Does the Brava Breast Enhancement Device Work?

The Brava system is a nonsurgical breast enlargement device that claims to increase the size of your breasts 1/2 to 2 cups after 10 weeks of use. The wearer is supposed to use the device for a minimum of 10 hours a day and avoid missing even one day's worth of treatment. There has been some support for the effectiveness of this device in scientific studies. It works on the principle of tissue expansion, similar to what we use when reconstructing breast cancer patients, except instead of using an implant inside the breast it uses a vacuum applied to outside of the breasts.

The Rachael Ray Show (my favorite syndicated talk show :) ) has a segment tomorrow called Human Lab : Bigger Breasts. In the episode they will follow the experience of a viewer who tried the Brava system. Check it out if you get a chance! (No, I'm not on this episode) Click here for a link.

As an aside, I once had a patient come to see me after using the Brava and having disappointing results. She ended up giving me her Brava system after her breast implant surgery.

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

Juvederm XC - Less Painful Injectable Filler?

Allergan has just received FDA approval for Juvederm XC, the newest hyaluronic acid injectable filler formulated with lidocaine for greater comfort. In their study they found that 93% of the patients treated with Juvederm XC had less pain than when treated with the non-lidocaine formulation of Juvederm.

That sounds good to me. I'm very fond of using hyaluronic acid fillers due to their versatility and longevity. The only knock on them has been that they are somewhat uncomfortable to have injected. I hope that the new Juvederm XC will make the experience of injectable fillers much more pleasant.

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

New Revelations About John Edwards and..Plastic Surgery?

New details are emerging about former politician John Edwards. In addition to cheating on his cancer-stricken wife, a new book alleges that he used donor money to fund hiding his lies about the child he spawned with former mistress Rielle Hunter. Of note, I was actually asked by the National Enquirer to look at photos of her baby right after the story broke, whom they suspected could be Edwards'. I declined the invitation at the time. Looks like they were right on target with that one!


An insider recently remarked to Gawker:

In his book, Young writes that Edwards switched from Diet Coke to "caseloads" of Sprite and Sunkist after shelling out for plastic surgery and "new teeth" that were susceptible to stains.
Edwards' other drink of choice was cheap white wine -- over ice -- which his minions would keep at the ready in a cooler in Edwards' car.
"He's so nouveau riche," the snitch said. "He's totally a guy with no taste who suddenly came into a lot of money."



I never liked John Edwards. He always reeked of opportunist to me. I wonder what plastic surgery he had?

Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

The Decade's Top 10 Plastic Surgery Stories

Plastic Surgery News, the official newsletter of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, has released their Top 10 Plastic Surgery Stories of the Decade. Here they are:
1. Face Transplantation Becomes a Reality
2. Silicone Implants Return
3. Plastic Surgery and Reality TV
4. Botox Launches Minimally Invasive Trend
5. The Next Generation of Soft Tissue Fillers Arrive
6. High Profile Deaths Raise Patient Safety Awareness
7. Plastic Surgery Goes to Washington
8. Post-Bariatric Boom
9. Increase in Office-Based Surgery
10. Medical Tourism

In general I would agree with all of these. The field of plastic surgery has changed immensely in the past 10 years. I look forward to seeing how plastic surgery will be different in 2020!

By the way, I would add #11: Dr. Youn's popular Celebrity Cosmetic Surgery blog debuts. ;)

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

Is Heidi Montag a Hero?

I was watching the news last night and there was a report that stated that Heidi Montag's plastic surgeon called her a 'hero.' Now, I haven't read the context that this was taken from, but I would like to give the benefit of a doubt to her surgeon that he doesn't seriously consider her an actual hero. From what I know of her situation, I would consider her a confused young woman who has psychological problems stemming from self-image and self-esteem issues.

My opinion:
Volunteers in Haiti: Heroes
Troops in Afghanistan: Heroes
Sully: Hero
Man Who Heckled CarrotTop at Latest Performance: Hero
Heidi Montag: Not a Hero

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

What Octomom's Belly Button Should Look Like

With as many babies as she's had, Octomom's belly button should look more like this. Instead it is a vertical slit.

I think she's such a liar.

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

Octomom Had A Tummy Tuck (I'm Pretty Sure)

So now Octomom is on the cover of Star Magazine claiming her flat stomach is not the result of a tummy tuck. I think that's a load of hooey. This is the same person who claimed she did not have her lips plumped up.

So what's the telltale sign of her tummy tuck?
Look at her belly button. It's a vertical slit. While we can't see the long scar associated with a tummy tuck (see my website page here for a diagram), the belly button looks like her surgeon either created it herself or inset it as a vertical slit. In my opinion, this is a telltale sign of a tummy tuck.

It's nearly impossible for her tummy to flatten like it has without plastic surgery. There should be a considerable amount of extra skin, and the belly button usually resembles a ^, not a .

Octomom, your nose is growing!

If you live in the Metro Detroit area, I will be calling in to Fox 2 News tomorrow morning at 8:30am to discuss the Octomom and Heidi Montag.

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

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Dr. Youn on the Fox News Channel Tomorrow to Discuss Heidi Montag's Plastic Surgery

For those of you who are interested, I will be on America's Newsroom on the Fox News Channel at 10:30 am EST tomorrow (Thursday) morning to discuss Heidi Montag's recent plastic surgery. I'll be joined by noted psychologist Dr. Keith Ablow.

See you then!

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

Cytori Gets FDA Approval For PureGraft System

Cytori Therapeutics, one of the world leaders in stem cell technology, has recently received FDA approval for its PureGraft system. Now, this is not a stem cell harvesting machine, but instead is a device that makes fat grafting more efficient. According to released information, PureGraft helps to prepare fat for reinjection within about 15 minutes. It's scheduled to be formally launched at the May meeting of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in Washington, D.C.

Does this mean actual stem cell transplantation for cosmetic purposes is close to reality in the U.S.?

I doubt it. 'Sigh'

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

Cher at the Golden Globes

It's been a while since I've seen Cher on TV, so when she initially appeared on stage last night at the Golden Globes I thought, "Oh, she looks the same as usual." Then she spoke. Her face doesn't move! Is that the price for looking the same as she did ten years ago? An immobile face?

Maybe she should lay off the neurotoxin for a while.

Photo credit: x17online.com

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

iPhone Apps That Remove Wrinkles, Cellulite, and Even Grow Hair?

Now I've heard of everything! There is a company that is selling iPhone Apps that claim to erase wrinkles, smooth cellulite, reduce puffy eyes, and even grow hair! Here is the company's explanation of how using their iPhone app can erase wrinkles:

The wrinkle eraser uses green color and the Jade gemstone to increase collagen and elastin. Green is the color of nature. It is related to love and self-love and includes the ability to give and take love unconditionally. It has a calming effect that especially builds collagen, elastin, and protein therefore helping with wrinkles and fine lines.

What a crock! I know of no evidence that putting a certain color light on your skin can do anything at all. If this was truly the case, I'd sleep with a green light over my face.

For their website, click here.
Thanks to Cosmetic Makeovers for the information.

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

Heidi Montag - Plastic Surgery Addiction

The media is currently buzzing about People Magazine's newest issue with Heidi Montag. In the issue she admits to being "obsessed" with plastic surgery and recently undergoing ten procedures during one operative setting in November. What the heck is going on here?

Heidi is a 23 year old young woman who obviously has self-image problems. Because she has no real talent to keep her in the spotlight she appears to be using plastic surgery as a sad attempt to stay on the covers of magazines. While this may work for a week, the results of her surgery stay for life. Here's what I think about the ten procedures she's had done:

Revision nose job - unnecessary. It looked fine after the first one. This just creates more scar tissue which could cause problems down the line.
Chin reduction - Why? Her chin looked good before.
Mini brow lift - stupid. Her brows were not droopy.
Botox - unnecessary in a 23 year old. She had no real wrinkles before. Now she has a "Botox brow" and looks like Cruella De Vil.
Fat injections - Not needed. She is too young to need fat grafting to her face. Unless the person has an unusually flat face, I usually consider this in the 30's at the earliest.
Ear pinning - I'm unsure about this one. It's reasonable if she had ears that stuck out.
Liposuction - ridiculous - She's too thin to need lipo. She should talk to Tara Reid.
Buttock augmentation - dumb - Heidi had a very nice derriere before the surgery. She should leave well-enough alone. She risks it becoming lumpy and uneven.
Breast augmentation revision - Probably unnecessary. Unless she had a complication or wanted to downsize, there was probably no reason to do this.

Overall, a 23 year old woman should not be having this many surgeries. Most, if not all, of her surgeries appear unnecessary and could even potentially make her look worse, not better. Unless there is more to the story than there appears on the surface, I don't think all these operations were the right thing to do. Send the poor woman to a shrink instead.


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

Sharon Stone on Meryl Streep, Plastic Surgery, and "Unmade Bed(s)"

Sharon Stone has recently commented on Meryl Streep's lack of plastic surgery, calling her an 'unmade bed.'

According to Splash News:

The 51-year-old Basic Instinct star made the comment in reference to how good she looks without having plastic surgery.
She said: 'She looks like an unmade bed.'

Stone added that Streep 'looks true. It is a very good reason as an actor not to have surgery, but to do it in the old-fashioned way - to go to the gym and take care of your internal life'.

Asked if she has ever thought about plastic surgery herself, Stone said: 'I'm not saying I might not do a little something later. Not now.'

Not now? What about breast implants? What about some Botox between her eyebrows? I wouldn't want to be called an 'unmade bed.' That sounds wrinkly to me. I'd rather be a futon with throw pillows.

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

Check Out The Rachael Ray Show Wed Jan 13th!

Hi readers! I will be featured on a segment of the Rachael Ray Show Wed. Jan 13th. Rachael and I will be covering four ways that you can get your body Red Carpet Ready. Should be a lot of fun!

Check out the Rachael Ray Show website here for a sneak peak.

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

Dr. Youn on the CBS Early Show This Morning!

For those of you who caught it, I was given the privilege of being a guest on the CBS Saturday Early Show this morning. We talked about some of the latest trends in plastic surgery, including the Syneron eMatrix and Dysport injections. For a partial transcript, click here.

I had a nice time meeting Dr. Alan Baumann, hair restoration specialist from Florida. He was also on the show and is a very polished speaker. I've always said I'd rather stick pencils in my eyes than perform hair transplant surgery, but he seems to have a real passion for it. If you have interest in hair loss, click here for his very comprehensive blog. If you look real hard you may even find a picture of us with Dr. Jennifer Ashton from the Early Show.

I also briefly met former American Idol runner-up Katherine McPhee. She's an amazing singer and very sweet and pleasant off-camera. Even though she's changed her look, she definitely reminds me of when I saw her on American Idol.

I'd like to thank all of the staff at the Early Show for their hospitality. All of them, from the anchors to the producers were a real pleasure to work with.

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

My Celeb Plastic Surgery Slideshow on MSNBC.com

Sorry for the lack of recent updates. I've been busy with many projects such as this one: A comprehensive slideshow of celebrity plastic surgery before-and-afters for MSNBC.com. You can check it out (along with my comments) here.

Enjoy! And don't groan at my lame jokes!

Thanks to Linda Dahlstrom and MSNBC.com for the opportunity to write for you.

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

Casey Johnson

Yet another young celebrity who appears to have had plastic surgery has died. Following the tragic death of Brittany Murphy, heirress Casey Johnson has died. Details are still sketchy, but it appears that she suffered from Type I Diabetes. My thoughts go out to her friends and family.

photo credit: prphotos.com

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

Dr. Youn's Plastic Surgery Predictions for 2010 (Cont.)

And now, the final four of Dr. Youn's Plastic Surgery Predictions for 2010:

4. The Lunchtime "One Hour" Mini-Facelifts will Continue to Be Exposed For What They Are: Misleading Advertising by Poorly Trained Cosmetic Surgeons - 2009 saw one mini-facelift company fined by a state attorney general for posting false internet reviews. The numbers of real facelifts by real plastic surgeons continue to grow after a slight dip a few years ago. Will 2010 continue to reveal the truth behind mini-facelift centers? I hope so.

3. Nonsurgical Liposuction Will Remain the Holy Grail of Plastic Surgery - 2009 saw the emergence of Zerona, currently the only laser used in widespread fashion for nonsurgical inch loss. Even though it does appear to work, there are many other companies working on their own nonsurgical liposuction devices, including Cryolipolysis, External Ultrasound (Ultrashape and Liposonix), and others. I don't think we'll see these machines FDA-approved in 2010, but anticipation will continue to build for their possible emergence in 2011.

2. There Will Unfortunately Be More and More Plastic Surgery Disasters By Phony Plastic Surgeons - In 2009 we saw an increasing number of phony plastic surgeons losing their medical licenses, performing botched procedures, and even having their patients die from poor or improper care. There was an occupational medicine physician performing carboxytherapy on a patient who died (link), a family doc who made a 10 cm incision for a free promotional breast augmentation (link), and the ER doc whose patients died after he performed liposuction on them (link). What's next? A radiologist using his patients' liposuctioned fat to power his car? Oh, that's right. That's already happened (link).

1. After two years of mild decline, the number of people undergoing plastic surgery is going to significantly increase. 2008 saw the amount of plastic surgery performed decline, possibly for the first time ever. I expect that the amount of plastic surgery performed in 2009 will also follow this trend when the American Society of Plastic Surgeons releases their statistics later this year. With the Great Recession over, however, I believe that more and more people will have plastic surgery in 2010. After a two year dip, things may return to the levels they were back in 2007. It also helps that the Bo-Tax has been killed.

I predict that this positive plastic surgery trend will be present in all states except one: Michigan. Bummer.

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

Dr. Youn's Plastic Surgery Predictions for 2010

A few weeks ago I posted how I did with my plastic surgery predictions for 2009. So what do I think 2010 has in store for plastic surgery? Here's a rundown of my Top 8 Plastic Surgery Predictions for 2010:

8. After a couple years without a new, successful plastic surgery reality program, a new plastic surgery reality show arrives to take the place previously occupied by Dr. 90210 and Extreme Makeover. 2009 had the Oxygen show Addicted to Beauty, which had relatively few addicted to watching it, and Dr. 90210 recently had a special, called Extreme Dr. 90210. I believe in 2010 we may see an all new, original plastic surgery reality show that will get some good ratings and actually last more than one season!

7. New injectables will hit the market, but none will have the impact of Dysport, the only valid Botox competitor. 2009 saw the emergence of many new injectables, such as Hydrelle (yawn) and Dysport (huge). While we may see some more hyaluronic acid-based fillers, we will probably need to wait until 2011 for another 'game-changer' to hit the market. Could it be a new topical Botox-type cream? Possibly!

6. Will the Gummy Bear Breast Implants make it Big in 2010? I doubt it. I hear through the grapevine (sorry, can't reveal my sources) that we will not likely see Form Stable Silicone Gel (a.k.a. Gummy Bear) breast implants until late 2010 at the absolute earliest. We may see a reprise of the Thanksgiving 2006 FDA announcement, when the non-form stable silicone gel implants ban was lifted. Could the gummy bears be approved in Thanksgiving 2010? Maybe at the earliest...

5. A big name Hollywood star will admit to plastic surgery. 2009 saw mostly D-list and reality stars admitting to going under the plastic surgeon's knife (Bruce Jenner, many of the Real (annoying) Housewives, Kate Gosselin, etc.). Could this be the year that an A-lister admits to having plastic surgery? It's becoming more and more accepted in Hollywood to admit to Botox, but that's still a far cry from admitting to having a facelift or breast augmentation. Here's a list of people I'd like to see cop to having work done (can't fool me!): Sly Stallone, Suzanne Somers, Nicole Kidman, and Nadya "Octomom" Suleman. Actually, cancel that last one. I have no desire to ever see or hear from her again!

For numbers 4-1, stay tuned to my next post!

Happy New Year!

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

Did Tiger Woods Need a Plastic Surgeon?

X17 is reporting that Tiger Woods suffered such severe injuries at the hands of his wife that he needed a plastic surgeon to repair him. According to Popeater, Tiger's wife attacked him with a 9 iron:

"When she struck Tiger, she put a huge gash in the right side of his face next to his nose (causing his nose to bruise some), and virtually knocking two of his upper teeth out, and breaking the bone on the upper right side," (sports columnist) Bisher writes.

I take ER call for a local hospital and quite often see traumatic injuries, such as people who get bit by dogs, fall off horses, are struck by flying logs, and are in car accidents. Last week I saw a patient with some major injuries from a seizure. BUT I've never seen a philandering husband beat in the face with a golf club by his pissed off wife!



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

Has Lil Kim Undergone a Revision Rhinoplasty?

Make Me Heal.com is reporting that Lil Kim has undergone a revision rhinoplasty. Check out their article here.

Back in a flash!

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

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Kathy Griffin - Botox Brows?

Kathy Griffin meet Botox. Botox meet Kathy Gr- Oh sorry, it looks like you've already met. And know each other very well.

Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

Santa Claus and Plastic Surgery?

What plastic surgery would make Santa Claus look better?
Well, first of all, he should hold off on some of those fattening cookies and switch to skim milk. This may allow him to lose a few pounds and improve his morbid obesity. As far as plastic surgery, his nose is the major problem. He suffers from rhinophyma, a condition where the nose becomes bulbous and red from overgrowth of sebaceous glands. This is often connected to out-of-control rosacea. Bill Clinton appears to have rhinophyma too.

