Is Suzanne Somers Getting a Stem Cell Facelift?

The latest issue of the National Enquirer has an interesting story (which I am quoted in) that claims Suzanne Somers is going to have a stem cell facelift. Apparently her latest book contains a lot about her ideas with stem cells and their possible benefits. She mentions getting her stem cells banked in a recent blog post, as well.

So what is the stem cell facelift? Basically, stem cells are extremely young cells which can divide and grow into the cells of the organ they are transplanted into. That's why stem cells are very promising for cancer treatments, where treatment often includes removing large portions of important organs. Many people believe that stem cells which are transplanted into the face can help reverse aging by becoming youthful skin and fat. The stem cell procedure/device is not FDA approved for this purpose, however, so the actual stem cell facelift cannot be performed in the U.S.

Currently the closest thing we have to a stem cell facelift in the U.S. is the Volumetric Facelift, or a facelift combined with fat grafting. I was a coauthor of the original scientific paper that described this procedure back in 2004. For that article, click here. The difference between fat grafting and actual stem cell injections is that although fat is chock full of stem cells, the fat contains other cells as well.

Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

Ever Get Plastic Surgery For Christmas?

Have you ever received a health/beauty-related Christmas gift that was mildly insulting, such as plastic surgery? If you have, a national news website wants to hear your story. Email me at miplasticsurgeon@yahoo.com and I will forward your story to the writer!

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

Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is a Chump...and His Wife Had Plastic Surgery

Will his transgressions never end??? Former Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has testified that he paid more than $15,000 to a Dallas plastic surgery clinic to pay for his wife's plastic surgery. This occurred two weeks after telling a judge he could not afford to pay for his monthly restitution payments to the City of Detroit. He now claims that the surgery was to repair damage from a hernia and birth complications.

Sounds like his wife Carlita had a tummy tuck, likely with another surgery such as a breast lift due to the price he paid.

This guy is the definition of a liar and a crook. It's amazing he's not in jail right now. Kwame, you're a chump! Dallas, you can have him!

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

How Did I Do With My 2009 Predictions?

One year ago I gave my Top 9 Plastic Surgery Predictions for 2009. How did I do? Am I a modern day plastic surgery Nostradamus? Or maybe just full of it? (Dr. Hainer: Don't Answer That) Well, here are the predictions I gave one year ago and whether they were right or wrong:
9. Plastic surgery vacations will become more and more popular - False - Possibly due to highly publicized complications abroad, I do not see a higher number of Americans travelling abroad for plastic surgery. Pass the Botax, though, and things may change.
8. Fat, from both from animals and people, will become a new Green resource - False - This may take a little longer to happen.
7. Sculptra will gain FDA approval as a liquid facelift for the general population - True - Sculptra Aesthetic was approved by the FDA earlier this year. Link to post here.
6. 2009 will bring with it a plethora of new extreme, bizarre, and unusual plastic surgeries - True - Carboxytherapy, Cankle Lipo, Radish Calf, Toe Shortening, and others have now entered the plastic surgery lexicon. Link to post here.
5. Will Gummy Bear Implants Boost Busts in 2009? - False - Maybe 2010 will be the year of the gummy bear?
4. Nonsurgical Liposuction Techniques Run Rampant... As Do Disappointing Results - True...somewhat. Zerona has been used more and more this year, with results as advertised: I see an average of 3-4 inches lost after 2 weeks of treatments. Is this disappointing? It all depends on the patients' expectations. It is not the same as real liposuction. It does appear to work, though. Link to post here.
3. Eyelash Enhancing Medication "Latisse" Hits Big in a Blink - True -Latisse works and is getting more and more popular by the day. Link to post here.
2. Stem Cells are the Future in the U.S., but the Present in Other Countries - True - While people are performing stem cell facelifts and breast augmentation elsewhere, here in the U.S. it remains a futuristic treatment. Link to post here.
1. Botox-Competitor Reloxin will act as an Economic Bailout for Millions of Botox Users in 2009 - True - Reloxin was renamed Dysport at the last minute, but in my practice it has proven as effective as Botox in reducing fine lines. While there are still a lot of my patients who love their Botox, many have switched to the less expensive Dysport with similar results. Link to post here.

So, if you tally my results I was 6/9. Not bad, but I'm definitely no plastic surgery Nostradamus. Maybe more like a plastic surgery Sylvia Browne. In a couple weeks I'll post my predictions for 2010!

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

Tiger Woods - Crazy Ambien Sex?

By now you may have heard that one of Tiger's alleged mistresses, Rachel Urchitel, claims:

'You know you have crazier sex on Ambien - you get into that Ambien haze. We have crazy Ambien sex.'"

