Model Arrested for Threatening Her Plastic Surgeon

According to Celebuzz, a French model has recently been arrested for threatening her plastic surgeon. According to the article:

Police revealed that in the calls, the Dutch-born catwalk strutter requested to have a procedure reversed and was "screaming and shouting about the operation and became extremely threatening." The rep added, "There were repeated calls to the female surgeon who was extremely scared. The suspect is being interviewed."

That is my nightmare. I think most plastic surgeons do their best to make their patients happy, but sometimes things don't work out the way we want them to, usually from poor healing or a miscommunication in expectations. I find that most patients are understanding if things don't turn out perfectly, as long as I do the best I can to make things as good as possible. Threatening behavior on the part of the patient is probably more common among those who suffer from Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).

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

Battle of the Bikini Beauties on Radar Online

Who looks better in bikinis, Models or Actresses? That was the question posed to me as one of a panel of judges for Radar Online's Battle of the Bikini Beauties. Some of the models and actresses evaluated include Jessica Alba, Bar Rafaeli, and Kate Hudson. Check it out here.

Thanks to Lynn Allison and Radar Online for asking me to be a judge!

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

Michael Jackson, Propofol, and HIPAA

Not surprising, the rumors are swirling regarding Michael Jackson's death. A couple thoughts:

1. The medication that TMZ reported was found in his home, Propofol, is extremely dangerous indeed. I have never heard of it being used recreationally, but see it used every day when I perform plastic surgery. This powerful drug is given intravenously to induce a rapid unconscious state. It's fast acting but also cleared very quickly from the bloodstream. If it is given in a large quantity then the unconscious state can be so deep as to create respiratory arrest. This can eventually lead to a cardiac arrest. I believe the only people who should administer this drug are anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists.

2. I am surprised that the nurse who claims that Michael asked her to inject him with the medication is revealing this info to the press. I believe it's a violation of HIPAA privacy laws, similar to when a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills revealed through his publicist that he turned down Donda West for surgery due to heart disease.

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

Dr. Youn Presents Botox of the Armpits for Excessive Sweating with Prancer of VH1

Here is a video of a recent television segment I did exhibiting Botox injections to the armpits to relieve excessive sweating. My patient is VH1 reality star Prancer, who has been seen on Flavor of Love 3 and I Love Money 2. I have only seen bits and pieces of the latter show, but she's the absolute nicest person in real life. Check out her myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/prancersworld.

Katie Price Has Large Breast Implants

Katie Price, otherwise known as Jordan, is a British actress / model who's known for her large breasts. As you can see in this photo from Cityrag she has some pretty big implants. According to Wikipedia, her breasts went from a B to an F but recently had them reduced back to a C. Although she hasn't become a big name here in the States, in the U.K. her net worth as a celebrity couple with her ex-husband was second only to Victoria and David Beckham (over $60 million!)

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

Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett - Rest in Peace

Shocking and sad news today: Both Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett have died. Both are icons in their respective fields of entertainment. Although Michael's life has undergone an incredible amount of scrutiny over the last several years, I think no one would doubt the tremendous impact he's had on the face of pop music. His voice will be missed. Farrah will always be considered one of the most beautiful women of her time. Both have undergone their share of speculation about their plastic surgery. I guess it doesn't matter now. It's a shame that both are now gone.

Rest in peace.

Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

Dr. Youn Presents Latisse for Eyelashes on Fox 2 Detroit Michigan June 2009

Here is a television segment I did that recently aired on the local Fox affiliate. We present a patient who tried Latisse. Check out her "spider-like" eyelashes!

Britney Spears - Breast Implant Reduction?

Some websites, including AwfulPlasticSurgery.com, are reporting that Britney Spears may have had her breast implants either removed or downsized. By the looks of recent photos this may very well be the case.

In my practice it is somewhat uncommon for women to considerably downsize their breast implants, but it does occur on occasion. Usually it's with older women who had large breast implants placed long ago and now don't want them so big anymore. Believe it or not, most women who have breast implants (at least the ones I put in) would get bigger than smaller!

To view a breast augmentation I performed on the Detroit Fox station, click here.

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

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Dysport is Available!

The first real Botox competitor, Dysport, is finally reaching plastic surgeons' offices here in the U.S. We received our first shipment this week and I'm excited to bring this product to my patients. Like Botox, it's a Botulinum Toxin Type A and is FDA-approved to temporarily reducing the wrinkles in the glabella (frown lines). Doctors also use it off-label to treat wrinkles of the forehead and crows feet. It costs a little less than Botox, so hopefully it can provide an economic bailout for the 4 million+ Botox users across the country! Some people believe it works a bit quicker than Botox, although this can be disputed. To try it, call your local board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist.

