More African-Americans Are Getting Cosmetic Surgery

Posted on March 5, 2012 by Becky

cosmetic surgery for African-Americans African-Americans are cosmetic surgery’s slowest-growing minority, but cosmetic procedures are gaining more acceptance in their community, reports ABC News.

The program spoke with black women who have undergone breast augmentation and nose surgery and featured a Botox party in Beverly Hills attended by African-American women.

One guest, Phyllis Jackson, said that culturally she feels there is pressure from the community that “African-American women don’t need to have beauty enhancements.”

Linda Caradine-Poinsett, 50, said that despite the cultural stigmas, she chose to get cosmetic procedures that gave her bigger breasts and a smaller waistline.

“I think African-American women are still in the closet about having plastic surgery…(but) I think we’re doing it a lot more,” Caradine-Poinsett said.

The butt lift, where fat is removed from areas like the stomach and then injected into the buttocks to enhance and reshape it, is also becoming more popular with African-American patients.

One black woman told 20/20, “I’ve wanted my backside larger all my life. One day I just woke up and everybody was talking about butt, butt, butt. They’d had this surgery and that surgery.”

In addition to cultural attitudes, there may also be some scientific reasons why fewer black women turn to cosmetic surgery. For instance, one surgeon explained that darker skin has natural protective factors against the sun, so blacks often don’t have the same amount of wrinkling as those with lighter skin.

While the majority of cosmetic surgery patients are white, more minorities are embracing cosmetic surgery. A 2010 patient diversity survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery confirms evidence of the trend.

The survey reached out to African-Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, and Asians and found that half of respondents felt the popularity of cosmetic surgery had grown among members of their ethnic group in the last five years. In addition, blacks and Hispanics were more likely to indicate growth in popularity in the last five years when compared to other racial/ethnic groups.

Posted in Body Surgery, Breast Surgery, In the News | Tagged | Leave a comment

Study Finds Natural Anti-Aging Supplement Effective

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Becky

natural anti-aging supplementA small study found that Pycnogenol, an antioxidant plant extract, is effective as a natural anti-aging supplement, improving the skin’s condition for those who took it daily.

Researchers at the Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine in Dusseldorf, Germany, had 20 female participants, between the ages of 55 to 68, take 75 milligrams of Pycnogenol each day for 12 weeks.

Their skins’ hydration, elasticity and fatigue were assessed at the start of the trial, at six weeks and at 12 weeks. According to results published in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, Pycnogenol enhanced the skin in several ways:

  • Skin elasticity improved by 25%
  • Skin hydration improved by 8%
  • Skin smoothness increased by 6%
  • Wrinkles were reduced by 3%
  • Hyaluronic acid production increased by 44%

The supplement also improved skin fatigue. Those with dry skin before the study began saw the most noticeable results.

“To date, Pycnogenol is the only natural supplement that stimulates hyaluronic acid production in human skin,” said lead researcher Dr. Jean Krutmann. “And, we are encouraged by the molecular evidence confirmed in this study that shows nutritional supplementation with Pycnogenol benefits human skin.”

Pycnogenol, which comes from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, has also been used to treat allergies and asthma and for the prevention of stroke, heart disease and varicose veins. Previous studies have shown that the supplement may protect collagen, increase blood flow to the skin and protect the skin against UV damage.

The authors concluded that Pycnogenol supplementation may be useful to counteract the clinical signs of skin aging.

For those who are looking for more than a natural supplement to fight aging, hyaluronic acid fillers, chemical peels and laser skin resurfacing are some of the non-surgical procedures available to improve the skin’s appearance. To learn more about non-invasive cosmetic treatments, contact the Center for Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery in Greensburg, PA.

Posted in Anti-Aging, In the News | Tagged | Leave a comment

Cosmetic Surgery Can Give Women the Curves They Want

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Becky

thigh augmentationThin is out and curves are in, if cosmetic surgery trends are any indication.

For instance, RealSelf, a social media website for sharing information about cosmetic procedures, reported that in 2011 searches for butt augmentations on the site rose 39 percent, making it the “fastest moving topic on the site in terms of overall consumer interest.”

With the rise of procedures like the Brazilian butt lift, in which a patient’s own fat is transferred to enhance the shape and size of the buttocks, women are looking to enhance other areas as well.

Next Trend for Curves: Thigh Augmentation?

A study published recently in the American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery examined thigh augmentation, which uses a custom implant. The authors report that: “Breasts are getting bigger, buttocks are getting fuller, and there is increasing demand for a fuller, more curvaceous look to the thighs.”

According to the study, 18 women received the implants to achieve a fuller appearance in the thighs. During the procedure, a custom-made lateral thigh prosthesis is surgically inserted to give more curve to the lateral thigh area.

The authors reported that all patients were satisfied with the procedure. There were no major complications during the study, and they concluded that the implants helped women achieve a fuller look in the thigh without significant risk.

Realistically, there are probably more women looking for less volume on their thighs. For them, a thigh lift might be the right procedure. A thigh lift reshapes the contour of the inner and outer thighs by removing excess skin.

Traditional Cosmetic Surgery for Adding Curves

Some of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures have always been about giving women more curves. For instance, many women who are dissatisfied with the size, shape and fullness of their breasts often turn to breast augmentation.

A tummy tuck is a popular way for a woman to get a flatter stomach. It creates a smaller waistline, which accentuates curves above and below the waist.

Posted in Body Surgery, In the News | Tagged | Leave a comment

Annual Scientific Meeting Focuses on Cosmetic Surgery Advances

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Becky

advances in cosmetic surgery The January meeting of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) focused on educating members on advances in cosmetic surgery. A new president was also named during the annual meeting.

Dr. Gerald Edds, MD, FACS, was officially inducted as the 2012 president at the meeting in Las Vegas.

“To be elected president of the leading organization for cosmetic surgeons worldwide is an incredible honor,” said Dr. Edds. “The AACS remains the trusted source for the highest quality training and continuing medical educations for doctors practicing cosmetic surgery. We will continue to set the standard in these areas and expand our presence internationally.”

The AACS’s 28th annual scientific meeting attracted record attendance, with more than 700 medical professionals.

Dr. Kluska was one of the presenters at the meeting. During the Foundations of Cosmetic Breast Surgery session, he presented on the topic of “Changes in Trans Axilllary Breast Augmentation.” He also did a presentation titled “‘Synergy is Key’ for Ultimate Facial Rejuvenation” during the Advanced Topics in Face and Neck Surgery session.

Dr. Edds said that this year’s meeting focused on the education mission of the AACS to advance cosmetic surgery and quality patient care by featuring sessions customized for each specialty within the field, focused on best practices, practice gaps, patient safety and quality improvement.

Cosmetic surgeons could attend sessions on a wide range of cosmetic surgery topics, including: Advanced Topics in Body Contouring and Post-Bariatric Surgery; Rhinoplasty and Otoplasty; Blepharoplasty and Browlift; and Advanced Topics in Breast Surgery.

Keynote speakers came from around the world, including Dr. Jean Carruthers, of Vancouver, Canada, who is a pioneer of the cosmetic use of botulinum A exotoxin and Dr. Luitgard Wiest, of Munich, Germany, a renowned dermatologist.

To learn more about the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, visit www.cosmeticsurgery.org.

Posted in Breast Surgery, Facial Surgery, In the News | Tagged | Leave a comment

Study Uncovers Anti-Aging Benefits of Rhinoplasty

Posted on January 25, 2012 by Becky

benefits of rhinoplasty A new study reveals that in addition to reshaping the nose, rhinoplasty may also make you look younger.

The study found that the anti-aging benefits of rhinoplasty were statistically significant, and, on average, patients looked 1.5 years younger after the procedure, according to Ali Sepehr, MD, and researchers at the University of Toronto.

During the study, 50 people guessed the ages of 53 rhinoplasty patients in before-and-after photos. The patients ranged in age from 15 to 61, and about three-quarters were women.

Patients who had a hump reduced or removed saw the greatest anti-aging effect. Among these patients, the reduction in perceived age was 1.6 years younger after surgery, compared to 1.1 years for patients who did not have a hump prior to surgery. Those with a droopy tip also saw more of the age reduction benefit.

Whether a patient was older or younger at the time of surgery was less of a factor, the researchers reported.

“Older patients tended to enjoy a greater degree of rejuvenation,” they wrote in the study. But the differences between age reduction in older vs. younger patients was not statistically significant.

While rhinoplasty may make you look slightly younger, this benefit is not the reason people choose the procedure. Patients are usually motivated to have nose surgery in order to improve the look of their nose or to improve their breathing.

Dr. Sepehr told Reuters Health, “I wouldn’t say that in terms of the findings of this study, it adds a major reason to go forward with the procedure. It’s just a nice added benefit when somebody’s already going to get the procedure for another purpose.”

Nose surgery can reduce the size of the nose, remove bumps, improve the nasal angle and alleviate breathing problems. To learn more about nose surgery, contact Dr. Kluska at the Center for Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery.

Sources: MedPage Today, Reuters Health

Posted in Facial Surgery, In the News | Tagged | Leave a comment

Combining Cosmetic Procedures in One Session Popular for Breasts, Buttocks

Posted on January 16, 2012 by Becky

multiple cosmetic surgeries A cosmetic surgeon touts the benefits of multiple cosmetic surgeries in one session for the breasts or buttocks in the latest Cosmetic Surgery Times.

Dr. Samir Pancholi, a Las Vegas cosmetic surgeon, says that he often performs breast augmentation and breast lift surgery in the same session and liposuction with fat grafting techniques when performing the Brazilian butt lift.

Breast Surgeries

Patients who have lost the shape and fullness of their breasts, such as massive weight loss patients and postpartum women, are often good candidates for a combination of a breast lift and breast implants.

The breast lift, also known as mastopexy, results in a more ideal positioning of the nipple and breast, but it does not adequately address the lack of fullness of the breast in those patients, Dr. Pancholi says.

“In order to achieve a more voluptuous-looking breast…I often combine a mastopexy with breast implant surgery. The breasts are not only higher up but also have a fullness to them because of the implant,” he says.

Buttock Enhancements

By combining liposuction with fat grafting techniques when performing a Brazilian butt lift, the rounded shape of the buttocks can become more enhanced.

Dr. Pancholi says he typically performs liposuction to remove fat at the waist and upper and lower back, which causes a slight hollowing of the area and results in an accentuated curve of the buttocks. Then for a more enhanced curving effect, he takes the fat harvested during liposuction and injects it into the buttocks.

Benefits of Combination Procedures

In the past, patients might have had one breast surgery and then had the other six months later, but combining them can have benefits.

“Combining the two makes much more sense in terms of having one surgery, one recovery, reduced cost and achieving the final result without a second surgery,” according to Dr. Pancholi.

There are other areas of the body where surgeons are performing multiple procedures at one time. The New York Times recently reported that a California surgeon has combined eyelid surgery and a brow lift to create an “All-in-One Eye Lid and Brow.”

Posted in Body Surgery, Breast Surgery | Tagged | Leave a comment

Easy Ways to Fight Dry Skin This Winter

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Becky

winter dry skin tips Ward off dry winter skin with these skin care tips that dermatologists shared with the Associated Press.

Winter Dry Skin Tips

Avoid hot showers. Dr. Neil Sadick, a dermatologist in New York City, says to avoid hot showers. Even though they may be comforting when it’s cold out, hot showers further dehydrate your skin, says Dr. Sadick. “Make showers as tepid as you can tolerate,” he said.

Be sure to use a moisturizer. Dr. Alicia Zalka, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale, recommends an old standby: Vaseline. She says that if you’ve already got very dry skin it can be good to use it for a few days as a sealer and a protectant. Plus, if your skin is already cracked, it doesn’t sting, she says.

Also wear sunscreen to protect skin from sun damage, even in the winter. Dr. Sadick recommends applying a broadband sunscreen once a day.

Think before you drink. Drink beverages with alcohol or caffeine in moderation, as they can be dehydrating, says dermatologist Dr. David Orentreich.

Do drink water to stay hydrated, but don’t rely on it to keep your skin healthy while it’s cold.

Use a humidifier. Dr Orentreich also recommends using a humidifier in your house, especially in your bedroom. That way “healing and repair can take place while you sleep,” he says.

In addition to your skin, also take special care of your hair and nails during the winter, as they can crack and split like the skin does, according to Dr. Zalka. Try B vitamin supplements to improve hair and nails, she says.

Dr. Sadick also suggests using a conditioner more frequently during the winter to keep hair from getting too dry.

Learn more about skin care and facials available at the Center for Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery in Greensburg, PA.

Posted in Skin Care | Tagged | Leave a comment

Allergan Reassures Patients of Safety of Its Breast Implants

Posted on January 5, 2012 by Becky

safety of breast implants Allergan, one of the manufacturers of breast implants approved for use in the United States, released a statement on the safety of its breast implants, following an investigation into French implant maker Poly Implant Prothese (PIP).

France’s health minister recommended French women have silicone gel implants made by Poly Implant Prosthese (PIP) removed. Allergan is not part of the investigation.

PIP used cheaper industrial silicone instead of medical silicone for the implants, and they appear to have an unusually high rupture rate, according to investigators. The PIP implants were removed from the market last year and have never been used in the United States.

Estimates say that around 30,000 women in France have the PIP implants. Tens of thousands more women in Britain, Italy, Spain and other countries in Europe and South America also have had PIP implants.

Allergan’s breast implant devices, including Natrelle, were not part of the investigation. Just last year, the FDA reaffirmed the safety of silicone breast implants in the U.S.

“All Allergan implants are manufactured at our state-of-the-art facility using silicone and saline that is approved for use in medical devices and are designed to meet all relevant national and international Quality Control Standards and Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP),” stated Allergan’s press release.

Allergan also offered specifics on the manufacturing of its implants: from start to finish, it can take up to 12 days to manufacture an Allergan breast implant, which undergoes almost 100 quality control tests.

Allergan’s breast implants have been used for almost 50 years. Their gel-filled breast implants have been available in Europe since 1997 and received U.S. FDA approval in 2006.

According to Allergan, silicone gel-filled breast implants are among the most studied medical devices, with more than 3,000 studies supporting their safe use.

In addition to Allergan, Johnson & Johnson’s Mentor also makes a silicone breast implant approved by the FDA.

Patients should recognize that while breast implants are safe, they are not lifetime devices. It’s possible that at some point a patient may need to have an implant removed or replaced.

Learn more about breast augmentation in Greensburg, PA.

Posted in Breast Surgery, In the News | Tagged | Leave a comment

Study Finds Link Between Smoking and Skin Cancer in Women

Posted on December 27, 2011 by Becky

smoking and skin cancer

Cigarro by jfjwak on Flickr

Smoking can wreak havoc on a woman’s skin. And now a new study links tobacco use to skin cancer as well.

Women who smoked for 20 years or more were twice as likely to develop squamous cell skin cancer than those who didn’t smoke. The second most common type of skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancer forms on cells of the skin’s outermost layer and is less aggressive than melanoma.

While the study found an association between smoking and skin cancer, it did not prove a cause and effect.

Study Details

The study compared 383 patients with skin cancer to 315 people without it. Researchers collected information on how much participants smoked, when they started smoking and the number of years they smoked.

In total, 355 men and 343 women participated in the study; all participants were white, which is the group who is most at risk for skin cancer.

The more people smoked, the more likely they were to have skin cancer, said the study’s lead author Dana Rollison.

Skin Cancer & Smoking: Gender Differences

For male participants, those who smoked had a “modest” risk for basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer, but the results weren’t statistically significant, according to the study authors.

Rollinson said they aren’t sure why there was a difference between the men’s and women’s risk, but the female hormone estrogen may play a role, she said.

How Smoking Ages Your Skin

While not as serious as cancer, smoking can also cause damage that ages your skin. It can cause wrinkles, uneven skin tone, sagging and lines around the lips.

There are non-invasive procedures that can help correct some of the cosmetic problems caused by smoking. Laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels remove the outer layer of skin, where the damage caused by smoking is most visible.

Image: Cigarro by jfjwak on Flickr

Posted in In the News, Skin Care | Tagged | Leave a comment

Americans Still Willing to Spend on Cosmetic Surgery

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Becky

Americans are still willing to spend on cosmetic surgeryWe’re cutting back our spending in many areas, but we aren’t willing to sacrifice our looks. Cosmetic surgery spending remains strong, even in the current economy, says Newsweek.

Consider this: between 2009 and 2010 Americans spent less on food, housing, clothes and entertainment, according to the article. Yet the popularity of cosmetic surgery grew during this same time, with people increasing their spending on cosmetic procedures, such as:

Why Cosmetic Surgery Is More Popular Than Ever

Why the increase in spending on cosmetic surgery? A potential career boost is one reason: some hope a nose job could lead to a real job.

For instance, one surgeon reported that recently more patients say they hope their younger look will help them stay competitive in their jobs.

Since some see it as an investment in their careers, they may use financing options that are now available to many cosmetic surgery patients. Financing options have allowed more people, who may not have been able to afford it otherwise, to undergo procedures. One surgeon in Michigan reported that about one in six of his patients will borrow money to pay for their procedures.

The cosmetic industry has also focused more on new marketing strategies in recent years. Consumers can find Groupon deals on some procedures or attend Botox parties with friends, for instance.

Finally, there’s more acceptance of cosmetic surgery in general, with 69 percent of people 18 to 24 saying they approve of cosmetic procedures. Meanwhile, cosmetic surgery is up almost 30 percent for senior citizens in the last five years.

Interested in cosmetic surgery in Greensburg, PA? Contact Dr. Kluska, and check out our current specials.

Posted in Body Surgery, Breast Surgery, In the News | Tagged | Leave a comment