Is My Sunscreen Protecting Me? New FDA Rules for Products Should Make the Answer More Clear
Millions of people each year are diagnosed with skin cancer, often caused by the sun’s harmful ultraviolet-A and ultraviolet-B rays. In fact, the Mayo Clinic estimates that, from 1979 to 2009, diagnoses of melanoma (the most dangerous form of skin cancer) jumped eight times among people ages 18 to 39 – possibly due to the rise in popularity of tanning beds.
In a recent edition of the online Wall Street Journal, Elizabeth Holmes reports that
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) in some sunscreens, makeup, moisturizer, or foundation either may not be enough or only provides protection against one type of ultra-violet ray. Plus, even products that offer protection against both types of the sun’s rays needs to be applied thoroughly and frequently.
To give Americans more armor in the fight against skin cancer, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is issuing new guidelines on June 18th to make labels more clear on products that have sun protection properties, including makeup and sunscreen. The Wall Street Journal’s report indicates that a sunscreen’s SPF often only indicates defense against the sun’s U-V-B rays, not U-V-A – which can cause signs of age to appear on the skin. And even more importantly, both types of ultraviolet rays can cause skin cancer. The bottom-line is, you may be using a sunscreen with an extraordinarily high SPF and spending all day in the sun without getting burned, giving you a false sense of protection against skin cancer because U-V-A rays are still penetrating your skin.
The FDA’s new guidelines should help determine which products offer protection against both types of ultra-violet rays. The labels will say “Broad Spectrum,” along with an indication of the product’s SPF, to give consumers an idea of it’s ability to defend against both U-V-B and U-V-A rays.
Some makeup companies, like L’Oréal USA, are already adding more U-V protection ingredients to cosmetic and sunscreen products in order to comply with the FDA’s new guidelines by the time they are implemented.
Ultimately, dermatologists say you should wear a sunscreen that protects against both types of the sun’s harmful rays, with an SPF of 15 or more, every single day. The article mentions that adequate protection is about a small shot glass of sunscreen each day applied on exposed areas of the skin. This is important even in your own home, because windows typically only block U-V-B rays. Also, lip balm with at least an SPF 15, especially for the bottom lip, should be worn daily.
If you have questions about what you should look for in products that offer protection from the sun’s ultra-violet rays, or if you would like more information on skin cancer prevention and screening, please contact Dr. David Durst today.
Huntsville Plastic Surgery Practice on the Rise in Demand of Cosmetic Enhancements
Huntsville, AL — Dr. David Durst, a plastic surgeon in Alabama, says he has seen a dramatic increase in the number of plastic surgery procedures requested at his practice. While non-invasive and surgical cosmetic enhancements have always been popular, Dr. Durst says there has been a growing rise in demand for procedures such as tummy tucks and breast augmentation in Alabama. Thanks to several factors including the more competitive job market, a rebounding economy, and an increase in approval of aesthetic enhancement, he says patients now have been taking advantage of a host of new techniques and technologies available to help them achieve a more youthful, confident appearance.
According to the most recent study from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures have increased by 5% to over 13.1 million performed in 2011. The top surgical enhancement is breast augmentation, up 4% from its 2010 numbers to approximately 307,000 procedures performed. Dr. Durst says his Alabama plastic surgery practice has seen similar results as patients have continued to seek out recent developments in implant types and surgical techniques. He says there has been a growing overall interest in people wanting to look their best and enjoy higher self-esteem through conservative, natural results as well.
“Cosmetic surgery can help people achieve a look that better matches the way they feel on the inside to how they look on the outside,” says Dr. Durst.
Dr. Durst also says our culture has begun to place a higher premium on physical beauty, necessitating many men and women seek cosmetic enhancements to help them gain a competitive edge in the tough job market. With the economic upturn starting to gain momentum, he says patients are now able to afford the luxury of making changes to their appearance in order to reveal their confident, inner beauty. Dr. Durst says looking and feeling younger is no longer reserved for those in their twenties and can be achieved through simple procedures that have become even more effective and long-lasting in helping patients achieve their desired look.
