July 2009 Blog Archive
Friday, July 31, 2009Getting Around the Proposed Tax
With buzz going around about a new proposed excise tax to be placed upon cosmetic procedures, many are already trying to find a loophole. The tax, if passed, is only going to be put upon procedures not deemed medically necessary. So the question becomes, what procedures can you make medically necessary?
One answer to the common rhinoplasty procedure is using the medical excuse of a "deviated septum." Celebrities, such as Jennifer Aniston, have used the medical reasoning of a deviated septum in order to undergo their nose reconstruction.
Whether that is true, may never be known. The Alternative Health Journal explains that a septoplasty is needed to cure a deviated septum, but is often morphed into a larger procedure including rhinoplasty. However, a septoplasty is a medically viable procedure that may allow some women to bypass the cosmetic surgery tax.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Outpatient Surgeries in New York
A new accreditation law has been created in New York to ensure that all surgeries taking place away from a hospital setting abide by a set of regulatory laws. There are 3 governing bodies that will provide the accreditation: the Joint Commission, the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities and the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. If an office does not comply with the new law, they will be charged with professional misconduct.
The main purpose of the law is to regulate the use of anesthesia, which is used to sedate patients in a variety of procedures. Also, the regulating boards want to assure that the facility is properly equipped if a medical emergency was to take place. Surgeries conducted in an office setting may be less expensive, but may be dangerous if complications arise and the office is not prepared. With this new law, regulation boards hope to increase the safety level for all outpatient procedures and ensure that patient health is protected.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Less Common Procedures
The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery has recently conducted a poll to understand if less common procedures are really as "in demand" as the media portrays. The results showed that these procedures are actually not as in demand as originally thought. These include vaginal rejuvenation, bicep or tricep implants, calf implants, buttock implants, lip implants, and penile enlargement.
"This survey highlights that even though there has been increased attention on these procedures, the numbers prove that the trend is minimal at this point in time" states one president of the AACS.
The study suggests that these procedures are being exposed in the media to increase awareness and to spike interest. However, the large percentage of the population undergoing plastic surgery still opts for the traditional procedures. Safety and cost were the two most important factors to participants when selecting a procedure. The reasoning behind this lack of interest varies from issues with safety, to a lack in extra funds. Researchers do predict that when people have a larger disposable income, these procedures may increase in demand.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Taxing the Surgeons
A new 10% excise tax is being proposed for all unnecessary medical procedures, mainly speaking to plastic surgery. The tax would target procedures that are not covered by healthcare agencies in order to help finance the new democratic healthcare plans.
Congress Daily reports that "according to the IRS, deductions for procedures such as reconstructive surgery due to cancer or laser eye surgery would be allowed. But nose jobs, liposuction, teeth-whitening procedures and Botox injections to smooth wrinkles would be prohibited under Sec. 213 and subject to the new tax."
The tax, although not approved, is faced by much controversy by surgeons. They view this as an "unfair" and "discriminatory towards women" who are the main recipients of such surgeries. As the case proceeds, more plastic surgeons may be speaking out against this tax.
Monday, July 27, 2009
G-Shot Parties
The female G-spot has become the center of attention for a new trend in female get-togethers. No longer just in conversation, but now in practice. The "g-shot party" occurs in a doctor's office where women are educated on G-Spot Amplification and then are injected vaginally with a collagen injection to enlarge the G-spot.
The G-shot has not officially been approved by the FDA and is faced with some speculation. Many are worried about the safety and sanity of this procedure done in a party setting. However, doctors assure that this is not a traditional cocktail party. "In a Botox party, you're doing it at a home. The attendees drink alcohol and so on. The G-shot party is done in the doctor's office, with a group of women, and giving them education on the procedure together" stated one practicing doctor to ABC News.
Practitioners claim the G-shot is a way for females to gain control over their sexuality and to increase their own pleasure. These parties are a way for women to overcome their reservations and fear of doing such a procedure alone.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Surgery on a Budget
A poll was recently conducted in New York to determine the effect of the economic recession on interest for plastic surgery. The results showed that 73% of women still felt positively about getting cosmetic surgery. The most popular procedure was determined to be Botox, as it is less invasive and less expensive than other procedures.
"Separate statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons showed Botox treatment in the United States increased 8 percent in 2008, though liposuction, face-lifts and breast augmentations fell markedly" reports Reuters.
