Dr. James Barber – Cosmetic Surgery Blog
April 17th, 2012
From the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS):
NEW YORK, NY (March 20, 2012) – The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) today released their 15th annual multi-specialty procedural statistics. The Aesthetic Society, which has collected plastic surgery procedural statistics since 1997, says the overall number of cosmetic procedures has increased 197 percent since the tracking of the statistics first began. Almost 9.2 million cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures were performed in the United States in 2011. The most frequently performed surgical procedure was lipoplasty (liposuction) and the most popular nonsurgical procedure was injections of Botulinum Toxin Type A (including Botox and Dysport).
“For fifteen years these statistics have been a large part of the Aesthetic Society’s public education mission,” said Jeffrey M. Kenkel, MD, President of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. “Since 1997, the interest in and demand for cosmetic plastic surgery has risen exponentially and our comprehensive statistics continue to show that.”
Cosmetic surgical procedures increased almost 1 percent in the past year, with over 1.6 million procedures in 2011. Surgical procedures accounted for 18% of the total numbers of procedure performed representing 63% of total expenditures. The top five surgical procedures were:
Cosmetic minimally-invasive procedures performed one of the surveyed physicians decreased almost 2 percent, with over 7.5 million procedures in 2011. Nonsurgical procedures accounted for 82% of the total number of procedures performed representing 37% of total expenditures. The top five minimally-invasive procedures were:
- Botulinum Toxin Type A (2,619,739 procedures)
- Hyaluronic acid(1,206,186 procedures);
- Laser Hair Removal(919,802 procedures)
- Microdermabrasion (499,427 procedures)
- IPL Laser Treatment (439,161 procedures)
For the first time ever this survey asked the doctors for the total number of non-surgical procedures being performed in their practices by BOTH physicians and their physician assistants and nurse injectors. Below is the TOTAL number of procedures performed in the practices surveyed:
- Botulinum Toxin Type A: 4,030,318
- Hyaluronic Acid: 1,662,480
- Laser Hair Removal: 1,452,880
- Microdermabrasion: 794,357
- IPL Laser Treatment: 726,125
“Growth in demand will likely coninue to grow as baby boomers and their offspring begin to explore surgical options,” said Dr. Kenkel. “Minimally-invasive procedures such as Botox and soft tissue fillers work to a point. However, as you age and gravity takes over, surgical procedures that lift the skin and reshape the underlying tissues are necessary in order to show significant improvement.”
Women had almost 8.4 million cosmetic procedures, 91% of the total. The number of cosmetic procedures for women increased over 208% from 1997. The top five surgical procedures for women were: breast augmentation, liposuction, tummy tuck, eyelid surgery, and breast lift.
Men had almost 800,000 cosmetic procedures, 9% of the total. The number of cosmetic procedures for men increased over 121% from 1997. The top five surgical procedures for men were: liposuction, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, breast reduction to treat enlarged male breast, and facelift.
Americans spent nearly $10 billion on cosmetic procedures in 2011. Of that total $6.2 billion was spent on surgical procedures; $1.7 billion was spent on injectable procedures; $1.6 billion was spent on skin rejuvenation procedures; and over $360 million was spent on other nonsurgical procedures, including laser hair removal and laser treatment of leg veins.
The Aesthetic Society partnered with RealSelf, the most visited online community for learning about and sharing information and results for medical-beauty treatments, to get information on patients’ first-hand experience with procedures. The RealSelf ‘Worth It Rating’ printed in the statistics report reflects the combined opinions of thousands of RealSelf community members. Each member shares whether an elective surgery or treatment was “worth it” all things considered.
To read the official ASAPS press release, click HERE.
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April 13th, 2012
How a woman feels about her body has a lot to do with her overall self-confidence…that’s no secret. When breast size or shape is an issue, many Pittsburgh women turn to breast augmentation to increase their confidence, look better in their clothes, and…bottom line…present the image they want to the world.
Now with Mentor’s new breast implant sizing system, women can make a confident choice in breast implant size. This system features a uniquely shaped implant that fits over your natural breast, creating a more realistic preview of your new size.
If you would like to schedule a private consultation with Dr. James Barber, contact our office at 412-741-1976. You still have a chance to get the body you desire in time for the beautiful summer sun.
Tags: breast augmentation, breast implants
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March 1st, 2012
All surgery leaves scars; some are more visible than others. Although good wound healing after a cosmetic procedure is expected, abnormal scars may occur within the skin and deeper tissues. Even though scarring is unpredictable, there are some steps you can take to give you the best possible result:
- Choose a good plastic surgeon who knows how to manage scarring.
