“The INSPIRA® range speaks to Allergan’s commitment to science-based innovation in the medical aesthetics category,” says Stu Fowler, President & General Manager, Allergan Canada. “Allergan has been a leader in this space for over two decades and we continue to assess, as well as respond to the needs of plastic surgeons using our products, and the needs of Canadian women interested in breast augmentation.”

Recent findings from the National Plastic Surgery Survey of 300 Canadian women, between the ages of 22 and 59, suggest that 87 per cent of women would like to change at least one part of their body.¹  Of the parts identified, breasts are the second leading feature that women would like to change after the stomach.²  In fact, 13 per cent of Canadian women have considered or are currently considering breast implant surgery, with women between the ages of 22 and 34 being seven times more likely to entertain the option of the procedure as compared to their older counterparts.³

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation is the number one requested plastic surgery procedure in the United States.⁴  In addition, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery estimates that breast augmentation accounts for roughly 20 per cent of all cosmetic surgical procedures performed in the United States with over 60 per cent of these using gel-filled implants.⁵

“Breast augmentation surgery has grown in popularity since silicone gel-filled breast implants first came to market in Canada,” says Dr. Julie Khanna, one of Canada’s leading cosmetic plastic surgeons and author of the book, Timeless Beauty.  “Surgeons are  looking for implant options that provide the best, individualized custom fit for their patients.  A woman’s relationship with her breasts is quite personal, so options like the INSPIRA® range are an important development for plastic surgeons today because they allow us to offer a more natural looking, tailored result.”

The INSPIRA® range offers over 300 next generation round, smooth and textured breast implant options, and has been available to patients outside Canada since 2006.^6,7

According to the National Plastic Surgery Survey, Canadian women cite improvement in self-esteem (34 per cent) as one of the key motivating factors to undergo a plastic surgery procedure.⁸ Forty-eight per cent say that whether the surgery will look natural impacts their decision to pursue the procedure.⁹

Silicone gel-filled breast implants were approved for use in breast augmentation, reconstruction and revision surgery in Canada in 2006.¹⁰ Following this milestone, Allergan launched the NATRELLE® Collection in 2007 as the country’s first recognizable brand name for Allergan’s wide range of high-quality gel-filled and saline-filled breast implants for Canadian women seeking this type of surgery.

Women looking for more information about the NATRELLE® Collection and INSPIRA® range or to find a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon are encouraged to visit www.NATRELLE.ca.

The IAPAM’s Symposium is the only program which gives physicians an opportunity to learn from two board-certified dermatologists, who are true experts of the skin and cosmetic injectables. In order to ensure doctors learn the best injection techniques, the botox ® training is done in a medical practice, not in a hotel room chair. In addition, the Symposium does not allow exhibitors, giving physicians more time for education.

Physicians who attend the IAPAM’s Aesthetic Medicine Symposium can revisit their educational experience by using the IAPAM’s NEW 3 comprehensive clinical training DVDs. This DVD set offers focused instruction and demonstrations on Botulinum Toxin Botox ® Injection Techniques, Dermal Filler Injection Techniques, Chemical Peel Techniques, and Microdermabrasion Techniques.

The three DVD’s cover three key anti-aging treatment areas:1. Botulinum Toxin for Cosmetic Patients lecture.2. Botulinum Toxin and Dermal Fillers for Cosmetic Patients – live demonstration.3. Chemical Peel and Microdermabrasion live demonstration of techniques.Equally, Symposium attendees receive 16 Cosmetic Practice training DVDs. These resources allow physicians and their staff to re-immerse themselves in the IAPAM’s training at their convenience.

The popularity of the IAPAM’s Aesthetic Medicine Symposium is consistent with the demand by physicians for expert and accredited cosmetic injectable training. Jeff Russell, Executive Director of the IAPAM has witnessed the tremendous growth of minimally-invasive modalities.“We are hearing from our members that minimally invasive procedures like botox ®, dermal fillers as well as microdermabrasion have exploded in demand, and we are seeing a correlating increase in the demand for our botox ® training. Moreover, physicians are realizing they not only need to offer botox ® treatments to their patients, but also laser hair removal, IPL skin rejuvenation, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion, and organizations like the IAPAM educate doctors on how to package treatments for the most appealing and profitable outcomes.”

IAPAM trained physicians are comprehensively educated in all cosmetic injectable outcomes.

Physicians should complete a comprehensive, clinical training program like the IAPAM’s Aesthetic Medicine Symposium or Advanced Botox/Dermal Filler Bootcamp, to ensure they are expertly trained in botox and other minimally invasive treatments. This translates into ensuring that they are trained in the latest injection techniques, how to safely source Botox, dermal fillers and other injectables, and are comfortable with dealing with any possible adverse event due to these procedure. Also, by becoming a member (http://www.iapam.com/aboutiapam/membership) of the IAPAM, physicians are recognized as a member of an internationally accredited aesthetic association.

The IAPAM’s Aesthetic Medicine Symposium training includes:

• dedicated instruction from board-certified dermatologists, who are true experts of the skin and cosmetic injectables;
• hands-on practice in the best injection techniques;
• botox ® training at a multi-million dollar medical practice, not in a hotel room; and
• an environment that does not allow exhibitors, giving doctors more time for education.

For additional information or to register for the next Aesthetic Medicine Symposium with Botox ® training session, please contact the IAPAM, at 1-800-219-5108 ext. 704, email info@theiapam.com or visit http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com/registration.

Botox, Botox Cosmetic and Juvederm are trademarks of Allergan, Inc. Dysport, Restylane, Perlane are trademarks of Medicis, Inc.

Although initial breast reduction has some benefits, women may be disappointed with the appearance of their breasts after massive weight loss. “Thus, patients who are considering bariatric procedures should be encouraged to pursue that operation before proceeding with reduction mammaplasty,” according to the new study by ASPS Member Jeffrey A. Gusenoff, MD, and colleagues of University of Rochester Medical Center.

Best Results when Bariatric Surgery Performed before Breast Reduction

The researchers analyzed patient satisfaction and other outcomes in severely obese women who had massive weight loss of more than 50 pounds. Obesity is defined as a body mass index of 30 or higher, and the women in this study had an average body mass index of about 54. All but one of the women needed bariatric surgery to achieve massive weight loss.

The study included two groups of women: 15 who underwent breast reduction surgery before massive weight loss and 14 who did not have breast reduction surgery before massive weight loss. All of the women who underwent reduction mammaplasty thought their breasts looked better after the operation. In addition, most felt better able to exercise and to lose weight on their own after breast reduction surgery. However, all 15 women needed bariatric surgery to achieve their weight-loss goals. Further reductions in breast size followed bariatric surgery.

Bariatric procedures for obesity can affect the appearance of the breasts as a result of excess skin and other changes. After massive weight loss, 86 percent of the women who previously had reduction mammaplasty thought their breasts looked worse. About half of the women planned to have further surgery to improve the appearance of their breasts. Others said they would have further surgery if it was covered by insurance.

Because of the benefits of breast reduction – including relief from severe breast-related symptoms – most of the women did not regret their decision to have reduction mammaplasty first. However, if giving advice to a friend, they said they would recommend losing weight before undergoing breast reduction surgery.

Of the women who did not undergo reduction mammaplasty, 71 percent felt the appearance of their breasts was worse after bariatric surgery. Half planned to have breast reduction surgery, while more said they would if they could afford it.

The new results suggest that most women are dissatisfied with the appearance of their breasts after massive weight loss, whether or not they undergo breast reduction surgery before bariatric procedures.

Dr. Gusenoff and colleagues suggest that, in women who are candidates for both procedures, it may be a good idea to consider having bariatric surgery first. While reduction mammaplasty has benefits – including reduced pain and increased ability to exercise – the final appearance of the breasts seems better if breast reduction surgery is performed after massive weight loss. “These options must be weighed and individualized treatment plans made for obese patients seeking breast reduction prior to weight loss,” the researchers conclude.

“If a woman believes that breastfeeding will adversely affect her breast appearance, she decreases her chances of successful breastfeeding,” said Norma Cruz, MD, ASPS Member Surgeon and study author. “This misconception is unfortunate. Reassuring women that breastfeeding won’t harm their breast appearance, and that it has significant health advantages for both mother and baby is vitally important.”

The study followed the breastfeeding habits of 160 breast augmentation patients.  A period of two weeks or more of exclusive breastfeeding was the defining duration of a “successful” breastfeeding attempt.  Women who were successful or unsuccessful at breastfeeding were extremely similar in demographics such as age, body mass, implant size and incision location. The only significant difference between the two groups was the perceived effect breastfeeding would have on the appearance of their breasts. Among the 63 women who successfully breastfed, only 13 percent believed it would have an adverse effect on the aesthetic quality of their breasts. Conversely, in the group of 97 women who were unsuccessful, 86 percent believed breastfeeding would have a negative impact on the appearance of their breasts.

“It makes sense that breast augmentation patients would be concerned about the effect breastfeeding could have on the appearance of their breasts. After all, these women have invested both time and money into them,” said Dr. Cruz. “However, available evidence tells us that although breasts sag more with each pregnancy, breastfeeding doesn’t seem to worsen these effects in women with or without breast implants.”

According to the WomensHealth.gov, a project of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health, breastfeeding improves both a mother and child’s overall health. For mothers, breastfeeding is linked to a lower risk of type two diabetes, breast cancer, ovarian cancer and post-partum depression. In newborns, breastfeeding helps build their immune systems, fight diseases and build a stronger connection between mother and child.

“Now that we know breast augmentation patients’ views on how breastfeeding will impact the look of their breasts, patient education becomes critical to improving perceptions and strengthening the health and lives of both mother and child,” said Dr. Cruz.

The study, “The Perceived Effect of Breastfeeding on Breast Aesthetics: Does it Affect Breastfeeding Success in Women with Breast Augmentation,” is being presented in electronic format, September 24-26, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.

Adam D. Schaffner, M.D., F.A.C.S., Director of Plastic Surgery at the renowned JUVA Skin & Laser Center in New York, predicts that these findings will have a positive impact on patients outlook towards this type of procedure and will result in them looking better and being physically healthier as well.”Not only does this new research offer positive side effects for those who undergo a liposuction procedure, but it also sheds some light on the fact that subcutaneous fat that lies under the skin has more of an affect on cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk than we had originally thought,” said Dr. Schaffner.The study, which is being presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons ASPS this weekend, measured triglyceride and cholesterol levels in 322 patients undergoing liposuction and/or a tummy tuck.

The majority of patients, 71 percent, had liposuction only. Triglyceride levels in patients with normal pre-operative levels were unchanged. However, those patients with elevated, at-risk levels greater than or equal to 150 mg/dl experienced an average 43 percent reduction in triglyceride levels after surgery – about twice the effect achieved with a drug commonly prescribed to reduce triglyceride levels. The effect was similar in both men and women. According to the author, this does not mean liposuction can replace medications in patients with very high triglyceride levels.

“Liposuction has long been considered a purely cosmetic procedure but this study has found that white blood cell counts decrease, on average, 11 percent after liposuction,” said Dr. Bruce Katz, Director of JUVA Skin & Laser Center and pioneer of SmartLipo.  ”High white blood cell counts are associated with a raised level of inflammation within the body and have been linked to coronary heart disease, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.  This suggests that liposuction may translate into a procedure that has the ability to reduce a patients health risk.”

According to ASPS, more than 203,000 liposuction procedures were performed in the US in 2010.The study, “Prospective Clinical Study Reveals Significant Reduction in Triglyceride Level and White Cell Count after Liposuction and Abdominoplasty and No Change in Cholesterol Levels,” is being presented Sunday, September 25, 10:15 a.m., at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.

“That the current economy is affecting patients’ choices around facial rejuvenation isn’t so surprising, since previous surveys from ASAPS have shown a decrease in aesthetic surgical procedures and a slight uptick in nonsurgical procedures over recent years,” said T. Jonathan Kurkjian, MD, of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, who served as lead author of the study. “What is surprising, however, is the disconnect between physicians’ perceptions of patient preferences and actual patient preferences on costs and treatment longevity. Contrary to physician views, the survey results suggest that even for nonsurgical facial aesthetic options, treatment plans should focus more on longevity than on immediate impact.”

The two surveys were conducted by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons AAFPRS patient survey and the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation ASERF physician survey. Over half 53 percent of respondents considering facial plastic surgery N=204 had been affected by the economy in their decision to move forward with medical antiaging treatments. The majority affected respondents said they were likely to either delay facial plastic surgery for one or more years 59 percent or pursue less-costly options such as microdermabrasion 32 percent. The vast majority 95 percent also reported that they would prefer a longer-lasting treatment over one with an immediate effect, but shorter duration; furthermore, 60% felt that duration of treatment was more important than cost in selecting a facial aesthetic procedure. In contrast, only 61 percent of plastic surgeons felt that patients preferred long-lasting results, with 82 percent responding that they believed patients would prefer an immediate result lasting one year over a procedure with more gradual effects that lasts over two years. In addition, 63 percent reported that they believed cost was a more important factor for their patients than treatment longevity.

“These survey results show that we should be aware of our patients’ desires when it comes to nonsurgical cosmetic procedures,” said Foad Nahai, MD, Editor-in-Chief of Aesthetic Surgery Journal. “There is an opportunity here to better communicate with patients, discussing the pros and cons of nonsurgical treatments, particularly longevity of these treatments. As the survey indicates, we may find that patients are willing to accept higher costs if they know their procedure will have longer-lasting results.”

“Stem cell-enriched autologous fat is a safe and sustainable bioimplant ideally suited for local anesthesia natural, scarless breast augmentation and body shaping,” says Viennese esthetic and regenerative stem cell therapy expert DDr. Karl-Georg Heinrich, Europe’s first doctor offering this therapy. At Clinic DDr. Heinrich® he helps women from all around the world gain larger breasts, harmonious body contours, and a more youthful face with stem cell-enriched autologous fat.

Along with presentations by researchers on the latest findings on adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) and their esthetic applications, the conference provided experts with ample opportunities for professional interaction. Thus DDr. Heinrich discussed his experiences with adipose-derived stem cells and potential future applications with Japan’s Prof. Dr. Yoshimura, Prof. Dr. Illouz, and Dr. Berman.

Doctors all agreed that stem cell enrichment substantially improves long-term sustainability of tissue implanted in autologous fat transfers. Also discussed was the greater safety of esthetic therapies with autologous stem cells over procedures under general anesthesia thanks to gentle local anesthesia.

In addition to stem cell-assisted breast augmentation, stem cells obtained from autologous fat deposits form the foundation for other future-oriented esthetic treatments. For instance, DDr. Heinrich also uses stem cell-enriched autologous fat for sustainable body shaping (e.g., buttocks augmentation), correcting tissue defects, skin rejuvenation over the whole body, and stem-cell facelifts.

However, as many doctors attempt to incorporate video marketing for plastic surgeons into their practices, they tend to be a little shy and resort to talking head type videos. Be bold. Don’t be afraid to show your practice and your procedures. People are very curious to learn what many cosmetic surgery procedures entail and will seek out those plastic surgeons who provide the best information. Use your video marketing wisely. Most people are not interested in images that involve scalpels and blood but other less invasive procedures are great ways to engage your audience and give them a sample of how you work with patients.

Below is an example of a BOTOX procedure in Leesburg Va, produced by SynaVista for Dr Phillip Chang. It is a great example of providing video that ventures past the traditional talking head video and really provides value to your potential customers.

Video transcript:

I’m Dr Phillip Chang at Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and Laser Center and this is Christina and we’re going to do a demonstration today on Botox. Right now we are going to try to treat some of the lines on her face that she doesn’t like. She’s obviously pretty but there are thing she doesn’t like which are the lines on her forehead. Christina raise your eyebrows. Those lines. Also her angry lines or the elevens or as she calls them her “Grrr” lines and then her crows feet lines which honestly she doesn’t have too much of but when she smiles you can see some of those lines right across here.So those are the three main areas that we do Botox for without any numbing. We can demonstrate that this really is a relatively painless procedure. So we’re going to do this area right across here. We will do it on both sides of the face.

Cosmetic surgeons have a variety of tools with which to perform rhinoplasty, such as bone saws, carbide rasps and power-assisted rasps, according to background information in the article. “Unfortunately, each tool has limitations that decrease its usefulness,” write the authors. For example, the tools may cause deformities, damage surrounding structures and tissue, prove difficult to use in addressing mobile bone fragments or obstruct direct visualization. The authors sought to study the ultrasonic bone aspirator, a device that uses sound waves to remove bone without injuring nearby tissue, in cosmetic rhinoplasty.

Jewel D. Greywoode, M.D., and Edmund A. Pribitkin, M.D., from the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, conducted a retrospective review of 103 consecutive patients who underwent cosmetic rhinoplasty at a tertiary care academic facial plastic surgery practice. The ultrasonic bone aspirator was used for conventional procedures and also in novel ways for further aesthetic refinement, such as addressing deformities and sculpting mobile bone fragments. Both cartilage treated with the device and untreated cartilage were evaluated by histologic (microscope) analysis for injury to tissue. Researchers documented patient and surgeon satisfaction as well as complications. Patients were followed up with at one week, one month, three months, six months and one year after the procedure. The mean (average) length of follow-up was 3.2 months, with a range of zero to 14.2 months.

The most common application of the ultrasonic bone aspirator was for smoothing of the nose’s bony edges, which was performed in all patients. Outcomes were considered satisfactory for all patients. Minor complications occurred in seven patients (6.8 percent) treated with the ultrasonic bone aspirator. Injuries to skin and soft tissue were not experienced by any study participants.

The authors concluded that the ultrasonic bone aspirator could be a useful tool for surgeons performing cosmetic rhinoplasty. The device, they explain, allows precise, graded removal of bone without damage to surrounding soft tissue or mucous membranes; can be used for procedures such as refinement of subtle irregularities and asymmetry of the nasal bones; and does not seem to have a significant risk of complications. “Multiple applications in nasal surgery can be found,” the authors write, “and although long-term results are lacking, the device’s positive safety profile and early results warrant further use and investigation.”