Michael J. Will, MD, DDS, FACS
Maryland (301) 874-1707
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FDA Investigating Silicone Buttock Injections
Recently, there has been an increase in women reporting complications from silicone buttock injections, according to the Baltimore Sun.
A dancer in Baltimore was admitted to the hospital in March with silicone in her lungs after the procedure, and the FDA is investigating this and other instances across the U.S.
The woman who injected the dancer, who is not a doctor or nurse, was arrested in October. Court records also showed the silicone may have come from a home improvement store.
The medical-grade liquid version of silicone is only approved for the treatment of detached retinas, according to the FDA. But in the past, doctors have used it for procedures, including breast augmentation and lip enhancement.
Doctors say injectable silicone is dangerous and is not used in procedures today, as it causes an inflammatory reaction in the tissue where it’s injected, and it can spread to other organs. The encased silicone used for breast and buttock implants is considered safe.
Safe Alternatives to Silicone Buttock Injections
There are cosmetic surgery procedures that are safe for augmenting the buttocks, such as fat transfer. The procedure, which is often used for the face, is referred to as a Brazilian butt lift when used for buttock augmentation.
During the procedure, fat is harvested from another area of the body, such as the abdomen, through liposuction. The fat is then purified and injected into the buttock tissue.
Buttock implants are another option. During the procedure, a silicone gel implant is inserted beneath the gluteus maxiumus muscle.
If you are interested in a cosmetic procedure, be sure to choose a qualified cosmetic surgeon. The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery provides guidelines for choosing a surgeon on its website.
Botox Increases Patient’s Quality of Life, According to Study
Botox could do more than smooth your wrinkles and make you look younger. It may also improve your quality of life and your self-esteem, according to a new study published in the journal Dermatologic Surgery.
Dr. Steven H. Dayan, a plastic surgeon, conducted the study with 100 patients who were treated with either Botox or a saline placebo for facial wrinkles between the eyebrows, on the forehead and around the eyes.
The participants took a quality of life enjoyment and satisfaction questionnaire before the injections and two weeks and three months after the injections.
The findings revealed that Botox injections result in improvements in quality of life and self-esteem. Those treated with Botox showed statistically significant improvements in answers to quality of life questions pertaining to physical health, mood, household activities, overall life satisfaction, body satisfaction, self-consciousness, intellect, self-worth, appearance, comprehension, weight satisfaction, attractiveness and sense of well-being. Additionally, increases in overall self-esteem and appearance-, social- and performance-related self-esteem were observed in those treated with Botox.
In addition, patients who received Botox for the first time demonstrated a greater improvement in quality of life and self-esteem when compared to participants who had previously received Botox.
“The findings in this study ask us to think much differently about Botox treatments,” says Dr. Dayan. “We have long known the physically enhancing benefits of Botox treatments, but to now have data that indicates Botox also improves one psyche, self-esteem and quality of life is very significant. The question now has to be asked is if getting Botox makes people feel better about themselves, could this translate into them being more productive in their professional lives and happier in their personal lives?”
The Number One Non-Surgical Cosmetic Treatment Turns 10 This Year
A recent article in NBCwashington.com reminds us of the staying power and popularity of Botox® Cosmetic.
Botox, the miracle injection that removes crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles and facial creases celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Since it was introduced, surgeons and dermatologists have seen an unprecedented 518 percent increase in the last 10 years, making it the number one non-surgical cosmetic procedure in the U.S.
Initially, doctors used Botox to treat eye muscle problems, such as overactive eye muscles, severe eye spasms and even crossed eyes. The first use of Botox cosmetically was documented by Dr. Richard Clark of Sacramento and published in medical journals. After formal trials in April 2002, the FDA approved botulinum toxin type A (Botox Cosmetic) for the temporary removal of moderate-to-severe frown lines between the eyebrows.
Botox blocks signals from the nerves to the muscle. Once injected with Botox, the muscle can’t contract, making the wrinkles relax.
The procedure is so popular because it requires no extended recovery periods or invasive surgery. It literally takes only a few minutes and requires no anesthesia. The only side effect may be the tiny discomfort a patient feels from the thin needle injection into the muscle.
For a patient to receive the full benefits of the injection, it may take three to seven days. Patients should avoid alcohol one week prior to their appointment. Botox patients find the results last anywhere from four to six months. Of course, as the muscle gradually regains its movement, the wrinkles or appearance of wrinkles return.
