Preoperatively factors such as body weight fluctuation, intake of vitamins, Chinese herbs and other remedies are evaluated. It is important that you make your doctor aware of all medication herbs and other remedies you are taking whether or not you feel it is related to the surgery you are contemplating. A number of potentially harmful nutitional; restriction regimens and dietary supplements are currently quite popular.

Patient should begin all purpose vitamin 2-4 weeks preoperatively . They need to begin taking 1000 mg of vitamin C twice daily, preferably longer 1-2 weeks preoperatively and two weeks postoperatively. In the immunocompromised  patient who was not pregnant some advise to take 25,000 IU of vitamin A daily for one week preoperatively and one week postoperatively to enhance the immune system.

It has been reported that some patients taking herbs, Chinese medications and mega doses of vitamins have swelling and bruising greater then would normally be expected.

Patients don’t always think that their herbal teas or vitamins as medications or even as supplements. A number of agents have been evaluated very carefully for their effects on bleeding. Among these is vitamin E; it effects platelet adhesion so it’s use should be discontinued before surgery. Those patients who are taking a multivitamin that contains 20 to 40 IU af vitamin E need not worry however. Those patients taking 200 to 400 IU daily should stop taking all vitamin E except for that found in there multivitamin. Patients should also discontinue garlic, which affects platelets function blood clotting. Patients who consume a lot of garlic, such as some ethnic groups, would probably need to decrease the amount of raw garlic in their diet.

Fish oil has also been shown to affect bleeding. Some unusual teas, such as woodruff and Tonka bean, would need to be stopped because these agent can cause bleeding problems. Curcumin is actually a good anti inflammatory agent but it does have some anti platelet affects. In addition, someone taking penicillin, a cephalosporin or some psychiatric medication might experience anti platelet effects. Bleeding could be a problem is these were combined with those nutritional supplements mentioned so these patients should stop taking these supplements about one week preoperatively.

Bromelain has been shown to resolve= experimental bruising more rapidly than groups not taking this preparation, and the patient would need to begin taking two days prior to surgery and as soon as possible after surgery for one week or until the bruising resolves. Bromelain comes from the pineapple plant and it reduces bruising and swelling significantly. It comes in capsules and can be found in health food stores and needs to be taken on an empty stomach.

Another rather impressive agent is the homeopathic remedy arnica which helps to reduce soft tissue swelling and ecchymosis. A suggested regimen recommends taking30 cc of arnica two days preoperatively, 200 C one day preoperatively, another 200 C one help to one hour preoperatively and four doses of 200 C every four hours as soon as possible after surgery. No one knows precisely how arnica acts but it is known to affect blood vessels in some way that prevents or rapidly relieves bruising.

It is important not to confuse homeopathic remedies with other medications-specifically herbs or Chinese medicines. The arnica homeopathic remedy is very different from the herbal agent arnica. The homeopathic remedy is a diluted and potenized form of arnica.

There is no convincing evidence that topical agents such as aloe vera gel and vitamin E, improve scarring but they are probably not harmful as long as the wound is closed.

At FRESHface Clinic we try to inform all our patients of the latest guides for optimal results. We also manage scars either surgically or non surgically, so please email us your photos and we will get back to you about how we can help!

This week, he attended a Palomar meeting with Dr Maurice Addato, a Swiss Dermatologist, who is an expert on laser care.

And last night, at the  Shangri-la Hotel, Dr Arthur Swift, a  Montreal Plastic Surgeon, spoke about the maths of beauty, and combination treatments.

He discussed the 4 “D’s ” of aging- descent, deflation, degeneration, and disproportion. He showed how combination treatments with antiwrinkle injections, or neuromodulators, with volum+ can make huge improvements.

“Bringing patients to their ideal beauty is our goal”, Dr Swift, so elloquently spoke about, and emphasized, phi, the golden ratio, and Marquardt’s face, which Dr Young has discussed in an earlier blog (Defining Beauty 2007).

So some nice talks, meeting colleagues from overseas, always refining his techniques, which btw Dr Young has now perfected his latest technique with volum+!

Call 1300 46 37 37, to book an appointment to see how you can achieve your ideal beauty.

The unsuspecting public, well read on so that you are fully aware now!

Dr Andy Pickett, from Ipsen Research Laboratories, discussed fakes, counterfeits and look-alikes. His talk started off with a diagram of a face and some markers of where to place the product, then a package of dvd, and a vial, and syringe was also shown, all this available over the net, and also Ebay. (Recently discussed on TV.)

Some names- Pretique, Spaintox, Canitox, Portaluppi, Botoxinna, Beatueous, Amazing, and Excellent.

With names like these, and then vials which had poor finishing/caps, printing errors, and some with  flags of a country to induce a loyalty feel good factor. Even some with a  warning on them that people should be aware of fakes!

A story was recounted, of a businessman with a suitcase showing up at a beauty sal0n in Ukraine, and when opened there were over 50vials of fake anti wrinkle injection vials in the suitcase.

Holiday resorts such as the Dominican Republic were also targets of these businessmen.

So what did the researchers actually find in the vials of these so called antiwrinkle injections?

