US Toll Free 877-BH6750-3, PH 632-893-8888, 6750 Building, Ayala Avenue, Makati, Philippines
Beverly Hills 6750 blogs about beauty, health and wellness, shares news, and talks about the philosophy behind cosmetic and plastic surgery, skin care, dentistry, weight loss management, cosmetic gynecology and vascular laser surgery in the Philippines.
Read on for tips on where to find the best dental services, recommended dermatologists, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, and laser hair removal services in Makati and Manila.
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It is not uncommon for physicians to encounter patients, who suffer the ill effects of having injection treatments for “enhancement” purposes, using substances that may have been represented to the patient as medical grade or drug regulatory approved “silicone”, “collagen” or “botox”. These patients receive injections for “breast augmentation”, “nose-lift”, “buttocks-lift”, or “anti-wrinkle” treatments and unwittingly, expose themselves to clinical complications.
The lure of advertisements and the fact that the injection treatments are presented as “cheaper” alternatives, in combination with a person’s poor body image or a desire to physically enhance one’s self, are enough to attract clients for these procedures and potentially create undesirable results.
As an example, a good number of patients who’ve had breast injections using “bargain” injectables will present with one of two problems, or a combination of both. Infection is one presenting problem. There have been instances when these injected substances cause infections in the breast, requiring surgical drainage and debridement. The consequence of such a problem is oftentimes seen in the unfortunate patient’s eyes — a sadness which is an indelible reflection of how their self-esteem has been diminished by both physical and emotional scarring, when an attempt at enhancement turns into disfigurement.
The other problem encountered in these same patients — is breast lumpiness, or the sensation of having multiple breast masses (occurring at the multiple puncture injection sites). These masses are usually felt by the patient herself and are clinically evident to the physician as well, upon a physical examination of the breast. The haunting question that this problem creates in the minds of these patients is, “Is this mass a cancer?”
It is possible that in the presence of a lumpy breast due to these injections, a cancer growth can arise from the breast glandular tissue making it indistinguishable from the other lumps by physical examination alone. In this situation, unless a biopsy is done on each and every lump, the tool that will be useful to screen for cancer, is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) — an expensive diagnostic procedure. Thus, a patient who at the start was looking for a “bargain”, is later on saddled with an expensive proposition to do annual MRI screening for cancer surveillance. Otherwise, the specter of undetected cancer threateningly hangs over their heads.
Problems similar to those just cited occur not only in Manila but also in the United States. A recent press release by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) states that, “…four seriously ill people were hospitalized following injections of an unidentified substance at a Fort Lauderdale clinic and could be the latest victims of what has become an increasingly common problem — illegal and unsafe drugs administered as cosmetic treatments by practitioners without appropriate training and credentials.”
Former American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) President Dr. Peter Fodor, when asked to comment on the Fort Lauderdale case, said, “The popularity of injectable treatments including BOTOX and a host of soft tissue fillers, has encouraged their promotion by inadequately trained or non-medical practitioners, some of whom may obtain illegal substances and perform procedures under non-sterile conditions.” He says furthermore, “Unfortunately, patients sometimes are lured by promises of less expensive treatments, or they simply fail to check the qualifications of the person administering the treatments, unnecessarily risking their health and safety.”
Patients these days have to be informed patients. They should do their homework when planning to undergo certain procedures. If they eventually decide to have a procedure done, they should be sure that they’re done in appropriate facilities by a properly qualified physician who has received specific training in the particular procedure.
To do otherwise, would be putting your health, and maybe even your life, in jeopardy.
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With real, noticeable results, no surgery and no recovery time, there are many reasons why BOTOX™ has been chosen by millions of women and men and their doctors.
BOTOX™ is a prescription medicine derived from Botulinum Toxin that works by blocking nerve impulses to the injected muscles, thereby reducing muscle activity that causes moderate to severe wrinkle lines in the face, especially those between the eyebrows (glabellar lines). Visible results are immediate but are best seen 3 to 4 days later. The effects last from 3 to 4 months and to benefit from these results continuously, a cycle of BOTOX™ injections is done at 3-4 month intervals.
A recent study done by Dr. Roger Dailey, professor and Lester Jones Endowed Chair of Oculofacial Plastic Surgery of the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and presented at a meeting of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons last April 24, 2010 in Washington, D.C. — has shown that patients who’ve received BOTOX™ cosmetic injections for at least 2 years can decrease the frequency of the injections to every 6 months and still receive most of the same wrinkle-smoothing cosmetic benefits.
Dr. Dailey said, “This demonstrates patients have the ability to achieve good results with broader treatment schedules and ultimately at a lower overall treatment cost.”
The research also demonstrated that BOTOX™ injections have a wrinkle preventing – or prophylactic – effect. Patients who begin receiving injections between their 30s and 50s are able to prevent wrinkles from forming aside from eliminating existing wrinkles.
BOTOX™ has been approved for cosmetic use for eight years. In 2008, more than 5 million patients in the United States received cosmetic BOTOX™ treatments, according to Allergan, the manufacturer. About 313,000 of those patients were men.
For before and after pictures of Botox patients, click HERE.
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Suzette Hahn-Lopez balances her life as a wife, mother and general manager of Beverly Hills 6750
By Sydney C. Go
Photography by Cyrus Panganiban
Suzette Hahn-Lopez enters Beverly Hills 6750 with a brisk step. The staff greets her with warm smiles and apparent respect. The inherent sophistication serves her well and is lauded as general manager of Beverly Hills 6750. Suzette was deeply involved previously in the garment industry before taking on the challenge of managing a major player in the beauty industry.
The aesthetic clinic opened in 2006 and she has given herself to the job with characteristic vibrancy and passion. Suzette engages her team towards the goals the company has set.
Even in her fast paced life, family remains a priority. Husband Manuel Luis Tantoco Lopez or Manny is her pillar of strength. Having been married for 17 years, she smiles at the mere mention of him, “He is the wind beneath my wings, I am lucky I don’t need to prepare anything for my husband’s necessities. He does everything on his own.”
The youngest daughter of Alfred and Letty Hahn, who is half German and half Filipino by parentage, grew up knowing life’s finest things. The Hahns were the sole distributors of BMW in the Philippines for 40 years. Recently, their family was given German citizenship, with a salute to her forebears’ role in the Holocaust. “We are all Filipinos at heart and by choice.” She says. “It was our sister Ruth who spearheaded this so that we were all given German citizenship”
Theirs is a close-knit family of strong personalities. Suzette speaks highly on her siblings and parents, especially. She credits their father for instilling in them a love for the Philippines. They do, however, share a collective penchant for traveling and try to go on trips together. We’re lucky because our side of the family likes to travel.” Her mother said that traveling is the best education. She was fresh out of high school at St. Paul’s College in Quezon City when the family packed up for a tree-month holiday to Europe. There she soaked up the culture and memorable experiences before returning to pursue her degree at the Assumption.
One ability she developed well was being able to strike a balance in life. It is particularly important now that she has a family of her own and a career happening at the same time. She also has other advocacies which are integrated into her work. Suzette is currently involved in a feeding program which she does two times a week. “With all the blessings I have, I want to give back in my small way. The clinic is also involved with Operation Smile. “A person who values her privacy highly, she will however make a pitch for the causes she believes in. “Recently, I have been thinking of joining PAWS, for animals, “she adds, “If they will have me.”
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A Day in the Life of Suzette
5 AM Suzette’s alarm goes off and she snoozes for another 15 minutes. “I proceed to do my morning prayers. I brush my teeth then leisurely read my messages on my mobile.”
5:15 AM The mother of three wakes the children up for school. “Since it takes them another 30 minutes to rise and shine, I lay down beside their bed and snooze a bit, “she says.
5:35 AM She takes her three shih tzu’s out for their morning walk. “Sadly this is my only form of exercise as of now,” she admits
6:00 AM Suzette takes her first cup of cappuccino with cinnamon, cream and sugar. Then she calls her office and checks if all surgery procedures are in place.
6:30 AM It’s family breakfast time and the hands-on mom checks on her children’s schedules for the day and sees them off to three different schools.
8 AM Suzette is off to the feeding center in a very casual attire. They distribute food and she says that seeing children’s faces light up is enough to give her energy for the day.
8:50 AM She gets ready for work, which includes a Kératase ritual.
9 AM While sipping freshly squeezed orange juice, Suzette’s hair dresser comes in to give a quick blow dry. She does her own make up and gives instructions to the household staff on their daily chores.
9:30 AM It is quality time with her husband; Manny drives her to the office where they chat on the way.
10:30 AM The general manager of Beverly Hills 6750 has a motivational meeting with the team. Suzette supervises them each individual’s performance.
11 AM Suzette attends to meetings and check sales reports. “I check our competitors’ promos and prices and I make sure Beverly Hills 6750 is cheaper than our direct competitors at all times.”
1 PM Suzette meets up and consults with clients. She squeezes in a 30-minute lunch of Gambaretti at Cibo.
4:30 PM After a full day of meetings, she goes for a treatment. “I recharge by going for the Refirme Skin Tightening Procedure.”
5 PM With renewed energy, Suzette visits patients in the OR, making sure they are well attended.
6 PM While the day is winding down, she reviews operational records, reports and projected sales. “I end the work hour by reading and answering emails that have piled up.”
8 PM Tonight, she and Manny have a dinner date before hanging out with friends sipping the: best margaritas” at Manila Polo Club.
10:30 PM Finally at home, Suzette enjoys peace and quiet time to read papers in the kitchen over a glass of red wine. She and her husband discuss weekend plans. They plan to spend Sunday lunch with her in-laws and then dinner with her parents at a restaurant.
11:30 PM She indulges in a long hot bath, which she looks forward to at the end of each day.
12 MN She watches late night news and tries to squeeze in at least two chapters of a book.
12:45 AM Suzette says her prayers and is off to bed.
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Read more about Suzette Hahn-Lopez.
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from 100 Magazine
Nowadays, people are getting more and more interested in embracing a healthy lifestyle and improving one’s well-being. Men and women are enthusiastic about anti-aging measures, or those that would improve their physical features. For Filipinos, the enhancement of one’s appearance is most definitely about making each individual feel better inside and out.
The campaign for Medical Tourism in the Philippines was formally launched last January 2006 by [then] Health Secretary Francisco Duque, and [former] President Gloria Arroyo, all for the aim of advertising medical excellence and innovation in the Philippines. The components of the program include medical, surgical and dental care, traditional and alternative health care, health and wellness, long-term tourism and the establishment of international retirement and medical zones.
The brightest prospect for medical tourism success however, would be that of “aesthetics”, which includes cosmetic surgery, aesthetic dermatology, and cosmetic dentistry. And leading the Philippines in this field is a medical group and facility called Beverly Hills 6750 Multi-Specialty Aesthetic Institute.
Beverly Hills 6750 has mastered in the following procedures: aesthetic plastic surgery, aesthetic dermatology, cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic gynecology, medically-supervised weight loss programs, weight loss surgery (bariatric) and state-of-the-art treatment of varicose veins. It boasts of world-class technology and facilities with high-caliber medical professionals and staff who focus on delivery of quality results, patient safety, personalized service, and innovation. Beverly Hills 6750 aims to be at the forefront when it comes to the standard and level of advanced aesthetic services in the Philippines.
The plastic surgeons at BH 6750 are known for their innovation in certain procedures, like the Hybrid Rhinoplasty, which is an “open technique” wherein the nasal tip is cartilage and the bridge implant (if needed) is made of medical grade silicone or Gore-tex material. They also offer the All Natural Rhinoplasty, wherein all graft materials, for both the tip and the nasal bridge are taken from ear cartilage, thus making it “all natural”. They are also promoting their Ultimate Face Tightening Procedure, a combination of Thermage treatment, followed 2 weeks later by Syneron E-Max’s ST-Refirme skin tightening protocol. This combination of two technologies has shown superior results compared to when the treatments are done individually, resulting in a non-surgical facelift! With these talented surgeons and world class technologies, you can be assured that you will be well taken care of, and that you will get your desired results at Beverly Hills 6750.
Hot offerings: 1) Fraxel Re:Store Laser (Reliant) -procedure for skin re-surfacing. 2) Comet Laser (Syneron) for hair reduction -provides optimal hair reduction of all hair colors on all skin types, including tanned skin; 3) Hydroxygen Jet Peel Facial Rejuvenation – a stream of pure oxygen is used, resulting in skin exfoliation, moisturization and an overall radiant skin. 4) Gynesthetics Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation (LVR®) – effectively decreases the internal and external vaginal diameters and strengthens the perineal body. It is designed to enhance sexual gratification. 5) BH-Venolaser (using a DIOMED Laser) – addresses varicose veins where a laser fiber is inserted into the big vein and is ablated with laser energy. After one to two weeks, 90% of the superficial varicosities would have disappeared.
Other services: 1) A wide range of dental services that includes both general and cosmetic dentistry, including the latest orthodontic treatment called the Invisalign; and 2) Comprehensive weight loss programs and bariatric solutions that form a spectrum of treatment options to manage difficult weight loss cases.
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Listen up, health and beauty buffs!
Beverly Hills 6750’s very own Dr. Eduardo Santos – “Doc Edward” on air – just finished taping brand new soundbites for RJ Radio Station, 100.3 FM this afternoon.
The one minute segments will air intermittently during the day, on weekdays, starting on Monday, July 12.
The segment is called Beauty and Wellness by Design by Beverly Hills 6750. The segment intends to provide snippets of information regarding treatments and general information covering the range of aesthetic services that’s offered at the clinic, that includes: cosmetic surgery, skin care and skin rejuvenation, weight loss, cosmetic gynecology, laser varicose veins treatments, and general & cosmetic dentistry.
In photo: Ramon “RJ” Jacinto (left) and “Doc Edward” Santos (right)
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Soft tissue fillers are quite popularly used by both dermatologists and plastic surgeons as injections into the skin, to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, plump lips, fill hollow cheeks, repair various facial imperfections, improve scars, and elevate deep folds. The result is a smoother, more youthful appearance with minimal “downtime” and maximum safety.
There are a variety of soft tissue fillers, including human and bovine (cattle) collagen, hyaluronic acid, autologous fat (one’s own fat), and donor tissue. The growing number of available fillers has greatly expanded the anti-aging and skin-saving treatments, and since soft tissue filler substances do not involve major surgery and are generally cost-effective, men and women are using these youth-enhancing techniques more than ever.
One such filler that has acquired wide acceptance and usage is Restylane™ — a product containing hyaluronic acid.
It has been thought that Restylane’s physical volume caused the improvement in the appearance of one’s skin. In a study published in the journal/ Archives of Dermatology, it has been found that Restylane™ actually works by stretching fibroblasts — the cells in the skin that make collagen, in a way that causes the skin to create new collagen. This new, natural collagen would then contribute to the reduction of the appearance of creases and wrinkles. The study also shows that the product seems to inhibit the breakdown of existing collagen.
In young people, fibroblasts are stretched, and this produces enough collagen to make the skin appear relatively smooth. As people age, the fibroblasts become relaxed and do not stretch as easily, and therefore do not release as much collagen, causing creases and wrinkles to appear.
The findings of the study are based on injections in 11 volunteers, ages 64 to 84 years, and the subsequent analyses of their skin biopsies.
With the injection of Restylane™ in this study, the relaxed fibroblasts were re-stretched, says lead author Dr. Frank Wang, research fellow with the Department of Dermatology. In a sense, this stretching encourages the fibroblasts to behave in the way they do in younger skin and to release collagen.
Another factor is that in older skin, an enzyme called collagenase breaks down the collagen in the skin. The research found that injection of the dermal filler inhibits the breakdown of collagen by collagenase, which also helps with the appearance of one’s skin.
To see Before and After pictures using Restylane™, click here.
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The terms “herbal” or “natural” are practically identical with safety for most people. Over-the-counter medications that can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription are often misguidedly assumed to be risk-free.
A study in the March/April 2009 issue of Aesthetic Surgery Journal titled, “Perioperative Risks and Benefits of Herbal Supplements in Aesthetic Surgery”, cautions that over 40% of cosmetic surgery patients take herbal supplements in the two weeks preceding a surgical procedure. While a number of herbal supplements may offer benefits during recuperation after plastic surgery, familiar herbal products such as ginseng, echinacea, valerian root, garlic, ginkgo biloba, ephedra and others can cause harmful effects if taken during preparations for surgery.
When going through cosmetic surgery, the most substantial and possibly hazardous effects of alternative medications crop up during the operative and immediate postoperative periods with the chief matters being: sedative effects, change of blood coagulation, cardiovascular effects, and reactions with other medications.
