Surprise! Women giving men the gift of plastic surgery

Last week, on Valentine’s Day, Inside Edition ran the story about Cassandra Martinez who was about to give her fiancé a Valentine’s Day gift he will never forget – new breasts.

“It will definitely be a Valentine’s Day to remember, she revealed. “My boyfriend gave me a ring so I’m going to have surgery.”

This recent IE segment came to the attention of Dr. Peter Fodor, past president of ASAPS, who explains this unusual sort of ”gifting” is becoming a common and growing trend.

Dr. Fodor says, “It was interesting to see this piece.  It is not common in our practice to have relatives and significant others cover charges for a cosmetic surgery procedure as a gift.  When this happens, it is essential to make sure that the recipient is determined and motivated to have the surgery based on her own desires, as opposed to an attempt to please the other person.”

“There is nothing worse than someone receiving a gift of plastic surgery who did not anticipate that others assume that a certain “flaw” was bothersome enough to do this. It’s different if the person asks for this directly as a gift, but to assume and surprise someone with a surgery as a gift is fraught with all kinds of problems, the very least are terribly hurt feelings,” says Dr. Fodor.

Original Article

Dying to be Beautiful: ‘My butt implants nearly killed me!’

A woman who posted a clip of her botched butt surgery on the internet is speaking out for the first time of the dangers of plastic surgery gone terribly wrong.

The woman, who is known as Renee, posted a video last year on YouTube, which showed her buttocks literally flipping up and down. She quickly became an internet sensation, with more than one million people viewing the disturbing clip.

Now three months later, Renee is speaking out about the ordeal in an interview with Trisha Goddard.

“Renee’s dream of having the perfect body was shattered when she realized something wasn’t right. Her quest for the perfect butt nearly cost her her life,” the accompanying caption on the clips reads.

During the teaser clips, the audience is seen gasping in horror as she shows off her over-sized implants.

And she details the moment she knew the something was terribly wrong.

“I was showing my girlfriend how I could reach up under the implant and it just kind of flipped and freaked me out,” she said. “I started getting really sick, I couldn’t breath.”

According to Radar Online, who were the first to post the clips, Renee issues a stern warning for those looking for the cheap way out when it comes to plastic surgery procedures.

“Love the skin you’re in. Please don’t go and do this stuff to yourself.  If more people would come out and tell their stories then less women would go and do this,” she says.

This is a sentiment that Dr. Peter B. Fodor, a Century City, CA plastic surgeon and past president of ASAPS, loudly echoes, warning women to stay away from the “wild west” of aesthetic enhancement industry.

Many people undergoing an aesthetic procedure believe the doctor performing the procedure is a board certified plastic surgeon.  Just because a doctor advertises a cosmetic procedure does not mean the doctor is qualified. Unfortunately, In most states, any licensed medical doctor is legally allowed to perform any procedures including plastic surgery without certification, and they are increasingly doing so, according to Dr. Peter B. Fodor.

As a result of the decline in insurance reimbursements many doctors are trying to find other ways to increase their income.    Many are attracted to cosmetic procedures because they can set their own fees and are paid directly by the patients.  The result is an onslaught uncertified medical doctors from ER doctors, internists and dentists to gynecologists and ophthalmologists opening medical spas and clinics offering non-surgical and even surgical cosmetic procedures.

“In my practice, redo surgery represents about 50 percent of the surgeries I perform,” said Dr. Fodor. Many of my colleagues report a significant increase in “redos” as a consequence of unskilled people performing  cosmetic procedures that demand training and experience.  In many cases damage has been done and, unfortunately, not all patients can be improved upon significantly enough to justify another operation.

“Many of my redo patients divulge that they have failed in their research when they selected their initial plastic surgeon and now, and as a result they are paying the price.  Just as in playing tennis, other sports or music, it is not the racquet, musical instrument that plays the primary role in the quality of the performance; it is the person in control that matters the most.”

Dr. Fodor insists that women should adopt a “Buyer Beware” attitude when it comes to plastic surgery.

“Many people spend more time and energy getting quotes, recommendations, or opinions about an appliance they want to purchase than they do when choosing a plastic surgeon with whom they will have, in many cases, a life changing surgical procedure.  Performing the due diligence required may be time-consuming but it is well worth the effort.”

Original Article

Dr. Peter Fodor

A Scarless Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction surgery has a very high patient satisfactory rating; however, most women want to avoid large surgery incision scars

Although there are many revolutionary, non-surgical skin tightening devices on the market today, none of them are effective yet for breast reduction or lifting. Traditional breast reduction surgery typically leaves scarring around the areolas, then in an upside down "T shape" from the bottom of the areola down to a horizontal scar under the crease of the breast.

Who is the ideal patient for liposuction of the breast? Dr. Fodor states, "the young woman with good skin quality, no stretch marks and normal thickness because the thicker the dermis the better the skin shrinks."

Although young women tend to have better skin, Dr. Fodor has performed the procedure on a 60 year old woman with positive results. More important than age is skin quality. Women with poor skin elasticity or that require a large reduction or lift are not good candidates for this procedure. Performed properly the extra skin shrinks and contracts towards the nipple, some patients actually achieve uplifting of the breast contour.

It is important to note that Dr. Fodor has been performing this technique for years and has had much success. It is not routinely performed by the typical liposuction surgeon. Dr. Robert Burke, a cosmetic surgeon in Ann Arbor, Michigan explains, "Breast reductions typically reduce the size of the breasts and lift the nipple areolar region resulting in younger, firmer, more 'perky' breasts. Usually this requires a combination of careful surgical techniques designed to minimize the scar. Where there is excess fat around the breasts, a liposculpture technique may contribute to better results. Where the excess is mainly due to extra breast tissue this does not work as well. Although volume can sometimes be reduced in this manner, the nipple position relative to the breast remains low.

Original Article

Surprising beauty and fashion secrets for red carpet season

Surprising beauty and fashion secrets for red carpet season

We are in the throes of red carpet season, as the Grammys loom, the Emmys, DGA, SAG and Golden Globes just wrapped and the Oscars are the big finale to what seems like one black tie shindig after another in Hollywood.

Many people wonder what stars do to get through a night of looking camera ready and fabulous. Monsters and Critics asked top makeup artists, publicists, wardrobe assistants and stylists what were some of the lesser known tricks of the trade to keep a star fresh and fabulous. You will be surprised.

This is must-have inside every publicist and stylist's handbag or kit. This miracle double sided tape fixes ripped out hems from high heels and errant strapless dresses fighting with gravity to go south. The kind you want? A form of double stick tape you can purchase at a well-stocked beauty supply store. This is considered the all-purpose duct tape of the fashion and beauty world. It's a must have staple for any bride and bridal party too.

Cocktail and formal dresses demand shapewear, and the slimming craze has gone one step further: Waist training.  Everything old is new again as the underbust corset is quietly back in style - practical, functional and effective - it completes any form fitting outfit. American-made corsets from The Corset Chick are top picks, and constructed of 24 spiral steel bones that are five layers of fabric, making it one of the strongest and hardest wearing garments on the market. The corset is suitable for training of the waist but please seek medical advice before attempting this. Waist training corsets can reduce your waist by 6"-7" but are for experienced corset wearers. The more you use them, the smaller your waist gets naturally.

Jello powder! Especially cherry Red Jello, which is applied on slightly dampened lips after lining with an appropriate colored liner. Use a lip brush to apply to moist lips for a long-lasting stain. Then build your lipcolor by applying a pretty lipstick over, blot, then re-apply and add a dab of gloss. Your mouth will stay with you despite your tippling of champagne flutes.

Red eyes, pimple and under eye circles can all be addressed with a careful application of vaso-constricting eye drops and nasal spray. Both are topical steroids that shrink blood vessels so this will deflame red pimples, help under eye puffiness and undereye circles. Use before an absorbing eye gel cream and then use a lightweight opague concealer like Laura Mercier's Secret Camouflage creme that comes in a wide range of two-toned compacts to custom blend for the right color so you don't look like an owl.

Fat Melting by Sound

Happy feet

Stars wear stratospheric heels for the cameras, but when no one is watching they slip into low profile flats to run around in the dark of the ballrooms. American shoemaker Pluggz is a top pick and newcomer for the high fashion color ranges and the low profile it has, as it delivers an optimal arch and instep structure so feet do not tire. Flat shoes can be as painful as high heels if the shoe has no support.

Pluggz contains black plugs made from a custom carbon and rubber compound that sit under a weight bearing part of the foot ensuring electrical contact between the earth and the foot. These plugs are designed to conduct a flow of free electrons that energize the foot.

Pluggz not only offer extreme comfort, they also are super stylish and have flats and flip-flops in fun metallic and neutrals ensuring they’ll go with every outfit.
Pluggz are made of 100% high quality, comfortable rubber soles. People love the way they feel. And, Hollywood celebrities love them because when you buy a pair of Pluggz, a portion of the proceeds goes towards supporting inspiring organizations dedicated to improved health for people of all ages.

Orignal Article

Vaser

Dr. Fodor

Last year, Pippa's butt, this year, Kate's nose - one top plastic surgeon's warning What IS the perfect nose?

One top plastic surgeon in California says it is the best one overall for your features, not just a copycat of popular celebrities and royals. The never ending trend in fashionable body parts has gone from Pippa Middleton's rear end to sister Duchess Kate's pug nose. Case in point: Kate Middleton, wife of William and now a duchess. The year she wed her Prince William, her sister Pippa Middleton caused a worldwide rush to recreate what was dubbed the "Pippa Butt" by the media, as women went to have gluteal sculpting and fat transfers to recreate the perky derriere. Remember when everyone wanted the “Rachel” haircut from Friends? If it didn’t work for you, no problem, you just wanted for it to grow up, but you can’t do that with a celebrity look-a-like nose. You are stuck with it, even after it isn’t fashionable any more. Now Kate's nose is the rage, as girls are flooding board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Peter Fodor's offices in Century City, California to achieve what some describe as the "perfect nose." "Spring break is one of the most popular times to have rhinoplasty," says Dr. Fodor. "It's the perfect downtime for a more involved procedure that takes some time to heal." "The best nose for any face is one that fits the surrounding features and is proportionally correct, thereby enhancing beauty instead of the dreaded cookie cutter noses that reveal the uninspired work of a lesser surgeon," says Dr. Fodor. Which is why what Los Angeles plastic surgeon, Dr. Peter B. Fodor - among the top 1% of U.S. Plastic Surgeons according to U.S. News and celebrity surgeon to the stars - has to say is so important. Dr. Fodor rules out surgery for about 50% of the people who want to engage his services. Dr. Fodor tells the truth about what to expect throughout the process of any plastic surgery procedure, even if its not what the patient wants to hear.

According to data from one of England’s top cosmetic surgery centers, requests for Kate’s nose have tripled since 2011.

"Diana Princess of Wales had a rather strong nose, not at all pug and perky like her son's wife," says Dr. Fodor. "Her face was beautiful, and her nose worked with her features. Beauty is measured in millimeters, and often times what seems like a detriment in the looks department is often a women (or man's) greatest ally. Imperfection can be an exquisite thing taken in context with the whole picture."

Original Article

Dr. Peter Fodor

Expert Opinion: Why you shouldn’t follow the trend of getting plastic surgery to get Kate Middleton’s nose

Remember when everyone wanted the “Rachel” haircut from Friends?  If it didn’t work for you, no problem, you just waited for it to grow out, but you can’t do that with a celebrity look-a-like nose.  You are stuck with it, even after it isn’t fashionable any more.

Does Kate Middleton have it by a nose over Showtime “Californication” star and fellow Brit Natascha McElhone?  The never-ending trend in fashionable body parts has gone from Pippa Middleton’s rear end to sister Duchess Kate’s pug nose, with one British cosmetic surgery company recently claiming that Kate’s nose was the most requested procedure they came across last year.

The best nose for any face is one that fits the surrounding features and is proportionally correct, thereby enhancing beauty instead of the dreaded Beverly Hills cookie cutter noses that reveal the uninspired work of lesser plastic surgeons.

Which is why what Los Angeles plastic surgeon, Dr. Peter B. Fodor - among the top 1% of U.S. Plastic Surgeons according to U.S. News and celebrity surgeon to the stars – has to say is so important. Dr. Fodor rules out surgery for about 50% of the people who want to engage his services and he is intent on giving his patients the tools to be able to make an informed rational decision.

“Diana Princess of Wales had a rather strong nose, not at all pug and perky like her son’s wife,” says Dr. Fodor. “Her face was beautiful, and her nose worked with her features. Beauty is measured in millimeters, and often times what seems like a detriment in the looks department is often a women (or man’s) greatest ally. Imperfection can be an exquisite thing taken in context with the whole picture.”

People are swayed to style and resemble what they see in tabloids spotlighting the latest celebrity surgical blunder. At the same time, there are many people with surgical success stories who feel better about themselves after a well thought out procedure. They report improvement in self-esteem and confidence in a way that enables them to enrich their quality of life. These are the people who have a healthy realistic relationship with themselves and what surgery can and can’t provide.

However, Dr. Fodor warns that chasing trends in plastic surgery can be disastrous for your looks.  Think Jennifer Grey!

Here is more on this hot new cosmetic trend…

Dr. Peter Fodor

Original Article

Ultrasound: Hollywood's Newest Weapon Against Fat

The world of plastic surgery is constantly changing to keep up with the demand for people seeking the fountain of youth -- especially in Hollywood. We examined one the latest non-surgical procedures that utilizes ultrasound technology to break down and flush out fat.

Board certified surgeon Dr. Peter Fodor gives us a demonstration from his Beverly Hills office of how he uses paddles to apply ultrasound energy to neutralize fat cells, which he says are then absorbed and eliminated from the body.

Stand-up comedienne Monique Marvez underwent the 40 minute procedure for our cameras and says she immediately saw amazing results. "Look at my tummy whoo -- that's flatter than day old Coke it looks amazing!"

Watch the video to see more of this innovative cosmetic procedure.

Original Article

Dr Peter Fodor

A New Trend In Beauty with Dr. Constantino Mendieta

Men and women alike are known to dibble and dabble in plastic sugery. Whether it is a nose job, liposuction, tummy tuck, Botox, and any other surgery they can get to achieve the ‘ultimate look.’ Well, the trend that is now is butt augmentations. Everyone looks at stars like Beyonce, J-Lo, and Kim Kardashian and want to have what they see as the perfect booty. Look no further; Dr. Constantino Mendieta is the ‘Master of Booties.’ Located in Miami Florida, Dr. Mendieta makes sure all of his clients have a well sculpted bottom they are happy and proud of. Leaving clients more confident that ever.

Why the ‘booty’? What was so intriguing about the butt that made you want to focus on that specific aspect of the body?

Constantino Mendieta:

Believe me it was not an easy road.  You see I am married man you have no idea how many times I got knocked off of a bench from a right elbow to the rib cage while starring at buttocks. So how do you tell your wife you want to stare at buttocks all day long?

Well after two weeks of therapy I was able to approach the subject again. Just kidding she was actually very helpful she helped me see things from a woman’s perspective and gave me a different outlook.

So the research began, in the beginning I was obsessed to say the least thinking about it almost day and night. I was very frustrated since I did not know what I was really looking at, they all looked alike, two buns with a central part some were pretty, others- well!. I started by gathering hundreds of buttock pictures and dividing them into “attractive”, “not so attractive” and “where did this come from”. I found myself thinking of this all the time and made several mistakes along the way, on one occasion I woke my wife up at 1 in the morning and I said; honey- stand up- she thought a cockroach or a rat had entered into the bed so she jumped quickly with her hair all up in the air and barely conscious she said what? What happened? I then- said-do me a favor turn around for a minute, I have been thinking of something that I think is important, I need to measure your buttock. Well the buttock project had to go on hold for while at least until I straightened out with the therapist the appropriate times to discuss the butt.

With therapy I could now return to the buttock project but my determination was strong, every walk in the park was an opportunity to study

Actually my wife turned out to be a tremendous help and gave my first start at figuring out what I was looking at. With my wife’s help I noticed that the attractive buttock was not related to size but rather shape and proportions. She helped me find relationships in the surrounding parts of the buttock (she noticed there were different buttock heights and widths) and with this little push it really got me thinking in the right direction.

As a side note it is interesting to see how men and women see things very differently. I showed her two beautiful buttocks and asked what she saw. I realized that women tend to have sharper eye for aesthetics and beauty while men are much more sexual (comments like I’ll tell you what I see? Or howling noises, on one occasion ‘wait a minute that’s my sister!’.

It took me about 8 years to really understand how to reshape and change the buttock region. I now teach all over the world and have written and authored a book on the subject. There are only two in the world.

How long have you been sculpting booties?

CM: This is a passion that started 12 years ago. When I developed the interest there was absolutely nothing in our literature (in the history of plastic surgery) to help guide surgeons in the aesthetic of the buttocks, how to contour, what makes a pretty buttock, how do you transform the buttock to be perkier, prettier more youthful appearance. There were some articles on how to make the buttock bigger but nothing in the aesthetics of beauty of the buttock. This therefore became my mission and it took me seven years to develop the process and then teach others around the world.

What prompted you to write The Art of Gluteal Sculpting?

CM: The seven years it took me to develop a new booty vision was cemented in my book. There was a need for this in our specialty. There are only two books in the world on this subject and I am fortunate to have been able to write one of them.

The fat is an excellent way to augment the buttock it is completely natural therefore no chances of rejection since it is your own body. However we need the transplanted fat to survive it is like transplant trees from the back yard to the front yard, it needs the right nutrition, water and the best soil but not all the tree will survive. When it comes to fat not all the transferred fat will survive and it will take six months for the final results to be seen.

How is the butt augmentation done? How is the fat transferred in the bottom?

CM: The fat is obtained from unwanted areas of the body, areas that you cannot get rid of no matter how much your work out or diet. This liquid gold material (fat), is then prepared by separating the fluid from the fat and then transferring the pure fat cells to the buttock. The trick is not just making the buttock bigger but also rather reshaping it, making it perkier and more youthful.  You don’t necessarily need to make it bigger and you can just reshape, but if you desire a larger buttock this also can be done. The fat in injected into the muscle into the fat and in all layers of the buttock.

What is the recovery time? Are you able to sit on your bottom right after the procedure?

CM: It is 10 days to get back to work, one month to feel normal (like you feel before surgery), two months to get back to the gym and six months to see the final results.

Women are going great lengths to achieve the perfect bottom; they are even going so far as to getting butt injections; what are the dangers of these injections?

CM: You have three ways to augment the buttock; implants, fat grafting and these unapproved and deadly liquid injections (they consist of silicone, fix a flat, PMMT).  The biggest  “con” is selecting an unqualified doctor. The horrors of these back alley quacks who criminally inject industrial chemicals, cement and who knows what cause irreparable damage and death to desperate people. The pros are numerous, Life changing for many, as your entire shape is re-jigged, literally. I give women with blocky midsections a waist, and a booty that they have always wanted with their own fat tissue. The confidence boost is tremendous, and I cannot tell you how ecstatic people are to live a life in a body they are proud of.  Also, removing fat from the abdomen is a healthy move for many people too.

From, the before and after photos (which are amazing by the way!), your clients are pretty much getting liposuction in addition to their augmentation. You can see the way the back is sculpted from the end product…. Have you ever had any client that was not satisfied with your work?

CM: Sure, plastic surgery is not an exact science and complications occur or just results that were not what they desired. When you deal with the human psyche there are many variables, and not every patient will be happy. There is nothing in life where all people are happy every single time no matter what industry you are in. It is just a fact of life. But to minimize these issues you need to feel comfortable with your surgeon. Go to surgeons who love performing the procedure and do it on a regular basis. It is not about self-promotion but rather about educating the public on safety issues, understanding the options that exist and avoiding pitfalls, educating patients on what to look for in a surgeon and how to select a surgeon.

Frankly there are many very good board certified plastic surgeons. It is imperative that you do your homework and look at three things:

1. Board certification
2. Before and after photos to make sure you are on the same aesthetic sense make sure you like his way of looking at the aesthetics. You are selecting and artist and just like art there are many different taste. Select the one for you.
3. Feel comfortable with your surgeon; therefore see several doctors before you decide.

Is the augmentation reversible?

CM: Well you can always liposuction the area that was augmented, making the buttock smaller but why would you want to do that? This would make me cry.

Can you tell us some of your celebrity clients and/or famous faces that our readers may know?

CM: Unfortunately while we have many high profile people I cannot disclose names due to HIPPA and privacy issues. But they are shaking their ‘money-makers.’

Tell me about your upcoming reality show The Best Seat in The House? How did the idea of a reality show come about, and how did you get involved?

I was approached by a production company called 44 Blue, and they had the idea since they felt the buttock is the new hot topic and patients are flying from all over the world. People are mortgaging houses, taking out loans, getting sugar daddies, and scarffing up savings to get a new booty. This is the latest craze in plastic surgery. So they felt this was a world worth exploring the lengths that people got to, to improve the back side. I am super excited about this look into the plastic surgery world from a different perspective

When can we expect the show to air?

CM: Not sure we are still pitching to the various networks

There was a photo of a male patient you worked on; do you get a lot of male patients who want the butt augmentation just as much as females? Is your fee still $14,000, and, does the same fee apply to male clients or is it a bit more because they are males?

CM: Men are a huge untapped market currently they are about 10% of the practice but they should be higher, one of the first things men lose is their buttocks and they have to overcompensate with large wallets in the buttock. But really when it comes to men a flat buttock is a current epidemic that we need to cure.

Tell me about your Booty Camp? What does it consist of? Squats, running, and special foods?

CM: Booty camp is when patients don’t have enough fat so I need them to gain weight. I send them on eating workouts to McDonalds, pasta places, dessert places, and high calorie shakes. It is booty training.

Original Article

Dr. Constantino Mendieta

Butt implant fail wins viral video award

The winner for viral video award of the week goes to an unfortunate woman who reveals a buttocks implant operation that has gone terribly wrong.

"This is an example of gluteal surgery gone terribly wrong," says Miami-based plastic surgeon Dr. Constantino Mendieta, who literally wrote the book (The Art of Gluteal Sculpting) on this new trend in plastic surgery, where bottoms are being shaped with implants and more popular autologous fat transfer. This is also known as "fat grafting," where fat is harvested from unwanted areas and put back in where it is needed.

Dr. Mendieta says, "Safer than implants, fat is the golden material for enhancing and rejuvenating everything from the back of the hands and the face for volume loss to calves and even biceps to make them appear larger."

