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Michael J. Will, MD, DDS, FACS
Maryland (301) 874-1707

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Body Contouring: When Weight Loss Is Not Enough

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Losing a substantial amount of weight is a feat worth celebrating. However, having achieved their weight loss goals, many men and women are left with loose, excess skin that overshadows their weight loss achievement. In hopes of finally achieving the figure they have worked so hard to achieve, Dr. Will’s patients are increasingly opting for a surgical solution—body contouring.

Continue reading “Body Contouring: When Weight Loss Is Not Enough” »

Botox as a Headache Treatment? Researchers Say Yes

botox-urbanaBotox may be used to relieve migraine headaches, according to new research published in Archives of Dermatology. Botox injections “at doses appropriate for cosmetic purposes may be sufficient to prevent migraine attacks” concluded authors of the study.

An article on Bloomberg.com says Allergan applied for FDA clearance for this treatment application.  However, researchers say they can’t explain how Botox works to relieve headaches. One co-author of the study, Rami Burstein says, “[Botox] may block the signals in sensory nerves located on the outside of the head.”

The Anti-Aging Benefits of Red Wine

By now, you’ve probably heard of and possibly even toasted to some of the anti-aging benefits of red wine. Resveratrol, an antioxidant which has been shown to slow the aging process, is a natural component of red wine.

Resveratrol is one of 600 antimicrobial compounds known as phytoalexin. These compounds are made by plants and can shield the skin from harmful UV exposure, infections and climate change – which ultimately leads to an anti-aging effect on the skin.

Though numerous studies have investigated the benefits of ingesting resveratrol; few have looked at the antioxidant’s effectiveness when applied externally to the skin. Despite this, a number of new skincare spa treatments (otherwise known as “red wine baths”) have come out recently claiming to reduce signs of aging with the help of resveratrol.

So what has research shown us so far?

  • A 2005 study from the National Institute of Health found resveratrol to serve as highly effective sunblock when applied to the skin of laboratory animals.
  • A 2011 study from the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology found that human subjects who applied a gel containing resveratrol to their skin benefited from a 54 percent reduction in acne.

From the current available research, resveratrol does seem to be an effective topical skin treatment. However, it’s important to recognize that these studies only investigated regular use of resveratrol – which means you should probably think twice before dropping a significant amount of cash on a spa treatment that involves only a single session.

Tried-and-True Treatments

If you’re feeling a little sceptical about resveratrol, we suggest opting for some tried-and-true anti-aging treatments that will improve your complexion instead.

Popular minimally invasive treatments include microdermabrasion, chemical peels and laser skin resurfacing. Skincare products such as Vitamin C and tretinoin can also improve the tone and texture of your skin, producing a healthy, luminous glow.

Source: CBS News

Study Examines Dermal Filler Swelling Side Effect

dermal filler side effectHyaluronic acid fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane, are a non-surgical way to restore volume to the face. The injections are safe, and hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring chemical found in the body. However, patients should be aware of potential side effects.

A new study examined the incidence of edema, a possible side effect of dermal fillers, after hyaluronic acid injections. Published in the American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery, the study looked at cases of swelling for injections done to the under eye area. According to the authors, there has been an increase in the use of hyaluronic acid fillers for under eye rejuvenation during the past decade.

The study reviewed medical records of 51 patients who had received hyaluronic acid gel under the eyes between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2011. Edema was defined as a clinically significant degree of swelling that lasted a month or more following the injection.

The study found that 12 patients (24%) had prolonged periorbital edema following the procedure. The average duration of the swelling was about 6 months, and Juvederm was the injectable used for the majority of patients (45 of the 51).

According to the authors, there were no signs prior to the injection that “consistently identified patients susceptible to the edema.”

The authors concluded that prolonged swelling occurred in a significant minority of patients. Because it is difficult to identify which patients might be most susceptible to periorbital edema, the authors stressed the importance of doctors discussing this potential complication with patients who are considering getting hyaluronic acid injections under the eyes.

