October 28th, 2010
Well, the results are in and Dysport is the clear winner! At our recent annual Fall meeting of the
American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery two particular studies were presented showing in a double blinded (neither the patient, nor the physician know which product is which) split face (one product used on one side of the face and the other product on the other side in the same patient) study what I had thought all along, that Dysport is better than Botox.
Specifically the studies showed that both the time of onset, as well as the efficacy was significantly better on the Dysport side vs the Botox side. This doesn’t mean that Botox doesn’t work, just that Dysport works faster and better. The only study left to do is duration and if it turns out like what I see in my practice, I believe Dysport again will be the clear winner. Stay tuned!
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May 26th, 2010
What’s in a name? When you hear the words ‘Plastic Surgery” what is conjured in your mind? Facelift? Rhinoplasty? Breast augmentation? Liposuction? The fact is, Plastic Surgery does encompass these procedures, but also so much more. The name “Plastic Surgery” derives from the Greek word “Plastikos” which means “to give shape or form”. Thus, contrary to some popular beliefs, these surgeries rarely involve the use of actual plastics or foreign material implants with the noted exception of breast augmentation. What they do involve is creation by the surgeon of a natural, pleasing, aesthetic form by rearrangement of living tissue.
Plastic Surgery procedures are divided into two main groups, Cosmetic and Reconstructive. Some of the Cosmetic procedures are mentioned above but others include, browlift, blepharoplasty(eyelid surgery), otoplasty(surgery for prominent ears), and endoscopic procedures. Some cosmetic enhancements involve injectables such as Botox and Dysport to stop the muscles responsible for brow/forehead and crow’s feet wrinkles. Other injectables, such as Restylane, are used as fillers to fill in lines, furrows, or cavities in the face that cause unwanted shadowing and an aging appearance. The skin and it’s underlying layers can be treated with laser therapy to not only smooth out irregularities in the surface but also tighten the underlying collagen layer creating a kind of “shrink wrapping” if you will. Reconstructive plastic surgery is just as important in my practice as the cosmetic aspect. These procedures range from nasal reconstructions for people with breathing problems utilizing spreader and batten grafts, to those who have lost all or a portion of their nose or face due to trauma or cancer utilizing complete forehead flaps. Often these are truly challenging cases and really exemplifies the true meaning of “Plastikos”.
I am very honored to be a member of the Board and Executive committee of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery currently serving as Treasurer. I am proud to be a Facial Plastic Surgeon and to be a part of all that my Academy stands for. I invite you to visit our website and to see for yourself what it means to be a Facial Plastic Surgeon.
Dr. Graham
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