New Revelations About John Edwards and..Plastic Surgery?

New details are emerging about former politician John Edwards. In addition to cheating on his cancer-stricken wife, a new book alleges that he used donor money to fund hiding his lies about the child he spawned with former mistress Rielle Hunter. Of note, I was actually asked by the National Enquirer to look at photos of her baby right after the story broke, whom they suspected could be Edwards'. I declined the invitation at the time. Looks like they were right on target with that one!


An insider recently remarked to Gawker:

In his book, Young writes that Edwards switched from Diet Coke to "caseloads" of Sprite and Sunkist after shelling out for plastic surgery and "new teeth" that were susceptible to stains.
Edwards' other drink of choice was cheap white wine -- over ice -- which his minions would keep at the ready in a cooler in Edwards' car.
"He's so nouveau riche," the snitch said. "He's totally a guy with no taste who suddenly came into a lot of money."



I never liked John Edwards. He always reeked of opportunist to me. I wonder what plastic surgery he had?

Photo credit: prphotos.com

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

New Revelations About John Edwards and..Plastic Surgery?

New details are emerging about former politician John Edwards. In addition to cheating on his cancer-stricken wife, a new book alleges that he used donor money to fund hiding his lies about the child he spawned with former mistress Rielle Hunter. Of note, I was actually asked by the National Enquirer to look at photos of her baby right after the story broke, whom they suspected could be Edwards'. I declined the invitation at the time. Looks like they were right on target with that one!


An insider recently remarked to Gawker:

In his book, Young writes that Edwards switched from Diet Coke to "caseloads" of Sprite and Sunkist after shelling out for plastic surgery and "new teeth" that were susceptible to stains.
Edwards' other drink of choice was cheap white wine -- over ice -- which his minions would keep at the ready in a cooler in Edwards' car.
"He's so nouveau riche," the snitch said. "He's totally a guy with no taste who suddenly came into a lot of money."



I never liked John Edwards. He always reeked of opportunist to me. I wonder what plastic surgery he had?

Photo credit: prphotos.com

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

The Decade's Top 10 Plastic Surgery Stories

Plastic Surgery News, the official newsletter of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, has released their Top 10 Plastic Surgery Stories of the Decade. Here they are:
1. Face Transplantation Becomes a Reality
2. Silicone Implants Return
3. Plastic Surgery and Reality TV
4. Botox Launches Minimally Invasive Trend
5. The Next Generation of Soft Tissue Fillers Arrive
6. High Profile Deaths Raise Patient Safety Awareness
7. Plastic Surgery Goes to Washington
8. Post-Bariatric Boom
9. Increase in Office-Based Surgery
10. Medical Tourism

In general I would agree with all of these. The field of plastic surgery has changed immensely in the past 10 years. I look forward to seeing how plastic surgery will be different in 2020!

By the way, I would add #11: Dr. Youn's popular Celebrity Cosmetic Surgery blog debuts. ;)

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

The Decade's Top 10 Plastic Surgery Stories

Plastic Surgery News, the official newsletter of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, has released their Top 10 Plastic Surgery Stories of the Decade. Here they are:
1. Face Transplantation Becomes a Reality
2. Silicone Implants Return
3. Plastic Surgery and Reality TV
4. Botox Launches Minimally Invasive Trend
5. The Next Generation of Soft Tissue Fillers Arrive
6. High Profile Deaths Raise Patient Safety Awareness
7. Plastic Surgery Goes to Washington
8. Post-Bariatric Boom
9. Increase in Office-Based Surgery
10. Medical Tourism

In general I would agree with all of these. The field of plastic surgery has changed immensely in the past 10 years. I look forward to seeing how plastic surgery will be different in 2020!

By the way, I would add #11: Dr. Youn's popular Celebrity Cosmetic Surgery blog debuts. ;)

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

Is Heidi Montag a Hero?

I was watching the news last night and there was a report that stated that Heidi Montag's plastic surgeon called her a 'hero.' Now, I haven't read the context that this was taken from, but I would like to give the benefit of a doubt to her surgeon that he doesn't seriously consider her an actual hero. From what I know of her situation, I would consider her a confused young woman who has psychological problems stemming from self-image and self-esteem issues.

