Americans spend $13 billion on cosmetic surgery

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Los Angeles: Cosmetic surgery is gaining increasing popularity amongst American men, although women are still in the majority having nine out of ten procedures, according to the latest figures from the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).

US men who mostly chose Botox and liposuction, underwent 17 percent more cosmetic procedures in 2007 – more than1 million treatments.

ASAPS said that 10.6 million procedures had been carried out on women in 2007, the most popular of which were Botox and breast implants.

The biggest increase during the year was in buttock implants, called the “Brazilian butt” which originated in the South American country.

The five most common surgical procedures for men were liposuction, eyelid surgery, nose jobs, male breast reduction and hair transplants. Among women, the most popular were breast augmentation, liposuction, eyelid surgery, stomach surgery and breast reduction. Among non-surgical procedures, Botox, soft tissue fillers, laser hair removal and skin treatments were the most common in both groups.

Botox injections cost an average of $380, while breast implants were $4,000, buttock lifts were $5,000, liposuction was about $3,000 and nose jobs were $4,400. In all, Americans spent more than $13 billion on cosmetic surgery and less-invasive procedures last year, according to the report.

BioForm Medical Inc.’s Radiesse, a soft-tissue filler, increased more than 50 percent during 2007. The use of rival substances, including collagen and hyaluronic acid products such as Medicis Pharmaceutical Corp.’s Restylane, fell.

The number of cheek implants also dropped, by more than 50 percent, as doctors and treatment providers used fillers instead, said Pozner, who serves on the advisory board for San Mateo, California-based BioForm Medical.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery has as members some 2,400 certified plastic surgeons who work to educate the public and advance medical research. The group’s annual report surveyed 12,000 plastic surgeons, dermatologists and ear, nose and throat specialists. The society is based in Los Alamitos, California

UK demand for cosmetic surgery continues to grow

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London: The number of people choosing cosmetic surgery continues to increase in the UK, with 32, 453 procedures carried out by members of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons in 2007.

This figure is an increase of 12.2% from 2006, when 28,921 were performed.

Facelifts had the largest increase among all procedures, rising by 36% (4,468 procedures carried out) from 2006, keeping its place as the 4th most popular procedure.

Women had 29,572 procedures in 2007, up from 26,469 the previous year. The majority of cosmetic surgery was carried out on women (91%), while male surgery increased by 17.5% with 2,881 surgical procedures carried out (2,452 procedures in 2006).

* The top procedure for women continues to be breast augmentation, with 6,497 carried out

* Rhinoplasty continued to be the top procedure for men, with 716 undertaken by BAAPS members, a 36% increase from last year – but by far the most impressive percentage rise was in the number of male abdominoplasty procedures (or ‘tummy tucks), which went up by 61%

* Liposuction for men increased by 18% and is now the 2nd most popular procedure for males, taking over the spot from eyelid surgery (now 3rd most popular)

* Male breast reduction has risen by 27% with 224procedures achieved in 2007 (177 procedures in 2006)

* The number of women having facelifts increased by 37%, making it now the 3rd most popular procedure for females (pushing Liposuction down to 4th most popular)

* Other Anti-ageing procedures (eyelid surgery and brow lifts) continued to show a steady rise in popularity for both men and women, increasing by 13% and 11% overall

Mr Douglas McGeorge, consultant plastic surgeon and President of the BAAPS said: “This year’s audit clearly reflects the UK’s continued acceptance of aesthetic surgery, particularly in the area of anti-aging. Wide media coverage has helped to educate the public about the latest advances and choices available, but it is crucial that people do their research carefully when choosing a provider. At the BAAPS we are committed to continue educating those considering cosmetic plastic surgery by providing independent advice that promotes sensible decision-making.”

The figures in full:

A total of 32,453 procedures were carried out in 2007 by BAAPS members in their private practices, compared to 28,921 in 2006. The 2007 results indicate that surgical numbers continue to grow, with a 12.2% rise over the previous year.

The top surgical procedures for men & women in 2007 were, in order of popularity:

Breastaugmentation: 6,497 – up 6% from last year
Blepharoplasty(eyelid surgery): 5,706 – up 13%
Liposuction: 4,572 – up 15%
Face/NeckLift: 4,468 – up 36%
Breast Reduction: 3,402 – up 6%
Rhinoplasty: 3,021 – up 13%
Abdominoplasty: 2,799 – up 2%
Otoplasty(ear correction): 1,024 – up 9%
Browlifts 964– up 11%

Women had 91% of all cosmetic procedures in 2007 (29,572, up from 26,469 in 2006). The top five surgical procedures for women in 2006 were: breast augmentation (6,487), blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery (5,148 – up 13% on last year), face/neck lift (4,238, an impressive rise of 37%), liposuction (3,990 – up 15%), and breast reduction (3,178).

Men had 2,881 cosmetic procedures in 2007. The top five surgical procedures for men in 2007 were: rhinoplasty (716), liposuction (582), eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty (558), ear correction or otoplasty (418), and face/neck lift (230 – rise of 21%).