The doctor’s injection technique also plays a role, so it is very important to find a physician who is experienced with the dermal filler.

In addition to filling under eye depressions, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers can also correct nasolabial folds, marionette lines, upper lip wrinkles (i.e., “smoker’s lines”), and deep frown lines. They may also be used for lip augmentation and acne scar correction.

During February and March, save up to $360 on Restylane. Visit www.restylaneusa.com for more information on the promotion.

Does a Rise in Cosmetic Surgery Signal Economic Recovery?

New statistics revealed that cosmetic procedures, which includes non-surgical and surgical procedures, were up by 5 percent in 2010 compared to 2009. The data excited more than just the cosmetic surgery industry — some on Wall Street speculate that when cosmetic surgery is on the rise, it could signal the economy on a whole is on the rise as well.

MSN Money noted that the statistics, which were released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, are “yet one more indication that the economy is on the mend.”

Reuters reported that “while nose jobs and breast augmentations may never replace U.S. unemployment data or retail sales as economic indicators, investors pay attention.”

“Traders will look at all kinds of things. Handbag sales, how things are going at Tiffany’s, where people are going on vacation. This is another anecdote for them that helps confirm things are slowly picking up,” said Dennis Gartman, publisher of an investment commentary, referring to the cosmetic surgery statistics.

Even though unemployment is still high, the rise in cosmetic surgery is a sign to some that spending on “big ticket” items is on its way back in this country.

“I like the thinking,” said Carl Larry, publisher of a daily report covering market fundamentals, who said that traders use any piece of data they think can give them an edge. “It could very well be that we’re seeing more ‘off-road’ spending like this. Anything that is a big ticket item that has little to do with homes or retail is where the money seems to be going.”

“The pre-crisis trend of paying for a $6,000 to $7,000 breast augmentation operation on your credit card definitely changed in 2008 and 2009,” plastic surgeon Phil Haeck said. “Now many people have paid down their debts and have enough confidence in the economy to pay for operations again.”

New Juvederm XC Said to Be More Comfortable

A new Juvederm formula was recently introduced to the market, Juvederm Ultra XC, which juvederm_graphwill be advertised as a more comfortable, yet equally effective alternative to other wrinkle filler treatments. Containing 0.3% lidocaine makes the treatment area numb very quickly, possibly decreasing the need for topical anesthetic.

Other wrinkle fillers such as Prevelle Silk have been introduced with lidocaine, but not every cosmetic surgeon has embraced these new age fillers. When Prevelle first received FDA approval in 2008, the response was lukewarm. “The issue with a hyaluronic acid filler with lidocaine is that it doesn’t work until you actually start injecting patients, and these injections are so quick, by the time the lidocaine takes effect, you’re almost finished” said Dr. Joe Niamtu to Cosmetic Surgery Times.

The introduction of lidocaine or Juvederm XC won’t allow surgeons to abandon traditional methods of pain control, but the results cited for Juvederm XC do sound positive.

FDA approval was based on data from a multicenter, double-blind, randomized clinical trial in which 72 patients received 1 of the 2 formulations in each nasolabial fold. Results showed that more than 9o% of participants reported less procedural pain when treated with Ultra XC when compared to non-lidocaine Juvederm.

Four Hard-to-Hide Signs of Aging

Advances in skin care have made it easier to age gracefully. So much so that it can be pretty hard to guess someone’s age these days – unless you know where to look. Below are four common problem areas and their corresponding cosmetic solutions.

The Neck

The neck region is vulnerable to aging for a number of reasons. First off, it’s exposed to just as much sun as the face – which can be a major problem for those of us who don’t extend our SPF moisturizers to protect the neck. The skin on the neck is also thinner than facial skin and the muscles are weaker. This means less resilience and more sagging.

