How Do Plastic Surgery Reality Television Shows Influence Patients?

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

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

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

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

story credit: plasmetic.com

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

Kim Kardashian - Buttock implants?

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

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

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

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Victoria Beckham - Photoshopped legs?

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

Photo credit: dailymail.uk and hollywoodrag.com

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

Simpsonized Me?

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

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

Quick Hits

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

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

Jessica Simpson talks about plastic surgery. Yawn. Link.

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

photo credit: photorazzi.com

Thanks for reading.

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

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

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

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

photo credit: TMZ.com

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

Liposuction Deaths in Arizona

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brooke Hogan - Breast Implants?

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

Photo credit: hollywoodtuna.com

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

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

Michelle Pfeiffer on Skinny Women and Plastic Surgery

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

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

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

For my last post on Michelle Pfeiffer, click here.

photo credit: photorazzi.com

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

Will Ferrell - The Landlord

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

Funny or Die.com the Landlord

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

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

Facial Flex Video on QVC

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

Donatella Versace - Plastic Surgery Evolution

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

Photo credit: getty images, photorazzi.com

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

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Cate Blanchett on Plastic Surgery

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

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

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

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

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

Celebrity Plastic Surgery Slideshow

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

Joan Collins - Plastic Surgery and New Anti-Aging Cream

74 year old Joan Collins is the spokesperson for a new anti-aging cream, called Cellex-C Age-less 15 Skin Signaling Serum. According to reports, she has been less than kind when discussing plastic surgery:

The Dynasty star denied having plastic surgery, claiming lipstick was her secret weapon in the fight against aging. She said: "The most glamorous thing you can do is use lipstick."Joan - who last year revealed her top tips for staying young in her book 'The Art Of Living Well' - has previously made her position on surgery abundantly clear, and recently described Botox as "poison". She said: "Everyone should do what they want. If they want lips like a trout let them. Plastic surgery is the plain women's revenge."

I find her comments offensive. I have never seen a 74 year old look as good as she does without plastic surgery. That must be one heck of an anti-aging cream. Apparently it is the actual Fountain of Youth that civilization has searched for for thousands of years!

Story credit: thebosh.com
Photo credit: photorazzi.com

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

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Deborah Harry Admits to Plastic Surgery

According to Starpulse.com, singer Debbie Harry has admitted to having plastic surgery for 'business reasons.'

She says, "Everybody knows that I've had plastic surgery. I did it for business reasons. You photograph better, and looks are a key part of being an entertainer, so I felt it was something I had to do. All sorts of horrific things happen in life - why make it worse by worrying about getting older?

From the looks of things, it appears she's had a possible upper and lower blepharoplasty, facelift, and skin rejuvenation with lasers and/or chemical peels. In this photo (all made up) she looks pretty good.

photo credit: photorazzi.com

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

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Breast Augmentation is #1

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recently released their plastic surgery statistics for the year 2006. For the first time ever, breast augmentation was the top cosmetic plastic surgery performed. Last year 329,000 people underwent breast augmentation surgery, up from 291,000 the year before. Liposuction, last year's number one, drops to #3, with rhinoplasty at #2.

Why is breast augmentation #1? Could it be:

Ivanka Trump having a breast augmentation? No, that appeared to happen in December or January.

Maybe it's because of people inspired by the woman who had a breast implant save her from the shrapnel of a Hizbollah rocket? Cool story, but I doubt it.

Could it be because of Jodie Marsh? God, no.

It's likely that the increasing number of women having breast augmentation is partially due to the strong economy (in everywhere but here in Michigan) and the fact that silicone gel implants were approved by the FDA in November. These implants are so superior to the saline implants in appearance and feel that I am now finding more women opting for these implants over saline implants, which are considerably less expensive and have been the standard in North America for 14 years (although outside North America are somewhat rarely used).

Back in 1992, when the silicone gel implants were banned by the FDA for widespread use, the ASPS reported only 32,600 breast augmentations performed for the year. This has now increased over 10-fold. Why is this? I believe one major factor is the vast improvement in quality of breast augmentation surgeries today. In the past, plastic surgeons often placed smaller, older style silicone gel implants on top of the muscle, using larger scars. This often created breasts which were hard, scarred, and unrealistic-appearing (sometimes as common as 70% of the time). The newer techniques utilize shorter scars and somewhat larger implants whch are often placed below the chest muscle. This usually creates a softer, more realistic breast.

With more and more silicone gel implants being used this year, I expect the numbers of breast augmentation surgeries to increase significantly from 2006 to 2007. We may see more and more celebrities having breast augmentation surgery as well, as the surgery continues to become more and more common.

For the ASPS statistics, visit plasticsurgery.org.

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

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

John Travolta wearing a wig?

Dlisted.com has this photo of John Travolta's wig. If you look closely you can see the lace work. Take that away and it looks fine!
Receding hair and baldness is a genetic trait. Don't worry, if you're 35 and have a full head of hair you are unlikely to lose it later on. Most men who go bald either get hair transplants (maybe Kevin Costner), a hairpiece (Andre Agassi's brother?) or just shave it all off (Andre Agassi and Bruce Willis). I only see the horseshoe combover look on older men who don't care how they look so much anymore...and Rudy Giuliani...

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

Kelly Clarkson and Weight

Singer Kelly Clarkson has been in the news lately for her recently cancelled summer concert tour. She has also recently admitted to Cosmogirl magazine that as a high schooler she unfortunately battled bulimia.



Patients often ask me what weight they should be before having plastic surgery. I usually answer that when their weight is stable, that is the time to consider plastic surgery. While some physicians may disagree with me, I do not believe that everyone is made to weigh their 'ideal body weight.' I believe in a life of moderation: exercising a few days a week (not every day of the week) and eating healthy but also enjoying bad food every once in a while. It does no good for someone to go on a crash diet, lose 40-50 lbs, have plastic surgery, and then gain the weight back because they couldn't stay on that crash diet for long. I believe that surgery is best done when your weight is stable, you're off cigarettes, and you feel and are healthy.

So where does that leave Kelly Clarkson? I don't think she wants or needs plastic surgery, but she looks healthy and happy to me. Plus, she can really sing.

photo credit: photorazzi.com

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

Mesotherapy articles

I get a lot of questions on mesotherapy, and its related techniques such as Lipodissolve. I do not perform this procedure but have been following it ever since I heard of it back during my year in Los Angeles (4 years ago). For those of you interested, here is a list of articles about mesotherapy, starting with the ones I recommend the most by the two main plastic surgery societies:

American Society of Plastic Surgeons article
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery article
My blog article
Wall Street Journal
U.S. News and World Report
New Beauty Magazine
Plastic Surgery 101 - Dr. Rob Oliver's posts

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

Ali G talks to a Dr. C Everett Koop

Thanks to plasticized.com for the link to this funny video.

Tommy Lee

Motley Crue is in the news today because they are currently suing their former manager over claims he made drummer Tommy Lee look "lazy and incompetent," partially by advising Mr. Lee to appear on the reality shows "Tommy Lee Goes to College" and "Rock Star: Supernova." Whatever. What about singer Vince Neil and his VH1 reality show "Remaking Vince Neil"? Some of you may recall that this is the television special which showed Vince Neil getting a facelift and other facial plastic surgeries. I would think that this tarnished the band's reputation more than "Rock Star: Supernova."

As far as Tommy, he's looking a little rough these days. There aren't a lot of plastic surgeries I would recommend for him, but a transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty would be a nice one. This is a surgery where the bags of fat are removed from under the eyes using small incisions on the inside of the eyelid, hence no visible scars. Takes about an hour with little to no pain or bruising afterwards. It's take a good five to ten years off, and could make him look more like he was in his Dr. Feelgood and Heather Locklear days. Rock on.

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

Breast Augmentation for Free - Ethically Wrong?

My Free Implants.com and a "Board-certified cosmetic surgeon" have gotten together to offer a free breast augmentation at Erotic LA, a three day sexuality and lifestyle exhibition to be held next week at the LA Convention Center. This is the second year in a row that they have had this contest.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, which is the largest and most trusted plastic surgery organization in the world, considers it an ethical violation to give out plastic surgery as a contest without following specific ethical guidelines. According to their guidelines, a member is subject to discipline or explusion if:

The member participates in a charity raffle, fund raising event, contest or other promotion in which the prize is any procedure* or gift certificate or other document redeemable for all or part of the cost of a procedure*.

There are a number of other rules regarding contest participation that I won't bother going into here. As a board-certified plastic surgeon I am always fighting against the perception that plastic surgeons are unethical, money-grubbing crooks. Contests like this don't help us in showing the public that the vast majority of us are physicians who strive to be ethical and use our skills to make people's lives better. Do we benefit monetarily through this? Yes, and for some more than others. Is that all we care about? No. I can honestly say that the best part of my job is seeing happy patients after their surgery and going home feeling that I helped some people feel better about themselves. I feel very blessed to be able to have the career I do.

And no, this isn't b.s.

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

Scary...

Wow, this is a photo that was presented on Dlisted.com. This is a good example of the statement: Just because you can do something (as a plastic surgeon) doesn't mean you should. Wonder if all three of them have the same surgeon?

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

Hugh Hefner and Simon Cowell on Plastic Surgery

Two prominent male celebrities have recented commented on men having plastic surgery, with vastly different opinions.
According to Hollyscoop.com, Hugh Hefner recently stated,
"I'm thinking of having a little face-lift. There is nothing wrong with plastic surgery. I think it is absolutely fine for men - I have already had teeth implants, and a few years ago I had a neck tuck. We are dealing with a whole different set of things physically now because we live so much longer."

A contrasting view was also recently stated by none other than Simon Cowell. According to the Post Chronicle, the American Idol judge recently stated,
"I wouldn't have plastic surgery, it looks ridiculous on guys. I'd never dye my hair either. Everyone thinks I do, but I never have. I do 100 press-ups before I get in the bath in the morning, then at work after a meeting, I'll shut the door and do more."

While I usually agree with Simon on his criticisms of American Idol contestants, I would have to disagree with him here. A good example of good male plastic surgery is Hugh Hefner, whose neckline a couple of years ago did look unnaturally sharp for a man his age. It does appear to have gotten looser over the last few years, however. I find this not to be too uncommon for people who have face or neck lifts in their 70's or 80's. Because the skin has lost its elasticity with age, the results don't last as long as someone in their 50's. Sorry Simon, I don't want to patronize you, but plastic surgery can look good in men if done well!

Photo credit: photorazzi.com

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

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Mickey Rourke and Plastic Surgery

Our friends at Celebrity Smack blog have done it again. A week or so ago they posted a very interesting photo chronology of Joan Rivers and her plastic surgery. Now they have done the same thing with Mickey Rourke. Where did things go wrong? I'd say around 1995?

Click here for the Evolution of Mickey Rourke.

Click here for my previous posts on Mickey Rourke.

Photo credit: getty images and photorazzi.com

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

Ethics of Medical Blogs

There is an interesting article in today's Detroit Free Press about medical blogs and the ethics surrounding them. There are numerous physicians who have had their blogs shut down due to ethics violations. The question of ethics and this blog has always concerned me. While you can't please everyone, I hope that this blog is never considered "unethical."

For a link to the article, click here.

Thanks for reading.

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

Brooke Burke Looks Great!

Brooke Burke was recently photographed looking absolutely fantastic just six months after giving birth to a baby girl. It's amazing to me how some people's bodies can bounce back after having children (she's had three) while other people's bodies undergo changes which can only be reversed surgically. I do believe a lot of this is due to genetics, although other factors such as hydration, smoking, and amount of weight gain also may play a part.
Many of you know that she was married to a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, although I see no sign of a tummy tuck here!

photo credit: egotastic.com

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

Courteney Cox banned from plastic surgery?

According to the Post Chronicle, David Arquette has banned his wife Courteney Cox from having plastic surgery. According to the article:

Former Friends star Courteney Cox is eager to undergo plastic surgery to slow down the signs of aging - but her husband David Arquette has banned her from doing so.
The 42-year-old actress gave birth to the couple's daughter Coco in 2004, and Cox is desperate to regain her pre-pregnancy figure with a little help from the surgeon's knife.
She says, "I have a permanent baby belly after having Coco and I have issues with getting older. I obsess over the changes. David has a huge problem with surgery, but I don't."

Ths photos I've seen of Courteney look pretty good. She probably wouldn't benefit much from a tummy tuck anyway. I've always wondered what she saw in him. Granted, he was once the WCW (World Championship Wrestling) Heavyweight champion, but still!

Photo credit: photorazzi.com

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

The G Shot

I've been asked by the Fox News Channel to discuss The G Shot on America's Newsroom tomorrow at 9:30 am. The G Shot is a procedure originated by well-known Beverly Hills gynecologist Dr. David Matlock, which entails injecting collagen into the G-spot to increase its thickness and size. The belief is that this can enhance sexual arousal and graftification. According to Dr. Matlock's in-office study, 87% of women reported successful results. The procedure takes about 8 seconds (the time for the injection) and lasts about 4 months.

Now, I've never performed this procedure, and as a surgeon tend to stay away from this area of the body. I do have some colleagues in Beverly Hills who know Dr. Matlock very well and have only kind words about him as a person, surgeon, and his practice. While the information on this procedure is scant in our scientific literature, this would be expected with such a new procedure. It is an off-label use of the product, and therefore not FDA approved yet. From what I can tell though, the risks are minimal, and it is definitely possible it works.
But I am still going to avoid putting needles into that area...

For more information on the G Shot, check out this article from the San Francisco Chronicle or click here for Dr. Matlock's website.

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

Heidi Montag Offered 1 Million Dollars by Playboy

In Touch Weekly is reporting that Heidi Montag has been offered One Million Dollars to pose her new plastic surgery body for Playboy Magazine. She had her surgery performed only two months ago, and it seems that the $7000 or so she paid for her breast augmentation has more than paid for itself!

For before and afters of Heidi Montag, click here.
Story credit: Cosmetic Makeovers
Photo credit: photorazzi.com

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

Cameron Diaz against plastic surgery?

News agencies are reporting that actress Cameron Diaz has come out against plastic surgery with the following statement:

Have you seen those shows where ordinary people want to look like Britney Spears or Brad Pitt? What on Earth possesses them to want to destroy their own character? To go under the knife to do that, well, it's sick," Diaz was quoted as saying in Britain's Daily Express. "I would never have anything done. I think beauty comes from the inside. When I see women who have had plastic surgery I find it unnerving. All I can see is the surgery. The person who has had it has vanished. I don't want to look like that."

After the publicity regarding her recent septoplasty and possible rhinoplasty this statement comes out as somewhat hypocritical. I agree with her on the sleeze factor of the MTV show "I Want a Famous Face," however it is easy for someone who has been voted one of People Magazine's Most Beautiful People to say that she would never have anything done.

Story credit: inside entertainment
Photo credit: photorazzi.com

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

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Kathy Griffin - Plastic Surgery

Kathy Griffin is in the news lately as the front runner for replacing departing Rosie O'Donnell from the View. I've always liked Kathy Griffin. Her self-deprecating sense of humor is a breath of fresh air when compared to all the stars who take themselves too seriously. I hear her stand-up show is great as well. What about her plastic surgery?

Kathy Griffin is on record for admitting she's had liposuction back in 1999. She unfortunately had some major complications which were reportedly "near fatal." She then became very anti-plastic surgery...until four years later.

She subsequently underwent 10 different procedures, including rhinoplasty, browlift, Botox injections, LASIK eye surgery, veneers, chemical hair straightening, a facial chemical peel, and liposuction again! According to Oprah, she stated:

"At first they wanted to give me the J-Lo butt bags. You can get your butt now to look like Jennifer Lopez's. Yes, Oprah, yes! They're very hot in Beverly Hills."Although she doesn't "mind a little Botox now and then," Kathy says she's staying away from liposuction. "I have new eyebrows, new eyes, new skin, new teeth... I'm working on the new personality."

I don't know the details of her liposuction complications, but in my experience it is extremely rare to have a major complication from liposuction. As long as too much fat is not removed in one setting, tumescent solution is used liberally for the procedure, and the surgery is performed in an accredited center by a board-certified plastic surgeon I think major complications are rare.

Photo credit: photorazzi.com

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

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Christa Miller from Scrubs

Christa Miller from "Scrubs"(one of my favorite television shows) has been looking more and more plastic with each season. Awful Plastic Surgery has some good before and afters.
What is happening to her? It appears to me that she has had her lips injected with a filler, likely Restylane, and she may have had fat grafting to her cheeks or possibly cheek implants. She also appears to have been Botox'ed and had a blepharoplasty, opening up her upper eyelids.

She appears to have really changed. At least her appearance really works for her character on the show. I also can't help but notice that Zach Braff would look great with a nice chin implant...

photo credit: photorazzi.com


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

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Gross Story about Liposuction "Meat"balls

If you have a sensitive stomach you may wish to skip this story. It has nothing to do with celebrities but is an "odd plastic surgery story." Apparently there is an artist named Marco Everistti who recently had liposuction. He saved the liposuction fat and has made them into "meat"balls, fried them in olive oil, and canned them. According to raincoaster.com:

Evaristti’s meatballs piece consists of 13 tins of the meat on a long table, in an echo of Christ’s last supper. He says the work is about the sanctity of the body and an unhealthy modern obsession with food and weight loss.
“Firstly, I want to show people that meatballs made with my fat are no more disgusting than the meatballs you buy in the supermarket,” he said. "Secondly, it’s a dialogue with a modern society that lives to eat, rather than eating to live as it should be. You eat, and when you’re fat, you go to a clinic, have an operation, have your fat removed and you start to eat again.”
When he displayed the piece in Chile, Evaristti invited 12 people to join him in eating the meatballs in a last supper. How did they taste? “Even better than my grandmother’s,” he said.

