What usually happens when money is tight? History would dictate that we cut back, concentrating on essential needs rather than individual needs. It would make sense that fewer people would elect to have plastic surgery—you know, breast enhancements, liposuction, face lifts etc. Or so it would seem. Then why have Plastic surgery procedures increased for the second year in a row? This has been viewed as an indication that the economy is recovering by some.

A few years ago, people were scaling back, feeling that less was more. Many were opting to put off their procedures all together. The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons- ASAPS published statistics for 2011 last month, showing that 1.6 million cosmetic surgical procedures and 7.5 million non invasive procedures were performed last year. There was an overall increase of 1% in the number of surgical procedures with liposuction taking first place and Breast Augmentation running a close second. Botox and fillers were the most common non invasive procedures totaling 4 million, an increase of 3.4%. The biggest change occurred in Skin Rejuvenation. Laser resurfacing and chemical peels were down and non invasive skin tightening such as Ultherapy was up by 20%

The top five surgical procedures were:

• Liposuction (325,332)
• Breast augmentation (316,848)
• Abdominoplasty (149,410)
• Eyelid surgery (147,540)
• Breast Lift (127,054)

Nonsurgical procedures accounted for 82% of the total number of procedures performed with over 7.5 million procedures in 2011.

The top five non-surgical procedures were:

• Botulinum Toxin Type A (2,619,739 procedures)
• HA Filler (1,206,186 procedures);
• Laser Hair Removal (919,802 procedures)
• Microdermabrasion (499,427 procedures)
• IPL Laser Treatment (439,161 procedures)

Dr Jeffrey Kenkel , the president of ASAPS, feels that “Growth in demand will likely continue to grow as  baby boomers and their offspring begin to explore surgical options.” “Minimally-invasive procedures such as Botox and soft tissue fillers work to a point. However, as you age and gravity takes over, surgical procedures that lift the skin and reshape the underlying tissues are necessary in order to show significant improvement.”

Plastic Surgery is gaining in popularity amongst men. Men made up 9% of the total, with Botox being the most common procedure. Laser hair removal and eyelid surgery is also popular in men.

If you are interested in reading about any of the procedures mentioned, just go to www.doctorbev.com.

Ultherapy, the latest noninvasive treatment for skin lifting and tightening is taking the market by storm. It has been featured on national television shows and has been touted by big name beauty editors of international magazines and more. Never has the term “out with the old and in with the new” had so much meaning as with this cutting edge procedure that doesn’t involve any cutting at all. None of the other non-invasive treatments have garnered as much media attention, and with good reason. Ultherapy stimulates the production of new collagen within the skin’s deep tissues over time, so it is a natural, yet noticeable way to lift and tighten loose or lax skin. You see an immediate improvement which gets better over time as new collagen is being created. Results unfold over the course of 2-3 months, and may continue to improve for up to 6 months.

It’s hard to believe that a non surgical procedure can do this, but I am walking proof. All of my patients tell me that they can see the difference in how I look. The improvement is natural and noticeable, which is exactly what I wanted. I am always looking for ways to look better, but I can’t afford to take time off from my busy practice to heal from a facelift. Ultherapy offered me the next best thing. Ultherapy results in improvement in about 90% of patients with just one treatment. Ultherapy is an in office procedure that takes about an hour to perform. There is no surgery, no downtime, and minimal discomfort. There is some discomfort during the procedure, but my patients seem to respond well to the motrin they take beforehand. There is NO pain afterward, just a mild sensitivity that improves spontaneously.

Just look at this clip from a Martha Stewart Show last week and decide for yourself.

Ultherapy on The Martha Stewart Show! from Ultherapy on Vimeo.

As the sun starts to shine a little brighter and the days are getting longer and warmer, you will undoubtedly spend more time outdoors. With Ultherapy there are no special measures you need to take prior to the procedure and you can return to your normal activities immediately after, but you must continue to take care of your skin. As many of you have heard repeatedly, you must protect your skin and prevent ongoing damage from the sun, gravity, aging and heredity. You know that I care about your skin, and I want to help you blossom – that’s why I offer Ultherapy in my practice. I am sure your mother used to say, “All good things are worth waiting for”— and such is the case with Ultherapy. An Ultherapy procedure this spring will have you ready to shine this summer!

To learn more about Ultherapy, click here.

Call my office at 973 912 9120 for an Ultherapy consultation today. Happy Spring.

We all know that body contouring procedures such as liposuction help to make us look and feel great, by removing excess fatty deposits and allowing a natural redistribution of tissue. The end result is an improved shape, and better body proportion. But what if it resulted in a reduction of risk for certain cardiovascular diseases? A study was presented at the annual meeting of the Society of Plastic Surgeons this year that has suggested just that.

Patients were divided into 2 groups undergoing either liposuction or liposuction and abdominoplasty. The men and women in the study who had elevated triglyceride levels (a component of fat in our body) before the surgery demonstrated a reduction of 43% in those levels. Taking into account all of the patients undergoing liposuction alone, 37% of patients demonstrated a significant reduction of Triglyceride levels. A smaller percentage of patients undergoing liposuction and tummy tuck demonstrated an improvement. Elevated triglycerides may be associated with Diabetes, Stroke, Heart Disease and Peripheral Vascular Disease.

The role of subcutaneous fat in the mechanism of certain diseases has yet to be illuminated. This study has shown that liposuction may reduce the risk of certain diseases in a group of patients with elevated Triglyceride levels. Liposuction is a procedure that has a high satisfaction rate. It recontours the body by removing excess fat using cannulas attached to vacuum devices. The cannulas are introduced through small openings about ½ inch long, resulting in inconspicuous scars frequently hidden in the natural folds of the skin. After surgery there is swelling which persists for several weeks, and is controlled by wearing a compression garment or girdle. There are few side effects of the surgery, but most commonly there is bruising swelling and transient numbness.

Much has been written about the fat coming back after liposuction. We know that the fat does not come back to the same areas after the surgery. It cannot because a lrge percentage of the fat cells have been removed. There may be a specific amount of fat that is genetically predetermined for our bodies, but this fat can no longer be located in the areas treated so the end result is an improvement in the way we look as we long as we eat healthy and remain active.

If you are interested in learning more about liposuction and body contouring or any of the procedures mentioned above, you can go to DoctorBev.com.

Did you ever wonder where the expression “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” came from? In days past, when Medicine was not the science that it is today, people as far back as Hippocrates realized the importance of certain foods. These foods had healing powers and were needed for normal growth and appearance. With the advent of modern science we have been able to identify what it is in these foods that make them important to our health. For example, Vitamin C, a nutrient found in citrus fruit, is needed for the synthesis of collagen, the most abundant protein in the body. Collagen found in the skin provides support- reducing skin laxity and hydration -creating youthful soft skin. Vitamin C has other functions in the skin. It is a very potent anti oxidant which helps to protect against and to repair sun damage. Vitamin C is used as an additive to skin care products to stimulate healthy skin, but as we all know, it is found in citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, kiwi and strawberries which are delicious as a snack or as part of a healthy meal. Vitamin C nourishes and protects your skin, and also is a healthy addition to your diet keeping your weight in check.

By now, many of you have heard me extol the virtues of drinking lots of water, staying out of the sun, staying active and for those of you, who continue to smoke, stop smoking. I have blogged about skin care products which I think are a vital part of protecting and nourishing your skin. I have wholeheartedly supported the use of Botox and fillers to correct the cruel realities of getting old. But, these are meaningless in the absence of a healthy diet. I am not talking about weight loss diet. I am talking about the food that you put in your mouth every day. By adding these items to your diet, and possibly substituting them for items that are high in sugars and fat, and therefore have little nutritional benefit, you are able to improve your body’s resources and output.

