The Acupuncture Facelift?? Now I've Heard Everything!

An interesting article in Yahoo News describes a facelift being performed by acupuncture. Practitioners claim that it stimulates collagen production, lifts sagging skin, and is as effective as Botox.

Hahahahahahahahaha!!!

But seriously, I know very little about this, although my mother has been trained in acupuncture and acupressure. She's used it on me on more than one occasion with variable results. I do believe there is real validity to some of its benefits which cannot be explained by science. That being said, I've never seen actual results from Acupuncture Facelifts, and would be interested to see some before-and-after photos. In the meantime, I will stick with actually putting something into the needles I poke a person with. If any readers have anecdotal stories about this, feel free to share.

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

Breast Augmentation is Top Plastic Surgery Procedure

According to figures released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons for 2007, the top five surgical cosmetic procedures in the U.S. are:Breast augmentation (347,500)Liposuction (302,000)Nose reshaping (285,000)Eyelid surgery (241,000)Tummy Tuck (148,000)The top five non-surgical (minimally invasive cosmetic procedures were:Botox (4.6 million!)Hyaluronic acid [facial fillers] (1,051,00)

Is something wrong with Janice Dickinson?

The Drunken Stepfather blog (NSFW) showed this photo of Janice Dickinson with a crooked mouth. While this is most likely just the expression she was making, it also resembles the appearance of a person who suffered a nerve injury during a facelift or liposuction of the jawline. In these situations, the nerve that causes the lip to pull down can become damaged, creating a crooked smile or frown. In 99% of cases this spontaneously resolves, usually within a few months, but can be permanent in extremely rare cases. This type of nerve injury is one of the most dreaded complications of a facelift. (Knock on wood) I've never seen one that was permanent, and am always vigilant to do everything I can to avoid it.

Hopefully, for Janice's and her surgeon's sake she's just looking silly for the paparazzi...

Thanks to the CosmeticSurgeryTruth blog for the link.

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

Brigitte Nielsen Looks Better After Plastic Surgery

Brigitte Nielsen has re-emerged onto the scene after undergoing plastic surgery for a German reality television show. She underwent liposuction on her thighs, Botox, and a breast reduction. The 'after' photos show that the 44 year old ex-wife of Sly Stallone looks great. I wonder if she also underwent other facial plastic surgeries, such as a browlift, facelift, and eyelid lifts? It appears that way to me.

Why did a 44 year old age so prematurely in the first place? It's a possible combination of the California sun, smoking, drinking, and possibly a just plain unhealthy lifestyle.

As an aside, I am finding more and more that people who take really good care of themselves seem to heal from plastic surgery with considerably less swelling, less bruising, and even less discomfort than the average patient. I have a handful of patients in my practice who strictly avoid the Southeast Michigan diet of Coney dogs, deep dish pizza, and Better Made potato chips who have astounded me with their speedy recoveries from plastic surgery. For some reason, I doubt that Brigitte Nielsen would fit into that group. But maybe Flavor Flav...

Note: photo on the left is pre-surgery, right is post-surgery.
Photo and story credit: The Daily Mail

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

Jenny Lee- Plastic Surgery "Enthusiast"

After Jocelyn Wildenstein, model /actress Jenny Lee may be the person most well-known primarily for her plastic surgery. It's rumored that she's had over 30 plastic surgery procedures performed on her, and she is planning many more in the future. She really does look like a human Barbie doll. She has an interesting "About Me" page on her website, where she explains her thoughts on plastic surgery.

She does not reveal who her plastic surgeon is. No, it's not me. I wouldn't do this much work on someone, even if it paid for my house (and my car and my son's college education). Maybe it's my friend Dr. Steve Svehlak (just kidding Steve!).

photo credit: thejennylee.com , Maria Bernal Photography

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

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Getting Ready for Bathing Suit Season

There's not much new in the world of celebrity plastic surgery today, so I thought I'd give you some links to a series of TV segments I did for the local Fox 2 Detroit affiliate. We did a week of "Getting Ready for Bathing Suit Season" segments, focusing on minimally invasive ways to get your body ready for the beach. If you are bored and want to take up a few minutes, here you go:

Laser Hair Removal
Anti-Cellulite Treatments
Laser Spider Vein Treatments
Clay Peel for the Back (Back-ne)

Thanks to the crew at Fox 2 Detroit for including me in these segments!

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

Sarah Jessica Parker - What's the Big Deal?

