Dr. Schwartz's Weblog

When Choosing Breast Implants, It's Not About Cup Size

Robert Schwartz — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 05:00:00 +0000

{mosimage}Many breast augmentation patients, during their initial consultations with me, describe what they want from the operation in terms of cup size.

"I'm only an A-cup," the woman might say. "And I want to be a C-cup."

Choosing the right size for your breast implant is the most important step in the entire process. It contributes more than anything else to the final result and your satisfation with it.

But it's generally not about cup size.

You see, there's no universal definition of what a C-cup (or any other cup) should look like. You might have a certain mental image of a C-cup, but I might have a different one. If our mental images don't match, you're not going to be happy with your end result.

Bra size is determined based on two measurements: (1) chest circumference below the underarm and (2) the fullest part of the breast. The greater the difference in these two measurements, the larger the cup size. This kind of measurement is useful for helping you find the right bra -- but not as useful for helping you find the right breasts.

Here's what we do: When you come in, we take detailed measurements of your breasts. Based on these measurements, we can narrow your choices down from the hundreds of implants available to the dozen or so that might work for you.

We also ask you to bring in photographs of breasts that you like, and to look at the "after" pictures of some of our other patients. When we can both see the breasts you're looking for, I have the mental image I need to give you the result you want.

In the operating room, I bring the photographs with me and I use test implants to make sure I'm giving you exactly what you've asked for. Only then will I insert the permanent implants.

Many women are surprised to discover that the breasts they wanted are not the cup size they originally imagined they'd be.

Minimizing Facial Scars on Children

Robert Schwartz — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 13:47:30 +0000

{mosimage}During a recent episode of "Plastic Surgery Today," a concerned mother called in to tell me that her 18-month-old daughter had fallen and cut her forehead -- and that the injury had left a scar. She wanted to know what she should do.

The most important thing to do in this scenario is to follow your pediatrician's instructions in injury care and follow-up. Since ultraviolet exposure is the biggest enemy of scars, it's also important to use sunblock when the child is outdoors. The fairer the child's skin, the worse the sun exposure will be for the scar.

If it looks like the scar will be raised or is thickening, silicone sheets are very useful for the flattening and fading of scars. When used early after trauma or surgery, they can help bring back normal color for both hypertrophic scars and keloids. Other treatments, like Mederma, have great marketing -- but not necessarily any proven benefits.

Bumps and falls happen with every child, and in most cases scars fade by themselves over time. But don't hesitate to contact a plastic surgeon to discuss the scar and explore all your options.

Can Liposuction Cure Your Cankles?

Robert Schwartz — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 05:00:00 +0000

{mosimage}It's never made Merriam-Webster, but other online dictionaries will tell you that a "cankle" is "a thick ankle, particularly one that appears to be a continuation of the calf." And while the term may be meant to amuse, having cankles is no laughing matter for many women.

Some women are genetically predisposed to have more fat in their legs and ankles; adding to the frustration is the fact that fatty deposits in the ankles are among the most resistant to diet and exercise.

So, is it possible to treat the fat in ankles with liposuction? Yes, it is. We do this procedure all the time, and have had great success with it. But it's not for everyone with cankles.

For example, in some cases it's the bone structure, not fat, that is responsible for the appearance of the ankles. In other cases, a woman simply has muscular calves. And finally, sometimes the appearance is caused by swelling that is the result of a medical condition. All of these possibilities must be ruled out before considering ankle liposuction.

But if the problem is excess fat, liposuction can give your ankle the attractive, natural appearance you're looking for.

Keep in mind that ankle liposuction is among the more complex liposuctions to perform, because ankles are mostly bone and muscle rather than skin and fat. It is also critical to avoid damaging the veins in the ankle. This means that if you opt for this procedure, you should definitely choose a board-certified plastic surgeon.

With Great Plastic Surgery, People Know You Look Fantastic -- But Aren't Sure Why

Robert Schwartz — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 05:00:00 +0000

{mosimage}While I want to give all my patients the "wow" factor, I don't want people to walk up to them and ask, "Did you get your lips done?"

Cosmetic surgery, done artfully, does not draw attention to itself. With breasts, for example, your goal should be to have the prettiest breasts possible for your body -- not the largest. Often women who think they just want really big breasts aren't satisfied with their results when they get them. They also don't like that everyone knows they have implants.

If everyone seems to know that you've had a procedure done, you've either had a bad plastic surgery experience -- or had one procedure too many.

Buttock Implants -- the New Craze? Not Yet, Anyway

Robert Schwartz — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 21:34:35 +0000

{mosimage}Buttock augmentation has gotten a lot of publicity over the past year or two -- but like a lot of media stories, it's in the news more because it's a new phenomenon than because it's actually in high demand.

For every 50 women I see for breast implants, I see one for buttock implants. They have a level of popularity in South American countries like Brazil, for cultural reasons, but they have yet to become a frequently requested procedure in the United States.

That said, we have seen mild demand, mostly from the Hispanic and African-American communities, and we'll see if that continues to grow as our cultural conceptions of beauty evolve. For the time being, however, they remain a niche procedure.

When It's Time for a Facelift, It's Time for a Facelift

Robert Schwartz — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 20:40:57 +0000

{mosimage}I'm often asked about cosmetic procedures such as mini-facelifts, suture lifts, Thermage, Lifestyle Lifts and other less invasive lifts. Some of those who ask me about these procedures, in fact, are new patients -- women who have already tried these cosmetic half-measures, and who are looking for a longer-lasting solution.

What I've found is that when you are at the stage in your life when you need a facelift, you need a facelift. You can spend several thousand dollars on these other procedures and then wind up in my office later anyway.

It's a case of no pain, no gain. Some of the procedures are very quick with little recovery time -- but you get mild changes that don't really last. I see people who've gotten these procedures, and people tell them, "Yeah, it looks better" -- but it's nothing to write home about. It's not that exciting.

What you want after you've had work done on your face is, "Wow, that looks great!" If you're spending thousands of dollars, you deserve to get a "wow."

Real facelifts, browlifts, breast augmentations -- I know I can deliver a "wow" with these, and do so consistently. Most of the non-invasive procedures give you very little "wow." People are more excited about the promises -- like the idea that they can go back to work the next day -- than the results they get.

There are exceptions to this -- Botox, for example. Botox can deliver a "wow." Restylane can, too.

But for the most part, procedures like mini-facelifts give you mini-results -- and who wants that?

Top Plastic Surgery Blogs

RSPlastic Team — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 14:16:10 +0000

{mosimage}According to the Healthcare 100, a ranking of health and medical blogs by eDrugSearch.com, here are the top five plastic surgery blogs (overall Healthcare 100 rank in parentheses):

Plastic Surgery Today Broadcasts from CEE 2007

RSPlastic Team — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 15:45:51 +0000

{mosimage}We broadcast Plastic Surgery Today live from the show floor at the Cosmetic Enhancement Expo Saturday, and it was a big success. We had the chance to meet with prospective patients, answer their questions on the air -- and to give one lucky participant, Melissa Miller of Dallas, a new iPod.

We hope to do more live remotes in the future. If you'd like to host a broadcast of Plastic Surgery Today at your event, please drop us a line.

And if your question didn't get on the air during the expo on Saturday, please call us at 888.800.8300 or fill in this contact form, and we'll be sure to get back with you.

It's Not Botox ... It's "Boy"-tox

RSPlastic Team — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 13:58:57 +0000

{mosimage}Darn, too bad somebody already took that URL. "Boy"-tox is what some in the media are calling the trend in men seeking Botox treatments:

For many men, Botoxing the fine lines away is no different from washing away the gray or splurging on professional tailoring. Men are increasingly choosing the quick, relatively painless procedure to smooth out a few wrinkles for personal satisfaction or professional advancement.

The differences? Botox injections for men tend to be stronger than women's because of the density of a man's musculature ... The main difference between Botox for women and Botox for men is its intent.

"Men prefer a more natural look," said Dr. [Birgit] Toome ... "They want the lines softened, not eradicated"... Men want a dosage that will not relax their muscles to the point they can't frown. And they don't want a dosage that will give them arched eyebrows. They think, she said, "it makes them look effeminate."

Part of the procedure's appeal for men is its simplicity, said Dr. Jon Mendelsohn, plastic surgeon with Advanced Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center in Norwood, Ohio. Botox treatments are less invasive than surgical procedures and less time-consuming and "cosmetic" than a spa service. A typical treatment takes less than five minutes ... Frown lines are the most common zone for men, partly because these muscles usually are more pronounced in a man's face than a woman's.

Ask Dr. Schwartz -- and Win an iPod!

RSPlastic Team — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 21:53:35 +0000

{mosimage}Dr. Schwartz, who will broadcast the "Plastic Surgery Today" radio show live at the 2007 Cosmetic Enhancement Expo on Saturday, Sept. 8 at 3 p.m., has a special treat for one lucky listener who comes to the event.

Anytime Saturday before Dr. Schwartz goes on air, you can drop a question in a box on the show floor for Dr. Schwartz to answer live for his radio audience. At the end of his show, Dr. Schwartz will select one questioner to win a 30 GB, 7,500-song iPod valued at $250!

Tickets to the expo start at just $10 if you order in advance, so buy yours now for a chance to win!

Lipodissolve Banned in Kansas

RSPlastic Team — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 16:22:49 +0000

{mosimage}On Saturday, the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts virtually banned the use of Lipodissolve, the controversial "fat-dissolving injection." The board said patients may only receive Lipodissolve as part of a physician-authorized drug trial.

Mark Stafford, general counsel for the board, told the Kansas City Star, "We have to protect the public from the potentially disastrous effects of unproven drugs."

The Kansas restrictions are expected to take effect next month. The Star also reported:

Come to the 2007 Cosmetic Enhancement Expo at Dallas Market Hall

Robert Schwartz — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 22:40:14 +0000

{mosimage}If you're considering plastic surgery or another cosmetic procedure, I encourage you to order tickets to the second-annual Cosmetic Enhancement Expo, presented by D Beauty, on Sept. 8-9 at Dallas Market Hall. I'm planning a live remote of "Plastic Surgery Today" from the event on Saturday, Sept. 8, from 3-4 p.m., and will stick around to answer questions afterward.

More on this later, but I wanted to give you a heads up now, since you can purchase tickets online at a discounted price of $10.

Make Sure You're Getting Real Results -- Not Digital Ones

RSPlastic Team — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 23:22:57 +0000

{mosimage}We have no doubt that the great majority of plastic surgeons are honest in their presentation of before-and-after photographs. They would never consider altering the results; it would be completely unethical.

But with the Photoshopping of digital images now so easy and so prevalent, there is always the chance -- as with ethical lapses in journalism and other fields -- that an image could be altered that shouldn't be.

We're reminded of this by a number of sites we've run across recently by individuals showcasing their digital retouching of images. Here are some retouching examples from Greg Apodaca, a few more from Brian Dilg, and finally one from Glenn Feron (who is currently updating his gallery). Just roll your cursor over the image to see the difference between the "befores" and "afters."

It's another reason why there's no substitute for doing your research, checking a doctor's credentials, and having a consultation before making a decision on a plastic surgeon.

We're No. 308!

RSPlastic Team — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 18:29:18 +0000

According to the Healthcare 100, which ranks health and medical blogs based on criteria like Google PageRank, Technorati authority, and Bloglines subscribers, our blog is currently ranked No. 308 of all healthcare-related blogs in the blogosphere.

Watch out, Random Acts of Reality -- we're coming after you!

The Breast Augmentation Bra: Le Mystere No. 9

RSPlastic Team — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 23:36:45 +0000

{mosimage}Le Mystere has developed a "unique bra designed specifically for augmented breasts."

The lingerie company teamed with a board-certified plastic surgeon to develop the bra, which the company says "compliments the unique changes in the shape and size that occur after a breast enhancement."

Here's more detail if you're interested in learning more about the product.

Get Your Plastic Surgery Tchotchkes!

RSPlastic Team — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 23:05:23 +0000

{mosimage}iFitandHealthy.com reports on some interesting tchotchkes being doled out to plastic surgery offices. They include:

...the oddly lifelike soft plastic breast from ebreastaug.com, a website that provides patients with information on breast augmentation.

Dermik, which makes a range of products designed to zap acne and smooth wrinkles, offers up a stress ball in the form of a classical head with marble-smooth skin.

Do Americans Really Like the "Frozen" Look?

RSPlastic Team — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 09:40:50 +0000

{mosimage}Australia's Herald Sun ran a story the other day claiming that Australians and Europeans prefer a "natural look" from plastic surgery, whereas Americans don't mind the "frozen look" -- and are even proud of it!

Top Nine Cosmetic Procedures for Men

RSPlastic Team — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 00:48:44 +0000

{mosimage}A Texas television station recently ran a report on the growing number of men seeking plastic surgery and other cosmetic procedures. Here are the top nine procedures for men, according to the report, with the most popular first:

Robert Schwartz Plastic Surgery Welcomes Dr. Lamyen Tran, BOTOX Specialist

RSPlastic Team — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 22:28:35 +0000

{mosimage}Dr. Lamyen Tran has joined our practice as a BOTOX� Cosmetic specialist. BOTOX continues to be in high demand among our patient base, and we are delighted to welcome Dr. Tran to focus solely on administering BOTOX treatments to patients of Robert Schwartz Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Tran, who has completed advanced BOTOX training by Allergan, was born in Saigon, Vietnam, and has lived in Dallas since 1975. She earned a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts at the University of Texas at Austin before graduating from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. She completed her residency at Baylor Medical Center at Garland.

BOTOX Cosmetic, made by Allergan Inc., is the most popular physician-administered aesthetic procedure in the United States. The simple, injectable treatment has been shown to temporarily smooth moderate to severe frown lines between the brows for people aged 18 to 65. It is the only treatment of its kind approved by the FDA.

Louisiana Plastic Surgery Billboard

RSPlastic Team — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 13:24:33 +0000

{mosimage}

(Via Extreme Funny Pictures.)

Age 12 Is Too Early for Liposuction

RSPlastic Team — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 13:53:17 +0000

{mosimage}A year after 12-year-old Texas resident Brooke Bates spurred medical controversy by receiving liposuction surgery, Associated Press reporter Jamie Stengle returned to check in on her:

Minorities Are Choosing Plastic Surgery in Larger Numbers

RSPlastic Team — Wed, 30 May 2007 07:36:26 +0000

{mosimage}The Washington Post reported Tuesday on the growing trend in ethnic minorities seeking plastic surgery. An excerpt from the story:

Although white women continue to dominate the ranks of cosmetic medicine, the number of black, Hispanic and Asian patients has escalated dramatically in the past five years, according to officials at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)...

Teen Plastic Surgery Trend Is Mostly Media Hype

RSPlastic Team — Fri, 18 May 2007 18:12:32 +0000

{mosimage}The news media loves to report on the "big trend" of teenagers seeking plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons. The only problem is, it's not a big trend -- not really.

After a recent story by MSNBC on the "big trend" of parents giving their children breast implants and nose jobs as graduation gifts, the news organization got called out for its overhype. It was forced to issue the following correction:

For Childhood Obesity, Liposuction Is Not a Solution

RSPlastic Team — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 12:59:55 +0000

According to the American Heart Association, "small but permanent changes" in children's diet and exercise -- with the active involvement of parents -- are the only way out of America's childhood obesity epidemic.

Unfortunately, one of America's other ailments is the desire for quick fixes. As such, attention has been given lately to teenagers seeking liposuction to lose weight. In virtually every instance, this is not a good idea.

Couple Makeovers Can Add Spark to Relationships

RSPlastic Team — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 12:51:32 +0000

Traditionally, plastic surgery has been associated with women who wish to look younger or more attractive. But today, more couples -- including many longtime married couples -- are having procedures done together.

A Fish Tale: Breast Implants Can Save Your Life

RSPlastic Team — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 05:00:00 +0000

Dr. Rob Oliver found an interesting story about a woman who was stabbed in the chest by a blue marlin while on a fishing boat. Apparently, her silicone implants saved her life by blunting the force of the marlin's razor-sharp bill. Here's a video that tells the tale:

"Age Disgracefully" with Restylane

RSPlastic Team — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 05:00:00 +0000

Medicis Pharmaceutical Corp., the company behind the dermal filler Restylane, has taken a page from Las Vegas' "What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas" playbook and issued a YouTube video with the tagline "Age Disgracefully." In the would-be viral, a woman celebrating her 50th birthday gets caught hooking up with her son's 20-something pal. Check it out.

(Via Defamer and The Arizona Republic)

See, Mom? All Those Years of Playing Video Games Paid Off

Robert Schwartz — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 05:00:00 +0000

From the Bulldog Reporter:

In a recent study that made international news, professor Douglas Gentile �one of the country's top experts on the effects of video games on human behavior�and his colleagues found that laparoscopic surgeons who played video games like "Super Monkey Ball" performed more accurate and faster surgeries than those who did not play the game ... "We gave them a survey that asked them about their current and previous video-game playing," Gentile recalled. "And then we had them play three video games and scored them."

Is It Time for a Mommie Makeover?

Robert Schwartz — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 21:46:09 +0000

The Free Lance-Star of Fredericksburg, Va., has a nice profile of four women who had plastic surgery after having children to get back their pre-baby bodies -- a combination of procedures commonly called a "mommie makeover."

One of the mothers profiled said she wore a swimsuit for the first time in more than 10 years after receiving a tummy tuck and breast lift.

More Women Are Turning Their "Outies" Into "Innies"

Robert Schwartz — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 20:43:56 +0000

Umbilicoplasty is a procedure to reconstruct the bellybutton. It's become more popular among women in recent years, as this story from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports.

With bare midriffs a hot look in warm weather, many women want to turn their "outies" into "innies." Most of the bellybutton patients I see are women whose navels have become "outies" -- or otherwise have been stretched or damaged -- because of pregnancy.

For Breast Reduction Without Scarring, Consider Liposuction

Robert Schwartz — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 16:03:58 +0000

{mosimage}A study in February's Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, recommends breast liposuction as an alternative for women who are concerned about scarring from traditional breast reduction surgery.

Plastic Surgery Is for Seniors, Too

Robert Schwartz — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 11:00:00 +0000

{mosimage}I'm sure you wouldn't be surprised to read a profile of a plastic surgery patient headlined "Boob Job Changed My Life."

But would you be surprised to learn that the woman being profiled is 71 years old?

Here's an excerpt from the article on Isle of Man actress Joanne Dainton:

U.K. Teens' Defense of Plastic Surgery Wins Them Trip to the U.S.

RSPlastic Team — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 09:00:00 +0000

{mosimage}Scottish high-schoolers Shona Young and Kirsty Paterson-Hunter won a trip to America after winning a debate competition over the merits of plastic surgery.

Defending non-reconstructive cosmetic procedures against a hypothetical ban, the teens successfully argued for freedom of choice and the tremendous public demand for the procedures.

More Women Choosing Labiaplasty

Robert Schwartz — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 06:00:00 +0000

{mosimage}From the Chicago Tribune:

Although the procedure has been around for years, labiaplasty - changing the shape, length or other details of a woman's labia minora - is becoming increasingly popular. And Dr. Peter Geldner thinks he knows why.

Be Wary of Fat Grafting for Breast Augmentation

RSPlastic Team — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 11:35:18 +0000

{mosimage}In an announcement this week, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) recommended against fat grafting (also called lipoinjection) for breast augmentation.

Web Sites Offer Video of Common Procedures

RSPlastic Team — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 06:55:29 +0000

{mosimage}For prospective patients who'd like to see surgeries performed, a number of Web sites offer video of breast augmentation, liposuction, tummy tucks and other common procedures. Two of these sites are StreamingSurgeries.com and SeeSurgery.com.

Technorati Profile

Tags: ((liposuction)), ((plastic surgery video)), ((breast enlargement)), ((tummy tuck))

Android Plastic Surgery: Next Growth Market?

RS Plastic Team — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 22:18:52 +0000

{mosimage}Since those of us on the RSPlastic Team are always looking out for the latest trends in cosmetic surgery, we found this report from the Korea Times (via TechSpot) of interest:

EveR 2 Muse, a Korean female android, is set to undergo plastic surgery in the near future to change her appearance to resemble her previous model the EveR 1 Muse. This android ... has an extraordinary life-alike look, is capable sitting and standing, can show eight facial expressions like boredom, anger, joy, sorrow and happiness, and if that's not enough, to entertain you she can even sing.

Liposuction Goes Hi-Def

Robert Schwartz — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 18:37:12 +0000

{mosimage} I was fortunate to be among a handful of surgeons invited to Argentina recently for an educational session on a new high-definition LipoSelection procedure from VASER.

LipoSelection, which I currently perform, is a significant advancement over traditional liposuction because it uses state-of-the-art ultrasound technology to reshape your body. The procedure first liquefies and then removes fat from the body, which is why it provides smooth, predictable and relatively pain-free results relative to other techniques.

Now, high-definition LipoSelection takes this procedure to a whole new level. Developed by Colombian plastic surgeon Dr. Alfredo Hoyos, hi-def lipoplasty creates a sculpted, athletic appearance by enhancing the contours of subcutaneous fat and the definition of underlying musculature.

Stem Cells and Breast Implants

RSPlastic Team — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 18:23:55 +0000

{mosimage}An interesting story from The Times of London:

British women may be offered a "natural" form of breast enlargement that uses stem cells and fat from a woman's own body, under plans being considered by doctors. The technique, pioneered in Japan, results in breasts that look and feel smoother than conventional cosmetic surgery using implants. This is because the stem cells enable the fat to grow its own blood supply, thus becoming an integral part of the breast rather than a foreign lump.

Anesthetic Creams Must Be Used with Care

Robert Schwartz — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 18:32:37 +0000

{mosimage}Last night I appeared on WFAA-TV, the ABC affiliate in Dallas/Fort Worth, to discuss the FDA's warning about the improper use of anesthetic creams. Here's an excerpt from the text version of the story:

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers about medications commonly used to numb the skin in plastic surgery or laser hair removal...

"There's a therapeutic dose that gets you numb, and then there's some doses at which it becomes toxic and can kill you," explained Dr. Robert Schwartz, a plastic surgeon in Richardson.

Hand Rejuvenation with Restylane

Robert Schwartz — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 04:21:51 +0000

{mosimage} I recently appeared on CW33 in Dallas/Fort Worth to discuss my technique for using Restylane to rejuvenate hands. Here's the story by Victoria Snee.

Tags: ((hand rejuvenation)), ((Restylane)), ((injectables))

More Women of Color Choosing Plastic Surgery

RSPlastic Team — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 11:27:08 +0000

{mosimage}Hispanics, African-Americans and Asian-Americans are taking advantage of plastic surgery in increasing numbers -- outpacing growth among whites. In 2006, Hispanics led the way among ethnic minorities with 9.5 percent of all procedures performed, up from 6 percent in 2000, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

If Monkeys Knew How to Use a Scalpel, They'd Perform Plastic Surgery, Too

RSPlastic Team — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 06:00:00 +0000

{mosimage}You don't believe us? Modern anthropologist Nina Jablonski tells the New York Times that plastic surgery feeds a "primate instinct" to look good -- true of apes as well as men and women.

Jablonski calls it an evolutionary adaptation to "improving the first impression one gives" in order to enhance our employment opportunities, sexual attractiveness and so on. Overall, she believes growth in plastic surgery is a good thing, because it has the impact of reducing ageism in our culture.

Tags:((plastic surgery)), ((cosmetic surgery))

A Dermal Filler That Lasts Five Years?

RSPlastic Team — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 06:00:00 +0000

{mosimage}
CNN reports that recent IPO Artes Medical has a longer-lasting dermal filler in the works:

Artes Medical, a San Diego company that went public in December, wants the Food and Drug Administration to approve its dermal filler as a five-year treatment. That's 10 times longer than its current approval for six months, the same authorized duration as dermal fillers Juvederm by Allergan and Restylane from Medicis Pharmaceutical.

Do You Have "Moobs"? You're Not Alone

RSPlastic Team — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 06:00:00 +0000

{mosimage}
London's Daily Mail reports on dramatic increases in the number of men seeking surgical procedures to reduce the size of their breasts. Of "man boobs" -- or "moobs" -- the paper says:

You might think that "moobs" are simply the product of overindulgence � not necessarily. Some blame the problem on "gender-bending" pollution.

AP Story on Silicone Implants

Robert Schwartz — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 06:00:00 +0000

I was interviewed recently for an Associated Press story on the FDA's approval of silicone-gel implants. Here's an excerpt:

The Most Admired Profession in Brazil?

RSPlastic Team — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 12:31:37 +0000

This is a cute ad from HSBC, the London-based global bank.

Tags: ((breast implants)), ((breast augmentation)), ((plastic surgery)), ((cosmetic surgery))

Learning to Love Your Breasts

Robert Schwartz — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 14:30:40 +0000

{mosimage}There's a nice article today in London's Daily Mirror describing how three women who had issues with the appearance of their breasts came to terms with them.

One of the three achieved the results she wanted through diet and exercise; the second simply learned to appreciate her naturally large breasts. And the third -- 41-year-old Jane Goodship -- turned to augmentation surgery after fighting, and beating, breast cancer.

Said Goodship:

I'd like to have a T-shirt made for when I'm jogging which reads, "They're false and I'm proud". My breasts are a sign that I've beaten breast cancer and I've every reason to be proud of them.

Tags: ((breast implants)), ((breast augmentation)), ((plastic surgery)), ((cosmetic surgery))

Mannequin Breasts Are Getting Bigger

RSPlastic Team — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 18:24:38 +0000

{mosimage}From Metro.co.uk:

Mannequins' breasts are growing to cater for the number of women who now have plastic surgery...Hip stores in America that use the models include Mystique Boutique, in SoHo, New York and Deco Denim, in Miami's South Beach.

Hmmm. If you ever see a woman with a breast augmentation that bears any resemblance to this mannequin, we promise it was not done by our office.

Tags: ((breast implants)), ((breast augmentation)), ((plastic surgery)), ((cosmetic surgery))

Please, Don't Kill Your Husband for Breast Implants

RSPlastic Team — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 06:00:00 +0000

{mosimage} A murder trial in California is drawing worldwide attention because of the apparent motive of the crime. From ABC News:

A young mother is accused of using arsenic to kill her Marine husband ... so she could afford plastic surgery. Prosecutors say soon after he died, Sommer spent $5,400 on breast implants...

Wow -- that's pretty despicable.

Tags: ((breast implants)), ((breast augmentation)), ((plastic surgery)), ((cosmetic surgery))

11 Tips for Women Considering Silicone Breast Implants

Robert Schwartz — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 06:00:00 +0000

{mosimage}With the end of the FDA�s 14-year-ban on silicone gel implants, it is widely predicted that silicone will overtake saline as the most popular choice among women seeking breast augmentation. I'd suggest prospective patients weigh the following 11 considerations before choosing between silicone and saline:

Welcome to Dr. Schwartz's Blog

Robert Schwartz — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 06:00:00 +0000

When I started "Plastic Surgery Today," I didn't know quite what to expect; I had never done a radio show before.

The experience has turned out to be an incredibly rewarding one. People have responded to "Plastic Surgery Today" because it�s not only educating them about plastic surgery -- it�s answering the questions they are afraid to ask. Not everyone feels comfortable asking about procedures like breast augmentation, but they are curious. Through the radio, I really think that we have helped people to make better decisions -- and in some cases, avoid disastrous ones.

This blog is intended to be an extension of the radio show. We'll discuss plastic surgery-related issues of the day, offer advice, and have a little fun. We'll be updating frequently, so bookmark this page or subscribe to our RSS feed -- and come back often!

Tags: ((robert schwartz)), ((plastic surgery)), ((cosmetic surgery))