Plastic surgery is one of the marvels of modern medicine, with a wide range of options for face and body improvements. And today’s media outlets make it easier than ever before to gather information on the latest plastic surgery procedures. But how does this information apply to you and your concerns?
Every person is unique and has his or her own desires. What procedure or combination of treatments is right for you? And what can you really expect? EXPLORE PLASTIC SURGERY with Dr. Barry Eppley, Indianapolis plastic surgeon, who can provide you with a wealth of practical and up-to-date insights into the world of plastic surgery through his regular blog posts. In his writings, Dr. Eppley covers diverse topics on facial and body contouring procedures. You will be sure to find useful information that will help broaden and enrich your plastic surgery education.
Botox and injectable fillers are the mainstay of non-surgical facial rejuvenation. Besides creating a relatively immediate change with less facial wrinkles and folds, they provide a great psychological boost to one’s self-image and sense of attractiveness. Often I see patients that undergo these treatments before a major event such as a child’s wedding or a class reunion, serving as a testament to their profound aesthetic benefits even if they are not permanent
While most patients having these treatments are doing them with long-term anti-aging purposes, some seek them to make themselves feel better for other reasons as well. The patient afflicted with cancer and undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments is one example. In my Indianapolis plastic surgery practice, I will occasionally see the cancer patient who is in some phase of their therapy who wants such treatments.
This raises the question of whether Botox and injectable fillers should be used in the cancer patient. This question is based on two concerns. Will these treatments be as effective as in the non-cancer patient and do they in any way interfere with the patient’s current cancer regimen? Before trying to answer these questions, one should address the immune status of the patient. Any cancer patient who has below normal white counts (a compromised immune system) should obviously not have any of these drugs injected into them. Adverse reactions, including infections, can potentially occur.
In the non-immunosuppressed patient, however, there is little information for or against their use. Based on my research, I can find no published contraindications to their use in patients with an intact immune system, even if they are undergoing active treatment. Similarly, there is no medical evidence that suggests the duration of the effects of Botox or injectable fillers is less in the chemotherapy or irradiated patient. My experience in these patients would indicate the same…no different than the typical aesthetic patient.
Cancer patients may seek aesthetic treatments as a boost to their shattered self-image and awareness of their own mortality. Check with their oncologist to determine their immune system status although most patient’s know their white count levels. There is no reported interactions between the localized facial effects of Botox and any of the injectable fillers and the systemic effects of chemotherapy in particular.
Barry L. Eppley, M.D., D.M.D.
http://www.eppleyplasticsurgery.com
Clarian North Medical Center, Carmel, Indiana
Clarian West Medical Center, Avon, Indiana
Indianapolis
Tags: Botox, cancer patients, chemotherapy, dr barry eppley, immunosuppression, indianapolis, injectable fillers, plastic surgery
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