The annual meeting of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) was just held in our own area of Washington, DC. This five-day event brings plastic surgeons together from around the world to exchange new knowledge and techniques. I found it to be particularly fascinating in the areas of face lifting, breast augmentation, and liposuction. What impressed me most was a trend toward what we have made a core element in our practice for years. That is procedures that achieve natural-looking results with minimal recovery. We have long held the belief that minimal post-op pain and a fast return to daily routine while achieving a great non-operated look, are essential to any procedure.
There were also several courses to help our staff better serve you. A new technique for breast reduction was also described which uses smaller incisions. Experimental items such as stem cell research for tissue regeneration are progressing. Breast augmentation using fat injections was detailed, however, I feel that it offers only minimal benefit and can alter the breast, making mammograms and physical examinations for breast lumps more difficult.
Dr. Richards