Xeomin (Incobotulinumtoxin A) is the newest neurotoxin that is used to modulate the neuromuscular response.  Developed from the same strain of Clostridium Botulium as Botox, its dosing strength is similar.   Because it is a pure chemoneuromodulator unlike Botox it does not require frozen storage.  It is also being offered at lower price which maybe significant for some, especially when larger doses are required.  We are excited to offer this new product from Merz Pharmaceuticals which also offers Radiesse for your convenience at Chrysalis Cosmetics.

On the way to finishing my first marathon mile 18 the wall

Sacramento, California

While at a recent meeting of the Greater Sacramento Plastic Surgery Society I was caught up thinking about the end of another year 2011.

Every year, about this time, I think of all the amazing moments we have shared together. What a true luxury it is to reflect and feel the gratitude for the many good things we experience in our lives.  Just living in this amazing part of the world is such a blessing.  However, when give a chance to pause it is not the things in my life I feel the most appreciation for, it is the people.  Family always comes to mind.  I am thankful for the work ethic and sense of responsibility gained through being raised by such loving parents. Grandmother passed this year and I am thankful for all the wisdom she gave our family.  My wife turned forty with a kind of grace that continues to make one smile.  I am grateful for friends and colleagues especially those that encourage and support endeavors that have made life more meaningful.  I am thankful for the people that I am fortunate enough serve everyday and their trust in our office.  I am appreciative of the opportunity to work with wonderful people and their families.  Being in the company of others provides a purpose for the skills I feel blessed to have honed through the years and for this I am also indebted.  Personally I am blessed with health and the gift of hope that next year will be even brighter.  Enjoy the Holidays!

At his Sacramento plastic surgery practice, Dr. Charles Perry says he has seen an increase in demand for plastic surgery as many of his patients are gearing up for the holiday rush of gift-giving and social gatherings. The latest statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) confirm an increase in overall cosmetic procedures as well over the past year, with a growth in demand of almost 9% in 2010. The ASAPS also shows a rise in U. S. approval of cosmetic enhancement to over half (51%) of the population.

Because of the increased awareness and demand for cosmetic enhancements, Dr. Perry says patients should be aware of their lifestyles and make conscious, active decisions to stay healthy in order to maximize the results such procedures can achieve. He also adds that even if patients are not seeking a cosmetic enhancement through such procedures as a facelift or laser skin resurfacing in Sacramento, they can still take action to look and feel great during the holidays by eating and sleeping well. “There are three ways we have found to maintain your sanity and vibrancy; take time to nourish your body with the right foods, sleep, and exercise. One of the ways you can do this living in the Sacramento Valley is by eating the fruits and vegetables that are in season and grown locally. Also, schedule your sleep cycle and make it a habit. We feel better, sleep better and look better when we use our bodies.”

By practicing healthy lifestyle choices, Dr. Perry says patients can fight the inevitable stresses of the holidays and feel confident in their bodies. However, he also says that sometimes living healthy and staying active can still fall short of a person’s desired aesthetic appearance and can take more time than many have available. Through enhancements such as a mommy makeover in Sacramento, Dr. Perry says plastic surgery can give patients the extra emphasis to naturally complement their body. He adds that there are a number of procedures that can increase confidence and happiness in patients. “Facelifts and liposuction are also popular this season as they afford a more dramatic change to the appearance and can be an early Christmas present to one’s self.”

Regardless of whether patients are seeking a cosmetic enhancement through plastic surgery or a healthy change in their daily routines before the holidays, Dr. Perry suggests consulting with a board-certified surgeon before undergoing any type of procedure. He also adds that selecting a dedicated and passionate doctor will ensure the best results for each individual’s needs. “It is always a very individualized choice and an exciting time to be making changes for the upcoming year.”

About Charles Perry, MD, FACS

Dr. Charles Perry received his undergraduate education from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA and his medical degree from the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. He completed his general surgery residency at the University of Arizona and his plastic surgery residency at the University of Massachusetts. Dr. Perry is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, The Amercian Board of Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the California Medical Association and the American Society of Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Perry’s practice is located at 3800 J Street, Suite 210 in Sacramento, CA and can be reached at (916) 248-4447. It can also be contacted online via the website sacramentoplastics.com or www.facebook.com/ChrysalisCosmetics.

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Plastic Surgeon in Sacramento Discusses Possibility of Surgically Implanted Bombs

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was recently briefed by the federal government on new intelligence that shows terrorists could be using breast implants as surgically implanted bombs. At his Sacramento plastic surgery practice, Dr. Charles Perry discusses the likelihood of such an event, and how a terrorist could turn a procedure like breast augmentation into a potentially destructive threat.

The federal government recently briefed the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on the potential threat of breast implant bombs. While the information does not constitute an immediate threat, Sacramento plastic surgeon Dr. Charles Perry says the ability to turn breast implants into bombs is a real possibility. “Conceivably, a sterile device could be manufactured that would detonate inside a breast implant. All it would need is a propellant, an igniter, and a detonating receiver.”

However, Dr. Perry says he finds it extremely difficult to believe any doctor would so blatantly ignore their Hippocratic oath to do no harm. He adds that even if a doctor were to cast aside his extensive training and commitment to helping people, the breast implants turned explosive devices would have a different appearance and feel.

Despite the ability to conceal a device from the naked eye, Dr. Perry believes the advanced body imaging devices used by the TSA would be able to detect a breast implant bomb. However, he adds that while a device someone had swallowed or implanted elsewhere on the body would look suspicious, a device within a breast implant may not warrant a red flag.

Regardless of the potential that exists for using cosmetic enhancement procedures such as breast augmentation to carry out a terrorist plot, Dr. Perry says he remains doubtful. While this may be a viable option conceptually, now that the TSA and federal government are aware of the threat, he says the ability to successfully implant and detonate a breast implant bomb seems unlikely.

About Charles Perry, MD, FACS

Dr. Charles Perry earned his medical degree from the University of Washington. He then completed his general surgery residency at the University of Arizona, and his plastic surgery residency at the University of Massachusetts. Dr. Perry is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Perry specializes in an expansive spectrum of cosmetic enhancement procedures, ranging from laser skin resurfacing to liposuction, to the mommy makeover in Sacramento.

Chrysalis Cosmetic is located at 3800 J St. Ste. 210 in Sacramento, CA 95816, and can be reached at (916) 248-4447, or found online at sacramentoplastics.com or the Chrysalis Cosmetics Facebook page.

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Surgically Implanted Bombs

As a plastic surgeon in Sacramento California we hear all sorts of things.  We were recently asked about implantable boob bombs by a client.  She worked for the TSA and last year they underwent some training on implantable explosive devices. Recently a news story about implantable bombs caught our eyes as well.  Would it be possible to implant a bomb into a breast implant?  The answer is yes.  And could it be placed safely and effectively – yes.  However the why and who would be the real questions.  Conceivably a sterile device could be manufactured that would detonate inside a breast implant.  All it would need to contain is a propellant, an igniter, and a detonating receiver.  With enough combustible energy (say more than 3 ounces – like 20 ounces) the device could also conceivably disrupt a crowded place or an airplane.  A standard breast implant being around 300 cc or 10 ounces it seems plausible and possible, and again why and who would do this. And really why not put the device into the abdomen instead of the breast?

We certainly have no knowledge of any doctor who would do this. It goes against the Hippocratic oath – First Do No Harm. What Doctor who has gone through such extensive training would even consider doing this? Perhaps he or she wouldn’t know what they are doing? That is really unlikely as the implants when placed are transparent and need to be inspected prior to placement. Not only would they have to look different but they most likely would feel different too. Maybe they could be coerced into such an act? This doesn’t seem likely but possible – perhaps.  However, who would even consider having this done? 

These are the real questions – who and how. The other issue is avoidance of detection. Could this go undetected?  With the advanced imaging devices probably not however with a pat down search – probably. Certainly a question the TSA must have an answer for. Say a bomb was placed into a breast implant – would they be able to detect it? However it would still be fair to say that the limiting factor would be the motivation of the human sacrifice and the doctor implementing this diabolical plan that would be the crux of the matter. The other insights are just little details.

For now Boob Bombs is perhaps just another interesting news story.

Dr. Perry Discusses Living Well in Sacramento, CA

Dr. Charles Perry recently decided to practice what he preached to his Sacramento plastic surgery patients. As he turned 40, he says he was compelled to follow the methods for aging well he commonly stresses at his practice, which includes a healthy diet, plenty of exercise, and aesthetic maintenance with minimally-invasive procedures such as BOTOX injections®, dermal fillers, and Restylane.

