VASER liposuction and body contouring

Posted on December 25th, 2010 by Christopher K. Livingston, M.D., F.A.C.S., P.A.

VASER Lipo® The Tool Behind the Talent™ Turn your work into a work of art with the VASER Lipo System — the most versatile body contouring system on the market. The VASER Lipo System is a minimally invasive ultrasonic body contouring technology that’s creating a revolution in aesthetic surgery. With this new level of versatility, you can perform a wide range of body contouring applications on all areas of the body. New Opportunities for Your Talent Enables removal of small volumes of fat (for precision contouring) or larger volumes (for rapid debulking) Makes delicate and fibrous areas easy to sculpt VASER-harvested fat is optimized for subsequent fat grafting Deliver Superior Results for You and Your Patients Minimally invasive with fast patient recovery Ultrasound energy specifically tuned to preserve connective tissue and maintain fat cell viability Clinically proven to enhance skin retraction and reduce blood loss Wide array of probe options to treat all areas of the body Can be conveniently performed right in your own office or as an outpatient procedure at a surgery center or hospital Target New Markets Wide awake in-office procedures High definition sculpting Fat transfer to enhance body contouring Post-baby body treatments Emerging male market

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Is your cosmetic surgeon qualified or an imposter?

Posted on November 25th, 2010 by Christopher K. Livingston, M.D., F.A.C.S., P.A.

Often portrayed as a “turf battle,” the issue of training and credentials in plastic surgery is actually an issue of public safety about which responsible doctors are necessarily concerned. Would you want your plastic surgery performed by someone who has never had any formal surgical training? It can easily happen …

  • There are many physicians today practicing plastic surgery who have received their formal training in another specialty — often a non-surgical specialty. These doctors may call themselves plastic surgeons, but they may not be trained in plastic surgery.
  • Some physicians without plastic surgery training, as well as trained and qualified plastic surgeons, perform cosmetic surgery in their offices. The difference is that a board-certified plastic surgeon will also have privileges to perform these procedures at an accredited hospital.
  • When we talk about a “board-certified plastic surgeon,” we mean one who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) to certify physicians in the full range of plastic and reconstructive procedures. To be certified by the ABPS, a physician must have at least five years of approved surgical training, including a residency in plastic surgery. He or she must also pass a comprehensive written and oral exams in plastic surgery.
  • Many physicians who call themselves “facial plastic surgeons” are trained in otolaryngology, a surgical specialty which includes training in plastic surgery of the head and neck. Physicians who call themselves “cosmetic surgeons” could be trained in any specialty, including a non-surgical specialty, because anyone who has a medical license can legally call him/herself a surgeon even if they have no formal surgical training.
  • Membership in the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery is by invitation only and is limited to ABPS-certified surgeons who demonstrate wide experience in the major aesthetic surgical procedures.

The above text was found at the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery website www. surgery.org.  Follow the link patient safety for more information.

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Local surgeon among 1,467 initiated into American College of Surgeons

Posted on November 24th, 2010 by Christopher K. Livingston, M.D., F.A.C.S., P.A.

Chicago, IL – Dr. Christopher K. Livingston was among 1,467 initiates from around the world who became Fellows of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) during convocation ceremonies at the College’s 96th annual Clinical Congress in Washington, DC, last month.  Dr. Livingston received a medical doctorate degree in 1996 from University of Louisville School of Medicine and is currently practicing at Livingston Plastic Surgery located in Houston, Texas.  In 2005, Dr. Livingston attained board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  Dr. Livingston has a strong professional interest in cosmetic, hand, and reconstruction and holds membership in other professional societies, including the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Maxillofacial Surgery, American College of Aesthetic Surgery, American Association of Hand Surgery, Texas Medical Association, Harris County Medical Society, and the Houston Society of Plastic Surgery.  By meeting the College’s stringent membership requirements, Fellows of the College have earned the distinguished right to use the designation of “FACS” (Fellow, American College of Surgeons) after their names.  An applicant for Fellowship must be a graduate of an approved medical school; must have completed advanced training in one of the 14 surgical specialities recognized by the College; must possess certification by an American surgical speciality board or appropriate certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and must have been in practice in the same geographical location for at least one year at the time of his or her application.  Before admission into Fellowship, the surgeon must furher demonstrate ethical fitness and professional proficiency, and his or her acceptance as a Fellow of the College must be approved by three-fourths of its Board of Reagents.  The convocation ceremony was a highlight of the five-day meeting, which also featured reports on research-in-progress, postgraduate courses, panel discussions, symposia, and scientific and industrial exhibits.  Total estimated attendance at the Congress was 13,057, including approxiamtely 8,170 physicians.  Allied health professionals and members of the scientific and consumer medial also attended the meeting.  The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and to improve the care of the surgical patient.  The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery.  Its achievements have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients.  The College has approximately 77,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world.

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Almost Half of Americans Approve of Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Regardless of Income

Posted on November 20th, 2010 by Christopher K. Livingston, M.D., F.A.C.S., P.A.

This article was recently published on the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery website at www.surgery.org.   I find it very interesting how developed Western societies have embraced cosmetic surgery for the last decade.  A new survey shows that almost half (48%) of all Americans regardless of income approve of cosmetic plastic surgery and almost a quarter would consider cosmetic surgery for themselves. According to the February 2010 report, 48% of respondents with an income of under $25K approve of cosmetic surgery (52% of respondents with an income between $25K-$50K approve, 55% of respondents with an income between $50K-$75K approve, and 62% of respondents with an income above $75K approve) and 23% of the respondents who earn under $25K would consider cosmetic surgery for themselves.   

 “Twenty years ago people thought only movie stars and rich women had plastic surgery; now people in every income bracket know someone who has had a plastic surgery procedure or would consider plastic surgery for themselves. Even in this difficult economic time, people are willing to invest in the things that improve their quality of life,” said Renato Saltz, MD, President of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). “Feeling good about the way they look is high on the list of priorities for many Americans.” 

 
Other key findings of the study include: 
  • Among all Americans, 73% of women and 66% of men said they would not be embarrassed if others knew they had cosmetic surgery
  • 37% of women would consider cosmetic surgery as compared to 19% of men.
  • Most Americans (71 percent) said their attitude toward cosmetic surgery had not changed in the last five years, though 19% said it was ‘more favorable.’
  • 30% of married and 27% of unmarried Americans would consider cosmetic surgery for themselves now or in the future 
  • Out of all age groups, men and women between the ages of 35 and 40 are the most likely to consider plastic surgery for themselves now or in the future (35%).
  • Men and women are close in their approval of cosmetic surgery, with women showing a higher (59 percent) approval rating than men (51 percent). 
  • 30% of white and 22% of non white Americans say they would consider cosmetic surgery for themselves now or in the future.
The study was commissioned by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and conducted by the independent research firm Synovate.

According to 2009 ASAPS Cosmetic Surgery Statistics, women had more than 9 million cosmetic procedures (91 percent of total) and men had more than 900,000 procedures (9 percent of total). Overall, the number of surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures decreased 2 percent from 2008. To access the complete 2009 ASAPS Statistics Click Here.
 
About ASAPS
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery is the leading organization of board-certified plastic surgeons specializing in cosmetic plastic surgery.  ASAPS active-member plastic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.  www.surgery.org

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what is cellulite?

Posted on November 14th, 2010 by Christopher K. Livingston, M.D., F.A.C.S., P.A.

Cellulite is a common deformity that affects women and men as they gain weight and age.  It results in contour irregularities and skin dimpling usually on the outer thighs but sometimes on the inner thigh, buttocks, and arms.  It is an unfortunate and difficult problem to correct surgically.  The causes are many and include weight gain, hormones, aging, thining of the skin, sedentary lifestyle, pregnancy, lack of exercise and unfortunately your families genes.  A common surgical mistake is to tell patients that liposuction will remove cellulite.  This is not true.  Currently external ultrasound, cyrotherapy, and rolling massage Ionithermie are under investigation but appear to have only 20% improvements which is not enough considering the costs of these treatments.

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hand surgeon shortage for call at memorial hermann hospital system

Posted on September 25th, 2010 by Christopher K. Livingston, M.D., F.A.C.S., P.A.

If you live in Houston, Texas and unfortunately injury your hand don’t expect to see a hand surgeon when you visit the ER.  Why???  There are very few hand surgeons willing to take call at the ER due to lack of reimbursement from either the hospital or the nonresource patient.  Thus, hand surgeons prefer not to take call which hurts all of us.  A quick check of all the Memorial Hermann Hospitals in Houston, Texas and surrounding areas reveals only 50% of the hospitals have a published plastic surgery call schedule.  This means if you want your child or yourself to be evaluated by a plastic surgeon after a fall, you have a 50/50 chance that a qualified doctor will be available.  So what is the problem and how can it be solved???   There are two reasons for which I do not have the answers.  First and foremost, the uninsured in Texas is the highest in the country, around 33%.  Secondily, hospitals are unwilling to reimburse plastic surgeons for their time and efforts when on call.  Unfortunately, I do not see the new health care plan solving these problems.  In fact, it could make it worse.  Moral to the story, God gave you only two hands….be careful with them!

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Male Breast Reduction

Posted on September 21st, 2010 by Christopher K. Livingston, M.D., F.A.C.S., P.A.

Popular procedure can create a new sense of body confidence for men with enlarged breasts

New York, NY (Sept  8, 2010) – A popular cosmetic surgery for men may also be a surprising one—male breast reduction.  This procedure is typically performed to treat a condition known as gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue in men) or breasts enlarged as a result of fatty deposits from obesity.

Gynecomastia can affect men of any age. According to a report published by The Mayo Clinic, it occurs as a result of a hormonal imbalance in which testosterone levels are decreased relative estrogen levels. Several common causes of this imbalance include: natural hormone changes, certain health conditions, exposure to anabolic steroids or estrogen, side effects of some medications or street drugs, and certain cancer treatments. However, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, in approximately 25 percent of boys and men the exact cause remains unknown. 

Depending on the cause, gynecomastia often resolves on its own or will resolve after treating any underlying medical conditions or stopping the usage of drugs associated with gynecomastia. In other times, surgical treatment may be necessary.

Gynecomastia surgery can help men with this condition gain a new sense of body confidence by reducing the appearance of overdeveloped breast tissue or removing fat deposits that enlarge the breasts. “Male breast reduction is actually more common than one might think,” said Felmont Eaves III, MD, President of ASAPS. “Surgery can be very effective in men who have breast enlargement due to either an unusual amount of actual breast tissue or fatty deposits.”

Although generally not considered a serious medical problem, gynecomastia or other male breast enlargement causes many sufferers to experience significant embarrassment. Men with gynecomastia will sometimes change the way they dress, such as by wearing thick shirts, or avoid activities that require going shirtless, such as swimming, to keep their condition hidden and avoid teasing or social stigma.

Will, a young man who had gynecomastia corrected by a plastic surgeon after diet and exercise did not work, says, “No matter what I did, no matter how much I bench pressed, no matter how hard I worked out, there was still an unnatural amount of breast fat…it’s terrible for a guy to have that.”

For a firsthand look at a Will’s experience, please watch the following video from Project Beauty, ASAPS’ authoritative beauty site: http://www.projectbeauty.com/index.php/videos/watch/wills-embarrassing-problem/.

In most adolescents who are not obese, the condition will resolve itself spontaneously as the boy progresses through adolescence.  Dr. Eaves says that most young men should wait until puberty is complete before undergoing surgery for gynecomastia.

Breast reduction is the fourth most popular cosmetic surgical procedure among males, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). Nearly 17,000 male breast reduction procedures were performed in 2009, a 50 percent increase since 1997.  The majority of these procedures (58 percent) were performed on men ages 19-34.

Follow ASAPSmedia on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ASAPS
Become a fan of ASAPS on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AestheticSociety

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Don’t judge a book by its cover: The truth about cosmetic surgery “before and after photos”

Posted on August 31st, 2010 by Christopher K. Livingston, M.D., F.A.C.S., P.A.

How many times have you examined a cosmetic surgery website and looked at the “before and after” photos prior to the qualifications of the plastic surgeon?  This is a very common occurence that might mislead you.  Remember that “before and after photos” are the very best results and sometimes can be “doctored”, or even  another surgeon’s.  It is very important to ask the Board Certified Plastic Surgeon during your consultation if the photos are current and representative of most common results.  Don’t forget to ask if the photos are actual patients! 

There are fantastic plastic surgeons who do not spend the time, money, or effort to improve website photos and unfortunately lose clients.  Just because a plastic surgeon doesn’t have outstanding photos doesn’t mean that he or she should be overlooked.  I think it is very important to post average, above average, and superior result “before and after” photos and be honest with your patients.  Not every patient should or can expect a similar experience. 

Research qualifications and experience prior to your consultation, ask the difficult questions, expect honest answers, and make a educated decision about your plastic surgeon and the procedure.  Your plastic surgeon should be board certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgery (www.plasticsurgery.org) and preferably, an active member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (www.surgery.org).  Both of these websites have member rosters and are excellent resources for “before and after” photos and procedure descriptions.

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Children and Lawn Mowers, a Dangerous Combination

Posted on August 21st, 2010 by Christopher K. Livingston, M.D., F.A.C.S., P.A.

The Rudie family knows all too well how dangerous lawn mowing can be when proper safety precautions are not taken. In July 2009, Mrs. Brenda Rudie’s two-year-old son Brandon suffered devastating facial injuries in a lawn mower accident. His father was mowing the lawn and Brandon was in a cart behind him with his 5-year-old cousin. Somehow Brandon fell out of the front and his father backed up, accidentally running him over.

“We never thought this would happen. We thought he was safe,” said Mrs. Rudie. “Brandon had deep cuts on the left side of his face – to the bone, his ear was severed, and his eye, mouth, and chest were badly injured. His plastic surgeon took tissue from his arm and back to repair his face. It took two months before we could bring Brandon home. Please don’t let your kids near lawn mowers, it’s just not safe.”

Unfortunately, 247,000 people were treated for lawn mower-related injuries last year, more than 18,000 of them children under age 19, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports. Lawn mower-related injuries have increased 7 percent since 2008.

With the summer mowing season approaching, the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (ASRM), American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons (ASMS), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) are working together to prevent injuries and educate adults and children about the importance of lawn mower safety.

“Lawn mower injuries are not only among the most devastating I’ve seen in over 20 years of practice, they are also the most preventable,” said ASRM President Peter Neligan, MD. “When a lawn mower injury happens to a child it is even more devastating because it is invariably due to the inattention of an adult. Don’t let your life or the life of your child be irrevocably changed by a moment of inattention.”

Many lawn mower-related injuries require a team of physicians from various specialties – plastic surgery, microsurgery, maxillofacial surgery, pediatrics, and orthopaedics – to properly repair them. Often, patients must endure painful reconstructive operations for months, sometimes years, to restore form and function.

“Lawn mower injuries often include deep cuts, loss of fingers and toes, limb amputations, broken and dislocated bones, burns, and eye injuries,” said ASPS President Michael McGuire, MD. “Most are caused by careless use and can be prevented by following a few simple safety tips.”

The ASRM, ASPS, ASMS, AAP and AAOS offer the following tips to help prevent lawn mower-related injuries:

Children should be at least 12-years-old before they operate any lawn mower, and at least 16- years-old for a ride-on mower.
Children should never be passengers on ride-on mowers.
Always wear sturdy shoes while mowing – not sandals.
Young children should be at a safe distance from the area you are mowing.
Pick up stones, toys and debris from the lawn to prevent injuries from flying objects.
Always wear eye and hearing protection.
Use a mower with a control that stops it from moving forward if the handle is released.
Never pull backward or mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary – carefully look for others behind you when you do.
“We are pleased to participate, along with other societies in the coalition, for lawn mower injury prevention,” said ASMS President Mimis Cohen, MD. “Children and adults alike present with such devastating injuries that sometimes result in permanent deformities. It is therefore our duty as treating surgeons to educate the public, since prevention is always the form best treatment.”

Hear, firsthand, Mrs. Rudie and her son’s plastic surgeon, Dr. Robert Whitfield, discuss the life altering effects of lawn mower injuries by downloading their video blog.

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Dr. Livingston elected into the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Posted on June 6th, 2010 by Christopher K. Livingston, M.D., F.A.C.S., P.A.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), www.surgery.org , founded in 1967, is the leading professional organization of plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who specialize in cosmetic plastic surgery. With over 2,600 members in the U.S., Canada, and many other countries, ASAPS is at the forefront of innovation in aesthetic plastic surgery around the world.

The mission of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery includes medical education, public education and patient advocacy.

  • ASAPS is an educational organization, sponsoring scientific meetings on the latest advances in cosmetic plastic surgery. ASAPS meetings are designed for attendance by qualified plastic surgeons. ASAPS is an accredited sponsor of Continuing Medical Education (CME). Aesthetic Surgery Journal, an official publication of ASAPS, is the most widely read clinical journal of cosmetic plastic surgery in the world.
  • ASAPS is a research organization, collecting data on cosmetic plastic surgery, publishing annual statistics on the number of cosmetic procedures performed, and supporting scientific and clinical studies in cosmetic plastic surgery.
  • ASAPS is a public information organization, providing accurate and timely information on all aspects of cosmetic plastic surgery through this web site and by working extensively with the news media through our Communications Office in New York City.
  • ASAPS is a patient advocacy organization, promoting the highest standards of professional conduct among our members as well as representing the rights of patients to be fully informed about the training and credentials of their doctors.

ASAPS Mission Statement

The mission of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Inc., is to advance the science, art, and safe practice of aesthetic plastic surgery among qualified plastic surgeons through support and direction of medical education and research, sponsorship of scientific meetings and dissemination of information on current aesthetic surgical techniques; to promote and encourage the highest standards of ethical conduct and responsible patient care among aesthetic plastic surgeons; to serve the public interest by providing accurate and timely information regarding aesthetic plastic surgery and promoting patient safety; and to advance the medical profession and assure that aesthetic surgery maintains its proper place within the specialty of plastic surgery.

About ASAPS Members

The requirements for membership in the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) are designed to encourage application by trained and experienced plastic surgeons who concentrate their practices in performing cosmetic plastic surgery of the face and the entire body. ASAPS membership remains an exclusive privilege for those surgeons who possess the necessary qualifications. Only about one-quarter of all American Board of Plastic Surgery certified surgeons have been accepted into ASAPS membership. Physicians who have been trained in specialties other than plastic surgery are not eligible for membership in ASAPS.

Among the requirements for invitation and election to ASAPS membership, a plastic surgeon must:

Be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or, in plastic surgery by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Plastic surgeons who are not citizens of the United States or Canada who meet the high professional and ethical standards required for ASAPS membership may become ASAPS international active members.

  • Be in at least the third year of active practice following board certification
  • Participate in accredited Continuing Medical Education (CME) to stay current with developments in the field of cosmetic plastic surgery
  • Document the performance of a significant number and variety of cosmetic surgical cases to demonstrate wide experience;
  • Be sponsored by two ASAPS-member plastic surgeons to help ensure that the applicant’s professional reputation meets the high standards required by ASAPS
  • Adhere to current ethical standards for professional conduct as outlined in the Code of Ethics observed by all ASAPS-member surgeons.

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