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

Quick Links - Victoria Beckham, Lauren Conrad, and The Top Surgery Blogs

Here are some quick links to take up a bit of your time:
1. Has Victoria Beckham (a.k.a. Posh Spice) had her breast implants reduced? Click here for photos from Hollywood Tuna.

2. Lauren Conrad on plastic surgery: "But you know what, I prefer a flatter-chested look, that’s just kind of me." Click here for the interview on Access Hollywood.

3. iScrub compiled a list of the top 50 surgeon bloggers. Click here for it.

4. Click here for three celebrities who wear Spanx. I find them to be nice Phase 2 post-liposuction garments too.

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

Celebrities With the Best and Worst Skin

There is a photo gallery of the Top 5 Celebs with the Best and Worst Skin on AOL Health.com. I would have to agree with most of their assessments. My picks for the best skin: Cate Blanchett and Halle Berry (tie), worst skin: Lindsay Lohan.

In my opinion there are three things that are most important to having great skin as you age:
1. Wear sunblock and avoid excessive sun
2. Don't smoke
3. Hope that you inherited good genes

Some other suggestions include: Apply Retin A or Retinol creams, drink lots of water, avoid too much alcohol and fast food, and exfoliate. A good chemical peel also helps.




Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

Dr. Youn on the Plastic Surgery Channel

A new website dedicated to plastic surgery, The Plastic Surgery Channel, has kindly featured me and this site on one of their video segments. It's only about a minute long, but if you're interested, check it out.

Hope you're having a great weekend!

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

Amanda Holden's Got Botox

Britain's Got Talent star Amanda Holden's Got Botox. She admits to undergoing Botox injections into her forehead and at the top of her nose in a recent article in the Daily Mail. According to the article:

'I could see the make-up artist having to cake over the creases around my eyes more and more and I just hated it. It was really starting to annoy me and once I'd noticed it, that was it. So I went to a place in South Africa for Botox and that was that.'

'It's like getting your roots done. I think as long as you don't go stupidly over the top...I can move my face.

'One day I'll look my age. Actually, that's a lie - I want to look like Joan Rivers. I don't see the point in growing old gracefully.'

I've only seen her on the YouTube videos where she judges Susan Boyle's amazing singing. She is a stunning beauty, I must admit, although this recent photo doesn't do her much justice.

Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

Denise Richards Admits to Having Breast Implants

Denise Richards was on the Howard Stern Show last week and gave a very revealing interview in which she admitted to undergoing three breast augmentation surgeries. She stated that her first two surgeries left her too busty, so she underwent a third breast augmentation surgery and is now happy with the size of her breasts.

As you can see by the photo she looks great.

The second season of her reality show It's Complicated can be seen on E!. I saw a couple episodes of the first season and thought she was a complete train wreck, second only to Paula "Bipolar, manic-depressive" Abdul's show. I hear she was good in Starship Troopers, but I never saw it.

Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

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Article on the Lifestyl- Lift and the Quicklift

There is a very well-written article on Ocala.com entitled : A Face From an Infomercial. It covers the recent emergence of mass-marketed mini-facelifts, such as the Lifestyl- Lift and the Quicklift. Here are some excerpts from the article:

Currently, 25 to 30 doctors receive patients through QuickLiftMd.com. The doctors attended a one-day workshop priced at $1,950 (and sometimes a few other days of training) taught by Dr. Brandy, a cosmetic surgeon with a background in emergency medicine.

Sharron Bryant, a manager for Lindt Chocolates in Dallas, who got a Lifestyl- Lift in 2007, said she had a “high pressure” consultation and put down a deposit before meeting a surgeon. Ms. Bryant, then 59, paid $6,100 for a Lifestyl- Lift and chin liposuction. She never needed pain medication during her weeklong recovery, she said.
But she disliked the loose skin that remained on her jowls and neck. “I got nothing for the money,” she said. She later paid $8,200 for a traditional face-lift from a different surgeon.

On Realself.com, a Web site where patients discuss cosmetic surgery, 37 percent of the 170 people who reviewed the Lifestyl- Lift said the procedure was “worth it,” while 63 percent didn’t think so.

I believe that you get what you pay for. I do not perform the Lifestyle Lift or the Quicklift. For the rest of the article, click here.

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

Octomom Criticizes Kate Gosselin's Plastic Surgery

In a recent interview posted on Radar Online and Zap2It, Octomom Nadya Suleman criticizes Jon and Kate Plus Eight's Kate Gosselin:

Apparently, Suleman's main issue with the plastic surgery is because she herself has an easy time snapping back with her post-pregnancy body, so much so that her friends call her "rubberband." She calls Gosselin's method "cheating" and that the photos were "staged" and "desperate for attention."
In the same interview, Suleman says Gosselin probably also had a boob job and, "I personally don't like the shape of her body. It's a little boxy."

That's harsh, especially coming from a freak like Octomom. After seeing the photos above,I'd be shocked if Octomom's skin really rebounded as she claims. Octomom's probably just jealous because Kate Gosselin has stolen her spotlight. Who does she think she's kidding? Go away already!

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

Kate Gosselin in a Bikini After a Tummy Tuck

Photos of Kate Gosselin (Jon and Kate Plus Eight) are all over the internet. She's had a tummy tuck, and overall looks great, especially for as many kids as she's had. If you look closely you can see her scar (runs from hip to hip) which is the typical tradeoff of a tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty). There is also a circular scar around her belly button. The scar initially looks red for a year or two, but usually settles down every year until it is often a barely visible fine line.

Other celebs who have copped to a tummy tuck include Patricia Heaton and Dayna Devon.

Photo credit: yeeeah.com

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

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Surgical Roulette - Risks of Surgery with a Phony Plastic Surgeon

The Times Publication has an outstanding article chronicling the story of Dr. Peter Normann, an Arizona-based Internal Medicine and Emergency Room specialist who masqueraded as a plastic surgeon. In a span of seven months three unsuspecting patients died under his care. The article highlights the unfortunate and shocking stores of several of his victims. It's a fascinating read. From the article:

While the cosmetic horror stories described by the patients of Peter Normann represent some of the most egregious in the state's history, research shows they are part of a larger and growing danger of ill-equipped and inadequately trained plastic surgeons performing invasive cosmetic procedures.Normann, an emergency room and internal medical physician, was never certified as a plastic surgeon. In other cases, some Valley physicians certified to practice as gynecologists or even ear, nose and throat doctors have been found to be practicing cosmetic surgery, many with little more experience than a weekend training course.
The results are patients being left scarred, disfigured, and in three of Peter Normann's cases, dead.

In response to the growing number of phony plastic surgeons, the Arizona Medical Board released a Guide to Choosing a Cosmetic Surgeon. You can find it here.

Even here in Metro Detroit there are numerous physicians who are performing plastic surgery with little more than a weekend course's training. If you are thinking of having plastic surgery, make sure your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. All members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, so this is a good place to find a plastic surgeon for you.

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

Haylie Duff - Plastic Surgery?

Has Haylie Duff had plastic surgery recently? It appears so. Check out the new photo on Celebrity Smack, and compare it to the photo here. She appears to have had a reduction genioplasty, or surgery to reduce the projection of the chin. Her nose also appears to have been tweaked via a rhinoplasty. Overall I think the nose looks great, but the chin may have ended up a bit on the smaller side. I'll be interested to see how she looks when more photos come out. Hopefully it won't be a PR disaster like her sister Hillary Duff's veneers.

For the Celebrity Smack article, click here.
Photo credit: prphotos (from 2007)

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

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Reese Witherspoon Eats Cookies to Look Younger - Nutricosmetics

According to an interview with In Touch Weekly magazine, Reese Witherspoon has been eating cookies which claim to have anti-aging properties. According to Pop Crunch:

The Walk The Line star is rumored a huge fan of beauty giant BORBA’s DeLuscious Vitamin Enhanced Cookies, which claim to combat fine lines and wrinkles.
The tasty treats come in different flavors including Oatmeal Raisin and Chocolate Toffee White Chocolate, and boast more than nine minerals and vitamins.

These cookies are commonly known as nutricosmetics, or foods believed by some to have anti-aging properties. Many of them have anti-oxidants and are packed with vitamins and minerals. Some examples include Borba's skin balance gummy bears and age-defying water. While it's big business overseas, nutricosmetics (or nutriceuticals) have not become as big a hit here in the U.S., although some high end stores do carry these types of foods.

What's my opinion? I think that virtually anything you eat that is good for you (fruit and veggies=good, fat fried salty foods=bad) will help keep you looking younger. That's common sense. I once worked with a plastic surgeon who loved Burger King. He ate Whoppers all the time and his face was a greasy mess. I bet if he changed his diet he'd look much better. I often see this in my patients. The ones who don't drink, don't smoke, stay out of the sun, and eat good foods look younger than the ones who do all of the above.

It's just that they might not have as much fun in life...

Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

Youth Knows No Pain - Plastic Surgery Documentary

Set your TiVo's folks! Filmmaker Mitch McCabe has created a documentary on the current state of plastic surgery, premiering at 9pm EST August 31st on HBO. Screenings before this premiere include:

Cinevegas Film Festival : Saturday June 13, 6:30pm, and Sunday June 14, 10am.

Silverdocs Film Festival, D.C. area. Friday June 19, 3:30pm, Sunday June 21, 6:30pm.

Los Angeles: Sunset Gower Studios, June 30th, 7pm

Here's the lowdown:

In YOUTH KNOWS NO PAIN, an age-obsessed daughter of a plastic surgeon (filmmaker Mitch McCabe) takes a journey through America's $60 billion a year anti-aging world. In this Alice-in-Wonderland tale, McCabe spends 2 years traveling across America visiting doctors, experts and lives with a cross-section of characters from Minnesota to Texas who've gone to varying lengths to "beat the clock", to paint a funny but troubling portrait of a country that desperately needs to stay forever young. Along the way, one wonders if the filmmaker herself hasn't been pulled in by the seduction of youth.

"Youth Knows No Pain" is an alternately wry and unsettling journey across that grey zone where physical appearance meets self-esteem. Mitch McCabe has assembled for the film a remarkable group of individuals who collectively reveal that there's a deep discomfort running through the heart (and body) of contemporary America."
-Richard Peña, Program Director, Film Society of Lincoln Center

For more information on Youth Knows No Pain, click here for their Facebook page.

Special thanks to Mitch McCabe.

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

Michael Jackson - Does He Have Skin Cancer?

The newest Michael Jackson rumor circulating on the internet is that he may be getting treated for skin cancer. According to the Sun:

A source said: “Michael’s tests showed spots of skin cancer on his body, and cells which could turn to skin cancer on his face... He was at first very concerned, but says he has been assured by the doctors that they can treat this and he will recover... Michael is really looking forward to his concerts and is determined to wow his fans at each and every gig... He said he’s insisted that any treatment must fit around the concerts, and the show will go on.”

Jacko, who has been seen making regular visits to his Beverly Hills dermatologist wearing a mask and surgical cap, received the shock diagnosis last month.

The most common skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma, which almost never spreads to other organs or kills people. If left untreated, it just tends to get larger and larger. Pre-cancerous cells can often be treated without surgery.

For all you MJ fans, I bet that he'll be just fine.

Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

New Study Reveals that Thread Lifts Don't Work

A new study published in the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery comes to the conclusion that Thread Lifts, a popular type of lunchtime facelift, just don't work. Here are some details:

- 33 patients who underwent thread lifts were compared to 10 patients who underwent other surgical procedures.
- Follow-up averaged 21 months.
- On a scale of 0 (no improvement) to 3 (considerable improvement), those patients undergoing thread lifts scored lowest, showing only 0.3-0.5 degrees of improvement.
- For those patients who underwent traditional surgical procedures, their scores ranged from 1.5-2.3.
- The authors conclude that the improvement seen by thread lifts at 1 month were likely due to swelling and inflammation.
- The authors conclude that thread-lifts carry a high risk of complications, while extensive scarring may make it difficult to remove the threads, which is problematic because studies have found up to 20% of patients need a repeat surgery.

I do not perform thread lifts because the results I've seen from even the most respected plastic surgeons have been unimpressive. Most physicians who perform thread lifts are not real plastic surgeons, but cosmetic surgeons who learn the procedure in a course. There is no real substitute for a well-done facelift or mini facelift (in selected patients).

For more information on the threadlift study, click here.

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

Lisa Rinna Opens Up About Her Plastic Surgery

In a very frank, revealing interview on the Today Show, actress Lisa Rinna has admitted to silicone injections in her upper lip. She admits to having it done 23 years ago during the time of the movie Beaches. Like injectable silicone often does, it got hard and she's had to have steroid injections to the upper lip to soften it up. She also admits to having Botox and Juvederm injections. The Juvederm is especially evident in the obliteration of her nasolabial folds - the lines between the corners of the mouth and sides of the nose- and her plumped up cheeks. Finally, she admits to having had a breast lift, which she really feels she benefitted from.

It's always nice to see a celebrity be frank and open about his or her plastic surgery, whether good or bad. I speculated that she had a Gortex implant in her upper lip, which is another type of permanent implant like silicone. Unfortunately, the only way to remove liquid silicone is to cut it out. Ouch.

For streaming video of the Lisa Rinna Today Show interview, click here.

Photo credit: prphotos.com
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Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

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The Hottest and Newest in Plastic Surgery... From the Las Vegas Strip

Last week I attended the annual Aesthetic Plastic Surgery meeting in Las Vegas. Here are some highlights of the newest and hottest things you may soon see (or are seeing) in plastic surgery:

