Posted June 18, 2015 in Beauty, Blog, Uncategorized
Once again, Vegas Cosmetic Surgery, 2015 edition has lived up to Chairman S. Randolph Waldman‘s (Lexington, KY) belief that it is “the best multi-speciality faculty ever assembled for one event.” For five days last week at The Bellagio in Las Vegas, world experts in the four core cosmetic specialities of facial plastic surgery, plastic surgery, dermatology, and oculo-plastic surgery gathered to share their techniques, technologies, and what’s new in cosmetic surgery.
The sessions went from 6:30am to 10:30pm. I thought about checking myself into The Malibu Caffeine Withdrawal Rehab Center upon returning to LA exhausted. So, what’s new in facial plastic surgery?
The biggest buzz from media, industry, and physicians paid to promote it was the recently FDA approved Kybella (Kythera) (just acquired by Allergan today). Kybella is the new injectable for double chin fat melting. It is being hailed as the next big thing in facial plastic surgery. The injections dissolve submental fat. It takes a series of multiple injection sessions to see the results. Sounds too good to be true? It’s not all good, as the injections are painful, it takes multiple treatments to see results, there is a great deal of swelling after injections, and some of the possible adverse events include asymmetry, nerve damage, and swallowing difficulty. We are planning to offer the treatment to our patients, but with a great deal of discussion of realistic expectations. At this point, it seems as if a quick submental liposuction may still be the answer for the double chin.
The request by patients for a natural result was reiterated by many experts. Many explain that our cosmetic goal should be “not perfection, but just natural improvement.” Although both new and time tested techniques in rhinoplasty, eyelid, and face lifting surgery were brilliantly presented, the movement toward 
more non-invasive treatments continues. Dr. Persky presented, “Is There a Role for Non-Surgical Lifting in a Surgical Practice…if so, What is That Role?” Dr. P’s answer was a resounding “Yes!” By using Ultherapy (micro-focused ultrasound lifting), Infini (radio-frequency micro-needling), Venus Freeze/Legacy (radio-frequency skin tightening), fillers such as Voluma and Sculptra, and neuromodulators such as Dysport and Botox, patients are able to look rejuvenated, rested, and healthy without undergoing the knife.
Sarmela Sunder, MD (Encino, CA) presented micro-needling with platlet rich plasma and it’s many uses and benefits for the appearance of the skin. This treatment was receiving buzz at the meeting.
Infini (Lutronic) was presented in a very good light by John Martin, MD (Miami, FL), citing the work of Steve Weiner (Destin, FL). Impressive before and after photos showed the lifting ability of this new technology. We should be adopting this technology into our practice in the near future.
There were evening live injection sessions by experts Danny Vleggaar, MD, (Amsterdam), Steve Yoelin, MD (Newport Beach,CA), Jason Emer, MD (Beverly Hills, CA), and Heidi Waldorf,MD (NYC, NY) using various injectables including Restylane Silk and Voluma, two products that we love.
Dermatology Times Magazine had a roundtable discussion, “Body Contouring and Skin Tightening Update 2015” moderated by meeting co-chair Renaldo Saltz, MD (Salt Lake City, UT) and Grant Stevens, MD (Marina del Rey, CA). Dr. Persky was among the panelists who agreed that CoolSculpting remains the safe and effective treatment for addressing unwanted fat bulges resistant to diet and exercise. The panel was in agreement that Ulthera is an excellent procedure for lifting and tightening the face and neck.
The plastic surgery patient chat site RealSelf was present recording physician answers to questions. Dr. Persky discussed full facial analysis at the initial patient consultation and it’s importance in establishing the proper plan for successful treatment. (To see the segment go to http://www.realself.com/video/what-happens-during-a-facial-analysis#.VYIcPCkvD30.facebook)
RealSelf founder and chairman Tom Seery joined Wendy Lewis, Jeffrey Segal, MD, JD, Jonathan Sykes, MD (Sacramento, CA), and others in a focus group, “Protecting Your Reputation-Your Most Important Asset.” The Practice Management and Marketing sessions were brilliantly coordinated and directed by Tracy Drumm.
Dr. P was also privileged to be interviewed by Julie Woodward, MD (Durham, NC) on behave of Modern Aesthetics Magazine discussing natural aesthetics and artistic vision.
The brilliantly talented, creative, and often times hysterically co-chair Donn Chatham, MD (Louisville, KY)
As always, Dr. P learned the most outside of the lecture halls and seminars during private conversations with the world’s finest, most brilliant core cosmetic specialists, while also catching up with long time friends and colleagues. Not everything that happens stays in Vegas, much to our patient’s benefits. Be well and enjoy your summer!
Dr. Michael Persky and Dr. Sarmela Sunder are located in Encino, California and Beverly Hills, California but service all of Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. Including, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Hancock Park, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Tarzana, Westlake, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, La Canada, Pasadena, and more. Please subscribe to our blog by clicking the link above, right, and “Like” us on Facebook. Thank you! + Michael Persky
