There is no product that can't be made cheaper..

... and less effective... or more dangerous

There’s an irresistible urge that draws us a scent  of a ‘bargain’. Everyone wants to save money. But hold on just  minute. Some of those irresistible bargains just might include serious repercussions, particularly the “deals” related to maintaining your youthful appearance.

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) warns that “deals” on Botox injections and filler products, might not be such a good idea.

According to a recent TV news segment, some med spas in the United States are promoting some non-approved "Botox" and filler products, that cost less than the real thing. These are being offered via online “deal” sites.

According to the reports, "Most commonly, the med spas dilute the injected product” making it “less than optimal for what you are paying for." In other words, the injections may not work as well, or could even cause more trouble than the so-called savings.

In fact, many plastic surgeons and dermatologists say that they end up having to “fix” the results of the faulty products. But, with so many phony products out there, how do you protect yourself from diluted or faulty versions of a filler?

Simply.ask to see the box. Make certain it's an FDA approved product like “Botox,” “Dysport” or “Juvederm.”

These are specific FDA-approved brands. Which means they have been tested for efficacy and safety

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Yes. There  is one other precaution you can take - Use a board certified cosmetic surgeon.  After all, you are having a foreign substance injected into your system. Doesn't it make sense to have a properly trained and qualified surgeon on board? 
Instead of saving a few bucks, you could be saving your health.

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.

Great new non-surgical technology is now available in our office.

A patient recently sent me a copy of a British newspaper called the Daily Mail. They interviewed some of Europe’s leading cosmetic surgeons. Here are some excerpts from what they had to say:

First, Dr. Jean-Louis Sebagh – he is the Botox “king” of England and is credited with popularizing Botox in the UK. He obviously uses a lot of Botox and his favorite fillers are the hyaluronic fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm. Of the newer technologies, he really thinks the pro fractional treatments, which remodel the dermis, may be as important and popular as Botox.

We now offer pro fractional treatments.

A series of pro fractional treatments can bring long term benefits to remodeling the dermis which is just below the surface.

Dr. Mike Comins, one of the noted British cosmetic surgeons, is also very excited about fraxel resurfacing. The downtime is minimal as compared to standard CO₂ resurfacing which can take weeks to heal, not to mention the weeks or months for the redness to fade. He also likes short term dermal fillers like Restylane and Juvederm.

Also Dr. Nick Lowe, a dermatologist with offices in London and L.A. (how’s that? I guess I should open a clinic in say, Paris? Rome?) favors “combination therapy.” This consists of laser treatments, including fractionated, along with Botox.

We encourage anyone who has an interested in fillers to inquire by calling me at 239-939-5233 or by using the "Ask The Doctor" form on our Web site. For more general information about plastic surgery, visit my web site at http://www.Beauty-by-Brueck.com .

As a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, I can advise you concerning all the options based on your personal needs, condition and goals. Initial consultations, of course, are without charge.

Liquid Facelift

It’s here!

No, this is not a face lift in a bottle but a facelift that is done with no anesthesia and we only use liquids, i.e. Juvederm, Botox and peeling solution.

If you want to get refreshed before the upcoming holiday season this may be just the right thing. There is minimal downtime.

The “LIQUID FACELIFT” consists of injecting Botox to soften severe creases, lines or wrinkles. Unwanted depressions or folds are plumped up with Juvederm or some soft tissue filler. It is then topped with an intermediate depth TCA peel., the Obagi Blue Peel.

(Yes, you will look blue and just like a smurf. We can even take your picture to include in your Christmas cards. Won’t that be fun?)

When the interim effects disappear, you will have a fresher, more youthful look to share with all your friends at holiday parties and soirees.

Call the MediSpa at 239-768-3403 to schedule an appointment for consultation. Get a head start on your holiday events.