Dr Michael Persky's Blog

You Can Look Good With the Lights On/ The Liquid Facelift

nospam@example.com (Dr Persky) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:41:27 -0500

A very intelligent, entertaining, and most beautiful patient was in my office today. She can afford to see the most popular as well as expensive Beverly Hills cosmetic physicians, yet she chose my practice for her facial procedures. After her rhinoplasty months ago I asked, "What was it that made you choose me to operate on your nose?" She answered with one word, her friend’s name (who had rhinoplasty here a few months before), and then simply added, "Seeing is believing". She has subsequently trusted her face to me with fillers and Botox. She shared an experience from her workout at the gym this morning. In the class, the lights are dimmed for the hour of the workout, and most people look better in the wall to wall mirrors in the dimly lit room. The inevitable moment of truth comes at the end of class when the bright lights are turned back on. In one of those "ah-ha" moments she came up with another cosmetic insight, "You can look good with the lights on!" with emphasis on the “can”. With a non-invasive, safe and effective treatment that combines the precise and individually tailored use of Restylane, Juviderm, or Radiesse and Botox, the Liquid Facelift rejuvenates the face without the cost and downtime of surgery. Patients look rested, healthy, and great with or without the lights on. Seeing is believing.

Fall face fix after that summer in the sun

nospam@example.com (Dr Persky) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:26:45 -0500

In a national NBC syndicated television story that originated on WCAU-TV in Philadelphia, the Fraxel laser is described as a “Fall Face Fix” that can reverse the harmful effects of the summer’s sun. Fraxel treatment will do a lot to improve sun damage, acne scars and the overall appearance of skin. The segment makes reference to the Today Show segment featuring Kathie Lee Gifford and notes that the Fraxel re:store laser is FDA cleared for discoloration, roughness, sun damage, acne scars and wrinkles. To view this video go to http://www.fraxel.com/downloads/NBC%20Phila%20Bernstein.wmv.

"Cosmetic Surgery Gets A Lift" Los Angeles Daily News Article

nospam@example.com (Dr Persky) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:44:33 -0500

Dr. Persky appeared on the front page of today's Los Angeles Daily News in an article entitled "Cosmetic Surgery Gets a Lift" written by Barbara Correa. Here are links to the articles, which ran today in the LA Daily News: http://www.dailynews.com/ci_10585601 http://www.dailynews.com/ci_10585602 The article addresses financing of elective cosmetic procedures. We now offer Care Credit financing in our office. Be well.

PBS special American Health Journal Fraxel re:pair

nospam@example.com (Dr Persky) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:44:14 -0500

Dr. Persky will be featured on the local PBS television station KOCE in Los Angeles, and Orange County discussing Fraxel re:pair laser skin rejuvenation. The show will air Wednesday October 1, 2008 at 7:30 p.m., and then again on Friday October 3, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. The viewing party and wrap party will be held at Les Deux in Hollywood with the stars from the Hills....just kidding about this part. Be well.

What Feature of Angelina Jolie Would You Ask For?

nospam@example.com (Dr Persky) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 20:27:44 -0500

Colin Stewart, cosmetic medicine columnist of the Orange County Register asked me to comment on whether my patients still request facial features "like Angelina Jolie's" -- or have other celebrities edged her out? The most common request from my patients regarding a feature of Angelina Jolie's that they would like on them is Brad Pitt! Second to that are lips, most patients would love to have her lips, while others do not want their lips to "be as full as Angelina Jolie's". Angelina possesses the classical features of beauty that were described by Leonardo da Vinci during his anatomy studies and drawings of 1511. His proportions are used by plastic surgeons today. Angelina's face is very symmetric. Her face can be divided into 3 equal thirds horizontally, her forehead, her brows to her upper lip, and her upper lip to chin. Likewise, vertically her face can be divided into equal fifths, each the width of the distance between her eyes. Her forehead is flawless (Botox?). Her nose fits her face and allows us to focus on her beautifully shaped eyes. And then of course those sexy Angelina lips. Are they real or not? I won't tell, but only Angelina and her injector know for sure. Enough on her, Brad, know that you are still the most requested feature of Angelina that my patients request. Check out the Orange County Register later this week for the complete article.

Botox Can Improve First Impressions For Attractiveness, Dating Success

nospam@example.com (Dr Persky) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 18:37:12 -0500

At the recent American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery meetings in Chicago, Amy S. Anstead, MD; Steven H. Dayan, MD. presented their research, "Botulinum Toxin A Can Positively Impact First Impression". Their research showed that first impressions of a person are influenced by facial appearance and improved by Botox treatment. Photos were taken of the study participants before and after the treatment with the botulinum toxin A, then the photos were randomly divided into books with each subject represented only once per book. Evaluators who were unaware of which pictures had been treated or not treated with Botox completed a survey rating their first impression on various measures of success for each photo in the book. Subjects who received the injections improved first impression scores for scales of dating success, attractiveness, and athletic success The authors did not find any positive correlation between botulinum toxin A injection and increased scores regarding social skills, financial, or relationship success. Dr. Dayan's recent book is entitled "Instant Beauty".

Opportunity for free facial cosmetic treatment

nospam@example.com (Dr Persky) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 17:34:28 -0500

Here's the catch, a national TV show ("The Secret Lives of Women " on WE network) is doing a show on "Trophy Wives", and are requesting a volunteer trophy wife (don't ask me for the exact definition, but you know who you are, or who your friends are) to be treated with fillers (Restylane, Juviderm, Radiesse, Elevess, and/or Preville Silk) and/or Botox. The lucky "T.W." will be treated by Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon, Michael A. Persky, MD. Contact at:(818) 501-3223 or drpersky@aol.com

Metrolink Train Crash Chatsworth Survivors

nospam@example.com (Dr Persky) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 18:35:24 -0500

I, like all of you, was and continue to be deeply saddened by the local Metro link train crash in Chatsworth on Friday, September 12, 2008. I know that many survivors suffered facial and other lacerations, some of which may result in permanent scars. I would like to offer those involved in the accident with scars Fraxel re:store laser treatments at no cost. The treatment is relatively painless, quick, and involves anywhere from one to a series of treatments until the scar is maximally improved. The treatment can blend scars so that they are nearly imperceptible. Please call my office to set up an appointment. I hope that everyone heals well and that this service will be not be necessary. Be well.

Botox Cream?

nospam@example.com (Dr Persky) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 22:56:48 -0500

To those of us that would rather not have needles and shots, there may be some good news on the horizon. PSP eReports tells us that researchers at the University of Massachusetts Lowell Nanomanufacturing Center have developed a skin cream based in part on botulinium toxin, which, according to the patent application recently submitted to the US government, could be administered topically or as a transdermal patch. It had been thought that Botox could not pass through the skin. But the researchers have discovered that the toxin passes through with ease if it is attached to a nanoparticle in an emulsion. The nanoemulsion also keeps the toxin stable, they claim, giving the cream a possible shelf life of up to 2 years. I know many patients who will be happy when this new product hits the market. Stay tuned.

Longer Eyelashes in Three Weeks.

nospam@example.com (Dr Persky) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 13:39:11 -0500

Lumigan 0.03%, manufactured by Allergan as a glaucoma eye drop is gaining popularity as an eye lash enhancer. As noted below in the "warnings" section, one of the side effects is the growth of eyelashes. Patients are seeing imrpovement as soon as 3 weeks. The product is available from physicians by prescription only. Instructions for use for eyelash growth: Remove Lumigan dropper cap and dip eyeliner brush into bottle. Apply with eyeliner brush as you would eyeliner, once daily until lashes are desired length (it may take 1-3 months to achieve the desired length), then once weekly for maintenance. If irritation occurs, stop for 1 week then start again every other day. Rinse after each use and keep brush in clean baggie or replace cap over brush. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor. Warnings: Lumigan® (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03% has been reported to cause changes to pigmented tissues. When used for glaucoma as eye drops on the eye, the most frequently reported changes have been increased pigmentation of the iris (the colored portion of the eye), periorbital tissue (eyelid) and eyelashes, and growth of eyelashes. Pigmentation is expected to increase as long as Lumigan® is administered. After discontinuation of Lumigan® pigmentation of the iris is likely to be permanent while pigmentation of the periorbital tissue and eyelash changes have been reported to be reversible in some patients. Patients who receive treatment should be informed of the possibility of increased pigmentation. The effects of increased pigmentation beyond 5 years are not known. For additional Important Information about Lumigan® call 818 501-face.

"Super Botox Me" Dr P in Fraxel re:pair BBC documentary

nospam@example.com (Dr Persky) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:07:28 -0500

Innovative British journalist Ms. Kate Spicer traveled to the U.S. this summer to investigate the latest facial cosmetic non-invasive treatments. She began in New York City, where she received Botox and Sculptra injections by doctors including Madonna's cosmetic injection physician Fredric Brandt, MD. She then traveled to Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Encino. Having consulted with multiple physicians, she decided to have her periorbital area (upper and lower eyelids) treated with Fraxel re:pair in my office. The one hour documentary entitled, "Super Botox Me" was aired across Europe in August by the BBC's channel 4. An edited version can be seen on You Tube by searching under "Persky Fraxel". In the documentary, Ms. Spicer had actually initially decided to have another Los Angeles cosmetic surgeon perform fat transfer and blepharoplasty. When I heard, plus the fact that she had recent Sculptra injections (which take about three weeks to show their full effects), I called Kate's producer to let them know that I would be remiss as a physician if I didn't let them know that putting fat graft transfers on top of newly placed Sculptra could result in permanent problems. After speaking with the other physician (who consulted with colleagues of his), Ms. Spicer decided to be treated with the non-invasive, safe and effective Fraxel re:pair eyelid treatment. Due to her time constraints of getting the documentary done, her post treatment pictures are very early after the treatment; she had not yet completely healed. Please take a look at an edited version of my participation in the documentary at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5_x3jjRZI0. If you are in Europe, the entire documentary, “Super Botox Me” can be seen by going to: www.channel4.com/video/super-botox-me/catchup.html.

Later results with Fraxel re:pair (or Early Results part 2)

nospam@example.com (Dr Persky) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 17:15:47 -0500

You will soon be hearing of the results of Fraxel re:pair laser from patients who have had the treatment, as well as from the media. I have now treated about 40 patients, 39 have had phenomenal results. One patient did not get the tightening of skin that we had hoped for, nor the overall improvement desired. People are different and we all have slightly different skin health, and we all recover and heal uniquely. My patients and I have found that there is an overall younger appearance of 5 to 10 years. Patients say that they are hearing, "You look rested and healthy". We are seeing tightening of the forehead with a slight elevation of the eyebrows. The affect on the upper and lower eyelids is remarkable making the eyes look younger, in the majority of cases the results are nearly as good as or better than actual eyelid surgery. The most consistent finding is increased fullness and lifting of the cheeks and midface area. This reverses the process of volume loss and sagging that we unfortunately see as the aging process travels through our late 30's, 40's and in those lucky individuals, 50's. The treatment does not get rid of "jowls", but helps a bit. In patients with lax neck skin there is marked improvement. The treatment is not a face or neck lift, and does not replace those surgeries. Overall tone, texture, and color of the skin are very nicely improved. Pore size is improved as well. The results on brown pigmentation have been spectacular, as have the results on acne scarring (both color and evenness of the skin surface). I look forward to continued improvement in patients treated with fraxel repair for up to 6 months after their treatment as there is continued new production of collagen. My only caveat that Fraxel re:pair laser is an extremely powerful laser technology so please choose your physician most carefully. Be well.

Not Darwin's Theory, Evolence is newest collagen facial filler approved by FDA

nospam@example.com (Dr Persky) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:48:38 -0500

I am one of a limited number of U. S. physicians trained and certified to inject Evolence, the brand new collagen product brought to us by Johnson and Johnson. From my experience with Evolence the strengths are that it is FDA approved to fill nasolabial folds (laugh lines), it stimulates platelet aggregation which helps to decrease bleeding and bruising from the injections, patients look good immediately after the injection with minimal swelling and therefore can return to normal social activities immediately. It is a natural collagen product derived from pig tendon, manufactured by a company in, of all places, Israel. Unlike previous collagen products, it is cross linked with the natural sugar ribose which prevents the breakdown of the product. In studies against hyaluronic acids (Restylane, Juviderm) it has been shown to last as long, and even be present up to 12 months after injection. Pig collagen is genetically so similar to human collagen that in tests of over 500 patients there were no allergic reactions. No allergy skin test is required before using this collagen product. Studies have shown that similar to hyaluronic acids, Evolence stimulates fibroblasts and natural collagen production after it is injected. On the down side, "something's not Kosher" about injecting pig collagen into humans (there have been discussions with both Jewish and Islamic clergyand scholars). Vegans and vegetarians have not voiced their views yet. Not that there is anything Kosher about injecting Botox or any of the other injectables currently used in cosmetic surgery. Also, the product is firm and therefore it is not advised to inject into lips. It is injected through a 27 gauge needle which is slightly larger than the needles used for hyaluronic acids. The studies averaged about 3 syringes (3 ml) to correct the nasolabial folds which can potentially become costly. We will be hearing a lot about Evolence in the near future as it is promoted by powerhouse Johnson and Johnson. It will likely become another of the many popular injectable facial fillers available to those who desire to look more youthful.

Dr. P quoted in Orange County Register article: Doctors propose more work on Hillary Clinton’s 60-year-old face

nospam@example.com (Dr Persky) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:20:40 -0500

CLINTON AND COSMETIC MEDICINE As Hillary Clinton, 60, basks in the spotlight at this week’s Democratic National Convention, doctors say she appears to have used some of the tools of cosmetic medicine to fight against the signs of aging. But Clinton would still benefit from more skin-rejuvenation treatments to further the process, they say. Minimally invasive injections and laser treatments are what the doctors see some evidence of, not nip-and-tuck-style plastic surgery. If Clinton has had Botox injections, though, the photo above is evidence that only a modest amount, at most, was used in her forehead. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be able to make that expression. You might think otherwise if you only looked at her smooth forehead in the photo below. Plastic surgeon Dr. Michael A. Persky of Encino suggests that the skin on Clinton’s face looks as though it was firmed-up with a Fraxel re:store laser. Made by Reliant Technologies of Mountain View, Calif., the re:store device is a non-ablative erbium fractionated aser, which rejuvenates the skin with 1 to 2 days of recovery time. Persky says: Hillary Clinton may have had Fraxel re:store treatments, a series of no-downtime laser treatments that help with skin tone, texture, and color, with minimal tightening of the skin. She also may have had Botox and dermal fillers (Restylane, Juviderm, Preville Silk). Ms. Clinton does not appear to have had any major plastic surgery. That’s the type of treatment that Newport Beach dermatologist Dr. Vince Afsahi recommends for Clinton: Many prominent women we treat in our office prefer a subtle-yet-effective transformation when they embark on a skin rejuvenation program. Because they are in front of the camera on a daily basis, non-surgical modalities for treating the signs of aging are recommended. Fillers such as Juvederm for the laugh lines, lip lines, and cheek augmentation can be used. Botox is wonderful for the crow’s feet, frown lines, and glabella [between the eyebrows]. A favorite of many of patients is laser and light based treatments such as photofacials to freshen up the skin, reduce pore size and sun spots before a big event. Most of these procedures can be done with little downtime and the patient returns to work quickly. Beverly Hills dermatologist Dr. Don Mehrabi proposes a series of anti-wrinkle Botox injections plus skin-rejuvenating laser treatments: Hilary Clinton would easily most benefit from Botox injections to the crow’s feet, forehead, and the area between the eyebrows. Her most significant improvement would be to do a fractional resurfacing procedure to even out her skin texture and get rid of the lines under her eyes. Fillers in her laugh lines and the areas around and below her mouth would be great, but the top two suggestions would be Botox and laser resurfacing. Near the convention site in Denver, Dr. Tahl Humes says that Clinton appears to have benefited from wrinkle-fighters such as Botox. “It appears that she has restored a youthful look with a combination of injectables,” said Humes, a specialist in internal medicine who owns Vitahl Medical Rejuvenation Spa in Denver and conducts training sessions on cosmetic injections and Cutera cosmetic laser systems. The Daily News of New York quoted Humes earlier this month and said, “A source tells us Clinton visited a New York plastic surgeon early this month and received injections of a ‘dermafiller’ in her face.” Persky suggested that Clinton should move on to treatments with a Fraxel re:pair laser, a newer skin-rejuvenation device that has attracted wide praise from dermatologists. For Clinton, that “would result in a healthy and rested natural appearance,” he said. For the full article go to http://inyourface.freedomblogging.com/2008/08/26/doctors-propose-more-work-on-hillary-clintons-60-year-old-face/ Stay tuned next week for equal time for Republicans, Cindy and John McCain. Be well. Copyright © 2008 Orange

Meg Ryan, Dr. Persky's hand in September 2008 C Magazine

nospam@example.com (Dr Persky) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 20:16:13 -0500

The current edition of C Magazine, with the beautiful and talented Ms. Meg Ryan on its cover has an article about Fraxel re:pair laser treatment written by Shana Dishell. The photo in the article is the best published photograph of my right hand since The Los Angeles Times photo of the same right hand holding a baseball during the perfect game I pitched for Hamilton High School 3/21/71 against University High School. This is not to imply that I either pitched against or ever treated Ms. Ryan, only that her beautiful face on the cover and my right hand on page 88 just happen to appear in this month's C Magazine. Be well.