| New
Survey Shows Majority of Americans Approve of Cosmetic Surgery
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery, February 20, 2003
Enlarged
Male Breasts - A Problem for Thousands
Male Breast Reduction With Ultrasound-assisted
Liposuction Is Safe and Effective, Says ASPS , February 19, 2003
RESTYLANE:
The Next "Must Have" Injectable?
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery, February 5, 2003
Innovations
in Scar Management Offer Encouraging News for African American Plastic
Surgery Patients, ASPS
January 31, 2003
FACES OF
BEAUTY: YESTERDAY & TODAY
Press release from the
American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS)
(Jan. 15, 2003)
Silicone
Breast Implant Update
Saline
Breast Implant Information
Americans Plan Botox®
in the Future, But Not at "Botox Parties"
Fifty-seven Percent Will Have
Botox in Next 6-12 Months
Ninety-three Percent Most Comfortable Receiving Botox in Doctor's
Office
Press release from The American Society of
Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) (August 6, 2002)
Non-Surgical Breast
Enhancement: A Viable Option for Small Breasted Women
by ASPS
Press release from The American Society of
Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) (July 30, 2002)
A Second Type Of
Botulinum Toxin -- BTX-B -- May Be Effective For Treating Face Wrinkles
by UCSF
Breast Reduction
Surgery, More Effective Than Medication, Diet, Or Support Bras,
To Relieve Suffering Of Overly Large Breasts by
ASPS
Press release from The American Society of
Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) (May 1, 2002)
Facial Rejuvenation
Today: The Journey From Superficial Tightening To Facial Shaping
by ASAPS
Press release from The American Society for
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) (April 29, 2002)
American Academy
Of Cosmetic Surgery To Participate In Clinical Trials For New Facial
Procedure by AACS
Press release from The American Academy of
Cosmetic Surgery(AACS) Chicago(April 30, 2002)
Breast Implant
Hardness Improved by New Asthma Medication
by softerbreastimplantproject.com
Press release from softerbreastimplantproject.com
(April 12, 2002)
Cosmetic Surgery
Vacations: Beyond The Sales Pitch
by ASAPS
Press release from The American Society for
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) (April 2, 2002)
Plastic Surgeons
Offer Guidelines For Safe Laser Treatments
by ASPS
Press release from The American Society of
Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) (March 25, 2002)
New Implant Product
Used By Plastic Surgeons At UT Southwestern Fills Out Thin Lips
And Facial Creases
by UT southwestern Medical Center
Press release from UT Southwestern (March 13,
2002)
10 Steps to a Successful Facelift
PLASTIC SURGERY FACTS
& STATS
*American Society of Plastic Surgery
(2001 report)
- People spend about 10% of their gross income on cosmetic surgeries.
- The number of people having cosmetic plastic surgery by ASPS
members has consistently increased, tripled in fact since 1992.
*
- Studies have shown that 11% of men are also getting cosmetic
surgery. The stress of being beautiful is taking a strain on many
people. Since 1992, the percentage of men getting cosmetic surgery
had gone up by 50%.
- The most popular surgery to date is liposuction. Liposuction
started in 1970 and every year since has become popular. 25%/2million
cosmetic surgeries are liposuctions.
- Liposuction procedures increased 313% from 47,212 to 195,135
between 1992 and 2001.*
- Tummy Tucks, performed by ASPS members increased 231% from 16,810
to 55,578.*
- Other notable increases include forehead lift with a 229% increase
from 13,501 to 44,473; and eyelid surgery with a 137% increase
from 4,997 to 12,092.*
- Aesthetic surgical procedures have increased by more than 50%
during the last two years both in USA and Canada.
- Liposculpture is one of the most frequently preformed surgeries,
with a 264% increase between 1992 and 1998 and 57% between 1996
and 1998.
- Then breast enlargement (breast implant), which has risen by
306%- between 1992 and 1998 and 51% between 1996 and 1998, followed
by facelift and others.
