Survey Shows Plastic Surgeons Are Satisfied in Their Careers

July 30th, 2010 by newseditor

A new article appearing in the upcoming Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal looks at a survey of career satisfaction among plastic surgeons.

Authors of a previous study found a link between high quality care and the doctor’s satisfaction in his or her job.  Knowing these statistics on plastic surgeons can therefore give us a general picture of the “health” of this profession in America and how it might affect the care you receive.

A questionnaire was mailed to 708 doctors who are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, half of them male and the other half female.  The inquiry posed several questions about career satisfaction such as:

  • Was a career in plastic surgery the right choice?
  • Would you choose this career again if you had to do it over again?

Other questions inquired about income, switching specialties and retiring early.  The results are very positive, i.e. it appears that plastic surgery is a generally satisfying career in the United States.  93 percent of respondents said it was the right career choice and 78 percent said they would make the choice again if they had to.  Only a small percentage said they regretted the choice to become a plastic surgeon.

The most interesting outcomes of the survey were 1) the data regarding differences in satisfaction between surgeons who are “intellectually isolated” and those who are actively involved with their colleagues, and 2) the difference in satisfaction between surgeons who are focused primarily on reconstructive surgery and those who “balanced” their focus between reconstructive and cosmetic operations.

The study is published online ahead of print and you can access it through the journal’s website.

Source

Satisfaction with Career Choice among U.S. Plastic Surgeons: Results from a National Survey.   Streu, Rachel; Hawley, Sarah; Gay, Ashley; Salem, Barbara; Abrahamse, Paul; Alderman, Amy K . Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.

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Body Dysmorphic Disorder Among Cosmetic Surgery Patients: A German Study

July 26th, 2010 by newseditor

Plastic surgeons frequently screen patients based on psychological criteria, checking for symptoms of a psychiatric disorder called body dysmorphic disorder, or BDD.  Characterized by abnormal preoccupation with self-perceived appearance defects, BDD can be a distressing condition and contraindication for cosmetic procedures.

A recent study published in Psychiatry Research provides the most recent update on the prevalence of BDD, examining the population demographics that are most affected and the tendency of those affected to seek cosmetic surgery.  2,510 German people were analyzed in the research study, and 45 of them were showed symptoms of BDD.  Symptoms (or inclusion criteria) included the following:

  • Preoccupation with an imagined defect in appearance
  • Concern is markedly excessive
  • Causes clinically significant distress / impairment in function

Of those 45 people experiencing the above symptoms, 7 of them had undergone cosmetic surgery.

As a general rule, cosmetic surgeons do not operate on patients who have this disorder — for many reasons, including the high chance for the patient to be dissatisfied with the results.  However, patients do not always report symptoms of BDD to their cosmetic surgeon.  They may be embarrassed about it or they may be unaware that such behavior (preoccupation with a perceived appearance defect) is abnormal.  Subjects in the study showed an intense, frequent preoccupation and dislike of body parts such as the ears, nose, stomach, hips, buttocks, skin and breasts.

The disorder poses a significant threat to one’s health.  Aside from being a general hindrance, BDD is linked to increased thoughts about suicide and suicide attempts.  Therefore, as authors of the study suggest, awareness of body dysmorphic disorder should continue to increase and careful screening by healthcare providers should be initiated to help people suffering from it.  A disorder like BDD also reinforces the need for cosmetic surgery patients to be completely open and honest about their reasons for seeking surgery and their medical history.

You can access this study, “Updates on the prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder: A population-based survey” through Elsevier Journals or Science Direct.

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Good Looks Offer Key Advantages in the Workplace

July 23rd, 2010 by newseditor

Newsweek.com just published The Beauty Advantage, a special report that explores America’s pursuit of good looks and the advantages that attractive men and women have in the workplace and in other areas of life.

Although we may try to judge people purely on their personality, character, or competence in the workplace, there are other biases at work, the report suggests. “Looking good is no longer something we can ignore or dismiss as frivolous or vain,” argues reporter Jessica Bennet.

If society were not biased in favor of attractive people, would these statistics be true?

  • “A good-looking man will make some $250,000 more than his least-attractive counterpart, according to economist Daniel Hamermesh.”
  • “Fifty-seven percent of hiring managers told Newsweek that qualified but unattractive candidates are likely to have a harder time landing a job.”
  • “More than half of those hiring managers advised spending as much time and money on “making sure they look attractive” as on perfecting a résumé.”

Lots of surprising statistics are cited throughout the report, but what’s more interesting are the biological and psychological explanations for the beauty advantage.  Is our bias an appreciation of the Platonic ideal form?  Are we unconsciously surrounding ourselves with attractive people in order to produce healthy offspring?  It’s unlikely that a single answer can satisfy our curiosity on this topic.

