Cityrag on Celebrity Plastic Surgery 2008

Cityrag.com has a photo collage of celebrity plastic surgery in 2008. Many of these photos have been shown on this very blog, but a few of them are new to me. Which is the scariest? I would have to give my vote to Carrot Top. Click here for the site.

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

Dr. Youn's Top 9 Plastic Surgery Predictions for 2009

Here are #4-#1 of Dr. Youn's Top 9 Plastic Surgery Predictions for 2009.

#4: Nonsurgical Liposuction Techniques Run Rampant... As Do Disappointing Results. One of the hottest procedures today is nonsurgical liposuction. Cosmetic practices throughout the country are advertising fat reduction via injections (mesotherapy and Lipodissolve), external lasers, external ultrasound, and even by freezing the fat (called cryolipolysis). While these techniques sound intriguing, none have actually been proven to safely work...yet. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is currently conducting an FDA-approved study on Lipodissolve, with the initial results due in the near future. While the only proven way to safely and effectively remove fat is via liposuction, 2009 may bring considerable advances to some of these, so far, unproven modalities.

#3: Eyelash Enhancing Medication "Latisse" Hits Big in a Blink. Recently an FDA advisory panel recommended approval for this eyelash stimulating medication from Allergan, the makers of Botox. Peak sales are estimated to reach $500 million, as this treatment will be the only one of its kind. I expect Allergan will see huge profits from this topical medication, as will the physicians that dispense it. And people will walk around with Tammy Faye Baker eyes...

#2: Stem Cells are the Future in the U.S., but the Present in Other Countries. Stem cells are currently all the rage in potentially curing cancers, developmental abnormalities, and other medical problems... but are they the future for plastic surgery as well? Actually, stem cells are currently being used by some pioneering (and some reckless) surgeons outside the U.S. Dr. Vincent Giampapa introduced a stem cell facelift in France back in October and a handful of surgeons are performing breast enhancement with stem cells in Japan and Europe. So will we see stem cells being used by plastic surgeons in the U.S. in 2009? Not likely. The FDA is cautious with allowing procedures like these to be performed here in the States, and with good reason. Scientists need to prove that the use of stem cells for indications like these is safe and effective before allowing patients to undergo it. Until then, Americans will need to travel abroad for these extremely controversial treatments.

And finally we reach...
#1: Botox-Competitor Reloxin will act as an Economic Bailout for Millions of Botox Users in 2009. FDA approval for Medicis's cosmetic botulinum toxin Reloxin is expected sometime in the new year. This may prove to be a relief to patients and plastic surgeons who have been forced to buy Botox at increasing prices each year. I currently charge my patients $650 for Botox injections to three areas, and the price of the Botox product itself accounts for at least half of that charge. Reloxin will be the first legitimate Botox competitor to challenge Allergan's monopoly on this market, and hopefully bring prices down for the most popular cosmetic treatment in the U.S. It can end up being an economic bailout for the millions of people who undergo cosmetic botulinum toxin treatments several times a year.

So there you have it! Dr. Youn's Top 9 Plastic Surgery Predictions for 2009. I'm interested to hear if you think I missed anything! (And don't comment that the plastic surgery market will suffer due to the economy. This is not a prediction, but an expectation...)

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

Dr. Youn's Top 9 Plastic Surgery Predictions for 2009

I hope you are enjoying your holiday weekend! I have looked into my crystal ball and compiled my list of Dr. Youn's Top 9 Plastic Surgery Predictions for 2009. Here are #9-#5:

9. Plastic Surgery Vacations will become more and more popular. As the nation undergoes a dire economic recession, greater and greater numbers of people will pack their sunblock, passports, and ice packs as they combine plastic surgery and vacations. Americans will travel to Mexico, Brazil, and even India in an attempt to save money and look better. This trend will unfortunately bring about an unprecedented number of disturbing complications, as people bring their botched results back to the U.S. for American plastic surgeons to treat. The lucky ones will come back looking both rested AND younger.

8. Fat, from both from animals and people, will become a new Green resource. I've already reported on the renegade Beverly Hills radiologist who used liposuction fat to power his SUV to work each day. With the continued push toward "green" energy, scientists and some physicians will continue their work on Biofuels, with liposuction fat on the periphery of this trend. No, I don't plan on ever doing this.

7. Sculptra will gain FDA approval as a liquid facelift for the general population. Sculptra is currently only FDA-approved for treatment of HIV-associated facial wasting. Sculptra has been used in Europe for many years under the name Newfill, and is the only injectable filler that can produce generalized volume replacement in the face without excessive cost. With the realization that facial volume loss is an integral component of the aging process, this treatment may take center stage in the fight against facial gauntness.

6. 2009 will bring with it a plethora of new extreme, bizarre, and unusual plastic surgeries. 2008 brought us such plastic surgery oddities as cosmetic leg lengthening, the G Shot, the Boob Jab, and the Acupuncture Facelift. I expect fringe medical practitioners to do the same in 2009. Can we expect to see actual rib removal to thin the body, removal of the omentum (fat around the intestines) to decrease a protuberant tummy, or tummy tucks performed at the time of C-sections? Time will tell.

5. Will Gummy Bear Implants Boost Busts in 2009? In November 2006 the FDA lifted the ban on silicone gel implants... at least the fourth generation ones. Since then plastic surgeons and patients in the know have been waiting for FDA approval of the form-stable, "gummy bear" breast implants. These are the firm, textured, tear-drop shaped implants that are made to retain their shape and not conform to the shape of surrounding tissues. They are already in widespread use throughout many other countries in the world. Will the FDA approve these implants for general cosmetic use in 2009? Thousands of plastic surgeons and patients hope so.

Tomorrow I will post the rest of Dr. Youn's Top 9 Plastic Surgery Predictions for 2009. Stay tuned! Same bat time... same bat url.

Thanks for reading.

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

Merry Christmas!

I hope you are all having a nice Christmas. I took a break from plastic surgery and other projects today to spend time with family and watch an excellent movie called Slumdog Millionaire. I highly recommend it.

I wish you all the peace and hope brought by a small baby over two thousand years ago in the town of Bethlehem. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.

Back in a flash with my plastic surgery predictions for 2009.

God bless,

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

Quick Links

Here are some quick links for you to check out while I prepare my next post. Check them out for your celebrity plastic surgery fix.

1. There is an amusing site called Nicole Kidman's Forehead. Can you believe someone started a blog focused only on her forehead? Click here to check it out.

2. Socialite Life has a photo gallery of prominent celebrities who have had (mostly bad) plastic surgery. There are some regulars here (Lara Flynn Boyle, Kenny Rogers) but also some unexpected ones (Calista Flockhart, Ray Liotta). Click here to check it out.

3. The first face transplant in the United States has been performed at Cleveland Clinic. 80% of her face has been replaced by the face of a cadaver. Can you imagine what it would be like to look into the mirror and see someone else's face? Click here for the article from CNN.com.

Photo source : Nicole Kidman's Forehead

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

Putting Vanity (And Botox) On Hold

There are more and more articles appearing regarding the state of plastic surgery in today's economy. An excellent article by New York Times writer Natasha Singer called Putting Vanity (and Botox) on Hold finds that people are re-evaluating their priorities and spending less on plastic surgery today. One estimate finds that business is down 30-40 percent in Orange County, one of the biggest markets for plastic surgery in the country. In addition, many people are foregoing the more expensive surgical procedures and substituting less expensive injectable procedures as a way to stall aging until the economy improves, 401K's recover, and people feel more comfortable with larger purchases.

Here in Metro Detroit, we have all breathed a sigh of relief as President Bush proposed a $14 billion loan to bail out the auto industry. While times here are very tough, the collapse of even one of the Big 3 U.S. automakers would have been absolutely devastating, with hundreds of thousands of people projected to lose their jobs as a result.

I don't put my political opinions in this blog, but I feel the need to do it just this one time. I'd like to give out a "You're a Self-Serving Jackass" award to the following people who led the opposition to the automakers' bailout: Senator Mitch McConnell, Senator Bob Corker, Senator Richard Shelby, and even native Michigander Mitt Romney. How many billions of dollars are we spending on Iraq and Afghanistan, and you won't even give a $14 billion LOAN to an industry which supports millions of American jobs? Shame on all of you.

Whew! It's nice to get that off my chest. Now back to celebrity plastic surgery. Tomorrow we will focus on Nicole Kidman's forehead...

Thanks for reading.

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

Scarlett Johansson - Breast Implants? Naw...

Scarlett Johansson has been placed onto many Hollywood's most attractive women lists. Some people have speculated that she may have breast implants. This photo from Hollywood Tuna is as good proof as any that her chest is completely natural. While she may have had a rhinoplasty, I doubt she's had a breast augmentation. Overall she looks very glamorous and is only looking better with time.

Photo Source

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

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Do People Really Want Long Eyelashes That Badly?

There is an interesting post of Dr. Rob Oliver's Plastic Surgery 101 blog regarding the upcoming product from Allergan, makers of Botox and Natrelle breast implants. The product is called Latisse, and its function is to make eyelashes fuller, longer, and even darker. Peak sales are estimated to become $500 million.

I was interviewed about this product months and months ago to test doctor and patient interest. I didn't think that patients would be that interested in this product, but after talking to several women (including my office employees), I think I was wrong. After it obtains FDA approval we'll see how popular it gets.

Source

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

Demi Moore - $3 Million of Plastic Surgery?

In a recent interview, actress Demi Moore addressed the rumors that she's had $3 million worth of plastic surgery:

Do you get irritated by all the rumours suggesting you paid $3 million for surgical procedures on your face and body?
“Yes, it’s irritating - and it’s also not true. But to fight it feels futile because it just perpetuates the myth. The truth is I have no problem with enhancing one’s looks or fixing something that’s changed. It’s always an option, but I can’t see me ever getting something like that done.”

Now, in my opinion she looks fantastic. While I do think she is a natural beauty, I also believe she's likely had some work done. Three million dollars worth though? That's ludicrous.

A successful plastic surgery practice grosses about a million dollars a year. That means that Demi would have to have undergone three years worth of plastic surgery by a single plastic surgeon to cover the three million dollars worth she's rumored to have had. If each procedure roughly costs ten grand, then that would mean she would have had 300 surgeries! Not even Jocelyn Wildenstein can claim that!

Source

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

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Victoria Beckham Comments on Her Breasts

According to the Daily Mail, Victoria Beckham has commented on why her breasts look so round and grapefruit-like:

'I know how a dress should sit. I've worn so many in the past and when I see the photographs I think, crikey, my boobs are up round my neck again, because the corsets are too short and not cut high enough'.

She's made millions on that look, but it's nice to see that she has figured out it is no longer working for her. Crikey! She isn't a Spice Girl anymore!

To check out MY explanation of why her breasts look excessively round (hint: it's not due to a corset!), click here.

Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

Plastic Surgery by Morticians? Not Really...

I was interviewed recently for an article on MSNBC.com focusing on the procedures morticians are asked to do nowadays to make people look as good as possible after they die. Apparently they perform some pretty complex plastic surgery-like procedures to make people look even younger than they did when they passed on. Here's my quote from the article:

“Society is unfortunately getting more and more vain as time goes on,” says Youn. “Fifty years ago, no one would have thought about how good they’re going to look when they die, but now that’s probably something the ‘Real Housewives of Orange County’ talk about. If they die, they want to look good in their casket. It’ll be one last time to show off their new outfit and their plumped lips.”

It's funny, my next door neighbor, Dave Temrowski (also quoted in the article) is a prominent mortician in this area, and while we've talked about our occupations at length, we never really saw the similarity in what we do. In fact, I probably learned more by talking with the journalist than she did in talking with me!

Click here to read the MSNBC article, Final Touch : A Cosmetic Lift for Your Funeral?

Thank you to Diane Mapes for contacting me for this article.

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

Jamie Lynn Spears - Liposuction?

According to a magazine, Jamie-Lynn Spears may have undergone liposuction while she was pregnant.

"She didn't know she was pregnant when she filled out the health questionnaire prior to the procedure," a second source reveals. "Her mom approved the injections and went through tons of red tape to get the clinic to administer them to an underage patient."

Every operating center I've ever worked out of administers a pregnancy test to every female prior to plastic surgery. If the test comes back positive, nearly all of the patients will claim that it is "impossible" that they are pregnant. We then repeat the test, which always comes back positive again, and finally cancel the surgery.

Having to cancel the surgery is a bummer for me, but at least I get to go out for a long breakfast and read the paper.

Source

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

Artes Medical Files for Bankruptcy

Yet another cosmetic company bites the dust. Artes Medical, makers of the permanent filler Artefill, has filed Chapter 11 Bankruptcy and may be forced to liquidate its assets. The websites for both Artes and Artefill are already shut down. This announcement follows the recent bankruptcy by Rhytec, Inc., makers of Portrait. Should the economy continue in recession, I foresee more companies in the plastic surgery market going belly-up in the future. I would expect that many of the laser manufacturers (there are dozens of them) are having trouble with the recent credit crunch combined with the high cost of these machines (often in the 6 digits). These may be the next companies to make news due to economic woes.

I've never used Artefill, since I am very wary of permanent fillers. Liquid silicone has been the most used permanent filler and has produced some disastrous results. In addition, the face changes as it ages. Who's to say that a filler injected at the age of 40 will still look good at the age of 50? Plus, if the patient doesn't like how it looks, the only remedy for the permanent filler is to cut it out. That's no fun.

Maybe they should change the slogan of Artefill to "the First to Not Last!"

To read more about Artes Medical and bankruptcy, click here.

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

Who Has The Smoother Skin?

There is something terribly wrong when a 63 year old's skin is as smooth as a 17 year old's skin. Good plastic surgery isn't this extreme. Check out dlisted.com for more photos.

To view an interview I did with the Fox News Channel on Priscilla, click here.

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

Johnson and Johnson Buys Mentor for $1.07 Billion

How much does it cost to buy the US's top breast implant manufacturer? Johnson and Johnson recently acquired breast implant manufacturer, Mentor Corp, for a reported $1.07 billion. For those of you who hold stock in this company (like me, albeit not a whole lot), the purchase has caused the stock to skyrocket in price nearly 90%. What does this mean for the plastic surgeon and the plastic surgery patient?

Probably not much. J & J has been promoting their new dermal filler Evolence, which competes with Juvederm from Allergan (the other breast implant manufacturer). Mentor is currently working on PurTox as a competitor to Botox, but it likely won't be FDA approved for another year or two. I almost exclusively use Mentor breast implants, and have had a good relationship with the company. I hope that the J & J purchase doesn't affect how the company does business with its doctors and patients. I doubt that it will, but time will tell.

