A recent story at CNN discusses some incredibly medical advances being made by surgeons in India, Pittsburgh, and other medical centers around the world.  Surgeries  are being performed using the body’s natural openings instead of incisions that leave the patient with unnecessary scars.

Doctors at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center removed a tumor from the brain of a 4 year old boy through his nose instead of the traditional procedure through the face that would’ve left the boy with large scars and growth problems.  Dr. Marc Bessler of New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center led a surgery that detached and removed a woman’s gall bladder through her vagina.

The cosmetic surgery conference, Aesthetic Show, will take place this May 25th through the 27th at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Not familar with this conference?  Their website summarizes:

“THE Aesthetic Show truly defines the next level in aesthetic medical education. This new multidisciplinary meeting is designed to bring new aesthetic procedures, products and technologies together in a intensive and interactive educational format that will provide an unparalleled weekend educational experience. This unique show includes the introduction of the hottest new procedures, advanced educational sessions, live patient workshops, practice management experts taught by a world class faculty of thought leaders and opinion leaders in plastic surgery, cosmetic dermatology and the science of rejuvenation. These educational events will take place in a one of a kind interactive environment that will offer stellar social events at one of the most exciting entertainment locations in Las Vegas. ”

The eyes are one of the first features we see when looking at someone.  The The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has a great article on the various options available to treat the aging look that can plague the eyes of men and women.

There are multiple options available for people looking to improve the appearance of their eyes with varying degrees of pain, difficulty, and cost.  Below are some of the surgical and non-surgical eye treatment options discussed at AJC.

Thermage

A Brazilian man and woman in Massachusetts are being charged in a case of a botched liposuction which resulted in the patients death. An article at WHDH-TV discusses a recent development regarding a move by the woman’s lawyer to have the charges dropped.

Ana Maria Miranda Ribeiro is accused of acting as a nurse for her ex-husband, Luiz Carlos Ribeiro, as he performed the  liposuction surgery on July 30 in the basement of a Framingham condominium. The 24 year old patient, Fabiola DePaula,  died of complications from the cosmetic procedure.  Luiz Ribeiro was licensed to practice medicine in Brazil, but not in the United States.  He is accused of performing surgery without a medical license, while Ana Maria is accused of assisting him during the surgery and administering drugs used in the procedure.  Ana and Luiz were both indicted on manslaughter and drug counts.

Cosmeticsurgeryanswers.co.uk ran a story recently discussing the growing popularity of patients requesting features or looks from Angelina Jolie.

Professor Professor Ava Shamban, a cosmetic dermatologist, told a gathering of 400 Australian specialists that demand for this exotic look is here to stay.   Angelina Jolie’s look features exagerated, almost cartoonish lips, eyes, and cheek bones that give her a distinct appearance.  Michael Zacharia, the President of the Australian College of Cosmetic Surgery, has commented that these requests for Jolie’s features were becoming increasingly frequent among cosmetic surgery patients.  “It’s common to hear people say ‘I want lips or cheekbones like Angelina Jolie’s’, and her association with Brad Pitt has just accentuated this,” Dr Zacharia said.

Dr. Anthony Youn, a nationally-recognized, board certified plastic surgeon, recently reported that the troubled pop-singer Britney Spears is planning on spending $130,000 on various cosmetic surgeries to get her back her young figure back.

Star Magazine, a tabloid, says Britney Spears will get 12 lipodissolve treatments (a liposuction alternative), a breast lift, a lower-body lift for her thighs and buttocks, liposuction to get excess fat off her stomach and love handles as well as a brachioplasty, or arm lift, to tighten up flab on her arms.

The actress Kate Beckinsale is attempting to instill some values in her daughter at a young age. According to the Postchronicle.com Kate has been teaching her daughter that cosmetic surgery turns people into “monsters” as play ’spot who’s had Botox’ on the streets of Los Angeles.

Mrs. Beckinsale told US Glamour magazine: “This is what’s sick about living in Los Angeles. My eight-year-old daughter will point to a woman and say, ‘Look! That woman’s had too much Botox.’ “She spots them because they all look a bit like Lord Voldemort from ‘Harry Potter’. ”

I just finished reading an article at Cnn.com entitled “‘I’m sorry,’ hard for doctors to say“. It was an interesting article regarding medical malpractice with a focus on cosmetic surgery and the effect it has on patient-doctor relationships.

You’re considering having cosmetic surgery. It’s a difficult choice for you to make, but after speaking with some friends you decide to move forward with the procedure and choose a cosmetic surgeon that you feel comfortable with. He or She seems like a good person and they may even have strong referrals and great before & after photos to show you.

Can I breast feed after my breast augmentation?

Alot of women are concerned and there are many myths. The answer to this ever important question is, yes, absolutely! It is possible with a peri-areolar technique that the milk ducts may be blocked, but this can be resolved surgically.

Will my implants feel like natural breasts?

Plasticized.com reports of a new Titanium Mesh bra developed by Ziya Saylan, a Turkish physician.  The mesh bra is inserted under the skin to create a sling that then suspends a droopy breast. The titanium mesh is anchored to the ribs and pectoral muscles.

According to Dr. Saylan’s website, “An internal support will maintain an ideal postoperative breast shape and anterior projection which also permits a long lasting support and projection of the breast by counteracting gravity….The effect is claimed to be instant, youthful-looking breasts with invisible lift.”