Cosmetic surgeons launch approval seal

THE Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery launched their code of practice seal to help consumers avoid dodgy doctors.

The seal, which contains the phrase – “Your assurance of a high standard” – will be given to members who agree to comply with the standards of the college’s code of practice.

ACCS President Colin Moore said he hoped the seal would become a recognised symbol for ethical practitioners.

“It protects them through a high level of standards that increase transparency and information,” he said.

“It empowers patients because through better information, their ability to make informed decisions about their care is improved.”

Dr Moore said there had been a rise in predatory advertising practices, which the college was keen to stamp out.

“We are seeing more unscrupulous advertising practices encouraging people to ‘buy now and save’,” he said.

“The college frowns upon practices such as these as there are many factors that need to be properly considered.

“Inducement to ‘buy now’ is unethical in this context.”

The seal was unveiled at the recent Cosmetex conference in Cairns which was attended by Dr Michael Rich and his team of doctors and nurses last Wednesday.

Dr Rich is one of the few dermatologists (only dermatologists can be approved) to treat severe sweat problems in armpits, which has now been approved by the government.
What this means is that for those patients who are eligible for treatment by Dr Rich, is that they will pay only ½ the normal cost of the treatment than if treated by other doctors who are NOT approved.
I f you have an ‘excessive sweat’ problem in armpits please give us a call to discuss your concerns. Call 9500 9500

FOR THE MUM IN NEED OF SOME PAMPERING
The combination of the glycolic peel and revlite is a great way to rejuvenate your skin complexion, reduce fine lines, improve skin texture and give an all over improvement to your skin’s appearance.
Our Mothers Day pamper pack includes a full face revlite and a glycolic peel to the face, neck and hands.
Valued at $290
Your special clinic price $199

*conditions apply*

Most marriages start with a promise to grow old together — but many couples are deciding to grow young together.

Times are now changing. Years ago, women would come in and say, “I can’t let my husband know what I’m doing”. Now we are seeing men also coming in saying, “if my wife is going to look good then I want to look good too!”
There is a growing trend for couples to pursue cosmetic procedures together, with liposuction number one on their ‘wish list’ of treatments.

Since 1997, there has been an increase of over 121% in the number of cosmetic treatments requested by men. Currently, 1 in 5 nose jobs, chin implants and blepharoplasty (eye lid surgery) in the US are performed on men – a trend mirrored here. Other popular procedures include treatment for gynaecomastia (man boobs), facial rejuvenation and liposuction.
Men are no longer feeling the stigma of undergoing a cosmetic treatment, with many men saying they feel better able to compete in the workforce and also want to look as good as their partners.
Whatever the driving force, more and more couples are happily experiencing growing younger together. We have heard it said: “It’s just another part of our life together that we’re sharing.”

Infinitink is a range of high quality tattoo inks that are engineered to be permanent and safe and is far easier to remove from the skin than traditional tattoo inks. Infinitink is applied to the skin in the same way as any other tattoo. It also stays in the skin for as long as you wish. The real advantage is if you choose to have your Infinitink tattoo removed, fewer treatments are required to do so than tattoos made with traditional inks. In Dr Rich’s option this is the only ink that should be used getting a tattoo.

A common additive for mediterranean dishes could now prove to be a welcome alternative for acne sufferers with sensitive skin who sometimes develop skin irritations from antibacterial creams.

Acne and acne scarring has been a common problem for many whether you are a teenage or adult acne sufferer.  Researchers may have discovered a simple and safe remedy – Thyme!

Testing has been carried out on the effects of thyme, myrrh and marigold tinctures – an alcoholic extraction from plants – on Propionibacterium acnes – the bacterium that causes acne by infecting skin pores – to see what was the most effective in treating acne.

Dr Margarita Gomez-Escalada – lead researcher and a professor at Leeds Metropolitan University – explained: “The plant material is steeped in alcohol for days or even weeks to prepare a tincture. This process draws out the active compounds from the plant. While thyme, marigold and myrrh are common herbal alternatives to standard antibacterial skin washes, this is the first study to demonstrate the effect they have on the bacterium that causes the infection leading to acne.”

