The Injectable Face/Eye Lift is an excellent way to look years younger in minutes. Dr. Persky performs the Injectable Lift in his office. The treatment takes from 30 to 60 minutes as Dr. Persky injects small amounts of filler (Restylane, Juvederm, and/or Evolence) in areas that have lost volume with aging. By re-inflating strategic areas, a natural youthful appearance is restored. The results last up to 18 months. To see an example of the Injectable Lift before and after photographs, go to http://www.facebook.com/n/?photo.php&pid=396494&id=1079958675&comments&mid=602773G405edc93G6fa9c6G9

We all need to be aware of preventing the spread of Swine Flu. This includes frequent hand washing, avoiding body fluid exchanges with those who have sore throats, cough, and fever greater than 100 F. Encourage those with the above symptoms to see their physician or visit an emergency room where throat cultures and medication can be admisitered. As of April 23, 2009, five California residents (three children and two adults) have been diagnosed with swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection. Three are residents of San Diego County and two are residents of Imperial County. There are no known links between these patients, no known common exposures and no known pig exposure. Four patients had self-limited influenza-like illness; one was patient with underlying autoimmune disease was hospitalized. All have recovered. The viruses from the five cases are closely related genetically and contain a unique combination of gene segments that have not previously been reported in the United States or elsewhere. The viruses in the first two patients are susceptible to oseltamivir and zanamivir, but resistant to amantadine and rimantadine. Antiviral susceptibility on viruses from the additional three cases is pending, but is anticipated to be the same. Swine influenza (swine flu) is an endemic respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus, typically H1N1 and H3N2 strains. Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with swine flu do occur. Since 2005, 12 human cases of swine flu have been detected in other parts of the United States; all patients recovered. Most commonly, these cases occur in persons with direct exposure to pigs (e.g., workers in the swine industry). Although it has been documented, human-to-human transmission of swine flu is rare. However, the current situation in California suggests that human-to-human transmission may be occurring. Seasonal human influenza vaccine usually does not protect against swine influenza A H1N1 viruses, which are very different in their antigens from human H1N1 viruses. For additional information about swine flu, please see: http://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/discond/Pages/SwineInfluenza.aspx

Our office is now offering Laser Facial treatments. The treatment is quick, easy, and painless. Great treatment for those who want to look their best.

When asked, "What should I look for when choosing a rhinoplasty surgeon?” I reply, "The Eye, the Hand, and the Heart". “Eye” refers to the artistic ability to evaluate the nose and diagnose what is required to restore balance and harmony with a natural un-operated upon appearance. One needs to have a vision of natural, “average” nose. Beautiful, attractive faces are made up of the combination of average features. The nose should get out of the way of your eyes, lips, and cheek and jaw line contours. “Hand” is the ability to perform the sculpting necessary in a precise, safe, and effective manner with a skilled and soft gentle touch. “Heart” is caring about patients with uncommon professional passion and commitment to excellence. This involves close follow up care. These attributes can be used in all walks of life, no matter what your profession or job may be. Exceptional individuals have a vision of the future, ability to carry out the necessary physical steps, and passion coupled with commitment to achieve their client’s goals. When choosing your rhinoplasty surgeon (or any other service), put your trust in those who have “the Eye, the Hand, and the Heart” that is right for you. That having been said, take your time; have multiple consultations, look at before and after pictures carefully. Make sure that they are board certified in plastic surgery, facial plastic surgery, or ENT. Good luck and be well. Dr. P

Joseph Helfgot recently died, but donated his face to the second US face transplant recipient. The testament to his enduring life values can be read in the following Boston Globe article: http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/04/15/gift_of_a_face_a_testament_to_donors_enduring_values May his soul be bound to eternal life.

We are saddened by the untimely, shocking, and tragic deaths this week of promising Los Angeles Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart, 22 and his friends 20-year old Courtney Frances Stewart and 25-year old Henry Pearson. They were killed by a drunken motorist shortly after midnight. Nick had earlier pitched his best game of his young major league career. Another drunk driver has taken innocent, young lives with their bright futures in front of them. As a resident physician at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center in the 80's, all too often we went to the operating room after midnight in an effort to save the lives of victims of drunk driver accidents. "Why is it that the drunk usually comes out unscathed while the pregnant mom and her young child die?" we'd ask ourselves over and over again, far too many nights. Now as a parent what do I tell my children? The same thing that my fellow residents concluded years ago, "NOTHING GOOD HAPPENS AFTER MIDNIGHT". Please be home before 12:00 am. Cinderella's fairy godmother had it right when she insisted that Cinderella be back before the clock struck 12. If only their cars and coaches turned to pumpkins. By necessity, many of us do find ourselves driving on the road late at night or in the early morning hours. At those times it is important to remember what one of my wisest head and neck surgery professors always preached in the operating room, "Keep your eyes open and be focused at all times, it's what you don't see coming that will get you". In other words, please watch out for those crazy, drunk drivers that seem to come out or nowhere to take too many lives before their time, especially late at night and in the early morning hours. Our prayers go out to the family and friends of the victims of drunk drivers. In the case of Nick, Courtney, and Henry may their souls be bound to eternal life. We will miss you, and all that would have followed from your lives.

The current April issue of Vogue magazine (the one with Beyonce on the cover) has an excellent article on page 146 entitled "Easy Does It", by Catherine Piercy. The article is the first major beauty/glamour magazine that features fractionated carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers. It touts this incredible technology as "The Next Big Thing in dermatology". We have been using Fraxel repair (a premiere fractionated CO2 laser) for the past year on over 100 patients with excellent results. For more information on how to look years younger, fresher, healthier, while still looking like you, go to other entries here in Dr. Persky's blog.

1. What is Fraxel repair?

Fraxel repair is the most effective clinically proven fractionated carbon dioxide laser or fractionated CO2 laser on the market. It combines the effectiveness of traditional CO2 lasers with the safety of fractionated lasers. In the April 2009 issue of Vogue magazine it is touted by prestigious NYC dermatologists as the Next Big Thing in skin rejuvenation.

2. How is it different from other lasers?

It is the only fractionated CO2 laser that is applied in a rolling, paint brush stroke while all other lasers are applied in a stamping technique. It has over 3 years of clinical studies with over thousands of patient treatments. It has over 30 scientific medical journal articles while its closest competitor has less than 5.

3. How Does It Work?

The laser hits the skin in a pixilated pattern, like the dots on a Lichtenstein painting. The skin immediately tightens as a selected percentage of the treated surface is vaporized, the untreated skin immediately beginning the healing process. New collagen formation is stimulated for the following 6 to 8 months.

4. How Many Treatments are required?

In the great majority of patients only a single treatment takes years off of a patient’s appearance. Some patients request a second treatment which gives even better results. For acne and surgical scar patients 2 to 3 treatments may be necessary.

5. Is it painful and how is it done?

Fraxel repair is performed in my office using local anesthetic. It is very tolerable, the only patients who seem to have much discomfort are smokers, or those who abuse drugs or alcohol. There is no pain once the treatment is over, and during the recovery period.

6. How is recovery, painful? long?

During the recovery there is no pain, and the post treatment consists of frequent skin soaks and application of either Cutagenix foam or Aquaphor.

7. How Long Before Going Out in Public?

Depends on how close the treatment is to Halloween….just kidding. Patients need at least 5 to 7 days before going out in public. At 7 days, patients are red, like a day at the beach without sun block, but can cover up with mineral make up or tinted sun block for men.

8. How Long Do Results Last?

Based on our experience with traditional CO2 lasers since 1994, the results should last 8-10 years, patients will always look younger than if they did not have the treatment. Some patients may opt to have treatments sooner.

9. Who is a good candidate?

Anyone who wishes to improve their appearance and look "years younger". Patients appear like themselves rested, healthy, natural, and younger. I have treated patients as young as 15 for acne scars, and as old as 78 (the face and neck of a patient who did not wish to undergo surgery). Fraxel repair tightens skin laxity in the face and neck, lifts the cheeks, removes excess skin hooding from upper eye lids, smoothes lower eye lid skin, and improves brown and red discolorations of the skin. It is actually becoming a very popular 50’Th birthday present for many of my patients.

10. What about Aftercare, Sun Block, Exposure?
Patients are encouraged to protect the investment that they have made in their skin by using sun block, avoiding over sun exposure, and wearing protective clothing when outdoors. Two weeks after their treatment, patients are given a personalized skin care product protocol to follow.

11. What parts of the skin may be treated other than the face? Neck, décolleté, hands, eyes?

The neck, eye lids, chest, and hands may all be treated.

12. Will this replace facelift?

No, but many patients will not ever need a facelift after having this treatment. It is a pre-emptive strike against a facelift.

13. What is the cost?

It costs about $800 per year that a patient wishes to look younger. Once again just kidding. Since it does not require general anesthesia or an operating room fee, the cost is about one third the cost of a face lift.

14. Can any doctor perform this procedure?

Fraxel re:pair is a very powerful laser and should be performed only by physicians well trained and experienced in the use of CO2 lasers. I am grateful that I am a facial plastic surgeon as well as having used CO2 lasers for the past 20 years. When used improperly, this treatment can result in severe complications.

15. Would you have the procedure done yourself?

Yes, as soon as I find someone whom I would trust with my face. I have treated family and friends (who are now very happy).

16. What is Fraxel Lite? When is the best time to have Fraxel Lite if you want to look your best for an event?

Fraxel Lite is Fraxel repair with very low settings. Patients are red and swollen for 2-3 days, then tan for a few days. By two weeks, they have that “Red Carpet” glow to their skin. It is an excellent treatment prior to that big event that you want to look your absolute best for, with very little down time.

17. Is it effective for acne scars?

Yes, it is one of the most effective treatments for acne scarring.

18. Where can I find out more about Fraxel repair?

Here on my website www.drpersky.com, go to media and/or treatments under Fraxel repair. There is a patient video diary, as well as information about the treatment.