From our family at Grossman Plastic Surgery to you and your loved ones, we wish you a happy 4th of July…

The numbers do not lie. Plastic surgery gained national acceptance in 2007 as Americans had all types of procedures done in record numbers. The latest plastic surgery statistics revealed an increase over the previous year as more people seek to improve their appearances and self-esteem.

Statistics are gathered by the American Society For Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Their 2007 Statistics on Cosmetic Surgery found that 11.7 million nonsurgical and surgical cosmetic procedures were performed in the United States. This represents a 2 percent increase over the statistics gathered in 2006. If you look over the past decade and compare the 2007 statistics to those revealed in 1997, there was a significant 45 percent increase in plastic surgery procedures performed. The absolute record for cosmetic surgery procedures done actually occurred in 2004. During that year, there were over 11.8 million plastic surgery procedures performed.

Clearly over the past five years, more people are discovering plastic surgery is a viable way to improve their physical and emotional well-being. For those displeased with a certain aspect of their appearance, plastic surgery makes significant improvements.

Of all the people getting plastic surgery in 2007, 91 percent of them were women. Even though men only accounted for 9 percent of the cosmetic surgery procedures performed during 2007, that was a 17 percent increase over the previous year for men. The number of procedures done for women only rose 1 percent. A larger number of men are realizing the benefits of plastic surgery and feel more comfortable about having procedures done.

The typical age of patients getting plastic surgery in 2007 is between 35 and 50. After this age group, those between the ages of 51 and 64 were most likely to get cosmetic surgery procedures performed. As people age, they want to get rid of flaws that make them feel less attractive. Plastic surgery gives a lift when and where it is needed.

So… which procedure was the most popularly chosen during 2007?

The statistics reveal that liposuction was the most frequently performed procedure. As people become more aware of their health and fitness, there were 456,8282 liposuction procedures done in 2007. A close runner up is breast augmentation, with a total of 399,440 procedures performed. The next most popular procedures were eyelid surgery, tummy tucks and breast reduction. A streamlined shape seems to be a priority for many Americans.

There were also five nonsurgical procedures most frequently done in 2007. These non-invasive procedure offer noticeable results. The most commonly done procedure was Botox injections, with 2,775,176 procedures performed. After this was hyaluronic acid, laser hair removal, microdermabrasion and IPL laser treatment for smoother, younger looking skin.

The numbers speak for themselves and prove plastic surgery is becoming increasingly acceptable for Americans in record proportions.

Is beauty really skin deep?  It does seem that way for the Hollywood elite and they keep everything beautiful with plastic surgery.  When you improve your appearance with plastic surgery, you enjoy a healthy boost of self-esteem, making you more confident to everyone around you.

The air of confidence and self-assurance worn by the Hollywood elite inspires envy and awe around the world.  When stars smile, the world seems to sparkle just a little bit more.  As they walk down the runway or stare back at us from a photograph, we appreciate their features, figures and the clarity of their skin.  The beauty that comes from within and shine on their exteriors is the result of hard work and the conscientious use of plastic surgery.

The key to that gorgeous Hollywood look is the positive attitude that goes along with it.  Top celebrities such as Shannon Tweed and Gene Simmons are aware of their best features, their limitations and how to make the most of both.  Having an attractive appearance is part of a celebrity’s appeal and success.  While perfection is an unattainable goal, plastic surgery can significantly improve an area or areas of specific concern.  For some people, they were born with a physical feature they feel uncomfortable about.  Other people may have signs of aging, weight gain or stress they want to minimize.  When people look in the mirror and remain unhappy with what they see, plastic surgery can give them the improvement they need.

Plastic surgery can correct many physical concerns.  Uneven skin tone, wrinkling, acne scar and large pores can be minimized for a smoother complexion.  Facial features are re-sculpted to for a more attractive look.  Cellulite and excess body fat can be removed.  Sagging breasts can be lifted and small breasts enlarged.  Men can have chest implants for a more muscular appearance.  Calf implants create more shapely legs.  There are a variety of plastic surgery procedures to improve every body part.

Prior to having plastic surgery performed, the plastic surgeon discusses the desired procedures with the patient.  Some procedures can be done in the office while others are done in a hospital-type setting, depending on the level of surgery required.  Besides familiarizing the patient with the nature of the procedure itself, the plastic surgeon also discusses the patient’s goals and expectations.  Patients must have realistic goals for a completely successful plastic surgery experience.  Other considerations are also discussing including insurance and billing procedures.

Once a patient understands the procedure fully, an educated decision can be made about whether to have plastic surgery.  An educated patient who carefully chooses a competent, understanding plastic surgeon will appreciate an improved appearance and attitude after surgery.  Having a star’s attitude about plastic surgery yields stellar results.

Grossman Plastic Surgery takes pride in being able to meet every patients needs.

Breast enlargement, augmentation or enhancement is an extremely common and popular plastic surgery procedure, bringing many questions to the minds of potential patients. Here are a few of the most common questions Grossman Plastic Surgery hears from their patients, and the answers from Dr. Grossman.

Breast augmentation, technically known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that enhances the size of a woman’s breast. There are a number of reasons women elect to have this surgery: (1) To enhance the body contour of a woman who, for personal reasons, feels her breast size is too small, (2) To correct a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy, (3) To balance a difference in breast size, (4) As a reconstructive technique following breast surgery.By inserting an implant behind each breast, surgeons are able to increase a woman’s bustline by inserting an implant behind each breast. If you are considering breast augmentation, this will give you a basic understanding of the procedure.

Q: What age is best? Can a person be either too old or too young?

A: Breast enhancement surgery is not recommended for anyone younger than 18. The question is not so much physical maturity as it is emotional maturity. Breast augmentation alters the body, and therefore the body image. If someone is not yet emotionally mature problems can result. However, regarding the upper age range, as long as a person is in good health, any age is fine.

Q: Can the surgery be done under local anesthesia or does it require a general anesthetic?

A: General anesthesia is preferred, though it can be performed under a local anesthetic. Dr. Grossman recommends thoracic epidural anesthesia as a local alternative if general anesthesia is not to be used. With this technique the anesthesiologist creates a local block for the entire chest area as well as administering sedation.

Q: Does it matter if a patient has had children?

A: No it does not. Breast implants should not interfere with childbearing or with breast feeding.

Q: Does a patient have to quit smoking, or can nicotine patches or gum be used?

A: Nicotine in cigarettes and in replacement medications such as gums and patches have a negative effect on skin following surgery. They can cause poor healing. While this is not as importance in breast enlargement surgery as in some other procedures such as breast uplift, breast reduction or facelift surgery, it can cause adverse effects so all forms of nicotine should be avoided. If needed the doctor will prescribe a drug to inhibit the desire to smoke.

Q: What if a patient has a family history of breast cancer?

A: A patient is still a candidate for breast enhancement surgery even with a family history of breast cancer. The implants can interfere with mammography, but most good mammography centers believe that they can work around the implants. Also there is no noticeable connection or relationship between breast cancer or any other type of cancer and breast implants.

Q: What if a patient has diabetes?

A: No problem as long as the diabetes is under control and the patient is not suffering from major sequel of diabetes. There is a slightly higher risk of infection with diabetics than the general population, but not enough to disqualify a patient.

For complete details and to book a no obligation consultation, contact Grossman Plastic Surgery.

It is an ongoing question for many who are planning a surgical procedure — Is the summertime the best time of the year to have plastic surgery? It might be for others but not necessarily for you. Or, if you are a winter buff, it may be the perfect time to have that breast augmentation, tummy tuck or facelift surgery.

The first thought most people would have is positive in that regard. Summer is, after all, a traditional time for taking vacations, allowing the patient who works to take time off from the job with ease. Summer is a more mentally relaxing season than the others for most people, and the need to rest and recuperate after the procedure is performed is more easily handled in the summer time. Also a spouse or perhaps older children will be able to be home to help out while the patient rests and relaxes in the summer.

Summer however is the warmest season, with the strongest sun, which creates the most danger of over exposure to the sun and that should be taken into consideration as well. It all depends on the plastic surgery procedure that has been performed of course, but most physicians will warn clients to avoid too much sun exposure until the healing process has fully occurred, and even afterwards use of strong sun block and wearing hats with wide brims to protect the face, and sufficient clothing to protect other parts of the body is always a good idea for anyone, most especially those who have recently undergone plastic surgery.

If the procedures performed also included dermabrasion, microdermabrasion or chemical peels – especially deep chemical peels, then the new skin is quite sensitive. Too much sun or too much heat can cause pain and discomfort at the very least, and permanent damage is also quite possible. In some people it can be quite severe. The patient should look at the sun as something to be avoided, which can be quite a change from the “sun worshiping” attitude many people had when younger, hanging out at the beach, the lake or the swimming pool.

