If you are considering surgery to change your appearance, you should know about plastic surgery from both a historical and current point of view.
Overview of Plastic Surgery
As an elective surgery, plastic surgery often doesn’t get the objective coverage it should. Proponents crow about the positive effects while critics argue the opposite. Rarely does either group actually quote any undisputables about plastic surgery. Well, we do in this article.
Plastic surgery has a long history. Susrutha, an Indian surgeon, is the first known plastic surgeon, providing nose reconstruction services in the 8th century BC. the Romans were known to perform plastic surgery procedures to alter the appearance of ears. John P. Mettauer is generally agreed to be the first plastic surgeon in the United States, practicing in the 1820s. Plastikos is the base word for plastic surgery, meaning to mold something in Greek.
In more modern times, plastic surgery has come on strong as a method for changing appearances. the most common procedures with most popular first are liposuction, breast surgery, nose reshaping, eyelid lifts, tummy tucks and facelifts. in the last ten years, the number of plastic surgery procedures has quadrupled as the specialty has gained greater acceptance and publicity on television shows.
When one thinks about plastic surgery, most assume it is women having their appearances modified. in general, this is true. Roughly 80 percent of all plastic surgery patients are women, but the demographic is starting to change. while 20 percent of patients are now men, the figure is growing. like women, men seek liposuction, nose reshaping, tummy tucks, and lifts. No, they don’t go in for breast enlargements, although breast reductions are growing in popularity.
Somewhat controversial, teenagers are getting plastic surgery in growing numbers. Individuals under 18 most often focus on procedures related to the skin, with skin peels and microdermabrasion procedures accounting for more than half of all procedures.
Historically, plastic surgery was a relatively uncommon procedure. As this overview reveals, media exposure and lower prices mean that is simply no longer the case.
Growing number of men seek out cosmetic procedures By Karen Dandurant August 12, 2012 2:00 AM
Cosmetic surgery is no longer merely the realm of Hollywood celebrities, and its potential improvements are not just sought by women.
Procedures being sought by men are now considered mainstream. Doctors say the number of men who seek cosmetic surgery, while still less than women, is growing every year.
According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, in 2011, men received 796,086 cosmetic procedures. while that is slightly less than 10 percent of the figure for women, at 8,398,424, it is still significant.
Statistics released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons show more men are going under the knife. overall cosmetic plastic surgery procedures in men were up 2 percent in 2010 compared to 2009. however, many male surgical procedures increased significantly. Facelifts for men rose 14 percent in 2010 while male liposuction increased 7 percent.
The 2010 ASPS statistics show the majority of the men’s top 10 fastest-growing cosmetic procedures are surgical, which bucks the previous trend of growth in minimally-invasive treatments.
“The growth in cosmetic surgical procedures for men may be a product of our aging baby boomers that are now ready to have plastic surgery,” said ASPS President Phillip Haeck, M.D. “Minimally-invasive procedures such as Botox and soft-tissue fillers work to a point. however, as you age and gravity takes over, surgical procedures that lift the skin are necessary in order to show significant improvement.”
Local cosmetic surgeons agree with the ASPS, based on the trends they are seeing in their practices.
“I definitely see a lot more men every year,” said Dr. Richard Zeff, M.D., P.A., in Stratham. “We are not all born with perfect bodies. Some come to see me with aesthetic concerns. there is something they want to improve.”
Others come for professional reasons, he said.
“If you are 64 years old and competing with a 40-year-old in the job market it can be intimidating,” he said. “You may feel young and up to the job, but that might not be how you think others perceive you. the men can’t stand that they look much older than they feel, older than they perceive themselves.”
There are two main types of cosmetic adjustments, those requiring surgery and those considered minimally invasive. According to the 2010 ASPS statistics, the top five surgical procedures sought by men are rhinoplasty (nose), eyelids tightening, liposuction, breast reduction and hair transplants. the top five less-invasive procedures are Botox, laser hair removal, microdermabrasion, chemical peels and soft-tissue fillers.
Zeff said he sees a lot of the non-invasive procedure requests.
“It’s more comfortable and there really is no downside,” he said. “Botox lasts three to five months. the tissue fillers are good for about one year.”
Liposuction is a big area of choice for both men and women. Zeff said men seek liposuction for those “love handles” around the waist.
“There is a common misconception that a person who seeks liposuction has failed, or is taking the easy way out when it comes to weight loss,” Zeff said. “Losing weight is great, but you still have the same body. it doesn’t change your fat distribution. if you are pear-shaped; you’ll be a smaller pear shape. if you have a spare tire around your middle, you will be smaller, with a spare tire. A thousand sit-ups a day won’t rid you of fat in those places you are aiming for. Liposuction can change your body shape.”
Men, as they get older, also want gynocomastia, a procedure to reduce the size of their breasts.
“I have men, some who would otherwise appear to be in good shape who come to me and say they haven’t taken their shirt off at the beach in 30 years,” Zeff said. “It’s a terrible embarrassment for them. it is fairly easy to remedy but as a necessity, we will first rule out any possibility of breast cancer.”
In his experience, facials are not as common in men as in women, but spot adjustments are, Zeff said. He does a lot with eyelid surgery for men, either reducing or increasing skin, as needed.
Of course, society and American culture play a large role in requests for cosmetic surgery. Zeff said people buy into the public perception of youth and beauty, men included. That can pose its own ethical quandaries.
“It’s undeniable,” he said. “The cosmetic industry works hard to promote their products. the truly ethical among us have to weigh those requests carefully. Physical enhancement must be ethically reasonable. there is a term, dysmorphia, meaning an attempt to make yourself completely into something you are not. I have seen this in women, but I personally have never seen a case in a male yet.”
Dr. Charles Gaudet of Portsmouth said men now seek cosmetic surgery because they want to look more youthful, more refreshed. and, they also go because it is now more accepted in society.
“Men have more of a comfort level with the procedures now,” Gaudet said. “It’s not just something they see as done in Hollywood or new York City. they know the procedures are available and they are taking advantage of the confidence it gives them. the only real difference I see is that men tend to do this privately, where women are more open to discussing cosmetic surgery with their friends.”
Gaudet said men make up about 10 percent of his practice now. He routinely does eyelid surgery, facial rejuvenations, and liposuction and breast reduction.
“Most of the men I see come in knowing exactly what they want to do,” he said. “They love to engage in discussions about the possibilities but for the most part know what they want and stick to that. they are tired of people saying they look tired. they are tired of looking old for their age.”
Plastic surgeons say another trend they see in male plastic surgery is the type of patient seeking their services.
“Typically, people think of celebrities and high profile men undergoing cosmetic surgery,” said Dr. Stephen Baker, M.D., an ASPS member surgeon based in Washington, D.C. “And while that may be true, the typical male cosmetic surgery patient that I see is an average guy who wants to look as good as he feels. most of my patients are ‘men’s men,’ the kind of guy you might not think would have plastic surgery.”
Baker said baby boomers now reaching retirement age are the new face of the male plastic surgery trend.
“They want to look good. So when they have the financial means to do it, they are ready to do it now,” Baker said.
In fact, one of Baker’s patients is an “average Joe.” Joe recently underwent a facelift and eyelid surgery. the 57-year old said, “I didn’t feel that old. I felt young. I was working out. I was pretty active and I wanted to look like I felt inside.”
Joe also said his girlfriend supported his decision to have plastic surgery.
Fees charged by the members of the surgical team vary depending on the desired cosmetic surgery. the average cost is: liposuction from $2,000, facelift from between $5,000 to $10,000, Botox injections from $300, eyelid surgery from $2,000, nose job from $3,000.
Elective cosmetic surgery, as with any surgical procedure, does have risks as well as benefits.
More men and women are looking into early alternatives to the Orange County facelift. With minimally invasive, non-surgical procedures, you can restore the look of a youthful and vibrant face years younger. as an Orange County plastic surgery professional, Milind K. Ambe, MD provides many of these options at Newport Beach Plastic Surgery.“Not all patients seek surgical solutions for facial rejuvenation, nor do they want to look as young as possible,” says Milind K. Ambe, MD. “Many patients are looking for small changes that make a difference.”
Traditional face lifts are designed to repair and restore advanced signs of aging. Elements such as a brow lift and eye lift surgery can get rid of deep wrinkles, creases, and excess skin. Today, prospective patients are much younger, looking for maintenance procedures to help them retain their youthful appearance. For someone in their thirties, surgical and nonsurgical procedures can help them retain their youthful look for years longer.
There are many benefits to early maintenance facelifts. For one, the results last longer. throughout your thirties, forties, and possibly fifties, you will retain a younger looking appearance longer than those who choose not to undergo surgery. You are also more healthy and often more eligible for elective surgery in your thirties and forties than in your sixties and seventies. While a facelift later in life can restore your youthful appearance, it is a drastic change. Early surgery will improve your appearance so that you can age more gracefully over time.
Milind K. Ambe MD reports that “facelift surgery can improve the perceived result (or age of a patient) from anywhere from 10 years all the way to almost 20 years, depending on when a patient has the procedure performed and depending on how much aging change has already occurred.”
There are also non-surgical treatments that can improve the youthfulness of the face. One of the most popular injectables is Botox, a purified protein that gets rid of wrinkles and lines in the forehead and other areas of the face. Dermal fillers restore the fullness of the face.
There is also the new platelet rich plasma therapy. Newport Beach surgeons can create dermal fillers using the patient’s own blood. These treatments are less invasive and less expensive. While results only last for a few months up to a year, they can help you look and feel your best throughout your thirties, forties, and fifties without the need for surgery.
About Milind K. Ambe MDAs a highly regarded and respected Orange County plastic surgeon, Milind K. Ambe MD.
It looks like Kris Jenner got her lips injected for what looks like a TV stunt for the new season of Keeping up with the Kardashians, however Kris Jenner told The Today show that she didn’t get her lips injected, she just woke up one morning looking like that! Supposedly this medical mystery is explained on KUWTK, but her lips are now back to looking normal. (It sounds like it was an allergic reaction.)
One things to be said for the Kardashian-Jenner girls is that they normally don’t go around with over-inflated balloon lips.
The matriarchal momager has had some work done, though and it’s not one of those “has she, or hasn’t she?” situations. She actually took the E! cameras into the procedure last year before Kim’s short marriage to Kris Humphries. She said she felt she needed to “freshen up” for the wedding.
Good thing she did take the cameras in because otherwise it would be hard to prove she’d had anything done. That’s a good thing because too dramatic before-and-after facelifts can be a nightmare. although she seems to have the same face we’re guessing the skin got pulled a little tighter so the 55-year-old can keep a fresher look for longer. The best plastic surgeons in Hollywood always say that a LOT more stars have had work done than the public even knows; the ones who get the good surgery you can’t ever tell (unless it’s a noticeably different, but still attractive nose. Apparently the Megan Fox nose is a best seller.)
Before and after pics of Kris Jenner’s face are below the E! video. Her plastic surgeon is Garth Fisher M.D. for anyone interested:
Evelyn Lozado says Ocho need professional help – Straight from the AHas ringing the NY Stock Exchange bell ever been so fraught with understated emotion? – CelebitchyAll the Reality show rumors you can handle –Reality TeaHell hath no fury: Woman slowly poisons dude via eyedrops –JezebelIs Katy Perry just using John Mayer for sex? –Celeb Baby Laundry
Sarah Burge, also known as a “The Human Barbie” shocked parents around the world when she recently admitted to giving her seven year old daughter a birthday gift of a voucher for plastic surgery, to be used when she is ready for a breast augmentation. over the recent holidays, Sarah once again horrified the world when she gave her daughter a liposuction voucher for Christmas. Maybe a pony was just too much?
51-year-old Sarah Burge has spent over $800,000 on her own surgical enhancements over twenty years, which include three facelifts, liposuction on seven different parts of her body, two nose jobs and breast augmentation.
Despite spending a lot of time undergoing breast augmentation recovery and plastic surgery recovery, Sarah seems to continue to want plastic surgery and has passed her favorite pastime on to her daughter.
The Human Barbie gave another plastic surgery voucher for the recent holidays, in the form of a promise for liposuction.
“She asks for surgery all the time. She wants to look good and lipo is one of those procedures that will always come in handy,” 51-year-old Sarah Burge told the UK’s Daily Mail. “I see these vouchers as investing in her future, like saving money for her education.”
Miami plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Salzhauer says, “This is absurd and obviously for PR. A board certified plastic surgeon would never consider doing plastic surgery on child. This is the wrong message to send any young person who is just figuring out their identity.”
more and more young women are seeking plastic surgery in Los Angeles and across the country. Dr. Babak Azizzadeh, a facial plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, has seen a significant increase in women between the ages of 30 and 40 years old undergoing cosmetic procedures.
Most women in this age group opt for “Liquid Facelifts,” injections of facial fillers, which add volume back to the face and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. Liquid Facelifts are a non-surgical alternative for young women who are just starting to see the signs of aging.
Dr. Azizzadeh also performs many SCULPThera treatments, which is Ulthera skin tightening in combination with Sculptra injections, as he thinks it is one of the best non-surgical combinations if you are looking to correct the two main signs of aging: laxity and volume loss. Ulthera lifts, tightens, and tones loose skin to counteract the effects of gravity and time, while Sculptra reduces facial lines and wrinkles, and creates a fuller, more youthful appearance.
“People do not want to wait until they look older, they strike in advance,” says Dr. Azizzadeh.
In addition to non-surgical treatments, the demand for plastic surgery procedures, such as rhinoplasty and necklift, has soared to new heights in recent years, attracting more interest from young women. the growing acceptance of Botox and fillers by women under the age of 35 has made the step up to cosmetic surgery much less drastic.
“Plastic surgery is much more common these days, with younger women exploring their options at an earlier age than in years past. because surgical techniques have become significantly more refined in the past decade, surgery is now tailored to the individual. This, in turn, makes people more confident about the outcome of plastic surgery procedures,” says Dr. Azizzadeh.
Dr. Azizzadeh is a facelift expert, recognized as a top Doctor by the US News & World Report. He completed a fellowship in facial plastic & reconstructive surgery at the prestigious Harvard Medical School, and is the author of five bestselling books, including “Master Techniques in Facial Rejuvenation” and “Beverly Hills beauty Secrets.” Dr. Azizzadeh has been recognized for his work on several occasions, and has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Showand countless other media outlets. Dr. Azizzadeh is also the director of the USC Facial Plastic Fellowship Program, as well as the Cedars-Sinai Multispecialty Plastic Surgery Symposium.
the Long Island plastic surgery specialists at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery say people shopping for a facelift should be wary of surgical practices that advertise cut-rate procedures.
While Dr. James Romanelli and Dr. Dana Khuthaila acknowledge that price is a valid consideration when choosing a surgeon, they caution people to seek out the best practitioner rather than the cheapest one.
"like any surgical procedure, cosmetic or otherwise, a facelift has inherent risks, not the least of which is an unnatural appearance following the surgery," Dr. Romanelli says. "the procedure is extremely safe in the hands of a capable surgeon, but I tell candidates for a face lift in Long Island to avoid outfits that emphasize cost more than quality."
Dr. Romanelli says many practices, some of which are nationwide chains, often tout "lunch-hour" procedures at discounted prices to lure patients who have concerns about the cost of cosmetic surgery.
"Marketing language that focuses primarily on the cost of surgery should raise a red flag," he says, adding that mistakes made during hastily performed facelifts can sometimes lead to infection and other complications.
"when you choose a surgeon for your facelift, you're trusting that person with not only your appearance but also your health," says Dr. Khuthaila, who practices with Dr. Romanelli. "Basing this type of decision, which can have lifelong repercussions, on an advertising campaign that promises low prices can be incredibly risky."
"do your research when selecting a surgeon," Dr. Romanelli says. "look for someone who is board-certified, who has consistently positive reviews and who is focused on the safety of the procedure as well as the quality of your results. Before moving ahead with surgery, meet with the surgeon, ask a lot of questions and make sure that you feel confident and secure with the answers."
Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery has developed a reputation as a quality plastic surgery practice in Long Island. Liposuction, facial sculpting, breast augmentation and other surgical procedures are offered, as well as a full range for medical spa services, including BOTOX® Cosmetic, dermal fillers and laser skin rejuvenation.
Dr. James Romanelli (http://www.jrcs.com) is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in body, face and breast enhancement procedures. After earning his medical degree from SUNY Downstate, Dr. Romanelli undertook 8 years of post-graduate specialty training in general surgery, plastic surgery and hand surgery. Dr. Romanelli has received numerous awards and professional appointments in recognition of his surgical skill. At his cosmetic surgery practice in Huntington, N.Y., he works in conjunction with Dr. Dana Khuthaila, a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures for the breast, body and face.
In 1984, actress Jeanne Cooper, who played Katherine Chancellor on The Young & the Restless, decided to undergo a facelift. When actresses get plastic surgery, they frequently try to keep it quiet, but not Cooper. instead, she approached the higher-ups at her show and proposed that her character Katherine Chancellor undergo a facelift, and that the surgery be performed on-screen. The show agreed, cementing Cooper’s place in history as the actress who brought the facelift procedure into the mainstream.
Facelifts haven’t changed much since then
The facelift is one of the most longstanding aesthetic plastic surgery procedures in existence, likely because it is such a straightforward, effective process.
Over the years, the skin of the face begins to lose its tightness and starts to sag. The sagging is what causes wrinkles. During a facelift, the plastic surgeon performs incisions around the face, placed at the hairline to disguise any scarring that occurs. The surgeon then re-drapes the facial skin so that excess sagging can be removed, and after removal, stitches the newly tightened facial skin back into place.
Patients may undergo a full facelift, involving incisions at both sides of the face and under the chin, or they may opt for limited incision facelifts, where smaller cuts around the ears and eye area are used for selective skin tightening.
This process of making incisions, tightening the skin, and applying sutures to create the newer, rejuvenated face is the procedure soap opera fans saw Jeanne Cooper undergo in 1984, and it’s the same one facial plastic surgeons perform today.
Find a skilled facial plastic surgeon
Although the process itself is very straightforward, achieving successful results from a facelift requires a skilled hand. In some ways it is as simple as tightening the skin, but in other ways it is far more complex.
Everyone has seen at least one person -be it an actress or an acquaintance- who clearly had a facelift performed by someone unskilled. The face looks stretched too tight. The eyebrows arch up in permanent surprise, while the check bones look like that are about to pop out. this isn’t the usual expected result of a facelift, but the result of a facelift gone bad.
A skilled facial plastic surgeon understands that re-draping is a necessary part of the surgical process. The skin must be pulled tight, yes, but it must also be contoured on the patient’s face in a way that looks natural. otherwise the fact that the patient has undergone a facelift is quite obvious -and not in a good way.
If you are thinking about having a facelift, make sure to locate a facial plastic surgeon who can show you before and after photos of previous patients. this is the best way to determine whether the surgeon knows the difference between just pulling the skin tight and actually re-draping it for an attractive result.
After you’ve found your preferred provider, be sure to follow all medical advice. with the right facial plastic surgeon and proper post-surgical care, you can easily restore and rejuvenate your appearance with a facelift.
A new study reveals that nearly a quarter (23 percent) of Americans would get plastic surgery if cost were not an issue.
The survey of more than 2,500 adults, conducted by CouponCabin.com, also found that women were more likely than men to say they would seek out cosmetic procedures (28 percent versus 18 percent).the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) reports that the cost of cosmetic procedures can vary widely. Surgical procedures, such as breast augmentation, liposuction, tummy tucks, facelifts and nose jobs are the more expensive than less-invasive non-surgical procedures. for example, the national average cost for a tummy tuck was $5,332 in 2010. Non-surgical procedures such as Botox injections, hyaluronic acid injections, chemical peels and microdermabrasion typically cost several hundred dollars per treatment.
This study confirms the results of a recent survey conducted by ASAPS, which found that more than half (51 percent) of Americans approve of plastic surgery, regardless of their income.
The 2011 report found that 52 percent of respondents with an income of under $25,000 per year approve of cosmetic surgery and 29 percent in this income bracket would consider it for themselves.
It also found that individuals who make more money annually approve of plastic surgery. nearly half (48 percent) of respondents with an income between $25,000 and $50,000 per year, 45 percent of those with an income between $50,000 and $75,000 per year and 56 percent of those with an income above $75,000 per year approve of cosmetic surgeries, according to ASAPS.
“as the numbers suggest, people in every income bracket, single or married, male or female, view plastic surgery as a reasonable option today,” said Dr. Felmont F. Eaves III, ASAPS past president. “taking care of yourself and paying attention to physical appearance is increasingly important to everyone. as both traditional surgical procedures have been improved and refined, and new nonsurgical options have become available, aesthetic plastic surgeons have more to offer to our patients.”
the plastic surgery field produces noticeable results. Patients who undergo cosmetic surgery do so to enhance their appearances. They want to look markedly better. to demonstrate how he helps his patients look more attractive, Miami cosmetic surgeon Dr. Rian Maercks has announced the posting of new “before-and-after” photos of patients on his website. Pictures of patients before their procedures, and then after their procedures, can clearly show how their appearances have changed and improved.
Many plastic surgery patients regard Dr. Maercks as the premier surgeon in Miami Beach and all of South Florida. He has become the preferred surgeon for those seeking Miami breast augmentation procedures, Miami Beach facelifts, and more. Dr. Maercks has become renowned for his innovative techniques, friendly approach and great results, which the before-and-after photos show. Dr. Maercks produces noticeable results for his patients, while minimizing scarring and side effects.
From his Miami Beach office, Dr. Maercks offers his patients a full range of procedures and products to help them look younger and more beautiful and feel more confident. Dr. Maercks has earned praise from his patients and peers for his techniques, which include unique procedures for breast enhancement and facelifts. Dr. Maercks also proudly offers the latest in injectable fillers and other products that help patients enhance their looks.