Tickle Lipo?

Smart Lipo, Slim Lipo, Cool Lipo, now Tickle Lipo?

Tickle Lipo is the name of one of the newest forms of liposuction. According to the company, it involves Nutational Infrasonic Liposuction, an FDA approved technique that utilizes low frequency infrasonic vibrations to aid in allowing both easier removal of fat and less motion/work for the surgeon. The company also claims "reduced risk, less trauma, bruising, and swelling, greater comfort, and faster recovery." Is this true? Will Tickle Lipo make all the other types of liposuction obsolete?

I have never used this machine, but it sounds somewhat similar to PAL (power assisted liposuction). PAL utilizes a vibrating cannula that allows a plastic surgeon to remove fat easier, faster, and with overall less effort. It'll be interesting to see how Tickle Lipo distinguishes itself from Power Assisted Lipo.

On Tickle Lipo's website, there is a local news segment with a doctor who combines Tickle Lipo with Smart Lipo to achieve a large amount of fat removal with maximal skin tightening. Sounds all good and dandy, huh? Too bad he's an internal medicine specialist, and not a real plastic surgeon. I'd feel much better if there was a real, board-certified plastic surgeon on their website instead of an internist!

For Tickle Lipo's website, click here.

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Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

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Elf Ears - The Newest Plastic Surgery Trend?

I read an interesting article today introducing one of the newest trends in plastic surgery: Creating Elf Ears. There is a Hungarian plastic surgeon practicing in New York City who created this procedure and even claims that it can "improve the experience of listening to music." Apparently there are "music faun clubs" which are dance clubs that only allow entrance to those with pointy ears.

This is a new one for me! By looking at the photos I can see how the procedure is done. It's a variation of the types of surgeries we do to reconstruct an ear after part of it is removed for cancer. Instead of making your ear look normal, however, it makes you look like Spock.

I'd rather my daughter get a tramp stamp than one of these!

Story and photo source

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Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

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10 Telltale Signs of Plastic Surgery

CBSNews.com has an interesting slideshow of my 10 Secret Signs of Plastic Surgery. Some of these are obvious to those who read this blog regularly. I recently covered the topic on the Rachael Ray Show as well.

You can check out the slideshow here. After reading it, you will have many of the tools necessary to be a plastic surgery detective!

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Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

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The Thong Lift?

There is an interesting article in the Daily Mail today announcing:

Bottoms up! The facelift is old hat, the tummy tuck's yesterday's news - the latest craze is the bum lift!

The article goes on to describe the Thong Lift, the name given by a Miami plastic surgeon for fat grafting to the buttocks (a.k.a. Brazilian Butt Lift). Here's more:

The difference between this is and other sorts of fat augmentation is that the surgeon injects fat between layers of muscle, so there is more blood supply to the fat and less of it dies.
The scars left by the incisions needed to inject the fat are hidden, says Mendieta, ‘in the grand canyon where the thong goes’, hence the name of the procedure.

"Grand Canyon?" That's a strange term to use!

I perform fat grafting to the buttocks, but am always concerned about being too aggressive with grafting it into the actual muscles, which have large blood vessels and nerves. This would make me more concerned about a major bleeding episode. The surgeon is definitely well-known for his gluteal work, however, and probably does a few more of these than I do.

Click here for the article.

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Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

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Facial Filler Foul Ups Article on MSNBC.com

There is an alarming and interesting article on MSNBC.com regarding the growing incidence of complications with facial filler injections. Facial fillers (like Restylane, Juvederm, and Sculptra) are now the second most common plastic surgery procedure in the country. It's inevitable that as these procedures grow in popularity, the number of people having complications will also increase.

While this article is alarming, it's important for consumers to realize that the most popular injectables (hyaluronic acids like Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm, and Prevelle) have a near-antidote called Hyaluronidase if too much is injected. That's one big reason I prefer these injectables over Radiesse or Artefil. Even so, if you are considering having facial fillers injected, make sure you have it performed in the office of a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist.

For the MSNBC.com article, click here.

