ASEAN Congress of Plastic Surgery

The 16th ASEAN Congress of Plastic Surgery was recently held in the Boracay Regency Convention Center in Boracay, Philippines.  With the theme "The Pearls of 30 Years", the congress lasted from March 11 until March 14, 2012.

The Congress was jointly organized and sponsored by the ASEAN Federation for Plastic Surgery, the Philippine Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, the International Association of Plastic Surgery and Operation Smile.  Both Operation Smile and the ASEAN Federation for Plastic Surgery are celebrating their 30th year anniversaries this year.

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The Aesthetic Meeting 2011, with the theme “Affirming the Science of Aesthetic Surgery”  was held last May 6 to 11, 2011 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in Boston, Massachusetts.  Organized by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)and the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation (ASERF), this meeting is said to be the most important annual event in the field of cosmetic plastic surgery.

In this convention, the most recognized leaders in the field of cosmetic plastic surgery share their knowledge and expertise to attendees from all over the world.  

One of the most interesting parts of this convention is “Global Hot Topics” which covers all the emerging trends from the United States and abroad.

The 4-day Scientific Program included various presentations focusing on the latest in cosmetic surgery.  Cutting edge topics included enhanced breast surgery techniques such as 3d visualization, concepts in facial rejuvenation, updates on new soft tissue fillers, the latest on breast implants and many more interesting topics.

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St. Luke's Medical Center's First International Postgraduate Course in Plastic Surgery

As part of its responsibility in upholding the global standards of surgical excellence as one of the world’s top medical centers and promoting patient safety, the Section of Aesthetic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of the Department of Surgery, St. Luke’s Medical Center Quezon City held its First International Postgraduate Course in Plastic Surgery last March 24 and 25, 2011 in the Edsa Shangri-la Hotel, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila. The theme of the conference was “Aesthetic Refinements in Plastic Surgery in the Asian Setting”.

The postgraduate course featured the recent surgical and technological advances in various cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, with an emphasis on how to obtain excellent aesthetic results. It was very informative not only for experienced plastic surgeons, but also to doctors who are still in plastic surgery residency, and plastic surgeons who are new in clinical practice, since there were many lectures that dealt with the most basic aspects of surgical planning and execution, such as pertinent anatomical details, pre-operative
considerations, and basic plastic surgical techniques. But, pursuant to its goals of promoting medical science and education and improving patient safety, the postgraduate course was also open to all doctors who are interested in knowing more about cosmetic surgery.

Distinguished foreign plastic surgeons and the Active Plastic Surgery Consultant Staff of the St. Luke’s Medical Center (Quezon City and Global City) spoke on various topics of interest, particularly in the different subspecialties of plastic surgery, such as craniofacial surgery, facial aesthetics and facial rejuvenation, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, mastopexy, breast reconstruction, management of chest wall deformities, liposuction, abdominoplasty techniques, body dysmorphophobia and minimally-invasive
surgical techniques.

There were six invited speakers from other institutions, namely: Dr. Darryl Hodgkinson from Sydney, Australia; Dr. Susumu Takayanagi, from Osaka, Japan; Dr. Ashok Gupta, from Moombai, India; Dr. Chang-Chien Yang, from Chinese Taipei; Dr. Apirag Chuangsuwanich, from Thailand; and Dr. Florencio Lucero, Secretary-General of the Oriental Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. The rest of the faculty speakers were all aesthetic plastic and reconstructive surgeons who are currently practicing at St. Luke’s Medical Center (Quezon City/Global City): Dr. Dale Abraham, Dr. Briccio Alcantara, Glenn Genuino, Dr. Marlon Lajo, Dr. Laurence Loh, Dr. Melvin Sibulo, Dr. Bernard Tansipek and myself.

A total of 25 lectures on different areas of plastic surgery were delivered. On March 24, the lectures were organized into four main sessions: the Facelift Session, Craniofacial Session, Blepharoplasty Session 1 and Blepharoplasty Session 2. On March 25, lectures were distributed into five sessions: Rhinoplasty Session, Breast Session 1, Breast Session 2, Abdominoplasty Session, and finally, the Liposuction & Body Implants Session.

