Plastic Surgery Trending: Kate’s nose!
The “Kate Effect” of Kate Middleton has extended past clothes and jewelry and has now peaked at people copying her face! Sources say that the amount of people asking for a “cute nose like Kate” has tripled since 2011. They cite the reason behind her “perfect” nose as the angle: It is slightly upturned with just the right degree of slope. Although we are not sure her nose is the “perfect” one (everyone is different!) it definitely is VERY cute!
The Genetics of a “Gummy Smile”
When you smile, do you see just your teeth, your teeth and a little gum, or mostly gum? If it is the latter, you can thank your genetics! Many people find themselves bothered by a “gummy smile.” Often due to small teeth, a short upper lip, or excessive gum tissue, there is a way to correct the proportions.
Surgery, called a gingivectomy, used to be the most common corrective treatment. Although effective, it can be costly and painful. Now, many plastic surgeons use Botox! By injecting Botox into the upper lip to paralyze the muscles — and prevent them from rising so high — gummy smiles become just smiles.
Dr. Michelle Yagoda has over twenty years experience working with gummy smiles, and the results are always gorgeous and natural!
Myth or Medical Miracle: Is there a “tech neck?”
Is this the newest effect of the “selfie?” Whether “tech neck” — lines and wrinkles in the neck due to constant use of a smartphone/electronic device — is real depends on who you ask. According to some, people have been “looking down” for centuries (ie, on assembly lines), so it is nothing new. However, at the very least, it seems people are more aware of their necks — which is probably due to the selfie!
As many as one in three plastic surgeons say that there has been an increase in cosmetic procedures due to collective self-awareness. Neck wrinkles and sagging skin are more obvious in high-definition, and constantly looking at a phone does not help to hide these signs of aging.
What do you think? Is “tech neck” real? Or, are we just now noticing it?
The decision to get a surgery or procedure done is a big one for both financial and aesthetic reasons. Dr. Michelle Yagoda strives to offer the best to patients regarding both financing and treatments — which includes taking into consideration payment options.
Although cosmetic surgery lines of credit from companies like Care Credit (GE), Chase Health Advantage (JP Morgan/Chase) and Citi Health Card (Citibank) seem enticing at first glance — as they offer patients immediate access to elective healthcare procedures — patients should fully understand the terms and conditions before signing on. Governor Cuomo investigated the “predatory behavior” of healthcare lenders back in 2010. These healthcare finance companies charge extremely high interest rates — especially if the consumer opts and qualifies for an initial interest free loan period. Specifically, after the interest free period (ranging from 6-24 months), finance charges are in the range of 15-30%, and, if a payment is missed or the balance isn’t fully paid during the promotional period, then finance charges can be assessed retroactively on the entire interest free period as well. As a result, many patients struggle with loan payments, which oftentimes leads to a devastated credit rating.
While some surgeons are enticed by the promise of an increased volume of patients who can afford services, doctors need to understand that the assessed processing fees are significantly higher than those associated with traditional credit cards (as much as 15% higher). And, for those patients who are not eligible for interest free loans, the physician will be assessed a processing fee of more than double that of a traditional credit card.
So, who is really benefiting from healthcare financing? The patient? The doctor? Upon close inspection, it becomes clear that the answer is neither: It is the lender who wins! Since Dr. Yagoda does not want her patients to struggle with loans – nor does she want to participate in a business plan built around taking advantage of people – she offers a PSA or a Patient Saving Account. This system allows patients to credit/put away money until they have amassed enough to have their surgery or procedure done. In the end, this ensures that no third-party is involved, no loans are lingering, and the patient will only have to enjoy their wonderful results!
Your all-inclusive cruise might not be all-inclusive after all! Although seasickness is nothing new for most people, few know about a much rarer side effect of — at least what should be! — a relaxing cruise, plane flight, or car trip: Mal de Debarquement syndrome. Those afflicted with Mal de Debarquement syndrome end up paying for their trip long after they return to land.
