2013

The increasing popularity of nonsurgical facial rejuvenation

John Alexander II, MD | San Diego, CA Thursday, December 12, 2013

According to statistics from ASPS, Botox was the number one nonsurgical procedure performed in the United States last year. With over six million injections performed in the U.S. in 2012, there were actually far more appointments booked for this noninvasive rejuvenation option compared to the more than 120,000 facelifts performed the same year.

Is plastic surgery the ultimate gift?

Jeffrey Weinzweig, MD | Chicago, IL Friday, November 29, 2013

Cameras, jewelry, iPods. These are things we expect to see on the wish lists of our friends and family. But, a facelift? Yep, it seems that cosmetic procedures have found their way into Santa's sack. With this trend, though, comes a warning. While giving someone a pricey surgery can be considered kind and loving, it can also come with problematic implications.

My face looks 50, my hands look 65: Can I make them match?

Peter Geldner, MD | Chicago, IL Friday, November 22, 2013

Like the rest of our bodies, our hands show signs of aging that may include brown spots, thinning skin, wrinkles, and large veins. I recently had a very happy facelift patient who looked 15 years younger, but suddenly the skin on her hands didn’t match her rejuvenated face. There a few simple procedures that can make your hands match your new youthful appearance.

How to eliminate your post-pregnancy paunch

Frank Campanile, MD | Denver, CO Thursday, November 14, 2013

As rewarding as motherhood is, there's no denying that pregnancy and childbirth can take a toll on your body. While many of the most obvious changes, such as extra weight gain, will resolve after your pregnancy, some may be here to stay. One example of this is the appearance of the post-pregnancy paunch; no matter how many targeted exercises you try or weight you lose, a stubborn potbelly often remains.

'Tis the season for plastic surgery?

Jeffrey Weinzweig, MD | Chicago, IL Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Shopping malls and airports aren't the only places that see more action around the holidays. This is also the time of year that merry-makers crowd the offices of plastic surgeons everywhere.

Is there real science behind the latest beauty fads?

David Sayah, MD | Beverly Hills, CA Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Since the dawn of time, men and women have tried a number of products and treatments to either fit in with the existing beauty trends or improve their appearance. In the modern day, plastic surgery is the standard approach for looking your best. Yet, that hasn’t stopped a few new and odd-sounding options from springing up here and there. Could there be any real science behind these bizarre beauty treatments?

New resource helps women with breast reconstruction recovery

David Reath, MD | Knoxville, TN Monday, October 21, 2013

The ASPS is proud to announce the availability of the Breast Reconstruction Planner: Tips to Manage a Speedy Recover. This is a guide for a patient and her family and caregivers to help plan for and manage the recovery following breast reconstruction surgeries. And, it's free to any and all who want to download it.

Should you take the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene test?

Lawrence Iteld, MD | Chicago, IL Thursday, September 12, 2013

In May, the New York Times published an Op-Ed letter from actress Angelina Jolie, in which Ms. Jolie shared that she elected to undergo a bilateral mastectomy and breast reconstruction after testing positive for the BRCA gene mutation.

What's hot? Gummy bear implants

Earl Campbell, MD | Calgary, AB Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Breast augmentation is consistently the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure in the U.S.; more than 286,000 were performed last year. For women interested in implants, traditional silicone and saline devices were the only option available to women…until now.

Some things never change: Popular plastic surgery procedures by age

Marcel Malek, MD | Scottsdale, AZ Wednesday, July 31, 2013

While each individual's needs and wants differ when it comes to choosing a procedure, the most popular cosmetic surgeries can be broken down by age group. While trends in plastic surgery vary from year to year, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons' 2012 statistics report shows that some procedures are consistently popular with certain age groups.

Mommy makeover – how soon is too soon?

Anureet Bajaj, MD | Oklahoma City, OK Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Through the lens of paparazzi photos, we may be under the illusion that celebrity moms return to their pre-baby selves instantaneously; however, it is important to understand that all transformations take time. After the birth of a child, it takes several months for your body to return to its pre-pregnancy form.

You can pitch in: BRA Day is just around the corner

Reza Miraliakbari, MD | Fairfax, VA Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Breast Reconstruction Awareness Dy was created to raise awareness and educate women about her breast reconstruction options post-mastectomy. Not only are there are multiple breast reconstruction options, but these options can be tailored to each patient’s particular cancer type, body shape and personal preference.

Is a cosmetic surgeon a plastic surgeon?

Marcel Malek, MD | Scottsdale, AZ Thursday, May 30, 2013

When a patient begins a search to find a plastic surgeon, one of the most common things he or she is not aware of is that there is a difference between a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon. Cosmetic surgery is performed by many physicians, and unfortunately, some are not under the guidance of a properly credentialed board.

Celebs on plastic surgery: When Angelina talks, we should listen

David Reath, MD | Knoxville, TN Monday, May 20, 2013

Last week was quite a busy week in the public relations office of ASPS. Without much notice, came the revelation, shared by Angelina Jolie, that she had undergone prophylactic mastectomies and reconstruction due to her high risks of developing breast cancer.

New techniques, technologies credited with soaring arm lift rates

Allen Rosen, MD | Montclair, NJ Monday, April 29, 2013

New technologies and techniques have made it more reasonable for plastic surgeons to treat heavy upper arms, which have driven many patients crazy for years.

Gynecomastia: Not just a cosmetic issue

Brian Labow, MD | Boston, MA Tuesday, April 2, 2013

When most people hear about procedures to remove excess breast fat, tissue and skin, they associate it with women. But gynecomastia is enlargement of the male breast tissue, and male breast reduction procedures were up 5% in 2012.

ASPS Annual Statistics: Plastic Surgery in 2012

David Reath, MD | Knoxville, TN Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Each year, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons releases statistics about the number and variety of plastic surgery procedures that were performed in the previous year. This is a bit of a "state of the field" for plastic surgery.

Is your workout making you old?

Anureet Bajaj, MD | Oklahoma City, OK Wednesday, February 13, 2013

I first thought about this question when I was in medical school. As an avid runner since I was 12, I have heard numerous myths about the bad side effects of running.

Do your plastic surgery homework, it could save your life

Malcolm Roth, MD | Albany, NY Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Almost every day we see a new story about the most requested celebrity body parts. Last month, U.K. patients favored Kate Middleton's nose. For a few years now, some women have been looking for a fuller backside à la Jennifer Lopez or Kim Kardashian.

Understanding the costs of plastic surgery

Daniel Kaufman, MD, FACS | Brooklyn, NY Friday, January 25, 2013

"I want my surgery for free," my friend tells me. Not an uncommon request from friends of plastic surgeons! Obvious to me, that means my surgical fee will be waived. Oddly enough, for my friend, an intelligent person in her own right, this meant something completely different.

Botox: What's all the hype about?

Jaffer Khan, MD | Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Everywhere you turn, it seems as though someone is getting Botox. In fact, it is by far the most popular minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure. Botox stops muscle movement and thus cause a relaxation and disappearance of the skin creases.

Reduction of the female breast: Obtaining insurance coverage of reduction mammaplasty

Bethanne Snodgrass, MD | Sylvania, OH Thursday, January 3, 2013

As I explained in my previous post, large breasts (macromastia) can cause physical problems that interfere with a woman’s daily functioning. If you are considering breast reduction surgery, first read your insurance policy. If your insurer lists reduction mammaplasty as a policy exclusion, you may not even get coverage for a consultation to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your symptoms.

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