OUR MISSION...

Labia Reduction - Is Laser Better?

[ No Comments ] Posted on 02.25.09 under Uncategorized

Many women experience discomfort during exercise, intercourse, or from clothing if the vaginal labia are elongated or stretched from childbirth or from anatomic variation.

“Labiaplasty is not just for cosmetic reasons, ” says Dr. Randy Birken, founder of Birken Medical Aesthetics of The Woodlands, Texas.  “It’s important to understand the complex features of the labia minora, frenulum, clitoris, and clitoral hood.  These structures have to be reconstructed properly.  The laser permits finer and more precise surgical technique resulting in quicker healing as well as better clinical outcomes”

Dr. Birken is an associate of the Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Institute of America, founded by Dr. David Matlock of Dr. 90210 fame.

In-office Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) in Houston-The Woodlands, Texas

[ No Comments ] Posted on 02.20.09 under Uncategorized

The Avelar abdominoplasty is a simple technique used with abdominal liposuction to tightening the abdominal skin.  Unlike traditional abdominoplasty procedures that require general anesthesia and weeks of recovery, the Avelar tummy tuck is combined with aggressive liposuction under tumescent or local anesthetic.

“The results are quite remarkable,” said Dr. Randy Birken, founder of Birken Medical Aesthetics of The Woodlands, Texas.  “Patient enjoy doing it in the office without the additional costs of a facility or anesthesiologist.  But best of all, the recovery is quick with minimal downtime and the results similiar if not better than the longer, more involved conventional tummy tuck.”

Who Benefits from Liposuction/abdominoplasty Procedures?

[ No Comments ] Posted on 02.17.09 under Uncategorized

For many, exercise and diet do not change the storage of fat in certain areas of the body, especially the abdomen.  But who benefits from the combination of liposuction with a tummy tuck?

“It’s relatively easy to tell by exam,” says Dr. Randy Birken, founder of Birken Medical Aesthetics of The  Woodlands, Texas.  “Usually, the patient has too much fat around the middle of the abdomen as well as on the flanks, ” Dr. Birken continues.  “But the patient who has thinned, stretched skin with fat deposition does well when an Avelar abdominoplasty is done at the same time.”

The two procedures are done under tumescent anesthesia, which means local anesthetic only, eliminated the risks of general anesthesia and the costs of a surgical facility.  Recovery is quick with minimal discomfort.

“Patient satisfaction is very high,” Dr. Birken says.  “They love their flat bellies.  Its a great incentive to continue with a healthy diet and exercise, but most importantly, its great for their self-confidence and self-image.”

Weight Loss and Tummy Tucks - Easier and Safer Approach

[ No Comments ] Posted on 02.15.09 under Uncategorized

Trying to lose weight, and even more frustrating, trying to lose belly fat, can lead to disappointments, poor self-image, and discouragement.  Is there a program that address both problems?
“Yes,” says Dr. Randy A. Birken, founder of Birken Medical Aesthetics of The Woodlands, Texas.  “By combining safe medical management to increase metabolism with simple, in-office lipoabdominalplasty (liposuction and tummy tuck) a person can easily lose weight as well as abdominal fat.”

Dr. Birken uses different medical options to facilitate weight loss.  As a person loses weight, fat deposits, especially in the abdomen, can easily be removed with tumescent liposuction and the Avelar tummy tuck.  No general anesthetic or hospital admission is needed.

“Patients get a restored sense of well-being with improved body image, good for the psyche as well as their health.”

In-office Tummy Tuck - Lipoabdominoplasty in Houston-The Woodlands, Texas

[ No Comments ] Posted on 02.15.09 under Uncategorized

Ever thought about a tummy tuck but were concerned about general anesthesia as well as hospital and anesthesiology fees?

“No more,” says Dr. Randy Birken, founder of Birken Medical Aesthetics of The Woodlands, Texas.  “Liposuction with the Avelar abdominoplasty.  It’s simple and requires only a local anethetic without the extra costs or risks of traditional abdominoplasty.”

Unlike the extensive and potentially risky surgery required for a conventional tummy tuck, lipobdominoplasty is done in the office while the patient is awake - no general anesthetic is required.  Cosmetic results are the same if not better than in-hospital surgery.

“Patients are awake without discomfort, healing and recovery is quick, and the aesthetic outcomes remarkable,” Dr. Birken said.  “It’s a great alternative to the more traumatic tummy tuck.”

Medical Weight Loss Management in Houston-The Woodlands, Texas

[ No Comments ] Posted on 02.15.09 under Uncategorized

Dr. Randy Birken, founder of Birken Medical Aesthetics of The Woodlands, Texas, now offers new weekly injections to help with weight loss:

M-I-C is a weekly injection of Choline, Methionine, Inositol, and Vitamin B12.  Choline is an amino acid used by the liver for fat emulsification while Inositol is a powerful nutrient promoting fat metabolism.  Methioinine acts as a catalyst for both Choline and Inositol while B12 aids the burning of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

AMP(Adenosine-Mono-Phospate) is also a weekly injection that maximizes cellular energy production for fatigue.  It can be given with M-I-C weekly.

Also, Dr. Birken offers an offer use of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG):

HCG First published in 1954, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) as a weekly injection acts on the hypothalamus to moderate the thyroid, adrenals, fat storage and metabolic rate while mobilizing fat from storage and increasing circulating calories for utilization.

The main goal of HCG treatment is to suppress hunger while improving a sense of well-being so the patient can remain on a low caloric diet.  HCG for weight loss is an off-label use for this medication

In 2006, researchers published data showing an increase in adiponectin (ADP), a fat cell hormone involved in glucose and lipid metabolism.

The main limitation of HCG is the need for a daily injection, although the patient can self-administer at home.  One protocol recommends 26 daily injections for those who want to lose 15 pounds or less and 40 injections for those needing to lose more than 15 pounds.

Bioidentical (Natural) Hormones - Houston and The Woodlands, Texas

[ No Comments ] Posted on 02.15.09 under Uncategorized

What are bioidentical hormones, or as some refer, natural hormone replacement, and are they safer than pharmaceutical hormones?

“Controversies continue,” says Dr. Randy Birken, founder of Birken Medical Aesthetics, “but when you study the scientific data, you know your patients are better off.”

Bioidentical hormones are made from plants and are biologically identical to human hormones.  Synthetic hormones can be derive from plants as well as animals, but are still different than natural hormones.

“I remember when I switched my wife from Prempro to bio-identicals,” Dr. Birken continues, “and just a few days later, she felt different.”

As patients age, there is a decrease in both reproductive as well as metabolic hormones.  Testing includes estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, and adrenal levels.  The clinician interprets the data along with the patient’s clinical presentation, and prescribes appropriate hormone replacement.

“I have had many patients tell me that bioidentical hormones have changed their lives,” Dr. Birken said.  “Usually, the patient experiences more energy, better sleep, improved mental functioning, easier weight loss, younger appearing skin, as well as bolstered libido.  It can be a new lease on life.”

While scientific data suggests that bio-identical hormones maybe safer than synthetic, it is not conclusive. Since the body recognizes these molecules as natural instead of foreign, intuitively they appear to be a better choice for those suffering from hormone deficiencies.

The pharmaceutical industry promotes synthetic hormones because they can be patented for profit.  While compounding pharmacies that make bio-identical can be more expensive than synthetic, the improved overall quality of life is worth it.  Recently, Oprah Winfrey has presented to her audience the concept that bio-identical hormones may be a better alternative to synthetic.

Contact Liz at:

liz@birkenmedicalaesthetics.com

Vaginal Rejuvenation (Tightening) - Laser Surgery in Houston-The Woodlands, Texas

[ No Comments ] Posted on 02.15.09 under Uncategorized

Graphic depictions of cosmetic surgery is available on cable TV and website such as youtube, but cosmetic gynecology presents a new dimension for the media.  How does a woman interested in vaginal rejuvenation (vaginal tightening) or labiaplasty (labial reduction) know how to find the right surgeon?  Both gynecologist and plastic surgeons offer these services.

“Most plastic surgeons do not want to operate in the vagina,” says Dr. Randy Birken, founder of Birken Medical Aesthetics of The Woodlands, Texas.  “They may be comfortable with limited labiaplasty procedures, but not more.”

Dr. David Matlock, of Dr. 90210 fame and pioneer of Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation (LVR) and Designer Laser Vaginoplasty (DLV), has trained a selected number of physicians in the U.S and internationally.

“His techniques are well tested and proven clinically correct,” Dr. Birken continues.  “He combines great surgical skills with aesthetic appeal.”

Dr. Birken is an associate of the Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Institute of America and offers both LVR for vaginal tightening as well as DLV for aesthetic labial surgery.

Vaginal Rejuvenation (Tightening) and Labiaplasty with Laser

[ No Comments ] Posted on 02.01.09 under Uncategorized

Is vaginal rejuvenation for pelvic relaxation and looseness, as well as reduction of labia, better with the use of laser surgery?

“Yes, definitely,” Dr. Randy Birken, founder of Birken Medical Aesthetics of The Woodlands, Texas, said.  “The 980 Diode laser allows for precision incisions and faster healing and recovery.  Dr. David Matlock, of Dr. 90210 fame, pioneered these techniques and refined the methodology for aesthetic gynecology. Only those physicians who have trained with Dr. Matlock can offer Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation as well as Designer Laser Vaginoplasty procedures.

Dr. Birken is an associate of the Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Institute of America and Clinical Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas