The Plastic Surgery Group

[firstname], The Plastic Surgery Group Newsletter 1-May-08

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Thu, 01 May 2008 17:45:58 GMT

Hello [firstname], Welcome to the The Plastic Surgery Group, Surgery As An Art newsletter of upcoming events, monthly special, articles, and more! We would also like to take this opportunity to wish all the mothers a Happy Mothers Day from the physicians and staff of The Plastic Surgery Group, Surgery As An Art. Calendar Events Calendar Events for 1-May-08 to 31-May-08 Cincy Chic Ladies Night brought to you by Dr. Gene Ireland of The Plastic Surgery Group, Surgery As An Art Sponsor: Dr. Gene Ireland of The Plastic Surgery Group, Surgery As An Art Speakers Name: Day: Thu 1-May-08 6:00 PM Location: Havana Martini Club 441 Vine Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 Summary: ... ...

1-May-08 12:45 PM

The Plastic Surgery Group, Surgery As An Art Newsletter 1-Apr-08

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 18:00:00 GMT

Hello, Welcome to the The Plastic Surgery Group, Surgery As An Art newsletter of upcoming events, monthly article and special! Calendar Events Calendar Events for 1-Apr-08 to 30-Apr-08 Cincy Chic Ladies Night brought to you by Dr. Michael Leadbetter of The Plastic Surgery Group, Surgery As An Art Sponsor: Dr. Michael Leadbetter of The Plastic Surgery Group, Surgery As An Art Speakers Name: Day: Thu 3-Apr-08 6:00 PM Location: Havana Martini Club 441 Vine Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 Summary: ... Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar Posted by: Stephanie Butler Cincy Chic Ladies Night brought to you by Dr. Michael...

1-Apr-08 1:00 PM

Eyelid and Orbital Surgery

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Eyelid and Orbital Surgery Just as the eyes have been referred to as the window to the world; others often see us by the appearance of our eyes. Perhaps no other area of Plastic Surgery can claim to have as much visual impact, with procedures one can easily recover from. Eyelid Surgery can dramatically open the eyes, sometimes with only a small amount of skin excess being removed. Peels and laser resurfacing too have added dramatic impact at times with very little in the way of post operative recovery. There are times, however, where the eyelids may require minor adjustments in position and the skill and experience of the Plastic Surgeon may make a difference in the post operative result. Removal of fat deposits from the eyelids may be an important part of any eyelid surgery; sometimes the only feature which needs to be addressed with conjunctival blepharoplasty. Lower eyelids may also be part of a procedure referred to as a Mid Facelift. These procedures can dramatically change...

1-Apr-08 8:00 AM

The Plastic Surgery Group Newsletter 4-Mar-08

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:45:00 GMT

Hello, Welcome to the The Plastic Surgery Group, Surgery As An Arts newsletter of upcoming events, articles and monthly specials. Calendar Events Calendar Events for 4-Mar-08 to 31-Mar-08 Cincy Chic Ladies Night brought to you by Dr. Richard Williams of The Plastic Surgery Group, Surgery As An Art Sponsor: Cincy Chic brought to you by Dr. Richard Williams of The Plastic Surgery Group, Surgery As An Art Speakers Name: Day: Thu 6-Mar-08 6:00 PM Location: Havana Martini Club 441 Vine Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 Summary: ... Mapquest | Add to Calendar Posted by: Stephanie Butler Cincy Chic Ladies Night brought to you by...

4-Mar-08 9:45 AM

Breast Augmentation and Liposuction

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Breast Augmentation For many women who are unsatisfied with the size or shape of their breasts, breast augmentation is a great solution. FDA approved Saline (salt water) or silicone gel implants can be used to create fuller breasts and restore volume that may have been lost due to pregnancy or weight loss. Breast augmentation can boost self confidence and provide a more proportionate figure. Many women find that they are able to wear certain fashions more comfortably and feel more confident in them. Another added benefit of breast augmentation is improved self- esteem, especially for those who have been self-conscious of their breast size. Breast Augmentation is done as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. Recovery time is about one week. Most women can resume normal activity or return to work within a few days. The implants are typically placed under the pectoral muscle, through small incisions in either the axilla (armpit), around the areola or below the...

1-Mar-08 8:00 AM

Medical Tourism

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 16:30:00 GMT

The number of Americans who traveled to foreign countries for medical care in 2006 is estimated at 150,000. This number is expected to double in 2007. Many of these trips are arranged by travel agents or companies and advertised as a vacation. Surgery is never a vacation. It is serious, and carries risks that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Taking long flights before and right after surgery also increases the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (clotting in the legs), which can be fatal. It is recommended to wait 7-10 days after surgery to fly. Sun bathing and participating in most vacation-type activities (even extended walking) can increase the risk of complications such as infections, swelling, or bleeding. Surgery also requires follow up care and monitoring for a period of time afterward to ensure there are no complications and to evaluate long term results. This long term care may not be possible if the patient is returning home soon after surgery. It is often difficult to establish the...

