip of the iceberg" in relation to changes beneath the skin that come later.

Many patients in this age group are likely to treat facial wrinkles and other localized signs using injectables. For a long-lasting result, it may be a better idea to undergo a face lift. The changes after facial rejuvenation surgery will also be more subtle, so patients can be modest about having cosmetic surgery.

Read more on plasticsurgery.org

Long-term smokers twice as likely to get non-melanoma skin cancer

A study by researchers at the Moffitt Cancer Center and the University of South Florida found that women diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (a common non-melanoma skin cancer) were more likely to have smoked. Subjects who smoked 20 years or more were twice as likely to develop the disease.

Women smokers have higher risk

Both women and men get plenty of exposure to the sun, and men in general are more likely to develop skin cancer. However, for men, the correlation with smoking wasn't significant. Researchers theorized that perhaps some physiological difference, such as estrogen, makes female smokers at a higher risk for skin cancer.

The researchers recruited 383 patients with skin cancer and 315 without it. All patients had white skin, which puts them at risk for skin cancer.

They asked subjects questions like:

• How much do you smoke?
• When did you start smoking
• How many years have you smoked?

The researchers found a startling correlation: the more people smoked, the more likely they were to develop non-melanoma skin cancer.

About Skin Cancers

Squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma are common non-melanoma skin cancers. If you suspect skin cancer, a doctor can identify it and order a biopsy to confirm if a growth or lesion is skin cancer. You should always see a doctor if you notice any suspicious growths or changes in your skin.

Plastic surgeons frequently remove skin cancer lesions, while taking extra care to reconstruct the tissue and minimize damage to the skin. Surgical removal is often quick and minimally invasive, but it can leave scars. One of the most common techiques is excision (surgical tissue removal) followed by direct closure.

Read more about the study on smoking and skin cancer from Health Day News.

Photo credit: Smoke by Amagill on Flickr

Gives Hope to Reformed White Supremacist

A report from msnbc and the Associated Press has cast a new light on the renewing capabilities of laser surgery.

Bryon Widner had left his white supremacist lifestyle behind when he decided that facial tattoos were no longer a proper reflection of his identity.

Looking like a thug wasn't in line with his new priorities: holding a job and doing his part to support his family.

After searching the web in vain for a safe way to remove tattoos, he reached out to a group call the Southern Poverty Law Center. The group helped him find a solution and a a donor who would help pay for his extensive tattoo removal procedures.

Dr. Bruce Shack, a plastic surgeon and member of the ASPS, was the doctor who helped Widner remove the signs of his past.

Widner and his wife Julie found Dr. Shack to be the professional and caring physician they needed for such an arduous treatment process.

"He didn't just see the tattoos; he saw me as a real human being," Widner told reporters.

The Associated Press story provides details of his laser treatment:

"On June 22, 2009, Widner lay on an operating table, his mind spinning with anxiety and hope. A nurse dabbed numbing gel all over his face. Shack towered over him in protective goggles and injected a local anesthetic. Then he started jabbing Widner's skin, the laser making a staccato rat-tat-tat sound as it burned through his flesh."

Through 25 laser tattoo removal procedures, Dr. Shack was able to erase the ink from Widner's face, giving him hope for a normal life.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

For males affected by gynecomastia, male breast reduction improves quality-of-life, according to a recent study by plastic surgeons in Siena and Pisa, Italy.

Men who have gynecomastia have excess breast tissue. The problem can develop during adolescence or adulthood. Gynecomastia can negatively affect a man's self-image, harming his quality of life for years.

Male breast reduction is common solution to the problem. A surgeon can remove glandular tissue and fat, sculpting the chest into a more masculine shape.

Research on Male Breast Reduction

The Italian study evaluated 126 cases of gynecomastia during a six-year period. The average patient was a 28 year old male. Most patients had symptoms of gynecomastia on both sides of the chest, while a smaller number (11.9 percent) had the condition on one side.

During procedures, the surgeons employed different techniques as necessary. They frequently performed "adenomammectomy with periareolar inferior or inverted Omega incision," while another alternative was "circumareolar or vertical scar incision and liposuction."