Dr. Charles Perry is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Sacramento, CA. As he turned 40, he says he decided it was time to start following the advice he gives his patients by implementing some better lifestyle habits. In a recent post entitled “Purpose Driven Plastic Surgery – Aging, Diet, and Exercise,” Dr. Perry describes the steps he took to get in shape and lose weight, as well as the common signs of aging that can be delayed through well-known minimally-invasive procedures, such as BOTOX Injections®, Juvederm, and Restylane.

As summer approaches, Dr. Perry says many of his patients consider a wide range of procedures to help them prepare their bodies for the season. While common consultations address surgical cosmetic enhancement procedures ranging from breast augmentation to liposuction, Dr. Perry says he also stresses the need for a healthy diet and plenty of exercise, as well as less-invasive procedures to help patients maintain their dedication to looking and feeling good.

In the recent post, he outlines his approach to losing weight by being more food-conscious and deciding to train for Olympic and half Ironman Triathlons. However, in the post he also discusses the side-effects of losing weight later in life, and says he has had to adjust his skin maintenance plan, so he will continue to look as young as he feels.

Ultimately, Dr. Perry says the changes he made helped him regain his zest for life after losing over 35 pounds and 7 inches around his waist. He adds that he hopes his experience provides a source of inspiration for his patients as they pursue the body they desire ahead of the approaching summer season.

About Charles Perry, MD

Dr. Charles Perry earned his medical degree from the University of Washington. He then completed his general surgery residency at the University of Arizona, and his plastic surgery residency at the University of Massachusetts. Dr. Perry is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the California Medical Association.

Chrysalis Cosmetics is located at 3800 J St. Ste. 210 in Sacramento, CA 95816, and can be reached at (916) 248-4447, or found online at sacramentoplastics.com or the Chrysalis Cosmetics Facebook page.

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I turned 40.  I know not a big deal – however for me it was a moment of pause and reflection.  I am so grateful for so many things in this life especially the friends and relationships that I am a part of.  I am thankful for the people in my life and the amazing moments we have shared more than anything.  I feel lucky to be in a profession where I get to witness so much joy in others lives as well.

The toughest part of turning forty though has been realizing I am no longer look thirty.  I seemed to have collected a few extra pounds with age and some eating habits as well that didn’t make me feel my best. My crinkly facial skin and spare tire around the middle aren’t getting better by themselves.  At forty do I live with it? Do I throw in the towel and enjoy the extra 35 – 40 pounds that weren’t there before marriage, kids, and career? If I do lose weight what will I do about all the loose skin – especially around the face and eyes?  As a plastic surgeon, I am fortunate enough to witness amazing transformations daily and am always inspired by the inner strength I witness from patients whom decide to make positive changes in their lives and relationships and themselves.  This always resonates with me and our staff at Chrysalis Cosmetics.  In reflection this is what I wanted for the next chapter of life!

I decided I’d better start practicing what I preach and get into better shape.  After reading the China Study and In Defense of Food, we as a family were inspired to eat more whole foods and less animal protein. We have started gardening and become members in a CSA.  Eating this way feels good rationally as well as physically.  It is amazing to eat something you witnessed grow over a course of several months from a seed.  We started raising bees to better pollinate the yard and are enjoying learning about being better stewards of the land.  We have started collecting water and eating raw foods as well.  It has been a real awakening for our whole family.

What I noticed though as even though I was eating better I still hadn’t lost much weight however I was feeling so much better I had the energy to do something more. I was also tired of being called a Clydesdale while competing in sprint triathlons.  I started training for Olympic and half ironman triathlons as well. Now having lost over 35 pounds I feel better than ever.  I have gone from a 38 inch waist to a 31 and xl to a medium.  I am excited to get new clothes! 

In sharing these experiences with others I am always amazed at how many people have figured all this out years ago.  It is fun to develop new insights as we age! Perhaps this is the golden lining of age – wisdom. Anyway I have noticed some skin changes as well with my new age.  I have had to step up and adjust the skin maintenance plan as well and have started using Botox, Juvederm, and Restylane and lasers to enhance some areas that were starting to sag and bag.  The realities of weight-loss, however is that it is so much fun feeling confident and hopefully providing some inspiration for others in doing so.  Happiness and contentment are truly contagious.  So here is to another great year.

