BY REPRESENTATIVE RICHARD STARK
BY CHARLES A. MESSA, III, M.D., F.A.C.S.
J
ust 100 years ago, state legislatures began passing laws to seal the birth certificates of children adopted at birth. By doing so, this created privacy for the birth parents, adoptive parents, and added an air of legitimacy to children born out of wedlock. States then issued an amended birth certificate so that adopted children approaching and becoming adults could prove their eligibility to get driver’s licenses and passports and also be able to register to vote. Much has changed today. Out of wedlock births do not have the same stigma that they once had, and more and more people who adopt children have what they call ‘open adoptions.’ Adopted children, such as me, who become adults, now question laws that block us from gaining access to our records. For this reason, I filed HB 257 this past year, that would allow children adopted as babies to be able to get a copy of their Original Birth Certificate upon becoming 18 years of age. This is part of a national trend, and over 20 states have changed their laws to accommodate adult adoptees just within the past 12 years. HB 257 is the first bill of its kind to be filed in Florida.
As simple as this sounds, there has been opposition in every state where there has been an effort to make changes to accommodate adult adoptees. The most common are that the privacy of the birth parents will be at risk, adoption rates will go down, and abortion rates will go up. In every state where the law was changed, these arguments were debunked. In passing new laws, some states allow adoptees to obtain their birth certificate as easily as non-adoptees, and in some states there are restrictions, such as allowing birth parents to be able to remove or redact their names from a requested certificate. Law changes have been signed by Democrat and Republican Governors. This year, the Original Birth Certificate bill in Florida did not get a hearing as it was a new idea that the legislature did not weigh in on. Opposition groups in most states have generally been those in the business of adoption, fearing loss of control of the search process of adults who want to locate birth parents, or birth parents searching for the children they gave up for adoption. Often it is attorneys and organizations in the adoption business fearing loss of revenue. In my first year working this bill, there were no statistics to show that states that have opened up birth records have less adoptions or more abortions. It is time for Florida to join the chorus of states that now recognize that children of adoption, once they become adults, should be entitled to the same rights as all citizens. While I applaud parents who adopt, I ask that you allow us to be the independent adults you raised us to be and give us the same rights that you have. State Representative Richard Stark (D-Weston) represents House District 104 which includes all of Weston. You can reach Rep. Stark at Richard.Stark@myfloridahouse.gov or by calling his legislative office at 954-217-0287.
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AUGUST 2017 | OUR CITY WESTON
SECTION ASK THE EXPERT HEAD
LEGISLATIVE LOOK
Original Birth Certificates
Multidimensional Approach to Facial Rejuvenation
A
s a person ages, there is a loss of collagen and elastin in the skin, alteration in the skeletal framework, and a progressive loss, or atrophy, of facial fat. These alterations in skin, fat, and bone result in distinctive changes in facial appearance. Increased skin laxity, prominence of the nasolabial folds and jowls, increased depth, and number of facial wrinkles characterize the aging face. A youthful face is fuller, more angular, with high cheekbones, a distinctive jawline, and smooth skin. To achieve the optimal result in facial rejuvenation, it is necessary to address all the underlying elements that affect the appearance of the face. There are four areas to treat skin surface, laxity or excess skin, soft tissue support structure, and biochemical composition within the skin. The first is the skin surface - fine lines, wrinkles, pore size, and skin texture. This area is rejuvenated through typical skin treatments, such as sublative eMatrix laser therapy, chemical peels and microdermabrasion and Botox® and Dysport®, as well as topical creams, such as Retin A, glycolic based products, and moisturizers that contain Hyaluronic acid. These products help diminish fine facial wrinkles and improve pigmentation. The second area to address is skin looseness or laxity, as well as skin excess. When redundant skin creates deep folds and jowls, the excess skin should be removed. There are multiple face-lifting techniques. The specific procedure should be adapted to the individual patient’s anatomy through a minifacelift or full facelift, or modification of these procedures such as an “S” lift or lifestyle lift. Thirdly, the soft tissue structure that supports the skin may need to be enhanced. Fat grafting adds volume that is lost as a result of atrophy of facial fat and descent of supporting soft tissue. During the early stages of facial aging, soft tissue fillers, such as Juvederm® (Voluma and Vollure), Restylane® (Refyne and Defyne), and Radiesse® can accomplish this as well. Finally, an area that most surgeons and patients neglect is the skin, the organ. The biochemical makeup of the skin is affected by what we eat and put into our bodies. Omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants aid in restoring a healthy appearance to the skin. Consuming foods high in essential fatty acids, vitamins A, C, D, and E and antioxidants make the skin appear more youthful. Avoiding sun exposure and not smoking also improves skin appearance. To summarize, as we age, the alterations that take place resulting in an aging appearance are multifactorial. Because of this, treatment options must also address all these components – the skin surface, skin excess, structural support, and the skin composition. Dr. Messa is board certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, an active member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is a recognized expert in cosmetic plastic surgery and has achieved Allergan’s Black Diamond Award as one of the top 1% of plastic surgery practices in the country by volume. Dr. Messa has also achieved Chairman status with Medicis and Mentor Corporation. This award honors distinguished leaders in cosmetic surgery for demonstrating expertise and excellence through a high volume of aesthetic product procedures. The certification is awarded to leaders in the field of medical aesthetics and demonstrates their commitment to innovation, excellence, and the highest level of patient care. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Messa, call 954-659-7760.