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Archive for April, 2009

Women Seeking More Cosmetic Enhancement; Men Opt Out During Recession

Thursday, April 30th, 2009

Despite an upward trend in the past decade, cosmetic surgery procedures on men have declined during this recession. Women (of course) are still actively seeking cosmetic enhancement and surgery.

Cosmetic procedures on men dropped 2 percent last year, while the number of procedures done on women increased by 29 percent, according to statistics from the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.

“For the time being, males and females are beginning to separate themselves in regards to cosmetic surgery,” said AACS president Dr. Patrick McMenamin. According to Dr. McMenamin, a greater acceptance or willingness (by women) to try non-invasive cosmetic procedures like Botox and lasers may explain the percentage gap.

More widespread economic trends could be a more primary cause. In February, The Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that men lost 2.7 million jobs since the start of the recession – a figure that represents 82 percent of the total number of jobs lost. The New York Times opined that given this situation, “women are poised to take a greater share of the nation’s jobs.”

Cosmetic Surgery – Life changing story

Thursday, April 30th, 2009

Breast asymmetry

Breast Asymmetry

I have heard many people say cosmetic surgery is unnecessary and that you should just be happy with the way you look.  Although cosmetic surgery is not necessary, I have to say that I have seen it make dramatic changes in many patients lives.  Today was an amazing example.  I had the privilege of seeing a patient from Missouri, that I first operated on almost a year ago.  She was kind enough to share her story and I thought you may find this interesting.

From the time my chest started to develop, I had a very noticeable difference in the size of my breasts.  My right breast just never seemed to grow.  I was always very self-conscious about it and never had any self esteem.  After having kids the difference just got worse.  The shape and position of my breasts was so awful and embarrassing.  I was very uncomfortable with myself in and out of my clothes.  I could never wear cute “girly” clothes.  I finally met a wonderful man who made me feel beautiful inside and out.  He made me comfortable with myself but I still wasn’t happy.  He knew how unhappy I was with my chest and he wanted happiness for me.  He wanted me to feel beautiful like he always said I was.  I had the surgery before we got married.  Dr. Koehler helped me to have my fairy tale ending.  I never knew I could feel so beautiful on my wedding day and every other day of my life” -KT

This nice lady had significant asymmetry and droop to her breasts.  The surgery involved two stages.  The first stage was to do a lift on the right breast and correct the tubular shape to the breast and to do a breast lift and breast reduction on the left breast.  After waiting three months I was able to take her back to surgery and place breast implants.  She is now almost a year out from surgery and the smile on her face will brighten any room.  Although this wasn’t necessary surgery I think you would agree that it was life changing.

Dr. Jessica Wu Explains Latisse Eyelash Enhancement

Friday, April 24th, 2009

This clip is from a recent episode of ‘The Doctors‘ featuring dermatologist Jessica Wu and Allergan’s new eyelash enhancement drug, Latisse.

Latisse can give you “crazy long spidery lashes” in just 4 months, says Dr. Wu. You apply Latisse to the base of the upper eyelashes once each night, “just like liquid eyeliner.” The results should yield lashes that are 25 percent longer and 100 percent thicker!

See the video for a before & after photo; it is quite impressive. If you are interested in learning more about Latisse in Oklahoma, call or email our office.

Popular Media May Increase Awareness of Gynecomastia

Tuesday, April 21st, 2009

gynecomastiaA quick survey of recent news and internet sources seems to indicate that the common perception of ‘male breasts’ is changing; what was once a relatively obscure condition is now approaching the level of pop culture phenomenon.  Some believe this change could compel more men to undergo surgical procedures like male breast reduction.

BBC news reporter Finlo Rohrer speculates that media – especially the tabloid scrutinization of celebrities – has popularized the concept of ‘man boobs.’ Tony Blair and UK conservative party leader, David Cameron, were pictured shirtless during the summer of 2006, which led various tabloids to offer commentary on their “moobs.”

The weblog www.manboobs.uk, which according to one reader, has “plumbed the depths of poor taste,” pokes fun at the concept, but further popularizes it. American television sitcoms like Seinfeld and Friends have done the same. According to Rorher, this popularity could lead to “more men making their way through the surgeon’s doors.”

So what is ‘the deal’ with male breasts? Here are a few things you might not know:

  • Gynecomastia is a relatively common condition in males that causes excess tissue to form on the chest. It is often mistaken for simple excess fat. It can affect newborns, pubescent boys, and adults. While it isn’t serious (unless it is a sign of something else), it can be painful and embarrassing.
  • Obesity can cause a condition of excess breast tissue, but real gynecomastia is caused by a hormone imbalance. In either case, surgery can alleviate the symptoms.
  • Medications, or illegal drugs like marijuana and anabolic steroids can cause gynecomastia. Particular drugs that are used during treatment for prostate cancer are to blame.
  • Gynecomastia can also be caused by genetic conditions like Klinefelter’s Syndrome.
  • Surgery isn’t the only option: in cases of pubertal gynecomastia, the condition will often disappear over time or when puberty is over. Other cases have shown improvement without any interventions; one case published in the June 2008 issue of Endocrine Practices documents a rare case of bilateral gynecomastia in a 60 year old man. The patient’s examination results were normal, but he reported a daily intake of 3 qts soy milk. Once the patient ceased his intake of soy milk, his condition improved and his hormone imbalance was resolved.