Surgical Fix: Neck Lift Surgery

Non-Surgical Fixes: Botox Injections, Laser Skin Rejuvenation

Crepey Skin

As we age, the skin our face gradually begins to loose elasticity and collagen content – this process can make the skin appear thinner and more wrinkled. Crepey skin is most often found around the eyes, cheeks and neck. Symptoms can be accelerated by sun damage, smoking, dehydration and environmental factors.

Non-Surgical Fixes: RetinA (tretinoin), Chemical Peels, Laser Skin Rejuvenation

The Hands

Similar to the neck, the hands are often subject to a lot of sun exposure because most people don’t cover them with UV protection on a daily basis. Years of excessive sun exposure combined with the normal effects of gravity and aging can cause your hands to appear wrinkled, sunken and freckled.

Non-Surgical Fixes: Dermal Fillers, Chemical Peels, Laser Skin Rejuvenation

Jowls

Aging and a loss of skin elasticity often lead to sagging skin around the face. Jowls, which can be described as sagging cheeks and a softening jawline, are often the beginnings of a double chin. As a result, they’re one of the most common reasons given for first-time cosmetic surgery consults.

Surgical Fix: Face Lift Surgery

Non-Surgical Fix: Laser Rejuvenation

How One Procedure May Stop Your Wrinkles In Their Tracks

Botox Ijamsville
We all want to look our best, and have confidence in our appearance. As we age, our bodies change in ways that make us uncomfortable about how we look. One of the first signs of aging, for example, is the visual emergence of facial wrinkles. Years of laughing, smiling, frowning, and squinting combined with exposure to sunlight, harsh weather conditions, pollutants, and chemicals can contribute to the development of fine lines and wrinkles on the face.
Continue reading “How One Procedure May Stop Your Wrinkles In Their Tracks” »

Cosmetic Surgery Embraces Curves

thigh augmentationMore women are embracing a curvy look, a trend that is visible in the cosmetic surgery industry.

For instance, RealSelf, a social media website for sharing information about cosmetic procedures, reported that in 2011 searches for butt augmentations on the site rose 39 percent, making it the “fastest moving topic on the site in terms of overall consumer interest.”

With the rise of procedures like the Brazilian butt lift, in which a patient’s own fat is transferred to enhance the shape and size of the buttocks, women are looking to enhance other areas as well.

Next Trend for Curves: Thigh Augmentation?

A study published recently in the American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery examined thigh augmentation, which uses a custom implant. The authors report that: “Breasts are getting bigger, buttocks are getting fuller, and there is increasing demand for a fuller, more curvaceous look to the thighs.”

According to the study, 18 women received the implants to achieve a fuller appearance in the thighs. During the procedure, a custom-made lateral thigh prosthesis is surgically inserted to give more curve to the lateral thigh area.

The authors reported that all patients were satisfied with the procedure. There were no major complications during the study, and they concluded that the implants helped women achieve a fuller look in the thigh without significant risk.

Traditional Cosmetic Surgery for Adding Curves

Some of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures have always been about giving women more curves. For instance, many women who are dissatisfied with the size, shape and fullness of their breasts often turn to breast augmentation.

A tummy tuck is a popular way for a woman to get a flatter stomach. It creates a smaller waistline, which accentuates curves above and below the waist.

Five Reasons to Opt for a Brazilian Butt Lift Over Buttock Implants

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Are you unhappy with the appearance of your backside? You have likely gone to great lengths to fill out your rear end and achieve the contours you want. Often, however, there is only so much you can accomplish in the gym and with dieting. Whether it’s the size or shape that you’re looking to improve, here are four reasons to choose the Brazilian Butt Lift at Will Surgical Arts over buttock implants when sculpting your derriere.

Continue reading “Five Reasons to Opt for a Brazilian Butt Lift Over Buttock Implants” »

“Patient care was incredible! We are so very happy our child was referred to Dr. Will. We appreciate the attentiveness given to his medical condition. Will highly recommend to others.”

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