My opinion:
Volunteers in Haiti: Heroes
Troops in Afghanistan: Heroes
Sully: Hero
Man Who Heckled CarrotTop at Latest Performance: Hero
Heidi Montag: Not a Hero

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

Is Heidi Montag a Hero?

I was watching the news last night and there was a report that stated that Heidi Montag's plastic surgeon called her a 'hero.' Now, I haven't read the context that this was taken from, but I would like to give the benefit of a doubt to her surgeon that he doesn't seriously consider her an actual hero. From what I know of her situation, I would consider her a confused young woman who has psychological problems stemming from self-image and self-esteem issues.

My opinion:
Volunteers in Haiti: Heroes
Troops in Afghanistan: Heroes
Sully: Hero
Man Who Heckled CarrotTop at Latest Performance: Hero
Heidi Montag: Not a Hero

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

What Octomom's Belly Button Should Look Like

With as many babies as she's had, Octomom's belly button should look more like this. Instead it is a vertical slit.

I think she's such a liar.

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

What Octomom's Belly Button Should Look Like

With as many babies as she's had, Octomom's belly button should look more like this. Instead it is a vertical slit.

I think she's such a liar.

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

Horrible radiation injuries in NYC - One more reason Plastic Surgeons do not like radiation therapy

The bane of existence for plastic surgeons who treat breast cancer is the deliverence of external beam radiation (XRT) after surgery. It creates a hostile environment in the tissue exacerbating stiffening of the skin and scar formation. Above all else, it is the most disruptive factor for getting good results from breast reconstruction surgery.

The negative experiences of plastic surgeons with XRT in this setting has produced the interesting survey results among us, that we would overwhelmingly suggest our spouse (or self in the case of women plastic surgeons) get a mastectomy instead of lumpectomy and XRT.  Most women recieving mastectomy would not be suggested XRT except in rare instance involving more aggressive tumors, innvolvement of the chest wall, or extensive spread to the armpit (axillary) lymph nodes. In contrast, European physicians are much more likely to perscribe XRT to the chest and axillae. The practice patterns have to do with how the different countries interpret the same literature regarding this practice. IMO, the rationale Europeans emply to justify XRT is pretty sketchy and is hard to show much difference in outcomes.

On the front page of the New York Times today (click here) is an absolutely horrifying story on the frequent misdosing of patients recieving XRT in the NYC metro area entitled, "Radiation Offers New Cures, and Ways to Do Harm ". Some of the stories are jaw-dropping in how the series of events led to serious adverse events. It is absolutely incovievable that the delivery of XRT, a largely computer driven process, should be doing this. The number of radiation therapists, nurses, and techs who had to drop the ball or ignore clear warnings for these events to happen is staggering. Heads will roll in the Big Apple hospitals for this!

Rob

Octomom Had A Tummy Tuck (I'm Pretty Sure)

So now Octomom is on the cover of Star Magazine claiming her flat stomach is not the result of a tummy tuck. I think that's a load of hooey. This is the same person who claimed she did not have her lips plumped up.

So what's the telltale sign of her tummy tuck?
Look at her belly button. It's a vertical slit. While we can't see the long scar associated with a tummy tuck (see my website page here for a diagram), the belly button looks like her surgeon either created it herself or inset it as a vertical slit. In my opinion, this is a telltale sign of a tummy tuck.

It's nearly impossible for her tummy to flatten like it has without plastic surgery. There should be a considerable amount of extra skin, and the belly button usually resembles a ^, not a .

Octomom, your nose is growing!

If you live in the Metro Detroit area, I will be calling in to Fox 2 News tomorrow morning at 8:30am to discuss the Octomom and Heidi Montag.

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

Share |

Octomom Had A Tummy Tuck (I'm Pretty Sure)

So now Octomom is on the cover of Star Magazine claiming her flat stomach is not the result of a tummy tuck. I think that's a load of hooey. This is the same person who claimed she did not have her lips plumped up.

So what's the telltale sign of her tummy tuck?
Look at her belly button. It's a vertical slit. While we can't see the long scar associated with a tummy tuck (see my website page here for a diagram), the belly button looks like her surgeon either created it herself or inset it as a vertical slit. In my opinion, this is a telltale sign of a tummy tuck.

