Getting Rid of Those Moles

Mole removal is a cosmetic surgery procedure that provides a solution to people wanting to improve their appearance and reduce associated health risks.

Moles most frequently develop in young adults near the age of 40. Depending on their location, moles may go unnoticed — or they may become a nuisance by rubbing against clothing and getting in the way of shaving.

Moles can also lead to dangerous health problems. Many skin cancers, including melanoma, begin in the shape of a mole.

Not all atypical moles turn out to be cancerous, but they are more likely than typical moles to develop into cancer.

If you have a mole that seems atypical in any way -- one that changes in size and appearance, bleeds, is asymmetrical, is not uniform in color, has ragged edges, or in any other way seems unusual -- it is very important to have it examined. If a cancerous mole is diagnosed early, it can often be completely removed.

You may also want to have normal moles removed, especially those that rub against clothing or get in the way of shaving. Prominent moles may also be removed to improve appearance.

Visit our website for more information about mole removal, and then contact us online or call our Patient Care Coordinator at 972.239.6317 x134 for a FREE phone consultation and to setup an appointment.

Andropause — Menopause for Men

Wives, how do you know when your hubby (or significant other) is entering andropause, or have you even ever heard of such a thing as andropause?

A lot of women like to call it the real "MEN-O-PAUSE". Women go through menopause at a certain time in their life. Men go through something similar, but it is called andropause.

• Is he looking at that dream red sports car more often these days?
• Is he looking at those cute 20 yr olds too long for your liking?
• Is he losing his hair, or losing or gaining more weight recently?
  

Don’t divorce him! Bring him to TIFM!!

He just might be going thru andropause (menopause for men). It is very complex and happens to all men at different times of life. It has different symptoms but common causes. The average human male begins to feel some symptoms of andropause around the age of 40 to 45; which is followed by rapid deterioration after the age of 50.

Symptoms of andropause may include:

• Bone loss, thinning or weakening
• Brain fog or confusion
• Changes in hair growth patterns (more some places, less in others)
• Decreased libido or lack of interest in sex
• Erectile dysfunction, loss of erections or infertility
• General achy feeling
• Hot flashes or night sweats
• Inability to sleep
• Lethargy, decreased energy or fatigue
• Mood changes or depression
• Muscle loss or weakness

Androgens are the class of steroid hormones that are responsible for making human males into "men". Testosterone and its metabolites, called androgens, can start failing as early as age 35!

It's like going thru puberty — only in reverse!

What causes this is an area of much research and includes hypothalamus dysfunction in sending signals to the testicles (which makes more hormones), lessening response of the leydig cells (which makes testosterone) to the stimulatory effects of LH and FSH (yes wives, you have these hormones too), and an increase of Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG); simply meaning there may be enough testosterone molecules on the bus, but the bus doesn't let the passengers off to go to work!!

What can be done?

Since there is great variability in andropause (just as there is in menopause), certain lab testing must be performed to determine what and where to start. Obviously, checking testosterone levels is one thing, but also its awful metabolite, called DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), is another. It usually goes up; which causes prostate problems and hair loss.

All hormones need to be tested (not just testosterone) as they are all inter-connected. Many physicians only test one or two (which is an invitation to failure or bad side effects). We can test ALL of them!

• Obviously we do a male hormone panel to measure many substances; includiung free-testosterone, dihydrotesterone (the bad stuff), etc.
• Thyroid function almost always decreases with age, and leads to lethargy, lack of drive and mood changes. We can fix this.
• Adrenal function suffers greatly during andropause. This is something that should always be checked. We can fix this also.
• Growth hormone is always the first thing we hear requested, and is seldom the underlying need in andropause, but we test for it to be sure. We can fix it if it is broken.
• Blood flow needs to be addressed because, at the age of andropause, inflammation from many different sources can cause plaque to develop in the blood vessels, and that is the leading cause of Erectile Dysfunction (ED)! We can fix these too as we are experts in chelation; a form of treatment for both ED and CAD (Coronary Artery Disease).
• Heavy metals also peak at the age of andropause, and can cause massive changes in the internal functions of your body. This is our area of expertise as well!

So, wives and spouses, as you can see, andropause can be a complex issue in your guy BUT it is very treatable at TIFM.

Call us or drag him in by his ... earlobe ... yeah ... that's it ... drag him in by his earlobes. We can help him to be the same old sexy guy you once knew!!!

And if he is a bit worn around the edges (sagging jowls, droopy eyelids, fat belly, thinning hair, etc.), we can fix those things too!!

Call us now before he starts looking to buy that sexy cherry red Porsche or other things that he thinks will help him regain his youth. Get him there »f»a»s»t»e»r» at TIFM!

Visit our website for more information about men's health, and then contact us online or call our Patient Care Coordinator at 972.239.6317 x134 for a FREE phone consultation and to setup an appointment.

The "Fountain of Youth" in a Glass

TIFM offers a unique anti-aging drink mix that creates beauty from the inside-out. This revolutionary formula is naturally flavored with lemon and sweetened with Xylitol - a safe sweetener. The main ingredients are Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid with Vitamin C, Glucosamine Sulfate and Calcium Hydroxyapatite added to increase the overall effectiveness.

All of these ingredients combined have been shown to dramatically improve the effects of aging; from your skin to your joints and more. There has also been anecdotal evidence stating that it can rid the body of cellulite, eliminate hemorrhoids and even strengthen the vaginal wall.

Aging skin appears as finely lined, thin, wrinkled, dry or rough, discolored and patchy. The loss in the skin’s elasticity is one of the major contributors of this. On the surface, the problem appears to be the outer layer, but aging skin actually occurs in the dermis, or second layer of skin, where collagen, elastin and moisture reside. When certain components, such as collagen
and Hyaluronic acids, are diminished and compromised, skin becomes dehydrated and the ability of your bones and joints to function properly is lost.

The Collagen/Hyaluronic Drink Mix reintroduces a youthful look and feel to your skin with an extraordinary ingredient base that includes collagen and hyaluronic acids, along with a host of other supporting ingredients. Together, these ingredients replenish skin from within. The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles are dramatically reduced and the skin’s texture becomes smoother, tighter and more refined.

Collagen is the primary support of skin, tendons, bones, cartilage and connective tissues. It is a protein chemical substance (the "glue" if you will) that holds tissues together. Here are some interesting facts about collagen:

• More than a third of the body’s protein is collagen.
• Collagen makes up 75 percent of our skin.
• Acts as scaffolding for our bodies.
• Controls cell shape and differentiation.
• Why broken bones regenerate and wounds heal.
• Why blood vessels grow to feed healing areas.

Hyaluronic acid is a component of connective tissue whose function is to cushion and lubricate. It occurs throughout the body in abundant amounts in many of the places people with hereditary connective tissue disorders have problems; such as joints, heart valves and eyes. Hyaluronic acid abnormalities are a common thread in connective tissue disorders. Interestingly, they are also common biochemical anomalies in most of the individual features of connective tissue disorders; such as mitral valve prolapse, TMJ, osteoarthritis, and keratoconus. Hyaluronic acid has been nicknamed by the press as the "key" to the "fountain of youth" because it has been noted that at least some people who ingest a lot of it in their diets tend to live to ripe old ages. ABC News aired a show about a village in Japan about hyaluronic acid entitled, "The Village of Long Life: Could Hyaluronic Acid Be an Anti-Aging Remedy?"

The question is: Does it really work? Our proof is that once a patient starts using this product, they continue using it over and over and over again - because they enjoy the results so much! It is so successful that we are selling it worldwide now!! Come get yours today and see for yourself!!!

Visit our website for more information, and then contact us online or call our Patient Care Coordinator at 972.239.6317 x134 for a FREE phone consultation and to setup an appointment.

Lip lines, Wrinkles and Scars

Lip lines, stretch marks, fine facial lines, hyperpigmentation and acne scarring have been frustrating physicians and patients in their inability to be effectively treated. Historically, several cosmetic treatments were used to address these problems. You could have a deep chemical peel (in which caustic solutions dissolve the outer layer of skin), undergo dermabrasion (in which the first layer of skin is ground off) or see a surgeon who uses a device such as a laser (in which the outer layer of skin is vaporized). These procedures have many, potentially significant, harmful side effects.

Now there is a new, non-ablative and efficacious treatment that is available. Medical Needling or, as it is officially called, Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) is a simple procedure which requires little down time for patients (no more than four to seven days) and significant, measurable, and sustainable results. It is safe for skin of any type or color.

What is medical needling?

Medical needling is usually performed with the patient lightly sedated. The area to be treated is numbed with a local anesthetic. During medical needling, an FDA approved roller with a series of fine, sharp medical needles is used to create small punctures in the skin. These punctures extend into the dermis, or deep layers of the skin, to create micro-trauma and stimulate the production of new collagen. The tiny wounds created by medical needling also allow topical medications to reach into the deep layers of skin for about 5 days after treatment. The punctures do very little damage to the epidermis, or top layer of skin, allowing it to heal rapidly. The procedure takes about 20 minutes, depending on the area to be treated. After the procedure, an antibiotic ointment is applied to the skin and patients can go home immediately.

What will I look and feel like afterward?

Medical needling usually causes some short-term bleeding, redness of the skin and bruising for the first 2 days. However, the skin heals rapidly because minimal damage is done to the outer layer of skin. Most patients can return to normal activities, including their jobs, in 2 to 3 days. Patients should wash their skin three to four times a day in the first few days following the procedure and apply an antibiotic ointment for the first 2 days.

What about Results?

Results can take three to nine months to fully appear as the body takes time to generate new collagen. Results last as long as the body’s own collagen, 5-10 years or more. This procedure has been successfully used to treat peri-oral wrinkles, the appearance of stretch marks, abdominal laxity, facial and acne scarring, and rejuvenation of sun damaged skin on the chest as well as other areas. The potential complications of skin burns, hyperigmentation, uneven scarring and extensive downtime are avoided.

Visit our website for more information on Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) , and then contact us online or call our Patient Care Coordinator at 972.239.6317 x134 for a FREE phone consultation and to setup an appointment.

New Surgery Removes Fat on Your Back

Study Shows Procedure for Removing Skin Rolls Is Effective

By Kelley ColihanWebMD Health News

Sept. 12, 2008 -- Forget the facelift, how about sprucing up the ole'back? The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is pitching a new procedure to get rid of skin rolls on your middle and upper back. The group is releasing results of a small study of seven women who had what is being called the "bra-line back lift" between 2001 and 2007.

Seven women underwent the procedure for this study. The average age was 54. Plastic surgeons went in and sliced out skin tissue, some of it 8 to 10 inches wide. The remaining tissue was reattached. The scar was conveniently hidden under the women's bra line. The procedure took about an hour, according to researchers. Patients were urged to get up and moving within two weeks, depending on how much pain they were feeling.

The women were followed for nearly two years. Two of them had to have their scars redone within a year of their back lift surgery. Study authors don't say whether the women have since regained the fat.

Rolls of back fat are something that often comes with the natural aging process. In the review of the procedures, study researchers write that "the low complication rate, brief recovery time, and high level of patient satisfaction make this a desirable procedure for surgeon and patient alike."

Visit our website for more information, and then contact us online or call our Patient Care Coordinator at 972.239.6317 x134 for a FREE phone consultation and to setup an appointment.

Flu Prevention, Protection & Treatment versus The Annual Guessing Game

Infectious disease experts say that the composition of a flu vaccine is a difficult prediction at best. They say "Although these are educated guesses, they clearly are guesses".

Officials from the FDA (Food & Drug Administration), CDC (Centers for Disease Control), WHO (World Health Organization), and other institutions study virus samples and patterns collected throughout the year from around the world. Based on those studies, the FDA decides on the three strains that manufacturers should include in their vaccines for Americans.

Some officials at the CDC state that last year's flu vaccine was only 44% effective; they guessed wrong. It is nearly an impossible feat because by the time they decide what the prevalent strains are around the world it's almost too late for manufacturers to produce a viable vaccine in sufficient volume to get to market in time. This year the most prevalent strain wasn’t even available.

Vaccines are designed to protect against the strains identified by the FDA. But, there's always the chance that the scientists' best guesses will fall short, as was the case during the 2007-08 flu season in the United States. Last year's flu season was the worst in four years, due, in part, to a vaccine that wasn't a good match for certain circulating flu strains, U.S. health officials said.

Additionally, we are very concerned about the materials in the flu shot that are called additives. Most of us know about the dangers of the preservatives Thiomersal (which is mercury), Aluminum, formaldehyde and others. Check out the list of ingredients in each manufacturer’s vaccine. You'll be amazed, and probably shocked by what you see! Remember, it’s not a good idea to get a flu shot if you are allergic to eggs.

Let me suggest a better approach:

PREVENTION, PROTECTION and TREATMENT!!

PREVENTION: Remember that TOUCH is your biggest enemy. Become aware of everything you touch and who has touched it before you. Become a Howard Hughes in the next several months! Simple things like using a paper towel, napkin, handy wipe or even your sleeve to open doors. Use a cleansing agent on your hands that will kill most germs and do not use isopropyl alcohol (which is ineffective). We have topical gels available for just this purpose that you can carry with you. DO NOT TOUCH YOUR EYES unless using a tissue as this is the major method for transferring viruses.

PROTECTION: Make sure your immune system is as strong as possible. Consider the other ‘assaults’ on your immune system that are out there, including:

• Pollen (which makes people sneeze and have itchy eyes — after they rub their eyes, where will their hands go next — and lots of people nowadays do not cover their nose when they sneeze ... Yikes!!!)
• Stress
• Sugar (yes, totally avoid sugar and simple carbs during the flu season as they are one of the top immunosuppressants!)
• Lack of Sleep

We have a high potency Immunostim Vitamin C IV that we have found to be one of the top preventive therapies to increase your protection against the flu. The IV takes 2 hours (in a comfy chair)!

TREATMENT: We recommend UVB/Ozone; a quick IV therapy! This is the only procedure we have seen that effectively takes a major bite out of flu viruses. We all do this therapy at the clinic and have not missed more than a couple of days of work in the past several years during flu season!!

Consider lost wages from being home sick versus the government’s guessing game (where they may or may not tell manufacturers to produce the right vaccine) and you'll probably never get a flu shot again — you'll be coming to TIFM instead!!

Visit our website for more information, and then contact us online or call our Patient Care Coordinator at 972.239.6317 x134 for a FREE phone consultation and to setup an appointment.