Plastic Surgery Updates
The Results are Now In -- the 5 Top Cosmetic Surgery Procedures for 2011!
And the envelope please . . . the results from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery were just released and despite the economy, cosmetic surgery continued to hold its own, and has even grown by 1%. The bottom line is that over 9 million cosmetic procedures were performed in the U.S. last year. Some of the most impressive growth has come from nonsurgical rejuvenation, which made up 82% of the total.
And, the top five cosmetic surgical procedures are: liposuction (325,332 procedures), breast augmentation (316,848 procedures), tummy tuck (149,410 procedures), eyelid surgery (147,540 procedures), and breast lift 127,054 (procedures). Women are still 90% of the total, though there was a small, though significant, increase in men seeking cosmetic procedures. Although breast augmentation and liposuction have been competing neck to neck the past several years, liposuction has again pulled ahead for 2011.
The really big numbers have been in the nonsurgical procedures that we, plastic surgeons, offer. The top five for 2011 are: botulinum, such as, Botox (4,030,318), hyaluronic injectable fillers, such as, Juvederm (1,662,480), laser hair removal (1,452,880), microdermabrasion (794,357), and IPL treatments (726,125).
Perhaps this is your spring to tune up your looks, whether you are ready for nonsurgical skin care, or would like to plunge into liposuction or the breast augmentation you have been waiting for. The aesthetic spa rooms and our private surgical facility are ready and waiting for you! -- Dr. J
Men and Cosmetic Surgery -- What do they Want?
We hear that men make up 10% of individuals seeking improvements through cosmetic surgery. Our experience shows that Chicago men have every interest in maintaining an edge in today's competitive business environment. Although cosmetic surgery may not always be top of mind, one procedure does stand out for its’ ease and impact. Upper and Lower Eyelid Rejuvenation can help men reduce a look of fatigue and help them keep their edge. The quick recovery and imperceptible scar, best fits their "game plan" and busy schedulas. As the economy begins to heap up, so will the competition. Men have found that eyelid rejuvenation is one way to "stay in the game". -- Dr. J
Dr. Johnson's RX for Anti Aging Skin Care
Try to imagine a world without sunscreen. Most of us grew up without understanding the true effects of photo aging. We are born with healthy smooth clear skin and while young, our skin cells can usually keep up with the damage caused by ultraviolet rays. But with prolonged contact, the damage extends to the DNA itself, accelerating changes down the road. Skin replenishing slows as we reach our twenties. With reduction of collagen and elastin production, wrinkles will result as the skin no longer keeps up with necessary replenishing. At worst, skin cancer can result. Of course, plastic surgery can correct the wrinkles, but the good news is that that we can increase the skin's ability to replenish its self with the right tools. Prevention is the key to this philosophy and at the root are chemical and physical sun blocks. From the moment that we begin to spend time outdoors, skin requires cleansing, moisture, and protection from the sun. I have hand selected products from SkinCeuticals to meet these needs as the spring sun season arrives. Non-irritating scrubs and toners can keep the skin clean and free of impurities, while our selected sunscreens can provide daily protection to keep wrinkles at bay. Don’t give up on photo-aged skin, as we have retinol products and retinoic acids which can help reactivate the skin and stimulate cellular function. Prevention and maintenance are absolutely essential to enjoying a lifetime of healthy skin. – Dr. J
Is the Stem Cell Facelift really here?
You may have heard about stem cells and stem cell facelift, a "new" technique to restore youth and vitality, and tighten facial skin. We have been aware with very early research that enriching fat grafts with stem cells may increase the regenerative properties. Fat grafting is often a component of facelift and facial rejuventation, and most of our patients will benefit from fat grafting around cheeks, lips and eyes during facelift as fatty loss is key in facial aging and replacement will restore a youthful look. Although we are hopeful stem cell therapy will offer the promise of better results, the marketing has gone before the good scientific research needed to ensure a safe and consistent outcome. Stem cells may be in our future, however only good science produces good cosmetic surgery. As always said, for now, too good to be true is just that. -- Dr. J