The surgery effectively removed the excess glandular tissue and fat from the patient's chest.

Effectiveness of The Procedure

Before and after their male breast reduction surgery, patients filled out questionnaires for their experiences. They answered questions like:

• Why did you choose to undergo male breast reduction?
• How satisfied are you with your results?
• Has the quality of your life improved after surgery?

According to the study, patients had high satisfacton: "all patients reported an improvement in their quality of life with an average satisfaction score of 8.2 out of 10." The complication rate was reportedly 17.72 percent.

"We suggest to the patients affected by gynecomastia to undergo surgery always and as soon as possible," the authors conclude.

Video: Plastic Surgery for Men

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons presents Patients of Courage 2011. The stories documented here recognize four inspirational people whose lives have been changed by reconstructive surgery. They are now working to help others in need.

During the ASPS meeting in in Denver this year, they were recognized and served as ambassadors for all Patients of Courage nominees. The 2011 honorees are Aaron Mankin, Dee Dee Ricks, Jamie Verdi and Dallas Wiens.

Risks of breast reduction are greater in patients over the age of fifty, according to a new study in the December edition of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

The increased complication rate in older women likely reflects age-related changes in hormone levels, according to the new research by ASPS Member Surgeon Michele A. Shermak, MD, and colleagues of The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore.

The authors evaluated 1,192 cases of women undergoing breast reduction surgery during a ten-year period (1999 to 2009). They assessed rates and types of complications in three different age groups:

• under 40
• 40 to 50
• over 50.

Breast reduction, one of the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedures, is highly effective in relieving symptoms related to overlarge breasts, such as back, shoulder and neck pain, posture problems and bra strap compression.

The results suggest that women over 50 are at higher risk of developing an infection after breast reduction surgery. On analysis controlling for other medical conditions, the infection rate was 2.7 times higher for women over 50, compared to the under-40 group.

Women over 50 also tended to have a higher rate of wound healing problems, leading to a higher rate of repeat surgery to remove areas of dead skin, called debridement. These trends were not statistically significant, however.
Women ages 40 to 50 also showed a non-significant trend toward an increased risk of infection. Other important types of complications were unaffected by age.

Risks Could Be Related to Declining Hormone Levels

Previous studies have identified several breast reduction risk factors, including obesity, extensive breast reduction and smoking. However, the new study is the first to focus specifically on age.

The results suggest an increased rate of infections-and possibly other complications-after breast reduction surgery in women over 50. The increased risk is likely related to age-related declines in hormone levels, Dr. Shermak and colleagues believe. This is borne out by the trend toward increased infections among women in their forties, when hormone levels start to decline.

In addition, infections tended to be less common in women who were using hormone replacement therapy. Meanwhile, the infection rate appeared higher in women who had undergone hysterectomy or oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries), which lead to sharp drops in hormone levels.

Amid the European debt crisis, sales of BOTOX® have continued to show strong growth throughout the region. A significant increase has also been seen for other non-invasive cosmetic procedures such fillers that reduce creases around the mouth. Such activity shows that a gloomy financial climate poses little threat to beauty-conscious European consumers.

"My surmise is that societal forces of people wanting to look younger and better are overpowering the economic environment," commonets David Pyott, chief executive at Allergan.

Rapid consumer demand for Botox as well as other cosmetic procedures in Europe comes during a time when U.S. sales are seeing a moderate decline, but are still “pretty good” according to Pyott. Around the world, Botox sales exhibited a nearly 16 percent increase over the past year. Allergan announced profits upwards of $251m in its third quarter, largely attributable to Botox – the company’s top seller.

Botox Approved for Overactive Bladder Therapy

The U.S. FDA recently gave clearance for Botox as a treatment for overactive bladder, a bladder storage condition that causes a sudden urge to urinate and often results in urinary incontinence. It received similar clearance In Ireland, which could pave the way for approval throughout the EU.

Botox will likely continue to see a strong increase in sales as it continues to be approved for non-cosmetic indications. Pyott estimates that therapeutic sales of Botox grow enough to eventually outweigh cosmetic related sales with the next five years.

After achieving weight loss success on "The Biggest Loser," how do the winning contestants deal with loose skin on their bodies? Loose, excess skin is a common problem for people who lose a large amount of weight in a short amount of time.

The skin redundancy causes irritation, issues with the fit of clothing, as well as cosmetic concerns. Olivia Ward lost 129 pounds on the program and then turned to Dr. Jennifer Walden for body contouring with a tummy tuck and breast lift.

In this KXAN news segment, Dr. Walden talks about the procedures and how they worked to address the problems faced by the contestant.

She says she performed a tummy tuck and breast lift to complete Ward's transformation, removing the redundant skin and soft tissue. During the tummy tuck, the doctor lifts up the abdominal skin, removes the apron of extra skin and then tightens the stretched abdominal muscles. To address deflation and loose skin in the breasts, she performed a breast lift.

Body contouring after weight loss is "a reconstructive surgery" Dr. Walden explains.

Read more about body contouring in Mobile, AL.

Scarring from skin cancer removal can be minimized with a fractional CO2 laser treatment, according to dermatologists.

Reuters Health recently reported about a study of 10 patients undergoing Mohs surgery for skin cancer removal. The skin cancers were located in highly visible locations such as the face, neck and arms.

After removing the lesions, dermatologists treated the edges of the wound with a fractional carbon dioxide laser. To determine the effectiveness of the laser treatment, only half of the wound edges were treated each time. The physicians then closed the wounds using absorbable sutures and adhesive.

Positive results were demonstrated on the laser treated portions. Medscape.com reports:

At the two- to three-month follow-up visit, nine of the ten patients felt the laser-treated side of the wound was cosmetically superior to the untreated side. They also thought the laser-treated sides were significantly better with regard to elevation, discoloration and erythema.

Despite the advancements in skin cancer treatent, scarring remains a concern for patients. Part of the problem is the tendency for skin cancer to appear on highly visible areas of the body, including the neck and face. Therefore, an effective method for minimizing scars should be seriously examined by dermatologists and plastic surgeons.

If the results are validated, Dr. David Ozog claims that the treatment could "change the current approach in all surgical disciplines." Dr. Ozog and Dr. Ronald Moy are reportedly continuing to study the treatment, with a larger, multi-center study in the works.

What is a Co2 laser?

The popular CO2 laser employs an invisible light that is absorbed by water, the main component of your tissue. By focusing the laser beam, a doctor can use it to simultaneously cut tissue and seal blood vessels. Unfocused, the beam can remove skin growths by vaporizing the outer skin layers.

With fractional technology, the laser is applied in small columns. Energy penetrates the dermal layer, which stimulates a natural collagen renewal process. In between the columns, small areas of the tissue is untouched.

You can read more about this study on Medscape, or view our website to find out more about laser treatments in Mobile, AL.

After outpatient surgery with anesthesia, older drivers are safer than younger drivers, says a new study released by the American Society of Anesthesiologists.

A study of 198 patients tested driving ability with a simulator, before and after outpatient surgery under sedation. Researchers checked for driving violations, swerving and other indicators of poor driving ability.

Swerving and weaving differed little between the two groups, suggesting that the effects of anesthesia had worn off by the time patients were discharged.

The authors also checked how each group, younger and older, managed post-operative pain, and if that affected their driving ability. "We found the amount of pain did not play much importance in the final analysis, but the speed driven did," said Dr. Asokumar Buvanendran, the lead investigator. "Older patients drove slower and had corresponding better weaving scores because they were able to correct deviations more quickly" he adds.

The researchers suggest that older patients could be more aware of the effects of anesthesia, so they drive more cautiously after outpatient surgery.

According to Buvanendran, as more people undergo ambulatory surgical procedures with short-acting anesthetics, patients are likely to drive before the typical 24-hour waiting period ends. That's why they decided to perform this research.

Medicis has just announced FDA clearance for Restylane injectable gel to be used in lip augmentation. As one of the world's most popular wrinkle fillers, Restylane has been used for years to treat moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds.

