Video Website powered by Einstein IndustriesDocShop TV

Hi everyone and welcome to this latest edition of DocShop TV – I’m Greg McKinney. To say that we have an international flavor to our show this month is an understatement – as you just saw from our friends from Australia.

This month we expand our horizons and are going to literally take you all around the world to compare everything from cosmetic surgery procedures to perceptions in other countries.

Let’s not waste any time – let’s get right to it – with an international version of Yo Adrienne! from down under in Australia.

OK, so here in Australia, people are spending an estimated $300 million per year on cosmetic procedures, especially treatments like BOTOX®. Per capita, that’s more than the U.S. – so we decided to hit the streets and find out what’s really going on with the plastic surgery craze down under.

We traveled all over Australia…and talked to people from around the world...

What country are you from?

“Finland”

“Germany”

“Denmark”

“Tasmania”

“Middle of Canada”

”Great Britain”

“Ireland”

“New Guinea”

Where in the world do you think they do the most plastic surgery?

“America”

“America”

“LA”

“LA”

“America”

”California”

“LA”

“America”

“America”

“I’d say America”

“Venezuela”

“Probably Cuba”

Demi Moore’s had a lot of plastic surgery”

“Would you be surprised to know that they do more surgery per capita in Australia than they do in the US?”

“I would be surprised. Is that true?”

“Totally true.”

“No way. Really?? I really would be surprised.”

“That would actually surprise me.”

“I thought definitely it would be America.”

Everyone had their own theory on why Australians are spending more on plastic surgery.

“There’s a lot of surfing and beach bods and all that sort of business going on.”

“Australians might be very image conscious.”

“Image is very important here.”

“The women are vain.”

“I mean you walk in any surf store – like the wax has boobs on it.”

“Well, probably has to do with lifestyle.”

“People want to run around on the beach and show what they’ve got.”

”If you don’t have the big muscles or the big boobs and tiny waist and big bum, you have to try to change it to become more like the norm.”

We decided to go straight to the source on this one. Dr. Ben Norris – a world-renowned cosmetic surgeon located right here in Sydney. We asked him what he thought about the surge in plastic surgery.

“We have found over the last 10 years, an increasing number of patients partaking of cosmetic surgery. And really that comes down to the Australian lifestyle, which tends to be less clothing worn during most of the year because of the good weather. It’s quite acceptable for people to discuss amongst not only family and close friends but also their wider social network and work colleagues that they have actually undergone various procedures.”

But regardless of where people were from, the topic of plastic surgery continues to get mixed reviews.

“I think it’s probably on the rise, really.”

“I’m not for or against it. If people want plastic surgery, it’s up to them. If you want to do it then go for it.”

“Depends on the self confidence. If they feel better with plastic surgery, why not?”

“Old people who have plastic surgery look gross.”

“In my opinion you only have one life so if having plastic surgery makes you happy, then go for it. I’m not against it at all.”

“It’s necessary for people’s self esteem if they feel that that’s what they feel they need to be valuable.

“I think people are very positive when it comes to plastic surgery. They think if it’s a problem for you the way you look then you should do something about it.”

Well that’s all from down under. We’ll see you next month, back in the U.S. Greg – back to you.

Okay Adrienne, thank you very much. And by the way, we’re gonna have much more for you coming up on this show – on the trip to Sydney. Including how our crew almost didn’t make it there because of an incident with the plane they were on as they were leaving Los Angeles on their way to Sydney.

“And at that point you're just thinking: oh god, just come to a halt and no explosions!"

Boy, that was a scary situation at LAX to be sure. We’ll have more on their whole ordeal – coming up in just a few moments.

Cosmetic surgery procedures for ethnic patients are clearly on the rise all around the world – that according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Take a look at these numbers.

They say almost one out of every four plastic surgery procedures performed in 2007 involved ethnic patients. That’s a 13-percent increase from 2006.

In fact, according to the report---procedures involving Hispanic patients topped one million for the first time.

In Mexico---plastic surgery is getting its share of attention as well.

Here’s DocShop TV’s Gina Naranjo with more on that.

Mexico is known for its popular resorts, beaches, tequila, tacos and don’t look now – but plastic surgery too. Why Mexico, and why now? Dr. Daniel Camacho-Melo is a board certified Cosmetic Surgeon just south of the U.S. border in Tijuana, Mexico.

“One of the benefits of having plastic surgery south of the border is the cost. You will obtain the same quality of service, but at lower cost.”

It’s been reported that prices for procedures over there in Mexico can be as much as 40% lower than those performed in the United States.