One thing that was painfully obvious was that the contents were very variable, there was gelatin, mannitol, and some botulinin in them, which was surprising, considering that there need not have been any.

But was even more surprising was that some had quite a lot of botulinin and obviously this could lead to over dosage if used. Case in point -Linurase ( a nice name.)

So with obvious safety concerns, and sterility, Dr Young aims to inform all his patients, and the public of the dangers lurking out there.

If it is too cheap, then there must be something wrong, as the saying goes- ” the only free cheese is in the trap”.

Please note Dr Young has been in the industry since 1989, and has been trained by over 25 leading Plastic Surgeons, in 3 countries.

He also is a Platinum level user of anti-wrinkle products, which means he uses the highest level of products.

As always, safety first.

There are some clinics offering cheap prices, here you will most likely receive an inferior diluted product by a nurse with a days training, they are essentially aimed at price shoppers, who will be attracted by the ridiculous prices. Some even force you into “pre ” paying, so that you can receive a discount.

Recently, Dr Young has had a spate of patients requesting Dr Young to  inject “their” products, as these patients have managed to purchase “real” products elsewhere.

Firstly, this akin to someone taking their rump steak to a restaurant and asking the chef to cook this steak. It doesn’t happen!

Secondly, medical legally Dr Young would not be covered, if something wrong happened.

What is this product, is it safe, is it viable etc etc.

So please- no further inquires about this, and if there are some doctors out there willing to use these products, be be very wary of their ethics, and safety profile.

Call 1300 46 3737, or email – wayne@freshfaceclinic.com.au for a booking or any inquires.

Initially visiting the city of Guangzhou, to visit a few laser companies and clinics. He moved onto HK, where he attended his 2nd Asian IMCAS, which was held last year in Bangkok.

Set in the HKSEC, overlooking the harbour, it is an amazing venue.

Many interesting talks such as lip length reduction, fake anti wrinkle injections, mesotherapy, and filler lifting.

Notable speakers were Michael Kane, Gordon Ma, and Benjamin Ascher.

Incidentally Dr Young bumped into an old colleague, Dr Shiu, who now works in one of HK’s busiest cosmetic clinics.

Over the next few weeks Dr Young will expound on the above and also discuss China.

Dr Young, Angel Montoya, DJ Willie Sabor

Dr Young was recently invited to talk on Latinos FM, 107.3.

In the 2SER  studio in Broadway,  Dr Young joined Latinos FM Director Angel Montoya, and Sydney’s leading Salsa DJ Willie Sabor, for an hour he answered all questions about himself and Cosmetic Surgery.

In the Latin community, plastic surgery has always been very popular, and this trend has been increasing with worldwide statistics.

Dr Young with Director Angel Montoya

In worldwide statistics of Plastic Surgical procedures, USA leads by country, but in per capita terms, Switzerland and Spain are one and two. In a 2009 ASAPS paper on  Plastic Surgical  statistics in USA, there was a 16% rise within the Hispanic population’s seeking procedures.

Brazil, Colombia, Mexico are some South American countries where it also is very popular.

Angel informed all that many local people fly to Colombia to get treated.

Popular procedures are rhinoplasty, liposuction and breast augmentation.

In fact many Americans visit Colombia and Brazil for surgery and this has led to an aesthetic tourism boom over the last few years.

But there is much more to Colombia than just cosmetic surgery or the history of Pablo Escobar. Colombia is a country with beautiful beaches and mountains,  with sparkling cities like Bogota/Medellin and Cali. There are ancient ruins, and  not forgetting it’s a diverse culinary delight.

On the radio show, Dr Young dispelled some myths about Botox(e.g  made of poison, from cows etc), and elaborated on how it can help sweating, and boost a job application. Angel was even keen enough to undergo Botox treatment.

He is now looking 5 years younger, and is keen for more improvements.

One lucky listener won the call-in for 6 months of FFC anti-aging cream, this will be going out as soon as it is available.

Of note, Dr Young attended the ISAPS conference in Rio De Janeiro in 2006, and  last year had the opportunity to visit the famous Barcelona Clinica Planas, headed by Dr Jorge Planas.

Situated in a northern suburb overlooking Barcelona, Clinica Planas was founded in 1971. It offers the latest advances in plastic surgery. In a large imposing 4 storey building a team of around 160 work together here to bring Jorge’s fathers dream to fruition.

So keep tuning into Latinos FM 107 .3 on Saturdays at 5pm, and you will be transported to  South America( atleast musically). Dr Young will feature from time to time, discussing and answering all questions on cosmetic surgery.

Espero que usted tenga un gran día!

During the past several years, the use of injectable products to eliminate wrinkles and restore fullness to the skin has increased exponentially, due to sun damage, heredity and age contributing to frown lines and wrinkles. Aesthetic physicians use a variety of fillers to diminish wrinkles and return a more youthful appearance by binding water to the skin and replacing lost volume. Hyaluronic acid fillers are the most commonly used worldwide and have an excellent safety profile. We at FRESHface use only these advanced type fillers.

