Our First Spring Beauty

Our patient of the month for March is Teneia! After coming to the decision to have a breast augmentation, Teneia did her research and came to Dr. Walden for it. She wanted a natural look and she looks and feels great! She is so happy with her results, she spoke with LXNY about why she wanted to have the procedure done (video below). Teneia talks about the right reason to have plastic surgery done: she did it for herself. She is a confident and beautiful young woman and we are so happy to have been part of her experience. See what she had to say about it...enjoy!

Why Rose Why?

I'm sure those of you that saw Rose McGowan on Law and Order SVU on Wednesday night were as disappointed as I was to see what she has done to herself. Her face just looks awful and fake. Her lips are over-injected, her cheeks are over-injected, and it looks like she has had her nose worked on again. Her whole face seemed puffy and abnormal. She could have done some correction without over-doing it, which she clearly did. By looking at early pictures of her (the Charmed era), you can see she had a little work done on her nose but it fit her face beautifully and I think she looked great. Now she has just gone too far and it is disappointing.

The sad thing is that I thought she was a pretty girl before all this and I liked her. She took on tough-girl roles and that's why women liked her and why men were attracted to her. I was willing to overlook the whole Marilyn Manson relationship and the chain-link dress but not this. When you take a pretty face and do this to it, it is just a shame. For those of you that forgot how pretty she used to be, I have added an older photo of her.

You can see Dr. Walden's comments on this on Popeater.com at http://www.popeater.com/2011/03/24/rose-mcgowan--plastic-surgery/

No Granny Sweater Here

Award show season has begun ladies and gentlemen. The dresses, the shoes, the jewelry, the hair and makeup...oh yes and the awards of course! For the next month we will see our favorite celebrities wearing our favorite designers and we get to critique and decide who dropped our jaws and who should immediately fire their stylist and/or trainer. While most people did look amazing at the Golden Globes this week, it was Jane Fonda who turned the most heads. She looked unbelievable in her black George Hobeika gown with winged shoulder tips and silver sequined sleeves. I would be impressed with the way she looked in the gown if she were any age but the woman is 73 years old! She attributes her appearance to always staying active (she has done dozens of fitness tapes) and to having some plastic surgery done. Well someone did something right.

The greatest thing is she looks exactly like herself, no different. She just looks young and vibrant and beautiful. I love that she still has the same face she did 30 years ago (actually she still has the same body too). I think I might have to put some leggings on and watch those tapes of hers. After all, the woman has turned the heads of generations of men. I’m sure some wives out there were waiting for Fonda to look old one day so their husbands would stop drooling. Well no such luck ladies…43 years later and Barbarella is still a knockout.

You Want Me To Do What??

Recently, actress Carey Mulligan has been heard verbally bashing the doctor in Los Angeles who suggested she try botox after she asked him what to do about the wrinkles around her eyes. To be honest, I don’t know why she is so surprised the doctor recommended it. If you approach a doctor with a problem they should give you all of your options. If your concern is wrinkles around your eyes then botox should be mentioned as a possible treatment option. What Carey is not aware of is that botox is not just used for correction purposes; it can be used to prevent wrinkles as well.

Carey says she is upset that the doctor offered it to her because she is 25 years old. I can say from people that I have known that at 25 years old you can have sun damage and wrinkles if you did not take care of your skin well. That is why I’m glad I had older sisters to guide me towards the sun block aisle (thank you!). The point is: don’t shoot the messenger Carey. The doctor gave you your options and you can choose to do what you want without don’t publicly attacking him or something other people believe in.

On that note, I’m going to see my family...

Happy Holidays everyone!

Blind Date With A Surgeon..Are You On One?

I recently found out that a woman in Boise, Idaho was scammed a few weeks ago into getting a breast exam in a bar restroom by a woman claiming she was a plastic surgeon. The ‘alleged’ doctor has since been arrested on felony charges on the unlicensed practice of medicine. Some of you might be wondering what was this woman thinking and why did she expose herself to a complete stranger? I was thinking the same thing and then it made me wonder how much people really know about the surgeons they go see. Years ago the only way to find a surgeon was to look one up in the yellow pages and all you got was a name and number. Today, however, we have the internet with its endless flow of information. To just pick a name and call for an appointment may not be as bad as being examined in a bar bathroom but you are also doing yourself a great disservice. Don’t look for one with your eyes closed.
Do your research! Picking a plastic surgeon should not be like going on a blind date because let’s be honest: how many of those are successful? Check to see if the doctor is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and see what hospital they are affiliated with. Plastic surgeons should have a website so go on it and you should be able to see what school the doctor went to, what training they have had, any awards they may have received, etc. Look to see what procedures they do and if they have before and after pictures. This is also a good opportunity to think about what it is you want and what look you are hoping to achieve. Once you’ve done your research then you should call and make an appointment for a consultation. On the day of the visit it should be a two way street. You should feel comfortable telling the doctor what you want and he/she should discuss your options with you, reasonable expectations, risks, recovery time, etc. If you do your homework and find your suitable plastic surgeon then you should be able to walk out of the consultation confidently. Almost like walking home from a great first date, already excited for the next one!

One Stitch Facelift

Check out this article below where Dr. Jennifer Walden is asked for her expert opinion about the new one stitch facelift on NY Daily News!

Is the so-called "one-stitch face-lift" really a fast pass to a youthful appearance?

The wrinkle-free results may not be as long-lasting as with a traditional operation, but the minimally invasive procedure is a hot ticket right now in cosmetic surgery.

Two reasons. It's quicker and cheaper than a traditional face-lift, which requires more inpatient care time.

"There's a strong trend right now to perform less invasive procedures for facial rejuvenation," Dr. Jennifer Walden, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital told the Daily News. "People want instant results and minimal down time, so there is a demand for these procedures. No one can take two or three weeks off from work to recover."

The "instant" face-lift consists of four stages, Walden explained: the insertion of the barbed thread, then the deployment of the suture material, followed by the anchoring of the soft tissues and then the fixation into place.

There's one superlong, supersneaky suture. And yes, the needle is big.

Angelica Kavouni, 47, told the Daily Mail that she was unhappy with her "increasingly jowly" appearance. She decided to give the "one-stitch face-lift" -- also called a thread lift or an iGuide -- a try with plastic surgeon.

Hardy experienced minimal side-effects from the 40-minute procedure and said that with makeup, she could return to work that day.

So can one stitch hold up, or hold back all those years?

Not exactly, according to Angelo Cuzalina, president-elect of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.

The face, he notes, "has a lot of ligaments and tissues that tend to pull back down, so it’s not like a single suture could ever hold up a face or a portion of the face."

But the technique is getting better and better all the time, Walden says. "Our methods are getting better so they will last longer."

In the meantime, Hardy told the Mail that if she didn’t like her "new" face, the surgeon had said that the face-lift was reversible. Basically, it was a matter of pulling out the suture.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Signs Donda West Plastic Surgery Law in California

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger recently signed the Donda West Law, which requires anyone undergoing plastic surgery in the state to receive a mandatory physical examination first, according to the Los Angeles Times. Hopefully this will set a precedent and other states will follow suit in the name of patient safety.

The bill was written in response to the death in 2007 of Kanye West's mother, Donda, 58, who died of complications related to cosmetic surgery. Dr. West's family reportedly believe that a pre-op physical exam would have uncovered coronary artery disease. West underwent several plastic surgery procedures (breast lift and tummy tuck with liposuction reportedly) without medical clearance, and her coronary disease and postoperative factors are believed to have contributed to her death.

Dr. West's niece, Yolanda Anderson, was one of the primary movers behind the bill, which also requires a mandatory written clearance before surgery. Schwarzenegger vetoed the first pass of the bill in February 2008, then signed it on Monday after it was resubmitted this past February.
"Sometimes patients may think they are well enough for cosmetic surgery, but in reality are not," said Assemblywoman Wilmer Amina Carter, one of the leading sponsors of the bill. "This bill will potentially save lives."

After his infamous run-in with Taylor Swift at the VMAs last month, Kanye West told talk-show host Jay Leno that his mother would have been disappointed in his behavior. West also said that the pain from his mother's death still haunts him and that after two years of nonstop touring, recording and performing.

Cashmere Personal Concierge

Introducing Anne Fritz - she is the fabulous founder of Cashmere Personal Concierge (also check out her cool website with travel and fashion tips called the Jet Set Girls. This company is a concierge medical service that offers specialized plastic surgery packages tailored to your specific needs before and after your procedure(s). She and her team service the New York metropolitan area to help you prepare for and recover from surgery. So, for those in need of a little help before and after plastic surgery, this may be a service for you! Whether it is running errands, comfort care, or pet walking, these personal assistants during such a stressful time can help out. What an innovative idea in today's cumbersome healthcare environment! We are already telling our patients about this one!

Usher's Wife Tameka Foster: Plastic Surgery Complication of Medical Tourism?

Sad story: Access Hollywood has reported that pop music singer Usher has cancelled his pre-Grammy party where he was scheduled to perform because of a serious medical issue involving his wife, Tameka Foster. Foster reportedly underwent elective plastic surgery in Brazil, and has had complications from that. Few know the details of this case yet as it is breaking, but apparently a neurosurgeon from the US is traveling to Brazil to help. This is not a good sign, as it could mean that it may be a serious complication involving the central nervous system (brain or spinal cord), but again, nothing is known of the specifics of this particular situation.

Whatever the unfortunate situation, thoughts and prayers are with the patient and her family in a difficult time.

From a general standpoint, in the past the American Society of Plastic Surgeons has warned of the risks of "medical tourism", which is a odd set of words used to define when a patient from one country such as the United States travels to another country to undergo an elective procedure. Why would anyone choose to do that when the best doctors, nurses, and hospitals, and most advanced and standardized medical care in the world is available in America? I don't have the answer to that, but traveling overseas is usually done for the perceived "benefit" of a discounted price, a theoretical difference in the technique of surgery performance, and the anonymity involved with recovery in a different locale. All of these purported benefits can quickly be wiped out if a complication occurs and the patient is not in their home country.

Different standards of quality control and training of surgeons and staff can also be found overseas. In the case of Usher's wife, one wonders what procedure she may have undergone, as she just had a baby in December and in the vast majority of instances it would be considered too soon to operate on someone from a body contouring standpoint just 1 to 2 months after childbearing (Brazil is known for its cosmetic body contouring and breast surgery). The body is till in hormonal and physiologic flux after pregnancy, mom may still be breast-feeding, and the weight gained during pregnancy is still coming off.

The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery has listed the following guidelines for medical tourism on its website which are critical:

The key guidelines for plastic surgery travelers:

-What is the surgeon's training?

A gynecologist performing a breast augmentation or a dermatologist doing a face lift are not appropriate choices.

-Is the plastic surgeon certified?

The ISAPS website lists the names and addresses of over 1,600 certified plastic surgeons in 84 countries.

-Is the plastic surgeon certified?

Ask for certification information and who the certifying body is.

-Does your personal health insurance cover you outside your country?

Most health insurance providers do not cover individuals for surgery performed outside their own country. Consider obtaining International Medical Coverage that may be available through your insurance agent.

-What about aftercare?

Patients should stay in the area where the surgery was performed for at least one week, depending on the procedure. Find out in advance where you will stay and if this facility is prepared to care for your post operative needs.

-What about complications?

-What doctor will care for you at home if you have complications and who will pay for secondary or revision procedures?

-Do the key personnel at the surgeon's office speak your language fluently?

If you cannot be easily understood, be prepared for complications.

-With whom are you communicating?

You should be talking directly with the doctor's staff and the doctor. A travel agent should only make travel and accommodations arrangements.

-Is the surgeon a member of recognized national and international societies?

ISAPS membership is by invitation and is granted to applicants only after extensive screening.

-Have you checked for references?

Ask for names and contact information of patients who have recently had a similar procedure and contact them about their experience with the surgeon, their staff, aftercare facilities and post-operative follow up.

Lisa Rinna Confesses

Lisa Rinna has recently admitted to overdoing it a tad bit. This "Dancing with the Stars" alum has gained street cred from the media having confessed to not liking the outcome of a popular filler, Juvederm, after having it injected into her cheeks.  “My coming out and saying that I’d done too much in my cheeks — everybody came up to me and was really supportive and said, ‘good for you for being honest.’” Lisa told OK! “What happens is when you get older, you feel like you need it but you don’t really need it,” Lisa sighed.

Lisa along with many other stars are under constant scrutiny and pressure to compete with younger, beautiful starlets, so it's hard for them not to turn to cosmetic procedures (but those younger starlets will get older too.. just wait!).   She has likely had other work done as well such as a breast augmentation and Botox to help her with her fine lines. Most of all, whatever diet and exercise regimen she's on is working; her body is amazing!

Gossip Girl spills the beans again...

Gossip Girl's, Kelly Rutherford, unlike other stars, isn't afraid to admit that she's tried Botox. The beautiful, 39 year-old actress admitted to People.com stating,"I think it's beautiful that people are sharing," said Rutherford, noting that women should be honest about everything from childbirth to beauty secrets. "We sit around at lunch and ask each other [questions], so why not say we had postpartum, giving birth is hell but the children are amazing – and I get Botox." She added, "I think there's a certain age that if you like having it, go for it."

She admits to trying Botox once before she got pregnant with her son Hermes, as for whether she plans on getting more Botox in the future, Rutherford said she's avoiding the needle for now. "I decided I wasn't going to do it all again until I've had two kids and finished nursing them. Then it's a free for all." Kelly Rutherford looks great! I cant believe she's only tried it 'once' but, whatever shes doing, she should keep it up!

Happy Birthday Dr.Walden!!

Daniel Craig's Plastic Surgery Experience

Daniel Craig sustained injuries while filming the latest Bond movie. According to Times Online, after accidentally being kicked by a co-star Daniel Craig received eight stitches to his face. He has been quoted saying, "It's a stupid inconvenience because we had to stop filming. But they gave me an excellent plastic surgeon." Well, let's hope so! It would be a pity to ruin such a handsome face!

Cindy McCain: Has this proclaimed supporter of plastic surgery gone under the knife herself?

Over the last year, but especially in the last week, Cindy McCain has had her face plastered all over television screens and newspaper stands. She looks great for her age; but could it possibly be 100% natural?

After working the the plastic surgery business and learning about our enemy called gravity, Cindy has done something to keep up her appearance, but who really knows she may have just been blessed with some good genes.
According to makemeheal.com others seem to agree with me. "At 54, McCain is in the median age range of being a candidate for a face lift. A face lift is designed to tighten not only the sagging appearance of the face, but of the neck and jowls as well. McCain’s face is tight, the neck is remarkably taut, and her jaw is free of jowling. This may be explained by a mini-face lift, or it could just be that Cindy McCain is aging well. We are more inclined to think that McCain’s pulled look is at the very least the result of too many dermal injectables and potential laser treatments like Fraxel, Thermage, and Active Fx."
Whatever she is doing, has visually improved her image; who will ever really know, but if it makes her happy then I say keep it up! 

Oh and by the way, we are happy to see Ms. McCain has devoted time to helping kids with cleft lip and palate (see photo of nursesarah and Dr. Walden on a similar type of medical mission trip).  

New State Law in California sets Welcomed Precedent for Patient Safety after Donda West's Death

The California Senate has approved new laws relating to plastic surgery following the untimely death of Donda West. The Senate announced on Thursday that the new laws require patients to undergo a physical examination before any surgery takes place (we as plastic surgeons call this a "medical clearance" and it is obtained in order to assess the medical status of patients undergoing elective surgery; seems pretty basic and common sense, huh?).

Senator Mark Ridley Thomas admitted that the new legislation was in direct response to West's postoperative death in November last year. Ridley-Thomas told the Los Angeles Times: "Many of us are concerned about the quality of care extended to those who receive elective surgery.” Source: Taletela.com

West was undergoing a tummytuck, or abdominoplasty, and liposuction combined with a breast reduction shortly before the time of her death. Here is the story as it broke on FoxNewsLive when I was interviewed about it.

I hope this will inspire similar legislation all over the United States for the sake of patient safety. Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, credentialing in local hospitals, and verification of licensure and any disciplinary action are all important things for consumers to research when picking a plastic surgeon these days.

Plastic Surgery, The Celebrity

Welcome to this new blog about plastic surgery. In this world, cosmetic plastic surgery itself has become the celebrity. I am constantly bombarded with images, blogs, websites, TV shows, and radio talk about the subject. I am asked to comment by media on who has done what and when, what works and doesn't, and the latest trends in the industry. It's become crazy! When I went to medical school I had no idea what the future would behold.

On the other hand, my practice is largely made up of young and middle-aged women seeking surgical treatment of some problem or anatomic area of aesthetic concern that has been bothering them for some time. They are normal people. They come to me with legit concerns, and do not want to look overstretched, overstuffed and overdone; in fact, often they don't even want anyone to notice. So for my first post I thought it appropriate to bring to light a news story I saw today on MSNBC.com. The title was "'Ugly' is the New Beautiful".

The article said that one talent agency in New York City (where I live and practice) goes out of its way to look for unique models who are not considered traditionally beautiful. It said, "According to agency founder Simon Rogers, "beauty really does come in all shapes and sizes," and in the modeling industry, there's room for all. "We now represent a really candid cross-section of what America is," he said." So step aside, supermodels, because at this agency, "Ugly" looks for people who are from every walk of life!

As a plastic surgeon I agree with appreciating beauty (and "ugly") in all its forms. Although a lot of people would say plastic surgery makes everyone look a certain way, I would argue that it absolutely does not... and good plastic surgery ideally is designed and individualized based upon one person's anatomy and desires. Good cosmetic surgery may even go undetected. We'll see if celebrities seek that willingly (or unwillingly) as we go forward here.

So on that note, enjoy, and thanks for stopping by!