Dr. Steve Byrd

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Picking A Plastic Surgeon

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steve Byrd) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 21:16:00 +0000

The Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons recently ran an ad campaign that, as surprising as it may sound, had a lot of truth in it. The ad? "Unfortunately Some People Are Pickier About Shoes Than About Who Does Their Plastic Surgery." This honestly scares me, not just as a plastic surgeon, but also as a consumer, a parent, and a grandparent. There is so much information out there that is misleading at best, and medically irresponsible at worst. The "lunch hour nip / tuck" has become commonplace. As the Texas Society points out in their ad, there are many doctors doing plastic surgery today, but not all of them are plastic surgeons. Some doctors take brief courses to learn cosmetic surgery and then begin to advertise their remarkable promises. As a board certified plastic surgeon, I see the aftermath of under-prepared surgeons taking on more than they're trained to do.

Poor healing
Infection
Muscle paralysis
Filler leaving clearly visible ridges under the facial skin

I'm often called on to try to un-do the damage that has been done and then do the right procedure to achieve the results the patient wanted initially. Becoming a board certified plastic surgeon takes years of intense study. It's simply not reasonable to have a surgical procedure done by someone who hasn't studied, trained and been certified to do the surgery.

This is surgery, not a manicure. It's important to consider what it is you want to accomplish and the best and safest way to do that. Do your own due diligence. Check with more than one plastic surgeon. As boring as it may sound - and it's actually worse than it sounds - but read the surgeons CV. This listing of training, education, accomplishments, publications, etc., will let you know how serious your surgeon is about becoming the best possible plastic surgeon. There is no safe way to stop learning for a surgeon. The procedure that was cutting edge a few years ago has long since become antiquated by the newest standards of excellence. When it comes to your health, your safety, your body, your life - you're only cheating yourself to settle for anything less than an excellent plastic surgeon. Be picky! Don't short change yourself and in the haste to save a few dollars, lose something that can never be replaced.

Radiesse vs Restylane...the Fact, Fiction and Fluff on Fillers

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steve Byrd) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:55:00 +0000

A recent article published in the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery indicated that in a direct comparison study of Radiesse vs Restylane, patients preferred Radiesse by a margin of 2 to 1. The study also shows that Radiesse required 30% less volume than Restylane for the same amount of correction. Both products were shown to be safe, effective treatments with similar adverse side effects. According to the study, Radiesse lasts longer, takes less to achieve the same results, and provided higher patient satisfaction.

In our practice we use both Restylane and Radiesse and after reading the study results, I began to wonder "Why?" I've been here long enough to know that when an article like this hits the media, our patients who are extremely knowledgeable will start calling wanting to know why we would use Restylane at all if Radiesse is so much better. The fact is, I wanted to know too, so I prevailed on our fillers/injectables professional, Lisa Bowers, RN, to educate all of us on these particular fillers and help to separate the fact, fiction and whatever fluff there might be in this discussion.

My first question to Lisa was "Which filler do YOU like, and why?"

"As an injector, I see application for both Radiesse and Restylane (Hyaluronic Acid-HA filler) in our practice." Both fillers can be used in some of the same areas, ie: the nasolabial folds (those 'smile' lines that develop on the sides of the mouth angling up to the nose) as well as most of the lined areas around the mouth. The exception would be the "rhytids", the lines, especially in smokers, that develop vertically above the top lip which are best treated with Restylane to fill the lips in combination with Botox to stop the muscle action that tends to cause those stern looking lines that seemingly serve no purpose other than to move lipstick from our lips up toward our nostrils. Radiesse however, would be preferred to enhance flat cheeks or to build up the areas around the eyes. Lisa explained, "A comprehensive consultation with the patient is what finally determines which product is used. The factors include not only the areas to be treated, but also their age and related skin condition. There simply is no one answer that's right for every patient that walks through our door."

The products seem to have few differences so far, but the study indicates that Radiesse lasts significantly longer than Restylane. Is that something we're seeing in our practice? According to Lisa, our practice is proving that to be the case. "Radiesse is lasting about 12 months which is substantially longer than our Restylane patients are experiencing. We still use both products because different sites are better suited to one product over the other. I see us continuing to offer both for quite some time."

Now that we're starting to see that both products are useful tools in the lifelong trial to stay vibrant, I want to know more. For instance, at what age should patients begin considering fillers? "Fillers are not the first step in a comprehensive skin care program. Skin care should start much earlier. Our practice philosophy is that we cultivate life long relationships with our patients. What's appropriate at 70, is not appropriate at 25, but patients at both ends of the age spectrum should be concerned about their skin's health and appearance." Lisa should know. After many years being Dr. Byrd's operating room nurse, she became his practice nurse at his adult cosmetic office a few years ago. Usually it's sometime during the 30s when we all begin to notice perhaps a few gray hairs, and maybe a line that is looking more and more like a wrinkle. Maybe the skin begins to look a little less vibrant on some days. This is when it's time to begin medical grade skin care and begin a search to find a physician/surgeon whom you can trust. This time is when the risks are lowest for the patient. The wrong cleanser will do a lot less damage than choosing the wrong surgeon for a facelift.

Developing a long-term, comprehensive skin care routine during your 30s and 40s will stand you in good stead for the long term. It's at this time when fillers begin to become options for some patients. By the time we're in our 50s, the aging process can begin to show in earnest. For patients with a solid history of skin care, fillers may stave off the need for surgery a bit longer. Of course, heredity plays a role in this as well and that has to be taken into consideration. Without a foundation of good skin and health care, you may find yourself fighting a tougher battle than was necessary. Fillers can be a supplement to that skin care and in the right hands can counteract some of the toll aging, gravity and aggravation have on our skin.

So what are the facts regarding the Radiesse vs Restylane controversy? Much of what the article says is true, and we're seeing some of that in our own practice, but that's not as devastating to Restylane fans as it might sound. Yes, it is true that Radiesse lasts longer and requires less volume in some cases. What is also true is that Restylane can be used in circumstances where Radiesse isn't appropriate. We'll continue to use both fillers as part of a long-term comprehensive approach to skin care. Radiesse, Restylane, Botox, Artefill, Sculptra along with medical grade skin care products and surgical solutions are all a part of the package our practice offers our life-long patients. Our care doesn't begin or end with surgery. Surgery is an important part of what we do, and in some cases it's what brought a patient through our door initially, but it's what happens after that which is most important to us. Cultivating a trusting, caring relationship is our goal with each patient. We will continue to evaluate new products as they become available and make thoughtful decisions on which ones are best for our patients. Separating the fact, fiction and fluff is part of what we do to protect and educate our patients and ourselves.

