Posted on January 10th, 2010 by Christopher Livingston MD PA
1) what is sun damaged and aged skin?
As we age and have increasing amounts of sun exposure, the skin becomes weathered in appearance with fine lines, wrinkles, furrows, and irregular texture. Sun spots and age spots appear as pigmented lesions of varying colors and sun-induced redness can be many of the reasons to consult your board certified plastic surgeon. In some instances, pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions can appear as rough or scaly lesions which need prompt physician evaluation.
2) what is Fraxel Laser technology?
The Fraxel Laser was introduced in 2003 and is an intense burst of light energy which is directed onto the skin. The energy heats the water in the skin and causes both the water and tissues to vaporize. With each pass of the laser, a controlled depth of skin is vaporized. In response to the injury and subsequent healing, new layers of skin and collagen are produced. The Fraxel Laser is safe and effective for the face, neck, chest, and hands.
3) what can you expect?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia within my office and usually takes approximately 30-60 minutes. One of the benefits of Fraxel technology is the reduced social downtime and shorter healing time. Patients can expect 3 days at home as the face heals and return to work by the end of the first week. There is usually no associated pain. Redness can persist for one month but is easily concealed by makeup. Over three to six months, patients will see continued improvement as the deeper layers of skin continue to heal.
4)what are the results?
Most patients can expect smoother, tighter skin with improved tone and texture. Fine lines and pigmented spots will be removed with softening of deep frown lines. Acne and surgical scars will be improved and the appearance of redness caused by sun exposure will be reduced. Please call my office at 7137970085 for your skin care consultation and to discuss all of the surgical and nonsurgical options.
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Posted on November 22nd, 2009 by Christopher Livingston MD PA
I would ask all plastic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons, and most importantly….past, present, and future cosmetic patients to call their respective senators and demand the repeal of the 5% cosmetic tax. This tax frivolously and unfairly taxes all cosmetic patients and their procedures, some of which are in the middle class. If you remember President Obama campained against this tax increase. This tax increase was attempted in New Yersey and was a complete failure. It did not generate the amount first anticipated and administrative costs made it unaffective. In many instances, the lines between cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries are blurred and our patients could be unfairly taxed for a cosmetic procedure (breast reduction or breast lift) when in fact, reconstruction was performed.
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Posted on October 17th, 2009 by Christopher Livingston MD PA
Hopefully everyone realizes that the month of October is breast cancer awareness month. I believe that this month is finally getting the attention that it deserves with national press and the NFL sporting the color of pink as an accessory. But let us not forget what the true message is….breast cancer will affect 1 in 8 women during their lifetime. That risk increases as women age but if diagnosed early, breast cancer can be curable. Women are encouraged to perform breast self examinations monthly and have routine visits with their primary care physicians which can include mammograms. Mammograms are necessary if a mass is suspected and as a baseline study at age 35, every other year beginning at 40 and every year after 50 years of age. If you find a mass….please don’t wait….seek your primary care physician and get a mammogram and possibly a biopsy. Certainly not all masses are cancer, fibroadenomas are the most common mass in young women and fibrocystic disease is the most common in older women…both are NOT CANCER. However, if cancer is diagnosed, treatment is obligatory. This can include removal of the lesion (lumpectomy), sampling of the lymph nodes to diagnose spread of the disease, and radiation therapy versus removal of the breast (mastectomy). Reconstruction is covered by insurance plans and can be performed immediately following the removal of tumor or breast. Breast reconstruction options include flaps of abdominal or back tissue or implants. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, please discuss with your board certified plastic surgeon. Most importantly…if you have breast cancer or know someone that has cancer, please stay positive, trust your health care professionals, and live your life with hope! Important links for more information and research are www.plasticsurgery.org and www.cancer.org.
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Posted on September 20th, 2009 by Christopher Livingston MD PA
facial rejuvenation in houston, texashttp://www.metacafe.com/watch/1913314/facial_rejuvenation_houston/
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Posted on September 20th, 2009 by Christopher Livingston MD PA
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1913226/abdominoplasty_houston/abdominoplasty video
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Posted on September 20th, 2009 by Christopher Livingston MD PA
body contouringhttp://www.metacafe.com/watch/1913326/houston_body_contouring/
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Posted on September 20th, 2009 by Christopher Livingston MD PA
board certified plastic surgeonhttp://www.metacafe.com/watch/1913337/certified_plastic_surgeon_houston_tx/
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Posted on September 20th, 2009 by Christopher Livingston MD PA
Posted on September 12th, 2009 by Christopher Livingston MD PA
I know this is a non-cosmetic post but I feel it necessary for discussion. There are approximately 45 million uninsured in the United States. Only about 15 million of these individuals truly can’t afford health insurance and thus should be covered under medicaid. Thus 30 million should be covered under the government run public health plan. Well, medicaid is a government run health plan and there are still 15 million not covered. Who truly believes that the government can actually insure everyone and run it effectively and efficiently. Who are we kiding here? With the Obama plan, we will have massive government involvement in our health with medicaid, medicare, and the public plan….all of which are overburdened and inefficient with massive waste. Physicians that have increasing costs will decide not to accept new patients with medicaid, medicare, or the public option because reimbursements for procedures are 10 cents per dollar and thus the chance of finding a physician will be very difficult. Obama doesn’t talk about that….
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Posted on August 31st, 2009 by Christopher Livingston MD PA
LIPOSUCTION
What is the history?
The orginial description occurred in 1921 when Dujarrier used a curette to remove fat from the backside of the knee on a ballerina. Unfortunately this procedure was not successful and the technique was abandoned. The 1960’s brought a rekindle to the procedure and newer cannulas and techniques to reduce blood loss where described. With the advent of ultrasonic and laser liposuction and tumescent anesthesia, modern liposuction is now extremely safe, effective, and simple operation which not only removes unwanted fat but can sculpt the body.
Who are candidates?
Patients must be healthy, active, and maintain an active lifestyle and diet control. Patients with localized fat deposits, realistic expectations, BMI (body mass index)<32, and elastic skin tone without stretch marks are best candidates. Ultrasonic liposuction techniques have made the technique more realiable for larger fat removal and heavier patients, however, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is a better solution. Your board certified plastic surgeon should discuss all of the options during the consultation.
What should you expect?
Liposuction can be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia. Depending on the areas treated, 30 minutes to several hours are necessary but rarely an overnight hospital admission required. Compression garments are mandatory for 6 to 8 weeks. Return to work usually occurs within 3-5 days and results are noticeable once swelling as resolved in 6 weeks. Final results usually take 6-9 months. Small touch-up procedures are sometimes necessary.
What are the latest advances?
Ultrasonic and Laser liposuction has allowed plastic surgeons to remove fat in deliacate areas such as the face, and in a more precise manner, in essence, sculpt the body. The cannule are smaller, the procedure can be performed under local anesthesia (awake), and in some instances re-injected for volume deficiencies in other body areas. The most promising development is high intensity focused external ultrasonic energy which is currently being studied for its efficacy. This technique requires no incisions or anesthesia and can be completed in your board certified plastic surgeons office. However, strict diet control and daily exercise are still the preferred method for improved figure.
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