Implant Safety and Recent News About French Implant Manufacturer PIP

Destin Plastic Surgery wants to reassure patients that we only use Mentor® (Memory Gel®) and Allergan's breast implant devices (NATRELLE®, McGhan and CUI™). These products are not part of the recent investigation into breast implant devices manufactured by French manufacturer Poly Implant Prosthese (PIP) by regulatory authorities in Europe.

French government urged 30,000 women in France to seek removal of the implants made by the now-defunct French company PIP because of danger they could rupture and cause inflammation and irritation. An investigation found a majority of implants made by PIP since 2001 contained an unapproved industrial-grade gel. Industrial silicone is used in a range of products from computers to cookware.

It's important to recognize that there are a number of different breast implant manufacturers around the world. The health authorities are specifically concerned about breast implants made by PIP. Mentor and Allergan maintain rigorous clinical development processes, extensive manufacturing and quality assurance testing, as well as an industry-leading post-marketing surveillance program, to ensure the highest quality and safety of its breast implants that patients and surgeons can rely on.

The FDA said that PIP never applied for permission to market its silicone-gel-filled implants in the United States. Those implants therefore are not approved for U.S. surgeries, and neither are the company's saline breast implants, the agency said.

Get the Skinny on Lifestyle Lifts

At Destin Plastic Surgery, patients very commonly tell us, "Although I look older, I feel much younger." They desire a more youthful look to match their attitude and energy. Additionally, they desire a procedure that will get them back to their active lifestyles as soon as possible.

While medical spa services like those offered at our Anti-Aging Clinic may begin to help you turn back time, you might need a more comprehensive surgical approach to restore your youthful appearance.

Recently, the media has been bombarded with advertisements for Lifestyle Lift®, SwiftLift™ and QuickLift™ as alternatives to the traditional facelift. These facial procedures are marketed as quick, minimal-recovery alternatives to the traditional facelift. Remember a word from the wise: "If it sounds too good to be true, it often is."

These "branded" procedures may work well for selected patients – those without extensive signs of aging –and the recovery may be shortened. However, the results are often limited and do not last as long as those from more comprehensive approach to correcting facial aging facial aging.

Destin Plastic Surgery performs these "Mini-Lifts" and recommends them for appropriate patients. We will not perform them on those who we feel need a different procedure.

Some plastic surgeons in Destin, FL, perform "nip/tuck" facelifts that result in a pulled, unnatural appearance. True plastic surgeons take a more comprehensive approach. Dr. Burden and Dr. Ennis have enhanced these surgical techniques in an effort to obtain a more natural, refreshed appearance.

These photos show how the zones of the face have been rejuvenated appropriately to restore facial balance and harmony.

Dr. William Burden and Dr. Scott Ennis have combined facelift techniques with minimal-scar procedures pioneered in Northwest Florida by Dr. Burden. The use of fiberoptic technology and advanced surgical techniques allows the doctors of Destin Plastic Surgery to provide a result with a more natural look. A Younger You!

Dr. Burden and Dr. Ennis have a wealth of experience. Both doctors hold board certification in plastic and reconstructive surgery as well as general surgery. They are members of prestigious invitation-only organizations offered to surgeons who meet the highest standards of education and training.

See why people travel to Destin Plastic Surgery from around the world. Schedule your consultation online or call us at (850) 654-1194.

Top 1% for BOTOX® Injection in the U.S. – Bill Edelman, a Skilled Injector

Bill Edelman, PA-C, is a certified physician's assistant and works under the supervision of Dr. William Burden and Dr. Scott Ennis. Mr. Edelman is one of the most experienced providers of BOTOX Cosmetic and JUVÉDERM® in the United States. He has personally performed more than 15,000 treatments. Patients travel from around the country specifically to have him administer BOTOX near Pensacola.

Because of his vast experience and the quality of injections he administers, Destin Plastic Surgery has been distinguished as a BLACK DIAMOND provider by Allergan Corp., the makers of BOTOX Cosmetic. Black Diamond status designates our office as being in the Top 1% in the entire country for volume and experience with BOTOX Cosmetic and JUVÉDERM. No other practice in Destin or the surrounding region has achieved this status, and our success is directly attributed to the many referrals Bill Edelman has received for his results and honesty. Additionally, Destin Plastic Surgery has been designated as a national physician training center by Allergan Corp. Dr. Burden recently attended their speakers' training course and is one of only a few physicians in the country who has been qualified to lecture on BOTOX Cosmetic, JUVÉDERM and LATISSE®.

WHO IS AN APPROPRIATE CANDIDATE FOR THESE INJECTABLES?

BOTOX or Dysport®

Patients who wish to diminish or eliminate lines around the eyes, forehead, lips, mouth or neck. It has been used therapeutically for more than 17 years and remains one of the most popular nonsurgical treatment options for fine lines and wrinkles. BOTOX can last up to 4 months.

JUVÉDERM

A smooth gel filler that smoothes away wrinkles around your mouth and nose. Results may last up to 1 year.

Restylane® & Perlane®

These products can be used individually to add volume and fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth (nasolabial folds). Restylane is also FDA-approved for lip enhancement in patients over 21 years of age, and is formulated to give your lips fullness and definition.

