Renaissance Cosmetic Group

The Australian Clinic for Cosmetic Surgery, and 1300loveit.com have been absorbed into the Renaissance Cosmetic Group. This group, with cosmetic practices all over Australia, is owned by Dr Albert Ho. Dr Simon Rosenbaum remains the main cosmetic surgeon in the group. We look forward to greater visibility in this crowded field, with a greater range of treatments for patients. With increased mobility of the population, we can now look after our patients in many more locations.

Weight-loss (bariatric) surgery – is it safe ?

I see many patients who are overweight. Some of these may well benefit from liposculpture, but others, particularly where there is general obesity, would benefit from gastric banding. Once weight has been lost, then we can focus on liposculpture or skin removal to enhance the appearance.

A recent study of gastric banding and bypass patients in Western Australia (MJA 189:4 p198) showed a dramtic increase in the rate of procedures performed – moreso that the increase in obesity. 85% of procedures were for women. Banding had far fewer complications than bypass procedures. Overall, the re-admission rate in the first month was 8%, and the overall complication rate was 9.6%, but most of these were for bypass procedures.

I think we can be very positive about gastric banding. It is no longer the last option, but in many cases is the procedure of choice – especially where the BMI is over 34. I have some excellent surgeons that I refer patients to in Melbourne and Brisbane.

Botox and depression

A recent study has shown that a Botox treatment to the frown area helped 9 out of the 10 women studied to overcome clinical depression. We all know that there is a strong mind-body connection, that works both ways. If we can stop the frowning, we can improve the mood. Many patients also find that Botox can help relieve headaches, and I have had some special training in Toronto in the use of Botox for headaches and musculo-skeletal problems. Unfortunately, there is no Medicare rebate for these treatments – although there are some beneficial tax implications.

Skin rejuvenation with the Rhytec Portrait system

I was quite excited today to be involved with another patient having a Portrait treatment to reverse sun-damage and ageing skin. This device uses bursts of energy from Nitrogen gas to rejuvenate the skin. Collagen needs energy to shrink and stimulate renewal. So, whether that energy comes from electrons – eg RF systems, or light photons – eg laser or IPL, or heated nitrogen plasma – Portrait, the desired end result can be achieved. The nice thing about the Portrait system is that the treatments are quite comfortable, and that the surface of the skin remains for several days, acting to soothe and protect the dermis during the healing process. I think the treatment is truly excellent for rejuvenating the delicate eyelid skin, and for improving sun-damage, acne scarring, and other texture problems on the face and neck. Usually only one treatment is needed.

Cosmetic Surgery in under 18 year olds

The Queensland government is soon to legislate to ban cosmetic surgery in under 18 year olds. 

We have to wait to see the legislation, but there are already safeguards in the system for protecting the interests of minors. 

I wonder if correction of congenital deformities, breast asymmetry, prominent ears (otoplasty), or facial scars to name a few will become problematical under the new rules.

I wonder if there really is any evidence of inappropriate surgery being carried out, or is this just another example of bureaucracy gone crazy ?

Next thing will be restrictions on minor cosmetic procedures in doctors rooms – which will only serve to increase costs for treatments that will then need to be performed in hospitals, and further stratify practitioners, and reduce competition, as not all doctors will be able to gain access to theatres.

Big Bellies – liposuction is not always the answer.

Recent studies confirm that when a woman has a waist over 88cm, and a man over 100cm, that the risk of death from cardiovascular causes is 3 times normal. The risky fat is inside the abdomen, and therefore can’t be helped by liposuction.

Liposuction of excessive external fat has been shown to improve blood pressure and lipids, and even to reduce insulin requirements, but patients with internal fat need expert advice to reduce risk.

The obvious remedies are diet and exercise, but often these measures do not work, and metabolic or hormonal adjustments are the answer. There are some very good doctors I refer patients to for these problems – with great results.

Interestingly, another recent study showed that having too little, or too much sleep, also increased the risk of obesity by more than 20% – so try to get 7-8 hours of good quality sleep.

Motorcycle injuries

I’m a passionate rider – I’ve had BMWs and a Harley VRod, and I have also been the secretary of the MRAA. I have also worked in the ER for many years, and now practice what I love – cosmetic surgery. I have seeen some terrible, and preventable injuries  from motorcycle spills. Several years ago I had to resuscitate an injured rider on Mt Glorious. It doesn’t take much to rip the skin from the hands, knees, elbows, and it’s not hard to suffer from strains or breaks or worse. Many of these injuries leave permanent scarring, pain, stiffness and weakness and many need cosmetic or plastic surgery.

Yet it’s so easy to prevent.

In yesterdays Courier Mail, I was pleased to see that Casey Stoner spoke out for the compulsory use of protective clothing by motocyclists, and at last, there is to be some research on the effectiveness of protective gear.

It seems clear that with the increasing numbers of bicycles, scooters and motorcyckes, there will be an epidemic of non-fatal but incapacitating injuries – and these rarely make the headlines.

At the very least, I think that the use of gloves should be mandatory, that won’t impair anyone’s “freedom to choose”, and lets see if the rider organizations and insurers can encourage a mindset that equates riding with routine use of safety gear.

So, here’s the news : for any motorcycle rider that has a cosmetic surgery procedure with me – quote this blog, and receive a voucher for a free pair of motorcycle gloves.

The real before and after tummy-tuck images

There was recently a program on TV trying to cast cosmetic surgeons in a negative way. Images of one of my patients were shown – however these were not described on the clip, nor were the original before and after shots presented.  I’ve attached them here – you can decide if the result was worthwhile

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All abdominoplasties create scars – usually along the lower abdomen, and around the umbilicus.

Is Lipo-dissolve safe

An article in The Age on 23 March 2008,  lipo-dissolve was claimed to cause “serious health complications”. Dr Howard Webster, president of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, claimed that there were no clinical trials to support it’s use.

What’s my take on this ?

Well, I’m a member of Network-Lipolysis, (one of thousands) and the doctors in this organization have been trained in the use of Lipo-dissolve. We have been provided with protocols, and use product that is specially compounded for us. The treatment does cause swelling and redness, we know this in advance, for a number of days, it does require repeated sessions, and is ideally suited for small localized areas of fat.

Just like anything else, if the treatment is not properly administered, or too much product is injected, there can be side-effects or complications. Personally, I have no bad experiences with the treatment, other than finding that results are slowly achieved in most cases. I have yet to hear of or see any complications.

Dr Webster is wrong when he says there are no clinical trials. Perhaps he should do a literature search before his interviews.

Simon leaves Aesthetica

After some on-going issues with the management at Aesthetica in South Yarra, I resigned my position in early March 2008. I will continue to be practicing in Melbourne, and can be reached via my Brisbane office on 1300-568-348 (1300loveit) or at the Ashley Centre, in Malvern East, on 03-9569-3511.