Education
Here are some science journals on some of the services offered by The Indigo Clinic for your knowledge and education. Because science is constantly changing and new information is always being released, this section will be regularly updated to showcase some of the latest findings for your continued learning.
SILIKON 1000 AND GRANULOMAS (BIOPOLYMEROS AND ARTIFICIAL SILICONE SHOTS)
The use of liquid injectable silicone for soft tissue augmentation is controversial. Proponents of its use consider it safe when highly purified medical-grade product is employed appropriately by well-trained and experienced physicians, whereas opponents believe complications from silicone injections are inherently inevitable and unpredictable and that they outweigh the benefits. One of the feared complications is granuloma formation. In this article, the authors report two cases of granulomatous nodules from silicone injections and present the histological features. These cases highlight the need for continued vigilance among clinicians about this complication and the importance not only of careful selection of filler products, but also of patients knowing the credentials of their injection practitioners.
MICRONEEDLING, TYPES, AND EFFECTS
Microneedling is a very simple, safe, effective, and minimally invasive therapeutic technique. It was initially introduced for skin rejuvenation, however, now it is being used for a very wide range of indications including acne scar, acne, post-traumatic/burn scar, alopecia, skin rejuvenation, drug delivery, hyperhidrosis, stretch marks, and many more. Moreover, during the last 10 years, many new innovations have been made to the initial instrument, which was used for microneedling. This technique can be combined with other surgical techniques to provide better results. In particular, it is a very safe technique for dark skin types, where risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation is very high with other techniques that damage the epidermis. In this review article, we are updating on the different instruments now available for this procedure, and its efficacy when performed alone or in combination with other techniques for various indications.
THE REASON WHY I DO NOT ICE MY PATIENTS
Ice, compression, elevation and NSAIDs are so commonplace that suggesting otherwise is laughable to most. Enter an Athletic Training Room or Physical Therapy Clinic nearly all clients are receiving some type of anti-inflammatory treatment (ice, compression, massage, NSAIDs, biophysical modalities, etc). I evaluated a client the other day and asked what are you doing currently – “Well, I am taking anti-inflammatories and icing.” Why do you want to get rid of inflammation and swelling? I ask this question for both chronic and acute injury!
AUTOLOGOUS FAT TRANSFER DATA
Adipose grafting has undergone significant changes over time. Many different techniques have been followed by trying to improve the quality of the lipoaspirate and the survival of the fat graft after implantation. The purpose of this review is to analyze the historical evolution of the surgical harvesting and implant technique, describing the changes that have brought significant improvements, revolutionizing the aesthetic and functional results obtainable.
TEAR THROUGH RECOMMENDATIONS
Tear trough deformity is a major concern in a lot of individuals seeking periorbital rejuvenation. A prominent tear trough deformity is characterised by a sunken appearance of the eye that results in the casting of a dark shadow over the lower eyelid, giving the patient a fatigued appearance despite adequate rest, and is refractory to attempts at cosmetic concealment. The tear trough deformity is a natural consequence of the anatomic attachments of the periorbital tissues. A variety of techniques have evolved to address this cosmetic issue. Traditional techniques relied on surgical excision of skin, muscle, and fat as well as chemical peels. Treatment is now tailored towards specific anatomic abnormalities and often employs multiple modalities including surgery, botulinum toxin, and replacement of volume. Various original research articles, text book publications and review articles were studied. Data specific to the historical aspect and anatomy of tear trough have been enumerated. Techniques of different authors were analyzed and their results and complications have been summarized. The technique of the author has also been described here.
MICC WEIGHT LOSS (ARTICLE I)
In preclinical reports, restriction of dietary methionine intake was shown to enhance metabolic flexibility, improve lipid profiles, and reduce fat deposition. The present report is the outcome of a “proof of concept” study to evaluate the efficacy of dietary methionine restriction (MR) in humans with metabolic syndrome.
MICC WEIGHT LOSS (ARTICLE II)
Taekwondo and judo competitions are divided into weight categories. Many athletes reduce their body mass a few days before competition in order to obtain a competitive advantage over lighter opponents. To achieve fast body mass reduction, athletes use a number of nutritional strategies, including choline supplementation. The goal of this study was to identify the effects of choline supplementation on body mass reduction and leptin levels among female taekwondo and judo athletes. Twenty-two female athletes (15 taekwondo and 7 judo athletes) were selected from different weight categories and divided into two groups, according to weight. The players in the experimental group took choline tablets for one week before a competition. The results revealed significant differences between pre- and post-competition measurements of leptin, free plasma choline, urine choline and urine malondialdehyde levels; body mass was also reduced in the post-competition measurements. In conclusion, choline supplementation could rapidly reduce body mass without any side effects on biochemical levels or static strength.
TESTOSTERONE FOR WOMEN
Although testosterone therapy is being increasingly prescribed for men, there remain many questions and concerns about testosterone (T) and in particular, T therapy in women. A literature search was performed to elucidate the origin of, and scientific basis behind many of the concerns and assumptions about T and T therapy in women. This paper refutes 10 common myths and misconceptions, and provides evidence to support what is physiologically plausible and scientifically evident: T is the most abundant biologically active female hormone, T is essential for physical and mental health in women, T is not masculinizing, T does not cause hoarseness, T increases scalp hair growth, T is cardiac protective, parenteral T does not adversely affect the liver or increase clotting factors, T is mood stabilizing and does not increase aggression, T is breast protective, and the safety of T therapy in women is under research and being established. Abandoning myths, misconceptions and unfounded concerns about T and T therapy in women will enable physicians to provide evidenced based recommendations and appropriate therapy.
RADIESSE FOR SKIN TIGHTENING AND BODY VECTORING (ARTICLE I)
The collagen-stimulating properties of Radiesse® (calcium hydroxylapatite, CaHA) can be used for skin-tightening procedures by hyper-diluting the product with lidocaine or saline. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of diluted CaHA for skin tightening in two case series of women with skin laxity in the upper arms or abdomen.
RADIESSE FOR SKIN TIGHTENING AND BODY VECTORING (ARTICLE II)
The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy, safety, and subject satisfaction of the calcium hydroxylapatite-based dermal filler Radiesse® in a novel body vectoring technique to correct skin flaccidity in the thighs, abdomen, and brachial zones. Female subjects with self-evaluated flaccidity scores ≥3 on a 6-point scale (0, no flaccidity; 5, very severe flaccidity) in the zones of interest were included. Radiesse was injected according to predesigned vector maps (3 mL per thigh, 1.5 mL per hemiabdomen or brachial zone). Clinical assessments (skin density and thickness) were made by an independent reviewer at an exact position before and 5 weeks after treatment using a cutometer and an ultrascan. Subjects rated skin flaccidity before and 5 weeks after treatment on the 6-point scale and performed a pinch test to self-assess changes in skin thickness. All adverse events were recorded.