Man wakes up during his own autopsy

An interesting, non-plastic surgery story: A Venezuelan man woke up in a morgue after a car wreck in extreme pain-- during his own autopsy. According to Reuters.com:

Carlos Camejo, 33, was declared dead after a highway accident and taken to the morgue, where examiners began an autopsy only to realize something was amiss when he started bleeding. They quickly sought to stitch up the incision on his face.
“I woke up because the pain was unbearable,” Camejo said, according to a report on Friday in leading local newspaper El Universal.

I'm just a plastic surgeon, but whenever I declared someone dead (as a general surgery resident) I would usually check to make sure they weren't breathing and had no pulse. Just a thought.

Thanks to Kevin MD medical blog for the story.

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

Breast Augmentation News Story on Fox 2 Detroit

I was recently featured on a the local Fox affiliate here in Detroit in a segment about the rising popularity of silicone gel implants. They follow one of my patients through her breast augmentation surgery with Memory Gel implants. Check it out here if you have a minute and are interested.

Thanks to Lila Lazarus and Sean Lee of Fox 2 Detroit for the nice story!

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

Megan Fox - Rhinoplasty?

Has Transformers actor Megan Fox had a rhinoplasty? Based on these photos from MakeMeHeal.com, it looks like it. She looks great. It appears natural and lets the other attractive features of her face stand out (her eyes, cheeks, and lips). That's my definition of a good rhinoplasty.

For a more in depth analysis, visit MakeMeHeal.com

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

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The World's Largest Breasts and Silly String Implants

Every so often I get an email from a reader with photos of a woman with horribly large breasts. One reader recently sent me a link to Body Philosophy's The World's Largest Breasts article, which can be found here. (Proceed with caution)Most of these women have been implanted with 'string implants,' which are composed of polyprolene strings that apparently expand the longer they are in the breast. They are not currently approved by the FDA, but for a short time were used here in the States for breast augmentation. They often enlarged the breasts to insane sizes, making Pam Anderson look like...well... me. I have never seen these implants nor anyone with them, and hope they are never used again. Plastic surgeons should always remember we are doctors first and plastic surgeons second. We should never to perform a procedure where the risks outweigh the benefits.

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

Courtney Love - Lip Surgery?

Courtney Love continues to be in the news regarding plastic surgery. She was recently photographed at a London club looking like she has a new scar along her bottom lip. She recently stated (link) that she was planning on getting the plastic surgery she had performed on her lips corrected, and it seems she has. It's quite possible at one time she had a permanent lip implant placed (such as Gortex), causing her lip to look large, stiff, and unnatural. Usually it can be removed with a small incision at the corner of the mouth, but at times it may be necessary to completely fillet the lip open. This may be what has happened to her. The scars usually heal pretty well, but I still am not a fan of lip implants. I'd rather use an injectable like Restylane or Juvederm.

Most patients would let it heal for a couple weeks before going out to a bar though! Maybe she figured the alcohol in her drinks would help prevent it from getting infected...

Photo and story credit: Daily mail

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

Britney Spears, MTV, and Her Tummy

There have been a lot of people commenting about Britney Spears and how she looked at the MTV Video Music Awards last Sunday. Dr. Rob Oliver at Plastic Surgery 101 has a balanced commentary from a plastic surgeon's perspective which is a nice read.
From my standpoint, I think she looked good for someone who's had two children. Sure, her performance was terrible (closer to Ashlee Simpson than Milli Vanilli), and she should have worn more clothing, but geez, are some people cruel. The New York Post's "Lard & Clear Loser" headline is exaggerated at best. Hopefully her new album will silence her critics, but I doubt it.

p.s. Nope, she didn't have a tummy tuck after all. I knew it!

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

Buzz Aldrin Has a Facelift

Buzz Aldrin has admitted to having a facelift in a recent issue of Time magazine. When asked why he decided to get a facelift at the age of 77, he answered:


It's kind of funny, but I've been exposed to a lot of G-forces as a fighter pilot and in space. That caused a sagging jowl that needed some attention.


I'm not sure about the exact date of the surgery, but the photo here is from July 10, 2007. I guess it would be before his facelift.


I believe you can never be too old for plastic surgery, just too unhealthy. I'd rather operate on a healthy, non-smoking 77 year old than an unhealthy 55 year old.

