Are Stem Cells the Future of Plastic Surgery?

Much has been made over the past several years regarding the healing potential of stem cells. This has not been without some controversy, and that controversy has been related to the use of embryonic stem cells. The harvest of these cells results in the destruction of an embryo and thus have not been used in clinical applications. Fortunately, another source of stem cells exist in the adult. Stem cells can be taken from the bone marrow as well as another recently discovered source - fat!  Liposuction is a particularly good means to acquire adult derived stem cells, and you get the simultaneous benefit of improving your body contour as we acquire the tissues needed to process.

The Skinny on Fat

The latest rage in Plastic Surgery is fat transfer or fat grafting. Fat transfer to your butt, breasts, face and lips – really wherever you need volume. Fat has a number of advantages to its use. Firstly, the fact that it is harvested via liposuction techniques allows you to rid yourself of unwanted fat in certain areas in your body. There is no risk of rejection as it’s your tissue and it’s free – well at least the fat is, getting it is a labor-intensive process. As we age, we lose volume, and many patients are born with deficiencies where they could use more oomph.

Heidi Montag Regrets Her Plastic Surgery

In a recent interview with Life and Style magazine, Heidi Montag claims "This is not what I signed up for, parts of my body definitely look worse than they did presurgery." Among her complaints on the one year anniversary of her shocking procedures are unsightly scars including a two-inch raised blemish from her chin reduction, a jagged line behind her ears, two "caterpillar-size" bald spots from her brow lift, breasts that are not symmetrical, scars on her nipples and a bright red mark inside her nostril. "People have fewer scars from car accidents than I have on my body," Montag laments to the mag.

How Did Cyndi Lauper Look So Good at the Grammys?

In a recent post by the London Daily Mail the following was said about 80s rocker Cyndi Lauper: "She might have undergone an abrasive beauty treatment in an attempt to turn back the clock.
But clearly something is working for Cyndi Lauper who looked much younger than her 57 years as she rocked the Grammys last night.

Do Breast Implants Cause Lymphoma?

In a recent publication, the FDA indicated that there is a small risk between breast implants and a rare form of blood cancer. The type of cancer is called anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) which is a form of non-Hodgkins lymphoma, a cancer of the T-cell lymphoctyes cells in the blood. 

The most important aspect of this recent FDA announcement is relating to the personal risk to each patient who has undergone a breast augmentation.  Fortunately, the risk is very small.  Only 50 cases have been reported (some may be duplicates) in the estimated 5-10 million breast augmentations that have been employed worldwide. That puts an individuals risk at 0.0012-0.0006 percent.  Keep in mind that 1 in every 7 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer alone.  That is a 14% chance that can be as high as 50% in certain women with higher genetic risk factors or positive family history. 

Leann Rimes - A Recent Example of the Divorce Makeover

Its safe to say that country singer Leann Rimes is looking a bit curvier these days.  She is my first recent example of the divorce makeover phenomenon.  After her recent public divorce and then hook up with actor Eddie Cibrian, it seems she has added some strategically placed curves.   Leann is a beautiful woman and a perfect candidate for a breast augmentation in that she is in good shape with little excess body fat - and unlikely to develop additional breast tissue unless she put on weight.  She now shows a rounder, fuller breast shape with the characteristic "upper pole" fullness on her breasts. Very few women naturally achieve this phenomenon without implants.

The Divorce Makeover - A New Start for a New You

Divorce rates in the United States are higher than any other developed country in the world. Statistics suggest that nearly half of all marriages will result in divorce. According to life-stress scales, divorce only trails the death of a spouse as the most traumatic time in a person’s life. (Holmes TH, 1967) Nearly 67% of second marriages and 75% of third marriages will end in dissolution, making divorce nearly epidemic in modern society.

Christina Aguilera and Breast Augmentation?

In a recent article from the Daily Mail (a UK publication), at a public appearance by the Grammy award winning singer Christina Aguilera, there was some evidence of a scar in her axilla or arm pit area.

Dr. Marin Discusses Buttock Augmentation on Fox 5 San Diego

Dr. Marin Discusses Crazy Plastic Surgery Procedures with Ali The Bachelorette on Fox 5 San Diego

Janice Dickinson Doesn't Regret Her Head to Toe Plastic Surgery

In a recent special by ABC news, the Hollywood addiction to plastic surgery was explored.  Self proclaimed "addict" Janice Dickinson was quoted in Celebrity Plastic Surgery: Gone Too Far, the 55-year-old admits she has undergone procedures such as a boob job, a tummy tuck, collagen implants and 'plenty' of botox injections.  But she insists she is not addicted to plastic surgery - and defends her love for it. 'Surgery is good for you,' the former model said.  'I've done just about as much as every other actress and model out there. 'I'm just willing to talk about it. Trust me, I'm not going to name any names but they know who they are.'

Heidi Montag Blames Her Plastic Surgeon for Excessive Surgery

In a recent story from Radar online (click here), Heidi was quoted "I definitely think I should have been way more informed," Montag said. "I think that doctors should really walk you through all aspects of it, not just the glamorous side of it. Doctors, it's like they're selling you cookies or something.”

Botox parties by unlicensed providers is on the rise in this struggling economy, be careful where you get your fix! http://ping.fm/bbtDm

Answers to Real Patient questions by Board Certified San Diego Plastic Surgeon Dr. Vincent Marin - http://ping.fm/rAIua

Thank you to all the veterans and active military who risk their lives every day to keep us safe! http://wapo.st/b7SpYP