June 2009 Blog Archive
Tuesday, June 30, 2009Teen Surgery Slump
For the past few years teenagers and plastic surgery were becoming virtually
synonymous, from high school graduation presents to birthday presents,
plastic surgery was all the fuss for teens. With the advent of the global
financial crisis, teen cosmetic surgery has dwindling alongside the economy.
In fact, the numbers of teens opting for breast augmentations and
rhinoplasty (among many other procedures) was causing serious concern among
some parents and industry observers.
Arizona Central reported on the recent figures, "Nationwide, 18- and
19-year-olds had about 9,000 breast enhancements last year, according to a
survey by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. That's down 14 percent
from the previous year but up 388 percent from 1998. A survey by the
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery found similar trends. Its
report said girls 18 and younger had about 4,100 breast enhancements last
year, down 48 percent from 2007 and up 343 percent from 1998."
Some physicians are staunchly against performing such procedures on
teenagers as it may induce negative perceptions or superficial ideas about
beauty and aging.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
California Surgeon Develops New Plastic Procedure
A Sarasota, California based plastic surgeon has created a fiber optic laser
that has the ability to zap away fat from patients face, chin, neck, jowls
and nose. Dr. David Holcomb has dubbed the new procedure AccuLift, which
takes Holcomb roughly 90-minutes to perform the procedure. The beauty of
the procedure is that is requires only a local anaesthetic and can be done
at Dr. Holcomb's offices.
The Lakewood Ranch Herald reported on their local plastic surgeon saying,
"The results the doctor has gotten are so dramatic that he is setting up a
training program at the Holcomb Facial Plastic Surgery Center at One School
Ave., Sarasota - to be called The Institute for Integrated Aesthetics - so
other plastic surgeons can learn his procedure. s Shields watches, Holcomb
makes an incision near where the work is to be done and guides the laser
using a light at the tip. As the laser delivers the wave length of energy,
the fat melts into a liquid and actually runs out like tears."
Although the procedure requires little down-time, it may take a toll on your
budgeting this year. Procedure can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $6,000,
based on how many areas are being lifted and melted. Likewise, post-surgery
injections and fillers may be necessary, those of which will also cost a
fair bit. So for those of you keen on convenience and have expendable money
this may be a great option for anti-aging and fat-removal.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Lipo-Sculpting
Lipo-sculpting is being dubbed the weight loss procedure of the future. Everyone woman's dream – to lose weight in one place and gain assets in another. Fat transfers are still considered quite taboo and controversial in the plastic surgery industry, but some clinics and surgeons are nearly converted. Some questions still remain about the procedure, however women seem to love the idea of using their own body parts as opposed to foreign materials.
The Denver Post said, "Because so little of it has been done, we don't have a lot of data," said Dr. Karol Gutow ski, a Chicago plastic surgeon and head of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons task force that investigated the technique. Most plastic surgeons aren't doing the procedure, instead waiting on results of long-term studies, Gutowski said. A key question is how long bigger breasts will last - will the fat melt away if the woman loses weight?"
Also surgeons have cautioned women keen on the procedure that fat transfers can't do the work of breast augmentations. They can't turn an A cup to a D cup, but a slight perk and boost from A to B is definitely doable.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
The young and the plastic
Nearly a decade ago it was completely unheard of for teenagers, children and frankly even people in their early twenties to undergo elective cosmetic surgery treatments. Nowadays, Gen-Y's line up by the droves for a breast augmentation or a casual Botox injection. But what is after Generation Y – Generation Z? Reports show that teenagers and children today are acting much older than their age. In fact many are turning to plastic surgery for confidence boosts and aesthetic enhancements.
USA Today article said, "According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 160,283 children 18 and under had cosmetic interventions in 2008. The figure was even higher in 2007, tallying 205,119, but industry experts say a slowing economy probably forced the numbers down in 2008. In 2000, the number was just 145,094."
However today's children aren't those in dire need of plastic surgery like those of the past who had cleft-chins remedied or reconstructive surgery. No, today teens and youngsters are getting more risqué procedures like rhinoplasty, ear-pinning and in some extreme cases even the 'eye surgery' which is used to make people of Asian descents eyes wider.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Plastic Surgery Bill
A Bill that would require all patients hoping to undergo elective cosmetic treatment to have a mandatory physical and pass it prior to the surgery has recently been reviewed and passed by the California state senate on Monday. The measure has been put in place after rapper Kanye West's mother Donda West died of post-plastic surgery complications.
The Press Enterprise in Sacramento reported on the Bill saying, "Carter said the legislation was aimed at "fly-by-night" doctors out to make a quick buck who do not adequately screen their patients for pre-existing health problems. The legislation is backed by the 17-member California Medical Board. All but two members of the medical panel are gubernatorial appointees."
Plastic surgeons and lawmakers hope this will alleviate and decrease chances of post-op problems. Some say had Donda West been properly examined doctors would have realized she had heart complications.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Baby-Boomers Vying for Jobs with Surgery
The older demographic job-seekers are looking to invest in plastic surgery with hopes of beating younger competitors out of the market. Unemployment is taking a serious toll on the baby-boomer population as vying for positions against thirtysomethings is proving to be quite difficult. Likewise US unemployment rates are still rising.
USA Today said, "It says that a survey by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, found that 75% of physicians say they had treated patients who wanted plastic surgery to stay competitive in the workplace.''It's been rough,'' Jerry Johnson, an unemployed 55-year-old interior designer tells the paper. ''It's hard at this age. You kind of feel like a dinosaur.''
In fact, some plastic surgery clinics and surgeons are offering free treatment and procedures to out of work patients over 50. Other baby-boomers see cosmetic enhancements as an investment which will return them with a job or more pay.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Self-Esteem Issues: Is Cosmetic Surgery the Answer?
Teenagers struggling with low self-esteem and self-confidence issues are finding that plastic surgery is a good option to boost them out of their rut. However, parents and surgeons are left to wonder is surgery really the answer?
The Boston Globe reported on this topic saying, "The number of cosmetic procedures performed on patients under the age of 18 has actually declined since 2001...minimally invasive procedures -- injections, laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels -- are on the rise. Part of the reason may be the cost: Single-site liposuction can run as much as $4,000, while a laser skin-resurfacing treatment averages about $400."
It has been seen that a number of teenagers are in fact getting plastic surgery procedures for birthdays, graduations and special events. The industry has infiltrated the mainstream in the US and some are worried of the backlash. Will our teenagers and twenty-somethings be addicted to plastic surgery and avoid aging like the current baby-boomer population?
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Plastic Pillow
For the women out there who have had a breast augmentation or for those of you keen on learning more about the procedure listen up. For those of you who enjoy sleeping on your stomach for that good night of snoozing, you may be in for some trouble if you want to have breast implants. Sleeping on your belly and curling up into the pillow are strictly prohibited. A mother who found it terribly uncomfortable to sleep on her stomach post-breast augmentation has created the solution to your stomach and breast worries.
The Ledge Pillow according to online blog Malled, "She decided to invent a pillow for women like her who had recently had breast implants or were nursing. She patented the product in 2001, and then spent several years looking for the right manufacturer and experimenting with the right materials, all the while juggling a career and her family."
Women all around the nation have phone in with their pure joy after using the ledge pillow post-surgery. California has been the best market for sales as plastic surgery is still booming in Tinseltown.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Luring Employees with Plastic Surgery
Following the success of the Czech Republic plastic perks for nurses, other countries and hospitals are using the same formula to lure in employees. However this trend isn't happening in the public sector of hospitals, it is focused primarily on private hospitals who can afford to cut costs on plastic surgery procedures for employees.
The Vancouver Sun said, "Despite a worldwide shortage of nurses, there is no such perk for nurses in British Columbia, at least not in the public health care system. But in Vancouver's private surgical clinics, nurses - once employed there - could probably get a very good price on implants or other cosmetic surgery. Nurses in private hospitals are not only paid higher wages than those in the public system, they also get a break on cosmetic and other elective surgery fees."
Industry observers are now wondering if this will be a trend in other fields, offering junkets and cosmetic perks to beat out competitors or prove to be the best workplace for in a struggling economy. Regardless, the Czech plastic surgery way has rubbed off on other plastic loving countries as well.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Picture It
Ever wondered what you would look like with a breast augmentation? Want to know how young you can be with a face-lift? At a plastic surgery tradeshow, a number of vendors are offering 'computer morphing' for patients interested in cosmetic surgery, but are still slightly wary of the aftermath. The tool will allow people to visualize what they would look like with a plastic surgery procedure.
Real Self said, "Morphing software has evolved to what are now highly realistic looking "afters" of yourself in 3-D such as a hump-free nose, smaller breasts, or higher cheekbones. Just like an architect can "fly" you through their design for your home addition, the surgeon now has the means to show you a highly realistic looking perspective of your body, post-surgery. Physicians invest in these expensive visualization equipment and software to improve patient-surgeon communication and to increase surgery bookings post-consultation."
Many patients fear the 'after' and are worried about what they would look like post-surgery, surgeons feel these innovations aid alleviating fears. Now this may be the must-have technology of 2009/2010, but some plastic surgeons worry this will give patients unrealistic expectations of the surgery. What do you think? Do you want to know what you'll look like post-plastic?
Monday, June 15, 2009
Thai Tuck
The land of beautiful beaches, resorts and Pad Thai is now embarking on a new tourist attraction: plastic surgery. While some parts of the Thai tourism industry and economy are struggling with the recession and lack of travel abroad, a new genre of holidaying has emerged a success. A country which generally attracts loud backpackers, Australians, adventurous Americans and successful honeymooners will now be seeing a new variety of travelers.
The Bangkok Post said medical tourism in Thailand, "At present, Thailand competes head-on with Singapore and South Korea, luring patients with more attractive pricing."On average, Singapore's cosmetic surgery industry charges 50% more, while South Korea is at least twice the cost of Thailand," said Mr Preecha. While tourist numbers have dropped dramatically in recent years due to political and economic concerns, 3,000 to 4,000 foreigners a year still come here for surgery."
The numbers of people traveling abroad for a nip and tuck have dramatically increased over the years especially with the recession blues adding wrinkles and tightened budgets. Similarly, with the increase of men enjoying the perks of plastic surgery, the demand for cosmetic enhancements abroad makes sense.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Aqua Lipo
A new cosmetic procedure is gaining ground, but not weight of course. Water jet liposuction has been developed in Germany and the procedure is being brought into the United States. The newest liposuction and weight removal trend was actually developed in 2007, but had yet to produce any backing in the US or other parts of Europe, as many patients and plastic surgeons are quite skeptical of such new products that may be a gimmick. But aqua lipo has proven itself among many US plastic counterparts.
KCRG news in Iowa said of the new liposuction procedure, "During the surgery, a plastic surgeon uses high water pressure to dislodge fat cells and remove excess fatty tissue. "We're really power-washing the fat out of the body," Dr. Bassin, the third doctor in the United States to use water-jet liposuction, told Ivanhoe. Most of the time, water-jet liposuction doesn't require the patient to undergo general anesthesia. Although conventional liposuction can't get rid of cellulite completely, some surgeons believe the water-jet procedure can. The difference is water-jet liposuction breaks apart cellulite and makes it easier to remove."
In an economic climate of uncertainty investing in less expensive procedures and those are minimally invasive and time consuming may be a wise decision. So water jet lipo may in fact be a popular avenue for weight loss.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Surgery for the Young
In general plastic surgery has for years targeted older demographics, from the middle aged to older baby-boomers marketing and surgeons focus on anti-aging. However, a study has noted that plastic surgery also has a young market in teenagers. Otoplasties (ear surgery) are one of the most common cosmetic enhancements for teenagers.
According to a release from PR news wire, "According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery's 2008 Procedural Survey, 27.7% of otoplasties -- a reshaping of the ear by placing small incisions behind the ear then reshaping or trimming the cartilage to define how and where the ear bends -- are performed on those ages 13-19. Additionally, the survey found that otoplasty has the youngest mean age of both invasive and less invasive cosmetic procedures at 29."
The plastic surgeon interviewed in the press release went on to say that he does not oppose such surgeries for teens, because those who come in opting to make their ears smaller are adamant about it. Many are suffering from self-esteem issues and a case of 'dumbo-ears.' Plastic surgeons usually do not urge or promote the use of invasive surgery for youngsters, but in certain cases the right motivation does exist.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
All Smiles
A twelve year old girl with a serious case of facial paralysis has been given the opportunity to smile yet again. At age two young Adyana, originally from Puerto Rico, came down with facial paralysis after a mild cold. The Florida based family searched for nearly a decade to find a plastic surgeon capable of mending their daughters face. Just this year they found a Beverly Hills, California based cosmetic surgeon who has remedied her face using facial reconstruction techniques.
On a press release in PR web it said of the physician Dr. Babak Azzizadeh, "Dr. Azizzadeh is one of the few facial plastic surgeons experienced in facial paralysis and nerve reconstruction in the country. Dr. Azizzadeh is the course director of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's Advances in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and the author of one of the foremost textbooks in plastic surgery entitled Master Techniques in Facial Rejuvenation."
Generally, we think of cosmetic enhancements like breast augmentation, liposuction and rhinoplasty, but a large part of the plastic surgery industry is in fact on reconstructive surgeries like this one. From cancer patients in recovery who want a mastectomy to facial procedures or weight loss, many cosmetic surgeons have found a lucrative niche within plastics.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Male Cosmetic Surgery Buzz
From Desperate Housewives to Hollywood, plastic surgery has generally targeted women. Recently however, men are jumping on board the cosmetic bandwagon. From liposuction to facelifts, plastic surgery procedures have lost much of their feminine aura and stigma and taken on a more masculine persona. Middle aged men have been the prime candidates for cosmetic enhancements. In fact one of the most popular surgeries for men is male breast reduction.
Dr. John Connors of Atlanta based Swan Center for Plastic Surgery said of this new trend, "For decades, men have been suffering the embarrassment and low-self esteem that accompanies enlarged male breasts. So it's no surprise then that men are openly embracing a procedure that allows them to combat enlarged breasts with very little pain or downtime." Enlarged male breasts are usually the result of a genetic condition known as gynecomastia."
Unfortunately for men plagued with gynecomastia, regular exercise and dieting does not remove the excess fat. It generally requires invasive treatment. Surgeons say they are treating a wide variety of men from teenagers to middle-aged men, as such breast issues affect all age groups. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons have said male breast reduction is in fact the fourth most popular procedure.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Breast Reduction Surgery
The plastic surgery industry has taken a serious economic hit during the recession, but breast reduction surgery still remains a lucrative procedure for plastic surgeons. Breast reduction is the fifth most popular cosmetic procedure in the United States with hundreds of thousands of women looking to reduce their cup sizes. However, unlike breast augmentation and liposuction, breast reduction is generally not for cosmetic purposes. Most women are struggling with their large breasts; from exercise to wearing clothes, many women are self-conscious about their large breasts.
The New York Daily News reported, "Until a few years ago, the incision from breast reduction surgery left an anchor-shaped scar that was quite visible under clothing, but newer techniques result in much smaller incisions and less visible scars."With my technique, there is a much more limited scar and it limits the scarring in the fold of the breast, which is usually the most uncomfortable. By the third day, most women are up and around and doing most of their activities."
The benefit of breast reduction surgery for women is insurance covers the procedures unlike traditional cosmetic procedures which are considered elective and not covered by health insurance.
Friday, June 05, 2009
Plastic Marketing
For years the plastic surgery industry spread and gained ground all over the US via word of mouth and discreet marketing tactics which generally targeted middle-aged women. However in recent technology driven times, cosmetic surgery has caught up to speed with likes of the Iphone and Blackberry, where information, internet and innovation are at the palm of your hand at any time. Nowadays cosmetic enhancement is quick, fairly painless and requires much less time commitment, it's as if surgeons are promoting it as a 'widget.' Which basically means a quick-fix version of a real face-lift or invasive procedure. Because so many procedures are considerably less invasive then in the past, they are capable of packaging such treatments like this.
The New York Times said of such new tactics for cosmetic surgery, "In this new landscape, patients are encouraged to seek an advertised procedure rather than work with a surgeon to select from a menu of options. What's more, some patients are now "looking not for the best doctor, but the one who has the magic wand," said Dr. Reagan, who has given a lecture titled "Invasion of the Mini-Lifts ... Coming to a Clinic Near You."
These branded procedures have yet to gain the all encompassing support of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in fact it still has some serious skeptics. But with an on-demand society this may be the future of the industry, as people have less time for a procedure and less time to recover.
Friday, June 05, 2009
Scar Free Obesity Surgery
Plastic surgeons are investigating a procedure that may reduce scarring for patients undergoing obesity surgery (intense weight loss). The procedure is currently being tested and it involves a tube down the throat as opposed to large cuts through the abdomen.
The Associated Press said, "The new method is part of a medical movement to perform surgery through body openings such as the nose, mouth and vagina instead of making cuts. The idea is to reduce chances of infection and pain, and speed recovery. With no scars, there are cosmetic advantages, too."
Gastric bypass is a common surgery that overweight patients use to lose mass amounts of weight, however the surgery may have serious side-effects and some risks involved. Doctors are hoping to alleviate such complications and use this new procedure if more testing and studies are done and the FDA approves it.
Friday, June 05, 2009
Summer Surgeries
With summer a few weeks away, it's time to get the beach bodies prepped and pampered for bathing suit season. Generally cosmetic surgeons see an influx of patients looking to get breast augmentation and liposuction right before summer begins to sizzle. Industry observers are saying that this summer, even in the midst of a recession, the drive for that fit body will surpass that of saving money and people will still flock to surgeons for a nip and tuck.
Best Syndication said, "If you have been struggling to get that beach body back through diet and exercise, do not fret. There are other ways to ensure that you will look great at the beach or by the lake. There are numerous plastic surgery procedures that can help you look your best by the time summer rolls around."
The industry has taken a hit during because of the volatile market, but it seems as though beauty is always in. Rarely would we see posh communities steering clear of summer lifts just because of a slow economy.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
What Recession?
A 24-year-old woman has told the Mirror in the UK that she has spent over $23,000 Euro's on plastic surgery procedures to enhance her looks. She has had two breast augmentations, Botox, liposuction among many other plastic perks.
The Mirror said, "And the beauty therapist is not done yet – she has vowed to go under the knife for further nips and tucks as the ageing process kicks in. After her first procedure at only 19, any thoughts of growing old gracefully have been banished. "When I get to an age where everything is starting to drop then, of course, I'd consider more surgery," says Chloe."
This puts to shame any comments about people not spending during the economic downturn. Clearly aesthetics and looks will always be a cost worth paying for, beauty is always budgeted for in most women.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Back to Basics
For the past decade the boom of plastic surgery saw a dramatic shift in lifestyle choice of physicians. As the demand for elective cosmetic procedures increased, so too did the number of physicians opting out of medicine and saying hello to the cash and lifestyle perks associated with the plastic life. Wealthy patients, considerably better hours and far less stress saw the move from medicine to cosmetics. But now with the recession in full effect, are the plastic surgeons drowning the industry, or is there still room to stay afloat?
An article in New York Magazine said, "A lot of guys are suddenly opening their eyes and saying, 'I haven't done anything but cosmetics for years,' " says Fifth Avenue plastic surgeon John E. Sherman. "These guys are really panicking." As a result, "plastic surgeons are trying to do hospital work-ulcers that aren't healing, wounds, etc.," says Minas Constantinides, board member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Now "patients don't want to pay," which means figuring out what insurance companies will reimburse on."
Some dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons who were formerly injecting lips with Restylane and breasts with silicone are now tending to acne ridden teenagers or the occasional late baby-boomer with extra money looking for a face-lift. Times have changed and so has the economy, the industry is still alive and kicking, but it is clear that some physicians are moving on while others are in for a more quiet phase.