Rajiv Grover, consultant plastic surgeon and BAAPS Secretary responsible for the UK national audit of cosmetic surgery says: “This year we have recorded a dramatic rise in facial plastic surgery. 10 years ago, there may not have been much choice between a face cream and a facelift, but more recently non-surgical procedures such as botox and fillers have introduced a large number of patients to gradual facial rejuvenation, and the effects of these less invasive treatments can sometimes be limited once jowling or loose skin has developed, so this could explain why more patients now feel ready for the surgical option.”

Nigel Mercer, consultant plastic surgeon and BAAPS President-Elect adds: “When considering aesthetic surgery it is essential to be selective in choosing the right surgeon as the results of good surgery may be long lasting, but no procedure is without some risk. When performed under the right circumstances, aesthetic surgery can have a very positive psychological impact and improve quality of life.”

The BAAPS based at the Royal College of Surgeons, is a not-for-profit organisation, established for the advancement of education and practice of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for public benefit. Members undergo thorough background screening before they can join. Information about specific procedures and surgeons’ contact details can be found on the web site, or by contacting their advice line at 020 7405 2234.

New lips in minutes

Lip implants, made from the same materials as breasts, is a new treatment being offered by cosmetic surgeons.

The treatment takes oly ten minutes and is a permanent solution rather than series of injections of collagen and hyraulonic acid and takes only 15 minutes to perform.

In the past permanent implants caused problems, including allergies, swelling and lumps.

The new implant, called PermaLip, costs between £2,000 $4,000) and £2,500 ($3,000) is being offered to patients who want to boost their natural lips

Surgeons grow breasts from stem cells

A “natural” form of breast enhancement that uses stem cells and fat from a woman’s own body may soon be offered by cosmetic surgery clinics.

Women in Japan have already had breast enlargements using the technique in trials. The breasts which are smoother and more natural are made from a person’s own stem cells extracted from their fatty tissue – usually from the thighs. The stem cells grow to become part of the breast.

The process has already been given approval in Germany which means, according to European law, it is legal in the whole of Europe including the UK. As well as cosmetic surgery the procedure has the potential to be used for victims of breast cancer and other disfigurements.

Stem cells are already being used to repair hearts and other organs in experimental procedures. It also has the potential for degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s Alzheimer’s, muscle wasting and motor neurone disease.

The new breast augmentation uses an extraction method developed by Californian company, Cytori, which is able to extract and concentrate cells in hours making it more available to more people. The process concentrates the number of stem cells.

This particular procedure has been pioneered by Tokyo surgeon, Kotaro Yoshimura, a surgeon at Tokyo University medical school.

It gets over current disadvantages of silicon and water implants which can leak. Another method which uses fat alone does not last as the cells die.

Cosmetic surgery lottery condemned by doctors

London: The UK body, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons today condemned a new ‘monthly cosmetic super draw’ in which contestants can win aesthetic surgery procedures which will take place in Prague.

Briton John Babbage, of the company, Europa International, said it was arrogant to assume that doctors in other countries were less competent than those in the UK. He also said there was no difference between somebody winning a competition for surgery and paying for it.

People are encouraged to enter the company’s draw through a section on their website entitled “win your surgery for just £1.50”. The monthly draw gives people in the UK the chance of winning £6,000 towards cosmetic surgery.

They are encouraged to call a number or send a text, costing £1.50 a time, with the words “Change your life for only £1.50.”

The website also has a header saying Europa International has been “Cosmetic surgery abroad specialists since 1996.”

Douglas McGeorge, consultant plastic surgeon and President of the BAAPS said:

“I am appalled at this new scheme but unfortunately not surprised. Companies are plumbing new depths to take advantage of a growing interest in plastic surgery by launching unscrupulous marketing gimmicks which violate not only an established code of ethics where financial and date-linked incentives are prohibited, but also common sense.”

The Association has also expressed deep concern at the hype-filled process involved in winning such a prize: the public is meant to phone in or text for the opportunity to win, with no medical history taken or suitability evaluated. Once the winner is announced, the prospective patient meets with ‘directors’ (not the surgeon) with only ‘photos sent to the experts in Prague’ before being flown there for the operation.

Douglas McGeorge says: “I find it atrocious that patients are filtered through sales advisors and marketers who obviously have a vested interest . I would question whether the public are really giving informed consent if they haven’t even met the practitioner in person.”

Adam Searle, former President of the BAAPS adds:

“The offer of a cosmetic surgery procedure as a prize is an awful manifestation of the trivialisation of medical care in general, and aesthetic surgery in particular. Any patient making irreversible decisions in circumstances of hype, excitement and emotion, are putting themselves at very great risk. Any normal patient – doctor relationship is completely abandoned in any such framework of medical care. This is a practice I unreservedly and utterly condemn.”