Photo credit: prphotos.com

Story credit: Time.com

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

Osama bin Makeover

Raincoaster.com has a funny post on the recent Osama video. They think that Osama bin Rhinoplasty'd, Osama bin Browplucked, and Osama bin Restylaned. How funny! What about Osama bin Grecian Formula'd, Osama bin Contour Thread Lifted, and Osama bin G-shotted?

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

Dayna Devon - Tummy Tuck

Dayna Devon, host of Extra, has a brief video diary of her recent modified tummy tuck performed by her husband, plastic surgeon Dr. Brent Moelleken. Yes, even Hollywood's rich, famous, and beautiful have problems with loose skin after pregnancies.

While I won't comment on Dr. Moelleken operating on his wife (many plastic surgeons do operate on their spouses), I don't think I would perform any surgery on my wife except maybe removal of a mole.
Frankly, I don't have any desire to see her insides.
Plus, as a physician, I was taught not to medically treat family members. What if that family member had a complication? That could create a lot of guilt, bad feelings, or possibly even ruin a relationship. Even worse, imagine the guilt one would have if that family member died or was permanently crippled. I do think all physicians need to consider these possibilities prior to medically treating a loved one. I'd rather have one of my colleagues do it (as long as they do it exactly the way I tell them to...)

Link to video: click here.

To view a video of a tummy tuck I performed for Fox News, click here.

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

What 'American' accent do you have?

This has nothing to do with plastic surgery but is a little fun diversion. I've always been told that I have a 'Michigan' accent, which to me seems like no accent at all. Sure, I call 'soda' 'pop' and may sound a little more nasally than the next guy, but I never thought I actually had an accent. Below is a quiz which determines just what type of 'American' accent you have. This is how it pegged me:

What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Midland "You have a Midland accent" is just another way of saying "you don't have an accent." You probably are from the Midland (Pennsylvania, southern Ohio, southern Indiana, southern Illinois, and Missouri) but then for all we know you could be from Florida or Charleston or one of those big southern cities like Atlanta or Dallas. You have a good voice for TV and radio.
Philadelphia
The South
The West
The Inland North
Boston
North Central
The Northeast
What American accent do you have? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

Thanks to my cousins John and Eunice for the tip. (Congrats on the upcoming baby!)

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

Matt Dillon Rhinoplasty

Good Plastic Surgery.com and Cityrag.com have displayed these photos of Matt Dillon's supposed rhinoplasty. Looks like a nice job to me.
One thing I learned during my time in Beverly Hills is that a very large number of Hollywood stars have had their noses done. This is probably the most common plastic surgery among celebrities, with the possible exception of liposuction. Most noses look pretty darn good (Ashlee Simpson), a few have been ill advised (Jennifer Grey), and some are downright hideous (Courtney Love).

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

Richard Gere on his Plastic Surgery

According to starpulse.com, Richard Gere recently said:

"I'm 57, how much longer can I be a sex symbol? If people think I still look good, well, that's because I have a lot of plastic surgery."

Yeah, I do think he was joking. Must be that Zen tranquility has done him well. I thought he was great in Chicago.

Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

Quick Hits

1. A disturbing study found longer wait times to see their dermatologist for patients with potentially cancerous moles (26 days) than for Botox (8 days). Link from KevinMD.com.



2. Reality TV star claims Lipodissolve worked for her. Link from Goodplasticsurgery.com.



3. Have you had gastric bypass and want to be on TV? A prominent national television show asked me to help them locate people who've had problems with their relationships after gastric bypass surgery. Email me at miplasticsurgeon@yahoo.com if you're interested for details.



4. Finally:








From Dr.Wes's blog.


Thanks for reading.

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

New York Plastic Surgeon Mess

The Village Voice has a story on a New York plastic surgeon who has lost his medical license due to allegations of improper behavior. The story includes Vegas strip clubs, crystal meth, sponges left in breasts, and 'a gigantic penis.' My friends, this is straight out of the tabloids, and I'm not sure what to make of it.

Stories like this make my life look and sound very boring. I've never done drugs, but do like a beer every once in a while. I've never cheated on my wife, or hit on my patients (yet I must admit that they almost never hit on me!). I don't yell at my employees(except when they refuse to refer to me as 'The Artist'), and have never thrown a tantrum in the operating room. I have a handful of patients who I find extremely annoying, but try to always remind myself that my patients give me the lifestyle that I have. I've never been sued, but I have agonized and lost sleep over an unsatisfactory surgical result. I do read to my son before he goes to bed every night, but look forward to lying on the couch afterwards and watching "Lost" with my wife. I like to listen to Jimmy Buffett.
...I guess I don't mind being a little "boring."

