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Prevention First News
We have been featured WFAA's Good Morning Texas, click on the links below to watch videos.
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Prevention First is the first in the Metroplex with SmartLipo.
What is SmartLipo? How do we avoid loose skin? Eventually new collagen is laid down and healthier, thicker skin results. The skin and connective is also tightened as the new collagen is laid down. The tissue tightening results in less loose skin after the procedure than with previous liposuction techniques. What areas can be treated with SmartLipo?
SmartLipo is ideal for small fatty deposits in any area. It also adds an important tool to treat slender persons who previously were difficult to treat with standard liposuction techniques. SmartLipo is greatly superior to mesotherapy and other techniques used to address small fatty areas. The Vaser technique is more appropriate for larger fatty areas that require the removal of greater amounts of fat. SmartLipo can then be added afterwards to tighten the skin after the removal of large fat deposits.  Does SmartLipo require anesthesia? After the procedure you will probably be given a mild prescription pain medication. However, many patients require only ibuprofen or Tylenol for pain control. Post procedure pain tends to be the worst on the second day after surgery. Most persons experience some soreness but little or no post procedure pain.
Swelling is common after the procedure and can last for up to 2-3 weeks. Usually the swelling is gone after a few days. When performed on the face or neck, it is not uncommon to have some mild slurred speech from the anesthetic. This can also last 2-3 weeks, but usually is less. Other side effects are listed on your consent form and are rare. What are the pre procedure instructions? What are the post procedure instructions? You will be asked to return again in 3-4 weeks to recheck the treatment areas and repeat pictures. It is also possible that “touch-up” treatments will be recommended at that time. Instructions will be given for managing and changing your dressings at home. Finally, it is important that you eat a healthy diet to maintain the improved body shape. We recommend anti-oxidants be added as vegetables or a supplement. Who can have SmartLipo? The best patients are those with small to medium sized localized fatty areas. Larger fatty areas can be treated, but it is usually best to use other technologies such as Vaser for larger fatty areas. Thin patients are ideal for the procedure. SmartLipo is excellent at eliminating those areas like “love handles” or lower tummy that just don’t seem to go away, no matter how hard you work at it. Heavier persons also benefit in selected areas or after Vaser or standard liposuction to help tighten the skin. SmartLipo is an excellent combination with AWT and Thermage. Combined with AWT it can help the legs, arms, buttocks or abdomen to achieve a smooth, well contoured appearance. Combined with Thermage, it can improve the contour of the face, arms, abdomen or buttocks to achieve a fresh, young appearance. [top]
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Use of Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT) in the Treatment of Cellulite
Cellulite is defined as changes in the surface contour of the skin that result in an orange peel or “mattress” appearance of the skin.1 In is present in post-pubertal females of all race and ethnic types, effecting 85-98% of this population. Cellulite is not defined as a pathologic condition, but it is a substantial cosmetic concern for many adult females. It can cause significant psychological and self-worth issues, and commonly affects clothing and activity choices. Several contributory factors have been proposed for the formation of cellulite: altered connective tissue septae, vascular changes, inflammatory changes,2 and protrusion of subcutaneous adipose tissue into the reticular dermis. Body mass index, thigh circumference, and the percent of fat in the thigh correlate with the severity of cellulite. Skin compliance (elasticity) has a negative correlation.3 Biopsy studies have pointed to sclerotic fibrous tissue strands to playing the predominant role in the “mattress” appearance. Biopsy studies also confirm the role of fat protrusion into the reticular dermis in the severity of cellulite.4 Research has suggested pressure or acoustic waves are effective in disrupting the sclerotic fibrous septae responsible for much of the uneven appearance of cellulite.5 Acoustic wave therapy has also been demonstrated to increase the thickness of the reticular dermis and decrease the protrusion of fat into the area.6 It appears that acoustic wave therapy (AWT) is a promising new treatment for improving the appearance of cellulite. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of AWT using a 20 mm ballistic head (D-Actor) in improving the appearance of cellulite. Bibliography: 1: Dermatol Surg. 2005 Jul;31(7 Pt 2):866-72; discussion 872. 2: J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2004 Dec;6(4):181-5. 3: J Cosmet Sci. 2005 Mar-Apr;56(2):105-20. 4: Plast Reconstr Surg. 1998 Jun;101(7):1934-9. 5: Biofactors. 2005;24(1-4):275-82. 6: STORZ MEDICAL AG schulz.manfred@storzmedical.com [top]
