FDA Warns That Most Online Pharmacies Are Fake

Medscape News came out with a disturbing report this past October with medical news that "fake online pharmacies are an emerging health threat, the FDA warns," reads the article intro by Daniel J. DeNoon.


Beware of Fake Online Pharmacies
warns FDA


The FDA cites a recent study by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy which found that an astounding 97% of the U.S. online pharmacies "violated state or federal laws and/or NABP safety and practice standards." The FDA has immediately acted to warn consumers.

"Buying medicines from rogue online pharmacies can be risky because they make sell fake, expired, contaminated, not approved by FDA, or otherwise unsafe products that are dangerous to patients," FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg, MD, said.

The findings showed that many of the on-line pharmacies claiming to be U.S. companies are not. NABP has investigated many of their websites and have shut down many, but others are quickly put in place to replace them.

And, it's said that the sites look legitimate. At about this same time, our Day Spa technician came to me with another story from a patient who claimed to have been able to buy the ViPeel on-line. This peel, along with other prescription skin care products, are sold only to physicians for resale through their offices. It is illegal for people to sell them on the internet. Dr. Robert N. Young states, "Over the years, we've received more and more reports from my patients who have seen these illegal sites selling medical grade and/or prescription items illegally over the internet."

It is scary to think that people would risk their health obtaining items online that may or may not be the real thing. We urge caution in obtaining items you know usually require a prescription or that are sold exclusively through physician offices.

Many Choices Are Available For Women Who Want Bigger Breasts

There's no doubt that breast augmentation is certainly one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries. More and more women are electing to have this surgery in order to enhance their breasts, making them larger and fuller, correcting asymmetry (one breast larger than the other, or not lined up evenly on the chest), or even correcting congenital defects such as tubular breasts.



Breast Augmentation Can Make Breasts Bigger, Improve Shape and Correct Uneven Breasts

What is such good news is the number of options available for women of all ages. In our San Antonio surgical center, Dr. Robert Young has performed thousands of breast augmentation procedures with both saline and silicone breast implants. So many, in fact, that he is widely referred to as the "breast doctor" of San Antonio! Over the years, he has seen many changes in the implants themselves, as well as the methods used for insertion and placement of the implants. He was an early pioneer of minimal incision techniques which included armpit incisions that were much smaller than earlier methods.
With the introduction of silicone implants and the subsequent ten year ban, Dr. Young became one of a small group selected by Mentor to perform closely monitored clinical trials of the silicone implants in order to study their safety. Once the FDA found that silicone implants passed the rigorous standards for safety, silicone implants evolved into those that contained cohesive gel silicone which tended to stay together, decreasing the chances for migration into the body if there were rupture. The next generation of even more cohesive implants, referred to as "gummy bear" implants make the selection even greater.

Each type of breast implant, whether saline or silicone, usually has many choices of shape (round or anatomical), as well as width and projection. These options afford a women choices that will address almost any body type or size desired.

And, in addition to the implants themselves, there have been several different methods of insertion used over the years. From large incisions made under the breast, to areola (around the nipple) incisions and endoscopic transaxillary (under arm) entry points. Some physicians have explored other areas such as through the belly button (TUBA or transumbilical breast augmentation) and even performing breast augmentations where the patient is under twilight anesthesia (awake sedation).

The incision methods most preferred by Dr. Young is the underarm or areola because he feels it gives his patients the best result. Scars are minimal and located so that after appropriate healing time, they are usually not very noticeable. Although the TUBA technique can be more problematic (harder to place the implants in order to achieve good symmetry and placement), and more prone to revisional surgery, Dr. Young will review all of your options and help you make an informed decision on what is best for you.


Breast Augmentation surgery has evolved into one of the most popular procedures with an excellent record for safety and patient satisfaction. Dr. Young is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years experience helping the women of San Antonio achieve the breast enhancement they desire. Visit Dr. Robert Young at his San Antonio office and AAAASF accredited outpatient surgery center for a private consultation regarding your breast augmentation surgery.

Cosmetic Procedures Grow Worldwide With Differing Favorites

Reports out of Paris by IMCAS show that the European market for cosmetic procedures is continuing to grow, and is expecting at least another 10% increase this year. Breast Augmentation and liposuction continue to be the top surgical procedures, while anti-wrinkle injections and laser treatments are strongest for non-invasive options.


Cosmetic Surgery Popularity Soars


Asia, too, reports strong growth, with demands highest in eyelid surgery and nose surgery. Growth estimates are upwards of 14% for these procedures, perhaps setting the pace for the region of strongest growth in cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures.

In the United States, growth continues despite the sluggish economic recovery. Some speculate that the continued interest in cosmetic procedures is lead by the need to remain competitive in today's tough job market. Whatever the reason, it certainly appears that cosmetic plastic surgery is no longer considered a taboo topic. We've noticed that more and more patients are openly discussing their surgeries with friends, family and acquaintances, and that it's being talked about as a positive, enhancing life experience.

If your're considering a cosmetic procedure, we encourage you to seek out services from a qualified professional who is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery. For more information on what Board Certification means, visit The American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Medical Specialties.

ABOUT DR. YOUNG

Robert N. Young, MD, FACS - View Dr. Young's Credentials
Dr. Young is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with an active practice and Surgical Center in San Antonio, Texas. He has over 30 years experience in plastic surgery, with a specialty in Breast Enhancement surgeries.

New Reality Makeover Show to Feature Celebrities Having Plastic Surgery

A controversial 2004 reality television show "The Swan" will be making a comeback on Fox later this year in the form of a reality show called "Celebrity Swan". This two hour special will feature plastic surgery procedures on former stars who are hoping to make career comebacks. A reinvention as it were. And there are many out there who want to see the transformations unfold.

Among those celebrities being considered are Erin Moran of Happy Days fame, and former White House Intern Monica Lowinsky of President Clinton fame. Although there is no news of what types of roles they are hoping to land following their procedures, or in fact what cosmetic procedures they will be having, it is sure to draw interest.

Dr. Robert Young is a Board Certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years experience in San Antonio, Texas. He performs a variety of procedures and feels that cosmetic plastic surgery continues to gain in popularity among men and women of all ages. While breast augmentation continues to be a top choice for women, (along with liposuction and tummy tuck), eyelid lifts and facial surgeries are gaining popularity as more men and women feel they need to look their best to remain competitive in today's tight job market. Surgery procedures for men are growing at a very fast pace, with eyelid lift, liposuction and gynecomastia (male breast reduction) surgeries leading the way as the most popular.

In addition to surgical procedures, which are performed in his own Outpatient Surgery Center, Dr. Young states that non-invasive procedures such as Botox and facial fillers are requested more frequently, and he has seen a jump in requests by men in the last year.