Susan Boyle - Plastic Surgery?

Every time Susan Boyle returns to the spotlight people speculate whether she's had plastic surgery. She does look SO much better than when she first wowed audiences on Britain's Got Talent. But has she really had plastic surgery to look the way she now does?

Doubt it! Her aesthetician has done a very nice job waxing her previously out-of-control eyebrows, but other than that she's probably just had some nice primping and a fashion makeover. She looks like she just finished a segment of What Not To Wear.

How do I know she hasn't had any real plastic surgery? The one surgery that could really benefit her is a facelift. A few hours under the knife and that double chin would be history. It wouldn't make a lot of sense for a plastic surgeon to operate on anything else on her face.

Plastic surgery or not, she's an amazing singer. I wouldn't be caught dead buying her album (unless it was for my mom) but her voice can even make me get a little weepy (don't tell anyone!).

Photo credit: mirror.co.uk


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

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Why Are Teens Getting 'Toxed?

There's an interesting article in MSNBC.com on the recent trend towards teenagers getting Botox. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), last year over 12,000 Botox or Dysport treatments were performed on people under the age of 18. One plastic surgeon quoted in the article claimed that 5-8% of his Botox patients are teenagers! What percentage of my Botox patients are 18 or under?

Zero!

I guess this would need to be taken on a case-by-case basis, but to date I've never seen a teenager whom I thought would benefit from Botox. The good thing is that Botox injections are temporary with relatively minor side effects or complications. I have no problem with other plastic surgeons performing the procedure. It's just that I choose not to do it. I feel much more strongly against certain surgeries in teens, however, like breast augmentation, which create permanent changes and have consequences that can last for life.

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Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

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Jessica Alba Stops Chinese Woman From Lookalike Plastic Surgery

Many news agencies are reporting that Jessica Alba has stepped in to prevent a Chinese woman from undergoing plastic surgery to transform herself into a Jessica Alba lookalike. The woman, known only as Xiaoqing, reportedly planned the extensive surgery after being dumped by her boyfriend, a Jessica Alba fan. After Shanghai surgeons offered to perform the surgery for free, Jessica stepped in, telling the fan, "I think you should never have to change yourself like that. If somebody loves you, they'll love you no matter what." After hearing Jessica's appeal, Xiaoqing changed her mind, stating, "I think it's great that Jessica is so concerned about me. Her words also played an important role in my decision."

Good for her!

I hate, hate, hate it when I see a woman in consultation who plans plastic surgery at the request/demand of a boyfriend or husband, and doesn't necessarily want it for herself. Occasionally I've seen the man point at and pick apart the woman's body as if he was Lorenzo Lamas in Are You Hot? More often than not it's some overweight, unkempt loser who points his chubby sausage-like finger at her hips and explains how they are too big. Uggh!

I just don't know why some women stay with men like that.

Click here to view a clip from VH1's Plastic Surgery Obsession, dealiing with topics like MTV's I Want a Famous Face show.

Story and photo credit: starpulse.com

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Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

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Kate Gosselin - Botox Brow?

Whoa! What's happened to Kate Gosselin and why does she look like the older, evil sister of Heidi Montag?

She definitely appears to have had Botox injections into her forehead. Kate displays the classic "Botox brow," the over-arched eyebrows that can be created by Botox (or Dysport) injections giving the eyebrows a sinister look. This can be corrected by a few injections above her eyebrows to let them drop a bit, or just waiting a few months for the Botox effects to subside.

Or she could shave her eyebrows off and pencil them back on into a lower position.

I recommend she go with option "3."

To read the story and my comments in US Weekly.com, click here.

To view streaming video of a segment on Dysport (the Botox alternative) I did for Fox News, click here.

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

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Does Katy Perry Have Breast Implants?

There's no question that the song of the summer is Katy Perry's California Girls. But, is there any doubt that Katy's California breasts are fake?

Actually, there is. I don't think that Katy Perry has breast implants. I heard an interview several months ago where she claimed her D cups were 100% natural, and after looking at photos and videos I would tend to agree. There's no evidence of the half-grapefruit look you see with Whitney Houston (see hers here) or Sharon Stone (see hers here). Now, if Katy's breasts are fake, then Katy should Kiss her plastic surgeon! (Damn! Not me.)

To view a breast augmentation I did for Fox News, click here.

Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

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Bridal Diapers... Seriously???

This has nothing to do with plastic surgery, but is freaky enough to warrant mentioning. Marie Claire is reporting that there is a growing trend for Bridezillas to use bridal diapers in order to avoid having to remove their bridal gown to relieve themselves.

Really???

CelebritySmack.com did a search of bridal diapers and couldn't find a seller online. I suppose a pair of Depends would do the trick.

Wow. I'm glad my wife never considered this!

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

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Jocelyn Wildenstein - Part I - Her Story

Every once in a (long) while I reprise a popular post from the distant past.
This is the first post of three I wrote back in Feb 2007 on Jocelyn Wildenstein, the New York Society Lion Woman. While many of us recognize her face, not many of us really know her story. By understanding how she came to be, maybe we can better understand why she has made herself look the way she does. Divas the site.com has an excellent writeup of her personal story, which doesn't just trash her and her plastic surgery. Here is the Cliff Notes version:


Jocelyn grew up in a middle class family in Switzerland. There she became a skilled hunter and pilot. She eventually met and married billionaire art collector Alec Wildenstein. Marriage was difficult. Though Jocelyne tried as hard as she could, it was sometimes a thankless task to jolly her husband out of his somber moods. The only consolations, it seemed, were the lions in his private jungle and his priceless art collection. When Alec's eye began to wander after many years of marriage, Jocelyne grew jealous and believed that drastic measures were called for.

Pushing fifty and insecure about her looks, Jocelyne visited a renowned plastic surgeon. She wanted to revitalize her appearance in order to recapture the Alec she was so desperately in love with. The first surgeries were successful. This happy state of affairs lasted quite some time, and Jocelyne had the feeling that things were once again back on an even keel. So it was with both shock and sadness that she learned Alec wanted to sleep with other women. Not knowing what to do, a desperate Jocelyne formulated a plan that was so audacious in its daring that she may be forgiven for failing to see its drawbacks.

Jocelyne realized that Alec loved his jungle estate, and the cats that inhabited it, more than anything else in life. So armed with this information, she returned to her plastic surgeon with an unusual request: She wanted to be transformed into one of the giant Cats that Alec loved so much. Though surprised at this unorthodox request, the surgeon did his best to comply.

After countless surgeries - no one can say with certainty just how many - Jocelyne the Swiss beauty disappeared, and "The Queen Of The Jungle" took her place. Jocelyne's appearance was indeed striking. The first time Alec saw his new wife, it is said he screamed at the sudden appearance of this creature that confronted him. Naturally, Jocelyne was disappointed, and returned to her plastic surgeon for more work. It is rumored that several prospective patients ran screaming from the office, so concerned were they that they would end up looking like Jocelyne. As the reader may well imagine, this did nothing to improve the poor socalite's anxiety. However, Jocelyne persevered, and hasn't stopped to this day. When questioned as to the precise number and types of surgeries she's had, she merely replies with a smile "no more or less than any other woman".

Part II focuses on what I think she has had done. Click HERE for Part II of the Jocelyn Wildenstein series: What Plastic Surgery Has She Had? (Back from Feb 2007)

To view streaming video of a segment of Montel that I did on plastic surgery addiction, click here.

Photo credit: Divas the site.com, Photorazzi.com


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

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Do Eye Creams Really Work?

The Beauty Brains Blog has an interesting post called "Do Eye Creams Really Work?" This blog looks at various cosmetics from a scientific and chemist's point of view. Check it out here.

Do I think eye creams work? Yes... to an extent. Here is how I describe the three major causes (and treatments) of dark undereye circles:

1. Cause: thinning of the undereye skin, making it transparent and allowing the blood vessels underneath to be seen. Treatment: eye creams that thicken the skin, making it appear less transparent and smoother (such as Obagi's Elastiderm).
2. Cause: excess pigmentation (mainly seen in people with darker skin, not usually a concern in Caucasians). Treatment: creams with skin lightening agents.
3. Cause: shadowing from puffy bags under the eyes. Treatment: lower blepharoplasty surgery, which removes the fat that causes the puffiness and hence, the shadowing. Click here for before-and-after blepharoplasty photos.


Removing undereye wrinkles is not an easy task. Unfortunately, there is no 'magic bullet' even when surgery is involved that can make a wrinkled, droopy, puffy lower eyelid look perfect afterwards. If you are considering a lower eyelid blepharoplasty, make sure to avoid bargain-basement cosmetic surgeons, otherwise you may end up with an ectropion. Click here for the gruesome image of it (don't say I didn't warn you!).

Photo credit: beautybrains

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

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John Goodman - Major Weight Loss- Gastric Bypass or Lap Band Surgery?

This photo from Celebrity Smack! shows a slim and trim John Goodman. It looks like he's lost a good fifty pounds or more. Could it be Weight Watchers? Jenny Craig? Gastric Bypass? Lap band surgery? Large volume liposuction?