The following is the list of lectures that the participating plastic surgeons delivered:

Dr. Darryl Hodgkinson: “The Fogli Approach to Platysmaplasty – A Five Year Experience”, “Total Autologous Reconstruction of the Nose, including Correction of Saddle Nose Deformity and Oriental Blepharoplasty”, “Management of Ptosis, Synmastia and Tuberous Breasts when Implants Alone Will Not Suffice,” “Management of Chest Wall Deformities in Patients Seeking Breast Augmentation,” and “Body Dysmorphophobia.”

Dr. Susumu Takayanagi:  “Breast Reconstruction Using Implants” and “Correction of Sunken Eye Deformity.”

Dr. Ashok Gupta: “Refinements in Major Abdominoplasty,” “Breast Augmentation-Mastopexy,” “Periorbital Rejuvenation” and “Dynamic Facial Reanimation for Facial Paralysis.”

Dr. Chang-Chien Yang: “Harmonious Beauty for Orientals – the Fundamental Role of the Eyes,” “Secondary Upper Blepharoplasty” and “Epicanthoplasty for Orientals and Revision Surgery.”

Dr. Apirag Chuangsuwanich : “How to Avoid Complications and Maximize the Results of Augmentation Mammoplasty.”

Dr. Florencio Lucero : “Minimally Invasive Facelift Techniques”

Dr. Briccio Alcantara: “Abdominoplasty Experience with the Saldana Technique”

Dr. Rene Valerio: “Augmentation Rhinoplasty Using Conchal Cartilage”

Dr. Carlos Lasa Jr: “Pre-Operative Considerations in Breast Augmentation”

Dr. Melvin Sibulo: “Addressing the Fat in Blepharoplasty – Excision or Preservation?”

Dr. Laurence Loh: “Achieving Aesthetic Results in Craniofacial Surgery”

Dr. Glenn Genuino: “Achieving Aesthetic Results in Breast Reconstruction”

Dr. Marlon Lajo: “A Review of the Principles of Safe Liposuction”

Dr. Bernard Tansipek: “Improving Outcomes of Difficult Cleft and Maxillofacial Cases”

Dr. Dale Abraham: “Anatomical Considerations in Blepharoplasty”


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Top Cosmetic Surgery Procedures Worldwide

Global statistics on cosmetic surgery procedures performed in 2009 released last year by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) showed that liposuction and breast augmentation were the top cosmetic surgery procedures performed worldwide.

The total number of cosmetic surgical procedures was 8,536,379 with liposuction as the top procedure worldwide, representing 18.8%, followed by breast augmentation (17%), blepharoplasty (upper or lower eyelid lift) at 13.5%, rhinoplasty (9.4%) and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) at 7.3%.

Of the top 25 countries with the most number of cosmetic surgeries done, liposuction was the top procedure in the U.S.A. (221,160), Brazil (253,302), India (117,140), Germany (57,761), Italy (43,250), Russia (37,137), Spain (33,073), France (28,272), Colombia (16,420), United Kingdom (14,697), Venezuela (15,429), Portugal (12,186) and Belgium (12,003).

On the other hand, breast augmentation was the top cosmetic surgery done in China (222,530), Mexico (101,402), Japan (75,294), South Korea (66,864), Turkey (41,797), Argentina (27,918), Canada (28,178), Taiwan (18,902), Thailand (13,875) and Saudi Arabia (11,833).

Statistics compiled by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) however showed a different trend. ASPS statistics showed breast augmentations to be the most frequently performed cosmetic surgery
procedure in the USA.  ASPS data show that 289,328 breast augmentations were performed in the U.S.A. in 2009, and this figure increased to 296,203 in 2010.

The discrepancy can be attributed to the fact that the ISAPS global survey was based on statistics compiled from board-certified plastic surgeons only, while the survey conducted by the ASPS included data from board-certified plastic surgeons, dermatologists and otorhinolaryngologists.

