Plastic Surgery Blog

It’s hard to quantify beauty, but that’s precisely what a pair of Australian scientists has done with a new computer program designed to rank a woman’s face on a scale of one to 10. This isn’t the first software devised to measure beauty, but it is the first that attempts to accurately rate it—within a 1.5-point margin of error.

The scientists say the technology has cosmetic applications and can be used to help patients determine whether or not surgery could make them more beautiful. Even so, is beauty something that should be numerically measured?

To compute a woman’s beauty (and why shouldn’t men be judged on appearances too?), the software analyzes facial measurements and proportions and then compares them to images in its database of more than 200 actresses, models, and other “attractive� women around the world.

So essentially, a woman submits her photo and the program spits out a number somewhere between one and 10—but only after measuring her against the beauty elite. The whole process strikes me as strange. Not to mention completely impersonal and superfluous.

Plastic surgeons are, in a sense, artists. Part of their skill is to be able to look at a face and see proportion or lack thereof. Do skilled surgeons really need a software program to tell them where a woman can use a little nip or tuck?

Even more, do women really need this? Don’t we all already have some idea of how attractive we are…or aren’t? Is a number really necessary? As a woman, I know I prefer something a little more personal. I’ll take a compliment over a number any day.

Technorati Tags: perfect 10, cosmetic software

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This is perhaps one of the most important questions you can ask yourself before choosing to undergo plastic surgery. Unfortunately, it’s a question often overlooked, and in some cases, just completely ignored.

While certainly not true of everyone who opts for cosmetic surgery, some people choose to go under the knife for all the wrong reasons—to please a significant other, because they think it will change who they are or the circumstances of their lives, because it’s trendy, etc.

However, cosmetic surgery is not something that should be taken lightly. If you’re considering a cosmetic procedure, you should take a good look at your motivations first. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to determine if you’re really ready for plastic surgery:

• Why am I choosing to change my appearance? Am I doing it for myself or because I feel pressure from someone else?
• What are my expectations? Are they realistic? Do I understand that plastic surgery will not change who I am or the circumstances of my life?
• Am I ready to accept the risks associated with the procedure? Do I understand that the results are permanent and no results are guaranteed?
• Am I in good physical and emotional health?
• Can I afford the surgery? Including the costs associated with recovery time?

Remember: When it comes to plastic surgery, be honest with yourself and your motivations.

Technorati Tags: cosmetic surgery, cosmetic surgery costs, cosmetic surgery risks

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Ever heard of StriVectin-SD? Probably not if you’ve never had to deal with stretch marks—a problem the cream is traditionally used to treat. Nowadays, women and men alike are applying this product to their faces to diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet. But is it better than Botox?

Don’t count on it. Even though StriVectin-SD is being promoted as a kind of miracle anti-wrinkle breakthrough (fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi is even pitching for it), Botox is still the preferred treatment for moderate to severe wrinkles around the brow and eye areas.

If you’re tempted to try it, and it does sound enticing, it’s probably wise to consult with a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon beforehand. It may work best when used in conjunction with some other treatment, that is if it works at all.

Technorati Tags: botox, cosmetic surgeon, Strivectin

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Almost all beauty magazines feature “quick fix� sections—those sections where the writers/editors recommend certain products guaranteed to give you that lift, boost, tan, or whatever it is you may need…quickly. I’ve always wondered about the products featured in these sections. Wrinkle erasers. Collagen boosters. Self-tanners. Hip slimmers. You name it, it’s out there. But do quick fixes really work?

The reason I ask is because I recently came across a section touting tummy tightening quick fixes. Who couldn’t use a bit of tummy tightening, right? The section featured a glorified girdle and firming body wash among several other items. One of the featured slimming secrets cost $85, which may seem reasonable to some people but not to me.

Even though not all quick fixes come with a high price tag, I’m still skeptical as to whether or not they work. Sometimes it’s just difficult to distinguish between good marketing and a good product.

Do people out there try these products, and if so, do they really work? If I were to spend $85 dollars on a skin firming cream, I would want some sort of guarantee. Otherwise, I may as well fork over a few extra dollars and hit the cosmetic surgeon’s office where I’m guaranteed to see results.

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There are always new and exciting things going on in the field of plastic surgery. Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve seen stories on topics ranging from belly button reconstruction and fat grafting to consumer safety and the rise of minimally invasive procedures. Below are just a few of the top plastic surgery headlines to appear in the news recently…

Plastic Surgery Societies Issue Caution on Fat Grafting for Breast Augmentation

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) have announced that fat grafting for breast augmentation is not recommended at this time based on the lack of safety and efficacy data, and amid concerns that the procedure may interfere with accurate detection of cancer.

Drug Store vs. Boutique: How to Choose the Best Skin Care Products

Looking for a quick fix to erase wrinkles, tighten skin, reduce the signs of aging or treat acne could be as easy as a trip down to the local drug store. However, with so many over-the-counter products available, the beauty aisle can be overwhelming.

New Survey Reveals Dramatic Rise in Non-Invasive Procedures In Facial Plastic Surgery

Board certified facial plastic surgeons are meeting Americans’ demands for quicker results and less recovery time, according to a new survey by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS).

Do Your Homework Before Nip/Tuck

Most patients who go under the knife to enhance their assets or turn back the clock are pleased with the results, but many wish they had done more research before the procedure.

Technorati Tags: nip tuck, plastic surgery, facial plastic surgery, skin care products, fat grafting breast augmentation

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