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Does laser surgery provide a benefit over the traditional surgical knife?

“Yes,” says Dr. Randy Birken, founder of Birken Medical Aethestics of The Woodlands, Texas.  “Our diode laser provides precise tissue cutting with minimal blood loss, less trauma, and quicker healing over conventional methods.  When it comes to cosmetic procedures, especially to the labia and vagina, the laser technique improves recovery and aesthetic results.”

Dr. Birken is a board certified gynecologist, Clinical Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and an associate of Dr. David Matlock’s Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Institute of America.

What are bio-identical 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.”

Bio-identical 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 bio-identical 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.

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.

“Cosmetic gynecology?  What’s that?”

Common response to an emerging surgical field.  But consumer/patient beware – most gynecologists know little about these procedures, so research credentials carefully and thoroughly.

“It is an interesting and more demanding aspect of gynecological surgery,” says Dr. Randy Birken, founder of Birken Medical Aesthetics and LVR of The Woodlands, Texas. “The surgical expertise requires additional training beyond traditional residency programs.  A gynecologist must have an interest in the aesthetic aspect of these procedures along with functional reconstruction and anatomic restoration.”

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

“Dr. Matlock’s uncompromising pursuit for surgical techniques to restore a youthful appearance and capacity to the vulva and vagina has lead to cosmetic gynecology,” Dr. Birken said.

Procedures include labiaplasty, or labia reduction, laser reduction of excess prepuce surrounding the clitoris, perineaplasty for pelvic relaxation, vaginal reconstruction for tissues that have been stretched or torn due to childbirth of age, and the G-Shot, collagen injection to augment the G-spot for improved sexual gratification.

“Women are searching for physician who understand their concerns – my patients are appreciative for the services we offer and the final results.”

Many gynecologists and plastic surgeons offer techniques to improve sexual responsiveness, but which techniques are best?

“Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation, designed by Dr. David Matlock of Dr.90210 fame, incorporates precise laser surgery to restore pelvic anatomy,” says Dr. Randy Birken, founder of Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation of The Woodlands, Texas.  “His concepts are based on sound physiologic and anatomic principles, a proven procedure.”

Dr. Birken is a board certified gynecologist and Clinical Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas

With the advent of SmartLipo, liposuction surgeons had a new modality to help tighten the skin after fat suction, but which laser works best?

“I’ve studied all laser modalities and talked to many liposuction experts throughout the country.  I’m convinced the diode 980 nm laser works best,” Dr. Randy Birken said. “The jury is still out, but the diode laser is safe and creates more skin tightening and smoothing than the other commercially available laser liposuction devices for the abdomen, thighs, waist, and neck.”

Dr. Birken is a board certified gynecologist and member of both the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons and the American Academy of Cosmetic Gynecologists.  He is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine and founder of Birken Medical Aesthetics of The Woodlands, Texas.

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 a short power point presentation on bio-identical/anti-aging medicine please go to either link:

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http://tiny.cc/IXM36

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http://www.youtube.com/rbirken

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.