Explore Plastic Surgery

Massage and Plastic Surgery at Ology Spa in Indianapolis

With an increasing number of people undergoing cosmetic surgery (nearly 11 million people underwent some form of plastic surgery in 2006 according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons), plastic surgeons are looking for additional methods to enhance the patient’s experience and improve their recovery. Massage therapy is one therapeutic approach that can potentially complement a patient’s postoperative recovery. Massage therapy can help reduce swelling and tightness, improve circulation, and expedite elimination of bruising from the surgical site.

I have embraced the use of massage therapy since my hospital-based spa, Ology in Indianapolis, opened the first location in 2004. Having regular access to massage therapy has allowed me to integrate it as part of many patient’s postoperative care regimens. Massage can improve a more rapid return of lymphatic outflow from the surgery site, which reduces swelling and the clearance of bruising faster. This is most valuable in body surgery such as liposuction and tummy tucks. However, it can also be useful afte facial surgery, even if the surgery site is not directly massaged. I usually have my patients begin massage sessions no sooner than 3 weeks after surgery and have a patient undergo them once a week for 4 to 6 weeks. While some patients may initially fear that massages may be too ‘rough’, they quickly find out that a gentle touch technique is used and they start to see its benefits immediately after the first session.

The integration of a touch form of therapy, such as massage, after the trauma of surgery has a great psychological benefit as well. It provides a compassionate and tender form of therapy while the patient is in the healing state. It reflects well on the practice and the plastic surgeon. Some patients after getting postoperative massage therapy become regular massage patients thereafter.

Dr Barry Eppley
http://www.eppleyplasticsurgery.com
http://www.ologyspa.com
Clarian North Medical Center, Carmel, Indiana
Clarian West Medical Center, Avon, Indiana
Indianapolis

Plastic Surgery and Ology Spa Services at Clarian North Medical Center
In Carmel, Indiana - Merging Medicine, Wellness, and Beauty

Since 2006, I have opened and operated the second location of the Ology Spa and my plastic surgery practice (http://www.eppleyplasticsurgery.com) in another new hospital located in Carmel, Indiana on the northside of Indianapolis. Because of its wonderful design and beautiful exterior and interiors, a few comments about Clarian North Medical Center are in order.

Situated on the main throughfare of the northside’s bustling business community at the south end of Carmel, Clarian North (www.clariannorth.com) is a full-service 170-bed community-based hospital which also serves as the north campus of the renowned Riley Hospital for Children, one of the founding three hospitals of the Clarian Health Systems. (www.clarian.org) Clarian North offers a full range of patient care services providing exceptional care and service for the whole family. From its exterior limestone to the warmth of the interior hallways and all private patient rooms, Clarian North is a testament to the merger of art, healthcare, and a healing environment. Reconstructive plastic surgery is most visible in Clarian North as a complement to the Breast Cancer center for breast reconstruction, the Bariatric Center for body contouring after weight loss, and pediatric plastic surgery.

The design of Clarian North and my Ology Spa facilities work very well together. Ology spa is situated just inside one of the main entrances of Clarian North and is lined with an all-glass exterior, revealing the large display of skin care and gift items. Ology spa design incorporates natural elements, such as bamboo flooring, water fountains, and organic colors. The facility has ample space for spa treatment rooms, offering massage, hydrotherapy and medical skin care, as well as plastic surgery consultation and treatment rooms.. Having both concepts in one facility, spa and plastic surgery, allows medical and cosmetic procedures to be done in a single location, enables a comprehensive approach to guest treatments before and after procedures, and allows higher-grade, more therapeutic skin and body product offerings.

Dr Barry Eppley
http://www.eppleyplasticsurgery.com
http://www.ologyspa.com
Clarian West Medical Center, Avon, Indiana
Clarian North Medical Center, Carmel, Indiana
Indianapolis

The Synergy of Plastic Surgery and Ology Spa Services at Clarian West Medical Center In Avon, Indiana

Since 2004, I have opened and oeprated the initial location of the Ology Spa and my plastic surgery practice at this beautiful new Clarian West Medical Center in Avon, Indiana on the westside of Indianapolis. Because of its magnificent design and very unique and tranquil setting, it is worth saying a few words about Clarian West.

