Plastic surgery: Butt and neck lifts on the rise in America


By George Peck, Jr | Published March 2, 2014

Plastic surgery: Butt and neck lifts on the rise in America

 

Published February 28, 2014

| FoxNews.com

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More and more Americans are opting to enhance their assets.

According to a new report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 15.1 million cosmetic surgery procedures took place in the United States in 2013 – up 3 percent from the previous year.

While breast augmentations and nose reshaping (rhinoplasty) are still the most popular surgical procedures, butt augmentations are also on the rise.  Nearly 10,000 procedures took place in 2013, an increase of 16 percent from 2012.  The report also noted that neck lifts have become very popular, as it is one of the first areas of the body to show a person’s age.  More than 55,000 neck procedures were performed in 2013.

ASPS President Dr. Robert Murphy said advancements in technology have ultimately paved the way for growth of the plastic surgery industry.

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

Overall, reconstructive surgery procedures increased last year; 5.7 million of these surgeries were performed, increasing by 2 percent from 2012.

Breast reconstruction surgeries have also been on the rise, a trend Murphy said is especially encouraging for breast cancer patients.

“It’s promising to see breast reconstruction rates rising,” Murphy said. “Less than 20 percent of breast cancer patients undergo breast reconstruction because they are not always informed of their options, although studies show that reconstruction greatly improves quality of life.”

 

 

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Latest Plastic Surgery Statistics


By George Peck, Jr | Published February 26, 2014

American Society of Plastic Surgeons Reports 15.1 Million Cosmetic Procedures in 2013; Marks Fourth Consecutive Year of Growth For Immediate Release: 02/26/2014

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. — The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) today released its annual procedural statistics reporting that 15.1 million cosmetic surgery procedures, including both minimally-invasive and surgical, were performed in the United States in 2013, up 3 percent since 2012. In addition, 5.7 million reconstructive surgery procedures were performed last year, up 2 percent. What’s behind the boost? New products and advances in technology may be paving the way for plastic surgery’s growth.

In 2013 alone, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved several new plastic surgery devices and products, including two form-stable silicone gel breast implants and a hyaluronic acid facial filler designed to treat mid-face volume loss. In fact, all three U.S. based breast implant manufacturers now have form-stable implants on the market.

“The demand for plastic surgery remains strong, with our statistics showing increases in both cosmetic surgical and minimally-invasive procedures,” said ASPS President Robert X. Murphy, MD. “Facial rejuvenation procedures were especially robust last year, with more Americans opting for facelifts, forehead lifts, eyelid surgery, fillers and peels. With new devices and products hitting the market each year, there are more options and choices available to consumers wanting to refresh their look or a little nip and tuck.”

Cosmetic minimally-invasive procedures increased 3 percent, to more than 13.4 million procedures in 2013. The top five minimally-invasive procedures were:

Botulinum toxin type A (6.3 million injections, up 3 percent) Soft tissue fillers (2.2 million procedures, up 13 percent) Chemical peel (1.2 million procedures, up 3 percent) Laser hair removal (1.1 million procedures, down 4 percent) Microdermabrasion (970,000 procedures, no change)

Injectable Nation

Botulinum toxins, such as Botox® and Dysport®, and facial fillers continue to be among the most popular cosmetic treatments in the U.S. In fact, botulinum toxin type A injections are up 700 percent since 2000. However, one filler, hyaluronic acid, stood out among the crowd in 2013, with nearly 1.7 million procedures performed, up a whopping 18 percent from 2012.

Cosmetic surgical procedures rose 1 percent, to nearly 1.7 million procedures in 2013. The top five surgical procedures were:

Breast augmentation (290,000 procedures, up 1 percent) Nose reshaping (221,000 procedures, down 9 percent) Eyelid surgery (216,000 procedures, up 6 percent) Liposuction (200,000 procedures, down 1 percent) Facelift (133,000 procedures, up 6 percent)

Silicone Surge

As the number of breast augmentations increased in 2013, more women opted for silicone breast implants. Silicone implants were used in 72 percent of all breast

http://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/plastic-surgery-procedures-continue-steady-growth-in-us.html Page 1 of 3Plastic Surgery Procedures Continue Steady Growth in U.S. | ASPS 2/26/14 10:15 AM

augmentations performed last year, while saline implants were only used in 28 percent. Advances such as form-stable silicone implants, that are teardrop shaped like natural breasts, and even fat grafting to the breast, are offering women more natural looking and feeling results.

First -Timer’s

For the first time, ASPS is reporting on two highly talked about procedures that are on the rise in the U.S. — buttock augmentation with fat grafting and neck lifts. Last year, nearly 10,000 buttock augmentations with fat grafting were performed, an increase of 16 percent from 2012. With the neck being one of the first areas to show one’s age, neck lifts are becoming increasingly popular, with more than 55,000 procedures performed last year, up 6 percent from 2012.

Reconstructive plastic surgery, which improves function and appearance to abnormal structures, increased 2 percent in 2013. The top six reconstructive procedures were:

Tumor removal (4.4 million, up 5 percent) Laceration repair (254,000, down 13 percent) Maxillofacial surgery (199,000, down 5 percent) Scar revision (177,000, up 4 percent)

Hand surgery (131,000, up 6 percent) Breast reconstruction (96,000, up 4 percent)

“It’s promising to see breast reconstruction rates rising,” said Dr. Murphy. “Less than 20 percent of breast cancer patients undergo breast reconstruction because they are not always informed of their options, although studies show that reconstruction greatly improves quality of life. In 2012, we launched a multi-year breast reconstruction awareness campaign to educate, engage and empower women to make informed decisions about their healthcare following breast cancer diagnosis. We hope that these efforts will continue to increase awareness regarding the benefits of post-mastectomy breast reconstruction.”

ASPS members can report procedural information through the first online national database for plastic surgery procedures, Tracking Operations and Outcome for Plastic Surgeons (TOPS). This data, combined with an annual survey sent to American Board of Medical Specialties-certified physicians most likely to perform these procedures, results in the most comprehensive census on plastic surgery.

More Resources

Stats Report: 2013 National Clearinghouse of Plastic Surgery Statistics Blog: “2013 Stats Reveal Advances in Plastic Surgery Driving Growth” by ASPS Public Education Committee Chair David Reath, MD 2013 National Plastic Surgery Statistics Infographic

About ASPS

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the world’s largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons. Representing more than 7,000 Member Surgeons, the Society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 94 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the Society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. ASPS advances quality care to plastic surgery patients by encouraging high standards of training, ethics, physician practice and research in plastic surgery. You can learn more and visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons at PlasticSurgery.org or Facebook.com/PlasticSurgeryASPS and Twitter.com/ASPS_News.

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Plastic Surgeons Outline Liposuction Principles for Patient Safety and Good Outcomes


By George Peck, Jr | Published February 20, 2014

Plastic Surgeons Outline Liposuction Principles for Patient Safety and Good Outcomes

Commitment to Healthy Lifestyle Is Important for Good Results, Says Article in PRS Global Open

Arlington Heights, Ill. – Following some key principles, plastic surgeons can achieve consistently excellent cosmetic results with a low risk of complications for patients undergoing liposuction, according to a special topic paper in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery-Global Open®, the official open-access medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

ASPS annual stats show that liposuction has become one of the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedures, with more than 202,000 procedures performed in 2012. “The evolution of liposuction has seen refinements in technique and improvement of patient safety-related standards of care,” write Dr. Geo Nicolas Tabbal of University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, and colleagues.

Attention to Principles Yields ‘Consistent and Safe’ Results with Liposuction

Long-term experience has shown the importance of close attention to detail-from good communication between the doctor and patient, to the technical aspects of the procedure, to postoperative care and attention to a healthy lifestyle after liposuction. Dr. Tabbal and coauthors outline five principles for successful liposuction, focusing on the goals of patient safety and good outcomes.

Preoperative Evaluation and Planning. Successful liposuction starts with good patient selection. “Patients should be generally healthy and demonstrate a commitment to long-term lifestyle changes, including both healthy diet and exercise,” the authors write. They highlight the need to ensure “appropriate and realistic” expectations-promoted by good communication between the surgeon and patient. Key elements of surgical planning are discussed, including the choice of suction-, ultrasound-, and power-assisted techniques.

Intraoperative Monitoring and Safety. Except for some limited procedures, liposuction is generally performed with general anesthesia. The anesthetist plays a critical role in monitoring the patient during surgery. Dr. Tabbal and colleagues outline principles of positioning to provide good access for the surgeon to perform liposuction while protecting patient safety.