Even in times of financial crisis, women still have the desire to improve themselves. Botox is a cost-effective and has become a routine procedure in many physician offices. Investing in a face smoothing Botox injection seems to be a more popular choice than investing thousands in a breast enhancement. The study predicts that as the economy starts to boom again, so will other surgical procedures.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Off to College With Plastic Surgery
When a teenager graduates high school, it is tradition for the parents to give their child a gift. This can range from money, clothes, a car… or maybe a boob job? The new popular trend is to gift teenage girls with plastic surgery procedures. Teens are preparing themselves for college with a new self image and newly shaped body.
One mother was quoted by BBC News when asked about paying for her daughter's breast enhancement. "For me to endorse her having a boob job is a difficult thing because, as a mother, you just want to see your daughter happy." The desire to appease their children drives many parents to consent to paying for cosmetic procedures.
Breast enhancement and rhinoplasty were shown to be the two procedures most in demand by the female teenage market. Many of these girls expressed their desires for plastic surgery since age 13 or younger. Plastic surgery is a very openly discussed topic in today's society, so much that giving your daughter new boobs has become a normal occurrence.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Steps to Find the Right Surgeon
As a potential patient starts to look for a plastic surgeon, they are often faced with a variety of options. At first glance, it may be hard to determine the perfect plastic surgeon for your needs and budget. In order to ease patient worries, the LA Times recently wrote out some basic guidelines to help lead patients on the right path.
First and foremost, always ensure that your surgeon is certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). There are a variety of board certifications that physicians may attain. Being ABPS certified guarantees to the patients that this plastic surgeon has all the qualifications required to perform surgery.
Patients are also suggested to interview at least 2-3 different physicians. This allows patients to get a better understanding of options available and gauge pricing as well. Be warned that advertisements for very low priced surgeries may be deceptive. Many of these "deals" do not include the anesthesiologist or additional surgeon fees. The best referral source is patients who have already undergone surgery by a specified surgeon. These patients have insight that prospective patients can relate to in regards to the surgeon, procedure, and overall satisfaction.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Your Virtual Nose
When deciding to undergo rhinoplasty, many feel hesitant about how their face will look after surgery. The anticipated result may not always translate into their post-surgery self. New technology has been created to help ease this fear. A program called FaceTouchUp has been developed to provide patients with a more accurate "after photo" in the comfort of their own home.
"To help give plastic surgery candidates an idea of what to expect, we've created a web-based virtual plastic surgery application that can be easily accessed from a personal computer. It's an especially helpful tool for people who want access to the advanced technology that doctors use without having to incur any expense, as well as those who want to maintain their privacy while still considering whether cosmetic surgery is the right option for them" says the founder of FaceTouchUp.
The website allows you to upload a photo of your face and test different nose shapes. All the patient has to do is print the picture and take it to their plastic surgeon as a reference. Doctors have been using this technology for years, but it has not been easily available to patients from home until now. The goal is to have patients do more research on their desired features prior to their consultation. This eases patient worries and gives the plastic surgeon a better understanding of patient desires.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Botched Breast Surgery
Patients are always warned to research their physicians prior to contracting surgery. One woman did not do her proper research, and unfortunately suffered horrible consequences. She went in for a breast enhancement and ended up with one breast being three times larger than the other.
Prior to surgery, the woman was told that half of her money would not be refunded if she were to cancel. Her mother was quoted by The Star saying that "I advised my daughter not to go through with it. But my daughter was concerned about losing her money."
After being treated by a certified plastic surgeon to fix the problem, the woman and other patients are testifying in front of a disciplinary hearing of the College of Physicians and Surgeons. Patients are warned to do full research before committing to a plastic surgeon. They should also look for all credentialing prior to surgery. Networks which provide this information help patients make educated choices so events like this never have to occur.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Cosmetic Dentistry Smiles
The number of cosmetic dentistry patients in the US rises each year, making dentistry a multi million dollar industry. Patients looking to improve their smiles undergo a variety of procedures including teeth whitening, veneers, implants, gum recontouring, and dental implants.
A local Michigan dentist told the Kalamazoo Gazette "A lot of people are really psychologically affected by their smiles. They are afraid to smile in public. They are afraid to let themselves be themselves because of the way their teeth look."
Cosmetic dentists do their best to make newly enhanced smiles seem as real as possible. The goal is to improve the patients' smiles and how they feel about their teeth. The majority of these patients tend to be females between ages 41 to 60. However, younger generations are utilizing these new services for aesthetic purposes in addition to a variety of other cosmetic enhancing procedures.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Buyers Beware
A recent plastic surgery franchise was fined $300,000 for placing false consumer reviews of their services on the web. Employees of the company placed fabricated reviews throughout the web in order to drive traffic to their practice. However, the Attorney General discovered this plot and took legal action.
ABC News reported that "the investigation revealed internal emails in which employees were encouraged by company executives to take spare time during the day to write the reviews and post to message boards."
It is important that consumers receive quality information about their potential doctors. The main news resource for prospective patients is the web. However, there is little regulation on the web as to the viability of these consumer reviews. Patients looking for a physician should travel to trusted networks on the web for reviews and viable physician information.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Plastic Surgery Boom in Korea
A new poll done in Korea found that 30% of college students planned on having plastic surgery over their summer break. With more celebrities coming out in the open about their own facial and body enhancements, the popular view of surgery has changed. Once students worked part-time during school to save up for a vacation, now they are saving for plastic surgery.
The Korean Times reported that "eyes, nose and teeth, in that order, were the areas that respondents wanted the most work done, with both men and women putting the popular double eyelid surgery as No. 1 on their wish list"
The reasoning behind their desired surgery ranges from increased employment opportunities to feelings of physical inferiority. Double eyelid surgery is a very popular surgery in Korea, as many young students want to have an eye shape that resembles that of American celebrities.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Quit Smoking for Cheaper Surgery
Some doctors are taking extra care for their patients' health prior to surgical procedures. Dr. Frank Fechner has created a program that gives patients an extra discount on plastic surgery if they participate in an anti-smoking program. The goal is promote healthy lifestyles for patients and to aid in patient recovery.
The Plastic Surgery Channel reports that "plastic surgery patients want the best outcome possible… and most are shocked to learn that being overweight or smoking can cause scarring, delayed healing, permanent tissue damage and even death after surgery."
Patients are monitored in the program leading up to their surgery to ensure that they are true to their word about quitting. A discount of up to 30% is offered, which can be a large sum of money when discussing large plastic surgery procedures. Instead of accepting patients for procedures and ignoring the risks, Dr. Fechner is actively promoting lifestyles to protect patient health and giving patients a financial incentive to do so.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Weight Loss Surgery and Cancer
Weight loss surgery has been proven to help men and women decrease their risk of diabetes and heart disease. However, a new study featured on CNN states that bariatric surgery may also decrease the risk of cancer in women. In a study group of over 2,000, women who underwent weight loss surgery had a 42% drop in their cancer risk.
"I think the message here is that obesity increases the risk of cancer, so more aggressive screening for those cancers in obese people is indicated, especially breast, uterine, and colon cancers" says Dr. Jossart to CNN.
The participants in the study underwent vertical banded gastroplasty (also known as stomach stapling) or gastric bypass surgery. It was found that those participants with gastric bypass surgery had the lowest cancer risk due to the fact that the body's anatomy is adjusted during the procedure and hormones must readjust.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Pregnancy and Bariatric Surgery
Women who undergo bariatric weight loss surgery prior to pregnancy may be helping their own lives as well as their future children. A recent study discussed by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery stated that the risk of having obese children greatly decreases if the mother has had bariatric surgery.
According to WLS Channel, "when comparing children the women had before surgery with those they had after surgery, doctors noted significant differences. For example, children born after the mother had bariatric surgery accumulated belly fat at a much slower rate. As these children grew older, they had better glucose, insulin and lipid levels."
Overweight women should consider weight loss prior to pregnancy for their own health benefits. Carrying a baby to term can cause serious health risks if the mother is obese. Although this study is still new, prospective mothers should be aware that their own health has lasting effects on their future children.
Thursday, July 09, 2009
My Day With SmartLipo
Today I took a new friend of mine to his plastic surgeon to remove excess fat around his chin through a procedure called SmartLipo. Because SmartLipo only requires a local anesthetic, he was able to eat and drink prior to procedure without worry. Unlike conventional surgery, there was little stress involved in the hours leading up to the surgery and very little preparation was needed.
Once in the Torrance office, his anxiety level was still at a minimum. He was given a few pain pills by the staff and prepped to begin. The first step to the procedure involved instilling a lidocaine and epinephrine based solution into his chin. Although I was not able to witness this aspect of the surgery, I was told that the solution helps numb the area as well as helps control bleeding. Once the area was numbed and prepped, the surgeon made three small incisions around his jaw line in order to insert the small laser tubes.
My friend was awake for the entirety of the procedure, and even cracked jokes with the surgeons during the operation. He said that he felt no real pain, only a warm feeling when the lasers were in use. A nurse helped keep watch on the temperature of the lasers during the procedure. The surgeon used these lasers to help dissolve the fat inside his chin and break up the fat cells, which would then be suctioned out at the end of the procedure.
