Mayo Clinic News Source - April 2003

Wednesday, April 30, 2003

Editors: Physician interviews and photo opportunities are available for these stories by calling Anne Tewksbury, (480) 301-4368.

Did He Or Didn't He? Have Cosmetic Surgery, That Is.
Men more likely to have cosmetic surgery, but less likely to talk about it.

It's not exactly the sort of thing you hear bantered about in the locker room or at the water cooler, but more men are choosing to have cosmetic surgery these days. But while they may be joining the hunt for the fountain of youth, they're doing it in silence.

"Men come in for many of the same reasons women do — to remove excess fat and make their faces and bodies look younger," says Deborah Bash, M.D., a board-certified cosmetic surgeon at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale. "One difference is in the terminology we use with them. For instance, when a guy is recovering from liposuction, I tell him he needs to wear a 'garment' rather than a girdle!"

Dr. Bash says the most commonly requested cosmetic surgery procedures for men include tucks of the eyelids, love handles and pecs. Dr. Bash can discuss:

• How men's expectations for cosmetic surgery differ from women's.
• Questions you should ask to ensure safety rather than just shopping for the lowest price.
• Why the decision to have cosmetic surgery should be to improve your self-image, not just to save a marriage or a job.

Giving Diabetes A Dose of New Medicine
New insulin therapies minimize spikes in blood sugar.

Finally, it's a new world full of choices for diabetes patients. Gone are the days without control — over what can and can't be eaten and over the roller coaster of emotions caused by blood sugar swings.

Diabetes is one of the fastest growing health problems in America. In Maricopa County alone it affects more than 30,000 people. Today, diabetics can take charge of adjusting their own insulin to coincide with their choice of foods thanks to new drug called Lantus which works in conjunction with insulin to keep an even blood sugar level throughout the day.

"Modern Insulin Therapy allows diabetics to adjust their medication to their life — rather than the other way around," says Lori Roust, M.D., an endocrinologist at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale. "For years, diabetics have had their lives revolve around their diabetes. Now they can take charge and lead a more normal life."

Dr. Roust can discuss:

• How the new approach to Insulin Therapy creates a more normal life for diabetics.
• Why it's important to work with a diabetes specialist rather than trying to control diabetes alone.
• How diabetics can learn to count carbohydrates and calculate their own insulin dosages.
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