Recently, a press release from the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS)  about an article written in our journal, was picked up by the Los Angeles Times and published.  (The ASPS Plastic Surgery Education Committee of which I am the vice-chairman, feeds these releases to the press on a monthly basis.)  This article is very timely, very informative, and very disturbing.  It dealt with who was doing plastic surgical procedures Southern California.  The procedures they looked at were Botox and filler injections, and liposuction.

It was expected that many different specialties would be elbowing their way into the injectable market, and certainly dermatologists (if properly trained) have a real place here.  However, the third largest group of doctors doing injections was primary care physicians.  But, even more disturbingly, the fourth largest group doing liposuction was also primary care physicians.  And, 40% of doctors doing liposuction had no surgical training.  And, just so we’re clear here, liposuction is surgery, as in real surgery.

It would be really nice to sit back say, “that’s California, what else would you expect?”  But believe me, it’s happening here in East Tennessee.  (more…)

Recently both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS — sorry about the alphabet soup!) have come out with their statistics for procedures performed in 2009. Each of these stats are pretty much the same, but what is of interest to me is how do we here, in Knoxville, compare to the nation at large.

Well, we’re all in agreement with the number one operation: breast enlargement.  I think the reason for this is quite simple: the is a very successful operation that predictably gives the patient what she wants, with a reasonable recovery time.  The number two spot goes to either liposuction or rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) depending upon whose statistics you like.  For us, it’s liposuction.  Nationally, number three is eyelid surgery, followed by tummy tucks.  We would flip these two, as we are doing more tummy tucks than eyelids.  But, all in all, we seem to be doing about what the rest of the plastics surgeons in our country in are doing.  However, there is just a little more emphasis on  body operations for us, which really reflects our local population. (more…)

Six months ago we started our relationship with Dysport, as did some of you.  And with all meaningful relationships, we have paused to take stock of it, and see where the relationship is going.  Fortunately, this is fairly easy to do with neurotoxins (Botox and Dysport), as opposed to other relationships.  So we thought we’d give you our take on this.

I must start by saying that they both appear to be safe, effective products.  However, they are different products in how they are used and injected.  So what you are seeing from either of these products will depend upon the skill of your injector.  Most injectors will have a good deal of experience with Botox. Since Dysport has not been around as long, some injectors may not be as familiar with it and how it differs from Botox.

The biggest single difference that everyone has noted in terms of the results, is that Dysport takes effect sooner.  The results are usually seen in a day or two, whereas Botox takes longer.  Some of our patients prefer Botox, some have preferred Dysport, and others don’t see much of a difference.  And, other than the onset of action, we aren’t seeing major differences in our patients.

So, it looks like Dysport is a real player in the injectable game.  And, there are some aggressive incentives being offered with it at the present time.  But for your best results, find a good injector who knows you, and knows both these products well.  This is the key to getting the best results.

Have you tried Dysport? If so, how do you think it compares to Botox?

David B.

It sems that Botox injections can get rid of some types of migraine headaches.  It is not totally clear just how this happens, but from a personal experience — that is to say my wife’s experience — I can say that this is true. Lisa hasn’t had a migraine since she started having it injected to her forehead.  And her forehead looks great!

Here’s looking at you,

David B.

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