Little is truly known about what causes Mal de Debarquement syndrome, but it is a disorder of the balance system set off by exposure to motion. By definition, it is the sense of imbalance and/or movement that persists for more than two days after a cruise, plane flight, car trip, train ride, or other “ride.” Interestingly, there is usually NO accompanying nausea.
Although “sea legs” are common after prolonged exposure to motion, they should last less than two days. Unfortunately, there are no documented preventive measures for Mal de Debarquement syndrome, but those prone to motion sickness may benefit from taking motion sickness remedies to prevent or mitigate these symptoms from the initial moment they step into a car, plane, train or ship.
Those suffering from Mal de Debarquement often feel as if they are rocking and swaying while steady on land. This can cause dizziness and headaches, and sufferers might become anxious and depressed. Thus, early diagnosis is very important! The most effective treatments have included Cawthorne vestibular strengthening exercises and vestibular rehab training.
As an expert ENT, Dr. Michelle Yagoda works hand-in-hand with audiologists to help educate, diagnosis, and treat those with Mal de Debarquement syndrome. As the official Mal de Debarquement awareness month approaches in June, she hopes to raise more awareness of this little-understood phenomenon.
The Herpes simplex type 1 virus, or HSV-1, is a virus usually acquired during childhood through direct contact of skin sores or infected secretions. Traditionally treated with medications including Acyclovir, Famvir and Valtrax, there is no cure for herpes. Treatment options aim to decrease the pain from an outbreak and help shorten the subsequent healing time.
In a study released February 2014, a more natural way of treating herpes was found with very promising results! Reported by the Kerman University of Medical Sciences in Kerman, Iran, a study measuring the effects of honey, royal jelly, and acyclovir on the HSV-1 virus showed extraordinary results. Scientists found that the antiviral properties of honey and royal jelly had noticeable inhibitory effects on HSV-1 and greatly decreased the viral load. While Acyclovir had more powerful results, these two topical options provided significant benefits without the systemic risks associated with Acyclovir.
The scientists concluded that both honey and royal jelly – completely natural products – should be considered as alternatives to Acyclovir in the treatment of herpatic lesions. According to Dr. Michelle Yagoda, expert facial plastic surgeon and ENT, having more research done on natural remedies is a progressive direction the medical field is moving towards. It is hopeful that there will be an expansion of studies done on alternative medicines as more results like these are released.
“Selfie:” A word that is very common with smartphone users! Ellen Degeneres’ Oscar selfie is not only the most tweeted picture of all time, it is an example of the increased interest in these types of photos. According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, one in three plastic surgeons say more people are asking for cosmetic procedures directly because of their increased self-awareness through social media. Survey participants say they want to “look better online.” Between 2012 and 2013, there was a 10 percent rise in rhinoplasty, 7 percent rise in hair transplants, and 6 percent rise in eyelid surgeries.
According to the president of AAFPRS, apps like Instagram and Snapchat “force patients to hold a microscope up to their own image … and look at it with a more self-critical eye.” These images are often the first impressions that friends, families, and even prospective employers see! As can be expected, the rise in numbers is mostly attributed to people under 30, since they are the users who have been impacted the most by social media.
Although women are still much more likely to visit a plastic surgeon – asking mostly for face lifts, eye lifts, and Botox injections – men are seeing growing numbers, too. Both sexes are interested in eliminating wrinkles!
People have always become more self-critical when the camera is turned on them, but this is different: We are turning the cameras on ourselves!
Smoking: We all know it is bad for us, but almost 20% of the world’s population over 18 still smoke. E-cigarettes, the “new form of smoking,” is a technology gaining in popularity, but there are still risks to keep in mind. Is it any better than cigarettes?
First, it is important to realize that while the FDA regulates both traditional cigarettes and tobacco for “roll-your-own” cigarettes, it does not regulate the e-cigarette industry. That means that you have no way of knowing how much nicotine or other harmful chemicals you may be inhaling. While it is true that e-cigarettes don’t contain traditional tobacco, they may not be nicotine free! In fact, most contain liquid nicotine. There’s a mechanism that heats up the liquid nicotine and turns it into a vapor that smokers inhale. No one knows the risks posed by this mechanism nor whether it is better or worse than traditional cigarettes.
Second, it can be difficult to differentiate between “real” e-cigarettes and “mods.” The real e-cigarettes generally come from “reputable” companies; however, “mods” are part of a dangerous subculture: Unlike regulated e-cigarettes, these modified (and cheaper) versions have very little oversight and safety testing.
Although some believe that e-cigarettes can simulate the pleasure of smoking, it may not be any safer than actual cigarettes. More research needs to be done on its effects. The use of e-cigarettes to aid in smoking cessation has not been endorsed by important safety and health institutions, and most caution users to engage at their own risk. If you or someone you know needs a push to quit smoking altogether, see Dr. Michelle Yagoda. Her integrative approach to health, wellness and beauty has helped hundreds of smokers successfully stop smoking. Let her help you be next! Did you know that after you stop smoking for two years your risk from smoking begins to drop? In fact, when you have stopped smoking for ten years, your risk becomes that of a non-smoker. What are you waiting for? How often in life do you get a second chance on your health? You will see and feel the difference as your skin reflects a healthier lifestyle and a more beautiful you!
Is the doctor really always right? Is it okay to question the expert? If you have worried that something was wrong even though the doc reassured you that it wasn’t, you are not alone. Dr. Michelle Yagoda, expert facial plastic surgeon, and voice care specialist, has had thousands of different patients come through her doors over the last twenty years. With these patients come stories! A recurring story line is one that has a very important lesson in it: Trust your gut.
Each of us is a patient, and most of us have learned to trust our doctors because of their expertise and knowledge of medicine. However, this does not mean that your opinion as a patient doesn’t matter. Here’s an example of when you should trust your intuition: As a person with sensitive skin, a young man worried that the recurring scabbing on his skin might be cancer. The doctor told him it was “nothing”, but he wasn’t comfortable and chose to get a second opinion. The second doctor prescribed a topical exfoliant. He used it despite his concerns, but the abrasion did not go away. It was only with the patient’s insistence that it was biopsied, but he never received follow-up results. Rather than believing his friends and family’s suggestion that “no news is good news,” he eventually gave in to the nagging feeling plaguing him and called the doctor’s office. The answer? Skin cancer. Luckily, it was caught early and was successfully removed.
Dr. Yagoda believes that one can never be too cautions. You know your body and skin, and your opinion counts. Skincare and sun protection are of the utmost importance. Check your skin often. If you believe something is wrong, see a specialist who has the level of knowledge you’d expect, and never underestimate the power of reviews. Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion! And, as Dr. Yagoda is frequently heard saying, “No news is no news. That’s it. Plain and simple.” If you don’t get a call about the results of a test or biopsy, call the office to follow-up. And, most importantly, trust your gut. No one knows you better than you!
With the holiday season coming to a close, gift trend reports are coming in. What was one of the biggest gift-giving growth margins of 2013? Plastic surgery! According to major news channels, the gifting of cosmetic surgery increased 25-30%. This included both cosmetic surgeries/treatments and gift cards to be used in plastic surgeons’ offices. The number of procedures done without being given as gifts rose in December, too – which is good, since taking a little time to care for ourselves has been shown to be essential for our happiness. We deserve it!
Dr. Michelle Yagoda, expert celebrity facial plastic surgeon, offers the following quick, popular procedures in her office:
1. Botox/Dysport/
2. Fillers (Perlane/Restylane/Juvederm/
3. Intense Pulsed Laser Therapy (IPL): Great for both permanent hair reduction and skin rejuvenation, IPL therapy helps improve or eliminate problems including broken capillaries, rosacea, sun spots and damage, and more. A totally non-invasive treatment done in less than an hour, IPL’s many uses make it a very popular cosmetic choice.
Although the largest gift spike is in December, Valentine’s Day isn’t too far behind! Give a loved one (and yourself) the gift of beauty. You’ll both love your results!
