Xeomin will likely compete with Botox and Dysport for a share of patients seeking to reduce forehead creases and frown lines, however it is currently FDA-approved only for therapeutic use in treating neuromuscular conditions, including cervical dystonia, blepharospasm and other forms of focal dystonia.

Like other botulinum type A injectables, Xeomin can temporarily treat painful muscular tension and spasticity, as well as dynamic wrinkles, or expression lines, that can cause deep furrows and creases to form over time.

Some physicians anticipate that Xeomin will be better than Dysport and Botox for treating neuromuscular conditions, as the lack of complexing proteins in the product should prevent antibody formation and ensure that treatments are effective.

Others speculate that Dysport and Botox will be better than Xeomin for cosmetic wrinkle treatment, as Xeomin’s tendency to spread or migrate away from the injection site may lead to negative outcomes, including a crooked smile or drooping eyebrows.

But the only scientifically-proven difference that sets Xeomin apart from its competitors at present is the fact that it will not require refrigeration prior to reconstitution.  This would make using Xeomin slightly more convenient for physicians but would do little to benefit consumers.

Xeomin will be distributed in 50- and 100-unit vials, and its unit measurements will be about equal to Botox units.  The price of Xeomin per-unit will probably be about the same as the cost of Botox, and although Xeomin’s launch may increase the competition amongst injectable wrinkle relaxers, it is unlikely it will cause a significant decrease in cosmetic treatment prices.

It is important to remember that the success of your treatment with wrinkle-relaxing injectables is less dependent on the formulation of the product than the skill of the physician administering your injections.  So, whether you choose Botox, Dysport or Xeomin to treat your 11’s and horizontal forehead lines, seek an experienced Eugene plastic surgeon to ensure you achieve the best possible results.

Algae-based injectable filler

One of the most exciting new additions to the wide range of injectable fillers used in cosmetic medicine is Novabel, a unique new product by Merz that was launched in Europe earlier this year.

What sets Novabel apart from the other injectable fillers on the market today is that it is composed of spherical, flexible structures called Geleons extracted from brown marine algae.

This patented Geleon technology purportedly makes Novabel injections smooth, easy to administer and virtually pain-free.  The product’s smooth texture also makes it ideal for filling areas of thin facial skin, such as the lower eyelids and tear troughs.

Another positive difference in Novabel is that it supposedly causes less swelling than other popular temporary injectables, such as Juvederm and Restylane.

Substitute skin for dermal reconstruction patients

Endoform Dermal Template is a brand new, FDA-approved skin substitute product developed by New Zealand research and development company Mesynthes.

Composed of extracellular matrix material designed to regrow skin, Endoform Dermal Template uses a unique mix of biological macromolecules that actively promote cell regeneration and blood vessel formation.  The wound healing applications of Endoform Dermal Template are unparalleled.

The Endoform Dermal Template is the first skin substitute product to released to the U.S. market, and it looks promising as a replacement for skin grafting in burn victims and other patients who have experienced significant skin trauma.

Stronger surgical tape inspired by caddisflies

Scientists studying caddisfly larvae at the University of Utah recently discovered that the design and properties of the silk spun by these insects acts as a sort of “wet BandAid” and could be mimicked to create a stronger surgical tape.

Surgical tape with an increased adhesive bond strength would potentially lower incidence of suture failure in patients who have had a tummy tuck or other plastic surgery procedures.

Scientific discovery and innovation is an important part of development in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery and ensures the best possible aesthetic outcomes in patients.  That’s why Eugene plastic surgeon Dr. Lee Daniel makes staying up-to-date on all the latest medical research and technology a top priority.

Sheyla Hershey, owner of world's biggest breast implants

In a surprising article by the Orange County Register, recent highly publicized botched boob job stories were outlined as cautionary tales illustrating valuable lessons for would-be breast augmentation patients wishing to avoid experiencing their own plastic surgery nightmares.

In addition to touching on the risks of traveling abroad for plastic surgery, the article highlights important considerations for setting safe cosmetic surgery goals and choosing a competent breast augmentation surgeon.

Buyer beware of surgeons practicing outside their specialty

When mother of four Kenyatta Brown sought breast augmentation from an Atlanta eye doctor in February 2010, she nearly bled to death during the relatively routine procedure.  Enticed by the low price, Brown’s attempt to save cash by having breast augmentation done by an ophthalmologist with little to no plastic surgery training nearly cost her life.

Brown learned the hard way that state medical boards do not limit a licensed physician’s scope of practice based on training or credentials, so physicians with little or no experience performing breast augmentation are legally allowed to take up the practice at will to make a quick buck in the lucrative, cash-only cosmetic surgery business.

You wouldn’t go to a plastic surgeon for an eye exam, so don’t go to an eye doctor or any other physician practicing outside his or her specialty for breast surgery.  Instead, seek an experienced board certified plastic surgeon for breast augmentation.

Set safe and reasonable breast augmentation goals

Unable to get the gigantic breast implants she desired in the U.S. due to legal restrictions, 28-year-old Sheyla Hershey traveled to Brazil for breast enhancement surgery with record-breaking silicone implants that gave the 5’3” woman a 38KKK bustline.

After undergoing the surgery Texas plastic surgeons warned her was extremely high risk, Hershey developed near-fatal staph infection that forced her to have the new silicone breast implants removed.  Hershey may also lose her natural breasts in whole or in part due to the infection.

The story of Hershey and her over-the-top breast implants highlights the importance of setting realistic cosmetic goals, choosing a breast implant size that fits your frame and trusting the advice of ethical plastic surgeons who adhere to U.S. medical safety regulations.

Budget for potential breast augmentation complications

Nicola Stratton flew from the UK to Los Angeles to undergo 30 hours of cosmetic surgery for the British Extreme Makeover TV show with no idea that agreeing to free plastic surgery, especially so far from home, could prove costly for her.

After one of Stratton’s saline breast implants deflated and she developed a common scar tissue problem called capsular contracture, Stratton realized she needed breast revision surgery but didn’t have the means to travel all the way to her original surgeon in L.A. for follow up or pay the necessary $5,000 hospital fee for the revision surgery.

Stratton’s predicament illustrates the importance of considering your travel budget when choosing a breast augmentation surgeon, as well as the importance of budgeting additional funds for additional surgery should complications arise that warrant breast revision surgery.

Choosing the right breast augmentation surgeon

These stories of breast surgery gone bad primarily tell patients what to avoid when seeking breast enhancement and illustrate the importance of choosing an Oregon breast augmentation surgeon who:

• Is certified in plastic surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
• Adheres to U.S. and Canadian health care laws and ethical practice guidelines
• Is located in an area that you can afford to travel to for follow up
• Is skilled at performing breast revision surgery should the need arise
• Will help you safely achieve your realistic and reasonable cosmetic goals

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

The segment profiles four women who had various skin rejuvenation treatments, including Thermage for body and facial skin tightening and Fraxel laser treatment for skin tone improvement. New York City dermatologist Dr. Anne Chapas also discussed the benefits of Thermage and Fraxel Restore treatments, as well as Isolaz acne treatment, with Today Show host Meredith Vieira.

Fraxel Restore was used to improve the skin tone of two women suffering from uneven pigmentation. Jill, 43, has fair skin and experienced considerable sun exposure without adequate sun protection as a child. She had Fraxel laser treatment to repair the sun damage on her face and was pleased with the results and new skin cell growth stimulated by the Fraxel laser.

“It really got rid of so much of the sun damage that I could see. It just makes me feel like I have fresh, new skin,” Jill said.

Dr. Chapas informed viewers about Fraxel Restore recovery, indicating that a few days of redness and dryness may occur after treatment. She also indicated that for best results, Fraxel Restore may need to be performed in a series of one to three treatments, depending on the needs of your skin.

Lisa, 46, also sought treatment with the Fraxel laser to improve skin discoloration she developed as a result of health issues and breakouts. In addition to undergoing treatment with the Fraxel Restore, Lisa also had Thermage skin tightening performed on her face to correct mild skin laxity.

The story’s final story highlighted another woman named Lisa, 37, who had Thermage treatment performed on her abdomen to tighten sagging skin lingering after two pregnancies. Dr. Chapas explained that Thermage skin tightening works by stimulating collagen production and indicated that Thermage results typically last one to two years.

Fraxel Restore skin rejuvenation and Thermage skin tightening procedures are available at the offices of Eugene plastic surgeon Dr. Lee Daniel.

The guidance was issued after an inquiry by the French Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons revealed the PIP implants contain an illegal, untested silicone gel and are abnormally susceptible to rupture.   

Unlike women with the faulty PIP breast implants, women who undergo breast augmentation with the safe, FDA-approved breast implants used in the U.S. have a choice about when and how to address the unlikely event of a rupture caused by implant malfunction or breast trauma.

It is easy to detect a rupture in saline breast implants, as the implants will deflate and experience noticeable volume loss.  Silicone gel breast implants, on the other hand, require an MRI to detect ruptures because the signs are not as obvious. 

When ruptured breast implants do not cause problems with breast appearance or health, occasionally women will choose to forego revision surgery, however most pursue corrective surgery. 

Options for corrective surgery include:

• Bresat implant replacement, or breast augmentation revision
• Breast implant removal, or breast explant surgery
• Breast lift, or mastopexy, in combination with implant removal or replacement

Most women opt for breast augmentation revision to replace ruptured implants and maintain the size and shape of their augmented breasts, while others choose breast explant surgery, or breast implant removal, and do not have the ruptured implants replaced.  

When breast implants are removed without replacement, a breast liftmay be recommended to remove the excess skin that stretched to accommodate your previous implants.  A breast lift with augmentation revision may also be recommended if your breasts have experienced ptosis, or sagging, since the initial breast augmentation surgery.

If you experience a breast implant rupture, don’t panic, as there is no immediate health risk with FDA-approved implants.  Consult a board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing breast revision surgery and discuss all possible options, so you and your surgeon can decide whether breast implant exchange or removal, with or without breast lift surgery, is best for you.

Surgeons and other physicians in Spain claim they have performed a complete facial transplant on a man who suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The 24-hour operation replaced the patient’s cheekbones, facial muscles, lips, jaw and other structures.

“This is the first full face transplant performed worldwide, as the 10 operations performed previously had been only partial,” said a statement released by Vall d’Hebron University Hospital. If so, the operation would be more extensive than the face transplant performed at the Cleveland Clinic two years ago.

[GMU researchers hope to customize breast cancer treatment]

Artificial knees and hips and other implants are “normally not guaranteed” says a recent NY Times story. Take a look at breast implants from Mentor or Allergan however, and the story is a little different. Breast implants, although  less expensive than other medical implants, actually have generous warranties. Both manufacturers now offer financial assistance and lifetime product replacement. With any type of implant, you should ask about warranties before your surgery.

[Makers of Artificial Joints Rarely Offer Warranties]

Have you ever wondered about the first breast implants ever invented? In a recent article, cosmetic surgeons on ModernMedicine.com explain the evolution of breast implants and the key advantages offered by the latest 4th generation shaped breast implants. Some of those advantages include:

• a triple-layer shell to prevent leakage
• anatomical shape for women lacking breast volume in the lower pole
• cohesive silicone gel that is very stable

Silicone breast implants have definitely changed over the years, and come a long way from the first prosthetics.

[Modern breast implants evolve to latest generation of ‘shaped’]

The data comes the ASAPS annual survey, in which 928 physicians from different specialties responded so industry leaders could better interpret emerging trends in cosmetic plastic surgery.

For the second year in a row, breast augmentation was the most frequently performed cosmetic surgery, with 311,957 estimated procedures nationwide. Doctors have suggested several reasons for the continued success of breast augmentation:

The reintroduction of silicone gel breast implants may be a factor, said Dr. Renato Saltz to the Wall Street Journal.

The procedure boasts a relatively quick recovery time and patients get almost “immediate gratification,” says Philadelphia surgeon Dr. Bruce Genter.

The numbers also show that breast implants were favored among younger women.  For patients 19-34 years old, it was the most chosen surgery, while patients age 35-50 actually chose liposuction more frequently.

Expect more 2009 statistics to be released in the coming weeks from other societies.  We’ll compare their findings and further discuss the cosmetic trends that emerged during 2009.

• Read more on surgery.org

Dr. Bruce Genter, a plastic surgeon in Pennsylvania, voiced his skepticism in this ABC news segment, pointing to the lack of scientific evidence supporting acupuncture as an effective wrinkle treatment.  Yet, some are saying it works for them; are they seeing real change or is wishful thinking clouding their perception?

Julia Engstrom, who says she has used Botox and laser treatments in the past, believes facial acupuncture has improved the texture of her skin and reduced the appearance of wrinkles. Nearing the end of 10 treatments, she says her improvements have come through improved sleep and relaxation. “I’ve noticed that my skin is a lot smoother, [there’s] a lot less red pigment in there and the wrinkling seems to be a lot less,” Engstrom said. “I [also] have a lot less darkening under my eyes and I’ve been getting a lot of compliments.”

Acupuncture, a process during which tiny needles are placed strategically into the body, is said to bring improved health and well-being. In an article for Prevention magazine, licensed acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner Phyllis Olson asserts that acupuncture can indeed lessen the appearance of wrinkles. She attributes this to a core premise of acupuncture – that health is reliant upon the healthy flow of chi (energy) in the body, which can be disrupted for a myriad of reasons. Acupuncture treatments are believed to break up energy blockages that prevent optimal blood flow to certain places in the body, improving circulation.

Beata Maslanka, Philadelphia acupuncturist and author of the “Art of Wellness” acknowledges that acupuncture doesn’t yield visible results that compare to Botox or other facial fillers, but claims that beauty actually comes from within; when internal imbalances are healed, people will look better overall.

Olson agrees, noting that the treatments foster relaxation of facial muscles, thereby reducing wrinkles. “Aside from the light, momentary stings, acupuncture is really quite relaxing,” she adds.

The results Engstrom points to are hard to discern from the video, but one can wonder about the salutary effects of relaxation and optimism, not to mention the natural human tendency to see (and believe) what we want to see.

If it does have a wrinkle-relaxing effect, how long could this last? NYC dermatologic surgeon Barney Kenet, MD tells Prevention: “If acupuncture relaxes the muscles, it might reduce wrinkling temporarily. As for the increased blood flow, at most it will probably give you a temporary rosy complexion–something you don’t want if you have an inflammatory condition such as acne or rosacea,” he warns. “Otherwise, cosmetic acupuncture is relatively harmless.”

Maybe so, but then you may want to consider the cost. The average price of an acupuncture treatment for facial wrinkling could be as much as $60 to $100 per session, with 10 sessions recommended by Olson, followed by monthly maintenance procedures.

In contrast, the average Botox treatment in the US costs $472 and a single treatment will last 3-6 months. This makes acupuncture wrinkle treatments both an unproven and costly proposition.

Dr. Genter, whose patients are proof that Botox and other facial fillers visibly reduce the effects of aging on the face, says: ”If it increases your well-being that’s great, I just don’t know that it can make your face look younger.”

Maybe you remember the “near-total face transplant” performed by Cleveland Clinic surgeons in 2008.  The operation required 22 hours and a large, multi-skilled medical team.

According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, doctors and plastic surgeons at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center want to perform a similar operation in the future.  The surgeons have experience with hand transplants — procedures that require advanced techniques to reconnect tissues, veins and blood vessels.  A face transplant however, would have different cosmetic goals and could require donation of organs that are difficult to procure.

Read more: UPMC Wants in on face transplants