Walk the makeup aisle of any store that sells cosmetics, and you'll probably see plenty of products touting anti-aging benefits. A wise shopper, however, will be cautious. Some of these companies use some extravagant wording to help sell their products. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) keeps an eye out for false claims. Recently, it issued a warning to L'Oreal concerning phrases found on its website that made questionable statements about several of its products.

The letter singles out a number of beauty items. The warning also outlines some of the phrases in question. One claim said the Genetique Eye Youth Activating Eye Concentrate "boosts the activity of genes and stimulates the production of youth proteins." Two other products, the Absolute Precious Cells Advanced Regenerating and Reconstructing Cream SPF 15 Sunscreen, claimed that customers would "see significant deep wrinkle reductions in UV damaged skin, clinically proven."

The FDA warns that L'Oreal's products are not "generally recognized among qualified experts as safe and effective for the above referenced uses," and strongly urges the company to correct its website.

 L'Oreal isn't the first company to receive such a warning. Around the same time that the FDA warned the beauty company, it also wrote a letter to Greek Island Labs, which offered a product known as Athena 7 Minute Life. The company claimed this product was "a safe and effective alternative to Botox."

Fortunately, products like Botox and other injectable fillers have been given the stamp of approval by the FDA, which is part of the reason why they've become so popular over the past few years.

The background for this blog message was provided by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, of which I am a member. 

Do you have "healthy" breath?

In a way, apparently we all have "healthy breath".  As a physician and cosmetic surgeon in Southwest Florida, I try to stay up with medical and health news. In that capacity, I read a truly interesting article recently that gave new meaning to “breathe”.

Usually, we think of breath tests or alcoholic breath when you are pulled over by the police and told to breathe, to check for evidence of alcohol in your system.

Doctors are now analyzing patients breath.  By examining a patient's exhaled breath they can monitor for kidney or liver disease. 

For example, elevated levels of hydrogen in your breath may be an indication of bacterial overgrowth in your small intestine signaling irritable bowl syndrome.  Acetone in the breath may mean diabetes.  Each person's breath is unique. It is sort of like a patient's fingerprint.  

Studies are now being conducted to standardize these tests.  Watch this blog for updates.

SUPER BOWL FOODS

The recent Super Bowl was exciting. It sure had a big audience – in fact, the biggest.

One of the corporate sponsors was Marriott and they did a survey of “fans” to determine their favorite foods for Super Bowl – good information to have to prepare for next year.

Number one was chips/dips (61%), pizza (55%), nachos (41%), subs/sandwiches (38%), BBQ (37%), fried finger foods (35%) – all the way down to vegetables (28%). As a Fort Myers plastic surgeon who deals with weight control patients, I have to ask, "Do you think this may help explain our 'obesity' syndrome? "

But I questioned this survey's validity – where are the wings? I always thought they were popular. Oh well – guess we will have to wait until next year.

CREDIT FOR PLASTIC SURGERY - A warning from Dr. Brueck

Dr. Robert J. Brueck MD FACS, board certified plastic surgeon in Fort Myers, FL, regularly posts messages to this blog on subjects related to health, skin and aesthetic surgery. You may arrange notification of future postings by setting up an RSS feed Thank you.

I guess in all of us there is a certain element of impatience. We want it done yesterday – waiting can be agonizing. That principle has led to more and more people having their cosmetic surgery financing their plastic surgery with credit cards. (You could say they are using plastic to pay for their plastic surgery)

Many firms are increasing their offerings for health care credit. Citi Group has their Citi Health Card while J.P. Morgan Chase has their Choice Health Advance. Perhaps Care Credit by G.E. is the best known.

Retiring baby boomers are providing the momentum for new and varied credit cards to finance cosmetic surgery. By 2015 it is estimated that 150 billion will be spent on non-covered health procedure such as cosmetic surgery – dental implants – lasik etc. Along with their increasing popularity, there are some pitfalls to avoid or anticipate.

