Plastic Surgery On the Rise Despite Struggling Economy

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Alex

2011 plastic surgeries, rising popularity of cosmetic procedures, breast augmentation, liposuction, Botox, Restylane and RadiesseDespite a precarious American economy and ongoing uncertainty about our nation’s future, the plastic surgery industry has continued to grow, according to statistics released earlier this month by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). According to these figures, 13.8 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures (which include both surgical and minimally invasive techniques) were performed in the United States last year. This constituted a 5% rise over 2010.

Top 5 Surgeries

Cosmetic surgeries increased 2 percent, with nearly 1.6 million procedures performed last year. The biggest stories of the year were:

  • male chin augmentation: jumped 71 percent from 2010 with 21,000 procedures performed
  • lip augmentation: which jumped 49 percent with more than 25,000 procedures performed
  • facelifts: pushed abdominoplasty (tummy tuck surgery) from the bottom spot to reach the top 5 list for the first time

Top 5 Minimally Invasive Procedures

Minimally invasive procedures continued their dramatic rise with a 6 percent increase and 12.2 million procedures last year. These methods – quick, highly effective, and relatively pain-free – have caught on among many Americans and will likely experience growing popularity for many years.

Reconstructive plastic surgery also experienced a 5 percent rise, with tumor removal, laceration repair, maxillofacial surgery, scar revision, and hand surgery retaining their places on the Top 5. Breast reconstruction procedures grew by 3 percent.

“While the rate of economic recovery in the U.S. is still uncertain, 2011 proved to be a good year for plastic surgery,” ASPS President Malcolm Z. Roth, M.D. said in a press release. “Consumer confidence was up, auto sales rose 10 percent, so it is not surprising that we would also see increased demand for plastic surgery procedures.”

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More Seniors Seeking Nonsurgical Cosmetic Procedures

Posted on February 11, 2012 by Alex

seniors and plastic surgery, Botox, wrinkle fillers, laser skin rejuvenation

Traditionally, cosmetic procedures have been considered suitable pursuits of the young and middle-aged, not the elderly. However, with the aging of the baby boomer generation and a greater variety of minimally invasive procedures, there has been a rising number of seniors consulting with plastic surgeons and pursuing medical rejuvenation. Based on statistics released by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, it seems that seniors 65 and older now account for 7.3 percent of all cosmetic procedures, a jump from 5.4 percent in 2002.

What is causing this shift?

Part of it is that Americans are working longer than before. Arleen, a 66-year-old manager, says that she has received cosmetic injections and a partial facelift to make herself more competitive in the workplace.

“All of this has made a difference and I’m very satisfied with the results,” she told the Chicago Tribune in a recent interview. “It took five to seven years off, and when you’re working it’s important. I have younger people working under me, and I don’t want to look too old.”

Another reason is simply cultural. Members of the baby boomer generation are not strangers to plastic surgery in the same way that members of the Greatest Generation were. America’s aging population is burgeoning with the addition of people who were born after the hardships of the Great Depression and World War II. Boomers are more open to the option of plastic surgery than the preceding generation.

Finally, there is a greater variety of procedures available, and people who may not be the best candidates for surgery have many other options available to them. Botox, which was introduced in the 1990s to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, has been joined by dermal fillers and laser skin therapies that can provide comprehensive care without the need for facelifts. Plastic surgery patients have more options than ever before.

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Eyelift Vastly Improved British Woman’s Vision

Posted on February 4, 2012 by Alex

English actress Charlotte Rampling, who has hooded eyelids. Many people living with hooded eyelids can find it difficult to see properly. English actress Charlotte Rampling, pictured here, has hooded eyelids that have not interfered in her long and successful career. Photo credit: Nicolas Genin, Wikimedia Commons.Hooded eyelids, otherwise known as heavy-lidded eyes, are a widespread condition that obscures the natural crease in the eyelid. Many celebrities with hooded eyelids, like Madonna, Faye Dunaway, and Renée Zellweger, have benefited from their unique appearance. Unfortunately, however, hooded eyelids can create problems for some people who find their vision obscured by drooping skin. Hooded eyelids can also result in an angry, scowling appearance.