Crossing the finish line feels so good

Plastic Surgeon Dr Perry

For women whom have experienced some weight loss or whom have gained and then lost weight in pregnancy this area below the belt line can enlarge and create an unsightly bulge. Other causes of mons excess include lipodystrophy (excessive fat growth), hormonal therapies (birth control), aging and congenital factors.  Monsplasty or a mons pubis lift can address this area – tightening and lifting the excessive tissues and reattaching the skin and soft tissue to the anterior abdominal wall. Liposuction of the Mons and labia majora is often utilized as well to address any excessive fat. A labial majora reduction (through excision) is often combined with the monsplasty on occasion as this area can enlarge as well need to be addressed as well especially once it is more visible following monsplasty reduction.

Surgery for the mons lift is usually done through a horizontal incision in the same areas as a tummy tuck or c-section and can be combined with a mini-tummy tuck or abdominoplasty as well.  The key to the lift is to keep the escutcheon of natural length with the anterior labial commissure at the level of the pubis symphysis and to blend the reduction into the surround areas.  The skin lifting with escutcheon plication to the rectus fascia combined with labia majoria reduction and possible liposuction or other body contouring procedure will often increase the natural aesthetic beauty of this region in a more harmonious fashion.  Recovery can take several weeks and a drain is often required to reduce the accompanied swelling and bruising. In general most are very happy to have the bulge removed and the area tightened.

Dr. Charles Perry Donates Skin from Various Plastic Surgery Procedures

Dr. Charles Perry, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Sacramento, CA, is helping his patients provide an invaluable gift to those who have survived cancer, as well as burn and trauma victims. By participating in the Living Skin Donation program, in cooperation with the Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation (MTF), Dr. Perry is helping patients donate skin following a body contouring procedure, such as tummy tucks or after weight loss plastic surgery.

At his Sacramento plastic surgery practice, Chrysalis Cosmetics, Charles Perry, MD is teaming up with his current patients and the Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation (MTF) to provide life-changing skin and tissue donations through the Living Skin Donation program. MTF is the largest tissue bank in the nation and is dedicated to connecting donors with surgeons such as Dr. Perry to provide living skin to a varied spectrum of patients in need, ranging from breast cancer survivors to burn and trauma victims. “We at Chrysalis Cosmetics feel it is very important to be involved in this donation process for both parties involved.”

Following an in-depth screening process to ensure each patient is well suited to donate tissue, Dr. Perry says he and his specially-trained team harvest and prepare the skin, then send it to the MTF collection facility. In the past, he says the practice donated skin to other tissue banks or researchers for laser studies, but settled on MTF as the primary receiver of their patients’ tissue donations because the feedback the organization provides patients is exceptional.

Chrysalis Cosmetics patients initially urged Dr. Perry to get involved with the Living Skin Donation program because they were upset the tissue was discarded following their tummy tuck or post-bariatric procedure. “The donation process is often very fulfilling for both parties. The person donating feels as though they have done something good with their unneeded skin, and often comments that it feels like the right thing to do as they begin their new life.”

About MTF

Over 900,000 Americans receive tissue transplants each year to replace bone, tendons and ligaments lost to a number of causes, including cancer, severe trauma, and degenerative diseases. The Musculoskeletal Transplantation Foundation is the nation’s largest tissue bank committed to providing quality tissue through excellence in education, research, recovery and care for all parties involved. As a non-profit organization, MTF is dedicated to connecting donors with surgeons and transplant recipients. Since its inception in 1987, MTF has distributed more than 3 million grafts for transplantation from more than 100,000 donors.

About Dr. Perry

Charles Perry, MD earned his medical degree from the University of Washington. He then completed his general surgery residency at the University of Arizona, and his plastic surgery residency at the University of Massachusetts. Dr. Perry is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the California Medical Association. He has participated in cleft lip and palate reconstruction missions in Ecuador, a medical outreach program in the X’axlip Indian Reservation, and continues to volunteer with the Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation.

Chrysalis Cosmetics is located at [3800 J St., Ste. 210 in Sacramento, CA 95816], and can be reached at (916) 248-4447, or found online at www.sacramentoplastics.com, or the Chrysalis Cosmetics Facebook page.

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