His grandmother must be a horrible cook.

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

Maxim Magazine Hot 100 of 2007

Maxim Magazine has unveiled their Hot 100 for 2007. Here are the top ten, and the "have they or haven't they regarding plastic surgery" (my opinions, of course):

10: Fergie - Rhinoplasty and possible endoscopic browlift. See previous post.
9: Eva Longoria - People seem to either love her or hate her. I think she is gorgeous. No obvious plastic surgery that I can see. Possibly some Restylane in her lips?
8: Rihanna - Doubt it. Too young.
7: Eva Mendes - Nothing obvious. She has come out against plastic surgery. See link.
6. Ali Larter - Not obvious. She has thin lips which don't look unnaturally augmented. Maybe some Botox in her forehead?
5. Jessica Biel - Her lips do appear to be augmented. Possibly with a permanent implant? See link.
4. Christina Aguilera - I'm a big fan of hers. She does appear to have had a breast augmentation and possible rhinoplasty, but who cares? She looks great and has a fantastic voice.
3. Scarlett Johansson - She has come out as being someone who would consider plastic surgery. See link. I like her. Her lips appear to be natural.
2. Jessica Alba - Hard to say. I think she may still be all natural.
1. Lindsay Lohan - She's number one? Ay caramba. She appears to have had her lips augmented on more than one occasion, and a breast augmentation seems likely given her recent rapid size enlargement. I've posted on her a couple times. See link.

What do you all think?

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

OH MY GOSH

Adult film star Maxi Mounds is the world record holder for the largest breast implants according to the Guiness Book of World Records. Her measurements are 42-26-36, and her breasts weigh 20 pounds each. According to Make Me Heal.com:

Maxi’s breasts were augmented with string breast implants (polypropylene breast implants), which are implants that continue to grow after being implanted in the patient. Typically used by women who want to grow their breasts to a monstrous size, the implants are made of polypropylene which is a synthetic material that expands upon absorbing fluid in the body. String breast implants are typically used only by women in the adult industry and are not FDA approved and not available in the United States.

This is insane. I've seen a lot of crazy stuff in this line of work, but so far this takes the cake. And you thought Pam Anderson was big!

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

Spider in your ear!

Great story I found on plasticized.com:

In Oregon, the lines between doctor and veterinarian were blurred when a nine-year-old boy visited Dr. David Irvine complaining of an earache. He said he heard 'rice krispie' sounds in his ear. After irrigating the ear with fluid, some spiders came out. "It was the only time I ever pulled out an invertebrate,"said Dr. Irvine.

That is nasty. This reminds me of a call I once received. A woman asked me for advice after suffering a poisonous spider bite to her face. This caused her cheek to have a big divot. She said she spent a night in a Motel 6 in Flint, Michigan and woke up with a brown recluse spider on her face, repeatedly biting her. The brown recluse spider is a poisonous spider whose toxin causes living tissue to die, hence the divot. No more Motel 6 for me!

Story credit: king5.com

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

Dr. Youn on Fox News Thursday May 17 at 9:40am

Just a quick note: I'll be interviewed on Fox News (the cable news channel) tomorrow morning at 9:40am on America's Newsroom. They will be asking me about some of the latest "fad" cosmetic procedures.

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

Kellie Pickler on Plastic Surgery

Kellie Pickler has recently commented on her new... ahem... rack:

“I don't take any of that personal when people criticize me about the way I look,” Pickler said. “You know what? If you don't have anything better to talk about than my rack...can I say rack? … It doesn’t bother me a bit. As long as I'm happy with Kellie than that’s most important.”
While describing the perfect man, Pickler says he has to make her laugh, because looks will fade. She then jokes that she’ll always look the same. “I will get everything sucked, tucked and cut off.”

I thought she was very entertaining on the show, but like most viewers was shocked at her sudden transformation. To each their own...

