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Archive for July, 2009

Health Care Reformers Propose Elective Procedure Tax

Tuesday, July 28th, 2009

Tulsa cosmetic surgery tax proposalIf you’ve been following happenings of the day, you may have heard about the proposed cosmetic surgery tax intended to help finance health care reform. The political blogs and daytime news outlets are certainly buzzing about it.  The LA Times blog Top of the Ticket says the tax would attach 10 percent onto any elective procedure – your tummy tuck, breast implants, or Botox could be disproportionately taxed. Writers of the Speaker’s Lobby say the proposal is probably “off the table” for now, and that the idea likely came from a treasury department official.

This vanity tax’ (as people have coined it) is being contested in a few different ways, but here are two objections that keep being reiterated:

Wouldn’t this be a form of gender discrimination?

The tax would be paid almost entirely by women. Despite the growing popularity of cosmetic procedures for men, women still make up over 90 percent of the patient demographic in the United States. Obviously, imposing a tax such as the one in question would unfairly discriminate against women. Think about it this way: would a tax be imposed on men who purchase expensive tattoos, fashionable clothing, or bodybuilding equipment? It doesn’t seem likely.

Would this tax affect the rich or the middle class?

There’s a common misconception that’s probably at work here; it’s that “only the rich and famous pursue cosmetic surgery.” Experience in the industry will show you otherwise. A 2004 survey conducted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons revealed that nearly “a third of people considering plastic surgery reported average household incomes below $30,000.”

Recall this New York Times piece by Natasha Singer titled “Who Is the Real Face of Plastic Surgery?” Ms. Singer discusses the fact that a large number of patients choose to finance a cosmetic procedure, just as they would a new car.

Safe, Permanent Hair Removal for All Skin Types

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009

istock_000008597024xsmallAt our Tulsa Surgery office, we think hair is actually pretty sexy…but only when it’s on top of your head.  Anywhere else is another matter! There’s no need to worry though – there are so many ways to remove unwanted body hair these days.

To remove hair from your face, legs, back, arms and even underarms, you might shave or pluck, or you might use electronic tweezers, radiofrequency tweezers, waxing, depilatories, or electrolysis.  But those methods are temporary, outdated, and even tedious.  The ideal way to do it is with laser hair removal.

Lasers send a low-energy beam through the skin. The dark pigment (melanin) present in the shaft of the hair follicles absorbs the laser beam. Initial hair reduction is seen immediately after treatment. To get permanent results, you just go through a series of repeated treatments.

There are different types of lasers that can be used to remove unwanted hair.  The first lasers approved for hair reduction by FDA were the ruby, alexandrite and diode lasers. But these could only be used on select individuals – not those with tans or ethnic skin.

The newest lasers  – our Lumenis 1 platform for example – have longer wavelengths and the ability to treat darker skin types, including African-American skin, Asian skin, and those with a tan.  One of the biggest benefits is the convenience; immediately following your hair removal treatment you can return to work, school or any of your regular activities.  Contact our Oklahoma office for more information.

Cosmetic Surgery is Back on an “Upswing”

Monday, July 20th, 2009

As surgeons offer specials and baby boomers consider the possibility of looking better to enhance their prospects, the business of cosmetic surgery will begin to make a strong comeback, says a recent LA Times article.

For cosmetic surgeons in Oklahoma and elsewhere, the past year has been less than ideal, leading many practices to offer incentives.  A fellow cosmetic surgeon in Rancho Cucamonga, California Dr. Jacob Haiavy explains it as such:

“We used to give discounts on multiple procedures anyway, but we took it to the next level at the beginning of the year.  It’s tough because 90% of what we do is elective. People have been more scrutinizing and resistant to spending money.”

But according to American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery president-elect Mark Berman, a large part of  the U.S. economy “moves with the baby boom,” so if boomers grow dissatisfied with their appearance, surgeons will see an increase in business – even in a down economy.  Also, the international research group Freedonia has predicted an 8.5 percent growth rate in demand for cosmetic procedures throughout the next three years.

When times are especially unpredictable, non-surgical enhancements like Botox, fillers, and chemical peels are very popular choices for “freshening up” your look, but they often can’t produce the more dramatic cosmetic change a patient may want or need.

Our patients have definitely appreciated the specials we’ve offered at Tulsa Surgical Arts.  While they have really helped us weather the sluggish market conditions, people who need more done – perhaps liposuction, breast augmentation, or a facelift – may not want to wait any longer. If they can afford surgery, now is a good time because prices are a bit lower than in previous years and financing is still available.