1. Fractional Lasers are everywhere. It seems that nearly every laser company is plugging its fractionated laser. These are basically lasers which are similar to the old CO2 lasers, but instead of focusing on all the skin, they only focus on tiny spots at a time. This causes less downtime and discomfort, but does it create similar results? Time will tell.
2. Will we someday be able to apply Botox as a cream? A company is working on a cream containing a botulinum-type toxin which may work similarly to Botox when applied. This is technically not Botox, but a botulinum-like cream. It is still in the development phase.
3. BodyJet - Water-assisted liposuction. The maker claims that it is less invasive and has less discomfort. Only a handful of surgeons currently have this machine. Is it a flash-in-the-pan or a new device with legs?
4. Removing fat without surgery - I covered this at length on the Rachael Ray Show. Two big players are Liposonix and Ultrashape. Neither is FDA-approved, and likely won't be for some time. There is one other device I am looking into however...
5. Smoothshapes - This is a new anti-cellulite treatment which combines laser with mechanical massage. I don't have any experience with this machine, because I own a Dermosonic anti-cellulite machine instead. I think there are many effective ways to treat cellulite, and these are two of the most prominent. Click here to see a segment I did with the local Fox News affiliate on treating cellulite.
6. Ulthera - This is an ultrasound machine that can target its energy to heat up the platysma (neck muscle) in order to tighten it and therefore create a nicer neckline. The results look promising, but it is still under investigation.
7. Cosmetic Gynecology - There was some interesting discussion on this topic, since many plastic surgeons and gynecologists are entering this new "field." I have absolutely no desire to perform cosmetic gynecologic procedures. A prominent gynecologist weighs in on this subject on his blog here.
8. Rumored to be coming to plastic surgeons' offices soon: Gummy bear implants! This is both a good (great implant for a select group of patients) and bad (hopefully quack cosmetic surgeons won't try to put these difficult-to-place implants in). If they are placed poorly, they can turn upside down and slide around, causing major cosmetic problems.

Much of the meeting focuses on how to improve our plastic surgery techniques, which would be boring for most of the readers of this blog. I always find it a great learning experience to see how other plastic surgeons perform similar surgeries, as I strive to continually improve my technique and results. Thanks to the ASAPS for putting on a great meeting.

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

Bruce Jenner Has Another Facelift

Kim Kardashian has confirmed that her step-dad Bruce Jenner has had his second facelift. According to USmagazine.com:

"Twenty five years ago, Bruce was ill-advised by a doctor to have a partial facelift and a nose job," Kim writes. "Unfortunately, the result wasn't what Bruce had hoped for and for years since then he has been the victim of cruel taunts from the media."

"Since he's turning 60 in October, Bruce felt it was time to correct the mistakes made by the previous doctor so he went to a new doctor for a second facelift," she continues. "The results are amazing! Bruce looks better than ever and he is extremely happy with the result. Make sure you watch Keeping Up with the Kardashians next Sunday to see what Bruce went through for his new look!"

I always thought he'd had his nose whittled down too much. Hopefully the corrective work will make him look less 'operated on' and more masculine. Bruce does seem like the most sane one of the bunch in that reality show. Unfortunately, in the above picture he looks like he was just ridden hard and put away wet!

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

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Angelique from I Love Money 2 - Go Away!

Continuing with the theme of over-the-top reality show contestants... VH1 just ended its series I Love Money 2, which has as one of its stars a French stripper named Angelique. With her idiotic statements, overinflated trout pout, and watermelon-sized breast implants, she singlehandedly sets the women's lib movement back thirty years. Hopefully Americans will never have to see her ever again!

Yes, I know this is harsh, but I'm partial to Metro Detroit's own Prancer, whom Angelique verbally assaulted on the program. Unlike Angelique, Prancer's quite down-to-earth, fun, and personable. Check out her MySpace here.

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

Annina from Big Brother UK

This is a photo of Annina, a participant in television program Big Brother in the UK. As you can see, her breast implants are excessively large, and her skin even looks a bit mottled in her breasts and chest. Sometimes skin that is this color can signify poor blood supply to the tissues and can increase her risk for implant and skin-related problems. My advice to her would be to downsize her breast implants, have a breast lift, and avoid smoking and tanning.

Or she could just leave well enough alone.

Photo credit

For an even more shocking photo on Awful Plastic Surgery, click here.

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

Carrot Top, Vegas, and Meetings

I've just returned from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery annual conference in Las Vegas. It was held at Mandalay Bay, and was chock full of the newest in the field of cosmetic plastic surgery. I'll post some of the 'hottest' and 'newest' trends in a future post.

I had the pleasure of spending some time with two plastic surgeons whom I went to residency with, Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha and Dr. Terry Higgins. Dr. Kayastha practices outside Albany, New York, and Dr. Higgins (who has been mentioned on this site once before) practices in Vegas. Both are outstanding surgeons, and if you live in their area they would definitely be the people to see!

In between attending meetings and seminars, I did spot one celebrity dining at the table next to us Monday night: Carrot Top. He was there with a couple friends and kept to himself. Wow, is he striking. That red fro combined with muscles galore makes him a sight to behold!

Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

A Little Botox for Paula?

For all of you American Idol watchers out there, this photo of Paula Abdul from Dlisted.com does appear to show some Botox working well to prevent wrinkles between her eyebrows (the glabella). It looks like she's trying to grimace but can't. This is exactly what Botox (or Dysport) can do to prevent the "11" sign between the eyebrows.

Go Adam Lambert!

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

Daryl Hannah - Plastic Surgery?

MakeMeHeal.com has a post on Daryl Hannah's possible plastic surgery. She looks puffy and completely unlike herself. What a shame. Unless she used permanent fillers like Artefill (bad) or Silicone (worse), most of the changes should get better with time. I've always considered her to be very attractive, especially when she starred in one of my all-time favorite movies Roxanne.

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

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Miss California Carrie Prejean's Breast Implants

Miss California, Carrie Prejean, supposedly had her breast implants paid for by the Miss California USA pagaent. This is according to Shanna Moakler, co-executive director of Miss California USA.

In an interview with "Access Hollywood," Billy Bush asked Moakler, "Did you guys pay for it?"
"Yes," Moakler responded. "We did."
"It was something that we all spoke about together," Moakler said referring to herself, Prejean and Keith Lewis, Moakler's co-executive director. "It was an option and she wanted it. And we supported that decision."

Moakler, a former Miss USA herself, defended the organization's decision to pay for the implants, telling "Access" that it's a common practice in beauty competitions.
"Breast implants in pageants is not a rarity. It's definitely not taboo. It's very common. Breast implants today among young women today is very common. I don't personally have them, but you know — they are," she said.

The above photo appears to show a pair of breast implants which create a round look in someone with little breast tissue to cover them. They are very tasteful in size, though.

Source

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

FDA Approves Botox Competitor Dysport / Reloxin!

BIG news in the plastic surgery field. The FDA approved the drug Dysport (otherwise known as Reloxin) today for the treatment of fine lines in the glabella (between the brows). This is the first bona-fide competitor to Botox, as it is also a Botulinum Toxin Type A.

I've mentioned Reloxin in this blog before, as well as on the Rachael Ray show a couple months ago. Plastic surgeons (and patients) hope that this can act as an economic bailout for the 4 million Americans who pay several hundreds of dollars for each Botox treatment. I think we would all welcome a price war between Allergan (makers of Botox) and Medicis (makers of Dysport).

How does Dysport compare to Botox? Other than the fact that they are both Botulinum Toxin Type A, it's difficult to tell. However, if Dysport is priced competitively with Botox and has similar efficacy, we may see a multi-billion dollar product reaching your plastic surgeons' offices in the next 30-60 days. Stay tuned!

Source: Globe Newswire

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

Saline or Silicone Gel? The Results May Surprise You...

A recent survey published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal shows what the current preferences are for breast augmentation surgery. According to a survey of 1746 board-certified plastic surgeons and members of the ASAPS:

- Sixty percent of surgeons are still using saline implants, and the vast majority of them are using them 75-100% of the time.

- The majority of surgeons (64%) preferred an incision near the breast crease, while 25% preferred an incision around the bottom half of the areola.
- The average implant size reported by 81% of surgeons was 300 to 400 cc (which is approximately a small to a full "C" cup bra).
- Smooth implants, rather than implants with a textured surface, were most often preferred by 92% of respondents because it was the surgeon's preference, less wrinkling, or overall better results for the patient.
- Ninety-six percent of surgeons used round, rather than anatomically-shaped, implants.
- The most common position for implant placement was under the muscle (62% of surgeons).

With the exception of the majority use of saline implants, these statistics reflect what I see in my practice. I estimate that I use saline implants only 25% of the time, since most patients seem to prefer gel. I utilize three incisions (underneath the breast, around the areola, and the armpit), with the most common being underneath the breast. My average size implant is probably 350-375cc, and I usually use smooth round implants placed under the muscle. I find that these choices usually minimize any complications and revisions.

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

Statistics source

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

Does Sharon Stone Have Breast Implants?

This photo from The Blemish.com shows what appears to be Sharon Stone's breast implants. She looks like she's lost a lot of weight, revealing the round edges of breast implants that may be positioned below the muscle (hence the space between them). It's possible she may also have a capsular contracture, or excess scar tissue that can accumulate around the implants, causing them to look round and hard. Sometimes the scar tissue can be really thick, other times it can be just a Sliver!

I think her face looks great, though!

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

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Seven Plastic Surgery Tips to Survive the Recession

With the recession as bad as it is (I'm hearing that some plastic surgery practices are down 80%!), I thought I'd think up some ways my readers can still have their plastic surgery... but on a budget. Here are my Seven Plastic Surgery Tips to Survive the Recession:

7. Try Saline Implants Instead of Silicone Gel - Although not as natural-looking or feeling, saline breast implants are still nice implants, and may have a lower complication rate. They can also save you a cool grand in implant costs.

6. One Cream to Rule Them All - If you could only use one anti-aging cream for your face, it should be Retin-A. Not only does it improve acne, but it also smooths wrinkles, exfoliates, thickens collagen, and clears blemishes. And it costs less than a hundred bucks for a big tube. Do not use if you're pregnant, though.

5. Try Sculptra instead of conventional fillers - Although not FDA-approved for general cosmetic use yet, many surgeons are using Sculptra off-label to fill in hollowness under the eyes and overall gauntness. Unlike traditional fillers which last only 6-12 months, it can last 3-5 years.

4. Opt for Regular Lipo Over Ultrasonic or Laser Lipo - I recently returned my VASER machine since I didn't see a significant improvement over traditional liposuction in my patients, therefore not justifying the higher price tag.

3. Try Chemical Peels Instead of Lasers - A good TCA peel (like the Blue Peel) is comparable to laser treatments, but carries a much smaller pricetag. Whereas a laser can cost $150,000 to purchase, what are the costs for the supplies of a generic TCA peel? A couple bucks.

2. A Little Botox Goes a Long Way - Many patients are saving money on Botox by using a smaller amount and spreading it out over multiple areas. Instead of injecting 20 units in the forehead, they may have 10 units in the forehead and 10 units in the frown lines.

1. Let Your Insurance Pay For It - Do not take this wrong. Health insurance will not pay for your breast augmentation, tummy tuck, or facelift, BUT it might pay for your upper eyelid lift if you can prove the excess skin of your eyelids severely disturbs your vision. It may also pay for your breast reduction, if your breasts are massive and create severe pain.

If anyone has any other suggestions on how to save money and still have plastic surgery, please comment!

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

Susan Boyle Gets Her Brows Waxed

Britain's Got Talent and YouTube star Susan Boyle has gotten her bushy eyebrows waxed. They look sooooo much better than before. If you haven't seen her absolutely fantastic performance on YouTube, you can check it out here. She has an amazing voice. I'd buy one of her CDs!

Photo credit: Pacific Coast News

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

Rupert Everett or Wax Figure?

Wow. What has happened to Rupert Everett's face? I really liked him in My Best Friend's Wedding, but it looks like the British actor is now planning to go for even younger roles! His skin is now smooth and wrinkle free, a possible consequence of Botox and chemical peels. I surmise that he's also undergone a facelift and injections of fillers, possibly Sculptra, to soften his cheeks and deep lines. He now looks like a very young Ray Liotta!

Photo credit: Popwatch

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

Michael Douglas and Plastic Surgery

Michael Douglas continues to look younger than his 64 years. A recent post on Right Celebrity analyzes this.

In my opinion, he's had a good amount of work done. I would count an upper and lower eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) and facelift (maybe more than one) among the surgeries he may have had. Overall he does look pretty natural, especially when compared to some other plasticized male celebrities his age.

One of the keys to avoiding an overly operated, feminized look in male plastic surgery patients is to limit any tightening of the cheek area. Some male celebrities who've had obvious overdone facelifts exhibit a 'sweeping look' to the cheeks, making them look tight and overly pulled in an upward direction. I tend to focus my tightening more on the lower face and neck in men, as this tends to take off the years without making them look like they're in a wind tunnel or a skydiving George H.W. Bush.

Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

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A Bra That Firms Your Breasts?? I Doubt It!

Anna Chan from MSNBC.com has recently asked me to analyze the claims of the Victoria's Secret Bust Firming Bra. According to the manufacturer, regular wearing for eight hours a day for four weeks results in an 18% increase in the firmness of the breast. Check out the article here to see what MSNBC.com's writer thought about it after wearing the same bra every day for seven weeks! They also include some of my oh-so-insightful opinions ;)

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

Quick Links

Here are some links to take up your time:

1. A friend of mine writes an entertaining and humorous blog, Confessions of a PA (Physician's Assistant) student. Check it out if you're interested in the life of a physician's assistant. Click here.

2. A new documentary about plastic surgery, Youth Knows No Pain, will have its world premiere on Tuesday, April 28th at the Walter Reade Theatre in the Lincoln Center in New York City. Filmmaker Mitch McCabe spends two years on the road, visiting doctors, reconstructive surgery experts, and real-American characters who have gone to varying lengths to stay forever young. You may even catch a glimpse of me, although I doubt I made the cut! Click here for tickets.

3. Kim Kardashian has announced that one of the members of the Kardashian family is going to undergo plastic surgery to look "totally different." Click here for details.

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

Stevie Nicks: Botox Users "Look Like Satan's Children"

Fleetwood Mac's Stevie Nicks has recently admitted to having used Botox and disliking it:

WWD: You said in a recent interview that you were relieved to still look like you. And you do. Is this the result of good work or no work?

S.N.: You mean like plastic surgery? No.
I had Botox and I hated it. For four long months, I looked like a different person. It almost brought down the whole production of the last tour. It was so bad, I would look into the mirror and burst into tears. Botox is becoming the new face of beauty and it’s unfortunate because it makes everybody look like Satan’s children. Everybody has pointed eyebrows. Everybody looks related. All the Desperate Housewives look like sisters.
If you’re an unattractive girl who’s trying to be beautiful with Botox, forget it. If you are a beautiful girl who’s trying to be beautiful with Botox, you will look like you’re angry all the time. You’d have to tie me down to get me to do it again.

In certain cases when people with arched brows have Botox, it can give them an overarched "Botox Brow." This can easily be treated by injecting a few more units above the eyebrow region. Most patients can also avoid this look by injecting less than the usually recommended 17-20 units in the forehead.

Overall I think Stevie is being a bit too harsh. I don't think that Eva Longoria looks like Marcia Cross's sister!

If you'd like to try using the Botox treatment visualizer (upload a photo of yourself and see what you'd look like with Botox), then click here.

Story credit: In Your Face blog
Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

Update on Donda West's Surgeon

It appears that there is one (possible) final postscript to the tragic death of Kanye West's mom, Donda West after having plastic surgery. Her surgeon, Dr. Jan Adams, has just surrendered his medical license for the State of California. He has recently been given a one year jail term for drunk driving.

Sad story all around. Many physicians carry medical licenses in more than one state, so it's possible that he can still practice as a plastic surgeon in another state, like Florida, even though he surrendered his California medical license. Since I have practiced in both California and Michigan, I carry medical licenses in both states.

Unfortunately, I can think of a couple cosmetic surgeons in my area who should maybe have their license revoked too!

Happy Good Friday!

Source
Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

Ann Coulter - Breast Implants?

Quick post today, since I've been busy with many, many other things...

Here's a link to Make Me Heal.com's post on Ann Coulter and possible breast implants.

For my previous posts on Ann Coulter, click here and here.

p.s. Yes, I assume the Playboy magazine is photoshopped...

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

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Kylie Minogue Admits to Botox

Aussie singer Kylie Minogue has admitted to using Botox in the past, but states that she's now "a lot more natural." According to the Mirror:

"I'm definitely not one of those people who says, 'You shouldn't do this.' Everyone individually can do what they want. “I also think it doesn't have the stigma that it had when I was growing up. For all time women have wanted to, for the most part, look their best.
It's just that what we have available to us today is - what it is today. I'm preferring to be a lot more natural these days. I've tried Botox, I've tried all... You're damned if you do and damned if you don't."

I've always thought that she displayed a bit of the Botox brow, like her fellow Aussie Nicole Kidman, however her brows have always been a bit over-arched. Botox or not, she does look great at 40!

For a previous post on Kylie Minogue and Botox, click here.

Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

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Plastic Surgeon? Cosmetic Surgeon? Phony Doc?

Recently there have been several articles detailing bad events that have occurred at the hands of people who aren't board-certified plastic surgeons. Here are a sampling:

1. A family practice physician who considers himself a specialist in cosmetic surgery and advertises as a plastic surgeon was recently reprimanded by the State Board of Medicine for prescription fraud. He wrote prescriptions for patients and family members, using them to obtain drugs "for his own personal and unauthorized use." Click here for the story.

2. A Bronx mother dies after undergoing silicone injections by a "non-medical, unlicensed person." Click here for story.

3. A Head and Neck surgeon is accused of performing liposuction without a patient's consent. She had planned on having a tummy tuck only, but accuses him of performing a facelift and liposuction too. Click here for story.

The American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons holds its members to strict ethical guidelines which many other "cosmetic"-type societies do not. It's not surprising, then, that most of the crazy plastic surgery-related news comes from physicians who are not certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Here are two well-written articles by laypeople who focus on the difference between a "Plastic surgeon" and "Cosmetic surgeon."

1. What's the Difference Between a Plastic Surgeon and Cosmetic Surgeon?
2. Cosmetic Surgery Advice-- Consider the Source.

On my website I've written "How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon." Click here for it.

It's not enough for your "cosmetic surgeon" to have just stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night!

Thanks for reading.

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

Lauren Conrad - Plastic Surgery?

The Hills star Heidi Montag has received a lot of press about her plastic surgery. What about her friend / enemy Lauren Conrad? Has she had plastic surgery too?

I doubt it. The most common plastic surgeries in a woman her age are breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, and liposuction. Her breasts don't appear augmented, her nose doesn't show signs of previous surgery, and she's too thin to benefit from liposuction. IMHO she's a natural beauty.

And then there's Heidi...

photo credit: prphotos.com

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

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