If you choose a healthcare credit card, it is important to fully understand the rate and condition of the credit line, ie: how long to promotional rates last. When the interest free period is over, what will the new interest rate be. This is important to know and understand.

Also, some cards will charge you retroactive rates as high as 26.99% on an unpaid balance if you are LATE in you payments. Obviously your credit score will fall if you are late on payments.

The bottom line is to plan carefully. If the 0% interest rate is for 6-12 months, pay off your balance during that time frame, or end up paying more to the creditor.

AUTOLOGOUS CELLS RX NOW FDA APPROVED

Dr. Robert J. Brueck MD, board certified Fort Myers cosmetic surgeon, regularly posts messages here relating to health, skin and aesthetic surgery. For notification of future messages, set up an RSS feed. Thank you.

A first question from a lay person might be, "What is autologous?"

The simple answer is that it is material produced from cells that come from the same person as the recipient.

Fibrocell Science recently received approval from the FDA for an injectable treatment of facial wrinkles using the patient's own (Autologous) cells. The cells are obtained by taking a tissue sample from behind a patient’s ear and sending them to the Fibrocell Science laboratory.

In about 50 days, Fibrocell Science harvests the cells. These are injected into the patient's body, where they produce collagen and elastin.

This personalized cell therapy has been given the name of LaVio. They plan to roll it out this year.

Dr. Brueck discusses breast lifts on TV

Dr. Robert Brueck MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who practicwes in Fort Myers Florida, periodically blogs at this address about matters of health, beauty and medicine. His web site at http://www.Beauty-by-Brueck.com also offers a comprehensive discussion of all plastic surgery procedures.

As part of my continuing series of appearances on American Health Journal, a syndicated TV show that runs on Fort Myers Channel 5, I recently discussed breast lifts, how and when they are indicated and how they differ from other breast surgery procedures. Here's a video of that appearance.

If you find this interesting, you will find other videos from this series archived in this blog. They also will be uploaded to the web site.

Dr. Brueck discusses skin cancer on TV's American health Journal

I regularly report here on subjects of skin care and health.

In this excerpt from my recent appearance on the syndicated TV show, American Health Journal, I discuss the important subject of skin cancer.

No one is immune to this potential health hazard. But modifying behavior can improve your chances of avoiding it.

I also maintain a Web site at Beauty-by-Brueck. You are invited to visit and get updates on all things related to skin health and cosmetic surgery.



I hope you acquired some new information and understanding from this message. I appear on American Health Journal on Fort Myers WINK TV, Channel 5, each Sunday morning at 11:00 am. Please tune in. Thank you.

Dr. Brueck MD, Fort Myers Plastic Surgeon, talks about liposuction

On October 17, at 11 AM on WINK-TV, Channel 5 in Fort Myers, Dr. Robert J. Brueck MD FACS was interviewed on the subject of liposuction. This was Dr. Brueck's second appearance on the American Health Journal TV show. Additional appearances are scheduled for coming Sundays. If you miss them, however, they will be up loaded to this blog and to Dr. Brueck's FaceBook page.
Dr. Brueck also is on the web at Beauty-by-Brueck.com. You are welcome to visit and learn more about plastic cosmetic surgery.



If you find this interesting and would like to learn more about liposuction, call Dr. Brueck at 239-939-5233 to arrange a free, confidential and private consultation.

Gynecomastia: Diagnosis and Treatment, by Dr. Robert Brueck MD, Fort Myers

Another in the series of blog postings by Dr. Robert J. Brueck, MD FACS, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon practicing in Fort Myers and Cape Coral, Florida

I recently read an article in a national newspaper talking about the ramifications and the seemingly increasing incidence of gynecomastia or male breast tissue. Gynecomastia can be extremely large, tender and in some cases some men may suffer from breast cancer.

I feel the biggest issue with male breast tissue is the social embarrassment and psychological harm it can do to the individual. It can be truly devastating.

What causes gynecomastia: Usually gynecomastia is triggered by a hormonal imbalance which means less male testosterone compared with the female hormone, estrogen. This imbalance can be due to natural hormonal changes, certain medications and certain health conditions. About 25% of the time it is idiopathic i.e. there is no particular cause.

Male hormones control characteristics we associate with men, such as muscle mass, body hair, etc. Female hormones usually cause female characteristics i.e. breast growth and this hormone is estrogen. It’s important to know and realize that men also produce estrogen, the small quantities produced in men help to regulate bone density, affect their moods and also sperm production.

Gynecomastia in puberty is usually due to hormonal imbalance and usually goes away in a year or two. We often see gynecomastia in obesity and in that situation the abnormal breast tissue or collection of breast tissue, usually is atty tissue. As men age, there is another peak of gynecomastia occurring around the age of 45 to 50. It’s thought that about 25% of men suffer from it.

Certain medications such as AIDS medications or some meds used to treat prostate enlargement or cancer can cause gynecomastia. Some of the more common medications associated with gynecomastia include Digoxin and Furosemide or Lasix which is a very commonly used diuretic. Also the use of anabolic steroids (seen in gym rats) used to enhance athletic performance can cause gynecomastia as well.

On examination the gynecomastia may be fatty tissue and hence we call it psuedogynecomastia or lipomastia. There is very little breast tissue. When one examines this individual the abnormal breast tissue is soft and does not have any firm grittiness to it.

Most of the time the exam reveals a combination of fatty tissue and BREAST TISSUE. The breast tissue itself can be firm and nodular. In some cases the gynecomastia tissue is located underneath the nipple areolar complex. This can cause the nipple areolar complex to increase in size and be puffy. The gynecomastia also can be asymmetrical, that is one side can be larger than the other.

HOW TO TREAT IT: Treatment varies depending on what one finds on examination. Assuming there are no offending medicines, anabolic steroids, etc then one can either accept the condition or consider getting it surgically removed. Obviously, if there is a medication that may be the underlying culprit then stopping that medication may cause the gynecomastia to go away on its own.

If the underlying breast tissue is fatty tissue only then liposuction alone may be adequate. If it is a combination of breast tissue and underlying fatty tissue then I utilize suctioning and actually direct excision.

Usually, the incision I use is centered around the nipple areolar complex. Obviously we want to create as little scarring as possible. The biggest decision is, do we need to remove excess skin? We try to do the excess skin excision, if necessary with incisions around the nipple. This way the incision can be camouflaged and be limited to the area around the nipple areolar complex. There are some examples of this on my website.

The operation usually takes one to two hours and is done as an outpatient under sedation. What this basically means is there is no pain associated with it. There is minimal discomfort post-op as well and we certainly provide the patient with pain medication to control any discomfort they may have.

I think the most important thing to do post-op is to wear a compressive vest overlying the chest area night and day to minimize swelling and keep the skin from folding. I usually recommend that an individual wears his vest for a minimum of two weeks, sometimes up to four weeks depending on the degrees of skin laxity, swelling and edema.

Sometimes, but rarely, insurance will help pay for the procedure. I have to say that the results can be amazing and, oh so gratifying, when you can give an individual his life back as a result of suffering from gynecomastia.

If you would like to learn more about plastic surgery and how it may help you with facial or body concerns, visit Dr. Brueck's website at http://www.Beauty-by-Brueck.com

Another testimonial for Dr. Brueck, Fort Myers plastic surgeon

From time to to time, Dr. Brueck gets testimonial letters that he likes to share with other patients and those considering plastic surgery. Here is one, which also will appear on Dr. Brueck's web site. Other testimonials also can be found there.

"When you look in the mirror, what do you see? For me, I saw WHO I was, but, not HOW I wanted to look. After four children, I was ready for some cosmetic changes that would make me feel more confident and comfortable in my own skin. I met two other surgeons before finally meeting Dr. Brueck. He had this warm personality that immediately made me feel calm and relaxed. I had a vision in my mind, and he somehow captured that vision and with his superb talent, he created that imagined vision into a gorgeous reality.


