Plastic surgeons play an important roll in treating victims of natural disasters. Now, two Dallas-area doctors have pledged to bring healing to Haiti long after the headlines fade. Read the full story

Plastic surgery is more common than ever, but it’s not without its risks. Now, a new iPhone app lets consumers ask questions to doctors, and find a board certified plastic surgeon in their area, putting the information they need in the palm of their hand. Read the full story

An accident last year in August caused severe 2nd degree burn injuries to my wife (who is 30 years old) on 90% of her TBSA. She remained hospitalized for around 4 months during which she underwent several skin graft surgeries, most of which were for her arms, hands, shoulder, and legs. At the time of being discharged from the burn unit she developed calcification in both of her elbows which were operated on later (in around March and May of 2009) which have now restored her elbow movements almost to 90%. Also after being discharged from the burn unit she underwent physiotherapy for around a year and also used full body pressure garments as advised by the doctors.

Currently, she has the following main problems
1. She has developed a contracture under one of her legs at around the knee area because of which she not able to flex or bend her leg completely. Even though she is able to walk, it does create a hindrance and is at times painful as well.
2. Similar contractures have been developed around both of her shoulders and upper arms
3. And lastly the scarring on most of her body which is a lowering factor to her self esteem. The upper limbs are the worst effected part with scarring, even though other parts also have these scars of various degrees

My questions are as follows:
1. What are the options and treatments for the contractures and what are the expected outcomes of those treatment?
2. What are the possible treatments and procedures for the scars? Is it possible to minimize or remove scars through surgical or other medical procedures?
3. In your opinion, what would be durations for these procedures? Meaning, how many years should we expect would it take if we opt for these procedures?
4. What kind of expectations should we have for such procedures?

I would really appreciate your response and guidance.

I’m 33 years old and a single parent with two wonderful kids. I just found out last week that I have an 87% chance of getting breast cancer. My sister, who is now 40, got breast cancer at age 35. What are my options?

Latina women with breast cancer aren’t as apt to have their breasts rebuilt after cancer treatment, new research shows – but not for lack of interest. Read the full story

Adrianne Curry announced to Planet Twitter on December 6 that she planned to spend the afternoon playing World of Warcraft – naked and stoned. And, indeed, she did. Read the full story

Stem cells are helping a U.S. teen grow cheekbones. Brad Guilkey’s face was malformed due to a genetic defect, but he has hope due to a new procedure. Read the full story

This week on Plastic Surgery News, learn how a botched cosmetic procedure left a Mexican pop star sitting not so pretty, and find out about a new injectable filler that could replace implants for breast augmentation. Plus, discover why Korea is becoming the major attraction for Asians who want plastic surgery, get the details on a new California law aimed at promoting patient safety prior to cosmetic surgery, and see how surgeons in Cincinnati broke new ground in reconstructive surgery, using stem cells from fat tissue to help a 14-year-old boy. Plus, discover a new product that promises to give women Angelina Jolie’s luscious lips. Read the full story

Brow lift procedures require elevating a very specific area of the brow, and if done incorrectly can produce surprising results. Read the full story

In this week’s episode of Plastic Surgery News, learn what a group of patriotic plastic surgeons are doing for war veterans with facial trauma, discover what researchers have learned about techniques to improve brow lifts, and find out how technology is helping doctors and patients  get optimal results for rhinoplasty procedures. Also, get the scoop on what one drug company is doing to keep the Food and Drug Administration from telling it how to market a popular product, and see what doctors have learned about how eyelid surgery can improve patients’ self-image. Read the full story