- Tell yourPittsburghcosmetic surgeon about previous surgical scar healing.
- Do not allow scabs to form. Scabs will delay your healing and potentially result in abnormal scarring. Keep the wound moist with medicated ointments until healed.
- Avoid traumatic activities until the area is completely healed.
- Strictly adhere to post-op instructions provided by Dr. Barber.
- Avoid tanning the scar via sun or tanning beds. Tanned scars will be permanently darker than the surrounding skin.
- During the healing phase, certain topical treatments may help minimize the appearance of the scars. We strongly recommend Scarguard MD, which contains silicone, vitamin E, and hydrocortisone.
If you would like advice on minimizing your scars, please contact Dr. James Barber at 412-741-1976.
Tags: Pittsburgh plastic surgery, scars
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November 11th, 2011
This blog is going to be a bit different in honor of Veteran’s Day. Here are some of our favorite quotes in honor of the men and women who devote their lives, so that we may keep ours. We are proud of you and wish to express our deepest gratitude to you today and always. Thank you!
This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. -Elmer Davis
Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices. – President Harry S. Truman
What is a veteran? A “Veteran”-whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve-is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to “The United States of America,” for an amount of “up to, and including his life.”
Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die. -G.K. Chesterton
I think there is one higher office than president and I would call that patriot. -Gary Hart
In war, there are no unwounded soldiers. -Jose Narosky
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. -John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Tags: Veterans Day
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October 28th, 2011
Gynecomastia, a condition of over-developed or enlarged male breasts, is common in men of any age. It can be the result of hormonal changes, heredity, disease or the use of certain drugs. Gynecomastia can cause emotional discomfort and impair your self-confidence. Some men may even avoid certain physical activities and intimacy simply to hide their condition.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE?
- If you have excess fat, glandular tissue and/or skin from overdeveloped or enlarged male breasts.
- If the extra weight of the breast tissue causes the breasts to sage.
INTENDED RESULTS
- Smaller more masculine breast size.
- Improved self-image.
PROCEDURE DESCRIPTION
- The procedure is done under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis or in the hospital.
- Incisions are made around the pigmented area (the nipple-areolar complex). Excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are removed. Liposuction may be utilized to remove fat tissue.
RECUPERATION AND HEALING
- The incisions are covered with light dressings.
- Initial discomfort subsides daily and can be controlled with oral medication.
- Scars will usually fade in 6-12 months.
Dr. James Barber is a board-certified plastic surgeon working in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas (Sewickley and New Castle). He did his cosmetic surgery training at Cedars Sinai in Beverly Hills, and has been in practice for 25+ years.
Dr. Barber has helped many men in Pittsburgh regain their self-confidence. If you would like a private consultation to discuss your options, contact the office at 412-741-1976.
Tags: gynecomastia, male breast reduction
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October 14th, 2011
With plastic surgery becoming widely acceptable, why is Hollywood still as elusive and dishonest as ever? Could it be the unrealistic image they want to protect-the natural flawless beauty? Pay no attention to the people behind the curtain-the personal trainers, chefs, and make-up artists. I’m sure that behind the expensive clothes and haircut, not to mention the inches of makeup, there is a natural beauty. Only a hypocrite would bash someone who desired a cosmetic procedure with the “I am holier than thou” attitude while carrying a $1500 handbag. Are they really what they proclaim to be (oh naturale)…or proclaim to be offended by (a little nip or tuck)?
Cosmetic surgery can be natural and beautiful; in fact, that is the way it is intended. Celebrities need not fear our judgment. Typically, honesty is refreshing and celebrated.
Take Kelly Rowland of Destiny’s Child fame. Kelly touches of the thoughts and feelings of 90% of plastic surgery patients when she discusses her breast augmentation. She wanted breasts that fit her body type, nothing crazy…nothing in the realm of Heidi Montag. Just think of a body in balance, internally and externally. Her predicament was the fate of Mother Nature, something beyond her control. No amount of healthy eating or exercise, no amount of water or miracle grow will make them…ummm…grow. Kelly wanted to simply be able to fill out a dress or buy a flattering shirt. She put a lot of thought into her decision of getting breast implants and wanted to do it for herself. There is nothing wrong with wanting to feel better in your own skin.
“The decision was 10 years in the making, so I’m comfortable talking about it. It’s something I really wanted to do for myself—not for a man, not for work, for myself…and I love them,” states Kelly Rowland. No wonder she is so happy with her decision. She took her time before making the decision, probably weighed the pros and cons. She based her decision on what she wanted, not what everybody else wanted…smart, right? Kelly seems to have such a positive attitude and great common sense, so it is no big surprise that she is happy with her decision.
Michelle Pfeiffer, with her beautiful facial structure, has long been a source of plastic surgery speculation. Has she, hasn’t she? Well, nothing has ever been confirmed or denied; however, Michelle recently opened up with “Elle” magazine. “I’m all for a little something here and there-fine. It doesn’t matter to me if people have plastic surgery, or they don’t, or if they do Botox,” states Michelle. She also shares the opinion of many plastic surgeons: subtle natural results are flattering.
While Michelle Pfeiffer has an open mind, Gwyneth Paltrow is somewhat close-minded…or just confused on the question of plastic surgery. In the German edition of “OK!,” she stated that she refuses to use those gimmicks out of pure vanity. In the next breath, she admits that she’d consider having her post-baby breasts “corrected.” Excuse me, now I am confused. So it is ok for YOU to get your breasts corrected, because they bother YOU and there is nothing YOU can do about it. (I sense a trend.) Isn’t that the reasoning behind most cosmetic surgeries? I don’t think she realizes why people get plastic surgery.
Really, who cares about who has/hasn’t. After all, it is a personal decision and nobody’s business. The fact that some of these celebrities will bash the idea of plastic surgery, when the image you see of them 75% of the time is fake, baffles me. Oh well, the only good thing about a hypocrite-you can see right through them…after the layers of makeup are removed, that is!
Tags: breast augmentation, celebrity cosmetic surgery
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September 30th, 2011
Dr. James Barber, a plastic surgeon in the Pittsburgh area, strongly recommends that patients think twice before undergoing surgery during major life changes, especially when the change is causing stress. People can make rash decisions during times of hardship, as well as experience delayed healing due to the effect of emotional strain on the body.
Certain stresses can lead men and women to “reinvent” themselves. This desire is often sparked by anxieties and desperation instead of a positive desire for self-improvement. Common sense will tell you that just because you lose weight, or change your hair color, people will not love you any more or any less. The same holds true for cosmetic surgery. While a breast augmentation or a face lift can give you a boost in self-esteem, it will not reduce stress that is in your life, it may make it worse.
Consider the factors for aesthetic improvement. Why are you doing it? What do you wish to accomplish? Are you trying to change how others feel about you? Alternatively, are you looking for self-confidence….a boost in self-esteem?
Adding the strain of surgery to an already stressful situation just does not make sense. Men and women undergo surgery to look and feel better; however, the added stress of surgery on the body can exacerbate your anxiety level. Most people at most times, have distractions in their life. It is your job to work through those distractions to discover your true motivation and expectation from cosmetic surgery.
We hope that you feel comfortable enough with us to be completely honest during your consultation. Being open will allow us to discover your true reasons for cosmetic surgery and set positive, realistic goals. And depending on your situation, we may ask that you rethink your desire for plastic surgery. We want this process to be a positive experience. It all starts with the first appointment and a positive attitude. Call us today. 412-741-1976
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September 16th, 2011
The nose is the central, most prominent feature of the face and a major factor in defining balance and harmony of the face. When the nose is out of proportion with other facial features or the nose does not complement the face; self-image and confidence can be affected. In many cases, the specific characteristics of the nose are a result of heredity; however, the appearance of the nose may sometimes be the result of injury or prior surgery. Pittsburgh plastic surgeon, Dr. James Barber, can help restore your confidence with nasal refinement surgery.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE?
- If you have an abnormal appearance of the nose resulting from birth defects, injury or disease.
- A nose that is cosmetically unattractive or does not “fit” with other facial features.
- If you have breathing difficulties caused by structural defects in the nose.
- If you are bothered by the shape or size of your nose:
- Nasal width, at the bridge.
- Nasal profile, with visible humps or depressions on the bridge.
- Nasal tip, that is enlarged or bulbous, drooping, upturned or hooked.
- Nostrils that are large, wide or upturned.
- Nasal asymmetry.
INTENDED RESULT
- More attractive nasal shape.
- Improved appearance and proportion of the nose, enhancing facial harmony.
RECUPERATION AND HEALING
- The patient goes home with an external cast or splint in place, which is usually removed in 7-10 days. The nose may be packed for 2-7 days.
- Initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication.
- Majority of swelling and bruising subsides progressively over 2-4 weeks.
- External sutures (if any) will be removed in 5-7 days. Internal sutures dissolve.
- Semifinal result will be evident in three months, with the final result in 12-14 months, which is the time necessary for complete tissue softening.
Call today to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. James Barber. 412-741-1976
Tags: rhinoplasty
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August 11th, 2011
When looking at a patient as a possible candidate for facelift surgery, age is not necessarily a factor. If the face shows signs of aging, then the patient may be a good candidate for some type of facial rejuvenation. Of course, that doesn’t mean that a 25-year-old with laugh lines would be met with a surgery date.
20- somethings
You may start to notice some of the effects of skin damage from acne or sun exposure. Some people will even start to notice the first signs of aging. Your appearance always improves with a healthy lifestyle, but these procedures can enhance your natural beauty and help you feel and look your best:
Microdermabrasion-freshens skin and helps repair facial skin damage.
Dysport-creates a smoother facial appearance by temporarily relaxing muscles of expression.
Injectable fillers (Resylane/Perlane)-soften facial wrinkles and creases with a filler that will plump the line so that it is flush with the surrounding skin.
Laser skin resurfacing-treat fine lines, acne scars, and pigmentation marks caused by the sun by removing the damaged outer layers of the skin.
30-somethings
This is when we start to sweat about the thought of getting older. Our faces show more lines and creases than just a few years ago. This is a great time to explore injection therapies. Depending on the health and aging of your face, a mini-facelift may be appropriate, but it is rare. The following procedures will help your face look its best:
Microdermabrasion
Dysport
Injectable fillers (Restylane/Perlane)
Laser skin resurfacing
40-somethings
This is a tricky time of our life when it comes to our looks. We typically have to step-up the exercise regimen and make major lifestyle changes. It is getting harder to camouflage the lines with makeup or hide the wrinkles with your hair. You have all the options of our 20-something friends, with the addition of a mini-facelift. A mini-facelift is a surgical procedure that can reduce the very visible signs of aging in the face or neck. A temporal facelift will improve the deep lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth.
50+
The effects of aging are accelerating now, and even the most youthful among us may notice deeper wrinkles, a sagging jaw line, folds in the neck, or sinking cheeks. While the options discussed in the other age groups will help, some type of a facelift may be the ultimate solution to fight these signs of aging. A full facelift procedure can reduce visible signs of aging in the face and neck. It can improve the contour of the lower jaw and jowls and soften any deep lines below the eyes and from the nose to the corners of the mouth.
No matter what stage of life you are approaching, we will be right by your side every step of the way. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. James Barber at 412-741-1976. Dr. Barber is a board-certified plastic surgeon serving the Pittsburgh area.
Tags: Dysport, Facelift, laser skin resurfacing, microdermabrasion, Restylane
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July 8th, 2011
Plastic surgery can slow the aging process and improve the visible signs of aging. Breast enhancement, body contouring, liposuction, facial contouring and nose surgery are among the most popular procedures performed by Pittsburgh plastic surgeon, Dr. James Barber.
Did you know that any licensed physician can call himself or herself a cosmetic surgeon? Did you know that there are many physicians in the Pittsburgh area that are not properly trained? Finding a properly trained and certified provider is paramount. If you are thinking about plastic surgery, the following list will aid your decision.
- Check Board-Certification: A doctor’s board-certification is the best indicator of his or her training in a particular medical or surgical specialty. Look for certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery(ABPS), the only Board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) to certify doctors in the specialty of plastic surgery.
- Check ASAPS Membership: ASAPS membership ensures that a doctor not only is ABPS-certified (or, in Canada, certified in plastic surgery by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.) but also has significant experience in cosmetic surgery. ASAPS membership is by invitation only.
- Check Facility Accreditation: Cosmetic surgery can safely be performed in a hospital, a surgicenter or an office-based surgical facility: Current published data show that accredited office-based facilities have a safety record comparable to that of hospital ambulatory surgery settings. However, the majority of office-based surgical facilities are not accredited. Another advantage of selecting an ASAPS member is that all ASAPS surgeons operate in accredited, state-licensed or Medicare-certified facilities.
- Check Hospital Privileges: Before granting operating privileges, hospital review committees evaluate a surgeon’s training and competency for specific procedures. Wherever the surgery will be performed, be sure that the surgeon has operating privileges in an accredited hospital for the same procedure being considered.
- Check Reliable Sources: Asking a patient’s primary care doctor for recommendations is a good place to start, and friends may offer suggestions; but the surgeon’s board-certification should always be verified independently by contacting the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
If you are interested in scheduling a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon, contact our office at 412-741-1976.
Tags: Pittsburgh plastic surgery
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