I just returned from the annual meeting of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the premiere society for cosmetic plastic surgeons. It took place at the Javits Convention Center in Manhattan, and was attended by the top aesthetic surgeons in the United States. This is THE meeting where the hottest new treatments are introduced, scrutinized, and demo’d, and plastic surgeons describe the newest ways to perform surgeries with less downtime and better results. Here are some highlights:
1. I was privileged to be invited to be on the Media Relations committee for ASAPS, along with several other very prominent plastic surgeons. Although our committee is small, it’s a virtual who’s who in famous ‘media’ plastic surgeons today, including Dr. Andrew Ordon from “The Doctors,” Dr. Brent Moelleken from “Extreme Makeover” and “Plastic Wives,” Dr. Arthur Perry who co-authored the “Me” books with Dr. Mehmet Oz, and Dr. Steve Teitelbaum, chair of the committee and frequent television commentator. I look forward to working with these great doctors to exert a positive influence on today’s media.
2. “Hot Topics” is my favorite session at the annual meeting, as this five hour course reveals the most newsworthy items in our field. Some highlights included Exparel (a new medication that might make pain pumps obsolete), the Lifestyle Lift, Nonsurgical Fat Reduction, and the award for the worst, overhyped gimmick of all (the fad of thread lifts).
3. Two of the most talked-about subjects in plastic surgery are the new FDA-approved Natrelle 410 breast implants (aka the gummy bear implants) and use of Strattice for treating breast implant capsular contracture. My old friend and colleague, Dr. Brad Bengtson, revealed his experience using Strattice to treat recurrent capsular contractures, with impressive results. If only the Strattice wasn’t so expensive!
4. I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Dr. John Trupiano, an old friend who is now a practicing plastic surgeon in Fargo, North Dakota. We had a nice dinner together and then watched “Oz: The Great and Powerful.” If you’re in Fargo, he’s a great guy to see.
I’m looking forward to the next ASAPS meeting next year, scheduled to take place in San Fran!
For more about ASAPS, or to find an ASAPS doctor in your area, visit www.surgery.org.
