Skin cancer is more common than any other type of cancer by far.  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention document about 60,000 new cases of melanoma every year but most types of skin cancer never get reported.  Despite the shortcomings of the CDC information, it still allows for an epidemiology study of how skin cancer is influenced by race.  Race and more specifically the darkness of one’s skin are significant components of skin cancer risk.  Darker skin individuals are not immune for the risk of skin cancer.

Most types of skin cancer are associated with ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds, and many races with darker skin are less susceptible to UV damage.  Read our recent blog on UV damage protection. Additionally, certain skin cancers are caused by factors other than UV, such as lifestyle and family history.  Some skin cancers occur on parts of the body shielded from the sun.  Most notably, acral lentiginous melanoma, typically appears on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet and is often fatal.

CDC Incidence Rates of Melanoma by Race and Sex, U.S., 1999-2007

Melanoma of the Skin
CDC Death Rates of Melanoma by Race and Sex, U.S., 1999-2007

Latin and Asian patients are at a higher risk to develop basal cell carcinoma, the most common skin cancer. African Americans and Indian Americans are at higher risk for Squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common type of skin cancer.

People of color need to be aware that their doctor may be less likely to suspect skin cancer because of their dark skin.  This over generalization can be dangerous for the patient’s health because if a diagnosis of skin cancer is delayed, the disease can be fatal.  The types of skin cancer that are common in dark individuals are some of the most lethal.  Unlikely statistical risk numbers are meaningless if you are the person that gets the disease.  Take charge of your skin and make an appointment with our top dermatologist in Arizona for a skin assessment.

Please call Desert Ridge Dermatology & Skin Care at 480-513-3376 to schedule an appointment regarding skin cancer in Arizona with Dr. Vincent Fowler today. You can also visit us online at www.nvpsaz.com/skin/derm.

Current research shows that particular laser treatments can have an impact not only for cosmetic patients; but, for those who have skin cancer, in more surgically sensitive areas such as the face, head, or neck.

Lasers have been used since 1961 to treat skin tumors. Lasers can be used to shrink or destroy the tumor/cells with heat; and, they can activate a chemical known as photosensitizing agent that kills off the cancer cells.

The Carbon Dioxide Laser, commonly referred to as the CO2 laser, has been used to resurface the skin, for mostly cosmetic indications. In recent studies, the CO2 laser has been used to treat and successfully remove skin cancer cells and actinic keratosis (thick, scaly, crusty patches of skin that may lead to cancer) when found, and diagnosed in the early stages.  Actinic keratosis can progress to more aggressive forms of cancer including squamous cell carcinoma, if left untreated.

According to Medical News Today, a study was conducted by Haemi Lee, M.D., and the University of Western Ontario, Canada, to compare the recurrence rate of surgical Lentigo Maligna (LM) removal versus CO2 Laser Ablation.

The article concluded, “Surgical excision is established at the gold standard of LM, complete excision is not always feasible in large lesions of the head and neck. The decision to perform complete excision in the setting of LM, a non-invasive disease, must weight the benefits of excision against the morbidity of the procedure.”

Following the procedure, patients came in for routine follow-up appointments for up to 77 months. The data collected showed, “CO2 laser ablation may be advantageous because it treats large lesions in cosmetically sensitive regions of the head and neck in a short period, with minimal morbidity.”

Here at North Valley Plastic Surgery, our board certified Plastic surgeons, and our board certified Dermatologist, offer safe and effective CO2 laser treatments. Most insurance companies will cover the CO2 laser treatment for cancer patients.

Call us today to schedule your appointment to learn more about how the CO2 laser can benefit you, 480.991.6877.

It’s the start of a new year and once again we have a list of resolutions.  Diet and body improvements are on most resolution lists, but sometimes we need a little help to reach our goals.  2012 is the best year yet to make New Year’s Resolutions for your body, because there is so much help available.  Arizona Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Steven Gitt says, “The latest cosmetic tools and techniques are all about giving natural results that people are excited about.  People are afraid of having an “overdone” look, and we don’t want that kind of outcome.  The newest developments in Plastic Surgery technology have improved our offerings so much in the past few years that patients are blown away with what is possible.”

