Plastic Surgery May Reduce Headaches

Many people suffer from headaches that seem to emanate from their forehead. Several plastic surgeons, including me, have noted that patients that receive Botox injections often report a decrease in their headaches. Some even go so far to say they are completely eliminated. What could be causing this? Anatomically, the sensory nerves that supply the forehead region exit from the bone just above the orbital rim (the bone around the eyeball). They are surrounded by muscles that cause midline frown lines above the nose. When these muscles contract they put pressure on the nerves, irritating them and leading to sensations of pain. Botox eliminates wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing these muscles. When they can't compress the nerves, they can't cause headaches. Voila!
We have also noted that in patients that have brow lifts where the muscles are weakened or removed, their incidence of headaches decreases. A recent study published in Plastic and Reconstructtive Surgery, looked at the effect of weakening this muscle on 49 migraine sufferers and found that 80% reported a significant reduction in headaches while fully 50% reported a complete elimination of headaches.
If you are a migraine sufferer, botox may offer significant relief. If you are a migraine sufferer and could use a brow lift you very well may be able to completely eliminate your headaches. Either way you will look better.

All the best,

Dr. Jabs

Breast Implants: Gel or Saline?

I am often asked by patients which implant type is best. The answer, like so many things, depends on the individual and their personal preferences. Both are excellent implants and both have their advantages. Let's take a look at them each and look at their pluses and minuses.

Saline Implants:
(+)
Have the longest track record and are the standard by which implants are judged for safety.
They are adjustable (to a point) at the time of surgery.
The incision used to place them is slightly shorter than that used for gel implants.
If they break the fluid is slowly absorbed by the body and does not promote internal scar formation.
The likelihood of capsule formation is low.
(-)
They are more easy to feel when in place.
They may be more firm than gel implants.
They are less expensive than gels.

Memory Gel Implants
(+)
Have the most natural feel. In fact in many cases it is difficult to tell there is an implant in the breast.
Provide the most natural shape to the breast (this is relative and small in magnitude)

(-)
More expensive
Slightly larger incision required to place.
Size cannot be adjusted at the time of surgery.
If they rupture the content MAY cause internal scarring (capsule formation).

I give all of my patients the choice of which implant they prefer. What sways a woman the most is how the implant feels in her hands. Often, just touching the implants makes the decision easier. Some women are concerned about the safety of gel implants, remembering the questions that arose about the old style liquid silicone implants. The data that prompted the FDA to approve Memory Gel clearly shows that gel implants are not immunogenic, are not related to cancer, and are safe. What is wonderful is that we have a choice.
Next time we'll talk about implant shapes and widths.

All the best,

Dr. Jabs

Lombardi Cancer Gala

Georgetown University's Lombardi Cancer Gala was held recently at the The Washington Hilton. In support of their mission to advance the care of patients with cancer I was happy to donate an in office botox treatment to their silent auction. My good friends Tonya and Howard Adler worked tirelessly as co-chairs for the event. The Lombardi center is one of only 40 cancer centers in the nation designated by the National Cancer Institute as a comprehensive cancer treatment center.

Dr. Jabs

Happy New Year!

The weather is cold in Washington this week but people's spirits seem to be up in hope of a better year. We are all happy that the "Botax", an attack on working women, has been dropped from the upcoming health care bill. Taxes hurt commerce and we don't need that right now. There is a lot of talk about inflation (everything getting more valuable EXCEPT money) right now. We are seeing just the opposite in cosmetic surgery. Because there are fewer people ready to have a procedure currently, we have seen the cost of surgery, DECREASE, except for what hospitals are charging to use their operating rooms. The schedules are more open and the prices are down. If there is something that you have been thinking about doing, NOW is the time. You now have a financial incentive. As the economy begins to recover prices will stabilize and return to their pre recession levels.
I hope you had a warm, wonderful, family oriented holiday.

All the best,

Dr. Jabs