The Beauty Standard with Dr. Roy Kim

Weekly Aesthetic Update: What's New in Aesthetic World?

• Dr. Roy Kim

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Dr. Roy Kim explores six cutting-edge developments in medical and aesthetic medicine, from innovative treatments to important safety warnings. Listeners will gain informative insights into the latest advancements, potential risks, and financial considerations in the world of aesthetic procedures.

• Trenibote, a new neuromodulator that works within 24-48 hours compared to Botox's typical week-long onset
• Growing trend of younger patients in their 40s getting facelifts for more natural results and better skin elasticity
• Innovative fish skin grafts for treating severe wounds, particularly in children, offering faster healing and reduced pain
• Weight loss drugs like Ozempic linked to 25,000 emergency room visits due to severe gastrointestinal side effects
• FDA warning about unregulated topical finasteride for hair loss sold through telehealth platforms
• Financial considerations for Gen Z using Botox and fillers, including long-term costs and the importance of realistic expectations

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Speaker 1:

Welcome to the Beauty Standard with Dr Roy Kim. Welcome to the weekly update of aesthetics. My name is Dr Roy Kim, a board-certified plastic surgeon in San Francisco and Beverly Hills. In today's episode, we'll be exploring some of the latest developments in medical and aesthetic medicine, from new treatments to important safety warnings. I've got some insights to share that I think you'll find both informative and engaging. So let's dive right in. Today, we're going to cover six key topics. First, there's a new neuromodulator called Trenobot that's making waves for its rapid onset. Next, we'll be talking about why more people are considering facelifts at a younger age and what benefits they might offer. Next, an innovative treatment using fish skin grafts for severe wounds, particularly in children, which is showing promising results. On the cautionary side, there's a study highlighting how weight loss drugs are leading to a significant number of emergency room visits. We'll also discuss an FDA warning about side effects from popular hair loss drugs sold through telehealth platforms. Finally, we'll explore whether Botox and fillers are financially sound choice for Gen Z. There's a lot to unpack here, so let's get started.

Speaker 1:

Trenibote and I hope I'm pronouncing that correctly is a new neuromodulator that's been getting a lot of attention lately. For those who might not be familiar. Neuromodulators or neurotoxins like Botox are used to reduce wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing muscle. What sets Trenibote apart is its rapid onset. While traditional Botox can take up to a week to show full effects, trenibote reportedly works within 24 to 48 hours. That's pretty impressive, especially if you're looking for quick results before an event or something of that nature. But, as with any treatment, there are things to consider. According to the article, while Trenibot acts faster, its effects may not last as long as those of Botox. Some reports suggest it lasts up to two to three months, compared to Botox's three to six months, so you might need more frequent treatments, which could add up in cost as well as time. Also, since it's new, we don't have much long-term data on its safety and efficacy. Personally, I'm excited to see how this develops. If it proves to be safe and effective, it could be a great option for patients who need quicker results, but for now, I'll be keeping an eye on the research and waiting for more data before fully endorsing it.

Speaker 1:

Moving on to facelifts, traditionally they are associated with older patients, let's say in your 50s to 70s, who want to reverse the signs of aging. However, there's a growing trend of younger individuals, even in their 40s, opting for facelifts. So what's behind this shift? Well, one of the main benefits is that younger patients tend to have better skin elasticity. That means that the skin can bounce back more easily after surgery, leading to more natural looking results. Also, because the signs of aging are less pronounced, the surgery can be less extensive, which often translates to a quicker recovery time. Another point is that by addressing aging concerns early, you might be able to maintain a more youthful appearance over time, with less drastic innervations as you go on in life. It's sort of like preventive maintenance for your face. But of course, surgery is still surgery and it comes with risks. It's important to have realistic expectations and to understand that a facelift won't stop the aging process. It just sets the clock back a bit. I always advise my patients to consider non-surgical options first, like fillers, neurotoxins, laser treatments, skin resurfacing and so on, especially if you're younger. But for some, a facelift might be the right choice, particularly if you have significant sagging or want longer-lasting results. Ultimately, the decision should be made in consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon like me, who can assess your individual needs and goals.

Speaker 1:

This next topic is really fascinating. It's about using fish skin grafts to treat severe wounds, especially in children. At first this might sound a bit unusual, but there's some solid science behind it. Fish skin, particularly from species like tilapia, have been found to have properties that promote wound healing. It's rich in collagen and other proteins that help in tissue regeneration. Plus, it's less likely to cause an immune response compared to grafts from other animals or even human donors. One of the bigger advantages is cost. Fish skin is abundant and relatively inexpensive to process, making it a more affordable option, which is especially important in healthcare settings. There have been studies showing that fish skin grafts can lead to faster healing time and reduce pain for patients For children with severe burns or wounds, this can be a game changer, as it might mean less time in the hospital and a quick return to normal activities. It's always exciting to see innovative treatments that can improve patient outcomes.

Speaker 1:

On to a more cautionary topic. We're going to be talking about weight loss drugs, particularly those like Ozempic and Wegovi. These have been linked to a significant number of emergency room visits in the past couple years. According to this study, there were nearly 25,000 ER visits between 2022 and 2023 related to these medications. They're mainly due to GI issues.

Speaker 1:

These drugs, which are GLP-1 receptor agonists, work by mimicking a hormone that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar. They're effective for weight loss, but they can't have side effects like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, these side effects can be severe enough to require medical attention. It's important to note that, while these drugs can be very effective, they should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. You need to be informed about potential side effects and be monitored regularly. Also, these medications are not a magic bullet. They should be part of a comprehensive weight loss plan that includes diet and exercise. As a plastic surgeon, I often see patients who are interested in body contouring, facial contouring, neck lift and face lift, and so on after use of these drugs. So it's crucial that you maintain and achieve your weight loss in a healthy, sustainable way.

Speaker 1:

Speaking of side effects, the FDA has issued a warning about popular hair loss drugs sold through telehealth companies. Specifically, they're worried about the compounded topical form of finasteride. Finasteride is a medication that's used to treat hair loss, especially in oral form. Some telehealth platforms are selling topical versions which are not FDA approved, so the FDA has received reports of side effects such as depression, dizziness and low libido from these products. One of these issues is that consumers might not be fully informed about the potential risks when purchasing through telehealth platforms. It's easier to get a prescription online, but that convenience might come at the cost of a thorough medical consultation. As a plastic surgeon, I always emphasize the importance of having a proper medical evaluation before starting any treatment, especially one that can have significant side effects. If you're considering hair loss treatment, make sure to discuss it with your healthcare provider and understand all the potential risks.

Speaker 1:

Last but not least, let's talk about Gen Z and their use of Botox and fillers. There's a lot of discussion about whether these cosmetic procedures are worth the financial risk for young adults. On the one hand, there's a growing trend of younger people getting these treatments, often influenced by social media and the desire to look better in selfies. Neurotoxins like Botox and fillers can be effective for preventing wrinkles or enhancing certain features, but they come with ongoing costs, since the effect is temporary. For example, botox and similar neurotoxins typically need to be repeated every 3-4 months, and fillers typically last about 12-18 months, depending on the type. This can add up over time, especially for someone just starting their career or still in school. There's also a debate about whether starting these treatments too early can lead to a dependence on them or even accelerate aging in some way. While there's no definitive evidence that they make you age faster, overdoing it can lead to an unnatural appearance.

Speaker 1:

From a financial perspective, it's important for young people to consider whether the cost is justified. Are you doing it for yourself or because of external pressure? Is this something you can afford in the long run? As a plastic surgeon, I always encourage my patients to worry about their budget and to think carefully about their motivations and to have realistic expectations. There are other non-surgical options and skincare routines that can help maintain a youthful appearance without the need for injectables. Ultimately, it's your decision, but it's crucial to be informed and to prioritize one's financial health as well as physical appearance.

Speaker 1:

To wrap things up, we've covered a lot of topics today, from new treatments like Trinibote and fish skin grafts to important safety warnings about weight loss and hair loss medications and financial considerations for Gen Z regarding cosmetic procedures. I think the key takeaway is to stay informed and to consult with qualified professionals before making any decisions about your health and appearance, whether it's a new cosmetic treatment or medication. Understand the benefits and risks of everything that you do. Thanks so much for joining me today and I hope you found this discussion helpful. Remember, taking care of yourself is important, but so is making choices that are right for you in the long term. Thanks so much for listening. Thank you for listening to the Beauty Standard with Dr Roy Kim. Make sure to follow for future topics and episodes.