The increase in the demand for such procedures means surgery-gone-horribly-wrong cases are filling the news, especially the transsexual phony doctor in Miami who injected cement and Fix-A-Flat into women's skin directly.

“People are desperate to enhance their buttocks, but take dangerous chances not seeking out a qualified board certified surgeon," Mendieta said.

The famous case of Oneal Ron Morris of Miami showed how death can result from back alley butchers who use foreign materials to create a bigger behind. Morris was charged with manslaughter in the death of Shatarka Nuby, 31.

The sad fact is that Morris was already facing charges of practicing medicine without a license and causing serious bodily injury for allegedly injecting at least two women with a mixture of Fix-a-Flat tire sealant, mineral oil and cement in a backroom attempt at buttock enhancement. Nuby died after receiving injections to enlarge her breasts, allegedly from Oneal.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery monitors these horrific cases, and Dr. Mendieta urges everyone wanting to improve their appearance to do background checks on physicians offering this, and contact their patients to get first hand referrals too.

Board certified plastic surgeons are members of the American Society for Plastic Surgeons as well as the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery..

Dr. Constantino Mendieta, MD, FACS, has long viewed cosmetic surgery as a reflection of the human body’s own evolution, and how to improve it. A Latino American with a practice based in the “Gateway to the Americas,” Dr. Mendieta’s speciality in buttock shaping and body contouring procedures as well as butt augmentations with fat grafting are considered top in the field.

"There is no procedure more satisfying to me than combined buttock and body reshaping, it is truly a life changing procedure," says Dr. Mendieta.

Original Article

Dr. Constantino Mendieta MD

Plastic surgery gone wrong: See this botched butt implant job

We have long written about the tragedy that results when women opt to visit back-alley quacks instead of paying top-of-the notch plastic surgeons.

Today, we present you another example–  a woman’s butt implants have apparently “flipped inside  out”.

The video is shocking to say the least and should be used as a cautionary tale of when it comes to your body and your looks, don’t think being frugal is best.

As leading plastic surgeon Dr. Peter Fodor, has previously told us, these back-alley organizations have long been condemned in the medical community, but alarming, of late, they seem to be enjoying a resurgence.

“This practice has been condemned by the medical community, as well as by the FDA a long time ago, but it seems to be resurfacing in the hands of back alley quacks,” he says.  “It is most unfortunate that patients still subject themselves to these injections which should not take place, even if the recipients were to be paid as opposed to them paying to be mutilated.”

Here is the clip– watch with caution..

Original Article

Dr. Peter Fodor

GERD Awareness Week - What one doctor wants you to know

GERD Awareness Week is Nov. 18-24. Few people know that though, and they also don't always know the symptoms of GERD and when to see the doctor during the holidays to make the season more comfortable. One prominent doctor in Los Angeles makes it his mission to educate people to this cancer causing condition on a year-round basis. Dr. Carson Liu has conducted extensive research and is widely published in the fields of gastrointestinal and bariatric surgery. He is nationally recognized in his fields and has lectured extensively to professional societies on these subjects. The American Diabetes Association has honored Dr. Carson Liu for his work in helping people escape morbid obesity through safe surgery. Throughout the holiday season, many of us will partake in the abundance and super rich traditional foods that graces their tables. After indulging, however, approximately 30 million Americans will suffer the effects of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, making their celebrations less than festive. Dr. Liu, a board certified, frequent contributor to Monsters and Critics, wants you to know about National GERD Awareness Week is November 18-24. The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy also urges individuals who suffer from GERD to seek medical diagnosis and treatment to make their holidays and every day comfortable and symptom-free. GERD or Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when contents in the stomach flow back up the esophagus. This happens when the valve between the stomach and the esophagus, known as the lower esophageal sphincter, opens inappropriately. Causes GERD is caused when there is an imbalance between the normal defense mechanisms of the esophagus and offensive factors such as acid and other digestive juices and enzymes in the stomach. Often, the barrier between the stomach and the esophagus is impaired by weakening of the muscle (lower esophageal sphincter) or the presence of a hiatal hernia, where part of the stomach is displaced into the chest. Hiatal hernias, however, are common and not all people with a hiatal hernia have reflux. A major cause of reflux is obesity; here, increased pressure in the abdomen overcomes the barrier between the stomach and the esophagus. Obesity, pregnancy, smoking, excess alcohol use and consumption of coffee, citrus drinks, tomato-based products, chocolate, peppermint and fried and fatty foods can exacerbate reflux symptoms. Dr. Carson Liu received his medical degree from the University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine and completed his internship, residencies and research fellowship at UCLA Medical Center. In 1998, Dr. Carson Liu was appointed Assistant Professor of Surgery at UCLA Medical School where he continued to hone his skills in clinical practice, teaching and research. Dr. Liu spoke to us today about GERD: "If you are suffering from heartburn, hiatal hernia, throat burn, hoarseness caused by burning, please get it checked out. It's probably GERD. It's GERD awareness week!" "Humphrey Bogart's son wishes his dad had it checked out before dying of esophageal cancer. Please tell your loved ones to see a specialist regarding heartburn!"

Original Article

Dr Carson Liu

Botox is helping save the lives of newborns

A highly poisonous neurotoxin with amazing medical benefits, Botox is also helping save the lives of newborns with certain birth defects, sparing tiny patients risky surgery.

Botox is revolutionizing the care of kids with cerebral palsy and adults with certain complications of stroke, spinal cord injury, or brain trauma. While Botox doesn’t cure these disorders, it can deliver remarkably effective short-term symptomatic relief, experts report.

“It’s just like with many other medications that are actually poisons – it’s how we use them and where we use them that make the difference,” Dr. William Klava of Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND told Inforum.com. Dr. Klava has given Botox injections to babies as young as two months—and adults as old as 90—to combat such cerebral palsy symptoms as spastic movements and rigid muscles.

