In The News
Plastic Surgery Update June 2014:
More Evidence Botox Works for Depression
NEW YORK A single injection of cosmetic botulinum toxin (BTX), which is typically used to improve the appearance of facial wrinkles, may be an effective treatment for depression.
In one of the first studies to suggest this, investigators at the Hannover Medical School in Germany found that treating the facial muscles involved in emotion with botulinum alleviates depressive symptoms.
“Our emotions are expressed by facial muscles, which in turn send feedback signals to the brain to reinforce those emotions. Treating facial muscles with botulinum toxin interrupts this cycle,” study investigator Prof. Tillmann Kruger said at a press conference here at the American Psychiatric Association’s 2014 Annual Meeting.
Novel Approach
According to the investigators, positive effects on mood have been observed in patients who have undergone BTX treatment for glabellar frown lines. A previous open case series showed that depression remitted or improved after such treatment.
To confirm these results, Dr. Kruger and colleague M. Axel Wollmer, MD, from the Asklepios Clinic North Ochsenzoll in Hamburg, Germany, conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of BTX injection as an adjunctive treatment for major depression.
A total of 30 patients with high levels of chronic and treatment-resistant depression were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive a single injection of BTX or a single injection of saline placebo.
The study’s primary end point was a change from baseline in depressive symptoms, as measured by the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD17), during the 16-week study.
Six weeks after a single treatment, the BTX group experienced an average 47.1% reduction in HAMD17 scores vs 9.2% in the placebo group.
The investigators found that the effect size was even larger at the end of the study and that treatment-dependent clinical improvement was also reflected in the Beck Depression Inventory and the Clinical Global Impressions Scale.
“This study shows that a single treatment of the glabellar region with botulinum toxin may shortly accomplish a strong and sustained alleviation of depression in patients who did not improve suf?ciently on previous medication. It supports the concept that the facial musculature not only expresses but also regulates mood states,” the investigators write.
Dr. Kruger said BTX may offer a “novel, effective, well-accepted, and economic therapeutic tool for the treatment of major depression.”
These findings have since been replicated in 2 subsequent studies, one by Michelle Magid, MD, and colleagues, which was presented in March at the American Academy of Dermatology 72nd Annual Meeting and reported by Medscape Medical Newsat that time, and the other by Eric Finzi, MD, PhD, and colleagues, which was published in the May issue of Journal of Psychiatric Research and was also reported by Medscape Medical News.
Dr. Kruger reported that he and his colleagues are currently conducting a meta-analysis of the 3 randomized trials in an effort to “further corroborate this novel treatment approach.” The researchers are also testing BTX’s therapeutic potential in other psychiatric disorders.
Commenting on the study, press conference moderator Jeffrey Borenstein, MD, president and CEO of the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation in New York City and chair of the American Psychiatric Association’s Council on Communications, said that pursuing new treatments for depression is “crucial.”
Dr. Borenstein added that he would like to see this line of research pursued in studies that include larger numbers of patients.
Dr. Kruger, Dr. Wollmer, and Dr. Borenstein report no relevant financial conflicts of interest.
American Psychiatric Association’s 2014 Annual Scientific Meeting. Abstract NR3-030. Presented May 4, 2014.
Plastic Surgery Update October 2013:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Dr. David Stapenhorst First Doctor in Sugar Land, TX to Use Sientra® Shaped Implants for Breast Reconstruction
Sugar Land, Texas, October 30, 2013 – Dr. David Stapenhorst, a double board-certified plastic surgeon and head of Signature Plastic Surgery, is the first breast surgeon in Sugar Land, Texas to use the Sientra® anatomically shaped implant profile for breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Sientra® produces breast implants with two different profiles, either round or anatomically shaped. The new anatomically shaped implants produced by Sientra® provide Dr. Stapenhorst with an increased ability to select an implant that is best for each patient.
The choice of implant type in breast reconstruction is essential in achieving the desired objectives for each patient. The introduction of shaped profile implants will offer patients an option that can easily be individualized for different breast sizes and body types. Implant base options offered by Sientra® (oval, round and classic) allow for breast reconstruction to be uniquely individualized.
Dr. Stapenhorst and the staff at Signature Plastic Surgery are excited about this new breast implant option to help patients achieve the look they want. Serving residents in Sugar Land and Houston, Dr. Stapenhorst also offers TRAM flap breast reconstruction, breast augmentation revision surgery, breast reduction surgery, scar revision surgery, hand surgery and reconstructive surgeries for skin cancer.
Dr. Stapenhorst offers a number of cosmetic procedures including breast augmentation, breast lift, facelift, ear surgery, eyelid surgery and nose surgery. Body contouring procedures including liposuction, thigh lift, tummy tuck, and arm lift are also available.
Dr. Stapenhorst is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and is double board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University and earned his Doctorate of Medicine and completed general surgery residency at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center before pursuing further training in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center – Sugar Land, TX.
At Signature Plastic Surgery, Dr. Stapenhorst is committed to offering all patients the highest quality of care and takes the time to provide each patient with the education needed, so his patients will be completely informed about their procedure and treatment plan.
To find out more about breast reconstruction and the other restorative and cosmetic procedures offered by Dr. Stapenhorst visit our website www.signatureplasticsurgery.com or call our office at 281-616-8800 to schedule your free consultation.
Contact:
Signature Plastic Surgery
4665 Sweetwater Boulevard, Suite 110
Sugar Land, Texas 77479
Phone: 281-616-8800
www.signatureplasticsurgery.com
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Plastic Surgery Update January 2013:
Is Liposuction a good way to loose weight? Do Tummy Tucks keep the weight off? Watch the Plastic Surgery update from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons below.