There was no doubt however that the U.S.A. was the top country worldwide where the most cosmetic surgeries were done (1,303,932), followed in decreasing order by China (1,215,245), Brazil (1,054,430), India (683,160) and Japan (411,182). Next down the list were Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Germany, Italy, Russia, Turkey, Spain, Argentina, France, Hungary, Canada, Colombia, United Kingdom, Taiwan, Venezuela, Thailand, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, and Saudi Arabia.

The ISAPS Global Survey also revealed a most interesting fact: nonsurgical procedures done (8,759,187) actually outnumbered surgical procedures (8,536,379). The top nonsurgical procedure done was botulinum toxin injections (32.7%), followed by hyaluronic acid filler injections (20.1%), laser hair removal (13.1%), autologous fat injections (5.9%) and IPL laser treatment (4.4%). Next on the list were the following procedures: chemical peel, microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing, sclerotherapy and laser treatment
of leg veins.

Nonsurgical procedures were most popular in the United States, Brazil, Mexico, China, Japan, Hungary, South Korea, India and Germany. The results of the ISAPS Global Survey confirm how popular the non-invasive procedures have become.

In the Philippines, there is unfortunately no credible and reliable baseline of information regarding both surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures.  But informal surveys show the popularity of rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, blepharoplasty, liposuction and abdominoplasty among the surgical procedures. For nonsurgical procedures, botulinum toxin injections, hyaluronic acid injections, chemical peels and laser skin resurfacing are among the most commonly performed.

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My new year has gotten off to a great start!  I have just learned that my application to be an International Active Member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) has been accepted.  The ASAPS is the most prestigious organization of board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in cosmetic plastic surgery and to be one of only two members in the Philippines is a distinct honor.

The mission of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery is "to advance the science, art, and safe practice of aesthetic plastic surgery among qualified plastic surgeons."  This includes medical education, public education and patient advocacy.  Indeed, whenever I attend the annual ASAPS conferences, the latest advances in cosmetic plastic surgery are presented and patient safety is always discussed.

I am proud to be a member of an organization that promotes and encourages "the highest standards of ethical conduct and responsible patient care among aesthetic plastic surgeons", especially because the requirements for membership are quite stringent.  To quote from the ASAPS website:

"The requirements for membership in the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) are designed to encourage application by trained and experienced plastic surgeons who concentrate their practices in performing cosmetic plastic surgery of the face and the entire body. ASAPS membership remains an exclusive privilege for those surgeons who possess the necessary qualifications. Only about one-quarter of all American Board of Plastic Surgery certified surgeons have been accepted into ASAPS membership. Physicians who have been trained in specialties other than plastic surgery are not eligible for membership in ASAPS."

Last year, I also became an International Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a Member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and a member of the Oriental Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.  I am looking forward to the year ahead and the opportunities for learning that all these excellent organizations provide.  Happy new year!

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ISAPS 2010: The Global Summit on Patient Safety

Last August 14, 2010, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery inaugurated the ISAPS Global Summit on Patient Safety. With speakers from various specialties, including legislators, travel and insurance representatives, as well as plastic surgeons, this was definitely a very interesting forum for me.

The growing commercialization of aesthetic surgery has resulted in many more cases being done each year compared to the past. In the past few years, we have heard many reports of cases of cosmetic surgery tragedies. The case of the Sylmar sisters who did silicone injections in the buttocks which resulted in a woman's death, and the Donda West case, wherein the mother of singer Kanye West died from complications of  cosmetic surgery, are just some of these. Although many of these procedures were performed by people who are not qualified, board certified plastic surgeons, many of the people who read the news reports do not know the difference between a board certified plastic surgeon and someone who just decides to do cosmetic procedures even without the proper training. It is a challenge for us to educate patients about this. Although some may say the concern of plastic surgeons is mainly about the issue of other doctors practicing our specialty, for us, it is all about patient safety.

Aesthetic surgery is a surgery of want rather than need. It is not like other surgeries where people are sick and they have to undergo certain procedures. They just have to accept the risks that go with the procedure they need. Perfectly normal people undergo many aesthetic procedures every year. How can we protect them and reduce these tragic cases?

Part of the forum focused on the legislation that has been done in countries like France and Denmark. In France, they have succeeded in initiating changes and today, there are strict regulations about who can perform procedures. Specialists are only permitted to perform plastic surgery in the part of the body they have specialized in. They are allowed to perform procedures only in their area of specialty. They also have other regulations regarding the presence of paramedical personnel, and the mandatory waiting period after being given a quotation by the surgeon. Other countries like Denmark, Norway and Singapore also have guidelines and policies protecting the patient. Germany also has a ban on advertising for aesthetic surgery. There is no such legislation in the Philippines. And although I have said it before, I will say it again - in the Philippines, it is legal for any doctor, whatever training they have undergone, to do cosmetic surgery.  If patients knew what is involved in aesthetic surgeries, I doubt whether anyone would disagree with me that for greater patient safety, it is best to have strict guidelines about who may perform these surgeries.

I really hope that in the future, the Philippines will catch up with other countries in protecting aesthetic surgery patients through legislation.


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ISAPS Congress 2010

The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery is celebrating its 40th anniversary during the 20th Biennial Congress on August 14, 2010 to August 18, 2010 in the Moscone Convention Center and San Francisco Marriott Hotel, San Francisco, California, USA.

The congress provides the latest in aesthetic surgery education and board certified plastic surgeons from more than 80 countries are attending.

The ISAPS Global Patient Safety Summit took place on the first day of the congress and topics such as Global Regulations, Medical Procedures Abroad and Achieving Global Patient Safety were discussed. Since most of my practice is composed of patients from abroad, these topics were of special interest to me.

Various specific procedures such as Periocular Rejuvenation, Facial Rejuvenation, Rhinoplasty, Aesthetic Breast Surgery, Aesthetic Reconstructive Surgery, and Abdominoplasty are covered during the five day congress. I have found that there is always something new to learn even in the procedures I have been doing for many years when colleagues share their particular way of handling a procedure. As I always say, continuing education is an important part of a plastic surgeon's responsibilities as we strive for excellence, progress and patient safety.


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Cosmetic Surgery for Teenagers

The recent news about Charice Pempengco receiving Botox and Thermage treatments has stirred up controversy worldwide. The controversy centers mainly on the question on whether teenagers should be undergoing cosmetic treatments at a relatively early age. In my practice, I do not encourage cosmetic surgery in teens unless there are serious issues about a teenager's self-esteem that can only be corrected with a surgical procedure. If there is a history of the teenager suffering emotionally because of a body feature such as a saddle nose or a flat chest, there may be justification for performing cosmetic surgery to improve the teenager's self-esteem.

In the case of the procedures Charice Pempengco underwent, we are not dealing with deformities brought about by a congenital deformity (such as cleft lip or palate) or due to trauma (such as car accidents or burns) but instead, doing procedures on a normal-looking teen. There have been conflicting reports about why she underwent these procedures. If she was experiencing jaw pain, this can be an indication for treatment with botulinum toxin injections. If done for cosmetic reasons, the question is whether she underwent these procedures because she herself was bothered about the fullness of her face. I believe that a doctor should not convince a patient that she needs a certain procedure if she herself does not bring up a concern about a certain feature. Even parents should not convince their children to undergo cosmetic procedures. It can be harmful to a child's self esteem to be told she/ he needs a cosmetic procedure.

Aside from the issue of Charice Pempengco's age, another concern is the fact that the procedures were done publicly, with entertainment reporters witnessing the event and writing about it. As a plastic surgeon, this concerns me because we don't want to send the wrong message about these procedures. First of all, we don't want full-faced individuals, especially teenagers, to come to the conclusion that having a full face is something that needs correcting. Because she is a public figure and she underwent these procedures publicly, Charice Pempengco seems to have given this message, even if unintentionally.

Also, doing the procedures publicly seems to trivialize cosmetic procedures because people can get the impression that these are beauty parlor procedures. In my practice, I have seen many patients who have undergone some procedures in places like beauty parlors and who require some kind of corrective surgery. Cosmetic procedures should not be taken lightly and even seemingly simple procedures like nose augmentation and eyelid surgery can have serious complications when not done by qualified, board certified doctors.

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The four day annual Aesthetic Meeting of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons and the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation for 2010 truly lived up to its theme of being “A Capital Experience with a Global Perspective.”

The scientific program included scientific sessions and teaching courses on topics such as the Role of Biofilms in Implant related Complications, Hot Topics in Aesthetic Surgery, Mastopexy Augmentation: Making the Right Choices, Optimizing Outcomes in Breast Augmentation, New Devices in Plastic Surgery, The Pinch Blepharoplasty for Safer and Superior Results and many more. After each session, participants were given the opportunity to ask questions, to provide for an interactive learning experience.

Among the international faculty of key opinion leaders were Renato Saltz, Jack Fisher, William Adams, Bahman Guyuron, Foad Nahai, and many more world renowned plastic surgeons. Exhibits featuring the latest developments in the field of aesthetic surgery were held at the Prince George’s Exhibition Hall of the Convention Center. The opportunity to see the latest in products and services was also an educational experience for the participants.

Before the conference proper, there were optional courses and the Allergan academy, which gives continuing education about Breast Surgery. This year’s theme was “Optimizing Outcomes in Revsion Breast Surgery”.

The annual Aesthetic Meeting of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons is considered by many aesthetic plastic surgeons to be the most important convention of the year.

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The Annual Meeting of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery is ongoing at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center in the Washington, DC area. With the theme "The Aesthetic Meeting 2010 - A Capital Experience with a Global Perspective", the meeting offers board-certified plastic surgeons scientific sessions and teaching courses on a wide range of topics. More details about some interesting topics in the coming posts...


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Breast Augmentation Options

Anyone who does some research on Breast Augmentation will find out that there is a wide range of options available to a patient considering this procedure. Breast augmentation is definitely not a "one size fits all" procedure and for good results, a plastic surgeon must help his patient understand these options.

The choice of breast implants is based on a variety of factors. Her physical characteristics (body measurements, skin), patient preference for breast profile and budget are among the important factors to consider. There are so many implants available, made by various manufacturers, in different price ranges. The plastic surgeon must choose the proper implant to give the best results for his patient. Other decisions to make include where to make the incision (which determines where the scar will be), and what level to position the implant. The problem with doctors who practice plastic surgery without the proper training is that with their limited knowledge and experience, they may not be able to make the best decision about the different options available.

Plastic surgeons are not miracle workers and we cannot promise perfect results. Contrary to how media sometimes portrays plastic surgery, even the best surgeons can have some complications. Thus, the best plastic surgeons will not promise their patients a risk free operation. However, with their specialized training and years of experience, complications are usually minimized and dealt with accordingly if ever they occur. Less experienced doctors who lack the proper training may not be able to deal with complications properly. Also, every year, in the various international plastic surgery conferences, there are updates regarding minimizing complications. Many of these conferences are open exclusively to plastic surgeons.

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Asian Breast Aesthetic Symposium Held in Malaysia

I recently attended the first Asian Breast Aesthetic Symposium, with the theme “Taking it to the Next Level” held at the Gleneagles Intan Medical Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last November 5 to 7, 2009. I had the honor to be one of three Filipino plastic surgeons to participate in this ‘by-invitation only’ event which focused primarily on aesthetic surgery of the breast. The symposium included various lectures as well as live surgery on closed circuit video. Participants from Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Hongkong, China, India, New Zealand, Korea and the Philippines attended the event.

During the live surgery sessions, Dr. Charles Randquist (Sweden), Dr. Marco Faria Correa (Brazil and Singapore), Dr. Luan Jie (China), and Dr. Yoshinori Nagumo (Japan) demontrated a variety of surgical techniques in breast augmentation. Dr. Charles Randquist performed breast augmentation using the latest form stable cohesive silicone gel implants, using inframammary fold incisions. Dr. Marco Faria Correa used polyurethane breast implants with periareolar incisions. Dr. Luan Jie performed transaxillary dual plane breast augmentation with the use of an endoscope while Dr. Yoshinori Nagumo also used transaxillary incisions, but without the endoscope. Dr. Steven Teitelbaum and Dr. Arthur Swift were moderators as we participants were given the opportunity to interact with the surgeons while they performed these live operations.

Watching other surgeons perform their surgeries showed that there is not just one perfect way to do surgical procedures, and there are advantages and disadvantages for each of the various techniques. There were variations in the way the surgeons approach implant selection, patient markings, location of incisions, plane of dissection, dissection, equipment/instruments, antibiotics irrigation, use of drains, ways to help prevent complications. Each surgeon had his own technique which from experience gives him the least complications.

Aesthetic breast surgery is one of the most popular procedures in aesthetic surgery today and the symposium aimed to give participants a venue to learn the latest advances in this particular procedure. Among the topics covered were the aesthetics of the breast, factors in implant selection, advantages and disadvantages of the various techniques, cultural differences, minimizing scarring, ways to lower complication and reoperation rates, evidence based medicine and best practices for safe and predictable short and long term results with the least complications. The event allowed for discussion which concentrated on the many details of aesthetic breast surgery which otherwise cannot be covered by a less focused event which covers many other procedures.

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13th Turkish Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Congress and ISAPS Course

I recently attended the 13^th Annual Congress of the Turkish Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Held in conjunction with the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) Post Graduate Course, it took place in Istanbul, Turkey last June 19 -22, 2009. International delegates from Macedonia, Greece, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Greta Britain, Germany, Spain, Holland, Belgium, USA, Venezuela, Brazil, China, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and the Philippines participated in the four day event. The convention provided board certified plastic surgeons from these countries an excellent opportunity for sharing experiences and techniques with one another, giving valuable information about reducing risks and improving techniques.

The ISAPS Post Graduate Course was given by plastic surgeons well known for their contributions to aesthetic and plastic surgery. Live surgery sessions on rhinoplasty were done as well as interactive video sessions on brow lift, midface lift, face lift, mammaplasty, augmentation gluteoplasty, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, and body contouring. The scientific program included topics on various non invasive techniques as well as the latest studies and updates in the field of Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, giving insights about what is to come in this exciting field.

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Planning for Summer

As the new year begins, many of us make resolutions about diet and exercise, hoping to have a body ready for skin-baring summer time activities. Women, especially, worry about how to camouflage the perceived flaws in their bodies when they're in their beach wear. Indeed, it's always best to get into the discipline of a regular exercise routine and make efforts to have a good healthy diet, not only for aesthetic reasons. In fact, even people who want to undergo cosmetic procedures such as liposuction need to develop discipline to ensure the best results. Some resort to having cosmetic surgery such as liposuction to help them achieve the look they want. If a patient has an area in their body that exercise and dieting has been unable to reduce, this localized fatty deposit is perfect for liposuction. Although most patients for liposuction are women, this procedure is also popular among men.

The best patient for liposuction is in good physical health, near their ideal body weight (only 10 or 20 pounds overweight) and have good skin elasticity. Liposuction is not a cure for obesity and there is a limit to the amount of fat tissue that can be removed safely from the human body. Patients may think that having liposuction will make them look like their ideal or give them a perfect body. They may think that they will be treated differently by people or that they will be happier after liposuction. Unfortunately, these are unrealistic expectations. Good results will help increase self-confidence but you won't necessarily get your ideal body. Nevertheless, liposuction can improve a persons silhouette or shape dramatically and if patient's expectations are realistic, they are most often very satisfied with the results of the procedure.

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Oriental Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery to Hold 11th International Congress

The Oriental Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (OSAPS) will be holding its 11th International Congress on November 16 to 19, 2008 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino, Cebu, Philippines. Organized by the Philippine Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, the Congress will offer both OSAPS and non-OSAPS members the opportunity to be updated the latest information in aesthetic plastic surgery.

