ASPS Releases Annual Statistics

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Briana

breast augmentationThough it’s been a slow year economically nationwide, the plastic surgery industry is still going strong. According to the new 2011 statistics released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), more than 13.5 million cosmetic procedures were performed this past year, up 5 percent from 2010.

Of the 13.5 million procedures performed in 2011, over 12 million were considered minimally invasive, up 5 percent from the previous year. Minimally invasive procedures are up 123% from the year 2000. The top five minimally-invasive procedures in 2011 were:

  • Botulinum Toxin Type A (5.6 million)
  • Soft Tissue Fillers (1.8 million)
  • Chemical Peel (1.1 million)
  • Laser Hair Removal (1 million)
  • Microdermabrasion (900,439)

Cosmetic surgical procedures also saw an increase in 2011. Surgical procedures were up 2 percent from the previous year. However, surgical procedures in general, were down 17 percent since the year 2000. The top five surgical procedures in 2011 were:

Some other notable trends included chin augmentation, which saw a 71 percent increase from 2010. Cheek implants, pectoral implants and buttock implants also saw significant increases this past year, each climbing over 40 percent from 2010.

The most notable decrease in minimally invasive procedures were collagen fillers, which saw more than a 50% decrease in popularity from 2010 to 2011. As for surgical procedures, lower body lifts saw the most significant decrease, down 21 percent from 2010.

The numbers appear to speak for themselves. Cosmetic plastic surgery is more popular than ever, despite a precarious economic climate, with minimally invasive procedures leading the pack.

Learn more about top cosmetic procedures like breast augmentation in Birmingham, MI.

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Breast Cancer Survivor, Suzanne Somers, Talks about Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Briana

Rob Rich via Flickr

Similar to many breast cancer survivors, actress Suzanne Somers felt discouraged by how limited her options for breast reconstruction were, following a lumpectomy 12 years ago. These limitations are precisely what prompted Somers, a stage 1 breast cancer survivor, to seek out an experimental breast reconstruction surgery.

In 2001 Somers was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in her right breast. The surgery that followed removed a large portion of her breast, leaving her with significant asymmetry.

Somers also elected to undergo several weeks of radiation therapy, which has become the standard of care for breast cancer patients in the U.S.

Over a month of radiation “left what breast I had flatter and flatter. I had a Double D on one side and on the other side I could hardly fill a B,” Somers recently told People Magazine.

When researching the breast reconstruction options, Somers turned to an experimental surgery not yet approved in the U.S. for breast reconstruction.

“I am so ensconced in what’s cutting edge. I get my thrill out of passing on information to women so they can have a better quality of life. “

During the procedure, fat and stem cells are removed via liposuction from the patient’s abdomen. This mixture is then injected into the affected breast area to increase size and reduce asymmetry.

For those looking for an alternative to breast implants or a TRAM flap procedure, this new surgery may serve as a beacon of hope.

“This whole thing is a win-win,” according to Somers. “You lose fat and get a new breast.”

The procedure, which takes around 2 ½ hours, is still in clinical trial testing. So far, 10 patients in addition to Somers have been accepted to participate in this research study.

Learn more about breast reconstruction surgery in Birmingham, MI.

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Butt Augmentation is Up While Liposuction May Be Seeing Decrease

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Briana

butt augmentationAmple backside profiles have quickly become a rising trend in the plastic surgery industry.

Curvaceous beauties such as Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian and Beyoncé have graced the covers of countless magazines in the past couple years, so it should be no surprise that the plastic surgery industry has witnessed an influx of butt augmentations.

According to statistics released by the American Society of Plastic Surgery (APAS), more than $31 million was spent in the U.S. alone on buttock augmentation surgeries in 2010, a whopping 40 percent increase from 2009.

Dr. Jeffrey Roth, a Las Vegas based board certified plastic surgeon, says the increase in curvy role models has affected his practice. Requests for liposuction for women are down, while buttock augmentations are up.

Unfortunately for those seeking an ample backside, the criteria for an ideal patient is more stringent than it is for those seeking liposuction. First and foremost, patients must be nonsmoking and in good health. Secondly, maximum results can only be achieved if a patient possesses a very small backside to begin with.

“Some of them have a big enough butt already,” Roth says. “They just want a really big butt.”

Even if you are an ideal candidate for butt augmentation, it’s extremely important to weight the risks with the benefits according California based plastic surgeon Dr. Marcel Daniels.

“Be careful what you wish for,” he says. “People need to be educated and understand these are not perfect procedures.”

There are currently two accepted ways to perform butt augmentations. Patients can either elect to use an implant or they can choose to have fat deposits from other parts of their body injected into their backside. Both procedures can be unpredictable, but if performed correctly, they do not pose higher risks compared with other plastic surgeries.

Society’s obsession with large backsides doesn’t appear to be fading anytime soon. If you’re considering surgery, make sure you’re well educated on the topic and that you choose a board certified plastic surgeon for the procedure.

Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal

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Male Tummy Tucks, A New Trend in the UK

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Briana

Male Tummy TucksThe lure of body enhancing cosmetic surgery isn’t exclusive to women according to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAPPS). Annual statistics released in the UK show that male abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a “tummy tuck” saw the most significant rise in popularity, with an annual increase of 15 percent.

While male procedures accounted for only 10 percent of all cosmetic procedures performed in the UK, the significant rise in male tummy tucks does appear to speak volumes on current societal views of plastic surgery.

Rajiv Grover, a consultant plastic surgeon and BAAPS president elect, said: “The continued popularity of aesthetic plastic surgery, even through financially difficult times, demonstrates that the public sees real value in the psychological and physical improvement that can be achieved.”

The rise in male tummy tucks may also be directly linked to the epidemic rise of obesity in the UK. More patients are seeking out obesity treatments such as gastric banding or gastric bypass surgery to drop the weight. While these types of procedures often leave individuals with less fat, new complications may arise from rapid weight loss.

According to current BAPPS President Fazel Fatah, “These patients are usually left with a lot of loose skin that causes physical problems and unsightly body contour which can only be addressed by surgery.”

While it’s difficult to pinpoint any specific catalyst to the rise of male plastic surgery in the UK, BAAPS surgeons find it encouraging that more patients are doing their research and seeking out qualified surgeons instead of relying non-surgical procedures that do not deliver.

Learn more about male tummy tucks in Birminingham.

Source: The Telegraph

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Rhinoplasty Makes Patients Look Younger According to New Study

Posted on January 28, 2012 by Briana

RhinoplastyGetting a “nose job” might include an added bonus according to a new study published in the latest edition of Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery.  The study, which examined pictures of rhinoplasty recipients found that patients on average, looked 1.5 years younger post-surgery.

The Toronto-based study collected “before” and “after” pictures of a total of 53 patients who had undergone rhinoplasty procedures at a private clinic. 50 research volunteers were then recruited to independently estimate the patient ages, which ranged from 15 to 61.

The study was designed so that half of the research subjects were shown the “before” pictures first, while the other half were shown the “after” pictures first. A month later the volunteers were brought back in to rate the corresponding other half of the pictures.

On average, patients appeared to be 1.5 years younger following surgery. The results also suggested that the older a patient was prior to surgery, the young they appeared post-surgery. However, researchers did point out that the difference between age groups was not statistically significant.

Additionally, the degree of rhinoplasty also seemed to have an impact on age estimates. Patients who received a reduction in their dorsal hump (the convex shape to the bridge of the nose) and patients with a greater degree of nasal tip rotation appeared younger in their after pictures than other patients.

While the overall impact rhinoplasty may have on creating a youthful appearance may not be as dramatic as a face lift of neck lift, it does appear to be a surprising additional advantage to rhinoplasty.

“This is the first study to demonstrate a statistically significant decrease in apparent age after rhinoplasty,” the doctors concluded. “This decrease in apparent age is an extra positive benefit of rhinoplasty, in addition to an increase in the harmony of facial features and the improvement of overall facial aesthetics.”

Learn more about rhinoplasty in Birmingham.

Source: LA Times

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Which Season is Best for Breast Augmentation, Body Contouring and Other Procedures

Posted on January 21, 2012 by Briana

Breast Augmentation “Should I plan my cosmetic procedure according to season?” is a question plaguing many potential plastic surgery patients. The answer is often yes, according to a recent article published in the Huffington Post.

Planning by season can be an effective tool to maximize your end results from plastic surgery. Considerations such as avoiding direct sunlight or the need for additional days off from work to recuperate can all be effectively planned by season.  Below is a list of seasonal recommendations for common plastic surgery procedures.

Winter

In ideal circumstances, winter is the absolute best time to undergo any type of plastic surgery. Body contouring procedures, breast augmentation, as well  facial surgery  are all popular during this time period because the cooler weather allows patients to effectively conceal healing scars or swelling during the recovery period. Patients also are likely to have more time off from work during the holiday season to schedule and recover from surgery. Additionally, many surgical procedures require patients to avoid direct sunlight during their recovery.

Recommended Surgery:

Facelift
Rhinoplasty (nosejob)
Brow lift
Body contouring
Breast surgery
Laser resurfacing

Spring

Spring is also a great time to seek out plastic surgery. Depending upon your location, the climate may still be cool enough to conceal the healing process with additional clothing. Also, if you are prone to putting on weight during the holiday season, its best to lose it and be at your idea weight prior to undergoing body contouring surgery. Spring surgeries give patients some leeway to get back in shape.

Recommended Surgery:

Breast surgery
Body contouring
Facial surgery

Summer

Summer is not usually a recommended time for surgery, unless you have a scheduled period of time off from work or school obligations. Extreme heat or sun exposure can lead to an extended recovery period and in some cases, bleeding post-op. If you chose to undergo surgery during the warm summer months, plan on staying indoors for 1-2 weeks following surgery. Minimally invasive procedures such as Botox or dermal filler injections are the only recommended procedures during the summer.

Recommended Surgery:

Minor procedures such as Botox, Juvederm or Restylane

Fall

Similar to winter and spring months, fall can be a great time for plastic surgery, especially if you’ve been able to reach your target weight during active summer months. Thick sweaters or scarves can easily conceal swelling or bruises from facial or body surgery and the results can be ready for reveal by the holiday season.

Recommended Surgery:

Face and nose
Breast
Body contouring

Choosing to undergo plastic surgery is a decision not to be taken lightly. Make sure to do your research and plan according to season for the best results.

Learn more about breast augmentation in Birmingham, MI.

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Rhinoplasty, Breast Lifts and Liposuction: Pre-Wedding Plastic Surgery

Posted on January 14, 2012 by Briana

Bride by For_Anise, on Flickr

Planning, preparing and organizing for the big day can be a grueling experience for many brides-to-be. While most brides are scrutinizing over invitations, bridesmaid dresses and last minute workouts, other brides are adding liposuction or rhinoplasty to their pre-wedding to-do list. According to a recent story which aired on Good Morning America, bridalplasty is the newest trend to hit the bridal circuit.

According to Dr. Tenley Lawton, a board-certified plastic surgeon in California, brides-to-be are frequent customers at her clinic. While some are just seeking Botox injections, others are spending up to $15,000 on cosmetic procedures.

“It’s a whole lot of money… We want to make sure the patient is doing this for the right reasons. They’re doing this for themselves, not just for their fiancés or any other motive,”Dr. Lawton recently said on GMA.

Linsey Ray, a prior patient of Dr. Lawton’s sought out plastic surgery to improve her looks before saying ‘I do’ at her wedding. Ray, who had a long history of struggling with her weight, was able to shed pounds prior to her wedding through a healthy diet and exercise plan, but was self-conscious about the excess skin that was left behind.

“I know it sounds crazy but… it is the worst thing in the world to literally wear three tank tops to hold all your suction in, everything and so it’s worth it for me,” she said.

Ray said the pain after surgery was very uncomfortable, but she has no regrets. “I feel like everything just fits the inside now. The inside matches the outside package… I just want my day to be like… That was my special day and I got to get to feel like a princess,” she told GMA.

If you’re considering rhinoplasty, Botox injections or other cosmetic procedures to be picture-perfect on your wedding day, make sure to plan ahead. As rule, it’s best to schedule your consultation 2-3 months prior to your ideal scheduled surgery. You’ll also want to plan for your recovery period. Some procedures require almost no down time, while others like a tummy tuck, may take a couple of weeks.

Learn more about rhinoplasty and other cosmetic procedures in Birmingham.

Sources: ABC News

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Botox Injections for Overactive Bladder May Be Better Than Other Treatment

Posted on January 7, 2012 by Briana

Botox Injections for Overactive BladderOveractive bladder is an often embarrassing medical condition that affects nearly one in eleven people in the U.S. Also known as urge incontinence, this condition is typically characterized by intense and sudden urges to urinate, which are then often followed by an involuntary loss of urine.

Symptoms of overactive bladder are often linked to other medical conditions, such as neurological disorders, acute urinary tract infections or bladder irritations, as well as bladder abnormalities such as tumors or bladder cancer. In women, pregnancy and delivery can weaken the pelvic floor muscles, which is a common cause of overactive bladder. While in men, changes in the prostate gland often induce symptoms.

There are various medical treatments available for overactive bladder, but researchers believe that Botox injections may help patients when other medications have failed to relieve symptoms. According to a new study published in European Urology, patients who received Botox injections for overactive bladder experienced a decrease in both frequency and urgency.

British researcher Dr. Arun Sahai and colleagues at King’s College, observed 100 patients over the course of six years, receiving Botox injections for overactive bladder symptoms. Most patients were given between one and three injections. Injection rates varied because patients were given the choice to decide how many injections they received.

Twenty-five percent of patients discontinued their treatment after the first injection either because they did not feel relief of their symptoms or were uncomfortable with the need for self-catheterization after treatment. Of the patients who opted to continue treatment, researchers found continued improvement in symptoms of frequency, urgency and incontinence.

Researchers did note that 15 percent of patients experienced urinary tract infections (UTI) as a primary side effect of treatment. Botox injections have been seen to cause UTIs in other studies. The exact cause of this side effect is unknown, but researchers speculate that injections may cause bacteria to move deep into the bladder. Self-catheterization may also be a potential cause of these infections.

From the data collected, researchers were able to conclude that Botox injections for overactive bladder are both safe and effective for medium-term use. Long-term studies have not been conducted.

Learn more about Botox injections in Birmingham.

Source: Daily Rx

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Allergan Confirms Safety and Quality of Gel-Filled Breast Implants

Posted on December 28, 2011 by Briana

Gel-Filled Breast ImplantsAllergan Inc., a lead manufacturer in both medical devices and pharmaceuticals, has released a statement speaking out against Poly Implant Prosthese (PIP), a French manufacturer currently under investigation for faulty breast implants in Europe. Allergan, maker of popular breast implant products such as NATRELLE, McGhan and CUI, is in no way affiliated with PIP and seeks to reassure patients and surgeons that Allergan products are of the highest quality and safety.

Allergan breast implant devices have been successfully on the market for almost 50 years. The products are available in over 60 countries and are subjected to rigorous national and international quality control standards and practices.

Among the many products manufactured by Allergan every year, silicone gel-filled breast implants are by far the most favored among both patients and surgeons. The gel-filled implants have been placed in more than 1 million women worldwide.

As a result of hundreds of thousands of clinical trials, peer-reviewed journals and published reports, silicone gel-filled breast implants have become one the most studied devices in the world. Allergan’s gel-filled implants specifically, have set themselves apart from various competitors due to their more cohesive silicone gel and their stronger outer shells.

A recent report published by the U.S. FDA has again confirmed the safety and effectiveness of silicone breast implants when used as intended, however, it is important for patients to recognize that breast implants are not made for lifelong use. Patients at some point in their lives may require a removal and replacement. Breast implants should be monitored regularly by a physician.

Allergan is committed to excellence and continues to set the industry standard for breast implant manufacturing with their strong adherence to the most stringent of safety and quality standards.

Learn more about gel-filled breast implants in Birmingham, MI.

Source: News-Medical.net

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Botox Injections: This Year’s Hottest Christmas Gift

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Briana

Botox Injections

Credit: Flickr/Mulad

Christmas is nearly here, which means shoppers’ emotions are running high as they rummage through store aisles in search of the perfect last minute present. Finding the perfect present for the man or woman who has everything can be stressful, especially when time is scarce. But surprisingly enough, this year’s gift giving dilemmas could be solved with a simple call to a local plastic surgeon’s office.

More and more men and women are choosing to purchase gift certificates or surgical consultations for loved ones this Christmas. Popular procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction and Botox injections are topping many Christmas lists this year according to Tampa based plastic surgeon Dan Diaco, MD.

“It makes a wonderful present. Most girls are very, very, very, happy to get something like this under the tree,” says Diaco.

Men are also happy recipients of plastic surgery gifts for Christmas. According to Diaco, the most requested procedures for men are Botox injections, frequently referred to as “bro-tox.” Men also lean towards chemical peels which can treat a variety of superficial skin problems such as sun damage and fine wrinkles, as well as Juvederm injections which can reduce moderate to severe facial wrinkles and add volume to the skin.

Diaco insists that the end results are priceless: “Their face lights up. They get excited. It changes their lives.”

Plastic surgery may be the perfect gift for your “someone special” this year, but remember that it’s important to seek out a board certified plastic surgeon. Thorough surgical consultations and evaluations are essential to determine if a patient is an ideal candidate for plastic surgery.

If you’re planning to give the gift of cosmetic enhancement this year, it’s best to give an envelope filled with informational brochures because in most cases, you will not be able to purchase the procedure without a patient consultation first.

Source: WTSP News

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