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Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

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Kate Gosselin's Post-Tummy Tuck Belly

The website Poponthepop.com has posted this photo of Kate Gosselin in a bikini, and called it "terrifying" due to the loose skin on her tummy, even after a tummy tuck. What's the scoop here?

Tummy tucks are meant to remove excess, hanging skin (and the fat accompanying it) and tighten up the muscle layer underneath. Although Kate looks flat and tight when standing, it's not surprising that her skin looks this way when sitting. Everyone has some skin that folds over when sitting down. We must, otherwise we wouldn't be able to stand up straight. With Kate, however, that skin has been profoundly stretched out, so it's not going to look as smooth as the skin of a person who has not had children.

So poke fun at her for being an annoying fame junkie, but that tummy skin is completely normal.

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Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

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Want to Heidi Yourself?

Want to see what you would look like after undergoing Heidi Montag's ten plastic surgeries? A Miami plastic surgeon has posted a website which allows you to do just that. It's called Heidi Yourself, and the page looks like a combination of an advertisement for The Hills and for his iPhone plastic surgery app. Check it out here.

Photo source

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Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

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E! To Debut New Bridal Plastic Surgery Series "Bridalplasty"

E! has ordered episodes of a new program that mixes a wedding competition with extreme plastic surgery. Bridalplasty combines elements of a game show competition, dream wedding, and plastic surgery documentary. Read about it in the Hollywood Reporter:

Each week, a group of women competes head-to-head in such challenges as writing wedding vows and planning honeymoons. The winner receives the chance to choose a plastic surgery procedure from her "wish list." She's given the procedure immediately, and results are shown at the start of the following week's episode. One by one, the women are voted out by their competitors and, according to the show's description, "possibly walking away with nothing and losing [their] chance to be the perfect bride." The last bride standing will receive a "dream wedding," where she will reveal her new appearance to friends, family and the groom. "Viewers will witness his emotional and possibly shocked reaction as they stand at the altar and he lifts her veil to see her for the first time following her extreme plastic surgery," E! said.

The plastic surgeon from the Swan will be performing all the procedures, and the host of the show is Shanna Moakler.

No, I have nothing to do with this program, but I have heard from a few Hollywood producers that there are a few plastic surgery-related programs currently in the works. This one sounds quite similar to the Swan, which aired several years ago for one full season. I bet there will be a lot of people watching, especially since these brides have got to be absolutely crazy to be featured in a program like this!

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Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

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Kate Gosselin's Breasts: "These Breasts Are All Mine"

Kate Gosselin's appearance in a bikini has some questioning whether she has breast implants in addition to the tummy tuck she admitted to having. According to RadarOnline.com, Kate has responded to questions regarding breast implants with:

"These breasts are all mine."

So does she have breast implants? I think so. It is unusual for a woman to have given birth to eight children, undergone a tummy tuck, and slimmed down to a tiny size, yet still retain natural, perky, firm, round, and large breasts. Usually when the tummy droops, so do the breasts, although often to a lesser extent. My last quote to Radaronline.com:

Youn quipped that either way, Kate's 'no surgery' claim is accurate: "They are all hers because once she pays for them they are all hers. I've never taken back any patient's implants."

Story link: Radaronline.com

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

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Kim Kardashian Gets Botox! And Has A Bad Reaction Afterwards!

Kim Kardashian has allowed the E! cameras to follow her on an appointment to get Botox. While the procedure appears to go well, she unfortunately suffers from a reaction while at a restaurant afterwards. What could this be from?

There are many possibilities. She could be allergic to the Botox although this is very rare. In fact, my office treats at least 50 Botox or Dysport patients each month, and I've never seen an actual allergic reaction. It could also be due to bruising and swelling causing her discomfort. Finally, and the most likely, maybe she's just a drama queen.

To read a CBS News report on this subject (with my comments), click here.

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

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Dr. Youn on The Rachael Ray Show Tuesday, Sept. 14th!

Hey all! I will be returning to the Rachael Ray Show for a segment called "How To Spot Plastic Surgery," airing Tuesday, September 14th. Check out her website here for a teaser. For your local listings, click here.

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Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

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Jane Fonda On Her Plastic Surgery

It's funny that Jane Fonda admitting to having had plastic surgery is suddenly news now, especially since I reported it on this blog 7 months ago (click here for that!). She is now going public with her plastic surgery. According to CBS News:

The 73-year-old actress revealed to Entertainment Tonight that she "recently had plastic surgery."
"It was a hard decision to make, and I decided if I'm going to do it, I'm going to tell the truth," Fonda said. "I'm writing a book about aging, so I can't write that book and not say I've had plastic surgery. And you know, I just decided it was for me -- I don't want to have bags under my eyes that make me look tired, and so forth and so on."

"I got tired of not looking like how I feel and I wanted a more refined chin line like I used to have so I changed my mind."

No one who is 73 looks as good as she does without the help of a scalpel. Yes, that includes you Raquel Welch and Joan Collins! Kudos to Jane's plastic surgeon.

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Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

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Heidi Montag Tweets Plastic Surgery Advice

Our favorite plastic surgery disaster, Heidi Montag, has now taken to tweeting advice for people regarding plastic surgery. Here are three recent tweets, courtesy of USAToday.com, and my analysis (in italics):

"Warning: to anyone who is thinking about getting their ears pinned, I learned after the fact it is the most painful surgery a person can get" - Untrue. I've performed this surgery many times and pain is almost never an issue. A tummy tuck or breast augmentation is much more painful than an otoplasty (ear pinback).

"Giving my self a soft tissue breast massage. Ladies we have to keep those implants soft" - True. I have all my breast implant patients massage their breasts as a way to help keep the scar tissue and implants soft. Unfortunately, scientific studies don't support this helping, but most plastic surgeons recommend their patients do it anyway.

"I had a nightmare that I slept without my nose tape on thank God it wasn't true!" - Huh? THAT's a nightmare? Geez, my nightmares are more about driving off a cliff or finding myself in school without any pants on.

Story credit: USA Today

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

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Has Courtney Love Had a Stem Cell Facelift?

The Daily Mail is reporting that Courtney Love has undergone a stem cell facelift in the Manhattan office of a Facial Plastic Surgeon. Photos show that she certainly looks better than she has in a long time. But are her looks really due to a stem cell facelift?

Stem cell facelifts are definitely the future of facial plastic surgery. The idea behind the procedure is that stem cells are removed from liposuction fat and reinjected into the face. Because stem cells are extremely youthful cells which can transform into new cells in the location they are transplanted, they can theoretically create newer, younger looking skin. At this time, the machines to separate stem cells from fat are not currently FDA approved for cosmetic purposes. Therefore, the closest thing we have to a stem cell facelift in the United States is a 3-D Volumetric Facelift, a.k.a. a facelift with fat grafting. I, along with three other prominent plastic surgeons, introduced this procedure five years ago in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal. Since then, several plastic and cosmetic surgeons have introduced this procedure as their own.

To read my scientific paper on The Volumetric Facelift, click here.

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Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

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Dancing with the Stars or Dancing with the Plastic Surgery Patients?

Do the casting directors of the new season of Dancing with the Stars like people who've had plastic surgery? It appears so!

Three of the contestants have had obvious plastic surgery, including Florence Henderson (face work), Audrina Partridge (breast implants), and Jennifer Grey (rhinoplasty). I also wouldn't be surprised with David Hasselhoff, Margaret Cho, and Rick Fox have had a minor nip and tuck as well. Plus, host Brooke Burke was married to a prominent Beverly Hills plastic surgeon for years!

For a plastic surgery-related slideshow on these DWTS contestants, click here to be taken to the In Your Face blog.

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Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

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Has Brad Pitt Undergone Radiesse Injections?

The National Enquirer is reporting that Brad Pitt has undergone filler injections as a way to look younger. According to Celebitchy:

The 46-year-old actor has been getting injections of the wrinkle filler Radiesse to make his face look younger and smoother, the Enquirer has learned. And it appears to be having the desired effect. Not only does Brad’s face look brighter and more radiant, Angelina has given her seal of approval.
“Brad hasn’t looked this good in years - and Angelina is definitely pleased about his makeover…”
For months, the actor hid behind a scraggly beard “because he was so self-conscious about how he was aging.”

I haven't seen photos of him, but a little Radiesse can definitely take off some years. I'd probably recommend a little Sculptra to fill in some of the gaunt areas of his face.

Photo credit: prphotos.com

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

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Politician Raffles Off a Breast Augmentation to Raise Money!

No, this politician is not in the United States. Gustavo Rojas, who is campaigning to be an alternate in Venezuela's General Assembly is raffling off a boob job at $6 a ticket as a fundraising tool. He claims it's no different than raffling off a TV set.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) would disagree. This society (which I am a proud member of) has ruled that offering plastic surgery services as part of a promotion or raffle is unethical, since it trivializes the serious nature of plastic surgery and may influence people to undergo surgery they may not want or be a good candidate for. I can see the rationale behind this ethical rule, but don't necessarily agree with it.

That being said, there are radio stations which have raffled off free breast augmentations as their "Breast Christmas Ever" promotions using questionable non-ASPS surgeons. Is it really a "prize" to have one of these surgeons operate on you? Sounds more like a punishment to me!

Story source

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Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

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Has Serena Williams Had a Rhinoplasty?

Has tennis great Serena Williams had a rhinoplasty? According to the Daily Mail, Serena underwent surgery for damage from broken glass on July 15th. Did she have a rhinoplasty too?

According to these photos the answer may be yes. Her nose looks thinner and more sleek. The bridge of the nose looks like it may be built up, possibly by a silicone implant. She looks great, nose job or not.

Sports Illustrated recently named her the greatest female tennis player ever. I disagree with this. Steffi Graf is the best female tennis player in the Open era. Had Monica Seles not been stabbed by a crazed fan, she might be number 2. I loved her 'two-fisted' attack!

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Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

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More Heidi Montag- Steri Strips on Her Nose?

She just keeps looking for attention. Radaronline.com has posted several photos of Heidi Montag in Costa Rica, with her face looking oddly normal except for steri strips on her nose. According to a Life and Style press release:

"The last time I didn't wear tape after surgery and my nose changed shape," she explains. "The tape is supposed to keep the swelling down and hold my nose in place the way Dr. Ryan sculpted it. Dr. Ryan always said I was his best, most cautious patient, and I'm not taking any chances now that he's gone. I don't want my face to fall off like Michael Jackson's."

That's not quite true. Some surgeons place steri strips on the nose for months as a way to reduce swelling. I prefer to take them off at one week, because no one wants to walk around with tape on their nose if they can help it. Unless you're Heidi Montag, I suppose, and are looking for any attention you can get!

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Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

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Heidi Montag Wants Her Implants Out!

The drama regarding this silly woman continues on and on. In the recent issue of Life and Style Weekly, Heidi Montag claims that she is looking to South American plastic surgeons to remove her 700 cc Size G breast implants.

According to the article:

"I'm desperate to go back to normal," she confides to Life & Style. "I'm downgrading and going a little smaller, to a D or a double D."
More than nine months after she went under the knife on Nov. 20, Heidi says she is still in severe pain and her body has not gotten used to the over the top boob job. "I have major anxiety about it. I was taking painkillers but they weren't working so I stopped. It hurt either way,"
Besides being unable to hug her four dogs or wear anything but custom-made clothing, "I'm obsessed with fitness but it's impossible to work out with these boobs," she says. "It's heartbreaking. I can't live an everyday life."

And while Heidi tells Life & Style she is currently shopping for a surgeon in South America, she worries that she'll be trapped in this cartoonish body forever after the untimely passing of her confidant Dr. Ryan. "I feel trapped in my own body," Heidi tells Life & Style.
"There's just no fixing it," she says. "Dr. Ryan knows the work he did, he knows everything."

While I am sure Dr. Ryan was a fabulous plastic surgeon, there are thousands of plastic surgeons who can downsize breast implants successfully. Instead of travelling to South America, maybe she should see a plastic surgeon in the States and spend a few bucks on a shrink. Putting in 700cc implants was probably a mistake in the first place. In the past six years I've put implants this size into a small number of people, and none of them had the tiny frame of Heidi Montag.

Source

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Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

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My New Website - www.dryoun.com

If you have a minute, check out my new business website at www.dryoun.com. I recently completed a full relaunch of the site, complete with 3-D animations of a plethora of plastic surgeries.

I am also working on a complete overhaul of this very blog, and will be moving it to www.celebcosmeticsurgery.com very soon. I'll keep you posted.

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Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

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Beau Bridges - I Want To Get My Hands On His Neck

Yes, I would love to get my hands on Beau Bridges' neck! No, not to strangle him (you sickos!), but to give him a good facelift. He's the type of guy who has such a heavy neck that he'd get a really nice result from a well-done facelift. He'd get some well-hidden scars around his ears and one under his chin, but these are almost never seen, even in men with short hair.

An eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) might be nice for him, too. And maybe a rug.

Photo source: dlisted.com

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Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

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Pediatric ER Resident Versus Plastic Surgeon

I think this is absolutely hilarious and completely realistic! Like most plastic surgeons, I take ER call, which means the ER docs will call me for plastic surgery emergencies (dog bites, car crashes, etc.). I can't count how many times I've been called by the ER doc to take care of something any 3rd year medical student can do. I was once called into the ER in the middle of the night to see a patient with a "severe eyelid laceration." I lugged myself out of bed, drove 20 minutes to the ER, and found the patient lying on a gurney with a little blood on his eyelid. I proceeded to wipe it off to find absolutely no injury there.

No, it's not all boob jobs and facelifts!

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Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

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Dr. Frank Ryan Has Died

Celebrity plastic surgeon Dr. Frank Ryan died yesterday when his Jeep crashed off the Pacific Coast Highway near Los Angeles. Dr. Ryan is best known for being the plastic surgeon who performed Heidi Montag's 10 plastic surgeries in one day. He was a classic Hollywood plastic surgeon, with patients including Gene Simmons, Vince Neil, and many others. He was also very active in philanthropic pursuits, including the Dr. Frank Ryan Foundation.

I've never met Dr. Frank Ryan so cannot comment on his personality. I don't agree with the surgeries he performed on Heidi Montag, but I have always respected him as a fellow plastic surgeon. He was a man who, I'm sure, touched many, many lives.

My condolences go to his family, friends, and staff.

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

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"Superbug" Coming From India on Cosmetic Surgery Patients?

There are alarming reports that a gene which causes bacteria to be resistant to nearly all antibiotics is being brought overseas on patients undergoing cosmetic surgery in India. I will have more on this tomorrow, but here is an article from the Examiner addressing this scary finding:

http://www.examiner.com/plastic-surgery-in-chicago/plastic-surgery-brings-a-super-bug-to-united-states

Cartoon source

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Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

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Sofia Vergara On Madonna's Cheeks and Plastic Surgery

Sophia Vergara from Modern Family had some choice words to say about Madonna in a recent interview:

When asked about going under the knife, Vergara said, "L. A. is crazy. The women all look the same now. That thing with the cheeks. Like Madonna." "Who do they think they're fooling? It doesn't make them look young. You end up looking like a freak," Vergara added.

The "Modern Family" actress, however, admitted that she once considered having a breast reduction but put down her plan after her mother Margarita told her, "God is going to punish you if you cut them."

Sophia better watch what she says about Madge. I wouldn't want to be on her bad side. While Madonna's cheeks do, at times, appear a bit overdone (with implants or Sculptra?), overall she probably looks a lot better now than she would without any plastic surgery at all. Let's see how Sophia looks in 15 years... if she's lucky like Maria on Sesame Street.

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Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

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Teri Hatcher Reveals She Is Now Botox-Free

Teri Hatcher has revealed on her Facebook page photo album (called Oy With The Botox!) that she is currently Botox-free. She posted photos of herself proving that she is not currently under the influence of Botox (or Dysport, for that matter). You can see for yourself that she's definitely not lying.

She also posted the following comments:

Out of the bath getting ready for bed. Thought about all those damn critics of my face. Love it or hate it, my face that is, no surgery, no implants, no matter what "they" say. Decided I'd shoot myself in to reveal some truths about "beauty" and hope it makes you all easier on yourself.
Did I every toy with fillers or Botox over the years? yes. Tell me does this look Botoxed to you?Yes I am alone in my bathroom naked in a towel on behalf of women everywhere trying to make a point. Women YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL.

I think it would have been better if she ended it by stating "And they are SPECTACULAR."

So she's Botox-free today. Ho hum. Maybe she made an appointment with a plastic surgeon for tomorrow. ;)

Story and photo credit: Huffington Post

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

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What's Up With Teen Stars Getting Plastic Surgery?

There is an interesting article in Popeater.com about the trend of more and more teen stars having plastic surgery. The most recent obvious example is singer Charice, who reportedly received Botox injections to thin her lower face. My comments are featured in the article, along with those of Dr. Grant Stevens, a well-known and respected plastic surgeon. While Charice's doctor, Dr. Vicki Belo, is called a "plastic surgeon," she's actually a dermatologist.

For the Popeater article on teen plastic surgery and its Hollywood connections, click here.

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Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

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Jillian Michaels - Rhinoplasty

Celebrity trainer Jillian Michaels has revealed that she had a nose job when younger. According to the Huffington Post she stated:

"In eighth grade, I weighed 175 pounds and my nose was the size of a softball. Once, I was sitting at lunch and got surrounded by a bunch of kids who let me have it about how ugly I was --- my unibrow, the size of my nose, the fat rolling over my jeans. It was pure hell. My mom had to pull me out and put me in another school.
"I had my nose done," she admits. "I felt much better about myself. Plastic surgery is a very personal decision."

Sounds like her childhood was no fun. I bet she now looks better than 99% of the people who made fun of her! It's always nice to hear a celebrity plastic surgery success story.

My 20 year high school reunion is in a couple weeks. So depressing! It's hard to believe that it's been so long since I was a flat-topped, big-jawed, skinny brace face.

Photo credit: Huffington Post

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

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Julia Roberts - Hindu, No Botox, But Maybe Nose Job?

Popeater is reporting that my favorite actress Julia Roberts has revealed that she is a "practicing Hindu" and is against Botox injections. According to the site:
"It's unfortunate that we live in such a panicked, dysmorphic society where women don't even give themselves a chance to see what they'll look like as older persons," the 'Eat Pray Love' star tells Elle in its September issue. "I want to have some idea of what I'll look like before I start cleaning the slates."

That sounds a bit excessive. Someone should tell her that Botox is temporary, is performed on hundreds of thousands of men too, and doesn't typically alter one's appearance in a major way. This is unlike a rhinoplasty, which I believe she may have had done.

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Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

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Suspects Flee After Buttock Injections Result in Death

Two women are sought by the authorities after allegedly performing illegal silicone injections into the buttocks of a woman who subsequently died. Guadalupe Viveros and Alejandra Viveros are believed to have fled to Mexico after posting $20,000 bail. This story has achieved national headlines with CNN's Nancy Grace focusing on it this week. If you have info on these fugitives, click here.

These types of illegal injections are unfortunately more common than most people realize. It seems that many of these phony plastic surgeons come from other countries to prey on immigrants here in the States. On a recent trip to Boston's Chinatown, I was shocked at the number of Botox and other cosmetic surgery clinics located in dingy storefront windows next door to stinky fish markets. Not the place I would go for plastic surgery! Or food, for that matter...

Link: In Your Face Blog

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Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

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"Nup / Tuck" - Chelsea Clinton's Pre-Wedding Plastic Surgery?

There's quite a bit of speculation that Chelsea Clinton may have undergone a "Nup / Tuck," aka pre-wedding plastic surgery. She certainly has never looked better. A friend of mine, Dr. Jennifer Walden, has commented to The Examiner that she believes Chelsea underwent a rhinoplasty and chin augmentation. After looking at photos, I would agree with her, although it can be difficult to separate what changes may be due to plastic surgery versus natural maturation.

In addition, Chelsea's gummy smile appears to be improved, which can be due to a surgical gummy smile repair (where the muscles that elevate the lip are cut) or Botox injections to paralyze these same muscles.

Either way, Chelsea looks great, and I hope her big day was a terrific one for her. I remember my wedding day vividly. Best day of my life!

Photo credit: The Examiner

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

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What to do about Breast Acne?

Whenever I am looking for solid, scientific information on a particular beauty product or ingredient I check out the Beauty Brains. This is a fantastic blog that focuses on all sorts of beauty questions, all from a scientific point of view. In this post, they tackle the problem of breast acne.

Some suggestions for treating breast acne include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid peels, the AFA Clay Peel, and topical antibiotics like Clindamycin. Be sure to visit your medical aesthetician or dermatologist if this is a problem for you.

Photo credit: Beauty Brains

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

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Kim Kardashian and Celeb Lookalike Surgery

Kim Kardashian recently stepped into the Celeb Lookalike Surgery arena, by conducting a mini-Twittervention for a fan who was planning to have buttock surgery to look like Kim: "Don't try 2 b someone else," and implored her not to "change yourself for anybody but yourself." Today Madison Park of CNN.com published an article that expanded on the phenomenon of people trying to undergo plastic surgery to look like a celeb. Click here for the article, which includes some of my thoughts on the subject.

This story is similar to the one with Jessica Alba, as documented in my blog post here, where she convinced a fan in China not to undergo surgery to look like Jessica.

Check out my thoughts in the CNN.com article, but in addition to that, here are some more:

1. I think it's very normal to admire and wish to have similar body parts of certain stars (I would kill, maim, and steal for The Situation's Abs) but when this takes the next step to wanting to look exactly like another person, that signals a potential major psychological problem.

2. Good for Kim that she would take time out of her day to help out a fan.

3. I hate how Twitter and texting are making people forget how to write (try 2 b??!!). I especially HATE that Pussycat Dolls' song, "Stick Wit U." Argh!

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Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

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Oksana Grigorieva - Plastic Surgery That Mel Hates

I think Mel Gibson is an insane, racist psychopath. I'm pretty sure that most of you who've heard his rants on Radaronline.com agree with me. I used to be a fan of his, but now... yechh!

What plastic surgery do I think his ex Oksana Grigorieva has had? In one tape Mel mentions her "foreign bodies," referring to her breast implants. Looking at photos of her (some before-and-afters are on display on awfulplasticsurgery.com), I bet she's had cheek implants, a rhinoplasty, and lip enhancement, likely with a semi-permanent implant like Alloderm. Overall I think she looks pretty, but a bit plasticized. Each of the procedures appears to have been a tad overdone (nose is a bit too thin, cheeks a bit too plump, and lips a little puffy).

Lastly, I guess we shouldn't forget those veneers that Mel allegedly punched out. What a jerk!

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Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

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Proof Paris Hilton Does Not Have Breast Implants

There are always rumors going around that Paris Hilton has breast implants. If this photo isn't proof that she has natural A cups, then I should give up my day job and be a full-time writer of plastic surgery nonsense.

The funny caption from ayyyy.com:

The new Scrabble Body Board Paris Hilton edition is the perfect size for children! Coming soon: the Heidi Montag Bangin’ Bosoms Board for expert wordsmiths who need more real estate.

For more of my posts on Paris Hilton, click the following links: wonky eyelid surgery, plastic surgery is "sleazy"

Thanks for reading.

Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

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Botox in a Cream Form?

Can Botox be applied as a cream? Yes, if the company Revance Therapeutics has its way. They are currently testing a cream form of botulinum toxin to the crow's feet. I've heard that initial results are promising, although the product appears to be at least 2 years away from potential FDA approval. There are a lot of questions surrounding this product, such as: Should patients be allowed to take it home? What other applications are there? How long will it last?

Here are my thoughts:
1. I would be concerned with patients taking it home and mistakenly applying the cream to potentially harmful areas. What would happen if a patient applied it with his finger to his crow's feet and then accidentally rubbed his eyelid? Would he get a droopy eyelid? Maybe. What if someone ingested it?
2. I think a huge application of this topical botulinum toxin is in sweat reduction. Could you imagine an antiperspirant stick with this product that lasts several months with each application and leaves no residue? I'd buy it!
3. It's currently being tested on the crow's feet, which has thin skin. Would it work in the forehead where the skin is thicker?

This product could definitely be a 'game changer' if and when it comes out. There are a lot of places I'd consider applying it 'off-label' for myself...

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

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Quick Links - Glee Star Gets Botox To Her Jawline? And More on Vampire Facelift

Some quick links for you:

1. US Magazine.com is reporting that future Glee star Charise may be getting Botox injections to her jawline in order to make her face look less round. Her rep has denied it, claiming the Botox injections are for TMJ, a painful jaw disorder. Which is right?

I would bet on the former. I often inject Botox into the masseter muscle of the jaw to cause it to shrink down. This procedure is often performed on Asians, who traditionally have rounder faces and jaw muscle overgrowth. Click here for a photo of it from my website. As you can see, her face is quite round.

2. Salon.com has picked up the Vampire Facelift story and is reporting on it here, complete with some of my oh-so-interesting quotes.

Thanks for reading.

Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

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Model with World's Largest Breasts Fighting Staph Infection

Sheyla Hershey, the model with reportedly the largest breasts in the world, is fighting a staph infection of her breasts which could threaten her life. A year ago she travelled to Brazil to make her breasts a KKK in size, despite her being only 5'3" tall. She is now suffering a severe infection that not only threatens her breasts, but also her life. In addition to the 10 surgeries she's had on her breasts, she's also undergone liposuction and rhinoplasty, all by the age of 30.

This unfortunate story exhibits three truths:

1. The bigger the implants, the greater the risks.

2. Going abroad for plastic surgery can be risky.

3. Where your plastic surgery is performed can have a big impact on whether you develop an infection.

Hopefully she isn't suffering from MRSA, which is resistant to most antibiotics. Her story reminds me of one of my patients who underwent a bargain-basement breast augmentation in Miami, only to develop multiple staph infections resulting in devastating deformities. Local NBC covered her story, which can be seen here. After several surgeries with me, I'm proud to say, she now looks pretty darn good.

Thanks for reading.

Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon

Anthony Youn, M.D.

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The Vampire Facelift?

Vampires and sucking blood have gone mainstream... even in plastic surgery. One of the newest procedures is called the Vampire Facelift. This is based off an FDA approved product called Selphyl, a kit which allows a plastic surgeon to draw a sample of a patient's blood, remove the platelets and fibrin from the blood, and reinject this Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix (PRFM) into the face. According to the company, the PRFM causes an increase in the thickness of collagen, filling in wrinkles and plumping up facial depressions. It's the newest type of facial filler, and the only one based entirely off a patient's own tissue. No foreign substances are injected into the face, unlike every other popular filler. Early reports give the Selphyl a longevity of 12 months or longer.

Unlike some of the other injectable fillers that have come and gone (Evolence, anyone?), Selphyl does bring something different to the table. Platelet-rich plasma is known to be filled with growth factors and even stem cells, and therefore it is theoretically possible that the Vampire Facelift can create new, younger skin, in addition to just filling in the wrinkles. While it may not make you immortal, it can make you look younger!

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

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Woman Almost Dies When Eye Doctor Performs Breast Augmentation

CBS Atlanta News is reporting that a woman almost bled to death during a breast augmentation performed by an opthalmologist (an eye doctor). According to their accounts, the woman was awake during the procedure and experienced her 'surgeon' calling 911 for help. Luckily, a real plastic surgeon was on staff at the ER and helped save her life. See the disturbing news report here.

I have documented in numerous posts the scary trend of immoral doctors masquerading as real plastic surgeons. Unfortunately, in most states there is no law against physicians performing whatever procedure they choose, whether they are properly trained to perform that procedure or not. Because hospitals will not allow these phony plastic surgeons to perform plastic surgery in their facilities, they bypass this by building OR's in their own offices. In fact, there is no law against me, a board-certified plastic surgeon, performing a cataract surgery on someone in my office, even though I have no training in it.

If you are considering plastic surgery, make sure your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. If he or she is not, then be very, very cautious. It's not enough for an eye doctor to have stayed at a Holiday Inn Express the night before your surgery.

To read a post about an alleged horrible laser liposuction result from an ER doc just down the street from me, click here.

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

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