Weight-Loss Surgery Unbalanced Among Men and Women

Evaluation of research data on patients who underwent bariatric surgery over a twelve year period identified a number of factors that explain why significantly more women than men have weight loss surgery.

Investigators at the University of California, San Diego examined data on more than 190,000 patients who had weight loss procedures between 1998 and 2010 and the findings were reported this week in the Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques. Investigators concluded that eighty percent of the patients were women.

The study concluded that women tend to have a greater overall recognition of the risks of obesity and are less satisfied with the status of their health as compared to men. Men tend to delay surgery until they get older and it was statistically reported that the gender gap for weight-loss procedures actually narrows as men enter their 70’s.

Although an even division in obesity rates exists among US men and women, the results of this study suggest a need for increased awareness of the health risks and complications of obesity in men.

Minimally Invasive Procedures with Subtle Results

For those seeking improvement of their skin with natural looking results, there are several minimally invasive options. The use of fillers and peels can rejuvenate the appearance of the face and, if further improvement is desired, surgical procedures can be performed.

Botox and Dysport

Mechanism: 
Injections of the toxin weaken the muscle by blocking muscular nerve signals. Since the muscle can no longer contract, facial wrinkles are diminished. 

Purpose:
Helps with smoothing of wrinkles specifically, 
Frown lines between the eyes
Forehead lines
Crow’s feet and skin bands on the neck

Soft Tissue Fillers

Mechanism: 
A naturally derived or synthetic material is injected into the face
Add volume to areas of the face that have lost subcutaneous fat through aging, heredity, sun exposure and lifestyle. 

Purpose:
Helps restore volume and fullness in the face
Softens facial lines and plumps thin lips
Used to fill shallow contours, soften wrinkles and facial creases
Augments facial rejuvenation surgery, often used in combination with Botox or Dysport

Chemical Peel

Mechanism:
A chemical solution is applied to the face (and hands and neck) to remove damaged outer layers of skin caused by sun exposure, acne or aging. Newer, healthier skin cells are exposed. 

Purpose:
To peel away or diminish blemishes or other imperfections
Enhance skin tone and texture, helps erase scars
Lessens acne and acne scars and irregular skin pigmentation
Improve age spots and liver spots, rough and scaly skin
Diminishes freckles and fine lines and wrinkles 

Laser Hair Removal

Mechanism:
A highly concentrated beam of light is used to penetrate hair follicles
The light is absorbed by the pigment which damages the actively growing hair follicle

Purpose:
Future hair growth is slowed but may not be permanently removed
Several treatments may be needed to provide desired hair reduction
Periodic maintenance may be needed
Effective for most parts of the body

Microdermabrasion

Mechanism:
Skin is gently sanded with a minimally abrasive instrument
The thicker, uneven outer layer is removed

Purpose:
To treat light acne scarring and reduce or eliminate enlarge pores
Lessens the appearance of stretch marks
Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Exfoliates the skin for a refreshed appearance
Improve age spots and diminish hyperpigmentation and discoloration from sun damage

Millions of minimally invasive procedures are performed annually with excellent results. Be sure to discuss your expectations with a certified plastic surgeon, cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist to determine your best options.

A Drug to Stop Wrinkles and Aging Skin Shows Promise

Following the administration of a drug to block the activity of Granzyme B, researchers discovered that, despite sun exposure, genetically engineered mice retained youthful looking skin as compared to the aged skin on normal mice. Scientists at the University of British Columbia are investigating the potential for a cosmetic product that will prevent normal, gradual aging of the skin due to UV light exposure.

Elevated levels of Granzyme B, a serine protease, have been implicated in several autoimmune and skin diseases.  The role of Granzyme B in atherosclerosis and heart attacks was under investigation by a team of researchers at the University of British Columbia. They were interested in determining if blood vessels of mice lacking Granzyme B were more resistant to hardening and narrowing of the arteries than normal mice. By blocking the activity of Granzyme B in certain places, the researchers were surprised to find that aging and deterioration could be prevented in tissues that depend on collagen, such as skin and blood vessels.

Based on this technology, a Granzyme-B inhibitor is currently being developed by viDA Therapeutics, a research based biotechnology company. Within two years, the company hopes to test a topically applied drug on people with discoid lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease that leads to facial scarring when skin is exposed to sunlight.

If the drug is effective, not only will there be potential for new cosmetic products, but also help for life-threatening conditions such as aneurysms, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and diseases caused by the breakdown of collagen and other proteins.