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Bio-identical Hormones (BHRT) offer women an alternative to synthetic hormones for menopausal and peri-menopausal symptoms that include hot flashes, night sweats, difficulty sleeping, decreased libido, and weight gain.

“Most hormone medications address estrogen and/or progestin replacement, but BHRT is different,” says Dr. Randy Birken, founder of Birken Medical Aesthetics.  “With BHRT, I can look at blood levels of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, as well as the metabolic hormones that effect energy and weight.  What is deficient is corrected to a more optimal level leading to significant clinical improvement.”

While BHRT may not be safer than synthetic, intuitively they may be, since the body recognizes the molecule as biologically identical to natural hormone production.

“BHRT may not be for every woman, but when conventional methods have failed, it may be a great alternative.”

For more information, Liz at 281-419-3231

or email at

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With the evolution of cosmetic gynecology comes a plethora of confusing terms.  So what’s the difference between labiaplasty, vaginoplasty, and vaginal rejuvenation?

These procedures are divided into two main categories: Vaginal tightening for anatomic looseness and decreased friction during intercourse – and aesthetic enhancement to the external structures (labia and clitoris).  Labiaplasty refers to improving the appearance to the external genitalia, while vaginal rejuvenation or vaginoplasty indicates pelvic reconstruction to the internal vaginal muscle and ligaments.  Both conditions result from tissue trauma from childbirth and natural aging.

Some women desire both procedures, while others just want aesthetic enhancement  and others just  the tightening of the vaginal canal.

Dr. Birken is a board certified gynecologist and uro-gynecologist who has been doing pelvic reconstruction for almost 30 years.  Dr. David Matlock, of the Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Institute in Beverly Hills, California, has taught Dr. Birken his innovative techniques for cosmetic gynecology including Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation and Designer Laser Vaginoplasty.

Dr. Birken is founder of Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation of The Woodlands with offices in Houston and The Woodlands, Texas

For more information, call Liz at 281-419-3231

or email at

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What is mesotherapy and how does it work?

“Mesotherapy was developed in the early 1950′s and is used widely in Europe and gaining popularity in the U.S.,” Dr. Randy Birken, founder of Birken Medical Aesthetics, said.  “The science is fascinating.  Solutions are either injected or applied without needles through a transdermal technique.  Fat is slowly absorbed into the blood and excreted in the urine and stool.”

Dr. Birken has been performing mesotherapy for many years with great success.

“You must be patient,” he continued.  “It takes several sessions to reduce fat to a clinically acceptable level; but now with a no-needle approach, treatment is simple, safe, and without pain.”

For more information, call Liz at 281-419-3231 or email at

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[email protected] or call 281-419-3231

While off label, HCG has been used to facilitate weight loss with a proper diet and exercise program. The following describes its action on hunger and metabolism:

A study published in 1954 revealed that high levels of HCG during pregnancy regulated metabolic function and controlled metabolism.  The mechanism of action is HCG’s affect on the hypothalamus to moderate the thyroid, adrenals, fat storage and metabolic rate while mobilizing fat out from fat storage and increasing circulating calories for body to utilize.

HCG is given as a self-administered daily subcutaneous injection of 125 IU daily (.1cc) or as a daily cream applied to the wrists.  For patients desiring a weight loss of less than 15 lbs., 26 injections are recommended, and for more than 15 lbs loss, 40 injections. The only contraindication is pregnancy or plans for pregnancy during treatment.

HCG treatment’s goal is to lower the degree of hunger and enhance a better sense of well-being.  Patients on HCG are more apt to remain on a low calorie diet

A 2006 study showed that HCG increases Adiponectin (ADP) levels, a fat cell hormone involved in glucose and lipid metabolism.

HCG stands for human chorionic gonadrotropin, or pregnancy hormone.  A metabolic regulatory hormone, it reduces weight by metabolizing fat without affecting lean muscle.  Patients can lose from 1/2 to 3 pounds per day without significant side effects.

While not FDA approve, studies have shown good success.

Check out this website for more information:

www.hcgdietinfo.com

To view a short presentation on Bioidentical Hormones and Vitamins for Healthy Aging and Weight Loss, click the following link:

http://tiny.cc/IXM36

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For more information, call 281-419-3231 or email at:

[email protected]

Is in-office liposuction better than traditional liposuction?

“Yes, for several reasons,” says Dr. Randy Birken, founder of Birken Medical Aesthetics.  “First, there’s no general anesthesia, making the procedure extremely safe.  And secondly, the surgeon can do more lipo-sculpturing since the patient can turn and even stand, exposing areas of fat that may be missed when the patient is sleep.”

In-office liposuction is less costly as well, since there are no anesthesia or hospital facility fees.  Done with tumescent local anesthesia, the patient experiences no pain during the procedure and can even watch as fat is suctioned away.

“It really is the way to do liposuction today,” Dr. Birken says.  “More effective, safer, and less expensive.”

Dr. Birken is a board certified gynecologist and member of both the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons and the American Academy of Cosmetic Gynecologists.

While many plastic surgeons and gynecologist promote the benefits of vaginoplasty for vaginal tightening and labiaplasty for cosmetic enhancement to the outer pelvic structures, few perform Dr. David Matlock’s Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation or the Designer Laser Vaginoplasty procedure.

These innovative techniques, pioneered by Dr. Matlock, provide safe and successful surgeries by utilizing state-of-the-art laser technology, reducing blood loss and providing quicker healing.

Dr. Matlock’s ingenious approach for these two cosmetic procedures is shared by those physicians who have been accepted to his Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Institute of America in Beverly Hills, California.

Dr. Randy Birken is an Associate of LVRIA and has operated with Dr. Matlock.  Dr. Birken offers these procedures both in Houston as well as The Woodlands, Texas

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For more information, call 281-419-3231 or email at:

[email protected]

The key to healthy aging requires testing for estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, and adrenal function and correcting deficiencies with natural/plant derived bioidentical hormones for energy, weight loss, memory, libido, and sleep.

Next, a comprehensive metabolic profile tests for essential nutrient and digestive system abnormalities including vitamins, minerals, and other necessary nutrients. More importantly, it provides information on other critical physiologic processes: cellular metabolism (energy and metabolism), detoxification status (toxins), “good fats” (omega 3 fish oil), inflammatory markers that may lead to chronic diseases (heart, cancer), intestinal balance (proper absorption), food allergies (nutrition), and neurotransmitter function (depression, anxiety, sleep).

These tests provide a window to your current health, appropriate preventative supplementation, and ways to change your lifestyle for physical, physiological, and mental well being.

Use this link to review a presentation on bioidentical hormones, nutritional, neural transmitter testing at:

http://tiny.cc/IXM36

Live long and well through bioidentical hormone and anti-aging/functional medicine care!

For more information, call 281-419-3231 or email at:

[email protected]

Is in-office liposuction better than traditional liposuction?

“Yes, for several reasons,” says Dr. Randy Birken, founder of Birken Medical Aesthetics.  “First, there’s no general anesthesia, making the procedure extremely safe.  And secondly, the surgeon can do more lipo-sculpturing since the patient can turn and even stand, exposing areas of fat that may be missed when the patient is sleep.”

In-office liposuction is less costly as well, since there are no anesthesia or hospital facility fees.  Done with tumescent local anesthesia, the patient experiences no pain during the procedure and can even watch as fat is suctioned away.

“It really is the way to do liposuction today,” Dr. Birken says.  “More effective, safer, and less expensive.”

Dr. Birken is a board certified gynecologist and member of both the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons and the American Academy of Cosmetic Gynecologists.

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.