Crazy Ambien sex? I often prescribe Ambien to help my patients sleep. It would seem more likely that a person on Ambien would pass out during sex instead of get crazy. I think that there are a lot of other medications that would act as better aphrodesiacs.

Any readers ever take Ambien and get a little frisky?

Quote from Radaronline.com

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

Who Has the Best Bikini Body of 2009?

Check out Popsugar if you'd like to vote for the best bikini body of 2009. I think Bar Rafaeli looks amazing. She has my vote. The candidates are in the photo montage.

Who are your favorites? Anyone not in this list?

For the Popsugar Best Bikini Body of 2009, click here.

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

Argentine Model Dies From Buttock Injections

A sad story coming out of South America: a former Miss Argentina, Solange Magnano, has recently died after having injections into her buttocks of PMMA (Polymethylmethacrylate) in an attempt to enlarge them. She suffered a massive pulmonary embolism, likely due to the product being injected into her blood stream and then travelling to her lungs. When this happens the person can die almost instantly. I've seen it happen in people during my general surgery residency years, and this is the most dreaded complication in plastic surgery today (short of death).

How can this have been prevented? PMMA is a permanent filler (like silicone) that is not in widespread use here in the U.S. The two most common ways to augment the buttocks are are to use a solid silicone implant or fat grafting. Because Solange is so thin, she likely was not a good candidate for fat grafting, and decided against a buttock augmentation, possibly due to the invasiveness of the procedure. The surgeon likely used large needles to inject the PMMA deep into the buttocks (creates a nicer contour than superficial injections) and inadvertantly injected into a major vein. The PMMA then likely travelled back to her lungs, clogged the major vessel, and she could no longer get enough oxygen into her body, killing her. This could have been prevented by using a blunt cannula, like the one I use when grafting fat into the buttocks. The cannula is so flat and blunt that it's nearly impossible to inject into a blood vessel. Or, I suppose, she could have just left her buttocks alone.

Safety should always be the top priority of any physician. If you consider having plastic surgery abroad, make sure you find a plastic surgeon who is an international member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

For more information, check out the excellent article in In Your Face.

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

7 Strange Plastic Surgery Procedures on MSNBC.com

There is an interesting slide show on MSNBC.com listing 7 Strange Plastic Surgery Procedures. Here they are, and whether or not I perform them:

1. Cankle Lipo - I do this surgery occasionally, but there is a high risk of fluid collections and other complications.
2. Earlobe Lift - This is a surgery I perform often, and recently discussed the "Pac Man Earlobe Lift" on the Fox News Channel.
3. Fillers in Your Feet - Mostly done by podiatrists.
4. Golf Ball Chin - As popularized by Chef Gordon Ramsay. I almost never inject Botox here, since people almost never ask for it.
5. Radish Calf - Huh? What the heck is this?
6. Knee Lipo - I do this all the time, mainly to the inner knee fat.
7. Necklace Lines - This is a silly name given to neck wrinkles. They are very difficult to get rid of, like the wrinkles in the palm of your hand. A good facelift may marginally improve them, but they are there to stay.

Here are two more strange, but true, surgeries they left out: Dimple Creation and Second Toe Shortening.

For the MSNBC article, click here.

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

Giving Thanks

I hope you are enjoying your Thanksgiving with family and friends. I'm looking forward to taking some time to relax this weekend. There are so many things God has blessed me with. I am thankful for:

- My family and friends, who mean everything to me.
- Good health all around.
- My thriving practice, which allows me to live a comfortable life.
- My patients, whose trust I value and appreciate beyond words.
- My employees and coworkers, without whom I could not be the doctor I am.
- All of the people in media, the writers and producers, who have been kind enough to include me in their stories and programs.
- You, the readers of this blog, who take the time out of your lives to read my thoughts and opinions. Thank you for visiting this blog over 8 million times over the last three years!

Happy Thanksgiving!


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

Kim Kardashian Denies Rhinoplasty and Lip Reduction

Kim Kardashian has strongly denied comments made in Star Magazine that she may have had a rhinoplasty and lip reduction:

She said on her blog: "Star Magazine is saying I had plastic surgery to make my nose and lips smaller! Why would someone want smaller lips?! LOL."

"Your face always looks different when you lose weight, plus with the contouring on my nose it gives the illusion of a thinner nose.""I actually think my nose looks smaller in the first pic than it does in the second. "It's ridiculous... it's all about the makeup and the angle from which the photo was taken! It's no secret I contour my nose now to make the bump go away!"

I haven't had a chance to see old photos of her, but to me her nose looks so refined that it is definitely possible she's had some very nice work done to it. I strongly doubt she's had her lips reduced though. This is a very uncommon surgery that can leave big scars. No way she's had that done. I wonder who the plastic surgeon is that made the comments to Star Magazine? They certainly didn't ask me! (Although I have been in Star a few times...)

photo credit: prphotos.com

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

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Real Housewives' Lynne Curtin's Plastic Surgery Looks Great

The Real Housewives of Orange County's Lynne Curtain has recently admitted to undergoing a browlift and a facelift. She looks fantastic! According to the Star:

The reality star, who paid for the procedures from her “face-lift fund” and sales from her Lynne Curtin Designs jewelry line, says she is thrilled with the results. “It looks like the clock has been turned back 12 years on my face.” Her husband, Frank, thinks so too! “He sends me texts all day saying I’m hot!”

Kudos to her plastic surgeon (not me) for doing such a nice, natural job.

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

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The BoTax Rears Its Ugly Head

As you may know the Democrats in the U.S. Senate are proposing a 5% tax on all cosmetic plastic surgery (The BoTax) as a way to raise money for the health care plan. This was brought up before, many months ago, but most politicians brushed it off. Some thoughts:

1. This tax disproportionately targets women, who make up 90% of plastic surgery patients.
2. It is not a tax on the rich, since plastic surgery patients are represented in every socioeconomic group. Arguably, the people who are earn less money will suffer more, since many of them take out loans or save for years to pay for their surgery.
3. They were initially considering a 10% tax on plastic surgery, but dropped it to 5% after aggressive lobbying.
4. A similar initiative in New Jersey has been considered a complete failure by many.
5. Is plastic surgery considered a 'sin', like cigarettes and alcohol, and therefore subject to taxing? It is far from it.

I think they should consider a tax on fast food (which harms the health of millions of Americans every day, including me) and attorney's fees!

If you would like to send a message to your Senator to encourage them to vote against a 5% cosmetic plastic surgery tax, click here to be sent to the U.S. Senators webpages.

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

Trading Frequent Flier Miles for Plastic Surgery?

Strange story out of Finland: Apparently Finland's biggest airline, Finair, is offering plastic surgery as a way to redeem frequent flier miles. Some details from kansas.com:

It takes 1.32 million points to buy a lower blepharoplasty and 3.18 million points to buy a breast augmentation. That would equal 120 round-trip, business class flights from New York to Helsinki.

So start saving points!


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

Can You Get Angelina Jolie Lips with JolieLips Lip Plumper?

There is a new lip plumper on the market, and it doesn't require injections or surgery... but does it work? JolieLips is a device that utilizes suction to attempt to suck your lips bigger. Melissa Dahl of MSNBC has a fun review of the product here.

The lips swell very easily. That's why when a guy gets socked in the kisser he gets a fat lip, not a fat chin. Because the lips are so sensitive, even a mild treatment like this one can create enough trauma to swell the lips temporarily. I suppose you could do the same thing by slapping yourself in the mouth or performing a high school-type makeout session.

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

Sammy Sosa - Getting Lighter and Lighter

By now you may have seen photos of Sammy Sosa with his altered skin color. The photos above are taken 6 months apart, with the first photo being the most recent. What is he doing to his skin?

According to a source he has been doing a "rejuvenation process" on his skin and was "surprised" it came out so light. It appears that he has had one (or both) of two things: he has been using skin lighteners like hydroquinone and/or he has undergone aggressive chemical peels or laser treatments. Both the lightener creams and peels/lasers can create changes in the melanin of the skin resulting in a lighter color. In caucasians this is usually modest, however in people with darker skin (like Sammy) it can be pretty startling. With time his skin may recover some of the lost color. However, if he has had a major invasive treatment, it may not.

He looks ghostly.

Photo credit: In Your Face blog

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

Nicole Kidman Busts Out at CMA's

Nicole Kidman has created quite a stir about the plastic surgery she appears to exhibit at her recent CMAs appearance. No, it's not a Botox brow or a trout pout. Nicole's breast implants, meet the public. Public, meet Nicole's breast implants. In my opinion, it appears that she has had a recent breast augmentation. Her breasts are overly round, have a space between them, and appear too high. This can be the look of newly postoperative breast implants. At least their size is tasteful. I would have recommended that she keep these puppies under wraps for a few more weeks to allow the swelling to go down.

I think she's a great actress, plastic surgery or not.

Photos: Huffington Post

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

Amy Winehouse - From Drugs to Plastic Surgery?

There are reports that Amy Winehouse has switched from a drug addiction to a... plastic surgery addiction? This website claims that she has had a breast augmentation to increase her size up to a 32D, and now has had her lips plumped up.