While underlying issues like hormone imbalance and obesity should always be addressed, many patients find that surgery is the right choice to correct excess breast tissue. Surgery can restore a natural masculine appearance. If you are interested in learning more about male breast reduction, contact us for a consultation.

Aesthetic Surgery & Medicine

Monday, April 6th, 2009

Dr. Angelo Cuzalina was recently asked to serve on the editorial board of a new publication; Aesthetic Surgery & Medicine. Dr. Cuzalina is honored to be part of a distinctive group of physicians who comprise this editorial board. The new publication is dedicated to exploring the art and science of Aesthetic Surgery through the scope of various specialties. Continue to watch our blog site as we will be posting articles of interest.

SLACK Incorporated Announces Editorial Board for its Newest Publication, Aesthetic Surgery & Medicine

The newspaper will bridge the gap among the specialties of dermatology, plastic, cosmetic and dermatologic surgery

THOROFARE, N.J., Dex. 23, 200800SLACK Incorporated is pleased to announce the editorial board of its newest publication, Aesthetic Surgery & Medicine. Launching February 2009, Aesthetic Surgery & Medicine will be a monthly newspaper that will explore the art and science of aesthetic surgery through the scope of various specialties. Led by Chief Medical Editor, Ronald L. Moy, MD, the editorial board is composed of the following members:

Richard L. Anderson, MD
Lawrence S. Bass, MD, FACS
Brian Biesman, MD
Jean D. A. Carruthers, MD, FRCSC(Ophth)
Donn R. Chatham, MD
Edwin A. Cortez, MD
Angelo Cuzalina, MD, DDS
Lara Devgan, MD, MPH
Jeffrey S. Dover, MD, FRCPC
Kay Durairaj, MD, FACS
Jeffrey E. Epstein, MD
Edgar F. Fincher, MD, PhD
David J. Goldberg, MD, JD
Robert Goldberg, MD
Derek H. Jones, MD
Corey S. Maas, MD
Alan Matarasso, MD
Seth Matarasso, MD
Patrick McMenamin, MD
Harry Mittelman, MD
Rhoda S. Narins, MD
Jeffrey A. Nerad, MD
Joseph Niamtu III, DMD
Gordon H. Sasaki, MD
Stuart R. Seiff, MD, FACS
Robert A. Shumway, MD, FACS
S. Randolph Waldman, MD
Woffles Wu, MD

This group of experienced medical leaders will play a vital role in the development of the publication by researching content, reviewing articles, providing their expert perspective on relevant topics and representing all of the aesthetic specialties. Aesthetic Surgery & Medicine will reach more than 21,000 U.S. physicians with an interdisciplinary platform designed to serve as a primary information source for busy aesthetic medicine physicians and surgeons. Articles will focus on clinical skills, the art and science of aesthetic medicine, cosmeceuticals and other products that complement aesthetic medicine, and practical information physicians can use to run a more efficient practice.

With a reporting style designed to develop a deeper connection with readers, Aesthetic Surgery & Medicine will engage readers’ interest while presenting the news in a time-saving format. An integrated daily Web site, AestheticSurgeryandMedicine.com, will offer interactive forums, blogs, podcasts and breaking news to further satisfy the informational needs of physicians. John C. Carter, SLACK Incorporated’s Chief Operating Officer, said, “Each issue of Aesthetic Surgery & Medicine will present original reporting and the expert analysis of our highly specialized editorial board,putting the news in perspective for the reader’s practice.”

Allergan Pledges $1 Million to Support ‘Latisse Wishes’ Campaign

Saturday, April 4th, 2009

At a red carpet Hollywood event March 27th, Brooke Shields, Mandy Moore, Marisa Tomei, and other big name celebrities were in attendance to support Allergan’s new Latisse Wishes campaign.

The campaign aims to raise money for the Make-A-Wish foundation, and will generate interest in Allergan’s new eyelash enhancement drug. A $500,000 initial contribution to Make-A-Wish was announced at the event.

Latisse is the first drug to be approved by the FDA for the treatment of hypotrichosis (inadequate eyelashes). When applied to the base of the upper eyelids, it stimulates the growth of thicker, darker lashes.

Beauty expert and participant, Anastasia Soare, enthusiastically expressed her support, saying “I constantly work to help make women’s beauty wishes come true, and now we can help children’s wishes come true through the LATISSE™ Wishes campaign.”

It isn’t a mere coincidence that the Make-A-Wish foundation was the chosen beneficiary; the superstitious tradition of “blowing on an eyelash to make a wish come true” provides a clever marketing strategy, now backed by philanthropy.

Allergan is encouraging consumers to help increase the donation amount by visiting www.Latisse.com and registering their support. From now until the end of the year, the company will donate 5 dollars for each new registration, up to one million dollars.

Latisse is now available at our office in Tulsa; give us a call for more information.