Dr. Young Forever

Lateral Brow Lift Provides Youthful Results

2015-08-17T11:36:00.001-05:00

Introducing the lateral brow lift, a quick and easy way to improve the hooding of the eyelid without performing a blepharoplasty (eyelid lift).

This new procedure is a miniature version of a full brow lift because it focuses on the ouside portion of your eyebrow and can provide lift to an area that tends to show age. The procedure takes about 45 minutes and raises the outside eyebrow. The incision is in the hairline and is about two inches long.

Not only is this procedure effective, it is less costly than a full brow lift. If you would like more information on this procedure now being offered to San Antonio men and women, contact Dr. Robert Young.

It's HOT! How to keep heat from destroying your skin

2014-07-28T15:30:00.000-05:00

by Andrea L. Algar

We all know that triple digit heat can make us feel heavy, sweaty, labored, tired and in extreme cases can even make us feel nauseous, light-headed or faint, and even physically sick. But can heat affect our skin?

HUMAN SKIN
Photo Credit: medicineworld.org

Heat affects how we feel and what we do. Exposure to heat also can take a toll and effect unwanted changes in our skin. Considering that skin is our largest organ, and does more than you might realize, it's very important that we take care in our exposure to heat.

We all know that sun exposure is a danger in itself because of the increased risk of bad burns and potential skin cancer. But, we also know that it's difficult to escape the heat in Southern climates and especially here in Texas where we now have temperatures in the triple digits.

In order to fully appreciate why you need to protect your skin, you first need to know the facts about the skin you live in!

Skin is AMAZING - Facts about skin you might not know!

Skin is the largest and heaviest organ in our body
The average adult has 8 pounds of skin!
Skin is 70% water, 25% protein, and usually less than 5% fat
Skin protects everything inside your body (veins, arteries, blood vessels)
There are 3 layers in human skin: epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous
Skin is your body's waterproof covering
Skin is a barrier to harmful chemicals and germs
Skin is a shock absorber
Skin moderates your temperature and helps keep you cool in the heat
An adult has about 22 square feet of skin (the size of a twin bed or doorway)
Skin helps you retain water
Skin produces nutrients and vitamins
Skin helps prevent infections
Skin is the organ primarily responsible for our sensory functions (feel/touch)
Skin is constantly evolving
We shed about 40,000 skin cells per minute
Skin self-lubricates
Skin renews itself once every 35 days
Skin holds us together!

You can see how skin is a truly amazing and that it is a most necessary and important part of our bodies. What isn't talked about much is the damage that HEAT can do to our skin.

Heat can rob skin of vital nutrients, making skin look older. With prolonged exposure, fine lines and wrinkles become more pronounced. With age and continued exposure, sun spots (also called age spots) pop up seemingly overnight. What was once beautiful smooth skin is now marred. It is also much more difficult to keep well hydrated.

Heat can also lead to skin problems such as heat rash. Many people are familiar with heat rash in infants and young children, but it also occurs in adults, with the same annoying bumps and blisters that trap moisture under the skin and can itch, cause peeling, and soreness as they burst open. Heat rash can occur anywhere on the body, but is most often seen on the torso, legs, back and neck areas where perspiration can accumulate and cause rashes. If your skin is prone to breaking out (acne), take extra precautions by washing skin periodically with a gentle cleanser and pat drying. Even those not prone to acne can develop a type of acne common in hot weather called acne mechanica.

To minimize negative effects of heat on your skin:

Use sunscreen (and use it on your face and body)
Wear protective clothing including hats and lightweight clothing
Shower to reduce the risk of heat rash and to help keep your core cool
Use gentle skin cleansers so your skin isn't dried out or irritated
Gently exfoliate to release trapped irritants and remove dead skin cells
Use facial and body moisturizers to lock hydration in following showers
Hydrate from the inside out! Drink lots of water!
Alternate water with fruit juices and other nutritious beverages

Quality Sunscreens Rule!

There are a number of excellent sunscreens in SPF ratings that can help keep your skin safe. I love NeoCutis' Journee Day Cream SPF 30 with PSP growth factors (great for those who don't want to look like they're using a sunscreen). And, fantastic for those who must spend time outdoors is the ViDerm SFP 55 Sunscreen with titanium dioxide and octinoxate that provides oil-free and water resistant 98% protection from UVA and UVB rays at the same time providing EGCG antioxidants as well as vitamins A and E.

As a board certified plastic surgeon, San Antonio's Dr. Robert N. Young suggests you get in the habit of using sunscreens every day. He states, "Remember that even the best sunscreens wear off. If you're spending the day at the pool or beach, they also wash off eventually, even if they are water resistant or waterproof. Reapply sunscreens periodically and use them even on overcast days. As you age, you'll be glad you did. Women I see who have protected their skin from the damage of sun and heat age much better and have fewer complaints about their skin."

Bottom line: Take care of your skin. Although it is forever changing and renewing itself, the damage that comes from the sun and exposure to heat can last a lifetime!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea Algar is an author who writes on topics that interest her. Over the last 30 years she has written articles on a variety of topics and currently contributes to several blogs on a regular basis.

Plastic Surgery Procedures Increase as Trend of "Selfies" Grows

2014-06-17T17:30:00.000-05:00

by Andrea L. Algar

We've all seen how the trend of taking "selfies" seems to be out of control. It is now being reported that this growing trend is leading to some pretty unexpected outcomes. Cosmetic surgery is on the rise!

Selfie found on the Internet

The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports that in 2013 Americans spent almost $12 billion on plastic surgery and nonsurgical procedures to enhance their looks. What they didn't report is that procedures such as hand rejuvenation and facial procedures have taken a sudden swing upward. Many are concluding that this is because of the increase in social media and people taking "selfies" which become closely scrutinized.

Certainly the face is important because it is the focus of photos. The hands become important because they're often an unintended object in selfies. People want to put their "best face" forward on social media, whether they prefer Facebook, Linked In, or other sites. But, does it actually change the way we look at ourselves?

Anyone who looks very closely at themselves is apt to find SOMETHING they don't like. Whether it be that their lips are too thin, their nose is too big, or that they lose count on the number of chins they see, our appearance is under much closer observation and assessment. It is now much easier to obsess over perceived inadequacies because we have much more opportunity to see ourselves through others' eyes.

Plastic surgeons are now noticing the change in cosmetic patient coming to their practice for hand and face enhancements...the two areas most noticed in "selfies". Surgical procedures for eyelid surgery and rhinoplasty grew in 2013 at an unexpected rate. And, non-surgical treatments including injections for the face and hands, have grown even more briskly. So much so that it has many industry analysts thinking that minimally invasive procedures will be the next hot trend in plastic surgery.

If the "selfie" trend continues, there's little doubt that men and women of all ages will continue to pay more attention to how they appear to others. Whether it influences more young people to get cosmetic procedures, drives up the number of facial and hand procedures, or even gets more men running for plastic surgery remains to be seen.

What do you feel about "selfies" influence on the way we look at ourselves?

10 Reasons Not To Get Breast Implants

2014-06-02T12:00:00.000-05:00

by Andrea L. Algar

San Antonio Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Robert Young has taken a look at the Top 10 Reasons to Get Breast Augmentation, but recently he's been asked to take a look at the Top 10 reasons why women might NOT want to get breast implants.