What's worse: a drug addiction or a plastic surgery addiction? I would say drug addiction, since you can't get arrested for having too much plastic surgery.


Story/photo credit: http://newsblaze.com/story/20091108125947reye.nb/topstory.html

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

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Nicole Kidman's Lips

Awful Plastic Surgery has a couple photos of Nicole Kidman which beg the question: Does she have an implant in her upper lip? It looks like that may be the case.

I've never been a fan of lip implants. In general, they tend to look stiff and unnatural. I tend to prefer Juvederm or Fat to enhance lips, but each one has its limitations. If an implant comes along that doesn't look unnatural and stiff, then I'd consider it.

For another photo of Nicole's lips, click here.

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

Alec Baldwin: "I Intend" To Have Plastic Surgery

Alec Baldwin is quoted in this week's Entertainment Weekly on the possibility he may have plastic surgery:

"I have a great ass, if I may say so," the It's Complicated actor, 51, tells Entertainment Weekly in its annual holiday movie preview issue. "That's a part of my body that needs no surgical enhancement or rearranging."
Still, Baldwin, who turned to an "ass double" when he had to to show off his derriere in the new comedy, out Christmas Day, says he wouldn't rule out getting cosmetic enhancements.
"I'm not saying I wouldn't do something! I intend to do something," he says. "I probably will. Let's put it this way: I wouldn't rule it out because... You don't think I wake up every day and wish I looked like this and this and this? But I can't let that bother me."

All of the Baldwin brothers (except maybe Billy, whom I haven't see in a long time) are looking pretty rough over the past few years.

I've never forgotten how he called his daughter a "thoughtless little pig" several years ago. I have a little daughter myself and can't imagine how someone could say that. I think Alec Baldwin is a hairy, obnoxious jerk... He does make some good movies and TV though.

Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

Evolence is Dead? Plastic Surgeon is Murdered?

A couple big things in the world of plastic surgery:

1. Johnson and Johnson has discontinued its wrinkle filler Evolence. According to an article from Real Self.com the collagen product has been taken off the market and is up for sale. I have never used Evolence although have been invited to become an "Evolence Star." Because the results weren't impressive and I saw no advantage of this product over Restylane or Juvederm, I never bothered to get trained in it. I do know some great plastic surgeons who are big supporters of Evolence, so I'm sure they're disappointed. Maybe it will rise from the ashes like Artefill.

2. It appears that a prominent Tulane plastic surgeon has been stabbed to death and his home set on fire. In a horribly tragic story, reconstructive plastic surgeon Dr. Ralph Newsome, Jr. was knifed to death and then had his French Quarter home set on fire. He was a very accomplished surgeon who mainly treated trauma victims and cancer patients. Was it one of his patients who murdered him? It's possible. I actually know some plastic surgeons who pack heat in case a disgruntled patient decides to attack them. It's truly a scary world out there.

For more on Dr. Newsome, click here.

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

Cosmetic Surgery on a Budget: From AOL.com

Here is a link to an interesting article from AOL.com concerning cosmetic surgery on a budget. They name 6 procedures that are more affordable than ever:
1. Spider vein laser treatment
2. Micro-hair grafting
3. Facial spot removal
4. Earlobe lift
5. Zerona fat removal
6. Latisse eyelash thickener

Check out the article here.

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

Courtney Love Quits Plastic Surgery...Because of Jocelyn Wildenstein?

Courtney Love has apparently sworn off plastic surgery after seeing "The Lion Woman" Jocelyn Wildenstein up close. According to Zimbio.com:

Love ran into the 63-year-old socialite recently and was shocked at the way Wildenstein looked after $4 million worth of cosmetic procedures. Jocelyn is rumored to have had everything from a face lift and lip implants to cheek, chin and breast implants. Courtney said, "I could do with another boob lift, but no way. I don't want to end up looking like her. She looked freaky."

I sometimes see patients who've had grossly overdone facial plastic surgery for consultation. Most people would be surprised at how many of these patients don't want corrective surgery, but are there to get more changes made. These are the ones who can 'scare' off new patients in the waiting room. Can you imagine walking into your plastic surgeon's office and seeing Jocelyn Wildenstein waiting to be seen too? Would you turn around and leave?

photo credit: prphotos.com

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

Maria Shriver - Botox Brow?

I've seen Maria Shriver on TV quite a bit lately, and am always surprised by how her looks have changed over the last 10+ years. To me, she exhibits the classic Botox Brow: A shiny forehead that doesn't move combined with overly arched eyebrows creating a sinister look. The most obvious sign of overdone Botox (or Dysport) is when a person's forehead and eyebrows just don't move, no matter what their expression.



Her face has gotten so gaunt, too. A little facial fat grafting would do wonders for her.



Photo credit: prphotos.com


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

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Trend or TORTURE?

The Fox News Channel aired an interesting video on three fashion trends and how they can actually cause health problems. These include:
1. Wearing High Heels
2. Carrying Heavy Bags
3. Wearing Heavy Earrings
If you watch closely you may notice an appearance by my evil twin, Dr. David Youn.
Click here for the video.


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

Wall Street Plastic Surgery

I was asked by Cityfile.com to assess the plastic surgery 'needs' of several of Wall Street's most influential players. Although I don't have the foggiest notion who any of these people are, I'm sure each one of them is worth a heck of a lot more than I am. They may have more power than me, more money than me, and a bigger house than me, but I do have one thing that can trump all of them... I'm much younger than they are.

For more on Wall Streeters and plastic surgery, click here for the Cityfile.com article.

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

Lindsay Lohan - Aging and Plastic Surgery Through the Years

Aol.com has an interesting post on Lindsay Lohan. They asked me to discuss why she looks like she's aging prematurely. Can it be drugs, booze, plastic surgery, or all-of-the-above? Check out their article here.

photo credit: prphotos.com

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

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Stephanie Pratt - Trout Pout

Is this the same person? Surprisingly this is Stephanie Pratt before and after she apparently had her lips plumped up with a filler like Juvederm. While a little filler looks nice, too much filler can be a mess. I can't blame her, though. Being the sister of that tool Spencer Pratt can cause even the most stable person to go off the deep end.

At least her lips will settle down within a few months and her trout pout will turn into more of a flounder face...

Photo credit: The Hollywood Gossip.com

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

Schwarzenegger Signs Donda West Plastic Surgery Law

California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the Donda West plastic surgery law this week. This law requires anyone getting plastic surgery to have medical clearance prior to undergoing the procedure. The law is named after Kanye West's mom, who died after having plastic surgery by a non-board certified plastic surgeon. Some believe that she should never have undergone the surgery in the first place due to pre-existing heart problems.

"Sometimes patients may think they are well enough for cosmetic surgery, but in reality are not," said Assemblywoman Wilmer Amina Carter, one of the leading sponsors of the bill. "This bill will potentially save lives."

Patient safety should be the most important thing in the minds of all plastic surgeons. That's why the American Society of Plastic Surgeons enacted numerous requirements and initiatives revolving around their "Culture of Safety." All patients should remember to only choose a board-certified member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and have your surgery performed in an accredited center.

For more posts on Donda West, click here.
Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

Garry Shandling - Plastic Surgery? Botox?

Comedian Garry Shandling made a recent appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman. He looks nothing like the Garry Shandling I remember. The photo on the left is the recent one, the one on the right from over 6 months ago. If you take a look at the video on Popeater here, you can see that his forehead is frozen. It doesn't move. I think he's had a bit too much Botox, and maybe some filler like Restylane into the facial wrinkles. Also, when did he gain so much weight? I wonder if he is on medical steroids for some reason?

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

Chris Rock on Roman Polanski

This is a hilarious segment from the Jay Leno Show where Chris Rock tears into Roman Polanski. I don't understand how anyone can stand up for this guy. He drugs and rapes a 13 year old girl, pleads guilty, then flees the country to avoid his punishment? Time does not make the crime any less heinous. They should toss him in jail until he serves the sentence he deserved in the first place.

Chris Rock is the best. He just may be the funniest comic today. Jay Leno seems like a nice guy but his delivery is terrible.

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

Tara Reid To Bear It All In Playboy?

Seriously?? According to X17online.com, actress and botched plastic surgery victim Tara Reid has posed for a Playboy pictorial, coming out in the near future. You may remember that a couple years ago Tara admitted to undergoing botched liposuction and breast lift surgery at the hands of an unreputable surgeon. Her breast scars were revealed when she suffered a wardrobe malfunction while on the red carpet at a P Diddy party. She subsequently underwent corrective plastic surgery by my good friend, Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Steve Svehlak (back in the day we were both proteges of Dr. Richard Ellenbogen, also of Beverly Hills).

It will be interesting to see how much Playboy airbrushes her photos. Will they airbrush any of the remaining scars from her original botched surgery? You may remember that ex-talk show host and Wilson Phillips star Carnie Wilson had a nude pictorial in Playboy after undergoing gastric bypass surgery. They airbrushed her scars away, so I would bet that Tara's will be too.

For my previous posts on Tara, click here and here.

photo credit: prphotos.com

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

Is Fat the Newest Rage in Plastic Surgery?

Meet Meghan, a patient of mine who recently underwent liposuction and fat grafting to her buttocks. She's a great example of how using fat is the newest rage in plastic surgery. Check out the article from the Detroit News here.

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

Earlobe Lifts The Latest Beauty Craze??

A recent article in Momlogic.com focuses on earlobe lifts as the latest beauty craze. According to the article people are now paying upwards of $2000 to have their earlobes lifted and reshaped. Is this true?

I often perform earlobe repairs, ranging from fixing a torn earlobe to removing the extra skin from earlobes stretched by those God-awful stretching rings. While people are usually really happy with the results, the procedures always leave scars. And...I don't charge anywhere near $2000 for it.

Women, what would you think if you woke up looking at this guy every morning? Yikes!

photo credit

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

Coed Magazine's Top 10 Celebs Whose Breasts Are Just Too Big

Coed Magazine has a fun post about their Top 10 Celebs Whose Boobs Are Just Too Big. A couple are obvious (Pam Anderson and Dolly Parton), a couple I've never heard of (Serena Kozakura, Chantelle Houghton), and the last one is a doozy. 10,000 cc?!??! That's 30 of my average size implants, all in one breast. Crazy!

Click here for Coed Mag's post.

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

Florida Woman Brain Dead After Carboxytherapy or Liposuction

There have been several news reports about a woman, Rohie Kah, who is currently lying brain dead in a Florida hospital after undergoing treatments at a local medspa. Apparently she underwent liposuction or carboxytherapy treatments by a physician, Dr. Omar Brito, who is actually an occupational medicine physician. The actual cause of her brain death has not been released.

What is carboxytherapy? This is a fringe-type procedure that is only performed by a handful of physicians in the United States. Carbon dioxide is injected under the skin in an attempt to increase blood flow to the area and maybe even disrupt fat cells. I know of no scientific studies that have validated its safety or efficacy. This is not a procedure that I would recommend at this time, and I would bet 95% of plastic surgeons have not even heard of it.

What's an occupational medicine physician doing performing cosmetic treatments anyway? Just as I, a board-certified plastic surgeon, have no place performing brain surgery, this doctor (and so many others like him) has no place performing plastic surgery.

For more on this tragic story, click here and here.

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

Gary Busey - What a Mess...

How would you like to meet Gary Busey in a dark alley? Make Me Heal has a nice post giving many plastic surgeons' opinions on his possible plastic surgery, dental veneers, and brain injury. Take a look at it here.

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

Pete Burns Wins Settlement in Plastic Surgery Lawsuit

Former 1980's Dead or Alive singer Pete Burns has won a settlement for botched lip surgery, according to The Plastic Surgery Channel. He won the equivalent of about $900,000 from a doctor who injected a product, Outline Original, known to create bad side effects. Eventually Burns was left so disfigured that he could only drink through a straw and became a recluse, even contemplating suicide. Burns has said that he needed to undergo 100 additional operations to fix the problem.

I've never heard of Outline Original, and because of the high risk of side effects am choosy with what I inject into the lips (only fat, Restylane, Juvederm, and Prevelle). Hopefully the money Burns won in the settlement will help him get "right round."

Photo credit: awful plastic surgery

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

Does the Zerona Fat Removal Laser Really Work?

You may have seen my segment on the Rachael Ray Show Friday where I discussed the new Zerona laser. Does it really work to reduce inches without pain, downtime, needles, or surgery? The answer is yes.

In my experience, the majority of patients who have Zerona treatments achieve inch loss. The studies appear to show an average of 3-4 inches after 2 weeks of 40 minute treatments every-other-day. This is consistent with what I've seen in my office when measuring four areas: hips, waist, and each thigh. So yes, it does work when the protocol is followed. It is the only machine that I know of that can do this.

That being said, there are people who do not get 3-4 inches of loss. For this reason I've instituted a policy where the patient receives a $1000 credit towards the procedure of their choice if they do not achieve at least 3 inches of total loss from the four areas. Why not refund the whole fee? The company that makes the machine leases it on a "per use" basis. That means that every time I use the machine I pay them a fee which I cannot get refunded.

So overall, the Zerona appears to be a safe, effective way to reduce inches without pain or downtime. It's not a valid substitute for liposuction, though, since the results are not nearly as dramatic as surgery. As time goes on, I expect that we'll find ways to improve the technology and protocols to get even more impressive results. Until then, it's not a bad deal at all!

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

Dr. Youn on the Rachael Ray Show Friday Sept 25th!

