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February is a month for introspection. It’s a good time to have a heart-to-heart talk with yourself, especially if you’re a woman. Are you making time in your busy life for regular health checkups? Do you know your risk factors for heart disease, stroke, and cancer? Have you started those New Year’s resolutions to make healthy lifestyle choices?
Take heart — even simple preventative measures will make a difference in your life, and metro Detroit health professionals can help. Learn how to control your weight, plan a healthy diet, start an exercise program, manage stress, and steer clear of environmental pollutants. Gene testing and other screenings may be the first steps on your road to optimal health.
Getting fit and healthy will do your heart good and will be reflected in your appearance — to a point, anyway. Why not look your very best by giving yourself the gift of a beautiful smile with porcelain veneers, Invisalign invisible braces, or professional whitening? A photo facial or an age-defying lift can revitalize your skin during one lunch hour. Lose those stubborn areas of fat and enjoy a more sculpted figure with liposuction. Fat-grafting, using your own fat, can add youthful volume to your face or just about anywhere on your body.
Spring is just around the corner. Be ready to blossom with good health and great looks.
Cosmetic Dentistry Institute
Q: I’m not happy with my smile. How can cosmetic dentistry treatments help me?
A: If you could fall asleep wrapped in a warm blanket on a Tempur-Pedic cushion and wake up to a younger, healthier, more beautiful smile, would you do it? That’s how easy it can be to transform your smile at the award-winning Cosmetic Dentistry Institute.
“No matter what your dental needs are, we can create your new perfect smile,” says Dr. Marcy Goldin, an adjunct clinical lecturer at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. “We provide an array of the latest techniques, including porcelain veneers, Invisalign® invisible braces, in-office Dental implants are the ideal solution for replacing one or more missing teeth. “Beautiful, natural-looking, state-of-the-art implants look and feel like your own teeth. They allow you to smile, chew, and speak more comfortably, for a better quality of life,” says Dr. Craig Goldin, a diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and the only dentist in Oakland and Macomb counties who is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Dr. Craig Goldin also has advanced training and certification in IV sedation — a wonderful option for people who are busy or anxious.
“You can be completely relaxed and have a series of complex dental problems taken care of in just one visit,” he explains.
“Our beautiful office is nearly 6,000 feet of the most advanced dental technology, with soothing, ‘low-tech,’ spa-like amenities,” Dr. Marcy Goldin adds. “We offer nothing less than excellence in dentistry, and the highest commitment to patient care and comfort.”
Cosmetic Dentistry Institute
Birmingham Center for Cosmetic Dentistry
Q: What are some procedures that will beautify my smile and help build my confidence?
A: Everybody deserves a beautiful smile, but did you know that certain types of cosmetic dentistry can make your face look younger? Dr. Mitchell Milan uses porcelain veneers to create a nonsurgical face-lift.
“We build out the perimeter of the smile, to provide more support on the sides of the face, and we broaden the arch to give the appearance of facial bone structure — which is correlated with youth and beauty,” Dr. Milan explains. “It’s very important to plan and understand the patient’s objectives in order to design the proper approach for each individual, assuring the best results possible.”
Dr. Milan does a reversible simulation of the final results on the teeth, so the patient can preview the effects in their smile before the procedure goes forward. Typically, this noninvasive approach can be completed in two or three appointments and, often, it can be done without local anesthetic.
“At the same time, we’re improving the appearance of the teeth with porcelain veneers. We can make them whiter and straighter, we can change the shape, and we can repair chips and wear,” Dr. Milan says. “The results are tremendous and natural-looking, from a subtle but significant change to a complete transformation, depending on the patient’s goals.” Invisalign® and Six Month Smiles® speed braces are also popular procedures. Enjoy a new, beautiful smile without the need for wearing metal braces.
“We offer a consultation for all of these procedures to see if the patient is a good candidate,” Dr. Milan says. “Patients will know their options and make the decision that’s right for them.”
Mitchell S. Milan, D.D.S.
Elite Podiatry
Q: What causes hammertoes and bunions?
A: “Both conditions are related to footwear,” says Dr. Alexsey Kheynson, D.P.M., “especially high heels and shoes that are too small, ill-fitting, and pointy-toed. When you have a bunion, the big toe starts deviating toward the other side of the foot and you get a boney bump on the toe joint.” Hammertoes have a biomechanical element, as well. “One set of tendons takes over, working more or less than the other, and this causes the toes to curl downward. If you wear high heels, pressure on the toes can affect some tendon function.”
Dr. Kheynson says hammertoes and bunions often appear without any pain. “There are a number of conservative treatments, including toe spacers and orthotics, to prevent these conditions from becoming painful,” he adds. When bunions and hammertoes become painful and limit your ability to walk and to go about your daily activities, Dr. Kheynson says surgery is often the next step in treatment.
“Some people wait too long. They have a huge deformity which is very painful, and they may be too old for surgery,” he says. “It’s always better to take care of something before it becomes a problem.” Dr. Kheynson says patients don’t need to get stuck in clunky, unattractive shoes. “We can mold custom-made orthotics for women who want to wear more fashionable footwear, and discuss options for making a favorite pair of shoes fit properly.”
Be kind to your feet. Contact Elite Podiatry today for a complimentary consultation.
Elite Podiatry
Mona Hardas, M.D., PC
Q: Why are women seeking vaginal rejuvenation, or labiaplasty?
A: The most common reason is the desire to reduce pain and discomfort. Women with large labia may feel uncomfortable wearing tight-fitting jeans, or when participating in sports activities like spinning or horseback riding. Some women are embarrassed about the appearance of their genitalia, which is sometimes caused by childbirth trauma. A small percentage of women wish to increase their sexual function.
Vaginal rejuvenation can reduce the size of the labia and reshape the genitalia. Surgery also can enhance sensitivity by removing excessive skin around the clitoris, and by tightening the vagina to correct a loss of tone, often due to multiple births.
Our in-office procedures give excellent results, and our patients have greater self-esteem and more confidence.
Mona Hardas MD PC
Nils E. Danielson, D.D.S., M.S., M.S.
Q: Will I feel comfortable during a root canal procedure?
A: Our goal is to make patients feel as comfortable as possible and to reduce their anxiety levels. We educate our patients about the procedure, answer any questions, and, if they choose, we explain the process step-by-step to take away the fear factor of the unknown. With our state-of-the-art equipment, root canal therapy is performed as quickly and efficiently as possible. In addition to local anesthesia, we offer both oral and inhalation sedation, so you can be totally relaxed during your treatment. Patients who come into the office feeling very nervous typically admit, after having the procedure, that it was “not a big deal.”
Danielson Endodontics
Stem Cell Therapeutics
Ken Crawford, D.O., David Jankowski, D.O.
Q: My doctor said I need knee surgery. Is there an alternative treatment that doesn’t require a painful and lengthy rehabilitation?
A: Stem cell therapy is a breakthrough treatment for people who have chronic degenerative knee pain. We remove stem cells from the patient’s bone marrow and then inject those cells into the damaged knee joint to regrow articular cartilage that has worn down.
This brief outpatient procedure is safe, essentially pain-free, and requires no or little downtime. Patients have reported quick and progressive improvement. We were the first recipients of our treatment and have personally experienced the benefits.
Stem cell therapy is a one-time procedure for potentially life-long cartilage replacement. We are the first in Michigan to offer this therapy, and we’re eager to begin treatment in other joints of the body.
Stem Cell Therapeutics
Stem Cell Injections
Address: 751 Chestnut, Suite 203, Birmingham, MI 48009
Phone: 248-712-4641
Website: www.stemcelltherpeutics.com
Dr. Ellen Janetzke, M.D.
Q: What types of skincare treatments will give me a more youthful, refreshed look?
A: Winter is a good time to revitalize the skin with a photo facial to minimize brown spots, red spots, rosacea, and other irregularities, says board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ellen Janetzke.
“We use BBL, or Broadband Light technology. A recent study with the Sciton BBL shows that if you use it twice a year, it actually turns off the aging genes. Now they’re calling it “Forever Young BBL™,” Dr. Ellen says.
“To smooth out lines and wrinkles, the ProFractional laser creates tiny pinpoint holes in the skin. Your body responds by building new, rejuvenated tissue,” Dr. Ellen explains. “The untouched areas help speed recovery, so you typically have minimal down time. For deeper lines and wrinkles we use the erbium laser, which has a healing time of a week to 10 days.”
Dr. Ellen Janetzke, M.D
Mune Gowda, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Q: What is the modern approach to a tummy tuck?
A: Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mune Gowda combines liposuction with a tummy tuck to give his patients the best outcome.
“With abdominoplasty, the stomach will look nice and flat — but that’s just one part of the body ‘landscape,’ ” he says. “If you have excess fat on the back or the waist, the body’s shape is out of balance.
“I use liposuction to sculpt the body circumferentially, removing fat where needed from the bra line to the bikini line. This creates a more attractive shape, with curves and contours,” Dr. Gowda explains. “Patients are really happy with the way their clothing fits, especially in the back. They call it a ‘J.Lo’ back. The waist is narrow and the buttocks area becomes accentuated because we’re shaping up the areas around the stomach.”
Mune Gowda, M.D., F.A.C.S
Cutler Integrative Medicine
Q: Should I be testing my genes?
A: The benefit of testing your genes relates to methylation, a biochemical pathway in the body that can turn on or turn off certain genes. Enzymes in the pathway can make DNA; build neurotransmitters, hormones, and immune cells; help produce energy; and process toxic chemicals. Naturopathic physician Dr. Doug Cutler says that for many people, their methylation pathways aren’t working efficiently.
“That can be caused by nutritional deficiencies, certain medications, environmental toxins, and what we call ‘genetic mutations.’ One in particular is the MTHFR gene mutation, or polymorphism, which affects one in two people. A number of major health conditions — including diabetes, heart problems, thyroid issues, fibromyalgia, anxiety, and depression — can be linked to the MTHFR and poor methylation,” he explains.
Dr. Cutler is the only physician in Michigan who is properly trained to test for MTHFR and hundreds of other genetic polymorphisms, and to interpret the data. He provides individualized treatment which may include environmental, dietary, and lifestyle changes to influence the genes for optimal health.
FACE Skincare~Medical~Wellness
Pilates Fitness & Physical Therapy Center
Q: How is Pilates beneficial for the pre- and post-natal client?
A: Pilates is a great way for the mom-to-be to gently strengthen and tone muscles, as well as to stretch tight muscles. Pilates specifically focuses on the abdominals, back, and pelvic floor, which are important muscle groups to help support the pregnant body. Another benefit of Pilates is that most exercises are easily modified. Certain positions are contraindicated in the second trimester (such as lying on your back or stomach), but many exercises can be done side-lying or seated to achieve similar results.
“Gentle exercise is important to maintain pre-natal strength and flexibility. Pilates helps strengthen the postural muscles, allowing for a more comfortable, pain-free pregnancy,” says owner Ron Jegadeesh, P.T., M.B.A.
After having a baby, Pilates can help you get back into shape. Pilates is an excellent choice when you want to regain muscle tone, improve postural imbalances due to caring for a newborn, and correct pelvic floor dysfunction. Exercises focus on activating smaller muscles and the breath. Clients generally find that Pilates will help tone and strengthen all areas of the body.
Be sure to ask your doctor or midwife before beginning any new exercise program. It’s important to train with an instructor who is qualified to teach pregnant women. Many of our trainers on staff at Pilates Fitness and Physical Therapy Center have completed specialized pre- and post-natal training. Be sure to tell your instructor that you’re pregnant, and listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, stop the exercise and check with your instructor.
Pilates Fitness & Physical Therapy Center
Renew Hair & Skin Center
Q: I’m over 50, and my hair has become so dry and brittle. What can I do?
A: “Hormonal changes during menopause may be the reason for your hair problems,” says Robin Welford, co-owner of Renew Hair & Skin Center. “Androgen insufficiency (low testosterone levels) can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms, including dry, brittle hair. I advise that you see a physician to have your hormone levels checked.”
“Hair wellness starts from the inside,” adds Renew co-owner Suzie Meklir. “Eat a high-quality diet of nutrient-dense whole foods, take probiotics to keep your gut healthy, and use supplements when needed.”
Renew provides a patented program for hair advancement featuring FDA-approved, noninvasive low-level laser therapy to increase the quality and quantity of hair strands.
“Our new bio-mineral shampoo and conditioner has quinoa protein to strengthen hair. The line features products for volumizing and moisturizing,” Welford points out.
“We also offer a selection of the latest at-home laser therapy devices,” Mekler adds. “We’re here to help anyone maximize their look and bring damaged hair back to life.”
Renew Hair and Skin Center
Joseph R. Nemeth, D.D.S. & Associates
Q: How can you improve a smile with cosmetic periodontal surgery?
A: As some people age, their gums recede, making their teeth look much longer and their smile appear older. Periodontist Dr. Joseph Nemeth uses the minimally invasive Chao Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation Technique® to lengthen the gums — typically with no incisions, no stitches, and virtually no pain.
“We make a small pinhole in the gum above the teeth to be treated. With special instruments, we loosen up the gum tissue and bring it down over the receded areas where it should be. The Pinhole Technique improves the smile tremendously. Patients are extremely happy, and we’re seeing excellent long-term results,” says Dr. Nemeth, the first gum specialist in Michigan who was certified in this innovative technique.
Simply reshaping the gum tissue can make a huge difference in a person’s smile. “Some patients are embarrassed because they have a ‘gummy’ or ‘horsey’ smile,” Dr. Nemeth says. “We do periodontal plastic surgery to sculpt the excess gum tissue so the teeth will look appropriate and beautiful.”
Dr. Nemeth performs a lip-lowering procedure for patients whose upper lip pulls up really high (like a horse’s lip) and reveals too much gum tissue. Repositioning the lip creates a more pleasing smile.
“With all of these procedures, patients have little to no discomfort. We typically use intravenous sedation so patients are asleep or in a very relaxed state during their treatment,” says Dr. Nemeth, who is certified as a Master of the College of Conscious Sedation.
“We love doing cosmetic periodontal surgery. Our patients enjoy a healthier, more attractive smile, and it changes their life.”
Joseph R. Nemeth, D.D.S.
Amar Katranji, D.D.S., M.S.
Team Rehabilitation Physical Therapy
Q: I have bulging discs in my neck. How can physical therapy help me?
A: Bulging discs or disk injuries in the neck are very common; some people experience no symptoms, even with MRI findings. If you’re having pain and related symptoms, however, the good news is that in the majority of cases, disc problems will respond to physical therapy treatment without the need for surgery or other invasive measures.
“What we do is assess all the small joints and muscles in the neck and the surrounding area to make sure everything is moving properly,” says Carolyn Duncanson, P.T., O.C.S., C.S.C.S., director/owner of Team Rehabilitation in Rochester Hills. “We can help facilitate better joint movement and strengthen those small muscles that support and stabilize the neck. Often, that can significantly ease the pain.”
Team Rehabilitation therapists combine hands-on manual therapy to relieve symptoms with other treatments that may include progressive exercise, postural education, and activity modification. Therapists help identify faulty habits or patterns in a patient’s day- to-day activities that may be contributing to their pain and can be easily changed.
“Our ultimate goal is for you not to need our services anymore. We provide education about the specific condition as it pertains to the patient’s problem, their lifestyle, activities, and goals. We also give our patients exercises and stretches to do at home to reinforce the therapies we are doing in the clinic,” Duncanson explains.
“Our treatment programs are customized for the individual patient, whether they’re sitting at a desk all day, lifting groceries and toddlers in and out of cars, or training for triathlons,” she says.
Team Rehabilitation
Physical Therapy
32 locations in southeast Michigan – and counting!
Phone: 586-416-9100
Website: www.team-rehab.com
See website for locations & local phone numbers
Dr. Myra Danish, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Q: How can I look 10 years younger in just one hour?
A: The one-hour Lunchtime Lift™ is a popular in-office, mid-face lift that rejuvenates the “triangle” — the lower eyelids, cheeks, laugh lines, and jowls.
“The procedure restores the natural curves and youthful fullness of the face, turning back the clock more than a decade,” says facial plastic surgeon Dr. Myra Danish. “It requires minimal recovery time and produces immediate, long-lasting results.”
With the injectable Lunchtime Lift™, Dr. Danish uses a range of FDA-approved injectables to help her patients look 10 years younger in less than an hour and with little to no downtime.
“I generally inject fillers into the cheeks, the laugh lines, and the chin area, and under the eyes, if needed. Some patients may require Botox for forehead wrinkles, frown lines, or crow’s feet,” she says. “I perform all of the injections myself, so my patients will look rejuvenated and natural — not like they’ve had surgery or injections.”
Dr. Danish recommends a facial analysis and consultation if you’re thinking about having a cosmetic procedure.
“Every woman’s facial anatomy, skin type, and degree of aging differ, and one procedure doesn’t fit all. We discuss the treatment options that will help the patient look younger and fresher and will give them the very best results.”
Myra Danish, M.D., F.A.C.S.
James Herman, D.C., D.A.B.C.O.
Q: How do I know when to use ice or heat?
A: If we rate pain on a scale of one to 10, 10 being the most painful, use ice if the pain is
between fi ve and 10 and use heat if the pain is between one and fi ve. Pain, heat, swelling,
redness, and loss of function are known as infl ammation. Although heat might feel better
at first, it can increase inflammation and, therefore, result in more pain.
Dr. James Herman
James Herman, D.C., D.A.B.C.O.
Chiropractic Orthopedics
Address: 6431 Inkster Road, Suite 220, Bloomfield Twp., MI 48301
Phone: 248-539-0100
Fax: 248-539-0110
Oakland MRI
Q: What imaging techniques can assist in the early detection of breast cancer?
A: Every two minutes, a woman in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer. When breast cancer is detected at a localized stage, before it has spread to lymph nodes, the five-year survival rate is 98 percent. This is why it is so important to detect breast cancer in its earliest stages. One of the best methods is through screening mammography. According to the FDA, mammography breast cancer detection is 23.4 percent more accurate when using a Computer Aided Detection system (CAD).
To improve on this detection rate, many health professionals believe that women with a strong family history of breast cancer, a personal history of breast cancer, or a history of radiation to the chest should undergo yearly screening breast MRI exams. Some physicians also advocate that women with dense breast tissue should undergo breast MRI screening to help in the detection of early cancer.
The latest innovation, the Invivo DynaCAD system, when combined with a breast MRI, helps physicians detect earlier, smaller cancers with greater accuracy. CAD technology assists the radiologist in reviewing thousands of cross-sectional pictures of the breast by combining them to generate detailed 2-D and 3-D images. Oakland MRI is the only MRI facility in Oakland County to offer the Invivo DynaCAD system, which extends the reach of breast imaging — allowing the radiologist to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions, and enabling cancer to be detected earlier, using noninvasive techniques.
Typically, 3-D breast imaging with DynaCad is covered by insurance for patients who have breast cancer or have a high risk for the disease. Oakland MRI offers an out-of-pocket fee so that any woman can benefit from this advanced screening modality.
“Early diagnosis is the key to curing breast cancer; 3-D CAD imaging of the breast detects cancer earlier than any other modality,” says Susan V. Swider, CEO of Oakland MRI. “Oakland MRI is proud to contribute to the cure of breast cancer.”