Some people prefer the two cooler seasons, spring and fall, to recover after plastic surgery. Not too much heat or too much cold, more moderate temperatures, less direct exposure to the sun, and a chance to rest and recuperate while other people are at work or going about their daily lives. A side benefit of using the spring for plastic surgery is that the patient is usually quite recovered by the time summer rolls around and is able to engage in summertime fun activities – provided protection from the sun is taken into consideration – with the downtime behind her and not interfering in the summer vacation.

However, if you want to fly under the radar and not have everyone in the office talking about what you did or didn’t have done, the summer months, when you have time off scheduled anyway is an ideal way to have the plastic surgery - cosmetic, reconstructive or otherwise - done and no one will question why you are off 2 or 3 weeks since you were taking vacation anyways!

June 25.08

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Now in her 70’s, looking like Mamie keeps her connected with celebrity.

She still refers to herself as one of the three blonde bombshells of 1950s Hollywood, along with Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield. The three actresses’ careers intertwined as they shared the spotlight, vied for parts, and passed along potential roles to each other.

“Marilyn opened doors for me, and I opened doors for Jayne,” Mamie recalled.

But the last time Mamie did that, the result was tragic.

Then….

Now!

In 1967, she offered Mansfield a show that had been planned for Mamie. While Mansfield was appearing at the Gus Stevens Supper Club in Biloxi, Miss., she was in a fatal car crash. If not for swapping with Mansfield, Mamie said, she might have been in that crash.

Mansfield died at age 34, Monroe at 36. Mamie has lived nearly as long as the two combined.

“I’ve been blessed,” Mamie said. “I came to Hollywood determined to follow in Jean Harlow’s footsteps, but I was determined not to die young. My hope was to endure. And endure I have.”

Her recollections of celebrities are often more upbeat, but they always connect her to the glamour of days gone by.

“I knew Coco Chanel well in the 1960s. She’d let me take her clothes and wear them in New York. She called me Coco Van Doren. We had the same hearts and body,” Mamie said. And also:

“On my Web site, there’s a photo of me wearing Marlene Dietrich’s negligee. We have the same bone structure.”

She started her career at age 15 and signed with Universal a few years later, so she knows the difficult life of a young celebrity. That makes her sympathetic to young stars of today who run afoul of the media.

“I was 19 when the studio signed me, and there were no other women there. I had to cope with that,” she said.

“There’s even more pressure now, and Hollywood is so fickle.”

She mentioned Lindsay Lohan, a star at 12, and Miley Cyrus, a superstar at 15.

“Hollywood wants you to keep that look, but it’s practically impossible,” she said. That’s part of the allure of plastic surgery, she added.

Consider the singer-actress Madonna, who has often turned to plastic surgery since 1985, when she starred in “Desperately Seeking Susan” at age 27, Mamie said.

“She did a little, then a little more and a little more,” she said. “If you compare her then and now, you’ll see she’s changed quite a bit.” *

Cosmetic surgery can be a risky proposition, especially if you are going based on much lower cost. Of course, it is absolutely true that many nations have high standards of surgical conduct and adhere to them, in particular the countries of Western Europe and highly industrialized nations of the Pacific Rim such as Japan.  However, when you consider plastic surgery in another country to save money, try and avoid traveling to under-developed nations that have weak economies and sub-standard medical standards. These countries have, in recent times, become well known as “medical tourism” destinations.  The thought of saving money on optional, elective surgery appeals to many.  However, many who have had the experience now wish they could go back and better better informed decisions.

Never lose sight of the fact that the ultimate result, regardless of price, will be seen all over your face and body - many procedures are permanent. Permanent scarring or health problems that can result from botched surgery can be with you for life. Your goal of improving your appearance can have the opposite affect, detracting from your appearance and possibly damaging your self esteem. Don’t take chances with your health or your physical appearance for the sake of saving a few dollars.

If you can’t afford plastic surgery yet, wait until you can or talk to your physician about a payment plan.  There are several companies that specialize in finance arrangements for elective plastic surgery.  Surely this route is safer and a better way to go.

