Stem Cells - The Future of Breast Augmentation?

Stem cells are now being used for Breast Augmentation overseas. Specifically, the procedure is gaining in popularity in Japan and is being introduced in Great Britain. The procedure involves removing fat from the abdomen (fat is rich in stem cells) and using a machine to concentrate the stem cells prior to injecting it into the breasts. It's estimated that women can achieve a cup size or greater enhancement to their breast size.

What are my thoughts on stem cell breast augmentation?

First of all, it's going to be a long time before the FDA approves any devices designed to concentrate stem cells for cosmetic breast augmentation. With 1 in 9 women developing breast cancer in their lifetime, it is extremely important for physicians to be sure that stem cell breast augmentation does not increase the risk of breast cancer, delay or interfere with the diagnosis of breast cancer, or worsen the prognosis of breast cancer if it is diagnosed.

Second, many physicians are performing fat grafting to the breast, which is the closest thing we currently have to stem cell breast enhancement. The big difference between the two is that generic fat grafting to the breast doesn't have as high a concentration of stem cells, but the stem cells are still present. One of the controversies surrounding fat grafting to the breast revolves around possible mammographic changes that can occur with the surgery. For this reason, I perform fat grafting to the breasts very sparingly, and only when breast implants are not possible. I have been happy with the results in the rare patients whom I perform this on, however.

For now, stem cell breast augmentation is only available for women who are willing to travel overseas. For the rest of Americans, it's Breast Implants or Bust! ;)

Story source: timesonline.uk
Photo credit: prphotos.com
For the ASPS cautionary statement regarding fat grafting to the breast, click here.

Thanks for reading,
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

A Bra That Prevents Breast Cancer?? No...

There's an interesting segment from Good Morning America which analyzes the Brassage. This is a bra manufactured by Intimate Health which claims (according to the program) to massage away toxins from the breast, thereby preventing and possibly treating disease and infection, and maybe even cancer.

Before you run out and buy this bra, I would caution that there is no science that supports that a bra prevents or treats any illnesses. "Removing toxins" is a pretty popular term nowadays as a catch-all for any whacky or off-the-wall treatment that claims to improve a person's health. Technically, I remove toxins every hour or two when I use the bathroom.

While the GMA broadcast completely discredits the Brassage, I wouldn't be so quick in dismissing it. In fact, I would put it on a pedestal with two other well-known and revolutionary bras: The Bro and The Manzier.

For the GMA broadcast, click here.

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

Brooke Shields, Latisse, and Make a Wish

Brooke Shields, famed eyebrow specialist Anastasia Soare, and Allergan (makers of eyelash enhancer Latisse) have teamed up to help the Make a Wish Foundation. The Latisse Wishes campaign was begun to help raise money for the Make a Wish Foundation, on the idea that people make a wish when they blow on an eyelash. The company has donated an initial amount of $500,000 to Make a Wish, and plan to donate another $5 for each person who signs up on www.Latisse.com up to a total of $1 million.

So far we are seeing very good results from Latisse. I am currently in the middle of filming a local TV segment where we follow a woman who's using it. So far, five weeks into her treatment, she's noticing a nice enhancement of her eyelashes.

I've never been one to make a wish on an eyelash that falls out. I just hate it when one falls out and sticks to my cheek for several hours.

photo credit: prphotos.com

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

Plastic Surgery, the Recession, and 2008 Statistics

The statistics for plastic surgery in 2008 are finally in. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, just over 12 million plastic surgery procedures were performed last year, up 3% from 2007. While nonsurgical procedures like Botox (up 8%) and injectable fillers (up 6%) increased to 10.4 million (up 5% overall versus 2007), surgical procedures like breast augmentation (down 12%) and liposuction (down 19%) decreased to 1.7 million (down 9% overall versus 2007). There were over 4.9 million reconstructive procedures performed in 2008, up 3% versus 2007.

We are definitely seeing a trend toward people having less invasive, less expensive procedures performed over the past year, likely as a result of the recession. As plastic surgeons' surgery numbers decline, much of their time is now being spent with a needle, not a knife, and performing more reconstructive procedures. Some surgeons are even trying to resurrect their reconstructive referrals as a way to bring in patients. Here in my state of Michigan, this trend has, unfortunately, been going on for several years.

For the 2008 ASPS statistics, click here.

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.:

Watch NCAA 2009 Final Four Live Stream

This is a post that's totally out of the blue. It's about the NCAA 2009 Final Four Live Stream. Where to watch the NCAA 2009 Final Four online streaming, replay videos and other details? The NCAA 2009 Final Four live streaming will be seen at the NCAA Official Website. I am not sure if other sites would be offering 2009 NCAA Final Four live streaming but the chances are high. Justin tv and other websites might stream the Final Four event and the NCAA 2009 Championships.

I'm supporting the NCAA 2009. So I'm reminding everyone of the NCAA 2009 Final Four Streaming and the NCAA 2009 Championships happening this April 4 to April 6.

Reese Witherspoon: Love or Loathe Her Style?

How do you feel about Ms. Witherspoon's look at the Los Angeles premiere of Monsters vs. Aliens?

*Splash News

How Fast Are You Aging?

There is an interesting quiz on Parade.com that you may enjoy. It asks you 21 questions to determine how fast you are aging. The questions range from the obvious (do you smoke?) to the not-so-obvious (did you grow up with a dog?). I scored a 74, which means that I am aging like a Giant Tortoise. Check it out here if you have a few minutes to spare.

Thanks to Cosmetic Makeovers for the link.

Thanks for reading.

Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.: