Gizmodo: plastic surgery

Beijing Clinic Using Stem Cells as Eternal Youth Beauty Treatment

Elaine Chow — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 03:00:00 EST

While we debate the morality of stem cell usage here, China's gone ahead and started marketing it as a beauty product. A Beijing medical center is offering "age-reversing" stem cell therapy for your face.

RNL Puhua Plastic and Cosmetic Medical Center is a partner of the Beijing Tian Tan Puhua Hospital, which helps last-hope Parkinson's and spinal cord injury patients. But instead of focusing on that aspect of stem cell therapy, RNL has turned its attention to the multimillion-dollar beauty industry instead.

For about $4000, patients go through a process where fat cells removed from their abdomens are turned into a crop of stem cells. The stem cells are then injected into their faces to plump out skin and erase wrinkles. It sounds like an opposite liposuction. It also sounds like suspiciously iffy science.

Apparently, it's getting pretty popular though. People—South Koreans are specifically mentioned—are allegedly flocking to the center for a chance to have their own fat needled into their faces. [Cityweekend Beijing]

'Abdominal Etching' Provides a Six-Pack Without the Exercise

Adam Frucci — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 11:20:00 EST

Do you want a hot set of washboard abs to impress the ladies with? Are you also much too lazy to actually do the sit-ups required to get them naturally? Good news, America! You can get "abdominal etching" done, a form of plastic surgery that gives you a six-pack without the work. For a mere $4,000 to $7,000 you too can have an awkward combo of manboobs and a six-pack to confuse and perhaps titillate the ladies. Stay tuned for a review of the procedure by our very own Jason Chen, God willing. [WSJ via Neatorama]

Spock-Ear Plastic Surgery Mod is Not Logical

Charlie White — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 09:22:30 EDT

Ever thought of getting yourself a permanent pair of Star Trek Vulcan ears? A day trip to the plastic surgeon can get that done for you. This body modification is said to enhance the music listening experience, but then, you have to go around looking like Spock to enjoy that questionable benefit.

Done under local anesthesia, the plastic surgeon uses existing ear cartilage and skin to extend the top of the ear, and after three to four weeks, it's healed up enough for you to convincingly start telling people to live long and prosper. But what if your new ears make music sound worse? There's no word on how difficult it is to reverse the surgery. Maybe there's a way to test out the effect before you take the plunge. Hey, all the hepcats in New York are doing it, so it must be cool. [Plasmetic]

In the past two years, the Australian Navy...

Wilson Rothman — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 09:10:00 EDT

In the past two years, the Australian Navy has paid for 13 women to get breast implants for reasons of morale. But whose morale? [Danger Room]

Adjustable Breast Implants for the Indecisive

Travis Hudson — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 15:15:29 EDT

Too big or too small breast implants getting you down? Cheer up, Sally or Jimmy (soon to be Jane). The adjustable breast augmentation will ensure that you and your loved ones are completely satisfied with your new chest addition. These breast implants have a port where a control pump can be plugged. Pump up the breasts to your desired size or just have some fun on Halloween with mismatched breasts. The implants can be adjusted up to a few weeks after the operation, so don't wait until the last minute to make your breast-size decision. –Travis Hudson

Adjustable Breast Augmentation CIrcumvents "Implantee Remorse" [Medgadget]