ScienceDaily: Cosmetic Surgery News

Gene therapies for regenerative surgery are getting closer

Wed, 29 May 2013 11:12:12 EDT

Experimental genetic techniques may one day provide plastic and reconstructive surgeons with an invaluable tool—the ability to promote growth of the patient's own tissues for reconstructive surgery.

Cosmetic breast implants may adversely affect survival in women who develop breast cancer

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:43:43 EDT

Cosmetic breast implants seem to adversely affect the survival of women who are subsequently diagnosed with breast cancer, finds a small study.

Facial dog bites in children may require repeated plastic surgery

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:28:28 EDT

Dog bites to the face are a relatively common injury in young children, and often require repeated plastic surgery procedures to deal with persistent scarring, according to a new report.

Clinical trials for cellulite treatment on the horizon

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:46:46 EDT

Projected to start in the second half of 2013, researchers plan to begin phase IIa placebo-controlled clinical trials using a drug treatment method developed here to treat cellulite. The treatment method uses clostridial collagenase histolyticum (“CCH”), an injectable form of the enzyme collagenase.

Gynecomastia has psychological impact on adolescent boys, researchers report

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:43:43 EDT

Persistent breast enlargement (gynecomastia) negatively affects self-esteem and other areas of mental and emotional health in adolescent males, researchers report.

Repairing the nose after skin cancer in just one step

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 12:18:18 EDT

A new reconstruction technique allows surgeons to recreate a functioning nostril after removing skin cancer from the nose. The technique takes only one step, unlike the current practice that requires a return trip the operating room.

Why people put themselves under the knife: Plastic surgery makes people happy

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 09:11:11 EDT

Scientists have investigated the psychological effects of plastic surgery on approximately 550 patients. Patients demonstrated more enjoyment of life, satisfaction and self-esteem after their physical appearance had been surgically altered.

To make old skin cells act young again, boost their surroundings

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 10:13:13 EST

As we get older, the trillions of cells in our body do too. And like us, they become less resilient and able to weather the stress of everyday life. Our skin especially tells the tale of what's happening throughout our bodies. Now, scientists are learning that aging cells bear only part of the blame for this downward spiral. Skin scientists have succeeded in making the skin cells of senior citizens act like younger cells again, simply by adding more filler to the fiber-filled area around the cells.

Face transplantation calls for 'reverse craniofacial planning'

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 10:13:13 EST

As surgical teams gain experience with facial transplantation, a careful approach to planning based on the principles of craniofacial surgery can help to maximize patient outcomes in terms of facial form and function.

Poor and often inaccurate web info on 'designer vagina' procedures

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 21:03:03 EST

The quality of internet information available for women opting for 'designer vagina' procedures is 'poor,' and in some cases, inaccurate, reveals a small study.

Triclosan in cosmetics and personal care products can increase allergy risk

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 08:38:38 EST

Triclosan - an antibacterial chemical found in toothpaste and other products - can contribute to an increased risk of allergy development in children.

Precision-guided needle used to glue shut dangerous and disfiguring blood vessel growth

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 13:23:23 EST

Using a rarely performed technique, imaging specialists and surgeons have successfully used precision, image-guided technology to glue shut a tangle of abnormal blood vessel growths in a 43-year-old woman’s upper lip, face and nose. Surgery had earlier been ruled out because traditional approaches were considered too risky.

Minimally invasive lymph node dissection in breast cancer has advantages over conventional surgery

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 08:42:42 EST

Axillary lymph node dissection is done in conjunction with lumpectomy or mastectomy to determine if breast cancer has spread to the adjoining lymph nodes. The conventional surgical approach leaves a surgical scar that is unattractive and can restrict range of motion in the shoulder joint. Also, squeezing and pulling the tumor during the breast operation can stimulate tumor cell metastases. A new study reports that an endoscopic technique, mastoscopic axillary lymph node dissection, can reduce these complications.

Botox injections reduce chronic neck and cervical muscle pain

Sat, 13 Oct 2012 17:41:41 EDT

A study revealed Botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX) injections significantly improve pain and quality of life in people with chronic bilateral posterior neck and shoulder myofascial pain syndrome.

Obesity epidemic means bariatric surgery rates continue to rise, reports plastic and reconstructive surgery

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 14:34:34 EDT

With rising rates of morbid obesity, the number of bariatric surgery procedures is likely to increase as well, reports a new article.

Implant-based breast reconstruction following radiation has high patient satisfaction rate despite complications

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 14:34:34 EDT

Breast cancer patients who have received radiation therapy after mastectomy have more problems related to the use of implants for breast reconstruction, according to a new review.

First appropriate use criteria in dermatology released

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 14:20:20 EDT

A new manuscript co-published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery outlines Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) for Mohs surgery – the first AUC for any test or treatment within the field of dermatology.

Novel surgery removes rare tumor, rebuilds face and jaw

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 12:51:51 EDT

Using a novel surgical approach, it's possible to rebuild a functional lower jaw and mouth, and preserve a patient's ability to eat and speak after removing an invasive facial tumor, according to a new report.

Cellular basis for how anti-aging cosmetics work identified

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 15:56:56 EDT

A team of investigators have discovered a mechanism that may explain how alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs) -- the key ingredient in cosmetic chemical peels and wrinkle-reducing creams -- work to enhance skin appearance. An understanding of the underlying process may lead to better cosmetic formulations as well as have medical applications.

New skin patch treatment kills most common form of skin cancer

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 13:40:40 EDT

A customized patch treatment for basal cell carcinoma completely destroys facial tumors without surgery or major radiation therapy in 80 percent of patients studied, say researchers.

Skin transplant offers new hope for vitiligo patients

Wed, 30 May 2012 13:35:35 EDT

Dermatologists say skin transplant surgery is safe and effective for restoring skin pigmentation caused by the skin disease vitligo. In a first study of its kind in the United States, researchers followed 23 patients for up to six months after surgery and found that the treated area regained on average 43 percent of its natural skin color. In eight patients with localized vitiligo, the treated area regained on average 68 percent of its natural skin color.

Cancer-causing skin damage is done when young

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:05:05 EDT

With high UV levels continuing in Australia this autumn, young people are at risk of suffering the worst skin damage they will receive during their lifetime, new research has found.

Botox injections associated with only modest benefit for chronic migraine and daily headaches

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:23:23 EDT

Although botulinum toxin A ("Botox") injections are US Food and Drug Administration approved for preventive treatment for chronic migraines, a review and analysis of previous studies finds a small to modest benefit for patients with chronic migraine headaches and chronic daily headaches, although botox injections were not associated with greater benefit than placebo for preventing episodic migraine or chronic tension-type headaches, according to a new article.

Silicone breast implant failures significantly higher than previously thought

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:24:24 EDT

New research suggests that the failure rate of silicone breast implants manufactured by Poly Implant Prosthese (PIP) could be as high as 33.8 percent.

Big contact lenses provide instant relief for dry eyes, experts say

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 11:33:33 EDT

Wide-diameter contact lenses are offering instant relief to people who suffer chronic dry eyes. The lens rests on the sclera, the white part of the eye. Major improvements in materials and design have sparked a resurgence in the use of scleral contact lenses.

Botox injections now used for severe urinary incontinence

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:04:04 EDT

When you think of Botox injections, you probably think of getting rid of unwanted wrinkles around the eyes or forehead, but recently the FDA approved using the injections to help patients with neurological conditions who suffer from incontinence, or an overactive bladder.

New anti-aging treatments make it easier to turn back the clock

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:18:18 EST

As we age, our skin undergoes a number of changes affecting its texture, volume and appearance. Fortunately, dermatologists can use fillers or lasers to correct the most notable signs of aging and can recommend skin care products with added ingredients that can further repair damaged skin.

Celiac patients face potential hazard as information on cosmetic ingredients difficult to find

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:49:49 EDT

The lack of readily available information about cosmetic ingredients may cause patients with celiac disease who use lip, facial or body products to unknowingly expose themselves to gluten -- an ingredient they need to avoid, according to the results of a new study.

Researchers examine 21-year series of nipple sparing mastectomy cases and find no cancers

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:30:30 EDT

A new study suggests some women needing a lumpectomy or mastectomy to treat their breast cancer have another potential option that is safe and effective -- nipple sparing mastectomy. A long standing concern with this type of surgery is that cancer cells might be left under the nipple, posing a threat over time. To examine the effectiveness of NSM, surgeons conducted a review of patient records for all women receiving the surgery at Georgetown University Hospital between 1989 and 2010.

Ultrasonic instrument may be helpful for rhinoplasty, study finds

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 16:44:44 EDT

The ultrasonic bone aspirator, which uses sound waves to remove bone without damage to surrounding soft tissue or mucous membranes, may be a useful tool for surgeons performing cosmetic rhinoplasty (cosmetic surgery of the nose), according to a new study.

Patient complaints allege doctors fail to disclose risks

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EDT

In more than 70 per cent of legal disputes over informed consent, patients allege the doctor failed to properly explain the risks of complications, a new study has found.

New method to grow synthetic collagen unveiled: New material may find use in reconstructive surgery, cosmetics, tissue engineering

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:45:45 EDT

In a significant advance for cosmetic and reconstructive medicine, scientists have unveiled a new method for making synthetic collagen. The new material, which forms from a liquid in as little as an hour, has many of the properties of natural collagen and may prove useful as a scaffold for regenerating new tissues and organs from stem cells.

Women seek labial reduction surgery for cosmetic reasons, study finds

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 19:39:39 EDT

Women with normal sized labia minora still seek labial reduction surgery for cosmetic reasons, new research finds.

Anti-aging techniques not yet viewed as acceptable, study suggests

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EDT

People who use more invasive anti-aging methods such as Botox injections or surgery are viewed more negatively than those who use milder techniques such as sun-avoidance and facial creams and younger adults are more negative about using anti-aging methods than older adults, a new study shows.

Study evaluates pressure device worn on the ear at night as treatment for scar tissue

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:23:23 EDT

A study of seven patients examined use of a pressure device worn overnight to supplement other therapy for auricular keloids (scar tissue buildup of the ear), as reported in a new article.

Cell-based alternative to animal testing? Genomic biomarker signature can predict skin sensitizers, study finds

Sun, 07 Aug 2011 22:05:05 EDT

European legislation restricts animal testing within the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries and companies are increasingly looking at alternative systems to ensure that their products are safe to use. New research demonstrates that the response of laboratory grown human cells can now be used to classify chemicals as sensitizing, or non-sensitizing, and can even predict the strength of allergic response, so providing an alternative to animal testing.

Improving surgical outcomes for children, cancer patients

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:18:18 EDT

Faculty and students across engineering disciplines are using novel 3-D surface imaging technology and complex algorithms to address one of the most difficult questions for cancer patients and children facing reconstructive surgery: Which surgical procedure is right for me?

Botulinum toxin does not cure common forms of neck pain

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 21:10:10 EDT

There is no evidence that Botulinum toxin injections reduce chronic neck pain or associated headaches, says a group of scientists who reviewed nine trials involving a total of 503 participants.

New procedure to eliminate scarring in kidney surgeries

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:16:16 EDT

A urologist has developed a new "hidden" minimally invasive procedure that makes scarring virtually invisible yet is just as effective as more common surgical methods.

Study compares two types of botulinum toxin for cosmetic use

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 18:32:32 EDT

Not all varieties of botulinum toxin seem to be equally effective in reducing crow's feet wrinkles, according to a new study.

Poplar tree leaf bud extract could fight skin aging

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:28:28 EDT

Antioxidants are popular anti-aging ingredients in skin creams, and now scientists are reporting a new source of these healthful substances -- leaf buds of poplar trees.

New technique doubles breast size using patient's own fat

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:05:05 EDT

A plastic surgery procedure in which the patient's own fat is transplanted to the breasts -- used along with treatment to expand the breast tissue before surgery -- can achieve up to a twofold increase in breast size, according to a new study.

Severity of facial wrinkles may predict bone density in early menopause, study suggests

Sat, 04 Jun 2011 18:19:19 EDT

A new study finds that the worse a woman's skin wrinkles are during the first few years of menopause, the lower her bone density is.

Cosmetics can cause serious adverse effects, study suggests

Tue, 31 May 2011 09:20:20 EDT

Permanent hair dye gives the most serious adverse effects, yet there are also many reactions to facial and body moisturizers, according to new research.

Surgical procedure appears to enhance smiles in children with facial paralysis

Mon, 16 May 2011 16:19:19 EDT

Transferring a segment of muscle from the thigh appears to help restore the ability to smile in children with facial paralysis just as it does in adults, according to new study.

Does liposuction get rid of that forever? More like a year, study suggests

Mon, 09 May 2011 12:27:27 EDT

Liposuction has become one of the most popular plastic surgeries in the United States. It has been around since 1974 and there are now more than 450,000 operations a year. But does the fat come back? A recent study has found that the fat eventually returns within one year, and is redistributed to other areas of the body, especially the upper abdomen.

Virtual surgery shows promise in personalized treatment of nasal obstruction

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 16:17:17 EDT

A preliminary report suggests that virtual nasal surgery has the potential to be a productive tool that may enable surgeons to perform personalized nasal surgery using computer simulation techniques.

