Searching for a new look? Then this expo is for you
Searching for a new look? Then this expo is for you
090507
By JAN JARVIS
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
For consumers short on time, one-stop shopping for a cosmetic surgeon could take some of the pain out of getting the perfect face-lift or tummy tuck.
At the Cosmetic Enhancement Expo at Dallas Market Hall this Saturday and Sunday consumers can check out plastic surgeons from throughout North Texas, attend more than 30 educational seminars and see some of the newest products.
Show patrons can get discounts on plastic surgery, hair restoration and cellulite treatments, among other incentives. The second annual expo is expected to draw 2,000 consumers.
Doctors are looking for ways to stand out amid increasing competition, said Mike Colby, show director. The expo is one of the ways that doctors can reach potential patients.
"You have a lot of doctors who are trying new things -- YouTube, podcasts, social networking, you name it -- to get an edge," he said.
Today, people are more open about cosmetic surgery, and they do their homework, said Chili Robinson, an Arlington plastic surgeon.
"Younger people especially don't rely on word-of-mouth as much as they do the Internet, blogs and their own research," Robinson said.
Aging baby boomers looking for what's new have had a big influence on the market, as has fast-changing technology, said Bill Johnson, a plastic surgeon with offices in Grapevine and Fort Worth.
"The technology has become truly effective and less and less invasive," Johnson said, adding that some liposuctions are now treated as day surgery. "A decade ago with old-fashioned lipo, they were out for several days."
Judith Meadors of Irving plans to attend.
"Instead of going to a doctor's office and having no idea who they are, you are able talk one-on-one with them," said Meadors, who is retired. "It sounds like a really neat way for people to get their questions answered."
Q&A
Two plastic surgeons scheduled to speak at the trade show to discuss what's hot in cosmetic procedures:
Dr. Chili Robinson of Arlington will speak on breast surgery and eyelid enhancement.
What's new in breast augmentation?
For years, silicone gel breast implants were used only for reconstructive surgery, but in 2006 they returned to the marketplace for most women over age 22. Compared with saline implants, the silicone implants are more natural feeling and less likely to cause palpable ripples.
What advice would you give about eyelid surgery and facial rejuvenation?
It's not just the surgery; it's a lifestyle. You cannot continue smoking, spending 1,000 hours in the sun and expect to stay youthful. It's like growing a garden. If you take care of it each day, it does very well. But if you only come back once a year and put a lot into it, it looks great for just a short period of time.
What about the minimally invasive procedures such as microdermabrasion and botox?
These noninvasive procedures will certainly help, but for someone who is 50 and spent years as a lifeguard, all the minimally invasive stuff is not going to do the trick. Now if you can convince a 25-year-old to stay out of the sun, that woman is going to look so much younger at 40 that she might not need surgery.
Bill Johnson, a plastic surgeon with offices in Grapevine and Fort Worth, is to speak on "Terrific abs."
How can women get outstanding abs?
There are two technologies that are pretty exciting and dramatic. Thermage uses radiofrequency heating to renew the collagen and tighten skin. It's for folks in a good weight range but who have loose skin from pregnancy and weight loss. It one of best technologies when you just have crepe-paper skin. It's noninvasive; there's no incision and no down time.
Smart Lipo uses a laser inserted under the skin through a tiny incision. The laser melts the fat and destroys fat cells. Also the laser results in skin tightening, which is a real improvement over previous liposuction. For folks who have more than an inch or two of fat, we use a tool called Vaser. We insert a probe that uses ultrasound to melt fat. It can do larger amounts of fat. In the abdomen we've taken out as much as 3 or 4 pounds.
Vaser and Smart Lipo can be combined for very good results.
The cost of treating upper and lower abs with Smart Lipo and Vaser is about $6,000. Add the love handles and it's $8,500.
With lipo sculpturing, we can increase definition in the ab muscles. We can actually give you a six-pack by removing the fat around the edges, which enhances the appearance of the muscles.
COSMETIC ENHANCEMENT EXPO
When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday Where: Dallas Market Hall, 2200 Stemmons Freeway
Cost: $15 at the door; advance tickets are $10 for one day or $15 for two days. Order tickets at www.cosmeticenhancementexpo.com
Jan Jarvis, 817-548-5423
jjarvis@star-telegram.com
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