I doubt he's had any liposuction, but it's definitely possible he's had bariatric surgery. Even the more invasive procedures (like gastric bypass) can now be done with smaller incisions and less risk than ten years ago. Unfortunately, even with over 95% of the stomach removed, some people can still eat through it and gain their weight back (see example of Carnie Wilson here).

I occasionally refer patients for gastric lap band surgery when they are too overweight for liposuction. It's always a difficult to tell a patient that she isn't a good candidate for plastic surgery because she's too big without hurting her feelings. It's always harder to say 'no' to a patient than 'yes!'

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

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Rand Paul, Board-Certified Or Not, And How This Relates To Plastic Surgery

There is a very interesting article in the Huffington Post which focuses on doctor/politician Rand Paul and the fact that he is an opthalmologist who is not certified by the American Board of Opthalmology(ABO). Instead, he apparently helped start his own Board, the National Board of Opthalmology (NBO), due to his rejection of certain older doctors being 'grandfathered in' to the ABO and not being required to take recertification exams like all the younger doctors. Unlike the ABO, the NBO is not recognized as a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), the governing organization that acts as the gold standard for board-certification. Read the article here, and then my thoughts and opinions follow below.

1. I also disagree with several boards' policies of not requiring older doctors to take recertifying exams. Older doctors, who are farther away from their residency training, should prove their skills and knowledge base like the younger doctors do, otherwise risk losing board-certification.

2. The American Board of Medical Specialties is truly the gold standard for board-certification. The major specialty boards are all in there: Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and yes, Plastic Surgery. Other boards just do not carry the same weight as the ones in the ABMS, and that includes all the phony cosmetic-type boards out there. Anyone can start their own board, even Rand Paul! (Note: Osteopaths (D.O.'s) have their own Boards, which are completely separate)

3. Some doctors are fine physicians who receive the appropriate training, just don't take or pass their board exams. This doesn't necessarily make them bad doctors, but doctors with an asterisk*.

On a lighter note, ever wondered which politician I believe needs plastic surgery the most? Click here to find out!

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Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

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Joan Rivers - A Piece of (Plastic Surgery) Work

Joan Rivers has released a new documentary on her life, titled A Piece of Work. It has garnered rave reviews from every media outlet I've read, including Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, and even Howard Stern. I've not seen it yet, but everything I hear is really good. Regarding her plastic surgery, though, she's a bit matter-of-fact.

"When I went into doing this film I thought, 'God, if I can just crack why she got all the plastic surgery.' That was the fascination I had," said co-director Stern. "But she's so matter of fact about it that it's almost boring. The answer is, 'I feel I look better with the surgery. I feel I look good at 77. If it makes you feel good, do it.'" (from the LA Times)

I'm not a huge Joan Rivers fan, but I admire the fact that at 77, she remains a completely relevant figure in entertainment. While countless others have come and gone, Joan is still plugging away. She was also kind enough to utilize me as a contributor to her plastic surgery-related book, Men Are Stupid...And They Like Big Boobs. While her plastic surgery is definitely overdone, who cares? She's doing great!

For more of Joan's comments on plastic surgery, click here.

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

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Cher and Plastic Surgery

What plastic surgery has Cher had? Why does it look like she's wearing a Mask?

While Cher has reportedly admitted to some plastic surgery, including a rhinoplasty and laser treatments (source), I believe she's spent a lot more time under the plastic surgeon's knife than she lets on. I doubt the urban legend that she's had a rib removed to thin her torso, but what about the following cosmetic procedures:

1. Facelift - Her jawline is tighter than any 64 year old woman naturally should have.
2. Browlift - Her eyebrows are higher than when she was younger.
3. Botox injections - Hence the smoothness of her forehead and crow's feet
4. Lower blepharoplasty - At 37 I have larger bags under my eyes than she does at 64.
5. Upper blepharoplasty - Note the hollowing of her upper eyelids and the lack of an ounce of extra skin. Not natural.
6. Rhinoplasty - Maybe more than one, although it looks great.
7. Fat grafting - Her face looks almost as plump and soft as when she was in her 20's.
8. Filler injections like Restylane - Her smile lines are soft, too soft for a 64 year old.
9. Chemical peels or laser treatments - Her skin is waxy smooth!

If she could turn back time? I think she did! But I hope she stops while she's still ahead!

Click here to watch a segment of E!'s Celebrity Plastic Surgery: the Good, the Bags, and the Ugly.
Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

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Sarah Palin - Breast Implants?

What's the difference between a pit bull and a hockey mom? Breast implants.

Many people are all a-twitter about Sarah Palin showing up to the Belmont Stakes in a white shirt with an ample bosom. This is in stark contrast to previous photos that show her with a smaller chest. Has she had a breast augmentation?

I really doubt it. I've seen countless women who've fooled even me with their padded bras making A's look like C's. With her schedule and the scrutiny placed on her, there is just no way she could have a breast augmentation without word getting out. Many of her detractors would salivate at the thought that she may have gone under a plastic surgeon's knife.

Almost as much as Barack's critics hoped that he actually starred in that porn video featuring his doppelganger. That is, until I quashed the rumors with my expert analysis. (click here for my post: I Saved Barack Obama's Candidacy!)

Photo credit: huffingtonpost.com

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

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Extreme Dr. 90210

If you get a chance, check out the new Extreme Dr. 90210 special airing at selected times on E!. This is not a continuation of the previous Dr. 90210 series, but a one hour special following three women who undergo 'extreme' plastic surgeries. It also marks the return of Dr. Robert Rey, who begins his quest to open a plastic surgery clinic in Honduras, of all places!

I found the results of the eyelid reconstruction amazing, and the antics of Dr. Rey especially entertaining. That guy cracks me up! If you TiVo it, I all but guarantee you will not be disappointed.

And no, I do not make my return to Dr. 90210 on this special. I've not been involved with the program since 2004! Hopefully someday soon...

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

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See How You Might Look in 20 Years

If you want to be depressed, check out in20years.com where you can upload a photo of yourself and see what you might look like in 20 years. I hope I don't look like that when I am 57!

From a plastic surgeon/aging expert's perspective... that actually looks pretty realistic. As depressing as that may be!

Thanks to Cosmetic-Makeovers.com for the link!

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Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.:

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Man Nips??

This is a very disturbing photo from Dlisted.com. As you can see, this poor chap has enlarged nipples, or Man Nips. How would I treat him?

First off, I would ask him to shave off that Jack Shepard off-the-wagon beard. Then, as far as the nipples, we have two options. Some plastic surgeons would just lop them off at the mid-point, and allow the tip of the nipple to slowly heal in (ouch!). Another option would be to cut out a donut of skin from around the base of the nipple, causing the nipple to resemble a mushroom. Then I would stitch the end of the nipple (head of the mushroom) down to the base of the nipple to shorten it.

However he decides to have it done, this guy needs some professional help!

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Madonna To Undergo $200,000 Worth of Plastic Surgery?

Is the Material Girl planning to transform herself into plastic? According to Showbizspy.com:

“Madonna has been feeling her age since her divorce from Guy Ritchie in 2008,” a source told Britain’s Daily Star newspaper.
“She’s been dating the model Jesus Luz who is a lot younger than her and she wants to keep looking her best...Her friends have recommended things to have done and she’s considering them as a little treat for turning 52 in August... She wants things to look natural with nothing too radical... She’s still working out seven days a week and because she’s so skinny she feels her cleavage has gone. So her friends think she should go up one size and get them lifted...She’s got some spider veins on her legs that have come with age so she’s planning to get those sorted first and then will spend the next year overhauling herself completely.”

So what do you think Madonna can have that would add up to $200,000? Let's fancy a guess:

1. Revision Facelift: $10,000

2. Facial Fat Grafting: $5000

3. Fractional Laser Treatments: $4000

4. Breast implant revision: $10,000

5. Body skin tightening treatments, such as the Cutera Titan: $4000

6. Spider vein treatments: $2000

7. Botox: $500

8. Filler injections like Perlane: $1000

Wow. We're only at $36,000. What else can she possibly consider? Now we get into the weird and completely unnecessary stuff: 9. Endoscopic browlift: $8000. 10. Revision blepharoplasty: $5000. 11. Laser liposuction to sweat glands of the armpits: $5000. 12. Hand plumping injections: $4000. 13. Batwing reduction: $10,000. 14. Mini tummy tuck: $7000. 15. Designer laser vaginoplasty (yes, some docs actually call it that!): $7000? (My wild guess). 16. Fat injections to buttocks: $10,000. 17. Full body laser hair removal: $8000.

All of this only adds up to $100,000. To get to $200,000, I guess we'll have to add some really crazy things like: 18: Rib removal to thin the torso: $20,000. 19. Leg breaking and lengthening to add an inch of height (we get shorter as we age, you know): $30,000. 20. Second Toe Shortening: $10,000. And a few minor ones: 21. Restylane injections to the feet to help with high heels (check out my CBS Early Show clip on this) $2000. 22. Earlobe shortening: $1000. 23. Injections of her own plasma to her face: $4000. and finally the most bizarre: 24. Creation of wings: $33,000+. TOTAL: $200,000.

Photo credit: cityrag.com

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

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