Donna McLean, a 46-year-old London woman, recently told the UK Daily Mail about her experiences with heavy eyelids. Often compared to British celebrities such as Charlotte Rampling or Glenda Jackson, Donna enjoyed her unique appearance for most of her life, as her hooded eyelids set her apart from the crowd. As she got older, however, Donna found that her eyelids were sagging more dramatically. It became a real problem:

“The skin under my brow-bone drooped so much you couldn’t see the crease on my eyelid… My lids felt heavy, which was tiring, and I could actually feel the skin of my upper eyelid lying against my lashes. It gave me headaches. It also looked as if I was permanently scowling, and I hated that my children always thought I looked cross.”

Her eyelids tended to obscure her vision so that she had to tilt her head or pull at her eyelids in order to see properly. The mother of three didn’t think much about the option of plastic surgery, since she considered it a sign of vanity, until she discovered that her frugal, down-to-earth grandmother had had an eyelift in the 1970s to correct the same problem. She finally sought help for her hooded eyelids and received a minimally invasive eyelift procedure from London plastic surgeon Dirk Kremer.

Since the procedure, Donna has experienced a dramatic change in her eyesight, and also appears more youthful. Her mother, who also has hooded eyelids, has made an appointment to receive the same surgery. Soon three generations in Donna’s family will have had the same procedure.

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Which Laser Therapy is Right for Me?

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Alex

Source: Flickr, CMRF_CrumlinFacial rejuvenation once required patients to undergo dermabrasion and similar treatments. While many people benefit from these procedures, they aren’t right for everyone. Fortunately, with the advent of new laser therapies, skin treatments can be accomplished with nothing more than focused bursts of light. From wrinkles and spider veins to blemishes and scars, lasers have literally changed the face of cosmetic therapy.

However, with all the treatments that are available, some patients may be confused. What’s the difference between one laser and another? Here’s a short description of a few laser procedures and the conditions that they can address.

Laser Genesis

This gentle skin rejuvenator works by heating the dermis beneath the surface of your skin, stimulating collagen regrowth. Unlike some other therapies, it is virtually painless, creating little more than a gentle warming sensation. Laser Genesis can treat the following skin conditions:

  • excessive redness
  • large pores
  • uneven skin texture
  • fine wrinkles
  • diffuse redness

Titan Skin Tightening

Do you want to tighten your skin without having a facelift, arm lift, or Botox injection? The Titan system can tighten skin on your face, neck, arms, abdomen, and legs with no downtime. It works by using infrared light to heat the dermis below the surface of your skin. This causes the collagen to contract and tighten the outer appearance of your skin. The treatment is especially suited to loose skin along the following areas:

  • abdomen
  • back of the upper arm
  • jaw line
  • under the chin

Hair Removal

The CoolGlide laser system uses intense pulsed light that is effective on all skin types. Patients with darker skin will be pleased to know that this technology is ideal for permanently reducing unwanted hair, unlike other laser treatments, which can cause burns. It’s effective anywhere on the body, including sensitive areas like the chest and bikini line.

Vein Treatment

Coolglide lasers can also address the appearance of superficial, red facial veins without the need for an injection.

Blue Light Acne Treatment

Acne is caused by bacteria that collect in clogged skin glands and can affect people at various ages. These blemishes can be treated with a blue light therapy that kills the bacteria. Mild to moderate cases of acne can be quickly and effectively cleared up with this easy, pain-free therapy.

Precision laser therapies are some of the most effective skin treatments available. To minimize the risk of complications and attain the best results, be sure to consult with a qualified practitioner with extensive experience in laser skin treatments.

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6 Breast Augmentation Recovery Tips

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Alex

After your breast augmentation surgery, you’ve probably had some time to rest at the clinic, but now it’s time to go home. What comes next? While you have a conversation with your doctor about your recovery, here are some important things to keep in mind for the weeks ahead:

1. The healing diet. Vitamin C, protein, and zinc are the nutrients you need to promote wound healing, according to Lippincott’s Nursing Center. You can get these through multivitamins and nutritional supplements, or eat citrus fruits, green vegetables, meats, and milk products.

2. Avoid strenuous activity. The power of rest and relaxation can’t be stressed enough! You shouldn’t exercise for at least four weeks. No heavy lifting either. Patients should also avoid driving for about a week, since emergency stops can cause pain and discomfort.

3. Care for your wounds. Treat the site of your operation with care. You should avoid getting your wounds wet for one week after the surgery, since moisture can aggravate the incision site and slow the healing process. Sleep on your back or side, and prop yourself with pillows if necessary to remain comfortable.