Santa's nose can be whittled down using lasers, loop cautery, or even just a simple scalpel blade. Then he would look more like Ashlee Simpson.

Merry Christmas to you! May God bless you and your families.

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

Brittany Murphy's Death and Plastic Surgery Rumors

Rumors abound surrounding the recent death of actress Brittany Murphy. Does plastic surgery or medications she may have taken after having plastic surgery have any connection with her premature passing? Here are some articles that focus on her connection with plastic surgery:

The Plastic Surgery Channel - Was she taking Vicodin?
Gather.com - Was she a plastic surgery addict?
Make Me Heal.com - Speculation on her plastic surgery.

Just another sad Hollywood story all around. She was great in 8 Mile...

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

Tara Reid's Plastic Surgery in Playboy

The latest issue of Playboy contains actress Tara Reid's nude pictorial. As you probably know, she has been very candid about her botched breast lift and liposuction surgery by a phony plastic surgeon. She subsequently underwent corrective surgery by a good friend of mine, Dr. Steve Svehlak, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills. Now she's in Playboy. Topless. With no scars. Hmmm. Something smells fishy, and it's not her acting career.

This reminds me of the Carnie Wilson Playboy pictorial, after she admitted to undergoing a breast lift. There were no scars in her pictorial either! What kind of breast lift creates no scars??

With all the airbrushing and Photoshopping going around, when reading magazines I often feel like I'm looking at drawings or paintings of famous people, not photographs. Maxim and Playboy may be the worst of these, but virtually every magazine airbrushes their photos. This creates a very unrealistic view of how people should and do look. Anyone can look good if their 'flaws' are conveniently painted away or covered with makeup, even me. Have you seen how great my skin looks on TV? Not in real life it doesn't!

To see a few photos from the Tara Reid Playboy issue, check out Perez Hilton's blog here.

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

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The Bo-Tax is Dead

Breaking News:
The Bo-Tax has died. The proposed 5% tax on cosmetic plastic surgery has been removed from the final draft which was agreed to by the final Democratic senator holdout.

Hopefully we will not see the Bo-Tax rear its ugly head again...

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

Merry Christmas! You Need to Improve How You Look!

There's a nice article by Diane Mapes in MSNBC.com called Bad Santa: Gifts That Say You're Old, Fat, and Hairy. They interviewed me for this one. Find it here.

November and December are some of the busiest months for plastic surgeons. There are lots of reasons:
1. People have time off to recover.
2. People have paid their deductibles and want to use their insurance for elective procedures (not cosmetic, though).
3. People come home for the holidays and have Mom take care of them while they recover from plastic surgery. No one cares for you like Mom!
4. People get plastic surgery as Christmas gifts.

With the economy in Michigan in the toilet, I am surprised at just how many people are having plastic surgery. I'm thankful, though, since I am able to give out Christmas bonuses and gift baskets this year!

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

Sophia Loren Denies Plastic Surgery - Huh?

Sophia Loren has recently gone on record denying having plastic surgery. According to ivillage.com:

The actress, who became an international sensation in the '60s, has told PEOPLE magazine that her looks are 100% natural. "I don't believe in having work done, because then everybody looks the same," she says.

Huh? While I don't think she's had a lot of work done, to me she looks like she's had a facelift. Here are some signs:
1. There is a sweep to her jawline which is consistent with the sweep of a facelift.
2. Her jawline is unnaturally sharp and tight for a 75 year old woman.
3. Some photos of the undersurface of her neck show unevenness and dimpling similar to that seen with a facelift.

My feeling is, if you're not going to come clean and admit you've had work done, then that's your business. However, don't come out saying you haven't had work done when you have, since that's just being disingenuous. Just my humble opinion!

I like Jane Seymour. She's been very up front and nonapologetic about what she's had done. Plus, I like her in the cult classic Somewhere in Time.

Photo credit: In Your Face

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

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Do It Yourself Plastic Surgery?

There was an interesting segment on 20/20 regarding Do It Yourself plastic surgery. Some of the stories are unbelievable, with some horrific results. I find it amazing that people would buy items on the internet and inject themselves with them. I don't mind giving injections and performing surgery, but I still can't look when I get a flu shot.

Make sure to always choose a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. To do anything else would be taking an unnecessary risk. You don't want to end up looking like the poor Korean woman in the video! (yes, a bit of an exaggeration, I know)

For the 20/20 segment on streaming video, click here.

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

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

Thanks for reading.
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!

Thanks for reading.
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!

Thanks for reading.
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!

Thanks for reading.
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.: