Kim Kardashian and Anti-Cellulite Treatments

Kim Kardashian was filmed undergoing anti-cellulite treatments on her E! Television reality show. Here is a link to the video on the great Celebrity Smack! blog.

The three most common cellulite treatments are Velasmooth (which Kim had), Dermosonic, and Endermologie. All of them employ a deep tissue massage with various other treatments. I am partial to Dermosonic, which I have in my office, although I think they all work. Dermosonic combines external ultrasound treatments with a deep tissue massage using mechanical rollers.

Unfortunately, I don't know of ANY permanent cellulite eradicator. Most treatments provide for the "temporary reduction of the appearance of cellulite." This means that the treatments must continue to a certain extent for the results to continue. But feel assured, even a glamorous young Hollywood star like Kim Kardashian has cellulite!

To view a video of an anti-cellulite treatment we did for local Fox 2 News, click here.

Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

John McCain and Melanoma

The New York Times has recently jumped on John McCain for his history of melanoma. Apparently, he's had a history of four melanomas removed. Melanoma is a dangerous form of skin cancer, and can metastasize to other organs and cause death. It is because of this that physicians recommend you to see your doctor if a mole displays one of the following signs: Assymetry, border irregularity, various colors, size greater than 6 mm, or changes in the mole.

I've always wondered why the left side of his face looked bloated and droopy. It appears that this was the area where the melanoma was removed. I once took off a big skin cancer off the side of the face in an older gentleman like him, and to close it up gave him a virtual facelift on one side. Too bad insurance didn't pay for me to lift the other side as well. At least he takes photographs good from one side! (Yes, this is a joke.)

Photo and story credit: nytimes.com

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

Play the Celebrity Plastic Surgery Concentration Game

If you are looking for a pleasant diversion, check out iVillage.com for a Celebrity Plastic Surgery Concentation Game 2. In this game you try to match before and after photos of celebrities and their plastic surgery. My time was 87 seconds. Can anyone beat that?

Click here for the game.

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

Lifestyl- Lift Lawsuit Dismissed

According to a news report from Wired, a Michigan judge has thrown out a lawsuit brought about by the Lifestyl- Lift company against infomercialscams.com. They alleged trademark violation by use of the trademarked name "Lifestyl- Lift." According to the article,

Many of the online complaints were from women who said they had a face-lift after seeing Lifestyle's infomercials. One woman claimed she lost hearing in one ear. Another said "every week my face proceeds to return to the way it was before the lift." Another said, "I feel ripped off."
The lawsuit was a bid to stifle free speech, according to Public Citizen, which defended the case.

I do not perform the Lifestyl- Lift.
Note: I am spelling it Lifestyl- Lift so that they don't sue me too.

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

Halle Berry - Breast Augmentation?

This photo of Halle Berry has been circulating around the internet and in magazines. Does it show a scar in her armpit from a breast augmentation?

It is definitely possible, however I usually place the scar in a wrinkle crease of the armpit which is perpendicular to the possible scar that we see here. It doesn't make much sense for her surgeon to place the scar in this direction because it would only make it more visible. It's possible that she doesn't have breast implants at all, and the scar is from something completely unrelated. No matter what it is from, one thing is certain. She looks fabulous.

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

photo credit: In Case You Didn't Know

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

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Botox Safety Article in Allure Magazine

Allure magazine has a very well-written article on the recent controversy regarding Botox safety. The media has recently focused on a study from Italy showing botulinum toxin being found in parts of the brain fluid in mice who had it injected near their whiskers. Allure's Joan Kron (a very well-respected journalist) has written "Botox on the Brain," addressing the recent controversy. I always find her articles well-written, well-researched, and very objective. Click here for the article.

She has also written on fat melting injections in the past. Click here for my post on this topic.

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

Jennifer Aniston - More Plastic Surgery?

TheBosh.com has a recent post on Jennifer Aniston's possible plastic surgery. According to a plastic surgeon, in addition to a rhinoplasty, he believes:

"It looks like she may have had some filler in her upper lip. It's subtle, but it benefits her face," he says. "Her brows look elevated, which means she may have had some Botox in her forehead."

I can see how this photo could resemble a person with Botox and subtle lip filler like Restylane. She, obviously, has denied anything but a functional septoplasty. Whatever she's had, she looks great.

Photo credit: TheBosh.com

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

Patricia Heaton - Belly Button-less?

Several websites are posting photos of Patricia Heaton in a bikini and claiming she has no belly button after having a tummy tuck. Is this true? And if so, why?

It's hard to tell from these photos if her umbilicus (belly button) was removed during her tummy tuck. If it was, this is actually not that uncommon, as many patients who have a tummy tuck have a hernia of their belly button as well. Some surgeons will repair the hernia at the time of the tummy tuck surgery. When this occurs, there is a risk that the belly button will lose its blood supply and die. Some surgeons will pre-empt this process by actually removing the belly button at the time of the surgery, with plans to remake a new one later. I tend to repair it at the time of surgery or have it done after the tummy tuck has completely healed.

To view a Fox News segment I did on a woman who had a tummy tuck and belly button hernia fixed, click here.

To view my other post on Patricia Heaton's Mommy Makeover, click here.

Photo link: vizuble

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

How things change...

Here is a great ad from the 1970's which shows just how much things change. "Young looking skin tomorrow??!!" Today we believe that damage from the sun's rays are the leading cause of premature aging, possibly followed by the effects of smoking. Hereditary influences have a large part, too.

Thanks to a great site, Cosmetic Makeovers, for the image.

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

MSNBC Celeb Slideshow and Top 7 Tips

MSNBC asked me to comment on the various before-and-after photos of 21 Top Celebrities. They've turned it into a slideshow, which has gotten over 2 million visitors in one day (now if only my blog could do that!). Click here for the slideshow.

They also asked me for my Top 7 Tips for Turning Back the Clock Without Looking Bizarre. Here they are:
1. Don't Freeze Your Forehead
2. Avoid the Trout Pout
3. Don't Turn Back the Clock Too Far.
4. Be an Individual
5. Don't Wait til it's Too Late
6. Remember that Less is More
7. Pick Your Doctor Wisely.

For more information on my Top 7 Tips, click here.

Thank you to msnbc, Linda Dahlstrom, and Julia Sommerfeld for including me in their story (and for paying me!).

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

Sally Field - Plastic Surgery?

Has Sally Field had plastic surgery? Make Me Heal.com thinks so. Click here to see their thoughts on her possible plastic surgery. Click the image to see it enlarged to decide for yourself!

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

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10 Cosmetic Procedures to Avoid - From ABC News

ABC News has an article announcing "10 Cosmetic Procedures to Avoid." Here are the ten, followed by whether I agree with ABC News to avoid them.

1. Mesotherapy and Lipodissolve - Avoid. See posts here
2. Cosmetic Foot Surgery - No Comment
3. Permanent Filler Injections - Avoid. See post here.
4. Injection for Breast Augmentation - Avoid. See post here.
5. Cosmetic Leg Lengthening Surgery - Avoid!
6. Buttock Implants - I like using fat instead to augment the buttocks, but don't have a lot of experience with the buttock implants themselves.
7. Permanent Makeup - No Comment
8. Extreme Facial Procedures - I am not sure what they mean by this. CO2 laser resurfacing is still common, and although I do not do this procedure due to its prolonged recovery, is still considered mainstream.
9. Augmentation Mastopexy (Breast Lift with Implants) - I do this procedure quite often, but am always very aware of the high complexity of this surgery. In the right hands and with the right patient counseling, it can be a very effective and safe surgery.
10. Any Procedure by Untrained Hands - I cannot agree more. There are too many fake plastic surgeons out there victimizing unsuspecting patients. Check out this link about how to find a (real) plastic surgeon.

Thanks for reading.

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

Andrew Lloyd Webber - Plastic Surgery?

In honor of Andrew Lloyd Webber's upcoming appearance on American Idol, I thought I'd address the question: Why does he look so odd?

Take a look at the older photo and compare it to the more recent photo. Three things come to mind:
1) He appears to have had an upper blepharoplasty, where the excess skin of his upper eyelids was removed. They look much more open now. This may have been combined with a browlift as well.
2) He has a weak chin, combined with a heavy neck.
3) A person can look unusual if one part of his or her face is rejuvenated and younger-looking, while the rest of the face continues to look older. In my opinion, this is the main reason why he looks somewhat strange.

How would I improve how he looks? I would recommend a lower facelift and possible chin augmentation in order to match the rest of his face with his rejuvenated eyelids. If the facelift is performed tastefully, I believe he would actually look more natural and less strange after the surgery than he does today.

As an aside, I think he is an extremely talented composer and have enjoyed many of his works. I brought my mom to see Cats, and have even seen Starlight Express by myself in London (while being the only person in the entire front row - talk about embarassing). Don't ask why...

Photo credit: starpulse.com, prphotos.com

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

My Beautiful Mommy Book

A new children's book to be released on Mother's Day is causing quite a stir around the country. My Beautiful Mommy is a book written by a plastic surgeon and aimed at 4-7 year old girls. It depicts a girl experiencing her mom go through a rhinoplasty and tummy tuck. Its aim is to educate children as to what is happening when their mommy goes to a plastic surgery consultation and subsequently undergoes the above surgeries. The program Happening Now interviewed me and psychiatrist Dr. Keith Ablow about our thoughts on this book.