- The procedures most frequently practiced on women are liposcuplture
and breast implants. Liposculpture also ranks first among men
followed by nasal and eyelid surgery.
- Breast Augmentation increased 533% from 32,607 to 206,354 since
1992.*
- Collagen injections continue to increase each year. Since 1992
collagen injections have increased 93%, 75 percent since 1998
and 28% since 2000.*
- The number of people having cosmetic surgery procedures performed
by ASPS members increased 7% from 200 to 2001.*
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10 Steps to a Successful
Facelift
Press release from American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
(ASAPS) (February 6, 2003)
New York, NY (February 6, 2003) - Today's skilled cosmetic plastic
surgeon knows that getting the best results from any cosmetic operation
requires a customized surgical plan for each patient. Facelift surgery
is particularly challenging, since patients differ widely in their
underlying facial structure as well as the extent of their visible
aging. According to an article in the American Society for Aesthetic
Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) publication, Aesthetic Surgery Journal,
there are at least ten important considerations in designing a great
facelift.
"If patients are aware of the process their plastic surgeon
goes through to develop a surgical plan, they can be more active
participants in some of these decisions," says the article's
author, plastic surgeon Robert Bernard, MD, of White Plains, NY,
who is ASAPS' president-elect.
A well-designed facelift will take into account factors including:
- Hairline Position. A small shift in the position of the hairline
is considered acceptable and usually is not noticed, but patients
starting out with an elevated hairline position may need special
techniques to avoid raising it further.
- Incision Placement. "Many patients and their friends judge
the success of a facelift on the basis of minimally detectable
scars," says Dr. Bernard. Where to place incisions depends
on factors such as the amount of excess skin and whether the patient
has pre-existing creases in front of the ears.
- Cheek Volume. "If the cheek area appears flat because of
inadequate bony projection, I sometimes use fat injections to
provide better definition," says Dr. Bernard. "Implants
and other materials are also available for augmenting the cheeks."
- Fat Pad. In rare instances, a herniated or prominent buccal
fat pad, located in the cheek area, may need to be removed or
sutured at a deep level.
- Cheek Folds. Cheek, or "nasolabial" folds are difficult
to treat, but a facelift that pulls in a vertical direction will
help to restore sagging soft tissue to its natural position in
the cheek area, says Dr. Bernard. Injection with a soft tissue
filler, such as fat, may also be necessary to achieve optimal
results.
- Jaw Line. Jowls are caused by sagging soft tissue that must
be elevated. If excess fat is present, it may be removed by suction
(lipoplasty).
- "Trough." "There is a region defined by the angle
of the jaw where it interfaces with the neck that I call the 'trough,'"
says Dr. Bernard. "A shallow trough gives the face a rounder
look, whereas a deeper trough contributes to a more chiseled look
generally associated with youth and attractiveness." Dr.
Bernard recommends, when necessary, defatting this area to give
it better definition.
- Chin. The profile of the chin plays an important role in an
attractive appearance. An overly prominent chin, "weak"
chin, "double chin" or "witch's chin" all
can be addressed with additional procedures performed at the same
time as a facelift.
- Glands. Sometimes the glands located in the neck, underneath
the chin, appear prominent and can detract from the neck's appearance.
While most patients find some fullness in this area acceptable,
surgical removal or repositioning of the glands is an option,
though not without risks.
- Neck Cords. If neck cords appear prominent from the frontal
view, correction may require a small incision underneath the chin,
nearly undetectable when healed.
"These elements of a successful facelift do not include every
preoperative consideration in facial rejuvenation," says
Dr. Bernard. "But if similar evaluations are made regarding
the eyes, forehead and skin, the final result should be very harmonious."
