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Fox29 WFLX TV, West Palm Beach, Florida-DEA raids drug distribution areas in West Palm Beach

WEST PALM BEACH, FL(WFLX) – One of the largest distributors of synthetic drugs in the nation may have been operating inside a West Palm Beach storage facility, according to local and federal authorities.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office has been working very closely with the Drug Enforcement Administration for several months.

“They got away with it for a little bit, but at the end of the day, they're not going to get away with it for very long,” said Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.

Agents searched the North Military Trail location on Wednesday, confiscating ingredients that are part of a massive synthetic drug operation, according to investigators. they said the operation may stretch far beyond Florida state lines.

Seven miles from the storage facility, authorities were seen digging up the yard of a Franklin Road home. they later left the scene with a substantial amount of evidence. 

All of this activity was part of a year-long, multi-agency investigation. “The bigger picture is going to be taking down the big guys,” said Lantana Police Officer Nelson Berrios, who says his mission is to help shut down those 'big guys'. 

Wednesday's raid resulted in several arrests and more, investigators said, were on the way.

“Concentrating on the big guy, not so much the little user on the street or the little convenience store,” said Berrios. “Let's get the bigger picture which is the bigger guy.”

The probe into possible local synthetic drug manufacturing became high-profile in May after an explosion at a warehouse on Georgia Avenue in West Palm Beach. Investigators say among the evidence collected there, were thousands of plastic packets often associated with synthetic marijuana. Authorities confirmed that the May incident was linked to the raids on Wednesday. “We're going to make a huge dent in the distribution of this synthetic marijuana, because what's going on is making our young people sick,” said Bradshaw.

Witnesses said some of the people arrested had to be disarmed by law enforcement. Their identities have yet to be released.

On Thursday near Washington, D.C., a press conference will be held by federal authorities that may shed more light on what happened in West Palm Beach and about a new and tougher national crackdown on the synthetic marijuana trade.

Fox29 WFLX TV, West Palm Beach, Florida-DEA raids drug distribution areas in West Palm Beach

Plastic Surgeon Reconstructs Child’s Lip

11-year old Jacklyn Tucker was attacked by a male cross Jack Russell terrier-and-English bulldog while visiting a friend in Royal Palm Beach, in June this year. Palm Beach County fire Rescue helicopter rushed Jacklyn to St. Mary’s Medical Centre for emergency treatment.

Jacklyn’s injury exposed her teeth and gums as the tissue from her left nostril to her top lip was severed. At St Mary’s Medical Centre, Dr David Rankin performed emergency reconstructive surgery to restore Jacklyn’s lip. Fortunately, Jacklyn’s father managed to find a piece of her lip, giving it to the emergency surgeon. however, during surgery difficulties were experienced in restoring the blood supply when trying to reconnect the tissue between Jacklyn’s nose and lip. the nose-to-lip tissue reconstruction was at risk if the blood vessels failed to circulate properly.

Jacklyn was transported to Hollywood-based Joe DiMaggio’s Children Hospital on 2 July 12 for abbe flap plastic surgery to restore Jacklyn’s lip with healthy blood supply. Abbe flap surgery is commonly used in treating patients with cleft lip. Dr Drew Schnitt performed the procedure using tissue with healthy blood vessels from Jacklyn’s lower lip to reconstruct her upper lip. the lips were then sewn up and the healing process will take approximately three weeks before another procedure may need to be performed.

While recovering at the Joe DiMaggio’s Children Hospital, Jacklyn is still unable to pronounce words but contently writes to friends. During a news conference held at the Joe DiMaggio’s Family Resource Centre, Dr Schnitt said that the injury was one of the worst they, as surgeons, had seen. Plastic surgeons at the hospital discussed the procedure used and created illustrations of Jacklyn’s surgery. Dr Schnitt expressed confidence in the success of the surgery for recovery and minimal scarring.

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Plastic Surgeon Reconstructs Child’s Lip

Florida Girl’s Lip Reconstructed After Dog Bite

A Florida girl is recovering from surgery to reconstruct her upper lip and nose after being attacked by a friend’s dog during a sleepover.

Jacklyn Tucker, 11, said she fell off the couch in her sleep. when she looked up, she saw the family dog, Tanker, growling at her.

“I just laid there, and I closed my eyes, hoping the dog would just go away,” Tucker said, according to the Palm Beach Post.

Instead, the Jack Russell terrier-English bulldog cross lunged at Tucker’s face, tearing off three-quarters of her upper lip and part of her nose.

Doctors at St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach tried to reattach the piece of severed skin, which was picked up by the dog’s owner and given to paramedics. but because of blood vessel damage, the patch of skin quickly turned grey and died.

“We had to remove the dead tissue,” said Dr. Drew Schnitt, a plastic and craniofacial surgeon at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood, Fla., where Tucker was transferred for special surgery. “At that point, we were basically looking at teeth and gums.”

Schnitt and fellow plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Brooks decided the best way to repair the gaping wound was to borrow tissue from Tucker’s bottom lip.

“It’s called a lip switch,” said Schnitt, describing the procedure to take a wedge from the lower lip, flip it upside down and insert it into the upper lip.

The lip switch allowed Schnitt and Brooks to take advantage of Tucker’s lip color and texture.

“That’s the beauty of using that local tissue,” said Schnitt. “It gives a much better chance of normal anatomical function and normal appearance.”

Schnitt then used skin from Tucker’s chin to reconstruct part of her nose damaged by the bite.

“I think it was very successful,” he said.

Tucker, who lives with her father in Royal Palm Beach, was released from the hospital Saturday. but her mouth is currently sewn shut because the wedge of skin used to reconstruct her upper lip is still connected to blood vessels in her lower lip, Schnitt said.

“In two to three weeks, new blood vessels will grow into the tissue,” he said. “Then she’ll come back in for a separation procedure.”

In the meantime, Tucker’s family and friends are rallying to raise money to offset her mounting medical costs.

“Before the second round of surgery, the bill was already over $70,000,” said Jennifer Calderon, a family friend helping to organize a July 26 fundraiser. “Her dad had to leave his job to take care of her.”

Tanker the dog was surrendered to Animal Care and Control, according to local reports. He will likely be euthanized.

Despite her injuries, Tucker has no hard feelings toward the dog’s owners.

“She doesn’t want anybody to be mad at her friend,” said Calderon. “This was the dog’s fault.”

Florida Girl’s Lip Reconstructed After Dog Bite

Cosmetic doctors react to ‘the $25 facelift’ – In Your Face : The Orange County Register

A product  likened to “Spanx for your face” is being touted as something that can save you a trip to the plastic surgeon’s office and thousands of dollars..Cosmetic doctors have mixed views about it..A Newport Beach plastic surgeon says he thinks this gizmo is a good idea. He especially likes the notion that people can use it to see how they might look if they’re contemplating going under the knife.

But another plastic surgeon and a cosmetic dermatologist who watched a TV news video about the device say they have their doubts about using it on a daily basis.  

The Facelift Bungee — which sells for $25 – has turned up on ABC News, with its inventor Kimberly Aschauer of Palm Beach singing its praises.

“It’s easily inserted, it’s easily removable. I can insert it within 30 seconds every morning. I can take it out in less than 10 seconds,” she said.

From ABC News:

The product consists of two small combs linked by a bungee cord. Users are instructed to make a small braid at each temple. They insert one comb into a braid, pass the cord around the back of the head and insert the second comb into the braid on the other side.

Hair on top of the head is pulled over the bungee cord to hide it.

The device is sold in a little jar …

Asked how she came up with the idea, Aschauer said, “well, my son was getting married and I went for plastic surgery consultation, and the price was outrageous, so I created this out of pure panic.”

Aschauer said wearing the Facelift Bungee doesn’t cause “any more pain than a ponytail headache.”

You can see the video of how it works here

I ran the story past Newport Beach plastic surgeons Dr. Terry Dubrow and Dr. Douglas Hendricks, and cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Vince Afsahi of Newport Beach and Tustin.

“Love the idea! so creative and I bet it works. great for people who may want to ‘try on’ a facelift before going under the knife or for those who want to look great in upcoming photos to post on their Facebook page.”

The others weren’t sold on it, though.

“since this device puts traction on only one area of the face, I doubt it can do much to make a noticeable change. I really did not notice much change in the [ABC] video  …

“my other point is that the traction is in the wrong direction to get any improvement where it really counts and that is the lower 1/3 of the face.

“Lastly, my biggest concern is traction alopecia which is a common problem for women that have constant traction on the hair such as tight braids. It is a known, common cause of hair loss, which could be permanent. Using this device could put significant traction on the sideburn hair and loss of the hair in that area could be quite noticeable.”

Afsahi also was doubtful about the product, saying:

“I am skeptical. who is really going to wear this around town? I suppose it may do something for your appearance temporarily, but it seems impractical. if you keep pulling on your hair you can develop a traction alopecia resulting in hair loss. Interesting concept but not a logical solution.”

Photo courtesy of ABC news

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Cosmetic doctors react to ‘the $25 facelift’ – In Your Face : The Orange County Register

Royal Palm Beach girl, 11, who was attacked by a dog is facing complications

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

An 11-year-old Royal Palm Beach girl who was attacked by a dog two weeks ago is facing a major complication in her recovery.

Jacklyn Tucker underwent emergency plastic surgery to repair tissue in her top lip and nose June 19 after her friend’s dog attacked her during a sleepover. Doctors at St. Mary’s Medical Center feared that her body would not incorporate the tissue, so they added hyperbaric oxygen therapy to her treatment to encourage blood flow to the tissue and promote healing.

Now, two weeks later, the tissue has not been incorporated, and Jacklyn faces a long road ahead in her healing process.

“Without a vessel-to-vessel attachment, I knew that it wouldn’t take completely,” said Dr. David Rankin, the head of plastic surgery at St. Mary’s. “But we wanted to minimize the morbidity of future procedures.”

Rankin said when Jacklyn was brought in that night, her entire upper lip and part of her nose was severed. the piece of tissue the dog had bitten was brought in with her and evaluated for vessel-to-vessel reattachment. that was not possible, so Rankin said doctors had to reattach the piece of tissue in layers, starting with the muscle, up to the skin, lip and nose.

Once doctors determined that the surgery and hyperbaric therapy were not successful in incorporating the tissue fully, they halted hyperbaric therapy Sunday. Rankin said Jacklyn will be transferred to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital today to see a surgeon who specializes in complex reconstruction.

Jacklyn’s dad, Jack Tucker, has been by his daughter’s bedside since the beginning. he said this morning that Jacklyn’s top lip and part of her nose have turned black, a clear sign that her body did not accept the tissue. however, he said, “she’s holding up.”

The incident happened as Tucker was at a friend’s house for a sleepover. She told her dad that the Jack Russell terrier and English bulldog mix named Tanker attacked her after she fell off the family’s couch. the dog bit her side and face. a Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control report said the dog’s owner told an officer he picked Jacklyn’s lips “off the floor to give them to EMS.”

The owner surrendered the dog to Animal Care and Control. the dog’s owners had not been given a citation.

Jack Tucker, a tow-truck driver, has not been able to work since Jacklyn’s been in the hospital.

A fundraiser is planned for July 26 to help with Jacklyn’s mounting medical costs. Park Avenue BBQ Grille in Wellington will donate 25 percent of its proceeds that day to Jacklyn, and the law office of William Abramson will host a raffle. the top prize is an iPad 3, donated by Abramson’s office. second prize is a 32-inch flat screen TV, donated by Badcock Furniture, and the third prize is a $100 gift card to Park Avenue BBQ Grille.

Tickets are $5 and can be purchased by calling Abramson’s office at (561) 650-1898.

Those who wish to make monetary donations can do so by visiting any Chase Bank, where a trust fund has been created for Jacklyn.

Royal Palm Beach girl, 11, who was attacked by a dog is facing complications

Metal hip replacements under scrutiny after new recall

Richard Stone holds an X-ray of his pelvis and prosthetic hip, in Palm Beach, Fla. (Steve Mitchell/Associated Press)

A new kind of hip replacement – that’s supposed to last years longer than the standard type – is being recalled by another manufacturer, while the U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to review how safe the devices are for patients.

One of the manufacturers of the devices, British-based Smith & Nephew, recently recalled a liner used in so called metal-on-metal hip replacements. The company said in a statement that it was “not satisfied with the clinical results” it was seeing.

It’s the fourth company to recall or suspend sales of the implants, which were introduced in the mid-2000s and billed as a more durable option compared to the traditional metal-and-plastic type.

But compared to standard hip replacements, research studies have suggested that those using a metal ball and a metal cup are more than three times more likely to fail, and can cause tissue damage around the joint.

Health authorities concerned

After approving the metal devices for use around the world, government watchdogs have been taking a second look at them.

In April, Health Canada issued a safety advisory saying that metal-on-metal implants can cause pain, “soft tissue reactions,” and that the implants can become loose.

Patients with the implants who have painful hips and an MRI showing tissue damage should have the devices removed, the agency said. and all patients with metal-on-metal hips, even if they have no symptoms, should be monitored by their surgeons.

South of the border, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has said that it has “concerns” about the devices, cautioning that the metal ball and metal cup slide against each other so that “some tiny metal particles may wear off of the device and enter into the space around the implant,” and that the metal particles “may even get into the bloodstream.”

Later this month, the FDA plans to review how safe the devices are for patients. a public meeting is set for June 27 and 28, where the agency said will seek expert opinions on “the risks and benefits” of the devices, based on the available science.

Canadians affected

Thousands of patients in Canada have had a metal-on-metal hip replacement since they were introduced. Some have since had them removed. for many others they’ve become a source of worry.

Frank Cristo underwent the procedure five years ago, but he said the pain he had been experiencing only got worse so he had the implant removed and is waiting to have it

‘I was good for the first month or so, then I started feeling pain all the time.’—Frank Cristo, hip-replacement patient

replaced with the metal-and-plastic type.

“I was told metal-on-metal was supposed to be the best,” he said. “I was good for the first month or so then I started feeling pain all the time.”

Cristo isn’t alone. about one in 100 patients experience inflammation and pain. Canadian research suggests a smaller number develop something called pseudo tumors that cause serious muscle and tissue damage.

And the number of people complaining of problems related to a metal-on-metal hip replacement is on the rise in Canada, according to Dr. Nizar Mahomed, the head of orthopaedic surgery at Toronto Western Hospital.

“We are just starting to see the increased numbers of revisions or failures in the metal to metal prosthesis,” he said. “I hope that it stabilizes, but there are still concerns that the number of failures will continue to increase with time.”

Role of health authorities questioned

A recent study of 22 Canadian patients with metal-on-metal implants found that the devices failed in two of the cases.

Dr. Ross Leighton, who helped conduct the study and is a former president of the Canadian Orthopaedic Association, believes there weren’t enough independent studies of this type of implant before they were approved.

“It really comes down to Health Canada really having enough stringent criteria before they bring out a new component,” he said.

Health Canada says its approval requirements are among the most stringent in the world.

Companies that manufacture the metal devices say they continue to make and improve on them.

With files from CBC’s Pauline Dakin

Metal hip replacements under scrutiny after new recall

Wrinkle Fillers: An Alternative to Plastic Surgery

These new products can replace lost volume and diminish lines – all without going under the knife. by Shelley LevittWebMD the Magazine – Feature

Curious about wrinkle fillers, which hold the promise of smoother skin and a younger look without surgery?

Don’t confuse fillers with Botox and its competitors, Dysport and Xeomin. These are injectables that help smooth so-called dynamic lines — such as forehead furrows and crow’s feet caused by frowning and smiling — by blocking muscle contractions under the skin. instead, the half dozen FDA-approved cosmetic (or dermal) fillers on the market help restore the contours of the face by padding folds and wrinkles and replacing lost volume.

Fillers don’t replace a facelift because they won’t lift skin that has a lot of sagging, says plastic surgeon Hatem Abou-Sayed, MD, FACS, who practices in West Palm Beach, Fla. “But if there’s not a lot of skin laxity, fillers can replace lost volume, and that will contribute to a younger, more well-rested appearance.” Here’s a look at some of the most popular types.

Hyaluronic acid fillers are made of a sugar that occurs naturally in the body. Popular brands include Juvederm, Juvederm Ultra Plus, Perlane, and Restylane. These gel formulations come in thin and slightly thicker consistencies. they can fill both shallow areas, such as fine lines above the lips, and deeper folds, like those around the nose and the so-called marionette lines, creases that run downward from the corners of the mouth.

Hyaluronic fillers can also plump up thinning lips, restore volume to cheeks, fill under-eye hollows, and add definition to a slackening jawline. the effects remain visible anywhere from four months to a year, depending on the area treated. Results vary from person to person. if you don’t like the result, hyaluronic acid fillers can be reversed with an injection of the enzyme hyaluronidase.

Calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres, a compound similar to minerals found in the body, make up the main ingredient in Radiesse. Thicker than hyaluronic acid, it’s most effective where more volume is needed — to build up a weak chin, strengthen a jawline, pad sunken cheeks, or fill deep wrinkles. Results last a year or longer.

Poly L-lactic acid, known by the brand name Sculptra, is a biodegradable synthetic material also used in stitches. it doesn’t provide the kind of instant plumping that other fillers do. instead, it gradually stimulates the body to regenerate its own collagen. You’ll need a series of three to six injection sessions, about a month apart, for results lasting up to two years.

The 411 on Wrinkle Fillers

Considering wrinkle fillers? Here’s what you need to know.

Choosing a Doctor. Your best bet: a board-certified plastic surgeon, dermatologist, or otolaryngologist who injects fillers daily.

Cost. Generally, the longer a filler lasts, the more expensive it is. Prices vary widely by location and by how much training the person doing the injecting has undergone. Hyaluronic acid fillers cost from about $400 to $900 per syringe, Radiesse about $800 to $1,500 per syringe, and Sculptra, $1,000 to $1,750 per vial.

Ouch Factor. Fillers are often mixed with lidocaine to minimize discomfort. A numbing cream applied before the injections will also help reduce pain.

Side Effects. You may have redness, swelling, or bruising that can last up to a few weeks. Don’t schedule your filler appointment less than two weeks before a big event. Allergic and other reactions, though rare, can occur.

Find more articles, browse back issues, and read the current issue of “WebMD the Magazine.”

Wrinkle Fillers: An Alternative to Plastic Surgery

Does your pet need plastic surgery?

According to ABC News, common human cosmetic plastic surgery procedures such as nose jobs, tummy tucks, face lifts and Botox injections are being performed on pets more often these days.

“My dog could use some Botox because he’s starting to get forehead wrinkles,” Michele Jaminet recently told the Palm Beach Daily News about her 10-year-old cocker spaniel.

Botox is commonly injected into pets with facial wrinkles. those whose appearance can’t be remedied with the injectable often undergo a full face lift. Owners of animals with crooked teeth may also opt to put braces on their pets’ teeth, reported ABC News.

Additionally, some male dogs that get neutered actually have fake testicles – called “neuticles” – implanted to preserve their more manly appearance. the news source reports that neuticles are becoming so common that as many as one million of the prostheses have been implanted in pets worldwide. Pets like Munson, a bulldog from Georgia. his parents opted to get him some testicular implants after he was neutered.