Oakland MRI ~ Experience the Difference
Oakland MRI
West Maple Plastic Surgery
Daniel Sherbert, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Q: Should I wait until spring to have cosmetic surgery?
A: The winter months are a great time to come in if you’re interested in having a breast enhancement, tummy tuck, eyelid lift, liposuction, or other cosmetic procedures. At this time of year, many people are following through with their New Year’s resolutions to improve their appearance, while others are thinking about a spring vacation and they want to have something done to ensure they look their best. Often, patients receive gifts from loved ones for a cosmetic procedure they’ve always wanted.
During the winter, people tend to “hibernate” and socialize less. Patients take advantage of that to have surgery and, when the weather warms up, they “re-emerge” looking refreshed and renewed.
West Maple Plastic Surgery
Gina Randhawa, M.D.
Q: I’m stressing out. How can I manage my busy life?
A: Stress and depression levels have grown from bad to worse as many women are juggling a career, marriage, children, older parents, and home. They feel like they’re living a life for others, says bariatric/internal medicine physician Dr. Gina Randhawa.
“A lot of us are raised to believe that if you’re not able to meet your tasks for the day, you’ve let someone down. The person you’re letting down the most is you, because you’re not allowing time for yourself in this mad rush to do everything else to perfection,” she says.
“I advise my patients to differentiate between important things and imperative things. Tasks that are important, if you do them tomorrow, it’s OK. You shouldn’t feel a sense of failure. Life goes on.”
Dr. Randhawa points out that stress can lead to unhealthy eating habits, which can lead to weight gain and more stress and depression. If you’re happy, healthy, and you keep your weight under control, other concerns may not be as big as they seem right now.
“Women get so busy that they ignore their yearly physical, their Pap smear, and mammogram. Out of 365 days, you can fi nd time for that,” she says. “I recommend meditation and relaxation to help calm nerves. Studies show that even 20 minutes of exercise is all you need to improve your mood. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, and don’t feel guilty about doing things you love to do — whether that’s reading, cooking, or some other hobby. Having some ‘me time’ every day is very important.”
Gina Randhawa, MD, PC
Vasileff Medical Group
William Vasileff, M.D.
Q: I exercise and eat healthy, yet still have areas of my body that are problematic. What can I do?
A: Weddings, honeymoons, spring, summer, and bathing suits are all terrific reasons to come in and consult with Dr. William Vasileff and find out how liposuction can change your shape for good. Liposuction isn’t a weight-loss technique; it’s a great contouring and shaping procedure for stubborn areas of fat that are impossibly resistant to diet and exercise. (Regardless of what you read in beauty magazines, it’s not possible to “spot-reduce.”) The fact is, there are genetically programmed areas of fat that simply do not just “come off.” We have helped patients who weigh as little as 110 pounds to reshape their trouble spots and improve their overall body contour by removing those fat cells. Once those cells are removed, they’re gone for life! It’s important to understand that liposuction isn’t effective for overall weight loss — it is, however, extremely effective at eliminating problem areas and bringing greater harmony to your overall figure. Best of all, with liposuction there’s very little downtime, and you’ll soon be ready to reveal your slimmer, sleeker self.
Vasileff Medical Group
Sadoff Dermatology PC
Wendy Sadoff, M.D.
Q: I’m confused by all the treatment options available for my skin. Help!
A: Women want a youthful and glowing complexion. By taking a close look at the way the environment and genetics have affected your complexion, we can customize an approach to repair, protect, and improve the quality and appearance of your skin.
Because we all age differently, some women benefit from lasers to address brown sun spots, while others need treatment for fine lines and volume loss around the mouth. It’s important to identity which treatments will make the greatest impact for you. Also, to achieve the maximum benefits, the order in which procedures are performed should be considered.
We offer photorejuvenation, fillers, toxins, HydrafacialMD®, laser resurfacing, microneedling, Ultherapy®, and other treatments. Most procedures require little to no downtime and result in a natural, refreshed look.
Outside the office, patients are amazed at how smooth their skin becomes after initiating a consistent topical care regimen. It’s not your mother’s rich cold cream anymore, as cosmeceuticals address concerns from sun damage to scarring.
Wendy Sadoff MD Dermatology, PC
Michigan Institute of Neurological Disorders (MIND)
Q: Why should women consider breast MRI screening?
A: As we continue to be a leading provider of care for neurological disorders, MIND offers a comprehensive, state-of-the-art imaging center to the surrounding communities. MIND is pleased to announce our affiliation with the Breast MRI Institute, to bring breast MRI screenings to metro Detroit.
The Breast MRI Institute, located in Flint, has developed a Rapid Breast MRI screening protocol to help detect breast disease in women with dense breast tissue. When only mammography is used, women with dense breast tissue may not find out as quickly that they have breast disease. Using this screening protocol, the Breast MRI Institute was able to diagnose an additional six cancers in a patient population of 671 women who had a negative or benign screening mammogram.
The Breast MRI Institute believes this would translate to 16.3 cancers per 1,000 women per year in women who had a normal screening mammogram, versus the 2.7 cancers per 1,000 women per year that mammograms detect. Mammograms are still the screening procedure of choice for women with less than 50 percent dense breast tissue, but MRI should be used in addition to mammography for screening women with dense breast tissue.
Currently, a breast MRI is typically approved by insurance companies after mammograms have initially discovered breast disease. With that being said, MIND is using the screening protocol in women with dense breasts who are willing to pay the significantly reduced screening fee themselves. The Breast MRI Institute is continuing to work with insurance companies to approve the screening as a covered benefit.
MIND – Michigan Institute for Neurological Disorders
Steven Morris, M.D.
Plastic Surgery Institute
Q: What’s the latest in noninvasive skin-lifting procedures?
A: FDA-cleared, noninvasive Ultherapy® uses focused ultrasound energy to safely lift the eyebrows, face, jawline, and neck, and improve the appearance of wrinkles in the décolletage. This in-office treatment works on the deeper tissues of the skin — the same tissues we address in modern face-lift techniques.
The Ultherapy® procedure stimulates the production of collagen to lift and tighten the skin naturally. Patients start seeing some results within a month, and the maximum effects in about six months. There are no other nonsurgical treatments that provide the degree of improvement Ultherapy® offers.
Younger patients who don’t need a face-lift are coming in for Ultherapy® treatment to stave off the more severe effects of aging. While Ultherapy® is not the equivalent of a facelift, patients who have realistic expectations are thrilled with the results. Those with mild to moderate aging receive substantial benefits without the risks and expense of surgery.
Plastic Surgery Institute
Melek Kayser, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Image by Design Plastic Surgery
Q: Does weight gain have an effect on fat-grafting?
A: The short answer is yes. Let’s compare a fat cell to a balloon. Like fat, balloons can be inflated to many different sizes; however, the larger the size, the fewer the number of balloons that can be placed into a given space.
With fat transfer, it’s not only the volume of each fat cell that is useful; the quality and number of cells that are used are also important factors. Under ideal circumstances, it’s preferable to transfer a higher number of smaller cells than a fewer number of larger ones. Larger cells are also more likely to be damaged, which can reduce the final volume as the body absorbs injured cell products during the healing process.
Since weight gain only increases the size of each fat cell — and not its number — excessive weight at the time of the procedure will likely have a negative effect on the final results because fewer, larger cells are being injected. Once the fat has healed and stabilized (a process that can take up to six months), the transferred fat will behave just like it always did, changing in volume as a woman’s weight fluctuates.
The location from which the fat is taken (hips, thighs, etc.) may also have an impact on outcome, but this is just one of the many questions that are still being investigated. In any case, technique and experience seem to play an important role in a patient’s final results.
Image By Design Plastic Surgery
Melek Kayser MD, FACS
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