Although results showed all the herbal tinctures were able to kill the bacterium after five minutes exposure, it was thyme that was the most effective. The herb also worked better than standard concentrations of benzoyl peroxide, which is the active ingredient in most anti-acne creams or washes (Proactiv, Benzac etc).

Dr Margarita Gomez-Escalada states, “the problem with treatments containing benzoyl peroxide is the side-effects they are associated with such as a burning sensation and skin irritation is not uncommon.

These findings could pave the way for more research into the use of tinctures as a treatment for acne – “If thyme tincture is proven to be as clinically effective as our findings suggest, it may be a natural alternative to current treatments. Herbal preparations are less harsh on the skin due to their anti-inflammatory properties while our results suggest they can be just as, if not more, effective than chemical treatments.”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9169283/Thyme-could-be-new-treatment-for-acne.html

If you need another reason to butt that addictive habit here it is, a report has associated smoking with an increased risk in developing psoriasis. Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin condition that causes red, scaly patches to develop on the skin. There is no cure for psoriasis, it can only be controlled with ongoing treatment. Symptoms may include red scaly patches on skin, itchiness and shedding of scales of skin. This study which was published by the America Journal of Epidemiology concluded that smokers were nearly 1.4 times more likely to have this condition.

If that’s not enough to change your thoughts, be aware of those around you, it is already known that a mother’s exposure to tabacco smoke during pregnancy increases the child’s risk of developing respiratory disease such as  asthma or ongoing chest infections. Expecting mother’s exposure to tobacco smoke in the last three months of pregnancy may increase the risk that her child will develop the allergic skin condition eczema during infancy.

Interesting new fact published in Dermatology Daily states, recent studies have shown that before surgery procedures such as hip and knee implants, allergy testing is recommended in order to reduce complications which are associated with hypersensitivity of the prostheses. 

Allergy testing determines any substances that can cause allergic reactions. Allergy testing is the procedure used to determine which particular substances or allergens are responsible for provoking an allergic reaction. The procedure used depends on the type of allergy, but may include skin and blood tests or special diets. Allergy symptoms include skin rashes, swelling, sneezing, asthma and nausea. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction.

Skin patch testing for metal allergies before prostheses devices are implanted will greatly reduce your chance of any risks and complications.  See your Dermatologist for you allergy testing before you under go your surgical procedure. 

Dermatology Daily – Medical News

Soon to be mothers should be aware of a recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. This study linked high blood pressure and high blood sugars levels during pregnancy as a means of predicting the possibility of developing heart disease in middle age. The study concluded that pregnant women who suffered from high blood pressure and diabetes had a greater chance of developing heart disease and diabetes later in life.  A healthy life style and prevention is key. Be proactive and have a health check.

It’s easy to buy on the internet – a DIY injection promising an instant all-over tan but as these women discovered, it can trigger cancer.

Women in the UK are self injecting themselves with a substance called melanotan bought illegally on the internet, desperate for a ‘healthy glow’. This product claims to give an even, golden tan by an injection into the stomach although the side affects are dramatic and potentiality deadly.

 This illegal tanning drug has raised concerns among the health professionals as the main ingredient activates melanocytes in the skin. These are the cells that become cancerous in malignant melanomas, so doctors fear users could in fact bring on skin cancer in the long term.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1381298/The-deadly-tan-jab-DIY-injection-promising-instant-tan-women-discovered-trigger-heart-disease-cancer.html#ixzz1kuOGO5vC

February 14th – Valentine’s Day. Treat yourself with a facial Venus Freeze treatment with the purchase of any dermal filler. Simply contact the enRich clinic before February 14^th to secure your free treatment.

*conditions apply

As seen on a Current Affair recently women are paying thousands for highly advanced beauty treatments and getting scarred for life at clinics where the staff are under trained and a doctor is not on site or available.  

Dr Rich is concerned that laser treatments are being performed with little knowledge and training, laser treatments can lead to burns, hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin), hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin) and scarring.

Here at the enRich clinic all of our staff, both doctors and nurses go through extensive laser training on all skin types to be deemed safe, competent and efficient by Dr Rich prior to operating any lasers. With this widespread training, and doctors on site, our nursing staffs have both the support and supervision to deliver good patient care.

At the enRich, all patients have a ‘test patch’ of laser treatment in order to see how you response to the laser. Appropriate pre and post skin information is provided to insure that you received only the highest quality of treatment.

 In the case of any rare complications, patients are able to be managed by specialist dermatologists and the appropriate care provided.

For more information please phone the enRich Clinic 9500 9500

Read more http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8203297

  A recent internet article has confirmed what I have long been seeing within our clinic.

“Of the 13.1 million cosmetic procedures performed in 2010, 88 percent or 11.6 million were nonsurgical in nature. Some 48 percent of these procedures were done on patients in the 40 to 54-year-old age group and females outpaced male patients across all age groups.”

“This trend is expected to grow even more in 2012, as a continuous increase in non-invasive cosmetic procedures such as injectable treatments like Botox and Dysport will continue to be popular. Likewise, dermal fillers used in lip augmentation and facial rejuvenation will have a strong following, with the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) expecting more males to seek non-invasive surgeries to address aging issues.

Body contouring without surgery will still be popular in 2012. Traditional liposuction is a surgical procedure, but new technologies approved recently have made liposuction almost as nonintrusive as injectable therapies.”

Reasons for the Popularity of Non-Invasive Cosmetic Therapies.

• The procedures are relatively painless and local anaesthesia may be used to ease the process
• The treatments can be performed quickly, often as a lunch hour procedure
• Downtime is minimal and complete bed rest is not required post-treatment. Usually, patients can resume normal activities within two days
• Side effects are limited to minor swelling, some redness and bruising, all of which resolve in 48 hours
• The therapies are cost-efficient treatments are spread out over time to optimise results
• Results are instantaneous and almost immediately visible
• For the knife-shy, only minor incisions are done, if they are required at all

In recent years, I have seen many significant advances in laser therapy such as the Fractional Co2 and Ruby lasers that offer better and safer treatments. Other new treatments such as the Venous, a ‘radio frequency’ device for skin tightening and Acoustic Wave Therapy – AWT for cellulite and the many new injectable are all providing better ways to deliver anti-aging and cosmetic enhancements to patients. This together with non-invasive surgeries, can be individualise for a patient-centred plan aimed at achieving the best cosmetic results possible.

Read more http://www.healthcareglobal.com/finance_insurance/non-invasive-cosmetic-surgery-will-rule-this-2012

Great to hear that the Health Minister, David Davis, went to the Skin and Cancer Foundation for his skin cancer check and removal. The skin and cancer foundation is a non profit organization of brilliance in specialist dermatological problems.

 Dr Michael Rich was one of the founders of skin and cancer foundation centre and inaugural president continuing as treasure for the laser and melanoma clinic  

As it is seen with the Health minister it is important to have a skin check with a specialist dermatologist.  Phone the enRich clinic  on 9500 9500 to make your appointment with Dr Rich.

http://www.skincancer.asn.au/

Acoustic Wave Therapy

This article was written in 2010 by a British magazine about Madonna’s search for ‘her cellulite concerns’.

We (at the enRich Clinic) were also searching for a reliable and effective cellulite treatment for our patients, and we also chose the Acoustic Wave Therapy. Twelve months on we are happy to report that we are getting great results and our patients happy with their results

AWT is a procedure that has been used in the medical world for several decades to make kidney stones disintegrate and to ease joint pain. Strangely, its skin-smoothing abilities were discovered purely by chance while treating the joints of female athletes, doctors noticed a marked improvement in the appearance of their thighs.

‘The waves break down the fibrous walls to release clogged fat, water and toxins. The process stimulates and increases blood flow to treated areas, which produces fresh, thicker bands of collagen, as well as stronger and smoother skin.’ The treatment can be used on areas prone to dimpling.”

Kellie, one of our patients was heading to Bali for a holiday and wanted to feel better in her bikini. After 10 treatments she was more than happy with her ‘new legs’.

We have noticed wider benefits: ‘We have seen great results on skin tightening, skin elasticity and general toning.

Legs ONLY Treated

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1265213/Madonna-just-bought-50-000-machines–miracle-cure-cellulite.html

Venous Freeze, is a unique technology that can ‘reverse the effects of ageing skin’ by combining Pulse Magnetic fields and Radio Frequency for complete skin penetration that  ensures both clinical efficacy, and produces clear  visible results  for smoother and firmer skin.

The new Venus Freeze delivers magnetic and radio frequency pulses painlessly by heating the skin from the inside out to stimulate fibroblast cells into producing new collagen fibers that tighten and strengthen the skin leaving it feeling smooth and plump.

Over time, (6 treatments) fine lines and wrinkles fill out and tighten to reveal a more youthful appearance.

The Venus Freeze treatment is completely non invasive with many patients likening it to a massage!

Fake doctor injects cement in woman’s bottom
November 21, 2011

A US woman who wanted to work at a nightclub started searching for someone who could perform plastic surgery at a cheap price to give her a more curvaceous body.
What she found was a woman posing as a doctor who filled her buttocks with cement, mineral oil and flat-tyre sealant.

This is a tragic story of people searching for help in all the wrong places. Dr Rich would like to warn his patients on some of the unscrupulous practices that are often reported.

Dr Rich can advise you on many of the safe and reliable ways to improve you looks and shape. Call to discuss your concerns 9500 9500.

http://www.theage.com.au/world/strangebuttrue/fake-doctor-injects-cement-in-womans-bottom-20111121-1nppx.html

Laser technology Fraxel 1927promotes radiant, brilliant, clear and brighter skin.
Fraxel 1927 is a gentle laser treatment that is designed to repair and rejuvenate skin for patients who are concerned about the first signs of ageing especially from sun damage and want to bring back a youthful radiance with minimal inconvenience to your everyday life.
Fraxel 1927 is a gentle laser that refreshes your skin by replacing sun damaged skin with healthy younger-looking and fresher tissue. Fraxel 1927 is virtually a pain free procedure as numbing cream is applied to the area before treatment.
Results with the Fraxel 1927 are long lasting in conjunction with an appropriate skin care regime which our specialist cosmetic nurses will explain in your consultation.
Speak to one of our specialist cosmetic nurses to discuses your skin today

A recent Herald Sun article spoke of a new liposuction technique for breast reduction.
Dr Michael Rich has been performing tumescent liposuction using micro cannulae / instruments for over 15 yrs and is considered an expert in this technique.
This unique form of breast reduction involves zero cutting, minimal downtime and discomfort and no scarring. For many women it is transforming their lives.

Women with very large breasts often have backache, neck pain, rashes, skin infections (caused by undergarments cutting in) and even depression. To have breast reduction with minimal ‘downtime’ and surgery can be life changing.

Call for information 9500 9500

www.heraldsun.com.au

From the occasional pimple to multiple breakouts, your blemish problems can be solved.
We’ve all been down to breakout town. We ask ourselves if that chocolate bar was to blame. We ask ourselves if our cleansing regimen is substandard. But mainly we ask ourselves why we’re still struggling with this “teenage” complaint.

The truth is adults get acne too. It usually occurs in women over 30. Many may never have had a pimple in their lives but suddenly find themselves in the grip of aggressive acne on the neck and lower face.

Dietary and hygiene factors can contribute, but all acne is driven by sex hormones, called androgens. Some acne is caused by a genetic predisposition where dead skin cells build up inside the pores.

These dead cells act like plugs, so instead of oil travelling from the oil gland, up the pore and out onto the surface to moisturise your skin, the oil gets blocked.

Propionibacterium bacteria love this oil so they infect the pore and you get a pimple. (Blackheads and whiteheads are potential pimples that haven’t been attacked by this bacteria yet.) Hormones make the pore sensitive, easily inflamed and swollen, which makes it more likely for them to become blocked.

Adult acne is cystic, which means it forms lumps under the skin. These cystic pimples can scar badly. Don’t reach for the soap as it only removes surface oil and don’t use moisturisers if your skin is oily.
Dr Michael Rich can offer a range of prescription drugs that target the main causes of acne: hormones, blocked pores and Propionibacterium infection.
Act early to prevent scarring call the enRich clinic on 9500 9500.

Herald Sun 23rd Oct 2011

Traditional chemical peels remain highly effective for skin resurfacing

What chemical peels lack in hype they more then make up for with versatility and value. Chemical peels have been preformed for over 50 years with excellent results, yet somehow we turn our back on them.

However chemical peels are reliable, consistent and remain an effective method of skin resurfacing, to varying degrees depending on the type of peel used and the effect you are wanting to achieve.  

Results are achieved by applying a chemical to the face, which stimulates new skin growth. The depth of peels depends on the chemical, concentration and type of skin. Here at the enRich clinic Dr Michael Rich offers a variety of different peels including alpha hydroxy acids (AHA’s),  trichloroeacetic (TCA) and PCA peels which can all give you a much smoother and cleaner skin.

For more information please phone the enRich Clinic to make your appointment 9500 9500

http://bit.ly/plQFGW

Ta-ta tattoos: They are a common sight but like actress Megan Fox many people are beginning to regret their inkings

They were once a permanent statement of rebellion, but today, tattoos – or body art, as they are known – are a common sight.

Dr Michael Rich was recently pleased to see an increase of high profile celebrities reconsidering their tattoos.

Actress Megan Fox was recently reported to be having her Marilyn Monroe tattoo removed, while Bob Geldof’s daughter Peaches, who started her extensive collection of body art aged just 14, has said: ‘I regret every single tattoo I’ve ever had . . . I find them horrendous. If I could graft a completely new skin for myself, I would.’

Angelina Jolie, Britney Spears and Pamela Anderson are just a few other tattoo poster girls who have erased some of their ‘permanent’ markings.

Before: Megan Fox, and her rather obvious tattoo of Marilyn Monroe

Tattoo’s are easily acquired, however their permanency is rarely considered until much later in life. Removal of tattoos used to involve painful dermabrasion, acidic skin peels or literally cutting the image out and then patching the area with skin grafts. All these methods could leave horrendous scars. But such drastic action is no longer necessary.

Laser technology was first used for tattoo removal 20 years ago and has come a long way since then.

At the enRich clinic we are fortunate to have many different lasers best suited to the color present in any given tattoo. In many cases tattoos can be completely removed, however this can come at a much greater cost in both money and time compared to when the tattoo applied.

Read more: http://bit.ly/qE4i6I

A recent article that uses ingredients in our ‘enRich Skincare’ range is receiving lots of publicity in America.
Dr Rich has long been aware of this fantastic combination and has based his ‘enRich’ skin care range around it.

enRich skincare is only available after doctor consultation through his clinic.

Reference: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/230456.php

Reuters (6/24, Kelland) reports that, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, a side effect of many commonly used medications, including antihistamines and antidepressants, appears to increase the risk of reduced brain function and early death in other patients. The study is the first systematic investigation into the long-term impact of anticholinergic activity.
BBC News (6/13, Gallagher) reported that, for the study, eighty medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, “were rated for their ‘anticholinergic’ activity: they were given a score of one for a mild effect, two for moderate and three for severe. “A combined score was calculated in 13,000 elderly patients “by adding together the scores for all the medicines they were taking. A patient taking one sever drug and two mild ones would have an overall score of five.” The researcher found that “between 1991 and 1993, 20% of patients with a score of four or more died. Of those taking no anticholinergic drugs only 7% died.”
The UK’s Telegraph (6/24, Collins) reports, “The most dangerous included the antihistamines Chlorphenamine (used in the brand Piriton) and Promethazine (used in Phenergan), the anti-depressant Paroxetine (used in Seroxat), and the incontinence drug Oxybutynin (used in Ditropan). The heartburn drug Ranitidine (used in Zantac), beta blocker Atenolol, the painkiller Codeine, and some eye drops were among the drugs in the mildest category.”

Source: Dermatology Daily

“An Aspirin a day may keep melanoma at bay,” according to a new study. “After scrutinizing the medical records of 1,000 people, an international team of researchers have determined that the risk of melanoma was cut by almost half when people took a daily dose of aspirin for at least five years.”

Interestingly, “there was also a hint that other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (marketed as Advil and Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), might reduce melanoma risk if taken regularly over a long period of time.”

Source: Dermatology Daily

The 24-year-old reality TV star once described herself as ‘addicted’ to plastic surgery and famously underwent 10 procedures in one day in 2009.  Montag, says she may consider more cosmetic procedures as she ages.

Dr Rich reminds patients, “just like Heidi Montag there are many young girls who can fall into an obsession of critical assessment of their bodies and cosmetic surgery”.

Cosmetic surgery has a place for the ‘right patient’, but there are many simple and safe cosmetic treatments that can enhance your natural beauty without having to have surgery.  Good skin for many is the first step.

Improve your natural beauty and achieving good skin call 9500 9500 to talk to one of our special cosmetic nurses.

Source: http://bit.ly/jiQape

'I don't want any more plastic surgery now... but maybe when I'm older,

People looking to enhance their appearance may be considering a cosmetic procedure. However, the number of people contacting National Accident Helpline (UK) after cosmetic surgery procedures go wrong has increased steadily in recent years.

 “People find themselves left with scarring, swelling, infections and nerve damage,” said Beth Powell, consumer director of National Accident Helpline.

National Accident Helpline is calling on people considering cosmetic surgery to check that they are using a reputable and experienced clinic with suitable aftercare.

Dr Michael Rich would also like to remind patients that they carefully check their chosen clinics ‘aftercare’ plans.  As doctors we all hope for a ‘risk free’ treatment for our patients, however sometime some patients may experience more discomfort or be anxious about their recovery.  It is essential all patients have a planned ‘backup’ and aftercare plan.  It is just as important as the initial treatment.  All of our patients have either the clinic phone number or a nurse they can contact 24/7 if need be, with regular review appts after the surgery.

To read more about this – click here

For more information call one of our specialist nurses 9500 5900

(Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)

The National Enquirer won’t let Britney Spears take any credit for her newly svelte figure, claiming the singer achieved her toned shape by using “liposuction” and “fat-dissolving treatments”.

To its credit, the tab notes that Spears has been working out rigorously to get fit for her upcoming “Femme Fatale” tour, but since plain old exercise is too dull for the mag’s taste, the Enquirer attributes much of the star’s transformation to plastic surgery.

“She tackled her body’s hard-to-reach areas with liposuction and a series of fat-dissolving treatments” called LipoDissolve, says the mag’s so-called “source”.

The Enquirer reports Spears traveled to Las Vegas to undergo the treatments on April 1 and had a follow-up procedure on the weekend of May 7.

“But the lipo tale is just a big fat lie”.

Spears’ new figure is the result of hard work. She recently divulged that she’s been working out more than six hours a day – six days a week – for several weeks.

If that’s not enough, a rep for Spears tells Gossip Cop the Enquirer’s report is “complete garbage”.

Source:

http://www.gossipcop.com/britney-spears-liposuction-plastic-surgery-lipodissolve/

Both of these treatments are available at Dr Michael Rich clinic who are specialists in this field.