“A lot of dogs have a lot of hair back there so you can’t tell they’re neutered,” Munson’s owner, Jaime Davenport, told the news provider. “but with bulldogs, it’s just right out there for everyone to see.”

The devices, which range in price from about $100 to several hundred dollars, don’t serve any type of medical purpose. they are purely aesthetic – and some say they help boost the owner’s ego.

It may seem like these pet owners have lost their minds, but the news source reports that proponents of plastic surgery for pets say there are many cosmetic procedures that are medically necessary for animals.

One owner had Restylane injected into her dog’s drooping ear. Veterinarian Dr. Edgard Brito told the Palm Beach Daily News that aside from improving the dog’s appearance, the procedure was medically necessary.

“Unsymmetrical ears could incur attacks or deter mating,” Dr. Brito told the media outlet.

Additionally, a doggy nose job may not just fix a crooked nose. It can also help relieve breathing problems. Similarly, a chin lift can deter drooling, while liposuction can help an overweight animal become more active.

While some may scoff at spending money to improve an animal’s appearance, pet lovers say it just proves how deep their love is.

“That’s what dogs crave,” canine stylist Anais Hayden told ABC News. “It’s attention.”

Does your pet need plastic surgery?

Nothing found for Abdominoplasty-faq

January 10, 2012 by Gwilda Baltin Location: Palm beach gardens

" My experience was wonderful. Dr. Lickstein and his staff were incredibly knowledgeable and kind. My results were amazing and four years later I am still thrilled with the way I look. I would highly recommend Dr. Lickstein. "

January 13, 2012 by Liz Kirkham Location: Boca Raton.Fla

" dr.Pinsky is one of the best,he takes very well care for his patients, will be back for more work. Thank you, "

January 18, 2012 by Jennifer F. Location: Jupiter

" I had a great experience with Dr. Pinsky and his nurses! they are the greatest! all were very patient, informative and responsive. I was very nervous and excited about my breast reduction and lift and have had great results! I would recommend them 100 percent! "

Nothing found for Abdominoplasty-faq

Technology Eases Knee Surgery At W. Palm Beach Hospital

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A new surgery technique at Good Samaritan Medical Center uses technology to speed recovery and lessen pain after knee surgery.The technology, called Makoplasty, uses a robot to help surgeons navigate the intricate process of knee surgery.”We can make a small incision in the front of the knee (and) kind of sneak inside the knee cap and cap the knee with metal and plastic parts,” said Dr. Gary Wexler, an orthopedic surgeon at Good Samaritan.During one of the procedures, a robot helps Wexler buff out osteoarthritis and custom fit a piece of plastic.”Using GPS technology, computers and the robot we’re able to let the robot guide my hand where we need to burr out where the implants are going to be placed,” said Wexler. “So it is kind of like painting between the numbers.”The incision is smaller than total knee replacement and the precise fit of metal and plastic keeps it all from wearing out quickly.”We’re able to mobilize patients pretty quickly and avoid complications,” said Wexler. “We’re able to rehab them pretty quickly and get them back to a natural lifestyle.”Patrick Higgins went through the procedure and got clearance for a full round of golf just six weeks after the procedure.”Even the nurses through Medicare that came to visit me, they couldn’t believe I had no pain,” said Higgins. they couldn’t believe the flexibility I had. they all wanted to know who my surgeon was.”Higgins said that even though he was prescribed pain pills, he only took one after the procedure.Wexler said having the robot assist is like playing a video game.”Oh it’s so much fun,” said Wexler. “It’s like I’m a kid playing Xbox or Playstation.”The technology won’t only benefit knee patients, Wexler said it’s currently being looked at for use on hips. More Information: Images: Surgery Demonstration Good Samaritan Medical Center makosurgical.com Gary Wexler

Technology Eases Knee Surgery At W. Palm Beach Hospital