For many people in our generation, it comes down to an individual choice: how far will you go in your pursuit of beauty?  In the continuum of choices you can make to change your appearance, it’s not always clear where to draw the line.  Many people are quite satisfied with little more than a stylish wardrobe or haircut, but not every person begins their pursuit with the same beauty advantage.

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Production and Use of Collagen Dermal Fillers to Decrease

July 12th, 2010 by Copyeditor

The use of collagen-based dermal fillers has noticeably dropped off in recent years—and it shows in the announcements by two leading makers, Allergan and Johnson & Johnson, that they will stop producing their respective collagen products (the human-derived CosmoDerm and CosmoPlast, the bovine Zyderm and Zyplast for Allergan; the porcine Evolence for Johnson & Johnson).

For a long time, collagen was the dermal filler of choice for plastic surgeons and dermatologists. Considering donor tissue origins, however, it is understandable that questions might arise with the use of collagen. Plus, collagen-based fillers require skin allergy testing and are relatively short-lived compared to the newer generation of fillers.

As in many markets, demand and money drive the evolution of new products, and dermal fillers are no exception. The popularity of non-animal hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers (known as replacement fillers because they replace lost volume) and PLLA and PMMA fillers (known as stimulatory fillers because they stimulate collagen and fibroblast production) has been strong in the recent past. Restylane, Radiesse, Perlane, Juvéderm, and Sculptra currently dominate the US market. Dermatologists report these hypoallergenic HA, PMMA, and PLLA fillers as being more versatile, longer-lasting, bulkier, and better for deep-volume filling than collagen.

But what about fine and thin line use, such as for foreheads or smokers lines around the mouth? Collagen was usually considered better for those applications. But Restylane Fine Lines is one HA product that makers hope to take over what used to be collagen territory.

What will the world of dermal fillers look like in the future? It’s difficult to say but change is definitely underway. Although fillers that indirectly stimulate fibroblast production are holding sway, direct injection of fibroblasts with Human Dermal Fibroblasts (HDFs) may be a trend. UK dermatologists are currently testing Valveta, a filler derived from the foreskins of male babies that is reputed to repopulate skin with healthy young cells and be long-lasting, if not permanent.

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Nurses Urge More Comprehensive Information About Breast Surgery Recovery

June 28th, 2010 by newseditor

The information patients receive about recovering from breast surgery is “fragmented, incomplete, or lacking,” says a new article published in the latest issue of Plastic Surgical Nursing.

With all of the sources for patients to reference, some are still lacking important information before they undergo breast surgery. By analyzing interviews with 48 patients, the authors of this article sought to uncover what is missing and report on the informational needs of women who undergo breast reconstruction, breast reduction, and breast augmentation.

They found 2 predominant themes among breast surgery patients: unexpected outcomes and helpful/unhelpful information.  Both themes have some clinical implication for plastic surgeons performing breast surgery – namely, “the need for more comprehensive education to better prepare women undergoing breast surgery and to help create more realistic expectations.”

Most patients in the study reported a positive outcome and high satisfaction with their surgeries, but most of them also experienced an unexpected event. Swelling, numbness, discomfort, sensations in the skin, and a “just plain weird feeling and uncomfortableness” were reported by patients in the study group.  Had these patients received more complete information before surgery, they would have been psychologically prepared for these events, the authors suggest.

Patients in the study also named the most helpful information sources that prepared them for breast surgery:

  • The surgeon’s before and after photos
  • Stories about the experiences of other women
  • Online forums

These sources are readily available online, but you should still seek a plastic surgeon who is willing to provide comprehensive information about breast surgery and what to expect during recovery.

You can read the article “Not What I Expected: Informational Needs of Women Undergoing Breast Surgery” through PubMed.gov or journal, Plastic Surgical Nursing.

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Latisse Wishes Challenge Campaign Begins June 15

June 16th, 2010 by newseditor

Allergan just announced a new Latisse promotion to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. In the Latisse Wishes Challenge, they’re asking people to donate $20 or more to the Make-A-Wish foundation in exchange for a Latisse free trial certificate.

Only the first 10,000 people who donate will receive the Latisse free trial certificate. You may remember last year’s campaign led by Brooke Shields. This year, the campaign is led by lifestyle designer Kathy Ireland, professional ballroom dancer Chelsie Hightower and style guide Bobbie Thomas. Watch the video to learn more about the campaign and see important product information about Latisse.

“With approximately 1.5 million bottles sold since launching the product a little more than a year ago, LATISSE is giving back by helping the Make-A-Wish Foundation grant the wishes of children. Through the campaign, we will double each individual’s donation, with a maximum donation of $250,000, through October 31,” said Robert Grant, President of Allergan Medical, a division of Allergan, Inc.

