Plastic Surgery 2009 news briefs

Yourself Lasers, Botox® Breast Lift - Hype or Reality? Embargo for Release: Friday, October 23, 2009

Whether their effectiveness is fact or fiction, less invasive cosmetic procedures such as cleavage rejuvenation, do-it-yourself (DIY) cosmetic therapies, and using Botox® to "lift" the breasts are making headlines, but are they safe? Plastic surgeons will discuss if these, and more, are cutting edge new discoveries or just "buyer beware" marketing hype at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Plastic Surgery 2009 conference, Oct. 23 - 27, in Seattle. Cleavage rejuvenation involves injecting a non-allergenic filler into the cleavage to alleviate wrinkles. DYI cosmetic therapies include hair removal devices, lasers, even fillers that some patients are ordering off the Internet. With a Botox Breast Lift, the toxin is injected into the chest muscles, temporarily paralyzing them, and causing the back muscles to compensate. The patient, in turn, is forced to standup straighter, thereby creating a lifted appearance in the breasts. Plastic surgeons are concerned that these may be some of the procedures consumers are turning to in the weak economy. A new procedure called Awake-Breast Augmentation, where the patient is awake during surgery and gives feedback regarding her preferred size of implant, will be examined. Additionally, the latest information on cosmetic gynecology, laser liposuction, cellulite, new fillers such as Selphyl (being touted as a new blood-based injectable), and more will be discussed.

By the Numbers: More than 10.4 million cosmetic minimally-invasive procedures were performed in 2008, according to the ASPS.

Laser hair removal (1 million procedures) was among the top 5 minimally-invasive procedures and more than 400,000 patients had laser skin resurfacing in 2008.

Cosmetic breast procedures totaled nearly 400,000 procedures last year.

Special Program: "Hot Topics in Plastic Surgery" is being held on Fri., Oct. 23, 1:00 - 6:00PM PDT, at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center.

Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons