It’s one of the most frequently asked questions during my consultations. Everyone wants to know what the scar is going to look like. Truth be told, there are many things that determine what a scar will ultimately look like – genetics, environmental factors such as sun exposure and smoking, and surgical technique. According to some recently published data, the use of many over the counter scar products may be of little or no benefit.

A study performed by Christopher Miller, M.D., from the University of Pennsylvania, evaluated the 20 best-selling scar reduction products found on drugstore.com. Of all the “active ingredients” – from purified water,  glycerin, onion extract, polyethylene glycol, vitamin A, Vitamin C – only silicone gel actually showed improvement.

So where does this leave the scar? At the Laser Center of Maryland we treat all incisions – no matter the size- with multiple pulsed dye laser sessions. This laser flattens the scar and reduces redness in as little as 2 treatments! We typically treat incisions at two and six weeks after surgery to minimize any hypertrophic scars.  This unique treatment is standard care for all of our surgical procedures!

I am often asked how “Plastic Surgery” came to be called “Plastic Surgery.” It’s a good question, especially because today we use products such as Botox, Juvaderm and Silicone breast implants – none of which contain plastic!

The English word plastic is derived from the Greek word plastikos, meaning to mold or shape. It actually has no association with the synthetic polymer that we call plastic! The phrase “Plastic Surgery” was coined by Carl Ferdinand Von Graefe, in Germany in 1818, and referred to surgeons who would reshape or mold tissues. Although this was the origin of the phrase “plastic surgery,” its beginnings may be traced back to 2000BC to physicians in India. During this time, the nose would often be cut off, either in war or as punishment for crimes. Surgeons actually began reconstructing the nose using a wax like substance and covering it with skin from the forehead or cheek.

The field expanded greatly during the 20^th Century, in large part due to the injuries sustained during World Wars I and II. It was here that procedures involving burn and facial reconstruction evolved. Plastic Surgery continued to develop, and subspecialties within the field were born, including hand surgery, craniofacial surgery, microsurgery and reconstructive surgery.

Today, what most people refer to as plastic surgery (breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, face lift etc) is really a subspecialty, which is more frequently and more appropriately being referred to as Cosmetic Surgery. Specifically, this involves surgery or procedures which maintain, restore or enhance ones appearance.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) has recently offered its prediction for cosmetic surgery trends in 2011. Here’s some of what is trending up for the new year.

The new and improved (mini) face lift.

“As the economy continues to improve, demand for facelifts and other facial rejuvenation surgery will increase. Non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures will also see some growth, but people who have been putting off surgery for the past few years because of the economy will be ready for the gold standard in facial rejuvenation in 2011.” See what the Aesthetic Center offers for facelifts and Laser Facial Rejuventation.

Botox isn’t the only game in town anymore!

“The growth and popularity of cosmetic injectables (Botox, Dysport, Sculptra, Radiesse, Evolence, Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane etc.) will continue to increase as products continue to evolve and new players enter the market.” The Aesthetic Center of Maryland can help you find the right mix of Botox and other Dermal Fillers.

Silicone breast implants to the rescue

“As the baby boomer generation continues to age, so do their breast implants. This year many baby boomer women who have aging implants and/or breast ptosis will replace their implants and have breast lifts.” Let the Aesthetic Center of Maryland provide you with a little lift for the new year: Breast Augmentation.

No downtime with Coolsculpting!

“While liposuction (lipoplasty) will continue to be the gold-standard in fat reduction, there is continued interest in Zeltiq for non-invasive fat removal. This method involves destructing fat with a cooling system. Fat freezes faster than skin. The body then breaks down the destructed fat through a process called lipolysis. Zeltiq is non-invasive, does not involve needles or cutting and no downtime is required.” The Aesthetic Center of Maryland provides Zeltiq for clients in Annapolis, Severna Park, Glen Burnie, and all across Maryland. Give us a call to check it out!

Bottoms are in!

“Celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Beyonce, and Jennifer Lopez have made a shapely rear-end a must have accessory. In the coming year patients will be seeking posterior body lifts, buttock lifts, surgical and nonsurgical buttock augmentations to shape and augment their buttocks.”