Celebrity Surgery: July 2010

Saturday, July 31, 2010

"Nup / Tuck" - Chelsea Clinton's Pre-Wedding Plastic Surgery?

There's quite a bit of speculation that Chelsea Clinton may have undergone a "Nup / Tuck," aka pre-wedding plastic surgery. She certainly has never looked better. A friend of mine, Dr. Jennifer Walden, has commented to The Examiner that she believes Chelsea underwent a rhinoplasty and chin augmentation. After looking at photos, I would agree with her, although it can be difficult to separate what changes may be due to plastic surgery versus natural maturation.

In addition, Chelsea's gummy smile appears to be improved, which can be due to a surgical gummy smile repair (where the muscles that elevate the lip are cut) or Botox injections to paralyze these same muscles.

Either way, Chelsea looks great, and I hope her big day was a terrific one for her. I remember my wedding day vividly. Best day of my life!

Photo credit: The Examiner

Thanks for reading.

Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.

What to do about Breast Acne?

Whenever I am looking for solid, scientific information on a particular beauty product or ingredient I check out the Beauty Brains. This is a fantastic blog that focuses on all sorts of beauty questions, all from a scientific point of view. In this post, they tackle the problem of breast acne.

Some suggestions for treating breast acne include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid peels, the AFA Clay Peel, and topical antibiotics like Clindamycin. Be sure to visit your medical aesthetician or dermatologist if this is a problem for you.

Photo credit: Beauty Brains

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

Kim Kardashian and Celeb Lookalike Surgery

Kim Kardashian recently stepped into the Celeb Lookalike Surgery arena, by conducting a mini-Twittervention for a fan who was planning to have buttock surgery to look like Kim: "Don't try 2 b someone else," and implored her not to "change yourself for anybody but yourself." Today Madison Park of CNN.com published an article that expanded on the phenomenon of people trying to undergo plastic surgery to look like a celeb. Click here for the article, which includes some of my thoughts on the subject.

This story is similar to the one with Jessica Alba, as documented in my blog post here, where she convinced a fan in China not to undergo surgery to look like Jessica.

Check out my thoughts in the CNN.com article, but in addition to that, here are some more:

1. I think it's very normal to admire and wish to have similar body parts of certain stars (I would kill, maim, and steal for The Situation's Abs) but when this takes the next step to wanting to look exactly like another person, that signals a potential major psychological problem.

2. Good for Kim that she would take time out of her day to help out a fan.

3. I hate how Twitter and texting are making people forget how to write (try 2 b??!!). I especially HATE that Pussycat Dolls' song, "Stick Wit U." Argh!

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

This story is similar to the one with Jessica Alba, as documented in my blog post here, where she convinced a fan in China not to undergo surgery to look like Jessica.

Check out my thoughts in the CNN.com article, but in addition to that, here are some more:

2. Good for Kim that she would take time out of her day to help out a fan.

3. I hate how Twitter and texting are making people forget how to write (try 2 b??!!). I especially HATE that Pussycat Dolls' song, "Stick Wit U." Argh!

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

From time to time you will get asked by breast cancer patients whether their reconstruction surgery can be done all in one stage at the time of mastectomy. The answer is you can, but there are a number of factors working against you for the best result, such that "baby steps" (planned sequential small procedures)

Typically, most implant reconstruction surgery involves placing a temporary implant called a "tissue expander" at the time of mastectomy that is later replaced by a permanent implant. As compared to a regular implant, a tissue expander is shaped different to maximize shape of the lower breast. It is decidedly more rigid and firm and then permanent devices, particular when silicone implants are later used. The advantage of such specialized devices is that they allow either 1) expansion of the skin by periodically adding fluid to them and 2) better resisting shrinkage of the skin following mastectomy.

Planned 2 stage surgery was popularized by Dr. Pat Maxwell (my mentor) and Dr. Scott Spears, and is well established as the most popular way to do breast reconstruction world wide. There has always been some interest in trying to skip the intermediate step, but doing it predictably is elusive. The big problem is tissue shrinkage of the skin, which as I mentioned is better resisted by the more rigid expander implant versus the softer permanent ones. The best candidates are those with smaller breasts who are having nipple-sparing procedures so that the native skin is 100% conserved. Even in that group, I find I'd be increasingly likely to go back and fat graft to camouflage the implant in a 2nd stage surgery. To my way of thinking, the benefit of single stage surgery just work enough to give up the benefit of the expander structural advantages.

Rob

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Oksana Grigorieva - Plastic Surgery That Mel Hates

I think Mel Gibson is an insane, racist psychopath. I'm pretty sure that most of you who've heard his rants on Radaronline.com agree with me. I used to be a fan of his, but now... yechh!

What plastic surgery do I think his ex Oksana Grigorieva has had? In one tape Mel mentions her "foreign bodies," referring to her breast implants. Looking at photos of her (some before-and-afters are on display on awfulplasticsurgery.com), I bet she's had cheek implants, a rhinoplasty, and lip enhancement, likely with a semi-permanent implant like Alloderm. Overall I think she looks pretty, but a bit plasticized. Each of the procedures appears to have been a tad overdone (nose is a bit too thin, cheeks a bit too plump, and lips a little puffy).

Lastly, I guess we shouldn't forget those veneers that Mel allegedly punched out. What a jerk!

Thanks for reading.

Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

Latisse (the eyelash drug) has been a raging clinical success

Quick thought of the day:

After dispensing Allergan's Latisse medication for enhancing eyelash growth for over a year now, I'm officially impressed. It is hand's down the single most reliable treatment we offer to patients, and I have not seen anyone who does not respond well with it. Part of it's popularity is also the relatively low price tag (~ $120-$130 for a 2 month supply).

The "off the record" advice I have for Latisse users is that I think you can actually use it less frequently then daily and maintain results. I advise patients that once they get to a good clinical result that they try every other or every third day for application. Rationing the medication like that can make a single box extend for 3-4 months instead of 2 without much diminishing results. A good cosmetic budgeting strategy in these times!

Rob

Friday, July 23, 2010

Proof Paris Hilton Does Not Have Breast Implants

There are always rumors going around that Paris Hilton has breast implants. If this photo isn't proof that she has natural A cups, then I should give up my day job and be a full-time writer of plastic surgery nonsense.

The funny caption from ayyyy.com:

The new Scrabble Body Board Paris Hilton edition is the perfect size for children! Coming soon: the Heidi Montag Bangin’ Bosoms Board for expert wordsmiths who need more real estate.

For more of my posts on Paris Hilton, click the following links: wonky eyelid surgery, plastic surgery is "sleazy"

Thanks for reading.

Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

The funny caption from ayyyy.com:

The new Scrabble Body Board Paris Hilton edition is the perfect size for children! Coming soon: the Heidi Montag Bangin’ Bosoms Board for expert wordsmiths who need more real estate.

For more of my posts on Paris Hilton, click the following links: wonky eyelid surgery, plastic surgery is "sleazy"

Thanks for reading.

Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

When is a medical record not a medical record? When the Obama adminstration get's PC with it

If the roll out of 21st century health care could have been more poorly handled, I'm not sure how. From a slow bleed over the spring involving an ill-conceived re-imagination of American health care delivery by the Democrats we are now presented with statements from President Obama's electronic medical record (EMR) czar that a medical record does not have to actually reflect what your medical history is.

Dr. David Blumenthal, the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, said in an interview with CNS news (see here) that patients can choose to omit procedures such as abortions, positive HIV tests, or other perceived embarrassing information from their electronic health records (EHR).This is concerning in that a purported health record reporting a patient's comprehensive history could be edited so as to be politically correct. As a provider it would be important (for instance) to know that a patient had hepatitis or HIV before scheduling major elective procedures so as to protect oneself and operating room staff from unnecessary exposure or even advise patients to avoid some procedures altogether. Much as a physician has an informed consent with a patient, a provider must be aware of any and all material issues when delivering care.