Done by a certified physician trained in administering Botox, the results speak for themselves. With over $1 billion dollars in sales, the use of Botox as a quick, non-invasive cosmetic treatment shows no signs of diminishing anytime soon.
New Botox Alternative XEOMIN Available at Will Surgical Arts
XEOMIN is the latest botulinum toxin type a drug to be approved by the FDA for use on glabellar lines. This injectable, which works like Botox, is now available at Will Surgical Arts.
XEOMIN’s approval was based on two clinical trials with over 500 patients. The trials showed that the injectable significantly improved the appearance of lines between the eyebrows 30 days after the injection, compared to placebo. XEOMIN may also be used to treat crow’s feet and forehead lines.
XEOMIN has been used in other countries since 2005.
How does XEOMIN differ from Botox?
XEOMIN is the only botulinum toxin currently approved in this country that doesn’t require refrigeration prior to reconstitution. In addition, the XEOMIN dose may differ from other botulinum toxin drugs.
Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Tim Greco said that XEOMIN works best in the upper face, and the effects are comparable to Botox and Dysport. But with XEOMIN, patients are less likely to develop resistance, which sometimes happens with Botox over time, according to Dr. Greco.
The cost of XEOMIN is currently about the same as Botox and Dysport, according to ABC News in Philadelphia. Some doctors believe that the new competition will eventually lower the prices for all three of these products.
“It’s not after the second product, it’s always after the third product; after the third product gets introduced to the market, that’s when they really start seeing the differences in the prices,” said Dr. Greco.
How does XEOMIN work?
XEOMIN is injected into muscles to relax them. When the muscles relax, there is less movement and fewer wrinkles.
Some of the first signs of aging show up around the eyes and upper portion of the face, and you may have considered getting Botox or other injectables to take care of those lines and wrinkles. If you have deeper lines and wrinkles in this area, or you’ve noticed your brows are starting to droop, you may be a better candidate for brow lift surgery. A brow lift can effectively lift and tighten the skin to create a fresh-faced appearance. It can address several problems in the upper portion of the face and the rejuvenating lift can take a few years off your appearance. Continue reading “Freshen Up Your Look with Brow Lift Surgery” »
Tips for Guessing Someone’s Age after Laser Skin Resurfacing
With the rise in cosmetic enhancement procedures like Botox injections, laser skin resurfacing and injectable fillers, it can be near impossible to guess someone’s age these days. So the next time you find yourself a little curious, you’ll have to look beyond traditional signs of aging.
According to Dr. Scott Zevon, a plastic surgeon and clinical instructor at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, “hands often betray our age.”
If you really want to guess someone’s age, keep an eye out for the following signs of hand-related aging:
Age (liver) spots – When most people think about sun damage, they don’t even consider their hands. For this reason, the hands are particularly vulnerable to discoloration and sunspots.
Wrinkly skin – Wrinkles are a tell-tale sign of aging. Because the hands are usually drier than many other parts of the body (due to hand washing throughout the day), they’re more prone to wrinkles.
Translucent skin – The skin on our hands is actually thinner than the skin on our faces. Over time, as our hands naturally lose volume, causing our skin to look paper thin.
Lost volume – Like the face, decreased collagen production beneath the surface of the skin can cause our hands to lose volume as we age – eventually appearing sunken or hollow.
Noticeable veins – The veins, tendons and bones on our hands become much more prominent as we age and our skin begins to lose some of its elasticity (tightness).
Though the hands seem to be more of a tell-tale sign of age these days, many of the same procedures used for the face can be used for the hands as well. Retinoids, microdermabrasion and chemical peels are great for treating sun damage, while dermal fillers and laser skin resurfacing can add volume to the hands and minimize the appearance of wrinkles.
So really, it may be near impossible to guess someone’s actual age these days.
Columnist Jane E. Brody says “I first lost a permanent molar to decay in my early 20s, and the resulting bridge has had to be replaced several times in subsequent decades…”
Brody goes on to explain why dental implants have become the standard in tooth restoration by dentists, periodontists, and of course, Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons.
The main reason: dental implants rarely need to be replaced.