Check the article out here.

Thanks for reading.

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

The Ugly Road to Beauty

I originally posted on this a year ago, but I think it's fascinating enough to post it again. MSNBC has a great article on a person who travels to Mexico to have plastic surgery performed, bargain basement style. The article tells about a fly buzzing around the operating room while a facelift is being performed, receiving a 'D' cup size when a 'B' was asked for, and the person running the place telling the patient, "You're going to have some hooters!"
There is also an accompanying slide show which is fascinating as well.

One major thing to consider if you are thinking about traveling out of the States for plastic surgery: Who pays for complications? Your health insurance likely won't.
In addition to emphasizing the dangers of traveling for plastic surgery, it also places a spotlight on accreditation. If you consider having plastic surgery in an out-of-hospital setting, make sure the place is accredited by a respected organization, such as AAAHC or AAAASF. I've heard scary stories of unaccredited facilities, even here in Michigan.

MSNBC Article: click here
Slide show: click here

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

Renee Zellweger - Too Skinny!

I don't know what it is with all of these female stars getting so thin. Renee Zellweger was recently photographed looking anorexic. She does not look healthy. Add her to the list: Angelina Jolie, Jenna Jameson, pre-pregnancy Nicole Richie, etc. Somebody should feed her.

Photo credit: hollywoodrag.com

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

Ann Coulter - Breast Implants?

Cityrag.com has some photos which appear to show a breast augmentation for offensive conservative pundit and author Ann Coulter. What do you think?
If she's had a breast augmentation, she has nice, modest size implants that take her from an A to a B. Then again, it could also just be a padded bra she bought at a Swap Meet.

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

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Jenna Jameson Removes Her Breast Implants

According to an interview in US Magazine, adult film actress Jenna Jameson has admitted to having her breast implants removed. According to dlisted.com:

She went from a D to a C cup. She said, “When I had implants, I felt uncomfortable. I would be shy at the beach. I know it sounds funny, but I’d wear high-necked clothes – unless I was at an adult-film convention. So I thought, Why don’t I be who I am and get my real ones back?”

“Even for women with naturally large boobs, getting a reduction is so freeing. I feel like I can stand up straighter…before, when I jogged, I had to hold my boobs. I looked like I was molesting myself! The first thing I did when I got home was open my bra. I wasn’t supposed to but I did. I was so happy, I cried. It was like looking into the mirror when I was 17.”

It's rare that I remove implants and not put new ones in, but it does occasionally happen. The problem that can occur is that the skin which was stretched out by the implants stays loose, causing the breasts to look saggy and empty. In most people, there is a 'fluffing' of the breasts, adding about 15-20% of volume over the ensuing couple months. Some patients follow an explantation (implant removal) with a mastopexy (breast lift) to remove the excess skin.

I'm not sure why the plastic surgeon didn't remove the lip implants too. They look like two Kielbasa sausages...

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

Dr. Youn interview on Love to Know Celebrity Edition

The nice site Celebrity.LovetoKnow.com has posted an interview with me on their site. I don't often put a lot of personal information on my blog, but there is a little more here if you may be interested. Thanks to Celebrity.LovetoKnow.com for the very nice writeup.

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

Jodie Foster on Plastic Surgery

Academy Award winning actress Jodie Foster has recently spoke out on her views of plastic surgery. According to Actress Archives.com:

She tells American magazine More, "It's not my thing. I don't have anything against it for other people. Whatever they want to do, I'm fine with it.
"For me, it's really a self-image thing. Like, I'd rather have somebody go, 'Wow, that girl has a bad nose,' than 'Wow, that girl has a bad nose job.'
"I'd rather have a comment about who I am than about something that identifies me as being ashamed of who I am."

Hmm... What about the rhinoplasty, breast augmentation and facelift that she's had???

just kidding.

Photo credit: photorazzi.com

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

Chuck Norris - Facelift and Blepharoplasty?

Chuck Norris appears to have had an upper and lower blepharoplasty and a possible facelift. His face looks much smoother and his eyes more open and alert.
Plastic surgeons always need to be careful to retain the masculine characteristics of their male patients' faces. Most plastic surgery procedures have been designed around women's faces, since 87% of our patients are women. I believe that upper eyelid surgery in men can be the most risky regarding this.
Chuck looks like such a nice guy now that I bet most ninjas are no longer afraid of him...

Story and photo credit: cityrag.com, plasticized.com

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

Jenna Jameson Needs to Eat

Adult film star Jenna Jameson was recently photographed on the beach looking sickeningly skinny. The only things plump on her are her lips and breasts. She looked so much better without the puffy lips and with a few more pounds on her. Hopefully someone will get her to eat more.

Photo credit: Before: PRphotos.com (from 2004) After: hollywoodtuna.com

Thanks for reading.

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

Duct Tape Bandit ... Unsuccessful

Some idiot in Ashland, KY wrapped his face in duct tape to conceal his identity and then tried to rob a liquor store. Too bad the duct tape provided no protection from the store manager's wooden club! The doofus fled to the parking lot where he was tackled and held in a choke hold until police came and arrested him.

This reminds me of a patient whom I treated while I was working in the surgical ICU as a general surgery resident. We had one guy come in with a major closed head injury. Apparently, this guy was breaking into a local family's house one night and was met with the father's baseball bat...to his head. Yes, there is some justice in this world!

Story and photo credit: foxnews.com

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

Drug Lord Uses Plastic Surgery to Go Undetected

This is an interesting story I got from Dr. Rob Oliver's blog. Columbian drug lord Robert Abadia used plastic surgery as a way to escape detection by the authorities. He was ultimately caught by advanced voice-recognition technology since he looked so different after numerous plastic surgeries. Dr. Oliver believed he had the following surgeries: rhinoplasty, facelift, blepharoplasty, and facial implants. I would agree with this, but also add browlift, chemical peel or skin bleaching cream and dumb green hat to the mix. He looks like a wax statue.

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

Anna Nicole Smith Breast Augmentation Tape

Various news agencies are reporting that the cosmetic surgeon who taped the late Anna Nicole Smith's breast augmentation surgery is attempting to sell the tape to a memorabilia dealer. A judge issued a temporary restraining order against the release of the 1994 tape at the request of Howard K. Stern. The surgeon stated that he routinely records surgeries with the patient's permission and promised to keep the video confidential "during the patient's lifetime."

I routinely take before and after photos of surgery patients, and only use the photos with their consent. I can't fathom a physician trying to use this tragedy to make money. It's a shame.

Story credit: yahoo news
Photo credit: PR photos.com

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

Kellie Pickler-You be The Judge Video

Here is a video that was played in a Kellie Pickler/Brad Paisley concert poking fun at Kellie Pickler's recent breast augmentation. Apparently the two of them play quite a few pranks on each other. I guess Kellie was a good sport about it. And yes, the photos are doctored.

Madonna - Breast Implants?

The latest issue of In Touch Weekly has an article which examines whether Madonna may have had a breast augmentation. Click the photo to the right if you'd like to read the article and my comments. Thanks to In Touch Weekly for including me in their story.

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

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

Courtney Love - Breast Implants?

A funny site called "Make Boobs Not Bombs" has a post on Courtney Love's possible breast implants. In it they state:

Her implants have been barely covered on the news, with all the other juicy trash gossip rags can find about her. She later got her implants removed when she started to feel her breast hardening and ripples on the lower portion of her boobs were starting to show.

I'm not sure where they got this information from, but if it's on the internet it must be true ;) With all the bad news out of Iraq, the website "Make Boobs Not Bombs" is a breath of fresh air. If only the insurgants, militants, and President Bush would focus more on breast implants and less on war, the world would be a much safer place.

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

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

David Gest Admits to Plastic Surgery

Former husband of Liza Minelli, musician David Gest, has recently commented on having plastic surgery back in 1981 (Shocker!). According to Urban Planet, he stated:

I was one big fat f**k, with those man boobs. That’s all old news. I’ve never been as happy as now and I did plastic surgery in 1981 or so. Michael Jackson went through it. I was unhappy and I thought if I looked good…

I have no 'before' photos to compare him to, but some possible procedures he may have undergone include: open browlift, upper and lower blepharoplasty, facelift, and ablative laser resurfacing. He is one funky looking dude. I guess when Michael Jackson is one of your plastic surgery role models...

Photo credit: PRphotos.com

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

Grim Reaper Cat!

This is a story from last week which I found really interesting. There is a cat in Rhode Island which lives in a nursing home and can predict when a patient will die. Apparently, when a person is within four hours of passing on, Oscar the Grim Reaper Cat cuddles up next to them. This harbinger of death has been correct an amazing 25 times. Check out the link below for the article. Creepy!