This is from a guest blogger, my adult/cosmetic Practice Manager, Marta Traugott. I hope to have other guest bloggers who will discuss topics important to them, and if you have a question you want answered or a topic you want information about, please feel free to contact my office through this website.

EarWell System vs Otoplasty

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steve Byrd) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:00:00 +0000

We all know and most have experienced first hand the pain that can be caused by teasing and bullying during childhood. All it takes is for something, anything about a person to be different, and the teasing will commence. It may start slowly, and it may even seem like gentle, friendly kidding, and we might even laugh along at first, but it rarely stays gentle or friendly. The pain can be brutal and the damage devastating. It's bad enough when it happens to you, but when our child becomes a target, that's nearly unbearable.

Most cases of protruding ears are caused by excess cartilage behind the ear or lack of normal anatomy. Many patients have a combination of deformities, which not only call for the removal of excess cartilage, but the use of special sutures to hold the remaining cartilage in place. Otoplasty surgery is used to correct ear deformities and because of the teasing children endure, most plastic surgeons recommend that the Otoplasty surgery be done before the child enters primary school. By the time the child reaches 5 or 6 years of age, the majority of the normal ear growth has stopped making Otoplasty the most effective correction option at this age.

Protruding ears are a very common problem and can be hereditary. If you were teased as a child because your ears were too big, or stuck out too far from your head, at least according to the current standard of beauty, it's very likely that your child may face the same battle.
The EarWell System allows ear deformities to be corrected without Otoplasty surgery IF the condition is caught in the first 7 - 10 days after birth. Most new parents are so delighted over the birth of their beautiful child, they're simply busy reveling in the new perfect addition to their family. That's the way it should be! We're hoping to make pediatricians, expectant parents and even OB-Gyn doctors aware of this 7 - 10 day window that would help this child to avoid a 2 hour surgery, 3 - 6 weeks of recovery and a lifetime of painful, heartbreaking teasing.

The video is now available on our Facebook, and Twitter pages and on:

http://www.wfaa.com/news/health/Perfect-Ears-86970057.html

Please call my office for more information at 214-821-9662

EarWell - Video Available!

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steve Byrd) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:29:00 +0000

The EarWell System is a revolutionary new procedure that non-surgically corrects the most prevalent birth anomaly - misshapen or deformed ears. In 6 - 8 weeks, your pediatrician can reshape and correct nearly all ear defects in newborns without anesthesia, incision or pain. The correction needs to be started in the first 7 - 10 days after the baby is born, so please pass this information along to your friends and family members who are pregnant now so they'll know what to do if their child should happen to have an ear deformity.

The video is now available on our Facebook, and Twitter pages and on:

http://www.wfaa.com/news/health/Perfect-Ears-86970057.html

Please call my office for more information at 214-821-9662

Donda West Law - Pre-Operative Requirements

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steve Byrd) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:14:00 +0000

When patients comes in for their consultation, they're often surprised when they are advised that they will be required to have a group of pre-op medical tests done prior to their cosmetic surgery. In our office that's not where the patient's pre-op evaluations begins or ends, but it is a critical portion of preparing patients for cosmetic surgery.

As of January 1st of this year, the "Donda West Law" went into effect in California. The law was inspired and named after rap artist Kanye West's mother who in 2007 died a day after having cosmetic surgery. The law requires that patients having elective surgery undergo a physical examination and obtain clearance from a medical professional before surgery. The particulars of the law set out that an appropriate physical exam be done 30 days prior to a procedure and that written clearance be obtained from a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant.

What impact does this have on most cosmetic surgery patients? Not much. Most reputable, board certified plastic surgeons already have protocol in place to obtain patients' medical history, as well as requiring them to have bloodwork and/or a physical exam prior to being cleared for surgery. In our office the standards are thorough and comprehensive:

1 Patients complete a two page medical history form listing any chronic illness, previous injuries or surgeries, etc. This is where the pre-op medical evaluation begins - with the patient's own outline of their medical history and current health. If a patient smokes, it can complicate surgery and significantly hinder the healing process and it's this pre-op step that alerts the staff to that complicating factor

2 All patients have the following medical tests done:

Hematocrit
Hepatitis C
HIV
Potassium
MRSA Nasal Swab (test for staph infection)

3 Depending on the age of the patient and the procedure the patient is having done, they may also be required to have the following tests done as well:

EKG
Mammogram
Letter of clearance from a primary care doctor or specialist

4 The day of surgery, all female patients are given a pregnancy test, and yes, occasionally the patients are surprised with the results!

Nearly all of the plastic surgeons I know do a similar screening of their surgery patients. The type of tests done may vary from practice to practice, but the aim is always the same - protect the patient.

According to United Press International, the autopsy results indicated that Donda West died due to a combination of several factors including pre-existing coronary artery disease and "multiple post-operative factors" after an abdominoplasty, breast reduction, and liposuction surgery. Would pre-operative tests made a difference? That's open to speculation, but what is clear is that there is absolutely no chance of catching underlying pre-existing conditions if no pre-op tests and evaluations are done.

Breast Augmentation/Tuberous Breasts

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steve Byrd) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:18:00 +0000

A few years ago a female patient came into my office for a consultation. She had gone to our website, set up the consultation and came in alone. None of this is too unusual except that this patient was only 17. As other parents of teenage girls will attest, rarely does a teenage girl do anything by herself, and ordinarily "the more, the merrier" approach applies. This young woman was anything but merry or ordinary, but she had a tremendous impact on my entire staff.

Early during the consultation she mentioned she was here to see about breast augmentation, which isn't completely unheard of for a 17 year old, but again, usually in a breast augmentation consultation for a teenager, there's more than one teenager in the room, and usually a parent as well. This solitary young woman listened intently as we discussed the procedure in general terms. After the first part of the consultation, I left the exam room so the patient could change out of street clothes into a robe for a physical exam.

As I returned to the room for the exam and initially saw her breasts, I began to understand a bit more about her situation. She explained she didn't want to be "big", but asked if there wasn't there something we could do? I asked her if she knew the term "tuberous breasts", but she didn't. This wasn't just a teenager with body image issues; she had tuberous breasts. I explained to her that she had a medical condition in which during the early growth of the breast, the tissue is restricted leading to unusually small, drooping and uneven breasts. In most cases, tissues inside the breast push against the areola causing it to bulge and enlarge. If not diagnosed properly and a surgeon tries to correct the problem by placing an implant in the tubular breast, the breast sags even more dramatically leaving the patient completely devastated. While an implant is used to correct the size and shape of tuberous breasts, it is not a traditional breast augmentation procedure. The procedure done is part augmentation, part mastopexy (breast lift) and part reduction which when done by an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon, results in a much more normal looking breast.

