ASPS Plastic Surgery Blog | 2017 | American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Tips for giving plastic surgery as a holiday gift

Josef Hadeed, MD, FACS | Beverly Hills, CA Thursday, December 21, 2017

The growing acceptance of plastic surgery and other anti-aging techniques, along with the timing of the year, has led to an increase in the amount of cosmetic procedures that are given as holiday gifts.

Does nonsurgical fat reduction work?

Rod Rohrich, MD, FACS | Dallas, TX Friday, December 15, 2017

Nonsurgical fat reduction is a less invasive alternative to "regular" liposuction, but does it work? The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no.

Four tips for a healthy recovery after a breast augmentation

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD | Houston, TX Tuesday, December 12, 2017

An easy recovery will depend on several factors, including how prepared you are to pamper yourself during those first vital days.

Plastic surgery options for patients with a small or recessed chin

Stephen Chidyllo, MD, DDS, FACS | West Long Branch, NJ Friday, December 8, 2017

"Doctor, I have no chin." I can't tell you how many times I hear that from a patient.

Combining a breast lift with breast implants

Mark Schusterman, MD | Houston, TX Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Unhappy with your breasts? You're not alone. The most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the United States is breast augmentation.

Which breast implant shape is best for you?

Mark Schusterman, MD | Houston, TX Friday, December 1, 2017

If you've decided on getting breast implants, one major factor to consider is their shape.

How can laser treatments be used for nonsurgical aesthetic genital procedures?

Ewa Komorowska-Timek, MD | Grand Rapids, MI Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Laser treatments have been shown to be effective and safe in treating the troublesome vaginal and urinary conditions of menopause, increasing sexual function and improving the quality of life.

The holidays are the perfect season for plastic surgery and minimally invasive procedures

Karen Horton, MD, FACS, FRCSC | San Francisco, CA Tuesday, November 21, 2017

The holidays are the busiest time of year in plastic surgery offices! Whether it's patients seeking cosmetic plastic surgery or just looking to refresh with minimally invasive procedures, everyone seems eager to squeeze in their end-of-year appointment.

Why are millennials getting Botox and fillers in their twenties?

Rod Rohrich, MD, FACS | Dallas, TX Friday, November 17, 2017

With the rising popularity of selfies, it is no surprise that younger people are opting for invasive and noninvasive procedures in hopes to achieve the perfect look.

Breast augmentation should never involve raw silicone injected directly into the breast

John Katzen, MD | Beverly Hills, CA & Las Vegas, NV Tuesday, November 14, 2017

A patient came to an ASPS member surgeon recently with breast problems due to raw silicone being injected into her breasts.

Mommy makeover – when diet and exercise aren't enough

Shruti Tannan, MD | Raleigh, NC Friday, November 10, 2017

Even the best diet and exercise regimen may not be enough to reverse some of the permanent changes to a woman's body after pregnancy. This is where a mommy makeover procedure can help.

What to expect on your breast augmentation journey

Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery | Reston, VA Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Educate yourself about what to expect when seeking breast augmentation; a step-by-step guide from the initial consultation through post-op.

Facelift or Botox? Which is right for you?

Tenley Lawton, MD | Newport Beach, CA Friday, November 3, 2017

Every face tells a story — but for some people, unwanted lines and wrinkles turn it into one they’re reluctant to share with the world.

Three contouring methods to declare your independence from a post-baby body

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD | Houston, TX Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Plastic surgeons have an arsenal of innovative body contouring procedures that can help you get back to your pre-baby body.

What is the lifespan of breast implants?

Eric Culbertson, MD | Healdsburg, CA Friday, October 27, 2017

With an increase in breast augmentation interest comes an increase in questions, with many women asking how long their implants will last.

What is it like to get a tummy tuck?

Alain Polynice, MD, FACS | Latham, NY Wednesday, October 25, 2017

A flatter, smoother-looking and more toned midsection can be achieved through an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck.

Patient advocate stresses the importance of breast reconstruction awareness

Terri Coutee | Patient Advocate Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Many women are being educated about breast reconstruction when the discussion about mastectomy is taking place.Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day can help close this gap in education.

Advocating for breast reconstruction awareness by ASPS member surgeons

Karen Horton, MD, FACS, FRCSC | San Francisco, CA Thursday, October 12, 2017

Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day is used to promote awareness of breast reconstruction options to the general public, but studies have shown that not all women are made aware of their breast reconstruction options at the time of their breast cancer diagnosis.

Recovery after DIEP flap breast reconstruction

Minas Chrysopoulo, MD | San Antonio, TX Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Many patients believe reconstruction with implants is the least painful option since the procedure is less invasive and has a shorter operative time than DIEP flap. However, studies have shown this is not the case.

What's trending in breast augmentation?

Kevin Tehrani, MD | New York, NY Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Over a quarter million breast augmentation surgeries were performed last year, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Debunking common plastic surgery myths

Rod Rohrich, MD, FACS | Dallas, TX Friday, September 29, 2017

There are many common plastic surgery myths on the internet. It is important for patients to have legitimate medical information when choosing to have any plastic surgery procedure.

Five questions to ask your plastic surgeon about breast augmentation

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD | Houston, TX Tuesday, September 26, 2017

The only accurate way to find out if a breast augmentation is right for you will be to meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon for a consultation.

Eight secrets plastic surgeons only tell their friends

Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery | Reston, VA Friday, September 22, 2017

Find out the secrets behind the scalpel, straight from the plastic surgeons themselves.

Three things you should know before getting an eyelid lift

Mark Schusterman, MD | Houston, TX Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Blepharoplasty, or an eyelid lift, has been growing in popularity and number in recent years. It's definitely one of the most popular procedures, coming in fourth among the top five cosmetic surgeries performed in 2016.

Is breast reduction surgery right for you?

Tenley Lawton, MD | Newport Beach, CA Friday, September 15, 2017

Many women find disproportionately large breasts to be a nuisance – they can cause back and neck pain, interfere with sports and other activities or simply draw too much attention to one's appearance.

Liposuction or CoolSculpting: Which is better for your goals?

Sachin Shridharani, MD & Grace M. Silk, BA | New York, NY Tuesday, September 12, 2017

For individuals unable to achieve their aesthetic goals through diet and exercise, a suitable surgical or nonsurgical fat reduction procedure may be an option.

Ten common breast augmentation questions answered

Rod Rohrich, MD, FACS | Dallas, TX Friday, September 8, 2017

Get answers to some of the most common questions patients ask about breast augmentation – straight from a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Important considerations in eyelid rejuvenation

Olivia Hutchinson, MD | New York, NY Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Plastic surgery procedures aimed to improve the appearance of the eyes are some of the most sought after aesthetic rejuvenation treatments.

What are the most common procedures in a mommy makeover?

Rod Rohrich, MD, FACS | Dallas, TX Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Having children is a wonderful experience, but motherhood can produce some significant changes to a woman's body.

What is the best treatment for cellulite?

Jon Ver Halen, MD | Southlake, TX Tuesday, August 29, 2017

It is common to confuse the concept of cellulite with that of normal fat and assume that cellulite is a direct response to overeating or lack of exercise. However, this is not the case.

Five things every man should know about plastic surgery

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD | Houston, TX Friday, August 25, 2017

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons' annual statistics, more than 1.3 million cosmetic procedures were performed on men in 2016.

What to consider when having breast augmentation surgery

Rod Rohrich, MD, FACS | Dallas, TX Tuesday, August 22, 2017

With nearly 300,000 procedures performed every year, breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures.

What are the best options for noninvasive fat removal?

Sachin Shridharani, MD & Ruth Anne Holiday, MPH | New York, NY Wednesday, August 16, 2017

All too often individuals look for alternative options to liposuction for help removing that excess and/or unwanted fat. While these options do not replace liposuction, they offer an alternative to surgery.

Ten things to ask before having plastic surgery

Rod Rohrich, MD, FACS | Dallas, TX Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon these ten questions at your consultation before undergoing any cosmetic procedure.

Breast augmentation – natural vs augmented results

Cameron Craven, MD | Austin, TX Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Most breast augmentation patients focus their treatment plan on the enhancement of their breasts while still maintaining an overall natural appearance.

How can plastic surgery make my legs thinner?

Jon Ver Halen, MD | Southlake, TX Friday, August 4, 2017

Plastic surgery to slim a patient's legs is generally most effective in the upper parts of the leg, such as the thigh.

Exercise after breast augmentation

Catherine Huang-Begovic, MD | Beverly Hills, CA Tuesday, August 1, 2017

A common question breast augmentation patients ask their plastic surgeon is when they can start working out after surgery.

What is radiofrequency-assisted liposuction?

Mark Schusterman, MD | Houston, TX Friday, July 28, 2017

Radiofrequency-assisted liposuction is a relatively new, minimally invasive procedure which uses a thermal energy field to induce skin tightening.

Surgical and nonsurgical options to plump up your lips

J. Timothy Katzen, MD | Beverly Hills, CA & Las Vegas, NV Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Nowadays, women and men crave fuller looking lips. Celebrities such as Kylie Jenner and Bella Thorne have made fuller lips the "in" look.

Plastic surgery is no longer just for women

Leonard Miller, MD | Boston, MA Friday, July 21, 2017

The newest statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) show that male cosmetic procedures are steadily on the rise.

Mommy makeover – how much does it cost?

Christopher Knotts, MD | Reston, VA Wednesday, July 19, 2017

When it comes to the critically acclaimed mommy makeover, there are a variety of factors that contribute to the total cost and can vary widely per patient.

Tummy tuck for men

Josef Hadeed, MD, FACS | Beverly Hills, CA Tuesday, July 18, 2017

A growing number of men are choosing to have a tummy tuck, and plastic surgery procedures overall are becoming more common in the male demographic.

Silicone vs saline breast implants

Karen Horton, MD, FACS, FRCSC | San Francisco, CA Friday, July 14, 2017

There is not a "one size fits all" approach to breast augmentation. The best implant for each breast will be carefully selected and matched to the space to achieve the specific goals for that particular patient.

Breast reconstruction options after a mastectomy

Daniel Liu, MD | Zion, IL Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Breast reconstruction is achieved through several plastic surgery techniques that attempt to restore a breast to near normal shape, appearance and size following mastectomy.

Bikini laser hair removal – what you need to know

Smita R. Ramanadham, MD | Boston, MA Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Bikini season is officially here and the last thing you should worry about is hair and the unsightly skin irritation, in-grown hairs, bumps and redness that results from shaving or waxing.

Cosmetic procedures to get a summer body fast

Kent Higdon, MD & Christopher Tokin, MD | Nashville, TN Thursday, July 6, 2017

While the more invasive procedures may involve too much downtime to get you back out there before the end of summer, there are still things your plastic surgeon can do for you to help you feel comfortable and confident.

Best foods to eat after liposuction

Josef Hadeed, MD, FACS | Beverly Hills, CA Tuesday, June 27, 2017

One of the common misconceptions about liposuction is that you can return to the same old habits which led to your decision to have liposuction in the first place.

How to ensure your plastic surgery is safe

Rod Rohrich, MD, FACS | Dallas, TX Friday, June 23, 2017

Ensuring safety throughout your plastic surgery journey is just as important as the procedure you want and the desired result.

Plastic surgery options for younger-looking skin

Smita R. Ramanadham, MD | Boston, MA Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Who doesn't want bright, clear and younger-looking skin that glows? Dull, dry and pigmented skin is a clear tell sign of one's age. It is, therefore, important to maintain good skin health to minimize the effects of the sun and aging.

Breaking down the most popular noninvasive cosmetic treatments

Rod Rohrich, MD, FACS | Dallas, TX Friday, June 16, 2017

If you could get the same results from a noninvasive procedure that you would normally get from an invasive surgical procedure, what would you choose?

What you need to know about laser hair removal

Smita R. Ramanadham, MD | Boston, MA Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Tired of constantly shaving and waxing that unwanted hair? Laser is an option that has gained popularity as an alternative for hair removal.

Breast augmentation vs breast lift - picking the right procedure for you

Rod Rohrich, MD, FACS | Dallas, TX Friday, June 9, 2017

Which breast procedure is right for your aesthetic goals? Your board-certified plastic surgeon can help you choose between a breast augmentation and a breast lift.

Let your plastic surgeon know if you're taking psychoactive drugs

Heather Furnas, MD | Santa Rosa, CA Wednesday, June 7, 2017

The use of psychoactive drugs is exploding among plastic surgery patients, but not all patients disclose their usage to their plastic surgeons. Although people may not realize it, these medications can lead to surgical complications.

Maintaining results after liposuction

Josef Hadeed, MD, FACS | Beverly Hills, CA Friday, June 2, 2017

One of the common misconceptions about liposuction is that you can return to the same old habits which led to your decision to have liposuction in the first place.

A nonsurgical option for aesthetic genital plastic surgery

Dean Johnston, MD | Lake Mary, FL Wednesday, May 31, 2017

As women age, they may become bothered with vaginal dryness or looseness due to past pregnancy and menopause. ThermiVa is a great alternative for individuals seeking a nonsurgical procedure with minimal downtime.

How liposuction can get you ready for beach season

Smita R. Ramanadham, MD | Boston, MA Monday, May 22, 2017

Now that summer is just around the corner, it is not unusual to notice those stubborn areas that have not responded to all of those long, hard months of exercise and following a healthy lifestyle. Liposuction may be a good option for these areas.

Sensory nerve repair at time of DIEP flap breast reconstruction may restore feeling after mastectomy

Minas Chrysopoulo, MD | San Antonio, TX Tuesday, May 16, 2017

For patients undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer treatment, losing feeling is a very common concern. Although much work remains to be done in this area, restoring feeling to the reconstructed breast is showing some promising results.

The latest options for freezing away fat with CoolSculpting

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD | Houston, TX Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Unless you have been vacationing on a deserted island for the last year or two, odds are, you have heard the praises of 'freezing' away your fat with CoolSculpting.

What is giant juvenile fibroadenoma and how is it treated?

John Y.S. Kim, MD | Chicago, IL Friday, May 5, 2017

A rare subtype of fibroadenoma is termed a "giant juvenile fibroadenoma" and these masses can grow larger than 5cm in diameter. Significant presenting asymmetry of the breasts may occur and subsequent removal of these fibroadenomas can result in concomitant deformity.

Buttock augmentation with fat grafting – aka the Brazilian butt lift

Jon Ver Halen, MD | Southlake, TX Monday, May 1, 2017

Buttock augmentation with fat grafting—also known as a "Brazilian butt lift"—has increased 26% between 2015 and 2016. During this procedure, a surgeon removes fat from an area where it's not wanted and places it into the buttocks.

Stats show labiaplasty is becoming more popular

Karen Horton, MD, FACS, FRCSC | San Francisco, CA Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Statistics on labiaplasty have been collected since 2015 by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). The 2016 ASPS statistics report showed that labiaplasty is more popular than ever, with over 12,000 procedures performed by ASPS members last year – a 39% increase.

Is your plastic surgeon board certified? That's the first of many questions to ask

Jonathan Kaplan, MD | San Francisco, CA Friday, April 21, 2017

Patient education forums often recommend checking your doctor's board certification prior to the consultation. If you notice, this question is typically recommended for patients seeking out doctors for cosmetic services.

SculpSure: A new option in nonsurgical fat reduction

Henry Wilson, MD | Lynchburg, VA Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Dr. Henry Wilson, member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, explains how SculpSure is offering patients a new minimally-invasive form of fat reduction.

Do I need to change my breast implants every 10 years?

Jonathan Kaplan, MD | San Francisco, CA Friday, April 7, 2017

Patients that are researching breast augmentation have likely read that breast implants need to be replaced every 10 years, but is this fact or fiction?

Slimming down for bikini season

Rod Rohrich, MD, FACS | Dallas, TX Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Even with diet and exercise sometimes you need an extra boost to melt away stubborn fat. If that is the case, visit with your board-certified plastic surgeon for the best surgical or nonsurgical body contouring options.

Understanding aesthetic genital plastic surgery

Heather Furnas, MD | Santa Rosa, CA Thursday, March 30, 2017

The number of labiaplasty procedures done in the United States jumped 400% between 2011 and 2015. One of the biggest reasons for that growth may be that people are finally talking and writing about aesthetic genital plastic surgery.

Mommy makeover – what it is and isn't

Michael Burgdorf, MD | Nashville, TN Tuesday, March 28, 2017

A "mommy makeover" combines several plastic surgery procedures to restore a woman's body after childbirth.

How a tummy tuck can get you ready for summer

Josef Hadeed, MD, FACS | Beverly Hills, CA Friday, March 24, 2017

Now that it is almost spring and the weather is getting warmer, many people are starting to consider plastic surgery so that they have time to recover and look great for the beach season in the summer.

What you need to know about the nose

Rod Rohrich, MD, FACS | Dallas, TX Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Surgical rhinoplasty is one of many options available within the realm of plastic surgery that can completely renovate your face and impact your overall beauty.

New plastic surgery statistics and breast reconstruction trends

Daniel Liu, MD | Zion, IL Tuesday, March 14, 2017

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) have observed steady annual growth in breast reconstruction over the years with 39% increase in procedural volume since 2000 and 3% increase since 2015.

The importance of choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon

Victor J. Hassid, MD, FACS | Houston, TX Friday, March 10, 2017

Selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon to perform your plastic surgery procedure is an important step in safely achieving your optimal surgical outcome.

Can fat return after liposuction?

Cameron Craven, MD | Austin, TX Friday, February 17, 2017

Many patients considering liposuction have concerns over longevity. In fact, one of the most common questions concerning liposuction is "can fat return after my treatment?"

Corrective rhinoplasty to improve poor results

Tarick Smaili, MD | Beverly Hills, CA Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Medical literature in plastic surgery has suggested that the revision rate of rhinoplasty can be as high as 15 percent since it is one of the most difficult facial surgeries. For this reason, a prudent patient must scrutinize their surgeon's qualifications—e.g., training, experience, and board certifications.