Top
New Survey Shows Majority
of Americans Approve of Cosmetic Surgery,
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, February 20,
2003
New York, NY (February 20, 2003)--A new survey shows that more than
half (54%) of all Americans approve of cosmetic plastic surgery
and nearly one-quarter (24%) say they would consider having cosmetic
surgery themselves, either now or in the future. The February 2003
consumer attitudes poll of 1000 American households was commissioned
by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and
conducted by the independent research firm Synovate (formerly Market
Facts).
Whether people are married or unmarried has little to do with whether
or not they would consider cosmetic surgery; 24% of married Americans
and 25% of unmarried Americans said they would consider cosmetic
surgery.
Women are more likely than men to contemplate cosmetic surgery;
nearly one-third (30%) of women said they would consider having
cosmetic surgery, compared to 18% of men. But many of those who
might not want surgery themselves say it has nothing to do with
what others might think. More than three-quarters (77%) of all women
and 74% of all men said that if they had cosmetic surgery, they
would not be embarrassed if other people knew about it.
"Most people today see nothing unusual about men and women
wanting to improve their appearance by having cosmetic plastic surgery,"
says ASAPS President Franklin DiSpaltro, MD. "People are living
longer, and they want to enjoy life more. Looking good is part of
feeling good, and that is what's important to people."
Even though approval of cosmetic surgery among people under 35
is high (56%), younger people are more likely than older Americans
to want to keep their cosmetic surgery a secret. Twenty-four percent
(24%) of 18-to-34 year olds said they would not want people outside
their family and close friends to know they had undergone cosmetic
surgery, compared to only 8% of 55-to-64 year olds.
"It's not surprising that people are very comfortable about
having cosmetic surgery to help reverse the signs of aging, when
they still feel young and vigorous in so many other ways,"
says Dr. DiSpaltro. "But no matter what your age, cosmetic
surgery should not be about changing who you are; it's about achieving
harmony between how you look on the outside and how you feel inside."
Top
Enlarged Male Breasts
- A Problem for Thousands;
Male Breast Reduction With Ultrasound-assisted Liposuction Is
Safe and Effective, Says ASPS , February 19, 2003
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. - Gynecomastia, the correction
of enlarged male breasts, is a taboo subject that haunts tens of
thousands of young men, often causing low self-esteem or embarrassment.
Due to technological advances, men can now safely and effectively
have this condition corrected with minimal or no scarring through
ultrasound-assisted liposuction, according to an article published
in the February issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®,
the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic
Surgeons (ASPS).
Gynecomastia, which according to some studies affects up to 30 percent
of men, is a benign condition that most often occurs in prepubescent
boys. The condition is characterized by dense or fibrous breast
tissue that does not diminish after puberty. According to the ASPS,
more than 18,500 men had male breast reduction surgery in 2001.
Of these men, 65 percent were under age 35.
"Gynecomastia is a condition rarely talked about," said
Rod Rohrich, MD, ASPS president-elect and co-author of the study.
"I've met numerous young men and their parents who wished they
had known earlier there was a treatment for this problem. Ultrasound-assisted
liposuction allows men to regain their confidence and feel free
to participate in activities they used to shy away from."
Dr. Rohrich and colleagues at the University of Texas Southwestern
Department of Plastic Surgery have developed a classification and
management system for gynecomastia that suggests ultrasound-assisted
liposuction is safe and effective to treat most cases of the condition.
The ultrasound technique melts fibrous breast tissue, allowing plastic
surgeons to remove it through small incisions, with minimal scarring
and recovery time. The authors note, in some gynecomastia cases,
only traditional liposuction is required to remove tissue.
Traditional treatment for gynecomastia typically involves the surgical
removal of breast tissue, often coupled with traditional liposuction
to contour the chest. This method may leave patients with large,
visible scars, and longer recovery time.
The authors based their recommendations on their experience treating
61 patients with gynecomastia. The team had an 87 percent success
rate using the appropriate combination of traditional and ultrasound-assisted
liposuction. Eight patients, who suffered from advanced cases of
gynecomastia, later required the surgical removal of excess breast
tissue and skin to better contour the chest.
Before any patient has ultrasound-assisted or traditional liposuction
to treat enlarged male breasts, a clinical evaluation of the patient
by a board-certified plastic surgeon is paramount, including an
in-depth review of the patient's medical history and a physical
examination of the breasts. Additional diagnostic testing should
be individualized to address abnormalities in the patient's medical
history or physical exam and rule out other underlying causes.
"Gynecomastia is not an uncommon problem - which leaves one
to wonder how many men silently suffer with this disease without
treatment," said Dr. Rohrich. "Now there is a simple and
creative solution that erases all the embarrassment associated with
gynecomastia. With ultrasound-assisted liposuction, these men can
not only look better but feel better about themselves."
Top
RESTYLANE: The Next
"Must Have" Injectable?
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, February
5, 2003
New York, NY (February 5, 2003) - The list of cosmetic soft tissue
fillers on the market and in the pipeline worldwide is growing rapidly.
Many have been introduced with great fanfare; relatively few stand
the test of regulatory or peer review - as well as the test of time.
Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering
cosmetic approval of hyaluronic acid, marketed under the name Restylane,
which has been used to fill wrinkles in Canada and Europe, but has
not yet been approved for cosmetic use in the United States. Restylane
is a crystal clear gel used for soft-tissue filling of lips, facial
wrinkles and facial folds.
The hyaluronic acid in Restylane, although biosynthetically produced,
is almost identical to that existing naturally in all living organisms.
Hyaluronic acid is a key structural component of the skin, creating
volume and shape, and acting as a lubricant and shock absorber.
Hyaluronic acid concentrations throughout the human body decline
with age, causing undesirable changes in the skin.
Hyaluronic acid was first used commercially in 1942. In the last
two decades the therapeutic and aesthetic uses have expanded. In
the United States, hyaluronic acid has been used in eye surgery,
as a "shock absorber" to protect the retina, and has been
proven effective in lubricating arthritic joints. "Plastic
surgeons are constantly searching for the 'perfect' soft tissue
filler - a long-lasting substance that effectively fills wrinkles,
folds and plumps up the lips, but has little or no downtime for
the patient and causes no allergic reactions. To date, Restylane
is the closest we have come to that ideal," says Gaston Schwartz,
MD, a Canadian plastic surgeon and member of the American Society
for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), who has been using Restylane
since its approval in Canada in the fall of 1998.
Jay Burns, MD, chair of the ASAPS Facial Surgery Committee, notes
that the efficacy of Restylane is dependant on many variables. "While
clinical trials appear to demonstrate that Restylane may be effective
for up to one year for treatment of wrinkles and six months for
lip augmentation, results are not the same in every case. Injection
technique may be a factor, as well as individual patient variables."
Dr. Burns adds that the anticipated FDA approval will facilitate
more meaningful clinical evaluation of Restylane's benefits. "When
plastic surgeons have the opportunity to gather data based on large
numbers of patients over an extended period of time, we will have
a much better idea of this product's 'niche' within the entire range
of soft tissue fillers," he says.
There have been anecdotal reports of complications in connection
with the use of hyaluronic acid, but doctors say the incidence of
problems associated with the newest products is very low. Nevertheless,
even if Restylane gains FDA approval, some physicians may hesitate
to use it until they are convinced that the benefits outweigh any
possible risks.
According to statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic
Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), nearly 8.5 million Americans underwent
cosmetic procedures, both surgical and nonsurgical, in 2001. The
greatest increase in numbers was in nonsurgical procedures such
as injectables.
Top
Innovations in Scar
Management Offer Encouraging News for African American Plastic Surgery
Patients, ASPS,
January 31, 2003
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. - With more African Americans
having cosmetic surgery, plastic surgeons are developing innovative
approaches to reduce and manage unsightly keloid and hypertrophic
scarring, says the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
This risk of surgery can be a concern for African Americans interested
in plastic surgery.
