Half of UK Secondary School Girls Considering Plastic Surgery

A recent report from Girlguiding UK reveals that almost 50%of girls between the ages of 16 and 21 would consider having surgery to change the way they look. The findings indicate that more than  one in ten girls between the ages of 11 and 16 would undergo gastric band or cosmetic surgery so that they could feel better about themselves, and researchers found a strong correlation between girls’ school achievement and their attitude toward their bodies.

According to the study, 43 percent of girls attending a secondary school whose performance was either good or outstanding would not consider plastic surgery, but a high percentage of girls who were getting satisfactory or poor grades would consider it.

Other research findings show that many young girls – especially those in the 11 to 16 year old age range – were simply not happy with their appearance, and that their self-esteem appeared to drop significantly during their teenage years. Some of the most common concerns about appearance of these young girls was to alter their teeth, improve their skin or hair, or make themselves thinner. Body shape was among the most important concerns for girls in this category, which is why gastric banding and other types of cosmetic surgery were considered to be a top priority for these young women.

The Girlguiding UK report concludes that, “Few girls up to the age of 16 consider using surgical methods to change their appearance, but once that becomes a genuine option at the age of 18, cosmetic surgery far outstrips all others as their procedure of choice…girls aged 16-21 demonstrate a high level of self-awareness when it comes to risky behaviors.” Even though many of these girls deal with issues surrounding alcohol, eating disorders and irresponsible sexual behavior, they are also often tackling issues surrounding their appearance and body image.

The full report from Girlsguiding UK can be found here.

Surgeon Introduces iSurgeon Apple iPhone Application

If you’ve ever wondered what you might look like if you went ahead with plastic surgery, there is now an iPhone application available to help you find out. The iSurgeon application has been designed and launched by Dr. Michael Salzhauer, the author of “My Beautiful Mommy”, a book that stirred up controversy last year because it was designed to teach children ‘deal’ with their mother’s plastic surgery.

The iSurgeon iPhone App allows patients to alter images of themselves to find out what they might look like after undergon plastic surgery. They can pick out different size implants, lip augmentation options, and see what they might look like after a tummy tuck from the convenience of their iPhone. The app will be free for the first month of its release, and can then be downloaded for a fee.

According to Dr. Salzhauer, “iSurgeon serves a dual purpose, providing those interested in cosmetic surgery treatments with a clear visual of what they would look like post-surgery, while also providing a fun entertaining game tool.” (Source: Reuters.com)

The app is capable of rendering realistic images based on a basic uploaded image, and the digital version can be stored on the iPhone for further review by the patient and their plastic surgeons

Another similar app has been developed by Dr. David Shafer of New York. The Shafer Plastic Surgery App was launched in October 2009, also for the Apple iPhone. This app features over 1,000 questions and answers about different cosmetic surgery procedures and is designed primarily for patients looking for more information about different procedures. Patients can send questions directly to the plastic surgeon from their mobile device. The Shafer Plastic Surgery App costs $2.99 for its full version.

More information about common questions and answers related to plastic and cosmetic procedures can be found here.

(Photo courtesy of Apple.com)

Gordon Ramsay Undergoes Cosmetic Surgery of the Chin

After American Idol judge Simon Cowell made a remark about Gordon Ramsay’s chin, the tough chef decided that his future success may have something to do with his appearance – and has undergone plastic surgery to improve his looks.

According to a recent report in Sky News, Gordon Ramsay underwent a painful chin procedure to correct the lines and grooves around his chin and jawline, and also had several Botox injections to get rid of the lines and furrows on his scalp. The celebrity chef says that his mini cosmetic surgery makeover was the result of the comments from colleague Simon Cowell.

The deep grooves that were once on Ramsay’s chin may have been corrected with a modified version of a facelift or a set of dermal fillers that can help to fill out facial tissues and create a smoother, more sculpted appearance. This is a popular procedure for both men and women who are undergoing the aging process, and the use of dermal fillers offers instant results.