It's nearly impossible for her tummy to flatten like it has without plastic surgery. There should be a considerable amount of extra skin, and the belly button usually resembles a ^, not a .

Octomom, your nose is growing!

If you live in the Metro Detroit area, I will be calling in to Fox 2 News tomorrow morning at 8:30am to discuss the Octomom and Heidi Montag.

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

Share |

Dr. Youn on the Fox News Channel Tomorrow to Discuss Heidi Montag's Plastic Surgery

For those of you who are interested, I will be on America's Newsroom on the Fox News Channel at 10:30 am EST tomorrow (Thursday) morning to discuss Heidi Montag's recent plastic surgery. I'll be joined by noted psychologist Dr. Keith Ablow.

See you then!

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

Dr. Youn on the Fox News Channel Tomorrow to Discuss Heidi Montag's Plastic Surgery

For those of you who are interested, I will be on America's Newsroom on the Fox News Channel at 10:30 am EST tomorrow (Thursday) morning to discuss Heidi Montag's recent plastic surgery. I'll be joined by noted psychologist Dr. Keith Ablow.

See you then!

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

Cytori Gets FDA Approval For PureGraft System

Cytori Therapeutics, one of the world leaders in stem cell technology, has recently received FDA approval for its PureGraft system. Now, this is not a stem cell harvesting machine, but instead is a device that makes fat grafting more efficient. According to released information, PureGraft helps to prepare fat for reinjection within about 15 minutes. It's scheduled to be formally launched at the May meeting of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in Washington, D.C.

Does this mean actual stem cell transplantation for cosmetic purposes is close to reality in the U.S.?

I doubt it. 'Sigh'

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

Cytori Gets FDA Approval For PureGraft System

Cytori Therapeutics, one of the world leaders in stem cell technology, has recently received FDA approval for its PureGraft system. Now, this is not a stem cell harvesting machine, but instead is a device that makes fat grafting more efficient. According to released information, PureGraft helps to prepare fat for reinjection within about 15 minutes. It's scheduled to be formally launched at the May meeting of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in Washington, D.C.

Does this mean actual stem cell transplantation for cosmetic purposes is close to reality in the U.S.?

I doubt it. 'Sigh'

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

Cher at the Golden Globes

It's been a while since I've seen Cher on TV, so when she initially appeared on stage last night at the Golden Globes I thought, "Oh, she looks the same as usual." Then she spoke. Her face doesn't move! Is that the price for looking the same as she did ten years ago? An immobile face?

Maybe she should lay off the neurotoxin for a while.

Photo credit: x17online.com

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

Cher at the Golden Globes

It's been a while since I've seen Cher on TV, so when she initially appeared on stage last night at the Golden Globes I thought, "Oh, she looks the same as usual." Then she spoke. Her face doesn't move! Is that the price for looking the same as she did ten years ago? An immobile face?

Maybe she should lay off the neurotoxin for a while.

Photo credit: x17online.com

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

iPhone Apps That Remove Wrinkles, Cellulite, and Even Grow Hair?

Now I've heard of everything! There is a company that is selling iPhone Apps that claim to erase wrinkles, smooth cellulite, reduce puffy eyes, and even grow hair! Here is the company's explanation of how using their iPhone app can erase wrinkles:

The wrinkle eraser uses green color and the Jade gemstone to increase collagen and elastin. Green is the color of nature. It is related to love and self-love and includes the ability to give and take love unconditionally. It has a calming effect that especially builds collagen, elastin, and protein therefore helping with wrinkles and fine lines.

What a crock! I know of no evidence that putting a certain color light on your skin can do anything at all. If this was truly the case, I'd sleep with a green light over my face.

For their website, click here.
Thanks to Cosmetic Makeovers for the information.

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

iPhone Apps That Remove Wrinkles, Cellulite, and Even Grow Hair?

