Blog Archive – 2011

Minimizing Under Eye Circles with Dermal Fillers

Dermal Fillers are often used to minimize a depression of the tear trough (the junction where the lower eyelid meets the cheek). Because the skin is thinner in the lower eye area, this is one of the first areas to show visible signs of aging. Deep tear troughs can give the appearance of dark circles which result in a “hollowed” or “tired” look to the eye area. Dermal fillers when used in this area typically last 12 months or longer. The use of Juvederm® or Restylane® in this area 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 this procedure with Juvederm®, click on the link below.

Cosmetic Surgeries on the Rise for Men

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.

What can an Arctic Peel do for me?

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.

Lip Augmentation with Dermal Fillers

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:

What options are there for financing my cosmetic surgery procedure?

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.