FDA approves new drug for Dupuytren’s.
Feb 8th
Scottsdale – On February 2, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Xiaflex (collagenase clostridium histolyticum) as the first drug to treat a progressive hand disease known as Dupuytren’s contracture.
Dupuytren’s contracture can affect a person’s ability to straighten and properly use their fingers. The disease process affects the connective tissue beneath the skin of the palm of the hand. When too much collagen builds up, it forms thick cords of tissue that prevent the fingers relaxing and straightening normally.
Xiaflex is a biologic drug made from the protein product of a living organism, a bacteria. The enzyme collagenase is derived from this organism. The medication works by breaking down the excessive buildup of collagen in the hand. Xiaflex is injected directly into the collagen cords and should be administered only by a health care professional experienced with injections of the hand.
Common adverse reactions included swelling, bleeding, and pain in the injected area. No serious allergic reactions have been observed, such a response would not be unexpected because this foreign protein could prompt an immune system reaction. (Source: FDA)
The Big Day. Colts versus Saints.
Feb 7th
Geaux Saints.
Scottsdale – Even plastic surgeons will be watching today. It should be no secret that we are pulling for the New Orleans Saints. They are not the favorite team, however. The Indianapolis Colts are a very good team and are favored to win.
I believe the Saints have an excellent opportunity to win and at the very least will give the Colts a run for their money.
The Colts have won the Superbowl before and the team has players with experience in the big game.
The Saints, on the other hand, have had an outstanding year. They are also severe underdogs. Importantly, the emotions behind the team and the City of New Orleans could propel them to new heights.
This game will likely be the best we’ve seen over the last few years, and with two high powered offenses, should be very entertaining.
We want to wish the best of luck to all the fans and I hope everyone enjoys the game.
Sketchbook Saturday: Mardi Gras Plastic Surgery.
Feb 6th
Scottsdale – This art piece was inspired by the upcoming Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans, Louisiana. The technique used when looked at from afar, gives the impression that the art work is fuzzy.
Mardi Gras Plastic Surgery.
Another successful seminar on plastic surgery in Scottsdale.
Feb 4th
Breast augmentation, breast lift and tummy tuck seminar in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Dr. Guerra discussing the breast lift procedure.
Dr. Guerra completed another successful seminar in Scottsdale, Arizona. The seminar focused on breast augmentations, breast lifts and tummy tucks. Dr. Guerra spent time going over each plastic surgery procedure and went over some actual patient before and after photos.
Dr. Guerra and the AB Guerra Plastic Surgery Center enjoy educating the public in cosmetic surgery procedures so they can make an informed decision. Dr. Guerra is a big believer in education and through the seminars, community service and this blog he is able to highlight and discuss plastic surgery in more detail.
Are you interested in attending a plastic surgery seminar in Arizona?
Check out the news and events schedule for more information on the next plastic surgery events in Arizona. If you are interested in learning more about plastic surgery in Arizona please contact our office today. These educational seminars are very informative and patients appreciate the group environment in discussing these popular plastic surgery procedures.
Lifting the corner of the mouth.
Feb 3rd
Scottsdale – When the corner of mouth sags, the individual can look sad, angry and aged.
There are several ways of lifting the corner of the mouth.
The non-surgical method includes the application of Botox to the Depressor Anguli Oris (DAO) muscle. This is the simplest approach to the problem with the down-turned corner of the mouth. It is a nice, quick and relatively pain-free approach. The down side is that results only last about 3 to 4 months. The treatment has to be repeated to maintain the results. Adding dermal filler, like Juvederm or Restylane, can make the results more impressive and longer lasting.
The DAO can also be surgically manipulated. Direct surgical manipulation can lift the corners and create a more permanent result. This can be performed during facelift surgery. This procedure, however, is relatively new and results will vary depending on surgeon experience.
Another approach includes the direct lift of the corner of the mouth. This is performed with the excision of a small sliver of skin right above the corner of the mouth. With the closure of the incision that is created, the corner of the mouth comes up to a normal level and the patient loses that scowling downward turn of the mouth. This is a procedure that has a long history and is more predictable.
Liquid Face Lift.
Feb 2nd
Non-surgical liquid facelift.
Scottsdale – A liquid face lift involves the use of advanced dermal fillers with the capacity to last longer used in combination with BOTOX® to rejuvenate the appearance of the face. The dermal fillers used are considered 2nd generation dermal fillers and provide more enduring results than earlier products.
The new group of 2nd generation, advanced dermal fillers includes:
Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Ultra Plus, and Juvederm XC
Radiesse® and Radiesse® with lido
Restylane® and Perlane®
Sculptra®
Using these products a liquid face lift can give your face a gentle lift, reduce your wrinkles, laugh lines and other folds, and restore a more natural, rested and energetic appearance to your face.
FDA approves Juvederm XC.
Feb 1st
Scottsdale – Allergan, Inc., today announced the U.S. FDA’s approval of JUVÉDERM® XC, a new formulation of the currently FDA-approved JUVÉDERM® dermal filler and the latest advancement in hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers. Allergan’s new JUVÉDERM® formulation contains the local anesthetic lidocaine to provide patients with enhanced comfort during treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the nasolabial folds that appear around the nose and mouth. JUVÉDERM® is the first and only hyaluronic acid dermal filler approved by the FDA to last up to one year from initial treatment and number-one selling hyaluronic acid dermal filler (Source: Businesswire).
Sketchbook Saturday: The Faces Lift.
Jan 30th
The Faces Lift.
Scottsdale – The facelift is a plastic surgery operation used to reverse the natural effects of aging.
Cheek Augmentation: Indications.
Jan 29th
Scottsdale – Indications for Cheek Augmentation.
Cheek implants increase the projection of the cheekbones. They add volume to areas which may be deficient or flat.
Inadequate cheek volume that requires cheek augmentation may be genetic. In other words, you were born with small cheeks that need a cheek implant to give you a normal appearance. Cosmetic cheek surgery to give your cheeks the appropriate shape and volume. Cheek implants may be required to restore volume that was lost during a traumatic event. Injuries are not uncommon in car accidents.
Cheeks may be asymmetric with only one cheek requiring augmentation. Cheek implants are not meant to fully correct these asymmetries. Cheek implants can give your cheeks a more aesthetic size and shape while improving the symmetry. Inadequate cheek volume is a result of the natural aging process. Aging causes the fat tissue and bones of the face to atrophy creating inadequate cheek volume. Adding volume to your cheeks in this situation, increases the ability of facelift surgery to make you look younger.