Dr. Florencio Q. Lucero, OSAPS President and Chair of the 11th OSAPS Scientific Program, in his invitation letter, stated, “The congress promises to continue the tradition of excellence and advancement of the past OSAPS as well as stimulate the interests of its participants with well-balanced scientific and educational lectures complemented with presentations, discussions and symposia on important issues. The congress is also an opportune time to take pleasure in the presence of colleagues and experience the delight of global cultural immersion through our friends in the field.”

A variety of topics will be presented, including Contemporary Concepts of Facial Beauty: Achieving it Surgically and Non-surgically, State of the Art of Minimally Invasive Facial Rejuvenation, Comparative Techniques for Midface Rejuvenation, Correcting Complications of Rhinoplasty, Managing Complications of Liposuction and many more. Darryl J. Hodgkinson, M.D. (Australia), Steven Liew, M.D. (Australia), Charan Mahatumarat, M.D. (Thailand), Dae-Hwan Park, M.D. FACS (Korea), Patrick Trevidic, M.D. (France), George Weng, M.D. (Taipei), and Woffles Wu, M.D are among the international faculty who will be presenting these topics.

Set to take place in the tropical island of Cebu in the Philippines, the delegates to the congress will not only have the opportunity to interact and share their experiences and insights with one another, but they will also be able to experience the warmth of world famous Filipino hospitality, explore Cebu's historical sites, and enjoy its world-class golf courses and beautiful beaches.

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VASER Liposelection® System

Patients who want to remove unwanted fat in various parts of the body can consider having VASER LipoSelection®, an advanced, patented fat removal technology that is used for problem areas such as the stomach, waist, hips, buttocks, thighs, chest, breasts, knees, arms, ankles, chin, back and neck.

VASER LipoSelection® uses an ultrasonic technology that is tissue-selective, removing unwanted fat cells but preserving other surrounding tissues—such as nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. Compared to traditional liposuction surgery, recovery time is faster and the pain and bruising are less.

In this technique, the incisions that the surgeon makes are small and heal quickly. A special saline solution is injected into the fatty areas. The fluid contains a local anesthetic to alleviate pain and blood vessel constricting drugs to minimize blood loss. A thin probe that emits ultrasonic waves is inserted and the energy delivered to the area breaks down the fat into a liquid form. The fat is then suctioned out through the small incisions.

Aside from fat reduction, VASER Lipo is also used for body sculpting and contouring in patients who already have good muscle tone without excessive amounts of fat or excess skin but desire a more defined and sculpted appearance.

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Face lift Surgery with Bioabsorbable Endotine® Devices

A remarkable innovation in the art of plastic surgery to create more youthful and natural-looking faces was recently introduced in the Philippines. It makes use of the Endotine® implants developed by Coapt Systems, Inc., bioabsorbable devices that provide excellent three-dimensional lifting and sculpting of tissues.

When a person ages, the fat and tissues located over the cheek bones drop to a lower level. This makes the cheeks appear flatter, while the lower half of the face looks fuller. Traditional techniques of facelift surgery lift up sagging skin by pulling up the tissues and cutting out the excess skin. Overenthusiastic pulling unfortunately creates faces with a wind-swept appearance with the corners of the lips pulled outwards and the cheeks flattened.

The Endotine® implants look like a set of multiple tiny prongs or hooks. They are fixed to the bone and the surgeon lifts up the sagging tissues and drapes it over the devices, resulting in cheeks that look fuller, with a more tapered lower face. Thus, there is a restoration of a heart-shaped appearance that is characteristic of a youthful profile.

After surgery, patients may be able to feel a slight lump over the area where the device is located. However, this will disappear over time because the Endotine implants are made up of biodegradable material that resorbs or dissolves in the body within six to twelve months, during which time biological fixation of tissues to a higher level has taken place.

The Endotine® implants, developed by Coapt Systems, Inc., were first introduced in 1994. They are FDA-approved and are now used over 400,000 times annually by plastic surgeons in Europe and the U.S.

