Be Wary, You May Be Risking More Than Your Wallet
January 30, 2013 - Rhys Branman, MD
Scientific American magazine has reported a very scary story. If you think the dangers of trendy new procedures only risk your wallet, think again. With the recent discovery of the existence of stem cells in adipose fat, there are now "stem cell face lifts" being offered. The idea is that these adult stem cells, from your own transplanted fat, will improve the skin quality and encourage growth of the underlying tissues to produce more cells filling out folds and wrinkles. Hence the non surgical face lift. Never mind that there is no scientific evidence of this thus far. Don't forget... 
Breast augmentation is the most frequent surgical cosmetic procedure in the United States. One might ask if this type of surgery truly improves the quality of life for the women who elect to have their breast size increased. How do we find out? Research developed to measure quality of life (QOL) has historically depended upon objective and subjective criteria. For instance, the World Health Organization Quality of Life instruments contain four major domains which are: physical, psychological, social relationships and environment. Most methods include self report survey questionnaires that individuals respond to. The questionnaires are studied for validity and reliability. Measuring... 
Years ago I performed cosmetic surgery on a mother and son. Actually you can watch the Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery, Date Line NBC show of this mother/son surgery, on my website. I mention this because there seems to be a trend now of couples, mothers and daughters, and other related individuals to seek cosmetic surgery in tandem. This trend has increased at least 37% since I performed the surgeries that were documented by NBC. 65-year-old Lynda and her 38-year-old daughter Stefanie, of Los Angeles, underwent different cosmetic surgeries this year and found support in recovering together. Good Morning America reported... 
That question is asked by almost every one of my patients who come to me for face lift surgery at Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center. The honest answer used to be: it varies. Not anymore though. Now cosmetic surgeons can help patients have even more realistic and accurate expectations. Recently a study reported that 50 photographs of face lift patients were scrutinized by researchers in order to analyze just that, how long a face lift lasts. The face lift patients whose photos were examined had face lift surgery 5 and 1/2 years before. The researchers looked at three specific sets... 
Although I do not do this particular procedure at Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center, I found this trend interesting. Although I am a little late recognizing it, I was also interested in the charity organization called Movember that is becoming a worldwide movement. Just as there is a National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, men have seized November for prostate cancer awareness. Movember is the month men grow moustaches to raise money and promote awareness about prostate and testicular cancer. The new trend for men seems to be the mustache implant! In the Arab world a moustache is a... 
A recent study has indicated that cosmetic surgery alone does not boost self esteem. The study, published in the journal Psychological Medicine, concentrated on teenage girls. With the continual controversy about cosmetic surgery for teens, often because of bullying, it's helpful that psychologists are studying the effects. The outcome of the study showed that teenagers who sought cosmetic surgery were often more disturbed, than the teens that did not have cosmetic surgery. These teens who did have the cosmetic surgery had more instances of depression and anxiety. The study, however, did confirm that 89% of those who received cosmetic surgery... 
We already know that the Sciton Laser is the state-of-the-art laser for skin resurfacing and that it removes sun damage, veins, and other discolorations, not to mention its success with hair removal and skin tightening. In my opinion, the Sciton Profile Laser had been the best Broad Band Light source (BBL) for years now. The Sciton Profile Laser is the BBL laser used at Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center. But now there is more good news! The Journal of Investigative Dermatology has published a Stanford study that evidences these laser treatments can actually change the aging process to regulate the... 
Shoes! You want to wear that perfect pair. NBC News reported the trend in startling designer shoes was precipitated with the character Carrie's shoe fetish in the show Sex in the City. And now women are actually having toe shortening and slimming surgery. Is this going a step too far? The higher the heel, the more desired it seems. If the shoe fits, wear it the old saying used to go, but how can you wear these objects of wearable art without shaping the foot to fit? Toes being shortened, fat transfers to the balls of the feet, toe lengthening,... 
As I often do, I was browsing the Internet news when I came across a discussion board about breast implants. I found this question posted by a young woman; " I know this is probably a really stupid question to ask but what really is the estimated life of an implant before you need to change it? " Guess what? This is not a stupid question at all, in fact is a very important question to factor into your decision making process. It is also important for you to understand your long term financial investment from the beginning as well.... 