I had a full tummy tuck with muscle revision and a breast augmentation. My friends, family, strangers.... but, most importantly, Me, are impressed with the results. Everything looks natural. My new breasts are so perfectly placed that they look as though I was naturally blessed with a fabulous set of knock-out breasts. And the abdominoplasty... PHENOMENAL!! My abdomen has NEVER looked this good.

Dr. Brueck's artistic and sincere regard for my final outcome produced glorious results. The scar is so low and almost perfectly symmetrical, I could not have imagined it any better than this. Dr. Brueck is a talented surgeon and a man who truly wants to make the dreams of his clients a reality for all the world to see. Thank you, Dr. Brueck."

Obviously, this is one patient's experience and, while there are other similar stories on the testimonial page of Dr. Brueck's web site, this is not a guarantee that you or any other patient
will have identical results.

ANTI AGING ON THE HORIZON/MARIJUANA

Dr. Robert J. Brueck, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in Fort Myers, Florida, with a web site at http://www.Beauty-by-Brueck.com , frequently blogs about matters of health and beauty. Today's subject is marijuana and aging.

I have always said that Californians are often trendsetters in America.

They may have found the secret to “anti-aging”. Marijuana!

As you may know, California has legalized marijuana use for certain medical conditions , as have some other states as well. There now are pot or marijuana shops all over the state and recently the state has started to clamp down on them.

For those looking for something different to do on their vacation next year you may want to consider attending the two-day seminar “Science and Compassionate Care Seminar” in Kalamazoo, Michigan. (Good thing it’s in July and not January. Brrr.)

One of the speakers at the seminar was Dr. Robert Melamede, President and CEO of Cannabis Sciences, Inc. He also is associate professor at the University of California and an expert on the use of marijuana.

(I wonder if there are any “Rocky Mountain Highs” out there.)

Melamede says our brain contains receptors that help regulate memory, mood and appetite, among other things. This is called the endocannabinoid system. Marijuana heightens the sensitivity of this system. He feels marijuana is “an essential nutrient” for its anti-aging properties “by smoothing out” free radicals.

We do know free radicals are the harbinger of or contribute to many diseases in our bodies. Dr. Melamede says, and I quote, “cannaboids have curative or at least palliative properties.”

For those who are daring, you can buy hemp facial cream, Chanvre Crème Protectrice Versage.

For those youngsters out there, just remember that marijuana can contribute to acne and we know how that plagues our young population.

Parents beware! I, for one, would not like a bunch of stoned,pot-smoking drivers on the road - teenagers included. It’s bad enough we have alcohol and DUI. (Maybe we can have a new category ~ SUI - smoking under the influence!)

Dr. Brueck's blog is not medical advice and is intended only to provide new information and insights on topics of current interest.

OMEGA 3’s - Good for Skin? - Dr. Brueck, Fort Myers Plastic Surgeon thinks so.

Dr. Robert J. Brueck, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in Fort Myers, FL, frequently blogs about matters of health and appearance. This time, he discusses Omega 3 Fish Oil.

Omega 3 counteracts inflammation. That is good.

The skin requires a steady supply of fat to maintain hydration and smoothness in texture. For example, sun causes inflammation and inflammation and sun are bad for our complexion and skin.

Most American diets are low in fish oil. I think the common mantra is "give me a good steak." Also those who do eat fish can cause the Omega-3s to be destroyed by over-heating or over-cooking the fish.

This may cause one to require a supplement to get an essential amount of fish oils in their diet.

There is a website called www.advancedweb.com/healthyaging.com with some references regarding fish oil supplements. Perhaps this can be added to your diet so you can have softer, more supple, healthier looking skin.

Thanks for visiting.

Now they want to tax how you look.

Thoughts from Dr. Brueck, Fort Myers plastic surgeon, on the latest government threats to tax cosmetic surgery and non-surgical procedures.

When will it ever end?

It seems every time I pick up the newspaper I read about healthcare. The amount of material is staggering.

It seems that the opinions of the party in control change like the wind. The cost of government healthcare is projected to cost 1 to 1.6 trillion dollars over the next 10 years. But, alas, it will be budget neutral.

Sure, we can all believe that - we only need to look at Medicare with its $30 to $60 trillion in unfunded liabilities; Medicaid which is bankrupting many states (look up Tenncare) and last, but not least, Veterans Care. We all have read about the horrible conditions at Walter Reed Hospital and the care that our war heroes get.

To my count, that is three strikes and in America, three strikes and you are out. To maintain “budget neutrality” the powers-that-be are proposing a 10% tax on ALL cosmetic procedures.

When will this never-ending litany of new taxes end? This administration is already spending our country into the brink of bankruptcy. If they spent as much time on our deficit and decreasing it as they do on dreaming up new taxes our country would certainly be far better off.

I recently resigned from the AMA, the FMA and the American College of Surgeons. It was done with much thought. It was a very difficult decision to make. But these organizations “support government health care” and all of this with no tort reform.

I recently wrote to the chairman of the AMA and a similar letter was sent to the head of the American College of Surgeons. I think it says it all. Something to ponder in a spare moment.

July 29, 2009
James Rohack, M.D.
American Medical Association
515 North State StreetChicago, IL 60654

Dear Dr. Rohack:

Recently I resigned from the AMA and recent events have solidified the purpose of my decision. I am utterly shocked, appalled, and disheartened by the AMA elite endorsement of Obama Care. The AMA “elite” have sold our patients, our physicians and the greatest healthcare system in the world down the river.

There is no question our system has flaws but remains the preeminent healthcare system in the world. Why do so many presidents and foreign dignitaries come to America to receive lifesaving medical care? The free medical marketplace breeds innovation and new technology, life saving pharmaceuticals, etc. There isn’t one socialized system that can compete with ours.

We hear about the “great Canadian system” yet thousands of Canadians cross the border every year to receive their care here in America. In 2005 the Canadian Supreme Court opened the doors to private medicine and healthcare in their country. Why, because the socialized system was broken and was not serving the Canadian people.

Over 15,000 people died in France in 2003 because of a heat wave. When was the last time that happened in America?

Look at the list of Nobel Prize winners in medicine over the last 20 or 30 years and the case is quite clear and obvious. 8 out of 10 of the last major medical advances such as MRI’s and CT scans were developed here in America. If you suffered from an MI in the 80’s and made it to the ER the survival rate was about 60%, today it’s over 90%. Stroke survival rates today are twice as great as they were 25 to 30 years ago.

Look at the longevity table today versus 20 or 30 years ago. Yet we still have that bastion of healthcare that is so vital, so precious to doctor patient relationship and now you want the government to intrude and destroy and destroy they will.

Mark my word. They are like an insidious cancer growing and advancing not to be stopped. We need less government control in medicine and in our lives in general. Healthcare is 20% of our gross developmental products. I do not want the government to control anymore of lives than they already do.

Look at the government medicine we now have, Medicare is going broke, Medicaid is breaking every state budget in the union and then let’s not forget the great government controlled Veteran’s healthcare system which is a shamble and a disgrace to our proud men and women serving in our Armed Forces.

To put 20% of our gross developmental product in the hands of our totally irresponsible government is abhorrent. A short time ago the house passed a cap and trade bill and in large NO ONE ever read the bill and now they are trying to rush through and ramrod a healthcare bill down our throats that NO ONE once again has read. I wonder what they want to hide!

Of course they want to rush it through for the sake of not having it read, discussed and digested so that they can have more control of our lives. Just like the takeover of the banks, the insurance companies and the car companies. When and where will government control of our lives and our country end.

The government’s reasoning is that we have 50 million uninsured. It’s interesting how that number has grown from 35 to 50 million. If we look at that numbers it’s really not all that significant. Of that number 10 to 12 million are illegal aliens and should not be entitled to healthcare. It’s also estimated that 14 million of these uninsured qualify right now for SCHIPS/Medicaid. Several million of these uninsured can afford insurance but elect not to have it.