12-Feb-08 10:30 AM

“The Lunch Hour Boob Job”

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 15:00:00 GMT

The Plastic Surgery Group, Surgery As An Art uses the safest, most effective form of breast augmentation with saline and silicone implants. There are multiple creams and exercise devices that are on the market that claim to be breast enlargement in a box. There is also the practice of using fat grafted from one area of the body and transferring it to the breast for enlargement. This form of breast enlargement has generally not been recommended by the ASPS www.plasticsurgery.org and ASAPS www.surgery.org due to side effects such as cysts, calcification, and scarring. There is also concern that it will obstruct mammography readings, making cancer detection more difficult. It has not yet been proven to be a safe, effective procedure.

If you are interested in additional information on breast enlargement or any other cosmetic procedure, please call 513-791-4440 today to set up a complimentary consultation at one of our three convenient locations: Red Bank Road in Cincinnati, Ohio, Hauck Road in Sharonville, Ohio or Crestview Hills, Kentucky.

12-Feb-08 9:00 AM

The Plastic Surgery Group Newsletter 4-Feb-08

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Hello, Welcome to the The Plastic Surgery Group, Surgery As An Arts newsletter of monthly specials, upcoming events, articles, and more! Calendar Events Calendar Events for 4-Feb-08 to 29-Feb-08 Mitchells Salon and Day Spa - West Chester Location Speakers Name: Dr. Michael Leadbetter, The Plastic Surgery Group, Surgery As An Art Day: Tue 5-Feb-08 7:00 PM Location: Mitchells Salon & Day Spa - West Chester 7795 University Court West Chester, Ohio 45069 Summary: Join us for fun, facts & Hors doeuvres and a complimentary 100.00 gift certificates for all in attendance! ... Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar Posted by: Stephanie Butler ...

5-Feb-08 7:00 AM

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

If you’re like most people, your New Year’s resolution probably involves getting into shape or being healthier for the New Year. For some, diet and exercise can not get rid of the excess belly fat or loose skin of the abdomen. The cause may be hereditary, or the result of pregnancy or prior surgery. A Tummy Tuck can improve this area by removing excess fat and skin, and also tighten weakened or separated muscles. The result is a firmer, flatter stomach.

An ideal candidate for a Tummy Tuck is an individual who is in good health, and close to their ideal body weight. The results are permanent, returning your belly to a great look. A Tummy Tuck is an outpatient procedure, usually performed under general anesthesia. Liposuction is often used in conjunction with a Tummy Tuck to remove excess fat. The excess skin above and below the belly button is excised, and muscles can be tightened and repaired. The incision is placed low enough to be hidden by clothing and swimsuits.

Recovery time is about one-two weeks. A compression garment may be worn to decrease swelling, and drainage tubes placed. A return to light, normal activity is usually possible after several days. Heavy lifting or strenuous exercise will be limited for several weeks. While significant improvement can be seen immediately, it may take several months to see the final outcome of your surgery. Call today for a complimentary consultation, and see how you can start the New Year off with a more contoured, confident you!

1-Feb-08 8:00 AM

The Plastic Surgery Group, Surgery As An Art's Newsletter 3-Jan-08

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Hello, Welcome to the The Plastic Surgery Group, Surgery As An Arts monthly special newsletter. The physicians and staff of The Plastic Surgery Group, Surgery As An Art would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year! Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) If you’re like most people, your New Year’s resolution probably involves getting into shape or being healthier for the New Year. For some, diet and exercise can not get rid of the excess belly fat or loose skin of the abdomen. The cause may be hereditary, or the result of pregnancy or prior surgery. A Tummy Tuck can improve this area by removing excess fat and skin, and also tighten weakened or separated muscles. The result is a firmer, flatter stomach. An ideal candidate for a Tummy Tuck is an individual who is in good...

4-Jan-08 8:00 AM

Why is it important to choose a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon?

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 15:00:00 GMT

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons complete a minimum of five years of surgical training following medical school, including a plastic surgery residency program

Plastic Surgeons are trained to prevent and handle emergencies, and have a comprehensive education to ensure a patient's safety

The extensive training provides technical skills, as well as the aesthetic judgment needed to provide the best care and results

Any licensed physician can call themselves a "cosmetic" surgeon, even if they have never completed training in an approved Plastic Surgery program

The surgeon should be certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery

5-Dec-07 9:00 AM

Facial Rejuvenation (Facelift, Browlift, Blepharoplasty (Eyelid lift), Rhinoplasty, Botox & dermal fillers)

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 15:00:00 GMT

If youre looking for a fresher, firmer look in your cheeks, jawline, or nasolabial folds(the line from the side of your nose to your mouth) - a facelift may be the answer to revealing a more youthful appearance. The facelift procedure involves removing excess skin and also tightening the underlying muscles to help reverse the signs of aging. The facelift is typically done as an outpatient procedure under general or twilight anesthesia. The incisions are hidden in the hairline or behind the ear. Dressings will be placed for the post op period, and normal activity can be resumed within 10-14 days. Deep Brow lines and drooping eyebrows can be addressed by a browlift, which can be done in conjunction with a facelift. During a browlift, the excess skin of the forehead and eyebrows can be lifted to reveal a smoother, brighter look. Are the bags and puffiness around your eyes making you look tired and appear older than you feel? If so, a Blepharoplasty can restore youthful eyelids by...

