Thursday, September 28, 2006

Teens and Cosmetic Surgery

More people are considering cosmetic surgery, which includes teenagers. According to American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) statistics, 40 percent of all teens want plastic surgery, and more than 331,000 have had some cosmetic surgery.

All teens are self-conscious about their image. I haven't met a teenager who didn't wish to change a thing or two. Fortunately, most of the extreme self-consciousness during this age goes away with time.

A person's body continues to change through the teen years. Body parts that might appear too large or too small now can become more proportionate over time. Getting in good shape through appropriate weight control and exercise can do great things for a person's looks without surgery. In fact, it's never a good idea to choose plastic surgery as a first option for something like weight loss that can be corrected in a non-surgical manner.

However, there are a few cosmetic surgical procedures that are appropriate for teenagers:
  1. Rhinoplasty is the most common cosmetic procedure requested by teens. The nose has finished most of its growth by 13 or 14 in girls and 15 or 16 in boys.
  2. Otoplasty (ear pinback) is one of the few operations performed on young children, even as young as 5.
  3. Scar revision. Various cuts and scratches from regular play may be amenable to simple revisions.
No procedure should be done without the explicit consent of the parents, or legal guardian. I speak with both the patient and the parents at the same time, to help educate everyone on a patient's specific needs.

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Botox Cosmetic: Myth #1

I'll be debunking myths of the various cosmetic procedures. Today, we'll start with the most common non-surgical aesthetic procedure, Botox.

Myth #1: Botox is a poison and causes botulism

Fact: Botox is not a poison. Botulism is from a foodborne bacteria. Botox cosmetic is a medically purified protein, which can only be prescribed by a physician.

Botox is safe, and has been used for over 16 years to treat a variety of medical conditions.

Monday, September 25, 2006

Cosmetic Surgery Statistics

The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery has released its 2006 Consumer survey. While only 6% of the population have had plastic surgery, nearly 20% aspires to some form of cosmetic surgery in their lifetime. Nearly 50% of people would choose having aesthetic surgery over a new car or vacation.

Cosmetic surgery is not only for women. More men are having cosmetic procedures, currently up to 12% of all men.

Which celebrity has the most desirable eyes? Jennifer Aniston. Previously, Catherine Zeta-Jones had the most requested eyes for blepharoplasty.

Thursday, September 21, 2006

Functional Rhinoplasty

An interesting article in Forbes on rhinoplasty. Functional rhinoplasty corrects any problems with nasal breathing. Snoring may be an indicator of nasal obstruction. A deviated septum is one of the most common factors, but may also include turbinates, nasal valve, or sinuses. Cosmetic surgery may be performed at the same time. Speak to your plastic surgeon if functional rhinoplasty is right for you.

Forbes article

Welcome !!!

Greetings everyone! I'm Dr. Chaboki, a facial plastic surgeon in Washington, DC. The plan is to have this blog as a forum for open discussion regarding aesthetic facial surgery for patients and their families. I will bring the truth regarding cosmetic surgery to our readers. In addition, I will keep this site ad free! Please feel free to comment. Thanks!