Here's my take: With the vast amount of plastic surgery being performed today, it's unfortunately inevitable that some children will be exposed to their mom (or dad) having work done. Because of that, I do think that some tool to help parents explain what's happening is a beneficial thing. I do not agree with how this book portrays plastic surgery, however, because it stylizes and glamorizes plastic surgery and makes it somewhat 'sexy' to have it done. The doctor looks like the cartoon Superman and the mommy looks like a supermodel who always wears belly shirts. IF we need to expose our children to plastic surgery, we should do so in a more medical, reconstructive, and restorative way. Instead of "Mommy is having plastic surgery to be prettier," it should be "Mommy is going to the doctor to treat the loose skin on her tummy to make it like it used to be."

Maybe I should write a book called My Mommy is Beautiful With or Without Plastic Surgery.

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

Jenna Jameson's Lips are Huge

One of my favorite celebrity blogs, Celebrity Smack, has a number of new photos of Jenna Jameson at the premiere of the new movie, Zombie Strippers. She's been looking pretty rough for around a year now. Jenna's gotten overly skinny, had her breast implants removed or downsized (not necessarily a bad thing), and has her lips overly plumped. Her lips really look unnatural. If you are interested in seeing Zombie Strippers, it opens Friday.

I don't think my pregnant wife would be happy with me watching it...

Link: Celebrity Smack blog

For my previous posts on Jenna, click here.

Thanks for reading.

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

Lipodissolve: Too Good To Be True?

Good Morning America and 20/20 have recently broadcast investigations of Lipodissolve. Click here for their online story: 'Lunchtime Lipo' Draws Concern From Doctors. There is also a link to a streaming video of the GMA segment, where some patients are interviewed who developed disastrous results.

A few points:
1. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
2. If you have a doctor perform a cosmetic procedure who is not a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, be very wary.
3. I don't perform Lipodissolve, but I am interested in learning how it may be done safely. If it is performed on patients, then patients must be informed first about potential risks, potential for little or no benefit, and that the injections are not FDA-approved for that purpose.
4. Stay away from fake plastic surgeons.
5. If you absolutely must lose fat in a nontraditional way, then click here.


For my other posts on mesotherapy and lipodissolve, click here.

Thanks for reading.

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

Hillary Duff's Veneers

It's a quiet time for celebrity plastic surgery news, so I thought I'd comment on some cosmetic work of the past.
In August 2005, Hillary Duff had veneers placed on her teeth after chipping them on a microphone. Her dentist was a bit overzealous, however, causing her to undergo quite a bit of scrutiny for her new, overly-long teeth. She subsequently had them shortened and has looked great ever since. Good thing, since those extra-long teeth were "So Yesterday."

Photo credit: Life and Style magazine

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

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Plastic Surgery Recession?

Slate.com has an interesting article about plastic surgery and the current possible recession the country is undergoing. I can't say that I agree with everything written in this article, but I did find it a very interesting read.

The location where I practice (the metro Detroit area) is undergoing a definite recession. Jobs are being lost (many from the auto industry), people are fleeing the state to move elsewhere, and the real estate market is in the toilet. While the population here is shrinking, there appear to be no shortage of real and fake plastic surgeons still entering this market. Many have also turned to hyping their takes on procedures as something special (even if there is no scientific data to support this) as a way to lure patients in the door. Plasticized.com has what they consider to be an example of this from a plastic surgeon in my area.

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

Quick Links

Some quick links if you are interested...

1. The OC Register polls dermatologists and plastic surgeons on their thoughts regarding Priscilla Presley. One of them actually stated, “I would recommend that she looks fabulous now and that she does not need to have any more work done.” Huh?? What's he smoking? Click here.

2. Juliette Binoche sees "fear" in the faces of women who have Botox. I had 'fear' in my eyes when a "Dan in Real Life" DVD (which she starred in) showed up via Netflix, but it was actually a nice little movie. Click here.

3. Dr. Rob Oliver comments on Accolate and Singulair for breast implant capsular contractures. I've been using this for years, with some benefit. We don't have a lot else to try for patients with capsular contracture short of surgery. Click here.

4. The Evolution of Emilio Estevez, on Awful Plastic Surgery. This Young Gun is no longer Billy the Kid, but more Billy the middle-aged man. Click here.

Photo credit: prphotos.com

Thanks for reading.

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

Whitney Houston - Breast Implants?

Does Whitney Houston have breast implants? This photo from Ayyyy! is very suggestive of it. The two half-grapefruit look can often signify breast implants placed above the muscle in a person with very little breast tissue. In these patients the implant makes up nearly the entire breast and the round look of the implant is not blunted by the muscle covering it. For this reason, in really thin patients it is often best to put the implants partially under the pectoralis muscle.

Is Kevin Costner now the Boobyguard?

Photo credit: Ayyyy!

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.:

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