How risky is cosmetic surgery?
WebMD
Every so often, unfortunately, a tragedy, usually involving a celebrity, makes the headlines. In fact, however, a serious complication from cosmetic plastic surgery is statistically very rare. But let's discuss some of the issues that must be understood and taken into account when you are considering cosmetic surgery.More

Additional Courses/Sessions/Social Activities for the 10th International Symposium
AAFPRS
In just a few weeks, the members of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the International Federation of Facial Plastic Surgery Societies will meet in Hollywood, Fla., for an unforgettable educational experience. With four-and-a-half days of panels, instruction courses, focused learning sessions, and paper presentations, the 10th International Symposium of Facial Plastic Surgery promises attendees something to take back to their own practices, from new techniques to state-of-the-art technology.

Shan R. Baker, MD, and Philip J. Miller, MD, co-chairs of the symposium, have planned a spectacular pool party, free and open to all attendees on the premises of the Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa. This memorable evening will take place from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Friday, April 30, 2010, offering guests an open bar and a buffet dinner. The best part of the evening is that our very own AAFPRS member, Jeffrey H. Wachholz, MD, and his band "The Rhythm Cure" will be performing poolside. The six-member musical group has traveled the globe, most recently to Berlin, Munich, and Ireland. "Having befriended facial plastic surgeons on both sides of the Atlantic, I am thrilled we can exchange knowledge at such a prestigious International symposium by day while exchanging some cultural rock and roll by night," says Dr. Wachholz.

Courses and sessions have been added to the already excellent line-up of sessions. By popular demand, an injectable filler workshop is scheduled on Thursday, April 29, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This course will afford the participant an opportunity to view live demonstration injection techniques using neuromodulators (botulinum toxin A), in addition to hyaluronic acid fillers and collagen stimulators (poly-L-Lactic Acid). The demonstrations will be led by John G. Westine, MD, of Delray Beach, Fla., and Julio F. Gallo, MD, of Miami. There will be ample time for discussion and questions are encouraged.

On Wednesday, April 29, 2010, from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., a media breakfast session will be given by the Academy’s new public relations firm, Green Room PR. This seminar will cover the fundamentals needed to deal with the media professionally and productively. The purpose of the seminar is to provide a better understanding of the media landscape and will show participants how to identify potential news opportunities, pitch to the media, and prepare for media interviews.

Don't miss the international panel on Global Views on Women in Facial Plastic Surgery: Opportunities and Challenges in the 21st Century on Friday, April 30, from 2:00 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. Bringing an international perspective to the discussion, the speakers will delve into topics typically not discussed in an open forum.

Finally, a bonus feature for guests and arranged by the AAFPRS is an opportunity to go scuba diving. The dive is open to all attendees and guests who are certified divers. In addition, the Westin Diplomat is extending a 15 percent discount for all spa treatments and golf tee times, adding to the overall many possibilities to discover while in Hollywood for this meeting. We hope to see you in Florida this spring; bring your family, bring your staff. There's plenty of fun to be had.More

Dermatology study identifies genetic key in treatment of female hair loss
Medical News Today
Molecular dermatology research and development innovator HairDX announced the results of a six month pilot study that presents, for the first time, evidence that genetic mechanisms may predict treatment response to Finasteride for postmenopausal female Androgenetic Alopecia (female hair loss).More

Green Room Public Relations wins American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) Public Relations Account
AAFPRS
The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) has awarded Green Room Public Relations a contract to handle all their public relations activities. Green Room PR will seek to elevate awareness of the Academy’s specialty by underscoring the importance of artistic ideals and ethical standards with an emphasis on technique and medical expertise. In late 2009, the AAFPRS issued a request for proposal looking for a firm to manage public relations needs for its 2,800 member group.More

Face value: Why more men are getting Botox
The Globe and Mail
Like many realtors, 60-year-old Toronto agent Sean had a tough 2009, but it wasn't just a recessionary market and skittish buyers that preoccupied him. A couple of decades older than many of the brokers in his circle, he felt that his younger colleagues had developed an edge over him when it came to attracting and keeping clients. To compete with them, however, he didn't send out more pamphlets or bombard computer inboxes with e-blasts. Rather, the veteran broker decided to update a more personal calling card – his face – with regular laser treatments. More

Plastic surgery can turn that frown upside down
The Plastic Surgery Channel
Plastic surgery is not just for those who want to stay forever young. New surgical techniques can help patients suffering from frowning mouth deformity, giving them good reason to smile. More

U.K.: Statutory regulation of Botox 'rejected due to cost'
Telegraph
In the U.K., beauty therapists can continue to administer Botox at parties after ministers refused to introduce statutory regulations of cosmetic injectable drugs due to the cost. Instead of mandatory regulation of the industry, a voluntary register run by the private sector is being set up.More

FDA approves Syneron's anti-wrinkle device
Associated Press
Skin treatment and aesthetic medical device maker Syneron Medical said its heat-based system has received U.S. regulatory approval to be used to smooth facial wrinkles. The company said the Food and Drug Administration cleared the new indication for eMatrix, which uses radio frequencies to resurface the skin. The device allows physicians to monitor the amount of radio energy used throughout the procedure. More

Facial aging similar between mothers and daughters
The Plastic Surgery Channel
Across the world, millions of young women have grown up hearing, "You look just like your mother." Now, they can know what to expect in the years to come, thanks to a new study from Loma Linda University Medical Center. Using computer modeling and 3D cameras to examine the faces of 40 mother-daughter pairs, the Plastic Surgery Research team found that mothers and daughters who look similar also age in a strikingly similar pattern. When measuring the changes in the aging female face, they found that volume loss in the lower eyelid began when women were in their mid-30s and progressed steadily through life. If a mother demonstrated this type of sagging, her daughter was likely to, as well More