Monday, December 31, 2012

Fillers found to reverse skin cell aging

As we age several things happen – unfortunately. We lose thickness in our skin. Our soft tissue, ie, fat, shows signs of atrophy or wasting.  

A new study done at the University of Michigan has shown that the injection of fillers can boost collagen production and provide extra support to our skin.  The fibroblasts which make collagen, are stimulated to produce more.  This leads to an increased thickness in our skin or epidermis.  This increased pressure provided by the injection of fillers covered the fibroblasts to awaken and start proliferation.  More blood vessels to nourish these new cells were increased as well.  These findings were reported in The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, which I follow as a Florida plastic surgeon.

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Is popcorn the new health food?



A new study shows popcorn can provide protection from cancer and heart disease. 

Seems the hulls from the popcorn seeds – the annoying part that sticks in your teeth/gums contain high levels of antioxidants, namely polyphenols.  These chemicals are great at disease fighting.  It is also a good source of fiber but remember limit the salt and avoid the greasy butter.


Happy New Year to all my popcorn-loving friends.


Sunday, December 30, 2012

Another satisfied cosmetic surgery patient


I get these letters from time to time and they always please me. What more can a plastic surgeon ask for than a patient who is excited about the outcome of her surgery. It is the supreme reward of the work I do. 

"I would highly recommend Dr. Robert Brueck to anyone needing cosmetic surgery - I had two procedures done - eyelift & neck surgery. I am getting so many compliments now that It's Unreal - I look ten years younger and I really have a lot of confidence now that I had the procedures done - I look good, I feel better about myself and I love all the compliments I'm getting from all my friends. I love you, Dr. Brueck, for changing my life." - BM 12/17/2012

Thank you.

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Friday, December 28, 2012

You lead with your chin. Tighten it up.


So many options for firming up a sagging jawline
Lifts, liposuction, injections and lasers

In “I Feel Bad About My Neck,” Nora Ephron wrote, “Our faces are lies and our necks are the truth. You have to cut open a redwood tree to see how old it is, but you would not if it had a neck.” 

She had a point. But an equal embarrassment sits right above the neck. It's the sagging jaw line.   

When you reach your early 40s, you may notice the "drop zone", the skin between your neck and jaw. Once a taut right angle, it's now simply dropping. When a friend pulls back the skin in front of her ears and asks, “Tell me the truth, don’t I look better like this?” We answer dishonestly: “Don’t be silly. You look great the way you are.”

Aging jaw and neck are challenging. The neck has three layers: skin, fat, and muscle. Sagging muscles and bulging fat are located under the thin skin. To make it worse, a thin rope-like material called platysma tends to split into a V-like formation of two cords that stick out especially when they contract. To witness this, if you’re over 40, look in a mirror, say “eee,” and watch what happens. "Horrors!" you say to yourself. A colleague in Manhattan observes, “Trying to fix all of that with potions and lotions is like waging a two-front war on a sheet of thin ice.” He recommends a neck lift for women in their early to mid-40s who are not ready for a facelift.

The neck lift wraps sagging muscles crosswise to the jaw to restore that all-important right angle. Compared with a facelift, sutures are smaller, there is less pulling and recovery time is much shorter. However, a neck lift has traditionally been part and parcel of a facelift and many plastic surgeons believe it should remain so. The reasoning is that, anatomically, the muscles of the neck are connected to muscles of the face, so if you try to tighten just the neck muscles, you will do you face a disservice. Using this line of reasoning, even if your big complaint is your neck, you will get better results with a facelift. If you’re confused about which procedure is right for you, have me give you feedback while perusing your very own unique face and neck.

Liposuction and the double chin
The face and neck are usually treated at the same time, often in conjunction with liposuction to sculpt the area beneath the chin and jaw line. Weight gain can lead to looser skin, weaker muscles and free falling fat, all of which may contribute to your drop zone. Younger patients who have fatty necks but no significant facial aging may be treated with liposuction alone. Some plastic surgeons also might use laser or light technology to tighten necks.