The new FDA clearance will include indications for lip enhancement in patients over 21. New Restylane packaging will include the new indication and clinical results that studied the lip augmentation procedure. Medicis is reportedly planning to incorporate the clinical study in their training and promotional materials. Medicis CEO Jonah Shacknai commented:

We are pleased with the FDA's decision to expand the Restylane label to include lip augmentation. This marks another significant milestone for Restylane, now the first and only hyaluronic acid dermal filler approved in the United States for lip augmentation.

We were very encouraged by the compelling data from the robust pivotal clinical study, showing effectiveness for up to six months, with a clear majority of eligible subjects opting for retreatment at six months. We believe physicians and their patients will appreciate the unique gel particle structure of Restylane and its ability to create fullness in the lips for up to six months.

Multi Center Study Evaluates Restylane Lip Augmentation

To evaluate Restylane for lip augmentation, researchers carried out a randomized, evaluator-blinded, no-treatment-as-a-control, multi-center study of 180 patients. Subjects randomized to Restylane treatment at the beginning of the study were retreated at six months, and subjects randomized to no treatment received their first Restylane treatment at six months. The study measured safety through use of:

• Adverse events that were reported during the study
• Patient diaries kept for two weeks after Restylane lip augmentation
• Nine lip safety assessments performed at various intervals throughout the 7-month study

The Medicis Lip Fullness Scale™

The Medicis Lip Fullness scale is an innovative, 5-point measurement tool that evaluates the effectiveness of lip augmentation. To design the scale, they collaborated closely with the FDA and clinicians during the validation process.

A blinded lip evaluator, physician and photo reviewer all measured effectiveness of Restylane lip augmentation for the upper and lower lip. They also employed the GAIS - Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale. Researchers measured effectiveness for seven months. In addition, three independent physicians performed photo evaluations after the study.

The Results: Research showed that Restylane lip augmentation is well tolerated and effective for up to 6 months. Adverse events were not serious, and included pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising and erythema. 80 percent of patients chose to be treated again after 6 months.

Allergan just launched a new media campaign with actress Courtney Thorne-Smith to discuss the changes in women's perceptions about Botox Cosmetic. The actress is talking about her experience with Botox, and helping to answer some of the most common Botox questions that women still have.

According to a new survey by HealthyWomen:

• The number of women considering talking to their doctors about BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment more than quadrupled from 1.3 million in 2002 to 5.8 million in 2010.
• The number of women who think that BOTOX® Cosmetic is an effective means for treating frown lines between the eyebrows has increased from 21 percent when the product was approved to 79 percent in 2010.

Still, there are many people out there that are considering treatment, but hesitating due to lack of information. “Our partnership with actress Courtney Thorne-Smith and the non-profit organization HealthyWomen is our latest initiative to address pressing questions women have about medical aesthetic injectable treatments like BOTOX® Cosmetic.”

“I’ve been treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic for nearly 10 years, said Thorne-Smith, "and while I think it’s become more mainstream, many women have the same questions I initially had.” Allergan released a brief Q&A that addresses some of the common questions, as indicated by the new HealthyWomen survey.

Botox Questions

According to the survey of 826 U.S. women ages 35 to 65, the most common BOTOX questions include:

1. Are these products safe? Each aesthetic injectable treatment has a unique safety and efficacy profile and treatments are not interchangeable. For every injectable treatment, including BOTOX® Cosmetic, it’s important to review the Important Safety Information and Medication Guide with your physician as serious side effects can occur. The most common side effects include pain or temporary bruising at the injection site, temporary tiredness, headache and nausea.
2. How much do these treatments cost? Cost varies across the country based on a number of factors. According to an American Society of Plastic Surgeons survey, the average cost of BOTOX® Cosmetic is approximately $400 for treatment of the glabellar lines between the brows.
3. Will my face still have expression? Injectable treatments such as BOTOX® Cosmetic should not radically change one’s appearance. When BOTOX® Cosmetic is administered by an experienced physician, a person can still frown and look surprised without those moderate to severe lines – also known as the “11” – between the brows.
4. How long does treatment last? Minimally invasive treatments are temporary. BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment effects can last up to four months.
5. Is treatment painful? Discomfort associated with the injection is usually minimal and brief, and your physician may apply an ice pack or anesthetic cream.

