Strange trends in cosmetic surgery, Dr. Enfry Salas shares his perspective

The decision to undergo aesthetic surgery is a deeply personal one that saw Americans spend over $9 billion on cosmetic surgery last year The Aesthetic Society noted in a statement last month. The top requested and performed procedures included liposuction, breast augmentation and abdominoplasty. Dermal fillers and skin treatments being considered the top nonsurgical procedures performed last year.

 

“There is a trend now of people doing cosmetic procedures on their own,” Dr. Enfry Salas noted. “Products like Hyaluron Pen shoot derma-filler with pressure breaking through the skin. I mean you can even buy fillers and threads on Amazon.” The convenience of these products could overshadow concerns pertaining to hygiene, experience and expertise.

 

Dr. Anthony Youn, known as America’s Holistic Plastic Surgeon, identified a “Beauty Blacklist” which he cautions against. 

Buccal Fat Removal

This procedure reduces the fullness of the cheeks by removing fat from the inside of the mouth. Through the popularity of Instagram this reduction surgery is becoming more widespread. According to Benjamin Paul, a New York-based plastic surgeon, “our selfie culture has people face-tuning and reviewing their facial contours with a fine-tooth comb; and a chiseled look is in.”

 

On the right candidate this surgery can have effective results, but “if someone is already thin in that area it will give them a hollow look,” Dr. David Shafer, a New York-based cosmetic surgeon, pointed out. Removing fat in the cheeks is often a premature decision that does not take into account natural volume loss the aging process brings about.

Non-hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Fillers are used to treat facial wrinkles and some new fillers help to restore volume in focal areas of the face by inducing collagen fibers. Some fillers are biodegradable while others are permanent. With hyaluronic acid fillers the filler can be dissolved with a special liquid in the case of an adverse event or dissatisfaction with the outcome. Synthetic fillers may provide a longer-lasting effect, but the risk of side-effects and even disfigurement is increased. In some cases synthetic fillers may require surgery to remove. 

Lip Implants

Dr. Yoon cautions against lip implants, opting instead for fillers as the better choice. Dr. Enfry Salas echoed this sentiment, “hyaluronic acid fillers have become a very popular treatment at Enfry Clinic, because the effects are immediate and they range from very natural and hydrated to very plump and outlined.”

Due to implants being a foreign object it may cause a skin reaction. Bruising and swelling are common side-effects of a silicone lip implant. 

Textured Breast Implants

Breast implants come in two main categories: textured and smooth. Textured implants are covered by a grained outer shell. The FDA linked breast implants to a very rare form of cancer called anaplastic large-cell lymphoma. This is a rare type of blood cancer that is very serious in nature and not hereditary. Research into the different complications of smooth versus textured breast implants can prove to be a valuable guide for aesthetic surgeons.

Donut Breast Lift

“I think many women get duped thinking they’ll only have a scar around the areola, and initially, this is true, but a few months later because there was so much tension around the areola, things start stretching,” Dr. Yoon pointed out. This procedure results in a flattering appearance instead of lifting the breast. Even though the donut lift requires only one incision, this procedure is not suited for candidates who have large breasts or severe ptosis (drooping). 

 

Stem Cell Breast Augmentation

This procedure uses a woman’s own fat to increase the size of the breasts and has been wrongfully labeled as “stem cell breast augmentation”.  Fat removed by liposuction contains stem cells, but the procedure to augment breasts with fat is known as autologous breast augmentation. As early as 1987 the American Society of Plastic Surgeons noted that fat grafting to the breast might compromise breast cancer surveillance. 

 

Dr. Yoon warns sharply against this practice pointing out that, “it’s never been truly studied or proven to be safe and you’re dealing with an organ that is a leading cause of death for women.”

 

2020 has proven to be a boom year for aesthetic surgery and regardless of what treatment appeals to the potential patient it is important to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Board-certified surgeons can guide the patient to select the right procedure that can be done safely and with good results.