Botox Cosmetic $50 Rebate – Right Now

Monday, July 13th, 2009

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Dermal Filler Choices Are Many: What’s Best For You?

Thursday, July 9th, 2009

istock_000008969660xsmallWhen collagen was first FDA approved for cosmetic use in 1982, people were hopeful about looking younger, but mostly scared about allergic reactions, painful injections, and swelling.

These days we have a much wider range of safe, effective dermal fillers to choose from. They can be injected into the tiny lines around the eyes, the lines that have formed below the mouth, and the folds around the nose. They even can even fill-in areas that have lost volume, such as thinning lips and those deep furrows that develop between the eyebrows. Having any of these areas injected can take years off the face. It may even allow you to postpone cosmetic surgery for a while.

All these new fillers can be used quickly, in an outpatient setting, and you’ll look great almost immediately. Of course the downside is, fillers are temporary (lasting anywhere from a few months to a year), and some patients experience minor bruising and swelling.

The question many people want answered is: “Which one should I choose?”
The majority of the new fillers (not all) are made from Hyaluronic Acid, a natural substance found in the body. Below is a list and brief description of the dermal fillers that are available only from qualified practitioners:

  1. Restylane – a hyaluronic acid based filler touted as “the world’s best-selling dermal filler.” It is used for correcting moderate facial wrinkles and folds.
  2. Perlane – very similar to Restylane, it is designed primarily for treating deeper and more severe wrinkles and folds.
  3. Radiesse – this thick compound is made with (natural, biocompatible) calcium based microspheres in water based gel.
  4. Prevelle Silk – this hyaluronic acid gel filler is commonly used for lip augmentation treatments.
  5. Juvederm – Like Perlane, this popular filler is designed for treating deeper wrinkles and restoring volume to the face. It’s been called the “liquid facelift” treatment.
  6. Evolence – one of the newer injectables on the market, Evolence is made with purified porcine collagen. It helps create plumper cheeks and lips, and has a reputation for quick results and minimal bruising.

As with any cosmetic procedure, you should choose a doctor you trust and one who operates a practice that makes you feel comfortable. Remember, the use of injectables is an art, not just a science. At Tulsa Surgical Arts, we can help you make the best choice from the array of dermal fillers available.

Tulsa Surgical Arts offers the newest technology in skin rejuvenation!

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009

picture-51We are very excited to offer these laser treatments at Tulsa Surgical Arts. CO2 laser skin resurfacing is not new, however with this new technology, the procedure can be done with improved safety and results and with potentially less downtime. Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing can improve age spots, sun damage and wrinkles on the face, neck and chest.

For patients that are looking for improvement in fine lines, wrinkles and age spots the Active FX mode can treat this with an average downtime of 3-5 days. For patients seeking treatment of deeper wrinkles and acne scars, the Deep FX mode or preferably a combination of Active and Deep FX will give the most improvement.

To learn more about this procedure contact our office at 918-392-7900 for a complimentary consultation.

Tulsa Surgical Arts Uses the Lumenis UltraPulse Encore Laser

Monday, July 6th, 2009

picture-4Tulsa Surgical Arts is pleased to announce the new Lumenis UltraPulse Encore Laser, a CO2 fractional ablative laser that zaps off the top layers of skin to trigger new collagen growth. A single session minimizes fine lines and wrinkles and restores plumpness and perkiness to skin tone.

Dr. Angelo Cuzalina and Dr. James Koehler are the first Tulsa physicians to have this technology available to their patients. The exciting part of this technology is that the healing is much more rapid and downtime is minimal, especially when compared to traditional CO2 laser treatments.

Dr. Cuzalina and Dr. Koehler are both experienced in laser treatments and they continue to strive to provide their patients with the latest in facial rejuvenation treatment options! They are excited to now have the latest in CO2 fractional lasers at Tulsa Surgical Arts!

As always consultations are complimentary! Please call (918) 392-7900 to find out more about UltraPulse fractional laser treatment.

You may also want to visit the Lumenis website at www.aesthetic.lumenis.com.

Pictures from the June 13th Davenport Classic

Wednesday, July 1st, 2009

We wanted to share a few pictures from this year’s Davenport Classic, a golf tournament held each year in honor of our friend Randy Davenport, a former McAlester Police Officer who served in the line of duty before suffering a gunshot wound which left him paralyzed.

Unfortunately, minimal support was available to Randy and his family after this tragic event, so with the help of our staff, some friends and even a few patients, we raise money for him with the golf tournament in his honor.

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Kelly, Paige, and Kendal

Kelly, Paige, and Kendal

Nurses and friends

Nurses and friends

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