Okay, the big day arrived for Marit Price, radio personality on Star 99.9! See how she did getting her BOTOX and dermal fillers to get rid of her “mean” line!
Feb
28
2010
Our consult with Marit from Star 99.9
Exciting news everyone! Marit Price, morning show personality from Star 99.9 has come for a complimentary consult with us. A co-worker of hers is a great client of ours who has introduced us. Since Marit is sharing her quest to fill what she calls her “mean line” with her listeners, she agreed to let us film her consult and procedures! If you have questions, please post them here !
Marit tells Kati about her concerns
Kati makes recommendations & Marit reacts to consult
Feb
16
2010
Beauty Below the Belt
Let’s be honest, there is a lot going on down there and it’s not always pretty! Over the last five years the interest in vaginal rejuvenation and labiaplasty has skyrocketed. Professional websites, such as labiaplasty.com are reporting a monthly average of 40,500 visits in 2007 compared to a monthly average of only 8000 visits in 2002. Laser hair removal visits have increased by 700% in ten years. Feminine hygiene products as well as “HIS AND HERS” sexual lubricants are now prime time mainstream commercials. Whether your issue is laxity, asymmetry, excess skin, an abundance of pubic hair, hyperactive sweat glands or odor it is safe to say that our panties may be hiding more than we care to admit!
The smell of sweat might be an aphrodisiac to some, but “sweaty Betty” does not do it for most. Controlling odor and excessive sweating is now a multi-million dollar industry. Over the counter lubricants, hygiene products bring in revenues of $105 million annually. BOTOX has been effectively used to control hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) for years. It has now reached new “lows” currently being used to treat perineal sweat glands. Sweet Spot™ Labs has created a line of personal care items to keep you clean, refreshed and smelling your best. Their “on the go wipettes” are a must have for any woman who enjoys spontaneous fun! I will bet everyone who works at FUZION has them in their handbag AT ALL TIMES! Sweet Spot has a full line of pH balanced products made specifically for your most intimate areas. These products are designed not to irritate, dry or abrade your skin. As they say “cleanliness is next to fabulousness!”
This is not the sexual revolution where “au naturale” rules the roost, we live in an era when grooming is queen. The days of the “thigh coat” are long gone (thank goodness), now women, and men, are trimming up and lasering down. Laser hair removal is an effective way to permanently reduce hair growth all over the body. Laser technology is more cost effective in the long run than electrolysis or waxing and significantly reduces the risk of unsightly ingrown hairs. There are some things that you should know prior to embarking on a laser hair removal journey. It does not treat white or gray hair. It requires a series of six, or more, treatments. Hormones play a part in hair growth cycles. Pregnancy, menopause and changes in estrogen will affect your results. Laser hair removal, with FUZION’s technology, can treat all skin types safely – you can even be tan! The most common nether-region treatment is the “brazillian,” my only word of caution is that you will not have any hair; not now or when you are older so make sure it is a look that you want to live with.
The feminine wrinkles and folds that make up our external genitalia are formed early in fetal development. They are about as unique as a fingerprint. The old line “you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all” does not hold true here! Typically, the labia majora, or the most outer set, is larger and bears hair. The labia minora are the smaller, internal lips. In some women the inner most set is larger and often asymmetrical. Aging affects your vagina too! The drop off in estrogen, progesterone and testosterone can wreak havoc on your vaginal health. I am not writing to depress you, but declines in hormone levels can cause dryness, laxity, incontinence, vaginitis, loss of libido… and the list goes on! At FUZION we offer full service vaginal rejuvenation programs these include: Mons pubis liposuction, surgical labiaplasty, laser labia tightening and non-surgical clitoral or labial enhancement. Some of these issues require surgical intervention, but when it comes to intimate pleasures we do what we have to do!
Labiaplasty:
Labia minora reduction: Reduction of the inner lips or labia minora is the most commonly requested procedure in female aesthetic genital surgery. There are two commonly used procedures which consist of trimming the excess labial tissue along the edge of the labia minora which is often actually a “Y” shaped incision line as frequently the excess labia minora extend toward the clitoral hood. This procedure is best for more complicated or extensive surgeries or in patients who have longer labia minora. For patients with shorter labia minora, there is another procedure which involves taking a V-shaped section out of the most prominent portion of the labia then suturing the incision closed. Both procedures are usually performed with absorbable sutures. Either general anesthesia, local anesthesia with sedation, or local anesthesia with topical anesthesia prior to injection can be used.
Labia majora reduction:
Reduction of the outer lips or labia majora is less commonly requested but patients with this request often complain of an abnormal bulge in swimming suits or tight jeans due to overly large labia majora. Reduction of the labia majora can be performed using a wedge excision of the excess tissue with the incision along the length of the labia minora.
Clitoral hood reduction:
Reduction of the clitoral hood is usually performed for functional reasons with the goal to allow increased clitoral stimulation for sexual pleasure, or to improve the appearance of the genital area. It is a good idea to only reduce the outer hood and to do so in a fashion whereby scar contracture would not lead to problems near the clitoris. It is important for sexual functioning that the clitoris not be encumbered by thick or scarred tissue. It is also advisable to avoid scars close to the clitoris if possible.
Mons pubis reduction or SmartLipo MPX:
Reduction of the mons pubis is generally requested by patients who have massive weight reduction often after gastric bypass surgery. They have ptosis (drooping) and excess tissue in this area which requires direct wedge excision usually in a transverse direction. For those without skin excess, liposuction of the mons pubis is effective. SmartLipo MPX is an effective way to reduce the prominence of the mons while tightening the overlying skin. If the patient is undergoing an abdominoplasty, wedge resection of the fat pad through the lower abdominal incision is effective.
We understand that women are complicated, but treating your sweet spot right doesn’t have to be! FUZION’s medical professionals are capable of answering your most intimate questions. Beauty should come from within so start at the bottom!
Jan
21
2010
Under-Age and Over-Done?
Heidi Montag’s plastic surgery procedures are getting a lot of publicity this week. It raises questions that all patients and professionals must answer:
1. What age is the “right age” to begin aesthetic procedures?
We at FUZION opt to reserve the right to refuse treatment to any person who is not physically or emotionally mature. It is not necessarily about a specific age, but it is preferred to operate on legally consenting patients who are physically mature. If a professional chooses to operate/perform an aesthetic procedure on a minor they must consider how that procedure will impact growth or future physical outcome. We have already established in previous blogs that there are plenty of teenagers who have moderate facial wrinkles. This is caused by excessive photodamage (tanning) or pure genetics. The most popular adolescent cosmetic surgery is rhinoplasty (“nosejob”), now I ask you, would you make your child suffer the taunting of other kids until they are 18?
2. Is the patient in front of you psychologically sound to undergo the proposed procedure(s)?
Each Board Certified Plastic Surgeon/ medical professional (like me, I’m a Certified Physician Assistant) is fully trained in psychologic evaluation. It is important to seek out medical professionals for your aesthetic procedure. During a consultation each patient is physically and psychologically evaluated. We screen for conditions including body dysmorphic disorder, anorexia, psychotic illness, histrionic or other personality disorders. If a prospective patient displays signs of these, or a number of other diseases, they will be referred to a mental health professional. Dr. Goodkind and I have many professional relationships with excellent mental health providers. It is never to be taken as a sign of disrespect if you are referred, it just means that we are concerned enough to take care of you. Remember, “DO NO HARM!”
3. Is the patient aware of the risks?
The risks of ALL procedures are thoroughly discussed as part of the informed consent process. If the patient doesn’t verbally express understanding the plan is thwarted. It is a huge responsibility, and a goal of ours at FUZION, to make sure that you, as the patient, are fully educated and understand all aspects of each procedure.
4. Do the desired effects outweigh the risk?
Example: if a patient asks for extraordinarily large breast implants, but we know that they will be too large for her small frame then she will be risking infection, delayed healing, increased risk of rupture, chronic pain and muscle imbalance of her chest wall. These risks outweigh the benefits and therefore would not be appropriate. We don’t like to trade one problem for another.
5. What are the longterm implications of these procedures?
We need to evaluate what these procedures mean for a patient’s future – example: when silicone is injected into someone’s face it is permanent. As that person ages, the silicone may not appear natural – it does not age as they do and therefore makes them look unnatural. We see plenty of examples of this in Hollywood, New York and Miami. It may be a desirable look to start, but it may not end up that way.
6. What is the patient’s motivation?
During the consultation a patient’s motivation must be clearly established. Why are they seeking surgical or aesthetic procedures? Are they doing it for someone else? To save a relationship? To “cure” depression? These are all examples of poor motivation and would be deemed inappropriate candidates for surgery.
7. What are the patient’s expectations and are they realistic?
To achieve a natural look and excellent results, one must have realistic expectations. Aesthetics is ALL ABOUT setting realistic expectations. I encounter this everyday. Dermal fillers, in the right hands, can provide amazing non-surgical results, but the results are subtle and certainly NOT surgical results. It is about technique, skill of the injector, choosing the appropriate product and of course the right patient. I often times have to disappoint people by telling them that they are more apporpriate surgical candidates than filler candidates. This is a perfect example of why people look unnatural: the wrong amount of the wrong product in the wrong patient… (Mickey Rourke, Meg Ryan, “Cat Lady“)
8. When is enough enough?
If your Aesthetic Professional tells you that you need to lay off procedures, or that the procedure will give you an unnatural appearance you need to stop! Or seek mental health assistance if you have become obsessive. No professional should risk their reputation, and future in the field for one bad outcome that could have been avoided. This is the sole reason that I refuse to give people “DUCK LIPS!” Subtle is always more attractive and believeable. You want to be yourself, just more detailed.
Who is to say that Heidi went too far? Her surgeon was a Professional Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, who has a stellar reputation (Dr. Frank Ryan). She thought about the procedures for three years prior to going ahead with them. Dr. Ryan performed multiple consultations about her procedures and states that she thoroughly and repeatedly expressed understanding her risks. Just because we may not agree with her decision to seek a significantly more mature, and augmented appearance does not mean that it was unethical on the part of the practitioner. All in all, on a professional level his work was impressively done – much more natural than some other examples. We must consider that if Ms. Montag had chosen to have one procedure at a time we would think nothing of this, but since she had multiple minor procedures (fat transfers and BOTOX) at the same time she had multiple surgeries it has been sensationalized in the media. Don’t forget who we are talking about, “reality star”, Playboy model (to come), aspiring singer and 1/2 of the ”Speidi” duo… It all has to be taken with a grain of salt – a very big grain of salt.
Tell me what you think! I would love to hear what you have to say about all of this.
-Kati
Jan
06
2010
What should you do for your skin in the winter?
As the head esthetician at FUZION, I am constantly asked about how to handle winter skin. Whether your skin is dry, oily, sensitive or normal all of us see changes in our skin when the weather gets colder. We give the same advice year after year because it is tried and true:
- Lower your thermostat
- Moisturize more frequently
- Take warm—not hot—showers
- Drink more water
- Get a humidifier
Now, here are a few new suggestions you may not have heard before:
Bathe less frequently. Most of us don’t need to bathe or shower every day. As Americans, we are a little obsessed with cleanliness. Many dermatologists have talked about our bathing obsession for years. You probably know someone who bathes morning AND night – crazy!! Try bathing every other day, I guarantee your skin will love you in return.
Edit your skin care products and routine. You change your wardrobe from summer to winter. Why wouldn’t you do the same with you skin care? Talk to a skin care professional to see if you should be making a switch! You may need a more hydrating moisturizer or need to add a serum with hyaluronic acid to help create a moisture barrier. [Of course, if you are not sure who to talk to, schedule a complimentary consultation with me now].
DO NOT stop exfoliating, in fact, you may need to step it up! Exfoliation rids the skin surface of old dead skin cells…which makes skin look dry and inhibits product penetration. You may also want to consider some professional exfoliation too, like a chemical peel or microdermabrasion. If you’re not quite sure what to expect with those, watch these videos of Erica getting a chemical peel and microdermabrasion.
Do you have any questions? Don’t hesitate to post a question or ask me directly! We are also hosting a free event next week, January 13 at 6pm at FUZION to discuss How to Beat the Winter Skin Blues. Make sure to join us!
-Laura
Dec
20
2009
Chemical Peels – Friend or Foe?
Once upon a time chemical peels were the only weapon to combat wrinkles, age spots, discoloration, precancerous skin growths, and superficial scarring. The process is simple; an acid solution is applied to the skin, dissolving skin cells and removing the top layers of the epidermis. Just how deeply the peel penetrates, and the effects, vary depending on the strength of the solution used and the number of passes. Chemical peels can be done on the hands and body as well as the face.
For a superficial peel, medical professionals use alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, or salicylic acid, typically in mild 10% to 70% solutions, to remove only the outermost layer of the epidermis. Professional, medical grade peels can improve skin tone, enhance texture, and somewhat minimize fine lines and wrinkles. You’ll be happy with these peels if you have only mildly sun-damaged skin or just want to make your skin look brighter without a dramatic change in appearance. For best results, repeat the treatment monthly for about six months, and then quarterly. At FUZION we often recommend a combination of laser, IPL and chemical peels. By combining treatment modalities we are able to target superficial and deep aspects of damage. These treatments are alternated depending on your specific needs and tolerance. After superficial peels some people with very fair or sensitive skin may have some redness for a few hours, but most people feel comfortable going out in public immediately afterward. Expect to pay about $125–$850 per treatment depending on the type of peel.
If you have more advanced sun damage or if you want a more noticeable improvement to mild wrinkles, skin tone, and coloring, you may consider a stronger peel. Certain medical grade peels, used to treat melasma; and severe hyperpigmentation, are compounded at the time of the procedure. These medications are up to 10 times the strength of other medical peels. Many of our peels are straight from the Organic Chemist’s desk! We have our own chemistry genius working to improve your skin. By compounding the ingredients to meet your needs we can provide more a more effective treatment and more amazing results! This peel, despite the cost, is equivalent to SEVEN lesser effective peels! That makes it MORE cost effective than those seven peels- WITHOUT the pain or burn.
Afterward, you’ll have noticeable shedding and redness, and a few days to a week after the treatment, the superficial skin will darken, turn stiff, and peel off. Your skin may appear flushed for several weeks, but you should not have other side effects. Most people report noticeable improvement in medium-depth lines and wrinkles and coloration. Results last up to two years, but many people get annual repeats before the improvements fade over time.
Because they may lighten skin, they are best reserved for people with fair skin. Afterward, expect mild to severe discomfort and to wear dressings on your skin for a few days.
After any chemical peel, you’ll be more sensitive to sun exposure, so take extra precautions when outdoors.
Daily SPF protection, including physical and chemical properties. This practice should be employed everyday – sun, sleet, snow, rain or clouds! Come into FUZION and have your skin assessed – let the professionals tell you whether a peel would be right for you!
Dec
03
2009
Help stop the cosmetic tax
To help pay for the health care reform bill that is being debated over the next few weeks by the U.S. Senate, users of cosmetic medical treatments have been unfairly targeted with a 5% federal tax on such procedures.
Please join us in opposing the tax for the following reasons:
1. The tax is punitive and places an additional burden on the middle class – According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, sixty percent of patients considering a cosmetic medical procedure are squarely in the middle class, earning between $30,000 and $90,000 per year. This tax would come on top of increased payroll and income taxes sure to result from health reform’s $849 billion cost, and would penalize those who have made a well-educated and informed decision in consultation with a specialized physician to opt for cosmetic medical treatments because they allow them to express their best self and have been scientifically tested.
2. The tax discriminates predominantly against women – Medical society data shows that 91 percent of patients seeking cosmetic medical procedures are women. And many of these women are seeking treatment to improve their appearance to enhance their self-image and self-confidence which helps them succeed at work and in other areas of their lives.