............................................................................................................................................................................. Overview on the visit to China November 17, 2005 — This month, I am changing plans to tell you about our ambassadorial trip to China. It was a wonderful trip! The final group consisted of 38 physicians from around the country. We were accompanied by 30 companions, including my wife Rhonda. The group was predominantly internists. However, several OB/gyn and family practitioners were present. We also had a nephrologist and cardiologist. The cardiologist was from Hawaii and spoke Chinese, which proved to be helpful in the medical meetings. Our Chinese guides spoke excellent English but did not always follow the medical terms. We traveled to four Chinese cities: Beijing, Xi’an (pronounced – She ann), Guilin (pronounced – gwee leen) and Shanghai. We visited hospitals and hospital officials in each city. In addition, we did get to do some sightseeing. Click here to view some of the pictures taken. In Beijing, we met with the head of the Chinese Center for Disease Control, Dr. Li. Dr. Li gave us on overview of health care in China and an update on avian flu. As of our meeting on Oct 24, China has had no cases of avian flu in humans. Contrary to what most Americans think about China, only 5% of all health costs are paid by the government. Another 40% of health care is paid for by insurance companies or employers. Individual patients pay for 55% of all health care on their own. Dr. Li himself said his granddaughter had recently been hospitalized for pneumonia. He personally had paid over $25,000 out of his pocket for her care. Another example of the payment problems in China is illustrated by an encounter I had in the lobby of our hotel in Beijing. I was waiting at the concierge desk when the gentleman in front of me noticed I was a doctor from my nametag. He said he was from Belgium and had just had three heart stints placed at the hospital in Beijing. The care was quite modern. However, he had to pay $13,000 BEFORE they would perform the procedure. Fortunately, a friend of his had the cash, or he would have had to try to get to Belgium with his chest pain. The Chinese government is aware of this problem and is trying to correct it. Many of the changes will probably come through an employer-based insurance system. Hopefully, China will develop an insurance system better than ours in the U.S. Beijing is a wonderful city. We were welcomed our first night by the Chinese ambassador to the United States. Rhonda and I were able to sit at the ambassador’s table. One of our appetizers on our table was sliced duck with egg yolk inside. I was asked to try it. It was truly disgusting! Unfortunately, I was at the ambassador’s table, so I had to eat it and pretend. My face may have given me away, because no one else seemed to eat any of it. Beijing is one of the cleanest places I have ever seen. The city has over 100,000 bikes, but no one ever has to lock their bikes. The physicians visited the largest Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) hospital in the world. Although many Chinese people still use TCM, Western medicine is quickly taking over. The group also visited Tiananmen square, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. Several pictures are on the Web site. The beauty and size of these sites truly defies description. Our next city was Xi’an. Xi’an is in western China and was the ancient capital until the Ming Dynasty in around 900 AD. The Ming Dynasty moved the capital to Beijing. In Xi’an we visited a Western hospital. We were surprised to learn that the average patient spends three weeks in the hospital. As we talked, we learned they have little help other than family when they go home. Therefore, they have to be more completely recovered before discharge. The family members also do much of the nursing care. The bedside care in the ICU was provided by family. In addition, the 250 bed hospital we visited is the main referral center for the province of over 5,000,000 people (the city of the metroplex). Medical resources are scarce by our standards. We also visited the TCM herbal market. These pictures you have to see! I also brought home a small sample to show patients in the office. Xi’an is the home of the terracotta army. More than 8,000 life-size soldiers made of terracotta to defend the tomb of the first emperor. Seeing it in person was amazing. Again, pictures are on the Web site. Our next stop was Guilin. Guilin is a small town of 600,000 people. It really acts more like a small town than a city. Guilin is widely regarded as the scenic capital of China. We took a boat tour down the Li River, an area of beautiful limestone mountains. We also toured a beautiful cave. The hospital in Guilin was a great experience. I received a traditional Chinese back rub and foot massage—easily the most relaxing continuing education experience I have enjoyed. Just outside Guilin, we were able to visit a rural health clinic/hospital. There, four doctors and four staff cared for 10,000 local residents. Most of them had to walk to the clinic for care. The doctor was knowledgeable and used Western medicine but had limited resources. Our last stop was Shanghai. Shanghai is a beautiful, bustling, modern city with amazing architecture. Rhonda thought it reminded her of Las Vegas with its busy lights and fast pace. Actually, Shanghai could be compared to any major city in the U.S. Every sign is in English and Chinese. Most of the stores carry brands like Levi’s or Tommy Hilfiger that we all recognize. The hospital in Shanghai had 1,600 beds and was one of many in the city. It was as modern as any here in the states. However, it was the only place where the doctors didn’t freely discuss with us their problems and issues. In every other city, we were surprised by the candor the hospitals and doctors had about their issues. In Shanghai, they were reserved and cautious. Later we discovered that a member of the Communist Party was present in the meeting room. This was the only time during our trip that we saw anything of the image most of us have of China. It was odd to see the old image in the most modern city. China is a beautiful, wonderful country with a friendly and industrious people. They love Americans (although we are called “big noses”). The future is bright for China and its people. The members of their government we met seemed truly concerned about their people. Rhonda and I hope to return in the future to see their progress and enjoy their country and people. [top]
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Nomination to visit China April 6, 2005 — Dr. Johnson was nominated as one of 17 physicians to travel to China as a National Physician Ambassadors Program Internal Medicine Delegate. He represented the U.S. and be honored by the Chinese government as a distinguished emissary. Dr. Johnson also had the opportunity to meet with other honored physicians and participated in medical science meetings and discussions that are of global importance. For example, while in Beijing, Dr. Johnson met with representatives from the Center for Disease Control where he received exclusive updates on SARS, other national outbreaks and related researches. Other topics of interest included traditional and alternative medicine, herbal remedies, acupressure and endermic treatments. [top]
............................................................................................................................................................................. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Bill Johnson, M.D. Latest acne laser treatments now available through local physician—without the side effects of drugs GRAPEVINE — (August 3, 2005) — Until now, acne sufferers have had few choices when it comes to treatment, most of which have long been associated with a set of harmful side effects. However, alternatives are now available in the form of light-based therapy systems. With about 80% of people between the ages of 12 and 24 suffering from acne, this development represents a significant advance within the field of skin care. Laser acne treatments are slowly beginning to replace medications as the treatment of choice by concerned parents of teens as well as adults who suffer from acne. Just last month, the FDA issued an alert that patients taking Accutane should be watched closely for symptoms that may indicate depression or suicidal thoughts. These indicators include sad mood, irritability, anger, loss of pleasure or interest in social or sports activities, sleeping too much or too little, weight/appetite changes and trouble concentrating. Other side effects posed by acne medications include vision and hearing loss, organ damage, high cholesterol, birth defects, seizures and stroke. The list is overwhelming enough to keep plenty of patients away.
The skin care professionals at Prevention First utilize a combination of FDA-cleared light therapy acne treatments that are not only effective at removing acne-induced scars but also at reducing the acne itself. Aramis laser acne treatment works to shrink sebaceous glands, reduce skin oiliness and minimize the appearance of acne scarring. Unlike traditional acne treatments, there are no risks and no side effects associated with the Aramis laser. Omnilux light therapy is another essential part of an acne management program. This combination system delivers wavelengths that destroy bacteria that cause skin redness in acne, stimulate cells to help with the healing process and reduce the inflammation surrounding the acne lesions. WaterBeam is a special microdermabrasion process that uses pressurized water to apply topical therapies that penetrate deep into the skin. WaterBeam treatments can significantly enhance the clearing of active pimples. Each of these acne treatment systems is proven to be successful at treating a great majority of acne cases without having to resort to drugs. “The combination of these treatments opens up the door to an entirely new generation of acne management in which dangerous side effects are no longer an issue,” says Dr. Johnson. “Medical skin care and light therapy systems are being pushed to the forefront while harmful drugs are now viewed as a last resort.” Prevention First is a Grapevine-based physician practice that provides the latest trends in medical skin care. It also offers internal medicine expertise and emphasizes a proactive approach to health care by helping patients create healthy lifestyles and prevent illness. These preventive tools include general physicals, weight management consulting and health risk assessments and diagnostics. For more information call (817) 410-2990. [top]
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