Preventive Botox
Botox in areas where wrinkling and creases can occur may prevent deeper lines from forming and will help maintain a youthful appearance. Defer those angry or tired lines so people will not notice that you’ve had anything done.  Botox can also soften those V-shaped platysma cords.

Your own belly fat
Another alternative is injecting fat from the belly into the jawline area to provide extra volume. This will include the bonus of your own stem cells. Extra stem cells are separated from the fat via centrifuge and then added, making the skin glow more and enhancing collagen.
  
Even though you might favor one of these options, it’s a good idea to have an open mind when you come in to see me for free consultation. It's best to let me suggest the very best procedure in view of your very own unique facial characteristics. 

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Thursday, December 27, 2012

What your eyes say about you.

Eyelid surgery is  the third most popular cosmetic surgery. More than 147,500 procedures were performed last year,  The change in appearance can make you look more rested, refreshed and alert. One surgery can be used to have the upper eyelid, lower eye or both areas tightened. In many cases, droopiness in the upper eye can inhibit vision, while puffy bags in the lower eye create the appearance of constantly being tired or sad.

Those who undergo the procedure can expect to have incisions made to remove the loose skin surrounding the eye. As your plastic surgeon, I will determine the best technique and area to concentrate on to achieve the best outcome for you. (After all, every person has different eyes.). The incision for the upper eyelid is usually hidden in the crease or natural fold. On the lower eyelid, the incision is hidden right below the lash line. Your eyelashes can hide any scarring there. If the under-eye is dark or sagging due to loss of volume, I may suggest dermal fillers lasers or a different approach since the purpose of eyelid surgery is primarily to remove excess  skin and fat.

I perform this surgery on an outpatient basis in my licensed surgery center. Your eyesight will be blurry and compromised following surgery, so you should arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for 24-hours. Stitches are usually removed within a week. But blurriness, swelling and bruising can last for up to several weeks depending on each patient. In some cases, eye drops and wearing sunglasses to protect from the sun and wind are advised while your eye  recover.

Eyelid surgery is relatively low-risk and patients are generally satisfied with a 77% worth it rating on RealSelf.com. The most important part of limiting risks and complications is to 

1) make sure you see a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience with eyelid surgery 

2) follow all pre and postoperative instructions 

3) let your doctor and his staff know if you are having any problems. 

If you have heavy-set eyelids and/or bags under your eyes, this procedure might change the way others see you, and more importantly, how you see the world.

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Saturday, December 22, 2012

Holiday savings on fillers and peels

I am making this offer to all my patients and potential patients.
Click the image to enlarge it. And happy holidays to all from your
Fort Myers Cosmetic surgeon.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Is Running Good For You?


Even a hard-working plastic surgeon in Fort Myers, Florida has to take some time off and get away for a bit.

I was in
Philadelphia this weekend and my son Jay and I were looking for a cab – I thought for a moment I would run to catch up to him.  As much as I tried, I just could not do it.  I have severe arthritis in my left ankle from when I played soccer in college.

Generally running is good for your health but running more that 20 miles per week may be harmful and cause cardiac damage.  A body of research/evidence seems to point to the possibility that excessive running can cause coronary artery hardening.  Also there may be increased risk of atrial fibrillation or heart rate irregularities.  I guess that old axiom – all things in moderation - applies here too!

Run responsibly, my friends.

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Friday, December 14, 2012

I'd like to share with you an article concerning injectables that I recently received from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.  As a cosmetic surgeon in Fort Myers, Florida, who is a board certified member of the ASAPS, I receive these insightful articles regularly. It's the kind of information a lay person would not normally be exposed to. I will excerpt it here:

"In the hands of a licensed, expert injector, wrinkle treatments such as Botox and Dysport or a Hyaluronic Acid Filler, such as Juvederm or Radiesse, could help you rejuvenate and refresh your look. 

In the increasingly competitive plastic surgery field, however, an alarming number of unlicensed, unqualified individuals are trying to pass themselves off as plastic surgeons.

There also are the ever-present unscrupulous individuals offering back alley Botox, illegal silicone butt injections and other toxic, non-medical procedures. 

A recent news article highlighted a woman who lured a UK woman to the US and injected illegal, toxic silicone into her buttocks in a hotel room, which caused her death from a pulmonary embolism. 

It has never been more important for you, as a consumer, to do your research. Find out if your injector is qualified and the facility where you are being injected is accredited, and look at the label before anyone begins injecting.

There have been a number of new procedures and updates as well. The increasing use of social media and web-cam chat programs encourage what some like to call the “Facetime Lift,” which uses injectables like Botox and fillers, in conjunction with surgery, to create better angles and volume in certain areas. 

Recently, a German-based company, Kythera Biopharmaceuticals has completed clinical trials in Europe on a new injectable that could help you lose that double chin. Instead of having a costly liposuction procedure for thousands of dollars, you could have an injectable that targets small pockets of fat and save the cost of having an invasive surgery, the time for the procedure and a lengthy recovery. The company is currently doing clinical trials in the US that should be completed by mid-2013. At that time the company plans to submit the product to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval to sell here in the States. 

Men might not be the big beauty spenders, but don’t underestimate their growing use of popular injectables. Over 10% of all Botulinum Toxin type A injections are for men, making it the most popular plastic surgery procedure for both sexes. Many men who work on Wall Street or high-stress work environments that are very competitive are turning to injectables to look refreshed and compete in the workforce. The subtlety and less dramatic changes achieved from injectable procedures also draw men in, one news source reports. They are looking for improvements, not a complete makeover.

Whatever your reason for choosing an injectable procedure, be sure to do your research. Pick an injector based on experience and medical licensing, not solely on cost.


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Thursday, December 13, 2012

MiraDry success stories


Dear Readers:

miraDry is a popular new treatment in Southwest Florida. And, as a cosmetic surgeon in Fort Myers, I am the recipient of many reviews about miraDry from around the country.  I think you might like to read them too. Here's one

"I just finished my 2nd miraDry treatment! I have done Botox injections for 5 years or so to stop the sweating under my arms. I was ready for something a little more long term. I heard about miraDry at my Dermatologist office. He said it was a new treatment that would provide me long term results, vs. Botox treatments that only last 3-4 months. 

My motivation behind seeking treatment for my hyperhydrosis stems back from Junior High. I remember being extremly embarrassed at the arm pit stains on my shirt and how embarrassed I was in all the pictures I was in where you could see the sweat marks. As I have gotten older and started seeing a Dermatologist, I began to see there are options out there to help. 

So far with the miraDry treatment I am very pleased!! The underarm sweating stopped almost immediately after my first treatment. I waited another 3 months before getting my second treatment. Honestly, one treatment may have been enough; however I figured I might as well get it all taken care of and go ahead with the 2nd treatment. After my first treatment I did have swelling under my arms for about a week. I took 2 Advil every 4 hours and was fine as far as pain management goes. 

I did not have any sweating for about a month or so and then noticed a little sweating, however NOTHING like it used to be. I was able to be in my best friend’s wedding, with no fear of sweating and ruining the dress:). I just had my 2nd treatment 3 days ago and my swelling has already decreased dramatically. I also applied cold compresses on after the first day. I would recommend this treatment for anyone who suffers from severe sweating without a doubt."

And here's another:

"I just wanted to say that though I am 3 months past my first procedure and will have my second later this month, the results of the first visit alone have significantly enhanced my quality of life. My sweating has decreased 90% and I feel like a new man.

Like many others who have suffered silently fo so many years (20+ years for me), words simply cannot express the relief of having this burden lifted.

My overall anxietly level is a fraction of what it used to be, so aside from not sweating, the freedom to wear whatever I like - on top of the relief - is also incredibly satisfying. I simply cannot say enough.

No the $2,900 I paid (in Atlanta) was not cheap, but it was still well worth it - even for just the results of the first visit. My biggest apprehension was not the cost but the fear of it not working or suffering from side effects. I'm confident that after the second visit I'll be 99% sweat free. I can assure anyone reading this that MIRADRY WORKS!!

I did experience the swelling, soreness, "hickies" and a slight degree of discomfort during the anesthesia and once it wore off, but again - I feel the cost/discomfort vs benefit and increased quality of life is a NO BRAINER.

The Physician's Assistant at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta (coincidententally her name was Mara) who performed the procedure had only done it 5 times prior, but did a fantastic job. It is not rocket science and I feel it is almost impossible to do any serious damage with the machine or with the technology (I'm an electrical engineer and researched the technical aspects thoroughly). This technology is commonly used in other areas of medicine. This is simply a specialized application.

Again, my advice to anyone reading this - if you are suffering as I was, do not hesitate. Life is short = )."

Neither of these are treatments I performed, as both the patients and the doctors are outside of Southwest Florida, where I practice. The procedure is the same, however. And I have very similar testimonials on my website, Beauty-by-Brueck.com. If you are one of those who suffers from this troubling condition in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples or Charlotte County, contact me. Let's talk about how miraDry may change your life. The appointment will be free. Thank you.

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Monday, December 10, 2012

Don't take chances with unqualified medical providers.


In this blog entry, Board-certified cosmetic surgeon in Fort Myers, Florida, Dr. Robert Brueck MD, again raises the warning flag about the dangers of having cosmetic procedures - even injectables - done by someone who is unqualified to do them.

Dr. Brueck reports a recent example that has emerged out of the state where he practices, Florida. A television channel described the experience of Isabel G., who spent a month in hospital after facial injections from an unlicensed employee at a spa caused problems.

Isabel visited the spa to receive "vitamin injections", which she believed would give her a younger appearance. After noticing no changes, she returned and was treated by the spa owner. Isabel said she was injected with a thick substance. Shortly after, her face became swollen. She contracted an infection, at which point the owner took her to a doctor to have the wounds drained.

Despite the doctor's efforts, her face remained so swollen that her eyes were hardly visible. The infection grew worse, so she checked herself into a different medical facility.

Five surgeries later, Isabel's face was still swollen and scarred. She filed suit against the spa owner, who has been arrested and is facing charges of practicing without a license, and battery, according to the news source. The spa has also been closed.

According to the Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety, patients considering cosmetic injections should be certain that the person performing the procedure is a plastic surgeon, dermatologist, or other certified, licensed physician. If you are planning such a procedure, never hesitate to ask about qualifications and experience of the person you are relying on. Don't make a dangerous, painful mistake.

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Sunday, December 9, 2012

Will you also say, "miraDry works"?


As a Fort Myers cosmetic surgeon offering the miraDry procedure, I have been impressed by the number of positive reviews I have read on RealSelf.com concerning the procedure as performed in other communities as well. Here's an example:

"I just wanted to say that though I am 3 months past my first procedure and will have my second later this month, the results of the first visit alone have significantly enhanced my quality of life. My sweating has decreased 90% and I feel like a new man.


Like many others who have suffered silently fo (sic) so many years (20+ years for me), words simply cannot express the relief of having this burden lifted.

My overall anxietly (sic) level is a fraction of what it used to be, so aside from not sweating, the freedom to wear whatever I like - on top of the relief - is also incredibly satisfying. I simply cannot say enough.

No the $2,900 I paid (in Atlanta) was not cheap, but it was still well worth it - even for just the results of the first visit. My biggest apprehension was not the cost but the fear of it not working or suffering from side effects. I'm confident that after the second visit I'll be 99% sweat free. I can assure anyone reading this that MIRADRY WORKS!!

I did experience the swelling, soreness, "hickies" and a slight degree of discomfort during the anesthesia and once it wore off, but again - I feel the cost/discomfort vs benefit and increased quality of life is a NO BRAINER.

The Physician's Assistant at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta (coincidententally her name was Mara) who performed the procedure had only done it 5 times prior, but did a fantastic job. It is not rocket science and I feel it is almost impossible to do any serious damage with the machine or with the technology (I'm an electrical engineer and researched the technical aspects thoroughly). This technology is commonly used in other areas of medicine. This is simply a specialized application.

Again, my advice to anyone reading this - if you are suffering as I was, do not hesitate. 
Life is short = )."


I  agree. I have seen so much success with miraDry that I highly recommend it if you have a problem with excessive underarm sweating. As with anything, however, it is not 100% perfect, not 100% without discomfort and not 100% effective  (would settle for 86% effective?). Make an appointment for a 100% free consultation with me and we'll talk about what you could expect as an individual.

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Friday, December 7, 2012

Options for facial rejuvenation





This is information from another communique from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, of which I am a member as a board-certified cosmetic surgeon. 


Options for Rejuvenating Your Face - Surgical solutions and non-surgical alternatives

When you go to your high school reunion, you don't want your classmates to squint at your name tag in confusion. You want them to instantly recognize you and think that you look well-rested and "good" for your age.  In the past there was only one way to rejuvenate your face: it took a scalpel, several weeks off from work and a nice chunk of change. Today, however, nonsurgical options that promise to turn back the clock are proliferating at a dizzying rate. 

Is it overwhelming to consider so many options on your own? Instead, schedule a free consultation with me or any board-certified plastic surgeon equipped with the latest and greatest nonsurgical innovations. 

Face-to-face with your doctor, you can be presented with procedures that offer the results you want. Both surgical and non-surgical options yield improvements but, as you may expect, the level of improvement will not be the same and the surgical option will yield more significant and more durable changes.

So you can go into your consultation with some knowledge, here is a "heads-up" (pun intended), from hairline to the base of the neck, about some surgical and non-surgical approaches to facial problems that occur with aging:

Drooping Forehead

Surgical: A forehead lift involves incisions in the hair-bearing scalp to rejuvenate the upper third of the face through lifting. 

Non-surgical: Botox is injected in the forehead to soften frown lines. Botox and fillers may be injected around brows to lift and add fullness.

Dark Circles, Eye Bags, Hooding of the Upper Eyelid

Surgical: Blepharoplasty removes fat deposits, excess tissue or muscle from the eyelids to improve the appearance of the eyes.

Non-surgical: Frown lines can be softened and Crow's feet minimized with injections of Botox or Dysport; three times a year in both areas will do the trick. When injected above the eyebrows, Botox or Dysport can also give a ten-degree lift to the arch and a slight lift to the tail. To get rid of under eye bags, a plastic surgeon or dermatologist can inject your own fat, which will last 2 years or more, or hyaluronic acid, which will last up to a year.

Sagging Cheeks

Surgical: With aging, the distance between the eyes and cheeks increases. In the midface lift, the malar fat pad overlying the upper cheek is lifted to its youthful position with either sutures or an absorbable implant, restoring a youthful, heart shaped face. 

Non-surgical: A doctor can restore high, full youthful cheeks using injectables such as Restylane, Radiesse, Juvederm or other fillers. Injected over the cheekbones or in depressions, fillers can add fullness to sunken or sagging cheeks for more than 18 months.

Droopy Nose

Surgical: With aging, the tip of the nose may drop down and inwards towards the face. The drooping tip may cause a slight hump on the bridge and appear to cover up part of the upper lip, especially when you smile. A rhinoplasty procedure rejuvenates the nasal tip, which is re-supported with a cartilage graft. An added bonus is that re-elevation of the tip can improve nasal air flow.

Non-surgical: If Botox is injected at the base of the nose by a skilled injector, slight nasal tip elevation may be achieved, resulting in a nose that stays turned upwards, rather than droopy - even with big smiles. If your nose droops when your face is static, Botox will not help. Injectable fillers such as Juvederm may be used for nose shaping/augmenting purposes in a non-surgical rhinoplasty. 