The tuberous breast condition is a congenital abnormality that presents with breasts that have very little breast tissue, and whatever tissue there is, is unusually dense. Because of the abnormal breast tissue, breast-feeding is often compromised. The areola is large and puffy looking, and the chest wall is very narrow but there's a wide gap between the breasts. There's no known specific cause for this condition that affects about 1% of the population, including a few males. The unusual shape the breasts take can result in unflattering terms like "torpedo t*ts" or "Snoopy breasts" which can be especially damaging as the condition appears in adolescence.

While explaining the tuberous breast condition to this young woman, her entire demeanor changed. She was clearly relieved to find out that there actually was something wrong. I asked her if she had told her parents about coming to see me, and she had not. She had done all the research and consultation scheduling on her own. I explained that her condition was absolutely treatable, but to do so she would need her parents' consent. The next day she and her Mother came in to see me. Mom cried. Daughter cried. Although the daughter had told her Mother that she thought there was something wrong with her breasts, her Mom understandably perhaps, thought she would out grow it. Knowing the struggles, insecurities and embarrassment her daughter had suffered without her support was now breaking the mother's heart, and she was just beginning the process of dealing with some guilt because she didn't listen to her daughter. "I just didn't know. I never saw her breasts, and I assumed she was just being impatient because her friends all developed before she did."

We doctors are privy to some pretty personal stuff in our patients' lives. Working through this medical issue, first with the daughter and then with the mother gave my entire staff a peek into their family. While the mother felt like she had failed the daughter, she did the best thing she could do at that point. That night when they returned home after the second consultation, they sat down and shared the story with "Dad". Three weeks later when the patient came in for surgery, much of her extended family came with her for support. By this time the tears had dried. The family had done a great deal of research on tuberous breasts and had some insightful questions for me when I came to give them the report after surgery. The mood was definitely one of support and love.

The patient made a quick, routine recovery and is a much more confident and comfortable 20-something college graduate now. Her courage and strength touched all of us, as did her family's resilience and tenacity. Tuberous breasts had impacted this young woman's life, but she had the courage to not let it negatively impact her future.

The Lifestyle Lift and Astroturf Marketing

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steve Byrd) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:02:00 +0000

By now we've all learned in varying degrees that some of what we read online isn't exactly "fact". Now there's absolutely nothing wrong with people posting or blogging using opinions or even writing and sharing fictional stories online - as long as it's clear to the readers that what they're reading isn't "fact".

One of the most effective ways for doctors to get new patients is through word of mouth advertising and in this age of computers and the internet, that translates into posters going onto various websites with comments and stories about the wonderful experience they had with their doctor or the remarkable results they got from a certain cosmetic procedure. The good news here is that this could be one of your best tools when researching a specific treatment or when looking for a plastic surgeon, as these personal reviews tend to carry a great deal of veracity with them. The bad news is that some companies are attempting to generate business by duping consumers.

In 2009, New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo settled a claim resulting in a $300,000 settlement against a company doing just that by using "...cynical, manipulative and illegal" methods. Lifestyle Lift was the first company to be penalized for using these "Astroturf marketing" techniques, so named because their aim is to create bogus grassroots buzz about a product. The company admitted it required employees to pose as satisfied customers in their online ads. As if that wasn't bad enough, they also went so far as to create websites to highlight these reviews as legitimate, unsolicited testimonials. In a company e-mail, Lifestyle Lift instructed employees to "...devote the day to doing more postings on the Web as satisfied clients..." and in doing so violated consumer protection laws.

So how do you as a consumer know which reviews, which patient/client comments to believe? That's a great question, and I wish there was an easy answer to it. There is no magic bullet here. Don't rely solely on patient comments, but don't discard them either. Rely on as many tools as there are available, with patient reviews being just one of those. Some of the other things to look for:

MUST BE a board certified plastic surgeon
"CV" or "curriculum vitae" which is their professional resume - where/what did they study?
active in the profession in a teaching and learning capacity
review their personal before and after pictures
consult with more than one surgeon

When all of the items are compared, then you have to rely on what you feel. If you're comfortable with what you're experiencing when at the doctor's practice, you've probably found the best doctor for your care. As simple as that sounds, IF everything else is equal, trust your gut!

Men and Plastic Surgery - What's New?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steve Byrd) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:14:00 +0000

Repair CO2 Fraxel

A little over a year ago we did a press release on "Repair CO2 Fraxel". Since it's appearance on the plastic surgery horizon, it has become one of the most utilized additions to a large number of our facial surgery/rejuvenation cases. As an active professor at UTSW Medical School here in Dallas, I see any number of "new", "improved" and sometimes "re-cycled" surgical procedures with various claims of success. With over 25 years of cosmetic surgery experience, there have been some truly revolutionary treatments, approaches and products introduced during my career. Repair Fraxel is one of the products that has met expectations.

Repair Fraxel is a one-time treatment requiring general anesthesia which is done on the same floor as my office at the Dallas Day Surgery Center. The recovery period is five to seven days at home before resuming normal daily activities. Post-op patients usually experience a severe sunburn appearance, which heals and fades into a smoother, and regenerated skin surface. When done in conjunction with a facelift procedure, the Fraxel Laser magnifies the resultant skin rejuvenation by addressing the fine lines, wrinkles and skin discoloration that are not intended to be the primary focus of most face lift procedures. Men who have spent years in the sun playing golf, and basketball, or fishing and hunting may have extremely damaged skin. Fraxel has proven to be very effective in restoring a more youthful complexion.

Zeltiq

Zeltiq is a new non-invasive, no downtime procedure which targets and then eliminates fat cells. Currently, it is being used on the abdomen, flank and back, with anticipated expanded usage in the future. Zeltiq has some of the same results as liposuction without requiring anesthesia of any kind and no downtime. After the roughly one hour treatment, patients can immediately return to work, home or the gym with no side effects. The full results are apparent in two to four months as the size and number of fat cells dissipate.

Zeltiq has many advantages for men looking to lose some extra belly fat that may have creeped up on them silently over the course of years, or the love handles that may be the result of some recent holiday over-indulging. The first step is a consultation to determine if you're an appropriate candidate for Zeltiq. If you qualify, you will be taken to the the fifth floor of our building to the EpiCentre Skin Care and Laser Center. You'll then set up an appointment to come in for an hour treatment, and that's it. There are no post-procedure pain medications, no downtime, no scarring, and when the procedure is done, you're ready to resume the rest of your day.

The most important thing for men to know is that there are options available to them that range from these two new, innovative procedures, to the established liposuction and facelift procedures, and the other procedures we've discussed as part of this series. If you're not happy with your appearance, make an appointment for a consultation and get the information you need. An e-mail or phone call is all that's necessary to start the process and get a consultation appointment. Take the time, make the call, and then look at your options - we'll be happy to help you in anyway we can.

Men and Plastic Surgery - Rhinoplasty & Chin Augmentation

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steve Byrd) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:05:00 +0000

Rhinoplasty surgery is one of the most requested procedures, and one of the most complicated surgeries to do. Rhinoplasty, or "nose jobs" can be done for purely aesthetic reasons however, in the case of many males, they may come in for a consultation knowing that their nose has been broken at least once in the past, and that it's no longer straight or the same size it used to be, but rarely do they realize how much damage has been done internally. Men who are active in sports; baseball, football, basketball, soccer, and/or hockey, are accustomed to playing injured. When they initially injure their nose, the damaged cartilage and the associated tissue swelling restrict breathing. Eventually the swelling goes away and breathing becomes significantly easier, but often the airway is still partially blocked due to the damaged cartilage. Over time these men got used to getting a smaller amount of oxygen than they were intended to get, and they adjusted their expectations lower than they should have.

Many male athletes, both the professional and the weekend varieties, decide to wait until the end of their careers before having anything done to correct their damaged, broken nose. The reasoning is that as long as they're participating in sports it's possible that their nose will get broken again, so why waste the time and money to repair it now. They often decide to wait until after 'retirement' before fixing the nose. That does make sense if you're really only dealing with a cosmetic issue. It would be worthwhile though, to check with a plastic surgeon experienced in rhinoplasty to determine if there is internal valve damage, a deviated septum or other injuries that are impinging on the air passageway. If your breathing is being restricted by as little as 10 - 20%, that could make a fairly significant difference in your fitness and performance levels. Fixing internal damage at the end of any athletic career being measured by performance, would be waiting too long to get the full value of the rhinoplasty surgery. Rhinoplasty isn't just about fixing the way a nose looks. It's often about fixing how well you breathe and how it looks.

While rhinoplasty can be a complicated and demanding surgery, chin augmentation is very different. Using a plastic implant to build up the chin is clearly an aesthetic/cosmetic procedure. You're not going to breathe, eat, or speak better with a bigger chin, but there are few procedures that have a bigger impact on a patient's self-image than chin augmentation.

It's not unusual for male post-op chin augmentation patients to stand a bit taller, and to carry themselves with more confidence. It's not just about patients seeing themselves differently; it's also about the people around them perceiving them differently as well. While it's unfair and untrue, men who have small/receding chins are often seen as weak, lacking self-confidence and leadership abilities. It is still surprising that a few ounces of plastic expertly placed can make an enormous difference in the way a man is perceived by himself and others. Don't wait! Make an appointment today to determine where and what type of damage you might have taken with you off the court, the field, or the ice. Get it fixed now and breathe easier.

Men and Plastic Surgery - Face and Eyes

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steve Byrd) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:28:00 +0000

As mentioned in earlier posts, men are having plastic surgery procedures in record numbers in part due to the need to remain competitive with younger workers. While liposuction can help refresh and renew the body, an aging face can unfairly give recruiters, potential employers and co-workers a reason to overlook your qualifications by assuming you're simply too old to do the job effectively.

The first area of the face to show age is usually around the eyes. Dark circles, and bags under the eyes, as well as heavily hooded upper eyelids, are often genetic "gifts" from our parents. These gifts can add years to the face, making patients look tired, and unfortunately, old. Blepharoplasty is the surgical procedure used to address the creases, bags under the eyes, and heavily hooded upper lids. Occasionally the upper lids can become so heavily hooded that they interfere with vision. The good news about that is that in some of these cases insurance will cover correcting that vision impairment. Working together closely with an experienced Opthamologist, the surgical procedures we do together will correct the cosmetic problems as well as improve the restricted vision.

Every time we animate our face by laughing or smiling we cause creases and furrows to develop. As long as we have reasons to smile, we'll have causes to form wrinkles. That's just the price of a life well lived. Many people are content with that and if they are, so am I. However, if a patient is bothered by those creases for whatever reason, Botox is a very safe, effective treatment to stop the muscles from animating which in turn reduces the visible creases, and temporarily stops the development of new lines. There is no one right answer for every single patient, and you have to determine what bothers you and what doesn't. That's the only answer that matters.

One of the most important things you'll do in connection with any cosmetic treatment is to find an experienced, board certified Plastic Surgeon who will listen and then address the things that are important to you. It doesn't stop there. It's also critically important that you have a rapport and trust in the entire staff. In my Dallas practice, all of our injectable procedures, Botox, Sculptra, Restylane, etc., are done by my nurse of 20+ years, Lisa. She and I work together in developing a comprehensive program that will strive to achieve whatever your goals are. If you start with Botox and Sculptra injections, and find over time, that they're not achieving the results you want, then it's time re-evaluate to determine if you are ready to move to the next step - a surgical procedure.

The Endoscopic Brow Midface lift (EBMF) is often the foundation procedure at this point. It can be combined with the Blepharoplasty and/or a Mini Lower Facelift, but every patient is different, so it's advisable to keep an open mind. The endoscopic approach requires only a few small incisions behind the hairline, which are used to insert the endoscope and the instruments necessary to rebuild or refresh the facial foundation. Using the endoscopic approach means that there's less risk of infection, less sutures required, a shorter recovery, and there's less trauma to the facial tissue. Because there is no ear-to-ear incision over the top of the head as there is in "traditional" facelifts, there's also less chance of hair loss, which for many men is a very key issue. The EBMF will last for about 10 -15 years in most cases and the result is a more rested, elegant appearance.

There are many options available to men, and fortunately we're able to choose as much or as little as we want. Whatever anyone of us decides to do, whatever answer we find for ourselves is the right answer and that is progress.