Botulinum toxin, better known as Botox, is a protein produced by the bacterium that’s the culprit in often fatal food poisoning called botulism. It causes muscle paralysis by blocking a neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, that signals muscles to move. Here’s a look at the latest wrinkles in treating serious medical conditions.

Dangerous Cosmetics Ingredients to Watch Out For

A Poison that Helps Newborns Breath

One of Botox’s most amazing medical uses is treating babies with CHARGE syndrome, a rare cluster of potentially life-threatening birth defects that can affect the heart, nerves, and other organs. The syndrome also causes overactive salivary glands, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs that leaves babies unable to breath on their own.

Typically, this problem is treated with tracheotomy surgery, putting babies at risk for a wide range of complications. In a world-first experimental treatment, doctors injecting tiny amounts of Botox into a two-month-old baby’s salivary glands to reduce secretions, a procedure described in Archives of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery in 2008.

The injections were repeated every four to six months for a year and a half, until the little boy’s overactive glands shrank and stopped producing excessive saliva. Botox has proved so effective at treating CHARGE syndrome symptoms that specialists at Montreal Children’s Hospital have now given more than 1,000 shots to little kids, including 12 newborns, and report no major side effects from the treatment.

Quelling Kids’ Cerebral Palsy Symptoms

Up to 2 million American kids have cerebral palsy (CP), the leading childhood motor disorder. Forty-one percent of these children are limited in their ability to play, crawl or walk and 31 percent need wheelchairs or other mobility aids, reports the CDC. Doctors at a number of children’s hospitals and rehab centers are using Botox injections to reduce painful muscle spasms and stiffness.

Brad Gandy has been getting the injections since he was 3 years old to make him more comfortable in his wheelchair, reports Wate.com. "It has been the very best thing for us," says his mom, Sandra. "His legs would be extremely tight and then after he would have the shot, after about two or three weeks, then they were much more relaxed."

According to Dr. Klava, Botox can be used in almost any muscle, and reduces jerky movements of the arms and legs, and sudden contractions and stiffness of muscles in kids and adults with CP. The results usually last four to six months.

Combating Stroke, Spinal Cord Injury and Brain Trauma Symptoms

It may seem counterintuitive to use a neurotoxin that paralyzes muscles to treat people who are already disabled by strokes, spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. Yet doctors at Emory University and other centers report that Botox can have surprising benefits, particularly for spastic paralysis--stiffness and lack of movement resulting from injuries to the spine or brain—or spasticity.

About a million Americans are affected by chronic spasticity. Stroke is the most common cause; others include a spinal cord or brain injury, multiple sclerosis or CP. Botox injections help loosen the affected muscles, John Lin, M.D., assistant professor of physical and rehabilitation medicine, Emory University School of Medicine reported in a news statement.

"Day after day, we see how well these injections are working for spasticity control," says Dr. Lin. "Because patients can regain mobility and use of their limbs following an injury or set-back, the injections give an aspect of independence to the patient, as well as comfort and care."

Other Surprising Uses of Botox

More than 5 million Americans get Botox injections each year. Along with fighting forehead furrows, the neurotoxin is also FDA approved for crossed eyes, excessive sweating, and migraine headaches, along with a movement disorder called cervical dystonia, reports Dr. Peter Fodor, clinical professor of plastic surgery at UCLA.

Another medical and cosmetic use is treating bruxism (teeth grinding). “Many people don’t know that grinding your teeth can actually change the shape of your face—causing your jaw to be more square and giving you an older look,” says Dr. Fodor. Botox injections both alleviate grinding that wears down teeth and also loosens jaw muscles, giving the face a more youthful, oval appearance.

Dr. Peter Fodor

Original Article

The disturbing trend of fat acceptance, one doctor speaks out against it

Many argue it shouldn’t get any attention as obesity is both unattractive and unhealthy.  The facts are that in the vast majority of cases, obesity is a choice.

American, and the entire world it seems, are getting fatter each day based on reported numbers.

Food that feeds us all is many things. It’s comfort, it’s nutrition, it is empty calories, it’s communion, it’s tradition and it’s often times killing us without us being aware.

Fat and health are NOT two different things. You cannot be obese (more than a little overweight, which many people are and is perfectly healthy for older folks) and be considered well.

Conversely you can be trim and thin and very unhealthy, but not from diseases directly related to obesity. You can (be) living a healthy lifestyle and be felled by a genetic disease, but your chances for poor health rise as your waistline increases. These are facts.

Since permanent, significant weight loss is possible for many people via safe bariatric surgery and lifestyle changes, recommending and encouraging weight loss is a life saver for many people.  Everyone deserves to have their conditions taken seriously and treated with effective care, regardless of their size.

Leading board certified bariatric surgeon Dr. Carson Liu deals with individuals who use every excuse in the book to delay, put off or worse, ignore the issues of their obesity.

He sees the ramifications of these traits, and even has a unique personal situation with his own brother who is so obese even Dr. Liu would not operate on him unless he lost weight first. He is watching his brother die a slow painful death, something sure to happen if he doesn't stop ignoring his obesity and stop accepting it as his lifestyle.

A frequent contributor to Monsters and Critics, Dr. Liu is incredibly compassionate for his patients no matter what made them obese. He is immensely concerned for them and he can be firm with them when he has to. But he does what successful people do in controlling obesity through any means necessary, and that even means considering non-surgical tactics first.

Bottom line: once the patient commits to doing something to help themselves Dr. Liu is there with his full arsenal of tactics to help them, and he does it with utmost effort.

"The psychological barriers people put up for themselves is part of the problem which is growing the national obesity epidemic," says Dr. Liu, who says most obese individuals "have additional psychological problems, and need a life altering experience to provide the wake up call that can save them."