Read more of these articles:
How to Select a Qualified Plastic Surgeon
The Cosmetic Surgery Scene in the Philippines
Please feel free to email Dr. Lasa if you have any questions.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Philippines
Information about procedures, prices, selecting a qualified surgeon
and having affordable cosmetic plastic surgery in the Philippines

The Advantages of Medical Travel to the Philippines: A Beautiful Country

The Philippines is a beautiful country which offers a variety of attractions for tourists, most popular of which are its beautiful beaches. Cebu, Palawan, Albay, Camiguin, Bohol and Boracay offer scenic panoramas which delight visitors from all over the world. There are also heritage and cultural sites such as Vigan in Ilocos; the Banawe Rice Terraces, Fort Santiago and Intramuros.

The Philippines offers many advantages to the medical tourist considering cosmetic plastic surgery. The lower costs, qualified plastic surgeons, excellent facilities, Filipino hospitality, caring nature of the Filipinos, ease of communication and beautiful beaches are just some of these. When foreign patients choose to have their elective cosmetic surgeries done by qualified plastic surgeons in Philippines, they get exceptional value for the latest techniques in cosmetic plastic surgery. They combine having a vacation in a beautiful tropical country with affordable, quality elective plastic surgery.

Read more of these articles:
How to Select a Qualified Plastic Surgeon
The Cosmetic Surgery Scene in the Philippines

Please feel free to email Dr. Lasa if you have any questions.

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Philippines
Information about procedures, prices, selecting a qualified surgeon
and having affordable cosmetic plastic surgery in the Philippines

The Advantages of Medical Travel to the Philippines: Great Shopping Destination

The Philippines offers many great and affordable shopping opportunities that tourists can enjoy, depending on what they are looking for. Major shopping areas such as Makati, Ortigas, Cubao and the SM City/ Trinoma area have large air-conditioned department stores and malls with many of the foreign name brand stores as well as local brands. Greenhills shopping center is best known for its "tiangge", with small shops where customers can haggle for a bargain.

The Philippines has a wide variety of handicrafts that make great souvenirs or mementos. Popular handicrafts include the famous barong tagalog (embroidered shirts for men in jusi or pina material), lamps made with capiz shells, woodcarvings, painted papier-maché, south-sea pearls, baskets, jewelry, woven grass mats (banig), abaca hats, coasters, chimes, bamboo trays, embroidered placemats and table runners.

For the more adventurous shopper, the "Ilalim ng Tulay" (Under the Bridge) market is an interesting place to visit for handicrafts and Divisoria offers bargains of all kinds.

Read more of these articles:

How to Select a Qualified Plastic Surgeon
The Cosmetic Surgery Scene in the Philippines

Please feel free to email Dr. Lasa if you have any questions.

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Philippines
Information about procedures, prices, selecting a qualified surgeon
and having affordable cosmetic plastic surgery in the Philippines

The Advantages of Medical Travel to the Philippines: Beauty Standards in Cosmetic Surgery

The Philippines is land that is well known for its beautiful women. The blending of various races, Asian, Mexican, Spanish, and American makes for a unique combination of beauty which has resulted in a long tradition of winning various international beauty contests. This environment develops the Filipino cosmetic plastic surgeon’s eye for beauty and refines the standards of beauty which he applies in the artistry of cosmetic surgery.

Here's a list of Filipinas who've won international beauty pageants:

Precious Lara Quigaman, Miss International 2005
Melanie Marquez, Miss International 1979
Aurora Pijuan, Miss International 1970
Gemma Cruz, Miss International 1964

Maria Margarita Moran, Miss Universe 1973
Gloria Diaz, Miss Universe 1969

and a number of Miss Photogenic Universe Award Winners:
Ana Theresa Licaros, 2007
Lia Andrea Ramos, 2006
Gionna Cabrera, 2005
Abbygale Arenas, 1997
Ailleen Damiles, 1996
Maria Margareta Moran, 1973
Vida Doria, 1971

Read more of these articles:
How to Select a Qualified Plastic Surgeon
The Cosmetic Surgery Scene in the Philippines

Please feel free to email Dr. Lasa if you have any questions.

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Philippines
Information about procedures, prices, selecting a qualified surgeon
and having affordable cosmetic plastic surgery in the Philippines