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COSMETIC UDATE

From time to time Peter Dixon sends this newsletter to keep you informed of products, innovations, events and news that may be of interest. You are receiving this newsletter because you have registered your interest in Cosmetic Medicine and Surgery.

    In This Month's Bulletin...

Breast Implants and your Health! 'Cosmetic Nasal Surgery' News What is the best age for surgery An alternative anti-wrinkle therapy! Who should you trust for cosmetic surgery Winter skin care

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   Breast Implants and your Health

		Breast enhancement surgery is an important, sensitive and highly personal area of cosmetic plastic surgery. It is vital to be well-informed about the procedure before deciding to go ahead. Furthermore You should be reassured. Important new research should give you confidence if you are considering breast implants. (From The American Society of Plastic Surgery)
		According to an article published in the June issue of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryŽ, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, (ASPS). Breast implant surgery registries across the globe are dispelling myths and highlighting the benefits of breast augmentation, reconstruction, and reduction.  Data from the Danish Registry for Plastic Surgery of the Breast shows that a low number of silicone and saline implant patients experience complications. Full Story...

You may ask "Am I a suitable candidate for Breast Enhancement?"

		*Are you medically fit for surgery? *What is your family history of breast health? And, importantly: *Have you had extensive consultation with your surgeon about the procedure? *Do you feel as educated and informed as you can be about the procedure? Remember, your first operation is your best chance to 'get it right' and get the result you've always wanted. So, do the research, spend the time, ask the questions, and make sure you are 100% happy with your choice of surgeon before deciding to proceed.
Important - Talk it through		I cannot emphasise enough the importance of 'talking it through' with your surgeon. A good plastic surgeon will take the time to discuss your thoughts and feelings with you, and will ensure you are properly educated about all aspects of the procedure. At the Peter L Dixon Aesthetic Surgery Clinic we will address your concerns, one by one. I understand that having this sort of surgery is a major decision - one that is not to be taken lightly. I also know, through experience, that the reasons for wanting such surgery vary between women. None of these are necessarily more 'valid' than others. But each of them needs to be discussed properly. The Australian Society of Plastic Surgery recommends that when breast implants are inserted in a person, the information should be recorded and made available to you the patient. The 'Society' with due respect to all matters of your privacy, maintains this record on behalf of you the patient. At the Peter L Dixon Clinic we support the Australian Breast Implant Register. It is a simple safeguard that keeps your implant record safe private and accessible to you.

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    Cosmetic Nasal Surgery News - How do you measure up?

The mid-facial height (MFH) is the distance between the brow and the base of the nose. The lower facial height (LFH) is the distance between the base of the nose and the point of the chin. Ideally, the LFH will be equal to or 1-2mm greater than the MFH.

A nose should be in proportion to the other facial features and its shape should flow in smooth and harmonious lines. Ideally, your nose will provide a balanced focal point to the face, unblemished by bumps, bulges or crookedness. To create your 'Perfect Nose' it is important that your surgeon not only have a trained 'eye' for the artistic but in addition, like an architect, will know how to 'accurately design' your new look and achieve the best possible shape - within your facial structure. As described in a previous eNewsletter, I strongly advise the use of computer imaging - as an invaluable tool when considering change. Your nose is 'the keystone of your face', and a nasal assesment begins with analysis of your face. The ideal nose length(i.e. the length of the nsal bridge) is equal to 2/3 the LFH or the MFH. The ideal nose projection (i.e. how far it protrudes out from the face, is 2/3 of the ideal nose length). The position and projection of your chin is also taken into account in any calculations. As you can see, rhinoplasty is a perfect blend of visual aesthetics (Art) and exacting calculations (Science).

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    Adolescent Plastic Surgery

My experience confirms that for the appropriate teenager, cosmetic surgery can have a profoundly positive impact on interpersonal communication and their physical and emotional development. As a reading guide to adolescent body and beauty I can recommend "real Gorgeous" by Kaz Cooke. ...it delivers no-nonsense information and additionally it has an excellent resource guide. Furthermore, you must understand that having this sort of surgery is a major decision - one that is not to be taken lightly. However most importantly these adolescents must be listened to and through appropriate channels assisted to understand the process of body image and change.

A frequently asked question from the email forum, refers to what age is the right time to undergo surgery. Frequently it is a teenager inquiring about a change to their nose or young female desiring a better bust. The number of cosmetic (aesthetic) procedures performed on teens is relatively small, representing only 3% of the overall total. Nevertheless, for those teens considering cosmetic surgery, and for their parents, there are a number of important considerations. As a parent, if you suspect that your child has issues about their body image, be tolerant and use open ended questions to encourage discussion. "If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?"is often a productive starting point My experience confirms that for the appropriate teenager, cosmetic surgery can have a profoundly positive impact on interpersonal communication, physical and emotional development. Whereas in the elderly, physical health is often the determinate of suitability for surgery. At the younger end of the scale, emotional maturity is important. It is important that the adolescent has the ability to express their desire for change, the trade-offs and benefits that will flow from such change Teenagers and indeed their parents must be willing to talk through and openly discus their feelings and expectations regarding cosmetic change and procedures. I cannot emphasise enough, the importance of 'talking it through' with your surgeon. A good plastic surgeon will take the time to discuss your thoughts and feelings with you. Your surgeon must ensure you are properly educated about all aspects of the procedure. The appropriateness of any aesthetic surgery procedure is a highly individual matter that should be determined with the guidance of a specialist plastic surgeon. The following procedures are among those most commonly performed on patients 18 years of age and younger: Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping). This is the most common aesthetic procedure requested by teens. It can be performed when the nose has completed 90 percent of its growth, which can occur as young as 13 or 14 in girls and 15 or 16 in boys. Otoplasty (cosmetic ear surgery). This can be performed in children as young as 5 years old. Breast reduction. This procedure can help girls as young as 16 who are embarrassed by overly large breasts and who may be experiencing symptoms such as shoulder pain and breathing difficulty. Often an abbreviated technique using liposculpture is recommended. Other correction of breast including enlargement and / or asymmetry, when one breast significantly differs from the other. Treatment for male breast enlargement. Excessive breast development is often experienced by teenage boys. In some, the condition is slight and disappears on its own. For others it persists and can become a significant psychosocial problem. Chin augmentation. A chin implant may correct problems blamed on the nose. Liposculpture is not a treatment for obesity or excess puppy fat. Due to an adolescent's youthful skin tone the result may be better than if left uncorrected to a later date. It is prudent to emphasise the surgery should be combined with the fundamentals of healthy lifestyle, exercise and eating habits. In conclusion: More and more young people are opting for cosmetic plastic surgery. In many ways this is, because there's more exposure now than ever before to the procedures and their proposed benefits. The younger age of patients does bring in to relevance aspects of legal competence to consent to surgery.

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    An alternative anti-wrinkle treatment

Anti-wrinkle injections have become a phenomenon in the world of cosmetic plastic surgery. They give positive results with minimal down time and little pain. This treatment is suitable for those dynamic wrinkles caused by facial expression. Treatment gives 3-4 months relief to the frown and surprise lines in the brow. The procedure takes up to 10 - 15 minutes,and your normal activity can be resumed immediately. The cosmetic affect is noticeable within 1 week.

From www.botoxcosmetic.com

The safety of these products is established. There have been more than 1000 clinical studies on its effectiveness and safety. The treatment is approved in 70 countries for a broad range of conditions. Anti-wrinkle injections may cause temporary headache and in some patients a 1 - 2 mm temporary droop of the upper eyelid. These droops may last a few days and can often be reversed by eye drops. The experience of the injector is an important factor in reducing the untoward reactions.

Generally my experience of over 5 years confirms the the side affects are infrequent and results significant. Why is a treatment every 3 months recommended?: This will be covered in the next bulletin. Contact the clinic on 03 9526 8644 for further advice on anti-wrinkle therapy. or Visit our web site for further information on the 'Little Pearls'; A group of smaller aesthetic procedures designed to give you a more rested or youthful appearance without requiring major surgery or a long recovery time.

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    Who should you trust for your Cosmetic Surgery

"..Truly your Plastic Surgeon." If considering a cosmetic enhancement: My colleague Mr. Linsell F.R.A.C.S. has put together an excellent report on: Why your choice should be a Plastic surgeon.

Plastic Surgery is the highest qualification for Cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic and Plastic surgery: What's the difference? Cosmetic (aesthetic) surgery involves a wide variety of procedures, which extend from simple maneuvers such as cosmetic injections, to complex reconstructions. Any medical practitioner who happens to practice this type of work can call themselves a cosmetic surgeon. However, a plastic surgeon is a highly trained specialist. A Plastic surgeon has spent at least eight to 10 years in additional post-graduate surgical training. This training is rcognised by the letters F.R.A.C.S. (Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) or its equivalent. It is important to understand that not all Plastic Surgeons choose to perform cosmetic procedures, many of my friends and colleagues specialise in surgery of the hand or burns or plastic surgery to children etc. As a Plastic surgeon I bring to your 'cosmetic procedure' the same care to detail and skill that I would have repaired a tiny child's cleft lip or the most intricate microsurgical procedure. Each of these procedures I now no longer perform. I choose to use my training and expertise as a specialist in 'Cosmetic Plastic Surgery.'

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    Winter skin care

More information on: Obagi Nu-derm

Winter is hard on skin. The air is usually dryer, which can dehydrate your skin. Dry air and harsh wind literally sucks water from your skin, causing cracking, chapping, and irritation. And even though it's not blazing hot, your skin is still vulnerable to damage from the sun's ultraviolet rays. Luckily, you can take action to minimize winter skin problems. Here are some tips to help you keep your skin as youthful-looking and healthy as possible throughout the winter months: Continue to protect your skin from sun damage. Review your skin-care regimen, and Create a less sensitive better hydrated skin. Incorporate Liquefied Vitamin C into your daily regime Don't take long, hot showers. They strip skin of its natural moisturizing lipids. Take advantage of the season and arrange your Personal Skin Health Program Phone Rebecca (03 9526 8644), who will assist you further.

   The Important next step!

I trust you've found this newsletter contained valuable information.
At the very least, it will give you an insight into the many decisions and a systemized approach to getting your "New Look."

That said, there is one vital piece of advice I feel passionate about.

Your result can be.... and will only be... as good as the expertise and training of your doctor.

I am proud my Plastic Surgical training and the 20 years experience that has followed.

I and indeed all of my staff are dedicated to your experience and ensuring your ultimate satisfaction.

You may contact my staff, Robyn or Rebecca or Carmel at: Phone (03) 9526 8644 to schedule an appointment.

It will be our pleasure to care for your needs.

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