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How Plastic Surgeons Define, Measure and Correct Breast Ptosis

June 14th, 2010 by newseditor

Breast ptosis (pronounced “toe-sis”) is a condition characterized by drooping breasts with loose, stretched skin.  The skin on a woman’s breasts is primarily responsible for maintaining their position.  When the skin becomes stretched or loses its elastic properties, the breasts will gradually descend and sag.

Studying the causes of breast ptosis

In general, the cause of breast droop is a combination of factors including breast size, aging, and gravity.  Large breasts are gradually pulled downward by gravity.  As your skin becomes thinner and less elastic with age, it stretches and becomes less able to maintain a youthful breast position.

A recent study in Annals of Plastic Surgery sheds some light on the factors that contribute to breast ptosis.  Surgeons who conducted the study found that age, significant weight loss, higher BMI, larger bra cup size, number of pregnancies, and smoking were found to be significant risk factors for breast ptosis.  Interestingly, “breast-feeding, weight gain during pregnancy, and lack of participation in regular upper body exercise were not found to be significant risk factors.”

Evaluating Breast Ptosis

A common way to measure breast ptosis is the Regnault classification, which is as follows in simplified form:

1. Pseudoptosis – the nipple falls above the fold, but the breast is hypoplastic and hangs below the breast crease.

2. Glandular Ptosis – the nipple is above the fold, but the breast hangs below the crease.

3. Minor Ptosis – the nipple is level with the breast crease.

4. Moderate Ptosis – the nipple is below the breast crease, but above the lower breast contour.

5. Severe Ptosis: the nipple is below the breast crease and below the lower breast contour.

Correcting Breast Ptosis

Using the classification system above, a surgeon can recommend the right procedure to correct breast ptosis.  Surgery to correct minor ptosis may be quite different from the procedure to correct a severe case of ptosis.  The usual procedure of choice is breast lift surgery / mastopexy.

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Psychological Studies of Waist-Hip Ratio and the Brazilian Butt Lift

June 7th, 2010 by newseditor

The Waist-Hip ratio (WHR) is an objective measurement of fat distribution in the lower body.  In past studies of WHR, doctors examined its correlations with reproductive age, fertility, health, and perceptions of female attractiveness.

A study from 2009 (recently published online) examines this latter category by analyzing pre and post-operative photographs from patients who underwent liposuction and fat transplantation into the buttocks – a procedure known as the Brazilian Butt Lift.

To analyze perceptions of female attractiveness, male and female subjects from four different geographical areas (or societies) were asked to complete a questionnaire referencing 20 before and after photos of patients who had undergone enhancement with the Brazilian Butt Lift.  In all post-operative photographs, patients showed a reduced Waist-to-Hip ratio without a significant change in body mass index.

“All four populations tested judged postoperative photographs to be significantly more attractive,” wrote authors of the study.  What’s interesting about these results is not simply that post-operative photographs were judged as more attractive; it’s the cross-cultural element, which lends objectiveness to the entire process.  A similar preference for low Waist-Hip ratio was demonstrated, regardless of the ethnic and socioeconomic differences present in the study participants.

You can read this study, “Cross-cultural consensus for waist-hip ratio and women’s attractiveness” through sciencedirect.com

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Surgeons Measure Success of Sutures Used in Ear Surgery

June 1st, 2010 by newseditor

Otoplasty, also known as “ear pinning surgery” corrects abnormal ear protrusion, often on children.  The surgeon will generally perform an incision behind the ear, reshape the ear cartilage, and place a suture to maintain the new ear position.

Doctors in Lithuania recently studied the success rate of different suture types used in Otoplasty.  A 3-year study was conducted with 100 patients, who were divided into these groups based on the suture materials chosen:

  • PDS
  • Monocryl
  • Mersilene

Patients (48 men and 52 women) had a median age of 20 years.  After analyzing the data for each group, the doctors found that 3 patients in the PDS group and 3 patients in the Monocryl group had unsatisfactory aesthetic outcomes requiring revision surgery.  Patients in the Mersilene suture group had the lowest rate of recurrence.

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Researchers Analyze Motivating Factors for Procedures

May 24th, 2010 by newseditor

In the latest issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, you can read a study about the factors that predict interest in specific plastic surgery procedures, based on a survey conducted on 3500 women (over 1800 respondents) in Norway.

According to authors of the study, there are physical, social and psychological factors can predict interest in breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, liposuction, and abdominoplasty.

Respondents who were interested in rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, and liposuction were motivated by “complex psychological factors.”   Researchers found correlations with lifestyle factors such as divorce, history of teasing, education, self-image, body dysmorphic disorder, and the so-called Big-Five personality traits.

Survey questions about tummy tuck surgery revealed some unique findings.  Most participants who were interested in the procedure were interested in it exclusively. Having children and having a desire to repair the bodily changes occurring after childbirth were consistently correlated with interest for a tummy tuck.

Read more in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal

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