Study Examines Injectable Gel for Breast Enhancement
A new study assesses the safety and efficacy of an injectable gel for breast enhancement as a non-surgical alternative to breast augmentation. Published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal, the study used the hyaluronic acid-based gel Macrolane to add volume to breasts.
Macrolane by Q-Med, the makers of Restylane, is a gel that adds volume to tissues and can be used for restoring and enhancing body contours or for filling concave deformities and scars. It provides results without open surgery, and the scarring at the injection site is minor and is likely to become less noticeable with time, according to Q-Med.
While not yet approved in the U.S., currently Macrolane is used in Europe, and it has been “well established for use in aesthetic facial procedures” according to the study. A new formulation may make it suitable for breast enhancement as well.
The study was conducted in Sweden with twenty women who received injections of the gel under local anesthesia. The study found high subject improvement rates for breast appearance (83 percent) at 6 months post-treatment. A year after treatment, 69 percent of breasts were still considered improved. The decline in satisfaction after 12 months is related to the fact that results with the gel are not permanent, so those looking for permanent enhancement may be better off considering traditional surgical enhancement with breast implants.
The highest levels of satisfaction were observed in relation to the shape and general appearance of the breast, although comparable trends were also noted for size and firmness, the study said.
The researchers concluded that the “gel is a new option for the patient population who desire aesthetic improvement of the breast but who do not want to undergo surgery.” They also wrote that further studies with larger numbers of patients are warranted.
How To Get a Great Consultation – 2 Rules
We want Dr. Will’s patients to make the most of their office visits and have consultations that are productive, meaning they get their questions answered and feel confident about how to proceed – whether that means going through with surgery or not.
Here are two simple rules that can help you accomplish those goals:
1. Be prepared
Depending on the procedure you’re interested in, it might be difficult to find (or make sense of) all the information you need. Fortunately, the consultation offers a perfect opportunity to get straight answers from a professional. Just bring a list of questions or topics that you think are really important.
It also helps to define the general goals you have for cosmetic surgery. Some patients have been considering a particular surgery for years and know exactly what they want; others are just starting their search. While a consultation can be useful in either case, you’ll get more from the experience if you have at least a general idea of your goals for surgery.
2. Be open
Good communication is important from the first consult all the way through the surgery. If it’s difficult for you to communicate your goals, use pictures or other visual aids. You can view our before and after photos or bring examples that you think are appealing. Better communication about your desires and specific needs will help Dr. Will ensure that they are fulfilled, so use whatever tools you think might aid in that process.
It’s also a good idea to share any pertinent information that might allow Dr. Will to serve you better. That can include things such as your medical history, past procedures, and motivations for surgery.
Women Share Their Experiences on Breast Augmentation Forums
Deciding to undergo breast augmentation may not be a simple decision, as there are many variables for the patient to think about, such implant type and size. A new study found that women find emotional support and build relationships with other patients through online forums.
Overall the breast augmentation forums are a positive experience for women, according to the study. “Through electronic postings, they cared for and nursed each others’ anxiety and feelings throughout the whole process,” wrote the researchers at Oslo University Hospital.
Online forums have made it easier for patients to connect and communicate with others interested in breast augmentation. The researchers suggested that for women who are looking for information on the procedure, the Internet “is one of the most important or perhaps the most important, source of knowledge on the topic.”
The women used forums and message boards to share information and experiences on breast augmentation and to examine their reasons for choosing the procedure.
The message boards are also a place for getting support and building relationships as well. “The most profound element of the forum culture was the provision of support to other women,” the researchers wrote. “By sharing and exchanging thoughts, the women nursed each other in terms of their doubts, bitterness, pain, sadness, excitement, elation, and happiness.”
The study found the forums offered women support throughout the process. For instance, before surgery women discussed how they were making decisions with regard to implant size, profile, shape, placement and material. After surgery, discussions included their experiences with soreness, swelling, pain and postoperative self-care.
Women on the message boards also discussed relationships with their self-image and their surgeons.
The researchers located the online forum they studied using Google. Here are a few popular breast augmentation forums:
“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.”
Recently, there has been an increase in women reporting complications from silicone buttock injections, according to the Baltimore Sun.
We want Dr. Will’s patients to make the most of their office visits and have consultations that are productive, meaning they get their questions answered and feel confident about how to proceed – whether that means going through with surgery or not.
Deciding to undergo 