Men and Plastic Surgery - Liposuction

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steve Byrd) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Although it may not be talked about in the locker room, at the football game, or in the executive's corner office, more men than ever are having plastic surgery. It's estimated that 13% of all cosmetic surgery patients are men, which is a significant increase. In many ways, the reasons for choosing to have cosmetic surgery are the same regardless of the sex of the patient. As we age, men, and women decide they want to look better, younger, less tired, and more confident. Men tend to make the move to surgery later than women do, but they reap the same rewards:

a renewed self-confidence
better self-image
improved body image

Nationally the most requested surgery for both sexes continues to be liposuction. There are two main reasons that inspire men to finally make the decision to have plastic surgery:

Competition in the Workplace - Baby boomers are competing sometimes with much younger adults, many of whom don't know a world without cell phones, laptops and being constantly connected to the internet. During much of my medical career I would never have envisioned advertising on the internet, and the term "blog" hadn't even been invented yet. Staying up with the ever changing technology is only part of the struggle men face in whatever career path they've chosen, and if they look too much like their colleagues' father or heaven forbid, even their grandfather, they may be unfairly perceived as less savvy, resistant to change and outdated. In this job market, that's a black mark no one wants.

Divorce - While divorce is painful and disrupting at any age, when it happens later in life, it can have a devastating impact on self-image. Again, remaining competitive is an important factor when re-entering the dating world sometimes after a decade or more of marriage. More than that is rebuilding a self-confidence that may have taken a beating during the process of dissolving a marriage. Regaining a physical assurance can assist a newly single man when he begins dating again.

Liposuction is not a weight loss tool, but used appropriately, it can be effectively used in removing isolated pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. "Love handles", "beer bellies" and "double chins" are all areas where liposuction combined with a low fat diet and exercise can be very effective in achieving a trim, athletic build. Men who are completely frustrated come in to my office after they have spent hundreds of hours in the gym doing all kinds of core/abdominal exercises trying to achieve that elusive "six pack" shown so often in magazines of all types. The problem may not be that the muscles aren't developed enough, but that there's a layer of fat and tissue that is covering the muscles. Using a small cannula, that layer of fat can be removed and within a few weeks after all the surgery induced swelling has dissipated, the true musculature is visible. If the patient continues to keep their weight in check and their fitness level fairly constant, they can forget about the love handles and beer belly permanently.

There are areas of our bodies where no exercise is going to make any difference. Men who are very fit and completely happy with their appearance otherwise, may still have to deal with jowls, double chin, and/or turkey neck. Often I'll hear that one morning the patient looked in the mirror and saw their father's neck and chin where it wasn't wanted. Some patients are genetically predisposed to very early on develop crepey skin on the neck that can severely age any man's appearance. While the face and body may not announce your true age, if your neck looks old, you look old. A short two-hour surgical procedure, including liposuction, can remove the excess fat and skin. This one procedure alone can dramatically improve the patient's profile and overall look.

While liposuction is the procedure most often selected by men, there are other procedures men are choosing which we'll be discussing in this series over the next few days. Check back with us to see the changes underway in men's health.

Men and Plastic Surgery - What IS Gynecomastia?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steve Byrd) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:18:00 +0000

Most people have never heard the term "Gynecomastia". This condition is sometimes insensitively referred to as "man boobs" which just adds insult and injury to the embarrassment the man who suffers from Gynecomastia deals with on a daily basis. In about 75% of the cases of Gynecomastia, the cause is thought to be a decrease in the hormone testosterone compared to estrogen. All men and women have varying amounts of estrogen and testosterone hormones, and when that balance becomes skewed, sometimes the result is Gynecomastia in men.

Swelling of the male's breast tissue can develop at birth when the mother's increased estrogen causes the infant's breasts to swell. Without treatment, this swelling usually goes away within two to three weeks. Hormonal changes in puberty can also cause enlarged breast tissue, and this too sometimes resolves itself within a few years even if left untreated. One quarter of those with Gynecomastia don't develop symptoms until the ages of 50 - 80. The most highly affected groups are adolescent boys and middle age/older men. Medications, chromosome disorders, poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity, and thyroid issues are all suspects in the development of excessive breast tissue in men, but many times the causal factors remain unidentified.

We often see men who have not gone to a pool party or to the beach for years because they didn't want to risk the potential cutting and damaging remarks. Sufferers often resort to wearing two or three t-shirts, or multiple layers of clothing in an attempt to mask the swelling of the breast tissue. Many will have worn binders and compression garments of all types as concealment efforts. They will also adeptly avoid locker room and communal shower situations at all costs. It's not uncommon for these men to have given up dating and for teenagers to not ever start dating at all in an effort to avoid the inevitable awkward situations. Sufferers will develop a whole cadre of coping mechanisms to avoid embarrassment, and by the time they come in to see me, they've simply tired of the avoidance dance.

Gynecomastia can be treated very successfully with surgery and liposuction, which removes any glandular tissue as well as any remaining excess fat. The surgery, when done by a board certified plastic surgeon, is a relatively simple procedure lasting about two hours. A scalpel is used to excise the breast tissue much like a mastectomy procedure to treat breast cancer. Liposuction is then used to remove any remaining fatty tissue on the outer margin of the chest. If the suspected cause is obesity, it's important that the patient initiates and maintains a calorie appropriate, low fat diet to avoid recurrence.

Surgery is not right for every Gynecomastia patient, and that's one of the critical reasons it's important to talk to someone who has experience in treating the disorder. It's essential that the right patient have the surgery done at the right time. As with every decision, it's important to consider risk versus reward. It may be very difficult for the Gynecomastia sufferer to take that first step and talk about this. If you're a male and find yourself suffering from enlarged and swollen breasts, please call and make an appointment so we can work together to find a solution that will give you back the portions of your life you've perhaps put on hold for many years. Gynecomastia is treatable and this summer you could be at the pool, comfortably, by calling us now for a consultation.

Facelift Presentation at Baker Gordon Symposium

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steve Byrd) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:21:00 +0000

Dr. Steve Byrd will be presenting a live surgery demonstration at Mercy Hospital in Miami Florida in February, 2010. Head of Plastic Surgery at Children's Hospital in Dallas and Professor at UTSW Medical School, he also has a Pediatric Plastic Surgery office in Dallas, Texas focusing mainly on cleft lip/cleft palate, and craniofacial deformities in infants and children. His adult Cosmetic Surgery office is the location where he utilizes the Endoscopic Brow Midface lift that he developed and will be presenting at the Baker Gordon Educational Symposium next month.

The Endoscopic Brow Midface Lift, or "EBMF" is a much less invasive way to treat aging face patients. As a relatively new surgeon he became determined to find a way to improve on the traditional facelift procedure which employed a dramatic ear-to-ear incision that is the trademark of most standard facelift surgeries. The EBMF approach requires a few very small incisions behind the hairline into which an endoscope can be inserted to reach and repair the facial foundation in the brow and midface region. The advantages are several:

less chance of infection
less trauma to the tissue and the patient
easier/faster healing
less scarring
less pain

"Improving the technique is important, but it wouldn't have mattered if the results of the procedure weren't appropriate. The Endoscopic Brow Midface procedure results in an elegant, well-rested outcome for patients. Patients love the results." according to Dr. Byrd.

The Baker Gordon Symposium will kick off with a lecture by Dr. Byrd on the "Endoscopic Brow and Midface Lifting - Consistent Control of the Lateral Canthus and Lid-Cheek Junction", followed by a panel discussion of the role of the EBMF in facial rejuvenation. The two and a half hour surgery follows with Dr. Byrd demonstrating the innovative technique to many of the leading plastic surgeons from across the United States.

The 44th Annual Baker Gordon Educational Symposium is sponsored by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the University of Miami School of Medicine in cooperation with Mercy Hospital in Miami.

Addicted to Plastic Surgery?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steve Byrd) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:53:00 +0000

Recent headlines have raised the issue of addiction to plastic surgery. The true story has very little to do with actual plastic surgery addiction, and more to do with sensationalizing what a celebrity might do to keep themselves in the spotlight. I have no intention of discussing whether or not this particular celebrity is in fact addicted to anything, but to determine if plastic surgery addiction exists, and if it does; "What is it?"

Over the course of my 25+ year plastic surgery career, I'm pleased to say that many of my patients have returned to me repeatedly and elected to have several different procedures done over the course of 5, 10, 20 years or more. These patients aren't addicted to plastic surgery, but are instead responding to physiological changes that happen over time due to genetics, gravity, sun damage, etc. When creams, lotions, injectables, and other non-invasive treatments are no longer effective enough, patients have the option to consider a surgical solution. Our practice works closely with the aestheticians at EpiCentre ParkLane in developing a comprehensive treatment plan for patients that envelops skin care, diet, injectables, laser treatments and surgery when appropriate. We work in partnership with patients to help them achieve whatever their goals are...within reason.

I'd venture to say that every plastic surgeon doing cosmetic cases routinely sees patients suffering Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). BDD is a mental illness in which the patient is preoccupied with an imagined or minor defect that most other people can't see. An estimated 1% of the total population suffer from BDD, and as many as 10% of those seeking cosmetic treatments may have Body Dysmorphic Disorder. These patients think they are ugly and will repeatedly turn to plastic surgery to improve their appearance. As a physician, sometimes you will notice an immediate red flag on these patients.

They have seen numerous surgeons and have had many different procedures
They overstate the size or scope of the problem, if the problem exists at all
They want their consultation earlier because they can't be seen "like this" any longer

Unfortunately, not every BDD patient is so obvious and it's not until after surgery has been done on the patient that the problem is discovered. Often when these patients are encouraged to see a psychiatrist or psychologist, they seldom do, and instead just choose another plastic surgeon who won't be as aware of their background who will do the procedure they're currently requesting.

These are patients that may be seen as plastic surgery "addicts". Unfortunately though, taking plastic surgery away from them won't make them any less addicted, and when they've exhausted the pool of surgeons in their area, they'll then travel to other areas to see surgeons or turn to excessively high numbers of other types of cosmetic treatments. It's a very difficult disease to uncover as these patients look good, and when they're not focused on their perceived physical flaw, they can be intelligent, charming and generous people.

BDD is somewhat similar to eating disorders in that both involve a concern with body image. They are very different though. Eating disorders target primarily young women, while BDD is an equal opportunity foe, attacking young men and women equally. A person with an eating disorder is supremely concerned with a number on the scale and their complete body image. BDD patients tend to worry about a very specific body part. In their minds if that one flaw could be fixed, everything would be fine. Of course, that one flaw may not even exist, and it will never be fixed enough for them, but it is what fuels the mindset of the Body Dysmorphic patient.

Unfortunately the "Addicted to Plastic Surgery" headline will generate few conversations about a very real, and very deadly disorder. BDD patients are quite likely to develop major clinical depression and the stress of the disorder puts them at very high risk for suicide.

Patients should feel free to pursue whatever treatments they deem necessary to achieve their goals without worrying that they'll be labeled a plastic surgery addict. Too many patients are already concerned about their friends or families finding out that they're having cosmetic surgery done because they don't want to deal with the ridicule or teasing. That sad fact alone keeps our entire staff extremely protective of our patients' privacy even beyond the government mandated privacy laws. It's important that options and access remain open to all while still remaining vigilant for those few who make up the minority of patients who are seeking cosmetic treatment driven by a mental illness.

Zeltiq Update

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steve Byrd) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:03:00 +0000

Zeltiq is the new, non-invasive, no downtime procedure which targets and then eliminates fat cells in the abdomen, flanks (love handles) and back. As fat cells are exposed to this advanced technology, a metabolic process is begun which kills fat cells without harming surrounding tissue. The results are visible in two to four months, as the noticeable reduction in size and number of fat cells becomes apparent. January and February then become the ideal times to address those bulges many of us accumulated over the holidays that we want to get rid of by the summer. Beginning treatment now will assure you of the sleek, trim, and beach-ready body that exercise and diet alone sometimes aren't able to achieve. One of the key advantages of Zeltiq is that you don't have any downtime so there's no gym time lost. For best results, we encourage our patients to combine diet, and exercise with Zeltiq or whatever procedure is deemed best to achieve your goals.

Due to an overwhelming response, we will continue to offer the Zeltiq introductory price of 50% off the first and second cycles through March 2010. Call now for a consultation, and we'll work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to your body, your goals, and your hectic schedule. Don't wait too long and miss this opportunity!

Mommy Makeover

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steve Byrd) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:04:00 +0000

Each season women enjoy the new fashion changes. Women should revel in the new fashions! If you work outside the home, your appearance is part of the package you present every single day at work and a wardrobe that is flattering and fashionable can make a huge difference in the way a woman feels about herself. That doesn't mean however, that you should overlook an investment you can make in yourself that will last much longer than this year's hemlines.

A Mother who dearly loves her children may be very uncomfortable with the toll pregnancy, childbirth and breast-feeding have taken on her body. Parents who stay at home to work raising their children must still nourish and care for themselves. Stretch marks, deflated breasts, and a stomach that won't go flat; it's difficult to feel completely confident when invariably each shopping trip you wonder if "this" outfit will hide those areas of your body that just aren't as smooth and flat as you would like them to be.

Many of our patients who have finally achieved a hard fought, long-term goal by reaching their target weight, are often left with a new problem; excess, sagging skin. No matter how many pounds are lost or how many sit-ups are done, they simply won't un-do gravity's and pregnancy's handiwork. An abdominoplasty removes the excess abdominal skin and reveals your real self that has been hidden behind the drapes of excess fat and skin for far too long. In some cases of extreme weight loss, a thighplasty is done to remove excess skin that's left on the thighs long after the excess fat has been successfully lost.

Investing in cosmetic surgery is a decision our patients don't regret. Patients get to "wear" their new fashion every day and that regained confidence shines through no matter what their personal style. Patients report that they stand straighter, feel taller, and are more sure of their physical abilities and appearance. It allows them to stop thinking about sucking in their stomach and focus instead on living. How many times a day do you think about that portion of your body that bothers you? It's different for each patient, but whether it's breasts that have headed unflatteringly south, or that roll of fat underneath the band of your bra, wouldn't it be nice to not have to think about that again?

The "Mommy Makeover" is a combination of an Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) - to tighten the abdominal muscles, and a Mastopexy (breast lift), it can make a huge difference. The first step is to call for a consultation. As a board certified plastic surgeon with over 25 years of experience, we will help restore each patient's most beautiful and confident self.

The History of Breast Implants

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steve Byrd) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 18:04:00 +0000

What do soy oil, glass balls, string, ivory, and wool have in common? In the past, they have ALL been used as breast implant materials. Breast Augmentation surgery was first done in the late 19th century using adipose tissue (body fat) taken from the patient's back. As with all surgical procedures, the procedure itself, surgical instruments used and the medical supplies continue to evolve and advance, and breast implants have changed many times in the past 115 years.

The "Gummy Bear" or silicone implant is the current state of the art in breast implant material. It hasn't been a straight or easy path for the silicone implant. It was first introduced in 1961 by two Houston plastic surgeons, but by 1992 the United States government put a moratorium on the silicone implant. There are considered to be 5 major evolutions in the silicone-based implant, with the current "Gummy Bear" representing the 5th generation of implants. However, it was not this type of implant that was banned by the moratorium. The implant on the market at the time of the moratorium was a much less sophisticated implant and the second generation in the implant's development.

The moratorium on silicone implants was lifted in November 2006 after 14 years of testing, lawsuits, and political wrangling. The medical testing that lead to putting the silicone implant on life support has since been over-turned, and numerous studies have shown that there is no evidence of causal link to systemic diseases such as arthritis or fibromyalgia. The current silicone implant is very gel like with little risk of leakage and provides a natural look and feel while increasing the size, volume, and profile of the breast.

Sadly, during the moratorium, breast augmentation patients had no significant choice in implant type and the saline implant was the only option for most patients. While the saline implant is more likely to cause wrinkling and rippling, it is still considered to be a very safe implant and it does offer patients a choice. How does a patient determine which implant is the best for them to use?

Find an experienced board certified plastic surgeon
Learn about the implant options available
Determine what you want your results to be

You and your plastic surgeon make up a team, and it's important that there be give and take on both sides. Your surgeon should really hear what it is you're saying, and you should take the time to really listen to your surgeon's recommendations and opinions. Once you've chosen the best possible surgeon, work together to achieve the outcome you've probably dreamed of having for a very long time!

Smoking and Surgery, Why It's Important to Quit!

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steve Byrd) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:02:00 +0000

Many of our patients are surprised when they find out that they must quit smoking prior to having any surgery. Not only must they stop smoking, they need to be away from second hand smoke at home if there's another smoker in the home, and they also need to stay away from clubs or other public areas that might allow smoking. Patients must realize that they have a large part of the responsibility for the outcome of their surgery, and stopping smoking is one of the most important things in that regard.

We're all aware of the cancer risks associated with smoking, and yet many times that's still not enough incentive to stop. Smoking is also incredibly aging to skin, especially to facial skin. Patients who smoke generally look much older than their peers. Ironically, many of my patients started smoking at a young age specifically because they did want to look older. They probably didn't have wrinkled skin around the eyes, discolored teeth, or severely drawn and lined skin around their mouths in mind the first time they picked up a cigarette.

Even if you as a patient are willing to accept those negatives, why do we require you stop smoking prior to surgery? Complications can include:

Incomplete or delayed healing due to nicotine affected constricted blood vessels
Increased risk of infection
More intense and longer lasting bruises
Raised, red scars

It's important to quit smoking at least two weeks prior to surgery. Not doing so will lead to the postponement of your surgery. This isn't a negotiable point, so if your surgery date is important to you, if your breast augmentation, facelift or abdominoplasty is important to you, please plan accordingly. Allow time to quit smoking.

Now the fact is, like most cosmetic surgeons, we don't do blood tests to confirm that you've quit smoking, and you could "mislead" or hedge a bit on your smoking habits prior to surgery. I would really hate for any patient to spend the time and money to have a cosmetic procedure done only to negate the improvements with the damage smoking can do during recovery and beyond. Don't cheat yourself!

Most of our patients who have stopped smoking prior to their surgery, and during their recovery do not return to smoking. If you have already stopped smoking and are now dealing with the skin damage a lifetime of smoking caused, we can help you improve the look and feel of your skin. There are several options available, and a treatment plan can be tailored to your lifestyle and desired outcome.

Good luck to all of those who have a resolution to stop smoking this year! We'll be rooting for you!

EarWell - Easy Correction for Newborn's Ear Abnormalities

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steve Byrd) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Did you know that ear deformities are the most common birth “defects” in newborns? A recent study at Baylor Hospital in Dallas revealed that 25 - 35% of newborns have some type of ear deformity. Unfortunately, the standard treatment in the U.S. for children with ear deformities is surgery. The child must wait until he or she is 5 or 6 years old and then undergo a painful surgery. In the meantime, the child and the parents are caught in a trap, enduring the teasing that accompanies any facial deformity.