“I think that all three factors play a part in the increase: a tough job market, the rebounding economy, and overall interest in people wanting to look their best and the fact that people live longer and wish to maintain a more active lifestyle. “Our spring season has been more busy than it has been for the past few years. I am optimistic and believe this is a reflection of a significant improvement in the economy as a whole,” he says.
As plastic surgery continues to play an effectual role in improving the lives of patients, Dr. Durst says the need to ensure one’s surgeon is properly trained and board-certified becomes essential. He urges all patients considering a cosmetic procedure, whether it be a tummy tuck or BOTOX® Cosmetic, to research their options and consult with a dedicated, personable plastic surgery practice before undergoing any treatment. Dr. Durst says an educated partnership between patient and doctor will ultimately help progress the future of cosmetic surgery as they pursue perfection in creating natural beauty and enhanced self-esteem.
About David L. Durst, MD
Dr. David Durst earned his medical degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia and completed both his general surgery and plastic surgery residencies at the University of Kentucky. He is affiliated with Crestwood Hospital, the surgery Center of Huntsville, and the Madison Surgery Center, and is the co-founder of The Cosmetic Surgery Center of Huntsville, the area’s only free-standing plastic surgery center. Dr. Durst is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Located at 4011 Balmoral Drive in Huntsville, AL, Dr. Durst’s practice can be reached at (256) 881-4200. He can also be contacted online via the website drdurst.net or the Plastic Surgery Huntsville Facebook page.
Contact:
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Aaron Hurst
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(858) 200-0044 www.rosemontmedia.com
I am excited to tell you about a procedure that can be done in Dr. Durst’s office. I was not happy with the “tired” look of my lower eyelids. Dr. Durst injected Juvederm in the tear troughs of my lower eyelids. The Juvederm plumped up my lower eyelids which gave them a smoother, more youthful appearance.
The procedure is simple. Upon your arrival at the office, a topical anesthetic cream will be applied to your lower eyelids. After 30-45 minutes, the cream is wiped off and the Juvederm is injected in the tear troughs of the lower eyelids. The topical anesthetic cream minimizes the discomfort of the injections.
In order to reduce swelling and the risk of bruising, we recommend that you use an ice pack for a few hours after the injection. Makeup may be worn immediately after the procedure. The results of Juvederm injections in the tear troughs typically last one year.
Plastic Surgeon in Huntsville Offering Procedure Videos and Testimonials for Patient Education
More than half of all Americans now approve of cosmetic enhancement according to the latest study from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). At his Huntsville, AL plastic surgery practice, Dr. David Durst says he believes approval will continue to grow in this increasingly social, online environment. To further this trend and enhance his current and potential patients’ experience with his practice, Dr. Durst is announcing the launch of a comprehensive set of patient videos, including testimonials on procedures such as dermal fillers, chemical peels, and BOTOX® injections.
Dr. David Durst is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Huntsville, AL. With more than half of Americans now approving of cosmetic enhancement, Dr. Durst is announcing the launch of a new set of patient videos. Topics range from minimizing under eye circles with dermal fillers to Dr. Durst’s own experience with a nonsurgical facial rejuvenation procedure known as the Arctic Peel. He adds that these videos provide his patients with an invaluable resource as they consider nonsurgical cosmetic enhancement procedures. “These common treatments are handled differently than surgical procedures. I believe that patients appreciate seeing how the treatments are accomplished, which should help to relieve anxiety about these procedures.”
Dr. Durst says patients want more information before making a significant decision involving any type of aesthetic enhancement. Whether they are considering a surgical procedure such as breast augmentation, or a nonsurgical facial rejuvenation, he believes patients want the chance to get to know a doctor and the team of specialists they work with before contacting the practice. He adds that the new videos are designed to accomplish exactly that goal, and make his patients feel more comfortable coming into his office.
