Make-up for women has been around since the days of the pharaohs. It is used to enhance the beauty of the face, hide "blemishes" and in general look more "presentable". I have always been surprised and even performed a " double take" when I see my patients for the first time without make-up. Most look at least 10 years younger!... read more »

The inevitable march of progress does not necessarily mean improvement. The arrival of computer generated collation and order certainly has made it easier to have all data at the physician's fingertips; but at a price. Writing orders, discharging patients, transferring patients and documenting in the electronic record has slowed down the delivery of good practical health care.  For example: Patients cannot... read more »

It all depends on how we treat our immune system. Granted that immunology is very complex and beyond the scope limits of the blog, but certainly several main points need to be expressed and possibilities, based on these points, considered for thought. Our immune system provides protection from the outside world. It is made up of many different cells that... read more »

Body mass index! The bane of everyone's existence. This index, contrived using height and weight only, is being used to determine everyone's status in regard to obesity. Unfortunately this rather simplistic formula corrals people into categories that misrepresent their true fitness level. While it works relatively well for the medium framed individual, it grossly miscalculates the people with small or... read more »

It really does not take any mystical power or knowledge to foretell  disaster. Just reasoning and logic. I wrote over 4 years ago about the dangers of  touting "anti-bacterial soap" when all is needed is "soap". ( See "Medical Disaster or Soap vs Hope" Aug '06) As predicted: with over use of unnecessary  antibiotics we now have very dangerous strains of bacteria... read more »

Recently there has been some controversy in regard to breast self-exam. Several medical articles indicate that there is no benefit to this procedure in early diagnosis of breast cancer. The reasoning stems from patient anxiety over what they feel leading to over use of extensive work-ups involving mammograms, MRIs, aspirations, and biopsies. Certainly this is true; but that is because... read more »

Cuts or Curare? The question is certainly melodramatic but it makes the point. The overwhelming view of most people is that they would rather take a medication than undergo a surgical procedure, any day of the week, whether the treatments are equally effective or not. In reality drugs (which include naturopathic remedies and vitamins,herbals, etc.) have systemic effect on our... read more »

Once again another example of bad and unsafe cosmetic surgery presented itself in my office. We, as real plastic surgeons, are asked to "fix" other people's mistakes and, as is the usual case, the patient and plastic surgeon are "behind the eight ball". Results and life would be better if people were educated to seek consultation with a BOARD CERTIFIED... read more »

There is a reason why medical histories and exams are obtained at good plastic surgery offices. This is appropriate medical practice where people with significant medical problems are identified and treated and/or prepared so that medical surprises (read... medical emergencies) are avoided as much as possible. Pre-operative blood work and EKGs also help identify potential problems or even prevent serious... read more »

I knew as soon as the media explosion of Dr. Jan Adams and Kanye West's mother took place that I would be inundated with phone calls from worried prospective patients. It is very difficult for the lay public to decipher the truth about professionals' credentials especially when the media itself does not care enough to find out important details such... read more »