Inland Cosmetic Surgery

The incredible growth and success of laser technology has taken the cosmetic surgery industry by storm, and new survey results from the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery prove it. Results of their annual survey show a major popularity shift toward non-invasive laser treatments, which began around 2005.

AACS president Patrick McMenamin explains the trend: “As we learn more about the cosmetic uses for lasers, the more patients benefit from effective results and quicker recovery time.” Mcmenamin suggests that this progression drives demand even further, which makes laser procedures more affordable. It’s true – the average price of laser resurfacing has dropped almost $500 since 2002.

More survey results include some highly interesting gender statistics on laser resurfacing. The past three years witnessed a 456% increase in males choosing to undergo procedures, while females choosing them grew by 215%.

The most recent data (for 2008) revealed a sharp drop in male use, which is most likely related to the economic recession. Nonetheless, ‘the big picture’ of laser resurfacing shows that it may be the beginning of an exciting trend. As Dr. McMenamin says, “It is an exciting time for both cosmetic surgery patients and physicians.”

At Inland Cosmetic Surgery, we offer several highly-effective laser treatments. For more information, see our website or call us for a consultation.

Featured in the latest issue of Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery is a medical study on the safety of the wrinkle relaxing injectable, Reloxin.  The new drug, which is expected to be an alternative to Botox, was evaluated for its use on moderate to severe forehead wrinkles (or glabeller lines).  The results of the study appear optimistic.

While FDA approval has not yet been granted for Reloxin to be sold in the U.S., Medicis Pharmaceutical expects FDA clearance later this year.  They’re introducing Reloxin with the hope that it will be the first direct competitor to Botox, in a market that helped Allergan Inc. net $1.3 billion last year with the wrinkle relaxing drug.

A California dermatologist who was involved in the study commented to Bloomberg news, saying “the side effects are the same as Botox” and “many of our patients liked it even better.”

The active ingredients of Reloxin and Botox are very similar; they each contain a particular ‘botulinum toxin’ that has been proven to relax the muscles that cause wrinkles in the face.

While Reloxin has actually been sold overseas under the name ‘Dysport’ for about 15 years, Botox has still managed to claim over 80 percent of the worldwide market for the neurotoxin.  One market analyst speculates that “Reloxin may be priced 15 percent lower than Botox” which could allow it to take a significant share of that market.

New statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons show signs of unprecedented change in the cosmetic surgery industry.  Most notably, the popularity of breast implants has surpassed liposuction for the first time.

341,144 liposuctions were performed in 2008, but breast augmentations exceeded that figure with a surprising 355,671 procedures done during the same period.

ASPS President Alan Gold told the press, “for the first time in the twelve years these statistics have been collected, liposuction is a runner up in popularity to breast augmentation. Gold went on to predict that “this turnabout will generate discussions in the medical community and the public at large.”

He offered a theory that “changes in fashion, i.e. décolletage baring styles, might be a factor in bringing about this change.”

10.2 million cosmetic procedures were performed in 2008 and an overwhelming majority (over 90 percent) of them were undergone by women.  The top 5 include:

1. Breast Implants
2. Liposuction
3. Eyelid Surgery
4. Rhinoplasty
5. Tummy Tuck

The top 5 non-surgical cosmetic procedures were:

1. Botox
2. Laser Hair Removal
3. Hyaluronic acid wrinkle fillers (Juvederm, Restylane)
4. Chemical Peel
5. Laser Skin Resurfacing

Are spots on your forehead, cheeks, or chest becoming a problem? It might surprise you to know that in many cases skin conditions of this type can be easily treated and minimized. Age spots and skin blotches are common, and you should be happy to know that we carry the Obagi® therapeutic skin care line as a possible remedy.

Many are aware of Obagi, but not everyone knows that it is the top skin care line sold exclusively to physicians. Obagi® has gained a reputation for effectiveness with its Nu Derm® System, also known as Corrective and Enhance®, which smoothes out fine lines, fades brown spots and can correct other skin imperfections in just a few months.

During the aging process, dark spots and uneven skin tone can appear on a person’s face.

A ‘mask’ may even form over the nose and cheek area, especially after a pregnancy or use of birth control. Obagi Clear™ contains prescription strength hydroquinone to correct discoloration and equalize skin tones. Hydroquinone is the active ingredient used for its “fading” properties, which proactively corrects the early signs of damage by regulating the cell production responsible for skin pigment.

Obagi skin care products are far more effective than any over-the-counter product, so they are by prescription.  They are specially formulated to achieve a desired end and they get visibly dramatic results!  Obagi® is considered a medical grade skin care program so speaking with a physician like Dr. Haiavy is necessary before purchasing.

Why delay treatment any longer? If you want to lighten those dark spots on your face, chest and hands with Clear™ or if you’re interested in other Obagi® products, give us a call at (909) 987-0899 or request a free consultation here. You’ll look better and feel so much better about your one and only face.

If you happen to know someone who has pigmentation problems, have them get in touch with us. If this type of problem goes untreated and if sun exposure continues, these areas can darken to the point where even make up won’t cover them.  Anyone that has struggled with these problems should know this firsthand.