Thinning upper lip and droopy mouth

Surgical: With age, the upper lip lengthens, sags and thins. An upper lip lift shortens the lip by removing a small ellipse of skin under the nose-lip junction, creating fuller mucosal show. The corner lift, removing a small triangle of skin above the corners of the mouth, elevates a downturned mouth, making you appear happier.

Non-surgical: Volumizers, such as Juvederm Ultra Plus and Perlane, injected in the lips, can restore the ideal volume ratio of upper to lower lip, creating fuller plumped lips. "Smoker's" or "lipstick bleed" lines can be treated every six months with Botox to soften them and micro droplets of fillers to plump them.  Lips may also be injected with collagen or your own fat harvested from another site. Both liquid collagen and fat are absorbed, so repeat treatments are necessary to maintain results. Newer, longer-lasting options include implantable materials like AlloDerm and SoftForm.  

Sagging jawline, neck, prominent neck cords

Surgical: Many different varieties of facelift approaches smooth the face and neck skin, tighten the underlying tissues and muscle and remove excess skin. 

Non-surgical: To camouflage a sagging jawline, Juvederm or Restylane may be injected, lasting up to 18 months. Botox or Dysport, fillers and laser treatments can be used to reduce the appearance of neck cords. Fillers may be injected to smooth a pebbly chin. Fillers can be injected to reduce smile lines between the nose and mouth corners. Botox or Dysport injections can make neck cords recede. Neckline appearance can be softened with mini doses of hyaluronic acid fillers combined with Botox or Dysport.

Get the best results by finding a medical professional with the appropriate board certification. 

Be sure to ask how long and how often this doctor has been doing the procedure you desire. In a tough economy, nonsurgical facial rejuvenation seems to offer a cost-effective alternative for looking good. But, does it really? Ask your doctor how frequently you'll need to repeat the nonsurgical procedure. Then consider your age and do the math. You may find that a surgical procedure is more economical in the long run - or you may not. Some believe that fillers help skin regenerate natural collagen, and neuro-toxins like Botox help retrain your muscles so the face creases less. 

Final advice: schedule your surgical or non-surgical procedure far enough in advance of an important event, so that you are healed and look your best.  

PS: I am currently offering three special "non-surgical packages" for the Holiday Season:

Happy, Holiday Face Special  #1 -  25 units of Botox, one syringe of filler (Juvaderm or Restylene) and a regional peel, i.e., around the mouth or the eyes or even the forehead. $999.

Happy, Holiday Face Special # 2 - 40 units of Botox, two syringes of filler,and a regional peel . $1,400

Happy, Holiday Face Special #3 - 50 units of Botox, two syringes of filler and  a regional peel,  X2. $1,800

Call my office - 239-939-5233 - for more information or to set up an appointment. And put on a Happy, Holiday Face.

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Thursday, December 6, 2012

What is it about women's breasts, anyway?


From time to time, as a board certified cosmetic surgeon and member of the ASAPS, I receive interesting articles that I feel are worthy of sharing with my patients and other interested parties. This one deals with the object of hundreds of thousands plastic surgery procedures in 2011. 

WARNING: It is rather explicit. Reading it probably should be restricted to adults.

A recent article in the Huffington Post may help explain why we have such fascination with the female bust. Authors Dr. Larry Young and Brian Alexander pondered the question while discussing their upcoming book, The Chemistry Between Us: Love, Sex and the Science of Attraction.

They point out that the obsession with breasts is uniquely human. Human males (and some females) are the sole mammals that look at breasts in a sexual way, and human females are the only mammals whose chests enlarge during puberty, even if they're not pregnant. Humans are also the only mammals that caress, fondle and otherwise stimulate breasts during sexual foreplay.

Men's obsession with busts is biological. In addition, many women report enjoyment and arousal from the attention focused on their breasts. 

So what is it about breasts that gets everyone so hot and bothered?

The authors believe two current schools of thought are inaccurate. One is that breasts, which are comprised of stored fat, indicate that a woman is in good health, and thus a worthy mate. Another suggests that breasts remind men of women's behinds, which are also known to sexually stimulate males.

Young and Alexander, the authors, claim the love of breasts probably comes more from nursing, and a chemical known as oxytocin. When a newborn breastfeeds, it stimulates the release of this chemical in the mother. This prompts the mother's muscles to release the milk and also causes her to focus her attention entirely on her child. Along with dopamine, oxytocin fosters a bond between mom and infant.

A man stimulating a woman's breasts during foreplay or sex, creates the same chemical releases, according to the authors. They believe women focus on their partner, his face, smell and voice, associating breast stimulation with pleasurable feelings toward their lover.

This theory may explain why many women in Southwest Florida and nationally choose to have breast augmentations or breast lifts. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, in 2011, 316,948 breast augmentation procedures were performed nationally.

Women who decide to have plastic surgery to enhance the appearance of their bust, however, should be sure that they are doing so for themselves, rather than to please others. They should discuss what they expect with a board-certified plastic surgeon, and ask to see before and after photos to get a better understanding of the possible kinds of results.

The mission of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) includes medical education, public education and patient advocacy. Plastic Surgery News Briefs are summaries of current stories found through various news and magazine outlets that relate to or mention plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures. The views expressed in these news articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ASAPS, (nor opinions I hold as a plastic surgeon in Fort Myers) but are offered as an educational service. 

For additional information on this subject and other plastic surgery related topics, please go to www.surgery.org

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Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Aging and Cosmetic Surgery - A Primer


As a Fort Myers cosmetic surgeon who is board certified and a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, I receive occasional notices from them that I like to share with my patients ad friends.

This one has to do with the aging process, which can be brutal,. Trying to combat wrinkles and other changes in one's face can be an uphill battle. But, trying to look as good as possible can soothe some of the anxiety that comes with growing older. According to a doctor writing for Inform.com, it's important to know how your face changes at certain ages, and what you can do to treat the issues for you as an individual..

Adolescent years are difficult for many, not just because of skin problems, though acne doesn't make things easier. For a lot of people, the teens are a heyday for healthy skin, with only an occasional pimple.

In one's twenties, skin products that are vitamin A-based, such as retinol, are often recommended . Of course, sunglasses and sun screen are also a must at all ages. An early start means fewer wrinkles as one ages.


Ten years later, many people start to see the first signs of aging. Fine lines commonly appear around the eyes. Skin underneath your lower eyelids may become puffy, particularly in the morning. To fight these signs of aging, one can enhance the face cleansing regimen, adding eye cream and a moisturizer at night. Be sure tor read the ingredients. Look for antioxidants, such as vitamin C or green tea.

This is also the age when some people begin to look into cosmetic procedures, such as Botox, to help combat the signs of aging. These minimally invasive procedures are quite popular, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. The ASAPS found that for all women between the ages of 50 and 60, Botox was the number one cosmetic procedure in 2011.

During middle age, often defined as the forties and fifties, fine lines get deeper, particularly around the mouth and eyes, eventually becoming folds in the skin. If you lose weight during this time of life, you may find that skin doesn't rebound as it did at a younger age. It's lost its elasticity, according to the doctor writing for Inform. A tummy tuck can help combat sagging skin left over from the shedding of pounds.

Bone and muscle volume decrease during middle age, which can often result in a tired appearance that can bother some people. At this point, there are other cosmetic procedures that can help with this issue, such as a facelift or browlift. 

In my experience, a good strategy is to start fighting aging early on. People who wait until the aged look is problematic for them, and then undergo facial surgery, may find that the improvements are less natural-looking due to the reduction in elasticity that otherwise helps skin renew its appearance.

As with all generalizations about cosmetic surgery, different patients respond differently to each procedure, surgical or non-surgical. And these general observatins should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. See me persoanally for that.

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