One of the things to keep in mind if you have considered having plastic surgery in a foreign country to save money is that in the US plastic surgeons must be board certified.  They must meet exacting standards according to their peers, other surgeons.  Additionally the Federal government has stringent safety requirements on all invasive procedures.  Implants for instance, used in breast augmentation surgery, must be certified as safe.

Not all countries have the same standards.  Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and many other nations do have equivalent standards, but the countries that are advertising plastic surgery vacations for very little money may not use the same standards, and you should know before you go!

Unfortunately, unless you know someone that works there or has been there, you really have no way of knowing what their standards are - and no recourse if something goes terribly wrong with your surgery.

Would you consent to surgery in the US if there was any doubt whatsoever as to the safety of the procedure, or of the implants to be inserted into your body?  Of course not.  No sensible person would, so keep safety and quality in mind when shopping for plastic surgery and remember that not all countries offer the same level of safety or service.

Still have questions? Ask Dr. Grossman

Each day, Plastic Surgeons are reconstructing lives: restoring function, improving appearances, and elevating self-Esteem, says the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Plastic surgeons performed more than five million reconstructive procedures in 2007—ranging from repairing dog bite wounds and birth defects to removing tumors and reconstructing breasts following mastectomy.

Who are these people? What happened to them? How has reconstructive surgery changed their lives?

On average, members of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) perform more than 13,600 reconstructive procedures daily, and are bringing some of these amazing and inspirational stories to light through a new educational initiative called Reconstructing Lives.

Some of the current plastic surgery stories include:

* Elaine Ferri, a 51-year-old horse trainer from Arkansas who was kicked in the face by a filly, lost her left eye and endured more than 100 bones in her face being shattered. Her plastic surgeon, in concert with the Jersey Shore University Medical Center, is providing her care on a pro bono basis.

* Daniel Bocca, a nine-year-old little leaguer from Long Island who was found to have a tumor on his jaw while undergoing a routine dental x-ray. Plastic surgery was able to graft bone from Daniel’s leg to his jaw, allowing him to return to his two great loves —playing baseball and rooting for the Mets.

* Marie Gebrewold, a 27-year-old nursing student in Washington, D.C. whose broken jaw (a result of falling out of bed at six-months old) went untreated for more than a quarter century. The misaligned jaw will finally be corrected by plastic surgery and with renewed self-confidence, Marie hopes to move into the public side of nursing.

ASPS is pleased to serve as your resource for inspirational reconstructive plastic surgery stories, and can make these and other patients available for interview, supply before-and-after photographs, and provide statistical data on reconstructive plastic surgery.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than 6,700 physician members, the Society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises 90 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the Society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Plastic surgery treatment options for fatty deposits such as those behind the knees, under the arms and what we commonly call love handles are varied, but the most common method is liposuction. The procedure of liposuction allows a surgeon to assist a patient in sculpting the body through removal of unwanted fat. Also known as lipoplasty or suction lipectomy, it includes several new techniques such as ultra sound assisted lipoplasty, or UAL, as well as the tumescent technique and the super wet technique. These new methods allow faster recovery time and more precise results.

No surgical procedure, including any form of liposuction, is a substitute for dieting and exercise, but there are times when some fatty deposits prove to be resistant to dieting and exercise methods of weight loss. The areas under the arms and behind the knees, and love handles are traditionally difficult, and liposuction is often used with success.

To be considered a good candidate for liposuction a patient must have realistic expectations about what the procedure can accomplish. It is very important for the patient to understand that liposuction can enhance self confidence and outward appearance, but that it will not cause other people to treat you differently or change a person’s looks to match their ideal. In other words, it won’t turn the average man into Brad Pitt or the average woman into Angelina Jolie. It will, however, provide improvement for those who desire it.

Good candidates should be people of normal weight with firm, elastic skin. They should be physically healthy, be psychologically stable and age is not necessarily a consideration though older patients do sometimes have diminished elasticity of the skin and may not have the same results as younger patients who have tighter skin. If a patient has heart or lung disease, diabetes or poor blood circulation then they are at greater risk and should inform their doctor. During an initial consultation a surgeon will perform an overall evaluation of the patient’s health, determine where the fat deposits are and assess the condition of the skin. The doctor will explain the methods used at that time and answer any questions the patient may have. Those considering the procedure are often overwhelmed by the number of options available.

Make sure you have a board certified surgeon whom you trust and explore all of the options recommended before making a decision. Many people have lost unwanted fat deposits through liposuction.