Set your TiVo's folks, I'm making my return to the Rachael Ray Show tomorrow (Friday Sept 25th). I'll talk about four of the newest plastic surgery "breakthroughs." It's at the beginning of the show, so don't tune in too late! Also, you can learn the secret of her Sloppy Dawgs!

Link to a teaser for my episode: http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/show/view/839/

Link to local showtimes: http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/show-info/showtimes/

Thank you to everyone at the Rachael Ray Show for their hospitality!

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

Jessica Lange - What Has Happened to Her Face?

Why did Jessica Lange look so strange at the Emmys? Could it be too much plastic surgery?

Here is a list of what I think she's done: Browlift, Upper and lower blepharoplasty, Canthopexy, Facelift, Cheek Implants, and Botox. She look a whole lot better if she would lay off the Botox a bit. Although Botox is a fantastic treatment to smooth wrinkles, too much can be a bad thing.

I like how Jaclyn Smith is aging.

For a previous post on Jessica Lange and plastic surgery, click here.

photo credit: prphotos.com

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

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FDA Issues a Warning Letter Regarding Latisse

The FDA has issued a warning letter to Allergan, makers of Latisse, claiming that the company has omitted certain risks of the popular eyelash lengthening medication in their advertising. Specifically, the FDA focuses on possible complications including iris pigmentation, hair growth outside the desired area, bacterial eye infection, and allergic reactions. You can find the actual FDA letter to Allergan here. An MSNBC.com article about it is here.

We've been using Latisse in my office since it arrived on the shelves several months ago and have not seen any complications yet. So far it appears to be both well-tolerated and effective. The vast majority of patients we've treated have been very happy.

As far as the complications above, allergic reactions can result from anything applied to the skin, from Latisse to moisturizer to soap. Bacterial eye infections can occur when anything not completely sterile touches the eye, most commonly contact lenses. Iris pigmentation is a complication associated with the other form of bimatoprost (Lumigan) when it is applied directly to the eye. To my knowledge it has not been found when applied to the upper eyelids.

But, as with anything in life, you must take a slight risk to achieve the nice benefit.

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

Megan Fox - Plastic Surgery?

It seems that everywhere I turn I see photos of Megan Fox. Her new movie, Jennifer's Body, is coming out soon, so the media blitz is in full gear. She is undoubtedly a classic Hollywood beauty, but has she had plastic surgery to help her look the way she does?

There are two surgeries that people have focused on: Rhinoplasty and Breast Augmentation. If I would have to guess, I'd say that she's benefited from both. Check out my previous post with photos of her possible rhinoplasty here. I have heard rumors of who her plastic surgeon is, and I know this surgeon very well. Wish I could reveal it! (unfortunately not me)

While Megan Fox does look great, she has not impressed me in her interviews. She comes across as a bit arrogant. She seems to know how attractive she is, and even though she has only acted in big-budget robot movies, she fancies herself some type of thespian. A bit of humility would make her even more attractive.

Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

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Sly Stallone - Open Browlift?

Interesting photos on Dlisted.com show what appears to be open browlift scars on Sylvester Stallone. In this close-up picture you can see the scar extending along the hairline, very consistent with what you might find with an open hairline browlift. Plus, his eyebrows are over-arched in the photos, a possible consequence of Botox (or Dysport).

I haven't performed an open browlift in over five years. Although many fantastic surgeons use this procedure, I have never seen a hairline browlift scar I liked. For this reason, I perform almost exclusively the Endotine Endoscopic Browlift. Scars are much shorter with less risk of numbness and chronic pain. The results may be less permanent and predictable than with an open browlift, however.

Sly better watch out. He's starting to resemble Burt Reynolds...

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

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Plastic Surgery for Cankles?

An interesting article from the Daily Mail describes some recent techniques in treating the "cankles:"

You can have Botox injections in the balls of your feet so you can wear high-heels for longer without pain; operations to shorten toes so they look dainty in Louboutins - and now you can have France's hottest export: cankle removal.
While most women are fortunate to have a narrowing where the lower calf and ankle meet, giving a shapely contour, some have little or no discernible difference in shape - which is known as cankles. Age and status is not a factor, and nor is whether you have long or short legs, are slim or overweight. Cankles are inherited, just as you may have inherited your mother's apple or pear body shape.

The article goes on to describe liposuction treatments for cankles, with and without laser-assistance. Traditionally this area has been a tough one to treat because of the risk of contour deformities and fluid collections. I have treated one set of cankles in five years, but was happy with the result.

It does appear that there is hope for all those who suffer from a case of the cankles!