Rob

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Botox in a Cream Form?

Can Botox be applied as a cream? Yes, if the company Revance Therapeutics has its way. They are currently testing a cream form of botulinum toxin to the crow's feet. I've heard that initial results are promising, although the product appears to be at least 2 years away from potential FDA approval. There are a lot of questions surrounding this product, such as: Should patients be allowed to take it home? What other applications are there? How long will it last?

Here are my thoughts:
1. I would be concerned with patients taking it home and mistakenly applying the cream to potentially harmful areas. What would happen if a patient applied it with his finger to his crow's feet and then accidentally rubbed his eyelid? Would he get a droopy eyelid? Maybe. What if someone ingested it?
2. I think a huge application of this topical botulinum toxin is in sweat reduction. Could you imagine an antiperspirant stick with this product that lasts several months with each application and leaves no residue? I'd buy it!
3. It's currently being tested on the crow's feet, which has thin skin. Would it work in the forehead where the skin is thicker?

This product could definitely be a 'game changer' if and when it comes out. There are a lot of places I'd consider applying it 'off-label' for myself...

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

Quick Links - Glee Star Gets Botox To Her Jawline? And More on Vampire Facelift

Some quick links for you:

1. US Magazine.com is reporting that future Glee star Charise may be getting Botox injections to her jawline in order to make her face look less round. Her rep has denied it, claiming the Botox injections are for TMJ, a painful jaw disorder. Which is right?

I would bet on the former. I often inject Botox into the masseter muscle of the jaw to cause it to shrink down. This procedure is often performed on Asians, who traditionally have rounder faces and jaw muscle overgrowth. Click here for a photo of it from my website. As you can see, her face is quite round.

2. Salon.com has picked up the Vampire Facelift story and is reporting on it here, complete with some of my oh-so-interesting quotes.

Thanks for reading.

Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

Some quick links for you:

2. Salon.com has picked up the Vampire Facelift story and is reporting on it here, complete with some of my oh-so-interesting quotes.

Thanks for reading.

Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

Model with World's Largest Breasts Fighting Staph Infection

Sheyla Hershey, the model with reportedly the largest breasts in the world, is fighting a staph infection of her breasts which could threaten her life. A year ago she travelled to Brazil to make her breasts a KKK in size, despite her being only 5'3" tall. She is now suffering a severe infection that not only threatens her breasts, but also her life. In addition to the 10 surgeries she's had on her breasts, she's also undergone liposuction and rhinoplasty, all by the age of 30.

This unfortunate story exhibits three truths:

1. The bigger the implants, the greater the risks.

2. Going abroad for plastic surgery can be risky.

3. Where your plastic surgery is performed can have a big impact on whether you develop an infection.

Hopefully she isn't suffering from MRSA, which is resistant to most antibiotics. Her story reminds me of one of my patients who underwent a bargain-basement breast augmentation in Miami, only to develop multiple staph infections resulting in devastating deformities. Local NBC covered her story, which can be seen here. After several surgeries with me, I'm proud to say, she now looks pretty darn good.

Thanks for reading.

Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

This unfortunate story exhibits three truths:

1. The bigger the implants, the greater the risks.

2. Going abroad for plastic surgery can be risky.

3. Where your plastic surgery is performed can have a big impact on whether you develop an infection.

Thanks for reading.

Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

The Vampire Facelift?

Vampires and sucking blood have gone mainstream... even in plastic surgery. One of the newest procedures is called the Vampire Facelift. This is based off an FDA approved product called Selphyl, a kit which allows a plastic surgeon to draw a sample of a patient's blood, remove the platelets and fibrin from the blood, and reinject this Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix (PRFM) into the face. According to the company, the PRFM causes an increase in the thickness of collagen, filling in wrinkles and plumping up facial depressions. It's the newest type of facial filler, and the only one based entirely off a patient's own tissue. No foreign substances are injected into the face, unlike every other popular filler. Early reports give the Selphyl a longevity of 12 months or longer.

Unlike some of the other injectable fillers that have come and gone (Evolence, anyone?), Selphyl does bring something different to the table. Platelet-rich plasma is known to be filled with growth factors and even stem cells, and therefore it is theoretically possible that the Vampire Facelift can create new, younger skin, in addition to just filling in the wrinkles. While it may not make you immortal, it can make you look younger!

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

Woman Almost Dies When Eye Doctor Performs Breast Augmentation

CBS Atlanta News is reporting that a woman almost bled to death during a breast augmentation performed by an opthalmologist (an eye doctor). According to their accounts, the woman was awake during the procedure and experienced her 'surgeon' calling 911 for help. Luckily, a real plastic surgeon was on staff at the ER and helped save her life. See the disturbing news report here.

I have documented in numerous posts the scary trend of immoral doctors masquerading as real plastic surgeons. Unfortunately, in most states there is no law against physicians performing whatever procedure they choose, whether they are properly trained to perform that procedure or not. Because hospitals will not allow these phony plastic surgeons to perform plastic surgery in their facilities, they bypass this by building OR's in their own offices. In fact, there is no law against me, a board-certified plastic surgeon, performing a cataract surgery on someone in my office, even though I have no training in it.

If you are considering plastic surgery, make sure your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. If he or she is not, then be very, very cautious. It's not enough for an eye doctor to have stayed at a Holiday Inn Express the night before your surgery.

To read a post about an alleged horrible laser liposuction result from an ER doc just down the street from me, click here.

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

Dr. Youn on Rachael Ray Wednesday July 14th

This Wednesday, July 14th, the Rachael Ray Show will be rerunning an episode I did with them called Plastic Surgery Breakthroughs, where I revealed four of the hottest new technologies in plastic surgery today. Check your local listings or the Rachael Ray Show website here.

Thanks for reading.

Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

Thanks for reading.

Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

Danielle Staub - Example of Asymmetric Breasts

According to a recent article in MSNBC.com, Real Housewives' Danielle Staub has revealed that she went under a plastic surgeon's knife to correct breast asymmetry caused by uneven breast implants.

Click here for the article, which includes my comments on 'lopsided' breasts.

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

What to look for for well done breast augmentation surgery -The inframammary fold

Sorry for the long break! We've been busy designing our practice's new web site. It's gonna POP! Stay Tuned.

This post is kind of an "inside baseball" topic about what surgeons look at when we judge our own or others work. One thing I fixate on more and more with cosmetic breast surgery is the position of the inframammary fold (IMF). The IMF (in layman's terms) is an anatomic landmark created by adherence of connective tissue to the chest wall. It defines the inferior border of the anatomic breast, and it's location makes it the most popular place for an incision to place breast implants via the "inframammary" approach.

One of the things I look for in someone I've operated on or whom comes in for revision surgery by another provider is where a prior inframammary scar is. If the scar is stable and in the position it was originally made in then I'm satisfied the surgical dissection was performed well. If the scar is now residing up on the skin of the lower breast, that suggests over release of the native IMF during prior surgery. Once violated, that anatomic border is hard to reliably recreate. Just a little extra attention during surgery can prevent a lot of issues down the road as it relates to this.

Rob

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Cindy Crawford on Botox, Plastic Surgery, and Weekly Sex?

Supermodel Cindy Crawford has given a revealing interview reported in MonstersandCritics.com. Some highlights:

1. She admits to having tried Botox, and that she has gotten more accepting of the idea of plastic surgery as she has gotten older.

2. She states that she has cellulite (like 90% of women!)

3. She schedules once-a-week date nights with her husband where sex is a priority (although she admits to "dry spells.")

I hear that Cindy Crawford is a really nice, down-to-earth person. My brother met her a few times back in the 90's, and she was always really pleasant and friendly. She even sent him a signed calendar, which I coveted for years!

To view a segment I did for Fox News on treating cellulite, click here.

For more of the brief interview, click here.

Thanks for reading.

Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

Supermodel Cindy Crawford has given a revealing interview reported in MonstersandCritics.com. Some highlights:

1. She admits to having tried Botox, and that she has gotten more accepting of the idea of plastic surgery as she has gotten older.

2. She states that she has cellulite (like 90% of women!)

3. She schedules once-a-week date nights with her husband where sex is a priority (although she admits to "dry spells.")

To view a segment I did for Fox News on treating cellulite, click here.

For more of the brief interview, click here.

Thanks for reading.

Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

Bad News for Lindsay Lohan: Jail, Lawsuit Problems, Trout Pout

Poor Lindsay Lohan. First she gets sentenced to three months in jail, then she suffers a setback to her $100 million E-Trade lawsuit. And to cap it all off, some plastic surgeon gave her a trout pout!

There is definitely too much filler in her upper lip, causing it to be larger than her lower lip and violating the natural 1:1.5 ratio (the lower lip should be 1.5 times the width of the upper lip). At least while she sits in the clink her upper lip will settle down, so hopefully by the time she walks free her lips will look normal once again.

Photo credit: NY Daily News

Thanks for reading.

Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

Photo credit: NY Daily News

Thanks for reading.

Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

Funny FatBooth App - See How You'd Look 100 Lbs Heavier

There's an iPhone app for everything these days! The newest one is the FatBooth iPhone App that allows you to see how you'd look like if you doubled in size. Somehow Megan Fox still looks pretty good!

Check out some celebs made fat (like George Clooney) on the slideshow here. I'd buy this app if I had an iPhone, but I'm sure it's not available on my Blackberry Storm. Bummer.

If anyone picks this up and has a chance to put my photo in it, please send along and I may post it on this site! I'll probably look like Margaret Cho.

Story credit: Cosmetic-makeovers.com

Thanks for reading.

Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

Check out some celebs made fat (like George Clooney) on the slideshow here. I'd buy this app if I had an iPhone, but I'm sure it's not available on my Blackberry Storm. Bummer.

If anyone picks this up and has a chance to put my photo in it, please send along and I may post it on this site! I'll probably look like Margaret Cho.

Story credit: Cosmetic-makeovers.com

Thanks for reading.

Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

12 Ridiculous Plastic Surgeries?

The Daily Beast and the OC Register have interesting articles on 12 Crazy Plastic Surgeries. Are these really crazy? Are people doing them? Do I do them? Here we go!

1. Creation of dimples - This is being done, just not be me or most plastic surgeons.

2. Chin cleft surgery - same as #1. Michael Jackson reportedly had this done.

3. Abdominal etching (liposuctioning fat to make it look like a six-pack) - This is being done by a handful of surgeons. My concern is, will that six-pack turn into a party ball in 15 years?

4. Eyebrow and eyelash transplants - unusual procedure. The only doctor I know of who does this is my friend Dr. Alan Bauman in Florida.

5. Toe shortening - Is this really necessary? Only if someone has a foot fetish, I guess.

6. Cankle liposuction - I will rarely perform this procedure. It has a higher complication rate compared to liposuction of other areas, but can really help those with severe cankles.

7. Toddler teeth whitening - Anyone who does this to their kid should be visited by social services... or at least by Supernanny.

8. Collagen feet fillers - This is being done, especially before Red Carpet appearances, although Restylane is now the injection of choice. I spoke about it on the CBS Early Show. See a clip of it here.

9. Pubic hair transplants - Seriously?? Yuck!

10. Belly button surgery - Otherwise known as umbilical hernia repair. I do this all the time during tummy tucks. I turn an 'outie' into an 'innie.'

11. Iris implants - Sounds pretty ridiculous. Only about 250 people have undergone this procedure worldwide, as a way of giving a different eye color. I prefer colored contacts over taking a knife to my eyeball!

12. Gummy bear breast implants - These are not crazy or ridiculous at all, as they are being widely used in other countries. These firm, form-stable implants are not FDA-approved yet, and my inside sources tell me that it may be a long, long time before we are using them routinely. Click here to see a segment of the CBS Early Show where I discuss them.

With any of these procedures, make sure you consult a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

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