American Society of Plastic Surgeons Hosts 81st Annual Scientific Meeting
New Orleans, October 26-30, 2012

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. - From new studies on facial aging and attractiveness, to a special benefit concert to raise awareness about breast reconstruction options - the most cutting-edge research, initiatives, techniques and technologies will be presented at Plastic Surgery The Meeting, the annual scientific conference of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). The meeting, being held October 26-30 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, will be attended by more than 4,500 doctors, medical personnel, exhibitors and industry representatives in the field of plastic surgery. The ASPS is the world's largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons.

"The meeting will bring together the world's foremost experts on every aspect of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery to impart their knowledge, research and new techniques," said ASPS President Malcolm Z. Roth, MD. "In addition to the innovations in cosmetic surgery that will be discussed, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and this year's meeting will have a particularly strong emphasis on breast reconstruction after mastectomy through the educational opportunities offered as well as events like our annual Patients of Courage awards and a major charity concert performed by award-winning recording artist Jewel that will benefit breast reconstruction research."

Opening Ceremonies

Keynote speakers and renowned campaign strategists Mary Matalin and New Orleans native James Carville will provide behind-the-scenes insight into Washington power politics and share their opposing political opinions and analyses on current events during Opening Ceremonies on Friday, Oct. 26 from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. CDT.

Five breast reconstruction patients from across the country will be honored during ASPS' annual Patients of Courage: Triumph Over Adversity awards during Opening Ceremonies. In recognition of the nation's first Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day USA, this year's awards will recognize breast cancer survivors who have undergone breast reconstruction and have used their experience to help other women facing breast cancer, mastectomy, and subsequent reconstruction.

Media Photo Op: "An Evening with Jewel"

As national spokesperson for BRA Day USA, Jewel will give a special performance of her song "Flower," written in honor of breast reconstruction patients, during this exclusive dinner for breast cancer survivors and the surgeons who treat them, on Monday, Oct. 29, 6:30 p.m. CDT, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

Media Event/Photo Op: Jewel in Concert

Jewel will perform a benefit concert in support of breast reconstruction awareness at the New Orleans Theater at the Convention Center on Monday, Oct. 29, at 9:30 p.m. CDT. Along with her most popular hits, Jewel will perform "Flower." Event proceeds will be donated to the Breast Reconstruction Awareness Fund of The Plastic Surgery Foundation and used to support national and local breast reconstruction organizations. Jewel will be available for media interviews, to discuss this initiative, prior to the concert.

Exhibit Hall

The Exhibit Hall, open Saturday, Oct. 27 - Monday, Oct. 29, will showcase 300 companies featuring products and services including the latest breast implants, injectable wrinkle fighters, cosmetics/skin care, and body contouring technologies. This array of exhibitors will bring plastic surgeons up-to-date on cutting-edge products and technologies to better care for patients.

Topics presented at Plastic Surgery The Meeting include:

• New Frontiers in Regenerative Medicine
• Stem Cells and Plastic Surgery
• Current Trends in Fat Grafting to the Breast and Hand
• Buttock Augmentation
• Robotics in Plastic Surgery
• Botox and New Fillers
• Isolated Neck Lifts
• Hair Restoration
• Radiation in Breast Reconstruction
• Skin Essentials for the Plastic Surgeon
• Hot Topics in Plastic Surgery
• Obtaining Natural Facelift Results Using Facial Fat
• Composite Tissue Allotransplantation
• Finesse in Liposuction
• Perioral Rejuvenation
• Male Pectoral Implants

For a full listing of meeting activities and topics, visit www.plasticsurgerythemeeting.org.

Editor's Note: Reporters can register to attend Plastic Surgery The Meeting by clicking here or arrange interviews with presenters by contacting ASPS Public Relations at (847) 228-9900, media@plasticsurgery.org or in New Orleans, October 26-30, at (504) 670-4242.