Dr. Walker's Cosmetic Surgery

Erase Wrinkles with new Long Term Filler-SCULPTRA

2006-05-10T07:15:00.000-07:00

Research has provided a new facial filler that does not require repeated injections every few months. The new filler is Sculptra( poly L-lactic acid), a material absorbable sutures have been made from for years. It lasts two years and can be placed in facial depressions and creases to diminish wrinkles.
Many of us develop a tired haggard look from fat loss with aging that depletes the volume of our faces causing loose skin. Replinishing volume with SCULPTRA can have an almost face lifting effect rejuvenating your looks. SCULPTRA is an office procedure like collagen but does require special training by the administering physician. Visit your local qualified facial plastic surgeon today for an evaluation for SCULPTRA and take home something beautiful- yourself.

Does chocolate cause acne?

2006-04-03T08:21:00.000-07:00

Teenagers have been advised to avoid chocolate for decades but is chocolate really the culprit? The real culprit is the sugar in the chocolate candy. The chocolate candy sugar raises blood glucose levels which stimulates insulin production which generates insulin like growth factor( IGF-1). Growth hormone stimulates sebaceous gland activity in the pores which can cause plugging resulting in comedomes( pimples.) So, acne prone patients should avoid sugar and simple carbohydrates that stimulate insulin like growth hormone to keep their acne under control.

Threadlifts

2006-03-24T12:33:00.000-08:00

Threadlifts have been gaining increased media exposure due to their promise of nonsurgical approach, reduced risk, and shortened recovery time. I have been performing the procedure for nearly two years now and have considerable experience with patient opinion of the results.
To be truthful the procedure has undergone several revisions in technique over the past two years for what I believe was lack of acceptable results. Patients initially satisfied with Threadlifts became dissatisfied with lack of staying power ( the threads pulled loose ) after several weeks or lack of any meaningful results at all. The latest modification of the technique
to improve results puts the procedure far outside the realm of "nonsurgical." In fact ,the newest recommended procedure for Threadlift advises undermining the skin extensively between the threads placed to improve sliding of the skin and creation of a scar layer to hold things in place .
Undermining is surgery and also increases risk of bleeding and nerve trauma. My question is why would a patient undergo a Threadlift procedure for limited results with limited longevity with risk compared to a facelift? The only advantage to a Threadlift is no long incision but that is traded for diminished improvement compared to the gold standard facelift. So in my repertoire of cosmetic procedures the Threadlift will take a back seat for awhile for only very selected indications and patients averse to having any incisions. I would like to see the long term results of the new aggressive Threadlift technique with underming before jumping on the bandwagon.

Oral Supplements for Wrinkles

2006-03-22T10:34:00.000-08:00

Oral supplements can slow down the damage to collagen and DNA through antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties which neutralize free radical molecules . Your big three antioxidant skin supplements are Vitamins A( 5000-10000 units), C ( 1000 mg), and E( 400 IU). ( Retin-A ia a derivative of vitamin A.) Fish oil ( omega 3) ( 2- 4 grams ) is a great supplement that diminishes acne, rosacea, and topically useful for scar resolution. Selenium,zinc,magnesium, chromium, and B vitamins are also helpful in the free radical fight.
A good source of skin nutrition information is detailed in dermatologist, Dr. Nick Perricone's books, The Perricone Prescription and the Wrinkle Cure. He provides before and after pictures of the Nutritional Facelift. Many of his products are available on the internet.

The Trifecta of Facial Skin Care

2006-03-20T17:47:00.000-08:00

Patients frequently ask what they should be doing for skin care. First and foremost is sun block use and sun avoidance. Ultraviolet damage affects collagen fibers as well as DNA. A sunblock should be a UVA and a UVB blocker. Until recently titanium dioxide was the best blocker but had a low popularity due to its chalkiness. Newer compounds such as Ti-Silc are effective and can be worn under makeup. Neutragena also has a new product called Ultra Sheer which is a UV A and B blocker. A hat to shade the face is important during strong sun hours in the middle of the day. In the summer plan outdoor activities early or late before the sun reaches intensity.
The second skin care "must do" is a moisturizer. This can be any product that you prefer and can tolerate. It is especially important in dry climates.
The third skin care issue is exfoliation of the dead cells to promote turn over and regeneration of the layers of the skin. This can be acheived with Renova, Retin-A, Avage, or a 10% glycolic acid cream. This process can be boosted with microdermabrasion, ultrasonic facials, and other fruit acid peels that promote loss of those dull dead outer layers of cells that give the skin a sallow weathered look.
Its really about that simple.

Cosmetic Surgery

2006-03-19T18:44:00.000-08:00

Cosmetic Surgery

Welcome to Dr. Michael Walker's cosmetic surgery beauty blog. This is the first blog to the site that will discuss facial cosmetic surgery issues of consumer interest. Patients are bombarded with hype about techniques and products that at first sound wonderful but after investigation fall short of expectations. This blog is to inform and educate the public about what really works to enhance beauty and slow or reverse the appearances of aging and what are realistic expectations. Further information may be obtained at fazlift.com