Story credit: fox11az.com
Photo credit: thatscountry.com

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

Virginia Madsen Admits to Botox and Juvederm

Oscar nominated actress Virginia Madsen has admitted to having both Botox and Juvederm injections, according to the latest People Magazine:

Pointing to the bridge between her eyes, the Sideways Oscar nominee, 45, told a New York press luncheon that "over the years" she's put the wrinkle-erasing product to use in order to deal with her "11" lines, and "more recently," she said, she's also used Juvéderm to correct the creases at the sides of her mouth. "
As I started to talk about it and as it ended up in print there was such an overwhelming response from friends and family, lots and lots of actors, people on the street," said Madsen, who is the new spokesperson for Allergan, Inc. – the maker of Botox and Juvéderm. "They were surprised that I looked so 'normal.' "
Madsen, whose mother, Elaine Madsen, was at her side, said: "That is how it should be. I don't have that sort of frozen look that we have talked about."

She really looks good. There are SO many actors and actresses who have Botox treatments but don't admit to it (which is just fine) or speak out against it (which is hypocritical). It's nice to see someone come out of the Botox closet without worry. I wonder how much the company is paying her?

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

New York Times Article

This blog and I were mentioned in the New York Times yesterday in an articled entitled, "Blogging for Beauty." In it they state:

Another surgery skeptic online is Dr. Anthony Youn, a plastic surgeon in Rochester Hills, Mich., who deconstructs the procedures of well-known figures on celebritycosmeticsurgery.blogspot.com.

Not too exciting, but a mention nonetheless. They also mention other blogs linked on this site, such as Plastic Surgery 101, The Beauty Brains, and Plasticized. Click here for the link to the article.

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

Thermage Complications

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the main medical journal for plastic surgeons, has published a letter in this month's issue I wrote regarding possible complications of Thermage.


Thanks for reading.

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

Sophia Loren - Plastic Surgery?

Sophia Loren was recently photographed in Rome looking a bit busty. The actress who was voted world's most naturally beautiful woman was recently written about in the Daily Mail:

Miss Loren, 72, has always denied going under the knife for a breast operation or any other cosmetic surgery.
In one interview the actress put her good looks down to "a love of life, spaghetti, and the odd bath in virgin olive oil".
In another she said: "My secret to looking young? I always have one more dream that has yet to come true. I am always looking forward to something."

As the C&C Music Factory once stated, "Things that make you go hmmm...."

Photo and story credit: Daily Mail

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

Luke Perry

Question: How can we make Luke Perry look like the Dylan McKay of old?

Answer: Some Botox in his forehead and crow's feet. This would remove the wrinkles in these areas and...voila! Dylan McKay again...almost.

Photo source: dlisted.com

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

Matthew McConaughey- Hair Transplants?

TMZ.com has some photos of what appears to be possible hair transplants for Matthew McConaughey. What else could it be? A nice hair piece is a possibility. Maybe he has been using the new Laser Comb, which is a brush that has a low-level laser built-in to "reduce the appearance of thin hair." If they are indeed hair transplants, it looks like a nice job.

Photo credit: TMZ.com

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

Billy Joel

Sorry for the lack of updates lately. Things have been really busy here, as I've been working on different projects. My wife and I did get a chance to go to a Billy Joel concert last night though. Wow. He was amazing. He played 2.5 hours of hit song after hit song, and he still left out a number of huge hits. His voice is still fantastic, and he remains quite a showman. Although he really has aged, he's still the man. Best songs of the night: Scenes from an Italian Restaurant and Piano Man (of course).

photo credit: photorazzi.com

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

Brendan Fraser - Hair Transplants?

Trent at Pink is the New Blog (a native of Michigan and a friend of mine) has a post on Brendan Fraser's recent appearance at a movie premiere. Has he had some hair transplants?

Way back when, plastic surgeons would treat bald areas by moving large amounts of skin (with the hair attached) from one part of the scalp to another. This left unfortunate scars, and is only done sparingly today.
This technique was followed by hair "macro" grafts. This procedure is probably where the term "hair plugs" originated from. Plastic surgeons would transplant hairs from one part of the scalp to another, in groups of maybe 5-10 hairs at a time. While this prevented the large scars of the previous surgeries, it often left people looking like they had "doll hair" with visible plugs.
The newest techniques involve "micro" grafts, where hairs are transplanted one or two hairs at a time. To my knowledge this leaves the most realistic result.

I can't stand doing hair transplantation though, as it is one of the most tedious of all plastic surgeries. We basically cut out a strip of hair from the back of the head and cut out each hair follicle one by one. These hair follicles are placed into small needle holes made in the bald areas. It takes a couple hours, as each hair is placed one at a time. I've heated each time I've done it. I found that whenever I put one hair in, two others would pop back out and fall on the floor. What a pain!

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