Smile lines, frown lines and other signs of aging can also be corrected with laser skin resurfacing procedures, a combination of dermal fillers that create a ‘liquid facelift’, and dermabrasion or microdermabrasion treatments. Almost all skin types can benefit from these types of procedures, and injectables such as Juvederm, Hydrelle and Botox present few side effects.

Gordon Ramsay isn’t the only celebrity who is outspoken about going under the knife to improve his looks. Celebrities including Joan Rivers,  Britney Spears, Jane Seymor and Lindsay Lohan have all made public statements regarding their nips and tucks, and many celebrities maintain a routine schedule of anti aging treatments to preserve their youthful looks.

Among the most sought-after procedures by celebrities are liposuction, breast augmentation, facelift surgery and facial recontouring.

More information about today’s most popular plastic and cosmetic surgery procedures can be found here.

Korea Quickly Becoming Plastic Surgery Hub in Asia

Thousands of Asian men and women interested in achieving a more ‘westernized’ look are among the top candidates for plastic and cosmetic surgery, and a recent report shows that demand for plastic surgery is booming in places like Korea.

According to ThePlasticSurgeryChannel.com, people from China, Vietnam and Hong Kong are heading to Korea for facial bone contouring and cosmetic surgery of their eyes and noses. Korea has become a prime destination for these procedures because it offers attractively-priced surgery packages, and many Korean actors and musicians have reportedly set their sights on plastic surgeons in the area for their specialized skills and great results.

Foreign patients in Korea are about 33 percent higher in 2009 than they were in 2008, and most foreigners reportedly spend about twice as much money as regular Japanese tourists when undertaking their ‘medical vacation’, says the Plastic Surgery Channel.

In some cases, patients are willing to pay as much as three times more for surgery in Korea than other Asian countries, simply because of the track record of surgeons there and the fact that many celebrities have had their procedures in Korea.

Among the most sought-after procedures by the Asian community around the world are blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), lip enhancements, breast enhancement, facial bone contouring and rhinoplasty. Other popular surgeries include surgery of the calves to correct the common ‘radish shape’ of the upper leg and the removal of fat around the eyes. Laser skin resurfacing and skin lightening treatments are also at the top of the most sought-after list for Asian patients. Last year, Time magazine reported on the increasing demand in plastic and cosmetic surgery of Korean university students.

From Seol to Surabaya, young Asians were turning to cosmetic surgery immediately after graduating college in hopes of attracting the right mate and also improving their job prospects.  (Source: Time.com)

Packaged Cosmetic Surgery Procedures Appeal to Younger Female Market

While hundreds of women continue to sign up for ‘mommy makeover’ specials and other packaged procedures in hopes of undergoing an extreme makeover with the help of a plastic surgeon, some doctors are noticing that many younger patients – women in their 20s and 30s – are looking for similar packages to modify their looks.

In a recent press release from Delaware Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Evan Sorokin claims that he is seeing more of his younger breast enhancement patients showing interest in add-on procedures so that they can undergo a complete makeover. In addition to their breast implants and other breast enhancement procedures, these patients are interested in liposuction to get rid of a few unwanted pounds, and dermal fillers that can help them maintain their youthful looks.

Packaged procedures are becoming more common in cosmetic and plastic surgery centers across the country as more women are becoming comfortable with going under the knife. Many plastic surgeons offer packaged procedures at a reduced rate than purchasing procedures ‘a la carte’, and this marketing strategy is already used by medical tourism companies that offer inexpensive plastic surgery procedures abroad.

For younger patients entertaining the idea of undergoing a complete plastic surgery makeover, a one-on-one consultation with a doctor is necessary to ensure that the patient is in good health, and that they understand all of the risks and benefits associated with the procedure. Some women may not be eligible to undergo several procedures if they have certain health conditions or are taking certain types of medication. Others may not be emotionally or mentally ready to undergo such a transformation. Only a qualified surgeon can determine whether the young woman is ready for their surgery, and they are required to explain all of the risks, downtime involved and total cost of the procedures during the consultation.

