Older females undergoing facial cosmetic surgery commonly use herbal supplements, according to a recent study.
Researchers with Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, retrospectively reviewed the charts of 200 patients ages 15 and older who underwent facial cosmetic surgery with one surgeon. The patients were classified as herbal supplement users or nonherbal supplement users.
Upon analysis, the researchers found that cosmetic surgery patients are more likely then general surgery patients to be taking some kind of supplement. Nearly half (49 percent) of the patients in this study used some type of supplement and were classified as herbal supplement users. Of these, one quarter (24.5 percent) used vitamins or minerals, 2.5 percent used animal- and plant-based supplements, and 22 percent used both. The most common supplements recorded were vitamin D (n=52), multivitamins (n=51), calcium (n=35), fish oil or omega-3 fatty acids (n=28), and vitamin B (n=27), the authors reported.
Dietary supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding, including bilberry, bromelain, fish oil, flax seed oil, garlic, methylsulfonylmethane, selenium, and vitamin E, were reported 45 times in 35 patients, according to the authors.
The data suggest that nearly 20 percent of all patients in this study and 35.7 percent of those classified as herbal supplement users would have been at risk for bleeding if not advised to stop the use of these specific supplements prior to surgery, the authors advised.
Considering potential ill effects of these products on surgery and recovery, it is important for patient to provide proper documentation of all supplements and medications that are take.  This will increase the safety and reduce the recovery following cosmetic procedures.
The study was published in the July issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

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

Low dose laser therapy for hair loss

What is low dose laser therapy?

Low level laser therapy is a safe form of light treatment (a type of ) under investigation for a variety of health indications. It is being used to treat the genetic forms of hair loss common in men and women, androgenetic alopecia or pattern balding.
Low level laser therapy is also called red light therapy, cold laser, soft laser, biostimulation and photobiomodulation.

Low level laser therapy for pattern balding

Laser therapy used for hair loss treatment depends on devices that emit a light that can penetrate the scalp. Low level laser therapy (LLLT) uses devices with diodes that emit red light (wavelength 630-670 nanometers

Who are the best candidates for low level laser therapy for hair loss?

Low level laser therapy is intended for men and women with thinning hair or pattern baldness caused by a hereditary condition.

How is laser hair therapy supposed to work?

The hair growth cycle consists of three phases: growth (anagen phase), resting (telogen phase) and shedding (catagen phase). Hair loss in androgenetic alopecia depends on a testosterone derivative in the skin, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Low level laser therapy is believed to increase blood flow in the scalp and stimulate metabolism in catagen or telogen follicles, resulting in the production of anagen hair. In theory:

  • The photons of light act on cytochrome C oxidase leading to the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This is converted to cyclic AMP in the hair follicle cells, releasing energy and stimulating metabolic processes necessary for hair growth.
  • Release of nitric oxide from cells leads to increased vascularisation to the scalp distributing nutrients and oxygen to the hair roots.
  • Excessive build-up of DHT is prevented.

What is the clinical evidence to show laser hair therapy is effective?

Physicians have varying views on whether or not low level laser therapy is effective. While some physicians reject its use entirely, others believe that low level laser therapy can provide benefit for some men and women suffering from androgenic alopecia (genetic baldness). It has also been suggested that it may assist a hair transplant patient’s postoperative wound healing process and expedite hair growth.
Benefits of laser therapy for hair loss

  • Low level laser thereapy can be used in both men and women
  • No adverse effects have been reported
  • It is clean and painless
  • Low level laser hair therapy is relatively inexpensive
  • It requires minimal time commitment
  • Some low level laser therapy devices are portable
  • Hair growth may occur on the top of the head/crown and along the hairline of forehead

Improvement is reported in at least some users after 12 to 26 weeks of use, with reduced hair fall and noticeable hair growth.

How is low level laser hair therapy administered ?

Two to three times weekly treatments are typically recommended, and consist of a 8 to 15-minute exposure of the scalp to light-emitting diodes under a head cap.
Scalp treatment and massages that promote blood circulation may be used additionally as part of the program.
Proprietors of low level laser therapy services speak about the importance of regularity, which includes frequent appointments (twice a week, more or less) over a long duration (typically one year).
Please call the office of Dr. Bishara at The Paragon Plastic Surgery & Med Spa for more information on LLLT at (817) 473-2120 or visit our website and www.MarkBisharaMD.com

