Renewed, Recharged and Refocused...

In early December, I attended a three day course in exciting New York City—“The Cutting Edge 2012". This was an international interdisciplinary rhinoplasty symposium highlighting advances in rhinoplasty and facial cosmetic surgery. This course was co-sponsored by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Academy of Facial Plastic Reconstructive Surgery.  There was great participation from surgeons from all over the world.

The universal theme of this meeting was the integration of rhinoplasty, fillers, Botox and other therapies to achieve a harmonious, natural result that is in balance with the rest of the face. Since rhinoplasty surgery is as much artistic in nature as it is scientific, often nonsurgical modalities, such as radiofrequency therapies like the eMatrix, judicious use of injectable fillers or steroids are used to modify results for those patients who have difficult-to-treat skin types. 

The use of high-volume fillers like Juvederm Voluma accentuate a good rhinoplasty result. Botox placed in the frown lines above the nose will soften the face, highlight the surgical result and provide a pleasing, harmonious result.  It was also reassuring to learn that our standard of care and good quality results are more than comparable with those of international experts from all over the world. 

These international scientific seminars are a wonderful way to recharge and refocus on our practice.  Maintenance of competence and continuing education is something that I take very seriously.  I attend 3 or 4 scientific surgical meetings each year and register and record these events with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.  I believe this process makes me a better physician and ultimately, the beneficiary is you, my patient.

Whether your 2013 wish list includes younger looking skin or facial rejuvenation through surgical techniques, our team provides safe, effective, natural-looking treatments tailored to your unique needs. On behalf of the Centre, I wish you a beautiful New Year. Hope to see you soon.

Dr. John Keohane

The Skinny on Dermal Nonsurgical Fillers

Innovations in anti-aging skin care are on the fast track to meet the growing demand of baby boomers (and their parents). Nonsurgical fillers are treatment therapies that can improve the skin’s surface texture, reduce irregular pigmentation, and help reverse the effects of sun damage.

Fillers reduce the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles by “plumping” furrows and hollows in the face, giving the skin a more youthful-looking appearance. Fillers (like Juvaderm) are very effective at contouring specific areas on the face, such as around the lips, including long, vertical “marionette” lines that start at the corners of the mouth and extend down the chin. Botox injections also diminish lines and wrinkles associated with facial expression, including vertical lines between the eyebrows and on the bridge of the nose, forehead lines and furrows, and crow’s feet.

Celebrating Twenty Years of Botox Success!

While no one was watching, Botox Cosmetic turned 20 years old this year. The first scientific articles on the cosmetic use of Botox were published in 1992 by a Canadian husband and wife team. Carruthers and Carruthers, a dermatologist and an ophthalmologist, respectively have published over 200 peer-reviewed scientific articles and 5 text books. Since that time, Botox has been used worldwide by millions of patients.

Botox is one of the safest and most effective tools we offer patients. It helps you look great in the short term and prevents long term skin changes that occur as you age. Botox, when used in combination with dermal fillers, leaves you feeling refreshed. It often reverses the signs of age by smoothing wrinkles and restoring volume.

The Season of Transformation

I hope you have been enjoying the change in seasons as much as I have. While summer brings much to the table, the crispness and flawless colour of fall on the prairies is also magical — and fleeting! It seems that we've hit winter already....

I have just returned from the American Academy of Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery Annual Meeting in beautiful Washington, DC. This type of event is an amazing learning venue as it brings together a great collection of interesting speakers, including leading experts from all over the world. Many new techniques were discussed - here are some highlights:

• “Fat grafting” in conjunction with facelift surgery is growing in popularity. You can learn more about this technique here.
• High volume, high viscosity facial fillers, such as Juvederm Voluma for very deep facial valleys around the mouth and nose.
• New and advanced Botox injection strategies for reducing fine and deep wrinkles as well as masseteric fullness in Oriental patients.
• As always, new and interesting concepts for achieving lasting results in primary and revision cosmetic nose and eyelid surgery.

On that note, this has been our busiest year ever for cosmetic rhinoplasties (nasal surgeries). We have been averaging one to two difficult revision cases per week as well as three to four primary cosmetic rhinoplasties. These transformative procedures restore self-esteem to patients. We are privileged to have patients coming to see us from British Columbia, the Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan, and of course all over beautiful Alberta. I am touched by these patients’ trust in our efforts, facility and staff. If you would like to learn more about a procedure or a specific surgery, please contact us.

Enjoy the beauty the season(s) and be well!

Dr. John Keohane