Article link: dailymail

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

Hydrelle - New Hyaluronic Acid Filler with Lidocaine

Coapt Systems, makers of the Endotine device which I use for browlifts, has recently announced FDA approval for their hyaluronic acid filler Hydrelle. What makes Hydrelle significant is that it is one of the first FDA-approved hyaluronic acid fillers that contains lidocaine, an anesthetic. Therefore, Hydrelle may be less painful to inject.

According to the company's press release:

Hydrelle represents an attractive value for patients seeking a safe and cost-effective filler option, since patients only require approximately 50% of typical injection volumes, thus requiring fewer syringes to fully correct facial wrinkles. Hydrelle also represents a significant opportunity for aesthetic professionals to expand their respective practices by offering patients an advanced, long-lasting dermal filler with an affordable price, particularly during volatile economic times.

It seems there is a new hyaluronic acid filler on the market every month. Currently in my practice we utilize Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Ultra Plus, and Prevelle Silk. In the past I've also used Hylaform and Hylaform Plus. In my opinion, adding lidocaine to the injection isn't that big a deal. Prevelle Silk has lidocaine in it as well.

Overall, I've been very happy with the selection of fillers I utilize. My only complaint is the price. If a company can make a long-lasting (one year or so) filler at half the cost of current fillers then they'd have a huge fan in myself. I'm not a proponent of permanent fillers.

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

Dumb Advertising

I saw this ad on a post at Plasmetic.com and thought it was funny. What happens after the special runs out? Do you only get a unaboob?

There is also a bargain-basement cosmetic center in my area which is advertising "Buy one surgery, get one free" as well. But, according to the ad you need to be one of the first fifty or so people to call in order to qualify for the special promotion. Fortunately, the ad has been playing for months, so either there is no one calling or they've decided to extend it to any poor victim who calls.

By the way, the doctor in the above billboard advertises as a "board-certified surgeon." I wonder why he left out that he's a board-certified general surgeon and not a board-certified plastic surgeon?

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

Addicted to Beauty - My Thoughts

I had a little extra time over the holiday weekend to catch up with some programs on my TiVo. Addicted to Beauty is a reality program on Oxygen that follows the employees at Changes Plastic Surgery and Medspa in La Holla.

I've actually found the show to be quite entertaining. Although some of their employees wouldn't last a week in my office (Hello, Gary the drama queen!), it's fun to see how other people deal with such infighting and personality issues. I don't know how Dr. Gilbert Lee puts up with all of them. He seems like a level-headed guy. The only ones I would consider hiring are Natasha (the administrative assistant who is a knockout AND a hard-working team player) and Melanie (the no nonsense office manager).

This is a show that is worth checking out if you are into the plastic surgery and medspa world. Also be sure to catch Youth Knows No Pain, the plastic surgery-related documentary on HBO and its sister channels. You can see its schedule here.

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

Holly Madison on Her Plastic Surgery

The newest issue of Life and Style Weekly has a big article on Holly Madison and her plastic surgery. In the article she admits to undergoing a rhinoplasty and breast augmentation, both of which are pretty obvious when looking at her. There are a few surprising revelations, however. According to the New York Daily News:

Former Playboy model Holly Madison says that beneath her Barbie-doll measurements beats the heart of an insecure woman who used plastic surgery as a way to build her self-esteem.
And she blames ex-boyfriend Hugh Hefner for that lack of confidence.
"Living with Hef brought down my self-esteem a lot," Madison told Life & Style. "I was comparing myself to the other girls ... You have to look a certain way at the mansion."

"Plastic surgery made it easier for me to get things I wanted in my career," she said. "Without it, I wouldn't be where I am today. My nose photographed really big in front of my face. If I wanted to do anything in the entertainment industry, I needed to get it fixed."

I think she's a knockout. Not only is she blessed with good genes, but her plastic surgeon did a nice job as well. I never understood the interest in Kendra, though, whom I find to be quite annoying.

Some of my viewpoints of cellulite and its treatments are also highlighted in the magazine.

Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

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Demi Moore Responds to Articles Like the One Below

Apparently Demi Moore is not happy with people questioning her claim that she's not had any plastic surgery. Her quote in Marie Claire France magazine prompted many websites, such as this one, to question the truthfulness of her claims. This caused her to respond via Twitter:

“All this garbage that came out today about me is nothing more than an effort to diminish not just me but all women,” Demi Tweeted on Monday afternoon.
Demi advised other women to live their life free of body comparisons or criticisms. “Diminishing us by continually measuring women based on how we look. Or dont look. Creating comparisons instead of connections Say no 2 that!” she added.

The lady doth protest too much, methink.

Photo credit: prphotos.com
Story credit: Access Hollywood

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