4. Watch for complications. You should alert your doctor or plastic surgeon immediately if you experience severe pain or unexpected symptoms. These include intense burning sensations, unusual, unexpected or excessive swelling, deflated breast, a smelly or coloured discharge from your wounds, a high fever, or lumps or aching. These may require the prescription of antibiotics.

5. Tight-fitting sports bra. Bruising and discomfort can result from excessive movement. Many surgeons recommend that their patients wear sports bras in order to minimize swaying. This is especially important in the early days of your recovery, during which excessive use of your arms and chest area could cause irritation and bleeding.

6. The art of deception. Not everyone needs to know that you’ve had breast augmentation surgery. People will often recognize that your appearance has changed, but you can change your hairstyle or your makeup routine to deceive them. “Oh, you dyed your hair! That’s what’s different about you.”

Keep in mind that not all of these tips may apply to you; for instance, your plastic surgeon may recommend against a sports bra, or you may have special dietary needs. When in doubt, always be sure to ask!

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Maintenance Facelifts Produce Longest-Lasting Results in Younger Patients

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Alex

Facelifts are a popular cosmetic option among middle-aged and older patients attempting to recapture a look of youth and vitality. According to a new study in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, however, it seems that younger patients reap the best results from what’s being called “maintenance facelifts.”

Facial Rejuvenation Among Younger Patients

An earlier study had already revealed that patients who underwent facelift surgery at 50 years or older had lower satisfaction scores than their younger counterparts. This is because the skin at 50+ shows signs of aging that cannot be corrected with facial rejuvenation surgery, such as discoloration. Younger patients have traditionally avoided facelift surgery in favor of simpler, short-lived nonsurgical and surgical procedures.

This new study involved comparing short-term and long-term patient satisfaction rating with expert analysis of follow-up photographs. Patients were divided into three age groups: less than 50, 50-60, and more than 60 at the time of the surgery.

Long-Term Results Better Among Younger Patients

The study found that patients who had received facelifts under the age of 50 had a “remarkable maintenance of their youthful appearance.” The 60+ group, however, had significant signs of aging at the time of the surgery. While the facelift managed to reverse most of these signs, so that the 60+ patients looked younger than their peers, satisfaction scores and expert ratings were lower than the 50- group. The intermediate group had intermediate results.

Conclusion: Younger Patients Well-Suited for Facelift Surgery

Due to the high rates of long-term satisfaction among patients under 50, the researchers noted that this group is particularly well-suited to receive facial rejuvenation surgery: “a ‘maintenance’ facelift should be offered to and even preferred in younger patients as a surgical option for facial rejuvenation.” Younger patients who stave off the signs of aging with cosmetic fillers or Botox may want to consider taking a quantum leap forward with a facelift. Based on this study, it may be one of the most satisfying cosmetic procedures that they ever receive.

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Cosmetic Tourism Poses Serious Risks

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Alex

cosmetic tourism risks, foreign plastic surgeries, overseas plastic surgery, medical tourism risksIn these tough economic times, it’s easy to understand the appeal of cosmetic tourism, but with lower prices come greater risks in clinics overseas. According to the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, complications arising from botched cosmetic procedures have been on the rise in that country, with a 38 percent rise in the number of Australian cosmetic tourists seeking post-operative medical aid in the past 12 months.

Countries such as India, Malaysia, and Thailand are often touted as prime destinations for cheap plastic surgeries such as breast augmentation and liposuction. The dark side, however, is that long travel and foreign diseases present serious risks to vulnerable cosmetic tourists. As well, many overseas facilities are not staffed by fully qualified individuals, and may not offer the postoperative care that patients need. According to Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons president Rodney Cooter:

“Cosmetic surgery packages sold as holidays downplay the importance of the post-operative period… Any kind of major surgery, cosmetic or otherwise, requires a high level of post-operative care. That means rest and healing time to reduce the risk of complications.”

According to the Society, which conducted a survey among 81 of its members, 72 percent of these botched surgeries could not be corrected. Sixty-two percent of patients seeking help were found to have permanent disfigurements, and nearly half could have experienced life-threatening complications from their botched operations.

Roughly 500 Australians sought the help of an Australian plastic surgeon during 2011. More than two-thirds of the botched surgeries were breast-related, while another 15 percent were facial procedures. The average cost to attempt repairs was AU$5754, which is nearly US$6000.

It’s easy to forget that all cosmetic procedures, despite being performed daily by thousands of plastic surgeons across the world, pose significant risks. Cosmetic tourism adds to these risks with foreign germs, long flight times, and uncertain accreditations.