Eating healthy may lead you to believe that your body is internally balanced. But, since we live such high-paced and stressful lives, more times than not, the first “healthy” food that we see is what we end up consuming, when in reality your meal may be full of empty calories and unneeded fat and carbohydrates. Could the healthy foods that you think are good for you really be nothing more than hype?
CAROB- Why you think it’s healthy: Sweet like chocolate, but not as fattening, carob is often used as a chocolate substitute.
The truth: If carob is used in its natural form, as ground-up beans, then it is legitimately healthy. The problem is it’s almost never used like that because it’s too bitter. In some bars with carob, the main ingredient is glucose syrup, while others have as much as 45 percent fat! A better choice: Eat dark chocolate in moderation.
GRANOLA- Why you think it’s healthy: The thought of granola conjures up the idea of health conscious eating, but chances are the store-bought granola you’re snacking on is full of empty calories.
The truth: Granola, which is technically a carbohydrate, can be full of unhealthy ingredients like oils, sugar and nuts (nuts are good in moderation). Granola, especially granola bars, can be a killer, and many of them lead to weight gain since they can have a higher sugar and refined carb concentration than popular candy bars. That’s not to mention the loads of honey and sugar that are used as “sticky” agents to form little granola clusters. A better choice: Make your own or opt for sugar-and oil-free varieties. If you’re a die-hard granola fan, it’s best to make your own—this way, you can eliminate unnecessary sugars and oils.
PROTEIN BARS- Why you think they’re healthy: It’s become the standard rule of thumb that working out regularly and eating protein bars go hand in hand. But, unless you’re diligent about exercising (doing a lot of cardio), and using protein bars correctly, they aren’t going to offer anything more than unneeded carbs.
The truth: Not all protein bars are created equal. While some may make you feel full, since they contain protein, they also tend to be crammed with unhealthy fats, sugars, high-fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners. Some protein bars are nothing more than a glorified candy bar. Several contain more protein than the body can physically digest, which can have a dehydrating effect. A better choice: An ideal protein bar has 10 to 15 grams of protein and a base of seeds, nuts, spirulina, rice or organic whey; is free of artificial sweetener; has at least two grams of fiber; and has equal amounts or more than twice the amount of carbs as it does protein.
SALMON- Why you think it’s healthy: Salmon is salmon, right? Wrong. When it comes to salmon and other fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, it’s best to stick to organic varieties.
The truth: Farm-raised salmon is housed in pens and confined to overcrowded conditions, which increases the risk of infection and disease. It is usually full of antibiotics, which kill its nutritional value. They have high levels of chemicals said to cause everything from birth defects to hormonal imbalances. Unlike wild salmon that are naturally red (a reflection of their antioxidant content), farm salmon is usually dyed. A better choice: Look for wild salmon. Sticking to fish that is not overly bred or held in captivity makes for a healthier selection. Wild salmon caught in the cold waters of Alaska are said to be the cleanest and have the highest concentration of good fat.
AGAVE NECTAR- Why you think it’s healthy: Touted as a natural sugar, low-glycemic agave nectar is sourced from the agave plant—the same one that tequila is made from.
The truth: Just like sugar, agave nectar makes food taste sweet. But in order for agave nectar to act as a sweetener, it has to be boiled down and concentrated, turning it into a liquid form of sugar— almost all types of agave nectar have the same consistency as honey. In its pure form, agave nectar is very low in sugar and has a slow rate of delivery, or glycemic rate. Heating, processing and concentrating the sweet part of it gives agave nectar a 90- percent fructose concentration, which makes it basically 100-percent sugar. A better choice: Use raw honey, coconut sugar, xylitol or stevia instead. Both honey and stevia, natural sweeteners, are best to substitute for agave nectar since they contain fewer calories and are natural, meaning the body can break them down better.
SUSHI- Why You Think it’s Healthy: Often wrapped in seaweed, which does offer essential nutrients, imitation crabmeat is unknowingly considered a fairly good source of protein.
The truth: Void of protein and full of fillers, imitation crabmeat is exactly what it claims to be—it doesn’t even contain any crab but rather a white fish that’s fashioned to look like crab legs. It’s really just a cheap, processed version of crab without any of the nutritional benefits. There’s very little protein, and it’s high in simple carbohydrates, especially when combined with white rice. A better choice: Eat fresh crab or protein-rich fish like wild salmon. Instead of ordering your sushi with imitation crabmeat, swap it out for healthier varieties like salmon or fresh crab, which will provide more nutrients and antioxidant benefits.
This Information is brought to you courtesy of Dr. Bishara and The Paragon Plastic Surgery & Med Spa
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Please also visit our website to learn more about Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tucks) and Body Contouring Surgery, at www.MarkBisharaMD.com or call our office at (817) 473-2120
 


In the fight against aging, most of us need all the help we can get. The following are the five theories anti-aging experts attribute to its causes, amplification and prevention.
Inflammation
The activation of the immune system-due to an infection, allergen or toxin-leads to internal inflammation at the cellular level. Poor nutrition, too little sleep, and radiation are common culprits of low-grade inflammation, which has been linked to arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease.
Lifestyle
What we eat (too much sugar, fat and sodium), drink (too much soda, juice, etc.), do (get overstressed, work too much), don’t do (exercise or sleep enough), and what we expose ourselves to can speed up the aging process and the development of chronic diseases.
Hormones
Levels of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, thyroid and/or human growth hormone drop as we age. But by increasing these all-important biochemicals, it may be possible to improve health and forestall the aging process. A controversial approach, hormone therapy requires oversight by an experienced physician.
Antioxidants
Call it the “rusting” theory. As we get older, we’re subject to oxidative stress, the byproduct of free-radical damage, a natural process in which unstable molecules disrupt cell and tissue functioning. Antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E, glutathione and alpha lipoic acid can help protect cells.
Detoxification
When the body can’t rid itself of toxins, including high amounts of sugar, trans fat, mercury and chemicals we ingest from our food, its equilibrium is impaired, leading to fatigue, poor skin, heart disease, cancer and more. Detoxification and inflammation are closely linked.
This Information is brought to you courtesy of Dr. Bishara and The Paragon Plastic Surgery & Med Spa
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