Recognized in 2007 by D Magazine as the Best Pediatric Specialist in Texas, Dr. Steve Byrd has dealt with thousands of childhood ear deformities in his practice. To address this prevalent defect, Dr. Byrd teamed up with Becon Medical to develop the EarWell Correction System. The EarWell System is a non-surgical procedure that reshapes the infant’s ears into a normal, aesthetically pleasing appearance within just a few weeks.

Becon Medical in Tucson, Arizona will release the EarWell System to pediatricians across the country in January 2010. Parents are encouraged to make an appointment with their pediatrician as soon as possible to make sure that their child does not suffer from a lifelong ear deformity. Time is of the essence. Newborns’ cartilage is very malleable; however with each passing day, that cartilage becomes more rigid making it more difficult to correct. Results are best when the EarWell System is applied as soon as possible after birth, ideally within the infant’s first week.

Treatment usually requires 3 – 4 visits to the pediatrician over a 6 – 8 week period. Typically, three sets of ear cradles are used to re-shape the infant’s ears. By the end of that treatment period, the infant’s ears should be completely corrected.

To the financial relief of parents, the EarWell System is covered by most insurance plans. This is a win/win situation for everyone.

• The child avoids teasing and corrective surgery
• Parents avoid the heartbreak of watching their child go through the torment of teasing
• Most insurance policies pay for the EarWell System, thus saving the parents money

The EarWell Correction System is a safe, effective, painless, and cost effective treatment for the most common of all birth deformities.

For more information, please contact our office at: 214-821-9662

OR

Contact your infant’s pediatrician.

2010 - And What Do YOU Have Planned??

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steve Byrd) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:40:00 +0000

It's that time of year when we're all evaluating and re-evaluating our lives, our careers, our relationships, and many of the most often mentioned resolutions have to do with our bodies. How many years have you have the word "Diet" attached to one or more of your own personal New Year's resolutions?

The uncomfortable truth is, the older we get, the slower our metabolism gets. Things we used to be able to eat without much guilt start to hang around our waists, thighs and abdomen to remind us of our holiday indiscretions. Diet, and exercise are wonderful to include in those annual resolutions to improve your life, your health, and your appearance. Unfortunately, there is a limit to the amount of improvement diet, and exercise may have on our physical appearance. Some of our appearance is tightly linked to genetics, and that pooch, pudge and droop we noticed in our parents, is very likely to begin staring back at us in the mirror at some point, if it hasn't already.

The good news is that we don't have to just sit back and accept the inevitable. Plastic surgery and the many related non-invasive procedures, such as Zeltiq, give patients dozens of options for improving their appearance. I am not advocating an eat, drink and be merry existence and then letting your plastic surgeon repair the damage. The healthier a patient is coming into a cosmetic surgery or procedure increases the likelihood of an outstanding post-operative result. Take care of yourself! For those stubborn pockets of fat, or the droopy jowl that are never going to respond to any amount of healthy living or resolution keeping, these are the things that can be expertly and subtly improved by a board certified plastic surgeon.

Please call our office to get more information and to set up an appointment for a consultation. Through January, anyone who follows us on Twitter and Facebook can get a free consultation. You can reach the office staff at: 214-821-9662

Have a wonderful, healthy and vibrant 2010!

Zeltiq – Another Shaping Option

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Steve Byrd) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:40:00 +0000

One of the hardest things for patients to do is to find the several weeks it takes to have and then recover from surgery. Parents have a difficult time finding someone to help with their children post-operatively when they should be resting. Patients who are dedicated to fitness don’t like the idea of giving up their exercise routine for several weeks post-operatively. For these patients especially, Zeltiq is an option that may give them the results they want with no needles, no pain, no anesthesia, and no downtime. None!

Zeltiq is a new non-surgical, non-invasive technology employing cryolipolysis to reduce unwanted fat pockets in the abdomen, flanks (love handles), and back (bra fat) in selected patients.

Who Can Benefit From Zeltiq?

Like liposuction, Zeltiq is meant to address isolated pockets of fat that do not respond to diet or exercise. Currently it’s used on the following sites:

Abdomen
Flank (love handles)
Back (bra fat)

Physician evaluation of candidates is key to selecting patients with the localized fat bulges that respond to the Zeltiq treatment. Physician guidance is also critical in insuring proper device application and orientation to achieve optimum results.

What is Cryolipolysis?

Harvard University based research has shown that fat cells have a natural biologic vulnerability to controlled cold exposure. Cryolipolysis is the use of controlled cooling to target and eliminate fat cells. Reductions of up to 1cm can be produced with a single exposure without damaging any other tissues. Fat loss occurs slowly over a three to four month period.

What Are The Advantages of Zeltiq?

Non-invasive. No needles. No anesthesia. No pain. No downtime.

A vacuum attaches the cooling device to the treatment areas. The most discomfort patients report is a squeeze during the initial application as the fat and skin are pulled against the cooling head. The cooling is felt, but is not painful. The area becomes numb in 5 – 10 minutes and each site is treated for an hour. Patients can read, work on their computer, listen to music, watch TV, or take a nap during their treatment. No post treatment paid medication is required.

Each site is treated for one hour:

Abdomen: 2 – 3 sites
Flank: 2 sites
Back: 2 sites

What Zeltiq is NOT!

Zeltiq is not a treatment for weight loss or generalized obesity. It is for localized fat “pockets” and is not a substitute for weight loss.

Zeltiq can be used to treat residual bulges sometimes present after liposuction, but it is not a substitute for liposuction. While Liposuction is also not a weight loss treatment, it can remove more fat over larger areas than Zeltiq.

Consider Zeltiq as a way to fine tune your body shape. If your diet and exercise plan isn’t able to get rid of a pocket of fat, Zeltiq allows you to lose the fat without having to go under anesthesia for surgery. There is absolutely no downtime! You can go from your Zeltiq treatment to the gym to work out. Zeltiq allows you to shape your back by eliminating those bra fat bulges that won’t go away. You can sculpt your waist by minimizing the flank area providing a definite hourglass figure.

EpiCentre Park Lane, our world-class skin care facility, is one of only five facilities in the United States to have the Zeltiq option. Call my office, (214) 821-9662, to set up a consultation to determine if Zeltiq is the solution, or a part of the solution for you.

If Zeltiq is appropriate for you, EpiCentre will schedule a treatment time to fit into your schedule. Then plan on having an hour or two to rest while the Zeltiq shaping comfortably starts. Then you’re able to leave and go back to whatever you have planned that day. That’s a remarkable improvement over the existing surgical recovery process.

Call or e-mail my team for more information, now, and ask about a FREE consultation!