The ISAPS organization sent surveys to more than 30,000 plastic surgeons in 25 countries to determine the popularity of both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures across the globe.  Survey results revealed that plastic surgeons worldwide performed more than 8.5 million plastic surgeries and more than 8.7 million non-surgical cosmetic procedures last year.

The most popular body contouring procedures performed by plastic surgeons included liposuction, breast augmentation and tummy tuck, whereas the most frequently performed facial plastic surgery procedures included rhinoplasty and eyelid surgery.  In 2009, liposuction, breast augmentation and blepharoplasty procedures were each performed more than 1 million times worldwide.

Among non-surgical cosmetic treatments, injectable fillers, such as Juvederm and Radiesse, and wrinkle-relaxing injectables, such as Botox and Dysport, were the most popular internationally, however laser treatments, including laser hair removal, skin resurfacing and vein treatment were also frequently performed.

U.S. patients favored the surgical and non-surgical procedures that ranked highest internationally, a fact that is statistically unsurprising given that U.S. plastic surgeons performed more procedures in 2009 than surgeons from any other country (more than 3 million procedures.)

Plastic surgeons from Brazil and China performed more than 2 million procedures each last year, ranking these countries second and third, respectively, for total number of procedures performed by plastic surgeons internationally.

There was a wide gap between the number of procedures performed by plastic surgeons in the top three countries and the other two countries that rounded out the top five, as plastic surgeons from fourth- and fifth-ranked India and Mexico did not perform even 1 million total cosmetic procedures in 2009.

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.

“There are subtle things that we can do to make a change in the profile, in the definition of the nose, without changing their ethnicity, without intrinsically changing their appearance,” said Charles M. Boyd M.D.

For plastic surgeons, managing the patient’s expectations is important.  Likewise for the patient, communicating desires and aesthetic goals for rhinoplasty is critical.  Each doctor-patient relationship will go through this process in a different way.  One emerging trend facilitating this communication process is the use of 3-dimensional imaging to visually approximate the results that can be achieved.

“I use computer imaging and this is very helpful in pinpointing what patients are trying to achieve, and it enables them to see what’s in my mind as well,” said Steven B. Hopping M.D.

When it comes down to operating, there are of course, anatomical considerations for the ethnic patient.  View the article on modernmedicine.com to read how these surgeons approach rhinoplasty in patients of Asian, African American, and Middle Eastern descent.

The surgery may involve complex techniques that are worthy of extensive clinical research.  Perhaps that is why members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery discussed the topic in depth during their annual meeting last weekend.  A panel of plastic surgeons held two separate discussions that covered aspects of revision rhinoplasty such as:

• Correcting a short or crooked nose
• Correction of unsatisfying results
• Using grafts or sutures to shape the nasal tip
• Alternative rhinoplasty techniques
• Treating nasal, nostril and alar base deformities

To read more about this discussion, go to www.surgery.org and view press releases.

As violence in the region subsides, Iraqi women like Ms. Aziz are seeking cosmetic enhancement with greater frequency.  “It does seem that cosmetic surgery is on the rise” says Jamjoom.

Read “Buying Beauty in Baghdad” on and see related videos on CNN.com

Stern did a substantial amount of work.  She conducted over 100 in-depth and intimate interviews with women.  She had some work done herself, so she’s got cred.  She tells the truth about her own experience, pushes aside some of the same old questions, (Am I a good candidate for X?  Should I tell anyone or just pretend it’s the same old me?) and moves into fresh new territory.

She explores the questions that come up over and over again – and that one of the most frequently asked by women before they have cosmetic surgery is this: “Will I be happier later?”  That’s such an honest question, and Stern finds it again and again as she listens to women’s stories.  We happen to think that a well-adjusted person who has cosmetic surgery can definitely be happier later.

[Hint: and they seem to think so, too.]  I mean, if you’ve gone through life feeling self conscious about your (insert body part here ________), you know the euphoria one can feel to look in the mirror and see sleek thighs where saddlebags once lived, or to see bright, flashing eyes that were once taken hostage by drooping lids and crinkled skin.

Lois Stern did her homework.  She has extensive checklists. She has advice.  She talks about how we have to step up to the plate and partner with our doctor if we want to get the best possible results.  That means, among other things, coming clean about the prescriptions and non-rx meds we take, the truth about how and what we eat, our lifestyle habits (yeah, you…do you really go to the gym 5 days a week?  If not, say so!) and so on.  You can’t expect a surgeon to give you the best outcome if you give the bare minimum in terms of information, do you? This is an adult-to-adult collaboration, not Gepetto carving his wooden doll).

And if you don’t pick an experienced board certified plastic or cosmetic surgeon, you shouldn’t expect a miracle, and stop obsessing over bargains while you’re at it.  Your body is not a discount store.  It’s precious.  Stern tells it the way she sees it.

She lists the 8 facts about cosmetic surgery that few people know.  She discusses the best way to avoid complications, the best reasons (and the worst) for having cosmetic surgery, and the most inspirational stories about the unexpectedly powerful benefits that many people gain just by walking around in their new-and-improved- skin.

For instance: we often read about how women come to feel invisible as we get older – ignored, even disregarded because we no longer have the outward marks of youth.  So, Stern wondered: what’s it like to have a successful plastic surgery and suddenly be visible again – to receive positive feedback from others, to feel appreciated as a physical being?  The answers she got are intriguing.  And gratifying.  And sometimes, surprising.  Yes, we know…outward appearance…it’s not supposed to matter.  It’s all about character.  Well, how about character and good looks?  Is there a law against having both?

She also tells about the impact of cosmetic surgery on our relationships:  socially, in the workplace, and in the bedroom.  Yes, the bedroom.  Because, did you know that many of us – after cosmetic surgery – have a much better time…well, never mind.  Read her book and make up your own mind.

Lois Stern wrote a good book.  She’s practical.  She’s down-to-earth.  And she got a refreshingly different way of looking at cosmetic surgery.  As for the “Sex” in the title, as she says, “It’s no accident!”  She has a lot to say about the connection between cosmetic surgery and one’s sexuality.  It’s fascinating and remember… she interviewed over 100 women extensively.  Two women in a room have a lot to say, so you can imagine…

You can listen to an interview on here website here.

Don’t…….

1. Don’t seek out unapproved cosmetic procedures.
If a board certified plastic surgeon or the FDA advises you to forgo a procedure, that’s advice you should heed. According to sources for CNN, Argentine beauty queen Solange Magnano, who died of complications from cosmetic surgery, requested (and was denied by one surgeon) silicone injections for a buttock augmentation – a procedure that is not approved here in the U.S. nor in Argentina

2. Don’t be careless or take the process lightly.

When you walk into a plastic surgeon’s office, it won’t feel like a hospital, but it’s definitely not a spa.  Real surgeries are performed in an outpatient suite, with real risks.

Do….

3. Research the procedure of interest.

Though your cosmetic surgeon should be a trustworthy, knowledgeable authority, you still need to seek out more than one resource for information.  Research will help you protect yourself and help you decide if elective cosmetic surgery is truly in line with your personal values.

4. Ask your plastic surgeon about board certification.

Find out what board has certified your surgeon and what standards must be met to receive that certification.

5. Inquire about the safety and certification of the facility.

If the surgery is done in an outpatient clinic, ask about accreditation of the facility.  As Dr. Angelo Cuzalina recommends,  go “to a clinic that’s been accredited by a group such as the Joint Commission or the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.”

6. Find out if your surgeon has a prevention plan for complications such as DVT.

Deep vein thrombosis is a possible complication.  Your plastic surgeon should take steps to minimize the risk and be prepared to see early signs of its occurrence.

7. Inquire about your surgeon’s experience with a specific procedure and his/her hospital privileges.

A good surgeon will have absolutely no qualms about sharing her experience and credentials.

1. Prepare Yourself: bring questions and know your needs

Are there topics on our website that aren’t as clear as you’d like?  You can email us for clarification or for information on general plastic surgery costs and so on, and we’ll respond as quick as we can.  Then, if there are very specific points you want to discuss, the consultation offers the perfect opportunity to do so.  Just bring a list of questions or topics that you think are really important.

Another part of being prepared is knowing what you want to achieve with plastic surgery.  Many patients research a procedure off and on for years before they call us, so it’s pretty common to see patients that know what they want. On the other hand, if you are just curious about plastic surgery and want honest information from a professional, that’s fine too.

2. Communicate: Be open and be creative if necessary.

Good communication is important from the first consult all the way through the surgery.  If it’s difficult for you to communicate your goals, use pictures or other visual aids.  You can view our before and after photos or bring examples that you think are appealing.  Better communication about your desires and specific needs will help Dr. Daniel ensure that they are fulfilled, so use whatever tools you think will aid in that process.

You should not hide your medical history, past procedures, goals or motivations for surgery.  There’s no commitment during a consultation, so you don’t need to be defensive.  After the consultation, you can take as much time as you need to consider your options.

The latest liposuction techniques are less invasive, and they work to smooth out those stubborn areas of excess fat. The downtime involved with liposuction is also less than in previous years.  Some patients are even able to walk out of the doctor’s office alone soon after the treatment.

Some of the latest liposuction techniques use ultrasound or laser energy to break up fat and make removal easier. The cannula (tiny fat suctioning tube) is so small that it causes minimal trauma to the area, so bruising and swelling is minimized.  Some patients don’t even need stitches at the entry site. Traditional liposuction is still practiced as well, often using tumescent techniques that make it safer and more gentle.

Please remember that whatever platform is chosen matters less than what operator is chosen.  In other words, the surgeon is your most important ‘tool.’  For more information on the liposuction options we offer, see our homepage and our liposuction before and after photos.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery produced this video, and is devoted entirely to advancing the field of cosmetic plastic surgery through education and research. Check out our breast augmentation pages or the ASAPS procedures page for more information on breast augmentation.