An example of how far cosmetic procedures have advanced is Ulthera in Phoenix. Ulthera is often referred to as the ultrasound facelift because it uses concentrated  ultrasound energy to tighten deep layers of skin.  A recent Ulthera patient Jennifer S. says that “[They] turned on the machine and I could feel my skin tightening up.  It’s just the subtle difference I wanted so that people notice the improvement but not so much that they think I had something dramatic done.”  North Valley Plastic Surgery usesUlthera for legs, Ulthera for breasts, Ulthera for arms, Ulthera for thighs and buttocks, and any other area the patient wants.  With one treatment the skin normally reaches it maximum tightness within three months and lasts for at least a year and longer. The discount price Ulthera treatments allows patients to try out Ulthera for as little as $250 for an eyebrow lift.

Another dramatic improvement in plastic surgery for 2012 is SLIM Lipo in Arizona. Previous types of liposuction in Arizona only suctioned out a certain percentage of fat cells. SLIM Lipo, the best kind of laser assisted liposuction, has a specific laser wavelength that liquefies fat cells and tightens the overlying skin.  The laser is guided by the surgeon that can shape body parts and contours to perfection.  With this method, more fat can be removed from the body than any other method.  Dr. Gitt says, “There are no fat cells or “problem areas” that can hide from our lasers!”

For patients interested in facial rejuvenation procedures, the Lifetime Lift^TM is a popular choice in 2012.  The Lifetime Lift^TM is a lower facelift that makes a person look ten years younger.  The procedure is the brainchild of the board certified plastic surgeons at North Valley Plastic Surgery.  It is the result of decades of experience with other procedures of the face.  The Lifetime Lift^TM is in no way associated with the Lifestyle Lift^TM in Arizona which is a copyright of Lifestyle Holdings.  It’s less expensive than the traditional facelift in Arizona but gives the same skin tightening in Arizona and similar results.  Dr. Gitt explains, “Patients love that the Lifetime Lift^TM can be performed without general anesthesia and there is a fast recovery time.  The procedure gives such great results that many Lifetime Lift^TM patients cause many of their friends and family to come in for consults.  Lifetime Lift patients are walking billboards….it’s amazing!” Lifetime Lift^TM, unlike Lifestyle Lift^TM (which is performed by non-Plastic Surgeons in an office examination room, a much less sterile and less safe setting), is only, and exclusively, performed by board certified plastic surgeons in the safety of a modern and well equipped operating room

At 6pm, January 26^th, 2012 there will be Lifetime Lift seminar.  RSVP here.

There has never been a better time than 2012 to look into making a safe and reliable cosmetic improvement for you.  North Valley Plastic Surgery is a group of board certified plastic surgeons, a dermatologist, two nurse injectors, and three estheticians who can perform virtually every plastic and reconstructive surgery imaginable.   North Valley Plastic Surgery offers complimentary cosmetic surgery consultation.   Our surgeons perform a variety of insurance plastic surgery and insurance reconstructive surgery cases.  Call 480-304-5477 or visit the website online at www.NVPSAZ.com.  North Valley Plastic Surgery’s January specials can be found here.

Lips have a huge impact on the rest of the face.  They move constantly when we talk, smile, or show expression.  They can be covered and outlined by makeup but that can only do so much.  Genetics gave us the lips that we’ve got and that’s it, right?  Well, maybe back in 1912 we had to accept our lips the way they were but this is 2012! Lip augmentation has come a long way in the last 100 years.

Lip enhancements have been ubiquitous in tribal communities since antiquity.  Right or wrong, there is something primal about lips that exude a since of fertility, sensuality, and sexuality.  Western cultures have tried to enhance the lips with bizarre concoctions of paraffin wax and other materials will little success.

It wasn’t until the 1980’s when people started modern techniques using collagen lip injections. The problem with collagen was that it didn’t last long and some people were allergic to it.   When proper precautions were taken, the patient would have to wait about a month for the allergy test results to get back before her first injection.  The world would have to wait several more decades before there was something better for lip augmentation.

Subsequent studies of molecular structures related to lip enhancement led to the use of hyaluronic acids that are still in use today.  Hyaluronic acids are naturally occurring in the body so they can be used in patients even if they have allergies.  Hyaluronic acids last anywhere from six months to a year so they are have outstanding longevity.

The success of hyaluronic acids have led to their wide spread use by unqualified medical personnel.  This has led to horror stories freighting to the general public about lip injections.  Susan, R.N., a top injectable specialist at North Valley Plastic Surgery, says that “Patients are consistently happy with the results they get with fillers in the lips.  I’ve been in the industry for a long time and know all of the products.  Understanding what patients want and how to maximize the lips they have is everything. Lip augmentation involves more than just injecting the lips with filler.  The outer areas of the mouth must also be addressed ensure natural looking lips without causing an overdone look.”

Some patients want the best prices for Restylane or Juvederm in Arizona but you should let the provider determine which filler is best for you.  Susan says, “I love working with new Juvederm XC because it provides such consistently great results.  It is interlaced with an anesthetic so patients don’t have the discomfort and movement during the procedure.”  North Valley Plastic Surgery is a Black Diamond level practice with Allergan Aesthetics because of their incredibly high volume use of Juvederm, Botox, and breast implants. For the best results in lip filler injections, go to North Valley Plastic Surgery

To learn more visit www.NVPSAZ.com or call 480-304-5477 to schedule a complementary consultation for lip augmentation with Juvederm.

What profession do people think is the most ethical?  Probably not on anyone’s top ten list are providers of plastic surgery in Arizona, but they should be.  Board certified plastic surgeons in Arizona were recently found to be the most ethical advertiser of all medical professionals in the Aesthetic  Surgery Journal.  In this eye-opening study, the researchers found a strong compliance with ethical guidelines and board certification in plastic surgery.  It is important to note that the article was referring to Board Certified Plastic Surgeons in Arizona and not Cosmetic Providers.  There is a vast difference in the ethical guidelines a board certified plastic surgeon must follow compared to other, less well trained physicians performing cosmetic procedures.

Not all Cosmetic Providers are Board Certified Plastic Surgeons

Plastic Surgery in Arizona is a desirable specialty in the medical community which leads many medical providers and dentists to introduce cosmetic services into their practice.   For a surgeon to become a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons he or she must complete a grueling and lengthy process for a minimum of five years past medical school.

Due to a loophole in the medical license system, any medical provider can perform cosmetic surgery.  Some of the training for certain procedures can be done in a weekend.  In some of these training classes, there is more emphasis on getting “patients in the door” than perfecting the technique.  The highly competitive market has caused many marketing campaigns in the medical community to follow rules that fall short of good taste and common sense.

Misleading Advertising is Rampant with Uncertified Cosmetic Providers

When you watch late-night infomercials, peruse websites, or look at glossy magazine ads of cosmetic providers, it’s impossible to gauge their credentials.   Most of the ads you see for cosmetic providers are models that have never had any type of cosmetic surgery.  Yet models are used ubiquitously in most cosmetic ads with no mention to the credentials of the person performing the procedure.

Board Certified Plastic Surgeons in Arizona can’t participate in the advertising gimmicks that other medical providers use with their cosmetic ads.  Part of maintaining a board certification in plastic surgery requires a strict adherence to a code of ethics with advertising.  Don’t go with cosmetic providers with the highest advertising profile; go with the most experienced doctor that is board certified in plastic surgery.  Of course you have to be comfortable with your plastic surgeon, but don’t let personality alone be your guide.  If a surgeon isn’t fully certified to perform your surgery, the fancy office and well-spoken staff mean nothing.

Conclusions

The rules that Board Certification Plastic Surgeons in Arizona must follow don’t end with advertising.  Membership in ASPS requires a plastic surgeon to regularly attend continuing medical education courses, follow a strict code of conduct, and adherence to patient safety guidelines. All ASPS members are required to perform surgery in accredited surgical facilities.

These rules are not arbitrary; they are essential for the safety of cosmetic procedures.   They ethical guidelines have been in place for 80 years since the founding of ASPS and continue to adapt to new technologies.   Don’t be fooled by uncertified doctors that dabble in cosmetic procedures that promise the “comfort of a spa.”   If you or a loved one is considering having plastic surgery in Arizona, insist that they are board certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.   For more information on Board Certified Plastic Surgeons in Arizona visit www.NVPSAZ.com or call 480-304-5477.

Santa Claus can benefit from work on his nose due to his rhinophyma. The large, red nodules on his nose are most likely due to untreated rosacea. Although rosacea can seem overwhelming, it is easily treated by our dermatologist in Arizona. Depending on the severity of the case, Rosacea treatment in Arizona can be done with pharmaceutical therapy, topical ointments, and laser treatments.

One other thing that Santa may want to consider is liposuction in Arizona. The newest type of laser liposuction in Arizona is SLIM Lipo. What makes it a popular choice with men is that it can contour the muscles of the body to give a chiseled look if desired. It is hard to tell because of Santa’s thick coat, but he may also be a candidate for a tummy tuck in Arizona.

The wrinkles on Santa’s forehead are best treated with Botox in Scottsdale. Our office has more experience with injectable products like Botox than almost any practice in the world. Botox has become a household name because it works extremely well to relax the muscles that cause wrinkles. Santa, like most patients, wants to have a relaxed look that isn’t over done. When done right, Botox gives a great look that will last well into the next season.

The excessive time that Santa spends outdoors has caused his skin to suffer from the elements. Santa, like most people, under estimate the damaging effects that sunlight has on skin during the winter. Santa’s skin needs to be protected with the best sunblock possible at our Scottsdale med spa. With a personalized skin care regime from one of our paramedical aestheticians, Santa can have impeccable skin.

We would love to hear from you! What treatments by one of our Phoenix Plastic Surgeons or Phoenix Dermatologist do you think would benefit Old St. Nick the best?

With so many gifts given out every season, it’s an honor to give him the gift of beauty in return. For more information on plastic surgery in Arizona please visit www.nvpsaz.com or call 480-304-5477.

Phoenix breast augmentation

All patients considering Phoenix breast augmentation want to have larger breasts.   Breast implant size is largely an individual choice but there are some guidelines that should be followed.   Here are some basic tips to help you make this important decision.

Natural vs. Dramatic Results

The best place to start in making your breast augmentation size decision is asking yourself whether you want breast augmentation results that look natural or look dramatic. Do you want breast augmentation to fit in or to stand out? If you want your breast augmentation to look natural, you ideally want subtle results that are achieved with smaller breast implants. You may also want to consider submuscular placement of breast implants, which can make the contour more subtle.

Were You Ever Happy with the Size of Your Breasts?

Some women want breast augmentation because their breasts never developed, but other women are seeking breast augmentation because their breasts are not as big as they used to be. Weight loss, pregnancy, and other factors can cause your breasts to shrink, making them smaller and making you unhappy with their appearance. If you used to be happy with your breasts, bring in a picture that captures what you liked about your former breasts. Your plastic surgeon will help you regain that appearance.

The Image Trap

Many women want to bring in pictures of celebrities and models from magazines to tell their plastic surgeon what kind of breasts they want.  You need to think of your breast augmentation as being for you and for your body, not as intended to make you look like a celebrity or model. If you are trying to look like a particular celebrity or model, you are unlikely to be happy with your results.

It’s also important to remember that most of the pictures you see in magazines are digitally enhanced. Photoshopping is so rampant that many foreign governments are cracking down on magazines and asking them to put disclaimers on all digitally-altered images. No matter how much surgery you get, you will not look like that model in the magazine because even she doesn’t look like that.

Let Clothes Be Your Guide

Phoenix breast augmentation is primarily intended to make you look good in clothes. After all, you spend most of your life dressed, and virtually all of your public time dressed. If you want to get the best breast augmentation results, it’s a good idea to start with tops that you want to be able to wear after your surgery. These can help you focus on your future you, not media images or what other people think is attractive. They can also be brought into your consultation with a plastic surgeon and you can try them on with the breast implant sizes to help you make a decision about how big you want your breasts to be after surgery.

The Rice Test

Another popular way to make decisions about breast augmentation size is what is known as “the rice test.” Take a pair of stockings and fill them with rice, couscous, quinoa, or another dry grain. Then place them in your bra under your breasts. Try on clothes. Adjust the amount up or down until you get an appearance you like. When you get this appearance, measure the amount you put in the stocking and you’ve got a great starting place for discussion with your surgeon. He will adjust the amount according to his experience of how the rice test amounts should be adjusted for actual breast implants.

