Archive for the 'Newsletters' Category

Improved Regenerative Medicine Results

Published by carolyn on March 2, 2012 in Newsletters and Treatments. Closed

Dr. Bowen has developed and is now using two new tools to improve results of regenerative medicine procedures at The Center: HI-DEF™ (density enhanced fraction) platelet concentrate and HEAL™ (high efficiency adipose lipoaspirate). These new methods offer an improvement over earlier techniques of processing a patient’s blood to produce a platelet concentrate and of processing a patient’s fat (adipose tissue) to concentrate adult stem cells.

Both platelet concentrate (or platelet rich plasma – PRP) and adipose-derived adult stem cells are being used in cosmetic regenerative medicine applications such as autologous (your own) fat transfer from areas of excess such as the abdomen, “love handles,” hips, or thighs to areas of deficiency such as the face, hands, breasts, or buttocks. There are also orthopedic applications including treatment for arthritis and cartilage and tendon injuries. Other applications currently in the investigational stage include possible treatments for congestive heart failure, diabetes, COPD, and wound healing.

Platelets contain growth factors, which are released after an injury to initiate a healing response. This response can be amplified by using an increased concentration of the patients’ own platelets. Currently available equipment for preparing PRP increase the platelet concentration by a factor of 1.5 to 2.5 times that found in whole blood.  Dr. Bowen’s HI-DEF™ technique increases the platelet concentration by a factor of 4 to 5 and therefore increases the quantity of healing growth factors available. This improves upon previous platelet concentration methods that also allowed white and red blood cells to mix with the growth factors, thus resulting in an increase in the inflammatory response including increased bruising and swelling of the treated area.

Previous methods of harvesting, processing and using autologous fat have had unpredictable results due in part to the loss of adult stem cells during processing. At The Center, improvement of this technique was achieved by isolating adult stem cells by an enzymatic process. This, however, requires special lab equipment and expertise and is not readily available in other facilities. The HEAL™ technique concentrates the adult stem cells by using just a centrifuge, which allows a faster and therefore less expensive procedure. This procedure could be duplicated in many other facilities making this technology available to a much larger population.

Amazing Results with Photofacial

Published by carolyn on February 17, 2012 in Newsletters and Treatments. Closed

A Photofacial is a laser light treatment that uses intense pulsed light (IPL) to treat a number of problems found in aging skin.

Tens of thousands have been treated with Photofacial in the United States since its inception. The first uses for this technology were the treatment of sun damaged skin (age spots) and also the treatment of changes to blood vessels resulting in redness, flushing and the appearance of small blood vessels. To this day there is no treatment that can compete with Photofacial technology to improve these skin problems.

The Photofacial was further improved with the evolution of the BBL (broad band light) laser device by Sciton and the number of skin conditions that can be treated has expanded to include:
• Acne
• Rosacea
• Large pores
• Scars

With the added benefits of:
• Improving skin health
• Delaying skin aging
• Preventing non-melanoma skin cancer

The Photofacial has no downtime (time for recovery) and does not wound the surface of the skin. The cost for this treatment is also very reasonable, often less than the cost of a year’s worth of over-the-counter lotions, which are of little benefit.

Photofacial treatment can also be combined with other light-based treatments (for example, ProFractional Therapy, DEKA-DOT laser treatment) to treat wrinkles and with cell-based treatments (the Vampire Facelift®, cell-assisted fat transfer) to further improve not only the appearance of the skin but also its health.

Skin is much more than just packaging for our bones, joints and internal organs. It has important hormonal and immune functions, which are likely to improve with improvement in skin health.

Also, improving the appearance of the skin has a positive impact on one’s self-perception and thus can enhance vitality and longevity.

For more information or to schedule your free initial consultation contact The Center today!

Non-Aesthetic Benefits of Liposuction

Published by carolyn on December 14, 2011 in Newsletters and Uncategorized. Closed

At The Center for Positive Aging, we believe that, above all else, health is the most important aspect of anti-aging. Our goal is to help you look and feel your youngest. And one of our most popular procedures in getting our patients to this goal is through PureLipo™ tumescent liposuction. PureLipo is an in-office procedure that offers our patients better results than traditional liposuction with minimal downtime and no general anesthesia. Based on new research, liposuction may also have added benefits.

Below is an interesting article we found highlighting these potential benefits:

A new study shows liposuction may provide more than just aesthetic benefit to cosmetic plastic surgery patients. It may also reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. The study, which was presented at the 2011 annual conference of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, revealed that liposuction patients experienced a decrease in triglyceride levels and white blood cell counts following surgery.Though triglycerides−a type of fat found in the blood which provides the body with energy− are important for good health, levels that are too high can increase the risk for heart disease.

The study documented the triglyceride and cholesterol levels of 322 patients who underwent liposuction and/or tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty). Those patients who had elevated triglyceride levels (greater than or equal to 150 mg/dl) before surgery experienced a triglyceride level reduction of 43 percent after surgery. This is about twice the effect that is achieved by one of the most commonly prescribed medications that is used to control triglyceride levels. For those who had normal triglyceride levels prior to surgery, levels remained unchanged.

The study also showed an 11 percent decrease in white blood cells following liposuction. An excessively high white blood cell count has been linked to medical conditions that include diabetes, hypertension, and coronary heart disease.

These finding led the study author, a Kansas plastic surgeon, to suggest that the fat found located just beneath the skin, known as subcutaneous fat, may have a greater correlation with diabetes and heart disease, than has been previously thought. Medical experts have long considered the deeper visceral fat that surrounds the organs to have the stronger link to these medical conditions.

Source: http://drmentz.com/new-study-liposuction.html

 

Click Here to learn more about PureLipo™ or visit LiposuctionWV.com.

Call today to schedule your FREE initial consultation.

 

4 Easy Ways to Get Younger, Healthier Looking Skin

Published by Bowen on July 29, 2011 in Newsletters and Uncategorized. 483 Comments

With this summer bringing extra heat, the higher temperature means cooler, skin-baring clothing such as shorts, tank tops and swimsuits. Make sure you’re stepping out with your best skin ever with our 4 simple tricks to getting younger and healthier looking skin.

1. Eat the right foods.

Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are the perfect seasonal fruit to get your skin glowing. Packed with antioxidants, these “super foods” will protect your skin from free radicals, prevent wrinkles and produce collagen, giving you more youthful looking skin. Add more berries to your diet by blending them with Greek yogurt and honey for a delicious and satisfying smoothie, or sprinkle them on top of your breakfast cereal or granola for the perfect morning meal.

Carrots are not only a great source of vitamins A and C, they also contain carotene, a pigment that is found to give skin a natural glow and radiance. In fact, studies have found that people who eat more of this sweet veggie have a more attractive complexion compared to tanning in the sun or tanning bed. Incorporate more carrots into your meals by replacing your usual salty snack with baby carrots or adding shredded carrots on top of your salad for a crunchy texture.

Eating healthy fats from nuts, avocados and fish keeps your skin hydrated, reduces the appearance of fine lines and makes you look younger and healthier. Add more Omega-3 in your diet by replacing your chicken entrée with salmon or ordering chips and guacamole as an appetizer with tonight’s Mexican cuisine.

Drink more water and green tea. We often forget to drink water when enjoying ourselves in the warm sunny weather, but staying hydrated is key to maintaining youthful skin. Imagine the difference between plump grapes and dried raisins. Make sure you drink at least the recommended eight 8-ounce glasses of water. Swap your usual coffee with green tea. Green tea has been proven to reduce sun damage, and it has powerful antioxidants that can slow down the signs of aging.

2. Get active.

Play with your kids. Your kids are home during the summer, so make the most of your time together and plan something that is both fun and requires some physical activity. Exercise increases circulation in the body resulting in healthy skin. So take them to the park or the community pool. Just don’t forget the sunscreen.

Sweat it out. It can be tempting to stay indoors where it’s nicely air-conditioned this time of year, but nothing makes the skin glow quite like breaking a good sweat. Sweating detoxifies your body and removes impurities from the skin. Take a hot yoga class or go for a morning run so you have that rosy complexion all day long.

3. Choose the right products.

Exfoliate your face and body. The heat and humidity can cause product build-up that can lead to clogged pores. Exfoliating removes dead skin, dirt, and excess oil from you skin, leaving behind smoother and younger-looking skin. It also helps sunscreen absorb into the skin and makeup better adhere to the face. Try Neocutis’ NEO-CLEANSE Gentle and Exfoliating Skin Cleanser for fresh skin that glows.

Make sure to always apply sunscreen before leaving the house. You know that regular exposure to the sun will have a damaging effect on your skin, leading to wrinkles and age spots. Be sure to protect your face and body with a physical sunscreen like jane iredale’s® Powder-Me SPF™ daily.

Use self-tanner. We’ve already learned that suntanned skin is damaged skin that can lead to visible signs of aging such as age spots, but if you insist on having that beachy, sun-kissed look, fake it with self-tanner. Try jane iredale’s® Tantasia™ which naturally hydrates and moisturizes the skin. Also, the streak-free formula builds color overtime, so you have complete color control. Apply it on your shoulders, shins, and décolleté for a warm glow.

4. Let The Center help.

Varicose and spider veins tend to become more visible as we age, and their unsightliness will keep your shorts and bathing suits tucked away at the bottom of your drawer. This summer, battle varicose and spider veins with the help of The Center for Positive Aging. The Center offers the Sciton 1064 Nd: Yag laser treatment to zap facial and spider veins so you can confidently wear your summer shorts.

Not surprisingly, the more sun exposure we get the more damaged our skin becomes, resulting in hyperpigmentation, commonly known as age spots or sun spots. These freckle-like spots tend to show up on the face, chest shoulders, and even hands. The Center for Positive Aging offers several treatments depending the severity of the sun damage that will combat these blemishes, including; Sciton MicroLaserPeel™, Sciton BBL Photorejuvenation, and ProFractional Therapy™. Get the smooth, even complexion you’ve always wanted with help from The Center.

Sunscreen, sweat and oil from skin can lead to clogged pores that cause breakouts on the face and body. Get rid of acne or acne scars for good with the help of The Center for Positive Aging. The Center offers the Levulan® Acne Treatment Therapy System that combines Levulan® Kerastick® topical solution and BBL broadband pulsed light to treat acne, sun damaged skin, and oily skin.  And, Dr. Bowen has developed an effective treatment approach (Selective Objectional Fractional Technique or SOFT) using ProFractional Therapy to reduce acne scars (and other scars, such as burn scars.)

Put your best skin forward this summer with these easy tips. All it takes is the right foods, a little bit of exercise, effective skin care products, and maybe a little help from The Center. Call today for your  consultation: 304-264-9080.

 

Your Liposuction Guide: Comparing Liposuction Procedures and What You Should Know About Liposuction

Published by Bowen on June 28, 2011 in Newsletters and Uncategorized. 526 Comments

Have you tried to lose weight from your thighs, hips, abdomen, arms, or back, but no matter how much you dieted and exercised, that stubborn fat just wouldn’t budge?  That’s because you can’t “spot treat” fat deposits through diet and exercise alone.  Despite popular belief, you can’t do hundreds of sit-ups and crunches a day and get washboard abs; you have to lose overall weight to truly see results.  But oftentimes, no matter how much weight we lose, there’s still that one area (or maybe two or three) on the body where fat tends to linger, and that can be enough to make us want to give up on our efforts to eat right and exercise regularly.  If this scenario is hitting close to home, you may want to consider getting liposuction.

Don’t let the word liposuction scare you; the procedure has come a very long way since its introduction in 1926. In 2011, it’s much safer, faster, and involves far shorter down time than ever before. And the results can be truly amazing.

But before you make any decisions, you need to do your research and become informed.  That is why we have written a comprehensive guide to liposuction, comparing the different types of liposuction procedures and giving you the “low down” so you can make the most educated decision. After all, you only have one body, and you deserve to get the results you want without breaking the bank or risking less-than-optimal results.

Traditional Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of unwanted fat from targeted areas of the body using a cannula and powerful suction.  Over the last few decades, physicians have evolved the surgery so that patients will see better results, including body contouring or sculpting rather than just fat removal, less trauma and downtime, less discomfort, and minimal scarring.

 

Pros: Traditional Liposuction removes large amounts of unwanted fat in targeted areas of the body.  Patients can usually walk around and go home in just a few days, if not the same day, as the procedure.

Cons: Traditional Liposuction is major surgery and, so, is typically performed in a hospital or surgical center, using general anesthesia and/or heavy sedatives administered by an anesthesiologist.  Recovery tends to take longer than with newer, more innovative liposuction techniques.  Compression garments must be continuously worn after the surgery for usually several weeks in order to reduce the risk of bleeding and blood clots. The large cannula and the powerful suction used in traditional liposuction can also remove too much fat, leaving dents and/or lumps on the surface of the skin.  In addition, general anesthesia – while generally quite safe – carries its own set of risks.   Finally, traditional liposuction tends to be more expensive.

Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent Liposuction, such as PureLipo™, uses tumescent anesthesia to numb the fat that is going to be removed.   A mild oral sedation medication is also given to the patient so that he/she is very relaxed but alert during the procedure.  Not using general anesthesia allows patients to interact with the doctor and nurses, provide feedback on how they are feeling, and help adjust their positions so the doctor can get to hard-to-reach places on the body. The procedure is also done using a small cannula and a syringe to remove fat – rather than a relatively large cannula and power-suction — allowing for more precise body contouring, less trauma and minimal fluid loss and swelling.

Pros: Tumescent liposuction has been proven to permanently remove fat cells more safely than traditional liposuction. With tumescent liposuction, you can expect minimal blood and fluid loss, small and virtually scarless incisions, less post operative pain and recovery time, less time spent in compression garments after the surgery, and less risk of complications.

Cons: Because tumescent liposuction involves using a smaller cannula than traditional lipo, the procedure tends to take longer. However, many argue that the results from tumescent lipo are worth the longer “time on the table” since the large cannula and power suction used in traditional lipo can also result in lumpy and uneven skin, the appearance of “tunnels” in remaining fat and a greater risk of operative bleeding.  Also, not all physicians who undertake tumescent liposuction avail themselves of comprehensive, rigorous training before doing so.   If this is the case, you as a patient are probably exposing yourself to unnecessary and preventable risk and complications.  Dr. Bowen did his “due diligence” when researching which liposuction procedure he would provide his patients, and he underwent rigorous training under Dr. Alberto Sant Antonio, the physician who perfected the PureLipo™ procedure.  Having successfully performed PureLipo™ on many patients, Dr. Bowen is very experienced in the technique and works closely with patients to ensure they are completely comfortable with the procedure.

Laser Liposuction

 

Types of Laser Liposuction:  SmartLipo™, CoolLipo™, ProLipo™, LipoLite™, LipTherme™, LipoControl™, SlimLipo™

Laser-assisted liposuction uses a laser to heat up and liquefy the fat underneath the skin so that it is theoretically easier to remove using a cannula.

Pros: Laser Lipo usually makes use of very small incisions, and, when performed properly, has a quick recovery time.

Cons: There is some controversy surrounding the laser lipo technique, including whether or not it is dangerous to melt fat tissue before extracting it.  Essentially, this melted fat can be left behind in the body like toxic residue, and therefore, may cause health problems.  In addition, the heated cannulas used with the laser lipo technique have the potential to damage tissue or burn the skin.

 

Conclusion:

 

When considering having liposuction, make certain that you do your homework. Weigh the pros and cons of each type of procedure, get patient testimonials, look at before and after photos, and speak to the doctor who is going to perform your surgery.

At The Center for Positive Aging, we offer thorough consultations where patients can get to know Dr. Bowen and the staff and are free to ask any questions they may have.  See our websites at www.thecenterforpositiveaging.com or www.liposuctionwv.com, and call us today for your consultation.

PureLipo™ at The Center for Positive Aging can give you the body you’ve always wanted.

How to Get Your Body Swimsuit- Ready Fast

Published by Bowen on May 11, 2011 in Newsletters. 26 Comments

How to Get Your Body Swimsuit-Ready in: One Month, One Week, or One Day

Swimsuit season is here, and like most of us, you’ve been covering up with layers of sweaters and jackets for so long you forgot what your body looks like underneath them. Now your friends and family are eager to get outside, you’re getting invites to poolside barbeques, your kids want to go to the park, and the summer sun is beckoning you to get out of the house. How did summer get here so fast?

Fortunately for you, we’ve got suggestions on how to get bikini (or Speedo®) ready in just one month, one week or one day.

You’ve Got One Month

Your summer vacation is all planned. You booked your flight and hotel, scheduled your itinerary, and are already daydreaming about soaking up some rays and relaxing by the pool or on the beach. The problem is it’s next month, and the thought of slipping into a two-piece is giving you a mild anxiety attack. Don’t panic. You can get into that bathing suit in time for your trip. At The Center for Positive Aging, we offer a physician-directed, medical weight loss program called TrimYou™ Certified HCG Weight Loss Plan. TrimYou™ combines a very low calorie diet (VLCD) with the safe and effective HCG hormone to maximize your body’s ability to lose weight rapidly. HCG is a naturally occurring hormone that allows excess and hard-to-lose fat to be metabolized and used for energy by the body. Combining HCG with a very low calorie diet tricks your body into thinking it’s in starvation mode, causing it to burn fat fast, but you’ll never feel starved. What makes TrimYou™ such a successful diet plan is its scientifically proven effectiveness and the support you’ll receive from the medical staff at The Center for Positive Aging ensuring you’re on the right path towards weight loss–just in time for that vacation as you can lose a great deal of weight in just one month. With TrimYou™, you’ll lose weight quickly, safely and effectively. Learn more about TrimYou™.

You’ve Got One Week

Whether you’ve been procrastinating and left yourself little time to get beach-body ready, or you’ve been hitting the gym hard and following a low calorie diet but still need to get rid of the last 5, 10 or 15 pounds of fat, The Center for Positive Aging can help you get the body you want in as little as a week. PureLipo™ is an innovative tumescent liposuction procedure offered at The Center that is less invasive, requires less downtime, and is often more effective than traditional liposuction. PureLipo™ not only gets rid of unwanted fat, it sculpts and contours, so you can get the body you’ve always wanted. With PureLipo™ at The Center for Positive Aging, you can finally get rid of those stubborn “love handles,” “saddlebags,” and fat around the thighs, hips, and lower abs. You can lose pounds and inches of fat in a few short hours, with substantial recovery in just a few days. To learn more about PureLipo™ and to schedule your consultation visit www.liposuctionwv.com.

You’ve Got One Day

So you may not be able to safely lose 10 pounds in one day, but there are a few tricks to help you look and feel your best in a bathing suit.

  1. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and stay away from sweet and salty foods to avoid water retention and bloating. Drinking water will also help you feel fuller longer, reduce cravings, hydrate your body and skin and keep you from bloating and looking heavy.
  2. Exfoliate your skin. Exfoliating increases circulation, reducing the appearance of cellulite, evens out skin tone and leaves your skin feeling silky smooth. It also gets rid of dry, flaky skin, so you’ll look and feel more radiant in the sun. For smooth, exfoliated skin, try NEOCUTIS Neo-Cleanse Exfoliating Skin Cleanser available in two formulas for both sensitive and normal-to-oily skin to revitalize and moisturize your skin, and you’ll be perfectly prepped for the next tip.
  3. Apply Self-Tanner. There’s no doubt that a healthy glow can make you look at least 5 pounds leaner. But the harsh rays of the sun or tanning bed can have long-term adverse effects such as age spots, wrinkles, and even skin cancer. Try jane iredale’s Tantasia™ Face and Body Self Tanner for a beautiful, touch-of-sun look without the unhealthy side effects. The streak-free formula helps moisturize the skin so it looks and feels supple, and color builds gradually, so you can control how deep your tan will look. An easy trick to make your stomach look slimmer is to go darker on the sides of your abs to fake an hourglass look.
  4. Get glowing. Add a little shimmer to your décolleté, shoulders, and shins to create a leaner looking upper body and elongate your legs. Simply mix jane iredale’s 24-Karat Gold Dust with a moisturizer and apply to areas where the sun will naturally reflect to achieve beautiful, glowing skin and enhance muscle definition.
  5. Don’t forget the SPF. Your mother always reminded you to apply sunscreen while out in the sun, and doing so is the best anti-aging practice for your skin. Don’t overlook those sensitive surface areas that are prone to a lot of sun exposure, such as your earlobes and eyelids. Regular sunscreens are meant for your body and can be too heavy for your face, causing clogged pores and breakouts. They also take up to 20 minutes for the SPF to work. jane iredale’s lightweight mineral foundation Amazing Base® has SPF for instant, great, full-coverage makeup free of oil, talc, dyes, and parabens, so it actually improves the look of skin with each use. Be sure to apply a thin layer all over your face, neck and eyelids so you get full protection from harsh UVA/UVB rays.

Now that you’ve read our One Month, One Week, and One Day plans to get beach body ready, you can feel confident that this summer you can shed the pounds and inches fast (or at least fake it) with the help of The Center for Positive Aging. We can help you achieve your best summer body with TrimYou™, PureLipo™, and cosmetics from NEOCUTIS and jane iredale. Call us today for a your consultation and you’ll be on your way to getting into that bathing suit.