Wondering why a patient would require a secondary surgery after breast augmentation? Most breast augmentation patients undergo either a breast implant removal or breast implant revision/replacement surgery within their lifetime. Below, we share insight from several board certified cosmetic surgeons about when they may recommend breast implant revision to a... Read More ..read more

The world of aesthetic treatments has exciting news: Xeomin®, a popular neuromodulator, has just received FDA approval for expanded use. The FDA recently approved Xeomin for the treatment of two major types of upper facial lines: forehead lines and crow’s feet (canthal lines). In addition to its existing approval for... Read More ..read more

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) evaluates the safety and efficacy of the products and devices used in cosmetic procedures, ensuring they meet rigorous standards before they are made available to the public. But when it comes to terms like “FDA-approved” and “FDA-cleared,” many patients are left wondering: What... Read More ..read more

Social media can be a valuable tool for prospective patients looking to learn more about cosmetic procedures and the surgeons who perform them. Knowing what to look for—and what to avoid—can help you make a safe and informed decision about your care. Here, the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) shares how to critically evaluate surgeons’ social media profiles to find the best cosmetic surgeon for your needs. Before and after photos: What to look for Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but there are some tried and true methods for assessing before and after photos when scrolling t ..read more

Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that increases the breasts’ size and enhances their shape, usually with the placement of silicone gel- or saline-filled breast implants beneath the chest tissues. While this is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries, it is also a serious surgical procedure that is not without risks. Understanding the details of breast implant surgery is important to making an informed decision, so here, we describe the potential complications, how fat transfer may offer an alternative to breast implants, and steps toward making an informed decision. Breast augme ..read more

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public warning in April 2024 that counterfeit Botox® was used in multiple states and led to several patient complications, including “blurred or double vision, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, constipation, incontinence, shortness of breath, weakness and difficulty lifting one’s head.”  Below, the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery explains how to avoid dangerous black-market Botox products. Botox® packaging: Legitimate vs. counterfeit The FDA shared photos of the counterfeit Botox packaging, which would appear convincing to a provider or ..read more

The goal of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) is to deliver superior cosmetic surgery outcomes while upholding the highest safety standards. To that end, the ABCS strongly recommends all diplomates adhere the autologous gluteal fat grafting (Brazilian butt lift, or BBL) safety guidelines established by the state of Florida, which stipulate the following: Single Patient Focus: ABCS-certified surgeons are required to perform procedures, including liposuction for adipose tissue harvesting, exclusively on one patient at a time. They may not supervise non-ABCS physicians. However, tho ..read more

While non-surgical treatments like Botox injections and dermal fillers are generally safe, they are not without risks. The expertise and qualifications of your chosen provider are important in order to minimize complications like infections, scarring, and unsatisfactory results.  While finding a medical spa is easier than ever, the ease of finding a provider should not diminish the focus on your safety. By doing thorough research and asking the right questions, you can have a safe and positive experience at a medspa.  Here is what to look for: 1. Physician oversight Med spas should ..read more

The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery will be led by Arkansas cosmetic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Swetnam Munster, IN, March 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/—The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) announced that Jeffrey A. Swetnam, MD, FACS, FAACS will become the organization’s President beginning in 2024. Dr. Swetnam takes over from Immediate Past President Mohammad Banki, MD, DMD, FACS.  “It has been the honor of a lifetime to further the mission of the ABCS and serve the specialty of cosmetic surgery alongside my Board colleagues,” said Dr. Banki. “I am proud to pass the baton to Dr. Swetnam and ..read more

Brazilian butt lift surgery (BBL) has usurped traditional options like butt implants in popularity for its natural-looking and customizable results. It involves transferring fat from areas like the abdomen or lower back to the buttocks to create a smaller waist and rounder derrière — a.k.a. an hourglass shape. The ability to address both the waist and the buttocks makes the BBL one of the most transformative procedures available in cosmetic surgery. And in the hands of a qualified cosmetic surgeon, a BBL can certainly be performed safely. Still, Brazilian butt lift surgery is a complex proced ..read more