If you have additional questions about breast augmentation, you can find information on our website at www.NVPSAZ.com.  For a complimentary consultation on Phoenix breast augmentation call 480-304-5477.

Many patients that have recently lost a significant amount of weight are finding that their body has loose skin that is unresponsive to diet and exercise.  Sagging skin is more than unsightly; it can cause infections and discomfort.

Dr. Steven Gitt, a top plastic surgeon who specializes in post bariatric body lifts Scottsdale, explains that “Patients are always amazed at how much can be done to tighten up their body.  Twenty years ago when I first starting doing body lifts, I didn’t have all of the tools I have now.  In a day, I can give someone an entirely new body.”  Body lift before and after photos dramatically show the reshaping of the body and volume of skin removed.

Post-Bariatric Body Lift Scottsdale, after major weight loss is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the body or other area with hanging skin. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of loose hanging skin. Body lift surgery does cause permanent scars but the surgeon will place them in inconspicuous areas of the body as much as possible.  After the scars have healed you should keep them out of direct sunlight and keep sunblock on them.  Your scars can also be reduced with a series of laser treatments in our office’s skin department.

Common Questions from Prospective Body Lift Patients

Who is the best candidate for Post-Bariatric Body Lift Plastic Surgery?

The best candidates for a Post-Bariatric Body Lift Scottsdale are in relatively good shape but are have loose skin after major weight loss. The ideal candidate will exercise regularly, not smoke, and The surgery is for patients that have stretched their skin beyond the point where it will recover on its own. Although skin elasticity reduces with age, elderly patients can still expect amazing results.

Why can’t I just liposuction my excess fat?

Liposuction does relatively little to address skin tightening in patients that have had substantial weight loss.  Our newest type of laser liposuction does cause skin to constrict and shape the body but most patients seeking a body lift in Arizona must have excess skin removed surgically.  Surgery has the added benefit of removing parts of the body that often have stretch marks, scars from previous surgeries, and skin stretched to its limits.  Your surgeon will determine if you case would benefit from liposuction.

How Long is Post-Bariatric Body Lift Surgery?

Body lift surgery can last from two hours to the entire day, depending on the extent of work required. Surgery time varies depending on the body part(s) being contoured.

Popular Procedures for Post Post-Bariatric Body Lift Surgery

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
A complete lower Body Lift treats sagging buttocks, abdomen, waist, hips and outer thighs in one procedure or in staged procedures. Incision patterns vary and may include a circumferential incision around the body to remove the “belt” of excess skin and fat. Other patients may benefit from a panniculectomy to remove excess from their pannus (the area of skin in the lower abdomen that hangs over pubic bone).   Get more details about Tummy Tuck.

Breast Lift
The incision patterns for lifting a sagging breast will be determined based on the amount of excess skin to be removed.  These may include one or a combination of incisions in a circular pattern around the areola, in a line extending from the areola to the breast crease and horizontally along the breast crease. A breast implant may also be recommended to enhance breast shape and size. Get more details about Breast Lift Plastic Surgery.

Arm Lift
Sagging skin in the upper arms is treated with an incision from the underarm area extending along the inside or back of the upper arm. Additional incisions on the arms may be necessary anywhere excess skin has formed sagging pockets. The smoother, tighter contours that result from upper arm contouring are apparent almost immediately, although initially obscured by swelling and bruising. In addition, skin quality is dramatically improved in both appearance and texture. Get more details about Arm Lift Plastic Surgery.

Thigh Lift
Reshaping of the thigh is achieved through incisions in the groin that can extend downward to the knee along the inner portion of the thigh.  Improving contours of the outer thigh may require an incision extending from the groin around the hip. Through these incisions your plastic surgeon will tighten tissues for a smoother, better toned thigh. Get more details about Thigh Lift Plastic Surgery.

What Happens After Post-Bariatric Body Lift Surgery?

After your Post-Bariatric Body Lift surgery procedure is completed, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. A small thin tube we be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood and fluid.  A pain pump is also attached to your body to give you a constant dose of medication for pain.  You will be scheduled for several follow up appointments so the doctor can check on your progress.  Following your physician and nurse’s instructions is essential to the success of your surgery.

