Admin's blog

A new facial filler has been introduced to the US market called Belotero. Belotero is a hyaluronic acid based filler with a unique twist. It is the only filler that can be injected superficially into the skin. When other hyalronic acid derivatives are injected superfically, they can lead to an effect called the Tyndall effect. The Tyndall effect occurs when light hits the filler of a hyaluronic acid gel, creating a blueish discoloration. This is one of the main reasons why fillers such as Juvederm or Restylane cannot be injected too close to the surface of the skin. However, with Belotero, due to the fillers unique dual cross linking properties, the filler can be injected superficially. This allows the product to be injected in areas where no current filler could be injected.

There have not been many drawbacks of the warm weather this year. However, with the unprecedented warmer weather, many are now suffering from the early onset of allergies. Warm weather causes flower and trees to bloom. Some of this pollen can create an allergic reaction. There is somewhat a correlation of the amount of allergens in the air with the amount of symptoms. In typical years, trees then grass than weeds create their allergic insults in a very particular order. However, due to the winds and warmth, all of the allergens are in the air causing bit of chaos. This also means that some allergens which are from outside of the area may be causing havoc.

Some simple suggestions for patients suffering from allergies:

• Monitor allergy counts and stay indoors when counts are particularly high
• Consider allergy testing
• Keep windows closed
• Wash clothes and shower frequently when allergens are present
• Use directed therapy for allergies when appropriate

We all know an important component to a healthy mind and body is our daily fruits and veggies, but can they also improve your skin? A recent study aimed to find out. Research published on the online journal PloS ONE found that eating just one extra portion of fruits of vegetables lead to healthier and rosier skin. The study questioned and examined 35 University of St. Andrews students. They measured the correlation between the amount of increase fruit and vegetable consumption and skin tone over a 3 to 6 week period. At the end of the study, those who had eaten more vegetables had a noticeable increase in healthier appearing skin, including redness and yellowness. Researchers are not sure what causes this change, but suspect carotenoids. The study was only conducted on Caucasian students, leading researchers to wonder if they effects would be the same on other skin tones. But an improved skin tone and healthy glow is another reason to pick up some fresh fruits and veggies!

Many patients, after plastic surgery, will say that they were surprised their friends or family members did not notice that they had a procedure. They say these individuals had a hard time pinpointing what was 'different.' Often heard are questions such as "Did you lose weight? Did you get a haircut? or Did you change your makeup?".  Your friends know you look better but don't know exactly what.

There are several reasons why your friends, hopefully, cannot pinpoint the exact change.  First of all, there is actually a psychologic name for this phenomenon, called 'change blindness.' Change blindness is based on the idea that the brain does not have a precise memory, but a temporary one that cannot detect change, when the overall information remains the same. For example, studies have found that participants did not notice a test subject's change of clothing when they left and then reentered a room. This phenomenon can often be comforting to those undergoing rhinoplasty, or other procedures. Many patients do not want their friends of family to immediately identify them as "post plastic surgery".  When a patient is seen after plastic surgery, there before is just a memory, making change blindness more effective.  

It is not uncommon for many of Dr. Shah's patients to ask "to look the same but different".  A natural, harmonious result coupled with the phenomenon of change blindness can lead to lots of compliments without the conspicuousness of having had plastic surgery.