While women have been both enlarging and reducing their breast sizes for a while now, men have been slightly less reluctant to pursue breast reduction–until now.  While the increase has been mostly reported in the UK, cosmetic surgeons say that it’s a popular operation in the US as well.

According to NY Daily News, Dr. Robert Cattani, board member of the American Academy of Plastic Surgery, alone reported performing 200-300 breast reductions per year within the last five years. The UK has seen an 80% increase within the last year.

In the US, breast reduction ranks fourth among cosmetic surgeries in men; right behind: nose reshaping, eyelid surgery and liposuction.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Heidi Montag has been under much scrutiny lately after going under the knife for the third time. Her own co-star on the reality series, The Hills, was quoted by CNN saying, “I hope that girls don’t…look at the decisions that Heidi made, and think that’s normal.” Even plastic surgeons themselves are questioning the extent that Heidi went to.

It’s been estimated that Heidi has gone through 30 surgeries, 10 of which were performed in one day. She spent 3 days in a plastic surgery recovery center and almost two months at home according to RealityTVWorld.com. Despite claims that Heidi Montag could be “addicted to plastic surgery,” her own plastic surgeon said that he would never operate on anyone he suspected to have an addiction and that the media is the reason that she’s even being accused of an addiction.

Regardless of whether or not Heidi has an addiction, many feel she went a little overboard with her surgery. Her own excuse is that she’s trying to “remain competitive” in the industry. Who can really blame her?

I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below.

A recent study questions the existence of the so called “G-spot” on women.  Its been a topic of debate for decades. On one side are those who think it’s subjective and all in women’s heads, and then there is the opposing side who claim that its “saved their marriage” or can even be found via ultrasound.

A recent article in the LA Times discusses a study conducted on twins–both identical and nonidentical. The goal of the study was to see if identical twins, who share the same genes, would respond the same when asked about the G-spot. The researchers found that “variation in G-spot frequency” doesn’t have to do with genetics and is likely dependent on individual experiences. Despite the various studies that have been conducted, however, there still remains any conclusive evidence to be found that the G-spot does not exist.

Dr. David Matlock, who’s been seen on Dr. 90210 and is a part of Pearl Recovery Retreat’s preferred network of physicians, is the pioneer of the trademarked procedures, the G-Shot® or G-Spot Amplification. This procedure augments the G-spot, resulting in enhanced sexual arousal and sexual gratification for 87% of normal sexually functioning women.

CLICK HERE to read the full article in the LA Times.

It comes as no surprise that more and more people are opting for cost-effective cosmetic surgery procedures in this economy. Its been estimated that the number of cosmetic surgical procedures in 2009 went down at least 20% since 2008, but the official numbers have yet to be released. Regardless, many still want to undergo cosmetic surgery and thus are opting for procedures such as fillers, peel and laser treatments–all of which are noninvasive.

Plastic and cosmetic surgeons have been acting as consultants to cater to their patients’ demands for low-cost plastic surgery. Some of the more popular procedures primarily focus on the face, such as getting rid of wrinkles, to look younger. Generally speaking though, more and more patients are doing their research and shopping around for cost-effective procedures. However, it can be time consuming as well, which is why some are hiring plastic surgery consultants to help them with their research.

CLICK HERE to read the full article on recent low-cost trends in plastic surgery.

As the founder of Pearl Recovery Retreat, specializing in plastic surgery recovery and body wellness, I have the privilege of working with some of the best plastic surgeons in Los Angeles. I thought I’d take a moment and share some of Pearl’s preferred network of surgeons with you.

Jason B. Diamond, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Dr. Diamond is the rhinoplasty and facial rejuvenation surgeon to the stards. Awarded as Best Facial Plastic Surgeon by his peers and colleagues at the 2008 Aesthetic Show, Dr. Diamond is the facial surgeon of choice for many of his Beverly Hills colleagues and competitors.

Lawrence M. Koplin, M.D., F.A.C.S
Dr. Koplin is known as an innovator in facial and body rejuvenation. Patients seek him out for his approach of multiple “smaller” changes that together create remarkably natural results. These include deep layer facial rejuvenation, lower eyelid and “cheek lift” and fat-transfer procedures for facial wrinkles. His areas of specialization are breast enlargement and reduction, liposuction, body sculpting, rejuvenation of the aging face, neck and eyelids, and surgery of the nose.

Arthur Glosman, D.D.S.
Dr. Glosman offers the highest quality in cosmetic and restorative dentistry in a professional and state-of-the-art office in the heart of Beverly Hills. His facility is a haven for everyone from celebrities needing smile makeovers, to high profile clientele needing full mouth reconstruction to businessmen and women looking to enhance their image and overall look. You can see him on Bravo, Lifetime, TLC and Food Network.

Andrew Ordon, M.D., F.A.C.S.
For over two decades, Andrew P. Ordon, M.D., F.A.C.S. has been an acclaimed surgeon in the area of aesthetic plastic and reconstructive surgery. He is currently Assistant Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery at Dartmouth Medical College, and the UCLA School of Medicine. Dr. Ordon was hand picked by Dr. Phil McGraw to star on CBS’s hit daytime show, The Doctors. Dr. Phil has referred to Dr. Ordon as “the governor of plastic surgery” and “plastic surgeon to the stars”.

Jay Calvert, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Dr. Calvert is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He performs all types of plastic surgery and specializes in aesthetic surgery. He has a special interest in face lifts, rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), and breast augmentation. Dr. Calvert’s vast surgical experience coupled with his extensive plastic surgery training make him well-equipped to serve the complete plastic surgery needs of his patients.

Calvin & Hobbes

As the new year approaches, many of us are taking some time to set some resolutions for ourselves. Some of us will actually achieve them or stick to them and others won’t. Regardless, it’s always important to better oneself while remaining both confident and secure in who you are.

I think some of the best resolutions are ones that are simple to achieve and remind us about the little things in life that can make us happy. The following are a few I came up with:

1. Make time for the people in our lives that matter. In the end, they’re the ones you can count on to get you through anything and make you happy.

2. Eat healthy and exercise. This is a common one and often hard. The goal is to make a self conscious decision to do so and simply try your best. It does not mean that you should punish yourself for eating chocolate or skipping a day at the gym. Don’t beat yourself up!

3. Treat yourself to the occasional spa treatment or a massage.  We can help you pick a great package at SLS Spa. You deserve it!

4. Pick up a new hobby or learn a new craft (i.e. gardening, knitting). My personal favorite is scrapbooking. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve and can share what you’ve learned with your friends and family.

5. Do something you’ve never done before. It doesn’t have to be extreme but getting out of your element can teach you a lot about yourself and just might be one of the best things you’ve never done!

I know these aren’t groundbreaking ideas, but no one said that resolutions have to be. They just need to be something positive that you truly want. Feel free to share some of your own resolution ideas in the comments below and I wish you all a happy and healthy 2010!

On behalf of Pearl Recovery Retreat I would like to take a moment to wish all of our patients and doctors warm holiday wishes. We hope you get lots of rest and get to spend this time with your loved ones. We truly appreciate working with you.

As the end of the year rapidly approaches, everyone is spending time not only reflecting but also looking forward and making some predictions in trends.  The editors of the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery have released their own predictions on what some of the trends in plastic surgery will be for 2010.  You can read more about them in detail by clicking on the link below, but here is a quick overview on what to expect:

• More Botox-like products coming to market
• Cosmetic use of fat injections to the breast
• Perfection of body contouring surgeries
• Fat freezing
• FDA approval of cohesive gel breast implants
• Increased use of lipodissolve
• “Botax” and its potential effects
• Non-invasive body contouring procedures
• Face transplants
• Increase in minimally invasive cosmetic procedures

Phew! That’s a lot to think about and look forward to. CLICK HERE to read more about the trends.

Firstly, I’d like to say how saddened I was to hear that Solange Magnano died as a result of plastic surgery. Many will criticize her for being so shallow as to want a “bum lift” but who are we to judge? Ultimately what happened was a tragic accident, but it does raise some awareness on the potential risks of plastic or cosmetic surgery.

Although very slim, the risks of plastic surgery do exist.  This is particularly why it is wise to always carefully research and plan any procedure you are considering.  The Internet offers a lot of information, of course, but many also opt to hire a plastic surgery consultant who can guide them both before and after the procedure.

In addition to the risks, however, Solange’s passing raises questions regarding the proposed  5% plastic surgery tax.  In other words, with the rise of medical tourism coupled with an increase in patients seeking plastic or cosmetic surgery procedures, the tax could result in more U.S. citizens traveling abroad for their own procedures.  Although many countries offer quality care, there is always a risk involved.

How do you feel about the proposed tax? Do you think it’s fair or should the government be more concerned about keeping its citizens within its own borders?

Unfortunately, the possibility of a botched plastic surgery procedure is a scary reality.  You can research all you’d like and go to a highly recommended surgeon, but still end up walking away dissatisfied. According to Dr. Miriam Stoppard of The Daily Mirror, the following are some steps you can take to remedy the situation:

1. It is possible that the surgeon can fix whatever it is that is making you unhappy free of charge.  If not, you should try to get a refund.

2. Check with the Care Quality Commission. They can revoke the license of any clinic offering surgery, laser or intense pulsed light treatment that’s not registered with them.

3. If you truly feel that the doctor has been negligent then you can consider legal action.

4. If you’re experiencing health related issues from the procedure then you should see your general practitioner.  There is a chance you could get it corrected through your health insurance.