Now I've heard of everything! There is a company that is selling iPhone Apps that claim to erase wrinkles, smooth cellulite, reduce puffy eyes, and even grow hair! Here is the company's explanation of how using their iPhone app can erase wrinkles:

The wrinkle eraser uses green color and the Jade gemstone to increase collagen and elastin. Green is the color of nature. It is related to love and self-love and includes the ability to give and take love unconditionally. It has a calming effect that especially builds collagen, elastin, and protein therefore helping with wrinkles and fine lines.

What a crock! I know of no evidence that putting a certain color light on your skin can do anything at all. If this was truly the case, I'd sleep with a green light over my face.

For their website, click here.
Thanks to Cosmetic Makeovers for the information.

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

Heidi Montag - Plastic Surgery Addiction

The media is currently buzzing about People Magazine's newest issue with Heidi Montag. In the issue she admits to being "obsessed" with plastic surgery and recently undergoing ten procedures during one operative setting in November. What the heck is going on here?

Heidi is a 23 year old young woman who obviously has self-image problems. Because she has no real talent to keep her in the spotlight she appears to be using plastic surgery as a sad attempt to stay on the covers of magazines. While this may work for a week, the results of her surgery stay for life. Here's what I think about the ten procedures she's had done:

Revision nose job - unnecessary. It looked fine after the first one. This just creates more scar tissue which could cause problems down the line.
Chin reduction - Why? Her chin looked good before.
Mini brow lift - stupid. Her brows were not droopy.
Botox - unnecessary in a 23 year old. She had no real wrinkles before. Now she has a "Botox brow" and looks like Cruella De Vil.
Fat injections - Not needed. She is too young to need fat grafting to her face. Unless the person has an unusually flat face, I usually consider this in the 30's at the earliest.
Ear pinning - I'm unsure about this one. It's reasonable if she had ears that stuck out.
Liposuction - ridiculous - She's too thin to need lipo. She should talk to Tara Reid.
Buttock augmentation - dumb - Heidi had a very nice derriere before the surgery. She should leave well-enough alone. She risks it becoming lumpy and uneven.
Breast augmentation revision - Probably unnecessary. Unless she had a complication or wanted to downsize, there was probably no reason to do this.

Overall, a 23 year old woman should not be having this many surgeries. Most, if not all, of her surgeries appear unnecessary and could even potentially make her look worse, not better. Unless there is more to the story than there appears on the surface, I don't think all these operations were the right thing to do. Send the poor woman to a shrink instead.


Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

Heidi Montag - Plastic Surgery Addiction

The media is currently buzzing about People Magazine's newest issue with Heidi Montag. In the issue she admits to being "obsessed" with plastic surgery and recently undergoing ten procedures during one operative setting in November. What the heck is going on here?

Heidi is a 23 year old young woman who obviously has self-image problems. Because she has no real talent to keep her in the spotlight she appears to be using plastic surgery as a sad attempt to stay on the covers of magazines. While this may work for a week, the results of her surgery stay for life. Here's what I think about the ten procedures she's had done:

Revision nose job - unnecessary. It looked fine after the first one. This just creates more scar tissue which could cause problems down the line.
Chin reduction - Why? Her chin looked good before.
Mini brow lift - stupid. Her brows were not droopy.
Botox - unnecessary in a 23 year old. She had no real wrinkles before. Now she has a "Botox brow" and looks like Cruella De Vil.
Fat injections - Not needed. She is too young to need fat grafting to her face. Unless the person has an unusually flat face, I usually consider this in the 30's at the earliest.
Ear pinning - I'm unsure about this one. It's reasonable if she had ears that stuck out.
Liposuction - ridiculous - She's too thin to need lipo. She should talk to Tara Reid.
Buttock augmentation - dumb - Heidi had a very nice derriere before the surgery. She should leave well-enough alone. She risks it becoming lumpy and uneven.
Breast augmentation revision - Probably unnecessary. Unless she had a complication or wanted to downsize, there was probably no reason to do this.

Overall, a 23 year old woman should not be having this many surgeries. Most, if not all, of her surgeries appear unnecessary and could even potentially make her look worse, not better. Unless there is more to the story than there appears on the surface, I don't think all these operations were the right thing to do. Send the poor woman to a shrink instead.


Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

Sharon Stone on Meryl Streep, Plastic Surgery, and "Unmade Bed(s)"

Sharon Stone has recently commented on Meryl Streep's lack of plastic surgery, calling her an 'unmade bed.'

According to Splash News:

The 51-year-old Basic Instinct star made the comment in reference to how good she looks without having plastic surgery.
She said: 'She looks like an unmade bed.'

Stone added that Streep 'looks true. It is a very good reason as an actor not to have surgery, but to do it in the old-fashioned way - to go to the gym and take care of your internal life'.

Asked if she has ever thought about plastic surgery herself, Stone said: 'I'm not saying I might not do a little something later. Not now.'

Not now? What about breast implants? What about some Botox between her eyebrows? I wouldn't want to be called an 'unmade bed.' That sounds wrinkly to me. I'd rather be a futon with throw pillows.

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

Sharon Stone on Meryl Streep, Plastic Surgery, and "Unmade Bed(s)"

Sharon Stone has recently commented on Meryl Streep's lack of plastic surgery, calling her an 'unmade bed.'

According to Splash News:

The 51-year-old Basic Instinct star made the comment in reference to how good she looks without having plastic surgery.
She said: 'She looks like an unmade bed.'

Stone added that Streep 'looks true. It is a very good reason as an actor not to have surgery, but to do it in the old-fashioned way - to go to the gym and take care of your internal life'.

Asked if she has ever thought about plastic surgery herself, Stone said: 'I'm not saying I might not do a little something later. Not now.'

Not now? What about breast implants? What about some Botox between her eyebrows? I wouldn't want to be called an 'unmade bed.' That sounds wrinkly to me. I'd rather be a futon with throw pillows.

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

Check Out The Rachael Ray Show Wed Jan 13th!

Hi readers! I will be featured on a segment of the Rachael Ray Show Wed. Jan 13th. Rachael and I will be covering four ways that you can get your body Red Carpet Ready. Should be a lot of fun!

Check out the Rachael Ray Show website here for a sneak peak.

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

Check Out The Rachael Ray Show Wed Jan 13th!

Hi readers! I will be featured on a segment of the Rachael Ray Show Wed. Jan 13th. Rachael and I will be covering four ways that you can get your body Red Carpet Ready. Should be a lot of fun!

Check out the Rachael Ray Show website here for a sneak peak.

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

Dr. Youn on the CBS Early Show This Morning!

For those of you who caught it, I was given the privilege of being a guest on the CBS Saturday Early Show this morning. We talked about some of the latest trends in plastic surgery, including the Syneron eMatrix and Dysport injections. For a partial transcript, click here.

I had a nice time meeting Dr. Alan Baumann, hair restoration specialist from Florida. He was also on the show and is a very polished speaker. I've always said I'd rather stick pencils in my eyes than perform hair transplant surgery, but he seems to have a real passion for it. If you have interest in hair loss, click here for his very comprehensive blog. If you look real hard you may even find a picture of us with Dr. Jennifer Ashton from the Early Show.

I also briefly met former American Idol runner-up Katherine McPhee. She's an amazing singer and very sweet and pleasant off-camera. Even though she's changed her look, she definitely reminds me of when I saw her on American Idol.

I'd like to thank all of the staff at the Early Show for their hospitality. All of them, from the anchors to the producers were a real pleasure to work with.

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

Dr. Youn on the CBS Early Show This Morning!

For those of you who caught it, I was given the privilege of being a guest on the CBS Saturday Early Show this morning. We talked about some of the latest trends in plastic surgery, including the Syneron eMatrix and Dysport injections. For a partial transcript, click here.

I had a nice time meeting Dr. Alan Baumann, hair restoration specialist from Florida. He was also on the show and is a very polished speaker. I've always said I'd rather stick pencils in my eyes than perform hair transplant surgery, but he seems to have a real passion for it. If you have interest in hair loss, click here for his very comprehensive blog. If you look real hard you may even find a picture of us with Dr. Jennifer Ashton from the Early Show.

I also briefly met former American Idol runner-up Katherine McPhee. She's an amazing singer and very sweet and pleasant off-camera. Even though she's changed her look, she definitely reminds me of when I saw her on American Idol.

I'd like to thank all of the staff at the Early Show for their hospitality. All of them, from the anchors to the producers were a real pleasure to work with.

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

My Celeb Plastic Surgery Slideshow on MSNBC.com

Sorry for the lack of recent updates. I've been busy with many projects such as this one: A comprehensive slideshow of celebrity plastic surgery before-and-afters for MSNBC.com. You can check it out (along with my comments) here.

Enjoy! And don't groan at my lame jokes!

Thanks to Linda Dahlstrom and MSNBC.com for the opportunity to write for you.

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

My Celeb Plastic Surgery Slideshow on MSNBC.com

Sorry for the lack of recent updates. I've been busy with many projects such as this one: A comprehensive slideshow of celebrity plastic surgery before-and-afters for MSNBC.com. You can check it out (along with my comments) here.

Enjoy! And don't groan at my lame jokes!

Thanks to Linda Dahlstrom and MSNBC.com for the opportunity to write for you.

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

Casey Johnson

Yet another young celebrity who appears to have had plastic surgery has died. Following the tragic death of Brittany Murphy, heirress Casey Johnson has died. Details are still sketchy, but it appears that she suffered from Type I Diabetes. My thoughts go out to her friends and family.

photo credit: prphotos.com

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

Casey Johnson

Yet another young celebrity who appears to have had plastic surgery has died. Following the tragic death of Brittany Murphy, heirress Casey Johnson has died. Details are still sketchy, but it appears that she suffered from Type I Diabetes. My thoughts go out to her friends and family.

photo credit: prphotos.com

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

The Mayo Clinic decision signals the health care bill is "One Big Ass Mistake, America"

I've been on a little hiatus but hope to get back to semi regular output here on PS 101.

Since I last wrote, the Senate voted their version of the health care reform bill to consensus conference with the house. Even for Washington, the "sausage making" of this bill was pretty ugly. The naked bribes required to get Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE) & Mary Landrieu's (D-LA) votes were particularly offensive, and quite possibly illegal (see here).

One story that is very symbolic but did not get much play in the media was the announcement that one of the Mayo Clinic satellites in Arizona would no longer see Medicare patients. Mayo is doing this because it lost $840 million last year on Medicare patients, and specifically it's Arizona hospital and four primary-care clinics lost over $120 million. No matter how efficient you are, that is unsustainable. It must be particularly embarrassing to Pres. Obama to see his "model" franchise for health care telling him to his face that he does not understand the effects of the legislation both he and his party are foisting on America.

To doctors in practice, it was always amusing to see the Mayo clinic proposed as a replicable model for our health care system. For starters they operate in a coccon on a largely wealthy, educated, and homogenous patient group. Even more ironic is the fact that the Mayo clinic doesn't even really take Medicare, but exists as a "non participant (non-par)" where they reserve the right to balance bill the patient for what they think their services are worth. From the Mayo website

"Mayo Clinic is a non-participating provider in the Medicare Program. We do not accept assignment on claims submitted to Part B Medicare except:

•where the law requires us to;
•in the case of documented financial hardship;
•when the supplemental insurance is a contract payer;
•when the patient resides in the state of Minnesota.
When claims are sent to Medicare on a non-assigned basis, the benefits for the services are sent directly to the patient. Mayo Clinic is entitled to bill the patient for the difference between our billed amount and Medicare's approved amount. We do not have to accept Medicare's approved amount as payment in full. Mayo Clinic limits its charges according to the limits set forth by HCFA for the Medicare program. Mayo hospital claims are sent assigned."

Expect to see real push back from providers at other places who treat these patients.

Rob

Dr. Youn's Plastic Surgery Predictions for 2010 (Cont.)

And now, the final four of Dr. Youn's Plastic Surgery Predictions for 2010:

4. The Lunchtime "One Hour" Mini-Facelifts will Continue to Be Exposed For What They Are: Misleading Advertising by Poorly Trained Cosmetic Surgeons - 2009 saw one mini-facelift company fined by a state attorney general for posting false internet reviews. The numbers of real facelifts by real plastic surgeons continue to grow after a slight dip a few years ago. Will 2010 continue to reveal the truth behind mini-facelift centers? I hope so.

3. Nonsurgical Liposuction Will Remain the Holy Grail of Plastic Surgery - 2009 saw the emergence of Zerona, currently the only laser used in widespread fashion for nonsurgical inch loss. Even though it does appear to work, there are many other companies working on their own nonsurgical liposuction devices, including Cryolipolysis, External Ultrasound (Ultrashape and Liposonix), and others. I don't think we'll see these machines FDA-approved in 2010, but anticipation will continue to build for their possible emergence in 2011.

2. There Will Unfortunately Be More and More Plastic Surgery Disasters By Phony Plastic Surgeons - In 2009 we saw an increasing number of phony plastic surgeons losing their medical licenses, performing botched procedures, and even having their patients die from poor or improper care. There was an occupational medicine physician performing carboxytherapy on a patient who died (link), a family doc who made a 10 cm incision for a free promotional breast augmentation (link), and the ER doc whose patients died after he performed liposuction on them (link). What's next? A radiologist using his patients' liposuctioned fat to power his car? Oh, that's right. That's already happened (link).

1. After two years of mild decline, the number of people undergoing plastic surgery is going to significantly increase. 2008 saw the amount of plastic surgery performed decline, possibly for the first time ever. I expect that the amount of plastic surgery performed in 2009 will also follow this trend when the American Society of Plastic Surgeons releases their statistics later this year. With the Great Recession over, however, I believe that more and more people will have plastic surgery in 2010. After a two year dip, things may return to the levels they were back in 2007. It also helps that the Bo-Tax has been killed.

I predict that this positive plastic surgery trend will be present in all states except one: Michigan. Bummer.

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

Dr. Youn's Plastic Surgery Predictions for 2010 (Cont.)

And now, the final four of Dr. Youn's Plastic Surgery Predictions for 2010:

4. The Lunchtime "One Hour" Mini-Facelifts will Continue to Be Exposed For What They Are: Misleading Advertising by Poorly Trained Cosmetic Surgeons - 2009 saw one mini-facelift company fined by a state attorney general for posting false internet reviews. The numbers of real facelifts by real plastic surgeons continue to grow after a slight dip a few years ago. Will 2010 continue to reveal the truth behind mini-facelift centers? I hope so.

3. Nonsurgical Liposuction Will Remain the Holy Grail of Plastic Surgery - 2009 saw the emergence of Zerona, currently the only laser used in widespread fashion for nonsurgical inch loss. Even though it does appear to work, there are many other companies working on their own nonsurgical liposuction devices, including Cryolipolysis, External Ultrasound (Ultrashape and Liposonix), and others. I don't think we'll see these machines FDA-approved in 2010, but anticipation will continue to build for their possible emergence in 2011.

2. There Will Unfortunately Be More and More Plastic Surgery Disasters By Phony Plastic Surgeons - In 2009 we saw an increasing number of phony plastic surgeons losing their medical licenses, performing botched procedures, and even having their patients die from poor or improper care. There was an occupational medicine physician performing carboxytherapy on a patient who died (link), a family doc who made a 10 cm incision for a free promotional breast augmentation (link), and the ER doc whose patients died after he performed liposuction on them (link). What's next? A radiologist using his patients' liposuctioned fat to power his car? Oh, that's right. That's already happened (link).

1. After two years of mild decline, the number of people undergoing plastic surgery is going to significantly increase. 2008 saw the amount of plastic surgery performed decline, possibly for the first time ever. I expect that the amount of plastic surgery performed in 2009 will also follow this trend when the American Society of Plastic Surgeons releases their statistics later this year. With the Great Recession over, however, I believe that more and more people will have plastic surgery in 2010. After a two year dip, things may return to the levels they were back in 2007. It also helps that the Bo-Tax has been killed.

I predict that this positive plastic surgery trend will be present in all states except one: Michigan. Bummer.

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

Dr. Youn's Plastic Surgery Predictions for 2010

A few weeks ago I posted how I did with my plastic surgery predictions for 2009. So what do I think 2010 has in store for plastic surgery? Here's a rundown of my Top 8 Plastic Surgery Predictions for 2010:

8. After a couple years without a new, successful plastic surgery reality program, a new plastic surgery reality show arrives to take the place previously occupied by Dr. 90210 and Extreme Makeover. 2009 had the Oxygen show Addicted to Beauty, which had relatively few addicted to watching it, and Dr. 90210 recently had a special, called Extreme Dr. 90210. I believe in 2010 we may see an all new, original plastic surgery reality show that will get some good ratings and actually last more than one season!

