What’s new in plastic surgery

"Gummy bears,” “chinplants,” and “bingo wings.” It is not your mother’s plastic surgery anymore.

Recent advances are making cosmetic surgery procedures better and more accessible than ever. But with so many choices now available, it can be confusing to decide what’s best.

“Cosmetic surgery techniques are always being refined, updated and improved,” says Dr. Gregory Evans, director of Pacific Coast Plastic Surgery, a newly opened concierge-style office in Costa Mesa. “Traditional options have become quicker, easier, less invasive and more adapted to individual needs. Gone are the days of the pulled, ‘windblown’ facelift look. It’s no more one size fits all.”

But, he adds, there is hype and misinformation about plastic surgery, and he is eager to clear up the myths. Evans is chair of the Department of Plastic Surgery at UC Irvine School of Medicine and immediate past president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. “I recommend what I think is best. I really want to partner with my patients.”

According to Evans, here is a brief overview of some the latest in surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures and products.

The hottest plastic surgery trends

• ‘Gummy bear’ breast implants – Made of high-strength silicone and also called form-stable implants, these implants were nicknamed because their gelatinous consistency is similar to the candy. Approved by the FDA in 2013, form-stable implants are less likely to leak and look and feel a bit firmer. Downside: They may cost a bit more and require a slightly longer incision.
• Chin implants – Adding definition and balance to facial features, chin augmentation (sometimes nicknamed “chinplants”) is the fastest-growing plastic surgery procedure in the United States. Surgery takes about a half-hour. Bruising and swelling can last up to 6 weeks.
• Brachioplasty – Also known as an arm lift, brachioplasty eliminates ‘bingo wings,’ so called because of underarm jiggle when raising the arm to shout “bingo!” Possibly fueled by sleeveless fashion, the First Lady’s toned arms and ”selfies,”  arm lifts have grown by a staggering 4,378 percent in the last decade. There may be some residual scarring.

A ‘liquid’ facelift

Nonsurgical procedures often can help patients look and feel better, Evans says.

“With the fillers and Botox®, patients can usually have the procedure done in under an hour, leave the office, return to work, and start seeing positive results almost immediately,” Evans advises.

These procedures include:

• Dermal fillers such as Restylane® and Juvéderm® to smooth out wrinkles and restore volume. Fillers can last up to a year. If unhappy with results, they can be reversed.
• Botox®, the most popular cosmetic procedure, is effective for frown and forehead lines, crow's feet and neck bands. Injections need to be repeated every 4 to 6 months. Headaches can temporarily occur after procedure.
• Noninvasive laser resurfacing rejuvenates skin and removes age spots and other blemishes. It also can improve appearance of acne scars and varicose veins.

Meet the doctors

In addition to Evans, the Pacific Coast Plastic Surgery team includes:

• Dr. Garrett Wirth
• Dr. Keyian Paydar
• Dr. Jason Toranto