Plastic Surgery Associates is excited to introduce the newest technology in liposuction, VASER® Lipo, the next generation in body sculpting. This new method produces natural results with minimal downtime, and we are the only plastic surgeons in West Michigan to offer this technique. We welcome the opportunity to help you determine if the VASER® Lipo procedure is right for you.
Find out more.
August 1, 2010
If Recent Attacks on Sunscreen Concern You...
Since its inception in 1979, The Skin Cancer Foundation has always recommended using a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher as one important part of a complete sun protection regimen which includes seeking shade, covering up with clothing including a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses and avoiding tanning and UV tanning booths.Recent attacks on sunscreens by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and by the media point to imperfections and potential risks, but miss the point that sunscreen continues to be one of the safest and most effective sun protection methods available.
We are concerned that the criticisms will raise unnecessary fears and cause people to stop using sunscreen, doing their skin serious harm.
In general, the criticisms have not been based on hard science. In fact, The Chair of the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Photobiology Committee, an independent volunteer panel of top experts on sun damage and sun protection, reviewed the same studies reviewed by the EWG, and found that their determination of what made a sunscreen bad or good was based on “junk science.”
Below, the Photobiology Committee responds to the criticisms and explains why sunscreen remains an essential part of anyone’s daily sun safety program.
As sunscreen use has gone up in the past 30 years, so has melanoma incidence.
Systematic review of all studies from 1966 to 2003 shows no evidence to support the relationship between sunscreen use and increased risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Actually, some important epidemiological research has indicated that population groups using sunscreen have reduced their melanoma incidence.
Sunscreen blocks vitamin D.
While solar UVB is one source of vitamin D, the benefits of exposure to UVB cannot be separated from the harmful effects of sun exposure: skin cancer, cataracts, immune system suppression, premature aging. And excessive exposure to the sun actually depletes our body’s supply of vitamin D. The safest way to obtain vitamin D is through a combination of diet and vitamin D supplements. The Foundation recommends increasing your intake of vitamin D to 1,000 mg. daily.
The sunscreen ingredient oxybenzone may be a carcinogen.
Old research on rodents suggested that oxybenzone, a synthetic estrogen, can penetrate the skin, may cause allergic reactions, and may disrupt the body’s hormones, producing harmful free radicals that may contribute to melanoma. However, there has never been any evidence that oxybenzone, which has been available for 20 years, has any adverse health effect in humans. The ingredient is FDA-approved for human use based on exhaustive review. The Photobiology Committee reviewed the studies on oxybenzone and found no basis for concern.
The use of excessive SPFs and terms such as “broad-spectrum protection” or “multi-spectrum protection” on sunscreen labels mislead us into a false sense of security, when sunscreens really do not protect adequately against UVA radiation.
Since both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B (UVA and UVB) are harmful, you need protection from both kinds of rays. “Broad-spectrum protection” and “multi-spectrum protection” mean only that a sunscreen offers protection against parts of both the UVA and UVB spectrum. It does not mean complete protection. Because there is no consensus on how much protection the terms indicate, they may not be entirely meaningful. SPF – sun protection factor – refers specifically to how much protection is offered against UVB rays, but to date in the US, we have no equivalent measurement to represent the degree of UVA protection in a sunscreen. Nonetheless, UVA protection in sunscreen has greatly improved in recent years. To make sure you’re getting effective UVA as well as UVB coverage, look for a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, plus some combination of the following UVA-screening ingredients: stabilized avobenzone, ecamsule (a.k.a. Mexoryl™), oxybenzone, titanium dioxide, and/or zinc oxide.
For everyday use an SPF of 15 or higher is generally adequate, while SPFs of 30 or higher are appropriate for active, extended outdoor activity. An SPF 15 sunscreen screens out 93 percent of the sun’s UVB rays, while SPF 30 protects against 97 percent and SPF 50 against 98 percent. The Skin Cancer Foundation agrees that in most cases, SPFs beyond 50 are unnecessary.
Retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A and an ingredient in 41 percent of sunscreens, speeds up growth of tumors and other lesions when exposed to the sun.
The Environmental Working Group cites an FDA study for this data, and faults the FDA for not releasing the study. However, the FDA is yet to release the study precisely because it has not gone through proper peer review. Thus, the EWG based its criticisms on an unapproved 10-year-old study of mice that has never been published in any journal. To date, there is no scientific evidence that vitamin A is a carcinogen in humans. What’s more, only trace amounts of retinyl palmitate appear in sunscreens, and some evidence suggests that it is actually protective against cancer.
Nanoparticles in micronized zinc oxide and titanium dioxide may be more harmful than larger forms of these chemicals, crossing the placenta and affecting the developing fetus, or causing DNA damage linked to cancer.
Micronized versions of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide were designed to improve them cosmetically, so that they no longer left a tell-tale splotch of white on the skin. This improvement greatly increased the use of sunscreens containing these ingredients, which is a good thing, since they are the two most effective ingredients to date in sunscreens against the entire UV spectrum. Multiple studies have demonstrated that the nanoparticles in these ingredients do not penetrate the skin, and there is furthermore no strong evidence of their toxicity. The general scientific consensus (which even the EWG now admits) is that they pose no risk to human health.
Criticisms have also been leveled against The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation program, saying that sunscreen companies simply pay for use of the Seal.
In actuality, manufacturers must provide scientific data on their sun protection product showing that that it sufficiently and safely aids in the prevention of sun-induced damage to the skin. The data are reviewed by anindependent volunteer team of photobiologists – experts in the study of the interaction between ultraviolet radiation and the skin. Every sunscreen product awarded the Seal is monitored annually to ensure that it continues to meet the criteria. Seal of
Recommendation requirements include:
• A sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater.
• Validation of the SPF number by testing on 20 people.
• Substantiated data that the product does not cause phototoxic reactions or contact irritation.
• Substantiation for any claims that a sunscreen is water- or sweat-resistant.
The Foundation also awards the Seal to other sun protection products such as clothing, window film, awnings, hats, and sunglasses.
Consumers should rest assured that sunscreen products are safe and effective when used as directed, and should be considered a vital part of a comprehensive sun protection program that includes the following sun safety strategies:
• Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
• Do not burn.
• Wear a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher every day.
• Apply 1 oz. (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating.
• Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
• Examine your skin from head to toe once every month.
• See your doctor every year for a professional skin exam.
• Avoid tanning and UV tanning salons.
May 1, 2010
Introducing Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50
Groundbreaking! Ultra-sheer texture with no chemical filters.
Mattifying fluid with a transparent finish
All-physical, broad-spectrum coverage
Paraben-free, non-comedogenic
Ideal for all skin types, even the most sensitive
Introductory special offer $26
April 12, 2010
Dr. Aitken Named One of GR’ s Most Powerful Women Business Leaders
Plastic Surgery Associates is very pleased and proud to announce that Dr. Marguerite Aitken was recently named one of Grand Rapids’ most powerful and accomplished women business leaders by Inforum, Michigan’s largest organization for professional women. Dr. Aitken will be honored for her achievements at a reception on April 29, 2010, along with other emerging female business leaders.
Congratulations
Dr. Aitken!
March 19, 2010
Laser Lipo…Too Good To Be True?
Anyone who follows popular media has no doubt heard of or seen reports about new techniques in cosmetic surgery. Liposuction, one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for decades, has gone through many advances in technology. One of the newest and most popular trends has been the emergence of laser assisted liposuction. Some of the reported benefits of laser lipo are quicker recoveries, less bruising, and better skin tightening. Some of its advocates also claim that it can be performed with minimal or no anesthesia often during a patients lunch hour.
Sounds good…almost too good to be true. Unfortunately the current research does not support these claims. A recent well-designed clinical study showed no difference in the quality of the results between traditional liposuction and laser assisted liposuction. Despite a great deal of hype and excitement for new technology, it is important to not let enthusiasm overshadow factual information and scientific evidence. Until further studies prove that laser lipo is better and safer than traditional liposuction we can only conclude that the marketing is ahead of the science.
Liposuction is overall a very safe procedure when performed by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in an accredited surgical facility. Good candidates for liposuction are those individuals who are in good health, at or near their goal weight, and have localized collections of fat that are unresponsive to diet and exercise. Standard liposuction techniques utilize a wetting fluid prior to removing fat, this helps minimize pain as well as bruising and allows patients to recover faster and more comfortably. The most commonly treated areas are the inner and outer thighs, abdomen, waist, as well as the neck and back, or bra line rolls.
At Plastic Surgery Associates, located inside the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, we perform hundreds of successful liposuction procedures each year in our accredited surgical facility. Patients are discharged home the day of surgery and can return to work within a few days and can resume light exercise within a week. If you are considering liposuction you can meet with one of our Board Certified Plastic Surgeons to discuss the procedure as well as your goals for surgery. Liposuction continues to be a very popular, rewarding surgery for those individuals who eat well and exercise but can’t seem to shed weight in certain areas.
March 1, 2010
2009 Customer Satisfaction Survey Results are In
BSM Consulting Firm (bsmconsulting.com) just released the results of Plastic Surgery Associates recent customer satisfaction survey and we couldn’t be more pleased with the results! According to the survey in 2009, the overall patient satisfaction with the practice was 97.5%, higher than the national average. Plastic Surgery Associates is committed to providing you with a positive experience each time you visit with us, and thanks to you, we are happy to know that we are succeeding in this task. As always, we appreciate your business, and our goal is to continue to provide you with a high-level of customer service and satisfaction.