For some reason, the removal of Sarah Jessica Parker's chin mole has actually made news. Apparently she showed up to Yankee stadium without a nevus on her chin and the media has made a big deal out of it.

Ho hum, I take moles off all the time. Usually insurance actually pays for it, although not very much. Moles are rarely cancerous. Check out my post on John McCain if you want to know how to spot a dangerous mole. However, if you have any concern about a mole, have your dermatologist or plastic surgeon take a peek at it.

This would be bigger news if it was Cindy Crawford's signature mole.

Photo credit: eonline.com

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

Aja Rock's Breasts - What's Going On Here?

Aja Rock is a famous New Zealand model and music artist. Here is a photo fo her with rocker Tommy Lee. What's going on with her breasts?

It appears to me to be a capsular contracture. Capsular contracture is the result of excess scar developing around a breast implant, making the breast appear hard and round. If severe, the scar tissue can develop a separation from the normal tissue of the breast, which is what I think may be happening here.

Check out more of my comments in NZrealitytv.com.
For more on Aja Rock, click here.

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

Alex Rodriguez - Do All His Women Have Plastic Surgery?

Do all of pro baseball player A-Rod's women have plastic surgery? A recent article in Make Me Heal.com says so. Check it out here.

I was interviewed this week by In Touch Weekly magazine regarding Madonna's possible plastic surgery. Check it out in the upcoming issue.

Maybe A-Rod doesn't mind his women having some plastic parts? If that is the case, then maybe his next girlfriend will be Jocelyn Wildenstein!

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

Prevelle - Today for Tonight?

Mentor, a company best known for their outstanding breast implants, has recently released a new hyaluronic acid filler here in the United States. It's called Prevelle 'Silk,' and is the only hyaluronic acid filler available which also incorporates lidocaine (an anesthetic) into the product. The idea is that most patients who have it for enhancing the lips or filling in wrinkles do not need painful dental blocks to numb the area prior to injecting it. They also advertise that the product has little swelling and downtime, hence the slogan "Today for Tonight."

What's the drawback? Mainly the longevity of the product. Prevelle appears to last around 90 days or so, whereas the two most popular hyaluronic acid fillers (Restylane and Juvederm) can last 6 months or more. Prevelle is cheaper, however, and with the minimal discomfort associated with its injections, does seem to have a nice niche.

I would recommend it for people who want the following: Less reaction and swelling, less discomfort with injection, a cheaper price, and don't mind a shorter-lasting result.

To learn more about Prevelle, click here.

Thanks for reading.

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

Pharrell Williams and a New Way to Remove Tattoos?

According to Plasmetic.com, rapper and producer Pharrell Williams is planning on undergoing a new way to remove tattoos without scars. Here are some details:

a. This is an invasive procedure that requires skin grafting.
b. The patient has to give a sample of his skin.
c. This skin is then replicated in a laboratory.
d. Once this is done, the new skin is stitched over the tattooed one.
e. It does not leave any scars.
f. Once the skin is healed, new tattoos can be done on it.
g. This is a faster and less painful alternative.

Now, this sounds to me that they are planning to remove the old tattooed skin and replace it with a skin graft that was grown in a laboratory. The statement "It does not leave any scars" is the one I really question here. I have performed skin grafts many times before (such as on burn patients) but any skin graft patient will tell you there are scars involved. Just because the skin is grown in a laboratory doesn't mean that it won't create scars. Furthermore, one cannot place a skin graft over intact skin because it will just slough off if the underlying skin isn't removed first.

This whole thing sounds like a crock to me. Lasers are very effective with tattoo removal nowadays, just ask Angelina Jolie or Johnny Depp (remember when he changed Winona Forever to Wino Forever? Doh!).

We don't do laser tattoo removal at my office, by the way.

Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

Anna Kournikova does not have breast implants

Here's a quote from tennis star Anna Kournikova, responding to the same lame questions all the reporters ask her:

“I’m not married, not pregnant, didn’t have a boob job, no Botox. What else?”




I'm not surprised. She's 27 and been blessed with great genes. While she is pretty attractive, I was always partial to Mary Joe Fernandez and Chris Evert. I guess this shows my age.

Quote credit: celebritysmackblog.com
Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

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Guess the Chest!

Ayyyy.com has a fun little "Guess the Celebrity Breasts" quiz. Can you name any of the celebrities whose chest is featured? I am embarrassed to say that I only got 4 right!
Doh!

Click here to go to Ayyyy.com for the answers!

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

Meryl Streep and Heidi Klum Not Fond of Plastic Surgery

Both Meryl Streep and Heidi Klum have recently gone on record as being anti-plastic surgery. According to thecelebritycafe.com:

“You'd be amazed how many men in the industry have gone down that road,” Meryl Streep observed. "I don't get it.” Streep revealed that true actors should realize that often more interesting roles come to the older set anyway. “The good thing about getting older is that when they do cast you it's often something interesting - you're no longer asked to be the beautiful leading lady,” she said. When actors aren’t hired just for their matinee looks they are given the chance to play roles that “examine all the idiosyncrasies people have.” Streep remained refreshingly free of believing in unattainable standards of youth and beauty. “I think you have to embrace getting older and celebrate life,” she advised.

According to tob.hollywood.com, Heidi Klum stated:

There’s something odd when you’re 35 or 40 and ironed to the max. You change with time, and it’s fine. Everywhere there are these stand-up cards saying, ‘Have a little silicone while you get your roots done.’ I want to be the opposite of that.

It's easy for them to say that. One is arguably one of the greatest actresses of all time, and the other is a supermodel. I say, to each their own!

Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

Quick links

I hope you have enjoyed your July 4th holiday weekend. I've had a great time with my wife and kids. Here are a few quick links for you to check out:

1. It looks like Australia has problems with phony plastic surgeons too. Click here.
2. Plastic Surgery Products magazine (of which I am on the Editorial Advisory Board) has a nice editorial about the current state of plastic surgery blogs. Click here.
3. For those of you unfamiliar with MTV's True Life television series, it is a documentary show which follows youths through various turning points in their lives. One recent episode featured two 20 year olds who had multiple plastic surgeries. According to the LA Times:

Yet when Rachael, her nose bandaged from the latest operation, softly said, "Hopefully I'll have the confidence to maybe complete the other goals in my life now, like being in Playboy and maybe finding a boyfriend," the show revealed the pathos lurking inside her synthetic nose-jobbed and implanted shell.

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

Who Has the Best Breasts in the Biz?

There is a great article on Colin Stewart's In Your Face blog which focuses on In Touch Weekly's Top 10 "Best Breasts" Poll. He analyzes each celebrity and whether or not they have breast implants. It's a nice read, and not just because he quotes me several times. Here's my opinion of whether each person in the top 10 have real or fake breasts.
1. Jessica Simpson - fake
2. Tyra Banks - real
3. Scarlett Johansson - real
4. Carmen Electra - fake
5. Lindsay Lohan - fake... I think.
6. Katherine Heigl - not sure
7. Audrina Patridge - who is she?
8. Jennifer Aniston - real
9. Megan Fox - tough call, but I think I know who may have done her rhinoplasty (good friend of mine)...
10. Beyonce Knowles - fake

For more in-depth analysis, click here for the article.

To view a video of a breast augmentation I performed for Fox News, click here.

Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

Cellulite Battle Continues... VelaShape on TV

Just adding another video about VelaShape. This one is from the Mike & Juliet Show. In addition to learning more about VelaShape for treating cellulite, it also offers up some myth busters on what causes cellulite.Looking for information on VelaShape in Massachusetts? Call or visit Christine Hamori Cosmetic Surgery + Skin Spa in Duxbury, MA.

Is it worth it to operate on celebrities?

There is an interesting post from the Scalpel or Sword blog regarding the dangers of operating on celebrities such as Tiger Woods:

When a 32 year old soon-to-be billionaire superstar seeks medical treatment, I doubt he has to get a referral from his PCP or approval from an HMO pencil-pusher. But as the John Ritter case revealed, when a rich celebrity suffers a disastrous medical outcome, the potential liability far exceeds any insurance coverage or assets of the treating physicians.

Sure, the Orthopedist will get to prominently display a signed picture in his office waiting room of Tiger shaking his hand, and he will likely benefit from the prestige of having such a high-profile patient. And I'm sure Tiger will pay his bill in full. But what is a reasonable fee for taking on the enormous liability risk of treating such a patient?

This is even more true when the surgery being performed on the celebrity is plastic surgery. The Donda West case is an excellent example of that. Sure, her surgeon may have gotten some kudos for doing a nice job had things gone well, but since the situation ended poorly, his practice has now been devastated. Obviously other factors are in play in that situation as well. That being said, would I operate on celebrities? Yes.

Story credit: scalpelorsword.blogspot.com by way of KevinMD.com

Photo credit: prphotos.com

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