The Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery® recently revealed their predictions for plastic surgery in 2010. I’m going to share some of their predictions here and weigh-in on some of the hotter topics. I’ll also give you some resources if you want to learn more.
1) More BOTOX® Cosmetic alternatives will become available.
As most of you know, BOTOX has been used for a long time in a variety of uses, including the cosmetic enhancement of dynamic wrinkles. In 2009, an alternative called DYSPORT® emerged on the scene. The Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery predicts that both a topical form of the treatment and a few cousins (such as PurTox) will gain FDA approval.
Learn more about DYSPORT from my Las Vegas plastic surgery Web site.
2) Fat injections will be used for breast augmentation.
Although I try to stay on the leading edge of breast augmentation methods, I’m skeptical of this development. The Consumer Guide admits that there are “some kinks” to work out, but I believe that’s putting it too mildly. There may be some use for fat transfer if only small amounts are necessary, but it is not currently suitable for larger-scale augmentation. As it stands now, injected fat can die, change position, or get reabsorbed by your body. It’s definitely not something I recommend for my patients at the moment.
Learn more about fat injection for breast augmentation from Dr. John Sampson on his blog post.
3) Surgeons will “invent” and “perfect” body contouring procedures for post weight loss patients.
Wait a minute – we’ve already developed highly effective methods of slimming and tightening the post bariatric shape. Apparently the Consumer Guide is referring to “corset trunkplasty,” a new procedure to target fat above the belly button, an area that the Consumer Guide claims has been ignored. However, an incision around the belly button can be and often is added during a tummy tuck to address the upper abdomen. A body lift might do the trick as well.
4) Fat freezing will prove an effective method for reducing unwanted fat.
Now this is exciting. Keep in mind, liposuction can be an excellent way to remove unwanted fat. However, this new method could provide yet another good option for some patients. Currently in clinical trials for fat removal, Zeltiq™ Cryolipolysis™ is FDA-approved only for skin cooling during dermatologic treatments. However, early indications are that the Zeltiq technology just might be the next big thing in fat removal.
Learn more about Zeltiq at www.zeltiq.com.
5) “Gummy Bear” breast implants will gain FDA-approval.
“Gummy Bear” breast implants are leak resistant and made with cohesive silicone. If the implants should rupture, the silicone inside won’t leak into surrounding tissue. They’re currently being studied in the United States. Approval of and the use of gummy bear breast implants could improve the safety and results of breast augmentation.
What types of cosmetic treatments would you want to see become available in 2010 and beyond? Post your “wish list” here and let’s see what’s on most people’s minds.
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March 30th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
I agree with point number 4 but I think they were referring to a new comprehensive body contouring procedure that not only address the lower trunk (such as a body lift) but the often neglected mid-trunk (upper abdomen & lower chest). More information can be found at http://www.corsettrunkplasty.com)
March 31st, 2010 at 3:34 pm
You make a good point about the mid-body area often being overlooked, and while there are other techniques to address fat and skin in this area, the corset trunkplasty procedure is indeed an innovation. It’ll be interesting to see how well the procedure catches on with post-bariatric surgeons in the coming year.