In this study, ten female patients, aged 42 to 59 with moderate to severe volume loss of the face, received several syringes (6-9 mLs) of injectable hyaluronic acid into the cheeks, tear troughs, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, lips and chin in a single treatment session. No touch-up or alteration of treatment was allowed within the four-week study period.

Three board-certified cosmetic dermatologists assessed age at baseline, week three, and week four in photographs. The median decrease in perceived age at four weeks post-treatment was 7.3 years for the clinical investigators.

According to lead investigator Amy Forman Taub, MD, assistant clinical professor at Northwestern University Medical School, “This is the first study that provides objective data which quantifies how much a patient can improve with fillers.” Co-investigator Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD, clinical professor of dermatology at NYU Medical Center, notes “Patients always ask me, ‘How much younger can I look with fillers?’” Sarnoff goes on to say “One patient recently told me ‘The mother of the bride just got a facelift. I’m the mother of the groom—I’ve got limited time, limited funds, and looking 7.3 years younger without going under the knife is good enough for me. I’ll take it!’”

Other key findings of the study include:

• Post-treatment, the patients always perceived an even higher median change in age than the clinical investigators. For example, the median change in perceived age of the patient at two weeks was 6.1 years for the investigators and 9 years for the patients.
• Similarly, while the investigators perceived a median change in age of 7.3 years four weeks post-treatment, the median change as perceived by the patients at four weeks was 7.8.

This study confirms that multisyringe injections of hyaluronic acid filler into the aging face in a single treatment session can result in a statistically significant decrease in perceived age. Fillers, with or without concurrent awi or laser resurfacing, can rejuvenate the face quickly, safely and cost-effectively, without surgery.

About the study

“The Effect of Multisyringe Hyaluronic Acid Facial Rejuvenation on Perceived Age” was published in Dermatologic Surgery (Dermatol Surg 2010; 36: 323–328). In the study, three blinded board-certified cosmetic dermatologists rated 36 images taken by the VISIA CR system, all of the images were of the lower two-thirds of the face (the upper third was not treated) and included a standardized frontal view and two side views at 45° angles.

The images were scrambled such that there was no indication of which photos were before and after. Each clinical investigator was instructed to look at each image and spend no more than 30 seconds rating the subject’s age. They were also instructed not to compare photos or change any age rating after 30 seconds.

Analysis of the data revealed that multisyringe injection of hyaluronic acid filler into the aging face results in a reduction of apparent age of 6.1 to 9 years younger after two to four weeks.

Well now it’s proven in a study.

Are you ready for a great change?

Well it was the red shirts vs the yellow vs the multicolored shirts?

Thailand’s political climate had been simmering for months, then escalated into bloodshed in the week prior to me visiting Bangkok.

Whilst there I really didn’t feel intimidated, coming from South Africa, we get a bit blase with this sort of thing, army and police all over the place, not to mention rolls of barbed wire.

Only until the last day of my trip did the crisis make me a little uneasy, and this was when the army “entered’ the red shirt zone.

Nevertheless, I did manage to do almost everything I wanted to do.

Catching up with friends, and enjoying the excellent cuisine. Of note some great Bangkok restaurants- Sirocco, Koi, Kuppa, Bed Supperclub.

A little shopping, tick.

Tiger Temple, tick. Wow was that an amazing morning, feeding tigers, washing them, walking them, what beautiful cats.

So intelligent, and tame. It is so great seeing them so loved and cared for, lets hope there is more and more tigers saved.

The monks have done a wonderful job since the first tiger cub arrived in 1999, there are over 30 tigers now.

This monastry was established in 1994 by the Abbot Phra Kanthitharo.

Since its opening this place has gained a reputation as a wildlife sanctuary. It started with an injured jungle fowl given to the monks by the villagers.

Then peacocks came attracted by the calls of the by then rather large colony of jungle fowl.

An injured wild boar stumbled in to the monastery and the monks cared for him until he was released back into the forest.

Now there are four species of deer, buffalo, cow, horses, and wild goats. All roam freely in these grounds.

Ayutthaya, tick. The former Thai capital, was resplendent in the sun, with temples beaming. It was founded in 1350AD, by King Uthong. It was one of the richest cities in Asia by the 1600’s, but sadly by 1767 most of the city was burned by the war with the Burmese.

One of the most famous sites is of  a head of Buddha, wrapped within the roots of a fig tree. Simply stunning. These ruins show various styles of architecture.

Back to Bangkok.

So as the turmoil settles, and the 30 or so fires that were set smolder, I hope my friends in Bangkok stay safe, and the smiles return to this amazing city.

Travel to learn, and grow as a human.

Opening night he saw Aurielia Costarella , and Bec and Bridge at the OPT, then in Alexandria it was Stolen Girlfriends Club.

Closing night, Ksubi, was without animals.

Beauty comes in all shapes and forms. From the hairstyles, to new makeup uses, painted on the body where spashes of paint.

Big cheeks where in, as was intricate eye makeup.

Backstage Mr Perdis, was working his magic for Alex Perry.

Dr Young would like to thank sponsors Harpers Bazaar, Blackberry, and FTV.

Dr Young will be off to Bangkok for meetings with some  local Plastic Surgeons, and assess local clinics this week.

Healthy inside=healthy skin.