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

Patrick Swayze

Several websites are reporting that actor Patrick Swayze's battle with pancreatic cancer is worsening.

Patrick recently got word that the cancer had spread to his liver and that is what his doctors said would begin the countdown to the end," a source told National Enquirer magazine.

If true, this is terrible news. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat of all cancers. Long-term survivability is uncommon. I wish him and his family the best through this horrible time.

I thought Patrick Swayze was fantastic in Ghost and Dirty Dancing, although his most entertaining shoot ever may have been with Chris Farley on the Chippendales SNL segment...

Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

Nicole Kidman or Wax Figure?

Is this a photo of Nicole Kidman or a wax figure of Nicole? It seems as though she has resumed her Botox injections, in addition to lip enhancement with a filler such as Restylane. I bet she's had some chemical peels too, judging by the smoothness of her skin.

To check out my last post on Nicole Kidman, titled "Nicole Kidman : Botox Free?" click here.

Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

Quick links

Here are some quick links to take up time while you are relaxing at home...

1. If you are on Facebook, take the True Age Test. They ask you 20 questions about yourself and determine the true age of your body from the results. According to this test I am 17 years old! Then why do I feel 50 today? (Must be the five days of surgery in the last seven days...)

2. Click here to view a television segment on the Beverly Hills radiologist who fashioned himself a liposuction guru. There is a warrant out for his arrest, and now he is somewhere in South America. After you go to the CBS site, type in "Raid" and/or "Bittner" to view the segments on Dr. Alan Bittner.

3. Are Guns N' Roses Bringing Back Plastic Surgery? Check out MakeMeHeal.com for their post on the Gunners (I've asked for Chinese Democracy for Christmas).

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

How Do You Screen For Breast Cancer If You Have Implants?

Here is a segment I did with ABC Channel 7 here in Metro Detroit. If you have breast implants, take a look to learn about how to screen for breast cancer.

Stars Admitting to Botox

A recent article in People Magazine has compiled a number of celebrities who have gone on record to having Botox injections. Most of them like what the treatments do, and there is an estimate that 75% of stars over the age of 35 receive Botox injections! Here is a list of the stars who get or have gotten Botox:
Brooke Shields
Vanessa Williams
Lisa Rinna
Lori Loughlin
Daisy Fuentes
Jenny McCarthy (yes to Botox, but no to vaccines?)
Jennie Garth
David Hasselhoff (ha!)
Simon Cowell
Linda Evangelista
Janice Dickinson (no surprise there)
Courteney Cox
Teri Hatcher

If the star's name is highlighted, you can click on it to visit one of my previous blog entries on their Botox.

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

Hollywood Breast A Listers.. and a Couple B's

COEDmagazine.com has a photo display of Hollywood stars who do not appear to have had a breast augmentation. They are all A's and B's. Check it out here.

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

Rhytec (Portrait) Goes Out of Business?

I've heard through the grapevine that Rhytec, the company that makes the Portrait skin rejuvenation machine, has closed its doors. This leaves the hundreds of physicians who own this machine in a bind. If another company does not produce the nozzles that are necessary for their plasma treatments, then these doctors will be left with a very expensive (approximately $60,000 from what I've heard) piece of useless machinery.

So now we see the credit crunch affecting the cosmetic and plastic surgery industry. Some good friends of mine, well-respected plastic surgeons Dr. Steve Svehlak and Dr. Dan Yamini have been using Portrait with very nice results. Hopefully the procedure can continue on with a new manufacturer.

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

Has Brad Pitt Had Chemical Peels and Filler Injections?

Star Magazine has recently run a spread on Brad Pitt's "Plastic Surgery Secret." A very well-respected New York-based plastic surgeon believes he may have had a chemical peel to smooth the skin and filler injections such as Restylane or Juvederm to fill his wrinkles. Source.

He does look quite a bit better. The two photos are hard to compare, however, due to the different expressions in each one. The photo from Sept 6 has him looking surprised, with an open mouth, whereas the Nov 6 photo shows him smiling. It is a very common practice among plastic and cosmetic surgeons to use before and after photos which do not show the same pose. Because most everyone looks younger when they smile (since their cheeks look fuller and help cover up bags under the eyes) these photos are commonly used as 'after' pictures. The most famous Lunchtime Facelift (you know who they are!) before and after photos are a prime example of what I consider deceptive advertising. It's almost as if they ask the patient to look as old and grumpy as possible in the before, and then in the after they crane their neck up and smile. It's too bad that most people can't spot this!

Thanks for reading.

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

Radiologist Liposuction Doctor Drives to Work in a Car Fueled by His Patients' Liposuction Fat

Crazy story I found on Dr. Disaia's blog. Apparently there is a radiologist who practices liposuction surgery in Beverly Hills. He has committed himself to going green, and even utilizes the liposuction fat of his patients to fuel his SUV as he drives to and from work! I wonder what the exhaust smells like? Ick.

According to Dr. Disaia's blog his office was recently raided by the Medical Board of California. Maybe if he threw out his patients' liposuction fat like everybody else and drove an electric car to work he would still be in business!

To view his website, click here.

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

Cosmetic Surgery Addict Injects Cooking Oil Into Her Face

In a bizarre story, a woman addicted to plastic surgery has admitted to injecting cooking oil into her face in an attempt to plump it up. According to the Telegraph:

Amazingly, she found a doctor who was willing to give her silicone injects and, what's more, he then gave her a syringe and silicone of her own so she could self-inject. When her supply of silicone ran out Hang resorted to injecting cooking oil into her face.
As Hang's notoriety spread she was featured on Korean TV. Viewers seeing the report took mercy on her and sent in enough donations to enable her to have surgery to reduce the size of her face. During the first procedure surgeons removed 60g of foreign substance from Hang's face and 200g from her neck.
After several other sessions her face was left greatly reduced but still scarred and disfigured.
And it would seem that even Hang can now see the damage she has done; she now says that she would simply like her original face back.

This woman obviously has a major case of BDD. The problem with this psychiatric condition is that most people who have it don't think they do. In medical terms, we call it "lacking insight" into their condition. This causes them to be resistant to undergoing psychiatric treatment for it. When I've tried to encourage patients like this to stop undergoing plastic surgery and maybe get counseling instead, they usually don't listen to me and go to the next plastic or cosmetic surgeon down the street. Often that surgeon is willing to operate on them, and the unfortunate cycle continues.

Oh well. I try.

Click here to view a segment on BDD that I did on the Montel Williams show.

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

Julianne Moore : Plastic Surgery = Chinese Foot Binding?

According to actress Julianne Moore, she likens plastic surgery to Chinese Foot Binding. According to People.com she states:

"The analogy I use is ancient Chinese feet-binding," Moore reveals in the December issue of the U.K.'s Tatler. "At what point did they decide that small feet were more beautiful? People started making them smaller and smaller until they were stumps and not beautiful at all."

So will the 47-year-old actress refuse to go under the knife – ever? She may be idealistic, but Moore won't go that far. She admits, "Never say never."

I think the Chinese foot binding analogy goes a bit far. Much of plastic surgery is meant to restore the body to a previous state or remove excess skin that can become both a cosmetic and functional problem, such as tummy tucks and thigh lifts. The aim of good plastic surgery is a natural rejuvenation, not abnormal deformation like in Chinese foot binding. Maybe Julianne should stop being a moral compass and get back to acting...

Photo credit: pictzz.blogspot.com

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

Lisa Rinna Admits to Having "Too Much Filler"

Soap star and former Dancing with the Stars contestant Lisa Rinna has gone on record admitting to having had Botox and injectable fillers. According to an interview with In Touch Weekly:

The 45 year-old Rinna says, "We all know everyone does it! We go on Jenny Craig and do all these things to change ourselves, so why can't we get a little filler?...
At my age, you have to look good if you want to continue working. Sometimes we do things to help, and I did. I had tried Botox, and then fillers came into the plastic surgery world, and you think, "That's not a bad idea..."
I thought I looked great. It was a little bit more than normal, but you think it'll go down, so I wasn't scared. But two days ago, I saw a photo of myself at a party and went, "Oh, jeez. I have too much filler..."
I see that it's too much, so I'm going to lay off. I don't want to look weird! It'll go down in three months. And of course I'll stick with my doctor here in LA. I've seen him for years and he knows me best."

I've written about her lips many times in the past. Click here for previous posts. Take out the excessively plumped up lips and she looks fantastic for a 45 year old woman. It's nice to hear a Hollywood celebrity being up front about her plastic surgery. It's too bad not all celebs are so honest (Nicole Kidman?).

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

I Saved Barack Obama's Presidential Candidacy

Now that the election is over, I think it is important to reveal that I singlehandedly saved the new President-elect Barack Obama's candidacy. Click the photo of the article from the National Enquirer to see how I did this. Before you dismiss this as fluff, remember that the National Enquirer is the magazine that exposed John Edwards' affair, devastating his political career.

Had I not revealed the Obama Sex Tape as a hoax, using my extensive knowledge of human facial anatomy, we might have a President-elect McCain today. A type of scandal like the one I averted for him would likely have been more devastating than Watergate and Monicagate combined!

So for all you Obama supporters out there, you're welcome.

;)

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

Beauty Blog by My Former Aesthetician

My former aesthetician, Brooke Moinet, has a nice little blog focusing on all things cosmetic, including makeup, hair, and plastic surgery. Take a peek at her site here.

Here are her thoughts on the current state of eyebrow shaping:

Brows: Natural, full brows that are groomed and have shape are in-style, and most flattering. So, if you’re still sporting the two rows of hair above your eyes, you need to cancel your next brow appointment and make it for about six months to a year. Unless you’re a drag queen, you need to start growing those babies out.

Best wishes on your move to Miami, Brooke!

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

Top 10 Celebrities Who Don't Need a Mask This Halloween

Celebrity Smack has a post on the Top 10 Celebrities Who Don't Need a Mask This Halloween. Every single one appears to have had bad plastic surgery of some kind. I didn't see any kids wearing costumes of these celebs last night. I did see a pretty good Iron Man though...

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

Breast Implants for the Olsen Twins?

According to an online source, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen have gotten into an argument about getting breast implants. Click here for the story if you are interested in these two billionaires.

I've never understood the enduring interest in these two. I still see them as two little babies from Full House.

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

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12 Year Old Boy Scouts Volunteer to Give Women Breast Exams

12-Year-Old Boy Scouts Volunteer To Give Women Breast Exams

This funny video is from the Onion. Check it out if you want a good chuckle.

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

Jenny Lee Answers Your Questions

Jenny Lee is known to some as a "Human Barbie Doll," and has admittedly undergone some 30 plastic surgery procedures. She has been featured on Oprah, Larry King Live, and E!'s Celebrity Plastic Surgery. She has been kind enough to answer questions from our readers. Note: I have never treated Jenny Lee.

Was there a point when you thought you might have an addiction to Cosmetic Surgery?

There was never a point where I personally thought I had an “addiction” to plastic surgery. I was being treated by a psychiatrist for severe anxiety and panic attacks, and the topic of surgery came up one day, and he asked “How many surgeries/procedures have you had?” and that brought on a whole other level of treatment because on top of anxiety and depression, he told me I had BDD (Body Dismorphia Disorder).

When you had your first few surgeries, what were people’s reactions to the change?
When I had my breasts done, there wasn’t much reaction, as it was my first surgery. My second I had my breast done again with full body lipo, and my nose. When I was 25 I had my nose done again and a invasive brow lift (cut from ear to ear all through my scalp) and THEN the reaction came. Shock would be the word I would use. The brow lift takes YEARS to soften, and I looked really weird for at least a year while that healed. Thank God I have good movement again. Mission was accomplished though….My friends my age (32) are either getting Botox religiously on their forehead and between their brows every 3 months, or the ones who don’t look much older than they are.

Are they any procedures that you would like to do that your Plastic Surgeon has said no to? YES! He said no to more Lipo, no to more nose jobs, I asked for jaw implants, he said no, too masculine, and ABSOLUTELY NO to a inner thigh lift, no matter how much I begged (the scar which is initially in your panty line migrates down your leg over time, and the results are NOT pretty. I have seen someone personally who had it, so I know what he was saying is true.).

What is your favourite feature on yourself?
Ummm, right now I would say my nose. It really turned out nicely after FOUR TIMES!

Do you wish you hadn't done one of your procedures, that the original part was better?
This is a hard question to answer because everything is already done and it is hard to think about what I would un-do if I could. I love my nose today, and had I been in a different situation in my life 11 years ago I think I would still like my old nose. It reminded me of my dad, who has since passed, and it was a feature I shared with my older sister prominently.

What is the one surgery that you are happiest with and which one are you least happy with? Happiest with my nose, least happy with NOT getting both breasts lifted (the left one didn’t need lifting, just the right). I don’t like that my right nipple looks different than my left. So I will have surgery to fix that within the next 6 months, and I will get a breast lift on both breasts and internal pocket work (to make the pocket smaller).

Do you ever regret any of your surgeries and wish you could go back to a more natural look?
I regretted the brow lift at first for a few years because it was so extreme, but now I am glad I did it.

Thanks to Jenny Lee. To visit Jenny Lee's website, click here.

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

Cosmetic Surgeon Indicted for Murder Charges in Patient Deaths

A cosmetic surgeon in Phoenix was recently indicted in the deaths of three of his patients. Dr. Peter Normann was indicted on two counts of second-degree murder and one count of manslaughter in the deaths of three of his patients who underwent liposuction. According to an investigation, he performed two of the surgeries, and an associate performed the other surgery. His associate was a homeopathic practioner, whatever that means. Dr. Normann apparently underwent seven training sessions to learn liposuction surgery, the same number of sessions he had to learn hair restoration surgery. He is currently believed to be outside the United States, and an international manhunt is ongoing.

This is yet another unfortunate example of unsuspecting patients being duped by a doctor masquerading as a real plastic surgeon. Seven sessions to learn liposuction?? Unfortunately, dubious doctors with even less training than that are performing all sorts of plastic surgery. Remember, a cosmetic surgeon is not the same as a real plastic surgeon.

For more information on the Phoenix cosmetic surgeon murder case, click here.
For my advice on how to choose a plastic surgeon, click here.

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

Ask Jenny Lee

The actress Jenny Lee is known around the world as a human Barbie doll and has admitted to undergoing dozens of plastic surgeries. She has been featured on Oprah, Larry King Live, Entertainment Tonight, and E!'s Celebrity Plastic Surgery (which I was also on!). Many consider her to be a symbol of plastic surgery excess, and she has been very up front in talking with the media about her plastic surgery. Ms. Lee has graciously offered to answer questions from the readers of Celebrity Cosmetic Surgery. The last time I posted on her (click here), the comments ranged from nasty to supportive.

If you would like to ask any questions to Ms. Jenny Lee, leave the question on the 'comments' section, and she will answer them in a future post.

To visit Jenny Lee's website, click here.

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

Who Is the World's Most Beautiful Woman?

A poll by Colin Stewart's OC Register blog finds that 55% of his readers believe Angelina Jolie is the world's most beautiful woman. Readers voted Ava Gardner second, Halle Berry third, and Jennifer Connelly fourth. Click here to vote for your favorite.

Whom would I vote for? Second to my wife, I would have to pick Audrey Hepburn, although she doesn't make his list at all. At least Renee Zellweger only got 2% of the vote. She is a fantastic actress, but to me she always looks like she's sucking on a lemon.

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

Did Angelina Jolie Have a Tummy Tuck?

This week's Star magazine is reporting that Angelina Jolie has had a tummy tuck. According to the magazine:

Sources tell Star that the 33-year-old actress fretted over the size of her stomach while she was pregnant with Knox and Vivienne. "She doesn't like to talk about it or admit it, but Angie told some friends that she had a 'mommy tuck,' " says a family insider. "She likes the way that sounds better than tummy tuck."

Do I think she's had a tummy tuck? I doubt it, but that's just my hunch. It takes a couple weeks to recover from the surgery, and I would think that the paparazzi would obtain actual proof that she had work done. Angelina has come a long way from being the goth girl with a tube of Slingblade's blood around her neck.

To view a video of a tummy tuck I performed on Fox News, click here.

Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

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Quick Links

Here are some quick links for you to browse if you have some time:

1. James Bond actor Daniel Craig had a plastic surgeon suture close lacerations he suffered on his face after being kicked by a co-star. Click here for the story.
I am often called into the ER to take care of major lacerations. Most of the time, ER docs and PA's do a nice job, though, leaving the difficult ones for plastic surgeons like myself.

2. Dr. Rob Oliver of the Plastic Surgery 101 blog has a nice post on how you choose a doctor, based off personality and/or skill. I like to think I have both ;) Click here for his post.

3. Does Wrecking Balm tattoo removal lotion work? Click here to find out what the folks at the Beauty Brains blog write about it.

Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

Celebrity Plastic Surgery Disasters on Celebuzz

The folks at Celebuzz.com were kind enough to ask me to be a "Celebuzz Expert." We collaborated on a slideshow called "Celebrity Plastic Surgery Disasters." Check it out here. Some of the celebrities include Burt Reynolds, Jocelyn Wildenstein, CarrotTop, and Smokey Robinson.

As a teaser, here's my post on Burt:

What's the deal with Burt Reynolds? The man who was once voted the "Sexiest Man Alive" by People Magazine is now a far cry from what he used to be. He appears to have had an old-fashioned browlift where the eyebrows are pulled too high. In addition, he appears to have had an upper blepharoplasty (upper eyelid lift) which has made his eyelids appear a bit beady. It is very important for a plastic surgeon to avoid feminizing a male patient, like Burt has become. Pulling the brows too high and removing too much upper eyelid skin may be forgivable in a female, like most of the contestants of "the Swan," but in a male makes him look too effeminate. It also appears as though he has had an old-fashioned, skin tightening facelift. The face ages in a three-dimensional fashion, with both sagging skin AND loss of volume. The traditional facelifts like the one that Burt may have had focus only on tightening the skin. This can make someone's face look thinner, pulled and like he is in a wind tunnel. One way to improve how he looks would be fat grafting, or transfer, which would help fill in the areas of his face which have thinned or lost volume with time.
Burt doesn't look as rugged and manly as he did in the early '80s. "Less is more" is definitely a lesson Burt's plastic surgeon should have learned, in my opinion.

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

Courteney Cox Admits to Using Botox

According to Celebuzz.com, Courteney Cox has admitted to using Botox. In a recent interview with Marie Claire magazine she stated:

"Botox? I think it's fantastic and also horrible," she said. "I mean, they've come up with this stuff that can make you not look angry. But you have to use it sparingly."
Us reports that Cox-Arquette, 44, says she did indeed have the venom injected into her face, but she wasn't a huge fan.
"I was miserable," she says.
"I mean, I'm an actor, I've got to be able to move my face."

If Botox is injected tastefully, people can still retain a natural look and expressions. It's those physicians who create a 'frozen forehead' where the expressions can be obliterated.

Do you think she has Botox in this photo?

Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

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Kim Kardashian: "I've Never Had Plastic Surgery."

Kim Kardashian has recently commented on her blog about the rumors that she's had plastic surgery. According to E! online:

"I have not ever had plastic surgery," she writes in her blog, accompanied by a voluptuous photo of herself in a bikini at age 14. I hope after seeing this you guys will never ask me a plastic surgery question again! I have had a size C since I was 11 years old!"
Also on the didn't-do-it list: lip injections, a nose job or butt implants. But Kim hasn't ruled out a little nip 'n' tuck: "One day I will definitely get a lift, but I am waiting until after I have kids. Until then I rely on a great supportive bra!"

Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

Did Sharon Stone Want Her Son to Have Botox for His Feet?

Sharon Stone has recently denied allegations that she wanted her son Roan to have Botox injections to his feet to make them less stinky. According to her lawyer:

Sharon Stone never made this statement. It is a complete fabrication.

Now, I've never heard of injecting Botox into the feet to make them smell less. I guess it makes sense, though, as Botox is commonly injected into the palms of hands to make them less sweaty.

I wish this treatment was around back during my first year of college. I had a roommate who had the worst foot odor imaginable. It was like a decomposing animal. Maybe this treatment would have worked for him.

Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

Say it Ain't So Joe Biden... Plastic Surgery?

Like me, you may be one of the 70 million people who watched Joe Biden debate Sarah Palin last night. Did any of you notice the weird way Senator Biden's eyebrows moved? The inner eyebrows moved very little, whereas the outer part of the brow would often dramatically move upward, creating a 'sinister' look. His central forehead was also devoid of wrinkles. Has he had Botox injections?

This is quite often how a Botox'd forehead looks and acts. However, with all the media scrutiny on him, how on earth could he go to a plastic surgeon and have Botox without everyone finding out? Well... the effects of Botox last 3-4 months on average. It's possible that he had the treatment prior to being chosen as Obama's running mate, when there were less cameras following him. If that's the case, the Botox should wear off over the next couple months and the central forehead wrinkles should return (unless he has it done again).

As an aside, many people have speculated that he had hair transplants back in the '80s. He does have a somewhat unusual hairline at the temple, which may be a sign of this.

For my analysis on the other candidates, click here for Sarah Palin, here for John McCain, and here for Cindy McCain. Sorry, there will not be a post on Barack Obama, since I don't think he's had anything done.

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

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The Governator vs. Kanye?

California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has vetoed the so-called Donda West Law (named after Kanye West's late mother who died shortly after having plastic surgery), passed by legislators several months ago. It would have required all patients to undergo a physical exam and get a doctor's clearance before plastic surgery. According to the L.A. Times,

In vetoing the measure, Schwarzenegger said this summer's historic, 85-day delay in passage of a state budget left him with time to enact only the highest-priority legislation for California."This bill does not meet that standard, and I cannot sign it at this time," states the veto message, which he applied to dozens of others Sunday.

There are lots of young, healthy people who undergo plastic surgery who don't need an actual preoperative clearance. I usually clear any patients who have pre-existing medical problems or are over 40 years old. Also, I always use a fully accredited surgical facility with a board-certified anesthesiologist.

Nice implants on that woman next to Arnold, by the way...


For more on the Donda West law, click here.

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

Does Jennifer Garner Enhance Her Lips?

I always thought Jennifer Garner's lips were naturally large, like Angelina Jolie or Julia Roberts. I guess I was wrong. Check out this post on Awful Plastic Surgery. Maybe she enhances her lips with Restylane or Juvederm to help cover up a gummy smile? Whatever it is, her plastic surgeon does a nice job.

Next thing I'll find out is that Ben Affleck has pec implants!

Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

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National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Each year over 175,000 women (and 2000 men!) are diagnosed with breast cancer. Approximately 1 in 9 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Aside from skin cancer, it is the most common cancer in women. So how does this affect you if you have breast implants?

It's estimated that over 5 million women have breast implants today. If you have breast implants, how do you screen yourself for breast cancer, and how is this different from someone without implants?

The major rule is that you should follow the American Cancer Society guidelines for the early detection of breast cancer. Here they are:

Women ages 20-39: Monthly breast self-exam, clinical exam by your physician every three years.

Women ages 40 and up: Monthly breast self-exam, clinical exam by your physician every year, mammogram yearly.

Women at high risk (close family history of breast cancer, etc.) should discuss with their physician whether a yearly MRI may be indicated.

- When the FDA lifted the ban on silicone gel breast implants in November 2006, they recommended that anyone who undergoes silicone gel breast augmentation undergo an MRI three years after surgery, and every other year thereafter.

If you have breast implants, here are some other things to consider:

1. Breast implants can limit the amount of breast tissue that can be seen on a mammogram. If you have implants, then make sure your mammogram center takes extra pictures (called the Ecklund technique) to allow the radiologist to see as much of your breast tissue as possible.

2. Some physicians believe breast implants can actually facilitate (or improve) the ability to detect a breast mass on examination.

3. Studies show that breast implants do not increase your risk of breast cancer, delay your diagnosis of breast cancer, or worsen your prognosis once breast cancer is diagnosed.

4. If you are unsure how to perform a breast self-exam on implanted breasts, be sure to ask your plastic surgeon.

For more information on breast cancer and screening, visit http://www.cancer.org/.

Thanks for reading!

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