Regrettably, as many as 70% of patients may not divulge the intake of herbal medications to their physician or health care provider, sometimes because they feel these cosmetic surgeons have not much understanding or interest in “natural” drugs, or they feel physicians may frown on such supplements. Some patients simply refuse to acknowledge the bearing of supplement intake to their present medical or cosmetic surgical treatment. Patients must be informed that complete disclosure of all medications – both those that are obtained over-the-counter and those that are prescribed – is exceptionally critical to their well-being and safety. They should also realize that conflicting and unregulated manufacturing criterions and deficiency in regulation for several herbal medications suggests that quality and dosage may differ greatly among treatments.
The proponents of the study recommend that in order to avoid potential plastic surgery complications, patients must be educated and given a complete list of medications that must be avoided prior to the operative period.
To read an abstract of the article, click here.
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Liposuction offers a wealth of benefits, including fat loss for localized areas of the body, and a treatment to improve skin surface irregularities. But perhaps one other benefit that may surprise clients is the possibility for increased breast size! While the decision for liposuction should not be based on a reason of increased breast size, many female liposuction patients have noticed that their breast size is larger following liposuction.
Dr. Eric Finzi, M.D., Ph.D., a board certified dermatologic surgeon with a specialty in tumescent liposuction, initiated a study to determine the validity of this claim. He himself noted that a number of his patients returned to his office for their post-operative exam with this unexpected result from a body liposuction procedure. He retrospectively reviewed the records of over 60 women who underwent liposuction in various areas of the body over a 3 year period. The study results were published in the September 2003 issue of Dermatologic Surgery*, the official journal publication of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDA).
Study Results Support the Premise
The Finzi study found that significant breast enhancement occurred in 43% of female patients who underwent one or more tumescent liposuction surgeries. These patients demonstrated an increase in upper breast pole projection and improved breast shapeliness following liposuction. The study results show a likelihood for increased breast size under certain conditions, including:
“This is the first step in the development of natural breast enlargement,” stated Dr. Finzi, who has performed tumescent liposuction surgery on thousands of patients to remove fat in areas of the body where diet and exercise were ineffective.
The reasons for increased breast size following liposuction is not clear, however it has been speculated that the accumulation of fat following liposuction tends to gravitate to untreated body areas.
Since it’s inception in 1987, tumescent liposuction by local anesthesia has become a major cosmetic treatment for body sculpting by dermatologic and plastic surgeons. With tumescent liposuction’s superior safety record, and ability to remove fat in unwanted areas with minimal surgical scarring, women may now potentially also benefit with a natural increase in breast size!
* Dermatologic Surgery is the official publication of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS). To view the Breast Enlargement Induced by Liposuction study online, click here.
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The next generation of skin rejuvenation is here! It’s called Fraxel Re:store®, and it provides excellent results to your skin with less downtime than ever before.
The Fraxel fractional laser technology was first introduced in 2005. It has proven so effective that in 2006, Fraxel was awarded Best Product of the Year by Time Magazine and imitated by a growing number of laser manufacturers.
Now, however, the original Fraxel system has been enhanced to lessen downtime. Called Fraxel Re:store®, this device delivers a laser energy (Erbium laser) that does not create open wounds. The skin resurfacing process is spread out over 3 to 6 treatment sessions, depending on the condition being treated. The typical reaction to the treatment is that of a moderate sunburn. There is minimal downtime and risks compared to traditional or older ablative treatments.
This Fraxel Re:store® laser repairs damaged skin by treating only a fraction of the skin at a time without breaking its protective outer barrier, leaving the area surrounded by unaffected, healthy tissue. It allows the skin to heal much faster than if the entire area was treated at once, using the body’s natural healing process to produce collagen, thereby creating new, healthy, and tighter tissue to replace skin imperfections.
Fraxel Re:store® provides a highly effective, predictable and safe treatment for those with acne scarring, melasma or hormonal skin discoloration, periorbital wrinkles, surgical scars, and age/sun spots. It also appears to improve the appearance of stretch marks.
Fraxel is effective on the face as well as on the hands, arms, décolleté and almost any other area where improvement to the skin condition is desired.
To view before and after photos of actual Fraxel Re:store patients, please click here.
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Mix and match your favorite treatments and get fabulous BH 6750 services at half the price! |
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This June, avail one and get a second treatment of equal or lesser value for 50% off the marked price. Promo period is June 15-30, 2010. Call now to inquire! 893.6750 | 893.8888 | 0917.893.6750
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