7. New injectables will hit the market, but none will have the impact of Dysport, the only valid Botox competitor. 2009 saw the emergence of many new injectables, such as Hydrelle (yawn) and Dysport (huge). While we may see some more hyaluronic acid-based fillers, we will probably need to wait until 2011 for another 'game-changer' to hit the market. Could it be a new topical Botox-type cream? Possibly!

6. Will the Gummy Bear Breast Implants make it Big in 2010? I doubt it. I hear through the grapevine (sorry, can't reveal my sources) that we will not likely see Form Stable Silicone Gel (a.k.a. Gummy Bear) breast implants until late 2010 at the absolute earliest. We may see a reprise of the Thanksgiving 2006 FDA announcement, when the non-form stable silicone gel implants ban was lifted. Could the gummy bears be approved in Thanksgiving 2010? Maybe at the earliest...

5. A big name Hollywood star will admit to plastic surgery. 2009 saw mostly D-list and reality stars admitting to going under the plastic surgeon's knife (Bruce Jenner, many of the Real (annoying) Housewives, Kate Gosselin, etc.). Could this be the year that an A-lister admits to having plastic surgery? It's becoming more and more accepted in Hollywood to admit to Botox, but that's still a far cry from admitting to having a facelift or breast augmentation. Here's a list of people I'd like to see cop to having work done (can't fool me!): Sly Stallone, Suzanne Somers, Nicole Kidman, and Nadya "Octomom" Suleman. Actually, cancel that last one. I have no desire to ever see or hear from her again!

For numbers 4-1, stay tuned to my next post!

Happy New Year!

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

Dr. Youn's Plastic Surgery Predictions for 2010

A few weeks ago I posted how I did with my plastic surgery predictions for 2009. So what do I think 2010 has in store for plastic surgery? Here's a rundown of my Top 8 Plastic Surgery Predictions for 2010:

8. After a couple years without a new, successful plastic surgery reality program, a new plastic surgery reality show arrives to take the place previously occupied by Dr. 90210 and Extreme Makeover. 2009 had the Oxygen show Addicted to Beauty, which had relatively few addicted to watching it, and Dr. 90210 recently had a special, called Extreme Dr. 90210. I believe in 2010 we may see an all new, original plastic surgery reality show that will get some good ratings and actually last more than one season!

7. New injectables will hit the market, but none will have the impact of Dysport, the only valid Botox competitor. 2009 saw the emergence of many new injectables, such as Hydrelle (yawn) and Dysport (huge). While we may see some more hyaluronic acid-based fillers, we will probably need to wait until 2011 for another 'game-changer' to hit the market. Could it be a new topical Botox-type cream? Possibly!

6. Will the Gummy Bear Breast Implants make it Big in 2010? I doubt it. I hear through the grapevine (sorry, can't reveal my sources) that we will not likely see Form Stable Silicone Gel (a.k.a. Gummy Bear) breast implants until late 2010 at the absolute earliest. We may see a reprise of the Thanksgiving 2006 FDA announcement, when the non-form stable silicone gel implants ban was lifted. Could the gummy bears be approved in Thanksgiving 2010? Maybe at the earliest...

5. A big name Hollywood star will admit to plastic surgery. 2009 saw mostly D-list and reality stars admitting to going under the plastic surgeon's knife (Bruce Jenner, many of the Real (annoying) Housewives, Kate Gosselin, etc.). Could this be the year that an A-lister admits to having plastic surgery? It's becoming more and more accepted in Hollywood to admit to Botox, but that's still a far cry from admitting to having a facelift or breast augmentation. Here's a list of people I'd like to see cop to having work done (can't fool me!): Sly Stallone, Suzanne Somers, Nicole Kidman, and Nadya "Octomom" Suleman. Actually, cancel that last one. I have no desire to ever see or hear from her again!

For numbers 4-1, stay tuned to my next post!

Happy New Year!

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.: