Blog - West Ave Plastic Surgeon

A Houston doctor has uncovered an interesting fact about Botox: zinc levels play a major role in a patient's response to the drug and how long the results last.

When he found that some patients weren't responsive to Botox, Dr. Charles Soparkar started investigating. The oculoplastic surgeon and biochemist looked into the diet of his patients, and discovered that zinc was deficient in many of the patients who were not responding to Botox treatment.

Further studies found that administering zinc could make the drug work, and get long lasting results. ""Ninety-two percent of people in our study an increase in our effect," he tells click2houston.com.

Now he prescribes a high dose of zinc to certain patients, which is administered for 4 days leading up to the treatment day. Patients now get longer-lasting results and save money on their routine Botox shots. One patient reports that she can achieve results that last 6 or 8 months, instead of 3 or 4 months that is commonly reported.

Read More on Click2Houston.com

Photo: Pills, The Good Kind of by owlpacino, on Flickr

Is there a difference?

We tend to think of Botox and Botulinum Toxin in the same breath, but Botox is just a brand name, kind of like how "Kleenex" has become synonymous with tissue paper. But a competitor exists on the market, called Dysport.

Dysport and Botox both originate from botulinum toxin type A, but there are some subtle differences.

One such difference is the amount of dilution in the medication. A vile of Dysport contains 500 Units of the toxin and 125 micrograms of albumin and is usually diluted to 200 U/ml. Meanwhile, Botox has 100 Units of toxin, 500 micrograms of albumin, and is diluted to 25-50 U/ml. Both medications work the same way, however, by weakening the facial muscles.

Another difference is cost. Botox injections can run anywhere between $300 and $500 each. Dysport, however, is Botox's competitor, having been FDA for cosmetic purposes relatively recently. Dysport injections typically cost less than Botox injections, topping off at about $300. Competition is healthy, and Dysport's lower price tag could compel Botox to lower its prices down the road.

A study was performed to compare the two drugs in 2011, and the results showed that Dysport improved the appearance of crow's feet significantly better than Botox, but these results were only obvious when the patients contracted their facial muscles as much as possible. There was no noticeable difference when muscles were at rest.

Side effects are generally mild-to-non-existent for both drugs, but can include: injection site pain, flu-like symptoms, muscle weakness, droopy eyelids, and more. More severe side effects such as chest pain, trouble swallowing, speech problems, and allergic reactions should be brought to the attention of a physician.

As always, the best way to decide which option is right for you is to consult with your plastic surgeon.

What are the Pros and Cons for each procedure?

Botox is a great way to bring back some youthful vitality to a patient's facial features but it's not the only way. A brow lift, for example, can solve many of the same imperfections that Botox can. So which one is best for you?

The big difference between the two procedures is the degree of permanence the patient will experience. Botox works by temporarily weakening select facial muscles in order to ease the tension they apply to the skin, which in turn causes wrinkles and furrowed brows. The medication will eventually wear off, however, and more treatments will be needed to maintain the results.

A brow lift is a surgical procedure, and is much more permanent. Through incisions, the surgeon pulls back the forehead and removes excess skin. The benefit of a brow lift is that once it's done, the results are long lasting. But that permanence doesn't appeal to everyone.

One of the reasons Botox is so popular is precisely because it is impermanent. Patients who are seeking more subtle results may balk at the idea of having major surgery. Botox offers these patients an option to improve their looks practically risk-free. If they don't like the results, the effects will eventually wear off. Things get a little more tricky when someone is displeased with the result of their brow lift.

Another factor is cost. Brow lifts are a major surgery, and they are usually elective. You'll have to cover surgeon's fees, hospital costs, medication prescriptions, and more. It can run you back a bit, whereas Botox is relatively inexpensive, running only a few hundred dollars a pop.

Brow lifts aren't for everybody, but neither is Botox. Factors such as desired permanence, subtlety of results, and cost should be weighed before you decide on one procedure or another. Luckily, qualified professionals are there to help you make that decision.

The benefits for younger patients.

Botox is undeniably a handy and popular tool in the battle against wrinkles and crows feet among those whose years have caught up to them. Over 3 million people between the ages of 40-54 underwent the procedure in 2011.

But Botox is beginning to appeal to the younger crowd, too. In the same year, 86,000 Botox procedures were performed on people between the ages of 20 and 29. While that only accounted for two per cent of the non-surgical procedures among that age group in 2011 (versus 57 per cent in the 40-54 age group), that number is up ten per cent from the previous year.

While most people in their 40's and older seek Botox for maintenance of their wrinkles, the younger set are using it for prevention.

"The earlier you start getting Botox the less wrinkling you’ll get later in life," explained dermatologist Dr. Stephen Bracci.

"The older you get, the more you’re doing it just to treat those wrinkles, the younger you are, the more you’re doing to prevent them from occurring."

Another popular reason for young people to receive Botox treatments is to enhance their features, such as arching their eyebrows.

Dispelling Some Myths

Can Botox too early damage your muscles?

No. The age at which one starts receiving Botox has no adverse effects on one's facial skin or muscles (though it's not recommended for people under 18). In fact, younger skin will be more resilient and will get used to the effects of Botox more easily than older skin.

Do younger people need less of the medication than older people?

In terms of how frequently the drug is administered, that is a purely case-by-case situation. In terms of actual dosage, there is no difference between a 20-year-old and a 50-year-old.

If you're interested in Botox, whether you're just graduating from college or planning to attend your 20-year class reunion, feel free to seek a consultation from a certified plastic surgeon.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, or so they say. But according to a recent survey, the pressure to meet a certain standard of beauty is growing – especially for young people.

The online survey, which was conducted by InSights Consulting Firm assessed the views of girls aged 15 to 25 across 16 different countries around the world.

The results showed that nine out of ten girls wished they could change a perceived flaw on their bodies. And around 15 percent of those surveyed also admitted they had even considered plastic surgery to correct these flaws.

Scottsdale plastic surgeon, Dr. Daniel Shapiro, isn’t surprised by the results of this surgery:

"In those teen years, there are basic things that tend to bother kids, and the most common things I see are kids who want to have their nose fixed," he said. "That tends to be a really emotional issue for kids."

Though young adults may feel additional pressure to be perfect, and plastic surgery may be away to improve self-confidence, that doesn’t mean they’re good candidates for surgery.

"I really want to make sure that people are developed physically, and emotionally mature enough that this is really what they are looking for," said Shapiro.

Teens make up a very small percentage of plastic surgery patients each year (just 1.3% in 2010). In general, most plastic surgeons are cautious about performing cosmetic surgery on those under the age of 18, but it does happen. Some of the most common plastic surgery procedures for teens include:

• Otoplasty (ear surgery)
• Rhinoplasty (nose surgery)
• Breast reduction (for boys and girls)
• Correction of breast asymmetry

Source: KRAR News, ASAPS

If you're considering breast augmentation, you're probably asking yourself: What will I look like after surgery? The New You Visualizer is an interactive tool designed to help you find out –in the privacy of your own home.

Mentor Worldwide LLC, a leading saline and silicone breast implants manufacturer, has launched a new educational campaign for women featuring actress and model, Brooke Burke-Charvet as their new spokesperson.

"If cosmetic surgery is something you're considering it's important to make an informed, healthy decision. In truth, I think the decision-making process is as important as the procedure itself," said Burke-Charvet.

How the New You Visualizer can work for you 

The New You Visualizer, which was developed by Mentor, can be found at LoveYourLook.com. The website allows you to securely upload a photo of yourself and make modifications based on implant size, shape and position. You’re also able to design customized before and after plastic surgery images that you can print or save online for later.

"Women are bombarded with information about breast augmentation, but don't get the answer they really want, specifically 'How will I look afterward?'. I love that the New You Visualizer empowers women to inform themselves," Burke-Charvet said. 

Mentor recommends bringing these simulated images with you to your first plastic surgery consultation. This will help eliminate some of the ambiguity that can arise when discussing your cosmetic goals and expectations

"Our goal with this campaign is to enable a better conversation between a woman and her doctor so she can achieve the best results possible," said David Wilson, Worldwide President, Mentor Worldwide LLC.

Set-up a consultation for breast augmentation

Once you’ve done at-home research on breast augmentation surgery, the next step is to set-up a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Roth is a leading plastic surgeon in Houston with years of experience performing breast augmentation. Contact our office to schedule your consultation today.

Source: PR Newswire

Breast implant surgery may increase sexual satisfaction for patients, according to a recent poll.

The poll was conducted through RealSelf.com – an online community for learning and sharing information about cosmetic surgery. The poll was piloted over a two-week period and women were asked to rate their sexual experiences since undergoing breast augmentation surgery.

Women experience more sexual satisfaction after breast augmentation

According the poll, 61 percent of women said they were having more sex and 70 percent confessed that their sex life was more enjoyable post-surgery. The results also showed that these women were overall more easily aroused and capable of reaching orgasm.

According to Dallas area plastic surgeon, Dr. Andrew P. Trussler, these results are not surprising.

“In my personal observation, women definitely feel more confident after the procedure, and you can easily see how that improved confidence will lead to improvements in other areas of their lives.”

Most women think breast augmentation was “worth it”

Breast implant surgery remains one of the most popular procedures in the U.S.  Nearly one million women have undergone breast enlargement surgery in the past three years. And according to the poll, breast enhancement is the right choice for many women.

On a 1-10 point scale, 28 percent of the female participants admitted that their sex lives had improved by more four points and 7.5 in 10 said the procedure was 'worth it'.

Are you interested in learning more about breast augmentation surgery? Contact us.

Source: Daily Mail

Are you a chronic teeth grinder? You’re not alone. Night time teeth grinding is one of the most common sleep disorders – affecting approximately 30 to 40 million Americans.

Unfortunately, many people are completely unaware of their condition. Unresolved teeth grinding, otherwise known as nocturnal bruxism, can lead to a myriad of health problems. Teeth or jaw damage, along with headaches and chronic pain are all associated with teeth grinding.

Most current treatment recommendations revolve around behavioural changes such as exercising, diet modifications and stress counselling.  Additionally, a custom made mouth guard can be worn during sleep to protect the teeth.

Research shows Botox injections may treat nocturnal bruxism

Experts are currently researching new methods of treatment, and according to a pair of new studies, Botox injections may serve as an effective solution. Botox – a common cosmetic treatment for facial wrinkles – works by blocking signals from the nerves that stimulate muscle contractions.

The first study examined 23 men and women suffering from nocturnal bruxism. Participants were randomly assigned to receive Botox or placebo injections over the course of four weeks.

The results showed a significant improvement in night time grinding for those who received Botox injections. It is important to note that those who received Botox also experienced a slight change in the appearance of their smile.

In the second study, men and women suffering from severe bruxism following a severe head injury were treated with Botox. The results of this study showed significant improvement without noticeable side effects.

More Research is needed to confirm results

Most experts agree that Botox injections may be a promising new treatment alternative. However, more research is needed to confirm its overall effectiveness.

If you’re interested in Botox injections, it’s essential that you speak with a licensed, board-certified plastic surgeon or cosmetic dermatologist to ensure safe, reliable results.

Sources: WebMD and ASAPS

According to a new study conducted at Harvard Medical School, red wine may have anti-aging benefits.

For years scientists have studied the health benefits of resveratrol – a compound found in the skin of red grapes, but only recently have Harvard researchers found evidence that this compound may play a part in preventing cell aging.

The study, which was published in the May issue of Cell Metabolism, tested the effects of resveratrol when given to mice.  According to lead researcher, David Sinclair, resveratrol works by acting on the SIRT1 gene, a gene that may be responsible for the function and longevity of cells.

The results showed that when given resveratrol, the mice experienced a boost in mitochondrial function. Mitochondria provide our cells with energy. Decreased mitochondrial energy production has been linked to various diseases (diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease), as well as the aging process itself.

More research is needed to confirm these results and Sinclair doesn’t recommend that you reach for that extra glass of wine just yet:

"The amounts [of wine] we gave to our mice would be like drinking 100 glasses of red wine a day.”

Anti-Aging Cosmetic Surgery

When avoiding stress and living a healthy lifestyle just isn’t enough, many people turn to cosmetic surgery. Non-surgical options like injectable fillers (Restylane®, Sculptra®, Juvederm®) and Botox® Cosmetic offer patients affordable facial rejuvenation options that don’t require any downtime.

More permanent facial rejuvenation solutions include a facelift, brow lift, or neck lift. Any of these procedures can be combined to give the face and neck total makeover.

If you’re considering injectable fillers or cosmetic surgery, make sure to seek the consult of a board certified plastic surgeon in Houston, TX.

Sources: ASAPS and US News and World Report

Gynecomastia, otherwise known as “man boobs,” is an embarrassing condition affecting countless men across the country. But one of the underlying causes may surprise you – marijuana use. According Cleveland plastic surgeon, Dr. Steve Goldman, regular marijuana use results in lower testosterone levels.

"Young men who use marijuana through puberty may have that transient, temporary breast enlargement become permanent because their testosterone levels are altered by the marijuana. They can get interference with the normal development. And those men can have in essence more breast tissue when they're done with puberty than they would have otherwise had." 

Other factors such as obesity, genetics, puberty and hormonal factors call all play a role in the development of enlarged male breasts.

Male Breast Reduction Techniques

Eliminating gynecomastia isn’t always easy, but certain gym exercises may help. Weight machines such as the chest press or incline cable fly may increase upper chest development and effectively minimize the appearance male breasts.

If that doesn’t work, there’s always surgical correction. Breast reduction for men is a popular procedure that usually starts around $2,500, according to Dr. Goldman.

"That small incision heals very well and usually is not noticeable without a shirt on, or at a beach or pool setting, but that small incision allows me through a keyhole to remove the tissue between the pectoralis muscle and the skin. It's a thin layer of breast tissue that once removed, the skin can contract and the chest looks normal, masculine."

Male breast reduction is not usually recommended for teenage boys going still through puberty. Enlarged or asymmetric breasts are likely to subside with age.

Learn more about breast reduction for men in Houston, TX.

Source: Cleveland Channel 5 News

According to a recent USA Today article, Botox has grown in popularity consistently since it was first approved by the FDA ten years ago. Since its introduction, it has skyrocketed in popularity, becoming one of the world's most common cosmetic procedures.

In those ten years, Botox has grown from a $97 million per year drug treating muscle spasms to a $1.8 billion per year cosmetic industry standby. And the numbers should keep increasing, as the injections have recently been FDA approved for migraines and urinary incontinence, and are in the process of seeking approval for knee joint pain and other bladder issues.

Botox Uses Growing Along With Popularity

Originally used simply for the treatment of crossed eyes, blinking, and neck or facial muscle disorders, the uses of Botox were dramatically widened in 1987, when a married ophthalmologist and dermatologist heard a patient remark on the benefits of the Botox injections she had had for her facial muscle spasms.

Years of testing and research followed before Botox was finally approved by the FDA in 2002 to treat the lines that occur between the eyebrows. Since then, Botox has consistently gained in popularity, acceptance and diverse uses. It is constantly being researched to determine other medical and cosmetic uses for its unique properties.

Despite being derived from one of the deadliest known neurotoxins, Botox was injected over 5.6 million times last year without any cases of serious complications. In the face of competition with Dysport and Xeomin, Botox continues to be an incredibly popular procedure, and is often combined with other cosmetic procedures such as neck lifts, dermal fillers, face lifts, and laser procedures.

Even though Dr. Jean Carruthers, who discovered the cosmetic uses of Botox with her husband in 1987, has not received any money from Allergen, Botox's producer, she admits that she has benefited in other ways. In her own words, "I haven't frowned since 1987."

Statistics recently published in a American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) report show that Americans are getting chin surgery at a rate that is increasing faster than any other surgical procedure.

In 2011, there were over 20,000 chin augmentations performed in the United States. This is a 70% increase over the number of surgeries performed in 2010. Lip augmentation and cheek implants showed the next largest increases with 49% and 47% growth, respectively. The dramatic increases in these procedures may also reflect the increase in video calling, as these facial procedures would give highly visible results from screen angles used in these programs.

Video Calling Such as Facetime Believed to be the Cause of Chin Surgery Popularity

The increase was noted to be fairly consistent across gender and age demographics, with all recorded groups experiencing growth ranging from 66-77%. The procedure is slightly more popular with men, and increases in popularity as patients age.

The dramatic increase in the procedure over the past few years has been attributed in many sources to the rise in video conferencing in work and personal communication. Particularly in handheld video calling, such as Facetime, the image produced through the angle of the device often accents any chin dissatisfactions patients may have.

According to Dr. Malcolm Z. Roth, president of the ASPS, "The chin and jawline are among the first areas to show signs of aging. We also know that as more people see themselves on video chat technology, they may notice that their jawline is not as sharp as they want it to be. Chin implants can make a dramatic difference."

Double chins, turkey wattles and excess skin and fat deposits are often addressed through chin augmentation procedures, which may incorporate liposuction in order to produce the desired effect.

According to Dr. Darrick Antell, a New York City surgeon who has performed chin surgeries on a number of CEOs, "We know that CEOs tend to be tall, attractive, good-looking people. We now know that these people also tend to have a stronger chin. As a result, people subconsciously associate a stronger chin with more authority, self-confidence and trustworthiness."

Waist-to-height ratio is a better indicator of overall health than body mass index (BMI), at least according to new research presented at an obesity conference in France.

BMI – The Current Standard

There are many health risks associated with being overweight and BMI has traditionally been used as a health screening tool. Using a simple conversion formula, BMI can evaluate your health based on your current height and weight.

While BMI is a quick and easy way to evaluate health risks based on weight, BMI does not take age, gender or muscle mass into account – making it an ineffective screening tool for a certain patients. BMI also does not take into account the distribution of fat around the body.

Excess abdominal fat in particular, can adversely affect the heart, liver and kidneys, leading some researchers to believe that waist-to-height ration is a better health screening tool than BMI.

"Keeping your waist circumference to less than half your height can help increase life expectancy for every person in the world," said Ashwell, as reported in the Telegraph.After analyzing the health of 300,000 patients, study leader, Dr. Margaret Ashwell, found waist-to-height ratio to be a better indicator of high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes and diabetes, in comparison to BMI.

According to the World Health Organization, in order to gain an accurate waist measurement, you should measure half way between the lower rib and the iliac crest (the top of the pelvic bone).

Reducing Your Waist-to-Height Ratio

For most people, a healthy diet and exercise program can significantly reduce waist circumference. However, in some cases stubborn fat deposits cannot be removed through normal means.

Many patients elect liposuction or tummy tuck procedures to eliminate unwanted abdominal fat. It is important to note that liposuction and tummy tuck procedures are not recommended for significantly overweight patients.

Learn more about liposuction and tummy tuck procedures in Houston.

Sources: WebMD, Medical  News Today

Cosmetic procedures are no longer reserved for the rich and famous. In 2011 more than 13.8 million plastic surgery procedures (both surgical and minimally-invasive) were performed in the U.S. – a five percent increase from 2010.

If performed correctly, plastic surgery can dramatically improve your appearance, but you should never just settle for the first plastic surgeon you find in the Yellow Pages. Choosing an experienced, qualified Houston plastic surgeon is key to patient satisfaction.

Do your research and follow the tips below to ensure the highest quality results.

Top Tips for Choosing Your Houston Plastic Surgeon

Ask your friends for referrals – A friend or acquaintance that has had plastic surgery may be able to bestow some helpful insight into consultation process, and recommend a qualified surgeon. If you don’t know anyone who’s had plastic surgery, check out online forums for advice from real patients.

Set up more than one consultation – Seeking out the consult of more than one plastic surgeon will not only make you feel more secure about your final decision, it will provide you with a more detailed picture of the surgical process. As you continue on, you’ll think of addition questions to ask the second and third surgeon that you may not have thought of with the first.

Research and create a list of questions – Prior to attending a consultation with a prospective surgeon, always be armed with questions. Asking how often your surgeon performs your selected procedure can be a good starting place. You want to make sure he or she has years of relevant experience.

Don’t make your final choice based on cost – Affordability can sometimes be a deal breaker when it comes to any costly procedure, but you shouldn’t select a surgeon solely based on his or her fees. Factors such as credentials, specialty and reputation should ultimately weigh more heavily than cost.

Learn more about plastic surgery from Houston plastic surgeon, Dr. Roth.

Sources: ASPS, About.com

According to a recent press release from The Wall Street Journal's MarketWatch, one growing plastic surgery trend among men is the combination of male breast reduction and a tummy tuck. These procedures have been turned into a male version of the mommy makeover, which has been given the catchy title of "daddy do-over."

While men may not experience a direct physical change as a result of having a baby, it does become more difficult to stay in shape. The dramatic lifestyle changes of raising children can have a significant physical effect on men as well through stress and changes in routine. More and more men are turning to plastic surgery procedures to help them manage these changes along with diet and exercise.

Daddy Do-Over Procedure Gaining Popularity

Men are having more plastic surgery now than ever. In 2011, over 800,000 cosmetic procedures were performed on men, about 9% of the total. Many of these procedures were either of the two surgeries used in the Daddy Do-Over.

Male breast reduction is one of the two surgeries in the Daddy Do-Over. This procedure treats gynecomastia, or enlarged male breasts, a surprisingly common condition that affects up to 60% of the male population at some level. Over 18,000 of these surgeries were performed in 2011, and it is consistently one of the five most common cosmetic surgeries for men each year.

The tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is the other procedure involved in the Daddy Do-over. This procedure involves the removal of a band of fat and skin from around the stomach and the tightening of the abdominal wall. This procedure is far more popular in women, with women receiving over 95% of all tummy tuck procedures.

The tummy tuck is also a part of the standard mommy makeover procedure, which often also includes a breast lift or breast augmentation. Other procedures that may be a part of the mommy makeover include liposuction, labiaplasty and a thigh lift.