Wetting Solutions and Fluid Status. Techniques using various “wetting solutions” have been developed to allow larger-volume liposuction to be performed safely and with good results. With the use of these techniques, close monitoring of the patient’s fluid status is essential.

Body Contouring and Prevention of Complications. Dr. Tabbal and coauthors discuss key technical considerations in performing three-dimensional body contouring during liposuction. Immediate fat grafting-transferring some of the patient’s own fat cells-can be performed as needed to correct any contour irregularities that develop during the procedure.

Postoperative Care and Outcomes Measurement. Patients should wear compression garments for the first two weeks after liposuction, and at night for a few weeks afterward. Routine steps are outlined to minimize complications, which can be broken down into “undesirable sequelae,” causing cosmetic issues; and various types of medical/surgical complications, some of which resolve with time.

Studies have found that patients’ rating of their cosmetic outcomes are the “pivotal determinant” of their satisfaction with liposuction; patients who are dissatisfied with their liposuction treatment are also those with the lowest opinion of their appearance. In particular, weight gain has direct negative effects on patients’ perceptions of their appearance and satisfaction with the results of liposuction.

Recognizing that fact, Dr. Tabbal and coauthors re-emphasize the need for proper patient selection and patient-physician dialogue. They highlight the importance of “educating patients on postoperative lifestyle changes, including continued exercise and health eating, which are tenets of successful liposuction treatment.”

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery-Global Open® is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, part of Wolters Kluwer Health.

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Focusing on eyelid surgery: What you need to know


By George Peck, Jr | Published February 17, 2014

Focusing on eyelid surgery: What you need to know

By Dr. Peter D. Geldner–Chicago Monday, January 13, 2014

Over the years, eyelids can start to sag. Not only can they make a person look older, but they may feel very heavy. If you are experiencing droopy lids, you may wonder if an elective blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is right for you.

ur eyelids as we age. By your late 30s or early 40s, the thin skin of our eyelids starts to lose its elasticity and begins to stretch, resulting in excess folds of skin that may actually hang down over the edge of the upper eyelids. In most people, this skin is the “first to go.” You may feel an extra heaviness in the upper lid or feel the skin sitting on your lashes. In some cases, a forehead lift might also be advised to increase peripheral vision.

As we get older, the muscles beneath our skin also grow weaker, allowing fat to protrude through and cause bags, particularly in the lower eyelids. The levator muscle, which lifts the upper eyelids can become weak, causing the upper eyelid to droop. Fine wrinkle lines and creases appear in the delicate skin around the lids. The result is a tired, sleepy or sad look. These changes detract from the natural beauty of the eye area.

Aging around the eyes is to a large extent determined by heredity. Chances are, if a parent had saggy eyelids, you will, too. In 2012, eyelid surgery was the third most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedure. In fact, the number of people who undergo blepharoplasty continues to grow each year, with an increase of four percent from 2011 to 2012. The procedure corrects drooping upper eyelids and puffy bags below the eyes by removing excess fat, skin and muscle. It goes a long way in restoring a youthful appearance with minimal cost, risk and recovery time. In fact, many people choose blepharoplasty over a complete facelift.

These conditions are often treatable through blepharoplasty:
• Puffiness in the upper eyelids caused by excess fatty deposits
• Loose or sagging skin that creates folds or disturbs the natural contour of the upper eyelid, sometimes impairing vision
• Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid
• Bags under the eyes
• Droopiness of the lower eyelids

A physical examination must be conducted to determine what is causing the droopy lid. If it’s a functional problem of the lid, the medical term is called a ptosis repair of the eyelid. If it’s downward displacement of the brow, then the correction is to elevate the position of the brow with or without surgery of the upper lid. One must not assume that all eyelid droop can be corrected by blepharoplasty.

Good candidates for the procedure are adult men and women who have healthy facial tissue and muscles, do not smoke, and do not have a life-threatening illness or medical condition that could impact healing. The patient should have a positive outlook and realistic goals for improvement of the upper and/or lower eyelids and surrounding area.

Blepharoplasty may be performed in an accredited office-based surgical center, outpatient or ambulatory surgical center, or a hospital. It is a relatively low-cost procedure and recovery time is short. Under normal conditions, you should be able to return to daily activities within seven to 10 days. Initially, you may experience post eyelid surgery swelling, bruising, irritation or dry eyes and discomfort, which are controlled with medication, cold compresses and ointment.

To ensure you have both proper care and a positive experience, select your plastic surgeon carefully. Choose a plastic surgeon who is an ASPS member, which verifies their certification by The American Board of Plastic Surgery.

To find a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area, visit ASPS’s Find-a-Surgeon tool.

During any consultation, ask specific, detailed questions, view several before/after photos of the surgeon’s work, and obtain several referrals from past patients to inquire about their experiences. Board certified plastic surgeons will be happy to provide you with this information.

 

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2013 Statistics from the US and UK Document Rise on Both Sides of the Pond


By George Peck, Jr | Published February 14, 2014

2013 Statistics from the US and UK Document Rise on Both Sides of the Pond

(HealthNewsDigest.com) – New data from the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) shows that US dermatologic surgeons performed 9.5 million treatments in 2013, up from nearly 8 million in 2012. Skin cancer procedures topped the ASDS list. Dermatologic surgeons performed 3.04 million skin cancer treatments in 2013, up 13 percent from the previous year, which regrettably indicates that skin cancer is also on the rise and hopefully more people are getting diagnoses and treated earlier. This includes nearly 190,000 for the potentially fatal form of skin cancer melanoma, a 27 percent increase from 2012.

Cosmetic procedures were also trending upward, the ASDS reports. Laser, light and energy-based procedures rose by 34 percent in 2013, not surprisingly. Wrinkle-relaxing injections BOTOX Cosmetic, Dysport and Xeomin were up by 20 percent, and soft-tissue fillers including Restylane, Juvederm and Radiesse were up 8.6 percent. These findings demonstrate the steady growth of minimally invasive, non-surgical, wash and wear treatments that offer consumers a wide range of safe and effective options.

And across the pond, things are also looking up. New statistics from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) also show an across the board, double digit rise in cosmetic surgery procedures in the UK in 2013. BAAPS numbers show that there were 50,000 cosmetic surgery procedures performed. This increase rivals what was seen in the pre-recession plastic surgery glory days of 2008 when nips and tucks were de rigeur.  Overall, the number of cosmetic procedures in the UK increased 17 percent on average since 2012. Liposuction popularity soared by 41 percent in the UK. In the US, liposuction seems to have taken a back seat to non-surgical body contouring systems that freeze, melt and remodel fat deposits and are readily available in all corners of the country.

Of note, there was a 13 percent increase in breast augmentation with implants in 2013 in the UK, just two years after the egregious Poly Implant Prostheses (PIP) breast implant scandal rocked Europe. PIP implants were filled with industrial grade silicone, and as a result are widely considered to be more prone to rupture. The scandal had wide-reaching implications for those affected and led to the development of a national registry that tracks every breast implant operation performed in England. Clearly this setback did not permanently dampen women’s enthusiasm for breast enhancement surgery.

“2013 saw the greatest rise in cosmetic surgery since the onset of the recession with double digit percentage increases in all procedures across the board. Patient confidence and also consumer confidence has returned with Britons choosing to spend on procedures with a proven track record such as liposuction which remains the gold standard for body contouring. The rise of cosmetic surgery includes statistics from right across the UK as well as representing the whole spectrum of ages as each of the different procedures are undertaken by a totally different demographic,” commented BAAPS President London Plastic Surgeon Rajiv Grover.

He added, “The continued double digit rise of cosmetic surgery underlines the fact that whether it is breast augmentation or antiaging procedures like facelifting, consumers are choosing tried and tested surgical methods rather than the quick fixes that fail to deliver promised results. The continued increase in male plastic surgery illustrates the popularity of cosmetic surgery amongst men with again a large increase seen in the treatment of “moobs” (man boobs). The BAAPS has recently established the National Institute of Aesthetic Research (NIAR) based at the Royal College of Surgeons to investigate which new treatments really deliver what they say and therefore take the “hocus pocus” out of choosing a cosmetic treatment.”

 

While several other major players have yet to release their annual statistics, it is fair to say that we can expect to see more of the same. 2014 may prove to be an even better year for cosmetic dermatologists and plastic surgeons, as well as men and women seeking to stay looking youthful, vital and competitive.

 

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Cosmetic surgery: What to know beforehand


By George Peck, Jr | Published February 14, 2014

Cosmetic surgery can help improve your appearance, but it’s not for everyone. Know what to consider before surgery, how to find a surgeon and what questions to ask.

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Cosmetic surgery, or plastic surgery, might seem like the easiest way to shave years off your appearance or improve your physique. If you’re not satisfied with your appearance, cosmetic surgery might help you look and feel better.

Cosmetic surgery, however, has risks and limitations. If you’re considering cosmetic surgery, here’s what you need to know.

Cosmetic surgery changes your appearance by altering parts of your body that function normally but don’t look the way you want. Before you proceed with cosmetic surgery, consider:

If you decide to pursue cosmetic surgery, you’ll probably have your choice of cosmetic surgeons. Choose one who specializes in the procedure you’d like to have done and is certified in the specialty by a board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties, such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Beware of misleading certifications from unrecognized or self-designated boards.

If you’ll be having a procedure that requires general anesthesia, be sure that the operating facility has been accredited by a national- or state-recognized accrediting agency, such as The Joint Commission, or is licensed by the state in which the facility is located.

When you’ve narrowed your choice of surgeons, schedule a consultation — or multiple consultations with different surgeons. The surgeon will evaluate the part of your body that you want treated, and you’ll share your medical history, list any medications you’re taking, and discuss your desires and expectations. During the initial consultation, ask the surgeon:

The closer you work with your surgeon to establish specific, measurable and achievable goals before surgery, the more likely you are to be satisfied with the results.

Remember, though, even if you’ve done your homework and found a surgeon you like — at a price you can afford — the decision to pursue cosmetic surgery is yours and yours alone. Make sure you’re comfortable with the surgeon and committed to your treatment choices.

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Dangerous Pumping Parties & Illegal Surgeries


By George Peck, Jr | Published February 11, 2014

Dangerous Pumping Parties & Illegal Surgeries

By Over the past year, I have become horrified at the sheer amount of news stories reporting illegal cosmetic surgery. I have written about this before, but now I wondered just why the trend is on the increase. It seemed to me that it would be obvious that a patient would know that legitimate cosmetic surgery would not be performed in someone’s apartment! I could not believe that people would risk their lives seeking procedures from people who were not medical professionals. Well it’s about money. When people are desperate, for whatever reason, they will try to cut corners. Just this year several stories came to my attention:

  • A recent illegal buttocks injection resulted in the death of a Mississippi woman; the coroner said it would have been easier to perform brain surgery than to remove the substances injected into her!
  • The Washington Post reported of an incident in New Jersey, where a woman was arrested for performing a “penile enhancement” with pumped silicone. The man who received the injection died.
  • A Texas hairstylist has been accused and arrested for doing breast implants in her hair salon.
  • In Philadelphia, a woman dubbed “the Black Madam” was arrested for killing a woman with injected silicone.
  • ABC’s  Action News reported that just outside of Las Vegas a unlicensed woman had one of her “clients” set up an operating room in her living room where she performed surgery including eye lifts!
  • An unlicensed woman who owned a spa facility in Queens performed surgeries that resulted in life threatening infections.
  • Carlos Arango and William Ordonez traveled to various New York spas to find victims who allowed them to perform liposuction and fat transfers. No anesthesia was used and the women were permanently deformed. You can read the associated press article at Modern Medicine.
  • A supposed Brazilian doctor performed surgeries in the basement of a condominium, including rhinoplasty. Who knows what kind of doctor he was in Brazil or even if he had any license?
  • FOX news also reported on a Georgia woman arrested in Washington DC for performing illegal injections in hotel rooms, possibly for years.

These are just a few of the horror stories. Why would anyone fall for this? Ultimately it is about money, but why would anyone risk their life? There are several reasons. African-American dermatologist Dr. Lisa Ginn, who is also disturbed by this trend, believes more African American women are seeking procedures and stated why in The Daily Beast’s health column. An anthropologist from the University of Florida, Maxine L. Margolis, explained that many Brazilian women, in the United States were at risk. She explained to NBC News, after the death in a Massachusetts condominium basement.

Last year in the New York Times, Laura Rena Murray wrote, “Pumpers and their desperate transgender clients operate in an underground world rarely glimpsed by most New Yorkers. But the practice is commonplace, especially among immigrant and poor women, according to dozens of transgender women, social-service providers and doctors interviewed in recent months.” A pumper is an unlicensed medical provider who does the illegal work of pumping substances into the client’s bodies. Until recently, most people who became “clients” of illegal pumpers were transgendered or sex industry workers. No matter how you feel about these subjects, the fact is that illegal pumping parties have become a trend in back alley, illegal cosmetic surgery. These so called parties often take place in apartments, homes, warehouses, or hotel rooms, any setting the “pumper” can arrange. Because the death toll is rising, I want to get the word out that it is not unlikely that you will die, have health problems for the rest of your life, or need tens of thousands of dollars of corrective surgery, no, in fact it is probable you will if you get illegal injections or illegal cosmetic surgery. PLEASE see a board certified cosmetic surgeon. Do your research. Surgery is not the place to save money. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have affordable plastic surgery performed by a competent, well trained, experienced, board certified plastic surgeon.

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What Are BB Creams (Beauty/Blemish Balms)?


By George Peck, Jr | Published February 11, 2014

What Are BB Creams?

The buzz behind beauty balms.

By Shelley Levitt, Reviewed by Victoria Barbosa, MD WebMD Feature

Released this month, and already selling out at retailers nationwide, is the first BB cream to market designed for your body—Jergens BB Body Perfecting Skin Cream. Retailing for around $13 (and commanding nearly three times the price on eBay), the product hydrates with shea butter and reflects light to blur imperfections and even skintone—all while claiming to actually firm the skin. And—perhaps the best part—it won’t rub off on your favorite white t-shirt.

Want to streamline your beauty routine while saving counter space and money? Who doesn’t? That’s why a new type of product called BB cream has become one of the hottest trends in the beauty industry.

This versatile skin care/makeup hybrid promises to do the job of five or six other jars and tubes: moisturizer, primer,sunscreen, skin treatment, concealer, and foundation.

“The idea of a well-formulated BB cream is that it’s the only product you’ll need after you wash your face,” says Ni’Kita Wilson, a cosmetic chemist at Englewood Lab in New Jersey.

How BB Creams Began

BB creams are short for beauty balms or blemish balms. They were first developed in Germany by a dermatologist who wanted a single cream that would protect skin and provide coverage after laser treatments.

The all-in-one formulation became a sensation in South Korea and then spread throughout Asia.

“The average woman in Asia goes through seven different steps taking care of her skin,” says Jessica Wu, MD, a Santa Monica, Calif., dermatologist and author of Feed Your Face: Younger, Smoother Skin and a Beautiful Body in 28 Delicious Days. “When I was in Hong Kong, every woman I spoke to was using a BB cream to shorten that regimen.”

The BB Boom

BB creams started hitting U.S. store shelves in the spring of 2011. Today, almost every major beauty company has a BB cream, from drugstore brands that cost under $10 to high-end department-store lines that may be as costly as $100 or more, as well as lines that are only sold at spas or in doctors’ offices. More are on their way.

The NPD Group, a market research group, found that although only 2% of beauty shoppers have purchased a BB cream, nearly 4 in 5 of those who have say they’ll buy the product again.

What BB Creams Do

Can one beauty product really do it all? Maybe.

Many BB creams offer effective sun protection, with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, the American Academy of Dermatology’s recommendation for daily use. What’s more, BB creams generally contain zinc oxide or titanium oxide, physical sunblocks that have some built-in water-resistant properties, Wu says.

When it comes to skin treatment, you can find BB creams that contain:

  • Anti-aging components, including peptides and antioxidants such as vitamins A, E, and C
  • Moisturizing workhorses like hyaluronic acid and glycerin
  • Ingredients such as licorice and arbutin that help even out skin tone
  • Light-reflecting mica to give skin a luminous finish
  • Silicone-based ingredients, such as dimethicone, that help smooth the skin, acting much like a foundation primer does

 

The Limitations of BB Creams

For all its benefits, if you expect a BB cream to be a miracle in a tube, you might be disappointed.

The Limitations of BB Creams continued…

“I like to say that BB creams are like any jack-of-all-trades — they’re master of none,” Wilson says. “They do SPF very well and they can often [provide] good color coverage, but they’re not as effective at moisturizing. Also, it’s very difficult to load all that functionality into a single product and end up with a light texture. Women will find that BB creams tend to be a bit thicker than their tinted moisturizers.”

Finding a BB cream that matches the color of your skin perfectly can also be a challenge. BB creams tend to come in a small range of shades — usually three to five fair to medium-dark hues — or in a single shade that blends with all skin tones.

Some women may find these shades too light. “The darkest shades in a BB cream are like the medium shades in most of our foundation lines,” Wilson says.

Another limitation is that you won’t find a BB cream — or, for that matter, a tinted sunscreen — that has acne-fighting ingredients. “FDA regulations don’t allow acne ingredients and SPF to be combined in a single product,” Wilson says. “If you have skin care issues that you’re addressing with a targeted treatment product, you can’t expect to get the same results by replacing that with a BB cream.”

The best candidates for BB creams, Wilson says, are people with normal to oily skin and light to medium skin tone, and who don’t need heavy moisturizers or anti-acne products.

BB Creams and Your Beauty Regimen

If BB creams won’t replace every product in your skin care regimen, they can help those products work more effectively.

“I love BB creams,” says Wu, who uses one herself under her lightweight foundation to help conceal acne scars.

“I’m devoted to my foundation,” she says, “and there are a lot of women out there like me who wouldn’t think of giving up the foundation that works perfectly for their skin. A BB cream can help you achieve fuller coverage without having to move up to a heavier foundation that feels like a mask.”

By itself, a pea-sized dab of BB cream (that’s all you need) can provide just the right amount of coverage for a casual day. “We’re all in a hurry and BB creams are fantastic time-savers,” says aesthetician Veronica Barton-Schwartz, owner of a Malibu, Calif., skin care studio, who counts locals Olivia Newton-John, Suzanne Somers, and Cher among her clients. “The formulations keep getting better and better.”

If you’re after a low-key look, that BB cream might indeed be all you need to tote for your skin care and beauty needs. It’s also a good solution, Wu says, “for someone who’s very natural and doesn’t like the idea of wearing makeup, but wants to protect her skin and cover up some imperfections.”

BB Creams and Your Beauty Regimen continued…

Or his skin. Men can now buy BB creams that are made specifically for them.

After these do-it-all BB creams, what’s next? Get ready for CC creams. These “color-control” creams are said to have a lighter texture, more coverage, and better hydration than their BB brethren.

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Why Do Men Get Plastic Surgery? Ask Women


By George Peck, Jr | Published February 8, 2014

Why Do Men Get Plastic Surgery? Ask Women
By Madeline Vann, MPH

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

More men are opting for cosmetic procedures to rejuvenate their looks and
stay competitive in the dating and job markets.

Pennsylvania apple and pear farmer Ralph Spencer, 70, is one of an estimated million men in
America who had some type of aesthetic surgery in 2013.
In the United States, close to 10 percent of cosmetic surgery procedures are done on men,
according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Procedures men choose most often are
rhinoplasty (nose jobs), eyelid surgery, face lifts, breast reduction, and liposuction. Their reasons
for seeking aesthetic surgery, including rejuvenation and anti­aging procedures, vary from man to
man.
Spencer decided to get upper and lower eyelid surgery for both practical and cosmetic reasons.
He said he’d noticed changes around his eyes, such as drooping lids and puffiness, which
concerned him. He wanted to look good for a woman with whom he was in a relationship, but he
also found out from his optometrist that these changes were affecting his range of vision.
So, he started looking into plastic surgery. Initially, he considered a full facelift, but he said that he
didn’t think his whole face had changed enough to warrant that. Instead, he went with work around
the eyes.
Because sun exposure is a concern for healing skin after surgery, Spencer scheduled the
procedure for late winter, when he would be able to stay indoors, catching up on the paperwork,
bookkeeping, and desk duties related to farming through the year. By the time he needed to get
back out in the orchards, his eye surgeries were healing well.
“We can’t change the body that was given to us, but we can do the best we can to maintain it,” said
Spencer, adding that he believes everyone has an obligation to look their best for themselves and
the people they care about. “I had it done, it went well, and I feel good about myself,” he said. “I
think that’s the bottom line.”

Spencer’s reasons for cosmetic surgery reflect many of the reasons that bring men into the office,
said Bob Murphy, MD, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and a Bethlehem,
Pa., plastic surgeon. The pressure to be physically appealing to romantic partners and also
competitive in a tough job market leads many aging men to consider cosmetic procedures, he
said. In addition, he said, “the whole emphasis on youth has extended so men want to appear
youthful socially a lot longer.”
At the same time, cosmetic procedures can be a tougher sell for men, in part because they’re not
as accustomed as women to altering their appearance through makeup and hairstyling. If men
choose to proceed with a procedure, Dr. Murphy said that one task of a good plastic surgeon is to
educate men about their options so that they feel more comfortable with their desire for an updated
look.
One of the biggest stumbling blocks for patients, though, is gaining a realistic understanding of
how long healing can take. Not giving yourself time to heal can foster fear that your results aren’t
going to be what you hoped for, when you simply haven’t waited for full healing.
“I go by the rule of 6­6­6,” explained Murphy. “Usually for the first six weeks postoperatively, there
are natural changes in the body because surgery is an injury, such as swelling, discoloration, and
a scar that is more prominent. Over the next six weeks, which gets you to three months out, the
body recovers from the insult and stops building scar. And, then at six months, the scar is resolving
and you’re on your way.”
Botox: A Simple Option for Men

Jack Fisher, MD, president of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and a plastic
surgeon in Nashville, Tenn., said that Botox offers a relatively low­cost, low­commitment option
that appeals to some men.
Though women are generally relatively open about their procedures, “men are incredibly
secretive,” said Dr. Fisher. As a result, men opt for cosmetic surgery procedures that are less
obvious and for which healing can be carefully scheduled.
An occasional Botox injection to help erase crow’s feet or brow lines, for instance, might be more
appealing to men, he said, than a total facelift and its attendant longer­term recovery.
Before Sealing the Deal on Cosmetic Surgery
If you’re a man interested in a cosmetic procedure, Murphy said, “do your homework.” Take time to
learn about your options, and find the right doctor and medical team for you and your needs. You’ll
also need to do some background research to learn about your plastic surgeon. Look at their board
certifications, the number of similar procedures they’ve done, and patient referrals. Feel free to ask
for all of that information, and more, to help determine who would be the best cosmetic surgeon for
you.
Also, feel free (and brave enough!) to talk with others about their experiences to get referrals and
ideas. And don’t hesitate to take someone with you to initial appointments. Fisher noted that men,
more than women, frequently come to consultations with their spouse or significant other for
support and insight.
Consider the cost, too. Elective plastic surgery is unlikely to be covered by a health insurance
plan, Murphy noted, which means that men will pay the full cost of their cosmetic surgery
procedures out of pocket. Prices vary depending on geography and the market, he said, so take
time to price shop. If you live in a major urban area but have a tight budget, looking for plastic
surgery clinics outside of the city center might offer some cost savings, even if you have to travel a
bit farther. And once you start talking with the doctor of your choice, you might find that lower­cost
options, such as Botox, achieve your goals as well as a higher­priced procedure.
But whatever you opt for, he said, consider cosmetic procedures as an investment.

Posted in General Health, News & Media | Comments Off on Why Do Men Get Plastic Surgery? Ask Women

‘Tittooing’ On Nipples Is The Latest Beauty Craze In The UK, Telegraph Says


By George Peck, Jr | Published February 7, 2014

‘Tittooing’ On Nipples Is The Latest Beauty Craze In The UK, Telegraph Says

The Huffington Post  |  By 

Thigh gap, “toe-besity” and mother-daughter plastic surgery are all beauty crazes we’ve seen (and questioned) before. “Tittooing,” on the other hand, is a completely new concept to us.

Thanks to a reported piece in The Telegraph, we now know the ins and outs of nipple tattooing. The cosmetic procedure, a way for people to darken and/or reshape their nipples, has apparently become increasingly popular in the UK, with women paying up to £1,200 for a set.

“A lot of people want their nipples made darker. It’s the fashion,” says Gail Proudman, a clinician who performs the procedure. “Some people think theirs are too pink or their boyfriends want them done. I think sometimes they are doing it because they are conscious of them being pale and they think it’s fashionable to have dark nipples.”

Er, fashionable? We hadn’t given it that much thought before. If one does opt to get a “tittoo,” it’s a simple two-hour process followed by touch-ups every 12 to 18 months to avoid fading. Sound like a lot of time and energy for such a small tweak? It’s actually not too out of step with the general trend we’ve been seeing.

Teens getting chin implants for prom and breast augmentations as a “present” for graduating high school are just a couple of ways youngsters are nitpicking their physical appearances. Not to mention the hoards of Brits (and Americans) running to plastic surgeons to get Kate Middleton‘s scouse brow or turned-up nose. So as bizarre as wanting to slightly alter one’s nipples may seem, we think we’re beyond being surprised at this point.

Danielle Price, a “tittoo” technician in the UK, seems to agree. “The younger generation are so hung up on everything being just so,” she says. “It’s quite sad really.”

Posted in Breast Augmentation | Comments Off on ‘Tittooing’ On Nipples Is The Latest Beauty Craze In The UK, Telegraph Says