The Latest Plastic Surgery news of 2010

Plastic surgery techniques -2010

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons held its annual meeting in Washington, D.C. last month.
Over 4000 plastic surgeons from around the world attended this meeting bringing ideas and techniques from all over the world- some superb, some pathetic!
Here I will give you a synopsis of the latest techniques in plastic surgery as of 2010, and what I learnt at the meeting; techniques are classified as having UNKNOWN EFFICAY, are REJECTED or ACCEPTED as being beneficial for patients.

THERMAGE, a technique where energy is transferred to the skin for tightening, instead of a facelift, is overwhelmingly REJECTED. There are hundreds of these machines on sale in the second hand market from surgeons who bought, tried, and were unhappy with their results nearly as much as their patients.

THREADLIFTS, LIFESTYLE lifts or any variation of face lifting by percutaneous sutures is REJECTED. The companies promoting these types of surgery are essentially marketing companies headed by non plastic surgeons, and are trying to dupe patients into having their procedures with mis leading photos (most of the patients have had other procedures also). Some studies show that almost 80% of patients are dissatisfied with their results- typically, results that last a year only. The companies are also aggressively pursuing surgeons who speak against their “procedures” in a legal manner. Beware of these techniques!!

FAT GRAFTING to the face and buttocks is ACCEPTED.
Fat grafting to the breast has UNKNOWN EFFICACY- Fat grafting to the breast became fashionable a few years ago after years of it being a medical taboo. The fat injected to the breast calcified and was often mistaken for a cancer of the breast on mammograms. Over the years mammography techniques improved and radiologist could decipher between the calcifications due to fat necrosis and true cancer of the breast. Plastic surgeons became emboldened and began injecting fat into the breast to achieve breast enlargement; usually of just one cup size at most, and then with need for suction cups on the breast for at least 8 hours a day etc.. At the latest meeting however the technique has become very controversial given that some animal studies showed an increase in cancer of the breast when injected with fat . So , I'm going to wait on this one.

MESOTHERAPY, a technique where chemicals are injected into the skin to destroy fat cells and hence remove fat has UNKNOWN EFFICACY . This is the technique that refuses to die. Popular a few years ago, with numerous spas advertising the miracle fat dissolving injections, the technique was taken off the market after numerous complaints from unsatisfied patients who had paid thousands of dollars for a technique that did not work. The researchers have gone “back to the drawing board” to see if they can come up with a better technique. So, I'm going to wait on this one.


SCULPTRA is ACCEPTED. I have been using Sculptra for several years with excellent results for filling the face and increasing the facial volume. Probably the greatest mistake I have made is not injecting enough of the material ! Since its approval for cosmetic use this material has come into its own.

EVOLENCE has UNKNOWN EFFICAY. Studies are underway to determine the side effects of this new permanent material for facial line injections. The small particles of poly methyl methacralate will stay in the body, where they are injected, for ever. But, the body keeps on moving ,so the surgeon has to be careful as to where and how it is injected.

LASER LIPOSUCTION is REJECTED as being more of a gimmick than anything else. Overwhelmingly, surgeons at the conference voted for viewing the results of laser liposuction as being no different than any other type of liposuction. Another marketing technique being used by companies to sell the public on unnecessary techniques and technologies for their profit.

ANTIBIOTICS; Giving antibiotics 30mins before the surgery is very important and ACCEPTED. Prophylactic antibiotics are being overused and when they are used are being given too early or too late, a recent study showed. I have changed my practice in view of this finding. The rate of infections is halved by giving the antibiotic at the correct time.

WARMING BLANKETS: Keeping the patient warm before and during the surgery to decrease rate of infections is ACCEPTED. Not only is the infection rate less, but patients will recover faster from anesthesia also!

These were just some of the highlights of the meeting that stood out; I am glad I was able to share them with you.

Please call or email me at www.tavmd.com me if you need more information or have any questions!