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A Brief Guide to Transaxillary Breast Augmentation

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Rob

The transaxillary technique in breast augmentation uses an incision in the axilla. The axilla is the space beneath the shoulder through which vessels and nerves enter and leave the upper arm. It’s commonly known as the armpit.

If you’re considering breast enhancement, you might think this technique is appealing because the incision (and scar) is in a remote location, away from the breast. That’s why some have called it a “scarless technique.” If the scar is visible, is not associated with your breast augmentation.

Saline Breast Implants

The surgical incision is small. Space is also limited when passing the implant from the armpit to the breast. Therefore, only a saline breast implant can be used.

Before it is filled with saline, the shell of the implant is passed through the axilla to the breast pocket. Through a port in the implant shell, your surgeon fills the implant to a specified volume, while it’s inside the breast pocket.

Challenges of the Transaxillary Method

One known challenge of the transaxillary technique is difficulty seeing the breast pocket and muscle tissue. Lacking direct access to the breast (such as with the inframammary technique), it becomes more challenging to control implant placement.

Plastic surgeons have addressed this challenge by using endoscopy, a minimally invasive surgery technique. Using an endoscope, equipped with a tiny camera, your surgeon will have a clear view of the breast pocket and pectoral muscle.

The majority of breast augmentation procedures still use the inframammary technique, which involves an incision in the breast crease. However, transaxillary breast augmentation is an accepted technique with rigorous studies evaluating its safety and effectiveness.

Ask Dr. Ortegon if this technique is suitable for you and read more about how breast augmentation works here in San Antonio.

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Laser Surgery for Skin Cancer Shown Effective in Study

Posted on November 28, 2011 by Staff Writer

laser surgery for skin cancerNew research has shown laser surgery for skin cancer may help treat some precancerous skin growths, according to the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery.

In cases where radiation therapy or excision surgery are not possible, your plastic surgeon may be able to employ the use of a carbon dioxide laser to treat the growth. This type of laser surgery for skin cancer is best used to treat growths on the head and neck that have yet to transform into melanomas, one of the most deadly forms of skin cancer.

To test the effectiveness of laser surgery for skin cancer, researchers compared it to other treatment techniques like radiation therapy and surgical removal. The researchers compared surgery treatment cases over the course of about 20 years. Radiation therapy was the most commonly used technique and laser surgery for skin cancer, the least common with just 15 of 73 patients undergoing that option.

The recurrence rate of cancers treated with surgery and the carbon dioxide laser were relatively low, at 4.2 and 6.7% respectively. Patients who underwent radiation treatments saw the greatest recurrence at 29%.

Though many plastic surgeons may choose excision surgery when given the opportunity, given its lower recurrence rate in the study, it is not always possible. In areas where a surgical scar may be more visible, like areas around the neck and face, laser surgery for skin cancer may be advantageous.

Despite any cosmetic benefits of using laser surgery for skin cancer, it is important to follow the advice of your plastic surgeon when it comes to treatment.

To learn more about treatment for skin cancer, email San Antonio plastic surgeon Dr. Ortegon.

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Detecting Melanoma with New Technology

Posted on November 18, 2011 by Staff Writer

detecting melanomaA new device to detect early stages of melanoma may help patients with some skin cancers, according to WebMD.

The device, called MelaFind, helps doctors in detecting melanoma and judging whether a biopsy may be necessary. The MelaFind works by scanning the surface of the skin and analyzing skin lesions it finds. Early findings for the MelaFind have been successful—the device only missed 2% of melanomas.

Melanoma is one of the most deadly forms of cancer. It grows quickly, but may be treated if found early enough. Doctors who use MelaFind can use the device conjunction with their own training to diagnose patients.

One of the benefits of the device is that when it is successful in detecting melanoma, it can help doctors to discern whether a biopsy is necessary. In the cases where melanomas are not found, patients can avoid unnecessary biopsies.

However, the device was found to have a high false positive rate. But after further examining the lesions, it was found that 90% of the time the lesions were not cancerous.

Despite this fact, the FDA found that the positives of the device in detecting melanomas outweighed the chance for unnecessary biopsies.

Though the MelaFind cannot replace a dermatologist’s trained eye when it comes to detecting melanoma, the makers find that it is a helpful tool for dermatologists.

To find out more about treatment for skin cancer in San Antonio, please email plastic surgeon Dr. Ortegon.

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