The BAAPS www.baaps.org.uk based at the Royal College of Surgeons, is a not-for-profit organisation, established for the advancement of education and practice of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for public benefit. Members undergo thorough background screening before they can join. Information about specific procedures and surgeons’ contact details can be found on the web site, or by contacting their advice line at 020 7405 2234. Further materials can be posted to members of the public seeking specialised information.

US surgeons pioneer breast enlargement using body’s own fat

New York: Cosmetic surgeons in the US are using excess body fat to sculpt breasts rather than using implants.

The procedure has been successfully carried out by New York surgeon Sydney Coleman and could make silicon implants, which need to be replaced every ten years redundant. Mr Coleman has carried out about 30 of the procedures which also lesson the possibility of infection and scarring.

Similarly Thomas Baker, a professor of plastic surgery at Miami University’s medical school, has performed 28 augmentations using women’s own fat over the past two years.

Baker says thetechnique is ideal for women wanting a modest breast enlargement of about one to one and a half cup sizes because a smaller volume of fat is needed.

London’s The Harley Medical Group says is planning to offer the operation once scientific clinical trials have taken place and are peer-reviewed in established medical publications.

The world’s top cosmetic surgeons revealed

London:The world’s top surgeons are the experts who count celebrities, royalty and the rich among their clientele. These doctors carry out subtle surgery rather than radical procedures and is the reason they are most in demand.

SWEDEN

Breasts:

Dr Carl Troilius, Director of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, in Malmo has a celebrity following because of the privacy afforded in Sweden. He uses state-of-the-art, cohesive gel implants which are made to last and not leak. The operation is carried out through an incision high in the armpit, leaving a small 3cm scar. The operation costs from around £4,000.
Contact details:
Plastikkirurgicentrum, Regementsgatan 35, S-21753 Malmo. Tel: 00 46 40 263000.

LOS ANGELES

Liposuction

Dr Leslie Stevens of Beverly Hills, California is known as the ‘King of Nip and Tuck’ and specialises in liposuction, treating all areas of the body – knees, chin, cheeks and neck, hips, thighs and buttocks. He uses a process known as ‘tumescent
technique’, in which a solution of saline and painkillers is injected into the area to loosen the fat, making removal both easier and less painful. Liposuction costs from £1,900 plus £1,000 for anaesthesia.

Contact details:
Lasky Clinic, 201 South Lasky Drive, Beverly Hills, California 90212. Tel: 001 (310) 556 1003.

FRANCE

Botox

Dr Nelly Gauthier is a Paris surgeon who works with fillers and injectibles including Botox. She believes that clients should not undertake extreme procedures and uses long-lasting formulas. A consultation costs about £70 with a Botox injection costing from £200.

Contact details:

9 Rue de Marignan, 75008 Paris. Tel: 00 33 1 53 75 04 60.

NEW YORK

Facelift

Dr Alan Matarasso of Manhattan is renowned for his subtle, face rejuvenating surgery. He performs short scar facelifts, which use less incisions that are usually carried out in this type of treatment. He also carries out a . He also uses a preand post-treatment regime using vitamins and homeopathic remedies to reduce inflammation and bruising. The cost of a face lift by Dr Matarass is from £6,500.

Contact details:

1009 Park Avenue, New York. Tel: 001 212 249-7500.

SPAIN

Reconstructive Surgery

Dr Javier de Benito. Barcelona who specialises in reconstructive surgery including reversing ageing and rebuilding the face as a result of disease or injury. In particular he has a reputation for designing implants to add volume to the face, putting fullness back into sunken cheeks and redefining the chin. He has recently developed a neck and face lift, using Gore-Tex (flexible stitches) to create a ‘supportive bra’, pulling slack muscles back into shape for a firmer, more defined profile. An face and neck lift cost about £4,050 and £6,080 respectively.

Contact details:

Instituto Dr Javier de Benito, Marquesa de Vilallonga, Barcelona. Tel: 00 34
932 530 282 or www.institutodebenito.com

GREECE

Eyelid surgery

Dr Nick Metaxatos of Athens who was trainined in the UK offers up-to-the-minute
‘procedures’ at a fraction of the price charged by U.S. and British surgeons.
His main specialism is blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery to remove sagging skin) which extracts less fat that usual and gives a more flattering finish. He also offers healthcare packages including surgery, five-star accommodation and aftercare,
with lymph drainage massage to speed recovery. A blepharoplasty operation costs from £700.

Contact details:

5-7 Skoufa Street, 10673 Athens.

BRAZIL

Bottom lift

Dr Ivo Pitanguy, known as the ‘The king of plastic surgery’ is based in Rio De Janeiro. He is credited with inventing the ‘bottom lift’, which he calls the Pitanguy
Lift. Since multiple procedures are ususally performed prices are available direct from the clinic.

Contact details:

Ivo Pitanguy Clinic, Rua Dona Mariana, 65, Botafogo, Rio de JaneiroTel: 0055 212266 9500, or www.pitanguy.com.br