All Post-Bariatric Body Lift Scottsdale procedures require incisions to remove excess skin.  In many cases these incisions may be extensive. Incision length and pattern depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed.  The body heals slowly from a body lift.  As the swelling goes down, your body’s shape will become more apparent.

How do I get started?

Dr. Steven Gitt and his staff will be happy to discuss Post-Bariatric Body Lift Scottsdale Surgery with you.  Dr. Gitt is an active member for Obesity Help.  You can read some of his reviews here.  If you meet certain criteria your insurance may cover some of the costs of your procedure.  Contact our insurance specialist for details.  Please call for a complementary consultation at 480-304-5477 or visit our website at www.NVPSAZ.com.

More women are choosing Arizona breast augmentation to enhance the shape and size of their breasts. Dr. Martin Bell, a board certified plastic surgeon at North Valley Plastic Surgery, attributes this increase in demand to advances in procedural techniques that make breast augmentation more effective. He notes that most of his patients experience not only a physical transformation following recovery but also a boost in self-confidence.

“A woman’s breast shape and size is minimally affected by exercise and eating habits, so many women turn to breast augmentation,” Dr. Bell says. “Fortunately for my patients, technical advances have paved the way for more natural results, reduced discomfort and decreased recovery time. I’m thrilled to see more women taking advantage of this popular procedure to transform the way they look and feel.”

Dr. Bell offers a wide range of options for customizing a woman’s breast augmentation, including a variety of choices for Phoenix breast implants area practice. He says the more choices a woman has for individualizing her procedure; the more likely she is to achieve the exact results she desires.

“We offer many options for breast implants and surgical techniques at our practice,” Dr. Bell says. “Also, my experienced staff and I are committed to assisting patients through each step of the process, helping them choose options that will achieve their desired result. More women are beginning to see that they can easily and effectively have the bodies they desire with breast augmentation.”

Dr. Martin Bell, who is certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, combines his technical and artistic skills to create optimal results for each patient. His attention to detail makes him a top plastic surgeon in Scottsdale.

Although more patients are coming to Dr. Bell for breast augmentation, he says he still takes time to establish trust and open communication with each person.

“It’s great to see that more women are discovering the benefits of breast augmentation, and I hope we continue to grow and are able to meet the needs of each patient,” says Dr. Bell  “I thoroughly enjoy meeting new patients and discovering new ways to apply my skills as a surgeon to help people reach their cosmetic goals.”

For more information on Arizona breast augmentation visit our website at www.NVPSAZ.com.  For a complimentary consultation regarding an Phoenix breast implants with a board certified plastic surgeon, call 480-304-5477.

The latest statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) show that more than 9.3 million cosmetic procedures were performed in 2010. The most common procedure was breast augmentation, a statistic that top Arizona plastic surgeon Dr. Tsujimura says was also reflected in the number of procedures performed at North Valley Plastic Surgery.

As demand for plastic surgery increased almost 9% in 2010, Dr. Tsujimura says the fact that breast augmentation was the most common surgical procedure comes as no surprise. “Initially, patients had concerns by health concerns about silicone implants, and wrinkling in saline implants.  The recent FDA clearance of silicone gel implants has helped settle the concerns for breast implant safety.   This is something we’ve known for a long time.”

Despite the fact that breast augmentation accounted for nearly 20% of the total number of surgical procedures in 2010, Dr. Tsujimura says that he has noticed the numbers increasing in 2011.   He continues by saying, “The growing popularity of stem cell breast augmentation is allowing many women to enhance their breasts without implants with the fat from other areas of their body.  [Stem Cell Breast Augmentation] is popular for women that want larger breasts without implants.  The choice that people have with implants here at North Valley Plastic Surgery is greater than in any practice in the world that I’m aware of.”

Call 480-304-5477 to make a no obligation, complimentary breast augmentation appointment at North Valley Plastic Surgery.  We will are highly experienced with all types of breast implants. Because of the volume of breast implants that our practice performs, we are able to offer you some of the lowest prices in the country for breast augmentation and the most experienced staff.