That’s a welcome trend in a field where cost is always a major consideration. But the most affordable plastic surgery in the world won’t mean much if there’s a sense that a patient safety is being compromised.

Dr. Camacho-Melo says, and his patients agree, that overcoming negative stereotypes associated with cosmetic surgery in Mexico is simple when you have the qualifications and necessary technology to offer world-class procedures at an affordable price.

“I would encourage patients to visit us in Mexico, we have the same technology, they’re honest people and the most important part is they are certified doctors.”

“Plastic Surgery is becoming so popular in Mexico because we have good Universities and training courses with excellent professors.”

Of course, just like in the U.S. and other parts of the world, not every plastic surgeon in Mexico is board certified in all areas of plastic surgery and patients should always do their homework to make sure they’re dealing with qualified and experienced doctors regardless of how inexpensive a procedure might be.

Dr. Camacho-Melo is certified by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, a group that has certified about 1,500 surgeons in more than 70 countries who meet U.S. standards.

Cosmetic Surgeons who aren’t members of ISAPS may be good, but verifying their credentials and any possible prior disciplinary record may be very difficult.

That said, the procedures of choice in Mexico are similar to the most popular procedures in the U-S.

“The most common procedures performed on Latinas are breast augmentation, tummy tuck, facelift, and liposuction.”

Dr. Camacho-Melo says affordable pricing and qualifications aside, it’s the attention to overall patient care that he sees making a difference in a part of the world that is rapidly growing a reputation as a “go-to” destination for plastic surgery.

“When patients have cosmetic surgery in Mexico they can expect a more friendly and warm experience with the same professionalism as in any practice in the world.”

Still to come on Docshop TV…a character created in Hollywood may have been funny – ok, hilarious – but not everyone was laughing as Austin Powers poked fun at the stereotype that Brits just plain have bad teeth!

Bad stereotype, or is there some truth in it? You might be surprised at a recent study addressing that topic.

But as we go to break, a healthy lesson in Japanese cuisine. Let’s go on the clock with DocShop TV’s Laura Segnit.

Sushi is a Japanese specialty that’s gained popularity across the globe. In 60 seconds, I’m going to demonstrate how to make sushi rolls right at home.

To get started, you’ll need a few specialty items. You’re gonna wanna get one of these flexible sushi mats (I covered mine in plastic wrap to keep it clean). You’re also gonna wanna get some roasted seaweed or nori, some seasoned rice vinegar, some “short grain” or “sushi rice,” and then you’re also gonna want to prep the ingredients to go inside the sushi rolls. If you don’t want to mess with raw fish, I recommend just going with a selection of vegetables and then maybe some salmon and cream cheese.

Start by preparing your sushi rice. Combine 1½ cups rice with the amount of water specified on the package. Bring the water to a soft boil and then cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed. When the time’s up, take the pot off the stove and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes.

So while we’re waiting on the rice, we’re gonna prepare a vinegar solution to mix in with the rice. We’re gonna put 1/3 cup seasoned rice vinegar, we’re gonna put one teaspoon of Kosher salt, and then 2 teaspoons of sugar. Just heat this on low until the sugar dissolves.

Now that the rice is ready, fluff it with a wooden spoon and transfer it to a mixing bowl. Mix it with the vinegar mixture and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. And we’re gonna wait ‘til it’s completely cool.

To make your sushi rolls, wet your hands and press your rice evenly onto the nori. Flip it over on your bamboo mat, line up your fillings, and roll it all up - tucking the mat against the roll and applying firm pressure as you go. Cut into 8 pieces using a sharp, wet knife.

See you next time, On the Clock!

Welcome back to DocShop TV.

There has been a lot of attention focused on those in the Asian community who have undergone a procedure known as “double eyelid” surgery. It has fast become the procedure of choice for those in the Asian community.

In the world of plastic surgery, “double eyelid surgery” or Asian Blepharoplasty, is to the Asian community what breast augmentation is to Americans.

Those who have undergone the procedure have their own reasons for doing it.

“I had a little bit of sagging you know and I wanted it a little bit brighter and bigger.”

“I just have a crease that is set just a little bit higher which lets me put on a bit more make-up if I want to—which I couldn’t do before at all. I couldn’t even wear mascara.”

It’s been widely reported that this form of blepharoplasty is by far the number one plastic surgery procedure performed in Asia. In fact, with the Asian population on the rise in the United States, cosmetic surgeons like Dr. Charles Lee in Los Angeles, have become well known for tailoring procedures to the specific needs of the Asian community.

“We are known for, in particular, a non-cutting method called the D.S.T.”

D.S.T. is a durable suture technique that is known as the most sophisticated of the non-cutting methods of double eyelid surgery.

“What’s unique about it is that there is a very low breakage rate even though there’s no incisions involved and it’s a suture based operation.”

“This is a big advance from the older incision techniques and if you’re a good candidate for this procedure I would highly recommend it.”

So, just who is a good candidate this procedure?

“Someone who has thin upper eyelid skin, doesn’t have too much fat, and doesn’t have too much sagging of the eyebrow area.”

A major benefit to this type of procedure is that the turnaround time for getting back to your life is much quicker than the more traditional procedure.

“You’ll be able to return to work in a very short period of time, probably about four days as opposed to one or two weeks that you usually have to wait for when you’re doing an incisional type of procedure.”

“I went into surgery, it was painless. I came out – 3 days later, I continued working and no one really noticed the difference. I got a lot of compliments but no one even questioned surgery, so that was my main concern.”

Whether patients prefer the incisional technique or suture method---the good news to Asians around the world is that now---at least there is an option. And though some who have had the procedure have been criticized for “trying to look to Western” this is an “eye opening” and welcome option to those looking for a subtle way to enhance their looks.

From Asia to the UK now. And to be quite honest, this isn’t something that many people from Britain would be proud of…but if you Google this question, “do the British have bad teeth?” you’ll get no less than 265,000 hits on the topic.

That says about all you need to know if you’re wondering if that age old stereotype still has legs in 2008.

DocShop TV’s Angelique Frame has more on cosmetic dentistry in the UK.

Fair or not---there is a worldwide stereotype about the British---and their teeth.

“Yeah, baby, yeah!”

The Austin Powers character in this Hollywood flick didn’t help that stereotype any.

A recent study by the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry isn’t helping either.

The study finds that only one in four Brits are happy with their smile.

However times are changing and many Brits are seeing the value of a beautiful smile.

“Your teeth are very important. If you’re a happy person you want to show them a lot. You want to smile a lot and feel confident with your smile.”

“It does make you a lot more confident… I obviously smile a lot more. I had my teeth whitened and also had veneers on so the quality of them is fabulous.”

So why are most British teeth – as they might say – “all sixes and sevens?”

Is it the lack of fluoride in drinking water? Too much tea? Misplaced kicks in a football match?

Whatever the cause --cosmetic dentists and their patients agree…cosmetic dentistry is the “bees knees.”

“Many people feel they’re not suitable for cosmetic dentistry, but with the marvels of modern dentistry, we can produce some staggering results.”

“I obviously use it for a personal… not only hygiene, but also a personal look. I like to look nice. There’s nothing better than looking good and feeling good on yourself.”

Maybe, with increased treatments…and a trip or two to cosmetic dentists, more British smiles will end up looking…

“Smashing, baby!”

Angelique Frame, DocShopTV

Alright, Angelique. Thank you very much.

As we wrap up this edition of DocShop for the month, we want to go back to what we told you about at the very top of the show and show you some video that DocShop videographer Joe Park shot while he and Adrienne were on a plane in Los Angeles on their way to Sydney.

They were among the 232 passengers onboard that Quantas flight from LAX to Sydney that blew 4 tires upon take-off!

"Just when you think the nose is going to peel up, the opposite happens, the breaks slam and you're thrown forward in your seat, and my first reaction was to turn to Adrienne and I went holy bleep, they're aborting the take-off."

“The only thing that kind of concerned me is right when you're supposed to be taking off and you don't take off and you hit the breaks, I actually grabbed Joe's arm and I was like that doesn't seem good."

Joe describes the scene as something right out of the movie Die Hard 2…

"You look out the window and it's just like a wall of vehicles with flashing lights coming at you...and you're looking out and just more and more and more and they're coming out, both sides of the plane."

Adrienne downplayed it at first---but when she got ready to hop off the plane she suddenly realized the magnitude of what had just happened.

"I looked down and there are firefighters lining the steps and about a hundred fire trucks out there and at that point I was shocked because I didn't realize how bad it was until I'd gotten off and I was like, oh hello firefighters, and then I blew them a kiss, for saving us."

Joe Park tells me he didn’t blow anybody a kiss. But the thought, he says, did cross his mind.

Alright, that’s going to do it for this month. As always, thanks for watching. We’re gonna leave you now with more sights and sounds from Joe and Adrienne’s great adventure to Sydney, Australia. We’ll see you next month right here on DocShop.com.