3. The tax does not serve the goals of health reform – President Obama has stated that the goal of health reform is “to enact legislation that offers stability and security to those who have insurance and affordable coverage to those who don’t, and that lowers costs for families, businesses and governments across the country.” Since these procedures are generally not covered by insurance, the proposed tax will not reduce the cost of health care nor will it reduce insurance premiums. Further, it will increase administrative costs for physician offices.
4. The tax puts cosmetic procedures in the same category as cigarettes and alcohol – So called “sin taxes” on cigarettes and alcohol were imposed to try to change unhealthy behavior and cover the significant costs that these products placed on the health care system. This is logical. But a tax on cosmetic procedures is illogical because they are healthy and merely a responsible form of self-improvement. Furthermore, these procedures do not impact the heath care system since patients pay for these procedures themselves and they are not covered by insurance. People should have the freedom to decide what is best for their personal health care, including our own aesthetic appearance and therefore be free to spend our own, hard-earned money to correct, alter or enhance our appearance responsibly, in consultation with a physician, without being forced to pay an extra tax.
5. The tax will be impossible to effectively and equitably administer – It is not clear which procedures will be subject to the tax and which will not. Further, the same procedure performed on two different patients could lead to different conclusions concerning application of the tax.
6. The tax discourages innovation and promotes dangerous and unregulated alternatives – Because only drugs and procedures regulated and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be subject to the tax, manufacturers may choose to circumvent FDA regulation to avoid the tax. Further, patients may seek untested and potentially dangerous treatments from unlicensed practitioners to avoid the tax, including seeking treatment across our borders and overseas.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
• Visit stopcosmetictax.org where you can write to your local Senators or Representatives and sign a petition against the tax.
• The U.S. Capitol switchboard is 202-225-3121 where your patients can be connected to their Senators and Representatives. NOTE: The patient must know the name of their Senator prior to calling the switchboard; this information can be found at www.senate.gov (scroll by state). They can determine the name of their representative by going to www.house.gov where they can enter their zip code.
Nov
14
2009
BOTOX in a sponge??
Doctors have long been looking for a way to give patients the benefits of Botox without the needle. A cream version was being tested for hyperpidrosis. The latest efforts involve Botox-soaked sponges, and the effects are surprisingly promising.
It has already been established that Botox injections can help the symptoms of rhinitis, which include a chronically runny nose, sneezing and congestion. German researchers, testing an alternative to injections, inserted sponges filled with Botox into participants’ nostrils for 30 minutes, and then had the participants keep a “nose diary” for three months.
Patients who received the Botox sponge treatment scored higher in all aspects of symptom relief than those who did not, leading researchers to believe that this could be an effective implementation.
Experts are now showing that the minimally invasive application method of BTA (botulinum toxin A) with a sponge is a safe, painless method which can lead to a long lasting reduction of nasal symptoms. This is one area of intervention beign further investigated.
The anatomy of the nostril is different than that of the forehead and other areas where Botox may be used for cosmetic purposes, so the potency of the sponge method is hard to predict in the aesthetic arena. However, those of us who are disinclined to opt for injections are hopeful that further research shows promise for wrinkle relaxation.
BOTOX, as an injectable, has been used effectively in the treatment of migranes, cerebral palsy spasticity, gastric emptying, strabysmus (cross-eyedness), peripheral neuropathy and depression.
We at FUZION have used BOTOX to effectively treat trigeminal neuralgia – a painful syndrome involving the facial nerve. This patient has reduced her required pain medicine from 16-20 pills per day to 4!
BOTOX is not just for beauty, but it is a beautiful thing.
Oct
19
2009
On the Cutting Edge
I just got back from the American Academy of Medical Esthetic Professionals (AAMEP) annual meeting where I was fortunate enough to rub elbows with some of the world leaders in Aesthetic Medicine. I am proud to tell you that according to thier standards, FUZION is “doing it right!”
I was honored to discuss Vitamin A based skin care with Dr. Fulton, the co-creator of retin A. Dr. Fulton is a genius when it comes to skin care and resurfacing. Needless to say, he has a wealth of knowledge and it was great to hear that we at FUZION are meeting his standards of Vitamin A based products. Cosmedix is a chirally correct (protein perfect) skin care system that is based on Vit. A, antioxidants, organically pure growth factors and PHYSICAL sunscreens. Dr. Fulton spoke about the importance of medical grade sunscreens that are physical NOT chemical. There are actually reports of those over the counter high SPF chemically based sunscreens CAUSING cancer because of the free radicals it creates upon penetration to the skin. Think about it, one molecule binds with another, but leaves an extra causing another free radical floating in your system. Watch the news for the latest studies coming out soon.
I also was priviledged to speak with Dr. Micheal Kane, the author, and leading expert, of “The BOTOX Book.” Dr. Kane is one of the most sought after speakers in the world of Aesthetic Medicine. He has been at the forefront of all neurotoxin (BOTOX and Dysport) studies and the micro-injection dermal filler technique. It’s a great concept. Instead of laying large amounts of filler in one area, to fix a specific wrinkle, use tiny amounts in surrounding areas to support the skin, thereby lifting the wrinkle. Think of it like pulling saran wrap over a bowl, pull it in one direction and you will create more of a wrinkle, pull it evenly in all directions and it lays flat. Just simple physics!
Dr. Tsekas was on hand to discuss fat transfers, and deep dermal fillers. I am thrilled to know that one of the US top docs in injectables approves of how we do things, and likes our philosophies. He was able to share various techniques that will minimize bruising and maximize flow of product and fluidity of result. He is an artist in its truest form.
Last but not least, there was a consortium of laser experts. They all agreed that the latest and greatest intervention for acne scars, burns, wrinkles, skin laxity, age spots and skin texture is CO2. Not all lasers are equal. The Fraxel re:pair CO2 won hands down for best results! Happy to say that FUZION is right there on the forefront of laser technology. There was also discussion of body scultping lasers. Smart Lipo MPX is still at the top. I asked the panel about non-invasive fat reduction systems, such as the Zerona and the consensus was that the science had not yet been proven. Bottom line, if you leave the fat in the jar when you are done – you know it has to be effective! Erica’s SmartLipo MPX treatment has left her inches smaller and counting!
I was honored to have been appointed to the Board of Directors of AAMEP. What does this mean for you, my patients? It means that I commit to staying up to date with all of the latest technology, practicing safe and legal aesthetic medicine and that I will work to improve the field. Did you know that in Europe Aesthetic Medicine is its own specialty? Tell me what you think…
Oct
14
2009
Fraxel CO2 re:pair
It has been a long time since I have been this excited about a laser treatment! Most aesthetic enthusiasts already know the name, but have you personally experienced a Fraxel treatment? Let me know what you thought of your treatment, outcome, and opinions.
Now, we move on to great news, the GOLD STANDARD in laser technology for facial rejuvenation (and off the face too) has done it again! Solta Medical, the makers of Fraxel have now set the bar for CO2 resurfacing. The latest is Fraxel re:pair. This is a ONE TIME treatment, done with oral and topical anesthetic, that addresses multiple issues and promises results. Where some older technology and lesser companies have tried to compete, the results are commonly lackluster and leave people feeling disappointed. Now, you have something to get “lasered up” about.
The Fraxel re:pair CO2 treats sundamage, texture, sagging skin, vascular changes, acne scars, burn scars, pore size, and wrinkles. All of these treatments, done individually would be a huge expense. The one time Fraxel re:pair is more cost effective, and in many cases more effective. As a matter of fact, Dr. Goodkind saw the results and said “this would save a lot of people a surgery!” I couldn’t tell whether he was happy about that…
FUZION will be on CT Style tomorrow at 12:30pm tomorrow – OCT. 15th, talking about this amazing treatment. We will also be posting a great video on the website of an actual treatment. If you miss CT Style, you can also check out the Today Show this Friday and see the amazing results of this technology in treating severely burned triplets.
Please let me know if you have any questions about the Fraxel re:pair CO2, or any other lasers in our arsenal. By the way, there is only one other Fraxel re:pair CO2 in Connecticut. If you were to go out of state to NYC for this, your cost would be atleast $1500.00 more than here at FUZION. Set up your FREE consultation to see if Fraxel re:pair CO2 is right for you.
