Currently viewing the category: "cosmetic surgery"

Germany Looks to Ban Baby Boob-Jobs

By On · Add Comment · In breast enlargement, cosmetic surgery, Germany, liposuction, minors, plastic surgery, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (DGPRAC), The German Society of Plastic
A little common sense coming out of Germany this week (leave it to the Germans), as they call for a ban on cosmetic surgery for minors (under 18-years-old). The bid is coming from a number of political groups that argue, “Even with a proper explanation, it is not guaranteed that the young person is aware of the full implication of the decision” to undergo plastic surgery.The move was pushed by groups dealing with health matters, including Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union, and was welcomed by medical associations.

They want the ban to be wrapped into new patient-protection legislation, preventing youngsters from getting popular breast enlargements and nose jobs. This a little more than a year following the death of a German adult film star on the operating table during her sixth breast augmentation (as reported on this blog).

But The German Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (DGPRAC) warns that the “sweeping ban” might prevent some young people from getting a necessary intervention. Despite their concern, the DGPRAC basically supports the ban.

Hey, and who wouldn’t? Except for a few brain dead parents that gift their children liposuction and boob-jobs for their sixteenth birthday. Although I am certain that banning plastic surgery for minors will only delay the inevitable for those with low self-esteem, I just don’t believe that kids should have access to these procedures while they are still developing (which incidentally continues until about twenty-five years old).

I know some people think cosmetic surgery for kids is no different than getting them braces, but I disagree. How cutting into and out of people’s bodies is anything like structurally modifying with a brace is ludicrous, and I believe that very soon American Medical authorities will get some sense and ban the butchery for babes. So you might be entitled to your opinion, parents for plastic surgery, but at least in Germany, your kid ain’t gettin’ a boob job until she’s eighteen (and I know even more importantly it will prevent children from getting surgical work done without their parents’ consent).

Women Over 50: Health Choices

By On · Add Comment · In breast reduction, calcium, chiropractic, chiropractor, cosmetic surgery, exercise, health, hormone replacement therapy, infections, vitamin D

Ladies: Are you over 50 and considering a boob-reduction?  Hope you’re healthy then, because a recent study shows that you’re at an increased risk for infection. That’s right. And on top of that, women over 50 also have a higher rate of wound-healing problems as compared to younger women, leading to a higher rate of repeat surgery to remove areas of dead skin (debridement). Something to think about if you’re considering a slash to the sag.

The study conducted at Johns Hopkins University looked at 1,192 women who had breast reduction surgery between 1999 and 2009 and found that the post-surgery infection rate for women over 50 was 2.7 times higher than for those under 40.
Researcher believe that the differences are due to age-related changes to hormone levels. Yes, of course! And the reason is that they found older women on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) were less likely to have post-surgery infections. Further, women who had undergone hysterectomy or removal of the ovaries, both of which result in large decreases in hormone levels, had higher rates of infection. Accordingly, the study’s authors conclude that doctors should investigate any factors that might effect hormone levels in women considering breast reduction surgery, and that hormone replacement therapy might be warranted in women with reduced hormone levels.
So why would I say “hope you’re healthy?” Because health isn’t simply which chemical or hormone we’re missing. When the body is in a state of wellness, it’s missing nothing. Why not instead encourage older women to do some things that might improve their health overall? Why not encourage younger women now to maintain their health to their best ability?
Spoke to a lovely lady this evening in my practice who told me that she does what she does cosmetically because it makes her feel better about herself, which in turn, motivates her to do other right things for herself (like exercise and eat well, etc). While I certainly understand where she’s coming from on an emotional level, I’d say it’s somewhat illogical reasoning: You alter yourself through surgery so that you feel better about yourself, and then you exercise and eat well?
Ladies, your body is yours to do what you deem appropriate. But I assure you that by doing the right things:

  • Exercising regularly
  • Drinking lots of water
  • Eating whole, natural foods
  • Supplementing with vitamin D and calcium
  • Visiting your chiropractor regularly
  • Getting regular body work
  • Being aware of your body (through gyno checkups and breast self-exams)
  • Minimizing alcohol and tobacco use
  • Practicing safe sex
  • Getting plenty of rest
…you should be healthy for years to come. And if you are in your fifties and pick up these habits now, your highly intelligent body will rebalance itself. If you don’t feel better about yourself then, it’s time for me to hang up my hands (sorry, I’m a chiropractor: it’s all I could think of…). At the very least, if you decide to get that breast reduction after all, then you’ll be in the best shape to handle the surgery.

Lisa Rinna Lips Confession

By On · Add Comment · In cosmetic surgery, Dancing with the Stars, hyaluronic acid, injectable fillers, Juvéderm, lips, Lisa Rinna, orofacial granulomas, wrinkle filler

You’ve seen those luscious babies and wondered, “are they real?” But Lisa Rinna‘s lips are now a hot topic of conversation. The former Days of Our Lives siren and Dancing With the Stars grinder has come forth with a startling confession…she has had her lips enhanced. You don’t say. Yes, and she admits that she may have even gone too far. Whaddaya know? Cosmetic surgery secret revealed–now that’s progressive.

Well, Rinna is now cautioning her fans to think twice before getting the procedure themselves. Lip enhancement, or plumping, is done by injecting a “wrinkle filler” by the name of Juvéderm into the lips. Juvéderm is comprised of hyaluronic acid, a substance normally found in the skin, muscles, and tendons of mammals. Because hyaluronic acid is normally absorbed by the body within six to nine months, repeat injections are common. One could say…they’re addicting. Just ask Lisa Rinna. And like any addiction, the person hooked needs more and more as tolerance builds. And also like every other addiction, you just can’t hide it from the world.

There are dangers inherent in injectable fillers, too. For instance, they can lead to orofacial granulomas. Granulomas are a conglomeration of immune cells attacking a foreign substance but not quite able to dissolve it. They bunch-up in an area causing lumps and bumps. In the case of lip plumping, the consequence can be lip lumping.

I’ve never really understood the fascination with cosmetic facial surgery myself. I’ve always preferred natural beauty. Don’t get me wrong–I’ve seen some facial work which had definitely improved a person’s looks…but it’s rare. Most people who get it done look perfectly fine in their natural state; but their mind tells them they look unattractive. There’s probably nothing that can be said to these people; they’re minds are usually made up. But the results are often disastrous. Listen to Lisa Rinna: Think twice before getting addicted to Juvéderm.

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