Posts Tagged ‘cosmetic surgery’

Health and happiness – is it all in your head?

Tuesday, December 11th, 2012

In a new study released this month, researchers say that much of the aging process is accompanied by a positive feeling towards life if you simply believe it to be so. That’s right – in other words, the older you get, the happier you can feel if you just believe it.

With over 40 million Americans over the age of 65, the study illuminates an interesting fact in the face of the negativity that society has shed on the aging process. Astonishingly, according to Bioscience Technology, aging is viewed by many as the number one health “problem” in America today.

The UC San Diego School of Medicine and Stanford University found that older adults were content with life, with results largely dependent on the individual’s view of aging in general. In other words, the individual’s view on the aging process contributed significantly to overall perceived health and happiness.

“While there is a growing public health interest in understanding and promoting successful aging, until now little published research has combined measures of physical health with cognitive and psychological assessments, in a large and randomly selected sample,” said principal investigator Dilip V. Jeste, MD.

The study looked at factors like chronic disease and disability alongside other criteria including social integration and a self-review of their own health and happiness.

“Sometimes the most relevant outcomes are from the perspective of the subjects themselves,” said Jeste.

The study found that individuals who self-rated their lives as healthy and happy were less likely to succumb to depression as they aged. Factors that increased the likelihood of the individual’s happiness were higher education, perceived good health, and a sense of optimism for the future.

“It was clear to us that, even in the midst of physical or cognitive decline, individuals in our study reported feeling that their well-being had improved with age,” Jeste said.

Increase your feeling of well-being

Sometimes, it takes a little boost to feel better. Health and happiness starts with you, but when you need a little help to feel positive, there’s no harm in doing taking action so long as your doctor approves. For instance, we all know that wrinkles and age spots are not an exciting part of aging, nor do they inspire happiness. In fact, most women avoid the signs of aging at all costs. If you feel like you need help in the aging department, consider a little help from a cosmetic surgeon in San Diego. After all, imagine what a little cosmetic improvement can do to increase our perceived feelings on aging. If you want to start feeling a little more positive on your age, consider:

Botox. This “first line of defense” against aging can do wonders for women who have unwanted wrinkles. Botox treatments can significantly improve the smoothness of your face, and can restore your youthful appearance.

Surgery-free facelift. Sculptra is a great way to achieve a rejuvenated look without the downsides of extensive plastic surgery. Consider getting a surgery-free facelift when wrinkles are starting to catch up with your age.

Eyelid rejuvenation. Blepharoplasty is a great way to get rid of wrinkles, sagginess, and drooping around the eye area. Our eyes are one of the first ways to detect aging since skin can be fragile and thin, and more susceptible to wrinkles.

If you’re considering any of these procedures, give Dr. Kincaid a call at 858-450-4199 and schedule your consultation today. With years of experience and plenty of awards to back up his work, Dr. Kincaid is the board-certified plastic surgeon that women in San Diego turn to for a look that’s natural, beautiful and gracefully you.

Breast Implant Scandal Prompts Investigation

Tuesday, September 4th, 2012

British health officials are reviewing cosmetic surgery procedures after 490 women were forced to undergo surgery to remove faulty French breast implants. The implants, made by Poly Implant Prothese SA or “PIP,” were banned by health experts in 2010 because of a higher than average rupture rate. Despite the implants being pulled from the market, it’s estimated close to 50,000 women have already been implanted with them. (The implants were not sold in the U.S.)

“The recent problems with PIP breast implants have shone a light on the cosmetic surgery industry,” National Health Service Medical Director Bruce Keogh said in the statement. “Many questions have been raised, particularly around the regulation of clinics, whether all practitioners are adequately qualified, how well people are advised when money is changing hands, aggressive marketing techniques, and what protection is available when things go wrong.”

Now, Keogh is leading an investigation into the plastic surgery field. Keogh plans to look into the amount of information patients receive before surgery and investigate whether or not surgeons offer an adequate plan for recovery. While faulty breast implants have spurred this inquiry, Keogh says he plans to investigate the field as a whole, looking into multiple procedures. The possibility of a breast implant registry has also been suggested, something the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons agrees with.

“The BAAPS has been campaigning for many years for better regulations of the cosmetic surgery sector,” the group said in an e-mailed statement to Bloomberg News. “We very much would like the review to look at the issue of advertising of cosmetic surgery that is widely used to prey on the vulnerability of patients who seek cosmetic surgery for psychological reasons.”

While this scandal has rocked the U.K., here at home there has been a fair amount of headlines over shotty cosmetic procedures. Pop-up clinics and spas are offering Botox and liposuction at low prices. Customers are lured in by the deals but often leave with health problems. These clinics look legitimate, making it hard for consumers to see the warning signs. “Plastic surgeons in the U.S. are seeing an increasing number of disastrous complications when patients see someone who is not appropriately trained,” Dr. Malcolm Roth, with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, told ABC News. Training and licensing is another problem. Many patients don’t ask about credentials, licenses or past work history. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery says anyone offering cosmetic procedures should be board certified and licensed.

As for the British investigation, eight other health experts will assist Keogh. The panel will conduct interviews and gather research. The team will present its findings, along with potential changes to regulations, to the government in March.

Craving Fattening Foods? Don’t Look at the Pictures

Wednesday, July 4th, 2012

fast food4 Craving Fattening Foods? Don’t Look at the PicturesIt is virtually impossible to miss seeing images of delicious fattening foods. A recent study seems to prove that when people look at images of fattening foods they are likely to crave eating them. According to a recent local article viewing pictures of hamburgers, cupcakes and other high-calorie foods can ignite cravings for fattening foods, even more so if you are drinking a sweetened drink at the time, reported the study. Researchers from the University of Southern California discovered that consuming a sugary drink while looking at photos of fattening foods increases the appetite and reward portions of the brain which could be an explanation for the obesity epidemic that exist today. “Studies have shown that advertisements featuring food make us think of eating, but our research looked at how the brain responds to food cues and how that increases hunger and desire for certain foods,” said the study’s principal investigator, Kathleen Page, assistant professor of clinical medicine at the university’s Keck School of Medicine, in a university news release. “This stimulation of the brain’s reward areas may contribute to overeating and obesity, and has important public health implications,” said Page. Dr. Stuart Kincaid stresses to his plastic surgery patients that maintaining a stable weight after plastic surgery plays a large part in the longevity of the results. Patients who have had procedures including abdominoplasty or liposuction are most likely to see a change in their results if they gain a significant amount of weight. Dr. Stuart Kincaid explains to patients that after body contouring procedures it is possible to gain weight. Even though after liposuction fat cells have been removed, there are fat cells that remain and if those are overpowered patients can gain weight. It is also important after breast augmentation to maintain a stable weight. If patients gain a significant amount weight it is likely that their bust line will increase as well. If the increases significant there could be a new component of sagging to the breast. It is important for patients to  understand that a healthy lifestyle including a healthy diet and regular exercise is the best assurance that their plastic surgery results will last a lifetime.

 

 

Stroke Patients Helped By Botox in La Jolla

Saturday, June 30th, 2012

Botox in La Jolla, the popular gel known to smooth wrinkles, is proving to be a versatile treatment. While the injectable liquid can erase crow’s feet and soften laugh lines, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery says, the trendy treatment is also helping stroke patients.

 

After a stroke, many patients deal with some sort of paralysis or muscle spasms. Recently, researchers tried Botox injections to relax the muscles of stroke patients are found remarkable results. “The bent elbow, clenched fist, flexed wrist – those muscles are stiff,” Dr. Patrick O’Brien explained to the news source about symptoms experienced by stroke patients. “The muscles are tight. They hurt.” CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta says up to four in 10 stroke survivors suffer from spastic disability. “You may recognize it as stiffness on one side of the body, often seen in a club-like hand or foot. These people lose their independence — the ability to wash themselves, to eat, even walk. Botox allows some of them to gain back mobility and function in their muscles.”

 

For stroke victims like Sarah Abrusley, Botox allowed her to regain some of her independence. The former ballerina battled paralysis in her left side, but says Botox injections helped her regain use of her limbs. “More and more my fingers are relaxed,” Abrusley told the news provider. “Everyday I can very readily take my wedding ring on and off.”

 

While patients like Abrusley found relief through Botox, Dr. David M. Simpson, a professor of neurology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York and a leading botulinum researcher, told the New York Times that only about 5 percent of the stroke patients who could benefit from its use ever get it. Simpson says few nursing homes know about the benefits of Botox and many doctors aren’t trained to give the injections. It is more common, he says, for doctors to prescribe medications.

 

While Botox in La Jolla is a viable option for stroke sufferers, Gupta warns the treatment doesn’t dissolve all problems. “Botox isn’t a cure-all. It can have minor side effects and more studies need to be done on long-term use. But for many patients, Botox provides the muscle relief that will allow them to better move their muscles.” Plus, the effects of Botox are temporary. The injections need to be repeated every three to four months to maintain results.

 

The maker’s of Botox started marketing to stroke patients a few years ago, but it’s not the only subset of people to benefit from periodic injections. The drug is also used to treat more than 20 other conditions, including incontinence and excessive sweating, and scientists are currently testing Botox’s efficacy in treating conditions such as asthma. It’s number main purpose, however, is cosmetic. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, more than 3.6 million people had Botox injections last year.

 

If you’re interested in botox injections for paralysis, or merely as a beauty treatment, call Dr. Kincaid and schedule your consultation today: 858-450-4199. Dr. Kincaid serves the greater San Diego area including Carlsbad, Carmel Valley, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Oceanside, San Marcos, Encinitas, Vista,Fallbrook, Rancho Bernardo, Poway, Scripps Ranch and all other San Diego cities.

Plastic Surgery Blog: You Can Eat Healthy and Stay On a Budget

Friday, June 8th, 2012

Healthy foods3 Plastic Surgery Blog: You Can Eat Healthy and Stay On a BudgetIt is no secret that eating healthy helps you to look and feel better. But, the overall contention is that eating healthy is expensive. A recent local online news article gave some helpful tips for eating healthy and staying on a budget. According to the article preparing more meals at home and including healthy foods like vegetables, whole grains and beans purchased at your local store with incentives and discounted coupons is an effective way to watch your waistline and wallet at the same time. Be Make an effort to sit down, write and prepare a shopping list with healthy choices and do not deviate from it. Here are a few other helpful tips that were included in the article:

• Tour the store and look for the healthy choices which tend to be hidden behind sugary and high calorie choices.

• Generic brands are perfectly fine. Check the nutritional label for ingredients compared to the national brand and if they are comparable ; buy them.

• Buy in bulk, and learn to use them many different types of nutritious meals.

• Frozen fruits and vegetables will keep longer than fresh and are not packed in sugary substances or those high in sodium.

• Buy what is in season. These are most likely to be in on sale

Dr. Stuart Kincaid empathizes with his patients who make every effort to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. Body contouring procedures including abdominoplasty and liposuction have long-term results that are heavily dependent upon the patient’s commitment to maintaining a stable weight. Some patients are misled to believe that because they have had liposuction, that the fat has been removed and that they cannot regain the weight. This is untrue. Even though some of the fat cells have been removed through the liposuction process there are fat cells that remain. These remaining fat cells can be overpowered if the patient is not good about diet and exercise. Once the fat cells are overpowered the likelihood of gaining weight is significantly increased. Patients who have had abdominoplasty can also regain weight and stretch the skin. This would compromise the aesthetic result of their abdominoplasty. The overwhelming majority of patients maintain a lifetime result after making the investment in abdominoplasty or liposuction. Dr. Stuart Kincaid over the years has a multitude of patients who have kept amazing their  body contouring results for lifetime.

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Board Certified, The American Board of Plastic Surgery 1985
Member, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Member, The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Member, The American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery

Member, The American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons
Fellow, The American College of Surgeons
Voted Best Plastic Surgeon 2011, La Jolla Readers Choice Awards
Voted Best Plastic Surgeon 2010, Temecula Valley

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unconventional uses for Botox in Riverside

Saturday, May 26th, 2012

A new study shows Botox isn’t just for erasing fine lines and wrinkles; the injections can also fight migraines. Doctors say migraine sufferer’s battle debilitating pain. “Chronic migraine is one of the most disabling forms of headache,” Russell Katz, MD, of the FDA, said. “Patients with chronic migraine experience a headache more than 14 days of the month. This condition can greatly affect family, work, and social life, so it is important to have a variety of effective treatment options available.” According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery one of those options is Botox.

A team of researchers from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee found Botox injections near the head and neck reduced the frequency of migraines and also eased the tension typically caused by them. The effects of Botox were temporary. Just as Botox injections need to be repeated to smooth wrinkles, it also needs to be repeated to treat migraines. Patients using Botox to beat migraines need to receive injections every 12 weeks for continued ease of pain. While Botox did prove effective, researchers say it only treats certain kinds of migraines. “Our analyses suggest that botulinum toxin A may be associated with improvement in the frequency of chronic migraine and chronic daily headaches, but not with improvement in the frequency of episodic migraine, chronic tension-type headaches or episodic tension-type headaches,” the study’s authors wrote in a recent edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The most common side effect reported during this study was head and neck pain. Pain at injection sites was also reported. Patients are typically injected in 10 to 20 different areas around the head and neck. The FDA says Botox doesn’t help those with sporadic migraines and should only be considered by patients with 14 of more migraines a month. While side effects were reported, researchers say it is another option for migraine sufferers that have tried other treatment options with little success.

“If I was having more than 15 migraines a month, I’d give Botox a try,” the study’s lead author, Dr. Jeffrey Jackson, told HealthDay News. “It has few side effects. And, if it helps, you can go 90 days without as many headaches and without daily side effects.”

For patients who want more information about Botox injections in Riverside – especially for unconventional uses – call Dr. Kincaid, a board certified surgeon in Riverside at his centrally located Temecula office: 951-695-9934.

The Psychological Benefits of Plastic Surgery

Tuesday, May 15th, 2012

A new study shows cosmetic surgery can improve more than just appearances. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery released a study that shows cosmetic surgery patients have an improved quality of life. The study adds to mounting evidence revealing that cosmetic procedures can have a positive impact on a person’s emotional well being.

“The purpose of cosmetic surgery is to improve a person’s psychological functioning by modifying their body image,” said one plastic surgeon in the study. “This prospective study is important because it demonstrates that objective measurements of a patient’s quality of life are improved after cosmetic surgery.”

Studies before this have shown cosmetic procedures can boost a person’s self esteem. Cynthia Figueroa-Haas, a clinical assistant professor at University of Florida College of Nursing, looked into this positive side effect.
“Many individuals, including health-care providers, have preconceived negative ideas about those who elect to have plastic surgery, without fully understanding the benefits that may occur from these procedures,” said Figueroa-Haas, who conducted the study for her doctoral thesis at Barry University in Miami Shores before joining the UF faculty.
Through the use of questionnaires, Figueroa-Haas found self esteem and sexual desire increased in women after having a breast augmentation. Women reported an 81 percent increase in arousal and a 57 percent increase in sexual satisfaction.

While an improved outlook on life is an endorsement for cosmetic surgery, it’s important for plastic surgeons in San Diego and patients to remember that plastic surgery is not a “cure all.” A patient should choose cosmetic procedures after carefully weighing the risks and rewards and doctor’s should screen patients for psychological red flags before moving forward with any procedure.

One plastic surgeon from New York screens patients for psychological disorders and if he suspects a problem, refers them to a psychiatrist. Although “most surgeons are increasingly aware of a need for psychological screening,” experts warn, “there are unscrupulous people in every field.”

“There may be patients who will never be satisfied with their bodies no matter how much surgery they receive or feel that their life will completely change after plastic surgery,” Figueroa-Haas says on PsychCentral.com. “These are not ideal candidates for surgery and should seek further counseling to address their underlying psychological issues. But for women who seek improvements in certain physical areas, plastic surgery can be a very positive experience.”

Men and women seeking cosmetic surgery in San Diego are urged to call Dr. Kincaid, a board certified plastic surgeon, at 866-BEST IMAGE (866-237-8462). For a look that’s natural, beautiful, and precise, Dr. Kincaid is the plastic surgeon La Jolla turns to for best results. Dr. Kincaid serves the greater San Diego area including Temecula, Escondido, Poway, Rancho Santa Fe, 4S, Rancho Penasquitos, Carmel Mountain, Carmel Valley and all of San Diego’s beach cities.

A Look At The 10-Year History of Botox

Saturday, May 12th, 2012

Ten years ago, women were slathering creams on their faces in hopes of reducing the signs of aging. Then a game changer arrived in the cosmetic world, Botox in Temecula. This injectable gel is celebrating its 10th anniversary, which is marked with huge popularity. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Botox was the most popular procedure of 2011, with more than two million procedures happening last year alone. While Botox is in high demand, there are several historical factors that few people know about the beauty enhancer.

According to CBS, San Francisco ophthalmologist Dr. Alan Scott is credited with creating Botox as a treatment for crossed eyes. His clinical trials showed an unexpected side effect; patients said the treatment erased fine lines and wrinkles. This accidental discovery made the injectable gel famous.

Scott said his patients made remarks like, “’Oh, doctor, I’ve come to get the lines out,’” he told the news source about his eye patients who were among the first people to receive Botox. “And I would laugh, ‘Ha-ha,’ but I really wasn’t that tuned into the practical, and valuable aspect of that.”

Scott sold his Botox creation to a pharmaceutical company, Allergan. Eventually, the FDA approved Botox for cosmetic uses and it is now generating one billion dollars in revenue each year.

“When approved by the FDA in 2002, Botox Cosmetic changed the way that physicians could treat patients who were interested in improving the appearance of their vertical frown lines between the brows,” said David E.I. Pyott, President and CEO of Allergan, Inc., according to the news source. “Botox Cosmetic has become the number-one neuromodulator in the United States.”

While Botox has become a cosmetic phenomenon, few people know what the gel is made from. Botox comes from a toxin. In large doses, it’s the same toxin that causes the life-threatening type of food poisoning called botulism. However, doctor’s using Botox for cosmetic purposes only use it is small doses. Once injected, the liquid weakens or paralyzes certain muscles and blocks certain nerves, which leads to smoother looking skin. The effects last about three to four months.

Patients utilizing Botox treatments have to repeat the injections about four times a year to maintain the youthful look. While these repeated appointments might deter some from the procedure, many women say the results are remarkably better than the old creams suggested a decade ago.

If you’re interested in a minimally-invasive way to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and an overall rejuvenated look, trust Dr. Kincaid, a board-certified plastic surgeon, to achieve your desired look. Book your consultation today at our Temecula office by calling 951-695-9934.

Wave of the Future? Fat Cells Used in Breast Augmentation

Thursday, May 10th, 2012

Breast implants, which were first introduced in 1962, have had a colored past. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, different generations have viewed the “silicon shapers” with varying degrees of satisfaction.

Victoria Pitts-Taylor, director of the Center for the Study of Women and Society at the City University of New York, says the need for a busty bosom all started when the trend took over Hollywood. Blondes, like Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield, flooded the newsstands and their big-busted sisters, like Rita Hayworth and Jane Russell, came close on their heels. This revolution spread into Main Street and now  “women feel they must compete with what is essentially a pornographic aesthetic,” Pitts-Taylor said.

Last year about 316,000 breast augmentations were performed in the United States, a statistic that many doctors believe will only increase in time. As the beauty trend continues, researchers are creating new ways to enhance breasts. While silicon is the preferred method now, in the future, some believe fat cells will be used.

Whatever the reason a patient seeks cosmetic surgery in San Diego, it’s important for them to know that techniques are changing. A technique pioneered in Japan injects a woman’s breasts with her own stem and fat cells, creating breasts that look and feel smoother than conventional cosmetic surgery using implants. According to a Fox News article, this is because the stem cells enable the fat to grow its own blood supply, thus becoming an integral part of the breast rather than a foreign lump.

“I’m newly convinced,” Venkat Ramakrishnan, a specialist in plastic and reconstructive surgery at Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust told Fox News. “A lot more people have to use it and prove it, but it does seem to have something to it.”

Kotaro Yoshimura, a surgeon at Tokyo University medical school who is working on this technique, claims his method has advantages over the current implant. For example, silicone and water implants can leak. The main drawback is that the stem cell implant gives only half the extra volume of new breast compared with conventional enhancements. Another limitation is that thin patients may not have enough spare fat. While fat and stem cell injections haven’t been approved in the United States, other European countries have given it their seal of approval.

If you are seeking breast augmentation surgery in San Diego and would like to know about the most current implant methods available, contact Dr. Kincaid at 858-450-4199 at his La Jolla office to schedule a consultation today. Dr. Kincaid serves the greater San Diego area including Poway, Escondido, Temecula, Riverside and the greater Inland Empire area.

Do-it-yourself cosmetic surgery: a rising trend in San Diego?

Friday, April 20th, 2012
Capture19 Do it yourself cosmetic surgery: a rising trend in San Diego?

Photo Credit: Surgery.org

The cost of cosmetic surgery in San Diego has some people seeking alternative ways to achieve a more youthful look. Recent headlines have been alarming – men and women have sought the help of unlicensed individuals to perform cosmetic surgery but not without its price. And most have had extensive hospitalization following the botched procedures not to mention revision surgeries to correct problems.

But it isn’t just surgery procedures that have people skimping on budget – others turn to at-home microdermabrasion, laser hair removal, and even at-home chemical peels according to a new report at Surgery.org. While these types of procedures are less risky than undergoing plastic surgery by an unlicensed practicioner, doctors still warn that many unwanted side effects can arise from even these seemingly simple procedures.

Common problems that arise from at-home cosmetic procedures include dermal burns, long term skin damage, and even scarring.

“We’ve had patients come in the day before their daughter’s wedding and done an at-home chemical peel and come in with second degree burns,” said one plastic surgeon according to the report.

Many products available over-the-counter can prove to be dangerous, especially in the hands of someone who is unaware of the potency of each product. For instance, consumers can go online to purchase prescription-strength retinoid, glycolic and lactic acid products – but consumers are strongly urged to avoid using such products since they can prove to be highly dangerous in the hands of inexperienced so-called beauty junkies.

“If you stumble upon a website selling prescription-strength retinoid, that should be a red flag and [you should] seek professional help first… because there are certain reactions that can happen and certain products you don’t want to mix together with those,” said one dermatologist.

Even laser hair removal products that are meant for home use should be avoided. Such products and equipment can easily burn the skin causing scarring, thinning, and other adverse reactions when misused. Microdermabrasion is also a leading cause of at-home beauty treatments gone wrong as over-exfoliation can lead to similar side effects such as burning, thinned skin, and rash-like skin appearance.

Experts say that any kind of cosmetic procedure such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels, or laser treatments are best left in the hands of a board-certified plastic surgeon in San Diego. Even though you may think you have the know-how, don’t risk making your skin worse – save money elsewhere and find a good San Diego plastic surgeon to complete your desired look.

Call Dr. Kincaid, a board-certified cosmetic surgeon in San Diego, at 858-450-4199 and schedule your consultation today. Dr. Kincaid serves the greater San Diego area including East County (El Cajon, La Mesa,  Santee, Lemon Grove) and South Bay (South San Diego, Chula Vista, National City, Imperial Beach) and all the San Diego beach communities (Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Torrey Pines, Mission Beach, Point Loma, La Jolla, Del Mar, Encinitas, Leucadia, Carlsbad, Oceanside).