Just Released: 2008 statistics on plastic srugery

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) just published its 2008 annual statistical comparisons. The main findings are:

For the first time in 12 years, liposuction is no longer the most popular cosmetic surgery -- it is breast augmentation. Botox is again the most popular non-surgical treatment.

The top 5 surgery procedures for women (92% of patients) were breast augmentation, liposuction, eyelid surgery, abdominoplasty and breast reduction. That is reflective of my practice, although facelift is also very common.

The number of procedures decreased 11% from 2007. Among males, procedures decreased 23%. 53% of procedures were performed in office-based surgery facilities. Total spending was $12 billion. Details are available at http://www.surgery.org/

Facial Aging & Blepharoplasty: Recent items in the media

Time Magazine ran an article in February with some very interesting observations on genetically identical twins and how environment makes us look younger or older. It reinforced recommendations that plastic surgeons have been making; that enhancing volume in the face makes one look more youthful. We use hyaluronic acid fillers (Juvaderm, Restylane, etc.) and Fat Graft Transfer to maintain full healthy cheeks, correct jawline thinning, and fill in under-eye grooves. Facelifting techniques elevate and restore sagging or lost healthy tissues. The article contains other thought provoking ideas.
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1877717,00.html
http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/injectables.html

More Magazine followed one woman through the process of blepharoplasty (eyelid lift). They show early post-op swelling, etc.
http://www.more.com/style/beauty/anti-aging/eyelift-one-womans-story/
http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/other-face.html#eyelid-surgery

In The News: MedSpa Regulations

Here at the Aesthetic Center we maintain high standards and limit the use of lasers to our experienced, licensed medically trained physician and nurse practitioner. Here is what's happening elsewhere in the country:

New Standards Urged For Treatment at Spas Use of Chemicals, Lasers Proliferates Boston Globe (2009-02-24) P. A1; Kowalczyk, Liz

A task force of lawmakers and physicians are fighting to create tougher regulations regarding medical spas in Massachusetts. The medical spa industry is growing; the number of spas has grown to 2,500 in the United States over the past few years. The group argues that consumers are at risk of injury because they are being treated by untrained and unlicensed workers. Jeffrey Dover, a dermatologist, says that the most common injury is caused by workers using the wrong laser or setting to get rid of body hair, which causes the removal of skin pigment as well. The proposal states that medical spas would be required to have a license from the Department of Health, and laser skin treatments would have to be done by a specially trained doctor or nurse. Medical spas are difficult to create legislation for because there are so many specialties, such as cosmetologists, electrologists, aestheticians, nurses, and physicians, within one business. Each specialty has its own rules and standards, so there are no laws about which professional can do which procedure. Owners of medical spas are split over whether they want their businesses to be regulated.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/02/24/new_standards_urged_for_treatment_at_spas/
http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/laser.html

"What is the best way to lose weight?"

We are often asked, "what is the best way to lose weight?" Our simple answer is to choose some really significant changes that you can stick with forever.

Really, we have learned the most from our successful patients. We ask them what worked for them. The most common answer is that they made a decision to watch what they eat through counting calories, portion control or joining a organization such as Weight Watchers. The second most common answer is that they changed from an average, sedentary life-style to scheduled, daily activity (such as 30 minutes walking rain-or-shine). Often they are doing both. In the beginning they had to work to stick with their goals. Later, it became second nature. Thanks to our patients for their insight!

A recent study in the respected New England Journal of Medicine shed some light on an on-going controversy. High protein? Low carb? Low fat? In a 2 year study, closely matched groups obtained the same weight loss results. All that mattered was total calorie intake. So you can chose which ever method you are comfortable with so long as you reduce calories. Have fun!

http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/360/9/859
http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/tummy-tuck.html
http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/body.html

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (girdle)

A patient related an amusing story to me recently. Once upon a time there were three close friends. They shared confidences, including the fact that two of them had previously had liposuction. These two had passed along a post-op compression girdle. Now my patient, the third friend, was getting ready to have her liposuction (tummy and thighs), so the trusted garment was to become hers. With the garment came a history of marvelous body contour improvements. The women consider themselves the Sisterhood of the Traveling Girdle.

News for February 1st.

Many things are happening so far this month:

LATISSE was introduced by Allergan Corp. (think BotoxCosmetic and Juvaderm filler). Latisse is an FDA approved prescription for enhancing eyelashes. In their studies, after two months use, the majority of patients saw fuller, longer eyelashes. It is applied with sterile, single use brushes nightly. For additional information call our office 864-676-1707 or the website http://www.latisse.com/. We have been waiting for the release of this drug and will be one of the first medical practices in the Upstate offering it. New CNN Latisse video report: http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/02/16/hm.eyelash.thickener/index.html#cnnSTCVideo

FINANCING. We now offer another option to allow patients to have the surgery procedures they desire. We participate with CareCredit, a division of GE Money Bank that specializes in health care financing (orthodontics, Lasix vision correction, etc.). Their website is http://www.carecredit.com/.

Our FACIAL ENHANCEMENT Seminar was very well attended. We offered plenty of information and special offers to all participants. Those that brought a friend got an extra treat. We'll have SKIN CARE, MINIMALLY-INVASIVE, and BREAST & BODY seminars soon. Call if you have questions 864-676-1707, or e-mail through our website http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/.

Breast Reconstruction: Brookwood Healthy Women's Confrence

The Aesthetic Center was one of the featured participants in the January 24th Brookwood Healthy Women's Conference at Brookwood Church in Simpsonville, SC.

Cathy Cole, RN, CPSN, our OR Director, and Betty Babb, our Patient Coordinator were present to discuss how we assist women following breast cancer surgery with various reconstruction methods. They provided advice and literature to interested participants. Hundreds of women attended the conference. We were pleased to be able to educate the community in this way.

http://www.brookwoodchurch.org/templates/_brookwoodchurch/details.asp?id=35527&PID=409133
http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/other-breast.html