Located on Avon’s quiet north side, Clarian West (http://west.clarian.org) is a full-service 86-bed community-based hospital rooted in the history of excellence established by the Clarian Health Systems. (http://www.clarian.org) Clarian West offers a full range of patient care services – all delivered in their extraordinary Sanctuary of Healing environment designed to exceed patient’s expectations of the typical hospital experience. It is a health care environment unlike any that I have seen before, a true merger of outstanding caregivers, state-of-the-art medical technology, and the soothing qualities of a natural and organic environment. Clarian West is build around a central submerged garden which is filled with plants, trees and stone indigenous to the state of Indiana. The interior of Clarian West is very soothing lined with natural slate, wood, and limestone. Just upon entering , you already feel relaxed and comforted and you quickly realize this is not a ‘typical’ hospital. Clarian West has now even launched a new program that is perfectly in union with its design and philosophy, The Clarian West Integrative Medicine Center, offering alternative healing therapies. Reconstructive Plastic Surgery is most evident at Clarian West as part of the Breast Center for breast reconstruction and general plastic surgery problems.

The design of Clarian West and my Ology Spa facilities could not be more in synch. Ology spa’s design incorporates natural elements, such as bamboo flooring, water fountains, and organic colors. The facility has ample space for spa treatment rooms, offering massage and medical skin care, as well as plastic surgery space for consultation and in-ffoce treatments. Having both concepts in one facility, spa and plastic surgery, allows medical and cosmetic procedures to be done in a single location, enables a comprehensive approach to guest treatments before and after procedures, and allows higher-grade, more therapeutic skin and body product offerings.

Dr Barry Eppley
http://www.eppleyplasticsurgery.com
http://www.ologyspa.com
Clarian West Medical Center, Avon, Indiana
Clarian North Medical Center, Carmel, Indiana
Indianapolis

Total Skin Rejuvenation (TSR) Program

Welcome to OLOGY’s extraordinary anti-aging skin care approach. This program has been developed as a collaboration between myself and aestheticians to bring the best of medical science and skin care together to create a comprehensive and effective skin treatment program, Total Skin Rejuvenation. This program offers the most advanced laser technology and anti-aging treatments available today. Digital skin analysis combined with multimodality laser and microdermabrasion treatments targets each patient’s skin care concerns and helps them achieve optimal skin health and beauty at any age.

PHASE I ASSESS

Customized Digital Evaluation and Treatment Planning

The initial phase of the program utilizes the latest computer technology to identify the patient’s specific skin care needs. Besides a clinical examination under magnification, we analyze the superficial damage to the skin with our Visia Complexion Analysis Photo Imaging System. Through digital facial photography, we are able to analyze 6 specific features of the skin: wrinkles, smoothness, pore size and count, bacteria, age spots and UV sun damage. Using this quantitative data, a customized treatment program will be created based on the patient’s skin type.

PHASE I REVIVE

Exfoliation and Skin Regeneration

During this most intense phase of treatment, the guest receives 4 laser treatments (10 micron laser micropeeling) at 4 week intervals which are immediately preceded by microdermabrasion (MDA). Microdermabrasion is an intense exfoliation of the skin and enhances the results of the laser. After only one such treatment, results are apparent as superficial damage to the skin begins to be reversed. The laser diminishes the signs of aging by improving the appearance of skin tone and texture. Evenness improves and pore size decreases. New collagen production occurs even after the first treatment and will increase markedly by the end of all treatment sessions.

PHASE II STIMULATE

Rebuilding and Strengthening Collagen

In the second phase of treatment, the patient receives four laser treatments (1319nm wavelength) at one month intervals immediately preceded by microdermabrasion (MDA). This wavelength of laser specifically targets the collagen in the reticular dermis to stimulate its production. As a result, collagen levels and cross-bundling in the skin increase markedly during this phase, further softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and restoring the natural youthful beauty of the skin.

PHASE III PRESERVE

Maintenance of Results

Due to the natural aging process and environmental factors, many of the benefits of the initial treatment phases will decrease over time. We offer this third phase of the program to maintain the wonderful results obtained from the Revive and Stimulate phase treatments. Microdermabrasion (MDA) combined with glycolic peels are administered at 3 month intervals over a one year period.

For those patients with additional problems of skin damage and aging such as deep brown spots, facial telangectasias, and deep lines and wrinkles, other treatments may be needed.
These will be determined on an individual basis and may include:

BBL (Broad Band Light) Therapy

Vascular Laser (1064nm) treatments

Deep Laser MicroPeeling (20 – 50 microns)

Botox Injections

Injectable Fillers (Restylane, Captique)

Chemical Peels (TCA)

Dr Barry Eppley
www.eppleyplasticsurgery.com
www.ologyspa.com
Clarian North Medical Center, Carmel, Indiana
Clarian West Medical Center, Avon, Indiana
Indianapolis

THE OLOGY APPROACH TO LASER HAIR REMOVAL

The fundamentals of our treatment program is based on scientific evidence and research on the nature of the hair growth cycle.

1) HAIR GROWTH CYCLES

Growth Phase

ANAGEN Active hair growth phase. It is during this stage that the hair follicle is
directly connected to the blood vessels. It is ONLY during this stage that
we can permanently disable hair growth. The life of the hair is in the
blood. If we cut off the blood supply, we can prevent re-growth.

Dormant Phase

CATAGEN The hair has stooped growing. While we can still see the hair, it is no
Longer connected to the blood supply. Thus, while the hair can be
destroyed during this phase, it cannot be permanently disabled. The hair
will grow back in time.

Shedding Phase

TELOGEN During this phase, the hair is completely dormant. It is no longer connected
to anything and it is preparing to fall out. This hair will shed once a new
Anagen hair begins to form below.

REMEMBER A C T

Because of the hair growth cycle, this is why there are 5 treatments spread out over the natural hair growth cycle of the specific body part. Not all hairs are in Anagen at the same time.

Understanding the nature of the way hair grows is the foundation of our laser treatments. Since medical science has determined that the only time hair can be permanently disabled is during the Anagen growth phase, it remains only to determine the length of the growth cycle.

2) DIFFERING HAIR GROWTH CYCLES

Medical research has conclusively shown that hair growth cycles differ on various parts of the body. This means that different areas must be treated differently. Not all body hair is alike. For example, any any given time, 85% of the hair on your scalp is in the Anagen phase and lasts between two to six years. So, most of the hair on your head is actively growing at any given time. Conversely, your eyebrows have only about 10% of the hair in the Anagen phase at any one time and the phase lasts between three to nine weeks. Have you ever wondered why the hair on your head can grow long while your eyebrows remains fairly uniform in length?

Since the hair growth cycle varies so dramatically on different parts of the body, it is important to know these cycles in order to effectively treat the hair. The lip and chin have different cycles than the legs and underarms. You must treat the hair on each part of the body at the right time!

3) LASER TECHNOLOGY AND THERMOSELECTIVITY

Treating hair at the right time is important, but that is not the complete picture. To be successful, we must also treat hair in the right way. This is where laser technology plays a role.

The hair follicle is three to five millimeters below the surface. The laser target is in the melanin of the hair. Melanin is the pigment that gives hair and skin color. The darker the hair, the more melanin it contains. Essentially, the hair follicle acts as a conduit, conducting the laser energy (heat) to the hair bulb (where the blood vessels are). As the hair is heated, the connection to the blood vessels are cauterized. As a result, blood can no longer supply the necessary nutrients and hair growth is no longer possible. All the hair in the target area will be affected during the laser procedure but only the hair follicles in the Anagen phase will be permanently disabled.

The important issue is how to deliver enough power to destroy the hair follicle while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed. This is done through the long-pulse 1064nm Alexandrite laser. The laser energy is delivered in such a way that enough heat is delivered to the hair follicle to disable it but allows the skin cells to shed the energy and not be harmed.

Dr Barry Eppley
www.eppleyplasticsurgery.com
www.ologyspa.com
Clarian North Medical Center, Carmel, Indiana
Clarian West Medical Center, Avon, Indiana
Indianapolis

Microdermabrasion, which is commonly known as the lunch time peel, was first introduced in Europe in 1986. It has been used in the United States since about 1995 as a non-invasive alternative to chemical peels. The rapid growth in popularity has been due to a high level of patient acceptance with essentially no discomfort or side effects.

The natural aging process that reduces cell turnover and collagen along with damaging effects of the sun and environmental stressors can take its toll on the skin, creating lines, wrinkles, and changes in texture and color. Not only is the face likely a victim of these changes, but the neck, décolleté, arms, and hands are affected as well. Microdermabrasion can reduce the effects of aging on our skin.

Microdermabrasion is a treatment that improves wrinkles, skin texture and color by removing the topmost layer of skin leaving it more supple and vibrant. It can stimulate the elastic tissue beneath the surface of the skin. The effect of this micro massage action under the skin, results in an increase in blood circulation to the skin, an increase in oxygen supplied to the skin, and increase in collagen production, and rapid epidermal cellular turnover producing healthy new cells resulting in a healthier and firmer appearance.

Microdermabrasion is non-surgical, non-invasive, and pain-free, requiring no downtime after a treatment. Normal activities may be resumed immediately. The number of treatments may very depending on the skin type and condition. Results are gradual but highly effective. Most people experience softer, smoother and cleaner skin after one treatment. After a series of treatments, you can feel and see a difference in your skin with an overall better appearance.

The ancient Egyptians are said to be the first to use microdermabrasion skin care techniques to improve their skin. Kings and queens used alabaster and pumice to remove blemishes and rough spots leaving their skin soft and smooth.

Microdermabrasion was developed in Italy using aluminum oxide powder for this skin care technique. The process uses a small orifice to abrade the powder onto the skin and a vacuum cleanses the pores. The technique proved effective; however, it has some disadvantages.
- Aluminum oxide is left imbedded in the skin and floating around in the air.
- There is a significant volume of material to dispose of after the procedures.
- The crystals are left in the hair and clothes of both the client and clinician.
- Sodium Bicarbonate which is used sometimes instead of aluminum oxide has the tendency to clog the machine and can be irritating to the skin.

The DiamondTome microdermabrasion offers a 21 century skin care technology. It eliminates the powders and crystals (aluminum oxide and salt) and has made microdermabrasion a clean controlled procedure – the better way to healthier skin.

Safe, clean, precise, and effective DiamondTome microdermabrasion uses a wand with a diamond tip that precision-scours the skin. Natural diamond chips are encrusted onto different grade wands gently exfoliating the skin, while at the same time vacuuming the dead skin cells leaving you with a very fresh cleansed feel. DiamondTome is similar to particle microdermabrasion in its results but without the adverse effects of loose particles, irritation and skin reaction. DiamondTome microdermabrasion targets:
- Sun damaged skin – face, neck, and shoulders
- Age spots – hands, face
- Reduction of minor to moderate early aging fine lines – eyes, forehead
- Blending of cosmetic surgery or laser treatments
- Reduction of acne scarring
- Extraction of blackheads and whiteheads
- Minor scar revision
- Hyperpigmentation reduction
- Oily skin
- Rejuvenation of skin health

The treatment is fast and effective while at the same time the patient’s comfort level is ensured. The patient can expect to look slightly pink (a healthy glow) after the treatment and can apply make up if desired that will go on flawlessly. Over time you will notice a remodeling of the skin. Microdermabrasion will enhance dull skin, polish fine lines, evenly smooth skin discoloration, reduce enlarged pores, exfoliate clogged pores and smooth scars of acne, surgery, burns, or injuries. Microdermabrasion works synergistically with our other skin care treatments and with our skin care product line.

Dr Barry Eppley
www.eppleyplasticsurgery.com
www.ologyspa.com
Clarian North Medical Center, Carmel, Indiana
Clarian West Medical Center, Avon, Indiana
Indianapolis

Acne is a skin condition which has plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), inflamed pimples (pustules), and deeper lumps (nodules). Acne occurs on the face, as well as the neck, chest, back, shoulders, and upper arms. Although most teenagers get some form of acne, adults in their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, or even older, can develop acne. Often, acne clears up after several years, even without treatment. Acne can be disfiguring and upsetting to the patient. Untreated acne can leave permanent scars; these may be treated in the future. To avoid acne scarring, treating acne is important.Types of Acne and How Acne Forms

Acne is not caused by dirt. Testosterone, a hormone which is present in both males and females, increases during adolescence (puberty). It stimulates the sebaceous glands of the skin to enlarge, produce oil, and plug the pores. Whiteheads (closed comedones), blackheads (open comedones), and pimples (pustules) are present in teenage acne.

Early acne occurs before the first period and is called prepubertal acne. When acne is severe and forms deep “pus-filled” lumps, it is called cystic acne. This may be more common in males. Adult acne develops later in life and may be related to hormones, childbirth, menopause, or stopping the pill. Adult women may be treated at the period and at ovulation when acne is especially severe, or throughout the entire cycle. Adult acne is not rosacea, a disease in which blackheads and whiteheads do not occur.

Cleansing

It is best to wash your face with a mild cleanser and warm water daily. Washing too often or too vigorously may actually make acne worse.

Diet

Acne is not caused by foods. However, if certain foods seem to make acne worse, try to avoid them.

Cosmetics

Oil-free, water-based moisturizers and make-up should be used. Choose products that are “non-comedogenic” (should not cause whiteheads or blackheads) or “non-acnegenic” (should not cause acne). Remove cosmetics every night with mild soap or gentle cleanser and water.

Treatment

Control of acne is an ongoing process. All acne treatments work by preventing new acne breakouts. Existing blemishes must heal on their own, and therefore, improvement takes time. If acne has not improved within two to three months, treatments may need to be changed. The treatment will vary according to the type of acne. Occasionally, an acne-like rash can be due to another cause such as make-up or lotions, or from oral medication. It is important to help your physician by providing an updated history of what you are using on your skin or taking internally.
Many non-prescription acne lotions and creams help mild cases of acne. However, many will also make your skin dry. Follow instructions carefully.

Topicals

· The physician may prescribe topical creams, gels, or lotions with vitamin A acid-like drugs, benzoyl peroxide, or antibiotics to help unblock the pores and reduce bacteria. These products may cause some drying and peeling. The physician will advise you about correct usage and how to handle side effects.
· Before starting any medications, even topical medications, inform your physician if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you are trying to get pregnant.
· Acne surgery may be used by to remove blackheads and whiteheads. Do not pick, scratch, pop, or squeeze pimples. When the pimples are squeezed, more redness, swelling, inflammation, and scarring may result.
· Microdermabrasion may be used to remove the upper layers of the skin improving irregularities in the surface, contour, and generating new skin.
· Light chemical peels with salicylic acid or glycolic acid help to unblock the pores, open the blackheads and whiteheads, and stimulate new skin growth.
· Injections or corticosteroids may be used for treating large red bumps (nodules). This may help them go away quickly.

Oral

Antibiotics taken by mouth such as tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, or erythromycin are often prescribed. Spironolactone, a long-standing high blood pressure medication, has also been shown to decrease oil production and provide control in some patients of acne outbreaks.

Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills may significantly improve acne, and may be used specifically for the treatment of acne. It is also important to know that oral antibiotics may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. This is uncommon, but possible, especially if you notice break-through bleeding. As a precautionary measure use a second form of birth control.

Other Treatments

· In cases of unresponsive or severe acne, isotretinoin (Accutane) may be used. Patients using isotretinoin must understand the side effects of this drug. Monitoring with frequent follow-up visits is necessary. Pregnancy must be prevented while taking the medication, since the drug causes birth defects.
· Women may also use female hormones or medications that decrease the effects of male hormones to help their acne.
· Photodynamic therapy using the blue wavelength of light, in conjunction with topical Levulan, can be helpful in severe refractory cases of cystic acne.

For more information, go to http://www.eppleyplasticsurgery.com or http://www.ologyspa.com

A Hospital-Based Spa – Integrating East and West

The past 10 years has seen a paradigm shift in plastic surgery with a large number of non-surgical office-based procedures for producing cosmetic changes. Botox, injectable fillers, LipoDissolve injections, light therapies, etc. have resulted in more office visits than any number of surgeries that could be performed. No longer is the plastic surgeon just a once-in-a-lifetime visit for simply having surgery. A visit to the plastic surgeon’s office today is done much more frequently…and usually not for surgery. This phenomenon, combined with an overall wellness or holistic approach to medicine, has created a unique opportunity to integrate or synergize all of these therapies and treatments in a single practice setting.

I created this change in 2004 to my practice by establishing the Ology Spa concept here in Indianapolis. (http://www.ologyspa.com/) It is a hospital-based spa practice concept that provides comprehensive plastic surgery and medical skin care (western medicine) with massage therapy, acupuncture, and other ayurvedic therapies (eastern medicine). Besides combining these therapies, the facilities were placed in newly-built suburban hospitals in the Clarian Health System. (http://www.clarian.org/) The spa facilities were created, built, and treatment protocols established by my expert Director and co-owner, Andrea Bradley-Stutz, whose vision and tireless devotion to the concept are largely responsible for the wonderful facilities and services that we have today. With two locations in Avon (www.clarian.org/portal/ClarianWest) and one in Carmel (http://www.clariannorth.com/), we provide care and services to not only those communities but to a large radius extending both into the city and out to Indiana’s western and northern borders.

It has been a wonderful addition/integration to my plastic surgery practice. My patients can enjoy the tremendous skills of our medical aestheticians and massage therapists both before or after surgery, simply come in to relax and enjoy the soothing ayurvedic therapies, receive an organic manicure or pedicure, or receive acupuncture treatments for the treatment of chronic pain, to lose weight, or stop smoking. (http://www.indyacupuncture.com/) This is truly one stop shopping for all of your wellness and beauty needs!

Dr Barry Eppley
www.eppleyplasticsurgery.com
www.ologyspa.com
Clarian North Medical Center, Carmel, Indiana
Clarian West Medical Center, Avon, Indiana
Indianapolis

MedSpas – Assess Carefully Before Entering!

The popularity of Botox, injectable fillers, and other non-surgical treatments has spawned an entire new cosmetic industry, known as the medspa or medical spa. Combining convenience of location, medical treatments, and a spa approach rolled into one facility, large numbers of these facilities have sprung up nearly everywhere. Medspas are the fastest growing segment of the spa or cosmetic world. Like Starbucks, there appears to be one on nearly every corner. While they may look visually appearing on the outside, what lurks inside can be downright scary.

Because they are outside of the traditional medical world, there are no regulations or oversight as to how they are run. They are outside of the jurisdiction of the state’s medical licensing board and a state’s cosmetology board does not really cover it either. (what does hair and nails have to do with sticking you with needles anyway?) As a result, how they run and, more importantly, who is doing the treatments is completely up to the owner.

The birth of the medspa industry, while obviously highly driven by consumer demand for cosmetic treatments, is also highly influenced by the drug, device, and laser manufacturers. They are, for the most part, entirely indiscriminate as to how they sell to. What is most important is the sale, not whether who they are selling to is even qualified to perform the procedure.

As a potential patient, here are the pertinent questions to ask of any spa or medspa that is offering medical treatments before entering the door:

Who is the owner? (physician or private entrepreneur?)

Who is the Medical Director of the facility and what are his/her
qualifications? (If they are not a board-certified plastic surgeon, ENT/facial
plastic surgeon, or a dermatologist………run!) Ask to see credentials.

Is the Medical Director ever on site or supervise any treatments? (if not…be cautious)

Who is actually performing injection or laser treatments? (only a licensed RN with
proper training is really qualified……everyone else (LPN, medical/nurse assistant,
aesthetician) is really doing it beyond their skill and qualifications level) Ask to see
their credentials.

If there are complications, who are they going to send you to for evaluation?
(this is where having a qualified medical Director is really important)

Dr Barry Eppley
www.eppleyplasticsurgery.com
www.ologyspa.com
Clarian North Medical Center, Carmel, Indiana
Clarian West Medical Center, Avon, Indiana
Indianapolis