While the same ASAPS study shows cosmetic enhancement is on the rise again with more than 9.3 million cosmetic procedures performed in 2010, Dr. Durst stresses the need for continued online support as patient curiosity grows. As the overall acceptance of aesthetic enhancement in the U. S. continues to increase, Dr. Durst says patients will continue to want more detailed information as they develop their expectations for these procedures. “The informed and educated patients are a plus, and make the consultation more time effective. They have a good basic understanding of the procedure and they can ask more patient-specific questions during their consultation. They can then, realistically, evaluate whether or not the procedure would be beneficial to them in reaching their cosmetic goals.”
About David L. Durst, MD
Dr. David Durst earned his medical degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia. He then completed his general and plastic surgery residencies at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Durst is a co-founder of the Cosmetic Surgery Center, which is the only free-standing plastic surgical center in Huntsville to be certified by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities. He is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Recent statistics by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) show that more men are electing to have cosmetic surgery. Overall, cosmetic plastic surgery procedures in men were up 2 percent in 2010 compared to 2009. However, many male surgical procedures increased significantly. Facelifts for men rose 14 percent in 2010 while male liposuction increased 7 percent.
2010 ASPS statistics show that men underwent more than 1.1 million cosmetic procedures, both minimally-invasive and surgical. The majority of the Men’s Top 10 fastest-growing cosmetic procedures are surgical, which bucks the previous trend of growth in minimally-invasive treatments.
There are various reasons why men are now seeking plastic surgery options. Men who are seeking a healthier lifestyle, exercising and watching their diet, may also look into ways of looking younger on the outside to match how they feel on the inside. They may choose cosmetic surgery options for either professional or personal reasons. Good communication between the patient and their surgeon is vital in helping to decide which procedure may be right for each patient.
Below are recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) which show sizeable increases in facelifts and other surgical procedures for men.
Men’s Top Ten: Fastest-Growing Male Cosmetic Procedures (by percentage increase)
The list is comprised of the fastest-growing surgical and minimally-invasive procedures from 2009 to 2010. Criteria for inclusion: Procedure performed on at least 1,000 men in 2010. (Surgical procedures are listed in bold.)
1. Facelift – 14% Increase
2. Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) – 11% Increase
3. Soft Tissue Fillers – 10% Increase
4. Botulinum Toxin Type A – 9% Increase
5. Liposuction – 7% Increase
6. Breast Reduction in Men – 6% Increase
7. Eyelid Surgery – 4% Increase
8. Dermabrasion – 4% Increase
9. Laser Hair Removal – 4% Increase
10. Laser Treatment of Leg Veins – 4% Increase
2010 Top Five Male Cosmetic Surgical Procedures
1. Nose Reshaping (64,000)
2. Eyelid Surgery (31,000)
3. Liposuction (24,000)
4. Breast Reduction in Men (18,000)
5. Hair Transplantation (13,000)
2010 Top Five Male Cosmetic Minimally-Invasive Procedures
1. Botulinum Toxin Type A (337,000)
2. Laser Hair Removal (165,000)
3. Microdermabrasion (158,000)
4. Chemical Peel (90,000)
5. Soft Tissue Fillers (78,000)
About ASPS
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than 7,000 physician members, the Society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 94 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the Society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
An Arctic Peel is a great way to refresh your skin. If you feel like you look tired or have a dull complexion, this is a great way to improve these issues. This is an excellent option for a special occasion you might have or simply just freshening up the skin. You can do this treatment on a Friday and return to work on Monday looking as if you went on a mini vacation. Your skin will look smoother, radiant and more youthful.
To view our video of an Arctic Peel, please click the link below.
In 2003, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first hyaluronic acid dermal filler for the treatment of facial folds and wrinkles such as the nasolabial folds (the folds running from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth). Many plastic surgeons are also using these dermal fillers to add volume to other areas of the face for lip enhancement or minimizing under eye circles. However, the use of Juvederm® or Restylane® in these areas is considered “off label”, and should be performed by a surgeon who has experience in this technique.
To view our latest video of Dr. Durst performing a lip augmentation procedure with Juvederm®, click on the link below:
Now that I have decided that I want to have a cosmetic procedure, how am I going to pay for it? Many people may think that the procedure they have been thinking about for years is just out of reach. There are several different options which are available today, which may allow a person to go ahead and have the procedure they want, and make monthly payments to pay off the balance.
Credit Card
Some patients choose this option to pay for their procedure(s), especially if they have a lower interest rate, or if they will get “reward” points or cash back on their purchases. One would need to consider the interest rate and what length of time they would need to pay the balance off to decide if this would be their best option.
Paying Part Cash / Part Credit
In some cases, patients choose to pay cash for half of the surgery with cash they have saved for this, and use their credit card for the remainder. This would help to cut out paying unnecessary interest over a longer period of time.
CareCredit®
There are several payment options available through CareCredit.
Payment plans include 6 month / no interest and extended payment plans which range from 24 months to 60 months, currently at 14.9 % interest rate. Applications can be submitted online at www.carecredit.com or by phone at 1-800-365-8295.
Occasionally, patients choose to use a Home Equity Loan or other bank loan when paying for their procedure(s). Interest may be tax deductible with a Home Equity Loan. Check with your financial advisor for information.
Which ever payment method one chooses, careful planning and looking in to the different financing options is worth the time spent.
A Mommy Makeover is a term which describes procedures which are often done in combination to help correct some of the physical effects of pregnancy and nursing on a woman’s body. These procedures may include a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), breast lift (mastopexy), breast augmentation, liposuction, or other treatment. These procedures are often done in combination, or can be done separately, depending on the patient’s desire and other factors.
Increased blood flow during pregnancy can also cause spider veins in the legs, face, or chest, and this may be addressed with our vascular laser. Broken capillaries and other visible vascular structures are eliminated from the visible layers of the skin’s surface with infrared energy. The laser treatments are tailored to match the patient’s skin condition and desired results.
During pregnancy, on the average, most women gain between 25-35 pounds. This additional weight is usually stored in the abdomen, hips, breasts, buttocks, and thighs. Enlargement of the breasts during pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause the skin to stretch out. After nursing and/or losing weight after the pregnancy, women often find that their breasts look deflated and droopy, having lost volume and the upper fullness of their breasts. Breast implants help to give volume back to the breasts. Sometimes a breast lift is required to get the tissue lifted and back to a more youthful looking position.
Some patients may only need implants, others just a lift. In some cases, implants and a lift are required to get the fullness and boost they are looking for. If the areola has been stretched out, it can be reduced in size at the same time.
The abdomen is another area which is affected by pregnancy. Women who have had babies are sometimes bothered by loose skin around the belly button and lower abdomen. There can also be weakening and separation of the abdominal muscles which can cause the abdomen to protrude. Abdominoplasty involves removing excess skin and fat, and reinforcing the abdominal muscles to give a more youthful and tighter looking abdomen.
When planning surgery, patients should wait at least 4-6 months after pregnancy and be at a normal weight before surgery. The body needs time to heal after pregnancy. Some of the changes in the body which happen during pregnancy need time to return back to normal.
We have many patients who express that they just want to feel like their outward appearance matches with how they feel on the inside, young and vibrant. A Mommy Makeover may be just what the doctor ordered.
If you have any questions, or would like additional information, please call Julie at 256-881-4200.
Millions of people each year are diagnosed with skin cancer, often caused by the sun’s harmful ultraviolet-A and ultraviolet-B rays. In fact, the Mayo Clinic estimates that, from 1979 to 2009, diagnoses of melanoma (the most dangerous form of skin cancer) jumped eight times among people ages 18 to 39 – possibly due to the rise in popularity of tanning beds. 
