JOE GRYSKIEWICZ, M.D.
"What's fact and what's fiction; what's 'hot', what's not"
Included topics:
Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the participants will be able to:
1. Assess the science beyond new and innovative technology and techniques in plastic surgery
2. Identify the potential for incorporating new technology techniques into a plastic surgery practice
3. Understand how to separate hype from reality in new technology
4. Discuss the potential new modalities have for enhancing/improving patient care in cosmetic surgery
5. Respond competently to patients and media concerning new technology in plastic surgery
A. JAY BURNS, M.D.
A discussion of the state of the art ablative and non-ablative resurfacing techniques will be discussed. Most plastic surgeons are aware only of CO2 laser resurfacing, which was popularized in the mid-90's. Although impressive results were seen, complications such as hypopigmentation, and even occasional scarring were observed. This morbidity, coupled with post laser care, has caused many clinicians to hold laser resurfacing in somewhat of a skeptical opinion. My experience with Erbium laser resurfacing will be discussed. Over the last ten years this technique has developed into a predictable technique which is much more effective in my hands than CO2 laser resurfacing with considerable less morbidity than has been previously experienced. Therefore, the Erbium laser resurfacing technique, as well as my clinical results and experience, will be presented.
A new, exciting, and complimentary procedure, fractional resurfacing, will be presented as well. We have had experience with this device as long as anyone in the country, and our yearlong experience will be presented, as it is an effective complimentary procedure to standard laser resurfacing described above. It's indications and limitations will be discussed, both as a stand alone and complimentary procedure.
Peter McKinney MD,CM
GLANCING BACKWARD;SEEING FORWARD
The name has been used for nearly 200 years, but our specialty encompasses several thousand years being a problem solving art for nasal amputations and fractures. The field has encompassed the entire body but regional emphasis has varied according to contempory events such as war, industrial injury, and aging. Successful human achievement is always emulated by 'outsiders' who wish the title without the investment in the long and complex training required for certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and this causes resentment . To remain dynamic, however , we must continue to examine ourselves and our training as we recognize individuals in other fields with excellence in ' our' proceedures.
My residency was 7 years and 80 hours/week would have been a holiday. In addition to the clinical load, academic production was expected. My role models were those who showed modesty, self restraint and a 'cool head'. Early practice was the E.R. and wounds, there was no 'malpractice' and competing specialties were not a factor. Most of the patients were md referrals. There were few journals and texts for board study which also required 12 case reports of your work submitted and accepted before you were invited to take the 3 day written and oral examination. Middle practice saw a growth in aesthetic surgery which was patient driven, the advent of advertising and competing specialties and litigation. The residency was flourishing with its own clinic and laboratory experience. There were few societies ; it was difficult to publish on an aesthetic subject which took on a deep suspicion amongst the 'leadership'. Late practice experienced 90% aesthetic patients, competing specialties, edgy ads, and difficulties practicing at a university center. Most of the patients sought facial work.
Seeing forward indicates a further growth in patient demand, educational oppurtunities,competing specialties,and marketing. Continuing competency requirements by ABMS and ABPS will distinguish the main stream boards.Litigaion will decrease if national attention continues its focus and the societies continue their scrutiny of 'expert' testimony. Surgical techniques will evolve and recycle amongst an increasingly sophisticated audience . The 'overcooked' look will diminish but persist to some degree, OPS will expand even to more of the reconstructive proceedures, and more surgeons will sit for a rhinoplasty[explanation to follow].I have optimism for our specialty as we continue to attract quality candidates for residents and I see the future happily.