A more conservative brow lift may yield more benefits for some patients than a traditional full brow lift.

Using special brow lift techniques, plastic surgeons are able to help a patient appear younger and open an eye area that may suffer from a descending brow. Rather than fully lifting the brow to a higher position, your surgeon may only lift part of the brow for an ideal result, as discussed in Cosmetic Surgery Times.

One way a brow lift is sometimes performed is by unilaterally lifting the entire brow, but this may not be the ideal brow lift technique. In fact, in some cases, it may make the patient appear older and create a hollow appearance above the eyes, which may later need to be corrected.

Rather, the brow should ideally be lifted in a minimal manner, which can still create a dramatically younger-looking visage. In the case of plastic surgery, oftentimes less is more.

Instead of focusing on how high the brow should be after surgery, the shape of the brow overall may be more important. In the past, what was considered a beautifully shaped brow was different than it is today. At one point, a downturned brow was desirable, and later a more upturned brow.

Today's ideal is somewhere in the middle, where the brow is lower near the center of the face, higher near the end and with a peak above the iris of the eye.

If you struggle with a descending brow but may not yet desire one of these brow lift techniques, Botox may be used to treat some types of brow deformities. Botox works by paralyzing the muscle at the treatment site, allowing the skin and brow to relax in a more natural position.

To learn more about brow lift techniques or how Mobile, Alabama plastic surgeon Dr. Proffitt may use Botox to treat an aged-looking brow, we encourage you to contact us.

Patients who struggle with a hollow appearance around their eyes may benefit greatly from fat grafting procedures.

A recently published study published in the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery asked, “How long does fat grafting last?” when injected near the eyes. The results were largely positive for many patients.

The effects of the treatment are generally known to last longer than injectable fillers, which are cheaper, but must be redone yearly. Fat grafting involves using liposuction to remove fat from a donor site, like the thighs, purifying the fat and reinjecting it into depressions in the face.

So, How Long Does Fat Grafting Last?

According to the results of the study, the majority of patients who received fat grafting in the lower eyelids saw the results lasting up to three years. Over the course of four years, the study tracked nearly one hundred patients aged 35 to 71 who had chosen the treatment. Comparing photos taken every few months, the team rated the improvement seen in the photos as the patients aged.

Though the results were about in line with with the study team says they expected, they did not compare the fat grafting results with those of injectable fillers like Restylane or Juvederm. Still, as a more long term option for filling facial depressions and wrinkles, fat grafting is common and growing in popularity.

Patients who are elderly, who smoke, or those who exercise heavily may not see the effects of fat grafting quite a long as others. Additionally, for any inconsistencies in the appearance of the injected fat, some patients may choose to undergo touch-up procedures to fine-tune the effect or to make it last longer.

To learn more about fat grafting in Mobile, Alabama, please join Dr. Proffitt's mailing list.

Have you ever wondered what you would look like with breast implants? These days, women are finding the right look with a Natrelle Pre-Consultation kit.

"It comes with these different sized inserts, so you can figure out which look you like," explains the young lady in this video from Natrelle.

The second half of the video is narrated by two plastic surgeons. "Before the pre-consultation kit, many women were asked to fill a plastic bag with different substances like hair gel or rice to simulate what a breast implant would look like," explains Dr. Jennifer Walden.

Now the options are greater and more accurate. Ordering a Natrelle Pre-Consultation kit gives women the freedom to try different implant sizes in the privacy of their own homes.

Watch the entire video to see real breast augmentation before and after photos from patients of different ages. Natrelle breast implants are available at the Mobile AL cosmetic surgery practice of Dr. Randy Proffitt.

CHICAGO - As the school year draws to a close, thousands of children across the country will take on a familiar chore: mowing the lawn. June is National Home Safety Month and five national medical organizations are warning Americans that the routine task of lawn mowing can be extremely dangerous to children, the operator, and those nearby if proper safety precautions aren't taken.