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Top 5 Plastic Surgery Myths- by Dr. Mark Bishara, MD

Many myths surround the seemingly glamorous world of plastic surgery. But in fact, plastic surgery is a lot like every other medical specialty with highly-trained physicians providing many different services. Here are the Top 5 Plastic Surgery Myths.
#5 Plastic Surgery is All About Beauty and Vanity
Although breast augmentations, Botox and facelifts get all the press, plastic surgery encompasses everything from correcting birth defects such as cleft palates to post-cancer breast reconstruction and work-related hand injuries.
Plastic surgeons care about the functional and overall results after surgery, not just the aesthetics (although we are specifically trained to optimize those, as well). When a patient does choose to have surgery for cosmetic reasons, it is often to correct areas which are not amenable to diet, weight loss or nonsurgical procedures.
#4 Plastic Surgery Patients are the Rich and Famous
If plastic surgeons only operated on the 1%, we wouldn’t have a thriving plastic surgery industry.
Most aesthetic patients are not the rich and famous, but are average people who simply wish to restore confidence, enhance their overall appearance and improve their lives.
#3 Only Women Get Plastic Surgery
Although women have been the traditional customers of plastic surgery, men are turning to plastic surgery in increasing numbers.
Less invasive procedures such as Botox, laser treatments and dermal fillers can give men a rejuvenated and naturally youthful appearance without any downtime and at relatively low costs. These, along with liposuction, are the most popular cosmetic surgery treatments for men, with many men reporting a need for a competitive edge in the workforce as the reason they have pursued cosmetic treatments.
#2 Plastic Surgery Leaves No Scars and Lasts Forever
Plastic surgeons are great at making scars look better, more refined and smaller, but all types of plastic surgery will generally cause some type of scar formation. We can often recommend the best way to minimize scarring, and give advice and treatments on how to make your scar look as great as possible after surgery.
And while many plastic surgery procedures are long lasting and can give you years, if not decades of personal satisfaction, many factors determine how long the results will last. Plastic surgery can turn back the hands of time – but the clock keeps on ticking. Great skin care, less-invasive office procedures, surgical touch-ups, and your overall health are all important to maintain your natural good looks.
#1 Plastic Surgery is the Same as Cosmetic Surgery
All plastic surgeons do not have the same training. Many doctors trained in, and board certified in, other specialties such as gynecology or family medicine have ventured into plastic surgery, causing what is known as “white coat confusion“. Yes, they are board certified – but not in plastic surgery.
Being board certified in plastic surgery means that a physician has undergone years of specific training related to all the nuances of cosmetic and plastic surgery. Patients choosing a surgeon for their cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures should always inquire about a doctor’s specific board certifications.

This information is brought to you courtesy of Dr. Mark Bishara and The Paragon Plastic Surgery & Med Spa with offices in Mansfield and Southlake, TX



 

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Is Plastic Surgery the Ultimate Gift

Cameras, jewelry, iPods. These are things we expect to see on the wish lists of our friends and family. But, a face lift? Yep, it seems that cosmetic procedures have found their way into Santa’s sack.
With this trend, though, comes a warning. While giving someone a pricey surgery can be considered kind and loving, it can also come with problematic implications. Because the choice is such a personal one, gifting a plastic surgery procedure can be interpreted as meddling and insulting. If you’re thinking of bestowing a loved one with the gift of physical improvement this year, make sure it will be well-received.
Gift-Giver Beware
It wasn’t so long ago that plastic surgery was a hush-hush topic; something that people did but didn’t discuss. But with its rapid rise in popularity and the openness with which many celebrities discuss the work they’ve had, the stigma has been lifted. And with that lift, we’ve seen the fairly recent phenomenon of giving surgeries as gifts.
Presenting significant others and family members with cosmetic procedures has become increasingly common. And it’s not unusual for people to use the holiday season as an excuse to pay for a loved one’s surgery. This practice, however, can rub some people the wrong way.
Surprise Surgery
When it comes to buying someone else a surgery, the worst mistake is making it a surprise. For example, giving your girlfriend a gift certificate for a breast augmentation can cause offense if she didn’t ask for it. It would be like giving someone a membership for a weight loss program; it sends an obvious message that you’re unhappy with their appearance. What was meant to be a present is actually an insult.
There’s really no right way to offer someone a surgery unexpectedly. If you give a certificate for a specific procedure, it’s very clear that you’re critical of that particular part of their body. And if you give an open-ended certificate to a plastic surgeon’s office, it comes across as a general affront to their entire appearance. You might as well say, “I’d love you more if your body were different.”
The Right Way
Giving the gift of surgery is less problematic when it’s on the patient’s wish list. If someone expressly asks for a surgery, then the gift can be considered extremely generous and thoughtful. If the asker isn’t able to afford the procedure on their own, receiving it as a present can be a dream come true.
Before making a purchase, remember that the choice to have a plastic surgery is a very personal one that should be made without the influence of others’ desires for your appearance.
The best possible scenario goes as follows: You are absolutely certain that someone wants a specific procedure as a gift- and you give them a gift card. In a consultation, the surgeon will be able to fully inform the prospective patient about their options, the risks involved and the expected outcomes, as well as an accurate cost. Only after these preliminary steps, should the gift be considered.
There are certainly more conventional and less awkward gifts than that of a plastic surgery procedure. A present should never result in hurt feelings or compromise of one’s own desires. But, if you’re still thinking about wrapping up a surgery gift certificate, make sure it’s for the right reasons.

This note is brought to you courtesy of Dr. Mark Bishara and The Paragon Plastic Surgery & Med Spa


 

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Minimally Invasive Facial Rejuvenation- by Dr. Mark Bishara, MD

Aside from being the largest organ of the human body, skin is also the only organ continually exposed to the surrounding world, interacting with the environment and reflecting the general health condition and age changes.
How Skin Ages
Understanding the mechanisms by which the skin ages has been increasing significantly, along with considerable progress on the way to prevent and reverse the visible signs of aging. However, there are still several mysterious factors concerning aging process and why we all appear to age differently. Aging of the skin is likely caused by both intrinsic (biologic) ‘intrinsic aging’, and extrinsic aging (environmental) factors ‘extrinsic or photoaging‘; these factors are interconnected and may share a final common pathway. The quality of skin features is greatly affected by aging, as skin ages, it tends to become roughened, lax and wrinkled with some pigmentary changes.
The main feature of photodamaged skin is solar elastosis; with accumulation of elastotic material in the dermis. Meanwhile, photoaged skin shows gradual decrease in collagen content. Additionally, collagen becomes disordered with decreased synthesis and enhanced breakdown. These changes contribute to the skin laxity and wrinkling formation.
Skin Rejuvenation
Besides being an art, facial rejuvenation is a developing science. Patients now routinely present to their physician requesting information on improving the signs of facial aging; it is the physician’s responsibility to select the most appropriate intervention(s) based on the patient’s age, physical needs and concerns, extent and location of volume loss and cosmetic goals. Different therapeutic approaches were used throughout the years to give the face a youthful appearance. However, because each person is unique, there is no one modality that is best for everyone. Therefore, to choose the most appropriate therapy, distinctions must be done between rhytides caused by loss of collagen within the dermis, wrinkles due to volumetric loss of fat, redundant folds created by gravitational pull and those caused by hyperfunctional facial muscles.
For ease of patient education, the treatment options for addressing these changes may be simplified into five categories, often referred to as the ‘5 Rs (Redraping, Resurfacing, Retaining, Relaxing and Refilling) of skin rejuvenation: surgically Redraping and lifting redundant tissue; Resurfacing photoaged skin with ablative or non-ablative technologies whether physical, chemical or mechanical; Retaining with skin care; Relaxing dynamic rhytides that are due to hyperfunctional muscles with neurotoxins and Refilling of diminished subcutaneous tissue by restoring 3D volume.
Ablative and Non-Ablative Procedures
Although ablative modalities remain the gold principle for photodamaged skin rejuvenation, its use is associated with risk of side effects as well as a prolonged and an unpleasant post-treatment ‘downtime’ and recovery period. Thus, interest in ablative treatment has waned considerably while non-ablative modalities as well as fractional skin rejuvenation have become appealing alternative treatments.
New perspectives in non-ablative skin rejuvenation treatments have been established with the development of new technologies and techniques, which are used to rejuvenate skin with minimal downtime and complications. Many different terms have been used to describe these procedures including: subsurface resurfacing, laser toning and minimally invasive skin rejuvenation. These modalities are designed to produce many cosmetic benefits, including improvement of wrinkles, skin laxity and texture.
Beside lasers and various in-office procedures, many topical skin care agents were used for prophylaxis as sun screens and for rejuvenation such as retinoic acid and different anti-oxidants including vitamins C and E, co-enzyme Q10 and green tea.
Choosing the appropriate treatment modality which will be the key to success in skin rejuvenation depends on careful evaluation and determining the patient’s needs, skin type and condition, to frame a treatment plan. Good candidates for minimally invasivetechniques tend to have minimal facial sagging. Patients should understand that skin texture will improve and fine lines will be softened but not eradicated. Cumulative aesthetic benefits will occur gradually and will be less dramatic than those seen with ablative resurfacing. Patients with Fitzpatrick skin type III or less are generally best candidates for different procedures with minimal risk of complications.
Goals of Minimally Invasive Treatments
The goal of most minimally invasive treatments is to induce selective dermal injury which results in wound repair response; while keeping the overlying epidermis intact. In response to the induced dermal injury, the healing process begins to stimulate the fibroblast with deposition and reorientation of collagen bundles. Such modalities for skin rejuvenation could be classified into two types, the first relates to treatment of ectatic vessels, pigmentation and pilosebaceous changes, while the second refers to dermal remodeling with wrinkle reduction and/or skin tightening.
Dr. Mark Bishara, whith office in Mansfield and Southlake, TX- provides a wide range of cosmetic procedures to help patients look and feel their best. These procedures are designed to improve the appearance of the face and body through minimally invasive techniques that provide highly effective results. Many of these procedures can be combined in order to achieve your desired appearance. All of our procedures are performed using the most advanced, state-of-the-art equipment.
At our office we offer many treatments that are ablative as well as non-ablative.  Our Pragon Med Spa offers many laser services- skin tightening, skin resurfacing, as well as peels and microdermarbrasion.  Our office also offers Botox, Juvederm and Radiesse.  The new Juvederm Voluma XC will be coming soon.  Please call our office for more information at (817) 473-2120.
 

 

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5 Tips For Healthy & Young Looking Skin- from Dr. Mark Bishara, MD

Skin experts say that the best way to keep your skin healthy and looking young is to protect it from the sun and not smoke: and after that, taking care with how you wash, moisturize your skin and shave also help.
According to a British Association of Dermatologists survey carried out last year, many Britons are unaware that sun protection can keep the skin looking younger, believing instead that applying a daily moisturizer, eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water and having facial massages will suffice.Not only does exposure to UV increase a person’s risk of skin cancer, it also affects the elastin in the skin, which leads to wrinkles and sun-induced skin ageing such as leatheriness and blotchy pigmentation. Featured below are 5 tips for healthy skin:

Tip #1 for healthy skin: Sun protection

Photograph of lady with sun cream on shoulder in shape of sun
Ensure you protect your skin from the sun to maintain healthy skin

Most of the changes seen in ageing skin are actually “caused by a lifetime of sun exposure”.
To protect yourself from the sun, they advise the following three methods (with maximum protection coming from using all three).

  1. Avoid the sun during high intensity hours: the sun’s rays do the most damage between 10 am and 4 pm, so limit the time you spend outside during this period.
  2. Wear protective clothing: wear long sleeved shirts, long trousers or pants and a hat with a wide brim. Remember that tight woven fabric (eg denim) offers better protection than loosely woven fabrics like knits.
  3. Use sunscreen: go for a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) higher than 15 and apply generously about 20 minutes before you go out and then every two hours. You will need to apply more frequently if you go in the water or sweat a lot.

Tip #2 for healthy skin: Don’t smoke (and watch the alcohol)

Research shows that smoking alone ages skin. In a study published in the Archives of Dermatology, researchers described how they examined the upper inner arms of smokers and non-smokers aged from 22 to 91 and found that after taking into account age and other variables, the number of packs of cigarettes that the smokers smoked per day was significantly linked to skin ageing. They looked at the skin on the upper inner arms to minimize the influence of sun exposure.
Smoking reduces the skin’s natural elasticity by promoting the breakdown of collagen and also reducing the amount that is produced.
Collagen, a protein that helps skin strength, gradually degrades with age, leading to wrinkles. Smoking causes this to happen sooner and also causes the tiny blood vessels in the skin to tighten, which reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrients that the skin cells receive, which also reduces elasticity and accelerates ageing.
The Mayo Clinic also suggest that exposure to heat from burning cigarettes damages facial skin and that certain smoking behaviours contribute to wrinkles, because of the repetitive facial expressions that smokers make, such as pursing the lips on inhaling and squinting their eyes to keep the smoke out.
Drinking alcohol can make your body and skin dehydrated, leaving the skin looking old and tired. So if you are drinking alcohol drink plenty of water and stick to sensible amounts. Have a non-alcoholic drink like soda water or watery fruit juice in between the alcoholic ones to help your body rehydrate.

Tip #3 for healthy skin: Clean your skin regularly and apply moisturizer

A British Skin Foundation survey published in January 2008 found that an astonishing 50 per cent of people who wear make up in the UK are damaging their skin by not removing make up before they go to bed.
The reasons for not cleansing the skin of make up before going to bed were also revealing in that most people were too tired to take it off, suggesting they were not getting good quality sleep which also affects skin health. A significant proportion also said they had had too much to drink or simply couldn’t be bothered.
Cleansing is an important part of skin care because it removes dirt and bacteria; and the key is to do it gently.
Use warm rather than hot water and limit the time you spend in the bath or shower to 15 minutes or less as too much time in hot water strips oils from your skin.

Face being moisturized
Moisturizing protects the skin from drying and acts as a protective layer for the skin

Also, use mild rather than strong soaps and avoid irritating additives such as perfumes and dyes, especially if you have sensitive skin.
When removing make up take care with the delicate skin around the eyes, and if you use waterproof make up you may need an oil-based product to make sure you get it all off.
When you have finished try to pat your skin dry so some moisture stays on it.
Moisturizing is important because it protects the skin from the weather and from drying up and looking dull. It helps your skin maintain its natural moisture levels too, say the Mayo Clinic experts, because it seals in the water already in the skin or slowly release water into the skin.
If you have dry skin avoid alcohol-based products and if you have oily skin avoid oil-based products (use water-based instead).
Some people with oily skin don’t need moisturizer: if your skin feels tight 20 minutes after bathing, then you probably do.

Tip #4 for healthy skin: Get enough quality sleep

Woman sleeping
Focus on quality sleep to keep your skin looking young and healthy

Sleep is essential for healthy skin. Not enough quality sleep will make your skin look tired and older, especially with bags under your eyes. Poor quality sleep can become a vicious cycle because lack of sleep makes you irritable, anxious and depressed, and that makes it harder to get good sleep.
Make sure you have plenty of physical exercise as this reduces stress and creates a healthy tiredness that helps sleep. Yoga and swimming are also good ways to improve sleep.
Aerobic exercise increases the oxygen circulating in your body which helps the skin stay vibrant and healthy.

Tip #5 for healthy skin: Shave with care

People shave to make their skin smooth and hairless, but this can irritate the skin, especially if it is thin, dry and sensitive.
For a smooth shave the Mayo Clinic experts advise that you shave after a warm bath or shower (or press a warm wet cloth on your skin) to soften the hair, don’t shave dry skin, use a clean, sharp razor, and shave in the direction of hair growth.
Make sure you rinse well afterwards with warm water to remove soap and dead cells.
If your skin is irritated after shaving don’t use an alcohol based lotion even if it feels cool, it will make the irritation worse because it dries the skin out.
Dr. Mark Bishara and The Paragon Plastis Surgery & Med Spa in Mansfield and Southlake, TX offers minimally invasive procedures, and skin care treatments to help keep your skin looking great. These treatments are designed to provide subtle enhancements that can improve your targeted problem areas, while allowing you to return to work and your regular activities the very same day. Dr. Bishara is also proud to offer a wide range of enhancing, minimally invasive procedures such as Botox, Xeomin, Juvederm Ultra Plus XC and Radiesse.  Juvederm Voluma XC will be available soon. We will keep you updated or call our office for more information at (817) 473-2120.
 
 
 
 

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Now is the Time to Start Laser Procedures at the office of Dr. Mark Bishara

Fall and winter months are a great time for laser procedures


The popularity of laser skin resurfacing is on the rise, and doctors say that winter is a great time to undergo these procedures.
It’s very important to avoid the sun as much as possible and it’s a lot easier to do that in the winter time than it is in the middle of the summer.
According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the number of laser skin resurfacing procedures performed by its members increased by nearly 10 percent between 2009 and 2010.
The procedure uses light to repair wrinkles, sun damage and scarring.
Doing this type of fractional resurfacing improves skin texture, skin color, pore size, acne scarring, any kind of scarring issues that we may have.
At the office of Dr. Mark Bishara and The Paragon Med Spa we can discuss what type of skin resurfacing is best for you.  It’s important to note that results often take as long as several months to completely appear. However, the procedures do provide long-lasting results.
At our office we offer laser procedures and many other treatments that offer skin rejuvination:

  • For those who want the best possible results before the holidays, purchase our Ultimate Laser 360 treatment; a combination of Fotofacial, skin tightening and laser resurfacing.
  • For the time honored effective treatment for sun spots and discolorations, with the added benefit of eliminating broken capillaries, try our IPL Fotofacials
  • To help you achieve that perfect glow try out our SkinCeuticals Chemical Peels.
  • For people who want skin rejuvination with no downtime, smoother and softer skin and a reduction of fine lines try Microdermabrasion treatments.
  • As our tans are fading, fall is the perfect time to get started with Laser Hair Removal treatments.
  • There is also our VI Peel.  VI Peel is a facial peel for ALL complexions.  It helps improve the appearance of acne, unwanted pigmentation and melasma.  It is the only peel of its kind to contain synergistic blend of TCA, Retin-A, Salicylic Acid, Phenol, and Vitamin C.  It gives great results in as little as one treatment.
Please contact our office to inquire about the many med spa services we provide, that can give you great skin rejuvunation results.  Please call (817) 473-2120.

 

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