Keloids are raised scars that grow beyond the original wound or
point of incision, while hypertrophic scars appear raised but stay
within the confines of the initial wound or point of incision. Both
keloids and hypertrophic scars occur during the healing process
and most commonly happen to people of color.
"The causes and treatments of keloid and hypertrophic scarring
are continually being researched and can adversely affect the cosmetic
result for African American plastic surgery patients," said
Emily Pollard, MD, ASPS member, Philadelphia. Dr. Pollard estimates
that 25 percent of her patients are African American.
According to ASPS statistics, 373,478 African Americans had cosmetic
surgery in 2001. Additionally, more than 227,000 people had scar
revision procedures in 2001.
A study published in the February 2003 issue of Plastic and Reconstructive
Surgery® (PRS), the official medical journal of the ASPS, explored
the use of electron-beam radiation on keloids and hypertrophic scars.
Study results showed patients treated with electron-beam radiation
for keloids on their neck, earlobes, or lower limbs experienced
a significant decrease in keloid appearance. Radiation therapy,
however, is not necessarily recommended as a first line of treatment
for keloid scarring.
"The majority of my African American patients are pleased with
their results," said Dr. Pollard. "African American patients
can have plastic surgery with limited scarring and wonderful cosmetic
results. I feel that plastic surgery is definitely a realistic option
for this ethnic group."
Although there is no way to prevent keloids and hypertrophic scars,
some plastic surgeons perform less invasive techniques for procedures
requested by their African American patients. Less invasive techniques
produce less trauma to underlying tissue which reduces inflammation
of the skin and lessens scarring. According to Dr. Pollard, commonly
requested procedures by her African American patients include eyelid
surgery, breast augmentation, breast reduction, liposuction, and
tummy tucks.
"Less invasive techniques are optimal for some African American
patients, but not all," cautions Julius Few, MD, ASPS member,
Chicago. He estimates that 25 to 30 percent of his patients are
African American and of that percentage the incidence of keloid
scarring is 5 to 10 percent. "Patients who choose less invasive
techniques because of the risk of scarring could compromise an optimal
cosmetic result. For example, a patient who has breast reduction
surgery via the less invasive liposuction technique may experience
less scarring, but her breasts may not have the desired lift. This
problem may not have occurred with traditional breast reduction
techniques."
If patients are susceptible to keloids and hypertrophic scars, plastic
surgeons can strategically place incisions where the scarring would
be less visible. For example, during breast augmentation, the incision
could be made in the "natural shadow" of the breast as
opposed to the nipple or armpit.
"In addition to intra-operative approaches, there are post-operative
measures that plastic surgeons can take to reduce scarring,"
added Dr. Pollard. "Treatment options include topical and injectable
medications, pressure therapy, or surgical removal."
The ASPS offers African American patients considering plastic surgery
the following information about keloids and hypertrophic scars:
- Although most common in people of color, not all African Americans
develop keloids or hypertrophic scars.
- Keloids or hypertrophic scars can appear anywhere on the body,
but are most common around the breasts, chest, shoulders, and
ears.
- The chances of developing them may increase if there is a family
history of keloids or hypertrophic scars.
- If a patient has keloids or hypertrophic scars from a previous
incision or wound, there is an increased chance of developing
them again.
- The tendency of developing keloids or hypertrophic scars decreases
with age.
Top
FACES OF BEAUTY: YESTERDAY
& TODAY
Press release from the American Academy of Facial
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) (Jan. 15, 2003)
New, York, NY, January 15, 2003 — Academy Award-winning actress
and current Bond girl Halle Berry has another title to add to her
already impressive list. A six-year veteran of People magazine's
"The 50 Most Beautiful People in the World" list, Berry
has just been named the "modern-day ideal face of beauty"
for 2002 by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive
Surgery (AAFPRS).
In an effort to help better understand the ideal of perceived beauty
that exists today and to see if that ideal has changed over time,
the AAFPRS polled its membership - facial plastic surgeons - to
rate the features of past and present Tinseltown stars. So, while
Berry may have taken the title for "modern-day beauty,"
Fair Lady Audrey Hepburn was a winner (with 20 percent of Academy
votes) when it came to naming the female celebrity whose face represents
"timeless beauty." And among the men, 25 percent of the
facial plastic surgeons chose legendary bachelor George Clooney
as the male "modern-day ideal face of beauty" and the
tall, dark and handsome Cary Grant as the face of "timeless
beauty" for men.
While beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, facial plastic
surgeons agree that the skeletal proportions are the true determining
factors when analyzing facial attractiveness. A well proportioned
face should be divided into equal thirds with horizontal lines drawn
through the anterior hairline, the brow, the base of the nose, and
the edge of the chin. Attractive faces tend to fit within these
parameters, which reflect a proportional facial skeleton.
So why did Halle Berry rightfully earn the modern-day ideal face
of beauty nomination by 19 percent of the Academy? "Ms. Berry
was likely chosen by our members because of her unblemished, smooth
skin, full lips, large eyes, and delicate yet defined facial skeleton,"
says AAFPRS President Dean M. Toriumi, MD. "She has a great
smile and seems very sincere when viewed by the public," he
adds, affirming the truth that real beauty also comes from within.
Runners-up in this category include Catherine Zeta-Jones and Elizabeth
Hurley (each received 17 percent of the votes) and Nicole Kidman
(with 11 percent of the votes).
Interestingly, Audrey Hepburn's face has very similar structural
features to Berry's. Toriumi cites the graceful Hepburn's angular
facial bone structure, full, well positioned eyebrows and captivating
eyes as reasons why the AAFPRS chose her to represent enduring loveliness.
In comparing the facial proportions of Halle Berry and Audrey Hepburn,
Toriumi finds that both have "striking eyes, full lips, and
a long columnar neck." However, despite these similarities,
he feels that the overall perception of facial beauty today has
changed to some degree from years past. "Today, beauty transcends
race and color and is truly dependent on the harmonious relationship
of facial features," states Toriumi.
So, how does hunky George Clooney compare? Physically speaking,
George Clooney was selected because he possesses a strong jaw, deep
brown eyes, an "ever-perfect" olive complexion, and a
strong and straight masculine nose, says Toriumi. As with Halle
Berry, some of George Clooney's attractiveness is attributed to
his charming personality. "Clooney is known for his sense of
humor, often seen in interviews making wry comments, jokes, and
pulling pranks," observes Toriumi. "Thus, his appeal seems
partially to stem from a persona, which is a blend of warmth and
humor." Following close behind for the title of male modern-day
face of beauty are heartthrobs Brad Pitt and Mel Gibson - tied for
second place, each with 20 percent of the vote. On the other hand,
*NSYNC teen idol Justin Timberlake received zero votes from the
surgeons.
Like Clooney, timeless beauty winner Cary Grant has a well-proportioned
face with a broad forehead, expressive brows and a strong chin with
a characteristic dimple. However, Toriumi finds that the major common
features between the two - a strong, straight nose and well-defined
jaw - are two ideal masculine traits that have endured through the
years. "These features of attractive males have withstood the
test of time."
Although Berry, Hepburn, Clooney and Grant all possess enviable
facial features that represent the ideal beauty of today and yesterday,
Toriumi stresses that it is important for prospective patients to
have realistic expectations of facial plastic surgery. According
to Toriumi, the majority of facial plastic surgery patients today
seek to enhance the features they already have rather than want
to look like someone else. Popular options today include noninvasive
and less expensive procedures, such as Botox and chemical peels
- all designed to improve existing appearance. No wonder then that
55 percent of the AAFPRS surgeons said that an overall younger appearance
and the removal of fine lines was the number one request by patients
who visited their offices in 2002.
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