We all can safely assume that the prominent reason women want breast augmentation is to increase the size of their breasts. The reasons they choose do so, however, are as varied as the women who get breast implants. Whether a woman chooses saline breast implants or silicone gel breast implants, and whether they choose round, shaped, textured or smooth has little to do with whether or not they decide to get them in the first place.

What Dr. Young has found is that the reasons women delay or avoid getting breast implants boils down to ten or so most-cited reasons.

Here's our list:

"Afraid what others will think" This is actually more common than you might think. Even those determined to get their breasts enhanced often worry about this. Luckily, most people are very accepting of breast augmentation and in fact most forms of cosmetic surgery. Old stereotypes just don't hold up anymore.

"I'm happy with my breasts" Undoubtedly there may be women who actually are happy with their breasts just the way they are. Or at least it's their story and they're sticking to it!

"Husband/boyfriend doesn't want me to" This is also more common than you may think. Even with the progress women have made, they still look to their significant other for support and understanding. It's hard to pursue a procedure when the support is not there, although it begs the question of why he does not support it. Insecurity can rear its ugly head if the partner feels you may become more attractive to other men.

"Health conditions" Certainly this would seem a very legitimate reason. We advise women with health conditions that pose concern to talk to the primary physician they see for that condition and get medical clearance. If they feel it's okay, then you can rest assured that breast implant surgery should be okay for you. Many women with health conditions such as arthritis,

"I don't have the money" Finances do play a big role in a woman's decision to get the breast augmentation she's been dreaming about. However, there are many options including patient financing with attractive repayment terms that can help make it affordable to women of all ages. Some get help from friends or family who are willing to help as well.

"I can't get time off of work" Everyone has concerns these days about taking time off of work. You don't want to jeopardize your job, and you don't necessarily want everyone in the office to know that you're taking the time to get your breasts done. Most women we see take anywhere from a few days to a week or two off of work.

"I'm worried about breast cancer and whether the implants will hide something, or maybe even cause me to get cancer." Mammography has advanced so much over the last decade, and most experienced technicians know exactly how to deal with them. They've developed techniques that don't require the implant-crushing force that old-time visits used to. They're much more comfortable, and radiologists have learned to read the exams better. Studies have shown that there is no evidence that breast implants cause one to get cancer.

"I don't want to look like a clown and be laughed at. I've heard remarks some people make." This can happen, especially when women select implants that are much too big for their body. We encourage patients to try on a variety of sizes until they find those that feel best for them. You'll know whether you're picking something that's too big or that would make you feel clownish. Just remember, there are no set right-or-wrong answers when it comes to selecting the implants that you like best. Visiting a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who shows you what various size implants would look like on you is a good step toward a satisfying choice.

"I'm athletic and fear they'll interfere with my workouts/sports" We've seen runners, weightlifters, body builders, cyclists, swimmers, and many other types of athletes over the years. As long as you adhere to your surgeon's advice following surgery (the recovery period), which does require refraining from physical exercise and strenuous activities, you'll soon be able to return to your routines without harm to you or your implants. For some, it can take as many as 8-12 weeks for return to all of your normal activities.

"It will be costly to replace all my clothes" Again, much will depend on how much you increase your bust line. Small changes of 1-2 cup sizes often do not require a complete wardrobe change. And, you'll find that you'll look forward to going to the store to purchase your new bras and wardrobe items!

Why would a plastic surgeon discuss why you might not want to get breast augmentation? There are pros and cons to everything in life. We know that women don't usually take breast augmentation surgery lightly, and in fact have probably been thinking about it for many years. Weighing your options is key to your ultimate happiness with breast augmentation. Once you take a close look at each of your objections, trying to think of both the negative and the positive to each, you may find it easier to make decisions you're happy with.

ASPS Report Shows Breast Augmentation Top Procedure - Buttock Enhancement and Neck Lift On The Rise

2014-03-11T12:00:00.000-05:00

by Andrea L. Algar

More and more Americans are opting to enhance themselves with plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures. According to a new report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), cosmetic surgery procedures in 2013 were up 3% from the 2012. 15.1 million procedures were performed.

Not surprisingly, breast augmentations and nose jobs (rhinoplasty) are still the most popular surgical procedures. More surprising is how sharply buttock enhancements have risen. Almost 10,000 procedures took place in 2013, which represent an increase of 16 percent from the previous year.

According to Dr. Robert Young, "Breast Augmentation continues to be the number one procedure I do. The Brazilian Butt Lift is also a very popular procedure in my San Antonio Surgery Center. I've noticed a sharp increase in them over the last two years. I think women like it because you're eliminating problematic fatty areas (usually the abdomen, hips or thighs) with liposuction, while adding desired volume to the buttock." Also of interest was that neck lifts also rose sharply with more than 55,000 neck procedures performed last year.

In a press release by the ASPS, President Dr. Robert Murphy said, “The demand for plastic surgery remains strong, with our statistics showing increases in both cosmetic surgical and minimally-invasive procedures… With new devices and products hitting the market each year, there are more options and choices available to consumers wanting to refresh their look or a little nip and tuck."

What does this mean for the average consumer?

Plastic surgery procedures are far more accepted by society than in decades past. Women talk much more openly about procedures they want or have had. The Internet is alive with forums where patients can share stories, ask questions, and get information. RealSelf.com has emerged as a leader in this. With today's world of competitive work environments, even men are getting into the act. Procedures for men are on the rise, and men are losing the fear of having procedures done to enhance their looks or reverse the signs of aging.

New products, devices and technologies are coming into the plastic surgery field every year that help to make cosmetic procedures more attractive to men and women. There are more options and choices available for everyone. At the same time, because of this, it's more important than ever to research procedures you are interested in and find qualified professionals. The ASPS, ASAPS and other professional associations recommend seeking services from a Board Certified plastic surgeon who has experience with those procedures.

Mommy Makeovers Are Growing in Popularity But What Exactly Are They?

2014-02-10T12:01:00.001-06:00

by Andrea L. Algar

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recently revealed that a whopping 62% of moms in the United States would like to have plastic surgery to get back their pre-baby figures. While it isn't shocking at all that moms would want this, it is a bit surprising that the number is so high.

Money may keep a healthy number of women from actually having their much-wanted surgery, but the high percentage of women wanting to improve their appearance after having children has people looking at why.

Is "looking good" now seen as being more important to women who have had children? Yes, probably. And there's data to back this up. The same ASPS study found that the average age of women seeking mommy makeovers was lower than it was a decade ago. Interestingly, while the age of potential plastic surgery patients lowers, the average age of mommies has actually risen. A CDC study from 1970 showed that the average age for a first-time mom was 21.4. Between 2000 and 2006, that age went from 24.6 to 25 years old.

While it’s hard to pinpoint why moms are becoming more concerned with their appearance after having children, there's no doubt that it probably has something to do with the fact that plastic surgery has grown in popularity in recent years. The procedures associated with mommy makeovers—breast augmentation, tummy tucks, liposuction, and breast lifts—are more advanced than ever.

There is also the fact that plastic surgery is getting talked about more. The old days of hiding a cosmetic procedure have changed dramatically. Not only do you have women sharing their stories with friends, family and co-workers, they're active on the Internet discussing their experiences, asking questions, and even posting photos of their post-baby bodies in hopes of getting opinions from other women and the doctors who specialize in mommy makeovers.

In San Antonio, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of women who are interested in mommy makeovers. Some know the procedures involved, while others know only the phrase. So what exactly is a mommy makeover? Contrary to what some believe, a mommy makeover can vary according to the mom's needs and can be a combination of any of the following procedures:

breast lift
breast augmentation
breast reduction
liposuction abdomen
liposuction hips
liposuction thighs
tummy tuck

Patients seek out plastic surgery not only to give them physical results, but also to help them get back their self-confidence and how they felt about their body before children. San Antonio board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Young explains, "I'm seeing more women in their 30's who are looking for mommy makeovers. Pregnancy, hormones, changing body metabolism and childbirth takes a huge toll on the body, especially with subsequent births, and weight gain can stubbornly remain for years after childbirth. Most women become concerned as they notice that their breasts deflate and become saggy, hips and thighs fill out, and stretched stomach muscles cause bulging, excess skin and stretch marks. These can rob women of their self-confidence. Often women cannot bounce back even with better diet and increased exercise."

Facts about Mommy Makeovers:

Mommy Makeover describes procedures to rejuvenate the breasts and abdomen following childbirth(s).
The goal of a Mommy Makeover is to try and return the body to its pre-baby state.
Most women who have had children are good candidates for the procedure if they're in good health and have had all of the children she desires.
A Mommy Makeover may be done in one or two stages depending on the problem areas being addressed and the number of procedures necessary to accomplish the rejuvenation.
The type of procedures can vary in a Mommy Makeover.

Many plastic surgeons bundle procedures and give some type of discount on the costs. Some are bundled together such as tummy tuck, breast augmentation. These can be a good value, but you need to make sure that all of the procedures being thrown together are ones that are truly needed. For instance, some may require a breast reduction rather than a breast augmentation. You should be able to customize the "package" of procedures so that they best suit your needs and desires.

Because at least two or more procedures are being bundled together for your Mommy Makeover, you should make sure that your plastic surgeon is experienced providing multiple surgeries. Multiple procedures can increase the risk complications. Sometimes it may be necessary to break the procedures up into separate surgeries. For example, if you would like breast augmentation, but need a breast lift, it is often advisable to first have the breast lift and follow several months later with the breast augmentation.

Make sure you have the appropriate child care and help in the home as well. You'll need someone who can help out in the weeks following your surgery while you heal - something you shouldn't try to cheat on. You could be risking your health and increasing the chance for serious complications if you don't follow your doctor's recommendations concerning activities (including housekeeping, child care, lifting, cooking, working, driving, and even sex). Discuss your needs with your surgeon and get specific advice if you foresee difficulties.

My Strange Addiction Reveals Man Who Spent $100,000 to Look Like Justin Bieber

2014-01-31T06:00:00.000-06:00

by Andrea L. Algar

I don't know whether to believe it or not. Would you ever consider spending $100,000 to look like a Hollywood star? One man reportedly has, and this is why the TLC television show My Strange Addiction did a recent story on him.

In his attempt to look more like Justin Bieber, the popular show claims this young man has become addicted to plastic surgery. The man came up with the idea when he was 28, realized he was aging and became depressed about it.

Deciding he wanted to look like popular teen star Justin Bieber, he has reportedly spent $100,000 on approximately 100 plastic surgery procedures in his attempt to accomplish this. And, realizing that he hasn't quite reached his goal, he has vowed to continue with even more plastic surgery.

What do you think?

Is it ever worthwhile to try plastic surgery to look like a star you admire?
Does this cross the line of "reasonable" self-enhancement?
At what point should a surgeon question whether more surgery is the right thing to do?

WATCH THE VIDEO CLIP:
gawker.com - Man Spends $100,000 on Surgery to Look Like Justin Bieber, Fails

Patient Financing: Care Credit Just Got Even Easier To Use

2014-01-29T14:30:00.000-06:00

We try to make patient financing as easy as possible for our plastic surgery patients who would prefer to pay for services over time. It can be an excellent way of building credit while you enjoy the results of your cosmetic enhancement procedures. Care Credit has always been one of the leading sources of financing the cost of plastic surgery for our cosmetic surgery patients.

Many times, patients with "less than perfect" credit who are denied credit on their own, are able to obtain financing by opening a Care Credit account with a co-signer. Sometimes this is not possible. Another option is to become an "authorized user" on another person's account. By having a friend, spouse, or family member add you to their account as an authorized user, you are able to legally access their line of credit without having to qualify solely on your own credit.

Now, Care Credit has improved the system for authorized users by issuing an actual Care Credit card in the authorized user's name. This simplifies using the card in your doctor's office, vet's office, or other places where Care Credit is accepted!

If you chose to use Care Credit as an authorized user at Dr. Young's office, we can now process your payment without the primary cardholder being present. If you are an authorized user on someone else's Care Credit account, contact Care Credit and request your new card.

Many Women Can't Live Without Their Spanx - But Is It Dangerous?

2014-01-22T19:30:00.000-06:00

They say that history has a way of repeating itself, and this is yet another example of that. It was just a matter of time before someone would find something wrong with Spanx and other shapewear.

What goes around comes around.

PhotoCredit: 2ndSkin.ie

Think back to the 1950's and early 60's when girdles were a daily necessity for so many women. Yes, they helped create the hourglass figure which was so desirable at the time, but they came under scrutiny too, much to the relief of an entire generation or two of women. Corsets were popular before that, and they, too, disappeared after setting fashion trends for decades. "Shapewear" in one form or another have come into fashion and back out of fashion for hundreds, if not thousands of years.

Thanks in great part to the popularity of Oprah and her vocalSpanx, shapewear seemed to become an overnight sensation in our lifetime. But, perhaps for different reasons that girdles died out over fifty years ago, shapewear is now under criticism for causing a host of potential problems for women who wear them on a regular basis. Among the problems reported by physicians across the country:

WHAT SHAPEWEAR DOES HOW IT AFFECTS YOUR BODY
Compresses your stomach Can worsen heartburn and acid reflux
Compresses diaphragm Can cause pain, shallow breathing, nausea, lightheadedness
Compresses intestines Can affect your digestive tract causing bloating, gas, pain
Compresses colon Symptoms of irritable bowel and/or incontinence
Restricts blood flow Can decrease circulation, increase risk of blood clots
Develop varicose veins, swollen ankles
Compresses nerves Can cause tingling, numbness and pain in legs
Cradles muscles Can weaken muscles you are no longer using
Traps moisture Increased risks of bacterial or yeast infections

Experts advise that you select any type of shapewear with a goal of proper fit. While style is something we always look at, it is far more important to make sure that you select the right type of garment. If you are prone to acid reflux, for example, you want to avoid a garment that sits right under your bra, as it may worsen your symptoms.If you suffer from gastro-intestinal problems, you may want to avoid a waistband garment, and if you have varicose veins, make sure that the legs are not too tight.

Dr. Robert N. Young adds, "If you have large breasts, you may want to avoid shapewear with thin shoulder straps, as it could worsen back, shoulder or neck pain and cause painful grooves.They can provide excellent support, but should fit right so they don't make your problem worse." While shapewear can temporarily smooth your body, they don't offer lasting solutions. If you have problems with shapewear but can't imagine life without it, Dr. Young points out, "You might want to see if liposuction would be helpful for you."

When shopping for Spanx or any type of shapewear, try different brands as they can vary a lot in fit and body styles. Make sure you can wiggle into your garment without a struggle. Remember you will be pulling the garment on and off several times thoughout the day or evening and it should be something you can do easily.

Are the potential dangers of shapewear worth the risk? Some symptoms can become permanent. Varicose veins don't go away on their own and peripheral nerve damage from extended compression can become constant. It may very well be that it is best to avoid wearing shapewear on a daily basis. Save the Spanx for evenings out and special events where you want to look your best, or to wear with a special dress or slacks that require that special touch.

Drop a comment and let us know what your experience with shapewear has been.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea Algar is an author who writes on topics that interest her. Over the last 30 years she has written articles on a variety of topics and currently contributes to several blogs on a regular basis.

Eyelid Surgeries Can Lead To Temporary Dry Eye Symptoms For Some

2014-01-15T13:00:00.000-06:00

by Andrea L. Algar

In my experience, any potential side effects, whether from surgery or a medication, can often be more easily tolerated if you know in advance what the potential complications may be. Not only will it avoid an unpleasant surprise, but you may have the opportunity to identify it quickly and get practical advice on how to handle them.

Eyelid Surgery is known
as blepharoplasty

An article which appeared in the October 15, 2012 Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery addressed the fact that following eyelid surgeries many patients experience "dry eye" symptoms.

Dry eye is definitely an irritating thing to develop. I've had it myself, and not from eyelid surgery. It can be extremely uncomfortable.

Some follow up studies show that as many as one fourth of men and women who have blepharoplasty (eyelid) procedures experience some degree of dry eye following their procedure.

Dry eye symptoms can include:

stinging or burning of the eye
scratchy sensation in eye
a sandy or gritty feeling as if something is in the eye
feeling like someone is "blowing through a straw" in your eye
excessive "tearing"
production of mucus in or around your eyes

Symptoms can range from mild to persistent, but not everyone develops these symptoms and there is no definitive test to determine who will and who will not develop symptoms. That said, it seems that some may be more prone to experiencing dry eye with or without eyelid surgery. Women who are menopausal, just starting hormone replacement therapy or going on birth control for the first time, and men or women who have had difficulty wearing contact lenses may be more at risk.

One of the surprising findings of a study which was performed by a Minnesota facial plastic surgeon on 892 patients over a ten year period, was that dry eye was more common in those patients who had both upper and lower lids done at the same time. It also seemed to indicate that the more aggressive the surgical techniques were, the greater risk of dry eye. Disruption of the "blink", which causes the eye surface to lose some of the lubrication provided by one's blink response, seems to be one of the most probable causes.

The good news is that dry eye is fairly easy to treat. Often, symptoms can be helped with eye drops or ointments. It is not usually an indicator of something bad happening, and should not be cause for alarm. If you develop dry eye following an eyelid lift, make sure you discuss it with your physician at your post-op visit. He/she will be able to help advise you on the best treatment for the type of symptoms you're experiencing.

Eyelid lifts average of $3,000 to $4,000 in the San Antonio area, depending on whether you get two lids or all four lids done. According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, eyelid lifts were the second most popular type of facial plastic surgery after rhinoplasty (nose jobs) in 2011. Board Certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Robert Young says, "Eyelid surgery is an excellent way to create a more youthful appearance for men and women at the age where they are starting to notice more wrinkles and loose skin around the eyes. It can shave years off one's appearance. Most patients are extremely happy after their eyelid lift procedures. We've always had women request eyelid lifts as they age, but we've seen a noticeable increase in the number of men wanting eyelid lifts in recent years. It's a relatively easy procedure that produces real results."

Should you be overly concerned about dry eye if you're thinking of an eyelid lift? Probably not. But, it is something to know could develop, and if it does, that there are effective treatments for a problem which is usually very short term.

What do you think? Have you ever considered eyelid lift to refresh your face?

REFERENCE:
Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, October 2012
WebMD - Dry Eyes: Causes and Treatments

Have A Cosmetic Surgery Question For Dr. Robert Young?

2013-12-18T12:30:00.000-06:00

We've got a new interactive feature on our blog where you can ask Dr. Young a question. We'll select one question a week and answer it here. Subscribe to our RSS feed and you'll be able to see what others like you are asking about!

Webmaster

You may have seen some of Dr. Robert N. Young's answers on RealSelf.com, as he is very active on that site in helping those with questions about plastic surgery, and in particular those with questions about his specialty - breast augmentation surgery in San Antonio. Send your questions to me, Dr. Young's webmaster, and we'll select one question each week for our blog.

We want to respond to questions for Dr. Young right here from our blog because we realize that more and more patients turn to the Internet to get information about procedures. We want to make sure that he information you get is accurate, timely and most important, beneficial to you.

Perhaps you've heard of a new cosmetic surgery procedure that you have questions about, or are curious about the recovery for a particular surgery, or you might even want to send in a review of your experience having surgery with Dr. Young. Drop me a line at webrequest@dr-youngforever.com.

* Please do not send questions needing an immediate response or reply. This is NOT monitored "live", and it may take several days for questions to be reviewed. If you are in need of medical attention, call our offices at 210-496-2639 or dial 911 for emergencies or after-hour problems.

Who Is Giving Your Facial Injections?

2013-12-07T08:19:00.000-06:00

Did you know that a physician is supposed to always be on-site whenever an RN, PA or Medical Assistant is performing procedures such as Botox and injectables?

Whether you get your procedures done at a plastic surgeon's office, a MediSpa, a Day Spa, or even at a GYN or podiatrist's office, an MD must be available to supervise.

A recent industry newsletter advised that the California Medical Board "has increased their efforts to restrict medical aesthetic practices and their 'medispa businesses'." The alert went on to say, "The Medical Board has also significantly increased its enforcement of aesthetic practices that are inadequately supervised by physicians."

We've also read of some horror stories that occur when unlicensed, untrained people perform injections of products that are not approved for use by the FDA. These injections can cause serious complications and even lasting disfigurement.

Texas has had strict rules on "spas" and spa services for many years. That's why Dr. Robert Young or another doctor is always on-site when you're having procedures performed by a Registered Nurse (R.N.) at Aesthetic Enhancement. The bottom line:iIt is good practice to make sure that the place you go for your injectables has a physician on on-site and that your provider has the appropriate training and experience.

#Botox #Facial fillers

Asian Beauty Methods Get Dangerous

2013-11-25T18:30:00.000-06:00

"Travel Surgeries" or "Surgi-Vacations" are generally considered pretty dangerous. They are something that should certainly be carefully considered when deciding cosmetic plastic surgery options. Safety and optimal treatment outcomes can vary tremendously by location, doctors, and the travel experience itself can pose real health risks.