Dr. Liu says,  "I operate on your guts to get to your brain."

His life work sees the intense reality of what happens when people "accept" obesity as their lifestyle and he deals with his patients and the devastating health results of their decision.

"I cringe at knowing more and more people are accepting being fat, and doing it proudly. There's even an association devoted to fat acceptance," says Dr. Liu.

"These people are really walking a dangerous precipice for being highly vulnerable to obesity related diseases. Since every person has individual health traits, some people can live with many extra pounds and get away with it, and others in similar conditions suffer extreme ramifications by contracting diabetes, heart ailments, hypertension, and more, and some perish while others live long lives."

A NY Times '07 study reported that people who live a fat life send signals to those around them that cause others to become fat as well. That article headline screamed "Study Says Obesity Can Be Contagious."

"While our nation gets bigger and fatter with a national obesity epidemic, knowing that a movement for fat acceptance is upon us is a very dangerous thing to contemplate for those of us who are so dedicated to helping people who are dying, who are struggling, and who are living terrible lives because they made decisions early on to accept their obesity proudly," says Dr. Liu. It's now caught up with them and many come to him for help to regain control of their lives.

What is your stance on fat acceptance? Is it a positive thing or a shameful development that condones an unhealthy lifestyle?  Talk back:

Dr. Carson Liu

5 Surprising Uses for BOTOX: Much More Than Wrinkles

An increasing number of patients are requesting alternative uses of Botox. While some of these treatments are becoming more widely accepted, experts caution that a well trained professional is key to desirable results.

Various uses for BOTOX (tm) are popping up and catching on everywhere. It may be hard to tell if Botox is the right solution for your issue. One thing is for sure, having a skilled and highly trained professional administering your BOTOX can make all the difference in your results - no matter what treatment you are seeking. We spoke with a top doctor to find out more about some of these new uses and what to look out for when considering them.

Top plastic surgeon Dr. Peter Fodor, rated in the nation's top 1% by U.S. News, deals with usual and unusual uses for Botox beyond the normal. "There are uses that are cosmetic, and there are uses that are functional," explains Fodor. An example of a functional use is using Botox to help battle teeth grinding, also called Bruxism. A cosmetic example is the Nefertiti Neck Lift, where the chin is quickly lifted using multiple injections of Botox. It improves the loss of jawline definition that occurs during aging. Treating Bruxism actually provides a 2 for 1 benefit since while it reduces teeth grinding, it also relaxes the facial muscles that typically create an undesired rectangular facial look, thus providing an aesthetic benefit as well.

Nefertiti Neck Lift using BOTOX by Dr. Peter Fodor

It's important to understand that since Botox is a powerful neurotoxin you should work with a doctor who knows when it's right to use the product for these conditions, and how much to use.

One of the procedures emerging as a trend for Botox is using it as a treatment for Frey Syndrome. This rare disorder causes excessive sweating on the face while a person eats. Some doctors have argued that using Botox to treat Frey Syndrome means the possibility of the Botox affecting underlying muscles, which may lead to a partially paralyzed look. Dr. Fodor understands the risk and says that the key is going to a doctor who has the skill to treat more intricate conditions. "Frey Syndrome involves underlying nerves, and that's nothing to be taken lightly. There are very important nuances with this treatment which can be effective if you work with a doctor who is very familiar with this condition," said Fodor. He adds that he has seen successful results which last up to a year.

Fixing the condition called Gummy Smile is another condition for which Dr. Fodor and others are using Botox. It is possible to over-correct, which would cause an upper lip to become too low or to cause an uneven looking smile. It is critical to go to a physician who understands the underlying structure of the facial muscles. Dr. Fodor shares that an advanced knowledge of theses muscles and the facial anatomy, and the way they work together is required to create symmetry where uneven conditions may occur otherwise.

Even more uses for Botox are also being found. Many physicians don't even know many of these newer uses.

Dr. Fodor does anticipate additional uses will start to become commonplace. Pulling from his own practice Fodor says "Bell's Palsy is another condition that I've helped a great deal with Botox." In the dysfunction of the cranial nerve which creates an inability to control facial muscles, Botox dramatically helps the appearance and can bring an even look and confidence back to the patient.

When exploring these uses of Botox as treatment options, be sure to consult with a highly experienced doctor.

Original Article

Dr. Peter Fodor

Allergan may sell Lap-Band, Bariatric surgeon weighs in

The Irvine-based Allergan, maker of Botox, is considering selling its Lap-Band weight-loss unit amid rapidly declining sales and negative publicity about patient deaths from the shady 1-800 group that at one time enlisted Dr. Drew Pinsky as a spokesperson.

It was reported by the LA Times that sales were down 25% from last year and 53% from its peak four years ago.

"We're exploring strategic options for the obesity intervention business, as the sales dynamics do not fit the profile of a high-growth company like Allergan," David E.I. Pyott, the company's chairman and chief executive, said Tuesday during a conference call reported by the LA Times. "Vigorous management of our portfolio businesses has always been integral to our strategy."

Allergan acquired the Lap-Band when it bought Santa Barbara-based Inamed in 2006.

The Times also reported that the FBI and FDA were conducting a criminal investigation of 1-800-GET-THIN and Michael and Julian Omidi, the brothers who lawsuits say own the company.

Lap-Band surgery has competing treatments for the same outcome of intense weight loss. There is also the sleeve gastrectomy requiring the stomach to be cut open and stapled so it holds less food. There is also the No Band surgery, which folds the stomach without inserting foreign objects.

Dr. Carson Liu, M.D. is a regular contributor to Monsters and Critics and has comments on Allergan’s announcement this week that it will likely abandon its Lap Band product – the nation’s most common bariatric procedure

A celebrated bariatric surgeon who has performed more than 2,500 Lap Band procedures himself, Dr. Liu also has been a public and vocal critique of the abuse of the Lap Band - statistically, one of the safest bariatric procedures - by some marketing firms, notably 1-800-GET-THIN. (Dr. Liu has been quoted in the L.A. Times and appeared on TV news condemning such abusive practices.)

Dr. Liu’s comments about Allergan and the Lap Band:

“I believe Lap Band sales were artificially pumped up by 1-800-Get-Thin. Sales decreased with the advent of the bad economy and the very slow recovery. In addition, Allergan ceased sales to one of their largest buyers of the product [1-800-Get Thin]. Finally, its association with 1-800-Get-Thin embroiled Allergan in Congressional hearings, lawsuits and criminal investigations along with a complete destruction of the product’s safety profile by the patients’ deaths associated with 1-800-Get-Thin.

“A contributing factor has been the decline in coverage provided by insurance plans, which, compared to just three years ago, have foisted higher premiums, higher deductibles and more co-pays onto patients. As a result, patients are more reluctant to pursue elective surgery when they have to pay out of pocket before a procedure. They also tend not to worry about their health when they are trying to survive an economic recession.

“Still, the Lap Bands’ $37 million in sales for the last quarter isn’t bad for any medical product line. However, even if it does sell Lap Band, Allergan isn’t getting out of the bariatric business. It still will have Ober intragastric balloons, which soon may get FDA approval, as well as other weight-loss product lines that promise to be genuinely innovative. Moreover, I believe Allergan is divesting itself of Allergan to concentrate on aesthetics (Botox, fillers, and breast implants) and ophthalmics. Weight loss was always the odd product line for Allegan that came with Inamed, the largest saline breast implant, as the result of Allergan's purchase of the company.”

Original Article

Dr. Carson Liu, MD

New 4 D VASER Liposculpture changing fat removal game

Last week, Monsters and Critics was invited to watch the revolutionary liposculpture work of Dr. Vivek Bansal and Dr. Alfredo Hoyos at the Stevenson Surgery Center in Fremont, CA.

Liposuction is hardly new, but cutting edge cannulas, technology and modality of fat destruction (emulsified via sound waves versus straight removal by suction) have greatly changed the game from one of bulk removal to a finely tuned art where bodies are sculpted on the table, a boon for the moderately overweight to get a defined physique with minimal downtime.

VASER (Sound Surgical Technologies) has been around a few years, but the company has elevated their profile with a new technique honed to perfection by Dr. Hoyos, who now teaches and trains board certified plastic surgeons stateside.

Dr. Bansal spoke to us about the immediate results achieved with the VASER 4D Sculpt procedure. "The procedure is perfect for those who are moderately fit, as the fat removal follows the lines of muscle all around the contour, thereby giving a superior shape and final result."

Not just eight packs and defines arms for men and women, but even buttocks enhancement is usually part of the new procedure which removes the fat which is reinjected into the posterior and even breasts, hands and cheeks.

The 2011 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report from The American Society of Plastic Surgeons displayed a significant increase in buttocks enhancement procedures from 2010 to 2011.

South America is well known for their love affair of the buttock - with Brazilian beaches full of topless, thong clad females and shirtless men in equally revealing beachwear. Colombia is the home of pioneer of VASER Hi Def 4D Sculptor, Dr. Hoyos.

Dr. Hoyos is a native of Bogotá, Colombia. He specialized in plastic, aesthetic, maxillofacial, and hand surgery, and is a visiting fellow at NYU, Mount Sinai Hospital, and Manhattan Eye and Ear Institute. He is member of the Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery, as well as the International Confederation of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery.

There was a time when rounded full buttocks were more desired in the aesthetics of certain cultural groups. This is changing rapidly, as Dr. Bansal noted.

I watched as Dr. Bansal and Dr. Hoyos performed Autologous Fat Transfer (AFT) to the buttocks of a female patient who was undergoing a full body VASER liposculpture, as fat from her mid-section, upper arms and back was purified and placed directly in her behind and breasts. The results were immediate.

The technique used by Dr. Bansal and Dr. Hoyos gives a beautiful result. Their combined skills using VASER Hi-Def liposulpture along with their AFT techniques have completely changed the lipo game.

Many healthy, fit people have trouble achieving the muscle definition they desire. VASER 4D Sculpt is a safe shortcut that is permanent advanced liposuction which removes small deposits of fat surrounding specific muscle groups in order to enhance the visibility of the natural contours. People who choose VHD don't see it as a failure to achieve fitness, but an enhancement to their current form.

VASER Lipo is typically used to debulk or remove localized deposits of fat in order to improve a person’s shape. VASER 4D Sculpt takes this one step further and is designed to give patients an athletic appearance by selectively remove small deposits of fat surrounding specific muscle groups in order to enhance the visibility of the natural contours.

Dr. Hoyos teaches fellow surgeons herein the USA how to contour a person’s muscle to reveal the natural shape. This is a very advanced procedure, and only a select group of VASER Lipo physicians have been trained to perform the procedure. Dr. Vivek Bansal is one of these physicians, and was trained directly by Dr. Alfredo Hoyos, the creator of the technique.

Many doctors believe that emulsified fat is compromised and not ideal for fat grafting, but this is untrue according to VASER, and Dr. Hoyos. VASER Lipo treated fat is highly viable and can be easily reinjected into another area to create enhanced volume and shape.

Dr. Bansal noted that VASER 4D Sculpt should not be performed on those with major weight issues, or on patients with marked muscular laxity or moderate to severe skin laxity.

He also shared that VASER 4D Sculpt is not a replacement for a fitness routine. Patients are often so happy with results that they step up their fitness program following the VASER 4D Sculpt procedure.

Original Article

Vaser