RADIESSE®

RADIESSE Volumizing Filler acts as a scaffold under the skin, providing structure and stimulating your own natural collagen to grow. This process continues for several months, which extends the initial effect of RADIESSE Volumizing Filler, causing it to last upward of 1 year.

Retinol Vs. Prescription Retin-A

Many anti-wrinkle and skin rejuvenation products contain retinol, which is a form of vitamin A. Many people confuse retinol with Retin-A, which is a brand of tretinoin also referred to as trans-retinoic acid, or simply retinoic acid. Retinol and retinoic acid are related but distinctly different. Retinol and other forms of vitamin A, such as retinal and retinyl palmitate, do not have much direct effect on the skin. They first need to be converted by special enzymes into the active metabolite, retinoic acid. Only retinoic acid directly affects skin cells and helps reduce some signs of aging.

In theory, one should be able to apply retinol to the skin, wait till it gets converted to retinoic acid, and eventually get the known skin benefits of the latter. In reality, the conversion rate is low and varies greatly among individuals. Besides, when exposed to air either during storage or use, much retinol may get oxidized or degraded before it can become available for conversion to retinoic acid in the skin. As a result, significantly fewer people respond to retinol creams than to retinoic acid (tretinoin, Retin-A), and the degree of response tends to be less, for example, fewer side effects.

Not all forms of vitamin A are created equal. Some are more easily converted to retinoic acid than others. A typical conversion pathway looks like this:

Retinyl palmitate <=> Retinol <=> Retinaldehyde => Retinoic acid

It takes 2 and 3 metabolic steps, correspondingly, to convert retinol and retinyl palmitate to retinoic acid. The overall rate of conversion of retinol to retinoic acid is low, and that of retinyl palmitate is lower still. Therefore a relatively large amount of retinol, and an even larger amount of retinyl palmitate, needs to be delivered into a cell to boost retinoic acid levels and produce maximum skin benefits.

Prescription Tretinoin comes in strengths of .025%, .05% and .1%, the latter being the strongest.

We carry all 3 strengths for purchase in our Destin Florida spa but are also happy to provide one of the best retinols on the market from SkinMedica®. This retinol delivers 3 forms of vitamin A in a micro sponge delivery system to address fine lines and wrinkles.

Bottom line

Retinoic acid, a.k.a. tretinoin (sold as prescription Retin-A), still appears to be one of the most effective topical creams for stimulating collagen and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Retin-A users who experience skin irritation and/or chronic peeling could try to eliminate the side effects by reducing the concentration and/or frequency of application. If that fails, using a well-selected retinol product such as SkinMedica's Tri-Retinol Complex™ may be worth a try.

Schedule a free skincare consultation with Trish Sgobba, Melissa St. John or Sally Surgnier online, or call 850-654-1194.

3-D Imaging – See the New You Before Surgery!

Dr. William Burden and Dr. Scott Ennis of Destin Plastic Surgery rave about the 3-D system they use to simulate surgery on prospective clients. Recent advances in 3-dimensional photography combined with revolutionary new software allow prospective patients to preview what they may look like as the result of breast augmentation, rhinoplasty or facial contouring – well in advance of any surgery.

3-D imaging has emerged as the state-of-the art modern method to help cosmetic surgeons and patients visualize outcomes. The old days of red and blue tinted glasses are gone; the newest version of 3-D uses sophisticated computers to create lifelike images. Patients are often surprised to find the same technology used in films such as James Cameron's Avatar in their cosmetic surgeon's office.

"The 3-D simulator helps me to communicate visually and set the patient's expectations. When they are realistic about what can be achieved, they are much more at ease with surgery," says Dr. Ennis. "Specifically with our breast augmentation patients, they can compare many different implant sizes and see what the potential outcome would look like for them. It creates a shared vision between patient and surgeon."

For patients considering rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, the Vectra® 3-D imaging machine eliminates some of the uncertainty for both the patient and surgeon.

"No longer do potential patients simply have to take the surgeons word for what they envision will be an appropriate change," reiterated Dr. Burden. "They can see it on their own image."

"It has become an essential component of my consultation," Dr. Ennis said. "The Vectra® 3-D allows me to perform 'virtual surgery' with the patient as an active participant."

Vectra® 3-D is now available worldwide, yet Destin Plastic Surgery is one of only a limited number of cosmetic surgery practices in the United States with this system. A consultation for breast augmentation or rhinoplasty includes 3-D imaging and sculpting simulation at Destin Plastic Surgery. To schedule a consultation, request an appointment online or call (850) 654-1194.

Current Specials

When it comes to beauty, who can resist a good deal? Take a look at the skin care specials we have going this month:

• SkinMedica Vitalize Peel® $95 ($35 savings)
• Free HYALIS Refining Serum with any Neocutis purchase ($50 value)

Be sure to check back for Valentine's Day Specials – Coming soon!

A note to our patients...

What's the real secret to our success? You! We want to thank you for choosing us for your skin care, BOTOX and filler, laser hair removal and cosmetic surgery needs. Our new year's resolution is to continue to be nothing short of outstanding for all our patients.

Wishing you a new year that is as wonderful as you are. And if you need a new you, you know where we are.