Plastic Surgery Procedures Increase as Trend of "Selfies" Grows

by Andrea L. Algar

We've all seen how the trend of taking "selfies" seems to be out of control. It is now being reported that this growing trend is leading to some pretty unexpected outcomes. Cosmetic surgery is on the rise!

Selfie found on the Internet

The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports that in 2013 Americans spent almost $12 billion on plastic surgery and nonsurgical procedures to enhance their looks. What they didn't report is that procedures such as hand rejuvenation and facial procedures have taken a sudden swing upward. Many are concluding that this is because of the increase in social media and people taking "selfies" which become closely scrutinized.

Certainly the face is important because it is the focus of photos. The hands become important because they're often an unintended object in selfies. People want to put their "best face" forward on social media, whether they prefer Facebook, Linked In, or other sites. But, does it actually change the way we look at ourselves?

Anyone who looks very closely at themselves is apt to find SOMETHING they don't like. Whether it be that their lips are too thin, their nose is too big, or that they lose count on the number of chins they see, our appearance is under much closer observation and assessment. It is now much easier to obsess over perceived inadequacies because we have much more opportunity to see ourselves through others' eyes.

Plastic surgeons are now noticing the change in cosmetic patient coming to their practice for hand and face enhancements...the two areas most noticed in "selfies". Surgical procedures for eyelid surgery and rhinoplasty grew in 2013 at an unexpected rate. And, non-surgical treatments including injections for the face and hands, have grown even more briskly. So much so that it has many industry analysts thinking that minimally invasive procedures will be the next hot trend in plastic surgery.

If the "selfie" trend continues, there's little doubt that men and women of all ages will continue to pay more attention to how they appear to others. Whether it influences more young people to get cosmetic procedures, drives up the number of facial and hand procedures, or even gets more men running for plastic surgery remains to be seen.

What do you feel about "selfies" influence on the way we look at ourselves?

Eyelid Surgeries Can Lead To Temporary Dry Eye Symptoms For Some

by Andrea L. Algar

In my experience, any potential side effects, whether from surgery or a medication, can often be more easily tolerated if you know in advance what the potential complications may be. Not only will it avoid an unpleasant surprise, but you may have the opportunity to identify it quickly and get practical advice on how to handle them.

Eyelid Surgery is known
as blepharoplasty

An article which appeared in the October 15, 2012 Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery addressed the fact that following eyelid surgeries many patients experience "dry eye" symptoms.

Dry eye is definitely an irritating thing to develop. I've had it myself, and not from eyelid surgery. It can be extremely uncomfortable.

Some follow up studies show that as many as one fourth of men and women who have blepharoplasty (eyelid) procedures experience some degree of dry eye following their procedure.

Dry eye symptoms can include:

• stinging or burning of the eye
• scratchy sensation in eye
• a sandy or gritty feeling as if something is in the eye
• feeling like someone is "blowing through a straw" in your eye
• excessive "tearing"
• production of mucus in or around your eyes

Symptoms can range from mild to persistent, but not everyone develops these symptoms and there is no definitive test to determine who will and who will not develop symptoms. That said, it seems that some may be more prone to experiencing dry eye with or without eyelid surgery. Women who are menopausal, just starting hormone replacement therapy or going on birth control for the first time, and men or women who have had difficulty wearing contact lenses may be more at risk.

One of the surprising findings of a study which was performed by a Minnesota facial plastic surgeon on 892 patients over a ten year period, was that dry eye was more common in those patients who had both upper and lower lids done at the same time. It also seemed to indicate that the more aggressive the surgical techniques were, the greater risk of dry eye. Disruption of the "blink", which causes the eye surface to lose some of the lubrication provided by one's blink response, seems to be one of the most probable causes.

The good news is that dry eye is fairly easy to treat. Often, symptoms can be helped with eye drops or ointments. It is not usually an indicator of something bad happening, and should not be cause for alarm. If you develop dry eye following an eyelid lift, make sure you discuss it with your physician at your post-op visit. He/she will be able to help advise you on the best treatment for the type of symptoms you're experiencing.

Eyelid lifts average of $3,000 to $4,000 in the San Antonio area, depending on whether you get two lids or all four lids done. According to the  American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, eyelid lifts were the second most popular type of facial plastic surgery after rhinoplasty (nose jobs) in 2011.  Board Certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Robert Young says, "Eyelid surgery is an excellent way to create a more youthful appearance for men and women at the age where they are starting to notice more wrinkles and loose skin around the eyes. It can shave years off one's appearance. Most patients are extremely happy after their eyelid lift procedures. We've always had women request eyelid lifts as they age, but we've seen a noticeable increase in the number of men wanting eyelid lifts in recent years. It's a relatively easy procedure that produces real results."

Should you be overly concerned about dry eye if you're thinking of an eyelid lift? Probably not. But, it is something to know could develop, and if it does, that there are effective treatments for a problem which is usually very short term.

What do you think? Have you ever considered eyelid lift to refresh your face?

REFERENCE:
Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, October 2012
WebMD - Dry Eyes: Causes and Treatments

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.