On an even more interesting note, my dog Theodore seems to be able to sense from anywhere in the house whenever I take ice cream out of the fridge....

Story and photo credit: Freep.com

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

Dr. Youn on the Fox News Channel Wed Aug 1st

I've been asked to be on the Fox News Channel tomorrow morning at 9:30am EDT tomorrow on the show America's Newsroom. If you get a chance to catch it, I'll be discussing the influence of plastic surgery television shows on patients and surgery. Thanks to the Fox News Channel for the invitation.

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

Star Jones Admits to Gastric Bypass Surgery

Star Jones has recently admitted to Glamour magazine that she underwent gastric bypass surgery back in August 2003, resulting in a weight loss of 160 pounds over 3 years. According to Canoe.ca, the former View cohost stated:

"Everything about me was already so public (mostly my own doing - talk about dumb!), so of course everyone wanted to know what I had done," she writes. "I was also terrified someone would have a tragic result after emulating me without making an informed decision with her doctor."
"But the complete truth is, I was scared of what people might think of me," she continues. "I was afraid to be vulnerable, and ashamed at not being able to get myself under control without this procedure."

I find this woman as annoying as a mosquito stuck in my ear canal. I do respect her courage with admitting her surgery, however. I just hope that she hasn't lost too much weight and has become unhealthy. It is important for patients who've had gastric bypass to make sure they are getting proper nutrition, and I fear she may not be.

photo credit: prphotos.com

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

Courtney Love Wants to Get Her Lips Fixed

Courtney Love has recently commented on MySpace that she would like to get a corrective procedure done to her lips. According to the Associated Press:

In a message on her MySpace site, she said she regrets having had cosmetic surgery on her mouth back in the day, which she refers to as "my dark years." She said her mouth "was perfectly cute." She has since had corrective procedures but says her "mouth still looks wonky. I have to restore myself to not looking ridiculous."

I like to enhance lips with long-lasting, but temporary injectable fillers like Juvederm or Restylane. Fat grafting (which is permanent) is another good technique, but only a small portion of the fat usually stays for good and the lips can look swollen for weeks. I'm not a fan of permanent or 'semi-permanent' lip fillers, since they often look fake (Gortex) or can have bad reactions (silicone), sometimes years after they are placed. What type of surgery could Courtney Love have had? Maybe a lip advancement or placement of an implant like Gortex, both of which are not surgeries I recommend due to the high rate of unnatural results. I hope she is eventually comfortable in her celebrity skin...

story credit: todaysthv.com
photo credit: photorazzi.com

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

John Cusack - Necklift?

The Bosh.com is reporting that John Cusack may have had a necklift recently. According to their article:

“John’s never been a vain person, but when he watched his latest film, he was shocked to see how awful the sagging skin under his chin looked,” an insider told The ENQUIRER.
“At first John, who’s very squeamish, tried to avoid surgery and went the ‘anti-aging’ route with a specialist.”
But the “Say Anything” star was unhappy with the results, revealed the insider. So the big chicken took a cold turkey approach to facing his fears- and made the decision to have a neck-lift.
“The last thing in the world John wanted was a plastic surgery,” said the insider. “He admits he’s a coward when it comes to medical procedures. But the results were fantastic.” John’s procedure took place in early July.

Most 41 year olds don't typically have a lot of sagging skin under the neckline. This is more common after someone turns 50. It's also unfortunately common for a person to visit an "anti-aging specialist" and have a bogus procedure performed which doesn't work. I tell all my patients: "If it doesn't make sense to you, it likely won't work." This includes lifting sagging skin with injections, threads, and fancy-marketed 'intelligent' liposuction. If you decide to go this route, try to get a money-back guarantee in writing first!

Photo credit: photorazzi.com (from 2004)

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

How Do Plastic Surgery Reality Television Shows Influence Patients?

A recent study published in the leading plastic surgery journal has examined how reality plastic surgery television shows like Dr. 90210 can affect the decision making of prospective patients. Some highlights of the study:

a. Researchers studied the behavior of 42 cosmetic plastic surgery patients.
b. Out of these patients, 57% were high-intensity viewers of plastic surgery shows.
c. These patients were greatly influenced by television and the media to opt for cosmetic plastic surgery.
d. They felt they knew more about general plastic surgery.
e. They also believed that the reality shows on plastic surgery reflected real life situations.
f. Four out of five participants said that the reality shows influenced their decision to go in for plastic surgery.
g. One-third said that they were "very much" or "moderately" influenced.

Is this a good or bad thing? I must admit that I am a bit biased, since my appearances on Dr. 90210 a few years ago helped get my practice going. For the most part, I have great respect for many of the plastic surgeons on the various reality shows, and believe they present the specialty well. I would count these "television" surgeons as my friends or acquaintances (among others): Dr. Richard Ellenbogen, Dr. Gary Motykie, Dr. Steve Svehlak, Dr. Dan Yamini, Dr. John Diaz, Dr. Robert Rey, and Dr. Gary Alter.
Nothing, however, takes the place of a patient undergoing a real face-to-face consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. This is where the truth should be separated from some of the exaggerations which are seen on television.

p.s. Don't forget to catch the season premiere of Dr. 90210 on E! July 30th.

story credit: plasmetic.com

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

Kim Kardashian - Buttock implants?

A reader sent me this photo and inquired whether Kim Kardashian may have had work done to her buttocks. Tough call. While her bottom does appear to jut out unnaturally, this may, in fact, be hereditary. I have seen some patients with similar figures who have not had any work done.

Buttocks are usually augmented using either solid silicone implants or via fat grafting (the Brazilian Butt Lift). I have never performed a buttock augmentation using implants, but have made the bottom bigger with fat grafting. This seems to work pretty well. My favorite way to enhance the buttocks, however, is to liposuction the hips and thighs around it. This essentially makes everything around it smaller, and can indirectly make the bottom look bigger and rounder compared to the rest of the body. It doesn't take as much time, has few complications, and allows the patient to sit down immediately. After surgery there is no need to say, "Bottoms up..."

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

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Victoria Beckham - Photoshopped legs?

There are photos all over the internet showing what appears to be aged legs on Victoria Beckham. A post from hollywoodrag.com shows what the photo apparently was, before somebody may have photoshopped it. Yes, her legs do look good. Her reality show, on the other hand...

Photo credit: dailymail.uk and hollywoodrag.com

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

Simpsonized Me?

There's a fun little program where you can turn a photo of yourself into a Simpson's character. It's called Simpsonize Me. Unfortunately they don't have an Asian character (except the Quickie Mart owner) so this was as close as I could come. I think I look much better as a Simpson character than in real life!

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

Quick Hits

Here are some quick links for (celebrity) plastic surgery related items:

Plastic Surgery for Half-Price? It's done by residents but at least they're honest about it. Much better than many of those 'bargain basement cosmetic surgery centers.' Link

Jessica Simpson talks about plastic surgery. Yawn. Link.

Plastic Surgery of the Desperate Housewives, Tony Parker, and...Sheryl Crow? Strange bedfellows in this article from Make Me Heal.com. Link.

photo credit: photorazzi.com

Thanks for reading.

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

Queen Latifah to Open Fat Burger...My Favorite!

Queen Latifah is planning on opening up a Fatburger restaurant in Miami in the near future. I had my first Fatburger in Las Vegas, and subsequently had quite a few during my time in Los Angeles. While most Californians rave about In 'N Out, I'll take Fatburger any day. Their steak fries leave In 'N Out's soggy spuds in the dust.

On another note, does anyone know what plastic surgery Queen Latifah is on record for having had? I mentioned it on the E! show "Celebrity Plastic Surgery."

photo credit: TMZ.com

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

Liposuction Deaths in Arizona

A massage therapist performed a liposuction procedure in which a woman died.
A homeopathic physician who was denied a medical doctor's license by the state board did another procedure in which a patient died.
Others who performed cosmetic surgery did not have formal medical training, including a bookkeeper and a former restaurant owner.
(from the Arizona Republic)

These incidents occurred in the office of an Arizona-based internist/emergency physician who fancied himself a cosmetic surgeon . In this tragic piece of news, three people have died from complications of liposuction surgery at his clinic since December.

This sad case is an important reminder to everyone interested in plastic surgery to realize two facts:

1. Plastic surgery is serious. Make sure your plastic surgeon takes his or her job as seriously as it should be taken. While I make this blog for mainly entertainment purposes, I do take my job and caring for my patients very seriously. If your surgeon doesn't appear to have safety in mind, run away.
2. There are unfortunately a number of people masquerading as reputable plastic surgeons when in fact they are not plastic surgeons at all. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has very stringent guidelines to which its members are held, so as to maintain a 'culture of safety.' This includes performing surgeries in an accredited setting.

For news articles on the Arizona liposuction deaths, click here and here and here
To visit the internist/ER doc/cosmetic surgeon's website, click here. (looks pretty legit, right?)
To visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeon's page on safety for outpatient surgery, click here.

As always, do your homework and research your surgeon. For any procedure, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

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

Brooke Hogan - Breast Implants?

Photos of Hulk Hogan's daughter Brooke Hogan have appeared on the internet lately. It appears she may have had a recent breast augmentation. The photo with her in the God-awful chaps does appear to show a nicely healing armpit scar. The bikini shot shows breasts that are full in the upper portion of the breasts, a common occurrence in people who have new implants placed under the muscle.
I quite often perform Transaxillary Breast Augmentation (through the armpit). While it is a very nice way to have the surgery performed, and typically results in a very nice scar, I've found that the swelling can last a bit longer than when the implants are placed through a scar under or on the breast. With time it settles out, however, and I bet she'll be looking better and better (and a bit smaller) as time passes..."brother!" (obscure Hulk Hogan reference)

Photo credit: hollywoodtuna.com

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

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

Michelle Pfeiffer on Skinny Women and Plastic Surgery

Michelle Pfeiffer has recently commented on the "Size Zero" debate and plastic surgery. According to Starpulse.com,

Hollywood beauty Michelle Pfeiffer has defended men over the size zero debate, insisting it's women "who have created the myth that skinny is attractive". The Batman Returns star has blasted women who put pressure on each other to be thin - branding them "crazy".
She says, "Men don't want undernourished and bony women. And they don't find grotesque plastic surgery attractive either. So it can only be women who put the pressure on themselves. Why are we doing this to each other? It's crazy."

I guess I would disagree with her. I think the Hollywood trend towards too much weight loss is the fault of both genders. Either way, I really like Michelle Pfeiffer. She has aged very well, and is a classic beauty. I've unfortunately never seen her up close and personal, but a good friend of mine used to see her in a local LA park quite often when he walked his dog. He said she was very attractive, but looked like a 'regular' person. She looks like no regular person I know!

For my last post on Michelle Pfeiffer, click here.

photo credit: photorazzi.com

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

Will Ferrell - The Landlord

Some of you may have seen the video "The Landlord" starring Will Ferrell. If you haven't, it's hilarious. Here is a link:

Funny or Die.com the Landlord

It has nothing to do with plastic surgery, but is a good 2 minute diversion.

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

Facial Flex Video on QVC

This is hilarious. Facial aging is caused by laxity of the facial muscles and skin, in addition to loss of volume. That being said, the muscles that this appears to 'work out' are not necessarily the muscles which get looser with age. Besides, it looks like my old retainer and chin cup combination from elementary school. If anyone has used this device, please leave a comment and let us know how it went!
Thanks to Ageless in Los Angeles blog for the link.

Donatella Versace - Plastic Surgery Evolution

Celebrity Smack blog has an interesting photo 'evolution' of the changes which have occurred in Donatella Versace's appearance. All I can say is, "Whoa." I do like their clothing though...

Photo credit: getty images, photorazzi.com

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

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Cate Blanchett on Plastic Surgery

Cate Blanchett has recently commented on her views regarding plastic surgery on teens:

She said, "It's a big difference women in their 60s or 70s finally deciding to get their eyes done. Who knows what you're going to think? But when you've got an 18-year-old daughter who says 'Mummy can I get a boob job?' and you go 'Sure honey'.
"I mean their bodies haven't even finished evolving. The fact that you've got a magazine, you know all these magazines for teenage girls about consuming and they're so fragile. I've got sons. I don't know what I'd do if I had a daughter."

Breast augmentation in girls under 18 is a very controversial matter. I do not perform it in anyone under 18 unless they have a developmental deformity (severe asymmetry, genetic disorder, etc.). The FDA has approved saline-filled breast implants in women aged 18 and older, and gel implants in women aged 22 and older. Still, according to statistics by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2005 over 3500 women aged 18 and younger had breast augmentation performed. I don't think this is a good thing.

Story credit: starpulse.com
Photo credit: photorazzi.com

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

Celebrity Plastic Surgery Slideshow

Credit for finding this slideshow goes to Cosmetic-makeovers.com and Socialitelife.com. It's a bit shallow but the ending and song are funny. Enjoy.