Thirty percent of women would trade at least one year of their life to achieve their ideal body weight and shape, UK study finds

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 11:08:08 EDT

New research in the UK has found that 30 percent of women would trade at least one year of their life to achieve their ideal body weight and shape.

Periocular treatment improves eye comfort and quality of life for patients with facial paralysis

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 16:19:19 EDT

Patients with facial paralysis who underwent surgical treatment for a condition that leaves them unable to completely close their eyes reported improvement in comfort around the eyes and overall quality of life, according to a new study.

Men fuel rebound in plastic surgery: Sizeable increases in facelifts and other surgical procedures for men

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:36:36 EDT

New research shows that more men are now going under the knife to look good. Overall cosmetic plastic surgery procedures in men were up 2 percent in 2010 compared to 2009. The new statistics show that many male surgical procedures increased significantly. Facelifts for men rose 14 percent in 2010 while male liposuction increased 7 percent.

Electricity sparks interest in new technologies and cosmeceuticals for aging skin

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 20:44:44 EDT

It may seem as if new developments to combat aging skin are being introduced faster than the speed of light. At the forefront of the research, dermatologists are underpinning these advancements, refining the basic understanding of how the skin ages in order to develop more effective non-invasive cosmetic procedures and products. Now, as an alternative to laser light -- used successfully for years to make skin appear younger -- dermatologists are investigating electricity.

Clinical trial for treatment of breast cancer using CyberKnife launched

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:28:28 EST

For breast-cancer patients, a new high-beam radiation using the Accuray CyberKnife System may offer improved cosmetic results, less radiation exposure to surrounding tissue and a shorter treatment period.

Migraine surgery offers good long-term outcomes, study finds

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 16:20:20 EST

Surgery to "deactivate" migraine headaches produces lasting good results, with nearly 90 percent of patients having at least partial relief at five years' follow-up, researchers report. In about 30 percent of patients, migraine headaches were completely eliminated after surgery, according to the new study.

Botulinum toxin A creates muscle weakness and atrophy following long term use, study suggests

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 12:42:42 EST

A new study found animals injected with Botulinum toxin A experienced muscle weakness and atrophy far from the site of injection. The research raises some important questions about the long-term therapeutic use of Botox.

Hold the phone: Prolonged cell use can trigger allergic reaction, as can body piercing, tattoos and cosmetics

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 20:45:45 EST

Chatting endlessly on your cell phone can lead to an allergic reaction to the nickel in your phone, according to allergists. From cosmetics to jewelry, body piercings to tattoos, allergies can lurk in unlikely places, allergists say.

Assessment tool predicts blood clot risk after plastic surgery

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 16:13:13 EST

Blood clot risk assessments aren't common practice among plastic surgeons nationwide in the US. A new study shows that patients undergoing plastic or reconstructive surgery should receive a risk assessment before their procedure to predict whether they'll develop potentially fatal blood clots in the legs or lungs. Researchers also found that one in nine patients at highest risk based on that assessment will develop clots if not given clot-preventing medications after surgery.

Patients find computer imaging before rhinoplasty moderately accurate, useful

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 17:40:40 EST

Computer imaging to predict how patients will look following plastic surgery involving the nose appears to be moderately accurate, and patients value its inclusion in the preoperative consultation, according to a new report.

Breast cancer patients prefer silicone over saline implants after mastectomy

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 07:19:19 EST

A new study has found that women who receive silicone implants after a double mastectomy are more satisfied with their breasts than women who receive saline implants. The findings may help physicians and breast cancer survivors as they together make decisions related to postmastectomy reconstructive surgery.

Breast cancer survivors often rate post-treatment breast appearance only 'fair'

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 10:16:16 EDT

A third of breast cancer survivors who received the breast-conserving treatments lumpectomy and radiation rate the appearance of their post-treatment breast as only "fair" or "poor" in comparison to their untreated breast, according to a new study. Additionally, one fifth of patients report complications including chronic pain in their breast or arm and loss of arm or shoulder flexibility following their treatment.

Scarless brain surgery is new option for patients

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 15:54:54 EDT

Surgeons now suggest that transorbital neuroendoscopic surgery (TONES) is a safe and effective option for treating a variety of advanced brain diseases and traumatic injuries. This groundbreaking minimally invasive surgery is performed through the eye socket, thus eliminating the removal of the top of the skull to access the brain.