GLG News by Physicians who Use Kinetic Concepts' VAC Therapy System

Adam SchaffnerDirector of Plastic SurgeryJUVA SKIN LASER CENTER INC

Obesity: Higher Healthcare Costs, Lower Productivity

June 26, 2008

Analysis of:Obesity costs employers $45 bil a year | www.nytimes.com

There is no revelation in stating that obese people move slower or have more health problems compared to skinny people.  High blood pressure and diabetes are commonly associated with obesity.  Morbidly obese people may have difficulty sitting in a single coach airplane seat, fitting through a doorway, or bending over to pick up an item.  Such obesity is associated with higher healthcare costs, more time away from work, and lower productivity when compared to people who are not obese.  In short, obese Americans need to lose weight to improve their waistline and the bottom line.

Adam SchaffnerDirector of Plastic SurgeryJUVA SKIN LASER CENTER INC

Hair Removal: An Expanding Market

June 23, 2008

Analysis of:Zapping Teenage Torment | www.nytimes.com

Hair used to be something we all accepted.  Now, unwanted hair is viewed as unacceptable.  The market for hair removal is almost endless.  Men want hair removed from the nostrils, neck, back, and chest.  Women want hair removed from the upper lip, chin, sideburns, arms, legs, and bikini area.  Treatment options are as varied as the types and colors of hair that exist.  Patients will subject themselves to many different treatments, including shaving, plucking, bleaching, waxing, threading, lasers, intense pulsed light, electrolysis, and medications.  Recently, lasers have become more popular due to their effectiveness in achieving the goal of permanent hair removal.  However, their use is not without risk.  Patients can get burned or lose skin pigment.  Therefore, such treatments should only be administered by licensed healthcare professionals with proper training and experience. 

Adam SchaffnerDirector of Plastic SurgeryJUVA SKIN LASER CENTER INC

Improving the "Tired Look" - How to Treat Dark Circles Under Eyes

June 23, 2008

Analysis of:Putting ‘You Look Tired’ to Rest | www.nytimes.com

Looking rested and refreshed is big business.  Dark circles can make one appear tired and old - even at the young age of 25.  Therefore, some people will stop at nothing to conceal these circles.  53% of 13,000 Clinique users cited dark under-eye circles and puffiness as their number one beauty concern.  Consequently, it is not surprising that sales of anti-aging skin care treatments, which includes products designed to get rid of dark circles under the eyes, increased from $588 million in 2001 to $1.08 billion in 2006.   The causes of such circles are multi-factorial, including heredity, genetics, skin pigmentation, and skin thickness.  As there is no single cause for this problem, there is no single cure.  Hence, it is not surprising that Sephora sells more than 50 products "designed to specifically treat under-eye circles."  With time, the demand and number of products to treat this problem will only continue to grow. 

Adam SchaffnerDirector of Plastic SurgeryJUVA SKIN LASER CENTER INC

Saying "I'm Sorry" Will Decrease Medical Malpractice Premiums and Increase the Quality of Care

June 23, 2008

Analysis of:Doctors Say ‘I’m Sorry’ Before ‘See You in Court’ | www.nytimes.com

For years, doctors have been taught to deny medical errors and defend themselves to the end.  Such denial is contrary to the honesty doctors and patients desire in a patient-physician relationship.  However, the risk of medical malpractice has led physicians to pursue this practice.  With medical malpractice insurance premiums escalating at an alarming rate, physicians at prominent institutions like Johns Hopkins and Stanford are trying a new, "disarming" approach:  promptly disclosing errors, then offering an earnest apology and fair compensation for such errors.  The hope is to restore integrity in the patient-physician relationship, learn from such mistakes, and decrease the likelihood of other healthcare professionals making the same mistake in the future. 

Adam SchaffnerDirector of Plastic SurgeryJUVA SKIN LASER CENTER INC

Adolescent Acne - Many Treatments, Few Cures

June 23, 2008

Analysis of:What Skin Care Routines and Treatments Are Effective for Adolescent Acne? | www.medscape.com

Adolescent acne is a challenging problem to treat.  This is a medical problem that has social and psychological consequences.  Acne can affect one's self-esteem, psychological growth, and adversely impact one's educational and career development.  Therefore, it is of paramount importance that adolescent acne be treated effectively.  Unfortunately, there is no cure - only a plethora of treatments.  Determining which one is most effective in a given patient requires patience and perseverance. 

Adam SchaffnerDirector of Plastic SurgeryJUVA SKIN LASER CENTER INC

Patients Should Only Seek Care from Licensed Healthcare Professionals

June 23, 2008

Analysis of:Renal Failure Linked to Cosmetic Soft-Tissue Filler Injections | www.medscape.com

On December 27, 2007, the North Carolina Division of Public Health (NCDPH) was notified of three cases of renal failure occurring among women who had received cosmetic soft-tissue filler injections at a facility in North Carolina.  All injections were administered by a practitioner with no medical training or supervision.  The practioner was apparently trained as a radiology technician but had no other medical training or supervision.  Investigators were not able to identify the injected substances.  Although records indicated that the injections contained liquid silicone, this substance has not previously been associated with renal failure.  These findings underscore the risks posed by cosmetic injections administered by unlicensed practitioners.  Patients should only seek care from licensed healthcare professionals.  Such publicity will hopefully result in more patients doing their due diligence rather than avoiding such injections altogether.

Adam SchaffnerDirector of Plastic SurgeryJUVA SKIN LASER CENTER INC

Doctors need financial assistance to pay for Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems

June 23, 2008

Analysis of:Most Doctors Aren’t Using Electronic Health Records | www.nytimes.com

Electronic medical records (EMR) have been shown to enable physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide higher quality and more efficient healthcare.  The problem is getting EMR systems implemented in healthcare facilities across the country.  Given the declining reimbursements from insurance companies, most doctors cannot afford to pay for the installation and upkeep of such systems.  Without financial assistance, use of such systems will not be widespread outside of large hospitals and medical groups.

Adam SchaffnerDirector of Plastic SurgeryJUVA SKIN LASER CENTER INC

Controlled Substances: Can be a Hot Commodity in the Wrong Hands

June 18, 2008

Analysis of:An Open Letter to Our Customers | www.cardinal.com

Controlled substances are invaluable in the attempt to control pain for many patients.  Unfortunately, some criminals attempt to obtain these substances for personal gain as they are a valuable commodity on the black market.  Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that industry and the DEA work closely together to strengthen and protect the integrity of the supply chain.  Strengthening all links of the supply chain may result in a stronger economy which benefits all Americans. 

Adam SchaffnerDirector of Plastic SurgeryJUVA SKIN LASER CENTER INC

Avoiding the Appearance of Improper Conduct in Research

June 12, 2008

Analysis of:Researchers Fail to Reveal Full Drug Pay | www.nytimes.com

Private companies have vast resources to underwrite the costs associated with research activities.  It is difficult to ensure that financial assistance and fees paid to researchers do not result in undue influence that may affect the results of research.  To avoid the appearance of any bias, all financial support should be reported.  Failure to do so may result in the appearance of improper conduct, whether or not such improper conduct occurred.

Adam SchaffnerDirector of Plastic SurgeryJUVA SKIN LASER CENTER INC

Lessons Learned the Hard Way: Dangers of Using Non-Licensed Cosmetic Injectors

June 3, 2008

Analysis of:Renal Failure Linked to Cosmetic Soft-Tissue Filler Injections | www.medscape.com

Any publicized adverse events following the injection of filler materials or BOTOX Cosmetic will draw attention to risks inherent in such procedures.  This will likely have a temporary impact on the level of concern and possibly result in a transient decrease in use amongst patients.  To minimize the risk of developing complications, these injections should be performed by a well-trained, licensed medical professional who is experienced in administering such injections. 

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