Another thing rarely talked about is how different global geographic areas differ in their perception of beauty and what the acceptable ways to obtain "beauty" is. Recently, several articles have surfaced on Asian beauty procedures that leave many surprised. Surgeries and cosmetic procedures are being performed in a societies where cosmetic surgery is not fully accepted. Here an excerpt from a cbsnews.com article that shows how many pursue dangerous procedures in pursuit of beauty:

BANGKOK — Her dream was to look less Thai and more like Jennifer Lopez, so the 25-year-old street food vendor went to the Internet and typed in “cheap Botox.”

That was the start of a five-year makeover for Ratphila Chairungkit that included two nose jobs, two eye-widening surgeries, chin augmentation, lip trimming, skin whitening and dozens of Botox-type injections.

The goal had been to redesign her entire face, but things went horribly wrong. “I started to look like a witch,” she recalled. Her upper eyelids sagged; her lower lids erupted in tapioca-like bumps. Her chin drooped and her nose swelled.

Her quest for beauty at bargain prices was a painful mistake. A pseudo-beautician injected commercial-grade silicone into her cheeks, chin and under her eyes; it all needed to be surgically scraped out. She spent 500,000 baht ($16,000) over five years, a huge sum by her humble standards, mostly to fix his handiwork.

“I’m lucky I didn’t die,” she said, trying to smile through her cosmetically corrected face.

The article went on to describe the problem in more detail.

Not all of Thailand’s beauty victims live to tell. The death this month of a 33-year-old aspiring model from a botched collagen injection has focused nationwide attention on the illegal beauty industry and intensified a government crackdown.

Nearly 40 illegal beauticians have been arrested in Bangkok, the capital, in the past two months, but authorities believe nearly 200 are still operating. Advertising in plain sight on the Internet, they’re commonly known as “bag doctors” because many make house calls or meet customers in vans to administer cheap injections straight from their bags.

Last week, the Health Ministry and police declared a small victory after arresting someone they called “the most dangerous” operator to date: a 37-year-old former beautician’s assistant with no medical training who had set up an all-purpose clinic in her home.

“This is terrifying,” said Phasit Sakdanarong, chief adviser to the Public Health Minister, who joined the raid and has since advised the government to expand the crackdown nationwide. “This woman was not a doctor. This clinic has no license, and the products she was using are not FDA-approved.”

“We are facing a very, very serious problem,” said Phasit. “When people go to illegal clinics like this, it is very easy to get an infection — and sometimes it is easy to die.”

Dangerous beauty treatments have become a worldwide problem as people seek cheaper alternatives to plastic surgeons. In Hong Kong, a woman died last week of septic shock after getting a blood transfusion that a clinic claimed would whiten her skin. An American woman died in March from an illegal buttocks implant in Georgia, caused by suspected counterfeit silicone.

In other areas of the world, such as South America and Europe, cosmetic plastic surgery is more commonplace and is well accepted. In recent articles, we've looked at some of these. In the United States, we have a wide range of cosmetic procedures that are performed on both men and women each year, and the numbers continue to grow as there is more acceptance. We have some of the best doctors in the world performing these procedures. Most recommend seeking services from Board Certified Plastic Surgeons, and most professionals advise you to cautiously consider the world of "medical tourism" and carefully weigh whether the risks are worth saving a bit of money.

RESOURCE/CREDITS:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505245_162-57540013/biases-on-beauty-draw-thais-to-illegal-surgery/
Associated Press writer Thanyarat Doksone and AP video journalist Papitchaya Boonngok contributed to the CBS News report.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea Algar is an author who writes on topics that interest her. Over the last 30 years she has written articles on a variety of topics including psychology, health, dentistry, fashion and beauty, music, cosmetic surgery, restoration, as well as performance racing and classic cars. Prior to the Internet, she published a national subscription newsletter, edited two books, and produced works in photography and video. She currently contributes to several blogs on a regular basis.

New Mannequin Design Reflects Changes In Beauty

2013-11-18T06:00:00.000-06:00

by Andrea Algar
Contributing Author

A recent story about South American mannequins that have been redesigned to reflect the new beauty standards as seen by Venezuelan women caused me to wonder if this is a trend that is occurring here in the United States.

Venezuelan Mannequin Manufacturer

According to the retailers blog, "A local mannequin manufacturer has taken advantage of the trend for Venezuelan women to resort to plastic surgery as a way to boost his sales significantly. Eliezer Álvarez noticed that even though women were happy to go under the knife to change how they looked, the mannequins in clothing stores did not reflect this new body type. He has since created the kind of woman he thought the public wanted — one with a huge and a firm behind, a tiny waist and long legs." (And I might add large breasts.)

This has apparently been extremely successful, as the new mannequins are now seen all over Venezuela in tiny shops and elaborate boutiques. It seems to emphasize the fact that cosmetic plastic surgery is becoming more common and more accepted not only in Venezuela, but all around the world.

Here in the United States, plastic surgery was once only for the rich and famous. In the 1950's and 60's, Hollywood actors and actresses who relied on good looks (and what society saw as beauty) were justified in getting cosmetic procedures, even though they fueled the gossip-mills in the process. Jump forward to the 1990's and plastic surgery was on the rise in middle America. Now in 2013, cosmetic surgery is no longer offensive or taboo, and people are pretty open about their surgeries. All ages of men and women are having cosmetic procedures at increasing rates.

In my opinion, vanity may have little to do with its acceptance as more and more people see the benefits. So far, I haven't noticed the drastic changes in mannequins here in the U.S. Maybe it's just a matter of time.

REFERENCE:
psfk.com - Mannequins Reflect Plastic Surgery's Impact on Beauty Standards

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea Algar is an author who writes on topics that interest her. Over the last 30 years she has written articles on a variety of topics including psychology, health, dentistry, fashion and beauty, music, cosmetic surgery, antiques and restoration, as well as performance racing and classic cars. Prior to the Internet, she published a national subscription newsletter, edited two books, and produced works in photography and video. She currently contributes to several blogs on a regular basis.

Would You Reveal Your Cosmetic Surgery To A Future Spouse?

2013-11-11T17:30:00.000-06:00

by Andrea Algar
Contributing Author

An extraordinary news article has gone viral about a Chinese man who won a court battle claiming that his wife had given him an "ugly" baby.

Feng's wife in alleged
before and after photos

But, there was more to the story than just that. Feng's alleged that his wife had never disclosed to him that she had received cosmetic plastic surgery before he married her. According to court papers, the husband found out only after his wife gave birth to their baby daughter, who he claims was "ugly beyond description."

Feng apparently thought that his wife had been having an affair and ordered DNA tests to see whether the daughter was his or not. DNA tests revealed that he was in fact the father, and she then revealed that she had $100,000 worth of cosmetic surgeries performed before they had met. The wife, who surprisingly lost the case, was ordered to pay him $120,000!

There is a lot of controversy over cosmetic surgery in many Asian countries so it is conceivable that the story is true. However, an ABC affiliate has reportedly debunked the story claiming, "the story is likely an urgan legend given legs by numerous outlets online since 2004."

Photo from en.rocketnews24.com

Another photo (at left) showing the Feng family, was allegedly used in an advertising campaign by a Taiwan plastic surgeon. In this photo there are actually three children.

Whether or not the story is factual or purely a figment of gossip and rumor, it does make one stop and consider what you would do if you were single, met someone and later were considering marriage. Would you reveal your prior cosmetic surgeries? Would it matter what the surgery was? Would you reveal liposuction but withhold the fact that you had a nose job?

Cosmetic surgery opponents may warn that you better disclose prior surgeries before your marriage!
What do you think?

RESOURCE:
New York Post - Man sues wife after she gives him "ugly" baby

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea Algar is an author who writes on topics that interest her. Over the last 30 years she has written articles on a variety of topics including psychology, health, dentistry, fashion and beauty, music, cosmetic surgery, antiques and restoration, as well as performance racing and classic cars. Prior to the Internet, she published a national subscription newsletter, edited two books, and produced works in photography and video. She currently contributes to several blogs on a regular basis.

Take The Time To Heal Following Cosmetic Surgery

2013-09-13T05:50:00.000-05:00

Andrea L. Algar
Contributing Author

Most patients would be surprised to know that many post-surgical complications can be avoided!

According to San Antonio plastic surgeon Dr. Robert N. Young, "In my thirty year career, I've seen enough hematoma, seroma, pain in the incision area, and other post-surgery complaints to know that many may have been avoided if the patient had taken reasonable steps to follow their physician's instructions about activities following surgery. Even though my patients are instructed to refrain from physicial activities including exercise, lifting and household chores for periods of time following their surgeries, we find that some do not follow these instructions closely enough. "

Photo Credit: loveyourlook.com

Examples of these types of complications frequently show up on social media sites such as realself.com, where readers write in with questions which physicians can respond to. You might read about a woman three days post-op from a Breast Augmentation who has developed sudden breast pain. She then volunteers that she was looking after her toddler and felt a sharp pain when she picked him up. Or, the week-out face lift patient who developed pain following some active sex with her husband.

Dr. Young elaborates, "Athletes often have difficulty refraining from their routine physicial workouts. One of the more common questions I am asked is 'When can I return to my workouts?'. Athletes, in particular, feel because their bodies are accustomed to these activities, they won't have any problems. But, surgery is something that everyone should take seriously, even though it may be an elective, cosmetic procedure."

Not everyone has a complication when they step outside the instructions given to them by their doctors. However, cosmetic plastic surgery is a big investment, and it is probably best to err on the side of caution when it comes to returning to "normal" activities. Be prudent and check with your surgeon if in doubt. If he/she advises you to wait, it's probably advice worth listening to.

ABOUT DR. YOUNG

Robert N. Young, founder of Aesthetic Enhancement Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center, is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years experience. A native of San Antonio, Dr. Young graduated from the esteemed U.S. Military Academy at West Point and his medical training from Tulane University School of Medicine. Dr. Young retired from the military in 1990 after having served as Chief of Plastic Surgery at Brooke Army Medical Center. He has extensive experience both as a reconstructive plastic surgeon and a cosmetic plastic surgeon, and over the past twenty years has become known as the breast doctor of San Antonio. His practice includes a fully accredited outpatient Surgery Center staffed with qualified Registered Nurses, Anesthesiologists and surgical technicians. As a leading plastic surgeon in San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Young is a member of the following professional organizations:

- ABPS Diplomate - Board Certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)

- Member, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)

- Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)

- Fellow, American College of Surgeons
- Member, Texas Medical Society (TMS)

- Member, San Antonio International Society of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (SAISPRS)

- Bexar County Medical Society (BCMS)
- Accreditation by the American Association for Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea Algar is an author who writes on a topics that interest her. Over the last 30 years she has written articles on a variety of topics including psychology, health, dentisty, fashion and beauty, music, cosmetic surgery, antiques and restoration, as well as performance and classic cars. Prior to the Internet, she published a national subscription newsletter, edited two books, and produced works in photography and video. She currently contributes to several blogs on a regular basis.

Today's Choices In Skin Care Products Can Be Overwhelming...And Potentially Harmful

2013-08-16T05:35:00.000-05:00

by Andrea Algar
Contributing Author

It’s hard to resist the lure of beauty product and their promises. We are all in search of the product that will give us youthful, healthy looking skin. So you purchase a product you've heard about, thinking that this will be the solution. Then the next hot product comes along, and it looks even more promising so you purchase that. In fact, you probably shelf the other product before it's had much of a chance to start showing much benefit. Then you end up repeating the cycle again and again. This can be frustrating and expensive!

Psychology experts call this pattern a hedonic treadmill. According to clinical psychologist Richard Raynard, Ph.D., author of books on emotions, “You basically believe the better is just around the corner, despite advances you may have already made.” You derive pleasure from purchases you make, hoping that each new one will bring you more happiness. These goals may or may not be obtainable, but the impulse to satisfy the desire is very strong.This pattern leaves you on a constant and sometimes unsatisfying quest for the perfect product.

Having a makeup counter bursting with beauty products may also encourage you to slather on more than one skin care product at once. Many think that if applying one product is good, then using three or four must be better! This can be a big mistake. Most professional grade products you obtain from a plastic surgeon's office are armed with ingredients more powerful than those you would find over-the-counter in a drug store or even at the counters at expensive retailers. It is best to use these products as instructed by a professional such as your plastic surgeon, aesthetic nurse or esthetician.

“It's harmful to go overboard with skin care products daily because it can cause skin sensitivity,” explains dermatologist Debra Jaliman, MD, the author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets From a Top New York Dermatologist.

Sometimes when you begin a new skin care regimen, your outer layer of skin can become irritated with redness and peeling. It's usually best to slowly introduce new products into your daily routine, following the instructions for use closely. Also use the products in the morning or at night as directed for best results, and speak to your skin care professional if you have any problems or concerns.

How Adjustable Saline Implants Work

2013-07-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

by Robert N. Young, M.D.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

The adjustable saline implant was initially used in breast reconstruction to slowly expand the tissue after a mastectomy. It is now sometimes used for breast augmentation. The saline implant that is used has an external valve, the "fill valve", that is positioned under the skin near the incision. We usually put the incision in the armpit, but it can be made around the nipple or in the inframammary fold as well. The implant is filled up to the agreed size at surgery.

Adjustable Breast Implants
shown with fill valves

After the surgery, the patient can decide to adjust the size within about 50cc either up or down. At the office, your physician places a needle through the skin into the "fill valve" and the saline is either injected to increase the size, or withdrawn to reduce the size of the implants. After the patient is happy with the size, the valve is removed in the office under local anesthesia. At that point, no further "adjustments" can be made.

If you've heard about adjustable breast implants and want to know more about them, consider a visit to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who can help determine whether they are a good option for you.

Top 10 Reasons To Get Liposuction

2013-05-24T06:30:00.000-05:00

Most everyone has heard of liposuction. We know it can take off fat and help slim you down. But what are the top reasons that we see in our San Antonio, Texas surgery center? Here's Dr. Robert Young's top 10:

“Jump-start weight loss” Many men and women set to reduce their weight need a boost or incentive that will kick them into a regimine of diet and exercise that will eventually get them to their goals. Liposuction can be a very effective method to jump-start a long term plan for a more healthy lifestyle for some.

“Get flatter stomach or abs” Not everyone is blessed with genes that provide for a flat stomach or the ability to develop washboard abs. As a matter of fact, it seems many are cursed with genes that make a flat stomach almost impossible. Sometimes no amount of exercise and proper diet can reduce stubborn stomach fat that can occur in both men and women.

“Get back pre-pregnancy body” Having kids takes a huge toll on your body, resulting in weight gain in many different body areas. Liposuction can help get back the body you once had before the kids.

“Fat transfer” Using the fat harvested during liposuction is becoming more popular and more effective. The Brazilian Butt Lift is just one way our body fat can be used to give us a desired shape. Fat taken by liposuction from an area such as the hips, thighs or abs can be injected into other areas such as the buttocks in order to create more volume and fullness.

“A more proportional body” Body sculpting artfully utilizes liposuction to create a more desired shape. In some cases this is done without removing large amounts of body fat you might require in a liposuction to flatten a bulging stomach or heavy thighs because the goal is shaping and not so much reducing.

“Get rid of my handles” This is one of the most popular reasons given by men opting for liposuction. The fat that accumulates in the love handles tends to be very stubborn and one of the areas last reduced through traditional weight loss. For some, it cannot be effectively controlled even with good diet and heavy exercise.

“Look better in clothes” Both men and women share this goal. Liposuction is often thought of as a solution to having clothes fit better and look better.

“Wear a bathing suit” While we often worry most about this at vacation time, summer itself can be stressful for those who worry about needing to wear bathing suits that just emphasize the extra weight or fatty areas.

“Take care of problem area” Sometimes we feel generally fine about our body, but have one special area that is problematic or that we wish would just go away. It may be a heavy chin or neck, fat arms, big knees, or a bulge that pops out under our bra line. These small areas are often ideal for liposuction.

“Feel better about myself” Liposuction has been reported to increase ones confidence. Many believe that liposuction can help you feel confident about yourself whether it be at work, home, or play.

Elective Breast Surgery Found To Be Safe

2013-05-22T10:00:00.000-05:00

by Andrea L. Algar
Contributing Author

In last October's presentation at the American College of Surgeon's 98th Annual Clinical Congress, an award winning study showed that "breast surgery is safe, with little risk for life threatening complications and mortality."

In addition to the study results demonstrating breast surgery safety, it also was able to look at complication rates for a variety of breast surgeries, which in the past has been difficult to accurately examine. Philip J. Hanwright, a medical student at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, won an award for best scientific poster at the meeting. His research analyzed data from ACS's National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP).

Unlike previous studies that relied primarily on single-surgeon experiences, this program has compiled a very large database that includes both inpatient and outpatient surgeries from institutions nationwide. The database was created specifically to improve the quality of surgical care in the private sector.

With over 550,000 breast augmentation procedures performed each year in the United States, the study found complication rates to be low, at only 1.43%. Breast reduction and breast lift procedures had slightly higher complication rates of 2.75% and 4.64% respectively, with more surgical-site infections and wound disruptions.

What was also good news was that re-operation rates were also low, with breast augmentation at 1.19%, breast reduction at 1.94% and breast lift at 2.60% at thirty days. There was only one death in the entire group, and life threatening complications were extremely low at 0.0% for breast augmentation, 0.18% for breast reduction, and 0.15% for breast lift.

Martin U. Egenti, MD, from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, was quoted as saying. 'What we are doing is working." With most breast surgeries being elective, this is an important finding, and one that many women will feel great comfort in.

As in any type of surgery, discuss the risks and benefits with your surgeon. Your surgeon wants a successful outcome as much as you do, and he/she wants to keep you safe. You can do your part by being honest about your medical history, as well as any over-the-counter or unprescribed medications you take.

ARTICLE REFERENCE/RESOURCES:

American College of Surgeons (ACS) 98th Annual Clinical Congress: Abstract 232. Presented October 3, 2012
Medscape Medical News, WebMD, Elective Breast Surgery Safe According to National Database, Lara C. Pullen, PhD, 10-04-12, Chicago, IL

You Feel Young, But Your Skin Says Old

2013-04-19T11:45:00.000-05:00

by Andrea Algar
Contributing Author

I saw a great little quiz on the Internet today and it prompted me to write on the subject of our aging skin - something all women worry about at some time in their life. If everyone was totally honest, it's something that does concern us when we get older, but don't usually give a moments thought to when we're young and in our prime.

Australian Beach-Goers
PhotoCredit: Malaysianmeanders.blogspot.com

For example, we all know now just how damaging the sun is, and how it can prematurely age our skin no matter how good our genes are. Somehow this doesn't prevent us from rushing to the beach to bask in the sun, or to the tanning salon to freshen up our sun-kissed look! But it's not a very good feeling when you look in the mirror and what is staring back at you doesn't at all resemble the person you feel like inside. If only we knew then...

San Antonio plastic surgeon Dr. Robert N. Young says, "The good news is that there are things you can do to help." With advances in laser treatments for brown spots, and excellent wrinkle relaxers and facial fillers for fine lines and wrinkles, you can take steps to turn back the hands of time (and those sun baked days at the beach)! And, with the use of professional skin care products which include a quality sunscreen you can keep the renewed look fresh.

Take the quiz and see how your skin is holding up...

TAKE THE QUIZ:
Daily Glow - Is Your Skin Aging Faster Than You Are? - Skin Care Quizzes

A Refreshing Story About Female Beauty And The Way We're Perceived By Others

2013-04-18T11:00:00.000-05:00

by Andrea L. Algar
Contributing Author

A headline emerged today on AOL that caught my eye:

Sketches Prove an Upsetting Truth

The drawings above are of the same woman done by the same artist in the same time-frame -- there's just one (crucial) difference. - Story/Photo Credit: HuffingtonPost.com
Intrigued by the headline and photos, I opened the story and read on. What was found was refreshing. The article began by asking the question, "Do women see themselves less accurately than strangers do? A new Dove campaign says yes - - and offers proof, in the form of forensic sketches."

What is revealed is that Dove was working on a new ad campaign. They recruited seven diversely different women and asked them to describe themselves in neutral terms that relayed just the facts of how they look. (I had to laugh at this, wondering how on earth they thought they'd get factual answers when how we usually describe ourselves involve comments like ..."my eyes are small and too close together," "my nose is big and my lips are too thin," or "my face is lop-sided and my left eye droops.") Gil Zamora, a forensic artist who was FBI-trained, created sketches based on their descriptions. The same artist then created sketches of the women based on descriptions from total strangers who had earlier spent a bit of time with the women in a rigged meeting.

The series of sketches revealed harsh differences when displayed side by side. What was consistent in the findings were that the women themselves portrayed themselves in far less flattering ways, while the more objective strangers saw the women as far more beautiful. It would seem to prove that women do tend to be overly critical of themselves, and that is the premise of Dove's new campaign, whose tagline is: "You are more beautiful than you think," which I like.

Those who've had friends seeking cosmetic plastic surgery are sometimes surprised when the friend reveals that he/she wants a nose job, eyelid surgery, or perhaps a flatter stomach. Sometimes we cannot "see" what they find faulty or undesired in themselves, or don't think it's quite as bad as they're making it out to be. Other times, the desire to correct a feature or enhance one's body is more easily understood by friends and family. The ultimate answer usually is in what will make that person happy with themselves. But, there are extremes that plastic surgeons look for, such as Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), where people suffer from severely inaccurate perceptions of their own body.

Perhaps this is one small step in helping women deal with their self-perception and debilitating issues that can arise such as shyness and low self-esteem, depression, anorexia, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and other problems. Another helpful thing we can do for ourselves is to surround ourselves with people who see our true beauty and delight in the good this can do for us!

Take a close look at all of the sketches yourself and let me know what you think. Please comment below.

REFERENCE:
Huff Post Women - Dove's 'Real Beauty Sketches' Ad Campaign Tells Women 'You're More Beautiful Than You Think' (VIDEO)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

How Tiny Is Too Tiny?

2013-04-15T17:00:00.000-05:00

by Andrea L. Algar

You've probably seen photos of women who have body features that are just too large or too small for their body frame.

Guinness World Record for 15" Tiny Waist
Photo Credit: HuffPost.com

This one seems extreme and makes one wonder how in the world she can breathe! It's been a lot of years since women routinely wore corsets, which is how the then 61 year old Cathie Jung won the distinction of having the world's smallest waist at a mere 15"! Without the corset, her waist expands a whopping six inches, to a still very small size of 21". She claims that achieving the incredibly small waist "was the result of years of patience, dedication and the constant use of a corset," according to the Huffington Post.

Many women seek cosmetic plastic surgery to reduce the waist and abdomen. Liposuction to remove excess fat and even Abdominoplasty to reduce and flatten the stomach (hence the more common term "Tummy Tuck") are popular cosmetic surgeries performed by plastic surgeons around the world. The term "body contouring" has grown in popularity as it describes the desire by many men and women to perfect their body shape. And, the Brazilian Butt Lift is yet another procedure designed to effectively sculpt the body into a desired shape with small waist and ample buttocks.

The bottom line: The age of the corset may have come and gone, but the desire for a tiny tummy is still very much alive!

Woman Received IRS Deduction For Her Breast Implants

2013-04-12T18:00:00.000-05:00

by Andrea L. Algar
Contributing Author

With the big tax deadline of April 15 looming ever bigger, strange stories are surfacing about odd tax deductions. This story is a cautionary tale of making sure you want what you ask for. A woman allegedly got approval from the Internal Revenue Service to allow the cost of her breast implants to be depreciated.

Woman Received Tax Deduction
for 56FF Breasts
Photo Credit: YouTube
The Jerry Springer Show

First off, let's be clear that this was a very unique case. Chesty Love is an exotic dancer. In an effort to further her career, she was allegedly urged by her agent to have multiple procedures to enlarge her breasts to enormous proportions. Her efforts paid off, with Love doubling her income. It also earned her an appearance on the Jerry Springer Show, being billed as the woman "with the largest breasts in the world," a size 56FF!

In a federal tax court hearing (Hess v. Commissioner, 1994), Love was determined to prove her claims that the procedures were "incurred solely in the furtherance of the business" that she was engaged in - an exotic dancer.

Love also successfully demonstrated that she suffered medical problems, public ridicule and even being shunned by her family as a result of her enormous breasts. She claimed that she planned to have the implants removed permanently once her career as a professional exotic dancer was over. As a result, the court ruled in her favor and she was allowed to claim deduction for her breast implants.

Before you try to take a deduction for breast implants, please check with your trusted tax attorney or tax preparer. Breast implants are usually NOT a deductible expense, either by health insurance or the IRS.

On a more serious note, certainly not all women who desire breast implants want such oversize breasts. Opting for extremely large implants can be more risky medically. Back and shoulder pain and complications such as rupture, bottoming out, symmastia or "uni-boob", capsular contracture, stretch marks and/or extreme thinning of the skin are more likely. Like Love experienced, the emotional risks are greater as well, as you may be subject to humiliation, ridicule and crude jokes. Not everyone is likely to share your enthusiasm for big breasts. If you desire very large breasts, be sure to discuss all of the risks with your surgeon.

Most women who go to plastic surgeons are looking for breast implants that make them larger, but in proportion to their body. Many prefer a more natural look as opposed to the "fake" look of oversize breasts. Some prefer a smaller implant that gives just a small increase in size. Some actually like the "fake" look. Others want to go as large as possible, like this exotic dancer did. The bottom line is that selecting the size of your breast implants is a very individual decision. A consultation with an experienced, qualified surgeon can help determine what size implants are recommended. A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon has demonstrated that he/she has the proper training and the professional experience necessary to help guide you through your decisions about cosmetic plastic surgery.

REFERENCE:

dailyfinance.com - Crazy Tax Deductions-Breast Implants-Swimming Pools-and-more

Correcting A Weak Chin Or Jaw Can Make Dramatic Difference In Face

2013-04-11T17:30:00.000-05:00

by Andrea L. Algar

The face is one of the most difficult areas for patients to judge what is needed to look younger. Many automatically revert to the term "face lift", thinking that this age-old procedure is the only thing available to help turn back the hands of time.

Angelina Jolie
Photo Credit: femalefirst.co.uk

But, an experienced board certified plastic surgeon knows that there are many options to consider. Among them are the jaw. A weak jawline can affect the entire presentation of the face. It can make an otherwise normal nose appear too large, a chin too pointed, or the face too long.

Take a look at some of the "most-beautiful" celebrities and you'll note that they all have strong chins and jawlines. There is no doubt that correcting a weak chin or jaw can dramatically improve the entire face. Studies have shown that facial symmetry is an important indicator in determining beauty. A balanced, symmetrical face is chosen as "beautiful" more consistently than those which are not. Angelina Jolie has a notably strong jawline and is an example of good facial symmetry, a major reason she is thought of as one of the world's most beautiful women.

Injectable fillers may be used for small facial areas requiring subtle change, but do not work as well for the large amounts needed for areas like the jawline. Using facial fillers on the jaw can sometimes produce unpredictable results and require repeating the procedure as the product is reabsorbed by your body. The length of time the fillers last depends upon the type of product used, and results will vary with the skill of the injector.

Chin implants can increase projection and create more evenly balanced facial features and they can last a lifetime. Chin and jaw implants look and feel like natural bone structure, and provide a good foundation for face lift if needed on an aging face, or in conjunction with a rhinoplasty to correct the nose. It is a procedure that both men and women can benefit from and the procedure has a relatively short recovery time.

If you've been confused over what procedure would help to balance your facial features, consider consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area. Not all plastic surgeons work on faces, so ask if they do. A surgeon who performs a variety of facial surgeries can help guide you to the procedures that will help you achieve the look you want.

REFERENCE / RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
eHOW.com - Face Exercises to Sharpen The Jawline
cbc.ca - Strong jaw lines versus rounded chins
style-makeover-hq.com - Find Your Face Shape
YouTube - It's All About The Jaw! VIDEO