The procedure took no more than an hour. My friend was able to walk out of the office right after completion. Although his face had to be bandaged, he said he was in little pain and felt fine. The downtime for SmartLipo is very quick, with most patients being able to return to normal lifestyle in a day. The healing time is also quite short. The swelling of his face will subside in about a week and full results should be seen in a month, after his skin has fully healed.
Watching the procedure today opened my eyes to the new advancements in cosmetic technology. Ten years ago, such laser technology would not have been a consideration by plastic surgeons. Today, plastic surgeons favor the new SmartLipo technology due to the efficiency and safety of the procedure. SmartLipo is a great procedure for anyone who is worried about undergoing traditional liposuction and provides an effective alternative for prospective patients.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Plastic Surgery for Men
Plastic surgeons have recently seen a boom in the market for male cosmetic surgery procedures. Men are interested in a variety of procedures including tummy tucks, Botox injections, square jaw chin implants, pectoral implants, and male breast reduction.
"Their interest in the fixes is twofold. For one, men's fashion has been undergoing a major silhouette change, from frumpy to tailored. And many men want their face to go with it" reported the Philadelphia Inquirer.
The stigma surrounding male cosmetic procedures has been lifted in past years. Men are more proactive in changing their appearance and consulting doctors about procedures that may help them. Plastic surgeons welcome these new customers and hope that more men utilize the cosmetic options available to them.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Self Esteem and Cosmetic Surgery
Psychologists with the Journal of Body Image tested the relationship between
rejection sensitivity and interest in cosmetic surgery. Motivation to be
accepted by society is one factor creating such rejection sensitivity in
those with low-self esteem. When participants expect to be rejected based
on physical appearance, the study found that they were more likely to seek
out cosmetic surgery procedures. This rejection sensitivity is a result of
negative comments patients have received about their appearance. These
comments were found to stay in the minds of participants, and cause
expectations of rejection by others in the future.
"Compared to participants with lower appearance-based rejection sensitivity,
those with higher sensitivity felt more rejected and expressed greater
interest in getting cosmetic surgery after recalling a negative versus
positive appearance comment." explained lead psychologist Lora Park.
Self esteem can play a large factor in one's decision to undergo plastic
surgery, as shown in this new study. Any elective surgery should not to be
ventured into without considerable thought and planning. Cosmetic surgery
may help those dealing with rejection sensitivity to boost self- esteem and
self body image.
Monday, July 06, 2009
Incisionless Weight Loss Surgery
Surgeons in Louisiana this week performed a weight loss surgery on a patient without making one incision on the outside of her body. The surgeons were able to decrease the size of her stomach using a technology called POSE (Primary Obesity Surgery, Endolumenal).
"The incisionless procedure was performed using USGI's Incisionless Operating Platform (IOP) and a flexible endoscope. Physicians inserted the scope and the IOP through the patient's mouth. They then used the IOP tools to grasp the stomach tissue and deploy suture anchors to create multiple tissue folds in the stomach wall to reduce its size" explained an article by Higher Medicine.
Incisionless procedures reduce the risk of infection, visible scarring, and time in recovery. These procedures are still relatively new, but they do provide an optimistic outlook for patients who are uneasy about the risks involved with more invasive surgeries.
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Do-It-Yourself Surgery
A San Francisco woman this week attempted to inject liquid silicone into her lips and cheeks by herself. Unfortunately, the procedure did not end well and she must now undergo multiple corrective surgeries to fix her face.
Her plastic surgeon Steve Williams said "the woman's attempt at self-surgery is part of a growing trend amid the ongoing recession." He warned that many times, amateur surgeries performed at home must be corrected later in a medical office.
Saving a dollar or two is not worth potentially damaging your face. Women and men who perform self surgeries often must undergo corrective surgery to fix their own mistakes. These corrective surgeries will end up costing the patient more than if they had been to a plastic surgeon to start.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Take your Implants on a Test Run
A new product from Natrelle allows women to feel and test out the size of their future implants prior to their surgery. The kit comes with multiple sizes of real silicone implants, as well as a specialize bra to hold them in place. Although this does not take the place of a consultation with a plastic surgeon, this new product does allow women to get a feel for how their new body may feel.
Many women run into questions regarding implant size prior to breast augmentation. Instead of using household items to gauge size difference, this new kit allows women the chance to experience how the implants will feel and the new look they may have.
Speaking with a physician about proper implant size is always best, but having a test drive of implant sizes at home may give women a better idea of size prior to consultation.
