Say "NO" to the Cosmetic Surgery Tax!!

As you may know, at the 11th hour, a 5% Excise Tax on Elective Cosmetic Medical Procedures was slipped in the Senate Health Reform bill. This tax would be effective January 1st, 2010. This mandatory 5% tax would be collected from YOU, the patient, for any cosmetic medical procedure performed, non- surgical or surgical. Below are several facts pertaining to this tax:

1. 86% of cosmetic surgery patients are working women and this 5% tax discriminates against these women.
2. New Jersey is the only state to adopt a tax on elective medical procedures in 2004. There, they have experienced a 59% shortfall based on projected revenue estimates.
3. The line between “cosmetic” and “reconstructive” surgery is often not clear and leaves the determination of medical necessity inappropriately up to state tax auditors

PLEASE CONTACT FLORIDA SENATOR LEMIEUX AT (202) 224-3041 AND SENATOR NELSON AT (202) 224-5274 TO VOICE YOUR OPPOSITION TO THIS TAX!!!

Dr. Agarwal Elected Secretary/Treasurer of the FSFPRS!

Dr. Anurag Agarwal was recently elected to be secretary/treasurer of the Florida Society of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (FSFPRS). He began his two year term in November 2009, and will thereafter become President of the FSFPRS for an additional two years.

The Florida Society of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (FSFPRS) is the official state organization representing facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons practicing in the state of Florida. FSFPRS members subscribe to a code of ethics that guides patient care.

Juvederm® Injectable Gel

Lip enhancement is a commonly sought after treatment for augmenting genetically thin lips or dealing with changes associated with the aging lip. Non-surgical options include injectable fillers such as Juvederm® Injectable Gel or Restylane®. These temporary, office-based injectable treatments give instant, visible results with low down-time. They also provide a glimpse of what permanent lip augmentation may provide and are a good starting point. If you would like to view the technique of Juvederm Injectable Gel enhancement of the lips, please click on the attached video.

Naples Plastic Surgery Beachside Seminars

Our plastic surgeons offer several educational and informative seminars highlighting the contemporary approaches to cosmetic and plastic surgery of the face and body at The Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort in Naples, Florida and also at the Marco Island Marriott Hotel. A lite lunch is provided.

To attend one of these FREE informative seminars, visit our website, The Aesthetic Surgery Center, and fill out the online form or call our office at 239-594-9100.

BOTOX ® Cosmetic $50 Rebate

From now through December 31, 2009, you will be eligible for a $50 rebate on your next Botox Cosmetic treatment from Allergan.

How it works: When you have your next Botox Cosmetic treatment, you will be given a registration form at our office. Then simply login online at www.botoxcosmetic.com to receive your $50 rebate directly from Allergan.

Take advantage of this limited time offer. This offer expires December 31, 2009.

Artefill Now Available Once Again!

Drs. Agarwal and Maloney, our Naples facial plastic surgeons, have been injecting Artefill for permanent wrinkle enhancement for the past 2+ years. It was FDA approved three years ago as the first and only permanent injectable wrinkle filler.

The facial filler technology was purchased by Suneva Medical and has been relaunched. It is still the same safe, tested, and long lasting wrinkle filler indicated for nasolabial folds (smile lines), but not the lips. Artefill requires a skin test to rule out allergy one month prior to injection and is usually injected in two treatment sessions, usually spaced out at least 3 months apart.

If you have any questions, or would like to schedule your Artefill consultation and skin test at The Aesthetic Surgery Center in Naples, Florida, please call 239-594-9100 or visit our website, The Aesthetic Surgery Center.

DYSPORT : The New Botulinum Toxin

Take Advantage of the Introductory $75 Rebate!

Dysport is now available at the Aesthetic Surgery Center. It is Botulinum Toxin type A, which is the same subtype of Botulinum Toxin found in Botox Cosmetic. The product has been used in Europe for over 10 years. It was recently FDA approved for cosmetic use in the United States.

Reports suggest that Dysport may last longer and work faster than Botox Cosmetic, but we will wait for longer term follow-up to determine this. In the interim, if you would like to try this product and take advantage of the introductory $75 rebate from the manufacturer with your first treatment, please call us at 239-594-9100. For more information, visit DYSPORT

Naples Plastic Surgery Seminar : September 10th

Drs. Maloney, Agarwal, & Boemi will offer an educational and informative plastic surgery seminar on Thursday, September 10, 2009 at The Aesthetic Surgery Center in Naples Florida. The seminar will discuss cosmetic procedures of the face and body, as well as the latest in Anti-Aging Medicine - like BOTOX® Cosmetic, JUVEDERM® Injectable Gel, and skincare maintainence!

The evening will begin with refreshments at 5:30 PM with the seminar to follow from 6 – 7:15 PM and a live laser demo shortly there after from 7:15 - 8:00 PM.

To attend this FREE informative seminar, you may fill out the online form by visiting our website or call our office at 1.800.594.7472.

BOTOX ® Cosmetic $50 Rebate

Join the 7-Year Anniversary Celebration!
From now through September 30, 2009, if you spend at a minimum of $200 on Botox Cosmetic injections, you will be eligible for a $50 rebate on your treatment.

How it works: You will receive your receipt and a rebate form along with the vial lot number after paying in full for your Botox Cosmetic treatment. Then, simply mail the rebate form to Allergan after registering for the program online at www.botoxcosmetic.com. A $50 rebate check will be sent to you within 4-5 weeks. This offer expires September 30, 2009.

Massive Weight Loss

Following Gastric bypass many patients may be left with excess skin that interferes with comfort and hygiene following massive weight loss. The excess skin can be a daily reminder of the morbid obesity and prevent patients from adopting a more positive body image.

For many, body contouring completes the journey from obesity and the body contouring surgery may have just as profound an effect on their lives as the weight loss itself. Dr. Boemi’s extensive surgical experience enables him to be quite comfortable in all areas of the body, and to perform procedures beyond the scope of traditional plastic surgery.

If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment to meet with Dr. Boemi at The Aesthetic Surgery Center in Naples, Florida, please call 239-594-9100 or visit our website, The Aesthetic Surgery Center.

Naples Plastic Surgery Seminar : July 23rd

Drs. Maloney, Agarwal, & Boemi will offer an educational and informative plastic surgery seminar on Thursday, July 23rd, 2009 at The Aesthetic Surgery Center in Naples Florida. The seminar will discuss cosmetic procedures of the face and body, as well as the latest in Anti-Aging Medicine - like BOTOX® Cosmetic, JUVEDERM® Injectable Gel, and skincare maintainence!

The evening will begin with refreshments at 5:30 PM with the seminar to follow from 6 – 7:15 PM and a live laser demo shortly there after from 7:15 - 8:00 PM.

To attend this FREE informative seminar, you may fill out the online form by visiting our website or call our office at 1.800.594.7472.

“Stem Cell” Fat Injections

Facial augmentation using your own fat has been a longstanding, successful technique. Dr. Maloney has been performing this technique since 1986, and Dr. Agarwal has been performing fat transfer since 2004. They have noted not only a volumizing effect which restores youthful facial fullness, but also improvements in their patients’ overlying skin texture and quality (i.e. smaller pores, less wrinkles, etc..).

Recently, research has shown that there are millions of stem cells in fat cells, which are being transferred to the aging face during facial fat injections. These injected stem cells are then thought to rejuvenate the facial tissues. This technique can be done in the office or with IV sedation. Future tissue engineering research will improve the current fat injection techniques by refining the process of separating stem cells out from the surrounding fat cells, and adding markers to help the stem cells differentiate into the desired tissue types.

If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment to meet with Dr. Maloney or Dr. Agarwal at The Aesthetic Surgery Center in Naples, Florida, please call 239-594-9100 or visit our website, The Aesthetic Surgery Center.

Ultrasonic Liposuction - State of the Art Technique

Liposuction, one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures, has changed considerably over the past several years. Today, there are at least three different liposuction techniques in use:

1. Traditional Tumescent techniques rely on the injection of a hemostatic and anesthetic solution in the fat tissue, in order to decrease blood loss, and to speed recovery.
2. Ultrasonic liposuction relies on an ultrasonic probe, which literally melts the fats tissue prior to its removal with very thin instruments through tiny hidden incisions.
3. Laser Liposuction has been over-hyped and has not lived up to the expectations. The use of laser liposuction, in several well controlled studies, has proven inferior to both traditional and ultrasonic liposuction and has an increased incidence of skin burns and deep scars. At a recent national plastic surgery meeting in Miami, all of the plastic surgeons who had tried Laser Liposuction had quickly abandoned it in favor of the ultrasonic technique.
   

Ultrasonic Liposuction remains the gold standard for this procedure, while traditional liposuction remains a very acceptable, time proven technique in the hands of trained plastic surgeons.

Complimentary Consultation with Dr. Boemi for Breast Reduction!

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the size of overly large breasts. This procedure removes part of a woman's breast tissue. Occasionally, the nipples and areola will be repositioned surgically higher on the breasts for cosmetic reasons. The goal is to achieve the look of smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion to the rest of the body. The alleviation of pain, the ability to participate in more activities and a boost in self-confidence are among the benefits reported by women who undergo breast reduction. Most patients are able to return to sedentary work within three or four days.

If you're considering breast reduction or would like to find out if you're a good candidate for this procedure, please mention this e-cast for a complimentary personal consultation with Dr. Boemi.

Dysport Receives FDA Approval - Stay Tuned!

Until last week, Botox Cosmetic was the only FDA approved Botulinum toxin A available as a wrinkle relaxer. Dysport (Reloxin), which has been used in Europe since 1991, was FDA approved in the United States last week. Physicians in the U.S. will be able to inject this product in a couple of months. The main question for patients and physicians is: How does it compare to Botox Cosmetic?

Unfortunately, as with most new products, there is literature to support claims of superiority of both products. The ultimate answer will come with time, as physicians in the U.S. gain experience with the product. Here are some early claims:

1. Dysport seems to spread more that Botox Cosmetic, which can be desirable on the forehead (requiring fewer injections), but undesirable near the eyebrows.
2. The dilution of each product is different, which may affect price.
3. You will undoubtedly see aggressive marketing promoting Dysport, because it is the latest FDA approved product. However, have a frank discussion with your physician to determine if their is truly an advantage to this product. I believe that with any new product or procedure, only time will tell.
   

We will strive to provide you with updated information as it becomes available. One thing is for sure: Competition is healthy, and there will be even better wrinkle relaxers in future years.

If you would like to inquire about Dysport, please call 239-594-9100 or visit our website, The Aesthetic Surgery Center in Naples.

Plump Up with Radiesse Before Heading North!

Radiesse is one of the longest lasting temporary injectable fillers used for treating folds and depressions on the face. It lasts about one year.

Between April 1st, 2009 and June 30th, 2009, one syringe of Radiesse is priced at $800, a $300 savings! In addition the syringe size has increased from 1.3 cc to 1.5cc, which for most people, is enough to treat both sides of the face.

If you would like to inquire about Radiesse and how to look your best before heading north for the summer, please call 239-594-9100 or visit our website, The Aesthetic Surgery Center in Naples.

Get ready for summer with State of the Art Laser Hair Removal

$100 savings on packages through June!
Laser hair removal is the ideal way to get ready for the summer beach season. The Palomar hair removal laser allows fast coverage and quick treatments. Popular treatment areas include the face, (except around the eyes), upper lip, neck, underarms, bikini line, legs, chest,
and back.

Typically, several treatments will be necessary for permanent hair reduction. The number of treatments required varies from individual to individual. Kay Case, PA-C, will determine the very best treatment package and treatment schedule that will optimize your results.

If you would like a complimentary consultation, please call Sheila at 239-594-9100 or visit our website, The Aesthetic Surgery Center in Naples.

Signature Skin by Dr. Richard Maloney

Signature Skin is a new and unique moisturizer with hyaluronic acid and liposomes, exclusively available through The Aesthetic Surgery Center. Dr. Richard Maloney has been scientifically formulating and developing this product for the past 5 years. It is a revolutionary anti-oxidant therapy with isoflavones. This anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory cream restores sun-damaged skin, smoothes wrinkled skin, and regenerates collagen.

If you would like to order Signature Skin, please call 239-594-9100 or visit our website, The Aesthetic Surgery Center in Naples.

Restore your youthful figure with a tummy tuck!

Tummy Tuck, or Abdominoplasty, is one of the top five most popular plastic surgery procedures in the country. This surgical procedure is designed to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen, as well as to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall.

A personal hour long consultation with Dr. Boemi, will determine if you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck. The operation is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity, which frequently occurs with weight loss, can also be dramatically improved.

If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment to meet with Dr. Boemi at The Aesthetic Surgery Center in Naples, Florida, please call 239-594-9100 or visit our website, The Aesthetic Surgery Center.

Options for Men with Heavy Necks?

Many men have a “turkey gobbler” neck, referring to significant excess skin under the chin along the front of the neck. There are several options to treat this in male patients.

Men now make up about 25% of our patient population. An endoscopic face and neck lift is performed in a unique way for men, with special attention to incision placement, and beard skin. This procedure helps to refine the neck, and tighten the jowls, with about a two week downtime. A direct neck lift with Z-plasty is an alternative procedure, specifically designed to target the looseness along the front of the neck, without addressing the jowls. This is a shorter procedure which provides long term treatment of the “turkey gobbler” that bothers most men. For those younger men with early signs of fullness under the neck, liposuction may be enough to remove excess skin and allow the skin to tighten. A consultation with one of our two Naples Facial Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Richard Maloney or Dr. Anurag Agarwal, would help you decide which procedure is ideal to tighten your neck.

If you have any questions, please call 239-594-9100 or visit our website, The Aesthetic Surgery Center in Naples.