The census figures also show that 18.3 million of the uninsured were under 34-years-old. Many have elected not to have coverage because they feel healthy and secure in their present situation. Many millions are uninsured for short periods because they are between jobs.

When all is said and done a Blue Cross Blue Shield study in 2003 found that there were approximately 8.2 million Americans without coverage for long periods of time. We also hear of the tremendous costs of uncompensated care and the shifting of expense from the non-payer to the payers.

A Kaiser Family Foundation study in 2008 said that the TOTAL uncompensated care was 56 billion dollars. So we are going to turn our healthcare system over to the government with a projected cost of 1 to 1.5 trillion dollars over 10 years.

We all know about government efficiency. I am sure their numbers are accurate. Look at the VA healthcare system. This has been in place for decades and it’s government run and look how it’s in shambles. We all recently saw pictures flashed across the screen about the poor conditions of our Veteran’s healthcare facilities.

We are also told that we need a government option to create competition. With over 1500 healthcare plans in America today this is nothing more than a ploy to get the government’s foot in the door and gain total control of our lives. Even if the government plan loses money don’t worry we have the taxpayers to fall back on.

Look at the postal system which now is projecting a deficit of 10 billion dollars and of course who is going to pay for it, the taxpayers. We will just throw another 10 or 15 billion here to subsidize another losing government proposition. Maybe we will give the government’s plan some free government subsidies.

What government program over the last 10, 20 or 30 years has run efficiently and under budget? The answer is none. Do we subsidize Amtrak, the postal system, you name it. The list goes on and on and to think that this is going to be budget neutral is foolhardy.

We also always read about Medicaid fraud, Medicare fraud, durable medical good mills and so forth. When was the last time that we read about a Blue Cross Blue Shield or Human fraud? It doesn’t exist because the private sector is far more efficient in delivering healthcare. It is also possible that the private sector might be better keepers and stewards of our hard earned dollars.

To pay for this we are told that we can “squeeze” $500 billion in savings from Medicare. Yet the enrollees in Medicare is set to grow by over 30% as the baby boomers are set to retire over the next several years. Now you tell me how you cannot take away from the quality of healthcare for our senior citizens by squeezing a half a trillion dollars from their budget and yet have their enrollment increase 30 to 40%.

They must have some Houdini pulling the levers at the Medicare center. Past history has always shown us that we can’t trust the wisdom and brilliance of bureaucrats in Washington.

Our president talks about the out of control spiraling healthcare costs but recent trends seem to refute his claim. Here are some facts:

1970 – 10.5%
1980 – 13.0%
1990 – 10.9%
2000 – 6.6%|
2003 – 8.6%
2004 – 6.9%
2005 – 6.5%
2006 – 6.7%
2007 – 6.1%

This really is a promising trend.

As a loyal American I want free market capitalism to be given a chance ahead of a huge government bureaucracy filled with corruption and waste. Free market capitalism is what has made our country the richest, the strongest, most prosperous nation in the world.

Repeat Webster’s definition of tyranny “repressive government control”. I question what direction our country is going. I am certainly appalled at your decision to support Obama Care and I certainly have no plans in the future to ever again become a member of the AMA and will actively campaign to have other friends of mine who are active members to renounce their membership as well.

With Warmest Regards,

Robert J. Brueck, M.D.

Plastic Surgery - What recesssion

The economic downturn has certainly had its effects on cosmetic surgery.

The "lipstick effect", which is a name given to the economic phenomenon of increased sales of lipstick and other feel good products such as cologne and mascara during hard times, seems to apply to cosmetic medicine in particular. The number of invasive procedures performed in 2008 was up 5% compared to 2007.

A large part of this increase was due to people spending less on surgical procedures and choosing minimally invasive procedures instead. The number of surgical cosmetic procedures dropped 9% from 2007 to 2008 and a big part of this was due to the economic downturn.

The overall top surgical cosmetic procedure in 2008 was breast augmentation with 307,000, followed by rhinoplasty 279,000, the third was liposuction 245,000, and eyelid surgery 221,000 and tummy tuck 122,000.

So this is the second year in a row that breast augmentation has topped the charts as the number one procedure. I believe that this is due to the fact that silicone implants have been put back on the market.

Botox continues to lead the pack of minimally invasive procedures with over 5 million injections in 2008. With the recent FDA approval of Reloxin from Medicis , we may see an increase as prices fall and demand will increase.

The second most common minimally invasive procedure was the injection of Hyaluronic acid fillers which was a far distant second with 1.1 million injections; reflecting a 6% increase over 2007.

Overall, women accounted for 91% of all cosmetic procedures performed. One of the most common procedures among men was blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery and that declined 11% in 2008 while rhinoplasty (nose surgery) gained nearly 1%.

Interestingly enough the number of repeat customers or repeat patients in 2008 was up 7%. Office facility procedures were also up 13%. So in general, 2008 was a down year because of the economy.

As the economy rebounds we expect the number of people seeking cosmetic surgical improvement and procedures will increase.

We Get Letters - Plastic Surgery testimonials

We get letters frequently from patients that are pleased enough with the results of their surgery and care at Dr. Brueck's Cosmetic Surgery practice to write and tell us about it.

We've included a couple of recent ones below. You'll find these and more on the Testimonials page at Dr. Brueck's web site, Beauty-by-Brueck.com.

"Dear Dr. Brueck:
I just wanted to thank you and your wonderful staff for what you did for me. I am really a terrible patient and you helped take the fear from me. You are a wonderful person and what ever you do I am sure will be blessed.

I really don't know what to say - it sort of takes my breath away. It just makes me so happy to know our country has such wonderful people. Thank you again. Happy Thanksgiving, Holidays & New Year to you and yours."- S.L.

~~~~~~

"Dear Dr. Brueck:
I wanted to drop you a note to thank you so much for the breast augmentation you did for me. It is beautiful. No only has it given me more confidence, it has changed my life. I also wanted to thank your staff for their kindness, courtesy and professional service. Thanks again. " - D.P.

~~~~~~

"Hello, Dr. Brueck. ..you did breast augmentation on me back in
February and I am very happy with them. You changed my life. I
look forward to seeing you again for my tummy tuck.
Thank you so much." - J.S.

Melanoma - The most dreaded skin cancer

Dr. Robert Brueck, Board Certified cosmetic surgeon in Fort Myers, Florida, reports on a new book about this dreaded form of skin cancer. Concerns about melanoma spring from its propensity to spread via the lymphatics as well as the blood stream.

The incidence of melanoma is rising by 4%-6% each year.

For years, we have been taught and have been telling our patients that sun exposure is a predisposing factor.

Now, along comes a book entitled "The Sun and the "Epidemic" of Melanoma: Myth on Myth!" The author is Dr. Bernard Ackerman, a world renowned expert on melanoma. His book attempts to dispel some myths about melanoma.

Dr. Ackerman believes genes are more important than sun exposure. He notes in his book that Asians and Africans only develop melanoma on their palms, soles, nails and mucous membranes (re: mouth-type).

I personally feel genes are very important, ie. we inherit skin type - freckles and such - from our parents. This can predispose us to melanoma.

I also feel that the sun can, in some cases, act as a catalyst to initiate the development of melanoma.

We are learning more every day. In the meantime, it's probably best to limit prolonged exposure to the sun and keep your skin covered whenever possible outside in the sun. I also recommend that you subscribe to a 'feed' of this blog to continue to receive updates about this subject and news from the world of cosmetic surgery.

As a Board Certified cosmetic surgeon practicing in sunny Fort Myers, Florida, I also cover a wide range of plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery subjects on my web site, http://www.Beauty-by-Brueck.com . You are invited to visit.

Bionic Breasts?

We all remember the famous TV hit of manyyears ago, called "The Bionic Man".

We have bionic hips and knees, and may soon have "Bionic Breasts."

A company in Hackney, South Australia is undertaking studies for the new TriBrege titanium coated breast implants (Poly Implants Prothesis or PIP).

Titanium is naturally present in human tissue and is very inert biologically. It is not toxic and induces no inflammatory reaction. This may hold promise to help prevent the unwanted contracture that can occur with normal breast implants.

It currently is undergoing clinical trials. More to come.

Pay a visit to Dr. Brueck's web site for more information about all things plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery.

Plastic surgery without scars?

News of plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery from Dr. Robert Brueck.

One of the biggest misnomers in plastic surgery is when a patient comes in and says they are coming to me because I am a plastic surgeon and I know there will be no scar.

Sorry. There always is a scar.

Hopefully, on the other hand, the plastic surgeon has in his bag of tricks ways to minimize the scar. In the past 10 years, many new products to minimize scars have come on the market, such as Meslerma, Kelcote and silicone-based products. There also are the "old standbys" such as Vitamin E oil or cream. All are, at best, unpredictable.

But that may soon change. Scientists at Renova Group PLC in Manchester, England are making progress on a host of new compounds that they hope will usher in a new wave of "scar prevention". The crown jewel of this new wave is a product called Juvista.

The key ingredient is called "transforming growth factor beta - 3 (TGFB3). In phase II clinical trials this, when injected directly in wounds, has shown promise to dramatically reduce scars.

Final Phase III clinical trials are set to begin in the second half of this year. This same company also has other products that are showing progress as well, Prevascar and Juvidex.

Keep your fingers crossed - an answer may soon be forthcoming for scar reduction.

For more information about plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery procedures and the latest developemnts in the field, visit Dr. Brueck's blog at Beauty-by-Brueck.com

News for women considering breast augmentation cosmetic surgery

Breast augmentation continues to be one of the leading, if not the leading, cosmetic procedures in my office. It is a wonderful operation.

Perhaps the major drawback is the fact that one or both breasts can become hard due to encapsulation. Every patient will get a capsule in response to a foreign body. This is a normal response.

The key is to keep the breast/implant soft. There have been many theories bantered about as to why one breast will suddenly get hard 3 or more years after surgery.

Recently, one plastic surgeon who did implant exchanges submitted the capsules for microscopic analysis. They saw cotton fibriles through out the capsular tissue studied.

One plastic surgeon recently stopped using cotton products during the course of his operations and saw capsular contracture reduce from 10% to less than 0.5%.

That's impressive.

So we are looking into getting non-cotton sponges for our procedures. Who knows - it all may help.

Now comes another dermal filler - news from Dr. Brueck, Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon

Just when you thought things were simple, a NEW dermal filler has recently received FDA approval. The name is EVOLENCE.

WOW! They just keep comin' and comin' don't they?

What's special about EVOLENCE?

This filler is designed to replace lost collagen (yes, that's part of aging!) with a long lasting natural source of porcine collagen.

It does not require skin testing. It supposedly will give you immediate results with minimal swelling or bruising.

Because of a special cross-linking between collagen molecules, it purports to last longer. It has a duration of 12 months. It was approved for use in Europe several months ago.

Dermal fillers really came on the scene in 1981 - believe it or not. It has been that long, with the advent of ZydermI, Zyderm II and Zyplast. Attempts to fill soft tissue defects are NOT of recent vintage. Believe it or not, they date all the way back to 1883 when a Dr. Neuber used fat to reconstruct tuberculosic scars. Things have changed. But who would have thought these procedures have been in use for so long?

This update is brought to you by Dr. Robert J. Brueck, Board Certified Plastic/Cosmetic Surgeon practicing in Fort Myers and Cape Coral, Florida, who offers more information about cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures at http://www.BeautybyBrueck.com