The following is a short list of foods which can be incorporated into your diet to stimulate healthier skin, and improved vitality. This list is only the beginning to a healthier you.

1. Fresh fruits and vegetables
2. Low fat protein such as poultry and fish
3. Nuts
4. Green Tea

Let’s break the list down now.

Fresh fruits and veggies don’t sound too appetizing, but we can look at the individual foods to get a better idea. Citrus fruits are high in Vitamin C which stimulates collagen and is a potent anti oxidant. It reduces inflammation helping you to heal better. Citrus fruits are delicious as a snack and can be found year round. Berries that are rich in color such as blueberries, blackberries and raspberries are also high in anti oxidants, which help to prevent and correct sun damage. These are great in smoothies mixed with a little bit of low fat yogurt. If you can’t find them fresh, they are available in the frozen section of your supermarket in the unsweetened form. Leafy green vegetables are high in Vitamin C as well. I know many of us don’t like leafy green vegetables, but Romaine lettuce is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and makes a great salad, and spinach is great in an egg beater omelet, or sautéed with olive oil, onion and a little garlic. Red peppers are a great source of vitamin C also.

Red meats and whole fat dairy products tend to contain saturated or unhealthy fats and cholesterol. These can not only clog your arteries but they can clog your pores. Poultry(remove the skin please) and especially fish contain relatively little cholesterol and saturated fats, and are an excellent source of protein.

Nuts, despite their high fat content are actually good for you, in moderation. A handful of nuts such as almonds or walnuts contain a healthy dose of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which are heart healthy, and skin healthy. Other foods that are high in essential fatty acids are olive oil, canola oil, salmon and avocados. Essential fatty acids are not naturally found in the body, but are needed because they are the building blocks for certain substances such as hormones, enzymes and substrates that are crucial for body and skin function. Remember to eat these foods in moderation. A diet which is very, very low in fat can lead to dry skin, hair loss and fatigue.

Green tea, although it contains caffeine, a stimulant, is high in anti oxidants.

In summary, to promote healthy youthful skin you need to ensure that your diet contains adequate amounts of Vitamin C to stimulate collagen production and reduce inflammation, and contains anti oxidants which help to prevent and to repair cellular damage caused by the sun and other interactions and that it contains heart healthy or unsaturated fats which are the source of the building blocks used by the body in day to day function.

Websites like Groupon, Living Social and Mom.com to name a few are cropping up like weeds. Some offer great deals on Botox, chemical peels, laser hair removal and microdermabrasion to name a few. Don’t let a deep discount dictate the choices you make.   Safety and quality are key issues that you need to consider before  purchasing your voucher, especially for a medical/cosmetic procedure.

The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons recently released a statement “Doctors in other specialties designating themselves as “cosmetic Medicine physicians” may lack the comprehensive training that is needed for administering drugs and treatments to the deeper levels of the skin and lack the experience to achieve optimal aesthetic results…just as you wouldn’t see an allergist to deliver your baby, it’s in your best interest to see a physician who specializes in plastic surgery and dermatology care when seeking cosmetic medical procedures”.

Do your homework:

1. Always check the credentials of the doctor responsible for your treatment.

2. Make sure the person performing the treatment is fully qualified and trained.  Sometimes technicians perform the procedures you have purchased. You don’t want someone without adequate experience or training treating your face or body. Don’t be ashamed to ask for credentials, or better yet to check credentials before you buy.

3. If you are purchasing a coupon for a medical procedure, make sure you know what you are getting, and that the item you have purchased will meet your expectations.  Read the fine print.  For example,  you may purchase up to 20 units of Botox for $149, but if you need 25 units of Botox to treat your problem area, it may end up costing more than you bargained for.

Please remember these 3 key points.  Safety andresults should always  win over savings.

We all want to look our best for the holidays, but how can we do it in today’s economy without breaking the bank? Let’s start with the mantra that we earned it. As working women and men, we put our families and professions ahead of ourselves. We can’t find the time to pamper ourselves although we deserve a break every now and then. Nobody wants to look tired or wasted for the holidays. We want to look refreshed and healthy. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to sneak away for an hour or 2, and enjoy the benefits of our retreat for weeks or months to come?

You may want to consider a facial that will promote healthier softer skin resulting in a radiant complexion with a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. Extractions which help to cleanse the skin and reduce acne are performed as needed. Facials are done in a warm soothing environment, with soft lights and music to help you get into a relaxed mood. Aestheticians are well versed in the art of facial and upper body massage. You may find yourself taking a short refreshing nap during your facial treatments. Peels intended to lighten, brighten, repair and firm are well worth the additional time and small cost. I enjoy the 4 Layer Facial by Repechage which utilizes several layers of seaweed based masks to rejuvenate, firm and hydrate the skin. Your skin should look better for weeks to come.

Ideally you should use skin care products to maintain your healthier skin. Try to use products that don’t lock you into to a spa, such as products specially formulated by Dr X and only available in Dr X’s office. These products may be excellent, but you are locking yourself into one source and few options. Products that I call “bookends” are essential. You should always use a cleanser and toner to start, and a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to finish your morning routine. Minimally you should also use an eye cream to prevent or reduce those pesky fine lines around your eyes, and a vitamin C serum to reduce sun damage as well as a hydrating cream(some people call this a moisturizer although technically it is different from a moisturizer) This routine should be repeated in the evening without the sunscreen. Obagi makes an eyecream called Elastiderm which I love because it feels cool and sooths my eyelid skin when I put it on, and I can use it on my upper lip to reduce fine lines there as well.

Photo damaged skin responds well to Retin A. Photo facials were very popular in the past but are expensive and required frequent touchups to maintain the improvements unless you are on a skin care program formulated for sun damaged skin. Once you are on a program, you no longer need the photo facials.

Facials and skin care address the skin health, but they don’t address frown lines or parentheses around the mouth or crow’s feet. These crop up for a variety of reasons including hereditary or age related collagen loss, squinting and sun damage. They can start early, in your 20’s or later in your 30’s or 40’s. To look your best for the holidays you may wish to treat crow’s feet and frown lines with Botox/Dysport and to treat your smile lines with fillers such as juvaderm, restylane or radiesse. Many people like to maintain the improvement associated with these products year round, so they return for periodic touchups. Some people choose to take advantage of a semi permanent filler, Artefil. All of these products are FDA approved and are safe and effective.

If you are interested in learning more about non invasive plastic surgery to keep your skin healthy and to maintain a youthful appearance ,you can go to
DoctorBev.com.

Good news for women seeking lip enhancement has come at the start of this holiday season. Restylane, dermal filler that has been in use since 2004 has just won FDA approval for use in lip enhancement. Restylane has a long safety record for its use in the correction of moderate to severe wrinkles, such as the nasolabial fold, and this new approval extends that record to lip enhancement. The treatment creates natural looking well proportioned lips that are appropriately sized for the face.

The studies that the FDA used to confer their approval showed that Restylane was safe for submucosal implantation in the upper and lower lip, lasting for up to six months. There is a high degree of patient satisfaction and very few adverse effects. Some of the subjects in the study reported swelling, tenderness, bruising and redness all self limiting.

Restylane is Hyaluronic filler. Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the body. Restylane also contains a small amount of lidocaine, an anesthetic which takes away a lot of the pain associated with the treatment in the past.

There are a variety of FDA approved fillers on the market. The Hyaluronic fillers are the most commonly used. Other fillers include Radiesse( Calcium Hydroxyapetite), Sculptra( Poly L Lactic Acid) and of course your very own fat. Only Restylane is FDA approved for lip augmentation. All however create beautiful results when used by fully trained Plastic surgeons.

If you are interested in learning more about fillers or any of the procedures mentioned above, you can go to DoctorBev.com.