Baby Boomers Expected to Lead Cosmetic Surgery Demand in Next Decade

Whether they are looking for job security, want to attract a mate in their golden years, or just rejuvenate their appearance as they pass the middle-age mark, baby boomers may be leading demand for cosmetic and plastic surgery in the next ten years.

While the cosmetic and plastic surgery industry may be in a temporary slump because of the economy, researchers are expected demand to increase over the course of the next decade as the baby boomer generation reaches the ages of 50 and beyond. According to a recent press release from Robert Zubowski of The Robert Zubowski MD Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in New Jersey, more patients that fall in the baby boomer generation category are heading to the doctor’s office despite the waning economy.

Since many baby boomers are expecting to work up to and beyond retirement, they may soon become more interested in preserving their youthful looks and continue to turn to plastic surgery, cosmetic enhancements and anti-aging treatments.  Dr. Robert Zubowski says that the current baby boomer generation is “more young at heart, more active and involved, and they want their faces and bodies to reflect this youthfulness.”

Some of the most sought-after procedures and treatments for this group include breast augmentation, breast reduction surgery, upper and lower eyelid lifts, calf implants, hair transplants, deep chemical peels, Botox injections and tummy tucks.

Technological advances in the field of plastic and cosmetic surgery over the next ten years may also help spur demand and encourage more people to head to the doctor’s office to transform their physical appearance. The latest technologies available for liposuction and facelift surgery in particular include non-invasive fat removal, non-surgical facelifts and skin tightening treatments that help to tighten, tone and firm up the skin over a period of several weeks.

(Source: PRWeb.com)

Plastic Surgery Demand Expected to Grow 8.5% Through 2012

Despite the drop in demand for cosmetic and plastic surgery in 2009, researchers are pointing to an upswing for the anti-aging and cosmetic surgery industry.

According to the Freedonia Group, an international research firm that reviews industry trends and creates forecasts, demand for cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures is expected to grow at a rate of nearly 8.5% annually through 2012. Demand for minimally-invasive procedures is expected to grow at an even faster rate, as more people reorganize their budgets and look for plastic surgery alternatives to achieve their ideal look.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has already indicated that plastic surgery procedures in the United States have continued to dip downward since 2008 at a rate of 9 percent. According to The Plastic Surgery Channel, California reports a drop by as much as 40 percent since the same period in 2007.

Many prospective patients have simply postponed their plans to have surgery until the economy improves. Still, sales of dermal fillers such as Restylane, Botox, Juvederm and Sculptra have remained steady even through the tough economic times, as people look for quick-fix solutions to improve their looks and avoid the costs of surgery.

Some plastic surgeons and medical spas have gone to great lengths to stimulate business, offering incentives for new patients, hosting ‘free Botox’ parties, discount on booking multiple procedures, and offering more options for patient financing. Others have been heavily promoting plastic surgery alternatives such as non-invasive cellulite reduction, minimally invasive facelifts and other treatments that are easier on the wallet.

As the economy continues to recover in the oncoming months, consumers may slowly begin to return to their luxury purchases and investments that include procedures such as liposuction, breast augmentation, and of course, Botox. Demand for Botox, Dysport and other injectables is expected to increase rapidly in the oncoming years.

Asia Now the Second-Largest Plastic Surgery Hub

Extreme makeovers and dramatic transformations with the assistance of a plastic surgeon are no longer a U.S. phenomenon.

According to recent statistics, the multi-billion dollar industry of plastic, cosmetic and aesthetic surgery has been growing rapidly in Japan, China and India.

Marie Claire magazine points out that even though plastic surgery was banned in China until 2001, it is now a booming industry that brings in approximately $2.4 billion in sales every year. Plastic surgery spending in Japan tops $18.4 million per year, and India has also experienced tremendous growth in recent years. Together, these countries in Asia have become the second-largest plastic surgery hotspot in the world, second only to the United States.

Some experts believe that residents of Asian countries are trying to achieve a more westernized look with plastic and cosmetic surgery procedures. Demand for blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is high in China and Japan as it helps to create a more wide-eyed look. Liposuction is in demand in India as Hollywood movies and the booming Bollywood film industry promote a similar ‘thin ideal’ as the United States and Europe.

Extreme makeovers by going under the knife aren’t only a growing trend overseas. Dying the hair blonde or light brown, wearing blue-colored contact lenses and going tanning are some other new trends on the rise in Asia. According to the makers of the Freshlook colored contacts, Middle Eastern women and even Hispanic women overseas and in the United States are opting for color contacts because these allow them to express their originality and enhance their features in a fresh new way (Source: SFGate.com).

For residents of the United States, going abroad for plastic or cosmetic surgery may also offer some advantages. Plastic and cosmetic surgery centers in Asia may offer more attractive prices on pricey procedures such as liposuction, breast augmentation and facelift surgery.

Researchers Say People Pursue Cosmetic Surgery Because of Fear of Rejection

Some people choose to go under the knife to increase self-confidence, correct a deformity or unattractive feature, or simply achieve a more balanced appearance. However, some researchers believe that having cosmetic surgery may have a deeper psychological reason behind it.

According to a recent study published in the June issue of the journal Body Image, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Buffalo Lora E. Park, Ph.D. and lecturer in psychology of the University of Kent, Rachel M. Calogero, Ph.D. reported that cosmetic surgery may be a viable solution for relieving anxiety in those who are very sensitive towards rejection.

Researchers in this study pose the theory of “appearance-based rejection sensitivity”, measuring the person’s tendency to become anxious based on the prospect of being rejected because of their appearance. The study tracked the responses of 133 American college students who were asked to write an essay about either a negative or positive comment about their appearance they had received at some point in their lives. Researchers report that, “Compared to participants with lower appearance-based rejection sensitivity, those with higher sensitivity felt more rejected and expressed greater interest in getting cosmetic surgery after recalling a negative versus positive appearance comment.” (Source: ScienceDaily.com).

The experts point out that those who had been rejected based on their appearance at some point in their lives may have an increased sensitivity towards rejection as they mature. Therefore, cosmetic surgery becomes a more attractive option, if only to reduce anxiety about a possible rejection in the future.

The study did take into account the person’s self-perceived attractiveness and level of self-esteem.  Regardless of these other psychological attributes, the results show that the majority of people will tend to express interest in cosmetic surgery or making radical changes to their appearance simply because of an inherent fear of rejection.

Middle East Experiencing Plastic Surgery Boom

Even the wealthiest regions in the Middle East are experiencing the effects of the recession, but the state of the economy has done little for the cosmetic and plastic surgery industry in cities like Dubai. According to the Dubai Congress on Anti-Aging and Aesthetic Medicine (DCAAAM), many men of Dubai are still heading to the doctor’s office for various surgical and non-surgical procedures. The most sought-after procedures for this group include male breast reduction, liposuction of the arms, and liposuction of the stomach.

ThePlasticSurgeryChannel.com reports that Dubai is one of the leading markets for skin rejuvenation procedures, body contouring, hair care and facial rejuvenation for men and women alike. Total sales of procedures and treatments in this category come in at approximately $64 billion per year from Dubai alone.

Spokespersons from DCAAAM believe that they have in fact noticed an increase in demand for certain procedures during the recession, because for many, plastic and cosmetic surgery does serve as some form of therapy by increasing self-confidence and providing some hope for a better future. Local advertising for procedures, as well as a steady increase in demand by patients across all income levels, are some of the factors contributing to a plastic surgery boom in the Middle East.

In the United States, the figures aren’t quite so attractive. Many surgeons and medical professionals across the country are reporting much lower-than-average sales for most procedures compared to previous years, but there has been a steady increase in demand for more affordable treatments such as Botox, skin resurfacing treatments and non-surgical cellulite and fat reduction procedures. Patients who cannot afford to pay for their surgery out of pocket often turn to patient financing options or a personal loan.

Still, in countries like Dubai where the majority of the population is relatively wealthy, the recession seems to be fueling a stronger demand for pricey procedures.