5-Dec-07 9:00 AM

Happy Holidays from The Plastic Surgery Group, Surgery As An Art 4-Dec-07

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:00:00 GMT

Hello, Welcome to The Plastic Surgery Group, Surgery As An Arts monthly articles and specials! The physicians and staff of The Plastic Surgery Group, Surgery As An Art would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season and Prosperous New Year! Liposuction (Liposculpture or fat suction) Liposuction is a procedure that is designed for people bothered by localized areas of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. It is the most common cosmetic surgery procedure in the world. It is a safe and effective way to eliminate fatty deposits, reshaping the body to a slimmer and more defined look. Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity or weight loss. The ideal candidate is an individual who is healthy and is close to their stable body weight, but has some areas of...

4-Dec-07 10:00 AM

Permanent Make-Up (Micropigmentation)

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 18:00:00 GMT

Do you have allergies to traditional makeup? Have poor eyesight and find it difficult applying makeup? Are you active and want to just save time when it comes to applying makeup? If so, permanent makeup may be for you.

Imagine putting an end to constantly reapplying your eyebrows, getting out of the pool or bed in the morning and having to apply your eyeliner, eyebrows, lip liner, or lipstick. With permanent makeup enhancement this can be done, subtle or dramatic!

Permanent makeup (also known as micropigmentation) is a technique medically developed to apply pigment into the dermal layer of the skin to enhance the eyebrows, eyelash line, lip line, and lip color. This technique can also be used to camouflage scars and correct the size and shape of the areolas.

Give The Plastic Surgery Group, Surgery As An Art a call today and set up a consultation with our trained micropigmentation specialist!

1-Aug-07 1:00 PM

Scars in Cosmetic Surgery

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 16:00:00 GMT

Making incisions for aesthetic surgery always results in a scar being produced. Fortunately, plastic surgeons are able to place scars in areas of little consequence in most cases. All scars go through a maturation process, moving from red to pink to white over a time frame of 3-12 months depending on the thickness of skin and location of the scar. The thinner the skin, such as the eyelids and face, the faster the scars mature. In this area of the body, usually they remain thin and for the most part, unnoticed. The scars that are the result of breast lifts and tummy tucks, tend to stay red for a longer period of time. It is usually 12 months to 18 months before these scars blend away into a light color. Tummy tuck incisions are quite low and well within the smallest of bikini lines. The incision is usually in what is referred to as to a flexion crease of the body and because of this, these incisions remain quite thin. Patients who feel comfortable in the smallest bikinis will be...

1-Aug-07 11:00 AM

Cold Therapy and Facial Rejuvenation

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 19:00:00 GMT

It’s interesting that in the last 4-5 years facial rejuvenation has gotten somewhat more simplistic. It has become less invasive for the most part and in many respects less of a post-op convalescence. Certainly this fact is multi-factorial but with “shorter scar techniques”, “less deep plane or sub-periosteal flaps” have a lot to do with the more brief down time. One new aspect of our post-operative convalescence has been cold therapy. In the past, the patients observe the 3 standards: Head elevation, a restful post-operative period and constant cold. Constant cold was in the form most often of frozen peas in a baggy, frozen corn in a baggy, or cold compresses dipped frequently in bedside ice water. Taking a page from the orthopedists, cold therapy has become available rentable or purchasable cold machines. One company has developed a face mask that has circulating temperature controlled water that runs essentially through a small electric water...

9-Jul-07 2:00 PM

Profile: Lawrence Kurtzman, M.D.: Love of Tinkering Leads to Improving Lives through Surgery

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 19:00:00 GMT

Profile: Lawrence Kurtzman, M.D. By Bob Wilhelmy Love of Tinkering Leads to Improving Lives through Surgery Now far behind Lawrence Kurtzman is the Jewish Russian grandfather, who left his native land and came to the United States, taking up roots in New Jersey. With him, the grandfather brought a heritage that encouraged education and a desire to do productive, worthwhile work. Lawrence Kurtzman, M.D., was raised in the milieu of that ancestral aura. He is a native of Plainfield, New Jersey, and even as a boy he had a penchant for fixing things. Tinkering, his grandmother called it. That tinkering nature set him on a course leading first to medical school, then to the medical specialty of reconstructive and plastic surgery. His family tree is abloom with relatives in the medical field, so there is that. The kinship helped Kurtzman realize in high school that medicine was for him. He entered Wilkes College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, matriculating to six-year...

27-Jun-07 2:00 PM

ArteFill® – The First FDA-Approved Non-resorbable Injectable Wrinkle Filler

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 01:00:00 GMT

ArteFill® has been approved by the FDA as the first and only long lasting injectable filler for the correction of wrinkles. This is contrast to temporary fillers such as collagen, Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse and others. Artefill is safe. It has been widely available in Europe for several years and has been well studied here in the United States. Patients must be skin tested and wait 28 days to insure there is no allergic reaction. The procedure to fill the wrinkles takes approximately five minutes, the same as with other fillers. There may be some redness which resolves within a few hours after the treatment. Some people develop bruising which may take days to go away.

Depending on the depth of the wrinkle or folds, one or two treatments will be all that is required. The improvement will be very long lasting, if not permanent. Studies have shown consistently good correction at five years after the treatment. Again, the treatment is long lasting and has a very low rate of complications.

12-Jun-07 8:00 PM

Breast Augmentation Ranks #1

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Last year 329,000 breast augmentation procedures were performed in the United States. This number topped those for liposuction and rhinoplasty. Eyelid surgery and abdominoplasty (‘tummy tuck’) were the fourth and fifth most popular procedures respectively.

While breast augmentation has consistently been in the top five cosmetic surgical procedures this is the first time it has been number one. There are several factors which likely contributed to the increased popularity of breast implant surgery. The procedure is safe. (Complication rates when performed by a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery are very low.) Patients have a choice of where the incision (and hence the scar) is located when choosing saline (salt water) filled implants. This includes the transaxillary approach which leaves a short scar in the armpit region and avoids a scar in the breast crease. Also, silicone implants became available for use late last year, giving women the option of a more natural feeling implant.

Overall, more than 11 million cosmetic surgery procedures were performed in 2006, up 7 percent from 2005. Approximately 9 million were minimally invasive procedures such as Botox®, fillers (including Restylane, Juvederm, and Radiesse), chemical peels and laser hair removal.

12-Jun-07 8:00 PM

Endoscopic Transaxillary Breast Augmentation

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Saline breast augmentation is a safe and effective means of increasing a woman’s breast volume and improving the shape. In 2006 breast enhancement surgery became the most popular cosmetic surgery performed in the United States. Saline (salt water) filled breast implants have traditionally been placed through a scar in the crease of the breast (inframammary fold). Some women wish to avoid this scar on the breast. Transaxillary augmentation places the incision in the fold of the armpit, resulting in an inconspicuous short scar which is difficult to detect once it has fully healed. The use of the endoscope (a lighted camera) allows direct visualization as the procedure is performed. This permits the surgeon to precisely open the pocket in which the implant will reside and produces a naturally appearing breast. Make sure to find a surgeon familiar and experienced in this technique if you are interested in this approach. As always find a surgeon certified by the American Board of...

12-Jun-07 7:00 PM

Liposuction: An Alternative Method for Patients Undergoing Breast Reduction

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

As the procedure of breast reduction continues to increase (47,000 cases in 1997 to 150,000 cases in 2005), we continue to search for alternative methods of treatment that may help to minimize scarring, while relieving the symptoms of neck, back and shoulder pain; skin excoriation; postural imbalance and difficulty in social situations. The long-term health burden for these patients has been well documented. The gold standard for the treatment of these patients has been surgical reduction of the breast. Surgical reduction of the breast relieves the patient’s physical symptoms quite successfully, but also has potential drawbacks related to healing of the skin, scarring (especially prevalent in African-American patients), both externally and internally, recovery time, and restrictions of activity. Physical symptoms experienced by patients are due predominantly to two problems: The weight of breasts and the relaxation of the breasts, known as ptosis. Surgery can correct both...

12-Mar-07 7:00 PM

Vitamin E No Cure All in the Prevention of Scarring

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Since the discovery that vitamin E is a major lipid soluble antioxidant for the skin, this substance has been tried for the treatment of almost every type of skin disorder imaginable. Anecdotal reports claim that vitamin E speeds wound-healing and improves the cosmetic outcome of burns and other wounds. Many lay people use vitamin E on a regular basis to improve the outcome of scars and several physicians actually recommend topical vitamin E after skin surgery or resurfacing.

Recent research at the University of Miami Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery has shown that topical application of vitamin E does not help in improving cosmetic appearance, and may actually be detrimental to the cosmetic appearance of the scar. In 90% of the cases in the University of Miami study, topical vitamin E either had no effect on, or actually worsened, the cosmetic appearance of scars. Of all of the patients studied, 33% developed a contact dermatitis to the vitamin E. Based on these results, they concluded that most evidence relating to topical vitamin E as a treatment for scars is anecdotal and its use should be discouraged.

12-Mar-07 7:00 PM

Mesotherapy: The Mysterious Technique

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

In the past few years, mesotherapy has been advertised as a noninvasive alternative to liposuction, a treatment for cellulite and for weight reduction. Patients should tread very carefully when considering this technique for the above indications. Mesotherapy involves injecting medications, reagents and plant extracts into layers of fat and connective tissue under the skin. These injectables are composed of a wide range of agents used to open blood vessels, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, enzymes, nutrients, antibiotics, and hormones. Mesotherapy clinics have made multiple scientific claims, which are unsubstantiated by scientific data. There are no published scientific studies to support the treatment rationales or indicate whether the effects of mesotherapy are temporary or permanent. Mesotherapy agents introduced in Europe and South America are currently not approved for cosmetic purposes. In Germany, Lipostabil is approved for prophylaxis and treatment of blood...

12-Mar-07 7:00 PM

SEEING IS BELIEVING: The VISIA Complexion Analysis System Revolutionizes Medical Skin Care: A Great Tool For Educating Patient’s Skin Health.

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 15:00:00 GMT

The Skin Care Center at The Plastic Surgery Group uses the VISIA Complexion Analysis System to visually communicate with patients the progress of their skin care. The VISIA gives the patients a chance to see objective measurements as it relates to their skin care regimen. The VISIA quantifies wrinkles and through the use of ultraviolet photography, the degree of sun damage. It also quantifies the degree of bacterial involvement in the skin, especially in people who have issues with acne. Once treatment regimens have been established, the VISIA then measures the amount of improvement from month-to-month so that correct scientific changes can be made in the patient’s treatment regimen. This allows the staff at the Skin Care Center at The Plastic Surgery Group to provide objective scoring based on the persons age and skin type. There is nothing subjective about the evaluation of the patient’s progress and the patients feel much more secure when we can share the objective...

21-Nov-06 9:00 AM

“Dietary and Nutritional Supplements: Help or Hindrance For Plastic Surgical Patients?”

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 20:00:00 GMT

The availability of nutritional supplements and the increased consciousness of todays population about alternative health creates a dilemma for the plastic surgeon. On one hand there are supplements that can be helpful for healing, but there are supplements, that can also be harmful. It is important for the patients to be honest about any supplement that they may be using and make sure to list supplements with their medications. Supplements may seem like a normal part of their diet, but there is good evidence that they may be harmful. The patient and the surgeon should go by the assumption that anything ingested may have physiologic effect that is either beneficial or detrimental. Should supplements be treated as pharmaceuticals rather then safe and natural? Some say yes because of the potential complications from their use. However, there is no USP (United States Pharmacopeia) on supplements so that the patient has no idea how much of the substance is in what they are buying. ...

3-Oct-06 3:00 PM

Expose Your Feminine Side: A Difficult Statement to Accept for Men Suffering from Abnormal Breast Enlargement

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 12:00:00 GMT

Gynecomastia is a condition involving enlargement of the breast glands in men. This can be a significant source of embarrassment in men. Since gynecomastia can begin at a young age, some men have lived in social ostracization for many years. They chose not to take part in athletics, avoid swimming pools, or wear shirts when they swim, and their relationship with their peers or the opposite sex can stimulate significant anxiety. Genetically, approximately 65% of teenage boys will develop gynecomastia, which in most, resolves by age 18. There are many other causes for gynecomastia. Obesity causes “pseudo-gynecomastia” or increased fat in the chest area. This is not true gynecomastia, since there is no enlargement of the breast gland. This condition can be treated by liposuction alone, provided the skin is not in excess. Several over-the-counter and prescription medications are known to stimulate gynecomastia. The better known are Lasix, Pepcid, Motrin, Effexor, and...

3-Oct-06 7:00 AM

Dr. Lawrence Kurtzman recipient of the Daniel Drake Humanitarian Award

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Tue, 26 Sep 2006 15:00:00 GMT

Dr. Lawrence Kurtzman board certified plastic surgeon of The Plastic Surgery Group was the recipient of the Daniel Drake Humanitarian Award at the Academy of Medicine of Cincinnati’s annual meeting on Thursday September 21, 2006. This prestigious award recognizes the outstanding humanitarian effort exhibited by Dr. Kurtzman over his long and distinguished professional career.

Dr. Kurtzman is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a member of the prestigious American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAP). In addition to his excellent credentials Dr. Kurtzman serves as medical director for Operation Smile a not-for-profit, volunteer medical services organization that provides reconstructive facial surgery to underprivileged children and young adults in 16 developing nations. Dr. Kurtzman has performed over 500 pro-bono reconstructive operations on children in the Philippines, Liberia, The West Bank, Ghana, Colombia, Kenya, Morocco, Nicaragua, and Vietnam. As a result of his many charitable professional and personal contributions Dr. Kurtzman was awarded the World Journey of Hope humanitarian award in 2002.

For more information about Dr. Kurtzman visit his web site at www.KurtzmanMd.com or to schedule an interview contact his patient education coordinator Judy Fette at 513.791.4440.

26-Sep-06 10:00 AM

Not by the Hair of My Chinny Chin Chin: Removal of Unwanted Body Hair by (LHR) Laser Hair Removal

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 15:00:00 GMT

Laser hair removal ranks second only to Botox among all types of aesthetic procedures, surgical and non-surgical. LHR targets unwanted hair by delivering a wavelength of energy that is attracted to the pigment around the hair follicle, which then permanently destroys the hair bulb. Individualized treatment plans are prepared by our physicians based on each patient’s skin type and individual characteristics. Skin condition may vary day-to-day depending on the time of the year and degree of sun exposure. Patients are advised to avoid tanning for 4 weeks prior to any treatment. Special protocols have been developed for dark skinned patients, where settings are adjusted to a depth that minimizes the risk of pigment loss or scarring. Even though dark-haired individuals are the best candidates for (LHR), modern techniques allow for permanent removal in light hair colored patients. At The Plastic Surgery Group’s skin care center, hair laser treatments are administered by...

21-Sep-06 10:00 AM

FDA Approves A New Over-the-Counter Sunscreen Product

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 16:00:00 GMT

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today approved Anthelios SX, a sunscreen from L’Oreal to be sold over-the-counter (OTC) for the prevention of sunburn and for protection against ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. It has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15.

“Sunscreens are an important part of total sun protection strategy as consumers arm themselves against the harmful sun rays,” said Steven Galson, M.D., Director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “While this product provides protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays, FDA continues to recommend that in addition to using a sunscreen, consumers protect themselves from sun exposure by limiting time in the sun and wearing protective clothing.”

Anthelios SX is a sunscreen product that contains a combination of three active ingredients. One of the ingredients is a new molecular entity (NME), ecamsule. Ecamsule has not been marketed in the United States, but has been marketed in Europe and Canada as Mexoryl SX since 1993. The other two active ingredients, avobenzone and octocrylene, are generally recognized as safe and effective under the current OTC monograph for sunscreens.

The safety and efficacy data for Anthelios SX included information from 28 studies in over 2500 patients, ranging in age from 6 months to over 65 years old. In addition, the contribution of each of the active ingredients to sun protection was studied. Side effects reported during clinical studies were infrequent and non-serious. The most common side effects in patients were acne, dermatitis, dry skin, eczema, abnormal redness, itching, skin discomfort and sunburn.

The product will be distributed by LaRoche-Posay.

11-Sep-06 11:00 AM

BIGGER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 12:00:00 GMT

Breast augmentation is a very popular procedure worldwide and has been for several decades. There are many reasons why breast augmentation may be sought by patients to improve their body image. The patient may have had a lack of development of the breast through puberty, or an asymmetric development of the breast through puberty. The most common reason for breast enhancement is loss of volume after pregnancy and breast-feeding (postpartum atrophy of the breast). Regardless of the reason for the patient seeking breast augmentation, the affects on the patient can be the same including body image difficulties, difficulty with clothing or bathing suits, and significant psychosocial stresses affecting their intimate interpersonal relationships. The lay population tends to discuss breast augmentation in a very cavalier manner visualizing the starlet or the topless dancer. In reality, this population makes up a very small percentage of women seeking breast augmentation. Most women...

29-Aug-06 7:00 AM

BOTOX® COSMETIC: THE EXCALIBUR USED TO FEND OFF FACIAL AGING

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 12:00:00 GMT

As King Arthur used his magical Excalibur to fend off the warring hoards from his beloved Camelot, so do facial cosmetic surgeons use Botox® Cosmetic to fend off the advancing years of facial aging. Is Botox®® Cosmetic (botulinum toxin type A, Allergan) the be all and end all in the treatment of facial aging? The answer to that is, no. However, Botox®® is probably one of the more useful tools in the armamentarium of the cosmetic facial surgeon in the last 5-7 years. Botox®® works by the action of muscle paralysis. It has been used for many years by ophthalmologists in the treatment of blepharospasm (involuntary blinking). Anecdotally, the ophthalmologists noticed that the skin surrounding the eye looked smoother and less wrinkled after the treatment of the blepharospasm. This finding led to its uses in many other areas of the face. These areas include the forehead, the glabellar area (between the eyebrows), the lateral brow, the crow’s feet...

29-Aug-06 7:00 AM

BODY CONTOURING AND LIPOSUCTION: NOT THE MAGIC BULLET

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 12:00:00 GMT

The baby boomer generation is not well known for its tolerance for delayed gratification. They tend to be highly educated, economically successful, work long hours, have relatively hectic family lives because of these long hours, which subsequently leads to not much time spent taking care of themselves properly. They have a tendency to have poor eating habits, poor exercise habits, which easily leads to the problem of being overweight. This viscous cycle leads them to search for that “quick fix” or that magic bullet, which will solve their problem and give them their “Body by Jake” that they would like to see in the mirror. The problem with this approach, the search for the holly grail of body image, is that it’s a pipe dream. Ideal body weight is contributed to by many factors. These include genetics, dietary habits, exercise habits, psychosocial development, and disease processes. There are a significant number of disease processes that are caused...

29-Aug-06 7:00 AM

DON’T GIVE ME JUST ANY LIP

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 20:00:00 GMT

Some people never had them and want them, some people had them and lost them, and some people were born with them damaged, had them repaired, and now need help in recontouring them as they age. Whatever the case may be, lip enhancement over the past several years has become a popular procedure. With competition like Angelina Jolie and Meg Ryan, the quest for the perfect lip can sometimes be quite a journey. Procedures for lip enhancement have continually evolved over the years, but as with all procedures, a degree of common sense and practicality is needed when choosing the appropriate procedure for lip enhancement. Procedures for lip enhancement can be surgical, or non-surgical. Surgical procedures consist of rotating natural lip tissue to create the desired affect, placement of permanent or semipermanent materials. Non-surgical techniques entail the use of injectable fillers. Permanent materials that are used for lip enhancement are usually made of Gore-Tex. Semipermanent...

28-Aug-06 3:00 PM

BUYER BEWARE! WHY CHEAP PLASTIC SURGERY CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 21:00:00 GMT

In the last 10 years, the demand for plastic surgery has almost quadrupled in the United States and worldwide. All sorts of doctors are beginning to do plastic surgery as a financial cure all, since insurance company’s reimbursement is very poor in many states. Many times the insurance companies reimburse less than 30 cents on the dollar. Unfortunately, along with demand comes competition, and along with competition comes low cost, bargain basement, plastic surgery. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, between 2004 and 2005 alone, the number of people ages 19-34 who underwent plastic surgery rose 14%. The only thing preventing 60% of women 18 and older from undergoing the knife, according to another ASPS survey, is the steep cost. Unscrupulous entrepreneurs worldwide are flocking to fill this demand. Unlicensed, uninsured, or unskilled physicians prey on desperate bargain basement patients who are looking for a K-Mart type deal for their plastic surgery....

22-Aug-06 4:00 PM

The Eyes Don’t Always Have It: Why Eye Surgery Alone Is Not Always The Answer To The Correction Of Aging Around The Eyes

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 16:00:00 GMT

One of the first areas of the face to show aging are the eyes. Signs and symptoms of this aging process are a myriad. They can include anything from a tired look, to an angry look, to heaviness around the eyes, to irritation of the cornea of the eye, to loss of vision. Patients appear in the office complaining of excessive skin around their eyes and to them this is the cause of the problem. It is important; however, to understand that the appearance of the eyes can be due to many reasons. The relationship of the eyebrow to the upper eyelids is significant in evaluating the appearance of the eyes. It is uncommon in a young person to have too much excessive skin of the upper eyelids, but it is not uncommon for the brow to be too low giving the appearance as though there is excessive skin of the upper eyelids. Many times, repositioning the eyebrow alone will correct the problem, especially in a young individual. This is done with a procedure called a browlift. Today, most browlifts...

22-Aug-06 11:00 AM

Doctor questions surgery

noemail@theplasticsurgerygroup.com — Tue, 18 Jul 2006 17:00:00 GMT

The breast enlargement surgery that will be filmed for an "Inside Edition" story is rare or nonexistent in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

Four plastic surgeons contacted by The Enquirer reported that they do not use the transumbilical breast augmentation (TUBA) method.

Dr. Michael Leadbetter, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon with the Plastic Surgery Group in Madisonville, uses an incision in the crease of the breast in nearly 100 percent of his breast augmentation surgeries, and doesn't know of any local surgeons using the TUBA procedure.

Leadbetter believes TUBA unnecessarily violates tissue outside of the breast, and questions whether the procedure's appeal is more about marketing than practicality.

"You're dissecting a pocket that has to extend from the navel to the breast, which can cause significant anatomical change," Leadbetter says. "If you're operating on the breast, let's stay in the breast."

Leadbetter says the TUBA procedure carries an increased risk of infection, scarring, ridging, grooving and asymmetry in the breast tissue.

The endoscopic approach can cause pain in the stomach as well as the breast, and make the procedure, and future corrections, more difficult, he said.

"Because of the intense technical equipment required for TUBA procedures, it's a slower operation and it's fraught with potential for re-dos in a high percentage of patients, especially if done by somebody who's not experienced," says Leadbetter, who estimated that 1 percent of breast augmentations nationally are done through TUBA.

18-Jul-06 12:00 PM

Breast Augmentation: What are Your Options?

Thu, 06 Jul 2006 21:00:00 GMT

Women considering breast augmentation (the placement of breast implants) have several options to consider. Implants can be filled with saline (salt water) or silicone gel. There are implants of different shapes and sizes. They can be smooth or have a rough surface (textured). They can be placed through a variety of incisions and be placed above or below the chest wall muscle. It is important to seek the guidance of a physician certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. Some cosmetic surgeons are not trained in the specialty of plastic surgery and are certified by a different board (ear, nose and throat, obstetrics and gynecology or dermatology, for example). Ask about a doctors training and qualifications. Make sure he or she can perform the procedure in a hospital. Even if your surgery is done in an office or ambulatory surgery center, the fact that the surgeon has privileges to do it at a hospital is a good sign that he or she is well qualified. Silicone implants are...

6-Jul-06 4:00 PM

Finding the Right Filler

Thu, 06 Jul 2006 21:00:00 GMT

“Fillers” is a term that refers to a wide array of substances that are used for soft tissue augmentation. Typically they are used in the face to enlarge the lips, fill in moderate to deep wrinkles, and fill depressed scars. Collagen is an example of a filler and was one of only a few available until recently. Now there are several from which to choose. All have some advantages and, yes, all have some disadvantages. What follows is an overview. A board certified plastic surgeon would be able to discuss which filler is best for you.

One area where the different materials differ is their longevity. Collagen is absorbed relatively quickly (6 to 10 weeks) in most people. I typically use Restylane®, an injectable form of hyaluronic acid (a complex sugar) to augment lips, soften deep or moderate lines of the face and to fill depressed scars. There are other forms of hyaluronic acid (Perlane®, Hylaform®, Captique®, etc.) which can also be used. In my experience Restylane® lasts at least twice as long as does collagen. It is safe (no allergic reactions), quick (two minutes to treat an area) and results are immediate. Radiesse® is a different substance composed of denser material and lasts longer than Restylane®, but has the potential of producing granules and feeling ‘bumpy.’ Sculptra® has been approved for use. This substance does not produce immediate results (they are seen over a few weeks following treatment). Multiple sessions are needed and the cost is higher than that of many of the fillers listed above. Data indicates that the correction achieved with Sculptra® will last several years. Fat injections (taking fat from one part of a petient’s body and transferring to another) are another alternative. They are safe but usually need to be repeated as some of the fat in absorbed.

There will be other types of fillers available in the coming years. They will vary, as do the ones available today, in cost, how natural they feel, how long they last and what size (thin, moderate or deep) defects they can treat effectively. Your plastic surgeon should be able to explain his or her recommendations in this regard.

6-Jul-06 4:00 PM

Minimally Invasive Surgical Approach to Facial Rejuvenation – “Quick Lifts”

Thu, 25 May 2006 20:00:00 GMT

Today, more than any other time, patients seek a method of facial rejuvenation with as a limited downtime period as possible. Accomplishing this is not only the goal of the patient but of surgeons alike. Though given various names, the QuickLift or lunch time lift as a limited surgical procedure has been offered to patients with the goal in mind to improve facial appearance though with a very limited surgical procedures sometimes marketed as, “under local anesthesia only”. Realistically, though the goal is perhaps to look as good as you feel or to look younger than you actually are, are goals that can be reached. Can they be reached truly with these “quick lunch time procedures”? The old axiom, you get what you pay for is generally true and these minimally invasive brief local procedures gain only a small degree of facial rejuvenation. Though the look may be welcomed in the first few months, usually within less than six the longevity of these procedures fails the test of time. Without sufficient area to hold tissues in a more favorable position, the skin relaxes too rapidly, failing to meet expectations of patients and physicians alike. While lunch time procedures under local anesthesia may not hold the answer for a vast majority of patients seeking modest facial rejuvenation fortunately there are other techniques short of the classical complete facelift that can.

25-May-06 3:00 PM

Facial Rejuvenation 2006 – “Short Scar Facelift Techniques”

Thu, 25 May 2006 20:00:00 GMT

Five to ten years ago, the emphasis in facial rejuvenation had trended toward more aggressive surgical procedures. Some of these procedures were done at a periosteal or bony level. Some were described as simply deep plane, meaning at a level in the face that was practically contiguous with the nerves of the face that provided for facial movement. As the results from these procedures were observed postoperatively, many of us began moving away from the more aggressive procedures simply because the results did not justify the risks. The hallmark for what we do in cosmetic surgery is certainly, do no harm. Lately, there has been a significant trend by Board Certified Plastic Surgeons to perform less aggressive surgery while maintaining or even superseding the results of the previous more aggressive approach. From this, we have developed a standard of less invasive procedures while maintaining optimal results. They usually include at a least a two level approach to face lifting obviating...

25-May-06 3:00 PM